#this was supposed to be funny and went in a completely different direction

[katzenmas]

okay but think about Nikto. Nikto who was not always no one. He was his mother's son, his sister's younger brother, the smiling kid from apartment 56 in the orange complex, the runt of the litter in his class.

Nikto who once had a name. A little boy who had a funny nickname that was yelled by his friends as they skipped class and ran from the guards in school. A boy who had dreams and nightmares and stupid petty fights with his classmates. Nikto who in his teenage years buzzed his hair and started wearing darker clothes. A boy who was offered his first cigarette at 14 and coughed up half a lung after one hit. A fight with the kids from a neighboring school left his nose crooked and blood filling his mouth, but his hands were slung over his friends' shoulders and they laughed. Nikto who watched wars break out. Had to hear it on the radio, see it on the news. Two old men talking about yet another conflict while playing chess in a park. History class in school talking about 'The Great Patriotic War', the horrors suddenly becoming too real. The need to do something pressing into his mind as he read the newspaper about an attack on a theatre by Chechen terrorists. Nikto who's mother's face paled when he said he enlisted. His older sister who tried to tell him to go to univeristy, study and then leave to go to a different country, live a better life, a life he deserved. His grandma who let silent tears spill as she remembered how her own husband did not return to her. A 17 year old boy who made up his mind, he wanted to serve his country, answer the call of duty. Nikto who went to training camp, passed it, but barely. A young fresh-faced boy who layed in his barrack bed and wondered if he made the right choice. He though he could never get used to the wight of his gun. Nikto who as the years passed adapted to the harsh military life. He revelled in it. The man came a long way, no one would be calling him the runt of the lotter now. His body filled out, muscles and skin hardening, his face that held baby fat even into his late teen years all but completely dissapeared, being swapped for a five o'clock shadow and a square jaw. Nikto who got into the helicopter with a smile, joking around with his squadmates as they set out to their next mission. The man who took down 13 hostiles by himself but was overwheled, the man who was not deemed worthy enough to go back for, the man who left at the hands of the enemy. Nikto who finally became no one. Nikto who's mind was spliced in so many directions that he could not make out the heads or the tails of life. Nikto who was no longer a boy or a man. He was death, he was nothing. Nikto who forgot his own name, forgot what life was like before the torture. Nikto who looked into the mirror, at the deformed thing that used to be his face. His minf trying to, but never quite coming up with a picture of what he looked like before. Nikto who came back changed. The voice in his mind also splitting, making him think that he was no one but also everyone at the same time. A big void of bodies and sounds trapped in one broken body. Nikto who had a chance to go back home. The door to the apartment where he supposedly spent his whole life was unfamiliar to him. The peeling paint and the rickety lock looked like things he knew, but the more he tried to remember the harder it was. Nikto who watched the woman who was supposed to be his mother fall to her knees when he said that her son is dead. The dog tags and envelope methodically handed over to her. He watched as another woman slowly made her way over to the weeping lady, embraced her and wailed. Wailed for a man who was dead but also alive. Screamed a long forgotten name and prayed to god, a god that Nikto himself remembers praying to during those months of being caputered. But they don't get an answer from him, just like he never did. He mutters an apology and turns away from the door. Leaves the orange complex with the women who grieved him behind. Just as he left himself behind. he was no one. He was Nikto.

[jeonqkooks]

First of all - I love obs so fcking much 🥹 Your writing is truly just.. chefs kiss!!

But I would really like to see how they handled their first big argument/fight (if they had one ofc), after they started dating

our beloved summer; a drabble

You fucked up.

You know it. Jungkook knows it. Taehyung, Jimin and Hoseok know it.

You fucked up.

You were scared, and so naturally, that made you stupid.

Now here you stand, in front of his door, wondering whether you should knock or leave. Patch things up or make things worse. You don’t know if this is one of those times where you should let him cool off and everything will be okay again in the morning, or if it’ll blow up if you let him simmer for too long.

You’ve been dating for almost a year, and not once has your boyfriend looked so dejected.

Hurt.

Because of what you said, and in front of all your friends, no less. 

It’s not like you and Jungkook have never fought before, because god knows you have. But it’s different this time. What you said was clearly out of line. The words didn’t feel right even as they were sitting on the tip of your tongue, but they jumped out anyway.

The whole group was supposed to spend a cute night together at Taehyung and Jimin’s place, eating cheap pizza and drinking even cheaper liquor. For the most part, it was a nice evening, until Hoseok asked what everybody was doing for Christmas.

You were already chewing on your lip when Jungkook mentioned that he'd be going back to Busan to see his family, because you had a good feeling of what he was teeing up to. By the time he asked if you would come with him to spend the holidays there, your stomach was in knots.

In response, you attempted a joke. A royally disastrous joke.

Because that's what you do. You hide behind nonchalance when big feelings are involved. It’s so easy to fall back into bad habits.

"Are you sure you want to introduce your parents to a girl who might not even be here for that much longer?"

Thinking back, you don't even know what you wanted the punchline to be. You meant it as a dig at yourself, but it didn't quite land that way. The way the guys went completely still, told you that nobody found it funny.

Your friends all stared at you - a question mark etched onto all three faces - then at Jungkook to gauge his reaction.

He blinked, and the hopeful smile from seconds before faltered. "Why is that supposed to mean?”

"I'm just saying, who knows what'll happen.” You shrugged. “There's a very real possibility that I might not spend the next Christmas with you. Hell, we might even break up tomorro-..." you trailed off when you caught Taehyung's eye, who subtly shook his head for you to stop before you could dig an even deeper hole for yourself.

The silence that embraced the room was chilling. Nobody said a word after that, because it was obviously not Taehyung, Jimin, or Hoseok’s place to comment. You watched as your boyfriend’s face fell, as he made himself small, and when you tried to reach for his hand, he stood up. Your fingers grazed his shirt before he slipped away entirely.

“That’s not what I mea-”

“‘Kay.” The single word was directed at you even though Jungkook’s body was facing the guys. "Sorry, uhm..." he said, turning toward the door despite you calling out his name. "I think I'm just gonna head home early."

Then he left, without even looking at you.

You touch the textured surface of his door, still not sure what you should say if you do decide to knock. Jungkook has been nothing but patient with you all this time, and you’ve been nothing but a coward. What you said tonight... You might as well have flat out told him that you didn't believe in this relationship.

You move away from the door to pace around for the millionth time in the past hour, but you jump when the barrier cracks open, revealing a tired-looking Jungkook on the other side.

“Don’t just stand there anymore,” he says, already retreating back into his home without looking at you. “It’s cold.”

You follow him inside, and close the door quietly behind you. “How did you know I was out there?”

“I could hear you pacing,” he says. For a brief moment, you’re flushed with embarrassment for thinking that you were so stealthy when in fact, he was listening to you the entire time. “And the guys texted asking if you got here okay. Why didn’t you let Tae walk you? It’s late.”

I can take care of myself, you think, but you bite back your default response. Instead, you tell him, “Okay. I won’t do that again.”

“Next time, let them walk with you.”

When Jungkook goes to sit down on the couch, you do the same. But something unfamiliar is there - an invisible wall that is the space between his end of the couch and yours. You don’t dare cross it, not with the way he refuses to turn his head in your direction.

It feels a lot like being shut out, and there isn’t a single part of you that enjoys it. He’s never distant when it’s only the two of you.

Is this how he feels whenever he’s with you? Every time he says I love you and you swerve the sentiment with a much milder and non-committal response, does his heart sink? Even though you love him, and you kiss him like you mean it, does he still feel cold right down to his bones?

It’s not a question of if you love him, but a question of if you’ll say it.

“Why can’t you walk with me next time?” you ask.

He shrugs. “I’m just saying.”

”Are we fighting?” The question comes out with a chuckle in an attempt to brush off the tension, even though this is no laughing matter. 

“I don’t know.” He mutters, more deflated than you expected him to be. “What are we fighting about?”

"I'm sorry," you say, because you don't know how else to start, but you mean it. "I'm really sorry."

“Okay.”

You bite your lip, then fumble with your fingers in your lap, twitching with the urge to reach out and touch him. He’s right there but he’s not here. His head is somewhere else, somewhere far away from you. “I didn’t mean it like that. You of all people should know that.”

Jungkook lets you sit in silence for a short while. Two minutes stretch out like two hundred days, excruciatingly endless, and you’re just stuck in the middle of it with no way out. There’s a thought that pops up in the back of your mind, a thought that makes your stomach roll with anxiety.

Is this a countdown?

He finally sighs, the exhale of a deep breath that somehow makes him feel even heavier.

"I know. I do know that. I know you love me too even if you don’t say it in those exact words. But that’s what it sounded like tonight. Sometimes I feel like all you think about is leaving when all I think about is a future with you.”

It turns you inside out, that look on his face. His eyes twinkle sadly, and you feel like shit for being the reason why he looks so dejected.

“I don’t want to say that you’re breaking my heart, because that would mean admitting I love you enough to let you keep doing it.”

Then he breathes in, like he’s bracing himself.

“But I do.”

Even the silence between his words is poignant.

“And you are.”

You don’t know what to say. You’re not good at this.

You’re not sure how Jungkook interprets your stillness, your lack of a verbal response, but he sighs again, quieter this time. Just as you open your mouth - not to speak because you’re still hunting for the right words - he stands up.

Actually, you know what the right words are.

“You know what, we can talk about this in the morning. I’m tired. Let’s just… sleep on it. Take my bed. I’ll take the couch,” he says, then he seems to realize something, like he could read your mind. “But if you want to leave, I won’t force you to stay.”

It means so much more than just that. He knows you understand it.

A way out.

But all it does is make you panic.

When he moves past you, you catch his wrist. “No,” you tell him, “let’s talk about it now.” You don’t know what expression you’re wearing, but it dilutes his anger, softens his hurt.

He looks at you, resigned, but he sits back down. This time, he sits right next to you and that makes you feel better, just by a fraction.

It’s always Jungkook who holds a hand out for you, waiting and wanting but never pushing. When the world is cold and you close in on yourself little by little, he’s always there by your side. You don’t want to admit that you’ve started taking him for granted somewhere along the way, but maybe you have. You get used to hearing those three words but not saying them back.

Thinking that he’ll continue to show up and be here and you won’t have to commit to anything. Thinking that if you don’t seal your fate, then it won’t hurt if it ends.

When it ends.

“I’m sorry,” you repeat. It makes you feel stupid that you're just echoing this for a third time. “I didn’t mean it like that. I want to spend Christmas with you and your parents.”

“You don’t have to do it just because you think I’m upset.”

“I want to spend Christmas with your family, I promise.”

It’s weak, and you hate how you’re all too aware of just how weak of a reassurance it is.

He pokes a tongue into his cheek, eyes still sad, features still gloomy. “It’s okay, you know,” he says. “It’s okay if you want to leave. I’m not going to hold it against you.”

How do you make him understand that you don’t want to leave? That leaving him couldn’t be the furthest thing from your mind?

This isn’t playful banter. This isn’t a silly argument where one of you is shooting daggers from your eyes because the other pissed you off over something stupid and trivial. This is real, and you can’t weasel your way out of this one with finger guns and empty bravado.

As terrifying as it is to tell him those three words, to solidify how you feel, it’s nothing compared to losing him. The mere thought makes your stomach hurt, makes you want to drop to your knees.

You’re frustrated, because they’re sitting right there on the tip of your tongue but they’re stubborn and you’re afraid.

Suddenly, you crawl into his lap like a child and cling to his warmth koala-style, with your face hidden in the crook of his neck. He’s hesitant at first, a tiny bit startled, but then his hands are on your waist, your hips, drawing soothing patterns into your skin over your clothes. Now it feels like you’re the one who needs to be comforted.

You hug him close to your body like you could die if he were to let you go.

You run the words over in your head three times, because once they’re out there, you can’t ever take them back. They’ll be his to keep, for as long as he wants them. Isn’t it scary to think that your heart could belong to someone else, forever?

But he loves you and he tells you just as much. And you love him too. The only difference is you’re a coward.

It’s always the scariest right before you take the leap, right?

His gentle fingers are still soothing you. It feels nice.

Okay, here goes nothing.

For someone who’s highly uninterested in drama, you sure are dramatic.

“I love you.”

The very second you say those words, Jungkook goes still, his hands stopping their ministrations like you’ve frozen him completely. The one thing that isn’t motionless is his heart, hammering against his ribcage which you can feel where your chests are practically pressed together.

You swallow hard, then pull back slowly to gauge his reaction. His eyes well up, and you could probably make fun of him for it if you yourself weren’t on the verge of tears too. Crybaby, that’s what you’d tell him.

“Please mean it,” he says.

“You know I wouldn’t say it unless I mean it, and I mean it. I love you. You know I do.”

He looks at you for a few seconds longer to see if this is real, or if you’re just trying to appease him. There’s no trace of the latter.

He kisses you then, his tears spilling over and now you’re both crying as he picks you up with your body still wrapped around his and carries you blindly to where his bedroom is, clumsily knocking against some furniture on the way. He’s still emotional - in a good way, of course - as he lays you on his bed, as he helps you take off your clothes, as he fucks you nice and slow, like you’re the only thing he worships. When you come undone, you look him in the eye but tonight is the first time that he unravels with your soft voice whispering to him what he’s always dreamed of. 

I love you. A third time. 

The more you say it, the more you love him, and the more you want to keep saying it.

No, the fall isn’t scary. Not when he’s there to catch you in the end. You don’t know how much time you’ve wasted trying to convince yourself otherwise.

Even when you both gravitate toward each other’s warmth under the covers, you don’t tell him goodnight. You tell him you love him.

“Can you say it again in the morning?” he asks.

You kiss him like it’s a promise you intend to keep, because it is. 

“I will.”

[owlf45]

started scrolling through candor and ended up rereading the whole thing. here's some things that I noticed that people didn't pick up on/didn't mention in comments (ordered from most interesting (IMO) to least):

chapter arcs & stages of grief

Roughly each of the 7 chapters in Candor embodies a different stage of grief (an extended model from the 5 stage model): shock, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, reconstruction, and acceptance. because grief is inherently messy, these stages are superfluous and sometimes a chapter cycles through multiple of these moods. but, generally, each chapter shines with each stage of grief. (funnily enough, this was not necessarily intentional; I broke up the chapters in terms of vibes and readability, but it turned out quite nicely.)

theme: growth, love, and the unsaid conflict b/t AFO & Yoichi

everyone picked up on the theme of self love, but really the theme is about love despite changing. its about growing up.

you see where this theme shows the failure of love when people grow in two different directions. Yoichi and AFO in chapter 3, for example:

“You lied to me,” All For One snarls. “I told you I would take care of you. I loved you, and you lied to me.”  “The person I loved died the minute you decided to kill for no reason!” Izuku snaps.  All For One reels. “What happened to the Yoichi that cared? What happened to you?”

And:

All For One watches him curiously. “I wonder how many times my adoring little brother will watch you die,” he says simply. “I wonder how long it will take before he realizes it was his fault he changed.” 

Versus Yoichi and Izuku in chapter 6:

“When you choose to love somebody, you choose to love a different version of them every day.” Yoichi looks sad. His hair curtains his face more than usual. “Maybe, when you wake up from this simulation, you will not be the same. Maybe the person who went into the simulation isn’t the one who will come out of it.” Izuku stares.  “If they love you,” Yoichi says, “they will choose to keep loving you.” “They can’t love someone who doesn’t exist anymore,” Izuku says, defeated.  “It exists, here, in your memories,” Yoichi replies. “And it exists in their memories too.” 

it is as blatant a metaphor for growing up as I could get without starting to wax poetry. it's about changing, becoming someone so different that recognizing you is difficult. yes, it is about loving yourself, but its about loving in spite of not being the person you were once comfortable being.

the line 'it exists, here, in your memories' ('it' meaning izuku) is also a little bit funny. izuku is quite literally in his memories when this line is spoken, but he is not the person he wants to be there (he is not who he was before the simulation): instead, he is unrecognizable, monstrous, and lost. it is supposed to be paradoxical. at the same time yoichi says, "it exists here, in your memories", 'it' does not exist in his memories— 'it' is dead. the contradiction lends itself to the theme of growth often being a confusing, uncertain period.

(note that Yoichi is speaking both times here. in chapter 3 he says he loved a person who died (a younger AFO who no longer exists, who didn't kill others). in chapter 6, yoichi says that when you love someone, you choose to love different versions of them as they come. here is as close as yoichi gets to confessing that he loves afo, still, even as he hates him. what makes chapter 3 fascinating is that afo says he loves Yoichi but means it shallowly and obsessively—he means he loves a version of Yoichi that is adoring, repentant, and reliant on afo. yoichi dies with his love completely unmentioned (it's not even in the narration), though it is far more real.)

inspiration from canon

there are a lot of references to the muscular fight, and the first time is when I introduce the readers to warring identities between izuku wanting to flee and wanting to fight (civilian Deku vs. hero Deku). this dialogue is actually directly from canon (the anime, at the very least). watching it inspired that whole part of the fic.

the fourth vestige & theme: perception

less for candor, more for the series in general: people wildly overestimate the 'evilness' or twistedness of izuku's fourth vestige in perception, which is my fault because I made aizawa the POV and the man is notoriously paranoid and harsh. his personal feelings do melt into the narration quite a bit which paint a brutal picture (which I did on purpose but I underestimated how seriously people took aizawa's POV), so ill talk a little bit from behind the scenes. i find the fourth vestige to be cunning, analytical, and sort of the mastermind behind canon!izuku's brains. civilian-izuku can memorize tons of facts, but obviously, he's not much of a planner. he tends to go about things in a very headstrong way, as seen by how he mindlessly throws himself into the simulation. UA izuku (the fourth) is more creative. but much like the other vestiges, he is scared and doesn't want to be left behind. he takes satisfaction when he's seen as a person, a worthy hero, a challenge. as a result, he's much like a peacock, posturing in the way izuku does at UA to seem confident and in control, though pushed to an extreme because its hosted in a single vestige. the line that gets twisted in aizawa's POV the most, I think, is this one, where UA Izuku says this to civilian (Aldera) deku:

UA Izuku holds his hand out to the other. “I don’t want to hurt people any more than you do.” And the lie is so, so smooth.

which, if you think about it for a second, is probably not an unrealistic lie for... well, anyone. civilian Deku would cry if he stepped on a ladybug. here UA izuku is charming, knowing that civilian Deku is twitchy, frightened, and difficult to pin down, and needs to be reassured of UA Izuku's goodness and kindness. UA Izuku, understanding how explosive the other two vestiges are, has to think creatively to minimize conflict and does that by seeking out the one most likely to hurt himself to keep him safe (I find UA izuku would be the least likely). now, would UA izuku be willing to hurt others? probably, if it meant keeping himself and others safe. but that's not an evil value. hence why I titled perception the way I did... not just because more things are happening that were never seen in candor, but also because Aizawa himself, our POV and our muse for the day, brings his own biases to the table.

theme: grief, again

explaining the up-and-downs of each chapter is super complicated and circumstantial, so I wont for all of them, but I wanted to talk about chapter 3 (again! I guess it has my heart). it has a heavy focus on the warmest, most compassionate characters (fifth and seventh). as hinted above, it is also the 'anger' stage of grief. much of the chapter is about this compassionate love, but its also about loss, and the anger that accompanies it. chapter three starts with izuku whole and ends with him in pieces as he loses parts of himself in parallel of fifth/seventh's memories. candor is constantly ending at an arc where it started (but with its occupants changed, different). the material in each chapter and between chapters is circular/repetitive, much like grieving is.

fun fact, i guess

the first scene in candor is not the first scene that izuku goes through. the very first line says as much: "It’s the third time Izuku’s hit the pavement face-first... And it’s his third time dying today." It's implied that Izuku's already been at it for a while in different scenes, though it's subtle. no one seemed to pick up on that in the comments until it was shown in perception. i wanted it to be very evident what the crux of the conflict in the fic was, however, so I started with the jumping-out-the-window scene.

i dont believe this is a super inclusive look at everything candor has to offer, but here's a few things i could think of right off the top of my head. again, this is what I was thinking about when I wrote it, but I am but one person, so conveying these points might not be obvious or done poorly. nevertheless, if you ever decide to go back and reread parts of it, I hope some of my decisions are enlightening and/or interesting!!

[noroi1000]

can you please do a piece where Gojo from the past ...maybe the second year gojo travels to the future and like...he see's you and you're like married. He used to have a crush on you in high school and now your married hes like :/. until he finds out he is your husband...??? pllss??

In a few years

cover by @blvckryx

Paring: Gojo (17 and 28yo) x reader

words: 2,5k

warning: a little perverted Gojo

"W-What's going on?!"

The white-haired boy looked around. He woke up in a completely different place from where he fell asleep. He didn't know where he was. He didn't know how he got there.

The sun was setting. He was lying on the grass by the river.

Next to the sidewalk.

If it was supposed to be a stupid joke, it wasn't funny.

Was he anywhere near school at all?

He sat on the grass and looked at his hands. He was looking at him. Judging if he's okay. After all, he was lying on the grass, and he didn't even know how he got there.

Maybe he got drunk and didn't remember?

After all, when he tasted alcohol once, he didn't want to put it in his mouth. It's not tasty. Besides, he didn't have a hangover, so if he got drunk, he'd remember it. And he just sat there, knowing what he'd been doing before, remembering that he'd walked into the warehouse with the cursed weapon and found the pocket watch.

He looked there once, and clicked a button.

The watch had previously measured 11 seconds. And then he turned off the stopwatch and tossed the item, thinking it was just junk on the shelf. Maybe someone left it there and forgot to take it? After all, this watch wasn't cursed at all. No one has placed a curse on it that can make it useful.

It was just an ordinary watch.

He pulled his phone out of his uniform pocket, looking at the date and time.

The date on his phone was May 12, 2007. But as he stared at the small screen for a while, he noticed that the time had not changed at all for several minutes.. He had no range at all. He closed the phone and then opened it again. The hour remained the same.

And he also couldn't make any calls because he had no reception at all. Literally as if the operator of the network he had on the phone was gone.

He stood up, brushing the grass and dirt off his clothes, and held out his long hand with the phone in the air. Hoping to catch at least one line.

Nothing of that. There was no range.

Snorting softly, he put the phone back in his pocket, but then checked the date again.

Just then, he heard laughter in his direction.

"This is not the time of such phones, Grandpa!" one teenager laughed.

He was probably even younger than Him.

And he was 17!

A little kid won't laugh at him!

"Look at your shit! You don't know how much that phone cost me!" He shouted.

After all, his phone was expensive. It was one of the best.

Wait... It's not the time of such phones? What does it mean?

Suddenly he saw them walking on, and pulling other phones out of their pockets. Flat, no buttons.

"What's going on...?" He muttered watching one of them talking on the device and the other playing as if it were a console.

Stowing away his phone, he stepped onto the sidewalk, looking around.

He walked a kilometer along the river until he came to a road on which there were quite a lot of cars.

He saw the inscription on the signs: Tokyo. So he was still in town. Only in the suburbs?

It was definitely not the main Tokyo. It was very big.

And even though the buildings here were big and tall, it wasn't in the middle of the nation's capital.

A lot of things here were different from what he had seen before... Even though he traveled around Japan a lot on missions or during vacations.

It was different.

But one thing has not changed. Even the suburbs of Tokyo are big cities.

That's why he went ahead.

He stopped at a window with a small screen. And then he widened his eyes and wondered why on the screen is May 12, 2018...

It was strange and impossible... Then why...?

He started walking forward, looking around.

He wasn't paying attention, so he hit one person with his shoulder.

He turned sideways and apologized quickly. Before he went on.

You looked at the boy who walked away. At least he apologized for hitting you with his shoulder. However, he seemed familiar to you...

All you saw was white hair and the color of the clothes you knew.

However, there are many people who wear this color of clothes. And also people with white hair.

For example, your friend.

Even though this boy looked a bit alike, you couldn't see his face. And it can't be him.

You went further. Wanting to spend nice moments with your friends.

But when Gojo walked a few meters further, he suddenly stopped. Eyes wide, he turned to look at the woman he bumped into.

"This... (y/n)?" He grunted looking at the back of your head.

He would always know your eyes. Your face. You were the girl he couldn't stop thinking about.

When he saw you enter a nearby store, he followed you.

And, sitting at a table in a small restaurant, he held the menu in front of his face so that you wouldn't recognize him.

He started listening to your conversation.

You talked about what to eat.

And before you were done talking about it, he took a good look at the women you were there with.

"Wait... Shoko?" He muttered looking at the long-haired woman with a mole. Next to her was a woman with a scar he recognized from her eyes and hair, and also a white-haired one. "Utahime and Mei Mei?"

Suddenly a young waitress approached him, asking if he wanted to order something.

He looked at her, and she at him. And in that moment her eyes almost sparkled when she saw his face.

Whenever she spoke to Him, he tried to blow her off. He was busy now. He didn't have time to listen and watch some waitress fall in love with him at first sight.

He could barely believe he was transported into the future.

And now he's supposed to believe there's a wedding ring on your finger?

He timed it with watch: 11 seconds. . That's why he moved 11 years into the future.

And after 11 hours spent in another year, he'll be back.

And so far it's been four hours... Well, Most probably.

He wandered around the city until finally he found you.

And now he was staring at the shiny ring on your finger.

He liked you since he can remember.

And when he now saw the calendar with the year number 2018, he couldn't believe it.

Could he ever get married?

You've always been nice to him. you were friends.

You were close. However, you were not his girlfriend.

Well, he liked you. For everything you are. But you never showed him the same things he showed you.

Even if he sometimes tried to win your favor. It wasn't the same.

So you must have married someone you liked.

Sure, he was happy for you. But he was terribly jealous. Who could you marry?!

If it was Nanami, he's really going to go up to him and beat him up. If it was Geto, he'll be depressed that you preferred his best friend over him.

It was a sad feeling for him as well as an angry feeling. This view of you with this ring. It was painful for him.

He probably would never have dared ask you to marry him... It had to be someone else...

Because you're the only one who ever makes him blush and ashamed.

Your husband is someone else... For sure...

And he was pissed about someone taking you away from him in the future...

He had to find out who and then prevent you from falling in love with someone! When he goes back to the year he's supposed to be, he'll prevent you from meeting the guy you fell in love with!

As you left the restaurant, he followed you.

He just sat there to hear what you were saying. And so that they wouldn't throw him out, he ordered something to eat.

He ate only the cherry pie he bought and drank a cup of latte coffee.

He just watched the ring sparkle on your finger.

And when you left the restaurant in the evening, he was looking at you. Keeping an eye on your safety and also to find out more.

When I got home, he was hiding outside. He was looking out the window. Another few hours passed. He has maybe 3 or 4 hours left?

Even though he didn't know it, he had to hurry.

The moment you left the bedroom, he quickly jumped through the window into your house.

You live in the suburbs. But your bedroom is upstairs. You have a two-story house with a garden. Beautiful, rich. You must have married someone rich...

You have something you dreamed of.

When he saw the room from the inside, he saw how cozy it was.

There were no pictures of you with your husband.

All he saw on the dresser was an old picture of you with him and Geto. From school.

And then just you and him.

By the time you came back, he had already looked around.

Big high bed, furniture. Lots of luxuries. Even though it was a simple and cozy house. It was almost luxurious.

As he opened the drawer, one thing made his eyes widen. Pregnancy test pack.

He looked into the box until you were in the room.

He picked up a pink stick with a red thing on it.

Two Lines.

He took a moment to remember what one line meant and what two meant.

Is it possible you were pregnant?

Now he must have known who did this to you.

Your phone on the bed started ringing.

But when he heard footsteps, he started to panic.

The first thing he thought of was entering the wardrobe that stood against the wall.

He jumped in so fast that the large piece of furniture nearly toppled over.

He didn't have time to check your phone.

When you entered the bedroom, you answered the phone with a smile and started talking to someone.

And by the words "honey" and "sweetheart", he guessed you were talking to your husband.

He looked at you through the gap between the wardrobe doors.

Your body looks more mature.

Your thighs and hips are wider, and so are your breasts. Your face.

He only thought that you were beautiful and sexy.

If you are pregnant and you look like this, when you have a bigger belly, you will look even more beautiful.

He covered his eyes as he felt like punching himself in the face. He never thought a pregnant woman could be sexy... What happened to him now?

After all, he would never have a wife. He would never have a child. He already knew it. Because either someone won't accept him or he won't accept someone.

Besides, he wasn't sure he'd ever settle down.

And your smile as you spoke into the device by your ear made him want to smile.

You were happy...

So maybe he won't take it from you...

If you didn't want him, maybe he'll let it go?

Even though he loves you. There's no way he could ever be your husband. And the father of your child...

That would mean you love him. And do you love him?

When you put the phone down, he just realized that your husband will be home soon.

His chance to find out who he is.

You didn't put your phone on the bed, you took it with you.

And then he heard a knock on the door. And then laughs.

He didn't know why, he knew the sound of that male laugh... He knew it from somewhere.

He heard footsteps into the bedroom again and stepped back a bit so that no one would see his eyes as he stood there.

"Aw... Stop! It tickles!" you exclaimed laughing.

He heard no answer.

You looked at your husband as he ran his teeth over the skin of your neck. After a sensitive point.

"Ah, it really tickles!" you said pulling his hair.

Young Gojo looked away with a small blush. After all, he didn't want to watch you fuck your husband.

Or would it be interesting?

He couldn't do that to you. Because if he looked at you any other time, he'd see your body, and he'd remember some naked guy fucking you...

Then he heard some whispers and other laughs. He still didn't want to take away your privacy. With a slight blush, he stood there, staring at the wardrobe wall.

"Do you remember the first time I did that to you?" your husband asked, whispering in your ear.

"How could I not remember it? I had a mark on my neck for two weeks! It was... During your 18th birthday... It was 10 years ago, as long as we've been together..." you said softly.

Young Gojo looked out of curiosity through the gap between the wardrobe doors. You've been together 10 years? He must have known who your husband is!

"You know, I saw someone like you today when you were younger."

Blue eyes widened as he saw your husband's silhouette.

Tall, white hair. Black blindfold on the face .

His breath hitched in his lungs.

And you said something that made him believe that he was your husband...

"We've been together for 10 years, Toru." you said reaching for his face.

Taking off his blindfold.

Seeing the same blue eyes as his, he smiled slightly.

When he turns 18, you will be his girlfriend...

On his 18th birthday... Soon.

And you will be together for so long...

He will be your husband. You will be his wife...

You will be happy together.

Most likely you will have a baby!

Even if he thought you would never love him. You loved him.

You hugged him and he pulled down the sleeve of your shirt.

Putting his mouth and teeth on your shoulder.

Before he sank his teeth into your skin, he looked at the wardrobe.

Feeling something strange. Seeing something like this.

"You said you saw someone like me when I was young, right?" he asked, blowing into your ear.

He wondered what was going on here.

That's him.

He remembers that when he was 17, he checked a gold watch which is cursed.

Something that takes you to the future.

With his eyes fixed on the crack between the wardrobe doors, he licked your neck.

His hands gripped your sides. You gave a cute groan.

Young Satoru felt warmth on his cheeks as he saw the older one kissing, hugging and touching you.

He gave him a smile and winked one eye. And bit into your arm. Hugging you closer.

"I love you." You said holding his neck. Hugging him.

Now he knew you loved him...

A ring will appear on his finger. And you will be happy with him.

[000marie198]

Happy Wholesome Wednesday!

........

Safest Shelter , Part 1

Night had already fallen in Mystic Ruins when Sonic and Tails finally returned home, a cool summer breeze whirling through the trees nearby before moving offshore towards the sea, the scent of damp forest clashing with that of the salty mist, continuously switching with the wind's direction.

It always felt like a miracle how one place had two completely different natural environments depending on which side of the workshop one looked.

The workshop that was now their own home.

Though they already had it for almost a year now, Sonic didn't think he would ever get used to returning to an actual home after a long day of battles and heroics. Never thought he'd even make an effort to find a permanent one when he used to get by just fine before. Funny how having someone to look after and take care of changed so many things, how having a little brother made life just that much more easier and worthwhile.

Said little brother was currently asleep, gently held by the older mobian as he clutched onto the one carrying him, his face buried in Sonic's shoulder as the young blue hedgehog carefully trudged through the grass, little yellow fireflies floating around the tall blades like twinkling blue stars in the dark sky above.

Tails mumbled in his sleep and snuggled closer as Sonic shifted him to open the door and step inside. He resisted an urge to squeeze back so not to wake him up, knowing the kid had tuckered himself out after a long day of adventuring. He was a resilient kit but he was still just five. He was still a child and he needed all the sleep he could get, especially with all the activity he had been up to when he was awake.

Sonic went with running his hand down the fox's back instead, his charge becoming more limp with drowsiness as he relaxed due to the gentle strokes, somehow feeling heavier than before even though it made zero sense for him to have become heavier all of a sudden.

Which was good, Sonic supposed, as it meant the fox wouldn't get disturbed awake too easily when he'd be carried up the stairs to his room. He pushed the door close with his foot before heading towards the steps leading to the upper floor, snagging Tails' blanket from the couch's back on the way there.

Shifting a sleeping Tails into a more secure hold, he cautiously climbed up the steps and made his way towards his little brother's bedroom, trying to slowly open the door so that its knob and hinges wouldn't squeak.

Mentally doing a little celebratory dance when he succeeded, he proceeded to slide off the shoes Tails was wearing and lowered Tails to the bed, shushing him and stroking his back when the kit tried to hold on tighter with a minute whimper as he subconscuiously sensed that he was being released from the protective hold.

Tucking the blanket around him when he finally managed to get the younger to release him, Sonic gently rubbed his head, running his fingers through the bangs and fur, letting out a soft smile as Tails' arms and face went lax. He held back a snicker as he heard the fox letting out soft snores, signalling that he had officially fallen into a much deeper slumber.

With one final pat on the head, the hedgehog made sure the blanket was secure and his little brother was tucked in properly before moving to leave the bedroom, closing the door shut behind him.

...........

@starrjoy

Part 2

[rinbowaman]

S E 7 E N : A S M O D E U S   P A R T   S E 7 E N

Warnings: drying humping, breaking entry, harassment, assault, torturous abuse, blood, gore, groping, and cussing. i think that's it.

Suddenly, just as you felt the man pressing his blade on your skin, you remained with your face turned to the side, eyes winced shut, bracing yourself for the excruciating pain to hit you…when the door opens…even with the locks still intact. You remained with your face away, but the group turn over as they watched a young man enter, dressed in black as well, yet was elegant and lavish with his expensive fabric and fiery copper hair. “Who are you?” “Oooh trust me…you don’t need to know that. Especially you..” Hearing that familiar voice, you turned your face to see Sunoo standing a few feet away as he points over to the man who had his knife in hand, ready to slice you up. “I demand that you-“…………… ……………….

The clanking sound of the ka-bar knife landing on the floor is the only sound heard in the room as the man suddenly disappears, literally in a blink of an eye. “W-where did the Governor go? What happened?” The men look around before turning their gaze to Sunoo. “You! This is your doing?! What have you done?” Sunoo merely smiles as he stands with his arms crossed. “Governor? That’s too funny…you people seriously think you’re something special…all because you’ve discovered something that no human should be meddling with.” Propping up a hand, he admires his fingernails. “Well sorry to tell you, but your ‘governor’ crossed the line…I mean you all did but…”

With a momentary pause as he focused on admiring his nails, he continues as he blows on his fingers. “I’m afraid he went too far. I’m pretty sure my elder brother is getting veeeeeery creative with him by now, and by the time I return, he’ll be nothing more than fertilizer for the flowers he’s growing for his bride, which so happens to be the dazzling beauty you have in your disgusting hands. Get them off her before I chop them up to pieces.” The men lure a series of insults as they all narrow in towards Sunoo, one of the members remained gripping on to you, pinning both your arms behind your back. “Oooh.” Sighing, Sunoo merely stands, recrossing his arms as he looks at the men with amusement. “Every time when I gain hope because of someone like her…” nudging his nose of in your direction, he continues on as he flares at the man who harshly had you in his grasp. “I am reacquainted with disappointment because of idiots such as yourselves.” Without entertaining his words, the men lash out as they lunge over to him. With the same hand that he admired a moment ago, Sunoo merely places his hand up, palm facing the group and his fingers remained all spread apart. Much like the meaning behind the sign language he displayed, the men that were nearly inches away from him all stopped…their bodies straightened and completely perpendicular, much different than how they were just a second ago as they were leaning and rushing in to attack. Curving his fingers in towards his palm, he balls it up into a closed fist as he shifts it over, displaying all the fingers to face the ceiling. With a tight grip of the air that lurks within his empty grasp, he merely chuckles as each time he tightens and squeezes, the men all scream in immense pain.

The only one who didn’t seem to feel the effects of Sunoo’s display was the one behind you, yet you could tell he was panicking as he screamed out trying to reach into his fellow members as they remained standing yet squirming violently in pain. From the exterior, there was nothing that seemed to be causing the horrendous screams that were eluding out of throats. You then started to wonder… ‘Is he doing something to them from the inside?’

Just as suspected, you watched as each man suddenly drop down in a harsh thud as blood oozed out of their ears, mouth, nose, and eyes. “W-what…what have you done?!” The man behind you shouts out. “Looks painful, doesn’t it? I suppose having your heart exploding in your chest cavity would be.” Sunoo calmly explains as he glares at the man, taking steps forward towards your direction. “Now for you…since you don’t like to listen, I believe i specifically told you all…to get your hands off her….” His gaze became sharp and beyond fearful as he took on a dangerous tone towards the man. “Looks like I’ll have to teach you how to listen…” Sunoo softly states. Suddenly, the man releases your wrists, yet it wasn’t willingly as you slightly turned and saw his expression of fear and confusion when it dawned on you and him, that he had no control over his body. Pulling you away gently as he leans your back against his chest, his large overcoat draped over his shoulders, he takes the large and long sleeves, and cradles them around your exposed breasts as he issues for you to hold on to them. The moment your hands pinched on to the fabric, he cups your breasts, slightly caressing and pinching your nipples softly in between his fingers. Whispering in your ear, he asks you… “Darling, would you like to know my real name?” He kisses your cheek as you slightly whimper from his touch as he continues to massage your breasts in the most tender manner. “Would you like to know who I reeeeeeally am?” He kisses your ear. “To see how I handle shitheads like him?” He kisses the tip of your nose. “To see how I punish those who don’t want to listen?” “Yes….I do.” Your answers and eagerness to see these men do their worst was more confidant f and accepting as you started to find comfort in seeing them holding the cult members accountable for their hidden display of hypocrisy. With another kiss, this time on your lips, issuing his tongue inside your mouth as he gently bites your lower lip, he whispers to you… “Fucking Queen…you were made for him.” Looking at the man once more, Sunoo begins to calmly speak towards the regulator. “Look at her….you want her don’t you? Don’t deny it…I know you do. You desire her…” The man gazes at you, beads of sweat dripping down his brow, he struggled but reluctantly answers…it came out as if it was forced out of him. “Y…yes….” “I know you do…you desire to grab her hair….feel her skin…..to put yourself inside her…don’t you?” Sunoo remarks as he taps his fingers along your breasts. The regulators breathing becomes heavy and deep, unable to speak, he clenched his jaw shut. “Oh I know the answer…there’s no use in hiding it. You’d do anything for the sake of your lustful state to be appeased…wouldn’t you?” Once again, the man struggles as his eyes begin to roll towards the back of his head as Sunoo continues to speak out an hypnotic tune of sultry words. “You’re so weak…men like you become weakened flesh upon the sight and sound of a woman. Those like you, who are weak become the pinnacle of disgrace and a poor definition of your kind…you touched her, you enjoyed placing your filthy hands on her. You watched as that man was going to cut into her, and worse than that…you were going to enjoy it….enjoy hearing her scream out of anguish and pain…” Sunoo’s tone began to get deeper, it reached a level of darkness that was similar to his brothers before him. “So let me teach you, and send you back to your leaders so you can show them, just what happens when you don’t listen….and when you touch her.” Observing, you watched as a ring of red appears around the man’s wrist. Emerging from the clean lining, blood overflowed and drips down, coating his forearms as he begins to screech out in pain. “Now….hear me you pitiful soul…hear me as I speak loud and clear, and forever know just whom you attempted to defy this very night….” Sunoo’s voice grew to a roar as he held you close against him. Licking up and down your neck, he announces his identity as both you and the tormented regulator hear of his true name….

“In the abyss of your hearts, your crown, and your wandering soul,

The impurities of your weakened mind, takes on its toll.

Though you were free to choose, evil versus good,

I watch as you strip and taint virgin flesh, from whence they stood.

You yearn for the waves and motions, the screams of pleasure…

To your own advantage, you reach limits beyond your measure.

As you relish in the forbidden desires of the Sin City,

Succumb to the depths where I, Asmodeus, King of Sodom, Lord of the Nine, shall pierce your flesh, without any pity. “

Your eyes widened as you looked over to the side, shifting your sights over to Sunoo’s side profile. His face resting atop your shoulder, which allowed him to be so close in distance, that your lips grazed over his cheek as you glanced over.

‘Asmodeus…the Prince of Lust…’ You didn’t process how it happened as it came about so quickly, within a blink of an eye, the man’s hands were both twitching on the hardwood floor as he screams and clashes into the walls of your hallway. Shifting both your bodies off to the side so casually, Sunoo holds you by the waist, the door opens on its own. You continued to observe as the man begrudgingly walks out. Looking like a puppet, his moves weee choppy, coerced, and sloppy. “Tell all your friends now. They should be mindful to stay away from here…I would if I were you all.” At the last bit of this words, the door slams shut. Turning you around gently, he looks you over. “Darling, are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?” He asks in full sincerity. “N-no…I’m fine…thank you….thank you for saving me.” You remarked as you reached up for his chest while staring at the door. “Of course. Now…I was given strict orders to remain here for the night.” He takes both your hands and kisses them. “So that means…” he kisses your hands once more. “We have all night to continue our lessons.” He smiles as he holds on to your hands. You nod as you gazed into his sharp eyes. “Um…yes…I just…” “What is it darling? Tell me, what’s on your mind?” Just as you were going to remake the mess inside, with the pools of blood and the bodies lying on around you both, not to mention a pair of stray hands, still twitching nearby your closet, you looked down to suddenly find that everything was all gone.

The bodies, the blood, the hands, and even the knife…everything was all gone and had disappeared. “What is it darling?” “Oh….nothing.” “Oh that s good. You shouldn’t have to worry about anything. Now….are you ready to learn a thing or two?” His finger drags down your chest in between your breasts. “Yes….I’m ready..”

“Because that she had been married to seven husbands, whom Asmodeus the evil spirit had killed, before they had lain with her. Dost thou not know, said they, that thou hast strangled thine husbands? thou hast had already seven husbands, neither wast thou named after any of them.” Tobit 3:8

C H A P T E R 5 I V E

Taglist: @deobitifull; @solstramaii; @vampiregirl215; @nshmrarki; @enhypen14; @iamliacamila; @lisaaannna; @nikstrange; @jaehaki; @luv-enhy-skz33; @silcry @honeysjae; @crackedcameraa; @stinkmonkey ; @baekxo07

[jungle-angel]

Headcannons about Bob and his brothers

Bob grew up in a big family, it’s no secret

When his mom and his sisters, Reagan, Chloe and Aly, all come to visit he’s as sweet as pie

But when Bob gets together with Joe and his brothers.....it’s a completely different story

For one thing, Michael, Sean, Eugene, Liam and Bob all love to beat the ever living shit out of each other

But man, some of the shit they say to each other is hysterically funny

“I WILL FINISH YOU LIKE MY LEFTOVER TACO BELL!!!!!! (Sean to Bob after Bob replaced his shaving cream with whipped cream) 

“I’m not a nerd, I’m just smarter than all of you” (Bob to all of his brothers after they’ve called him the loveable nerd in the family)

“You’re the reason this country has to put directions on shampoo, Eugene!!!” (Michael and Sean to Eugene after Eugene accidentally got shampoo in his mouth)

Joe’s always got this exasperated look on his face whenever his sons are playfully being assholes to one another

And some of the stories that came out of their mouths when they were drunk? LET THE FIREWORKS GO OFF BABY!!!

Sean: “Dad, I smoked all your weed on a dare once”.......Joe: “YOU FUCKING DID WHAT??!!!!!” 

Liam: “Dad I was the one who went skinny dipping with the preacher’s daughter”.......Joe: (in a deadpan voice) “Oh you’re fucking gross....” 

Michael: “Dad, I was the one who graffitied a giant pair of boobs on the wall in the vaccant lot back home”........Joe: “THAT WAS YOU??!!!! You’re supposed to be a police officer, Michael!!” 

 Eugene: “Dad, I was the one who stole all your old Playboys in the crate behind the toilet”.......Joe: “THAT’S WHY THEY WERE ALL STICKY??!!!!” 

Bob: “Dad, when I was a freshman in high school, I paid a buck to see a girl’s underwear at the dance”......Joe: “YEAH!!! That’s my fuckin boy!!” *high five!*

One time Joe even refereed for a game of American Gladiators. It had snowed really hard the night before so all the boys had on them were a pair of hockey sticks and a bunch of trashcan lids

When you entered them family, you got to see firsthand the chaos that was Bob’s family

But in your eyes it’s the good kind of chaos

And it makes for great comedy material in the end

[leggerefiore]

cw: Tapu Bulu! Nanu

“I heard that having red eyes is said to be good luck on Ula'Ula island,” a tourist eagerly clamoured to your tired lover, “It means… you're a descendant of the Tapu, right?” You held back a giggle as you and Nanu stood in front of Sushi High Roller together, having just had a lunch date. A tourist eagerly caught sight of Nanu and rushed over to share the not entirely incorrect information. Having red eyes on Ula'Ula did usually mean you were a descendant of the Tapu, yes. Nanu was not one of them, however.

“That so?” he replied with a head tilt, “You'd think he'd quit then. There's a lot of people with red eyes around Malie alone.” Your face burned a bit with the look he shot you. The tourist seemed even more eager.

“Do you think you're especially lucky? I had read the Tapu on this island is nicer than the others,” he eagerly recited some information from the library about the different personalities of the Tapu. You felt your embarrassment fade with the return of amusement. Nanu cocked a brow up at his words, clearly already exhausted by this.

“I feel like I have pretty bad luck,” he shrugged. The tourist gasped, clearly intrigued by this change. Well, you would say he had extremely good luck, but you supposed you could see how he viewed it as bad, seeing as he was currently being questioned about his descendants by a complete stranger. Most tourists, including yourself at one point, had no idea that this seemingly tired old man was actually the Tapu of Ula'Ula island.

Was having red eyes good? When asked, the Tapu himself would say all being related to him gave someone was too many kids and a green thumb. An unfortunate side effect of being a vegetation and abundance deity was that he was also associated with fertility, making his choice in a physical appearance even more funny.

The tourist turned to you with a polite smile. “Er, are you his child?” he asked, “Or, well, maybe grandchild? Do you think you have good luck?” You nearly snorted. Nanu even tensed a little at that one. Most locals were fully aware of your relationship with the Tapu, but most other people just assumed some form of familial relationship.

“I'm his partner,” you corrected easily. The tourist's face went bright red as he looked away in shame and shock. A chuckle came from Nanu. His hand came to rest on the small of your back as wore one of his rare grins. “... I'd say he has pretty bad luck, too, but I can assure you that he isn't a descendant of the Tapu,” you decided to show some compassion for the poor guy. Everyone was allowed to be a little interested in Alolan culture.

The tourist nodded but looked at Nanu again before gasping. “W-wait if that guy isn't a descendant of the Tapu, could he actually be…?” The idea that the land spirit guardian of Ula'Ula was some old guy tended to leave people in shock. You included, of course. Nanu did not react to his words. He already was bothered enough by a certain girl sending a bunch of people to him, insisting it was his duty to help.

“Who knows?” you shrugged, “He is the Kahuna, though, so you can bother him for directions.” Nanu shot a glare that screamed in contradiction with your words, making you laugh a bit. Leaning against him, you both departed from the tourist and the restaurant.

Honestly, considering the poor old man's increased libido from his domains, you supposed it was luck he did not have more descendants than he already did. There would probably be as many of them as there were Meowths on Ula'Ula if he did not have some luck.

[borathae]

ok finally doing this after a nap

Chapter 3

What is wrong with me *me 24/7, ALSO YES WHAT WAS ALL THAT???

Ever since you set foot into this estate, your brain went into a total frenzy YES EXACTLY AND it seems like she can remember hmmm

Why does everything here look so ancient? YOU NEED TO READ FANFICS to learn to live (except we dont get lucky yn parts just the unlucky embarrassing parts but thank god we aint dying every 5 chapter like yn)

You remember drinking one glass of wine. the said glass of wine:

It is totally normal to forget your date’s name after sleeping in his guestroom never been on a date, but i forgot someone's name after sitting next to them all day and realized after class while talking to bestie and had to wait till attendance next day -_-

ok the door is still locked. he told her to keep them locked and she did, but opened it for a sec and locked it again during the night. and the entire teleporting happened. this is a bit confusing hmmm. like opening it for a sec caused the change, but she locked it again. then how did they get her inside again? the bruise is there so it means it was real. the lock must have some magic and opening it during night causes it to go away?? i will think later lol

Did you punch your own throat in your sleep oof

Why did he know where to look exactly it wasnt a dream babe

istg im about to bitch slap this bitchless dude (TAE I LOVE U DONT TAKE IT TO THE HEART)

You should take better care of your belongings Kim Taehyung damn

He creeps me out honestly speaking all of them are creepy, yoongi is 10% less

just like that all your worries are wiped away like magic. like magic or with magic 👀👀(were u silent or silenced)

your knees are buckling like crazy THIS WILL BREAK ME THIS IS GONNA BREAK ME

Okay not going to lie, this was kind of cool you know whats more cooler??? jimin feeding his cycle 😂 THAT REMINDS ME OF JIN RIDING THE CYCLE HANDS FREE *fans myself

You snort, “so very humble.” ikr sOoOo HuMbLe

hmm usually you see cats sitting on horses, chilling. yoongles must be a rare kitty

Tell me again, why are you studying?” seriously dude must be bored as fuck to study, or started to forget cuz its beeen toooo looong

hold on what if some old being makes some theories and is "killed/disappeared" and later, with a different identity, studies his own theories in college 😭 and continues with it lol

It earned you a scholarship, it clearly must be well written.” or was it something to bring her to them??? 👀 *sus

The entrance exam stole my sanity from me. Even after a week of completing it I still felt jittery.” what type of students go there? what type of university is that? very weird

sunlight was just too bright for his eyes, DONT BE AN UNCULTURED SWINE, THATS WHEN UR SUPPOSED TO TWITCH AND SAY I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE

Emma left, she won’t come back again EMMA DIED FOR SURE OOF

It was a clean and painless end whats that supposed to mean mr.dracula?

Taehyung was a man of such humour ikr him in interviews 😭

Taehyung knew such peculiar stories about places and that doesnt seem weird???

the rain part was soo cute it could me giggling and listening too still with you

wow the honesty was cool, though there is many secrets, some parts feels really raw.

we are both pick-me girls then BAHAHA PLS *starts playing pd48 pick me

they are so cute im gonna die

(the way i started slightly mad at tae and then ended up simping, sighs)

THEY ARE GONNA HAVE ANOTHER DATE YIPPEE YIPPEE YIPPEE

i cant wait for 2seokkook's pov and her talking to them woohoo

i love how smoothly its written, like everything just flows nicely, the scenes and dialogues, its like those nice cozy well directed movies that you watch with pillows and blanket and rested face, body and mind

its only been 3 chapters, obviously the suspense wouldnt make me grip my pillow yet but its already made me clutch my blanket/pearls lol

jjdafjs it took me so long to figure out how the wine pic happened HAHAHA this is such a funny idea help fjadjfs 😭😂

What is wrong with me *me 24/7, ALSO YES WHAT WAS ALL THAT???

ISTFG WHAT IS GOING ON IN THIS ESTATE???

Ever since you set foot into this estate, your brain went into a total frenzy YES EXACTLY AND it seems like she can remember hmmm

like the suspicion is growiinnggg

Why does everything here look so ancient? YOU NEED TO READ FANFICS to learn to live (except we dont get lucky yn parts just the unlucky embarrassing parts but thank god we aint dying every 5 chapter like yn)

it doesn't make sense to you yet probably but I wanna be SA!OC so bad jfasdjf

It is totally normal to forget your date’s name after sleeping in his guestroom never been on a date, but i forgot someone's name after sitting next to them all day and realized after class while talking to bestie and had to wait till attendance next day -_-

girliepop me all the time, I forget names so easily (the same with song titles FAFAJDS like I kid you not I even forgot BTS song titles sometimes like it's so bad)

ok the door is still locked. he told her to keep them locked and she did, but opened it for a sec and locked it again during the night. and the entire teleporting happened. this is a bit confusing hmmm. like opening it for a sec caused the change, but she locked it again. then how did they get her inside again? the bruise is there so it means it was real. the lock must have some magic and opening it during night causes it to go away?? i will think later lol

hmhmhmhm interesting theory indeed mhmhmmh or perhaps 👀 someone made her lock the door again and then think everything was just a dream 👀 mhmhmhm

You should take better care of your belongings Kim Taehyung damn

"belongings" LIKE THE ICK

He creeps me out honestly speaking all of them are creepy, yoongi is 10% less

JFJADSJF YES jhfahsdhf I agree fjadjfa

just like that all your worries are wiped away like magic. like magic or with magic 👀👀(were u silent or silenced)

INDEED LIKE WHAT IS HAPPENING TO HER???

Okay not going to lie, this was kind of cool you know whats more cooler??? jimin feeding his cycle 😂 THAT REMINDS ME OF JIN RIDING THE CYCLE HANDS FREE *fans myself

omg hahahaha this scene 😭😭 he is such a goof I love him 😭😭 Seokjin is honestly so hot I need to inhale him

hmm usually you see cats sitting on horses, chilling. yoongles must be a rare kitty

*cries* he is indeed a kitty

Tell me again, why are you studying?” seriously dude must be bored as fuck to study, or started to forget cuz its beeen toooo looong

LMOAOAO FOR REAL LIKE FADHF couldn't be mE FJASDJF

hold on what if some old being makes some theories and is "killed/disappeared" and later, with a different identity, studies his own theories in college 😭 and continues with it lol

👀 interesting ohohooh

It earned you a scholarship, it clearly must be well written.” or was it something to bring her to them??? 👀 *sus

OOOOOH IMAGINEEEEE 👀👀

The entrance exam stole my sanity from me. Even after a week of completing it I still felt jittery.” what type of students go there? what type of university is that? very weird

IT IS INDEED VERY WEIRD ALL OF IT 👀

sunlight was just too bright for his eyes, DONT BE AN UNCULTURED SWINE, THATS WHEN UR SUPPOSED TO TWITCH AND SAY I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE

lmaoaooaoao in her defence I have really sensitive eyes too and can barely stay in the sun without my eyes ACHING jfadsjfj so it IS possible

Emma left, she won’t come back again EMMA DIED FOR SURE OOF

👀 mhmhmhmmh

It was a clean and painless end whats that supposed to mean mr.dracula?

LIKE HELLO WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER????

Taehyung was a man of such humour ikr him in interviews 😭

I love him 😭😭

Taehyung knew such peculiar stories about places and that doesnt seem weird???

kfadjsfasj she is just here for a good time not a long time lmaooa

wow the honesty was cool, though there is many secrets, some parts feels really raw. they are so cute im gonna die (the way i started slightly mad at tae and then ended up simping, sighs) THEY ARE GONNA HAVE ANOTHER DATE YIPPEE YIPPEE YIPPEE

fjadjfjad I love how you switched instnatly JFJADSJF THIS IS SO ME WHEN SANGUIS TAE FJADSJFJ

i love how smoothly its written, like everything just flows nicely, the scenes and dialogues, its like those nice cozy well directed movies that you watch with pillows and blanket and rested face, body and mind. its only been 3 chapters, obviously the suspense wouldnt make me grip my pillow yet but its already made me clutch my blanket/pearls lol

gaaah thank youuu <3 I'm so happy that you're having such a good time with it heheheh istfg I love reading your comments, they're so awesome heheheh 🥺😭💜💜

[holly-mckenzie]

Hey! What were your thoughts on S3 of Starstruck? It went in a very different direction than I was expecting and as a viewer I feel conflicted - I think it’s brilliantly written and reflective of reality and there’s a lot of beauty in what’s been explored this season, but emotionally I also feel a bit thrown.

hi clara!

Okay. So I have spent the last week thinking about it (I even explained to my counselor how I was a child of divorce now 😂)…. But I still fully haven’t grasped all of my thoughts so this may all sound a bit rambling. Spoilers Ahead!

First and foremost, in my most recent re-watch of Starstruck I kept on thinking about how Jessie loves Kate but… kinda brushes Kate’s friendship as not as important as a romantic one (e.g. - the speech she gives to Joe in S1E5). With this in mind, I do really love that most of the relationship tension and the overall love story of S3 is between Kate and Jessie. Their friendship is so precious to me and I adore it so much. So I do love the way that’s explored in the new season. Kate and Jessie are the real love story of Starstruck.

Other things I LOVED is Sarah and Steve’s relationship. They are honestly so funny, and I adore them so much! I also did like the evolution of Joe's character. Minnie Driver is always amazing as Cath, Shivani is so funny, and I loved Alice Snidden as Amelia (more on that later).

Now unto the important things. I kinda knew that S3 would go this route bc I felt like if it had followed traditional romcom tropes the next step would be marriage. Which I really couldn’t imagine Rose doing.

So when S3 was renewed I had a feeling that it would either go the marriage route, the we are never ever ever getting back together route, or something else completely.

But realistically it would be the breakup. I was hoping that the ending would be kinda unresolved where there was a chance that Jessie and Tom could get back together in the future. But Alas. However, this did not mean I was not in a complete in a state of panic leading up to S3 (if you follow me on Twitter, you know).

Honestly, imo if S3 was doing the we have different partners I FIRMLY believe that Jessie should have been with a woman, and Tom should have been with a woman of colour.

Me at Clem:

The new characters fell SO flat to me. Clem is nice enough and so agreeable, which I think is supposed to act as a foil to Jessie. This is obvs in the way that Clem wants marriage and kids. But I also feel like you see it in the way that Clem isn’t threatened by Jessie, which is a very stark contrast to the way Jessie reacts to Tom’s co-star in season 1, and the fight they have after.

And Liam is just there. No offense to Liam, but none of his scenes really felt like they could compare to the banter and chemistry between Jessie and Tom throughout the seasons. To quote the modern philosopher of our time:

So it was really hard to care about him and the relationships. Also something about his very existence reminded me of this interview Rose did during S1. Though that could be a nothing.

Overall I really didn’t care about these new relationships, bc watching Jessie and Tom in S1-2 is just so electric. The banter, the back and forth. The way they smile at each other, and make each other laugh.

But maybe that’s the whole point, that you could have electric chemistry with someone. But it could also all be meaningless bc that person is not the person for you.

As for Tom, I recently got asked if he was written as an asshole. But I don’t know how to answer that. Was he shit for cheating on his fiancé? Yes. But did I care that he cheated on her with Jessie, no.

I do feel like I’m not a huge fan of the way that Tom was written in this season. Throughout the show he is only shown in relation to Jessie or his work, with the exception of the Christmas episode. But I bc in the new series he isn’t with Jessie we REALLY see how his character is flat.

Now I do realise that it’s bc the show is about Jessie, but it still felt lacking. The fact that Tom doesn’t seem to have friends outside of Jessie’s circle is wild. The fact that he is getting married, and we don’t see his parents or brother is so 💀

Especially since Tom is a full Brown man (that is apparently somewhat religious). And somehow his family isn’t part of any of the wedding prep? That’s so wild and unbelievable (for me as a brown woman). I do realise Vinay is an asshole but I genuinely wish he had made an appearance in S3. It could have been so funny and it would have added some nuance to Tom's character. (We see Dan again, but not Vinay or the rest of Tom's fam? Come on!) I would love to see Vinay’s opinion on Jessie changed and his feelings toward the wedding, kiss, stag, etc.

I do understand Rose and the writers wanted to explore these ideas. And this is something she has clearly been thinking about since Baby Done. I also do think that in the latest series, we explore the anxieties through a queer lens by way of Amelia's speech. It strikes me as fascinating that Alice Snidden is openly bi, and her character is one of the only ones single.

Merryanna Salem, one of the most prolific film critiques of our time, articulated an idea about the queerness of Starstruck, and Queer Relativity in such a nuanced way. I highly recommend you read it. With this in mind, Amelia's speech, and Rose's feelings towards babies, its really not that surprising it ended the way it did.

But at the same time, it really seems like such a shift from the first two series in a way I simply don’t like (or understand). As I previously established Jessie and Tom are SO good together. Their chemistry is unreal, the show is just so bloody cute.

The show sets out to be a romcom, and that is what it does brilliantly in the first two series. Yet in S3, we really see a departure from that genre. It feels more a romantic drama, with comedic elements and I think its REALLY discombobulating. Specifically bc in most romcoms the couple gets together, and in dramas there is more grey area. Because I didn't read S1-2 as anything but a romcom, I didn't even entertain the idea of a break up. So to have it thrown in, in S3 seems so forced somehow.

Especially bc we have seen Tom and Jessie conquer the odds again and again. So to have the writers articulate they just aren't a good fit, and Jessie to say we want different things is strange. Maybe, I was watching Starstruck with blinders on, but it seemed in the previous seasons they were somewhat on the same page. Like even with this idea of Queer Relativity, Tom seems to understand it. He seems content to NOT get married to Jessie in S2 ending and what have you. So to suddenly be presented with a Tom who needs marriage and babies is discombobulating. Again, maybe I watched the show with blinders, but I did not catch the seeds of Tom and Jessie not being compatible, so S3, as you said threw me off.

And on some level I do think it’s kinda a redundant deconstruction of the romcom.

Join me next time where I dissect Starstruck through the lens of Race and Politics (or the lack there of).

[omgitslin]

BADSANSUARY DAY 8 - BOXED IN

CAN YOU TELL IM EXCITED?!?!? DUST IS MY FAVORITE

so when i heard "boxed in" i thought about being boxed into this opinion that everyone has made about someone because of something that they did and it causes them to be treated badly just because of something they're trying to make reparations for

kinda like being boxed into a stereotype just because of your personality and appearance, but different? i guess??

anyway here's the story

Dust x Self Insert (platonic mostly)

Lin was so done with everything. They were at their wits end, completely ready to just run away from the stupid town they lived in and leave everything behind just to get a break.

No matter how they tried to present themselves, all people saw was the person they used to be.

Lin used to be a not so nice person. They had a very negative mindset and they were just.. Rude.

Nowadays they regret all of that. They tried to make amends. They've apologized. They've started therapy. Worked on their behavior. Stopped acting like such a bitch.

But nobody cared.

Everyone still continued to treat Lin like they were still that same old person they didn't want to be anymore.

They had to get a break.

So, they started walking. They didn't have a direction in mind. They didn't pack anything aside from their phone and their wallet. They had nothing worth packing, anyway.

They walked until they reached the next town. It was late at night. They began looking around for a hotel just to stay the night.

They eventually found one, but it was old and in low condition. They didn't really care.

They talked to the receptionist to get their room key and on the way there they almost bumped into somebody. They had not been paying attention at all and accidentally shoulder checked.. Well, whoever they just bumped into.

“I am so sorry-” Lin started to say.

“watch it, asshole,” the person.. no, skeleton, said. He was wearing a hoodie that had spots of dust on it.

Lin hoped it wasn't what they thought it was.

The skeleton had a hood up, too, and his eyelights were mismatched. Both of them were red, but one had a ring of blue around it.

“Wow. Rude.” Lin furrowed their eyebrows.

“oh, im sorry, im guess im supposed to be all sugary sweet when i nearly get pushed to the ground, right?” the skeleton said.

Lin fought to keep themselves calm, digging their fingernails into their hands. They took a breath, before smiling brightly at the skeleton, forcing the anger and obvious annoyance off their face.

“You're right. I was the one in the wrong. I apologize. Won't happen again!” Lin said.

The skeleton looked a bit stunned, like he expected more of an argument.

“what?”

“What, I'm not allowed to be polite?” Lin continued, keeping their tone sugary sweet.

“...heh- hehehh…” The skeleton began to laugh. “you're funny. you're obviously upset yet you continue to act like a fuckin’ customer service worker- pfftahahhaha-!”

Lin just continued to smile at him.

“y'know what? i was bein’ outta line. sorry, you didn't deserve that,” the skeleton said, “i’m dust. and you?”

Lin let out a breath they didn't know they were holding. “I'm Lin.”

Lin didn't talk much to him after that, although Dust told a few jokes to them. Lin felt a bit better. They went to bed that night, thinking that maybe they should stay in this new town for a while longer.

____________________

Dust Sans belongs to Ask Dusttale!

[ngmn2002]

Hi

if tsukasa loves amane, why would he say enemies???

Good day

Hi.

Hmm, well... what he said shouldn't mean he is saying they are "enemies" in its assumed meaning. I feel the context is necessary in here? We should take a look at the twins' interactions before Tsukasa said this?

To put it simply, Tsukasa is referring to the fact that they are "different" from each other. They see things in different ways and they deal with said things with different approaches. And... Is he in the wrong to point that fact out? I mean, people are different from each others. It's a natural thing. It's really natural for Tsukasa to point out the 2 of them are different from each other. They are twins, but different people at the end of the day. I suppose what he said also refers to what they are doing in the manga. While Hanako is the one protecting order and the rules of the world as No.7 of the seven mysteries,

Tsukasa No.7's yorishiro, lol it has a nice ring to it, like… instead of both going the same direction, we get something like this: No.7 is right, his yorishiro is left. so funny. on the other hand finds these things unnecessary and wants to get rid of them.

Feels like Tsukasa is answering Hanako's words from before in here Not to add, Tsukasa sees anyone should get what they want no matter whether they were living or dead, his whole view on the world and its rules is the opposite from Hanako's.

Soon after that came Hanako's answer to Tsukasa's words regarding these 2 things... which is...

They are opposites because they have opposing views on various matters, which in turn makes them "poral opposites" and like "enemies" as Tsukasa puts it in there. They are not, but their views are.

A little addition: in the hell of mirrors arc that came after he said that, we see yet againt Tsukasa's words proven right.

Hmm... though.... I have to saaaaaaaay....... between this.....

And this...

Something is super fishy.

Seems you have an "ally" really, Tsukasa. You're overreacting a bit.

Right? though, in the "death is the end & the dead have no future" that's not the case I assume.

Anywaysss, feels like you really tend to say super serious stuff with Red Hako/ Red Koku at hand.

Um... to sum things up! Why would what Tsukasa said make us question his love for Amane? It doesn't make sense. They are completely 2 separate things. What he was talking about is the fact that they are "different people" with "different views on things", to make the picture a bit clearer to Nene, he tried to use words as "poral opposites", "rivals" or "archnemeses". Then he went all like: "whatever anyway". lol That being said, I will go "whatever anyway" as well! In hope this answer will be to your help, and...

Have a good day!

[alixinwwonderland]

MidgeLenny Prompt: Kisses that start on their fingers and run up their arm, eventually ending on their lips.

(I apologize, this went in a slightly different direction from the prompt, I hope you still enjoy it!)

The first time his lips touch any part of Midge Maisel's body, it's practically a joke.

She darted out during his set, but she burst back into the Gaslight later, where he lingered at the bar, having found a kindred cynical spirit in Susie as act after terrible act followed him as the night went on.

She spills out the whole miserable story, talking too fast and jumping around in that way of hers that he finds oddly charming. From what he can understand, her schmuck of a husband (he's never met the man, but he can just tell) didn't find her jokes about his failings very funny, and what was supposed to be a triumphant declaration of her status as "Mrs. Maisel" is now darkly ironic.

"And this was supposed to be a great night and it was and now it doesn't feel like it and fuck why won't these gloves come off!" Midge yelps in frustration, tugging at the offending accessory. Before he's quite sure what he's doing, Lenny's hands are on the black satin that has stuck to her now-clammy hands, patiently tugging at each finger until it pulls off smoothly.

"Thanks," she says. "First a free set, now helping with my gloves. Who knew, Lenny Bruce is a gentleman."

"Don't let the word get out," he says, all faux-sternness. "And now I have to be going." For the second time, he acts without thinking and lifts Midge's hand to his lips, placing a chivalrous kiss on her fingers, before giving her a sly smile, a nod, and slipping out the door.

*

He weaves his way backstage, looping back around to the spot where Midge had been watching his whole sad shtick. They look at each other, wordless, for a moment, understanding passing between them and yet the weight of that painful understanding a little bit lighter, with two to carry the load. Without a word, he offers his arm, and equally silent, she takes it.

They walk aimlessly for a little while, talking about everything and nothing in particular. When she stops and tells him that she has to go do something, she has a look in her eyes that makes him worry. There's no time to ask, though, because she's hailing a cab and getting ready to walk away.

Before she gets in, she turns back to him. Then she's in his arms again, hugging tight like she did that night at the Gaslight, but it's longer now, and sadder, and more tender. She pulls away just enough to brush a kiss against his cheek, and his mind fortunately is with the program enough to return the gesture before she lets go.

He waves farewell as the cab takes her away, then settles his hand on his own mouth in a familiar gesture that's suddenly feeling a whole lot shakier.

*

There's an intimacy to the way they're touching each other now that can't be undone or unsaid. Before, they've always toed that line, able to protest platonic intent. But with her head nestled into his shoulder, her fingers mindlessly tangling in the curls at the nape of his neck, and his hand trailing down her arm, there's really no platonic way to interpret it.

Lenny has no idea which direction this night is going to take. The only thing he knows is that it's going to be her call, and he will be okay with that.

But for now, her arm is so close to him, and he can't resist leaning just that extra inch to brush his lips against the tender skin of the inside of her wrist, right where her pulse flutters. He hears (and feels) her breath hitch, but she doesn't pull away.

*

The first time his lips touch Midge Weissman's, it happens on a completely unexpected night, in a completely unexpected way. Miami was planned, sultry, moody; this is impromptu, tentative, even a little playful (that terrible dickie pun is going to haunt him).

But her lips are soft (and smiling) against his, and he's slid the zipper down to feel black satin and cool skin beneath, and once he's gazed at her enough (it will never be enough) his lips are on hers again, and then they're everywhere, and somehow it's always been leading them here.

He knows he said someday but now that someday is here, all he wants is for some to become every.

[transhitman]

Honestly I'm sort of obsessed with how the Deltora anime is a case study into how even small details in adaptations can utterly obliterate how a character reads. Jasmine specifically is such a huuuge victim of this and it makes me a bit insane. Like somehow her anime version ends up reading absurdly misogynist despite most of her dialogue and most of the stuff she does being the same as in the book. Forgive me for writing essays about children's media but hear me out for a second.

Ok so to start, Book Jasmine is almost cartoonishly badass. Like she would 100% be a stereotypical Mary Sue, animal companions and all, if it weren't for the fact that she's wildly abrasive and unlikable to a lot of the other characters. And even being hypercompetent in many areas, Jasmine is definitely not overpowered. She is stated and shown to be the smallest and physically weakest of the group. Making the token Girl of the group the weakest would usually end up reading as sexist, however Jasmine does not. She is never truly excluded from any combat or major events because she's weak. As shown during the Rithmere games, she's screwed in a direct contest of strength, but has developed a unique fighting style that evens the playing field against bigger opponents. She always read as a ranger/rogue type to me -- somewhat frail, but very precise, and most useful outside of combat. Which, in combination with the rest of the writing + strong women in the series, is just sort of realistic for someone in her position. She's a really good character imo even if we don't get to see all that much interpersonal stuff between the cast. But what we do get works really well.

But then we have Anime Jasmine, who just like... Is bad lol. Even though she makes most of the same decisions and accomplishes most of the same tasks, she comes off as irrational, annoying, and generally incompetent lmfao. I think part of this is that her anger issues and difficulty expressing herself in the books gets turned into cattiness instead of like a genuine character flaw that causes issues. Part of it is also that for some reason Barda isn't allowed to be sarcastic since he got flanderized into the stoic adult (telling jokes isn't masc enough I guess???), so Jasmine got designated the group funnyman. Which honestly wouldn't even be a big problem if she told actual jokes? A sarcastic, dry wit would totally work for her. But she's just sort of catty for no reason instead of being funny. I do understand that the general tone of the show is a lot lighter than the books as well, so having a really angsty character would go against the more child-friendly direction they went. But there are also others ways they could have changed her while still keeping her general concept and vibe the same.

But the majority of it, I think, is due to the line delivery/visual design. In the anime she's very whiny and like. Cheerful? Which... I guess isn't technically an incorrect interpretation, but it's certainly a weird one considering how much she mutters and hisses her dialogue. Her visual design is, however, completely contradictory to how she's supposed to look. In the books, she dresses in worn-out military-esque clothing, is unkempt, and is -- to some degree -- androgynous. And this physical appearance doesn't really call to mind a huffy kid. In the show they made her dress a lot more brightly, and she's like weirdly sexualized imo? Which is a pattern with the women in the anime. But that's a whole other rant I could go on. Basically, my point is, because of the tone in which she reads her lines and the way she is disallowed from being Actually Disheveled, her decisions are tainted by the misogyny of the writers. You know? Like you can tell that the in-character intent behind her actions is different because the writers themselves view her a certain way. She objects to the monarchy not because she has a strong sense of justice while being somewhat vindictive, but because she's an irrational, emotional Woman. She gets sidelined in fights not because she's trying to find a way out that doesn't involve getting pummeled by a creature 10 times her size, but because she's a weak little girl. Her hating Neridah gets turned into some kind of cat fight instead of the party rightfully being distrustful of her. The whole thing with Doom goes from being about Jasmine's trauma and loneliness, to being about her finding a big strong father figure to... Idk fill some kind of emotional void only a man can fill? Some of the differences are very subtle, but they really do change the entire vibe of the character from "jaded, violent survivalist" to "quirky girl with an attitude" even though the actual events in the anime -- up to book 8 at least -- are pretty 1-to-1 with the books. The weird characterization somehow retroactively makes things that happen in the books kinda misogynist!!! Maybe I'm insane for thinking all this but really do believe it. It's such an odd feature of the writing and it's honestly so fascinating to me. Anyway this is what I think Lindal would look like in the anime

[abuddyforeveryseason]

This is the Buddy for November 6th. Not the handsomest of guys, I'm sure. A bit of a big forehead.

Speaking of big foreheads, I was listening to a podcast with James Urbaniak, and he mentioned he auditioned for Rainn Wilson's role in The Office. I don't know if that's true or not, since that 'cast was more of a series of fictional stories using his real name. But it'd be interesting to see Urbaniak in The Office.

Had that happened, though, I probably wouldn't have been a fan of his, since I'm all about The Venture Bros, it's the best show ever, I love it.

It's funny, but, although I'm a proper nerd who loves comics, manga, cartoons and movies, I never really enjoyed one of those long running narratives with an epic flavor that seem to be what a lot of works are aiming for. Venture Bros itself is probably the closest - a cartoon about a long war between two factions, involving multiple generations of characters, with character development taking the spotlight, and a central mystery personally related to the main characters that ties into the bigger conflict.

But unfortunately, the show was unceremoniously cancelled before a proper conclusion - even before it was officially cancelled, it felt like it was half-cancelled already since it took so long for seasons to come out. A movie came out after a while but it wrapped everything up in a rush, it wasn't an epic ending in and of itself.

And that's one of the things about epic stories - endings are always a bit off. If we're talking big worldbuild-y sagas, the biggest example of it is Game of Thrones, which seemingly cornered the market on disappointing endings. The Song of Ice and Fire book series seems to have gone on a different direction and just not end. Even if those planned last two (or three) books are ever published, everyone's already lost interest after the show did its own, clumsy version of the story.

The ending of Harry Potter, too, wasn't my favorite. To be honest, I think I grew out of it during the period between the publication of the last three books or so (and their plots all mix together in my mind). I never even finished the last few chapters of the Deathly Hallows one. And now there's that crappy prequel saga that's movie-only, seems like the story's completely jumped the shark.

A lot of shows try and go for the "myth arc" concept where the entire show is built up around one story with a main mystery and a supposed grand apotheosis in the finale. And it never works, does it? Lost kind of started the trend, and that show went nowhere. Purgatory stuff and whatnot, right? Those last few episodes of Steven Universe somehow pinned down all the bad stuff about the show, and made it obvious to everyone. Breaking Bad actually managed to do it, but that's not really a nerd show - it's a crime drama, and, yeah, a really good one, but it had a smaller scope. And even that has the prequel that doesn't capture lightning in a bottle like the original did.

Comics are a horse of a different color. There are great runs where one creator has a character in his hands to really explore an epic story, but often the story doesn't reach the end (I'm looking at you, Jack Kirby), or reaches the end but has to continue going with different, often less-talented creatives at the helm. Creator-owned comics are supposed to escape that fate, but they often have trouble being profitable enough to earn an ending, or end up being stretched thin because they're too profitable. Of course creator-owned work is usually a bit too alternative to fit the mold. One sad example is Astro City, which at first felt like a perfect superhero epic, but was abandoned due to writer Kurt Busiek's serious health problems. Poor guy.

The Marvel movies did a good job at it with the Thanos-era movies, but they had to keep going after the heroes beat the god of evil (after all, nobody burns down a money factory), and it all felt a bit like a long "cleaning up the rubble" session without Thanos, Iron Man and Captain America around. Even though some of my favorite movies in that series come after Infinity War, they're the best, mostly despite being part of the MCU, not because of it.

Which is probably why I often prefer shorter stories, as opposed to sprawling sagas. My favorite manga are usually 10 books long at most. Comic book limited series like Watchmen are also pretty memorable. It's also a lot easier to read something that's available as a single book, instead of five hundred issues scattered around different comic book shops - although that problem's not too relevant nowadays thanks to the internet and whatnot.

That's often an issue with entertainment. You usually keep going while the story's good, and once the quality drops, you end it. Like they say in the Dark Knight movies, you either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become a villain. And, funny, the Dark Knight, along Venture Brothers, is one of the few works that managed to escape that curse. It's not my favorite, but it's definitely not a disappointment. And there are some oddball stories that managed to feel epic and strike gold despite their long runs. The Invincible comic, for instance, and one of my favorite underdog webcomics, Doctor McNinja.

Figuring out good endings is one of the hardest stuff about writing, in my opinion.

[tadpolesonalgae]

just read your answer and just wanted to say i love when you answer everyone and never thought you sounded mean or anything. i usually send those in right after reading the chapter so i think i just tend to rant for too long lol but i completely understand that you're not really answering most things because yeah it could be a spoiler

also i didn't really take into consideration that reader is so attached to her books that she'd obviously think she could fix everything by researching it. i still stand by that she should ask for help but i also don't see her doing it before the 2 weeks or she actually hurts herself or makes a mess (how funny would it he if she just blew a hole into rhysand's house or something lol) also maybe i read it and forgot but is reader living in the house of wind or townhouse? i thought since we never see cass or nesta she wasn't in the house of wind but since the library is there i thought it could also work

also i didn't remember i went in on the ic like that but i kind of stand by it because i still think that no matter how much a person isolates themselves when their family or friends don't still reach out it's on them too. but also one of the best parts of acotar is the ic for me (found family is just the best) so i wish we could see reader be part of the family, especially if she's supposed to stay there. and i'm so excited for the ic to see her actual personality because im tired of her only being herself with people that don't matter, well not don't matter but that aren't her family. i think this is also why so many people are on team eris because apart from actually listening and treating her better than azriel, usually the relationship with the ic and the night court wouldn't be amazing if she was going to leave and since they barely even know who she is it feels like we're there. also i'm kind of scared to see her relationship with nesta actually because with nesta's tendency to hit where it hurts and hurt people when she's hurt mixing it with the reader's so low self esteem and constant feeling like a burden can't be good but the fact that they both love their books, it's just that their books are completely different, seems kind of fun.

also (last also promise) i can't wait for the inevitable moment when ic finds out about eris and try to tell her he's dangerous or manipulating her and i hope she throws a "would you even care" or something back at them

anyway im sorry im ranting again, can't wait for next chapter - 🧶

‘i still stand by that she should ask for help’

Especially after the panic in chapter 7, but I suppose she’s not thinking particularly clearly at the moment 😬

‘is reader living in the house of wind or townhouse?’

Reader generally stays up in the House of Wind, but occasionally heads down to the River House for a night or two (used to, it’s currently slightly ambiguous) when there were dinners.

I like to think that (massive acosf spoilers—directed at that one anon 🙉) after Cass and Nesta got together, and Rhys was happily showering her in gifts for saving Feyre, that they got a place of their own, so reader mostly has the House of Wind to herself! Save for Azriel who also stays up there pretty infrequently—and pretty far away, too.

However, when Nesta was occupying the HoW, reader was between the Townhouse and the River House, so she was pretty happy to be able to go back :)

‘nesta's tendency to hit where it hurts and hurt people when she's hurt mixing it with the reader's so low self esteem and constant feeling like a burden can't be good but the fact that they both love their books,’

This is something I’ve been enjoying so much about being given the chance to write CBMTHY!! Thinking about the dynamic between reader and her sisters growing up? Like who was her favourite? Who did she feel the most distant with? Who did she have the most in common? It’s so fun!!

Anyway, I like to think that after her reformation in acosf, she won’t say anything intentionally hurtful, since she’s no longer set on keeping people away from herself. However, they have grown up together, so their relationship will naturally be different from how she is around Feyre or Elain :)

‘also (last also promise) i can't wait for the inevitable moment when ic finds out about eris and try to tell her he's dangerous or manipulating her and i hope she throws a "would you even care" or something back at them’

I mean, hoping she’ll be able to stand up for herself if it gets to that point, otherwise she’ll just internalise the disappointment and I don’t think she could take that 😬

Like she already has kind of convinced herself she’s a burden, so to then be confronted with indisputable evidence that so many people are upset/angry at her… 🫣🫣🫣 let’s hope Eris’ combative nature has rubbed off on her enough by that point!!

And don’t be sorry, I love it when you send in these longer asks/thoughts/rants!!🧡💛