#when I tell you a good build up and feeling of helplessness to the actual hurt is>>>>>>>>>>

[nightingale-prompts]

Nightwing gets a sidekick introducing: "Batboy"

Continuation of this post: "Danny has Bat wings"

|Next|

Dick tries to tell himself that he's better then Bruce. He's not going around taking young orphaned boys with unique abilities willy-nilly. No, he very careful. Besides this is first- well second sidekick.

He's doing a public service anyways. You can't have a kid with giant bat wings just falling from buildings. If Nightwing hadn't stepped in to stop those goons trying to catch the kid and sell him then who knows what would have happened. What if they tried to cut off his wings and turn the boy into a bloody trophy for the Bats?

There are many villains in Bludhaven who'd take the boy out or take him in. Dick already had a sinking feeling that Heartless would try his hand at killing the kid after all he targets the weak and helpless like a coward.

It was easy enough to convince the boy to be his friend. Dick did have natural charm and charisma after all. All it took was a meal from batburger and a fruit cup to get the kid to open up.

Danny (apparently his family gave him a normal name) didn't live with his family anymore due to ideological differences. That difference was that they thought he shouldn't exist anymore and wanted to turn him into an experiment. Poor kid didn't even get to finish his freshman year of school before he had to leave. He was a small town vigilante for a few months before the incident.

Dick saw an opportunity but was subtle about it. He invited the kid to live with him until he got his education. Its also totally ethical because the kid was a vigilante already.

Everything kind of went by quickly. Dick had done everything possible to hide Danny until he could come up with a plan of how to tell everyone.

True Dick didn't "need" a sidekick but come on, look at him! He's a boy with bat wings! Dick could put a little cowl on him and dress him up like Batman. I mean he's not a dog but it would be funny. The irony there, the bird-themed hero now had a bat-themed sidekick. That is the universe's way of sending a message.

After training Danny Dick learned that the kid had an endless supply of energy and ADHD that rivaled his own at that age. The kid also couldn't fly, it was actually closer to gliding which was still useful but he kind of looked like a flying squirrel when he jumped off ledges.

The term issue with taking Danny in was that Dick was still a Wayne and while he could hide the kid while he was swinging through Bludhaven, Dick Grayson could not.

Danny could hide his wings like they weren't even there whenever he wanted to look human. Which was a start, next he needed a new identity. One that wouldn't tip anyone off.

Dick needed to pull some strings without alerting Barbara or Tim. A new name was forged: "Daniel Nightingale" (Dick patted himself on the back for that one).

With that Dick was ready to let Danny out in the field. For the most part, Danny was as reliable as any Robin if not a bit crazy. Danny was way too charming for his own good but also completely feral. The public adored the domino-masked kid in his green and black costume. Danny didn't wear a cape because of his wings so he used them as a cloak.

When citizens saw them in public they'd offer the kid fruit cups and candies just to get close enough to see his wings. The people of Bludhaven were also excited to have their own version of Robin since Gotham had so many. Also, the kid was so marketable. Look at the way his wings flapped when he was excited.

Danny's or more specifically "Batboy's" presence would not go unnoticed.

Well, this can't end well.

Welp. Dick should have expected this. He couldn't even be upset. He doesn't regret anything that he's done.

Danny was still in bed, actually it was a hammock which was more comfortable for a bat. Dick wondered if he could sleep upside down. The kid was comfortable here and probably better off here than in Gotham. Once the adoption goes public however things will get complicated. Danny may end up Bludhaven's sweetheart or outcast. He'll probably end up fine...probably.

[hairmetal666]

Steve has this bar he loves in Chicago. It's a little bit dive-y, a little bit dirty, but it's quiet. A good place for when he needs to clear his head.

Only, tonight, the place is packed. Music pounding from the jukebox, no space at the bar, patrons at the dartboard and pool table. In three years he's never seen it like this.

He has a second to wonder what's going on before he sees exactly who is going on, and for him to catch Steve looking.

"Stevie!" Eddie Munson cries. He leaps from the bar top, the people below scrambling away from the stomp of his big black boots.

He hasn't seen Eddie in years. Can't actually remember the last time. Max and Lucas's wedding? Robin and Nancy's baby shower?

Steve considers booking it out of there, escaping in the crush of the crowd. By the time he has the thought, though, Eddie's already pulling him into a hug.

He's excited to see his friend. He is! Really. He loves Eddie. But that's kind of the problem.

Steve fell in love and Eddie left town.

Well, maybe it wasn't so dramatic as all that. It wasn't until six months after they packed the last box in the back of Eddie's van that Steve could name his feelings for what they were. And by then, Corroded Coffin were building buzz and Eddie had a huge whole life outside of the people he saved the world with.

Over the years, as Eddie's fame grew, he came around less and now they hardly see each other. They still talk from time to time, Steve still buys all the band's records, and Eddie's still close with all the kids, Nancy and Robin too.

Eddie releases him, those big eyes bright, a pure and genuine smile stretching his face. Steve's stomach twists, heart skipping a beat.

"Gotta be honest with you, man. Never expected to see Steve Harrington in a place like this."

Steve snorts. "There's lots of place I go you wouldn't expect."

Eddie's smile wobbles, Steve thinks. It's gone in a blink, though, and Eddie laughs. "I'm sure you do, sweetheart. Have time for a drink with me?"

Eddie navigates to the bar, returns with two beers in hand. He presses his palm to the small of Steve's back, directing him to the single empty table in the corner as far from the jukebox as possible.

"How's life treating you, Stevie?" Eddie asks after a sip. "Nance told me the store is doing really well."

"It's good, yeah. Finally turning a profit. Wasn't sure about Dustin having us add a game section, but he was right. It's really taken off."

"Oh, he told me," Eddie smirks.

Steve rolls his eyes. "I'm sure that he did. He hasn't let me hear the end of it."

"That tone," Eddie says, voice soft.

"What brings you to Chicago?" He asks to hide the way all the fucking love he feels for this man is bleeding out of him.

"Not really supposed to be," he laughs. "Flight got diverted to O'Hare, can't get another one until tomorrow. Have to make it to LA in time to play a show."

They both know Eddie loves it; the rush, the adrenaline, that comes with performing, to making it to shows at the very last minute. It's how they got here in the first place.

"Working on new music?"

Eddie leans back, dimples popping with the pleased lift of his lips. "Oh, Harrington, you don't even know what we have in store." He leans over the table and launches into tales of rehearsals and writing. Steve drinks his beer and can't take his eyes off his friend, Eddie the sun Steve orbits around, helpless to his gravitational pull.

"So, Stevie," Eddie says, once there's no more to tell about music. "You seeing anyone?"

Steve hides his cringe with a chuckle. Picks up his beer to buy time and finds it empty. "Not anyone of note."

"C'mon, how is that possible? You're easily the hottest guy in this place."

He grimaces. "That's a low bar."

"Oooh, still bitchy after all these years." Eddie snickers, takes a swig from his bottle.

"Shut-up."

"Seems like it's been a while since you dated."

"You interrogating my love life now, Munson?"

"No, not at all. Just curious."

"Okay, who are you dating? Still that guy from People?"

"Gossip," Eddie frowns.

"Anyone else you got your eye on?"

"No one new," Eddie says. He stares at Steve hard for a second, like he wants to dig into his brain, like it holds the answer to all life's question.

"There is someone, then." Steve tries to ignore the jealousy licking down his spine. Eddie isn't his and never will be.

Eddie picks at the label on his now empty beer. "Not--not really." He licks his lips, leaning over the table again. "Is there a reason you don't seem to date anymore, man? It's just--you wouldn't hurt for options, right?"

Steve freezes, trying to figure out a way to answer that won't end up breaking his own heart. "Ah, it's--you know, things got busy with opening the store and everything. Stopped being a priority."

"Are you lonely?"

"Are you?" He snaps before he can stop himself. "Sorry, I'm--sorry."

"Yeah, man. I'm lonely as hell." Eddie answers as though Steve didn't give him an out.

"I--you ever have someone where the timing is always wrong?"

"Think it's a hazard of my profession. Who's yours?"

"What?" Steve clunks his bottle too hard against the table.

"The one that got away?"

"It's--it--I--it doesn't matter."

Eddie's smile is all jagged edges. "Nancy?"

"God, no. Nance and I are good with being friends. No lingering feelings there. Who's yours?"

"Ahh," Eddie sits back a little, eyes glittering with an emotion Steve can't place. "The best boy I ever met. Can't get over him, can't forget him. I think they guys are going to start banning my 'pathetic gay yearning songs'. Gareth's words."

Something in Steve's chest crumbles to dust. There's someone. Has always been someone. Of course. Eddie is beautiful and hot and charismatic and fucking famous. And Steve is--just a guy who runs a struggling bookstore with a couple of his best friends.

"That's--I'm sorry it didn't work out." He's trying to stop his voice from breaking, from giving Eddie any hint of what he's feeling, just knows he has to get out. "Listen, man, thanks for the beer. Great to catch up. You should hit up Robin and Nancy the next time you're in town. I gotta get going."

"Wait, Steve--"

"See you around."

He doesn't wait. He pushes through the people, and races out the door, into the crisp Chicago fall air. He squeezes his eyes closed, practices his breathing exercises, tries to relax the clench of his teeth, ease the screaming in his lungs.

Three steps away from the building is as far as he gets before he hears, "Steve, please wait." A hand catches his hip, holding him in place.

"Eddie, I don't--"

"It's you," Eddie says. His face is pale, stricken. "You're the one who got away, Steve."

"What?"

"I've never been able to work up the nerve to confess. I've been trying for years, but. Too afraid of losing you to tell the truth."

"Years?" Steve's brain is trying to wrap around what's happening. That Eddie has feelings for him? That he's the source of the pathetic gay yearning?

"God, since 1986, at least."

Steve doesn't know what to say; what to do. He's been waiting for this moment so long, and his brain goes on pause.

"It's okay if you don't feel the same," Eddie rambles. "Hell, I'd be surprised if you did, but--"

"You're mine too," the words tumble out.

"What?"

"You're the one who got away. For me. You're mine."

"Steve," Eddie breathes. "Is this--are you serious?"

"Pathetic gay yearning and all."

Eddie's laugh is a bright spot in the darkness, relief and happiness mixed with the hope of what's next.

Steve can't help but giggle. "We're so dumb," he says.

Eddie looks at him with a raised eyebrow before bursting into giggles of his own. "So dumb, Steve, oh my god."

"It's been a decade!"

"Fuck," Eddie cackles.

They collapse against each other, chests heaving with their mirth. As they catch their breath, Steve nuzzles against Eddie's neck, relishing the closeness. It's easy for him to change the angle so their lips meet in a kiss frantic with ten years of longing.

"Your place or mine?" Eddie asks once they part.

Steve laughs. "You think I'm that easy, Munson?"

"Oh, Steve," Eddie smirks. "I know it."

"Asshole." Steve presses a kiss to his jaw. "How many songs did you write about me?"

Eddie smiles so hard his dimples pop. "All of them, baby. Every single one."

Steve rests their foreheads together, body fizzing like freshly uncorked champagne, "Take me home, Ed."

[lurochar]

Well-Fed

It isn't wise to harass Alastor's assistant. A man learns this the hard way.

Human Alastor x Reader

Warnings: Violence, unknowing cannibalism

--

What a pleasant night.

“F-fuck, please – what do you want?! I’ll… I’ll do anything!” The man pleaded, sniveling as he tried to crawl back, “J-just don’t kill me!”

What lovely begging.

Alastor hummed, eyeing the fallen man as he wondered in which way he should slaughter him that would best satisfy him and his current needs.

Should he just blow the man’s brain out? It’s not like he needed his head for anything – nothing really too edible there. It always made such a mess.

Maybe cut the man’s throat and make it a quick one? It always did give him a thrill to watch the life fade from one’s eyes and the absolute terror on their faces when there was nothing to be done. 

Possibly chop the man’s limbs off and watch him slowly bleed to death? He would probably put up too much of a fight and ruin too much of his meat and it would take far too long.

“Do you remember me?” Alastor asked, causing the man’s eyes to finally look at his face rather than the rifle in hand, “Or actually, do you remember the woman at the radio station earlier today?”

“Y-yeah, ‘course I remember you!” The man simpered, as if sucking up would actually save his life, “You’re Alastor Hartfelt, right? That radio host who’s the talk of the town right now?” His face twitched, “So, why you doing this?! Don’t fucking tell me…!” His eyes widened when he finally figured it out.

He wasn’t getting out of here alive.

“I asked, ‘do you remember the woman at the radio station earlier today’?” Alastor didn’t flinch in the least as he pulled his axe from the holster at his hip, swinging it down in a smooth motion, and easily severing the man’s hand.

He was screaming now, of course, in complete shock at the brutal action and he tried to scramble to his feet to run for his life, but Alastor already had his rifle at the ready, easily shooting him in the foot before he could do anything.

“I’d rather not repeat myself for a third time,” Alastor looked on in a bit of distaste when the man vomited, heaving and twitching around in agony. “It is why you are here, after all.”

The man didn’t answer or didn’t even hear him as he curled up into a sad little ball, causing Alastor to sigh in slight disappointment that his hunt was already over, but preparing meat took time and he had already invited you over to dinner the next night, so it was fine.

“Didn’t your mother teach you any manners?” Alastor knew he was talking to himself at this point as he knelt down as he reached for his knife from his belt, “I’d rather you not treat women like objects that you can use whenever you feel like it. Far too many men are like this. Imagine how Y/N felt when you cornered her in my radio station and groped her like a mindless animal? Perhaps as helpless as you are now? In any case, I do not tolerate any disrespect of such kind, especially with my lovely little assistant.”

He was rambling, he knew, he always did get like this when it came to you and your wellbeing.

“I’ve spent too much time on you,” Alastor tightened his grip on his knife, “I have a meal to prepare. I do hope you taste better than you look, my good chum.”

He hoped you liked Jambalaya.

–

“This is amazing!”

Alastor smiled, feeling absolutely pleased at your joyful expression as you took a bite of his cooking, clearly delighting in the flavour, “It’s my mother’s recipe, you see.” His eyes flashed, a dark satisfaction building up in him, “I’m glad you like it. I thought the meat might have been of too low quality.”

“No, no!” You went to reassure him, “I’m nothing fancy!” You eagerly took another bite. “You are a very good cook. Your mother must have taught you well. She must be very proud.”

“I would like to think so.” Alastor’s smile softened briefly at the thought, “I do try to be nothing less than a true gentleman. I believe my mother would have liked you very much so. I would like to share more of her recipes with you, if I may be so bold to ask?”

You flushed, looking down at your food before peering back up to Alastor with a shy smile, “I would like that too.” You did not recognize the mania behind Alastor’s eyes as you continued to eat his cooking.

“I’ll keep you well-fed, my dear.”

[iinryer]

i keep thinking about chris’s “i tried complaining once, it didn’t work” line and also how he’s super witty and funny and perceptive and also A Teenager and how that all would influence the way he navigates a world that isn’t always accessible to him…

just imagining post-ladder-truck-crush-injury buck and chris both using crutches while buck is still getting used to things suddenly being inaccessible to him and getting like, little zingers of insights and life lessons from his best friend’s kid while out and about. chris showing him how he gets up and down the tall curbs when a sidewalk is blocked off unexpectedly, and very loudly and often proclaiming his distain for the “fuck-you” steps (the 1-2 tiny steps at the front doors of houses and buildings that immediately make that entrance no longer accessible)

like buck researches a couple of easy activities for them to try while he’s is still healing and tired and is looking into the establishment’s accessibility accommodations, and hey! the place says on the website that they’re wheelchair friendly! that usually covers his and chris’s bases, so they should be good to go. but when they get there it turns out that, while there IS an accessible entrance with a “ramp”, it’s actually the cargo loading zone that’s literally on the other side of the building which would require them to walk a couple of extra blocks up and back down the street on the other side. obviously they can still get in, but buck feels awful because that’s not what he wanted out of his preparedness. chris just tells him “it’s okay, it happens a lot actually”, and buck is even MORE sad about it, but chris just conspiratorially adds “this is my favorite kind” and starts making his way towards the set of like, idk eight stairs at the front of this building. buck is obviously confused and looks at eddie who just shakes his head fondly, sighs and says “yeah, he does this sometimes” before encouraging buck to follow. when buck finally reaches chris, he’s balancing his crutches on the first stair and turns to buck to whisper “now we get to make them feel bad about it” and proceeds to very feebly, very slowly—and buck has seen chris rough and tumble and rocket his way through things that could (and do) trip him up, this is the most dramatic act of put-upon helplessness buck has EVER seen from this kid—make his way up the stairs. he even sticks his bottom lip out into a little pout for good measure. one of the staff sees them through the glass doors and comes out to tell them about the “ramp” in the back of the building, and before buck can even think of what to say in response, chris is just telling them, very sadly, that he “wouldn’t be able to walk that far without getting too tired 😔😔😔” and continues his hammed-up, sad, slow trek up the stairs while a very harried staff member kind of hovers, not knowing what to do.

buck has to bite his cheek to keep himself from laughing at chris’ act, and then again at the face the staff member makes when they catch sight of buck too, as he begins very dutifully following chris’s lead, eddie in their wake.

[zinthelost]

Logan should have been the key to healing Charles' broken heart in dofp.

(In a non-ship way)

While it gave us the great scene of Charles talking to himself, I hate that that was the answer in dofp. I argue that Logan actually was the "right guy" to help Charles right then.

Charles was broken in dofp because of heart break. At the core of the X-Men Charles is offering love, family, and home to people in need of it. And in dofp his first two attempts at that have failed spectacularly.

With Raven he felt he had a sister, fully and without qualification. They were siblings and he loved her and the mansion was their home. But she leaves and casually informs him it was never her home and he was so very easy for her to leave behind. She was his sister since he was 12 and in the 20 years between First Class and Dark Phoenix he sees her twice.

With Erik the cut was even deeper. As with her, he found someone wounded and immediately bonded to him. Here was someone who had been abused horrifically, was elbow deep in blood, seeing only rage and pain in himself, surviving but not living. And Charles saw his heart and offered him love and a home. As with Raven, he said "You're wonderful. I'll love you and we'll be family and this will be your home."

And Erik threw him away.

Charles can't hope anymore. His heartbreak is a devastating blow to a telepath.

Now we have Logan. Logan originally came to Charles a wounded man. Abused, elbow deep in blood, seeing only rage and pain in himself, surviving but not living, but with a good heart. He's the perfect mirror to Erik but when Charles offered him home and family, Logan stayed. And stayed and stayed.

As cherik shippers we focus on Erik being at Charles' side in the dark future, but so is Logan. At the end Charles is flanked by them both. One in front and one behind. Charles doesn't leave the plane till Storm and Logan have stepped out first. They're being hunted by machines and Charles is a telepath in a wheelchair. He is utterly vulnerable and helpless against this foe. Logan is there in the position of a bodyguard. In the movie "Logan" they expand even further into this dynamic and as someone who's been there, I cannot fully express the depth of love and devotion that would be necessary to do what Logan does for Charles in that movie. Caring for a loved one with dementia and mobility issues is hard. And ugly. But Logan is still holding on to Charles. This is his family and he's not letting go.

Erik and Raven threw Charles away, and we know from DP that Hank does as well in this timeline. But in Logan all Charles' love is reciprocated. And through Logan's memories Charles could see the school he builds. All his X-Men. His family.

Without his powers Charles has no idea of any of this. Logan is just some dude who showed up and said "I'm from the future. Grab your coat, we gotta break your ex out of prison and save the world." When Logan offers up his mind to him is when Charles could finally see that the future he's building will be good. His love WILL be reciprocated. His future self just telling him "You'll suffer and that's good because you can use it to help people" isn't enough. That's the opposite of hope, that's literally radical acceptance: a coping mechanism for when there is zero hope.

But! If you change that scene just a bit. Now Logan is certain that he's the problem. He readily admits to Charles that he's not the guy. He's totally wrong. It was meant to be Charles that went back, but they're stuck with him. Logan intends to send Charles to himself but Charles' powers are barely firing. He stumbles on to Logan's pain and recoils. Logan encourages him again and now he's looking forward but instead of jumping right to the target, he's wary after the hit of pain. He has to make his way there gradually. He sees his school. He sees his found family. It's all through Logan's perception so he feels how Logan came there, sees the clear mirroring to Erik, sees that this time his faith was rewarded, feels Logan's trust and love. Sees that when it all falls apart Logan is still there as are so many of his X-Men, that their family bonds are ironclad.

Then, and only then, he meets his older self. And yes, his powers hurt. Yes he will naturally draw to him the most wounded of people. But (and this is an important but) the payoff is that these people are wonderful and they love him. It's not all pain for the sake of others, he also gets happiness. He gets a home full of family and children and hope. His empty mansion that once held only pain and abuse and loneliness is now a true home.

All his older self offered to him was a future of self sacrifice. Logan could have offered him a future of family. Logan was the key to healing Charles' broken heart.

[goodgrlguides]

A Good Girl's Guide to Mastering the Art of Subtle Manipulation

(aka. getting what you want without a cost)

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄. I have this thing that I always do with my dad that gets me whatever I want, whenever I want it. It's called subtle manipulation.

𝐈. When you're with a man you want to get something from, make him feel strong. In other words, butter him up. Men are known for falling for the trap of flaunting their strength in front of women to make them feel like they're strong or needed. It works every time. Say I want to buy a pair of tights, and my dad is around. I usually don't say a thing and walk into the store, pick up the item I want and wait until the till when he brings out his card and pays for it for me. Typically, I deny it about twice, but he keeps repeating it and tells me to get anything else I want.

As a disclaimer, this doesn't work with every man, so you need to find out what works for him. This silent action of wanting to be independent usually makes a man (typically a father) feel like their kid is leaving them and buying what they want to buy with their own money makes them feel like they're still in control.

Or maybe beforehand, try praising him for how well he parked or chat to him about something he's good at and how much you want to learn how to do it (even if you actually don't). Generally, letting a person talk about their strengths puts them in a better mood, which is essential in trying to get what you want easily.

Give him that 'tight pickle jar' or that 'soda bottle', even if you're more than capable of opening it yourself. Struggle a bit and then call him over and watch his face light up with pride at how easy it was to open the jar or the bottle. It's good to build him up. At the same time, it's also good to be as smooth about it as possible.

𝐈𝐈. Be as smooth and as nonchalant with it as possible. Don't start out worrying about it, just act like you normally would with a little more 'helpless' or 'independent' to it, depending on what you choose for the day. After buttering him up, it'll definitely be much easier to get what you want and adding what you know will rile up that manliness in him will make it so much better.

To break it down easily:

Helpless — Triggers an emotional need to protect. Not in a very nurturing way depending on the man, but in a way where they see that they're the man and need to help you. ㅤㅤUseful traits to act helpless — Be a bit pouty, act a little more ㅤㅤcuter than you usually would, talk about his likes a bit moreㅤㅤㅤact like you need his help, butter him up, give him what he ㅤㅤlikes.

Independent — Triggers a threatening feeling that they're not as useful in your life anymore. This works at least 80% of the time. Men surprisingly feel easily intimidated at a lot of the things that come into a women's life and one of those includes an independent woman if the man himself has insecurity issues and easily feels threatened, which is what my dad has. It's said a lot: A strong woman needs a strong man. So, if your man isn't strong then this will work very easily. ㅤㅤUseful traits to act independent — It's one simple rule, don't ㅤㅤask him for it, do it yourself. He'll eventually fall for it.

Obviously, there are millions of other ways you could act, but these are just ones that work for me, so if you need someone to blame if this doesn't work for you, don't blame me! 💢

𝐈𝐈𝐈. Another one bites the dust. Another way to say this is, be unapologetic with it. That confidence in yourself is what makes this entire process easier so that you don't have to feel awkward and uncomfortable during the process! Trust the process and continue to be headstrong with it and eventually it'll get a lot easier, and you'll end up getting what you want when you want it.

As a final disclaimer, just know that none of this is belittling men or women in any way, practical tips to get what you want without spending too much over it. Don't do this and then start saying that I was the one who made it toxic and it didn't work because of me because at the end of the day, every person is different so do what you know works for him as much as it works for you.

As always, it's lovely having you guys here and I really love having the opportunity to share things with other women who are so deserving and so loved— even if no one tells you that you're loved and that you're beautiful, here you go: I love you so much and you're beautiful and so so deserving of all the love the right person has to give to you!

Love you lots and as always, Be a good girl.

XOXO, GGG.

[ashketeers]

Brinky Love Confession and their emotional struggles ramble bc I thought about this last night and I needed to write it down bc it was driving me insane.

It’s kinda angsty

I am a firm believer that Brinky would have the messiest love confession ever, absolute emotional wreck of a confession.

Pinky is obviously the one who confesses first, Brain would go his entire life without ever revealing his feelings for Pinky and take them to his grave if he didn’t.

Now, Pinky might be the more emotionally intelligent of the two but he isn’t exactly emotionally stable. Neither of them are, they just act in different ways.

Pinky can quickly go from happy to sad to happy, he can be loud and yell when he’s frustrated but usually goes away to collect himself when he’s upset. Pinky is “smarter” in this way since he can actually usually calm himself down and can reflect on emotions.

Brain however is not in touch with his emotions. He turns sadness and fear into anger and frustration. He builds a barrier and refuses to take it down, even if it harms him as well. He completely shuts down and makes accusations, anything to make him look better because his ego is being hurt every time he lets himself get emotional, even if it’s anger.

As for the confession, like I said, Pinky is 100% the one who tells Brain. Pinky has showed signs, some more vague and some very obvious signs that he’s attracted to Brain and shows romantic interest. Now here’s a thought.

Is Pinky aware of Brain’s attraction? Is Brain even aware of all the things and acts he’s done that shows how he feels for Pinky?

I think Brain is slightly aware but he pushes it back into his mind, afraid to act on it, maybe some internalized fear? Who knows.

One might think Pinky’s too stupid to realize all these signs from Brain. But I beg to differ, Pinky is very good at reading Brain, despite his low intelligence. As I said before, Pinky is obviously the more emotionally intelligent one, he’s even told Brain “Maybe if you were more sentimental.” when Brain brought up his crush on that one sea lion.

Pinky have also on multiple occasions commented on Brain’s odd or unusual behaviors, he also tries to cheer him up in ways he knows usually work. It’s quite obvious that Pinky knows Brain on an emotional level that Brain might not even know himself.

So, does Pinky notice and is aware of Brain’s feelings? I think so, but he also knows that Brain isn’t any good at expressing his emotions so I like to think that during his confession, he takes Brain’s feelings and behavior into account.

Brain, being the emotionally constipated mouse he is, he can’t comprehend having his walls broken down and he feels exposed. He barely registers Pinky’s confession, because why would he? He doesn’t need to listen to that drivel, he doesn’t need a romantic relationship, he doesn’t need anyone. But now he’s bare, exposed and vulnerable. Pinky can read him like an open book, and that doesn’t sit well with Brain. He’s afraid of being vulnerable, helpless.

Brain turns this fear into anger, as always. He says things he shouldn’t or wouldn’t say. He doesn’t even recognize himself, his walls are shattered and all he can spew is in self defense. He knows that Pinky is not a threat, but logic is out the window and he can’t stand not being in control of the situation.

Pinky, who’s opened up his heart and (naively) expected Brain to open up too is upset and quite honestly disappointed. Of course he sees through this act and knows Brain is upset and afraid, but he doesn’t get why Brain can’t reflect on it like he does? And why can’t Pinky help him? Didn’t it feel better having someone else tell your feelings for you?

They both need a break from each other, Brain is still in defensive mode but without anyone to take it out on, he doesn’t know what to do.

Pinky is trying to calm himself down, he loves and cares for Brain, he really does. But it’s hard to see the one you love in such distress over something that should be wonderful (in Pinky’s words). Love is supposed to be happy, not sad. Why doesn’t Brain realize that he’s happy when he lets his guard down? All those involuntary and carefree behaviors, the hugs, the gazes, the “my dear pinky”, the rare occasion of hearing him speak fondly of Pinky, that he doesn’t deserve him and that he’s too good for him.

Brain thinks about what Pinky told him, really thinks about it. The confession that is, not the breaking of his emotional wall. His feelings are reciprocated. So why didn’t he just tell Pinky the same and let himself be happy?

Well, because in his eyes he doesn’t deserve it and he’s convinced himself that he doesn’t need it either. What has Brain ever done that got Pinky of all people to love him? Obviously he doesn’t realize that Pinky sees through his persona and knows Brain for who he is. He’s passionate, determined, caring and loving when he lets himself be. All those things are under a protective layer, and that layer is what Pinky wants to get past. Both for himself and for Brain.

Pinky of course, in his mid-emotional-ramble, said all of this in his own “Pinky” way. It only clicks with Brain just now though, and now he feels bad, guilty, unlovable.

Brain wants to go to Pinky, his defense mechanism and ego be damned, he wants to spill his own feelings to Pinky. But he can’t bring himself to do that, not just yet, but god he wants to, he knows that’s the right thing to do, but it’s so difficult.

Pinky is conflicted over whether to give Brain time or speak to him a second time. He might push Brain even further away, but at the same time, he saw that look on Brain’s face. It was hopeful, even if only a little glimpse, he let his guard down for just a split second. He wants to see that again, he wants it to last longer, forever. He wants Brain to let himself be happy. Brain never gives up, so neither will Pinky.

Pinky goes to Brain.

It’s quiet, it’s desperate, it’s tearful, it’s physical and it was about damn time.

They try to talk, both trying to be the bolder one in this situation. But it’s pretty damn difficult to have a conversation when you’re all over each other in a desperate attempt to be closer than you’ve ever been before. All emotional guards are down, all emotions are spilling out, it’s been years of pining, some years they didn’t even know they were in love. For all they knew, it was merely friendship. That’s what they thought at least. But they’re aware, they’re inseparable and it will hurt. They know it will hurt, they know it will be a rocky journey for the both of them.

But it’s so worth it if they can kiss each other like they currently are, forever.

[charliemwrites]

I have returned! I have been Eating all of the writing you’ve been doing in response to the asks. It is very yummy. Alas, I have no thoughts except price and good girl being Spicy.

Hmmmm spice you say??? 🤔 lemme see what I got in stock *clattering, banging, a brief chainsaw noise* how about edging?

You don’t usually cry during sex. Forget to breathe? All the time. Get dizzy and shaky? Sure! You even sometimes make sobbing noises, vocal cords out of control and brain turned to goop. But you almost never get to the point of tears.

But today might be the day John changes that.

He was so so clear earlier that this is not a punishment. As far as you know, he’s never lied to you. You’re starting to think that maybe today he did.

Because you’ve been on the edge for what feels like hours now. Brought to the edge, then back, jerked like a puppy on a leash, never quite able to fall over even though you gave up holding back about four almost-orgasms ago.

You’re pleading, voice high and cracking. It does nothing except make him chuckle and coo and tell you that you’re being so good. If you’re being so good, why isn’t he letting you cum?!

“If you need me to stop, princess, you know what to say.”

It’s like a taunt. He says it when your cries start to get too desperate. The first time he denied you, and you’d been so lost in his tongue massaging your clit that you forgot what game you two were playing.

The next, when he was three fingers deep and petting, petting, petting at your walls, curling them just right to toy with your g-spot.

Again, when it took him so long to sink inside you just because the perfect way he stretched you out made you twitch and clench dangerously.

He’s been pounding into you for hours now. Your arms and legs gave out on you awhile ago, so he’s just holding your hips up enough to fuck you stupid - like a machine made specifically to ruin you.

He keeps changing the angle, the speed, the pattern just enough to keep that pleasure from building. Hasn’t touched your swollen, sensitive clit since he flipped you over. You’ve given up on asking by this point, don’t think you could form words to beg at this point anyway. Even your cervix feels used and abused from the fat head of his cock bullying it.

He presses his pelvis flush to your ass and grinds, filthy and deep, right at that spot that would tip you over if he just let you. You’re past frustration or desperation or need - you’re pretty sure he’s gonna break you. And you’d be fine with that if he just. let. you. cum!

The first tear falls. And then the next. Your face is soaked with more than saliva from your open mouth now. You’re actually crying.

“There we are, babygirl.”

He tips your hips to just the right angle, snakes his hand around your hip to rub mean little circles into your neglected clit.

You cum before you even realize what’s happening, screaming and sobbing and utterly helpless, limbs still weak, just being fucked through it until you’re not sure if you’re having a second orgasm or just one really long, mind-shattering climax.

Distantly you’re aware of John groaning, face pressed into your hair. Warmth deep inside as his hips stutter with his own release. You’re too busy trying to remember how to breathe to do much more than tremble though.

[demial4]

Someone's Thoughtful Take on Cosmo Canyon

from Here

"Note Ive never played the OG. I know of the OG so I can’t really make a comparison aside from what others have said and what I’ve seen in love playthroughs and commentaries.

Personally, I like the remake’s take. 

Let’s look at the game’s themes. Ff7 at the core isn’t about magic swords and defeating Sauron, it’s about economic ideas, imperialism, corporatism, selfishness, and honesty. 

 In canon, Shinra has waged war on the world. And has more or less won. Shinra dictates what people should buy and believe, it is capitalist in the worst sense. Shinra has separated people from the environment through building cities and creating a society based on material wealth and fame (recall how cloud and tifa’s village was excluded from shinra’s economy and only knew of the world via shinra’s propaganda). 

So what would people in reality most likely be? They’d be tourists and certainly the areas affected by Shinra realize they need to survive…by being tourist sites. 

In the OG Wutai did do that which is why yuffie rebelled. The remake seems to indicate that happened to wutai as in canon. 

There are questions of how countries/people affected by imperialism adapt, and becoming a part of the free market by advertising “happiness, freedom etc” could be one of them.

In the real world, we do have “spiritual retreats” and “gurus (looking at you Beatles and that guru from India)” for wealthy, bored folks. So the game is taking this fakeness, this desire to get quick answers without really becoming a true rebel, and showing it in the game.

Yuffie, being one who comes from a semi-nation that has been brutalized and humiliated by Shinra, is skeptical of the cosmo canyon. And why shouldn’t she be? Her nation has suffered many deaths, and the loss of their tradition slowly, yet these guys are sitting around “meditating” only to go home the next day to their peaceful lives? They can go home safely but everyday her people lose more and more of themselves. Plus she isn’t sure they are correct about the afterlife-I mean they don’t have good evidence so why should she believe them? She has lost people and she has never seen them again. It’s a very mature take on the world for a young teen like yuffie.

When tifa ends up trying to tell people about what she actually experienced in the life force, no one from the cosmo canyon aside from Guggenheimer (who initially dismisses her) tries to delve more into what she is talking about. 

Tifa is talking to people who can’t or won’t understand what she is warning about because they haven’t had the life experiences she has and I suspect the genuine desire to help the world change. 

Later on, in golden saucer, Tifa confesses to cloud that she feels so helpless when she sees how no one in the golden saucer is reacting to the new war on wutai."

from Here

[venuscheered]

birdhouse -

what happens when marilyn finds a helpless baby bird? and why is it that belch huggins feels the need to step in?

*** a drabble i wrote today featuring marilyn fenix and belch huggins, slight hints at ocxcanon, but not overpowering. 1641 words.

Marilyn Fenix, she was never a crafty girl; when it came to her skill sets, it usually had something to do with athletics. She was a nimble little thing, flexible, and just about everything you’d expect a cheerleader to be. It’s what she knew, and it came effortlessly to her.

So when she slipped into woodworks, just about every student stared at her. Not even the instructor did much about it, watching idly as the blonde helped herself to some scrap wood, glue, and a few screws here and there. It was almost painful to watch- actually, it was painful to watch, especially for Belch Huggins. A brow raised as he watched the girl aimlessly hammer away at a screw like it’d been a nail. He’d almost felt embarrassed for her, if it wasn’t so damn grating.

About six screws in the cheerleader holds up her creation. All eyes on her, but not one set daring enough to look at it in any way less than positively; Marilyn was a nice girl, and simply put they didn’t have the heart to laugh at her - not to her face, anyway.

Belch however, wasn’t like everyone else. He was the kind of guy to tell it how it was, and sure, he wasn’t the brightest when it came to academics, not usually... But he was crafty as all hell - wood works, metals, anything he could do with his hands? The guy was a genius. So when his eyes set upon the final product he couldn’t stop the obnoxious laugh expelled from his gut.

“The fucks that supposed to be?”

It caught the attention of everyone, the hazel eyed cheerleader as well. He was met curiously by Marilyn, her lips parted as if she’d wanted to bolster ‘A bird house... duh!’ ditzy as some might peg her to be... Not even she could defend her carpentry skills. “A bird house..?” his question was met with one of her own.

“That ain’t even a box.” Belch was honestly impressed, strolling over as he’d snagged the makeshift (and glorified) box from her hands. “No bird is gonna live in here, and I ain’t even gonna mention how you used screws with a hammer.” The box is tilted around - mismatched wood grain, uneven edges, a waste of perfectly fine wood as far as he was concerned.

“Well, you kind of just did.” Marilyn could only retort under her breath, her frame shrinking down in defeat. She watched as the bully deconstructed what she’d spent a good twenty minutes on. A short gasp as he’d tossed it. “Hey..!”

Marilyn was promptly, and gently moved aside. Belch had something to prove, he always had something to prove. And while one might psychoanalyze that at a later date... It didn’t take a genius to realize he’d been building her a proper one. All she could do was idly wait and watch the master at work. In the time it took for Marilyn to build her birdhouse, Belch produced one of a much greater quality. They couldn’t even be compared in all honesty.

“It’s basic, but whatever. It’s a birdhouse.” Belch practically shoves the structure into her hands, before he thrust his hands into the depths of his pockets. Gauging her reaction. Marilyn’s lips pressed together, eyes curiously scanning what Belch had made - for a guy who was seen as so mercilessly destructive, he proved he had a calculating gentleness to create. Marilyn admired that, evident with eyes that sparkled even under the florescent lights of the workshop. “It’s perfect..” Marilyn decreed, her voice more of a hush as if she’d been talking to herself.

“course it is.” His confidence was met with thankful eyes from Marilyn, his gaze immediately darting away. Don’t look at me like that, damn it. “What’d you need it for anyways?” Belch wasn’t sure if he was asking because he actually cared, or if he needed to quickly recover from his lack of social skills when it came to girls.

Either way... Marilyn seemed more than happy that he’d asked. “Found somethin’ wanna see?” Her voice was hushed, as if whatever she found was top secret. Class had been over anyways, prior to this Belch ignored the bell for probably the first time in his life. His legs betraying him in following her down the hallway - and out the school.

While Marilyn hugged onto the birdhouse, she led him outside past the field. There was a lot of foliage and Marilyn knelt over and carefully pulled out a small cardboard box hidden within some bushes. The moment the box shifted, a piercing squeak came from inside. A little bird, small and sporting a few feathers, it was tinged a soft red. Had Marilyn known Stan Uris; he’d be able to tell her it was a Cardinal hatchling.

“I found him out here, I think last night’s storm separated him from his nest.” Marilyn replies, a finger gently nudging the bird, soft plumes nuzzled against her finger. “Isn’t he cute?”

Belch Huggins didn’t do cute, if a word in the English vocabulary could be any more foreign to him, it’d be cute. His head tilts, brow raised as he watched the pathetic little chick chirp away. It was smaller than a chicken wing, and anymore thought on the subject would have made him strangely hungry... So with a shake of his head he steps forward. “It’s ugly.” Belch noted that Marilyn didn’t seem to approve, evident by the downturn of her eyebrows and purse of her lips. He... didn’t like that expression on her all too much, it tugged on him for one reason or another - right then and there he vowed to keep his big mouth shut.

Leaning over he grabbed a hold of the birdhouse, perching it on the nearby tree - high enough that it’s parent could potentially find it, but low enough so that Marilyn (and even he...) could check up on it. Marilyn watches him curiously, her eyes soften before scooping the hatchling into her hands, and carefully poking it into the birdhouse. “It’s perfect!”

“course it is!”

Day by day Marilyn would check on that bird, it seemed as if it’s parent had come along. Seeing as the nestling had enough strength to continue to chirp about and poke it’s head out the small opening of the birdhouse. On occasion, Marilyn was surprised to have run into Belch there. He’d protest and claim he’d only come out here for a stray baseball... But neither of them bought it and Belch refused to come back at the same time as her again out of sheer embarrassment.

The next time was different, though. It was only out of curiosity that Belch found himself walking across the field, hell he didn’t care about that dumb bird one way or another. It’d fly away soon, and his excuse to come by would fly away with it. With hands stuffed into his pockets, he walks up to the same tree he’d come by every day to see - the same tree that he had to make excuses to ditch his friends for. And it wasn’t until he spotted the shape of Marilyn, hunched over and crying did he feel uneasy.

He takes his place, standing behind her as his eyes study her curiously, like he’d been a fly on the wall watching something he shouldn’t be. That’s when he’d set his eyes onto the small lifeless form of scattered little plumes and the chick which they came from. His stomach dropped, his hand involuntarily tilting his hat downward. Belch knelt down next to her - he wasn’t sure one way or another if Marilyn had even realized he was there but... She was crying.

Marilyn was crying.

Her hands for a final time scoop the small creature into her palms. It’s tiny body melding easily to fit. “Don’t do that to yourself.” He finally spoke out, his own voice evident at the discomfort of seeing her in such a state. Disappointment that he hadn’t been here even twenty minutes prior to catch the damn thing. “Hey-!“

He was greeted with puffy eyes, eyes that had always been so damn happy and bright. Belch was certain he’d never seen her cry before, and he was certain he’d never wanted to again. His gaze averted once more, uncomfortably fixing his hat (it was then and only then that he finally realized he did that whenever he was uncomfortable.) his head nodding in the direction of the tree which their bird fell from. With only his hands, Belch Huggins dug, he dug about six inches into the soil beneath the tree. Eyes expectantly staring Marilyn down when he finished, and the cheerleader shifted to gently place the chick into the Earth. “He wanted to fly.” her voice was raspier than he’d ever heard it before. “He wanted to do somethin - and he couldn’t.”

Belch’s gaze softened, studying Marilyn before he began to bury the bird with the soil he’d dug up. Neither teen said a word when he was done, opting to sit at their knees in front of the tree. A moment of solace. A sniffle left the blonde before she reached over and took a hold of his hands, larger than her own and littered in callouses; It took him by surprise, widened eyes as all he could do was sit and watch the strange girl next to him.

With a handkerchief Marilyn delicately wiped away at the mud coating his hands. She took her time with it too, as if it was a careful practice. Not once did hazel eyes flit up into his direction - no, she knew she’d end up crying again if she had. “For what it’s worth... The birdhouse was perfect.”

“...Of course it was.”

[kalinara]

So, I saw someone else's post pointing out the weird inconsistency with the way the Uncanny X-Team and the regular X-Team interact. How it starts out fairly pleasant but then, kind of out of the blue, the Uncanny team starts acting really hostile toward Scott and his team.

(Including a really nasty comment from Logan, and it's like, dude, weren't you fucking on the Moon, not that long ago?)

Meanwhile, on Scott's end of things, he's basically being polite, civil, and trying to adjust his plans to accommodate them.

I don't disagree with that post at all, but I didn't want to hijack it with my own thoughts, so this is my little bit of meta.

I admit, I've not caught up on a lot of the Krakoa stuff yet, but I definitely agree that this is inconsistent with the dynamics that I saw in those issues.

But it is definitely consistent with everything BEFORE Krakoa. And bizarrely, that makes me a bit optimistic. I remember, a long time ago, writing this rant about how consistently inconsistent the in universe treatment of Scott Summers was prior to his death. How everyone, under the pen of multiple authors, in multiple lines, seemed to fairly consistently believe the worst of him when his behavior would be completely opposite to their expectation.

I said then that it really did seem like it's building somewhere. And I'm cautiously thinking that it might still be. Rosenberg's X-Men, which I enjoyed very much despite its general pre-Krakoa bleakness, started out with Scott and Logan in a surprisingly okay place but things seemed to fall apart pretty dramatically and for not a lot of reason.

And honestly, I still can't quite get over Jono basically telling Scott that he hated him while he died. That was intense and singularly horrible.

But then everyone reunited and we pretty much got Krakoa right after that, and everything was different and good and bad and fucked up in all sorts of brand new ways. And I figured, okay, I was wrong, it really wasn't going anywhere. It was just weirdness that, if it ever had meant something, doesn't apply now.

But we're back to basics. We're back to the old patterns. We're back to Wolverine and whatever team represents the school and the "Xavier style" of mutant ideology against Scott's black ops "Magneto style" aggressive protection. And again, we have a Scott who doesn't seem to buy into that conflict while everyone around him does.

I had a theory briefly that the sheer irrational reaction of everyone around him was because Scott, as the Phoenix, right after killing Xavier, somehow mind-whammied the world to feel exactly what he did: a deep love and idealization for Charles Xavier that, while occasionally disappointed, never truly faltered, and a deep and complete loathing of one Scott Summers.

I still think that theory works, and might well explain why no one seems to remember that they were pretty fucking mad at Xavier at the end of the Krakoa stuff (with Logan actually trying to kill him.)

The other theory I have is simpler though, which is that Scott ends up being the focal point for all of his fellows grief, despair, and helpless, pointless anger because they think he can handle it.

If Charles Xavier is the spirit of the Dream, then Scott Summers is the embodiment of the X-Men. (I think there's even a point in one of the Captain Krakoa issues where we're told that "I am the X-Men" was basically his campaign speech at one of the Hellfire Galas). And as such, he's always going to be there: strong, implacable, steadfast and invulnerable to whatever they send his way.

And that leads to something really interesting, because as we've seen in X-Men #3. He's NOT. And that's not really surprising, it's not like Scott has ever been a paragon of good mental health. But the panic attack is new. And assuming that it's actually a panic attack and not some indicator of possession or powers going out of control or something, then it's a vulnerability that he might not be able to hide.

And that makes me think we might, FINALLY, see an actual resolution to this decades long thread.

And if not, well, if I didn't enjoy watching Scott Summers suffer, I wouldn't be reading X-Men comics.

(Also, Jean's actually alive now. She's in space at the moment, IIRC, but I really don't think she's going to tolerate this bullshit for too much longer, if and when she finally notices it happening.)

[kotegiris]

[Event Story] Autumn Leaves Fluttering Down on Oni Mountain

previous chapter ✧ all ✧ next chapter

Chapter 5: Resounding in the Abandoned Building

【Ikkaku Mountain - In Front of the Abandoned Building】

-Meanwhile-

Yuhan: This appears to be an abandoned building.

Yuhan: It was likely one of the hot spring inns that went out of business after the water stopped.

Hanamaru: It’s run down, but it’s probably enough to keep the rain out…

Hanamaru: The perfect place to lay low.

Hanamaru: Anyways, let’s head inside.

Yuhan: Yes… You’re right.

Step… step… step…

【Ikkaku Mountain - Inside the Abandoned Building】

Yuhan: …Hanamaru-san. Take a look at this.

Hanamaru: Is this… fish and… animal bones?

Hanamaru: …They haven’t decomposed yet.

Hanamaru: Looks like someone’s been staying here…

Yuhan: Yes, it appears so. Let’s split up and investigate here.

Yuhan: Hanamaru-san, you seem stubborn enough to not die, no matter what happens, but…

Yuhan: If something does happen, please let me know. 

Hanamaru: Got it. You too. Let me know if something happens.

Yuhan: Yes, I know. 

Yuhan: Now then… You should investigate the 1st floor…

Yuhan: And I’ll investigate the 2nd floor. 

Hanamaru: Alright. Let’s both be careful.

【Ikkaku Mountain - In Front of the Abandoned Building】

Step… step… step…

Yan: This is the abandoned building where the oni is.

Berrien: This is quite a large building. 

Yan: Yeah. This mountain used to have hot springs a long time ago…

Yan: This was a hot spring inn that was built then.

Muu: A-An abandoned building… Feels a little creepy.

Muu: You told us that he was a kind oni, but… I’m still a bit scared when I think about him living here.

Yan: Actually… I wish he could live together with everyone in the village.

Haures: Judging from the chief’s reaction earlier…

Haures: The village doesn’t seem used to welcoming outsiders.

Haures: …I don’t know if there’s an actual oni living here, but…

Haures: It’d probably be difficult for them to welcome someone who they fear and call an “oni.”

Yan: Yeah… If everyone got to know each other… I’m sure they can be friends, but…

Then, at that moment…

From inside the abandoned building… We heard a familiar scream.

Hanamaru: WOAAH!? W-WHAT THE!?

> This voice is…!

Berrien: It’s Hanamaru-san!

Berrien: They entered the mountain before us… It appears that they’re also here.  

Haures: Is something happening inside? 

Haures: Anyways, let’s hurry. 

> Y-Yeah…!

【Ikkaku Mountain - Inside the Abandoned Building】

Step… step… step…

Yuhan: Hanamaru-san！ You screamed just now…

Yuhan: Are you alright!?

Hanamaru: …Y-Yo, Yuhan. It’s been a while, huh?

Hanamaru: Uhm… Could you help me… pull my leg out from the floor?

Hanamaru: Seems like the floor’s rotten… And I stepped through it.

Yuhan: ……Haah.

Yuhan: …Good grief. I was worried for nothing.

Hanamaru: Hehe. Don’t tell me… Were you worried about me? 

Hanamaru: Thanks, Yuhan. 

Yuhan: ……If you’re thanking me, then stop smirking. 

Yuhan: I’ll leave you stuck there. 

Hanamaru: Wait, wait. Don’t be so cold.

Hanamaru: …Guess I have to pull it out myself, huh… 

Hanamaru: Oww… My leg’s pretty stuck in the floor…

Hanamaru: If I knew this was gonna happen, I should’ve made a bigger hole. 

Yuhan: …You’re helpless. 

Yuhan: It’s dangerous to pull it out forcibly… Let’s cover your leg with a cloth first. 

Hanamaru: A cloth… But there isn't one here… 

???: U-Uhm… If you’d like, please use this hand towel…

Hanamaru: Oh. Thanks for…

Hanamaru: …………Huh…

Hanamaru: WOAAAH!? WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!?

Once more, from inside of the abandoned building, Hanamaru’s scream resounded.

Following the voice, we went inside the building.

Muu: H-Hanamaru-san…！ What happened…!?

Berrien: His scream came from that room over there! 

Berrien: Haures-kun. Just in case, ready your weapon before we go inside.

Haures: Yes…!

Dash…

Berrien: Hanamaru-san! Are you alright!?

> Hanamaru, are you okay!?

We entered the room we heard his scream from, and…

An unfamiliar tall man and Hanamaru were both looking at each other with a surprised expression.

The tall man had long legs and arms… He seemed around 2 meters tall.

Tall Man: ……U-UWAAAA!! I-I’m sorry! I’m sorry…!

Hanamaru: No, that’s my line… My bad for suddenly yelling.

Haures: Hanamaru-san, that person is…

Tall Man: UWAAA! A-A sword! Stop! Please don’t kill me!

> Haures, put your weapon away.

Haures: Y-Yes. My apologies. 

Yan: Saudan! 

Yan: Saudan. Don’t worry, it’s okay.

Yan: They aren’t bad people.

Saudan: Yan…… U-Uuu……uu….

When the tall man named Saudan saw the young boy, tears welled up in his eyes from relief. 

> H-He’s crying…

Haures: …Is he… Perhaps… the Ikkaku Mountain oni……?

Haures: From Yan’s stories I thought that he was probably a kind person, but…

Muu: For someone being called an oni… He’s not scary at all. 

> Y-Yeah…

Berrien: Hmm……This person is…

Berrien: Based on his features… Is he someone from the Southern Lands?

[pinkmoondoll9shihtzu]

do you believe that if enough unfortunate things occur that you can build up luck that way for when you really need it? i'm always nervous to talk about it out loud, for obvious reasons, but do you think the god of reverse luck is real? or whatever someone might call it. if it is real i always envision him as a black cat. just something I had in my mind when trying to make sense of the universe

Ahh... This is A good question : ) My answer may be a little controversial but, I don't actually believe in "Luck", i don't believe that anythign is random, Although on that note I Also don't believe in predetermination ..

Thru my studies into all types of beliefs & esoteric channels I Have come to the understanding of reality being a mirror, There is no separation between mind & matter, We are all God, So in a sense "Luck" does exist if you believe it exists, "Bad Luck" will happen to you if U believe it happens to u, However it's not an absolute truth, It's more of a superstition or something, U lend it power by believing in it, And Whatever u believe will show up in your reality.

so for me I Definitely don't believe in luck anymore i just see things as cause -> effect (cause being, my general inner state of being, And my beliefs, Some of which are REALLY stubbornly buried in my subconcious & take a lot of work to correct) .. So if something "Unlucky" happens to me I Usually just analyze, what part of my past could this be stemming from ? Where do i still feel fear & lack?

by bringing awareness to My Pains i feel i slowly make progress in reconstructing more Purposeful beliefs Not just living on autopilot & Kneejerk reacting to everything & Feeling helpless. One thing i tell myself Always is that No matter how bad things may look or feel right now, Everything always works out for me eventually in Perfect timing, because I decide it to be so : ) I tell myself that any "bad" situation always leads me to something better. And i feel I actually do believe this after A long long time of integrating it.

So yeah idk if U want to make sense of the Universe U gotta start by going inwards But this answer is not even really a great explanation of what i'm talking about I mean I Can Not understate the sheer volume of information I Have absorbed in order to truly apply what i'm talking about & Even then It's a work in progress I Don't feel i've mastered it at all. But the point of what im saying is that We have the power to change our fates & Change whether we are lucky/unlucky/anything else for that matter. Thru the power of transmutation we can change anything we dislike about our lives

U should try reading the Hermetica if u want to know more, Also learning about quantum physics, helped me a lot ^_^ Hope this is a somewhat satisfactory explanation even if it's really brief.... LOVE pmd9 ! <3

[chaifootsteps]

Hello! It's Secret Identity Alastor AU Anon again! <3

Probably an unpopular take but: if they were gonna give That scene to Alastor and Mimzy in 'Dad Beat Dad' where Alastor tells Mimzy to buzz off, then Alastor should've gotten the 'fair weather/toxic friend' plotline rather than Angel Dust (it would've spared Cherri the character assassination at least). Or at the very least a friend betrayal plotline, not even a 'I tried to kill you/other people you started to care about" way, just a, "I actively fed information about you to other interested hostile parties and didn't even give you a heads up when their goons came knocking."

Maybe build it up with Alastor actually being, pretty reliable with doing Hotel things. Have multiple sinners check in for various reasons than just Sir Pentious, like Baxter, Crymini and then Mimzy. Have Mimzy be the spy for the Vees but Alastor totally unwilling to consider it. Have there be an actual mystery of who the spy is, and have Alastor and Vaggie be the main investigators because Charlie is busy trying to get an audience with the branch of Heaven monitoring Hell & running the Purges. Have Husk and Alastor (I prefer AU where they're actually kinda buds but I'd imagine they hold each other at a distance, or are tsundere about it) have an argument about Mimzy possibly being the spy, and have Alastor lose his fucking temper because that's his Bestie that Husk is trash talking (Husk wasn't exactly, but that's the point) and double down because man is literally terrified of looking weak and attackable. Have Mimzy had started to get cold feet about dropping an attack where one of her friends (Alastor) is working closely with, but the siege happening before she can give her friend a heads up. Then the friend betrayal is staring Alastor in the face. Have the attack on the hotel happen because Charlie is out at the meeting with Heaven finally; and thus leaving the Hotel "vulnerable". Have the culmination of the trust exercises for the main cast be the battle to defend themselves and the Hotel.

Then instead of like, talking about what they're actually feeling or whatever, Mimzy doubles down too, tries to play it off like, "there was never anything to worry about, besides, you've always been good at landing on your hooves, Al."

And then Alastor tells her to leave, maybe the whole "[redemption's] not your style" thing could be a callback to her words upon her check in to the Hotel? (Mimzy and Alastor could make up and be friends again in the future after some character development for both, some plot and actual communication between them.)

Then Alastor disappears long enough for the rest of the cast to grow concerned (there would've been, some bonding there?) enough to go looking for him. He's out killing and eating his feelings, he also might be injured from the Hotel Siege but refused to let the other Hotel cast see him look weak.

Also, I feel that one of Alastor's main sins/flaws should be Wrath. People keep assigning him Pride or Gluttony, and while I get it, it doesn't feel all that special or personal. But a vigilante killer in Hell who despite being in Hell still follows a code that punishes those that prey on or victimize the weak (in his eyes)? That's Wrath babey! What if Alastor had his father's temper (if we go with the common fanon that he had an abusive father, who probably hurt his mother while he was helpless to solve the problem in a meaningful way)? And oh, Alastor would be decent at keeping a lid on his temper in everyday life, whether through manners, hobbies, keeping distant, venting on hunting down jerks in Hell, etc, but his main method of self-control is complete denial & refusal to examine his own negative feelings, just keep dancing smiling 'til the curtain call, everything Is Fine, he is perfectly fine. So basically, Alastor's smile is a pressure cooker containing his temper (or something idk metaphor lol), and even he doesn't know when it's going to go off.

Yeah I know my AU version of Alastor is drifting significantly from both "canon" Alastor and long established common fan interpretations of him, but I like the stark dichotomy between the image that Alastor wishes to project as both his identities (the Radio Demon and Alastor) compared to whatever's actually going on in his head and his character arc. I hope this all makes sense or seems coherent to other people who aren't me.

Idk that's all I have right now. Like idk if I'd keep it, but the conflict of interest among friends, even besties, in the survival situation that is Hell could be interesting. It's a fun thought, anyways if you have thoughts, about or to add or whatever, have at it if you want (or not, that's valid too). <3

Got nothing to add to this, but I did enjoy reading it!

[colourstreakgryffin]

Hi! I'm the same person who wrote the request for all the hashira, since you can't do all the hashira do you think you could do iguro, tengen and rengoku? Thank you so much :)

M’kay! I’ve done a child Dokusha before but guess I’ll do it again! For @totallynotsweetheartsbelloved! Here it is and I hope it’s somewhat like what you want!

Iguro Obanai

Obanai understands fully why you’re afraid of men and why you cower at the sight of him. Most men are vile, dangerous monsters from what he’s seen but he doesn’t want to hurt you and likes the look of you

Obanai develops a precise strategy to try get around your fear. He gives you gifts everyday, little gifts as Kaburamaru slithers into your sight, before he leaves. This way your developing mind tells you that he isn’t a threat

Obanai is relived and joyous when you finally willingly show yourself to him and go up to him. He makes no subtle movements, staying dead still to let you examine him until you proclaim you trust him

Obanai is very soft, harmless and defensive over you post-trust building. He knows just because you like him doesn’t mean, you like every man so he needs to keep you safe. He shields you from the psychotic ones and continues to gift you random cute accessories each day

Uzui Tengen

Yeah. That makes sense, Tengen can fully grasp why you’re afraid of all men, including him. He would have been the same if he didn’t have this career, yet, he wants to help you and give you a home so he gets to work

Tengen thinks the best thing he can do to try build trust is have his wives talk to you as comfort before revealing himself. You are fine around women so if polite, sweet women introduce him, it may tell you that he is a trustworthy being and overtime, it actually does

Tengen has to keep his eccentric excitement and relief hidden with you when you walk over to him yourself. His wives did a excellent job at painting him as a good person, he reaches for your head and asks for permission to pay

Tengen is like a playful protective dad post-trust building. He keeps only openly harmful men away from you and gives you whatever you want, he does spoil you rotten but how else can he heal your broken heart without showing you luxury

Rengoku Kyojuro

Kyojuro feels immense shame and anger at his own sex. You’re afraid of men because they kept hurting you over and over, and he wants to do everything he can to fix that, make it that you’re not afraid of men so you don’t have to suffer

Kyojuro can’t stop all the fear but he can limit it with him. He immediately devises a plan to try win your trust, himself doesn’t talk to you but his little brother Senjuro tries, instead. It’s a bit more successful but each conversation with Senjuro convinces both Rengokus aren’t out to hurt you

Kyojuro’s relief and pride overflows his body when you, with Senjuro, go up to hug him. He can’t bring himself to move at all as he is worried that you’ll run away if he makes a single flinch. Like a helpless infant animal, he is so careful with how he moves

Kyojuro is the most affectionate and doting of the three here. He wants to express his care to you fully, no smoke and mirrors, so your little brain knows he is just here to love and protect you. He avoids the dangerous men in public altogether and lets you talk to women only

I apologise about the one coloured manga icon. Im running out of Obanai icons really fast and it make me sad!

[mikuni14]

Sugar Dog Life Ep 2-3 There's practically nothing going on in this series in terms of romance, I don't even feel any chemistry or anything between the MLs, and yet I really enjoy watching it - mainly because of Isumi 💖 What a cute and charming character, the actor is just just perfect. He's not only charming in appearance, with his big eyes and sweet face, but he's also a great character, so ineresting and lively. I love his inner voice, he's like the best seiyuu who can perfectly convey all emotions with his voice, and who is also naturally comical. I love all the sounds he makes, his "tch" 😒 "uuaahh" 😧 and stuff. Tanaka Koki as Isumi is 10/10. The funny thing is, I ship him more with his schoolmate who he's constantly fighting with lol. I genuinely like this show, I don't even care about the romance tbh, probably because it's non-existent anyway and I didn't have time to get invested, like in I hear the sunspot 😄

Cosmetic Playlover - Ep 4-6 I also like this series, the MLs have intense, interesting lives, their careers, I also like how their romantic and work lives are shown with all the good and bad things. I like how the pride, ethic and commitment to work and support in a good team are shown but also the toxicity of relationships between envious coworkers, bullying, overworking, building their careers, ect. I really like how they talk to each other a lot, how they screw up but apologize and try to explain themselves. I like how they discuss themselves, their feelings, their relationship. I like that uke is not shown as a helpless doll to be possessed and controlled by a "perfect" seme who seems to know everything. I like how they are different from each other and how this relationship works for them despite these differences, how they try to understand and complement each other. I like watching their efforts to make their relationship happen and work. I REALLY liked that a character writes a sincere, emotional text to their beloved and SENDS IT. In 99% of these types of scenes, someone writes a heartfelt text about their feelings and then deletes it, creating another drama...

I'm praising this series now because the trailer suggests that the next episode will suck and all their healthy communication will go to hell in the name of the most hated tropes ever, like "noble sacrifice" and "I know what's best for you without asking you about it" lol But for now - this is a really nice little series 😊

Takara's Treasure - Ep 7-8 I'm still fascinated/mortified by this relationship and how it's presented. Takara, who is perfectly aware and in tune with his feelings, his experiences, traumas, needs. He can identify and name what he feels, as well as control himself and his feelings. And Taishi, who can't do any of that. Takara, who consciously leads his own life and Taishi, who is unable to do anything, make any decision on his own without the influence of others, without asking them what he should do, even for others to tell him what he feels. Takara, who has his own life and Taishi, who has Takara's life, who built his entire being around him, went to his university, constantly checks what he likes, stalks him and stares at him to catch even the slightest changes in his face, completely losing himself in what Takara wants, likes, feels, putting him on a pedestal where everything Takara does and likes is perfect. Even their date, which was shown as Takara wanting to know what Taishin likes, actually IS about Takara. Taishin is constantly making sure that Takara is having fun, that the food is to his liking. It is significant, for example, that Taishin never says "I'm hungry/ I'm thirsty, let's go eat something, what do you think?" he just has to make sure that Takara wants it first. There is no "I" in Taishin's life, it's only senpai. And their scene from the previous episode, when Taishin is scared of Takara's reaction (!!) and literally shrinks and tries to appaer smaller when Takara tells him to come closer and when he sits there crying and small and it all ends with a kiss - ngl, as an adult woman, the only thing I felt for Taishin at that moment was the need to comfort him that no, honey, no one is mad at you and maybe call his mom. I'll be honest, I have no idea how someone could think at that moment: yes, I want to kiss this terrified, lost, emotionally undeveloped person. Maybe because of my age, maybe because people who need to be taught about life and their own feelings remind me too much of children for my own comfort, but I will never understand this type of relationship portrayed as something romantic and cute. Maybe in the manga it makes sense and has a different tone and there Taishin is not so blatantly childish, but simply innocent and an airhead. But the series Taishin IS mentally a child (and in behavior, movements and speech), especially compared to the mature, self-aware Takara. This relationship is not and will never be equal, which can be seen in literally every aspect (including the way they walk together, Takara always in front, Taishin toddling timidly behind), which will never be healthy. No matter how much Takara sincerely likes Taishin now. Because leading someone through life who should be your equal and support you exactly the same in life, but is not, is not possible in the long run. At some point Takara will also need help and support, something that can't be fixed with a smile and a crystal ball. And it may turn out that this relationship stands entirely on Takara, on his strength and his leadership.

I Hear the Sunspot - Ep 9 Wow, 3 episodes in a row when I don't have a good time, and only feel frustration and bitterness. I feel like I have to praise them for their commitment lol