#<- i hope the staged reference is as funny to someone as it is to me

[aq2003]

ah yes, dt's most iconic shakespeare role. the porter from macbeth

[choochooboss]

Sketch dump! Vol. 5

September 2022 (Part 1/2)

The first piece on top summarised my cosplay rush for Tracon 2022! The second is an old idea for a charm.

"SURPRISE!!"

Back in 2022 I hosted an art raffle for reaching 777 followers on Twitter! The winner would get their submas themed idea realised (which was their friends throwing a surprise party for the twins!). I wanted to make a little comic and have the bosses walk in their office where depot agents, Elesa, Drayden, Skyla, Clay etc. would be waiting with decorations and treats and games.

Emmet is all smiles of course while Ingo gets so emotional he could only whisper a "super bravo".

Not really headcanons anymore but still funny ideas.

1. Emmet gets clumsy when off-rhythm! He starts walking in curves if there is nobody else around to match his rhythm with.

2. Emmet spaces out/forgets to say things aloud when someone speaks too long or when things go off-script! His thinking gets interrupted easily.

3. Ingo sometimes bumps into doors because he is too used to automatic doors!

4. When things go off-script Ingo speaks too much and rushes in straight lines"

Also my little inexpensive sketchbook & my trusty tools! Mechanical pencil and eraser pen are life when scribbling my skrimblos smaller than a postage stamp!

More Ingo~ I utilise a wide range of sources for references, including CSP's poseable 3D models, they can come really handy with perspectives and proportions!

The second piece is my very first attempt at cosplay in Tracon 2022: Blingo! I walked in with a sequin hat, leather jacket, leather pants and high heel patent leather boots.

The hardest part of cosplaying Ingo is remembering NOT to smile ahaha!

Some hairstyle tests

I drew these for a huge submas art collaboration over Twitter hosted by @/mimizukeii!! It was technically my first art collab before I started arranging them myself with Aggie/Magma.

While looking for train related songs I found this cute nursery rhyme to go with the marching:

"Over the mountains,

Over the plains,

Over the rivers,

Here come the trains.

Carrying passengers,

Carrying mail,

Bringing their precious loads In without fail"

I wanted to compare these silly twins, planning to do something more silly with them later. Also a sketch of @/fukurow's butler designs I never finished.. The capes compliment them so well, I love them!!

Prequel to this piece! Emmet is so confident in himself he thinks Pierce wants to learn from him but is invited for a duet on the stage instead!!

Emmet has really great voice actors in Pokemas! I especially love how his english VA gives him that bri'ish/posh/sophisticated vibe while also soft and melodic! I know for SURE this VA/Emmet can sing, I can show you later!

One of my favourite sketches!! I wanted to add a bunch of characters in the BG reacting to this sonic blast of emotion over a performance!

Heyyy it's the smile buddies comic!! I really hope Ingo gets to interact with Marnie in Pokemas one day!!

I feel Ingo's eyes in the mirror panel is a little off in the final comic, I meant to keep it softer like in the sketch!

It's Nimbasa trio!! Idea inspired by submas EX uniform colors. Might continue this later!

Some BG tests for this piece! Compositing is hard but absolutely worth the effort, it can make a huge difference in the appeal of your piece!!

Practise piece drawing over a photo I thought was cool! I want to get more experimental with lighting and perspective!

'How's it hanging bro?' Who hung him up there anyway??

Sketch for this arguing scene! Something REALLY BAD needs to happen for them to end up that tense! Even if I want to present them close to the canon material I still want to put them in really challenging situations to see how far I can push their emotions!

Thank you so much for coming all the way down here!! This set was pretty loaded, I hope you enjoyed scrolling through all this ahah!

Previous posts:

Sketch dump Vol. 1: April-June 2022

Sketch dump Vol. 2: July 2022

Sketch dump Vol. 3: August 2022

Sketch dump Vol. 4: July 2022 Part 2

[doodler16]

an anonymous asker already said this on chais blog but its worth mentioning again since someone brought it up - what stolas did in apology tour is a technique often used by narcissists called "triangulation". simplypsychology.org states: triangulation in relationships refers to a communication pattern where one person (stolas) avoids direct interaction with another (blitz), instead using a third person (verosika) as an intermediary. this can create misunderstandings and conflicts, often serving as a manipulative strategy to control or gain power. triangulation typically entails a dynamic where the victim (blitz) and persecutor (stolas) engage in conflict while a third party (verosika) assumes the role of the rescuer. (ex; "how you doin', baby? you holding up okay?" "tell us all about your experience with blitzo. that cock sucking motherfucker! c'mon baby, speak from the heart, we all here know how you feel." (they dont know that they dont,) followed by stolas not truthfully going into details and claiming that he thinks "it ("it", being their full moon deal,) didnt mean a thing at all" when yeah, i sure hope your "favors for favors", your "transactional fucking" DIDNT mean a thing romantically, thats a weird and entilted thing for him to think.) this creates a communication triangle, often exacerbating conflicts and misunderstandings, serving to control or divert attention from the core issues. (the full moon deal,) it is problematic because a third person (verosika acting like stolas has been severely wounded by blitz when the reverse is far more true,) becomes intertwined in a situation that should be between the two individuals participating in the conflict. (again, the full moon deal,) it is a strategy emotionally unstable people can use to influence a situation. triangulation is often an attempt for individuals to try and possess control of a situation (stolas being confronted on his behavior by blitz directly and him understandably demanding confrontation because he feels he deserves it after yeah, like he says, everything stolas has put him through in s1, and even s2 tbh,) and seek advantage from it in the form of loyalty or attention from the other parties. (which in this case is literally just the anti blitz party,) it brings difficulties and confusion because too many people (again, anti blitz party,) can get involved, raising the risks for the occurrence of harmful behaviors. (these people festering on their feelings EVERY YEAR on halloween, literally making pinatas, voodoo dolls, an entire cake of blitz they mutilate, which is all portrayed as a rightfully batshit crazy thing to do, but also not towards the end of the episode when they need to make blitz seem like a dick who actually deserves this treatment,) if verosika wouldve been disgusted and been able to relate to feeling used like she felt used by blitz for sex due to the lack of reciprocation, just imagine how an entire party of people who felt used by blitz would feel if they knew about the full moon deal, ESPECIALLY since theyre all imps of some kind. stolas is the real motherfucker here, and that bird wouldve been burned like a goddamn walmart roisterer chicken if at any point blitz had revealed himself on stage at the party, which would be more in character then him letting his self loathing get the better of him when it comes to stolas, and said, "YOU shouldnt even be allowed to be here, bitch! why do you count as an ex when THE ONLY THING we did was FUCK, because YOU MADE ME FUCK YOU?! how the FUCK was i supposed to keep my business afloat without your fucking fancy ass book that let me up to the human world?! THATS why you made me pound your pathetic bird pussy on the full moon every month! and now you wanna act like what we had was actually a RELATIONSHIP?! WELL, FUCK YOU!"

Reading this really makes me want Stolas as a villian that IMP can overcome and kill. Stolas is such a professional victim that it’s not even funny anymore. I really wish Blitz said that instead of watching Stolas, Vortex, and Verosika sing how Blitz is a motherfucker.

[leewonkyeom]

026: staging a storm just so someone can experience the forced proximity trope

light a flame [26/51]

previous | masterlist | next

☆ summary: when your roommate quits his job at the coffee shop you frequent you never imagined the new guy would be hot or even your type. to make matters worse you both study law at the same university.

your friends to try to convince you to get together with him. you try to convince them you just find him really nice... but are you able to convince yourself?

☆ a/n: my beta reader (aka my sibling) didn't get the "want to see something funny?" joke, but it's just a reference to doxing😭 also it's a thanksgiving miracle! maybe? sorry for teasing you guys. as always, i hope you enjoyed this part, and i always appreciate likes, comments and reblogs!♡

fill out this form to be added to the taglist!

[gingerjunhan]

boyfriend headcannons - lee jooyeon

☆彡 the long awaited end of this sweet little series is finally here!! I hope you all enjoyed! :) 🩷

word count: 633 | pronouns used: none | genre: fluff, established relationship | cws: swearing, all caps, not proofread, lmk if something is missing!

← previous member

it’s time for our sillies little boyfie

omg okay where do I begin

he holds your hand all the time

out in public, in bed while cuddling, under the dinner table like you’re in middle school-

he wants you close at all times

he loves you so so so sooooo much

I am the queen of the Jooyeon clingy boyfriend agenda

he LOVES PDA

okay- in reality he love what you’re comfortable with- but still

he loves being able to show you off!

you’re his! he’s dating you! he can’t believe it!!!

once he gets comfortable the pet names are… oh boy

the type of cringe you would expect from Gunil tbh

“baby”

“bubs”

“SWEET PEA” 🥹

“pookie”

“pumpkin” on rare occasions

he likes to have fun with them

you would probably make most of your plans bc have you seen the way this man uses bubble?

he will not answer your damn phone calls!

(but he means well I swear)

the selfies you get from this man are either killer or hilarious

it’s like,, a Seungmin level fit check or a .5 image where it looks like he’s looking both directions at once 💀

but it’s okay bc you love him for it obvi 🫶🏻

speaking of loving him, Jooyeon strikes me as another member of xh that your younger siblings or cousins would love

NAHH YOU KNOW WHO WOULD LOVE HIM??

YOUR GRANDMA!!!!

children find him funny and old people find him charming and endearing

they would totally say you’re dating a prince lol

please play with his hair

I feel like he would love it

he lowkey loves it when you baby him?

like, eat the vegetables off of his plate and tell him how cute he is and he’ll eat that shit up

he is constantly singing

he makes songs up about what he does during the day

he’ll randomly hit you with the, “earlier today I was 🎶washing the dishes🎶 and I almost broke a plate.”

I feel like one of his go-to gifts would be plushies?

it’s your birthday? plushie

valentine’s day? here’s a little guy

and he forces you to name them all

sometimes he comes up with the names before he even gives them to you

“Here you go!” *hands you a plushie* “This is Bart.”

he is so amazed by you all the time

he truly idolizes you and the way you carry yourself and treat people

you aren’t afraid to be a little weird or different and he would love it!!

he would write songs for you :(

he would write songs about you :,(

I think it would be sooooo easy to fluster him

“You look very pretty today Jooyeon.” he’s red as can be

but don’t worry because he can dish it out just as well as he can take it

hot take: I bet Jooyeon secretly has rizz

it doesn’t happen often, but every now and then he hits you with a really good one-liner that honestly leaves you at a loss for words

he loves cuddle sessions :( my sweet, clingy boy

very excitable!

you could suggest watching paint dry as a date idea and he would be vibrating with excitement

loves loves loooves when you wear his clothes ESPECIALLY out in public!

it’s like your little way of showing people you’re taken

he would melt of you ever referred to him as, “my boyfriend” to someone in public like-

‼️ that’s him ‼️

he’s a ball of sunshine when he’s around you, but he also knows when to dial it back and be more serious as well

the duality to this man comes into play with more than just his stage presence!

overall, Jooyeon never stops smiling when he’s with you because he constantly has something to be thankful for 🩷

taglist: @dazzlingligth , @mini-mews , @mxlly143 , @somethingaboutcheese , comment to be added!⁎⁺˳✧༚

[yunarim]

— LITTLE CAPRICIOUS CHRISTMAS | CHENYA X READER

��ˏˋ ꒰ ♡ ꒱ ˎˊ˗ summary : rsa and nrc are having conjoint christmas party within nrc walls. your crush, chenya, is also here to help you with decorations. everything's going smoothly until you both find a mistletoe — now this is where the chaos unfolds.

— characters : chenya x gn!reader, ace, deuce, grim

⌞tags⌝ : gn reader, pure fluff, everyone being a little silly

— w.c. : 2.8k

.ᐟ this is my christmas gift for a dear friend! hope you enjoy this silly thing i wrote literally at 5 am LMAO (local joke to add: a)

Your first Christmas within NRC walls appeared to be surely promising, leaving you in small splashes of genuine excitement. Knowing your friends’ reactions, you were ready for silly commentary on your sweet anticipation of the upcoming holiday (Ace’s capricious eye-rolling at you smiling widely after Crowley’s announcement that the Christmas this year is about to be huge — made you dismiss your friend’s oh-so-annoyed smile). 

Still, you couldn’t even imagine that Crowley would suggest what he mentioned to be ‘joining forces with RSA’. You always found those little annoyed ‘ugh’s from NRC students when RSA was mentioned rather funny, not really caring about that entertaining confrontation between two schools. You genuinely enjoyed RSA students’ company, although not exactly noticing yourself that one particular person has been especially interesting to you. 

Now that was very funny to your friends, your gentle oblivion and bunch of ‘What do you mean I’ve been staring at Riddle’s childhood friend with the name no one can pronounce?’. Not to mention you could pronounce his full name absolutely fluently. 

Crowley said that the Christmas itself will be held in NRC, although RSA is coming to help with decorating. Not only that, Neige and Vil will perform on stage, which instantly caught Azul’s attention, inspiring Octavinelle students to start making preparations already — you could literally see numbers flashing behind Azul’s eyes. 

RSA will be arriving today beforehand, but it was already quite lively around NRC with students making preparations already. You weren’t the exception, and now, following Ace and Deuce, you were carrying a huge box of Christmas decorations. 

“It’s so nice to see someone being so excited for Christmas,” Deuce said, carrying two boxes in his hands, which appeared quite impressive to you, who barely managed to carry one, with decorations almost falling out. “I mean, refreshing even.”

“Are you referring to me?” You asked, the box popping in your unstable hold  “I always loved Christmas back in my world. Imagine my reaction when I realized that it’s a thing here, too!”

“Refreshing, huh?” Ace replied, box with lights in his hands.

“Yuu’s reaction is certainly nicer,” you couldn’t see Deuce’s cheeky smile, but you knew it was there, spreading in his face. 

“Ha! I just don’t get it — why spend Christmas with RSA? Have you seen their decorations? Who’d want teddy bears under their Christmas tree?”

“Teddy bears are cute,” you giggle, amused by Ace’s annoyance towards RSA, knowing he doesn’t really mean all the things he’s saying. 

“Now say you’d want mistletoe to kiss under and we’ll call it a day.”

“H-huh?”

You startled, stumbling on your feet, and were ready to pretty much kiss the floor at this point, ruining the box with decorations you were carrying, but it never happened. 

You feel a firm grip on your shoulders, preventing you from a not so graceful fall, and glance towards what - or rather who - helped you, catching familiar glimpses of pink and purple. 

“Why hello, nya!~”

The smile on your face was quick to appear. 

“Chenya-san!” You exclaimed, bowing slightly as you regained your position, ignoring little sighs from your friends. “Hello! When did you arrive?”

“Just nyaw,” he carefully took the box from your hands, and you could finally see what was happening around. “Where do we put this?”

“Ah, you shouldn’t have to!—“ Chenya only hummed at your reaction with amusement, so you allowed him to continue carrying your box. “Music club room.”

“Got it.”

You watched Chenya’s ears twitching every time you glanced at him, finding it adorable. Adorable to an extent you almost forgot that Ace and Deuce were also present, until Ace spoke. 

“Alright, see ya later.”

“Oh?” You turned around and spotted Ace and Deuce stopping before another class. “Ah, yes. See you guys!”

You heard them discussing if you’ll manage to concentrate on decorating at all, but you preferred ignoring their little assumptions, and were quickly to return all of your attention to Chenya. 

You opened the door to the music room, surprisingly not finding Kalim, Cater or Lilia there, and pointed where your new companion could place the box. 

“Chenya-san, were you on your way to checking out Riddle and Trey? I must have startled you.”

“While I really was, they could wait~” He smiled, sending an unknown emotion to your heart. “Besides, it seems you need my help more than them, hm?~”

“Don’t worry, I can manage!” You smiled in response, but Chenya only started pulling decorations out of the box. 

“I’ll help, nya. That’s why we arrived here in the first place, after all.” He took a garland and turned to you, jumping on the windowsill like it wasn’t a big deal. “So, chief, what would be the instructions? Where should I put it, nya?”

You giggled, certainly appreciating his help, and took a look at the room, pointing at the place where he can put the garland. 

You took a Christmas tree decoration, placed it on the lower branch of the tree in the room, and the rest of the decorating process was pretty much relaxing, remaining in comfortable silence. 

Occasionally you couldn’t help but throw your glance at Chenya. His figure almost floated when he jumped in the windowsills, reaching out for the ceiling to put something there. If you were a little bit more aware of your own gaze, you’d certainly notice how fixed yet gentle your eyes are on him. The only thought of you looking at him that much appeared funny — was it all Christmas that put you in that giddy silly state?

Another decoration, and you found that you almost finished. Chenya’s really handy, you thought, watching him pulling out the last one decoration and gasping at once. 

A mistletoe. 

“Now where should we put it?~” Chenya asked, turning to you and finding you becoming an incoherent cute mess. “Are you alright?”

“Totally,” internally you curse Ace for his stupid little remark about mistletoe. “How about right above the door?”

“If we are to imply that little tradition with kissing under a mistletoe…” Your stomach performed a sudden flip at his words, but you’re quite stunned to find it not unwelcome. “Sounds like fun! Maybe above the window though, nya?”

“I’m afraid not everyone has a habit of jumping off the window as a way of leaving the room like you do, Chenya-san.”

“I must say I don’t need doors or windows to enter at all~”

“Heh,” you smiled at him, sending a competition arising. “Above the piano then? Or better yet — the drums?”

“How about… sofa ~”

“Don’t feel like it, you demonstratively jumped on the sofa, as if testing if it’s the right place to put the mistletoe above. 

“Inside the wardrobe,” you snorted at his suggestion. 

“In the hall,” you continued throwing suggestions, opening the door and pointing out at the ceiling in the hall. “So that many people could see.”

You in turn couldn’t see him materializing behind you, the strands of his hair dangling from his head and brushing against your skin ticklishly as you lifted your head up to meet his gaze. 

You couldn’t think of anything else beside how beautiful he was. Lively, whimsical, yet absolutely adorable and sweet — your mind raced, not being able to contain your excitement and causing blood to flow up to your cheeks, reddening them slightly. 

Chenya either was too polite to not comment on that, or didn’t notice at all — though you questioned the second option. No way he didn’t. 

“Most visitors will circle around the main stage,” Chenya started explaining, Christmas lights wrapped around his shoulders and lit with a touch of magic made him look exceptionally cute. “Not here in the halls, I think~ Now, the main entrance sounds like a fine idea to me!”

“Sounds like all of the NRC students would avoid approaching the main entrance then,” you chuckled and followed him into the hall, sneakily grabbing the mistletoe from his hands.

The little surprise on his face made you gulp, flush reaching your cheeks once more. Was it necessary to be so damn cute?

“Hmm~ Looks like we’ve set a competition of sorts, nya?” Chenya approached you, smiling, and took the mistletoe from you, chuckling at your surprised gasp. “The one who finds the best place to put the mistletoe — wins. How does it sound?”

“How do we decide what’s the best place when we already failed?” You tilted your head. 

“Don’t know~” Chenya giggled. “However you find it fitting to yourself! If I like the place, then you win. If you like the place, I win.”

“That’s so nonsensical,” you admitted but didn’t dismiss the idea. It wasn’t even serious from the very beginning. 

“We’re all a little nonsensical here,” his tail wiggled. 

“What does the winner get?”

“We’ll settle that after winning.”

“Hey, that’s unfair! This isn’t how you motivate the staff!”

He bent over you, brushing capricious strands of your hair, and you parted your lips, not knowing what to expect further. 

It’s your heart which was unfair. Your reactions and feelings — all of them, absolutely deprived of sense before Chenya and his silly tricks. Not like you minded them, though…

But you were quite playful yourself, so to say. 

You tapped his nose, causing him to wince slightly, reminiscent of the real cat, and nodded. 

“Good,” you concluded. “I accept. Although it’s only one mistletoe, so~..”

“So good luck on trying to get it back from me, nya!”

And with that he disappeared from your sight, dissolving midair with his magic, to which you only blinked and laughed. 

“Ha!” You exclaimed. “Don’t think you can get away with that!”

And that is how your race began. 

You walked into the next room, finding Ace and Deuce. Having studied your character enough, they already had a presentiment that at the moment another chaos with your participation was unfolding in front of them.

You appreciated their attempts to arrange the audience, but you had other matters that needed immediate attention.

Your next stop was the Heartslabyull, where Riddle managed to slightly reprimand you for being careless, but when he heard you mention Chenya in your little adventure, he simply sighed and said that the last time he saw him was in the cafeteria.

Riddle, reliable as always, appeared to be right when you spotted familiar sprinkles of purple and pink. 

You tried to be as sneaky as possible, hissing at everyone who tried to talk to you at the moment, giving everyone conspiratorial glances and receiving noddings in return. Maybe you were more NRC than the NRC students themselves after all. 

For what he’s so tall, you thought internally, but still succeeded in grabbing mistletoe Chenya was holding. 

“Hehe!!” You were so excited that you almost tripped again if it wasn’t Chenya who caught you by the elbow, drawing you closer to prevent your second fall. 

Ugh, you thought, averting your gaze and knowing that your cheeks were burning. Even his hold is gentle and—

And what, you cease the chain of thoughts. And what if not loving. 

Yet, the competition still was on the table, so you thanked him sheepishly and was quick to rub away, heading straight to the yard where you rushed towards the tree where the Stargazing event was held. 

You leaned against the tree, catching your breath and wondering how gentle Chenya’s touch was. Every rare time you get to see him, he is always very tender with you. Is it really normal to think about this? Still, it is in the spirit of the RSA to be caring and friendly by nature. But still... what if it’s something making only you special and—

“Gotcha~”

Chenya appeared in the air, dangling from the tree above you, his whole body upside-down, his pretty face right before you, and the mistletoe slipped from your hands to his again. 

“Hey!-“

“See nya!”

He disappeared, and you couldn’t help but giggle again. It’s always fun and joyful — being around him. 

Your next stop was the main stage, where you noticed Neige and Vil discussing something. What a nice place to hang the mistletoe would it be, but you didn’t have it at the moment, so you walked away, wondering where Chenya was hiding again. 

Curious, you thought. It wasn’t about  finding the best spot for the mistletoe anymore — it was the game of hide and seek, with a side quest of calming your racing heart down. 

And this is how you made it to the portal room after what felt like hours of unstoppable searching. Come to think of it, the school was pretty much fully decorated at this rate, sparkles of green and red suiting the whole dark and gothic atmosphere of the school surprisingly well. It was truly refreshing, even the portal room, usually dull and rather gloomy to you, appeared to be quite a sight. 

You stood in the middle, students walking around, jumping to the portals to their dorms, hands busy with decoration boxes, and no time to stop someone and ask if they saw Chenya at all. 

You wondered where your next destination must be, when an idea struck you. Right, why not hang the mistletoe here?! Guests will be wandering through the portals as they always did during previous events held in NRC. This is where the perfect spot for the mistletoe is!

Right when you made your decision and realized the only component left was the names mistletoe, you was about to turn around and jump into the first portal you’d see and call it a day, but—

“Chenya-san? What— Huh?”

You felt his arms around you, pressing you closer to his chest tenderly. Emotions were flowing within you, combining altogether and causing you to snap your eyes open, not really registering what was happening. 

His mischievous expression turned more adoring and loving, making you question if you were awake at all. People were still walking, some of them stopped to gossip about you two, or maybe that what was happening — you couldn’t make sure at once, the whole world around you disappearing, and only Chenya’s cute smile reflected in your widened eyes. 

“Guess we’ve been tricked.”

You blinked at him in incomprehension, but all the thoughts vanished when Chenya pressed his lips to yours. 

You gasped, your body felt foreign, as if you turned into a ghost, watching the scene from behind and not recognizing yourself. It felt unreal — the softness of Chenya’s lips, the way his eyes closed and eyelashes flattered, confirming he was slightly nervous just as you were. 

When you returned to Earth — or whatever this universe even might have been — and parted your lips, staring at Chenya absent-mindlessly. 

“Wha— You— Huh? What?”

“As I’ve said, we’ve been tricked and—“

You weren’t sure. Was it real at all? Did you hit your head and return to your world? Was it just another dream of yours? 

No, no, you must have made sure. So you leaned forward to him, now it was you catching his lips and a surprised breath at once. 

The kiss you left was short and unsure, and when you met Chenya’s confused look, you prevented him from saying anything, pecking his lips again. And again. And—

“Woah,” Chenya smiled through your silly kisses. “Eager, are we?”

“Just in disbelief. Alright, confirm it for me: is it all real? I’m not sleeping, right?”

“You are not sleeping indeed,” he nodded, releasing you from his hold but still having his hands at your shoulders. “And look who’s tricked us after all.”

You followed his stare and found Grim chewing the mistletoe while looking at both of you with an unconcealed amusement. 

“What?” Grim asked, apparently not really enjoying the taste of the plant. 

“Indeed. What?” You ask your partner, chuckling at how silly the whole situation appeared to be. 

“You two fools couldn’t figure out your stupid feelings without the help of the Great Grim!” 

“Sure…” Chenya found your smug expression rather delightful, giggling at the conversation unfolding. “But hey, technically I win. I was just about to place the mistletoe here. And we’ll, it is placed here. Technically in Grim’s stomach, but still here, right?”

“Hmmm~ I don’t mind your win, but…”

Chenya pointed out the box behind Grim, filled with mistletoes only, much to your surprise. 

“How about we start a new competition?”

“I’m all ears then.”

“The one who hangs as many mistletoes as they can, gets just as many kisses.”

“You know we both win at this rate, right?”

“This is the point, nya! Now, shall we start?”

“With pleasure!”

“Before you guys continue that, myah, a tradition or somethin’, go get me a real meal. Man, I’m so tired…”

“You did nothing though.”

“I’m a wingman of the day.”

Chenya chuckled, placing a small soft kiss on your cheek. “That I can’t argue with.”

© yunarim 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝. 𝐝𝐨 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭, 𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐲, 𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐢𝐟𝐲, 𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐲 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧.

[muiitoloko]

Can you write something about Phil where he has an apprentice but not a young one, like someone a bit younger than him but not too much making some kind of reconversion and she is a bit awkward because maybe life wasn’t kind with her and she came back in her hometown with broken dreams and he is still the gruff character we know but in the same time he felt for her and of course she likes him too but he is always hard on her but finally when she has enough and decides to quit he tells her his true feelings and then there are a lot of fluff? I don’t know if it’s clear 😅

Title: Swept Away in Keighley

Summary: You returned to Keighley broken and defeated, but Phil's stoic presence and hidden passion reignite a fire she thought had long been extinguished.

Pairing: Phil Allen × Fem! Reader

Warning: None

Author's Notes: Thank you very much for your order. I hope you like it.

Also read on Ao3

The soft hum of the broom against the linoleum floor was the only sound in the barbershop as you swept the clippings from the day’s customers into a neat pile. The shop was quiet now, the last customer gone, but as you moved methodically across the floor, you couldn’t shake the weight that had settled in your chest.

Keighley. The town had once felt too small, a place you’d dreamed of leaving to make something bigger of yourself. But life had a funny way of turning dreams to dust, and after years of trying to make a name as an actress, you'd found yourself right back where you started. With a sigh, you looked around the modest barbershop, feeling that ache of regret. This wasn't where you’d pictured yourself, sweeping hair in a shop instead of taking bows on stage. And it wasn’t just the shop weighing on you. It was him.

Phil. You tried not to think about him, tried to brush away the pull you felt every time you looked into his hazel eyes or heard his gravelly voice. But that was impossible. He’d been the first person to offer you a job when you returned, shattered and uncertain, and over the past year, you’d come to know him better than you’d wanted to admit. You were his apprentice, the one he sometimes barked at for not folding towels quite right or leaving a smudge on the mirror.

But his exacting standards had only made your attraction worse. You wanted to please him, to prove yourself, and with every muttered critique or disapproving glare, it only made you crave the impossible—a sign that he cared, that he saw you the way you saw him.

Just as you finished sweeping, the familiar click of the back door echoed through the empty shop. You turned, finding Phil standing in the doorway, his sharp gaze fixed on you, his expression unreadable as always.

“Still here?” he asked, his voice low and gravelly. The sound of it sent a shiver through you.

“Just finishing up,” you replied, hoping he couldn’t see how your hands trembled as you gripped the broom.

Phil stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the floor before settling back on you. “You missed a spot,” he said, nodding to a patch by the chair.

You flushed, biting back a retort. This was his way, always finding the smallest things to criticize. “I’ll get it,” you muttered, bending down to sweep the few stray clippings he’d pointed out.

But as you straightened, you felt his presence closer than before. He was right there, standing just a breath away, his eyes dark and intense as he watched you. Your heart raced, heat rising to your cheeks as his gaze held yours.

“You’re distracted today,” he finally said, his voice carrying that same low, gravelly tone, edged with something you couldn’t quite place. You didn’t have a chance to respond before he went on, his words soft but pointed. “Thinking about that silly dream of yours again, are you?”

Your grip on the broom tightened, the handle pressing into your palm. The words stung, as though he’d sliced into the most tender part of you with barely a flicker of hesitation. The “silly dream” he referred to wasn’t just any passing fancy—it was the dream that had shaped you, that had once burned bright enough to pull you out of this town. It was the dream you’d risked everything for, even if, in the end, it hadn’t risked anything for you.

He sounded like your parents—disappointed, tired, scolding, as if choosing to chase a life beyond Keighley had been some foolish whim. Maybe they hadn’t thought you’d make it out of here; maybe they were right, because here you were, sweeping hair in a shop that didn’t feel like yours.

Phil’s gaze was still locked on you, his eyes sharp yet distant, and you found yourself unable to look away. “I tried,” you muttered, the words slipping out before you could stop them. “I really tried.”

He sighed, the sound heavy, weary. “Not everyone’s meant to be a star,” he said, a slight edge of frustration in his tone, as though he was annoyed you hadn’t accepted this already. “It’s not all glitz and glamour. Sometimes, what’s real, what’s here,” he gestured vaguely around the shop, “is enough.”

But it wasn’t enough. It hadn’t been enough for years, and even now, the ache in your chest reminded you that it still wasn’t. You looked down, your gaze falling to the neat pile of clippings at your feet. It was just hair, discarded, forgotten—and yet, you couldn’t help but feel like you were staring at all the pieces of yourself you’d left behind to fit back into this town.

“Maybe for some people, it’s enough,” you replied, your voice barely more than a whisper. You didn’t mean it to sound like a challenge, but it did, and the words hung between you, thick with things unsaid.

Phil’s face softened, just a little, and for a moment, you thought you saw something flicker in his eyes—understanding, maybe, or regret. But he didn’t reach out, didn’t offer you comfort. Instead, he folded his arms across his chest, his expression unreadable. “Dreams have a way of fading, don’t they?” he said quietly.

You felt a lump rise in your throat, the weight of those words sinking in. “Yeah,” you murmured, barely able to keep the tremor out of your voice. “I suppose they do.”

Phil watched you in silence for a moment, his eyes shadowed, his mouth set in a firm line. And then, without another word, he turned, leaving you standing there with nothing but the faint hum of the broom and the ache in your chest for company.

The next morning, you walked into the barbershop, the familiar scent of hair products and aftershave filling the air. Phil was already there, standing near the counter, his gaze fixed on the clock, arms folded across his chest. He looked up as you entered, his hazel eyes narrowing slightly as they took in your appearance. There was something about the way he looked at you, something quiet and restrained, as though he was holding back more than words.

“Late,” he said, his tone curt, baritone voice rumbling low in the quiet of the shop.

You glanced at the clock yourself, confused. “Phil, it’s only five minutes.”

He let out a sigh, shaking his head with the kind of exasperation that felt heavier than it should have. “Five minutes is five minutes too many. I don’t pay you to stroll in whenever you feel like it. You show up on time, or not at all.”

His words felt like a slap, and you could feel your cheeks flush with a mix of anger and embarrassment. This wasn’t fair. You were never late; you were always the first one here, sweeping up the mess from the previous day, folding towels, making sure everything was in its place. Today had been a rare exception, but apparently, Phil didn’t care. He didn’t see the effort you put in, the long hours, the attention to detail. He only saw the one moment when you hadn’t been perfect.

You swallowed, feeling a lump in your throat as you clenched your fists, resisting the urge to snap back. “It’s just five minutes, Phil,” you muttered, trying to keep your voice steady.

“Five minutes, ten minutes—it doesn’t matter. You think you’re special? That the rules don’t apply to you?” His voice had a bite to it, his words dripping with irritation. His gaze was hard, unyielding, and you could feel it piercing through you, leaving you feeling raw and exposed.

Your chest tightened as you stood there, his scolding washing over you, each word weighing heavier than the last. It was as if everything you did was wrong, as if you were constantly falling short. No matter how hard you worked, no matter how much you tried to prove yourself, it was never enough for him. And today, that familiar ache in your chest only intensified, the resentment simmering just beneath the surface.

Phil’s eyes flickered, but only briefly, and then his expression hardened again. “If you can’t manage to be here on time, maybe this isn’t the place for you.” The words stung, cutting deeper than you’d expected, and you had to bite your lip to stop yourself from saying something you might regret.

But his words lingered in the air, sharp and unforgiving. You felt yourself bristling, the unfairness of it all boiling up inside you. You wanted to shout at him, to demand why he treated you this way. Why he always looked at you with that restrained intensity, only to push you away as if he didn’t care.

“Is that what you think, then?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. There was a tremor there, one you couldn’t hide. “That I don’t belong here?”

He hesitated, and for a fleeting moment, his gaze softened. But then he shook his head, as if dismissing the thought, his jaw tightening. “What I think,” he said slowly, his voice dangerously low, “is that if you’re going to work here, you’re going to do it right. No more excuses, no more mistakes. I don’t have time for people who can’t be bothered to keep up.”

Your heart pounded in your chest, anger and hurt swirling inside you, threatening to spill over. You’d given so much to this place, to him, and yet he looked at you as if you were nothing but a burden, something to be tolerated rather than valued.

“You know what, Phil?” You forced the words out, your voice thick with emotion. “Maybe if you weren’t so busy tearing me down all the time, you’d see that I actually care about this place. About you.”

His eyes widened, but he quickly masked it, his expression hardening even further. “You think I asked you to care about me?” His voice was harsh, biting. “This isn’t about feelings. It’s a job. You do it, or you don’t.”

Your chest tightened, the frustration welling up inside you. You couldn’t tell if it was anger, or the hurt that felt like it was suffocating you, or that simmering, unspoken desire you both seemed to dance around but never acknowledged.

“You know what?” you said, your voice trembling with barely-contained emotion. “I’m done. I quit.”

Phil froze, his eyes widening just a fraction as he stared at you, clearly not expecting your reaction. For a moment, the anger in his expression faltered, replaced by something that looked almost like shock—or maybe fear. But then, just as quickly, his face hardened again, his arms dropping to his sides as he straightened, his gaze sharp and guarded.

“Fine,” he muttered, his voice low, though a slight tremor betrayed him. “Go ahead. Leave.”

But you didn’t move. The silence between you stretched, heavy and thick, as the anger and pain settled into something else, something deeper. You met his gaze, refusing to look away, your own hurt mirroring his, your hands still clenched at your sides.

Phil’s jaw tightened, his eyes darkening as he watched you, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. “You think it’s easy?” he finally muttered, his voice barely above a whisper, rough with something raw and unspoken. “To stand here and watch you every damn day, knowing I can’t have what I want?”

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, the world seemed to stop. He took a step closer, his hazel eyes searching yours, his hand coming up to rest against the doorframe as if to steady himself. His expression was intense, filled with a longing you’d only ever dreamed he’d have for you.

“You have no idea,” he murmured, his voice thick with emotion, “how hard it is for me to keep my distance. Every time I look at you...”

Your breath caught as he reached up, his fingers brushing your cheek with a tenderness that took your breath away. His touch was warm, rough, but gentle, and you felt a shiver run through you as his thumb traced the curve of your jaw.

“Phil,” you whispered, your voice barely audible, filled with a mixture of hope and fear.

He closed his eyes, letting out a shaky breath as his hand dropped to your shoulder, pulling you closer until your bodies were just inches apart. “I’ve tried to push you away, tell myself it’s just a passing fancy. But it’s not,” he muttered, his voice rough, his breath hot against your skin. “I don’t want you to leave, love. I need you.”

You felt your heart pounding in your chest as he leaned in, his lips brushing against yours in a soft, tentative kiss that quickly deepened, filled with a hunger that had been building between you for far too long. His hands slipped around your waist, pulling you closer, his fingers digging into your back as if afraid you might slip away.

Your arms wound around his neck, fingers tangling in his hair as you pressed against him, every unspoken feeling pouring into the kiss. His mouth was warm and demanding, his lips moving over yours with a passion that sent a thrill through you, igniting every nerve.

“God, I’ve wanted you for so long,” he muttered against your lips, his voice a low growl that sent a shiver down your spine. His hands slipped under your shirt, his touch hot against your skin as he pressed you back against the door, his body pinning you there as he kissed you with a hunger that left you breathless.

You gasped as his lips trailed down your neck, his breath hot against your skin as he whispered, “You drive me crazy, love. Can’t get you out of my head, no matter how hard I try.” His hand slid lower, gripping your thigh as he pulled your leg up around his waist, his mouth finding yours again in a kiss that was rough and desperate, filled with all the pent-up desire he’d been hiding.

And as you melted into his embrace, you realized that maybe, just maybe, this small town, this modest barbershop, held more than you ever thought it could.

[ladyloveandjustice]

My Favorite New Manga and Graphic Novels I Read in 2023

It's time to take a look at the comics and manga I read this year! I read  a whopping 78 manga and graphic novels in all. Here's a link to my Goodreads year in books (the manga is at the beginning, the novels start with Siren Queen) and my storygraph wrap up.

I also read 36 novels! If you want to see my favorites, check out my reviews here!

And finally, I've got the continuing manga series I've enjoyed this year here, so check that post out too!

The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen

This is a tale about a first-generation Vietnamese-American boy struggling with coming out to his mother. He connects with his mother through fairytales-- she uses them to express her journey as an immigrant, and he uses them to explore his queerness and identity as a Vietnamese kid growing up in America. It's an absolutely gorgeous book full of Trung Le Nguyen's signature stunning art. The fantastical, ethereal fairy tales are weaved beautifully into the lives of the characters. The book explores how fairy tales can form connection, can express culture, can tap deeply into something real and true, and can offer tragedy and catharsis. The protagonist uses fairy tales to write his own story, and the ending is lovely and moving.

Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles by Mark Russell and Mike Feehan

You may know Mark Russell from his darker, socially aware re-imagining of the Flintstones, which made quite a splash on Tumblr with this post. Well, I had pleasure of meeting him at a local convention, and I finally got his comic re-imagining of Snagglepuss, also of Hanna-Barbera. He re-imagines the titular pink puma as a closeted gay playwright in the 50's dealing with McCarthyism. It's as wild as it sounds,but also really digs into the politics of the time, the struggle of standing against oppression and how art fights through suppression and censorship. It's tragic, hopeful, poignant and full of historical references. I enjoyed it ! Definitely be cautious if you're deeply disturbed by homophobia and suicide.

The Summer Hikaru Died by Mokumokuren

A story about a teenage boy, Yoshiki, who realizes that his best friend and crush Hikaru has died and been replaced by a strange eldritch being who is imitating him. But, missing his loved one and desperate to cling to any piece of him, Yoshiki decides to keep on having a relationship with this mysterious entity. This book's horror is visceral and sublime, especially the bizarre, creepy, beautiful body horror involving the being who replaced Hikaru. It's an exploration of anxieties involving grief, relationships, and sexuality that hits just right, and the atmosphere layered with dread is top notch. I love me some messed up relationships and unknowable queer monsters, and this book delivers.

Chainsaw Man, Look Back and Goodbye Eri by Tatsuki Fujimoto

Chainsaw Man needs no introduction, but I did end up really enjoying the story of the doggy-devil boy hunting other devils. It got so tragic and intense at the end, with lots of great surreal horror imagery and darkly funny moments. I'm impressed it went so hard, though the random powers that kept piling up made what was happening hard to follow at times, especially in fights. I'm also enjoying the current weird arc starring a class-A disaster girl and the demon sharing her body.

Look Back

I really do enjoy how Fuijimoto writes messy pre-teen/teenage girls. They ring so true. The manga follows the fraught friendship between two girls as they create manga, exploring the struggle of art mixing with real relationships, and how someone keeps creating after tragedy. It's a little hard to follow at times (especially since I have to differentiate the leads based on hairstyle), but it's a good read.

Goodbye Eri

Probably my least favorite of the three, but it's a fun read- a weird ride that examines the thin line between fiction and reality in art and makes good use of Fujimoto's cinephile background and signature gaslight gatekeep girlboss characters.

Is Love the Answer? by Uta Isaki

The story follows a teenage girl, Chika, who has always struggled with not being attracted to anyone. When Chika enters college, she meets queer people all across the spectrum of asexuality, and starts exploring her own identity. As an ace, this is the best story about asexuality that I've read. It was a nuanced look at asexuality and queerness and all the variations. Chika's journey and how she found her community was moving and poignant. It's a honest, moving look at relationships and identity, and how complicated and hard to define both of those things can be. I loved the moments of Chika imagining herself as an alien to explore and cope, and how she bonded with people through magical girl shows and other geekery. My favorite new manga of the year, it really connected with me!

The Girl that Can’t Get a Girlfriend by Mieri Hiranishi

Oh girl, I've been there. This is a fun autobiographical comic about a butch4butch lesbian's struggles finding a partner in a word that favors butch/femme, and it's just an honest look at the messiness of loneliness and relationships. I also appreciate that crushing on Haruka in Sailor Moon and becoming a HaruMichi stan was the beginning the author's queer awakening because uh...same! She has taste, and is truly relatable.

Qualia the Purple: The Complete Manga Collection by Hisamitsu Ueo and Shirou Tsunashima

See my review of the light novel here for my general thoughts on the story, since it's adapted pretty faithfully. I do think the manga is overall the best experience though, because the illustrations break up the detailed explanations of quantum mechanics a bit, and it includes a bit of extra content that fleshes things out, especially withthe ending.

The Single Life: 60 year old lesbian who is single and living alone by Akiko Morishima

Just like it says on the tin, this focuses on a 60-year-old single lesbian. And definitely the shortest thing on here, since only one 30 page chapter is out.  It's a grounded story about a woman looking back on her journey to finding her identity, touching on sexism in the workplace and other challenges. It paints a portrait of a proudly gay elder who's still perfectly content being single and feels fulfilled by the life she had rather than regretting past relationships. I definitely want to see more.

Daemons of the Shadow Realm by Hiromu Arakawa

Arakawa's latest, the story is about a boy who lives in a small village with his little sister is imprisoned and has to carry out a mysterious duty...but then the village is attacked, supernatural daemons awaken, and everything he knows might be wrong. I'm enjoying this fun romp so far! It delivers an really nice plot twist right out the gate (and an excellent subversion of the usual shonen "must-protect-my-saintly-sister" narratives). It boasts Arakawa's usual fun cast and interesting world (and cool ladies). There's some slight tone and pacing issues in the first part- there's so much time spent explaining mechanics the lead doesn't really get to react to his life turning upside down. But it starts smoothing out by the second volume. I'm excited to see what's next!

Superman: Space Age by Mark Russell and Michael Allred

This is a retelling of Superman set throughout the late fifties to early eighties that has Superman interact with the political and social upheaval of the time and question his own role in things. It explored the Superman mythos through a lot of cool new angles, and has a good Lois (why yes she would break Watergate) which is how I always measure a Superman adaptation. My one complaint is, while I liked some of the things it did with Batman, the ending with the Joker was pretty weak. The ending of the overall comic will also be bizarre for anyone not uses to how weird comics can get, but I think I dug it.

#DRCL by Shin'ichi Sakamoto

A manga retelling of Dracula that focuses on Mina as the protagonist and imagines the characters at an English prep school. It adds a lot of  diversity to the characters  and has exquisite, evocative art. I'm curious where it will go and what it  intends to do with all it's changes (especially Lucy), because right now it's mostly vibes and creepiness and the direction isn't clear.

[raytorotitsenthusiast]

Whelp, WWWY Fest is done. Heres was original post.

✅️✅️ = correct prediction, happened both days

✅️❌️ = correct prediction, happened only on day one

❌️✅️ = correct prediction, happened only on day two

❌️❌️ = incorrect prediction, didn't happen at all

❔️ = Half correct (will specify with a ℹ️)

ORIGINAL PREDICTIONS(September 19th, 2024):

- Gerard rambles to the crowd✅️✅️

- Gerard is in some sort of outfit❔️❔️

ℹ️ i mean, he WAS wearing clothes but not what i hoped/expected

- Someone throws a prideflag on the stage❌️❌️

- MCR members family there✅️✅️

- Audience member(s) dressed up is noticed❌️❌️

- Mikey is given the mic and says things❌️❌️

- Ray's mic is turned up (please)❌️❌️

- Frank messes with someone while playing❌️❌️

- Audience member holds up a sign with something funny on it❌️❌️

- Dan and Phil are there❌️❌️

- One of the band members references "but seriously, imagine it"❔️❌️

ℹ️ it was acknowledged by Dan and Phil

- Frank plays a lick from 'I Am Going To Kill The President Of The United States Of America' as a joke❌️❌️

- Pose 28. Need I say more?❌️❌️

- ALL MEMBERS IN DRESSES❌️❌️

- Ray takes his shirt off (PLEASE)❌️ ❌️

- New song/songs played❌️❌️

- Studio versions of demos released (ie Sister to Sleep, Someone Out There Loves You)❌️❌️

- They play Witch❌️❌️

ADDITIONAL PREDICTIONS (October 5th, 2024):

- They do a cover of a Chappell Roan song, HotToGo or Good Luck, Babe! Or Gerard is dressed like her ❌️❌️

- Fall Out Boy comes on stage with them lmao (bonus, they give Mikey a cowbell or tamborine)❔️❌️

ℹ️ Mikey and Patrick were spotted hanging out

- Somehow, Frank hurts Ray. They keep playing but like, Frank hurts him. Maybe steals his wine glass and drops it by accident and Ray gets hurt? ❔️❔️

ℹ️ No one was hurt, Frank did nothing, Ray had his wine glass

- Gerard says something about LGBTQ+ and is very emotional❌️❌️

- Something like a bra is thrown on stage. Gerard puts it on OVER TOP THEIR CLOTHES❌️❌️

- Frerard kiss official MCR merch❌️❌️

Honestly heart broken, I was hoping TO SEE THEM RITTIES for cool outfits

[peeterparkr]

thus, with a kiss, i die| tom holland

PROLOGUE: the rivalry.

romeo & juliet modern au.

summary: the well known story of star-crossed lovers. Your local bar has two spots for bands, but only one spot for an opportunity to get a record deal. Your band, the Capulets and his band, the Montagues have been rivals long enough. But what happens after a night when you get to know their lead singer?

chapter summary: who are the great rivals at the Verona bar?

pairing: singer!tom holland x guitarrist!reder

warnings: swearing, alcohol mention

word count: 3k

this is literally romeo and juliet, it's one of my favorite stories, if you've read my other works you KNOW I love to quote it, and reference and eveyrhting. Anyway, this is my take on it. Modern world, hope you like it. I haven't written anything in ages so here goes.

character glossary next chapter masterlist

wanna be tagged?

This is an unequivocally known story, a tale as old as time, of those of two star crossed lovers, who most likely lost their mind. Star-crossed lovers, they call them as if the stars were undeniably conspiring against them. Are the stars really against secret, illicit-feeling escapades of a young, naive love, so powerful and strong that it ends up in death?  

Or were they too busy to help them out when everything went insane? 

Shakespeare said it himself, didn’t he? ‘Violent delights have violent ends’. Perhaps the name and the reference itself doomed upon a foretold tragedy. Yet, here we are. 

And it all comes back to a simple rivalry, and thus shall start like it always does. In a small  bar named ‘Verona’, always playing live music, near a college. Nothing too unusual, nothing so fancy. With a small stage. Smoking blue and purple. With a wall full of old bottles, just to adorn. A small stage with a few vintage lights hanging from the ceiling, a worn out rug, and a neon light sign which read: ‘Don’t waste your love’. 

Where people gathered to have a beer, or two in those small wooden tables, or perhaps in the green couch, nibbling on a few snacks while they listen to one of the two bands Verona offered. 

Some liked the Capulets, an all female band. Some liked the Montagues, perhaps for the handsome lead singer. Some liked both. Some liked neither. 

But Verona was the rivalry. The rivalry between the two bands was what made Verona an interesting place, or that’s what some people liked to pry upon, the well known story about two former friends, Monty and Billie ‘Cap’ who once fought almost to death and decided to each go their separate ways and declare themselves sworn enemies. 

Things hadn’t been quite the same since. Each formed their own band in an act of revelry and had tried to crush the other. The Capulets were known for their soul-crushing lyrics, meanwhile the Montagues were known for their remarkably outstanding sounds. As said before, their lead singer was quite someone that moved crowds. Pleasing to the eye. 

The Capulets had recently lost their main guitarist and a rumor of who  would join had circulated.  Monty was anxious to learn all about the new member. A war shall begin. 

In all honesty, nobody really cared about them, but both were on the edge waiting for each other's next movement. 

And in the end, they were young and naive with big wishes and hopes, with the same stupid dream that one day someone would walk in the night their gig was on and offer them the entire world. 

It was funny, how they believed so much in Verona, just a small bar, that happened to have a few legends come from. A few people said great names like Billy Joel had once played there. Drunk folks are very unreliable narrators. But not quite the most unreliable. 

Which brings us to two members of the Capulets, Georgia and Sam. The drummer and pianist, respectively. The first, a short haired, with a diverse set of earrings, a top tank and loose pants. A cigarette hung from the corner of her lips. The two of them were having a drink, knowing they would have to listen to the Montagues later, they needed some alcohol in their body to make sure they could stand the occasion. 

Some of Montague’s  crew had already arrived and were tuning in. They watched, amused. It was a fair Friday afternoon, and people were gathering already to have a beer and some chips. 

“You know, we got the Saturday gig? ”  Samantha said as she plaid with a half-full cold beer glass. Her style was more 70’s, big hair, big pants and striped shirt. “If we keep going like this we’re going to crush them.” 

“I think we should actually crush them,” said Georgia, puffing her cigarette.  “Get a whole ass piano and just dump it on them, cartoon style, y’know? Especially Tom. Gosh, I’d like to just get rid of his stupid British face. I might dislike him more than Monty.” 

Sam shrugged. “That was a great move, you’ve got to admit that.” 

“Aye, great move? Getting a pretty face just to get more audience, please,” Georgia rolled her eyes. “This should be about talent!” 

Although she knew that half the girls there were just there to see Tom. Georgia only judged them slightly. Tom was most definitely the newest sweetheart. Curls, chocolate kind eyes, and Georgia supposed he was fit. Besides, a hopeless romantic, or so the girls would say only because he had an accent. Perhaps they all believed he was the next Hugh Grant. 

“Perhaps Cap should bring in someone as beautiful, y’know? As bait.” 

Georgia rolled her eyes once again. Although it didn’t sound as stupid. And perhaps that’s why Cap had decided to bring in someone as beautiful. Although the new member, Georgia knew, was naive and had a lot to learn, she could perhaps appeal more. And besides their looks, their talent to write, Georgia knew it was most likely to appeal to Paris, the young handsome bartender, the bar’s owner's protege, who could pitch in to have them more often. 

But they were losing right now and they both knew it. How they’d manage to convince Princess Skylar to get them the next day  was beyond them. Skylar was the bar owner, or at least she presented herself as so. Even though she was just a manager she basically owned the place. She gave out the slots as long as people were buying drinks. And lately the Montagues were bringing in more money. 

Montgomery, ‘Monty’ had brought in Tom to be his new lead singer, and they’d been booking the Saturday gigs more often since. Perhaps bringing in a wider female demographic to Verona, buying pretty cocktails. Although, Georgia thought it could be now constructive for them since the male demographic had decreased and they tend to be the ones to drink more beer. Besides, one thing they could rely on was Tom having a girlfriend, so at least the girls would eventually have to give up and go back to the heart wrenching lyrics. 

“Is it me or do they sound worse each day?” Wondered Sam as she heard a hard tune. Bea, her enemy, the Montague’s pianist was a fan of only key smashing. “Whenever I listen to them I just need to run to the bathroom and puke.” 

“No, I think you should just puke on them,” Georgia said. “I’d be your number one fan.” 

Abby, the Montague’s drummer, and Georgia’s number one enemy had overheard. Georgia said her technique lacked enthusiasm. While Abby said Georgia lacked any technique. 

Both were wrong. 

“Whatcha say?” Abby questioned. “Did y’all come here to learn?” 

“Learn?” Sam stood up with her beer. “Learn how not to play, am I right Georgia?” 

Sam wasn’t good with comebacks. Georgia pulled her back down. 

Abby chuckled. “If you play like that then I won’t worry anymore.” 

“Ah,” grinned Georgia raising her own drink, vodka soda. “So you are worried. Gotcha.” 

Abby rolled her eyes. “I don’t believe you’re invited here.” 

Ben, another member of the Montagues and the reason they had a new lead singer was nearby plugging in his instrument. Not as handsome as the others, people would say, but he was peaceful. “Let them be, Abby. They can be here.” 

He often tried to ignore them, he was there for the music and the music only. He thanked Monty for giving him the chance to be there and disregarded the stupid rivalry. He was the bassist, and had become quite popular now that he was acquainted with Tom. 

He didn’t like any trouble… unlike Theodora, another member of the Capulets who was with them at the bar but had been quiet enough. It was hilarious how they often were angered by the other’s presence and yet neither tried any other place to hang out. 

Theodora searched for the trouble. Perhaps Theodora was the one to hate the most of the Montagues. All of them and especially their newest member. She was the scariest of the Capulets, impulsive and with probably some anger issues. She despised them, and wasn’t afraid to show it. 

“Eh, for sure we can be here. It’s a bloody bar. But you could try and kick us out. Don’t be such a pussy, Ben Dover,”  Theodora’s first statement was one to make heads turn.

Ben turned to look at her from his bass. “I’d rather not get tired, unlike you I care more about my music.” 

“Why does it sound like a bunch of people farting then?” Asked Sam. Again, she wasn’t good at this. 

But before he could even respond, Bea, the pianist had already begun the… fight, if you could call it one. Apparently the fart statement had been the one to bother her, funnily enough. 

She’d stormed over, yelling and screaming nonsense. Raising her hands and giving them fingers. 

Very classy.

Georgia and Sam had stood up to walk over to the stage. Bea had continued a rampage of all the cuss words she could think of and calling them out on their lack of talent and accusing them of coming here only to plagiarize their songs, to which Theodora kindly answered they couldn’t plagiarize a ‘pile of pure shit’ unless they went to the bathroom. Sam had continued with the fart insults. 

Ben only stood there watching them and trying and failing to calm them down.

Soon, the other poor customers at the bar were involved in the fight, trying to incentivize the company. Some others were drunk enough to fight with them and others just enjoyed the show. 

Billie, ‘Cap’, who had acquired the nickname from quite a young age, by making everyone call her ‘O’ cap’n my cap’n’ after making The Dead Poets Society her entire personality, had walked in along with her girlfriend, Clara. Cap was usually chill. A great leader, a great singer and a great friend. Unless, of course, you betray her. She’d been betrayed by Monty, whom she’d now nicknamed Slap-Dick. 

“Christ.” Cap muttered as soon as she saw the scene. Part of her band only raised glasses, fingers and lame insults and she was sure she’d just seen a beer can fly by. “Angel,” she turned sweetly to Clara. “Will you please hold this?” As she handed over her purse. 

“What for?” Clara questioned. 

“Yes, I might need to throw some hands— oh, how interesting, see who just walked in, the scum himself, Slap-Dick,” she greeted. 

Monty, one hand on his girlfriend’s, Maddie, waist, and one hand holding his guitar walked in. Cap scrunched her nose with disgust. 

“The fuck are you doin’ here Cap’n Crunch,” Monty snapped. “It’s our gig tonight, please get your vulgar and uncivilized twats out.” 

“I’m pretty sure your darling band if we can dare to call it that, was the one to start this,” Cap crossed her arms. Cap knew her own crew was not good at insulting. Although as she eyed Theodora she thought she may have been wrong in her initial statement. Still, she continued. “Your zoo is making all of this noise.” 

“Oh! Fuckin—.” Monty laughed but thankfully was interrupted before he could say anything that would make the show even better. 

“Stop!” Skylar had yelled, breaking a bottle against the wall as all the lights were turned off and the faint ambiance music stopped playing. She liked drama. “For fuck’s sake, stop!” 

Everyone felt the air cold, paused in the middle of the argument. The lights were turned back on, completely, leaving nothing to the imagination. It was chaos, as if a hurricane had hit the entire bar. Theodora was holding Ben by his shirt, Bea was standing on a chair, Sam and Abby just stood in front of each other. The other drunken clients just stood there awkwardly. Standing ever so slightly less elegant. 

“I’m so fucking done with this,” Skylar said. “Stop you assholes, this is the third time this month.” She made her way through the tables and snapped her fingers down twice at Bea, motioning for her to get down. “I don’t care about your stupid feud,” she continued as she snatched Theo’s hand off Ben. “ It's so stupid, you’re both terrible bands,”  she said as she walked in between Sam and Abby, separating them as both fueled with rage. “If this doesn’t stop,” she said, taking Georgia’s drink now and taking a sip for her. “And I’m talking to you both now,” she turned to watch Cap and Monty. “I’m going to cut you off, deadass. Not one more gig for either. Do you understand?”

Both tried to complain. 

“I said, do you understand?” Skylar was firm. 

“Yes, princess,” Monty hissed the nickname. Montgomery Williams was exactly the guy you’d think of when you thought of a guy who formed a band and played the lead guitar. His dark hair fell to his eyebrows and his cheeks were sucked in enough for him to be considered handsome. He was often seen with a pair of dark jeans and a new band t-shirt. A cigarette was his trademark accessory. Bulked enough but, not really. And he was often accompanied by his newest pursuit, this time, Maddie, a girl whose clothes were probably bought too tight on purpose. 

“Now, Capulets, please give me the pleasure of your kicking you out,” Skylar said

Montgomery smirked. 

“No, no, Monty, don’t get�� your hopes up. They don’t play until tomorrow, so from now on whenever the other band is playing the rivals cannot step in here, otherwise I’ll fuck you up,” Skylar threatened. 

“I wanted a beer,” Cap complained earning a deathly glare from Skylar. “Fine, princess!” She took a deep breath. “Caps, let’s go get wasted at my place!” She ordered and her mates followed after. 

Skylar had her arms crossed at the entrance as they walked out and the members of the Montagues clapped. She rolled her eyes. 

“‘Lright everyone, if anyone causes another disturbance I’ll—“

“Fuck us up,” Monty finished. He clapped his hands and pushed Skylar from her shoulders back to the bar. “Absolutely, no worries, Sky, we’re very civilized and we will give you the best show tonight. We’re classy!” 

“Don’t touch me again,” was the last threat she gave before heading back to her office.

Monty gave her a fake smile and then turned to Ben. “The fuck happened?” 

Ben made his way back to the stage as he was followed by the rest of the band. “Honestly, Georgia and Sam were just here chilling. Abby overheard them and wanted to snap at them, I tried to calm them down but Theodora, you know Theodora.”

“Insane bitch, yeah.”

“Theodora just snapped and then it’s a blur,” Ben explained. 

“Fuckin’—“ Monty pinched the bridge of his nose. “Mkay, well. We can’t let them, you know, get on our nerves, that what they want, they want to get rid of us, no matter what, they don’t even care if they go down with us,” Monty said. “So, uh—yeah, especially now that Tom joined us they’re desperate.” 

His band mates only nodded with agreement. 

“And— where the hell is he?” Monty frowned, noticing just now that his lead singer was nowhere to be seen. “We play soon, that idiot,” he rubbed his face with stress. Although he loved to pride himself on being better than Cap, he was often found with insecurities because deep down he believed he wasn’t. 

Monty was especially scared now that he knew Cap was going to present her secret weapon the very next day. Why they were given a Friday instead of a Saturday was scary for him. Who had they brought in? 

Perhaps, the Tom furor was finally gone after a few weeks, considering that although more women were parading in Verona, they would soon be gone as soon as they found out Tom was not available and not willing to flirt with them. Even when Monty had encouraged it, the guy would just politely decline it. 

And now, they had the Saturday gig. The most important gig, and although Friday was next in line, he knew that important people showed up on Saturdays. Not Fridays.  

Though he didn’t blame it entirely on Tom’s reluctance to flirt. He knew Cap had pulled her cards right. And he knew it had something to do with Skylar. Had anyone slept with her? Or had they given her money? Had their songs penetrated Skylar’s walls?

Either way. They had to have their lead singer show up. He couldn’t hide his anxiety as he approached the microphones, tapping slightly on them to try them. 

Ben coughed, watching him. 

“Ben?” Monty’s eyes widened. “Where is he?”

“Look, I haven’t heard of him since the morning,” Ben explained. 

Monty furrowed his eyebrows. 

“He did text me he would be here, but.” 

“But what?” 

“Him and Rosie broke up so he might not be feeling well, he told me he was devastated. He told me he was getting a drink before.” 

Monty heard the news. His lead singer had broken up and was devastated on a Friday night gig. Where they had to sing silly love songs and hard beats. Songs that would be ruined if not sung with the right emotion. Songs that could potentially be ruined if sung drunkenly. 

But…

“Are you telling me that…” Monty approached the mic, tapping it to make sure everyone heard him. “Did I hear that right Ben?”

“Monty.” Ben shut his eyes closed. 

“Did you just tell me our  handsome, British, sweetheart, muscly  lead singer is single now?” He questioned with a smirk knowing he’d gotten the attention. 

“Monty.” 

“Did you just tell me that?” Monty pushed. “Is Tom single?”

Ben shook his head annoyed. “Yes, Monty.” 

Monty smirked as he turned to the crowd. “Ladies… and no, actually, just the ladies, you just heard it! Our lead singer is recently single so I will need all of you to give him a warm welcome when he’s here, he’s going to need a lot of love. Will you guys help me with it?” 

And for now, he knew, he was back again at the race. 

character glossary next chapter masterlist

wanna be tagged?

i'm tagging some friends and some who asked, if you want to be added to the taglist tell me if you want to be removed, no worries tell me as well! :)

tags: @lnmp89 @blondygwendy @dangerousluv1 @love-granger @kikiwritesfanfics @astoldbydanid @erodasghosts @peterdarlingg @hollandweather @annathesillyfriend @mannien

[bethanydelleman]

it’s funny you just answered a different ask about S&S, because I’ve been mulling one over that I’ve been meaning to drop in your inbox. I listen to S&S on the regular - it’s become one of my fav comfort stories. But I’m always disturbed by Brandon talking about how relieved he is when he finds Eliza 1.0 dying of tuberculosis. I know he cares for her, both emotionally and in the sense of providing excellent care for her at end of life. But I do wonder.

What if she wasn’t dying when he found her? Would he still have loved her and wanted to marry her? Or would her life as a sex worker, her illegitimate child, the drop in her social status, and the fact she was his (then still living) brother’s ex-wife make that a non-starter? After everything that happened, did Brandon harbor some Captain Wentworth-like resentment against Eliza, irrational though it may be? And if he had rescued her and married her, could they have been happy with how much both had changed since they were first in love?

Obviously it’s all conjecture, but I think Brandon would have done for Eliza 1 the same he did for Eliza 2. Bankroll her into a nice cottage in the country and maybe visit on holidays.

First, I want to address that he's "happy" that Eliza is dying. We in Western society are very uncomfortable with death these days and agree to extraordinary measures just to retain life without considering quality of life. What Brandon is saying is that Eliza Brandon had no further chance at quality of life. The relief that he feels that she will die soon is because she's suffered so much and he wants her to find peace:

So altered—so faded—worn down by acute suffering of every kind! hardly could I believe the melancholy and sickly figure before me, to be the remains of the lovely, blooming, healthful girl, on whom I had once doted. What I endured in so beholding her—but I have no right to wound your feelings by attempting to describe it—I have pained you too much already. That she was, to all appearance, in the last stage of a consumption, was—yes, in such a situation it was my greatest comfort. Life could do nothing for her, beyond giving time for a better preparation for death; and that was given. I saw her placed in comfortable lodgings, and under proper attendants; I visited her every day during the rest of her short life: I was with her in her last moments.

I have had two relatives embrace their ending because their suffering had become intolerable. It is a source of relief, as much as it may be mixed with sorrow. I don't find this paragraph disturbing at all, I've lived through it and he's right. And remember, he's a Christian and he believes that she is going to heaven, so she is only being released from this mortal coil to go somewhere far better.*

Anyway, here's the thing, according to British law/morals at the time, Colonel Brandon was not "allowed" to marry Eliza Brandon. Your brother's wife was considered your sister, so while these marriages did occasionally happen, they could be voided if anyone brought a suit against someone and they were definitely frowned upon. (Remember Emma saying that her and Mr. Knightley weren't really brother and sister, that refers to this law).

If they did marry, their children may be considered illegitimate, which would make it hard for them to inherit if Delaford is entailed. And you know if a cousin stood to inherit, he'd challenge the children's right to the estate.

Because it was considered immoral, I have a hard time seeing Colonel Brandon marrying Eliza even if she had been healthy. His chances at marrying her ended not when she fell from status, but the second she married his brother. If he had found her healthier, he probably would have provided her a home and cared for her as his sister, but not considered marriage as might as he may loved her still. I don't think he resents her at all, he's very forgiving in his speech.

Anyway, I hope that helps!

*I have worked in medicine for a while and I know that medically assisted dying is a hot button issue, I don't want to debate it on this here Jane Austen blog. Having experiences relatives refusing treatment after living in severe pain for a long time, I understand Brandon's explanation here. That is what I'm saying.

[notnights]

i legit love the idea of jax leaving anonymous gifts for gangle, and enjoying being on stage w/her bcs he's actually challenged and active enough to a point where he isn't feeling boredom or dread. also, there's a certain escapism in taking on the role of a character.

hmm, other ribbun scenarios? i can imagine gangle infodumping to zooble abt smth she used to watch, and jax feeling irritated by her rambling at first, but soon becoming accustomed to it and enjoying hearing her voice and opinions. perhaps he even remembers some of the shows she talks about. maybe he chimes in absentmindedly from his hiding spot and zoob n gangle are both like "u were here this whole time ??"

or what about caine using his ringmaster authority to make sure that jax is kind to gangle for a day? and now he has to do whatever gangle asks, and he's not allowed to break her mask. i wonder what she would do with that opportunity? dress him up in silly outfits? get him to pose in different ways for art references? like a mannequin doll.

i love seeing dynamics like these in moments where they have to work together for a common goal, as well. like, they get paired up together in an event and the reward is like. new crayon colours and a can of silly string/sticky hand/centipede or smth. i imagine a lot of yelling and fighting and cartoon violence shenanigans, but maybe, mayhaps, a "good job! we crushed em!" every here and there when things go well.

i also think jax trying to drag gangle away from a teaparty (hosted by ragatha ofc, no jaxes allowed) so that he can have an accomplice in ruining said teaparty for everyone would be fun. he wants to cause some chaos with his favourite victim

anyway hope u like these misc thoughts. idk im new to their dynamic :3c

1). Yeah it's a good thought! For a moment he can be someone else, someone who cares or someone who is open about being in the company of others.

2). I like to think sometimes Jax enjoys Gangle talking... but that's also why he doesn't like it. Doesn't like that something as simple as Gangle going on about something she likes makes him happy. Doesn't know why yet. Too close, too sentimental maybe. Feelings he's not ready for. So then he breaks her mask to shut her up. :(

3). I really want to imagine Jax and Gangle can get along in that way a bully and his lackey does. Bully picks on his lackey too but sometimes they get up to nonsense together and laugh at others together. Comedy!Gangle liking funny things too, which can range from something as silly as giving one ice cube to someone who asked for a couple, to seeing people get physically hurt (to the extent it happens in the DC anyways).

She won't go as far as Jax, when the going gets tough she'd start feeling guilty before Jax does, but up until then she's laughing and fooling around at Ragatha stepping on and getting slammed in the face by a misplaced rake.

Rare moments where they get along because Gangle is acting more willingly in Jax's interests. Idk if this idea has any merit with what we've seen so far. We still have no reference for Comedy!Gangle, and Jax atm really doesn't have any respect for her as an actual friend, at least when she's Tragedy!Gangle. I can only really imagine him getting along with Comedy!Gangle if she really is completely different though, and again we don't know if she is yet.

So it's an idea I haven't worked too much with despite how much I want it. I want them to be silly together. They both ave forever smiles in that aspect.

(concept for the next chapter-promo for the zooblecaine fic)

Anyways, with that said yeah something that gets them working with mutual goals is a good way to get that kind of interaction going. Awful together in a different way. Awful at each other vs Awful together at others lol.

4). Yeah I like the idea he'll drag her to help him with things too. Much to her dismay but she goes along with it, she doesn't really have a choice poor girl. Drags her around like a wet rag until he gets bored of dragging her because, what a drag!

"Wants to cause some chaos with his favorite victim," is such a good line also. I hate Jax, love to see him be awful. My poor girl Gangle deserves better.

[lxmelle]

hi lxmelle!! I have another jp(?) and jjk related question that I'm too shy to ask anyone else again ... do you know why takaken (takaba x kenjaku) is called pinchan? 🤔

and also how are you doing? 😄

also also, I had another question, but I totally forgot what it was. I might come back to ask if that's okay 🥲

again you don't have to answer ! that's all thank you🩷

Edit: this has an update 😊 https://www.tumblr.com/lxmelle/766125746628542464/hi-lxmelle-i-have-another-jp-and-jjk-related

Hi lex!!

Thank you for sending me an ask!

Hehe, I think you’re thoroughly adorable 😆 I’m sorry this took a while - you can ask me anything, anytime! It’s nice to have something to write about on this platform - I probably get a bit too noisy on Twitter/X, so I appreciate the opportunity to do something here as well.

So about Takaba x Kenjaku… From what I understand, TakaKen being “Pinchan” is the equivalent to GojoGeto being “Harattare Honpo” - it’s their manzai name (stage name).

That’s the straightforward & simple answer to the question!

But I think… perhaps some context might be useful? I hope you don’t mind, I’ll just blab a little bit on the arc & manzai in general. If you want to skip it, that’s fine! More under the cut:

I will once again preface with that I’m not Japanese, and haven’t lived there, so my understanding is through research and from being… uh, I guess an otaku / fujoshi / someone who had an interest in Japanese culture once upon a time 😅

So if there are inaccuracies, please feel free to educate me and I hope it’ll also allow others to learn from your knowledge. The bottomline is, even if I dare to write about stuff and talk freely about what I think, I’m in no way trying to claim myself as a subject matter expert. I just like to ramble, and I’m no better than anyone else - these are just my opinions free for anyone to read and you’re all welcome to make up your own mind 😄

With that out of the way...

So I’ll take the opportunity to offer a little bit of what I’ve come to understand… there are comedic duos (combi / コンビ) who do manzai / skits with set roles of the boke and tsukkomi, and also solo comedians (pin-geinin / ピン芸人). Sometimes duos & solos alike will partner up for shows and variety programmes, making it a nice mix of characters and dynamics. Some of these are quite popular internationally.

Kenjaku making it up on the spot on the grand stage in the “finale” of his battle with Takaba is likely a nod / reference to this manzai culture, where the “pin” in “pinchan” is from “pin-geinin” (solo comedic act), which makes it humorously ironic because they’re a “combi” / duo.

To add to the irony, they’re a manzai duo / combi comprised of enemies… They are on opposing sides but get along? It’s funny!

The more I think about it, the more it appears to me that pinchan represents some kind of dark irony.

For example, Kenny appeared to have worked solo (“pin”) for decades doing his brain-hopping thing with his research & awful experiments and Takaba has always wanted a suitable partner to be a “combi” in his manzai career. They stumbled upon their amazing chemistry by accident, that it was fun, and discovered these feelings within the battle - it’s quite bittersweet and sadly ironic to enjoy something together but ultimately have to mean to harm the other until there is just one.

And as light-hearted as comedy is, what they’re doing is also ironic because it’s totally not light-hearted to want to kill the other. So it’s like proclaiming “we are a solo!” They’re a combi/soulmates! …but they have to kill each other.

The “cute” nature of the honorific -chan also makes it more ironic because, in actuality, the skit itself that brought them together is a battle to the death. It’s so dark. There is irony and duality intermingled in the entire scene. It’s a bit sad, too - which I guess is also shown in how there were mixed feelings between the duo with Takaba crying and Kenjaku appearing rather stoic.

Someone joked on X that with chan gone there can only be pin left. And who knows who is meant to be pin or chan, lol. So I guess it’s quite well understood that the term “pinchan” has some reference to a pin-geinin / solo comedic performance.

I hope my thoughts made sense 🤔 it sounded ok (well, better) in my head, so I never really know how it’s received.

Ah and honestly, lately my brain like Swiss cheese, so I forget a lot of stuff… there are times where I can’t remember what I’ve written, or where 😂 please forgive me if I sound like a broken record.

As for how I am, I’m constantly shifting gears in my head at the moment as I juggle this and that. But! I’m doing good, thanks for asking~!! 🫶 How are you doing? And btw, everyone else is welcome to also post a comment 😃 and tell us how you are!

Comments and thoughts welcomed! Repost, comment, do what you like 😄

[blob-of-darkness]

Fair warning - This might not be that coherent because I didn't write it as a tumblr post, I just copy pasted the messages I sent someone about Chants of Sennaar in the middle of the night.

SPOILERS AHEAD

Alright, so I wrote a little something, from the perspective of a serf from the Bard section of the tower, that has come to the Abbey. I do refer to the Abbey as monastery in the text, I hope that's fine as well!

It’s odd. Everything has changed. So quickly, the tower has gained new life. The people have gained new life, new connection, new purpose.

Finally, the day is over and I can fall into bed. I’ve had so much on my mind lately.

I saw them again, the faceless traveler. They were silent, as always, scribbling in their notebook like usual. I don’t think I’ve ever heard them speak. They understand though, more than any other person. They’re the one that opened the doors, that translated for the people so we could find community in each other again.

I, I have a life and a purpose.

At least, I think so. When the others and I ran away to the monastery, at first we didn’t really know what to do. We couldn’t speak the language the devotees spoke, they couldn’t speak our language either. Eventually though, we learned, more and more every day. We are given food, water, a place to sleep, care – that’s what took the longest to get used to. The people here care about each other. There is some hierarchy, between the preacher, the devotees, the common folk – but we’re all treated as people, equally, regardless of status.

No longer are we slaves for the Bards, among the devotees we are equal. There is a balance. Funny, I don’t remember that word in my own language. I think it says a lot, that I remember the word balance in the warriors language before my own.

Among the warriors, all are equal. There are no masters and slaves, not like the bards and their servants. Well, they don’t have any servants anymore. We’ve all left. In the monastery, we are free.

Ah, my mind drifts a lot these days, doesn’t it? There’s so much to think about. Right, the traveler. They’ve stopped by the monastery again, petting the stray cat that lingers but never let’s anyone get close.

It let the traveler close.

It really is remarkable just how much impact they’ve had, on everyone. A stranger, from beyond the tower, showing up and learning all these languages from scratch, wandering and completely changing society. All our societies, here on the tower. I didn’t even know this many people lived here.

The traveler brought some potions from the alchemists over to the preacher, then left pretty soon after. The alchemists are very nearly performing miracles, with their technologies and potions.

It all makes me feel even more left behind. Everyone else seems to be adjusting so well, yet I feel so restless and out of place. I can’t even fall asleep. I’ve seen warriors pick up instruments and learn how to play, I’ve seen Bards and Alchemists argue about the definition of love, I’ve seen the Anchorites in their odd floating chairs, I’ve seen the people mingling together and learning from each other.

So why can’t I find something to do with my life? The monastery is nice and all, sure, but I do not feel like it is my calling. I won’t be a warrior, I’m not strong enough. I won’t be an alchemist, I’m not smart enough. I won’t be a bard, I’m not worthy enough. I won’t be an anchorite, they might as well be fairies with their futuristic tech and confusing language.

Perhaps I could learn some sort of craft? Make pottery or something like that. But a soll like that takes forever to learn. What if I don’t even find joy in it?

Joy…

Hm. I loved seeing the joy on the children’s faces when I showed them dances from my culture. They had so much fun and they were so eager to learn. Maybe I should dance. Maybe I can be worthy of being on a stage, rather than out of sight? But… No, that would feel wrong. Maybe it’s alright to just dance with the children. Their smiles are all the applause I need.

Yes, I think that’s what I’ll do with my life. I’ll teach the children to dance.

[sarcasticbambi]

Enchanted Chapter I

Next>

“Why did I agree to come again?”

Was the thought running through the heads of two people, neither knowing how the night would end for them.

“I don’t believe I’ve ever seen you in one of these events, miss…”

“MDC, Monsieur. You can refer to me as MDC”

“Right… MDC you say…”

“...”

“So, what brings you to the Wayne Gala this year? Oh,I hope you understand the curiosity, it is the first time you’re participating in the event after all.”

Just because you make it sound polite, it doesn’t mean you’re actually being polite you-

To say Marinette was done with the fake and pretentious high-class pigs was the understatement of the century. 

Just because you have enough money to be invited here doesn’t mean you’re all that. It just means that M. Wayne will have more money to donate to the associations that will actually use it for something productive.

But then again, she too was invited so it’s not like she can say much. However, she never covered her words with honey to insult someone.

“I’m here as M. Stone’s plus one” “Wasn’t M. Stone’s plus one his manager Ms. Rolling?”

“No! Haven’t you heard? This year he invited his  designer!” 

Here comes the gossip…

“You mean the very exclusive designer known for working with Clara Nightingale and being the only one capable of keeping up with his extravagant personality?”

“I hear they keep themselves anonymous and so never go to galas and such even though many high-profile personalities invite them everytime.”

“THAT designer?”

The way they all turned to look at her could only be described as a predator ready to launch on their prey.

The compliments were very appreciated, even if her confidence sometimes made her think otherwise. Honestly, if it were in any other situation she’d probably be a blushing and sputtering mess, but considering that it came from these old people with nothing to do but flaunt their money all day, well, lets just say that she felt no remorse in putting the mask of professionalism that often came with dealing with annoying press *cough*Alya*cough* as Ladybug. She just wasn’t sure if the red and gold mask was enough to cover the glare she was sure was on her face. It sure wasn’t enough to cover the deadly annoyed aura she emitted.

“Yes, I-”

“M! There you are! Dad and Penny are looking for you!”

“Oh, Luka! I’ll be right with you! I’m sorry ladies and gentlemen, it seems I’m needed somewhere else. Wouldn’t want to leave M. Stone waiting now would we?”

If Marinette saw the pale faces of the people remembering a certain disaster pertaining to the impatience of one Jagged Stone, neither her nor Luka mentioned anything. And so, the pair of best friends left the group of pretentious old people to their gossip and judging words covered with honey so thick it might as well give you cavities. “Is Uncle Jagged really calling for me?”

“No, but I had to intervene, you looked ready to murder those people with your glare alone!” Luka said with a chuckle. “Ugh! Stop laughing, it’s not funny! Why did I even agree to come again! This is exactly why I’ve rejected all of the invitations!!”

“Well, you know how dad can be…” another chuckle

“Don’t I?! He threatened to destroy one of the suits I made him! And not just any suit, but the one specifically  made to open the stage on his upcoming tour!”

“It can’t be that bad, I mean, you made them almost 100% Jagged proof so no accidents could happen right? Even if he tried I’m pretty sure it’d be very difficult to damage them beyond repair”

“Oh no, you don't understand. He threatened to have Fang “play” with the suit! I may have made them Jagged proof, but they’re hardly CROCODILE PROOF!!”

“... You don’t really believe he’d go that far,do you?”

“Oh dear Luka, I don’t need to believe, I know so. And you want to know how I know that? Because he actually had the audacity of sending a picture of the suit dangling in front of Fang and the little menace looking at it like the most delicious snack ever!!!”

“Oh.”

“Yeah, oh.”

The silence that fell upon them was the comfortable kind, the one that wraps you like a warm blanket on a cold evening. Even though their relationship didn’t work, they didn’t let that get in the way of a very understanding friendship. Both parties know how to appreciate and lift each other up when needed, especially with the weight of the responsibilities held in their shoulders.

“I think I'm going to stay on the side for a bit. I'm pretty sure if I have to continue another one of these fake conversations, I'm going to say or do something I'll regret and maybe get Uncle Jagged in trouble.”

“It’s ok, after a couple months of following dad to these things I know how bad they can be. And by the way, you - more than anyone else really - should know that my dad doesn’t need you being honest with these people to get him in trouble. He gets himself in trouble all the time! Honestly, I can't say with 100% certainty that trouble isn’t somehow his middle name.” The snort that followed this comment was somehow covered well enough to look elegant, how he did it? She’s still trying to figure it out.

“Yeah, I’m well aware” a soft smile appears on Marinette’s face, memories of various chaotic fittings coming to mind when thinking of her honorary uncle. Sometimes she wonders how Jagged and Anarka managed to give birth to the most quiet (and shy, in Juleka’s case) kids she knows, considering their personalities! Kagami is the only exception to the rule since her quietness and composure comes from years of training and discipline.

“I have to go find dad, you know he needs someone to keep him in check and Penny is trying to get a night to herself. Are you sure you’ll be ok?”

“Yes, I'll be fine. Go find him and help Penny keep the few years that Jagged has yet to make her lose to stress” Marinette said with a giggle.

“Ok, but be safe. If you need anything just call and I’ll be right here.”

“I didn’t know I brought my mum with me.” She said with a roll of her eyes “Don’t worry, I’ll just stay on the side of the room, I’ll even text you if I decide to go and check if the gardens are as amazing as they claim.”

“Ok. I’ll see you in a bit then, you know dad wants to introduce you to his friend.”

“Oui, oui, now leave so I can people watch and judge if these macarons are good enough.”

After one last reluctant look at the petite girl he now considers a sister, Luka left to find his dad.

Marinette walks to the table holding the array of snacks and picks up a pink macaron, turning it side to side judging its appearance first and then taking a small bite. It’s not as good as the ones she bakes with her parents back home, but considering all she has eaten in the US in the past week, suffice to say that it was up to her standards. She would not mind having a second one.

Resting her back against the marble pillar at the corner of the room, she settles with people watching for the time being. Wandering bluebell eyes land on the group of kids on the other side of the room where they were playing with each other, before spotting the tall ginger gentleman in a crouch speaking with a little girl. At first she was suspicious, but judging by the little she can see of the interaction - the little girl giggling at something the man said - she relaxes a bit more, guessing it’s someone she knows or is acquainted with.

After people watching for a couple moments more, she gets bored and decides to indeed check the famous Martha Wayne Gardens, perhaps she’ll even get a strike of inspiration, who knows. Sending a message to Luka so he doesn’t worry,  she moves along to the exit, unaware of the little green eyes following her form.

-----------------------------

Roy Harper was definitely not listening to Jason Todd ever again. No matter what.

“It’ll be fun!” he said.

“I’ll be there with you the whole time!” he said.

“Lian will have fun!” he said-

Ok, that last one is true. She is enjoying herself and playing with kids her age outside of school. But still, WHY DID I AGREE TO COME TO ONE OF THESE THINGS? The suits are uncomfortable, the people are annoying, Jason is off somewhere (probably at the bar avoiding the dangling pieces of meat that can’t seem to understand the word ‘no’) the list goes on and on!

Turning around, Roy leaves to go check on the kids. He knows he doesn’t need to worry, the Waynes would obviously only get the best of the best, security included, so he knows his daughter is in good hands. But he still prefers it when he has eyes on his little girl, no need for unnecessary troubles…

And Jason can make fun of how she has him wrapped around her pinky all he wants, later.

Not like you can say much right, Uncle Jay Jay?

Going up to the little kids group, Lian spots him immediately and runs up to him, mischief clear in the same green eyes he sees everyday in the mirror.

“Hey baby. Everything good?”

“Of course daddy, I’m a big girl now! You don't need to go around worrying about me!” she exclaimed, puffing her little chest up and making herself seem taller to get her point across.

“I know princess. I’m sorry for doubting your capability of not getting yourself in trouble or not creating chaos”

“*le gasp* Daddy!” The grin that appeared on his face betrayed the look in his eyes. He would do anything to protect his little girl, mischievous or not. He’d do anything for her, hunt the whole world down for whatever she asked and from whoever had it, if only to be able to keep that smile on her little face everyday.

“I don’t get in trouble! Trouble is the one to always find me! What do you want me to do, ignore it? You yourself said that it was rude to ignore people..”

Oh Lord. She knew exactly what she was doing, and there was absolutely nothing he could do, so with a resigned sigh he looked up at his daughter again and cleans the little bit of cream from the pastry she was eating earlier.

“Was the cream puff so good that even your cheeks wanted a bite?”

“Yes! You should try some yourself!” The little giggle she released hid the glance she threw at the masked lady on the other side of the room.

“Let's go then.”

—----------------------------------------------

Glancing around, the gardens were indeed quite beautiful. It’s a pity that Martha Wayne passed away, because even though it’s been years since the accident and someone else is in charge of it, it’s very obvious that the foundation of the garden is still the same as it was some twenty years ago.

With the care she is sure the gardens receive everyday, she can see why they’re called the best gardens in Gotham after the Gotham Botanical Gardens. But that is only because it’s Ivy who’s taking care of them - it doesn’t matter how good you may be at caring for plants, no one can beat Poison Ivy’s ability of bringing them to the best of their potential. 

It’s not long after moving around the gardens that Marinette hears her name being shouted from the entrance of it. 

guess it’s time to go back to that insanity. It was good while it lasted

Getting up from the bench she found around one of the several fountains, she fixed her dress and moved back inside.

——————————————-

Seeing Lian try and “sneak” another cream puff from him, Roy decides that that’s enough. 

“Come on little troublemaker, enough cream puffs. Your daddy won’t be able to endure another sugar high session.”

Ladies and gentlemen and non-binary people, this single statement brings forth the most challenging battle Roy has ever fought - and if you know about his… nightly past time, you know that he’s had several and very complicated battles, some even had him on the brink of death!

I introduce you, ‘The Pout’, by Lian Harper!

Obviously, Roy can never say no to his precious little girl. Who would be able to after seeing ‘The Pout’. At this point, not even Jason can say he’s managed to achieve such a feat!

“Princess, baby, light of my life, don’t do this to me. Please!”

“But daddy, just one more!” ‘The Pout’ intensifies…

“You said that last time too…”

“I promise! I’ll even get away from the table! We can go outside to the gardens!” 

If Roy wasn’t so desperate to get his daughter away from the pastry and snacks table, he would have been able to identify the glint that appeared in his daughter’s eyes whenever she was up to no good. But alas, he was too busy.

“Ok honey, one last one and that’s that! You promised!”

“Yes, yes. Now let’s go into the gardens! I saw a fairy move there and I DEFINITELY need to meet her!”

“… a fairy?” The look of confusion on his face spoke volumes.

“YES! She was wearing a gold and red dress! And her hair was so pretty too! It shone in the light! I’m pretty sure only fairies’ hair shines like that!”

Thinking it was another one of Lian’s fairytail settings where he’s required to play along and help her uncover mysteries or save someone (*cough*princess Lian*cough*), Roy just sets her down, holds her hands and guides her to the closest balcony. It’s too cold outside for them to actually walk around the garden, but it’ll be fine to stay on the balcony where they can oversee them. Should be enough for whatever adventure Lian’s mind conjured this time. 

—--------------------------

“Daddy look! It’s the fairy!”

Looking out the balcony towards where Lian's small fingers pointed, Roy finally understood what she meant when she said she saw a fairy. 

There, standing in front of the fountain with a glass of what he can only assume to be the expensive champagne being handed around the party, stood the most beautiful woman he’d ever laid his eyes upon. Luscious strands of midnight hair fell down her back only to stop at the small curvature of her back. The strands were so dark it shone blue in the light of the full moon that for once was visible in the dark, gloomy and foggy sky of good old Gotham.

Her red dress fell down to the crisp grass he was sure Alfred kept at the exact same even height every single time. Whoever made the dress, knew for sure what they were doing, because it seemed to float even though he saw it drag through the grass  when she moved. Although there wasn't much he could make out from the distance he was observing her, he could still see the shine of the gold lining and details in the dress with the small movements she made. 

And wasn't that a blessing. Because when she moved, he was able to see a bit more of her features; the pale skin that seemed to glisten in the moonlight, and the blue orbs that shone as bright as the bluest of sapphires to have ever been found, looked in his direction, and he was sure that time stopped right then and there. 

Like some kind of spell, he was entranced by the beauty that stood feet away from him surrounded by the most beautiful of greenery, making her fit for the word his daughter had used to describe her: a fairy. A Garden Fairy. He should tell Alfred that he did such a good job at keeping the garden in shape, that it was blessed by the presence of the most ethereal of fairies.

After a couple seconds of eye contact, her attention was given to something else - probably someone calling her, from the way she seemed to react. And so, after another glance his way, the Garden Fairy (as he’s decided to call her until he finds out her name) turns fully towards the building and starts walking inside, finally vanishing under the big balcony he was standing in.

“Awww, she left Daddy!” his daughter spoke for the first time since getting into the balcony with him. Or he’s assuming it was the first time, since he was completely  entranced by the Garden Fairy and would probably not have heard any comment from his daughter. Which, by her mischievous smirk, was a very accurate assumption.

“She was very pretty wasn’t she? I told you she was! Did you see her hair? I told you it was amazing! I also want hair like hers!!”

“Yes, yes she was. And you were very right, she does have pretty hair. Maybe we should get back inside to get away from the cold and maybe find this Garden Fairy of yours to get some hair tips?”

“That’s a great idea! Let’s go!”

Picking up the 6 years old, Roy turns around to head into the salon, when his daughter gets his attention again. And the look in her eyes? It spelled trouble.

“But Daddy, I never called her Garden Fairy!”

Next>

[lightlycareless]

Wait I'm curious if naoya has a scar from y/n (yk from that night) cuz if he has one I'd would be really funny (and sad a little) after they make out to be asked how did he got that scar on his face 😭😭😭

Heya anon!

I almost forgot about that hahahahahah but anyways, I decided to write a little something of how I think it would go down because why the hell not.

Now, forgive me if this is not that proofread, it was just a quick something I wanted to share after all the angst :> specially after the last chapter I posted :))))))

I hope you enjoy this small thing I wrote 🥺 nnnnghhhhhhhhhhh I love me some fluff. (also, this is in reference to something that happened right over here. That is very, VERY nsfw so proceed with caution)

Naoya and you were cuddling together after a long, hard day of work. He’d just gotten back home from missions, tired of being away from home and overall dealing with people who he didn’t even like—while you from overseeing most, if not all, tasks around the estate—with him absent most of the time, you were also left to tend to his own duties, which were just overwhelming as yours.

So, it’s safe to say both were exhausted, missed one another very, very much, and wanted nothing more than to bask in each other’s warmth.

However, as much as both wished to relax, it would have to take setback when a peculiar sight catches your interest. It’s subtle, almost unnoticeable, the thin streak of discolored skin splayed across his cheek, but to your observants, worrisome eyes it’s all too obvious.

“Did you always have this scar?” you ask, raising your hand to his face and gently pressing your thumbs against it, admiring the contrast between surfaces. While his skin was naturally soft, his scar felt smoother, the aftermath of a rather deep injury…

“No” he responds, instinctively leaning into your touch. “But it’s been a while since I’ve had it.”

You frown, failing to remember when it happened, you think you would’ve noticed if Naoya ever came back home with a bandage or a nasty scar on his face, yet you can’t recall…

“A mission?” you ponder, and he shakes his head with a chuckle.

“No. Actually… I got it from you.” Naoya reveals, and then, your heart sinks, almost as if the thought of you hurting your husband was too big to comprehend.

Sure, you won’t deny that the beginning of this marriage was far from ideal, rocky beyond any questionable doubt… but even then, you never imagined yourself capable of hurting someone, or at least… doing so without eventually discussing it.

How it managed to slip your mind was surprising, or how he never brought it up to conversation…

“When?” you eventually ask, Naoya sighs.

“The day before my exam—the grade one, the first one, remember?”

You frown, looking back on your memories, and then… there it is. That one awful night where you didn’t want anything but stay as far away as possible from your husband.

This was just one of many examples of how much this relationship has changed, for when you once cowered in fear in his presence, retaliating whenever possible, however possible, now can’t imagine a day without him.

And certainly, wouldn’t dream of hurting him.

“Oh…” you murmur, guilt now weighing heavy in your mind. “I didn’t think it actually…”

“No, don’t think about it” he says upon noticing the turmoil in your eyes. “It was long ago and besides… I think I deserved it.”

You press your lips together.

“That doesn’t mean it was right.” you respond. “…even if we were different back then.”

He supposes that statement fits with a lot of things that happened in the early stages of this marriage—specifically the ones he did.

Even if they’ve moved past this difficult stage of their life, Naoya knows that he’ll never be able to make it up to you—no matter what he did, there’s always going to be something in the back of his mind telling him you’ll never truly forgive him.

That he’s not good enough, and that you’re better off with someone else.

But that wasn’t true. If you staying with him and showing concern for his injuries wasn’t proof enough that you’ve forgiven him… then perhaps you needed to remind him.

“Does it still hurt?” you ask.

“No, it never did, really— wasn’t that deep.” He adds with a chuckle. “Didn’t know you had it in you though.”

You pout and this just makes him laugh even more, fluster you even more… before going completely quiet.

No words, no gestures, just both gently looking at each other’s eyes and enjoying the presence of the other, as if nothing outside that room mattered.

After a few seconds, you decide to lean forward, pressing your lips against his cheek and kissing his scar.

Naoya’s heart warms at your gesture, and the consuming urge to embrace you tightly against him overcomes him.

“I’m sorry” you say, leaning deeper into his chest, you’re so close to him you could literally heart the alluring sound of his rapid heartbeat.

“Don’t be. It wasn’t your fault” he whispers, pressing a kiss on the top of your head. Even when he was the one hurt, Naoya still finds it in himself to comfort you… The thought alone makes you hug him tighter, heart quickening as you bask in his care. “Besides, it’s a nice scar—I can proudly say my wife did it to me after one particularly rough night…”

“Ah! How—what a pervert!” you gasp, pulling your face away from his chest and looking up to him.

“Am I not telling the truth?” he chuckles.

“I guess that’s one way to put it…” you huff, sighing before leaning back into him.

…

…

“Does it bother you?” Naoya inquiries upon hearing the gears in your head, you sigh once more.

“I won’t be able to stop seeing it now” you confess. “It’s all I’m going to think about when I see your face.”

“Well, if you must… there is a way you can make it up to me” Naoya says, and you swear you could hear him smile.

“Be serious!” you gasp upon catching his intentions, looking up to him “Can’t think of anything else, can you?!”

“Who said anything about that?!” He laughs back “I was talking about—this”

Naoya leans forward, pressing a kick peck on your lips.

“And this”

Another kiss.

“And this too”

One more.

“And that as well”

And another, and another, and another—too many for you to keep count, far too embarrassed to even do so.

“Stop it!” you’d whine when Naoya pressed your cheeks together, forcing a pout out of you. 

“You’re adorable—did you know that?” He chuckles, kissing your pout. “The cutest, most adorable wife ever”

“Is this your idea of making it up to you?! By embarrassing me?” you manage to mutter, tightly closing your eyes as he continues to kiss you. “Stop it! You’re making me all red!!”

“You make it too easy” he jests “And that, amongst other things, is what makes me love you so, so much.”

It’s unfair how he always managed to experience a wide range of emotions in less than a second—from being flustered by his customary and excessive display of affection, to completely enthralled by it, relishing in his love and how lucky you were to have found your soulmate.

It was rough. Almost impossible to find this side of Naoya, help him put down his walls and become vulnerable.

But now that it’s here, you’ll do everything in your power to protect him, to take care of him, love him. You never want him to suffer ever again.

This time, you’re the one leaning forward, doing your best to kiss him through the silly position he had you—and Naoya simply finds your attempts even more adorable.

He gives you one last kiss before cupping your face and making you look at him.

“While I’ll always regret the way I treated you in the beginning of this marriage… I’ll never regret meeting you” he says “With you I’ve learned what it is to be happy, to be cherished just by who I am and not what I represent. With you, I can completely be myself without fear of being humiliated…

With you…. I’ve learned what it is to love and be loved.

And I find it unfair that someone as amazing as you has to suffer for things we did in the past, back when we didn’t know each other, when we had the whole world against us.

So, I don’t want you to dwell in my scar, Y/N. It’s… nothing from a past we’ve long moved on from, you know? If anything, I should be the one carrying that burden… and I probably will, for the rest of my life.” He pauses, you press your lips together, holding back tears. “I want you to focus on our future, what lies ahead for the two of us. Because I, for once, can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.”

Your heart skips a beat at his words, finding them to be nothing but the perfect representation of your relationship with him.

Naoya has given you so many things you’ve only dreamed of, considered unobtainable—like one of those situations where everyone around you was bound to experience them, except you.

Until he came along, and then, that’s when you realized how lonely you were, to the point where the mere thought of being without Naoya hurt too much to even consider.

In more ways than one, he made you whole, he introduced you to a world of completely different experiences. With him you smiled, and you laughed, but you also cried, felt what it was to be in an ocean of loneliness—and yet, you don’t resent him, because you’ve learned the most important lesson of them all: to forgive, and be forgiven.

It takes lots of effort to overcome such difficulties, but with love and patience, everything is possible.

And just as Naoya said, these are things of the past. He had long paid for his actions and redeemed himself, and there was no use in pondering on them if they’re going to sway you away from the future.

From the adversities and blessings, the two are to face together.

“I love you” you say back “And I also can’t wait to live out the rest of my life with you.”

Eternity seems too short of a time to be with him, but you wouldn’t want it any other way.