#why watch new shows when you know they’ll be cancelled

[holding-out-for-hea]

Another day of mourning that Archive 81 wasn’t renewed and I’ll never know how this Otherworld resolves…. It haunts me

[lilsedge]

Could I request a lil request for tjd girl y/n where it's basically they haven't seen her after she turns heel but they go to the beach and see her having fun with damage ctrl and maybe her parents and sisters have a good day/night

Heel Fun

TJDG Short Story

Warnings: Don’t follow storyline or it might 👀

“Y/NNNN,” Bayley yells, walking into her apartment.

“What? I thought you girls had some more house shows,” Y/N says coming out of the bathroom.

“They got canceled. We are taking you to the beach,” Iyo says.

“With you parents and sister,” Dakota includes.

“But, school,” Y/N says.

“Adam and Beth got them out,” Bayley says.

“Okay then,” Y/N says, running to her room. She gets on a bikini and puts some shorts on (change it if you want). She grabs her sunglasses and her belt bag. 

“What did you do to your hair?” Iyo questions, touching it.

“I cut it and dyed it darker,” Y/N smiles.

“Heel turn?” Dakota asks.

Y/N nods, grabbing keys out of the bowl. She closes the door and locks it. Her parents haven’t seen the new hair either, so she doesn’t know how they are going to react. All she can hope for is that it’s good.

“I’m excited for the girls to see the hair,” Y/N says, looking at it in the elevator mirror.

“I find they’ll like it,” Dakota says.

“I hope. Kevin said he wanted the hair changed now that I’m a heel,” Y/N says.

“Girl, his hair is shorter than yours. Why did you let him have a say?” Bayley laughs.

“You guys weren’t answering. He was my only option,” Y/N says. 

“Of course it had to be him,” Dakota shakes her head. 

They all laugh while walking to Bayley’s car that was parked in the parking garage because she had her own spot there. Well, it used to be Dominik’s spot, but we all know where that went.

“We are meeting your family at the beach. It’s like a 30-40 minute drive,” Bayley says. 

“Goodness. I could have brought my computer to do some work,” Y/N says.

“Girl, what work do you need to do? We are wrestlers. Basically eat, sleep, workout, fight, interviews and start over,” Dakota says.

“My sister has this project, and she needs someone to write something about her, and she chose me. I was told this like last week when she called me and I’ve come up with nothing,” Y/N replies.

“You can do it tonight,” Dakota says.

“Have fun,” Iyo says, nudging the girl.

“Okay. I’ll have some fun with you guys,” Y/N says.

As they finish the drive, Y/N leans her head on Iyo’s shoulder. Iyo pushes her head off and unbuckles both of their seatbelts.

“Get out. We are having fun on the beach,” Iyo says.

“Look, we even parked next to your parents,” Bayley points.

“Oh yes, my sisters,” Y/N says, hopping out of the vehicle. 

She makes her way to her sisters and hugs them.

“Y/N, we saw you this morning,” Ruby complains.

“Sorry,” Y/N says, pulling away from her sisters.

“Woah, what have you done with your hair?” Adam questions.

“Changed it. Do you like it?” Y/N asked.

“I love it. It suits you,” he compliments.

“Ready for fun?” Bayley asks all of them.

“Yes,” they all exclaim.

They found the perfect spot on the beach and set out the two blankets they’ll need. Beth was making sure all the girls had sunscreen on. They couldn’t even go into the water until it dried.

When it was time, Y/N picked up her sisters and ran to the ocean. She drops them in the water as damage ctrl follows after her. Once the girls resurface, Bayley makes sure they are watching when suddenly she picks up Y/N and does the same thing that she did to the girls. 

What they didn’t notice is that four certain people were there. They were the four people who also didn’t want to see Y/N. They were watching from a distance. Seeing how much fun she was having with her friends and sisters. They were watching as both Adam and Beth made their way to the water.

Y/N's darker hair color didn't go unnoticed by them either. They knew every little detail about Y/N, so they knew when she had something changed. It may seem creepy, but they just pay attention. They paid attention to someone who they were supposed to hate or someone who was supposed to hate them.

“She changed her hair,” Finn points out.

“Why are we even looking at her?” Damian questions.

“We miss her,” Dominik says.

“Yeah,” Rhea says, nodding.

They hear Y/N’s laughter from where they’re sitting. Every time they glance at her, she’s either playing around with her sisters or her dad is throwing her into the water. 

They wished they could do that with her. Have fun at the beach. Enjoy her company anytime, anywhere. Kiss her whenever they want, maybe even more.

[goth-pod]

Goth-Pod Ep 5: Gotham Troubles

Welcome Back! Listening to you send ins, Juda Boone talks about things by Gothamites, for Gothamites!

[goth-pod is a fictional in-universe podcast based on the DC comics universe. Juda Boone is an original fictional character, not based on any real person or known comic book character.]

Transcript under the cut

Hello everyone and welcome to Goth-Pods special trials and troubles episode! I’m an indie theater’s take on the ghost of Christmas Present- and your host, Juda Boone. 

We're looking at your submitted trademark Gotham problems. So without my usual ramblings, lets get to business

—

For our first submission username Trekkle brought up a good debate: Subway vs Bus: The Subway is safer, since buses can get hit during rogue attacks, but if you're stuck underground there's a chance of a killer croc attack and also the birds ride the roof. 

Fantastic points, Trekkle! Thank you for writing in. I don't know exactly what you mean by the birds riding the roof, though. Do you mean Robin? Because I have been on the tram while a fight was happening between Robin and The Penguin on top. Of course, I missed most of it because I had my headphones in. Noise cancellation has its pros and cons in Gotham.  

There’s no set answer on this one, I don’t think. You kind of have to pay attention to what Rouges are active the way you pay attention to the weather. Cloudy with a 70% chance of a Riddler scheme? Maybe take the Buses, since they’re not connected to a maze-like system like  the subways are. But maybe it's sweater weather with a possible freeze-over because Victor Fries broke out two nights ago and is due for a showy return. Then an underground bunker with cushy seats doesn’t sound too bad.

—

From Clexx we have: I'm new to Gotham (full ride scholarship, thank you Mr. Wayne): Why does everyone hate Superman? I tried to get answers from a friend and they called Superman a Homewrecker. Is there an infidelity scandal around Superman I don’t know about??

Oh wow. First of all, congratulations on the scholarship! I'm assuming you're attending Gotham U? Just be sure you get a proper Rogue-proof gas mask. Yes there is a difference. It’ll probably be covered in your Orientation though, so onto the main question. 

To the Homewrecker comment.. oh I didn’t think it’d come to this. Okay, there's this thing in Gotham. Clexx, have you ever heard of Bruceman? Ask your friend about it, they’ll probably love to explain more. Basically it is a Real-Person based Ship on Gotham’s two protectors, Bruce Wayne and Batman. One watching over the day, the other the night. 

This is another Topic that might take all episodes to explain, so to keep it short: People see Superman and Batman’s relationship- professional, platonic, romantic, or however they define it- as a threat to Bruceman, the number one Gotham Ship. Godspeed if you get between our beloved prettyboy himbo and our odd night-stalking cryptid. 

—

From Allison: My cousin is visiting and I want to show them why I stay in Gotham. Where can we go for 1) a low level rogue attack (for Bat sighting), and 2) where can we go for a Wayne sighting. (They think Dick Grayson is hotter then Brucie [eye-rolling emoji])

For the first one, I think any part of our public transport system will do, as we discussed before. The tricky part is knowing when it’s going to be low-level or if your cousin will be joining you in a shelter-in-place lockdown.

For a Wayne sighting, unfortunately it’s harder to say these days. Bruce Wayne has made several statements on how he’s spending less time at the company in order to focus on bonding with his new son, Jason. I hate to disappoint, but right now might not be the time for celebrity sight-seeing. Maybe take a day trip to Bludhaven! Your cousin might enjoy the chance to convince you instead. 

Thank you all for writing in and for joining us on this special episode! If we didn’t get to your submission, head over to our socials to see if we replied there. I’m Juda, you’re listening to Goth-Pod

Until then, Newcomers, visiting cousins, locals on the bus, Stay safe, Gotham.

[holylulusworld]

Nrfth (8) - Leave it all behind

Summary: Betrayal cuts deep. If your heart and trust get damaged. Can you find a way back?

Pairing: Chris Evans x fem!Reader

Warnings: heavy angst, we stan Tracey in this house, Tracey is the best friend ever, hurt & comfort (not Chris), unplanned pregnancy, language 

A/N: Please consider I changed the timeline (timespan between the movies) a little to match my story. We are now in 2013, two years after they met.

No rest for the heartbroken masterlist

<< Part 7

Three months later, …

“Babe, you need to eat something. Anything. Let me order food.” Tracey sits next to you on your couch. “I know, Y/N. I know it feels like your whole body is sore.”

“He didn’t just end things with me for some other girl, Trace.” You wipe your face. “He cut me out of his life.”

She glances at the muted TV, sighing deeply. “Y/N let’s get out of here for a while. We can just…” She drops her eyes to your middle, sighing once again. “Why did you never tell him?”

“Did you not see the news? I bet the bitch taking over the role in the Avengers movie is the one he chose over me. She didn’t do just a cameo. She has at least five scenes with the Avengers. And, they have the audacity to resurrect my character at the show.”

“What?” Tracey gapes at you like she got punched in the face. “But they let you die, Y/N.”

“Yep,” you pop the ‘p’. “They resurrect my character and surprise,” you chuckle humorlessly, “that bitch will take over my role at the show too.”

“You’re fucking with me.”

“I wish,” you choke on your tears once again. “I can’t take a job because of my circumstances while Chris parades his bitch around town, or rather he shows her off in every interview as his new sidekick. They gave her my role, Tracey! MY ROLE!”

“That’s so fucked up,” she grunts. “Breaking up with you was one thing but this is…like he’s not the same person. Maybe this is a serious case of body snatching.”

“Body snatching?” You laugh for the first time in weeks. “Really?”

“Like in the old movie,” she mutters. “Don’t you remember? We watched it when we were kids. You got scared and I had to hold your hand the whole night.”

“Invasion of the Body Snatchers, I remember,” you say with a smile. Tracey was always there for you. Even when she was scared too, she held your hand. “I wish they exchanged Chris, but this is all him. I don’t know how I could not see he’s like that.”

“Hmmm…I don’t understand him. Out of the blue, he breaks up with you and ruins your career.” Tracey knits her brows together. “This is too fishy. Maybe you should try to talk to him one last time. He owes you an explanation.”

“Men are pigs,” you scrunch up your nose. “Please make sure that I never fall for one of them ever again. From now on, I’m cured of men…”

You’re restless tonight. 

No wonder. Tomorrow you should’ve been on set again to film the new season of your show. Now someone else will play your role and you are stuck at your apartment.

“Babe, did you listen? That fandom guy messaged you again on Twitter. He wants to know why you left the show,” Tracey sighs as you look at her. “Why don’t you tell him what happened? Maybe if the fans of the show get to know about the shit Evans and the studio pulled they’ll cancel the show.”

“It doesn’t matter anymore, Trace.” You give her a sad smile. “He made his decision. The studio too. I got to move on. It sucks but there is nothing I can do about it.”

“That bitch stole your role in the movie and the show!” Tracey mutters. She throws her hands up as you turn around to stare out of the window. “Make them pay, Y/N.”

“No.”

“Let me at least scratch his car or use my baseball bat to remodel his face.”

“I thought he loves me too,” you sniff. “Love, such a stupid word for something breaking you down to nothing.”

“Y/N,” Tracey softly says. “Let’s go for a walk or eat ice cream. Just stop hiding at your apartment.”

“He didn’t even try to contact me. I realized a few days ago, that he never gave a shit about me.” You shrug. “I wanted to call Chris to tell him about…”

“Babe, you don’t need that asshole. We’ve got this. If you want me to, I’ll be your baby daddy.”

You snort, and then, you start laughing and crying. “Thank you,” you wrap her in a hug, “Daddy.”

Now Tracey laughs too as you hold each other. “Do you remember the guy giving me STDs? I was so in love that I got a tattoo with his name. I let them tattoo my ass, babe. I’m one stupid bitch too.”

“What’s with men these days? Why are they all assholes?”

Another month later, New Zealand, …

“I like it. What do you say?” Tracey watches you look around the new apartment. You decided to leave Hollywood and turn your back on the film industry in your country. 

This means you have to move out of your old apartment as fast as possible and leave the world you believed you know so well behind.

“I like it too.” You should have a look around the apartment you want to rent, but you can’t focus. You are miles away, still wound tight as you saw an interview with Chris and his new sidekick last night. “I think this is it, Trace.”

“Babe, are you sure? This is going to be your new home.” You can hear the worry in her voice.

Tracey was, once again, your rock. She’s so much more than a friend. 

How would you call the one dragging you out of your bed to make sure you eat? The only person who understands how you function and feel. 

Friend. Ally. Sister. Soulmate. 

“Hmmm…” you take a deep breath. “You’re right.” It’s time to focus on taking your life back in your hands. For almost four months you let the decisions someone else made dictate your life. “Let’s have a closer look, shall we?” 

You hold out your hand for Tracey. She smiles and takes it. “We will get you through this too, Y/N. No man is worth your tears or that you stop living the life you built for yourself.”

You grin as Tracey props her feet onto the coffee table. She just finished carrying one of the last moving boxes into your new home and now, she’s chewing on a slice of pizza. 

“I like it,” you say more to yourself than your friend. “My new job is great too. I always loved working behind the scenes, and this is my chance to do so.”

“How’s the bean today?” She drops her eyes to your swollen belly. “Does the bean want more pizza?”

“Can you not call them bean all the time?” Tracey snorts at your angry expression. “Even though their father is an asshole, I love them.”

“I love them too,” she coos and places her hand on your belly. “Good thing Aunt Tracey will buy them all the things you won’t. I’ll hang out with them and teach them how to mess with bitches.”

Smiling you look at your friend. She moved heaven and hell to help you get where you are now. Tracey even quit her job and moved to New Zealand to help you buy a house which you couldn’t have effort otherwise.

“They will love you too, babe.”

“I know.” She shrugs. “How could they not love me?”

At the other end of the world, Chris stares at a picture of you on his phone. He took it while you were asleep. He sighs and shuts off his phone.

For days he tried to reach out to you. It took him almost five months, but he found the strength to face you after what he did to you only to find you gone.

He missed the chance to tell you the truth, and it breaks his heart…

>> Part 9

Tags in reblog.

[whosthatfunkyrat]

Okay so,

I had my PEEVES with shadow and bone.

I had SO MANY. But that’s besides the point. The point is I’m so FUCKING DONE with Netflix not going 100%. DO IT OR DON’T. DON’T TIP TOE AND WRITE A WHOLE FUCKING SCRIPT FOR A SPINOFF BUT NEVER GREENLIGHT IT BECAUSE YOU’RE ADDICTED TO CANCELING SHOWS PEOPLE LOVE. You know how many goddamn shows I loved that netflix up and cancelled for literally no reason??? Too many!

And they act like they’re so amazing for gifting us with precious jewels every time they release a new show. Yeah, Scott pilgrim DOES look good. But will it be cancelled?? WHO KNOWS! Nobody ever THINKS they will! So Why give us these jewels- these gems, if you’re just going to take them away??? What good does it do but fuel the hate we already have for this stupid system??? Why is Stranger Things literally the only survivor?????? It’s great sure- but we KNOW Netflix isn’t just spending its money on Stranger Things. They prove so every time they launch something they’ll inevitably cancel.

It’s just that Netflix is only the money provider- it’s the PEOPLE who make the jewels. It’s the cast and crew and everyone who actually WORKED on it. It’s not the company itself. If a show can be remade somewhere else- maybe the shitty company wasn’t even worth our time. Maybe it’s not worth anyone’s. Because let’s be real- how many people haven’t cancelled their subscription out of habit bc they’re just waiting for the next season of Stranger Things?? Yes, there are plenty of wonderful people working for Netflix- but whoever is consistently and persistently making these decisions clearly needs to be in a different position.

Yes, I had many problems with the show coming from someone who read the books first- but it was still enjoyable to watch! and the people who made it looked like they were having a blast! But beyond how I feel about the show- The point is- NO MORE. Netflix thinks it’s like- all powerful and shit- but the powers in the PEOPLE. And the CUSTOMER is king- so WHAT THE HELL ARE THEY DOING?!?! They’re not the only streaming service anymore. And their popularity has been declining for a long time ever since there’s been so many more options for streaming. Competition is coming at all sides and yes, the competition looks better and more appealing but STILL they pretend they’re the king.

I’m just PISSED. And it’s been brewing for a while.

DO IT OR DON’T. Don’t say you will when you won’t.

Commit to the bit or get out. Someone will take it if you don’t, we will be sure of it. This fan base is a tempest.

[slashify]

Billy is a bad person and if reading about that is going to drive you to be a jerk to a stranger on the internet you should skip this one.

This one requires a suspension of disbelief, but one time I was watching a show with my dad and he started questioning that school wasn’t cancelled when a corpse was found in the locker room and I said Dad, we’re watching BUFFY the VAMPIRE SLAYER and you’re concerned with realism? And I figure Stranger Things is the same. So.

**

I have a headcanon that in between seasons 2 and 3, Tommy H. and Billy cornered Eddie in the bathroom and literally drowned him in a toilet. Steve entered the bathroom just in time to see Eddie stop thrashing, and he pulled him out and gave him CPR.

Tommy ran off, terrified he’d killed someone, but Billy stared with an unsettling grin on his face until Steve screamed at him to get out when Eddie started coughing up water.

Munson isn’t one of Max’s friends, but Harrington certainly is, and Billy remembers what Max said, remembers the needle in his neck and the helplessness when she slammed that damn bat down between his legs. So he spits on the tile beneath him and leaves Harrington with a smirk.

Steve had wanted to tell Hopper, but Eddie asked him not to.

‘Believe it or not,’ Eddie coughs out, ‘I’m not on the best terms with the chief, man. Not surprised you don’t remember I got busted at one of your stupid parties. It’s their word against mine. Hagan’s parents paid for the new basketball court. Hargrove is a piece of shit, but he is the new king. And I think we both know what they say about me.’

Steve realizes he’s got his arms wrapped around Munson, from when he helped him sit up. Their faces are so close together. Eddie had tasted like peanut butter when Steve had given him mouth to mouth. He tries not to think about the toilet water of it all. The janitor’s name is Mr. Pasco. Steve had apologized to him for the sawdust he’d had to spread out when Steve had come back to school with the nausea of a concussion. He had been nice, and showed a certain pride in his job. He hopes Mr. Pasco had cleaned these toilets thoroughly.

‘Your word and mine.’ He says quietly. He doesn’t know why he’s being quiet.

Eddie scoffs. Coughs twice.

‘You’re gonna go to court for me? King Steve?’ He flops the back of his hand against his forehead, nearly taking Steve out in the process, ‘What WILL the neighbors think?!’ He sags in Steve’s arms. Steve holds him tighter. Eddie coughs a little more.

‘They’ll think that Billy’s a homicidal asshole and that Tommy will go along with anybody who’s popular enough to make up for his dogshit personality.’

Eddie breathes in sharply, then leans down to cough over the bend in Steve’s elbow. Steve rubs circles into the patch on the back of his denim vest.

***

Okay, so this turned into a whole fic, and there’s more! Let me know if you’re interested in reading more of this, please!

[d-criss-news]

Kick Off the Christmas Season at the Parker with Darren Criss

Since making a splash in the Hollywood scene over a decade ago by playing Blaine Anderson on Fox’s critically acclaimed series Glee, Emmy and Golden Globe winner Darren Criss has epitomized a vibrant artistic expression unrestricted by conventional forms or genres. On Tuesday, November 28, 2023, the star will make his way to South Florida’s Parker Playhouse for A Very Darren Crissmas, where he will perform songs from his recent holiday album of the same name. Made with Ron Flair, multi-Grammy nominee and producer of several Grammy-winning hits, A Very Darren Crissmas showcases Criss’ artistry delivering both thrilling unpredictable moments and a timeless sense of Christmas magic. From big band Christmas classics and novelty tunes to modern-day folk-pop ballads, this set has something for everyone, and OutClique had the opportunity to sit down with Criss and talk more about it.

Denny Patterson: Thanks for taking some time to chat with me, Darren! How excited are you to bring A Very Darren Crissmas to South Florida?

Darren Criss: I’m happy to bring it anywhere, man! With no discredit to South Florida, I’m just happy that I get to do it at all. The whole reason for making a holiday album, other than the fact that it was very fun to me, is to play it live. A lot of recording artists see playing music live as sort of a drag, and I’m the complete opposite. I make music to play it live, and given the ecosystem of the holiday music thing, which is performative, communal, and traditional for a lot of people, I look at my work as an entertainer like I’m in the service industry. I enjoy bringing that spirit to people in any way I can. When you make a holiday album, there is hope that you’ll get to tour and share this music live, hopefully for the rest of the foreseeable future. Let’s hope the holiday season doesn’t get canceled (laughs). So, I’m very pleased to do it anywhere, but I’m excited to come to South Florida because I haven’t been able to perform this down there yet. I did this in residency in New York last year at the Carlyle, and a mini thing on the east coast, but this tour includes parts of the Midwest and the South, so I’m thrilled.

Denny Patterson: What do you ultimately hope audiences take away from this production?

Darren Criss: I just hope it gets them in the Christmas spirit. Unfortunately, it is wrought with a lot of cliches, but they’re all positive cliches, so anything to get them in a good mood. This show is essentially the album that I made, and the album was to take people on this little journey through my musicological brain. It’s not just playing songs, it’s a bit of a holiday music TED Talk that relates to my own experience. It’s a cabaret of my life via Christmas music, so if people are interested in me, they might learn something new about me, but even more, hopefully they’ll learn something about music, the origins of these songs, and why they are significant to me. The hope of the album was to introduce people to music that they didn’t know, but hopefully feel familiar with. Or on the opposite side of that, have people experience music that they are familiar with in a different way, and that’s something I try to do across the board in my career. I try to make unfamiliar things feel accessible, and accessible things feel new and different.

Denny Patterson: Have you always wanted to do a Christmas album?

Darren Criss: Yes. If you have the ability to do something, like if you have a really good throwing arm and you watch somebody play catch or football, you’re like, okay, I’m going to do this one day, and here’s how I would do it. I’m like that with music. As a journalist, I’m sure when you read an article, you’re like, this is how I would have done it. We’re introduced to a whole lexicon of music every year, and consistently, one can’t help but go, well, here’s what I would do if I made a holiday album. So, I’ve been kind of inventorying my version of what this would be for my whole life, prior to 2021. I was always going to do this, so I made a list of songs I would do, and I knew exactly how I would do them. The hardest part of the album was whittling that list of 100 ideas down to 10-12.

Denny Patterson: Which song from the album is your absolute favorite to perform, and why?

Darren Criss: It varies depending on the audience. I don’t know, you never know what resonates with people more. I enjoy getting to introduce new things to people in general. I’m the kind of guy that if I find something I love, I really want to share it with people, and it gives me great joy to share something that hopefully has a positive reaction. But you never know what that’s going to be, so I suppose it’s the new stuff that I know they don’t know. Playing it live, hopefully there’s an opportunity for that song to maybe become part of their holiday experience or holiday music rotation. So, anything that’s a little left to center. There are a few songs on the album that I know people will not be familiar with, but while I have their attention, I love auditioning them to possibly become a more prominent fixture in their Christmas listening experience.

Denny Patterson: Do you have any plans to do a second Christmas album?

Darren Criss: Like I said, I had to whittle it down from 100, so there’s definitely `1a few albums in there. It’s just a matter of time, energy, and I tend to keep a lot of plates spinning. So, I think we’ll ride this one out for a little bit before we get to that, but sure, there’s bound to be a sequel. If you make something you like enough, in the back of your mind, you’re always ruminating what a sequel could be. It’s definitely in there somewhere!

Denny Patterson: What are the holidays typically like for you? Are you usually working, or do you try to take some time off and spend it with your family?

Darren Criss: It’s funny you say that because the irony of all this is now that I have this album, Christmas has become the busiest time of my entire year. Between a strike, the pandemic, and a lot of other stuff, I haven’t really been working to the degree that I probably would have pre-2020. For better or for worse, my work schedule hasn’t been as congested, so ironically, making this Christmas album has made what is ordinarily the time of year to unplug the most hectic. The new sort of Christmas tradition has been like, alright, I guess we’re going to be playing this album. And if I’m lucky enough to have people who want me to do it, then I’m happy to.

Denny Patterson: What is one of your absolute favorite holiday memories?

Darren Criss: I kind of talk a little bit about it on the album. My father is an excellent chef, and he had this wonderful tradition in our house, and the joke that I use is that he was somehow like a character from Dickensian England. He’s the only guy I knew growing up in San Francisco in the 90s that made a Christmas goose. I don’t think that’s happened beyond old fashioned English novels, but he threw this party that was a huge family and friends tradition called “The Goose Night,” and it was something everybody looked forward to. I always looked forward to his cooking and baking, and he was just like an unbelievable chef. I have a lot of nostalgia for those sights and smells of my father in the kitchen around the holiday.

Denny Patterson: Unfortunately, there are many LGBTQ+ people who struggle during this time of year. What advice or words of comfort can you offer them?

Darren Criss: Yes, a lot of LGBTQ+ and marginalized people are suffering during one of the happiest times of the year, but I think the flip side to that is those people do have each other. In times of joy and despair, we have our communities to hold us up. There’s an incredible ecosystem that exists, particularly within the queer community, which is something that has always been a stronghold of support for a lot of trials and tribulations. The queer community has been ravaged by so many things, but they have been so supportive of each other. There’s so many different resources, centers, and places that really do look out for members of that community, as well as communities outside that are also going through hard times during an otherwise pretty joyous time. I would say, whether you’re talking about Christmas, December, New Year’s, or anything that is symbolized by this time of year, it is pretty extraordinary, and this is the romantic in me talking, despite everything that goes on during the year, it is pretty wild that for a few days of the year across the globe, we subscribe to the idea that we should be nice to each other. Whether or not people do it is another thing, but the fact that mainstream media, movies, culture at large around the world suddenly decides to be warm, cozy, and cuddly. It’s amazing that we all decide collectively to do that, despite all the terrible things we do to each other. So, I would advise people to lean into that encouragement.

Denny Patterson: Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects or anything else you’d like to mention or plug

Darren Criss: Nope! Right now it’s all about Christmas!

[dekuprompts]

boku no hero academia, season two, part one.

prompts taken from the subs of the second series of the anime, specifically the u.a. sports festival arc. some lines have been lightly edited for roleplaying suitability. content warning for implied violence, mentions of injury.

it was foolish to throw away the advantage of having unknown quirks.

you thought everything would simply go your way.

there are plenty of people who don’t know what to do with their quirks.

what i aspire to be seems so out of reach.

hey, did you watch the news last night ? did you see how we were on-screen for a second ?

[name], you’re back too soon !

my well-being doesn’t matter.

the school sports festival is drawing near.

think of it as us showing that our crisis management system is solid as a rock by holding this event.

it’s not an event to be cancelled because of a few villains.

a lot of people miss their chance to become independent after that and become eternal sidekicks, though. [name], i feel like you’d be one of them.

if you expect to go pro, then the path to your future will open up at this event.

[name], i’m getting kind of nervous now ! i need to stand out !

[name], you have a unique way of getting fired up.

what’s wrong ? your personality’s all over the place.

you want to become a hero for money ?

you still can’t regulate your power, can you ?

frankly, i don’t have much time left as [title.]

you still feel the same as you did back then, don’t you ?

i want you to tell the world, i am here !

no-one’s better at spouting nonsense than you !

i understand how you feel, and this is more for me than you. i won’t force you.

out of my way, extras.

stop calling people extras just because you don’t know them !

i came to see what the famous [group / name] was like, but you seem pretty arrogant.

are all the students in the hero course like this ?

depending on the results of the sports festival, they’ll consider our transfer into the hero course.

if you get too carried away, i’ll sweep your feet out from under you.

i came with a declaration of war.

i heard you fought against villains, so i came to hear about it !

what are you going to do about this ? it’s your fault that everyone’s hating on us !

[name], be careful not to get hurt.

no matter what comes, we have no choice but to deal with it.

looking at things objectively, i think i’m stronger than you.

hey, hey, hey ! why are you picking a fight all of a sudden ?

we’re not here to play at being friends.

[name], you probably shouldn’t talk so negatively.

i can’t afford to fall behind.

we’re just here to make those guys look better, huh ?

i won’t let you get away so easily !

you got me with that once, you won’t get me again !

if they went through all this trouble, i wish they would’ve prepared something better.

hey ! someone’s trapped underneath !

if it hadn’t been me, someone would have died !

that [class / group] really is filled with bastards.

like i’d let you get ahead of me !

it doesn’t matter if it’s close ! just get to the next round !

it’s time for my support items to be in the limelight !

[name] is probably watching … i can’t let them see me acting uncool !

i don’t have time to worry about what’s behind me !

if i can’t take back the lead, then i can’t let you get ahead of me !

modern heroes depend a lot on their popularity, so they need to have that desire to be above all others.

you should still try to stop being such a crybaby, though.

it’s survival of the fittest, with a chance for those at the bottom to overthrow the top !

there are times when you have to kick others down in order to show your stuff.

you don’t pay attention to what’s around you at all, huh ?

[name] ! team up with me !

if we run away the whole time, then you’ll win, right ?

what’s the matter ? you look ugly, you know.

it’s just that you’re so bright that i can’t look straight at you …

they aren’t the only ones who see you as a rival.

if i team up with you, then i’ll inevitably become part of the team everyone’s watching most, right ?

[name], keep watch over our blind spots !

give that back ! i’ll kill you !

there’s no point in being obsessive over winning in the prelims, right ?

tell me about it sometime - about how it feels to be attacked by villains once a year.

i’ll be taking that now.

there’s nothing left to lose ! full attack mode !

they seem to think highly of you, [name.]

sorry, but you’ll just have to bear it !

if they don’t know about [thing], then we can use it to hold them back !

don’t you often hear about heroes who get done in by villains who want revenge ?

such nice quirks. mine’s better, though.

[name] ! picking a fight, huh ?

oh, don’t get mad at me ! you’re the one who provoked us, right ?

they can see right through you, fool.

you won’t be able to use me after this.

it’s a secret move i hadn’t told anyone else about yet.

i told you, didn’t i, [name] ? that i’d challenge you.

the feelings of those who trust in me – i’m carrying all that right now.

don’t act on your own, [name] !

i told you to say something if you were gonna jump !

we’re gonna get an indisputable first place !

it hurts, but it’s not broken !

[name], get a hold of yourself ! that was close !

even though we won, it felt like we were skating on thin ice.

i won’t use this to attack. that’s what i decided, but i was overwhelmed …

at this rate, i’ll be doing what my [relative] wants.

before i knew it, we had zero points and it was over …

[name], i didn’t know you had a special move like that ! no fair !

i wanted to do something so i could compete with [name.]

what did you want to talk about ?

at that instant, i was the only one who was overpowered.

[name], are you … [person]’s secret love child or something ?

there’s a connection between you two that you can’t talk about, right ?

if you have something from the number one hero, then i have even more reason to beat you.

i haven’t seen you since that talk we had with the press [x] years ago, huh ?

you look clueless as usual, and it’s getting on my nerves.

you’ve heard of quirk marriages, right ?

i won’t become the tool of scum like that.

in my memories, my [relative] is always crying.

the world you talked about was so different that honestly, i was scared.

no matter what you are to [name], i will rise above you.

if this were a comic, you’d be the main character. that’s the type of backstory you have.

my motivation might seem trivial compared to yours, but i can’t lose either.

i have to live up to the hopes of those who supported me.

why am i always caught up in your schemes ?

i’m gonna stand on the stage i watch on t.v. every year !

i can’t be up there with everyone without knowing what really happened.

also, why are you wearing a cheerleader outfit ?

you should just say, i’ll do my best, damn it, you prince of nonsense !

is the image of the hero you’re trying to be that flimsy ?

don’t forget that i’ve got high hopes for you !

even though you’ve done well, what’s with that face ?

put your morals and ethics aside for a moment !

i’ll stop things if they go too far.

if you know what you want for your future, then you can’t worry about appearances.

don’t you think [name] was dumb for throwing away their chance ?

you didn’t stand out at all, but could you actually be someone amazing ?

i failed the practical exam for the hero course.

a quirk that can control people, huh ? isn’t that too strong to beat ?

i’m going to say something selfish, but please do your best for me, too.

you probably don’t understand, but even with a quirk like this, i have my own dream.

lose for me.

thanks to my quirk, i’ve been behind from the start.

someone who’s been blessed like you can’t understand, can you ?

it’s good for being a villain, huh ? i’m used to people insinuating that about me.

that was a kind of boring first match.

[name], why do you want to be a hero ?

you can’t help the things you long for.

even if it didn’t work this time, i definitely won’t give up.

people are usually wary when they talk to me.

at this rate, someone’ll trip you up in no time.

don’t lose in an unseemly way.

their cries hit close to home for you, huh ?

you put some weird pressure on [name] again, didn’t you ?

when it felt like my mind was filled with fog from the brainwashing, the vision appeared as if to drive it away.

you’re in my way.

you’re acting disgracefully, [name.]

stop this childish rebellion already. you have a duty to fulfil.

i won’t use your power when i fight.

you’re good, but what’s that plainness you just can’t get rid of ?

well, i don’t feel like i can win … but i don’t feel like losing, either !

don’t you think that’s a bit much ?

sorry i went overboard. i was angry.

for some reason … you looked very sad to me.

pretty things have thorns you know !

i’ll comfort you if you’ll have me.

[name], you’ve been amazing since i met you, but this is making me think that you’re amazing all over again.

weren’t you going to fight fairly ?!

you don’t want to watch the other’s matches ?

you’ve helped me so much, [name]. that’s why i thought maybe i could help you a little.

during the last battle, i thought it’d be easier to team up with friends, but now that i think about it, i might’ve been trying to rely on you.

let’s meet in the finals.

if you’re gonna withdraw, do it now.

how can you say you want to be a hero like that ?

since you’re friends with [name], i thought you’d be up to something.

all right, let’s get serious then, [name] !

if you’re gonna do it, do it properly.

you’re really letting your personal feelings take over.

that was your idea, wasn’t it ? that damned desperate plan.

you just have to be annoying, don’t you ?

[name] was leading you around by the nose.

that was tough, huh ? playing the bad guy.

there’s always next year, right ?

if we’re talking about power alone, yours is comparable to [name]’s.

watch carefully and prepare, [name.] they may become obstacles to you one day.

it’ll be dangerous to let you use that power as you like.

i’ll be up against you next, [name] ! let’s have a good fight !

quirks are physical abilities, too. they must also have some kind of limit.

what, you’re that beat up just from defending and running away ?

with your arms like that, you can’t fight anymore, can you ?

why are you going so far ?

you’re trembling, [name.]

you want to win with just half your strength ?!

you haven’t put a single scratch on me yet, you know !

come at me with everything you’ve got !

[name], what are you planning ?

did my damn [relative] buy you off or something ?

you’re full of adrenaline now, so you’re probably not feeling much pain, but those injuries …

right now, i think you should stop screwing around !

stand up ! if you’re downed by something like this, forget beating [name], you won’t be able to take the small fry villains.

you want to be a hero, don’t you ? it’s okay for you to be one.

don’t look at that, [name.] they’re from a different world than you.

[name], i’m going crazy, i can’t take it anymore.

they injured you, so i put them in a hospital.

it’s your fault. you’re the one who made them …

it’s your power, isn’t it ?!

you don’t have to be a prisoner of your blood.

it’s okay for you to become who you want to be.

[name], don’t tell me you’re trying to save [them / name] ?

which one of us is screwing around now ?

have you finally accepted yourself ?

why are you smiling ? with those injuries, in this situation … you’re crazy.

don’t blame me for what happens next.

just because something is powerful doesn’t mean it’s good.

what the heck is up with your class ?

hey, who won the match ?

you mean you didn’t have a plan ? you were just provoking them ?

you can’t be a pro hero if you’re injured every time you attack.

you’ve finally become a perfect upgrade of me.

after you graduate, come work for me.

i’ll lead you down the path of the mighty.

it’s not something that can be so easily reversed.

it’s just … back then … for that one moment … i forgot about you.

it’ll never be the same as it was before.

i don’t like your style of rubbing salt into people’s wounds.

i’m sorry i couldn’t do what you asked.

meddling when you don’t need to is the essence of being a hero.

you must find a way to use your power in a way that is not so self-destructive.

you think that someone else should be my successor ?

you know, i was quirkless too.

you have gone beyond what i imagined, time and time again.

you didn’t have enough guts, [name] !

you forgot i could do little tricks like this too, didn’t you ?

we’ll have to watch carefully, and get our revenge next time.

you guys haven’t even noticed this warped society covered with hypocrisy and vanity.

i’ll show you what happens when you make a fool of me !

there’s no point if i can’t get higher up than [name.]

didn’t i tell you there was no point, damn it ?!

i assume there is a reason you didn’t use your full power in the final ?

first place like this isn’t worth anything.

if you had come into surgery two minutes later, it would have been too late.

why do you want to see [name / me] now after all this time ?

i thought my presence would put pressure on you, so i never came to see you.

even if you don’t want it, i will rescue you from here.

i’ll support you, but that doesn’t mean i don’t worry.

[firstdegreefangirl]

For the sentence ask game, “should I wear the green or black?” - Lucy to Tim

@the-wardrobeintocamelot the stars were definitely the right choice.

--

“Are you almost ready? The reservations are at 8, and it’s already 7:15!” Tim stands at the kitchen counter, adjusting his shirt cuffs as he calls to Lucy, who – last he checked – has completely taken over their bed trying to choose a dress to wear to dinner. 

He doesn't know why it’s taking her so long to decide, as if she doesn’t always look incredible, even a baggy sweatshirt and stolen sweatpants.  

“Just a second, I’ve almost decided. What do you think,” Lucy’s voice grows closer, until she emerges from the bedroom with a clothes hanger in one hand, a pair of strappy black heels dangling from the other. “Should I wear the green or the black?” 

Tim turns to look, ready to offer whichever option will get them out the door fastest. The sooner they go to dinner, the sooner they’re home, and the sooner whichever dress Lucy settles on will wind up on the bedroom floor.  

But as soon as he sees Lucy, he stops in his tracks, taking a half-step back to balance himself against the counter. She’s standing barefoot in the hallway, but dressed to the nines otherwise. The black dress stops halfway down her thighs, layers of sheer fabric puffing out of a sparkly gold neckline.  

Though neckline might not be the right term, he thinks, given that hardly any of it actually touches her neck. The V-shaped front is deep enough that she must not be wearing anything underneath, and that thought is enough to make him think about cancelling their reservations altogether.  

He’s had the reservations for weeks, though, and he knows how excited Lucy is to try the new restaurant in Beverly Hills. They’re serving a real menu, with options for every course, and enough food that they’ll both leave full and satisfied.  

He can see right through the sleeves to her toned arms underneath, airy clouds covered in the same fabric from the skirt, but sparkles to match her chest. 

There are galaxies on her skin, tiny stars tracing paths Tim would give anything to follow with his fingers. He watches them shimmer as Lucy moves, the hallway light making the shimmer even more golden.  

In the hollow of her neck sits another star, on a fragile gold chain, Polaris with a shimmering white center. He knows its place well, knows the feel and the taste of the skin underneath. The North Star, a homing beacon, never so accurate as it is here.  

Tim’s brain stutters to a stop, trying to absorb every detail of Lucy’s look, her personality, the way she lights up the room, all at once. It overloads his senses, takes everything he has just to keep himself from pulling her into his arms right now, making good on the paths he wants to draw across her skin.  

Instead, he stares, frozen in place by the her intensity. 

When she starts waving her arm, the sparkles cast reflections on the wall, little golden specks giving her a backdrop to match her dress. Back and forth, back and forth, moving gradually closer until she’s right in front of Tim, lips moving just inches from his face. 

Why are her … is she talking to him? 

“-im? Hello? Earth to Tim?” She’s smiling, when he finally looks up at her face, snapping her fingers in the space between them. He lets himself reach forward and wrap his hands around her waist. 

“Hmm?” He has no idea how long he stared, but it was long enough for Lucy to notice, obviously.  

“Which should I wear, the green or the black?”  

Only then does Tim remember the hanger in her hand, when Lucy steps back and holds it up. It’s a long green dress, almost as alluring at the one she’s wearing now.  

And … he thinks he’s seen it before. 

“Is that the one you wore to …" 

“Angela’s wedding? Almost-wedding? Yeah. I figured I never got a chance to wear it for an actual event, so I should find a time to really show it off.” 

“I dunno, that day was plenty eventful.”  

“Kidnappings aren’t events, Tim. They’re crimes. But anyway, green or black?” 

“Hmm … I think … it’d be a crime for you to take off the black one.” He takes the hanger from Lucy and hooks it along the top of the refrigerator. They can put it away later; in the meantime, he pulls Lucy close again. “At least, until after dinner. Then, I think we can make an exception.” 

[nooksnoot]

Beginning of the Rainbow

Hwon rules in a kingdom where it only ever storms. He's a new king who is completely closed off from the world around him. But is outlook on life is dark. He's alone constantly with only the sound of thunder to keep him company.

One day he wakes up to find that it is no longer storming in his kingdom. The sun is shinning and everything is dry. An unknown girl, Aelia, appears at the front steps of his castle.

Author's Note: This story will be released in parts and honestly I don't have a set schedule or anything. But I'll try to get something out hopefully every week. Heads up there will be smut in the story later on, I'll indicate when with another author's note. Anyway hope you enjoy the story!!!!

It’s a stormy day in the kingdom. Emperor Hwon is sitting on his throne looking out the window watching as the rain hits the glass. He’s been looking out the window for hours as he often does every day. Not that anything ever changes, it’s hard for him to be in a good mood when all it ever does is storm. 

“Emperor” One of his servants call from the other end of the throne room. 

“What is it?” 

“King Ivan is here to see you. He is waiting in your personal sitting room.” 

“Thank you, you can go.” 

The servant bows before leaving silently. Hwon stands up and takes a deep breath. He wasn’t expecting to have any visitors today. Normally he’ll receive a letter the day before the arrival of another king. Ivan is the only one who will show up without warning. Granted they are neighbors and close friends. 

He walks down the long hallways of his castle. He stops at the portrait of the former emperor. He doesn’t know what happened to him, though there are many stories, none of which he believes. All he knows is one day he was working in the garden of the person his parents owed a debt to and the next he was crowned emperor. Being constantly compared to the former emperor. 

Thunder booms as Hwon makes it to his private chambers. Not many people have ever seen inside it. Ivan being one of the few allowed inside. 

“Sorry to keep you waiting.” Hwon says bowing to the snow king. 

“You’re always so formal, it’s just me.” Ivan says chuckling. “Now drop the formalities, I didn’t come all this way to discuss business.” 

“Then why did you come?” 

“To check on you. The surrounding kingdoms talk, you know. They say you haven’t allowed any of them to come here and greet you properly. You rarely allow representatives to even step foot in the castle. It’s been over a year Hwon, you’re starting to look suspicious.” 

Hwon rolls his eyes as he sits next to his friend. He knows what he’s saying is right, even if he doesn't want to admit it. He receives letters from the surrounding kingdoms everyday asking to visit, he always turns them down. He knows he can’t avoid it forever. 

“I’m not trying to look suspicious, I’m just trying to get used to all this.” 

“And they’ve been sensitive to that, but it’s been too long. They want to see the newest king in person. So I took the liberty of inviting them. They’ll be here in two weeks.” 

“Ivan you didn’t.” 

“I’m doing what’s best for you. You need to start acting like a king.” 

“That wasn’t your choice to make.” 

Hwon stands up, running his fingers through his long silver hair. The last time he saw the other five kings from the surrounding kingdoms was his coronation. None of them looked that happy while they were there. 

“What are you so scared of Hwon?” 

“I’m not him.” Hwon shouts. “I’m not Chiwoo.” 

“No one’s asking you to. We’re asking you to be you. We all miss him, but he’s gone without a trace.” 

“You don’t get it Ivan, not even two years ago, I was just a boy trying to pay off his parents debts now I’m a king. It doesn't make sense.” 

“You have royal blood, there’s nothing more to explain.” Ivan pauses as he stands up. “Look, you can always cancel if you really want to, but please think it over. You’re going to need some allies in this world, more than just me, and these guys are some of my closest friends.” 

“I make no promises Ivan.” 

“I know. Anyway, I should get going. But seriously think about it, and don’t make any rash decisions.” 

Ivan bows to Hwon and leaves, leaving the emperor alone with his thoughts. He knows his friend is right, he needs to meet with the other kings, but he’s scared. He doesn’t know how they’re going to react to him. He didn’t speak to any of them during his coronation. 

Hwon sighs, walking to his private bed chambers. A nap will do him good, it’ll help clear his mind. He rings the bell for his personal servant. As he waits he starts taking off his robes. He’ll get fussed at for doing it without help, but he doesn’t care. He still doesn’t like the idea of everything being done for him. 

His servant comes in shaking his head at Hwon who is already undressed. Still, the servant doesn’t say anything in fear of getting yelled at. Not that Hwon is one to yell, he’s never raised his voice at anyone who works in his castle. The last thing he wants is the people who are working for him to be scared of him. 

The servant leaves as Hwon crawls into his bed. He closes his eyes and drifts off to sleep. 

She spins laughing as the petals of the cherry blossoms fall around her. He watches in complete awe of her. 

“Be careful, you’re going to make yourself dizzy.” Hwon calls to her, smiling. 

She shakes her head, not caring.

“I’m being serious, I don’t want you getting hurt.” 

“You worry too much, I’m fi-” 

She stumbles, stepping on her dress and falls, but Hwon catches her. He holds her at her waist keeping a firm grip. 

“I warned you. Are you okay?” Hwon asks, brushing her hair out of her face, keeping his hand on her cheek. 

“I’m okay, your majesty.” 

“I told you to stop spinning, you should have listened.”

“You’re right I’m sorry.” 

“I just don’t want you getting hurt.” 

“I’m tougher than I look.” 

Hwon lets go of the girl shaking his head. He doesn’t understand how she can be so carefree. He wishes he could be like that. 

“You’re staring at me again, your majesty.” 

“You have petals in your hair.” 

He reaches over, carefully pulling the petals out of her hair. He pulls them out one by one. 

“Your majesty,” a guard calls from the other end of the garden. 

“What is it?” He shouts back, annoyed. 

“The other kings are here, they are waiting for you in the throne room. I’ll escort the girl back to her chambers.” 

The guard walks over to the emperor and the girl, ready to escort her back to her chambers. Hwon lets go of her frowning, he was having a good time and didn’t want it to end.  

“I’ll see you in a little while, your majesty.” The girl says bowing. 

“If you need me, don’t hesitate to come and get me.” Hwon says. 

The guard extends his arm to her which she takes. Hwon watches as she walks away. 

Hwon wakes up smiling. He looks around the room, realizing that he’s in his bed. He stands up and walks over to one of his windows. The sound of the rain hitting the window reminds him that he’s still in his wet kingdom. There’s no girl with long brown hair and tan skin and a smile that can light up any room. 

He sighs walking to his bathroom. He runs water on his face still processing his dream. He was in his kingdom, his garden, but it was as sunny as can be. In all of his twenty-three years of life, he has never seen the sun. Or someone so beautiful. He can still vividly remember the sound of her voice, her laugh. 

He walks out of his bedroom to the sound of someone banging on his door. He groans walking over to the door. It’s always something, he can’t go more than three hours without someone coming to annoy him. 

“What is it, I’m resting.” Hwon says as he opens the door. 

“Sorry to disturb you sir, but there’s someone from the village here to see you.” 

“I’ll be there in a minute.” 

He shuts the door before the servant can get another word in. He knows exactly who’s there to see him. It’s the last person he wants to see but they show up every week like clockwork. There’s nothing he can do about it. 

Hwon puts on his most casual robes and grabs the envelope that’s sitting in his bedside table before walking out of his chambers. The castle shakes as thunder booms around him. He’s so used to it at this point he doesn’t even flinch anymore. He drowns out the sound of the thunder and the rain. 

“There you are, what took you so long?” The merchant asks as Hwon enters the throne room. 

“I just woke up from a nap and had to get dressed. What can I do for you?” Hwon asks calmly. He’s learned it’s best to keep his calm when he’s around him. 

“You know what I’m here for.” 

“How much longer are you going to keep doing this? I’ve given you more than enough.” 

“It’s enough when I say it’s enough, and you’re the emperor now, you have lots of money at your disposal.” 

“Just take it.” 

Hwon hands him the envelope without a second thought. He just wants to be done with this person. He gave him and his wife twenty-one years of his life, he just wants to be done with them. 

“This is the last time I’m doing this. There’s more than enough money to last you a while.” 

“I’ll be the judge of that.” 

The merchant walks out the throne room. Hwon rolls his eyes as he sits down on his throne slouching. 

“What was that all about?” Ivan asks stepping out from the coroner of the room. Hwon jumps groaning. 

“I didn’t realize you were still here.” 

“The storm got too bad for my driver. I was told I could stay in here.” 

“Of course. If I had known, I wouldn't have laid down.” 

“Not a big deal, now what was all that about?” 

Ivan walks over to him, sitting on the steps in front of his throne. 

“That was the man my parents were in debt to. He comes by once a week demanding money. I can’t get him to stop. I’ve paid my debt three times over and he still keeps coming back.” 

“You just have to cut him off.” 

“Don’t you think I’ve tried, he keeps coming back. It’s getting late, you can stay here tonight. I’ll have the servants prepare a room for you.” 

“You don’t have to do that, I'm sure the storm will let up soon.” 

“You clearly don’t know my kingdom well. When it storms like this, it storms bad. I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re told to go into the cellar.” 

“Has that ever happened?” 

“A couple times. I often get woken up in the middle of the night and rushed to the cellar.” 

“Your majesties, the storm has worsened. Please follow me to the royal cellar.” One of his guards says to the kings. 

“Told you.” 

Hwon stands up and follows the guard, Ivan by his side. A swarm of guards surround the two kings as they’re rushed to the royal cellar. The cellar is meant for the royal family, any guests they might have and the emperor’s personal guard. There’s another cellar meant for all the staff. 

The kings make it into the cellar as the castle shakes. This is one of the worst storms the kingdom has ever seen. Hwon’s mind immediately goes to his people. The majority of his kingdom is on the poorer side and can’t afford storm cellars. His “family” being one of those. 

“What’s on your mind Hwon?” Ivan asks when he notices Hwon spacing out. 

“I’m worried about my people. I’ve never seen a storm this bad, and most people can’t afford storm cellars.” Hwon says worried. “During really bad storms, I used to huddle together with our neighbors. They made sure I was safe, and now it’s my responsibility to keep them safe. I feel like I’m failing my people every time I come down in the cellar to protect me while they have to worry if their house is going to fall down, it’s not fair.”   

“I think that’s the first time I’ve heard you sound like a king.” 

“I’m being serious. It’s not fair that we get to stay in the comfortable cellar while my people are cold and wet and scared. I know what they’re feeling, I felt it.” 

“So what are you going to do about it? You’re the emperor now, it’s up to you to fix the problems you see within your kingdom.” 

“That’s easier said than done. There isn’t a class on how to be a king. I didn’t grow up in a castle watching my father rule the kingdom I would one day inherit.”

“No you grew up in the kingdom you would one day rule, and in my opinion, that’s better. You know what’s wrong in the kingdom, so you can fix it. You have advisors to help you and if you really don’t know what you’re doing, then you can call on your fellow kings for help.” 

“I’ll look into it.” 

“I’m being serious Hwon, you’ve got to start acting like a king.” 

“I will. It’s getting late, we should go to bed. Guard.” 

“Yes, your majesty?” The guard that’s in the room says. 

“Show King Ivan to one of the other rooms and help him prepare for bed. Give him one of my pajamas to sleep in.” 

“Of course sir, will you be requiring assistance as well?” 

“No, I'll be fine. Just help King Ivan.” 

“As you wish sir, follow me your majesty.” 

Ivan stands up and follows the guard out of the sitting room. Hwon falls back into the couch groaning. He didn’t sign up for this, he didn’t want this and now he’s stuck with it. He doesn’t feel like he is qualified to run an entire kingdom, but here he is doing it. He just wanted a simple life. He wanted to pay off his parent’s debt, settle down with someone and have a couple kids. 

Hwon stands up, walking into his bed chambers. Once in his room, he strips out of his robes until he’s in nothing but his underwear. This is how he used to sleep but once he became emperor, he was told that he had to wear proper night clothes. 

He crawls into his bed getting under the covers. He turns off his bedside light. Once again he hopes sleep will help him decide what to do. He knows he needs to step up, but he doesn’t know how. 

“What are you doing still awake your majesty?” She asks, walking onto the balcony where Hwon is. 

“Just thinking, what are you still doing awake? You should be sleeping.” Hwon says to her. He’s looking out at his kingdom, not paying attention to her. She walks over to him standing beside him. 

“So should you. What are you thinking about?” 

“It’s nothing. I just thought some night air would do me good.” 

He looks over at her and smiles softly. 

“Normally when someone’s outside in the middle of the night, they have something on their minds. You can talk to me, you know. I know I couldn't possibly understand what you have on your shoulders, but I’m a good listener.” 

“It’s just- everyone expects me to be this great leader, but what if I’m not? What if I can’t do this?” 

“But what if you can? What if you’re the best leader this kingdom’s ever seen.” 

“How can you be so sure?” 

“It’s a feeling I guess. Besides I saw how you were earlier today in the kingdom, the people love you.” 

“I guess.” 

Hwon pauses and looks back over at her. She’s looking out over the railing gazing at the night sky. 

“How can you be so sure? You’ve only known me for a couple days.” 

“I just know. You don’t have to be a genius to tell when someone has a kind heart. You’re a good leader, your majesty, you just have to believe in yourself.”  

Hwon moves a little closer to the girl tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear. She looks over at him, blushing softly. 

“You know you can just call me Hwon right?” 

“Does that mean we’re friends? The only other person I’ve heard only call you Hwon is King Ivan.” 

“I don’t have many friends and all the kings are too formal to simply call me Hwon.” 

“That must be so lonely.” 

The girl rests her hand on top of Hwon’s. 

“It’s not so bad I’ve always been one to keep to myself.” 

“That’s no life to live.” 

“What about you? You still can’t remember anything from your past.” 

“No. The only thing I remember is a little boy. He promised to protect me.”

“I’m sorry, hopefully you’ll get your memories back soon.” 

“Hopefully.” She sighs looking back out at the night sky. 

“It’s getting late, I’ll take you back to your room.” 

Hwon extends his arm to her. She takes it, placing her hand on the crook of his elbow softly. He smiles as he feels her fingers wrap around his arm. 

“I’ll see you in the morning, your majesty.” She says as they make it to her door. 

“We talked about this, just call me Hwon.” Hwon says, shaking his head. 

“That’s easier said than done. Well goodnight.” 

She leans up and places a soft kiss on his cheek. 

“Goodnight Aelia.” 

Hwon wakes up sighing. This is the second time he’s seen that girl in his dreams. She was even more vivid and beautiful this time. 

“Aelia,” Hwon says softly. 

“Good morning Hwon.” Ivan says walking into his room. He’s fully dressed in Hanfu. 

“Don’t you ever knock?” 

“Sorry, but there’s something you need to see, get dressed.” 

“What’s going on?” 

“You’ll see, just get dressed.”

Ivan leaves, shutting the door. Hwon groans as he gets out of bed. He quickly throws on his Hanfu and walks out of his bedroom. Ivan and Hwon’s personal guards are waiting for him in the sitting room. 

“There you are sir, there’s something you must see immediately.” 

“Alright, show me.” 

The guards lead the two kings out the cellar in a rush. Hwon has never seen them so worried. They make it out of the cellar and the first thing he notices is the brightness. The outside is so bright it’s almost blinding. 

The sun is shining and there isn’t a cloud in sight. Everything is completely dry like it hasn’t rained in months. 

“Where’s the rain?”

“We don’t know sir. We all woke up and there wasn’t a cloud in sight.” 

“What about the night patrol? They didn’t see anything?” 

“The weather was too bad last night, they weren’t able to stay out to keep guard.” 

Hwon is furious. Not only did the weather suddenly change, but his kingdom lay unprotected last night.

“You’re telling me, that while my people were out here suffering because of the storm, my guards who were supposed to watch over them and keep them safe, were in the castle warm and dry? My people were scared, cold, and wet. This is unacceptable.” Hwon yells. 

“Hwon calm down, I’m sure there’s an explanation.” Ivan says, trying to rationalize with him. He’s never seen his friend so mad before. 

“General Chen, there’s something you need to see.” One of the lower ranked guards says to the guard talking to the kings. 

“Lead the way.” Hwon says not giving anyone else room to talk. 

“Your majesty, this isn’t something you need to worry about.” 

“It’s something that has to do with my kingdom, it’s something I need to worry about, lead the way.” 

The guard bows to him before heading back in the direction he ran from. The group follows behind him, Hwon leading. They make it to the front of the castle, and Hwon stops dead. Laying across the front steps of the castle drenched in rain water and mud, is a young woman. 

Hwon immediately runs up to her, and tries to shake her awake. When she doesn’t wake up, he checks her pulse, it’s there, but barely. 

“Call the doctor, NOW!” Hwon shouts. 

He lifts the girl carefully into his arms and carries her into the castle. He heads straight for his private chambers not listening as his staff protests. He doesn’t know why, but he feels the need to protect this girl. 

Once in his room, he lays her down in his bed, wrapping her in as many blankets as possible. She was freezing when she was in his arms. 

“Sir, let us take her to one of the guest rooms. This is your room.” A male servant says. 

“No, she’ll stay in here until I know she’s okay. How much longer until the doctor gets here?” 

“I don’t know, but you shouldn’t be in here, it’s inappropriate. I’ll have one of the maids stay with her until the doctor gets here.” 

“Fine” 

Hwon storms out the room, slamming the door behind him. Ivan is waiting for him in his personal sitting room. Ivan pats the seat next to him for Hwon to sit down, but Hwon refuses. He paces the floor shaking his head. He’s pissed at the way his staff is being.

Two maids walk in. One heads to Hwon’s bed chambers and the other stays in with the two kings. 

“Sir you’re covered in mud, let me draw you a bath.” the maid says looking over Hwon. 

“No” 

“Well then at least let me help you change into some clean clothes.” 

“No, not until I know the condition of the girl. How much longer until the doctor gets here?” 

“I’m here, where is the girl?” 

“In my chambers. She was drenched in water and mud, freezing, and she was barely breathing, why is she barely breathing?” Hwon says a little harsher than needed. 

“I don’t know your majesty, but I’ll do everything in my power to figure it out.” 

“You better, now go help her.” 

The doctor bows then walks into Hwon’s bedroom. Hwon turns to one of the guards in the room. 

“Get me all the guards who were on patrol last night. Wake them up if you have to, I want all of them in the throne room.” 

“Right away sir.” 

“Are you sure this is a good idea Hwon? You’re mad, and when you’re mad you don’t make rash decisions. You don’t even know who this girl is, yet you’re worried about her like she’s your everything.” Ivan asks, standing up. 

“It’s not about her, it’s about the fact that my guards who are supposed to defend my castle, and my people, and they failed.” 

“You can’t blame them, the storm got to be too bad.” 

“Yes I can, there was a place for them to rest in the front of the castle so that if someone showed up, they would be there. This wouldn’t have happened if they had done their job right.” 

“I get that, but let's be rational. A good leader uses both their head and their heart. They’re fair and listen to the other side before making any decisions.” 

“I just- someone in my kingdom is currently fighting for her life, not to mention I have no idea how many others are hurt.” 

“There are guards looking all over the kingdom making sure everyone is okay, and from what I’ve heard so far, everyone is okay. But seriously, why do you care about this girl so much?” 

“I don’t know, I just do. You wouldn't like it either if some young woman showed up on the steps of your castle cold and wet and barely breathing.” 

“I would have gotten her inside but not in my personal bed chambers. You’re being wreckless for a girl you don’t even know.” 

“I don’t know, but I feel like I should do everything in my power to protect her.” 

“Your majesty, the doctor wishes to speak to you.” A maid says popping her head into the sitting room. 

“Of course.” Hwon says, turning to Ivan. “If the guard comes back, tell him to dismiss everyone other than the head guard from last night. Have him bring him back here.” 

Hwon disappears into his room before Ivan can get another word in. Once in his room, he immediately walks over to the doctor who is setting something up on his bedside table. The girl is laying on his bed looking extremely pale. 

“What’s going on doctor?” 

“She’s going to be just fine. She just needs to be warmed up.” 

“How long until she wakes up?” 

“That I don’t know, it could be a couple hours or a couple days. I suggest that someone be in here with her until she wakes up.” 

“Days? Are you sure there’s nothing you can do?” 

“I’m sorry your majesty, but I’ve done everything I can. She’ll wake up when she wakes up. Have someone get me the minute she opens her eyes.”  

“Of course, thank you doctor. I’ll have a guard walk you out.” 

Hwon sits on the edge of the bed keeping his distance. The maids try to get him out of the room, but he stays. It's his room after all. 

He sits for what feels like hours watching over the girl. He thinks of all the things that could have led her to his doorstep. Though pale, he’s not as pale as everyone else in his kingdom so he doubts she’s from here. 

“Hwon the guards are waiting for you. You need to come speak with them.” Ivan says, popping his head in.  

“They can wait.” 

“Hwon, you need to come and talk to them, you're the one who asked them here.” 

“And they can wait. I need to make sure she’s okay first.” 

“I don’t see her waking up anytime soon. I get you’re worried about her, but you have other responsibilities.” 

“You’re right, I’ll speak to the guards.” 

Hwon stands up and walks out of his bed chambers. Once in his sitting room, he looks over at a maid and motions her inside his chambers. The head guard from last night as well as the one for this morning are standing off to the side by the window. 

“You’re majesty, I’m s-” The guard from last night starts to say, bowing, but is cut off. 

“Silence,” Hwon says lifting his hand. “I did not give you permission to speak. General Chen, has everyone in the kingdom been accounted for?” 

“Yes your majesty.” General Chen, the current head guard, answers bowing. 

“And was anyone injured or harmed?” 

“No your majesty, in fact, I have guards reporting children playing in the streets together.” 

“Wonderful thank you General.” Hwon bows to him before turning to the other guard. “His report just saved you, General Wang.” 

“I understand your majesty, nothing like this will ever happen again.” General Wang says bowing. 

“You’re correct it won’t. You’ve been hereby stripped of your general title. You will start again as a private and earn that title again.” 

“Of course your majesty, I look forward to the day I am once again one of your generals.” 

“General Chen, please find Lieutenant General Won. Inform him that he will be taking Private Wang’s place as Commanding General of the Night patrol. I will need to see him in my office before the start of his shift.” 

“Of course sir.” 

“You’re dismissed.” 

Hwon turns and sits down on the couch next to Ivan. This is the first time he’s ever stripped someone of their title, but it had to be done. The guard should feel lucky that he’s even keeping a position in the guard. If he wasn’t being rational, he would have fired the guy, but he doesn’t want to seem unjust. 

“Do you think I was fair?” Hown asks Ivan after the guards have left.

“You may have knocked him down further than I would have but that’s me.” Ivan says smiling, proud of his friend for finally acting like a leader. 

“He’s lucky I didn’t strip him of a job completely.” 

“That wouldn't do anyone any good. You did the right thing, even if it does mean he now has to listen to people he used to command.” 

“He should have thought of that before allowing his team to stay in the castle all last night.” 

“I understand and I’m proud of you. Well I should get going, I’ve left my kingdom in the hands of my advisors for far too long.” 

“Are you worried they’re doing something you aren’t going to like?” 

“More like try to find me a wife to marry. They don’t like the fact that I’m twenty-four and unwed.” 

“What does that mean for me? I’m twenty-three.” 

“Oh don’t worry, they’ll let you know when and who they want you to marry. Right before he disappeared, Chiwoo told me that they found someone for him to marry.” 

“Is that why he disappeared? Because he didn’t want to get married?” 

“Maybe but I don’t think so. They’ll probably just have you marry who he was going to, granted no one knows who she is.” 

“Of course not. Anyway, I’ll walk you out, I’m sure you want to get back as quickly as possible.” 

The friends stand up and walk out the emperor's private chambers. 

“So have you given any more thought to the kings coming?” Ivan asks at the front of the castle. 

“They can come, you’re right I need to start acting like a king.” 

“I’ll let them know. They’ll be very pleased.” 

“I’m sure they will. Let them know that they’re welcome to stay however long they’d like.” 

“I’ll be sure to. I’ll see you around Hwon.” 

Hwon bows to Ivan before walking back into his castle. Once inside he immediately rushes back to his private chambers. He waits in his sitting room pacing the floor. He checks every once in a while to see if there’s any news on the girl, but there isn’t. 

Hours pass and there’s still no news on the girl. Hwon is getting worried. The girl should have woken up by now, right? The doctor said she was fine, so why isn’t she awake? 

“Your majesty, you really should eat something.” A servant says walking in the room with a tray of food. 

“No, I’m fine.” 

“Emperor, I must insist. You haven’t eaten all day, your last meal was lunch yesterday.” 

“Leave the tray, you’re dismissed.” 

The servant sets the tray on the table and bows before leaving. Hwon rolls his eyes and looks over the tray of food. It does look good, but he feels guilty being hungry when someone in his kingdom is suffering. He doesn’t get it though, he’s never worried about someone like this before. 

He nibbles on a piece of bread as he continues to pace around. He finishes the bread and grabs another now realizing just how hungry he is. He eats the bread, as he tries to figure out how the young woman could have possibly made it to the steps of his castle and not a single person noticed. 

“You’re majesty, she’s starting to wake up.” A maid says, popping her head out of his bed chambers. 

“Go alert one of the guards and have them fetch the doctor.” Hwon says as he sets down his bread, and walks into his room. He stands against the wall and watches as the young woman starts to slowly wake up. 

“W-where am I?” The young woman asks so softly, Hwon can barely hear her. 

“You’re in the Kingdom of Eternal Falls miss.” 

“Eternal Falls?” 

“Yes miss, the Kingdom of Eternal Falls under the rule of Emperor Hwon.” 

“Don’t overwhelm her with too much information, just wait for the doctor to get her. Go get her some water.” Hwon says softly to the maid that’s addressing the young woman. He can see it on the girl’s face, she’s scared and overwhelmed. She just woke up and she has no idea where she is or if she knows who she is. 

“Of course your majesty.”

The maid bows to Hwon then quickly leaves. Hwon stands off to the side and watches the young woman sit up, and lock eyes with him. He offers her a soft smile, but doesn’t make a move to say anything. He doesn’t want to make her uncomfortable. 

After five minutes of waiting, the doctor comes rushing in, setting down his stuff on Hwon’s night table. He starts his exam on the girl, who looks scared out of her mind. Her eyes stayed locked on Hwon the entire time. 

“Do you know where you are miss?” The doctor asks, starting the round of questions Hwon knew he was going to ask. 

“The kingdom of Eternal Falls.” She replies. Hwon figures she remembers from what the maid told her. 

“Did someone have to tell you that or did you already know?” 

“Someone told me.” 

“Okay, what’s your name?” 

“Aelia, my name is Aelia, that’s the only thing I’m sure of.” 

Hwon’s jaw just about drops when he hears her name. Aelia, like the girl in his dream? No, there’s no way, she’s just a figment of his imagination, and the girl laying on his bed, looks nothing like the girl from his dream. The girl laying in his bed is far too pale and her hair isn’t as black or as shiny. 

“Okay, Aelia do you know where you’re from?” 

“No, I don’t remember anything before waking up other than my name. Am I in trouble? Are you going to send me to the dungeon?” She asks panicked. 

“No, you’ve done nothing wrong. You’re welcome to stay in the castle until your memory returns and we can get you back to your right kingdom.” Hwon says, breaking his silence. 

“W-who are you?” Aelia stutters. Sure she’s been constantly looking at him, but he has a commanding aura about him that intimidates her. 

“Emperor Hwon. You just rest for now, you’ve had a long day. I’ll have someone prepare a room for you when you’re feeling a little better.” 

“I’ll be by later to check on your Aelia, you get some rest.” 

The doctor bows and leaves with Hwon following behind him. He shuts the door behind him and sighs, at least the girl is alright. 

“How long until she gets her memories back?” Hwon asks the doctor once they’re alone. 

“It’s hard to say, but the longer she goes without remembering, the less chance she has of getting them back. But other than her memories being lost, nothing else seems to be wrong. I say let her rest for another couple hours then have her start moving around and get some food in her, the poor girl looks like she hasn’t eaten in a long time.”

“Of course, thank you doctor.” 

The doctor bows and leaves Hwon’s private chambers. Hwon sits and breathes a sigh of relief. He’s still really worried about the girl, but at least, he knows for the most part she’s okay.

[tellthemeerkatsitsfine]

Here’s something that bothers me in comedy shows, and I genuinely don’t know whether I’m right to find this annoying. It’s also not just comedians who talk about it, you get thinkpieces and stuff about this too, and those also annoy me. But lately I’ve happened to hear a lot of comedians bring it up.

It’s when people talk about the “liberal bubble”. The way leftists are driving people away from their cause by being so nitpicky, so extreme in their views, refusing to accept anyone who steps out of line even a little bit. Most of the time, this claim comes from left-wing people, who just think we as leftists need to talk about being more accepting of differing views.

I watched Daniel Sloss’ new-ish special Socio last week, and there’s a bunch in there about it. He says he’s left-wing, but sometimes he wishes he weren’t, because it’s so annoying that you have to be perfect or the leftists won’t accept you. Like if you’re not every single thing they want you to be, they’ll call you a fascist. They’ll ask, are you pro-LGBTQ people? Yes? Okay, then are you anti-racist? Yes? Then are you anti-sexist? Yes? Then are you a vegan? No? Then fuck you!

It's always veganism, isn’t it? It’s always veganism that’s used as the example of left-wing people taking it too far, imposing their views on everyone else. And I think that’s because it’s just about the only left-wing view that actually isn’t a reasonable thing to want to impose on everyone else. I mean, Daniel Sloss’ routine would not work nearly so well if he swapped veganism for anything else. “Are you pro-LGBTQ people? Yes? Okay, then are you anti-racist? Yes? Then are you a vegan? Yes? Then are you anti-sexist? No? Then fuck you!” Do the routine that way, and the answer is… well, yes. Yes, leftists are correct to say that misogynists can fuck off even if they’re cool in other ways. It’s actually fair to expect people to not be bigoted against any vulnerable section of society, that’s not too many things to ask.

If someone is going around calling someone a fascist or a murderer for not being vegan, then that is shitty behaviour. And maybe it happens more often than I think it does. But I have never, in real life, heard anyone say that there’s anything wrong with not being a vegan. I haven’t met many vegans at all, but the ones I’ve met have never been dicks about it. On the internet, I have very occasionally come across vegans suggesting that meat-eaters are murderers. But I haven’t come across that nearly as often as I’ve come across people complaining about how vegans think meat-eaters are murderers.

I used Daniel Sloss as the example because I happened to have watched him do it recently, but I’ve heard other comedians do this, and often use vegans as their example, I think for the same reason Daniel Sloss did. It’s the only one that it’s okay to pick on. In Alun Cochrane’s “why I’ve decided to go right-wing” 2021 special, he talked a lot about feeling that his views and beliefs are not accepted by the leftist bubble of his comedy friends, but he rarely goes into detail about what those beliefs are. A common tactic used by the “outraged about cancel culture” crowd, because it’s easier to say “accept my beliefs” than “accept my belief that [then actually say what shitty thing they believe]”. The one “belief” for which he claims to have been persecuted and he does discuss in detail is eating meat. He tells a story about another comedian calling him a murderer for not being a vegan, and then says this is a sign of how rigid and un-accepting leftists have become.

Again, that story wouldn’t work as well with just about anything else. “Another comedian told me to stop saying hateful things about Muslims, how could they be so mean as to not accept my beliefs?” doesn’t sound as good. But yeah, if another comedian did, in fact, call Alun Cochrane a murderer for eating meat, then that comedian was being a dick and should not have said that. But also, I’m quite sure he was full of shit when claiming that all his comedian friends, due to comedy being such a “liberal bubble”, now consider him a fascist just for eating meat.

In fact, I can be completely sure of that, because I know who his comedian friends are. If he’d just talked about his friends in general, then I’d say, okay, I guess it’s technically possible that he’s befriended a group of radical hardline vegans somewhere. But he specifically talked a lot about the comedy community being a liberal bubble full of radical vegans, and I do know what comedians he hangs out with (or used to hang out with, at least), and they’re not. One of his comedian friends has material about how much he loves pork despite being Jewish, and another has material about how he doesn’t eat meat but hates that it might make people uncomfortable when he tells them that, as he has no problem with other people who make different choices. Some comedians might be radical vegans, but card-carrying Chocolate Milk Gang member Alun Cochrane definitely knows at least a few who aren’t.

Also, one of Alun Cochrane’s comedian friends was telling a story in his stand-up around 2017 about how he’d recently stopped eating meat, even though his friend Alun had tried to talk him out of that choice by saying humans are meant to be meat-eaters. So maybe it’s not only the vegans who try to impose their dietary choices on other people.

It is true, I have noticed, that a lot of British comedians are vegan or vegetarian. Definitely a disproportionate percentage of them, compared to the general population. And I assume that is related to the fact that comedians tend to veer leftward, more than the general population does. I don’t know any vegans in real life at the moment, have only come across a few throughout my life, but the folder of stand-up comedy on my hard drive is absolutely full of vegans. And I have never heard a single one of them suggest that there’s anything wrong with eating meat.

(...Wait, sorry, I finished writing this post, and then came back here to say I’ve just remembered the extremely weird movie called Carnage that Simon Amstell made. So it’s not technically true to say that none of the comedians on my hard drive have said there’s something wrong with eating meat. One out of the large number of them has definitely said that, and he got Mawaan Rizwan to act it out, it was weird. Okay, fair enough, Alun, if you happen to have spent a lot of time with Simon Amstell, then I can believe another comedian has repeatedly called you a murderer for eating meat. Just stop hanging out with Simon Amstell then. It’s not that big a deal.)

I do know that the vegans are right, by the way. I’m not a vegan for the same reason why I sometimes order things from Amazon: sometimes I pick nice things, like 2-day delivery or the taste of steak, over making the most ethical choice. But I know it’s much better to not eat meat, for a huge number of reasons. I’ve noticed that a lot of comedians are vegan just because every time one of them mentions being a vegan, it sticks in my mind a little as a reminder that some people make more ethical choices than I do, and then I feel vaguely guilty about it. But that’s fine. They’re not trying to make me feel guilty. It’s good that people feel vaguely guilty about not making the ethical choice. I feel that way when I order stuff on Amazon as well, and sometimes I feel it enough to actually not order the thing. So, you know, guilt can have benefits.

It’s not just about veganism, people criticize the “liberal bubble” for all kinds of things. For arguing about the use of words more than the actions behind them, getting bogged down in discourse and in moral purity in ways that are detrimental to the cause and hurt innocent people. For demanding perfection from its members. For refusing to accept even slightly differing points of view. And some of those criticisms are technically fair.

Daniel Sloss talked about it, like I said. Tim Minchin had some stuff about that in his 2022 tour Back. He talked a lot about leftists who demand semantic purity specifically, and I can understand why that issue seems like a big one to him. He used the word “faggot” in his recent-ish autobiographical song Talked Too Much and Stayed Too Long (an awesome song, by the way). I haven’t seen people get mad about that song, but I’m sure it happened. I assume if you’re Tim Minchin, and therefore hear every complaint that gets submitted about Tim Minchin saying faggot in a song, then it's going to seem like a huge number of people got incredibly angry about that song. Even if it was only a small percentage of people who heard it.

Personally, I think it’s fine that Tim Minchin said faggot. Obviously context matters – if he actually called someone that, even as a joke, I wouldn’t think that was okay. In this case, the context was Tim Minchin listing things that other people have called him throughout his career. “I’ve been a bigot and a faggot, I’ve been smug and ugly.” The politics of slur reclamation are complicated, but as far as I’m concerned, if you’ve been called a word, you should be allowed to tell people you were called that word. I also think context and intention are more important than the use of a word itself. Repeating something someone else said to point out that saying this is bad is not the same as using a word as a weapon yourself. Though even within that rule, exceptions exist (the big one being: don’t use the N word if you’re not black, hard and fast rule with no exceptions regardless of context and intention, and if you don’t think it’s fair that that one slur works that way and others are more flexible, then take it up with the people who perpetrated hundreds of years of slavery – having said that, there are comedians I like who’ve said that word in the past, and I disagree with their choice to say that word in any context, but I can still forgive that enough to like them anyway if I think the context was reasonable and it was long enough ago and I don’t think they’d say it now).

I realize there’s even some debate about whether I, as a female gay person, should be allowed to use a word that describes the male ones. But I would direct you to the man who shouted “faggot” at us while I held hands with my then-girlfriend on the sidewalk in 2012, because his mother had clearly never taught him the word dyke. Like I said, if a word’s been aimed at you, you should get to use it. When my girlfriend and I arrived at our destination and met up with our friends, we at least deserved to be allowed to tell those friends what slur we’d been called.

Those are my views, and a reasonable and progressive person could have different ones. I think it’s reasonable if a different gay person has a problem with Tim Minchin saying faggot, and I think a reasonable debate can be had about when it is and isn’t okay. I can also believe that some people may have been unreasonable about it, saying terrible things like suggesting a comedy musician should die because he used a certain word. That is bad, and it’s fair enough if Tim Minchin wants to say so, and wants to talk about the toxicity created by things like that.

So I do see where he was coming from, but it still felt disproportionate. Just like it felt disproportionate when Daniel Sloss went on about all those people who are so leftist that they’ll hate you for having a single less-than-progressive view, and when Alun Cochrane claimed that all comedians were persecuting him for eating meat. Maybe one or two people did say something unreasonable, but are there really enough of them to constitute a mob? Is this really big enough to be a problem in society?

Because I don’t see it. When I hear people talk about the “liberal bubble”, I think the same way that I do when people say it’s great that this female action hero is also really feminine, because it shows girls that they can be strong and kick ass while still liking makeup! What movies are you all watching that are full of butch female action heroes, to the point where it’s unusual and revolutionary representation to show that strong female characters can wear dresses too? Similarly, what world are you all living in where everyone is so progressive that your big problem is everyone being too progressive? Seriously, what world is it? Where is this liberal bubble? It sounds great! I wish I could live there!

Obviously, my view on this is coloured by my own experience. The main “bubble” I live in is my sports community; most people involved with this sport mainly know other people who are also involved with this sport, it’s such an all-consuming thing that it’s hard to have a lot of connections outside it. So it definitely qualifies as a bubble, and it is not a liberal one. In 2020, one of the most famous American athletes in our sport accepted the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Donald Trump. This news did not shock me, because I’ve never liked that guy anyway. What did bother me were the comments under an article about it. So many people saying how great it is that President Donald Trump supports our noble sport. One comment said that of course Obama would never give this medal to anyone from our sport, because it’s a sport mostly done by conservatives, so the liberal elites hate it. My immediate instinct was to say “fuck you, how fucking dare you speak for our entire community that way”, but then I thought about my Facebook feed, mainly people from this sport and also full of COVID conspiracy theories, and I realized, I think they’re right. I’m the one in the minority here.

My actual friends are decent people, obviously. My close friends within our sports community were not the ones posting about Plandemics. But we’re all in the minority within the wider sports community. Honestly, when I listened to Alun Cochrane’s comedy special about having gone right-wing and feeling out of place among leftie comedians, I actually understood that a bit. I mean, fuck him, fuck his beliefs, fuck anyone who tries to tell me that leftists should not be allowed to say “fuck you” to shitty beliefs, I am not trying to defend Alun Cochrane. But all the people saying we should try to find “common ground with the other side” will be pleased to know that I did find a bit of common ground with Alun Cochrane in that special. I related to a bit of what he said about feeling like you’re in the minority, belief-wise, in your own social community. So it’s similar, but not equivalent, because, you know, my beliefs are objectively better than his. They’re not objectively better than everyone’s, lots of people are smarter than me, and there is lots of room for reasonable debate. But they’re objectively better than Alun Cochrane’s. Alun Cochrane made a “blue hair and pronouns” joke in 2021, and then went on Comedy Unleashed and said the government shouldn’t pay to feed low-income children at Christmas. Seriously, I’m not looking to have a lot of common ground with him.

So it makes sense that I haven’t experienced this liberal bubble everyone talks about. But also, there are reasons why I would have seen it if it were that big an issue. I live right downtown in a city of a million people, in one of the most progressive places in Canada. I live next to a neighbourhood that people joke about for being full of hippies and hipsters. When I go into that neighbourhood, I see the rainbow flags and the vegan cafes and the transgender bookstore (that’s not a joke or anything, there actually is one, it’s basically Portlandia and it’s pretty cool), and they make me happy. I go there to buy groceries, and never once has anyone yelled at me for purchasing meat. I’m a fairly gender non-conforming mostly gay woman – I wouldn’t be able to have friends who went against a few things on Daniel Sloss’ List of Things That Leftists Are Unreasonable For Demanding Everyone Follow. Also, I hang out on Tumblr, which is basically Leftist Bubble: The Website.

Despite all this, I have never seen a bubble where I thought it being too leftist was a significant problem, anywhere near on the level of what happens on the other side. That doesn’t mean they don’t exist at all. I’m sure they do exist, and I’m sure they are, in a few rare cases, a genuine problem. But are they really as big a problem as they’re often made out to be? I’ve heard people complain about this stuff so much more often than I’ve actually seen it happening.

Do you know what I’m dealing with in day-to-day life right now? On my team, we’ve been having problems all year with the male athletes becoming increasingly sexist toward the female athletes and even the female coaches, and repeating some attitudes that we know they’re getting directly from the Joe-Rogan-to-Andrew-Tate pipeline. We recently found out that one of our co-coaches, one of my oldest friends whom I first met when he was my high school teammate back in 2006, has been encouraging that. Specifically told a few of the athletes, at one point, that Andrew Tate has said some good stuff. Has been working, behind the scenes, to encourage some of the male athletes who want separate practices from the female athletes, and telling them that they’re right to not want to work with girls. It’s been going on for a while but I had no idea about it until recently. We’re struggling to work out how to deal with it, whether to confront the guy about it, how to mitigate the damage he’s done. I’m also struggling with feeling incredibly betrayed on a personal level; I’ve known this guy for so long, and I’ve been through so much with him over all these years, and I thought I knew him better than that. (So you can maybe scratch what I said earlier about all my personal friends being all right when it comes to this.)

Basically, I wrote this entire post because I watched that Daniel Sloss special while dealing with this other problem, and it just made me say, “Come on, even if there is a bit of a problem with some leftists being too rigid in their thinking, does it fucking matter?” Because not to play Oppression Olympics or anything, but my problem is bigger than yours. My problem is big enough to make me think yours doesn’t matter at all by comparison. And my problem is so far from being the biggest one – there are so many victims of the right-wing takeover of culture who have it much, much worse than I do. Who cares if some leftists didn’t like Tim Minchin using a word? Honestly, who cares if one guy was a dick to Alun Cochrane about being vegan once? It’s not that big a deal. The world is burning because people think regulating carbon emissions is too woke, and in light of that, radical vegans are not that big a deal. At least those people are trying to do the right thing.

Just after watching the Daniel Sloss special, I watched Tom Ballard’s 2022 special, Enough. I really really enjoyed that one, and I recommend it highly. He also had some material about the “liberal bubble”, but had a take on it that I found refreshingly different. He said he knows he lives in a liberal bubble, and he likes it there, it’s great. He had a whole routine about how people say leftists need to “listen to the other side”, but it’s not like the other side will listen to us, and he’ll hear out Joe Rogan the day Joe Rogan starts reading progressive thinkpieces on Medium.com (it was something like that, it’s been a few days since I saw it and I’m butchering his material, it was really funny and people should watch the special). He also made some jokes that used the same basic premise as that one Chris Rock joke (that we can trade roles in society if white people want to say the black people slur so badly, “you shout [slur that I won’t write down] and I’ll raise interest rates”): the leftist bubble might control the arts, but the right-wingers get to control the governments and corporations and actually run society, and if they’re going to complain about the arts being too much of a liberal bubble, then we’d be happy to trade. I agreed the fuck out of that. I laughed because it was funny and I agreed the fuck out of it – see, Stewart, it’s okay, sometimes it can be both.

The other comedian I can immediately think of who’s done stuff like this is Michael Legge, who started one of his shows by saying he’s a left-wing man, but it may be hard to tell that because he is not currently arguing with someone he basically agrees with about one tiny point of divergence. I like that joke, because that is something I have seen. Leftists arguing over tiny differences, often semantic ones. We do that all the time, we love that shit. But most of the time, I’ve seen that happen among people who were friends before and after that discussion, and are just arguing as a hobby.

The toxic rigid no-room-for-deviation liberal bubble thing – I’m sure it exists, but it just can’t be as big a problem as people think. And if someone’s really struggling that much with it, then I have a sport they can join where they’ll never have the problem of being surrounded by too many progressives again. Seriously... if you’re in a liberal bubble and sick of it, please join us. We really need more people from liberal bubbles to balance out the rampant antivaxxers and straight-up misogynists.

[my-shields-are-down]

Ashley being back infuriates me.

They’ll lose fans if they keep the love interests around too long. We saw that a fair bit in S4. Social media was rough. If she’s around for long, Chenford fans will stop watching. They were on the verge of cancellation last season for The Rookie. They can’t really afford to fuck up now.

People are fed up. It makes me wonder if the writers even give a damn about Chenford or not? It makes me think they won’t do anything with them until the last couple episodes of the series.

I love slow burn ships. All of my ships have been a will they/won’t they or a slow burn. Every one of my other ships have had more progress than Chenford by S5. It’s infuriating.

It wouldn’t be that hard to get them together either. Have Lucy test out of patrol, Tim then wouldn’t be her supervisor, Murray or Carradine would depending on if she tests for UC or Detective.

In terms of contracts, I think they’ll do a S6 of The Rookie. But I think that might be the end of the road. What happens if Feds tanks and is cancelled but OG is still going strong?

Feds I don’t think will do too well. It’s going against the FBI Tuesday block on CBS and the FBIs rake in all the Tuesday ratings. How do you think Feds will do? How do you think The Rookie will do now that it’s against NCIS LA on Sundays with the time slot change?

Rookie Feds is going up against CBS's FBI night? hahahahahaha

oh my god. that's a death knell. WHY would you choose to go up against Dick Wolf - the king of television? I will be watching CBS that night, thank you. Thank you for the laugh. Oh I needed that badly.

I believe the Rookie writers are Chenford fans, they've said as much (or Tucy as they call them). Personally, I think the problem comes from the leadership. Nathan Fillion is no Eric Winter. Never has been, never will be. Eric is gorgeous and has really flourished in this role - the writers have given him some fantastic material to work with. His micro expressions and emotive capabilities are phenomenal. Plus, he and Melissa have ridiculous chemistry on or off screen. They are friends and laugh endlessly off camera. That shines through - and is probably why most of us are drawn to that couple to begin with. They really are magic.

I believe Nathan thought this would be Castle 2. And he'd be able to be the bumbling buffoon for 1/3 of every episode with the other characters blending into the background in support of this role showcasing him. Yes, I am being kind of snarky, but I worked in Hollywood and the man has a large ego. I don't know why. This isn't Firefly or Serenity or even Castle. Petty comment: Can we please stop filming him running? please?

The writers write what the producers and the censors will allow them to write. Did you see the SDCC panel interview? the focus was on NF and the Feds. only one Chenford question that was basically shot down. They do not want the focus on Chenford. and so I bet at least last season, that's why their stories were so disjointed. Push down what's possible, and create something new and shiny to shift the audience's focus to. First Bailey then when that didn't catch fire, to the Feds. I also think the writers purposely made Bailey less likeable. She's a bit of a know-it-all. I mean perfectly nice, but she doesn't gel with Nyla (hahahah ), Angela or Lucy. Not really. Grace was phenomenally better than Bailey. Hell, Anderson would have been a better match IMO. But well they killed her off so that's not happening.

This season could work to chenford's favor. if everyone is focused on building a show that has no chance for success, the writers of the OG should have more freedom to write what they want. I thought the Dim/Juicy idea was so clever - it's a fun UC situation that will hopefully accelerate the feelings and wantings of these two characters into action. please oh please.

The show was on the verge of cancellation then that syndication announcement came through which makes no sense to me at all. Unless there is some contingency play happening. Something like, if the Feds get through 2 full seasons, we will put both shows into syndication as 8 total seasons of the Rookie into reruns. 2 for Feds and 6 for Rookie.

Voldie (she-who-will-not-be-named) - I feel bad for her. She, like Sanford are place holders. They are the people who on paper are the perfect match for Tim and Lucy. But we never see the domesticity of either Tim or Lucy with these people. Other than Kojo barking and growling at Voldie - which is hilarious in and of itself. And maybe she's back on set, because now the UC op is over, and the fed cross over is over, and T+L have faced the ramifications of their make out sessions. Maybe Tim hasn't yet had a chance to break up with her. I'll like her more if the breakup is messy. if she throws things. If she really does want to get married and have babies, or decides to "try that out" in order to keep Tim.

But yeah, the placeholder relationships are annoying. I am ready for Tucy to get on with it. They need some catalyst to propel one of them into action and imagine life without them. Something to spur them into action.

And I will enjoy watching the Feds die a speedy death. That show doesn't have a chance on Tuesdays, or much of a chance at all IMO.

[motownfiction]

day after your birthday

Lucy decides to visit home for Sadie’s birthday this year. It’s been a long time since they spent any birthday together, but this one feels important. Not the first that’s gone by without Sam, but the second, just over a year after the accident. The first birthday after Sadie’s impromptu trip to New York to see anyone else who would get it. So, Lucy cancels her classes for a week and gets on a plane. Sadie is more important than George Eliot. She always has been.

It’s not surprising when Sadie says she doesn’t know what she wants to do. They’ll have dinner together. Probably something Daniel makes at home. He’s a good cook, after all. Sometimes, Lucy wonders why he became a landscaper instead. He always says the same thing.

I keep my loves at home.

On the second night Lucy spends at the DeLucas’ house, she and Sadie stay up late, watching Full House reruns on Nick at Nite. They used to watch the show in primetime, when they were in college, when Elenore was little and needed something stable to soothe her. Apparently, it has the same effect on thirty-seven-year-old women. Sadie curls up her old blanket, one she’s had since at least junior high, and mutters something Lucy almost doesn’t hear, almost doesn’t believe.

“I think I want to see Sam.”

Lucy’s heart drops into the couch a little bit.

“Like, how do you mean?” she asks. “At the cemetery?”

“Well, I can’t exactly go to his house and see him there, can I?”

Lucy sighs. Sadie is rarely sarcastic. When she gets that way, it means she can’t even deal with her own vulnerability. If something is too raw for Sadie, then Lucy better hurry up and get calloused. She grips her blanket and nods.

“I thought you didn’t like going there.”

Probably the wrong thing to say. Lucy’s good at that.

“I don’t,” Sadie says, voice softening a little. “But it would have been his birthday, too. I hate having a whole cake to myself. We always shared.”

“Your parents always got you two cakes.”

“Yeah, but we shared them.”

Lucy laughs. Some of her very best memories happened at Sadie and Sam’s birthday parties. They were always different and yet a little bit the same. Maggie and Mike always got a chocolate cake for Sadie and a yellow cake for Sam. Some years, one was better than the other, and everyone lied and said they were totally the same. Some years, Sam would faceplant into his own cake. One year, he acted like he was going to faceplant into the cake, but he actually forced Will into the frosting instead. They – the kids – all laughed, but Maggie was devastated. Maggie was always devastated. Lucy remembers always feeling like she was allowed to laugh at a Doyle party. And it wasn’t just Sam who made them great.

She reaches across the thick blankets on the couch and grabs Sadie’s hand.

“OK,” Lucy says. “I know Daniel and I have some good stuff planned for Thursday. Surprise stuff. How about we go see Sam the day after your birthday?”

Sadie nods.

“OK.”

(part of @nosebleedclub march challenge -- day 9!)

[thisislottespeaking]

too soft for all of it

This is a way to hold myself accountable, I suppose. To put an end to something. Because the TS subreddit has ruined something that was so pure. I became a fan on my own, in 2012, and slowly became a bigger one with each album. And it stayed that way for many years, almost ten. None of my friends were into her music, which was fine, unless it was motivated by misogyny(which it sometimes was). When the I Bet You Think About Me video came out, I bought a red velvet cupcake, and for the first time, I thought: why not try to find some other swifties. All this joy this brings me, maybe it could be even greater if I shared it. That’s how fandoms are supposed to work, I was told.

So after watching the video, I went to reddit. I was surprised to see the official thread for the video was filled with comments about Miles Teller – and I mean, I couldn’t find a comment about anything else, I was scrolling for minutes. Seeing nothing but hatred for him, and for Taylor, because she chose to work with him. All because of some rumors. Anyone who spoke up and said ‘let’s not judge so quickly, those rumors appear to be coming from terrible gossip websites, so why not talk about the video instead’ was not only downvoted and ignored – they were told they were problematic, they were probably anti-vax, they didn’t have their priorities straight. Apparently, we all needed to be cancelled. 

I lost my appetite, I didn’t finish my cupcake, I remember it sitting on the table with a few bites out of it. The experience was ruined. I closed my laptop, a little bit in shock. I’d loved that video when I watched it. It had been pure. And suddenly, it was tainted. 

Life is just a classroom, because apparently, the mean girls never go away. They’re the ones who claim to be your best friend, your biggest fans. When you walk away they laugh and make fun of your outfit, thinking you can’t hear them. Or: just not caring that you can. That is all I see, this is not constructive, intelligent, level-headed criticism – and that’s actually how they praise themselves. They’re the older swifties with a nuanced opinion, they’ll say. Apparently, that’s what ‘girl, this is embarassing’ is. I just see boring old mean girl behaviour. 

They’re the people who hated Taylor for speaking up when her dating history was mentioned in a Netflix show(genuinely can’t remember which one). She was overreacting, she was triggered, and embarassed herself by tweeting about it. They said it was ridiculous for her to complain about people speculating about whether she was married or pregnant, because her songs were inviting those questions. These people said ‘I love her music, but she’s not a good person, I don’t care about her or think she’s affected by this at all’ when Ticketmaster did what they do best. Now they’re the people who hate her for having a conversation with a director about something she clearly has a passion for, something she wants to do more of, will do more of. The word I saw used the most: embarassing.

That’s a weird way of being a fan, man. And I’m tired. 

I don’t know if that they’re that obtuse that they don’t realize they’re the people Taylor sings about in Lavender Haze. She’s damned if she gives a damn what they say. All of us are. That 1950s bullshit is so boring. Talk about toxic. That negativity poisoning my life, destroying this perfect carefree joyful little corner where I could escape to when real life was too much to deal with. The illnesses, the grief, loneliness, the relentlessness of the bad news that has kept coming. I needed those purple pink skies, I still do. Desperately. And I refuse to let anyone ruin it any longer. I’m taking it back. I’m going to Paris. Coming home to alleys in Montmarte, feet up at the Tuileries, phone off, view of the tower. Heaven, when everything and everyone stops mattering because it’s so beautiful. And I think this is a lesson I’ve had to learn, one I will continue to learn – not just when it comes to Taylor. 

I’m terrible at goodbyes and I have trouble leaving places. As ridiculous as that seems when it comes to a subreddit, it’s true here too. I don’t even like reddit. But god, I don’t think I’ve ever been a bigger fan of anyone. And it seemed like such a wonderful idea to share it, and I became attached to that idea. But today it’s become painfully clear that I’d much rather be a lonely fan, with no one in my life really getting it. Well meaning but clueless, and probably a little scared, they give me thumbs up when I burst into tears and quickly say ‘it’s Taylor’. They don’t really know what any of it means, and right now, that’s kind of nice. Maybe I’ll find kinder swifties someday. But for the moment, I’m very content blaring Midnights all on my own, diving back into the folk albums during this gloomy winter, and eagerly anticipating the next video. And I’m excited to watch the Variety conversation, with some tea, candles, and a big smile on my face. 

[me-uglypretty]

HEELLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOO!!!!!

YOU SHOULD WATCH KORRA AND ASAMI AGAIN! (or read the comics) those two are my comfort characters, i love them with my whole heart! ((omg did you see that they’re making another korra comic book trilogy and the first one’s coming out next year!!!)) (((i’ve found the lil dinosaur scene from meet the robinsons on youtube and i watch it whenever i think of it, it always brings a smile to my face)))

the struggle is very real, my watchlist of shows and tbr of books and millions of other things are in need of a major apology from me… and i’ve never watched anything in 2x speed, but when starting something new, whether it be a show or book, i’ll watch the last episode/read the last chapter to see if i like it then i’ll go from the beginning heh

I’VE GOT SO MANY THINGS MARINATING THAT THEY’LL BE THE BEST JUICIEST THINGS FOR THE PEOPLE TO CONSUME when i get the motivation

but you are speaking more truths! real life does suck, that’s why there is fanfiction!!! it very much is me

OH MY- I JUST LOOKED UP MOTHERLAND AND IM GONNA HAVE TO ADD IT TO MY WATCHLIST FOR SURE ((((it’s got the vip treatment cause it’s bumped it’s way towards the top))))

and as for our villainous crime fighting duo names, my humor level is practically the same, therefore i am so down for thing 1 and thing 2 because my mind automatically made the scenario of:

civilian 1- “THE THINGS ARE ATTACKING RUN!”

civilian 2- “THE WHAT?”

civilian 1- “THE THINGS! You know, thing 1 and thing 2? The villains who aren’t really villains, but are.”

yeah, emotional is definitely up there and just as valid too. coming out is hard with all those factors for sure and adding the emotional stuff on top too is a lot more stressful. i’m sorry you understand as well and i hope you’re safe too

I ALSO HOPE YOUR TAKING CARE TOO! i am not doing too well right now, but it’s nothing to worry about just a lot on the mind (((((the little ig video of deanoru made my heart burst and made my day infinitely better too, thank you for sharing! <3)))))

~ input runaway anon

I'm laughing at the thing 1 & thing 2 narrative! cause me too bestie me too like yes i think the same and say the same then laugh cause whoa big brain so funny

GONNA FINISH CRYING IN AGENT CARTER BEFORE JUMPING TO ANOTHER RIDE OF MISERY with Korra cause why don't they let the gays just kiss already. (they are??? i didn't know, i've only seen few comic trips and that's about it!!)((ALSO HOW ARE WE FEELING ABOUT JURASSIC PARK DINOSAURS?? I THINK THEYRE CUTE AND ADORABLE))

VIP TREATMENT?? MFS DESERVES. (((and the show got cancelled but it got a final season and I wanna fight them but ya kno we never get good things for long but also a lil warning))) ((((ALSO WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU SPOIL THE SHOW/STORY FOR YOURSELF BY READING THE ENDING LIKE THAT??? THATS EVIL))))

I hope you're feeling better!! Throw words into your ancient library if it helps (i know it helps me sometimes like oh take this pain lil notes app phew phew) and I hope you're taking care of yourself by eating well and drink enough water cause hydration is so important and it took me 84 years to understand.

[omg-im-such-a-masochist]

Hey hun, I was really thinking if you can do a random story about Damian Priest and the reader, it can include anything. 😏😉

Hey baby, oh this actually came in perfect timing because I had this random little scenario in my head for a few days now and your request just gave me the perfect excuse to write it 😂 Thank you ❤️

@ziasaph , @theworldofotps , @alyhull , @wrestlersownmyheart , @new-zealand-chic , @whenimakeitshine1234 , @sinnerchaosqueen , @aerynscrichton , @cuzimacomedian , @crowleysqueenofhell , @thealliasylum , @irish-newzealand-idian-dutch , @ava-valerie

A loud moan made you pause the horror movie you were currently watching

Damian took a gulp of his beer to swallow down the popcorn as another loud moan could be heard

“What in the fuck is going on?” You whispered quite loudly

“The fuck I know?” He shrugged

“Oh yes!” The same woman moaned louder and soon you heard a constant banging noise on the wall

“You have got to be kidding me” Damian cackled

“Are the neighbors...” You trailed off

And when Damian began laughing, you shrieked

“Eewww. Oh send me to Hell, would you?”

“Looks like we’re gonna have to wait until we can finish the movie” He said, quite nonchalantly as he turned off the tv

“Nu uh, you turn that thing back on! I’m not gonna sit here and listen to the neighbors fucking, yuck! No! I need my headphones” You stood up and began to search for your noise canceling earphones

“C’mon, baby” He chuckled

“Don’t you ‘c’mon baby’ me! We live in an apartment for fucks sake! If they want to go that loud they should’ve bought a house!”

“They’ll stop eventually, cariño”

“Oh God, please” The woman screamed “Don’t stop!”

“The audacity” You narrowed your eyes at the wall and quickly punched it two times, making the noise echo through the building

“Mami, relax” Damian held back a chuckle

“How am I supposed to relax with this porn studio as a neighbor?” You punched the wall again

“Fuck off!” The woman screamed at you before she began to moan again

Only this time, louder!

“Did this bitch just tell me to fuck off?” You took your (actually it was Damian’s) hoodie off

And was ready to burst out through the door to give her a piece of your mind

When Damian stopped you

“Whoa, hold up, Wonder Woman” He cackled “What’s the point of you going out there anyway? They won’t open the door”

“Well, I’ll just kick it in, then” You shrugged

“As much as that would be hot as fuck” Damian chuckled “I don’t want to see that pretty ass inside a police station. So why don’t we deal with this differently?” He pulled you closer to him and then began to softly kiss your neck

“How?”

“We can show them how it’s done” Damian pulled back and you saw the mischievous look on his face

“We can do it just like we did the last time we went to Puerto Rico. You remember, right?”

“The beach house?” You smiled widely as the memories flooded your mind “Fuck yes, I remember”

“Then let’s show these wannabes how you really put on a porn show, mami” Damian smirked before laying you down on the couch