#like even if the song doesn’t actually fit at all I’d find some way to force it into shape for her

[luveline]

hi hii jade! Was wondering if you could do something sweet and fluffy w poly!marauders where reader wakes up in a very cozy and giggly mood 🤭 just some warm domestic love hehe

thank you for requesting! fem, 1k

Someone is kissing his waist. Sirius squirms in his dozing, not expecting it as those kisses travel up his naked chest. Your laugh is breathy and soft as you kiss his shoulder, your weight strewn across his side and arm, your hand finding his cheek. 

Your fingers feel inhuman in the best way, like an angel. They spread across his face and neck as you hold him in place and kiss the skin where his neck meets his shoulder. “I love you…” you whisper, the ‘you’ turning long and slow like honey slipping down his front. “I wish you didn’t sleep so much.” 

You kiss him again, and with that you’re out of bed. Out of the room before Sirius has time to gather his wits, but he does gather them, because he needs more of whatever that was. 

What sort of sweetheart kisses somebody with such gentleness thinking they won’t remember? To press affection into him with want of nothing in return. He doesn’t even bother getting dressed, just scrubs at his sleep-swollen face and fishes the crusties from his eyes as he descends the stairs, numb-legged. 

James is grabbing you by the hips, helping you up onto the counter. His curls bounce at the back of his neck. “What’s gotten into you?” he asks. 

“Love, for sure.” 

“I can see that. Eggs? Omelette?” 

“Jamie, you can make anything. Actually, let me make you something–”

James pushes you further onto the top. “That’s okay, I’m cooking. I want to cook.” 

Sirius isn’t insecure, exactly. He feels he’s quite handsome when he attempts to be, and he knows you like him whether he’s trying or not, but he doesn’t know if you want to be interrupted, either of you, and it’s his private agony to wonder what to do. Then you spot him over James’ shoulder and your eyes practically sparkle. 

“Siri…” you sing-song, melodic as he crosses the kitchen linoleum to be with you and James. “Did I wake you? I’m sorry.” 

Sirius touches James’ elbow with love but swoops in on you. “Did you wake me?” he asks, kissing your cheek, his arms working behind you to hold you as his lips travel downward. He isn’t half as sweet as you were, too busy trying to squeeze your torso against his and mould you into a perfect fit against him and under his arm to really think about what he’s doing. 

“She did it to me, too.” 

Sirius pulls your face into his neck and turns to James with a grin. “And Remus?” 

“He was already awake. But she kissed him and did that thing where her eyes somehow look bigger and shiny and he had to go for a walk.” 

“He didn’t have to go for a walk,” you mumble from Sirius’ neck. “He always walks on Saturday mornings. He’s just getting some herbs from the greenhouse.” 

The back door opens on cue. Remus reappears with an aura about him much like yours, dropping the cut herbs on the cutting board, and stopping just shy of everyone to smile. “Did she do it to you, as well?” he asks. 

James squeezes Remus’ face in his hand, a quick thank you for the herbs that has the latter turning pink. 

“She waylaid me with kisses like a common whore.” 

“Sirius,” James says scornfully. 

“Me being the whore,” Sirius says. You laugh into his neck, seemingly with no inclination to leave the circle of his arms. “Will I ever see your face again?” he asks. 

“It’s cozy here. I wish we’d stayed in bed.” 

“We can go back.” 

“After breakfast,” James says, popping an egg on the edge of the frying pan, breaking the shell one handed as he gives the sizzling oil a shake. 

Remus not so subtly crosses the last of the space to slot himself between your right thigh and the counter. Sirius has the urge to cup his cheek as James had done —Remus has an extremely holdable face— but is distracted by your nose nuzzling the line of his throat. 

“I love you,” you say. 

Doesn’t matter who you’re talking to. All three boys melt. 

“I’d like to do some really weird things to you,” Sirius says. 

“Me too,” James agrees. “But we do need breakfast first.” 

“No one is doing anything weird to me, it’s the weekend.” You beam as Remus laughs, seemingly your intention. 

Sirius backs away to a polite but still close proximity. He isn’t selfish; being in a ‘strange’ relationship like this one is a lot of reading cues, and a lot of just plain old climbing into people's laps when you want them, because nobody can truly read minds. Yet Sirius can see that you’re in the sort of mood where everything you touch turns to gold and all the boys want a piece of you, and who is he to get in the way of that? 

Well, he’s your boyfriend. He takes a kiss before he delegates himself to being herb-chopper, stealing glances of you from the corner of his eye. 

You tease a strand of Remus’ hair behind his ear. 

“Weird stuff is for weekdays only,” you’re murmuring. “What I want today is the real romantic stuff.” 

“Then you can have it,” Remus murmurs back. 

Sirius will happily be doing very romantic things to both of you after his omelette. James, too, if he’s so inclined. 

[jeeliebeeliegoomiebear]

if someone ever wants to know what it would be like to wield Total Power over me and my fickle human heart all they have to do is create an edit of Falin Touden to Strangers by Ethel Cain. just thinking abt the potential final product is making my tummy ache with emotion. this is serious business.

[cinnbar-bun]

Affinity (Various OP Characters x Reader)

Characters: Brook, Buggy, Beckman, Crocodile, Zoro, Mihawk, Corazon, Shanks, Law

Rating: SFW

Word Count: ~4k

A/n: Reader is GN! I kinda made this after hearing about a special thing in my religion, and decided I wanted to do this. I of course made it more romantic in nature than the original idea goes, but hey, romance! I had my followers choose 7 originally but it went to 9, which is a very lucky number in my religion so maybe it was a sign? Who knows! Please enjoy <3

Tagging: @fanaticsnail @gingernut1314 @undeadeurydice @i-am-vita @kiribuchi @therosietoesy (sorry, I forgot who asked for Law my bad)

———————————————————————

There is a belief that before you are born, you were once a soul that had existed with other souls. Souls who had an affinity for each other would find that affinity carried in their time as a human. Souls who repelled each other would find that distaste carried over as well. Perhaps it was preordained, fate, destiny- whatever you’d call it. Regardless, it seems your soul has met with someone who once had an affinity for you…

Brook

Being an undead figure unable to pass on was not what Brook had in mind. In some ways, he was grateful for another chance at life, another chance to do what he previously was too dead to finish. Albeit, being a pile of bones did have its drawbacks.

While he could still function and do things many humans did, fact was, he was anything but. One look at him would easily make him stand out as something like a freak of nature.

Skeletons cannot love and be loved like a human. He could hold, but could not be held like a human. Admittedly, it had bothered him on occasion, but he always tried to brush it off with a simple hum or shrug. After all, he had his friends and crewmates- and he had a promise to continue fighting for. That should be enough.

But he couldn’t stop his eyes (if he had any) from wandering… couldn’t stop the way his mind wondered…

Just what could it be like if I too could fall in love?

Ah, but that’s such a silly thing for a skeleton to consider. Who could ever love the undead remains of someone long forgotten?

He’d practically given up on such silly notions like love or a relationship- it didn’t fit his current predicament.

So Brook focused on his music and his performances instead. He held up his violin and decided to waste some time on this sunny day playing for his audience of a few blue birds chirping at this green park. It was beautiful and reminded him of his day with the Rumbar Pirates- agh, nostalgia was always his weakest attribute, he thinks.

His fingers drift along the strings of the instrument, peacefully playing his weary heart away. He doesn’t recognize he has another guest until he hears slow clapping.

“What?” He turns his head, surprised to see you on the bench, smiling and clapping.

“That was lovely,” you comment. Time slows still and your eyes meet, shining (e/c) eyes with hollow black sockets.

If he had skin, perhaps he would’ve been red or sweating buckets. As a skeleton, he was not able to do things. But Brook was still a man through and through, and he couldn’t help but freeze at seeing the way your eyes were soft and full of admiration.

“I’m glad you thought so. Music is my pride and joy.”

“I can tell,” you reply. “I felt like I forgot to breathe for a moment when I heard that. I’m sorry for watching, though, if you weren’t looking for an audience.”

“N-no, actually it was…” he was too caught up in the way his soul was resonating and burning within him. “I appreciate it actually. Would you like me to play a song for you?”

“Would you? I’d love to hear more!”

Buggy

Buggy never believed in things like soulmates or fairy tales or blah blah blah- it was all junk! The only thing he ever could trust was treasure- shiny, bright, treasure! What else did a pirate need or want?

Is what he would say out loud- Buggy, even at a young age, was secretly a romantic who refused to let himself be swept up in the sentiment. When him and Shanks would sail together on Roger’s ship, Shanks would often ask what he thought about love.

Unlike Buggy, Shanks was pretty honest and confident about his assertions. Buggy would stumble and try to keep the bravado up, pretending as if he didn’t secretly yearn for a person who could look past his red nose and maybe possibly sorta kinda like him? Was that too much to ask? If you were Buggy, the answer was yes, because he would never allow himself the chance to be soft or vulnerable with someone. Especially not when he was already so sensitive about his looks and attitude. The thought of letting his guard down to be loved terrified him- what if they left? What if they made fun of him, too?

It was just too much for his fragile ego, so he brushed it aside and continued his hunt for treasure.

“Now where the hell am I?” He yelled, tilting the map in his hand left and right, as if that would somehow make his destination clearer. “Kinda crappy treasure map is this?”

He glared and shoved the map back in his pocket as he stomped around this town. He hadn’t ever bothered to come to this place before, so everything was new for him. He glared at the kids who were pointing at his nose to scare them off (mission accomplished), but his foul attitude still didn’t lessen.

As Buggy turned a corner, he accidentally rammed into someone. They shrieked, and his hat fell off his face and covered his eyes.

“Watch it, will ya? I’m walkin’ he…” he pushed his hat back up and came face to face with perhaps the most gorgeous person he’s ever met. His mouth was wide open, gawking at you as you gave an apologetic smile.

“Sorry. I didn’t see you there,” you said sheepishly.

“Y-yeah it’s… it’s cool. No biggie,” he mumbled in a daze.

“Are you alright?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah,” he returned to normal. “I mean, yeah, totally.”

You chuckle at his behavior, and something within Buggy’s chest makes it feel like there’s a million butterflies flapping inside his ribcage. He can’t help the dumb grin on his face as he laughs along.

“Sorry again, sir. I’ll keep an eye out for you next time,” you wink and begin walking away, making Buggy flabbergasted. N-next time? Was that a promise? He didn’t even realize what he was thinking before he turned around and tried to jog back to you.

“H-hey, wait up-!”

Beckman

Beckman was fairly ambivalent to the idea of a “soulmate” or “affinity”. Sure, he humored his often childish captain with those notions, but the fact was, Beckman was simply a sailor at heart. He didn’t think being “stuck” to someone was the life he wanted, and he was fairly sure a sane, rational person would not want to be the lover of a first mate to perhaps one of the most infamous pirate crews on the sea.

Now, this would imply you were sane and rational, and this would also imply that he was also not a sucker for you. Perhaps that was what made him attracted to you in the first place, or maybe it was something that gave him the idea that his captain wasn’t so off base.

When it came to you, Beckman was eager, a bit too eager, the others would joke. Whenever you called, he came running and answering like a loyal servant. Whenever you wrote, his lips would form a large smile while he refused to let the others look at the letter you sent. Whenever he was away from you for long periods of time, he drank a bit too much.

It was common place enough for the others to notice and tease him about, even if Beckman was adamant there was nothing there. You guys were just… friends, or something ambiguous like that. You didn’t need a label for your relationship. This was completely normal, you were normal, he was normal- nothing was out of the ordinary, so if they would please stop asking and make him confront those pesky feelings he-

Maybe he had a problem. He never felt this way for anyone else he encountered. You knew of his philandering, not seeming to care all that much, but damn it, even he couldn’t continue that streak because his mind would get occupied with you, you, you. Love was too complicated. Maybe this was the alcohol talking. Or Shanks getting in his head about “souls being attuned” or whatever spiritual jazz the red-haired captain would spout.

No, it really made sense, all things considered. There was no one else but you to make him quit fooling around with others on the islands he stopped at. There was no one else but you who invaded his thoughts, who plagued him day and night with those eyes, that smile, the way you hated that red cologne he once bought and-

Oh dear god, he was deep into this, wasn’t he?

Crocodile

Love? Spirits? Souls? Soulmates?

Yeah right, add that to the list of stupid things weak poets say to make their miserable lives have some meaning. You could jump through a million hoops to try and blame encounters and relationships on things like “destiny” or “fate”. To a man like Crocodile, however, “destiny” was just something he could control. Whether through bribes of money or through making them submit with his fearsome powers, “destiny” was nothing but another means of his affluence.

Only those who were weak and had nothing could not control their lives.

Something like love was a crutch used by those who had nothing to pretend they did. What was love to power? What was love to wealth? To fame? To greatness?

Love was the longest-running scam that Crocodile almost could be impressed with, if not for the fact that the sentiment around love made him want to gag.

Except, now he was actively looking for jewelry to buy you, flowers to deliver to your doorstep, and outfits to clothe you in for when you visited him.

It was almost disgusting how Crocodile was eagerly awaiting for your next arrival, for when he could be able to see you on the street or at his casino so he could see that face he adored so much. Those eyes that made him want to melt, that voice that echoed in his head, that smile that made him want to have an image of you adorned on his wall so he could always see it.

Something, he could never place what it was, drew him to you. Something made you seem to stand out to him in ways that no other could. He was Crocodile- world famous business man and pirate- he had no shortage of people throwing themselves at him or fearing him. Only to you was he trying his luck attempting to woo you to give him that look he loved. Only for you was he making excuse after excuse to continue seeing you, lying over and over that he had a reason to use you, that it was just a part of some master plan.

He exhaled another puff of his cigar and rubbed his temples.

Gods, why was he acting this way? He was Crocodile. Not a lovesick teenage boy, not some lonely man, not some simpering-

“Sir, (Y/n) has arrived.” His ears perked up as he quickly slicked back his hair.

“Is that so? Send them up,” he orders, grabbing his expensive cologne to spray onto him again.

Zoro

Zoro had never heard of the idea of soulmates or anything like that. When one lives, breathes, and dies by the sword, something like “soulmates” is just comical. He doesn’t need love to become the best swordsman. He didn’t need love to teach him how to pick up a sword and kill another with it. That was, in fact, the complete opposite of love.

Survival of the fittest, he thought. Nothing more, nothing less. You kill for bounties, bounties that pay, pay that gives you a chance to eat food. Nothing more to it. He never did more than he needed to, never worked harder for anything outside of his sword training and hunting. What else did a swordsman need to live?

He was currently drinking his fill at a local tavern of some random village he washed out upon. He didn’t care to get names, not when he was always moving, always killing, always leaving. “Zoro” was a passing chance encounter few got to ever meet or understand. He was fine with that. A bounty hunter didn’t need attachments. A bounty hunter definitely didn’t need someone weighing him down.

At the tavern, a few rowdy pirates were acting up. Yelling obscenities, throwing food and liquor at one another, making rude gestures- nothing out of the ordinary for drunk pirates. Zoro had no business with them, so he ignored them, continuing to order pint after pint.

It wasn’t until he heard a crash that he looked up. You were angrily yelling at one of the pirates who threw a drink at you, and his mates were drawing their weapons. It was clear you were outnumbered, so you looked around the bar for anyone that would help.

Normally, Zoro wouldn’t bother, figuring you dug your own grave by messing with pirates like that. However, when he glanced to your eyes, he found himself… staring. Lost. Entranced?

He didn’t know why he felt like he should protect you, but he always had a good intuition when it came to these sorts of things. He sighed, placed his mug down, then stood up, drawing his swords from their sheathes.

“Zoro,” he stated. A rare thing for him to admit so casually to a normal person. The pirates heard his name and shriveled up in fear. Zoro didn’t pay them any mind, instead tapping his sword against his shoulder impatiently. “Need me to shut these guys up?”

Mihawk

If you had asked a young Mihawk about love, he would have most certainly called you a fool for daring to think of such illogical things instead of focusing on one’s own strength and potential. While he had heard of the sentiments about love and soulmates before, he didn’t place much value into it. Love was a distraction from the training he could have done. Love was a waste of time. Love was just for weak-minded people who let themselves be vulnerable or gentle with another. Love wasn’t for people like him.

Which was why he was now trying to instill the opposite into his foolhardy protege, Zoro. Yes, yes, unfortunately, Mihawk was proven wrong from his earlier ways of thinking, and ever since then, he’s been doing his best to be a good man for you.

“I didn’t think a guy like you would have a partner…” Zoro would mumble.

“Of course I would. Do I not look like a suitable husband?” Mihawk replied as he was sipping his wine. “A marriage is only an aspect of your training and power.”

“How does cooking dinner help you train?” Zoro raised a brow, not believing a word.

“If you cannot handle a routine for even the most mundane and domestic of tasks, you cannot expect to be disciplined enough to train. If you think something like making your love a cup of tea or folding laundry is too hard or not worthy enough, you are not worthy enough to hold a sword.”

Zoro nodded, impressed by Mihawk’s reasoning (or maybe impressed at how you somehow made the world’s greatest swordsman so whipped and happy to make you dinner).

“Well, when you put it like that,” Zoro scratched his cheek, looking back at his mentor to see him staring at you longingly from the window. You and Perona were outside picking some of the vegetables at the garden, an activity you insisted upon doing despite Mihawk’s protests. You and the young lady were joking and laughing about something Perona said, and Mihawk sighed.

“Something wrong?” Zoro asked, unsure what Mihawk was thinking with his stoic appearance.

“No, not at all,” Mihawk shook his head, taking another sip.

“Then why did you sigh like that?” Zoro questioned. A smirk grew on Mihawk’s lips as he chuckled, continuing to look at you. You… you who were so special, who had become the apple of his eye, his strength, his joy, his passion.

“Oh, you wouldn’t understand it right now, my student,” Mihawk closed his eyes. “Fate is… it’s simply a humorous thing.”

Corazon

He always was a sensitive soul, despite his outer appearance and harsh exterior. But even as a child, Law could tell something was up with Corazon.

“Why are you always looking at them?” Law grumpily asked, folding his arms and raising a brow at his benefactor.

“Hm? At who?” Corazon dumbly responded, cigarette in his lips.

“You know who I mean! Don’t act stupid!” Law shouted. Corazon chuckled and exhaled the smoke.

“Sorry, gotta be more specific.”

Of course, Corazon knew who Law was referring to. It wasn’t like Corazon had hidden his affection for you, but that was for another time. You were something special, something that Corazon yearned for but could never have. Not when Doflamingo’s influence was so large and looming over his life. But even if Corazon himself could not love you so freely, he always did like to tell the young boy stories. Of course, Law, being a jaded little boy, had never really given thought to such things like “soulmates” or “souls knowing each other”. That was stupid and impossible.

Corazon liked to believe, though. It comforted him. It made him feel happy that, hey, even if this life perhaps didn’t work out for him and you, at least he had known you before. At least he was able to see you again. At least he got you in his life for a moment, even if it would end in nothing but heartache and pain. At he least, for just a bit, he got to see that smile, those eyes, and feel your hands over his.

It made his life a little less hard, a little less dull. The romanticism that despite Doffy meddling in his life, Corazon still had a chance with you, was meant to know and be with you… well, that was plenty enough for him. It made him happier, too, knowing Law was perhaps a soul he was acquainted with before. It made him feel like he was always going to be guaranteed love and kindness with you and Law, even if the world was unkind to him.

Yes, this new family he had found was perhaps where he belonged the most. With you and Law by his side, there was nothing more he could ask for.

Shanks

“You’re obsessed.”

“Am not!” Shanks yelled childishly at Beckman, before turning back to face the island they were planning on docking at soon. The wide smile on his face made it clear he was beyond excited to be there, and the other men chuckled.

“Don’t tell me you’re planning on running off to see em?” Yassop asked, knowing the answer.

“Oh, stop bugging about it! It’s just a little reunion with (Y/n), not anything crazy,” Shanks waved off. He breathed into his palm and winced at the smell of his breath. “Crap, does anyone have any mouthwash?”

“I don’t think anything can get that stench out. If they hadn’t run away cuz of your smell before, I think you’re good now!”

“Haha, very funny guys. Besides, it’s just between friends. Nothing weird.”

Of course, that was a bit of a fib, but who doesn’t tell little white lies? Surely he’d be forgiven for saying that by whomever was possibly in charge of making this happen?

Shanks, even with his overwhelming power and influence, did believe in superstition. It would be foolish not to, especially in such a dangerous world that a pirate inhabits. Sure, some of them were old wive’s tales from scared-straight sailors, but he did find them having some merit. He didn’t like to discount the seemingly impossible, not when it made even the most outlandish things possible.

He believed it was fate he got to meet Buggy and be a part of Roger’s crew. He believed it fate he met little Luffy in Foosha Village. He also believed it was fate he saved you that day. Some things just “made sense” like that to Shanks. It certainly made his life more interesting while also giving him a chance to bother you as always.

“Oh, come on, you can’t really kick out your soulmate, can you?” Shanks would tease.

“Soulmate?” You laugh. “Is this your attempt at proposing to me?”

“Hey, if you’d like it to be, I can absolutely make it happen,” Shanks replied, an earnest look in his eyes. You smile at him- crap, how do you always manage to make him ache and miss you? It’s gotta be fate, because no way could anyone have his heart in tight vice like this.

“Well… if you’re insisting, Captain,” you begin, smirking at him. “Why not take me with you? As your soulmate.”

Shanks’s eyes widened and the look on his face was a mixture of bewilderment and excitement.

“You know I can always make room for you,” he answered, trying to steady himself.

“Good. Although, we could share a room.”

“You drive a hard bargain, dear,” he chugs his rum. “Cheers to us!”

Law

Since he was a young boy, Law always tried to remain by himself. You couldn’t really trust anyone in a world of piracy and violence like that. Corazon, of course, always recommended otherwise. He even shared stories about a place where souls all were together.

It didn’t sound plausible or even remotely make sense. How would you even know if your soul was supposedly affiliated with someone?

It had been years since those days and the loss of Corazon, and even though he tried his hardest not to, Law still kept those stories in his mind. They were pointless and silly, but they were something Corazon believed wholeheartedly, even saying it was a miracle he got to meet a young Law. In some ways, Law felt somewhat similarly.

Love wasn’t for someone like Law. Too damaged, too cold, too logical, too afraid to ever let that feeling grow. It was how he stayed and remained for his life, and how he was planning on operating for the rest of time.

Until you, quite literally, crashed into him.

Jeez, you had to be a pest. Or a virus. Or a parasite. Something like that, but gosh, you were contagious. When you smiled, he found himself wanting to smile back. When you talked, he found himself thinking over every word you spoke in great detail. Maybe he was overthinking things, maybe when you said you were happy to have met him that was just you being friendly. Or something.

Almost always his mind drifted to you, feeling a certain way for you that he didn’t feel with the others in his crew or from the Straw Hats. You were different.

Perfect? Maybe. Definitely too good for someone like him, he’d think. But even with that self-loathing and apprehension, he found himself being drawn to you like a magnet.

Cora, if this is what you meant before…

Damn it, now he was letting things like soulmates and affinity cloud his judgment. He was a grown man, not a young boy, he didn’t need those silly delusions and ideas growing in his head and making him think he had a chance with you.

“Tora-o!” Luffy called. “Come here!!”

“No,” Law grumbled.

“Law,” you asked right after. “Do you mind helping me with this?”

“...yes,” he replied, stoically walking up to you to see what your problem was. Luffy gawked and pouted from the side, while a few of the others chuckled at Law.

[kyutushi]

GN!READER X ALASTOR HCS

a/n; it’s been a while since i’ve last written hcs for anything so i hope these will suffice !! LOL

ENJOY!!

— he’s definitely a gentleman! opens doors for you and helps you with anything you need, just call for him and he’ll be there instantly!

— finds himself staring at you time to time just wondering how he was even able to pull you

— there’s an area in the parlor somewhere with a piano, you often organize things in there so he’ll play piano for you while u work <3 ; yt link for song

— you’re not in a contract with him he could never do that to u

— whether you’re also an overlord or just a regular demon he has you by his side during meetings, whispering gossip to you bc let’s be real he def has some shit to say abt the others

— sleeping next to him is the best, the quiet radio static when he’s sleeping is the most comforting thing ever

— “y/n, love! you look as ravishing as ever” he would say even if you just woke up lookin like shit

— angel dust n husk def ur besties bc HELLO they are the best (he is confused with your friend choice.)

— secretly tries to keep charlie away from you.. he really doesn’t want you to leave him for heaven. he wouldn’t know what to do without you by his side.

— only lets u see his tail; you and angel dust were in a giggling fit in his bedroom while talking sweet gossip about others. angel always has something to say about ANYONE, how does he know this stuff? no idea but TEA IS TEA. “HA, ya know toots when valentino talks every now and then he squeaks like a moth! it takes so much to not burst out laughing on set” he giggled and covered his mouth. “oh my god, don’t tell ANYONE i told you this but..” angel leaned in slightly to hear you better, “alastor actually does have a tail… he tucks it away and gets so embarrassed about it!” you quietly snickered as angel tried not to laugh. suddenly he tenses up and looks behind you, pointing at the dark figure behind you.

“hmmm, what was that love? care to speak up a bit? i couldn’t quiet hear what you had to say to your friend here!” upon hearing this all so familiar threatening cheery voice

you sweat dropped, “oh it was nothing dearest please— why don’t we talk in the parlor!” you forced a suspicious smile to which he squinted at you. “hmm alright then!” he drops his watchful stare and hooks his arm with yours, ushering to the parlor.

he sits you down on the sofa and sits beside you, you rest your head against his chest. “your heart is racing darling, why would this be?” he smirked. you bite your lip anxiously before speaking up, looking up to him. “i mayyy have said something secret to angel… it was harmless i swear dear!” he finger found its way to your jaw, tilting your head ever so slightly up so he can look into your eyes. “if you were anyone else i’d have you murdered on the spot, but i could never harm you love! consider this a punishment!” — “consider wha—“ he presses a sweet short kiss to your lips, suddenly pulling away and walking away with a small smirk. you sat there in total shock as that was the last thing to expect.

long story short; that was the only kiss for the day (of course you had to beg him for at least one more goodnight kiss, and of course he eventually gave in. how could he say no to his darling?)

[harrywavycurly]

Ok but I’m going to need Harry calling Niall to tell him about his date/first kiss with miss Southern girlie 👀

Hiii lovey!!! Oh for sureeee we need the deets on how Niall thinks the date went 😂 I hope you enjoy💖

-find all things Southern Comfort here✨

A/N: Harry figures he might as well talk to someone on his walk home so of course that someone is going to be Niall✨

“Decided you needed to see my face during these early morning chats huh?…why you grinning like that mate? You’re freaking me out.” “It’s not even midnight Niall so it’s not early morning and…well I’m walking home from my date-” “oh fuck that’s right your date!….well going on your grin I’d say it went well? Unless you decided to just go full obsessive and kidnapped her and she’s actually in your basement or something?” “You’re truly a disturbed person…yes it went well you twat…she even let me kiss her goodnight.” “Did you ask first? Like a proper gentleman and all that?” “Yes…and honestly I thought she was walking up to her door but she was just trying to be the same height as me so I wouldn’t strain my neck.” “She sounds too good for you mate…honestly what’ve you done to trick her into agreeing to date your lanky ass?” “I haven’t tricked her you into anything you ass.” “Whatever…so what did you end up bringing her instead of flowers?” “I uhm made her…a mix cd…she liked it a lot and was very surprised I went through the effort to do that for her.” “A mix cd? Jesus H that’s like…proper boyfriend shit…what even songs did you put on it? Don’t tell me you just loaded it up with yourself…” “I mean it has the band on there…and yes you annoying little hobbit I’m on there but so are just some random artists I think she’d like.” “Okay so you made her a cd…then what did you do?” “I took her to dinner at a nice little Italian spot and then we went to this new wine bar that just opened and…after we just walked around downtown.” “You two and your bloody walks I swear…always fucking walking.” “We enjoy a good stroll okay? Just because you have wonky knees doesn’t mean the rest of us do…” “oh piss off you know you like taking walks with her because she lets you hold her hand.” “Oh…she let me touch the top of her thigh at the wine bar.” “What?” “Yeah she was sitting next to me in the booth and I reached over and placed my hand there to…test the waters ya know?” “Yeah…and?” “She didn’t slap it away….she even put her hand on top of it…” “I’d say that with the kiss goodnight is some serious progress…I’m happy for you Harry.” “Thanks….I really…really…like her.” “I know ya do…when do I get to meet her? Only seems fitting that she meets your absolute bestfriend on the entire planet now that you’ve got the first date out the way.” “Oh she’s meeting Jeff next week…he invited us to lunch.” “Oh fuck right off Harry you know damn well I’m above Jeffery on the friends hierarchy okay? Who is it you call about her every fucking time you have an update? Me…not him…me so get your head outta your ass and set up a time for me to meet her you wanker.” “You can’t have that kind of potty mouth around her Niall.” “I know how to behave myself around new people don’t worry.” “Oh I’m worried…you worry me.” “Yeah? Same goes for you… but at least I know the difference between salt and sugar.” “Why do you say such rude things to me when I’m on such a high?” “Sorry…but really I want to meet her…and I’m happy for you man…you deserve this.” “I’ll see when she’s free and get back to you…thanks Niall that means a lot.” “Now I gotta go…but keep me posted on how things are going…and please for the love of god Harry stop calling or FaceTiming me late at night you’re starting to fuck with my sleep schedule.” “I’ll keep you posted…sorry it’s just I like to call you while it’s all fresh in my brain that’s all…but I’ll do my best…now go get some sleep you look bloody awful.” “Love you too ya wank.”

[goldfades]

Okay, so I’ve actually been thinking about this non-stop, but I’m no writer, so you’ll have to bear with me: Manager y/n, who is doing ‘research’ for the Paige edits, gets super into TikTok for like a week before they have to cut themselves off.

And during this week, they’re not just watching videos – no, they’re posting them. I’m talking like 5 a day MINIMUM. It all starts when they see the “who’s afraid of little old me” sound is trending and promptly post a slideshow, beginning with a soft, smile-filled picture of them with the team before “you should be” is sung out, and it cuts to a like 10-second compilation they had seen of them and the team screaming at refs or just looking super pissed off on the sidelines (as others have mentioned, the rbf is no joke).

Fans, of course, go crazy because, omg they’re posting on their account now? (It’s chalked up to KK’s influence.) And when their first video blows up, Manager y/n is officially hooked.

After seeing Paige’s Tru Fru video, they use the song to make an edit of them and the team using mostly unseen pictures and videos from the Europe trip to “I was over love and I’d had enough ‘till I found you”. It’s just so painfully sweet and a little bit sappy; people love it.

Things take a dramatic turn, though, when they discover thirst traps. NOW, they only post one, but one is enough to send people spiraling. “That’s my playpen, borderline thinking like Barbie.”

Lives are lost that day.

And the team’s reaction? Let's just say they've never hit the repost button faster. Paige has it saved and favorited in her camera roll, but you didn’t hear that from me.

“Now I’m down bad, crying at the gym” is posted to a video from when they tried to do the team’s conditioning day with them, and things didn’t go well. Manager y/n is strong, but this is a whole other level; they don’t even make it past the first hour before tears are shed. The whole team finds it hilarious (and it is).

KK gets them into dances too; there’s at least three posted to “Get it sexyy” before the day is done. And there’s soooo much more. “There must have been an angel by my side” is posted with Ice and Azzi. A “You know how to ball, I know Aristotle” ‘fit check with Paige goes triple platinum on the platform. And there are a perhaps unreasonable number of videos posted to “make her disappear just like poof, then she’s gone, addicted don’t know what the fuck I’m on” from a particularly fun night out (they had to take frantically down half of them when they woke up, but we won’t talk about that).

But perhaps the true pièce de résistance is ‘Man eater’. It was supposed to just be a ‘fit check after they got particularly dressed up for a team dinner/fundraiser but simply put, the people couldn’t take it. It took less than an hour for edits to start rolling in, and when some multiple people in their classes the next day (INCLUDING THEIR FAVORITE PROFESSOR) tells them they saw it , Manager y/n decided to take a step back (they can handle online attention, but in person is a whole different ball game).

After all, “we can’t have too many celebrities on this team.”

Last notes: This brief deep dive does dramatically affect the quality of the edits they make though; there was just so much inspiration to be taken (for research purposes only of course). 2 weeks after they stop posting on their personal account, a Paige and Nika hype edit to ‘Carnival’ is posted on the UConn page. They almost get in trouble for it, but they gain a couple of thousand followers and it quickly becomes the most liked video on their page. And who’s going to get mad at someone for what turns out to be a stroke of marketing genius (explicit lyrics be damned)?

THIS IS NOW MY FAV THING EVERTRR CUS YOURE SO SO SO RIGHT, i love the way u think nonnie

absolutely, and i feel like after the week is over she’s on the same level as paige — there are fan edits EVERYWHERE and manager is getting so much attention from everyone (ofc she doesn’t mind tho)

when she stops posting as much as she used to i can def see everyone begging for scraps 😭😭 they reuse the same 10 clips they have and the scraps they can find up until queen y/n posts again 😭😭

pls send more thoughts this was so much reading through it!

[mahoushojo-chan]

Astarion x Tav || dissociation

something i wanted to feel

warnings: dissociation, ptsd, trauma synopsis: disguised as a drow, tav finds astarion after he's reverted back to old, unhealthy ways of using his body. she brings him back. When Astarion hears her normal voice, he feels soothed. “You weren’t here, fully. I wanted to bring you back.” She explains, like it’s the simplest thing. “If I let you continue, it felt like I would lose you.” she continues. an excerpt of 'cause my love (is mine, all mine) word count: 1,001 pairing: astarion/tav other tags: f!reader, half-elf?tav, bard!tav, hurt/comfort, angst, non-sexual intimacy, friends to lovers, song inspo: sanctuary by joji ao3: here concept: dissociation and grounding techniques

The elf—half elf, maybe, based off the point of their ear? They grab Astarion’s wrist to stop him, and pull him away. “P-Put on your clothes, first.”

There's something off, like the pieces of the puzzle don't quite fit together. The man before him appears unnaturally flawless, almost like plastic rather than real flesh. Confused, Astarion takes a step back.

“Well, if that’s… what you wish.” Astarion replies and proceeds to redress himself. He's so bewildered by the situation that he foregoes any reverse strip-tease or other playful undressing antics; it completely escapes his thoughts. He simply puts his clothes back on, sliding his pants over his legs and fastening his belt. His shirt follows, and after it's on, he walks back over to the other person. Astarion supposes that this is okay. He hadn't exactly planned anything out, after all. Whether he’s naked or clothed while he does… whatever he’s going to do doesn’t matter to him at all.

"Now, where were we?" Astarion inquires, his hands gently cradling their artificial features, as he attempts to regain his focus.

However, they gently remove his hands from their face and clasp his hands in theirs, asking, "How does it feel?"

Astarion’s response is automatic. “Oh, it feels lovely. I’d love to see what other—”

“Ah-ah,” they tut, “tell me about my hands. How do they feel?”

Astarion takes a second. A hint of confusion prods at his mind for a second before he understands that he’s supposed to actually be using his body to relay these sensations. He looks down, and the discrepancy between how they look and feel strikes him again. “Well, they’re soft, of course. They’re… thin, and graceful…” he says, all compliments that he expects they would want to hear. But then his hand runs over their ring finger, and he blinks, because he feels a callous that he doesn’t see. Then, he begins to realize who he’s with. “There’s always a callous that never quite heals, here… and then the scar, and… well, you have a hangnail here. Your nails have grown out, Tav.”

He grins, finally thinking he’s realized their ruse. When he looks up, he sees Tav give a tired smile, though she’s still in her disguise.

Instead of ending it there, she continues with a pleased hum, “Are my hands warm?”

“Yes, always. A little warmer today, but—what are you doing?” Astarion interjects, confused.

She never answers him properly at times like these. Instead, she asks him, “Do I smell bad?”

Astarion takes some time to mull it over before he shakes his head. “No… no, you rarely do. Well, my tastes deviate from others, and I take quite a delight when you’re covered in blood, of course, but—”

“What do I smell like?”

He takes in a breath of air, and then deeply exhales. Her scent is familiar, now. “Like… well, something floral, usually. A little like parchment, maybe the slightest of resin…”

She dispels the disguise. Even though it's just the two of them, it seems a bit reckless, considering he’s not sure how they'll escape. However, Tav usually thinks ahead more than he does, and Astarion doesn't have the time to dwell on it as she continues her line of questioning, “And do I look okay?”

Now that he sees her for her, his gaze drops into something more affectionate. “Your hair never sits quite right, here.” He says, teasing the rebellious tuft of hair on her head before flattening it. “There. Now you look perfect.”

He lingers a little when she finally lets go of his hands. He feels a little disappointed, but she self-consciously helps to flatten her hair. Astarion takes the opportunity to finally ask, “Care to tell me what all that was about?”

When he hears her normal voice, he feels soothed. “You weren’t here, fully. I wanted to bring you back.” She explains, like it’s the simplest thing. “If I let you continue, it felt like I would lose you. My only regret is not coming sooner…” she continues.

Astarion blinks in surprise. He realizes he hadn’t particularly been in pain, and part of him still feels like he wants to get lost in his own head, but Tav’s soft explanation—though he’s not quite listening to it so much as he is just relaxing into the comforting cadence of her voice—keeps pulling him back out of it.

The almost liberating numbness is inexplicably nudged to the side by his desire to feel her again.

Then it dawns on him, the gravity of his recent actions—how he had behaved when he was still feeling like a puppet on strings. He remembers pinning her against the wall, pressing his lips to hers, and he stammers, "Oh—I'm sorry for... I mean, I didn't mean to—"

"It was never going to happen," she states, and Astarion experiences a brief pang, a sting in a vulnerable spot, just for a moment. It's as though she's saying, I'm never going to sleep with you, but that’s what he wants, isn’t it? He wants not to sleep with her. He wants something beyond mere physical intimacy, and he has that with Tav.

Seeing his confusion, she snaps him out of his reverie and tells him, “It didn’t mean anything.”

This, in a way, makes the feeling worse because Astarion interprets it as ‘forget it ever happened’. But given that he’s still rather embarrassed about the whole ordeal—the inability to recognize her, his behaviour—he’s actually okay with complying.

So he takes her hands this time and rests his forehead against hers. She feels as warm as he remembers.

Finally, he responds. “Thank you.”

She seems to let him rest for a moment, and he sees her whisper a word of healing. He feels some of the earlier bruises and gashes heal themselves, and it’s not perfect, but he feels significantly better. At that time, he finally separates from her. But then, now that he’s fully present, he sees her as she is—she seems tired, her features gaunt, but she seems relieved.

[showtoonzfan]

Anyways I want to talk about Nerdy Prudes Must Die real quick, Starkid’s recent Hatchetfeild musical. I love the show, it’s amazing in so many ways, I can’t say much about it that others haven’t already said so I won’t be really vocal about how good it is, at least yet. That’s why I really want to share just a few criticisms or nitpicks I have, cause I don’t see a lot of people talk about that and I’ve personally been itching to get these out lol. Keep in mind I love the musical to death and I just want to see if other fans have the same opinions I do or not, if you disagree that’s fine! Spoilers for the musical!

- My biggest complaint is that I feel like Stephanie doesn’t get enough screen time. Not that she’s not developed or fleshed out, but after rewatching NPMD a million times you’ll know that the two main characters that get the most screen time are Grace and Pete. (Especially Grace cause she steals the show, not in a bad way tho). However, Steph is supposed to be a main character but to me she kinda feels like a side character pushed to the back. I’d say this starts when the kids plan to prank Max, and moving forward she eventually goes from someone being at the front to a follower until the near end where they have to summon the lords in black. I will say of course it does make sense, for a cast like this you have to move main characters to the back to leave room to develop others, that’s fine, but I still can’t help but feel that Steph lacked more.

I think of all characters she should have gotten her own song too, I was disappointed to hear that she actually DID have one and even a reprise until it was cut. Jeff had said it was about her being a popular kid and how she struggles with that, and I think it would have been really interesting to see, it would have added more. Though of course cut songs are cut for a reason, Jeff had said it didn’t fit or add anything but it’s still something I wish we had.

- Some fans have already said this, but it is distracting how glossed over the deaths of the characters are, mainly Ruth and Richie. Max’s death makes sense here, because he was a jerk and the theme of how the town and the kids didn’t care for him when he died and glossed over his death was done on purpose, but for Ruth and Richie…the characters they were actually friends with didn’t seem to care. For starters after Richie dies no one notices he’s gone, and when the gang do find out he dies, nothing really comes of it other than a “wait Richies dead?” Then the characters just move on, Ruth dies and the same thing happens to her, only a “wait she’s dead?” line and that’s it. Pete was the closest to these two and we don’t even get to see him mourn, or a simple line indicating that. I don’t blame the characters themselves but if you asked me if I thought the writing for the musical was just a teensy weensy rushed, I’d say yeah.

- That also leads to my other problem, “If I loved you” feels misplaced. The song itself is good but it takes place legit right after Ruth dies, a character who got an amazing send off. There isn’t time to process it at all because now Pete and Steph are arguing over their relationship, and after that Grace bursts in to kick off them leaving. I feel like “If I loved you” should have been placed before “Just For Once”, that would have been slightly better.

- Okay so this is just a nitpick but I didn’t like “Best of You”. For a horror musical (especially for Hatchetfeild) it feels VERY forced and preppy and it just threw me off I’m so sorry. That’s why I was thankful “Dirty Dudes Must Die” was the true ending because that fits more with the universe and the tone of the show. I guess it makes sense though because Jeff had revealed “Best of You” was an in universe pop song that the students were just singing, so after I heard that it made perfect sense on why I thought it was so cheesy lol because it wasn’t supposed to be a song for the show itself.

Still like some others have said, the way everyone is so happy in the ending throws me off. I get that they establish a few weeks had passed but after ALL of the hell the characters went through only to cut to them carefree at prom it’s….off putting. Like Steph is literally an orphan now and Pete’s friends are dead. And it doesn’t get addressed or acknowledged AKSKKSSM 😭

And that’s pretty much it regarding issues I had with the musical. It’s damn near perfect, I just think the script is a little rushed and the pacing is kinda all over the place. Other than that? It’s amazing and I’ll definitely talk about it more soon. Feel free to disagree with me!

[naneun-no]

Ramble Thoughts on 3D ft. Jack Harlow:

- Feels like 3D is something that would have come out in 2006? I’m not mad about it but it does feel like Gen Z is taking this whole Y2K revival thing too seriously 🥹 like y’all have some big Air Force Ones to fill and I’d rather see a fresher take but okay

- Speaking of Nelly people are acting like they’ve never heard a rapper objectify a woman before and it’s kind of odd. I think maybe people haven’t listened to Jack Harlow before if they’re surprised by the contents of his verse. I’m not saying we can’t ask for more or expect more but the shock I’m seeing is kind of strange.

- JK does not sound that good...? To me. It seems like he’s maybe in too high of a register? Or maybe it’s too many minor chords for me. Not that he can’t hit the notes effortlessly but it’s just not a pleasant register to me? This is a song I can see getting stuck in my head in an annoying way and not a “omg I have to listen to it again turn it on” way, which is a bummer.

- I love the dancing, and the fire hydrant bit at the end was very cool visually.

- This whole thing reminds me strongly of some of Pharrell’s more controversial hits in the mid-aughts, especially Blurred Lines. Except… Blurred Lines was a better song 😬😬😬 if you’re gonna talk about women like they’re pleasure dolls in 2023, at least make sure your song is unusually good. Just my humble opinion.

- I think objectification is an interesting topic and we could go on about it, but some of the shocked and horrified responses I’m seeing on Twitter are from NSFW fan fiction writers (of which I am one full transparency) and artists and there is a blatant hypocrisy in that that I find somewhat amusing. Like. Very few of us are truly innocent of ever sexually objectifying someone else and let’s just be honest about that. Not to mention the objectification of Jung Kook’s every body part that has been happening recently, even up to as recently as the promotions for this specific song. Like… hang on a minute. We can all collectively drool over and go feral for and zoom in on his shirtless chest and talk about his waist and his nipples and his belly button but… god forbid he shares a song with someone doing the same thing? Idk maybe I’m oversimplifying.

- The “girl”!! Oh, people are gonna be mad. Why can’t he always only ever sing his songs to a faceless genderless “you”?! Because A) he is not writing these songs and requesting a gender change to a song that someone else wrote would be a declaration. B) I’ve said it before but it’s entirely possible he is into women. Again, he didn’t write this one but in a recent performance he did intentionally swap out a pronoun that he could have skipped and so let’s not make too much of it but let’s also not ignore him over and over again for the sake of our own beliefs. Not with bi visibility day still in the rear view 🥲 C) His behavior toward and about Jimin has not changed so I have not changed my attitude toward their relationship. Simple as that. D) he did not write this song. If he is queer he is closeted. Chill out.

- I want more for him, I’ll just say it! Lol. I think he has so much musical potential and right now it feels like we’re just waiting for him to actually come into it. But I do love the choreography, the boy band vibes, the confidence. I think I’m appreciating Left and Right more and more as time goes on; that seemed like a really excellent creative fit and the concept was so fun. But maybe I’m projecting my wishes onto him. It’s his career, not mine 😅 he is his own person, he doesn’t owe me a damn thing.

That’s all for now, just sort of felt like word vomiting this morning instead of doing anything productive. Would love to hear others’ thoughts!

[suckitsurveys]

Which fictional character can you not stand? Ross Geller from Friends and Andy Bernard from The Office.

What was the one subject in school that frustrated you because you just couldn’t process it? Chemistry.

What’s the weirdest compliment you’ve ever gotten? I don’t recall.

What is an occupation that you would like to do just for one day if you had the chance? Probably like a taste tester or something lol.

What do you think people have an unnecessary stick up their ass about? Ugh don’t get me started.

What common advice do you think never works? "Time heals all wounds.”

What’s the best movie without a happy ending? I’m not sure.

What is something you think is actually better about today’s generation? I feel like they’re a lot more outspoken in some ways.They fight for causes and stick up for themselves and it feels like they’re overall more accepting of people’s differences and advocate for them. 

What movie has a worse love story than Twilight? Romeo and Juliet.

What seems obvious to you that doesn’t seem to be for other people? God this is a loaded question.

If your partner in the zombie apocalypse was the main character of the last movie you watched, would you survive? Well, seeing as Beetlejuice has experience with the dead and undead, I feel like I’d be pretty safe.

What’s the worst episode of your favorite TV show? I've never watched an episode of BoJack Horseman I haven’t loved.

You can pick two artists to do a song together, dead or alive, but they have to be from different genres. Who do you pick and why? Lana Del Rey and Dolly Parton might sound good together.

What is something you would never buy again, even if you were rich? I’m not sure.

What do you do regularly despite it being considered very unhealthy or unsafe? Overeat.

What is something that most people find attractive in a person that you find unattractive? A ton of muscles.

Do you ever use facial masks or scrubs? Yeah.

What do you think of the recent trend of adult coloring books? I don’t mind them, I’ve done it a few times.

Which fictional character do you think you’d be great friends with? Princess Carolyn from BoJack Horseman.

What would you do if you found out your toys came to life similar to Toy Story? I have no idea. I’d probably think it was kinda cool.

Do you own any cook books? Yes. My favorite one is the Bob’s Burgers cook book.

Is there anything that you’d like to eat right now? Sushi, always.

What book are you currently reading? I’m not.

What is something that you believe in, but aren’t very outspoken about? A lot of things.

do you think weird it’s for someone to have never tried soda? WHY ARE SO MANY SURVEYS BEING COMBINED WITH OTHER SURVEYS i wanna jump off a cliff. I’m just gunna cross off the rest of these in case whoever is reading this wants to do the rest but I just did this not that long ago.

is there any foreign film you recommend? Naw.

do you have the same religious beliefs as your parents? There are definitely some overlaps. My dad is Jewish and my mom is what I would call casually spiritual. If you made a Venn Diagram of their truest beliefs, then I would probably fall somewhere in the middle. Then there are my own interpretations and understandings which expand into territory beyond either one of them. Overall, though, I think I have more in common with my dad because he’s a deep diver within his own religion, and religion and spirituality are topics that interest me. We can have some really great discussions on the matter.

which floor of your house/building are you on now? I’m on the second floor.

are there any maps hanging in your room? No.

are you often a third wheel? or is someone a third wheel to you? I felt like that for the longest time at the animal shelter. I knew people generally liked and appreciated me, but I wasn’t really fitting in. However, I don’t feel that way as much now, not with the new batch of workers back in cattery. I’m still kind of third-wheely (because I’m shy/socially awkward and also a good deal older than they are), but not to the same drastic extent. I feel much more included, relevant, and free to be my silly and sarcastic self. I had it in my head that the problem might be me (and admittedly, some of it probably was and I do still have some work to do), but now it’s like…oh. I was likeable the whole time?!?!

what’s the last dvd you bought? I’m not sure.

tell me about your favorite pair of jeans. I don’t have a favorite pair of jeans. I basically don’t even wear them anymore.

would you ride a motorcycle if given the chance? (or have you?) I’ve been on the back of one a few times, but I don’t think I would like to ride one myself. Driving a car is enough responsibility for me.

is your hair healthy? Ehhh.

if a hotel offered free breakfast in bed, what would you order? I’d go all out. Pancakes, bacon, eggs, biscuits, maybe some fruit, coffee…

how often do you take a train? Aside from the kiddie train at the city park, I don’t think I’ve ever been on a train. I might have gone on the one at the Royal Gorge, but I can’t be certain that’s a real memory and not some false recollection I settled on after the fact.

what’s your favorite led zeppelin song? Kashmir.

does your home have a balcony/deck/porch? We have a back deck and a front porch.

what does your closet/wardrobe say about you? That I spend a lot of time at an animal shelter. Probably half of my shit is animal shelter shit.

do you enjoy theatre? I don’t not enjoy it. It’s just not really my thing. I wouldn’t want to be in a play, but I would probably go see one with someone if they wanted me to.

how would you feel about traveling abroad alone? Scared, unprepared, inexperienced, lonely, bored…like I had so much to share and no one to share it with. I’d much rather travel with someone.

who would you call a lyrical genius? Idk.

how do you treat yourself? It’s time to make dinner, so I’m going to pause this here (9.10.24) and resume it sometime tomorrow… Okay. I just arrived home from a trip to the Mountain Park - which is one of the ways I plan on treating myself this autumn. I feel like I’ve spread myself too thin with volunteering, so I’m going to take a step back, take an extra day off here and there, and spend more time in the mountains with my dad. Other ways I treat myself include eating fun/favorite foods (so excited for holiday treats!), making time for art, and curling up in bed with my kitties and some YouTube.

do you have an interesting passport? I don’t have a passport.

are you going to pursue a career according to what you enjoy? Yeah.

what’s your favorite frozen treat? Ice cream. You know what else I’ve been enjoying lately? Otter Pops. They’re not typically something I would think to eat, but they’re great for hot afternoons at the shelter when I need a quick chill out/sugar rush combo.

who supports you financially? Social security and my dad. We share our incomes.

if you wanted to go to the movie cinema, how would you get there? I would drive (or be driven).

how many pillows are on your bed? Two regular pillows, three body pillows, and two decorative pillows.

would you pay more for organic food? I might if I preferred the taste of a certain brand, but otherwise it’s not something I pay much attention to.

do you prefer being awake after everyone goes to bed or before they get up? I don’t really have a preference.

do you know much about feng shui? (do you use it?) I know very little, and no, I don’t use it.

how would you make friends in a quiet class? Make meaningful eye contact? Lmao heck if I know. I’m quiet myself, so if other people are quiet, then it’s just gonna be quiet.

are you generally a quick learner? Yeah.

what’s your favorite spot to read? At my computer desk.

did you know that buddha is not considered a god to buddhists? I was aware of that.

do you save tickets from movies, etc.? Not really.

without looking him up, who was jim morrison? The vocalist for The Doors.

when’s the last time your bedroom was painted/wallpapered? Gosh, idk. As far as painting goes, that would have been years and years ago. It wasn’t even finished. As for the wallpaper, that was put up before we moved in.

teach me something in another language. Naw.

what type of music do you like and why? I’ve developed a fondness for classical over the past couple of years.

if you randomly want to eat something in the house, do you eat it or wait? It depends on what it is, what I’ve already eaten, how close it is to meal/snack time, etc.

who knows the most about you (besides yourself)? My dad.

do you have a nervous habit? (e.g. biting nails, tapping feet, smoking) Picking at my nails.

how’s your favorite pro sports team doing lately? I don’t follow any sports teams.

would you be/are you a good role model to a younger sibling? No.

[medicus-mortem]

ikkaku-of-heart: @ikkaku-of-heart

"Those rumors are bullshit because that would require you to actually eat breakfast,” Ikkaku countered without hesitation. Her sass had been coming out more in the past few weeks after that reassuring talk she and Law had had under the stars. She was definitely willing and able to point out the bad habits he had that he would have instantly scolded the crew over, like not getting proper nutrition.  Still, his assurance that he wouldn’t make her eat a human heart or anything allowed her to relax just a little bit. Not entirely, though. She absolutely believed that he still had something up his sleeve. She just hoped it wouldn’t be anything disgusting. She already felt gross enough, having to play her part as “one of the guys” and not getting to wash her hair properly or use flowery soap.  It was a small price to pay for acceptance, though. It hadn’t been easy, sacrificing all of her more feminine habits, but it would help her fit in. Help her maintain some respect. She was slowly gaining it from her shipmates. Law had shown he accepted her before she’d even stepped onto the ship by destroying the Arkham doctors statue. She and Bepo had overcome their initially rocky first meeting. Penguin had been welcoming and taken her under his wing to help her find her way around the winding corridors of the submarine. Darter’s weirdness could be off-putting but he was genuinely friendly. And Crozier had even been learning how to play a few songs from Joras on the guitar to make her feel less homesick. The only one she felt unwelcomed by was Shachi. His sharp-toothed smile always seemed more hostile than friendly when he’d tease her about what hazing rituals Law was sure to put her through. Penguin had told him off a few times for it, but he’d also warned her that Shachi’s behavior was due to the Bepo incident. So clearly, she’d fucked up, and Ikkaku hoped that whatever this third part of her initiation was, it would be enough to earn her the forgiveness and acceptance from the Man-at-Arms. She’d let Law terrify her a thousand times a day and Darter cut off all of her toes if it meant the crew accepted her.  “Could you at least give me a hint?” she asked Law, feeling nervous. “Like, will I have to bathe in blood? That shit takes forever to get out of my hair. Or...well, Shachi also implied I’d have to fight everyone in hand-to-hand combat at once. Or that I’m not officially part of the crew until you’ve given me an anatomy lesson with my own organs. He...says a lot of things on what it’ll take to make me a Heart.” Realizing she sounded like she was tattling on a senior officer, Ikkaku forced a laugh and a grin. “That’s probably just him making sure I’m ready for anything, though! So, nevermind that hint thing. Don’t wanna spoil the surprise!”

   “Careful now,” Law says, giving Ikkaku a small smile even as he flinches a little at the truth in her snark. “Pointin’ out my bad eating habits could be considered insubordination.”

   It’s clear in his tone that he isn’t serious. He’s accustomed to his crew pointing out his shitty self-care. Sometimes he takes it in good humour, sometimes he doesn’t. Depends on his mood. Right now, he’s in a relatively good one. Made all the better as he watches Ikkaku get more and more integrated with the crew. Her reaction to Bepo made things rocky but he gets it, given her grandfather’s experiences and what she’s grown up with. The two seemed to have moved past that though and Bepo seems to really like her. He’s happier and not withdrawn like he was with that other racist engineer. Law won’t ever forgive himself for that, even if the asshole has long been eaten alive by sea birds.

   Ikkaku is opening up more. Seemingly less awkward and becoming more comfortable, but Law has decided to learn from his mistakes and pay more attention to his crew. In this case that means watching closer to see how his new engineer is getting on with the crew and watching her own emotional state, as much as someone like him can. Law has noted she doesn’t seem perfectly comfortable. He hasn’t pinpointed what it is yet but something isn’t genuine here. Like, Ikkaku needs to hold back something about herself. Law understands that, his whole deal is secrets and keeping people at arm’s length, but he doesn’t want that for his crew, his family, and Ikkaku is now part of that.

   She continues, sounding nervous as she asks for a hint. She almost sounds afraid. Law quickly grimaces at the suggestion that he makes her bathe in blood. A protest is almost out of his lips but Ikkaku keeps going and her words give him pause. Shachi has always been a prankster and trouble maker but these suggestions sound uncharacteristically cruel. Like he’s trying to scare her or intimidate her off the ship. Law’s eyes narrow, his jaw tightening. Head lowers, shadowing his eyes from view as he thinks on this revelation. Is Shachi bullying Ikkaku because of her reaction to Bepo? Seems like this captain might need to have a little chat with his Man-At-Arms. Get him to get his head out of his own ass for a bit.

   “Don’t listen to Shachi,” Law says, standing straighter as some determination settles in. “He’s a dick head. We do have a fighting tournament every now and again to keep our skills sharp but I wouldn’t make you take on everyone at once, not unless I think you could handle it. Bathing in blood would be fucking disgusting and so damn unhygienic. Not happenin’, ever. The anatomy lesson only applies to anyone joinin’ my medical team. So, not a you thing.

   “Now,” he continues, frowning at Ikkaku. “Since you mentioned your hair. It’s looking a bit greasy. Don’t know much about curls but pretty sure that much engine grease in any hair isn’t good for it.” Was that rude? Maybe, but given Ikkaku’s reaction to the idea of blood in her hair Law suspects this level of dishevelment in those curls isn’t normal. Maybe Shachi’s bullshit and Ikkaku’s nerves are affecting her own self-care habits.

[neeeeet2]

I love Hazbin Hotel! finished all episodes and rewatched it again. Animation is good but some of the story are quite rushed. Whats your thoughts? do you think it’s too fast paced? they should really make it 11 episodes for one season lol

Yeah!! I’ve rewatched quite a few times with different friends lol

I agree, I find the plot itself is a bit rushed and would’ve done better with more buildup for the arcs and such- and the songs, while absolute bangers, don’t exactly line up with what we’ve been shown.

“Out of Love” for example is an amazing song that I’d listen to over and over, but put in the context of the show it doesn’t quite fit- it’s meant to be Camila guiding Vaggie to a different way of thinking to defeat angels, and it does that well, but the problem is that Vaggie’s thinking doesn’t match what Camila initially thinks it is.

She says that Vaggie is “out for vengeance”, when really she’s not- not at all were we led to believe Vaggie was fighting for anything other than Charlie in the first place because we’ve never seen her as a vengeful character. Based on the show itself, it would make more sense that Vaggie is already fighting for love because the whole reason she’s even talking to Camila is for Charlie and the hotel, yet the song would assume otherwise.

As another example; the Vee’s part in the finale doesn’t quite make sense, even under the pretence of them not knowing Alastor is still alive.

They speak of a power vacuum, which would be a completely fair assumption if Lucifer wasn’t also on the hotel’s side. Plus, Alastor was already gone for seven years, why wasn’t there a power vacuum then if there’s one now?

Hazbin Hotel would’ve likely been better paced if they didn’t reveal Adam’s true intentions to the audience so soon, have the idea of “is it possible to redeem a sinner at all?” brewing as the main focus for a little bit more, as it would allow for more character focused episodes.

As a side note: it probably would’ve been really cool if Adam was revealed to be genocidal near the end of season one, and possibly make a gateway into the main plot of season two being defense against the excorists.

I honestly wouldn’t mind if there were a few filler episodes as well, in the sense of them attempting to or actually improving as the series went on since it lets us, the viewer, get more attached to the characters at a slower pace and truly get to know them. They don’t necessarily need to do practice exercises every episode, but every now and then would be nice (again, under the pretext of Hazbin season one ranging much more than 8 episodes).

A few filler episodes might’ve also allowed us to witness more world building at a slower pace if the hotel group went to different areas within the Pride Ring as a sort of field trip.

Another issue is that without the pilot we have no idea where these characters came from, why they’re in the hotel, or even why they “agreed” to help at all- and considering the pilot isn’t considered entirely canon anymore that’s quite a big problem.

It feels like as if we’ve missed an entire episode if you watch the series without the pilot- and yes starting shows like this is possible and it works, but considering what we had in the pilot already explained to us where they came from and their initial intentions, they probably should have incorporated at least some of it into episode one. Many people who find Hazbin for the first time will not know there’s a pilot on youtube if they only scroll on Amazon. Because of this, they would be missing key factors of the characters and their initial introduction for the rest of the show.

Overall, I think Hazbin Hotel was great song-wise and absolutely amazing animation-wise, but the writing should’ve been more character focused. As one of my friends said to me: Vivzie’s strength is in character writing and allowing the characters to move the plot, not the plot moving the characters.

But we also have to keep in mind that creating a new show on a streaming platform no doubt has quite a few restraints, and many of these problems could’ve come from that- and if this is true, then hopefully now that Hazbin has done so well they’ll be able to better stretch out future episodes and make seasons longer. This is also under the assumption that Hazbin Hotel will be much longer than two seasons, though.

[dianaladrislovebot]

random gone headcanons that have popped into my unhinged little brain, likely part 2

ayo we back my guys. i’ve had many gone related thoughts (and conversations, shout out to the gone brainrot gc on ig 🫦) since i made the last one of these so y’all are gonna have to bear w me while i get them out of my system. okay thanks bye onto the hcs (also my current fancasts for some of the characters at the end !!)

tall lanky astrid truther. alternatively, short ass mf drake truther.

diana is a skin care girly for sure. when the boys use those several in one things she goes into a frenzy.

everyone at coates bullies diana w diana by one direction but can only get away w it bc caine does it too (i’m not sure when that song came out but pretend it works okay. i like this.)

drakes whip is gross as fuck. like veined and slimy and shit like a genuine tentacle it’s the worst. thank you user inkskxtch for reminding me of this fact

astrid has scottish heritage on her mothers side. her grandfather is genuinely from scotland so she has a slight accent

diana is named after princess diana and took it extremely personal and demands to be treated as such

caine fell first but diana fell harder

quinn has consistent issues w his dad. in the first book he says he had a fight w his dad the night before the fayz which leads me to believe that happened a lot

because of this i think he spent a lot of time at sam’s house and saw connie as a surrogate parent figure. which is adorable

after he got over being a douchebag to edilio, quinn actually had a crush on him and never told a single soul, not even sam.

astrid is asexual, quinn, diana, orc and lana are bi, howard is gay and caine is some kind of fruit. there’s no way to convince me he doesn’t like men. you cannot do it.

i also like hcing drake as pan bc 1) i don’t like the stereotype that the bubbly happy character is always pan and like to combat it w making the most vicious angry violent characters i can find pan and 2) he has way too much chemistry w every man he’s ever been in a room w to be straight

okay hi also i thought i’d add some of my fancasts bc i’m very proud of them and need everyone to know what they are. some are set in stone, some of them i’m still on the fence about. pls i am begging you give me other ideas bc i’m losing my mind trying to place the other characters i will take any kind of suggestion i’m serious. anyways here are the scrunklies i lobe them so much

isabela merced louis partridge

as diana ladris as caine soren

joshua bassett anna cathcart

as quinn gaither as mary terrafino

hunter schaefer sadie sink

as astrid ellison as brianna berenson

i’m still on the fence about these two. i don’t know is sadie truly gives brianna’s chaotic energy justice and hunter is 24 which is slightly older than i’d like my fancasts to be due to the characters being like. 14. but she fits my vision of astrid well so for now i’m going w it. but besides those i’m completely sold on the rest. these are my children and i adore them. i am also open to suggestions for the other characters (especially sam give me my boy) bc i’m struggling so bad w everyone else

anyways that’s all the thoughts i have for now have fun w this messy ass post

[thisaintascenereviews]

Smoking Snakes - Danger Zone

It’s no secret that I love hair-metal, even with all of its problems, and believe you me, hair-metal has some problems. Whether it’s the claims of not being “real metal” from the metal community for being pop-metal, or the rampant misogyny in the genre (that really hasn’t aged certain albums and songs well), hair-metal doesn’t have the best reputation in the metal community, but I love it. When it’s done well, it can be really catchy, slick, and fun, especially when the vocals and instrumentation are great. It’s just really hard to find a solid band that doesn’t wish they were straight from the 1980s, and because of that, they end up feeling dated in a not so fun way. It is fun, however, when a band sounds like they’re from the 1980s, and they don’t try so hard about it, which is kind of how I feel about Swedish band Smoking Snakes and their debut album, Danger Zone. These guys showed up on my radar when this album came out a couple weeks back, and the album cover just screams 1980s hair-metal, but I decided to listen to the album out of pure curiosity. I’ve listened to this thing a handful of times, and I’m really mixed on it, because there are things I really like and things I don’t like as much. I wouldn’t say there are bad things about this album, but there are things that almost kill my enjoyment. I hate to say that, because that’s such a strong statement, but I wish I liked this album more.

Okay, let’s talk about what I like first, and it’s the sound, actually. Their sound is really awesome, as they have a solid 80s-influenced metal sound, especially with some really cool guitar riffs and solos. I love a lot of the riffs and solos on this album, and it’s clear their guitarist has some talent, but at the same time, their sound is kind of generic. Their riffs and solos are good, but they also sound like they’re right out of the 1980s. In a way, I don’t mind, because it sounds good, and I can see this band faring with the likes of Bon Jovi and Motley Crue, but that’s not all I’m looking for, either, so it’s got its pros and cons when it comes to that. It just depends on what you’re personally looking for, and if you’re fine with a band that sounds like they’re from a decade gone by. Some people really want music that just sounds like stuff they grew up with, and that’s it, which is fine, but these guys don’t do anything you haven’t heard before, although I have to admit that their sound is done well.

Where this album goes south for me, at least a bit, is within the vocals. Their vocalist isn’t outright bad, but he’s what I’d call eccentric. He’s got this raspy sound that might take some time to get used to, and it’s not even that he’s bad, it’s that his voice isn’t good enough for the instrumentation, which sounds really bad, I know. It sucks, because I listen to this album, and the one major thought I have is that I wish the vocals were better. I shouldn’t have that thought that while listening to anything, but his vocals just don’t do that much for me. I wish I liked them more, but vocals can make or break an album for me, depending on how they sound and how they fit into its sound. The thing is, the sound of this album is so good, and the instrumentation is really solid, but this album also has some great hooks. The hooks would be a lot better with a better vocalist, frankly, and that’s my biggest issue with this album.

I’d ultimately recommend this album if you want a solid metal album that’s influenced by the 1980s, and it may not be the best thing you’ve ever heard, but it’s good. I wish the vocals were better, but they’re not horrible. Some people like raspier vocals, and for what it is, it’s fine, but the hooks on here are really good and with the right vocalist, they’d be even better. I’m happy I listened to this, because it’s got some good ideas, even if they try a little too hard to emulate the era they’re influenced by. I will say that the lyrics aren’t anything to write home about here, but they’re what you’d expect for an album of this sound. I don’t know, folks, I’d listen to it if you want a solid metal album that may not blow you away, but does what it does rather well. I’d be interested in hearing what this band does next, but I wish their vocalist would improve. It’s not that he’s bad, it’s that these hooks are deserving of a better vocalist, and it really frustrates me, because I want to really love this album, but I just can’t for that reason.

[ecargmura]

Hirogaru Sky! Precure Episode 26 Review: Airpeaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches, Peaches~

The Precures went to a zoo last episode and now they went to an airport this episode. I do wonder what this arc will be about since it’s just Precures doing cute things will Ellee. However, I cannot deny that this was a good development episode for both Tsubasa and Mashiro.

The main point of this episode is that Mashiro’s parents are coming over to visit and she’s excited. The Precures go to the airport and then trouble ensues when Minoton shows up. Sounds like your typical Precure episode. However, the Minoton portion doesn’t take up too much time, which is a good thing.

Tsubasa has always been referred to as Tsubasa Yuunagi in written media like articles and even on this blog, but in actuality, he has always been Tsubasa and it’s revealed in this episode that Yuunagi is just a surname he and Ageha came up with just so that he can fit on Earth better given that Earthlings have first and last names. Yuunagi has the words evening and calm, so Tsubasa Yuunagi as a whole name most likely means “Evening Calm Wings” or Calm Evening Wings”, which is befitting for him.

In regards to this being a Tsubasa-development episode, it’s because of the episode focusing on airplanes, which is something he studied when he came to Earth. He’s a bonafide airplane nerd and he uses that knowledge to his advantage in the Minoton segments of this episode. The way he used wind trajectory to find a way to hit the Ranborg was pure knowledge on his part. It shows that his hard work definitely isn’t a waste.

His knowledge is only rivaled by the character of the day, Shoko Amane. She’s a girl much younger than Tsubasa but knows a lot about aerodynamics because her mother is a pilot. She and her father came to the airport to ride on the plane she pilots. I think it’s amazing that the mother is working as a pilot while the father cares for the child. It’s a rare thing to see, but I do like how the writers made it the mother with the cool job. I do like that despite Shoko being a bit precocious, she’s still a kid given that she wandered off and is scared of not being able to find her father. Also, props to her father for using the PSA announcement to find his child.

This is also a Mashiro development episode because seeing Shoko and her father and how they explain that they cannot always be together gets her reminded of her relationship with her family as she cannot be with her parents all the time. She still thinks about them and loves them dearly. I’m glad that her relationship with her parents are still positive and healthy because some kids in real life develop a distant bond with parents that aren’t present in their lives.

Mashiro’s parents are cute. Her dad is especially hilarious with how overly doting he is towards Mashiro and how made her super embarrassed with that super embarrassing T-shirt that will definitely be a meme in the Precure fandom. Mashiro does have titanium patience because if I was 14 and my parents made that super embarrassing T-shirt, I’d hate them for the next several days. It’s unfortunate that they only show up towards the end. I’d like to know more about them. I want to know if Mashiro’s dad knows that his mother Yoyo is from Sky Land or if he knows about his Sky Land blood. That’s my only gripe about this episode.

Overall, it was a cute episode. All the peaches on the airplanes reminded me of the Peaches song from the Super Mario Bros movie and now that song is stuck in my head again. Though, I also feel like this episode was like a promotion for an airline or something. Like I mentioned above, what is this arc going to bring for the Precures? Are they just going to have fillers until Ellee spotlight shows up again? Will the plot move forward? What do you think about this episode?

[wanderer-on-the-steppe]

Songs about the Khmelnytsky uprising, part 1:

I’ve been asked for more music about the Khmelnytsky uprising (the first song I posted – by Хорея Козацька, based on a poem by Hryhorii Skovoroda – can be found here), so I thought I’d do some blog posts on the songs I know. Starting with a classic that, for me, is both fascinating and thoroughly frustrating: the song about Khmelnytsky and Barabash (Дума про Хмельницького і Барабаша).

It’s fascinating because it recounts the famous episode of Khmelnytsky tricking Ivan Barabash into getting drunk at his house and in the meantime sending a servant for stealing the king’s letters from Barabash’s own house – and damn, I wish we’d get to see this in the “Ogniem i mieczem” movie. I know well that it doesn’t fit in there as far as the course of the plot is concerned... but I’d love to see it anyway. Because it has Khmelnytsky being clever and cunning, and Bohdan Stupka would have done wonders with a scene like this.

And here we have a historical song that tells exactly this episode in a style that’s just made for a performer with some acting skills – and on top of it, Bohun gets mentioned.

That’s the good part.

The scary part: In the song Khmelnytsky doesn’t only trick Barabash, but also kills him (admittedly after Barabash wanted to hand him over to his enemies, so... considering what that would have meant, it’s really not surprising) and sends his wife and children into slavery. And if I understand it correctly, there's absolutely nothing that indicates this last deed was considered unworthy of the protagonist in any way.

Thankfully, as the real Barabash is supposed to have been killed by his own rebelling Cossacks, there’s some hope that the fate of his family here is simply a literary invention. But it could have happened, and it just says a lot about the hate and bitterness that accompanied the rebellion if a detail like this could have been thought to make the story better.

Now, the frustrating part? Even though the song is well-known enough that I could find material for school lessons about it, it rarely seems to get performed anymore. And if it does, there either isn’t a decent recording of it, or… I simply haven’t found it so far ;)

What I have found is a fragment of it in an operatic interpretation – and if you want it, simply adding “mp3” to your google search for "Дума про Хмельницького і Барабаша" will make it show up in your first results, but please be aware that I cannot assess the safety of these sites. I’ve played the file online (though I didn’t download it), and so far, my computer seems alive and well, but… that’s really all I can say about it.

There’s also a more traditional interpretation by Nazar Bozhynsky (Назар Божинський), recorded in a town square – and this is on Youtube, and the link is fine –, but (did I mention the situation with this song is frustrating?) there’s a voice from a loudspeaker at a blaring volume chattering throughout the whole performance. Which, at least to me, renders the song completely unintelligible even with the lyrics at hand. Honestly… if this had been during the hetman’s lifetime, it would have ended badly for that loudspeaker ;)

So, all I have to offer is a spoken version. I promise, the next post in this series will have some actual music not drowned out by announcements!

[To avoid misunderstandings that can probably easily happen with as controversial a historical topic as the Khmelnytsky uprising: Despite my Ogniem i mieczem-related enthusiasm for the movie character Khmelnytsky (played by Bohdan Stupka), I am aware of the horrors that happened during the real uprising, and I’m posting these songs for their historical interest only – not to glorify a brutal war, and certainly not to mock its victims.]