#(but yes. he's never having fun when y'all start talking about his family Like That aghleogherg)

[prim3dsins]

" Still don't like this. "

[gaily-daily-musings]

Literally no one asked for the nursing home reverse trope and because I am upset I'm taking it upon myself to make y'all suffer

(I've decided to make it a senior community rather than a nursing home)

-

Obi-Wan is 55. An official senior. He hates it. It's awful. Quinlan won't stop making fun of him despite being older than him.

Despite his initial hesitation, the community is regretfully nice. Mace and Yoda and Qui-Gon are all welcoming. He never thought he would be reduced to this but when the divorce hit he'd lost the house. He'd been living with Quinlan for over a year and felt bad for taking advantage. Given his money situation, his options were reduced to a housing community for seniors. He'd heard about it through Qui-Gon who was on his pickleball team.

There's a young man (34) working there. A maintenance man named Anakin Skywalker. Anakin is quite handsome and very charismatic. The ladies will often flirt with him and giggle over his arms. It's all harmless fun. Normally Obi-Wan isn't one to leer, but goodness he was certainly striking.

Obi-Wan near has a heart attack one day when he witnesses Anakin in swim trunks attending the pool. Lord, he's never felt like such a lecher. He's not used to this. To looking. He's a monogamous sort of a man. Never cheated. Even when he and Satine started growing apart years ago he never wavered.

Obi-Wan starts working out more for no particular reason. He was always fit for his age but feels more self conscious than ever. He tries to tell himself he was just trying to stay healthy, but he knew he was lying to himself. He feels ridiculous. The hell was he doing? Anakin was just a nice man jokingly flirting with the elderly. It wasn't serious.

The center puts together an annual event for the residents. This year they decide the theme is “senior prom”. It's stupid. Quinlan talks him into RSVPing.

Anakin is invited by Maria, one of the ladies who is particularly forward in her intentions. Obi-Wan tells himself not to be jealous and fails spectacularly.

Throughout the evening Anakin dances with several ladies. Obi-Wan yearns from the sidelines. He tries to work up the courage to ask. He's not afraid of being rejected, he's just afraid Anakin will see he's being earnest. Did he even want to be taken seriously? Did he want to pursue something real?

Maria makes her way to Anakin again as I've Had The Time of My Life plays. She has no shame as she feels up Anakin's arms and strokes his chest. He takes it in stride and winks down at her. She laughs as they spin around the room.

Three songs later Obi-Wan contemplates slinking back to his room.

“Would you like to dance?”

Obi-Wan startles. He hadn't heard him approach.

“I…uh, y-yes…” he stammers.

He takes Anakin's hand feeling like a school boy. His heart flutters in his chest. He knows Anakin is just being nice, he's already danced with everyone else after all, but he can't help the blush on his cheeks.

Obi-Wan let's Anakin take the lead as he's unsure if he'll be able to keep his head on straight.

“Did you go to your school prom?” Anakin asks.

“Yes. With my ex-wife actually. You?”

Anakin smiles. “Coincidentally I went with my ex too.”

“I didn't know you were divorced.”

“Widowed.”

Obi-Wan winces. “I'm sorry.”

“It's fine. You didn't know. It was years ago anyway.”

They move slowly across the floor. Obi-Wan consciously keeps his hands where they are appropriate.

“So, any kids?”

“Twins. They're 13.”

Obi-Wan chuckles. “I don't envy you. I remember when my son was that age. He went through a whole goth phase.”

Anakin laughs. It's beautiful. “Aw man, you would have hated me then. I was really into the goth scene as a teen.”

They keep talking and dancing. At some point Maria kindly asks for her date back and they reluctantly part.

-

They come across each other while Obi-Wan is visiting the local park. He sees Anakin walking a dog as his kids eat ice cream. He doesn't want to intrude on what is clearly a family outing. But then Anakin spots him and waves him over.

Anakin introduces his children.

“You're that old guy dad talks about,” Leia says.

Anakin flushes.

“Did you fight in a war?” Luke asks. “Do you have any battle scars?”

After the initial awkwardness and round of interrogation, Anakin asks Obi-Wan if he wanted to join them for dinner. Unable to find a reason to say no he accepts.

For the record, Obi-Wan isn't an idiot. Normally when a young person sought out the company of a significantly older person, it was because they were a gold digger. But Obi-Wan hasn't much money to offer. He doesn't have much of anything really. He recalls Anakin mentioning that he never knew his father. With a heavy heart he realizes perhaps that was why Anakin wanted to be around him. He was an older father figure to him. Of course that must be it.

After dinner Anakin tucks his kids into bed (or rather just Luke as Leia has outgrown that). Obi-Wan helps clean up. Anakin says he should stay. It was late and he didn't want to send him home like this. Besides he had work in the morning so they could go in together.

Anakin lets him have the bed and sleeps on the couch despite his protests. The next morning Anakin sees the kids off to school. Obi-Wan makes everyone breakfast as a thank you. Anakin then drives them to the senior community. Obi-Wan gets out and goes to his apartment.

He is unfortunately seen getting out of Anakin's car. Rumors fly. His friends crowd him for details. Obi-Wan tries to tell them nothing happened but nobody believes him.

On his 56th birthday his pickleball team takes him out to celebrate. Little does he know that Qui-Gon has invited Anakin. He shows up with a present. Its pink shorts with the word pickleball on the booty. Obi-Wan's face feels warm.

Soon Anakin has to leave to go pick up his kids from school. Now gone, Quinlan takes Obi-Wan aside to ask him when he's gonna make a move on Anakin. Obi-Wan thinks he's being insane. Never? Anakin wasn't interested? Now Quinlan looks at him like he's the insane one.

“He literally gave you booty shorts! He wants to see your thighs!”

“That was a joke!”

Quinlan sighs. He asks the table if they thought Anakin was into Obi-Wan. They all say yes immediately.

“I thought you were already dating?” Bant asks.

The next day Obi-Wan sees Anakin doing maintenance in the lobby. He starts up a conversation. It was so easy to talk to him. Far too easy.

“By the way, thank you for your gift yesterday. Though I'm not sure they'll fit me, they may be a little small.” He jokes.

“I dunno, I think they'll fit just fine.” Anakin deliberately looks him up and down, lingering on his ass.

Obi-Wan gulps.

-

Later Obi-Wan is doing some swim aerobics in the pool with Yoda and Qui-Gon. Yoda mentions having had a heart attack two years ago.

“Seize the moment, one must. Lest life passes you by.” he looks straight at Obi-Wan as he says it.

Obi-Wan blinks. He frowns. He really didn't appreciate his friends barging into his love life. He tells them so.

“What love life? You're single.”

Obi-Wan has no retort.

Is it so wrong to not want to burden a strapping young man with someone like him? Someone who is wrinkled and old and has nothing to offer?

After swimming Obi-Wan grabs a towel and heads off back to his apartment. It's just a short walk over to the building. On the way he spots Anakin between the hedges fixing a sprinkler. He pauses. He looks down at his protruding belly. The worst he could do is utterly humiliate himself and be forced to avoid Anakin the rest of his life. Or until he moves.

“Hi.”

Anakin looks up. He smiles.

“Hey.”

His eyes linger on Obi-Wan’s chest. He swallows. It gives him the boost of confidence he needs.

“I was just, um, wondering if perhaps you wanted to…have dinner again? I can cook.”

Anakin hums, “I can't this week.”

Obi-Wan nearly deflates. He tells himself it's not the end of the world. It's fine. He starts to retreat, backing up the way he came.

“Sorry, of course. I didn't mean to impose. Anyway, I have to head back but it was nice to see you.”

Anakin catches his arm. “Woah, I didn't say I didn't want to, just that this week is no good.”

Obi-Wan blinks.

“But next week I'm open? I can pop by after work. That is if you're up for it still?”

Obi-Wan smiles. “Yes I'd like that.”

Anakin's hand lingers on his arm. Neither wanting to pull away just yet. Obi-Wan clears his throat.

“What would you like? F-for dinner I mean.”

“I'm not picky. Surprise me.”

“Alright then.”

“Alright.”

From the sidelines, Qui-Gon, Mace, Yoda, Maria, and several others are watching from inside the pool center. Maria sighs forlornly. “Should have known he would steal him right out from under my nose.”

“I think it's sweet,” her friend Amanda says.

“Very sweet.” Yoda nods sagely.

[eisforeidolon]

Question: So Jared you've been in so many amazing things, I loved you in, obviously, Supernatural, but Gilmore Girls -

[Jensen frantically claps with the audience while Jared tries to stop him, then Jensen makes an exaggerated face of excitement and heart hands]

Question: Jensen, you've been amazing in everything as well, The Boys, I cannot wait for the next season -

[Jared makes a face of exaggerated excitement and also does heart hands]

Question: I've been wanting to let you know that, because I've never been called up before. So I wanted to ask in all of your different roles and all your different experiences, how do you pick your next project? Like is there a specific line or a new challenge you want, like how do you say yes or no I'm not doing this. What sparks your interest in that next project?

Jared: That's a great question. I'll start. Usually it starts with an email from my accountant. [laughs]

Jensen: I was gonna say, we get an email from our agent that says, uh, they have a budget and they wanna hire you. Alright, where do I start?

Jared: It's like what did we spend on the credit cards last month? Okay, I'm taking jobs. Just kidding. That's a great question and I think - I'll say this flat out, just having been on Supernatural - or Gilmore, then Super, then Walker? And not having really signed on to anything officially until Fire Country? That was - and I spoke for many years, and I think people thought I was kidding? But I think the way I would love the [finger quotes] structure of my career if I can - you know, man plans, god laughs? But like working with people I enjoy? Max has been a buddy, Max Thieriot, has been a buddy of ours for damn near a decade, he's awesome. Great [?] guy, great actor. And he was down in Austin, he and his family were down in Austin for the Country Music Awards and they were gonna leave the night of and they were like, wait, you're in town? And I was like yeah, so they stayed an extra day to come hang out. And we talked about, like, working together. At the time, Walker had not yet not been picked up? So it was still kinda like, uh, I mean we've had those conversations with Max for years? Like dude, it would be fun to work together! It would be fun to work together! And so when Walker did not get picked up, Max reached out, he was like, dude I'm so sorry, you wanna come play in Vancouver? And I was like, hell yes, I'd love to come play in Vancouver. Or like Kripke with me and the - with Ackles, obviously, Soldier Boy is a giant role. Yeah, bravo. For me, I'm not gonna play a Soldier Boy style character where I have that much to do, but Kripke was like, hey dude, sorry about Walker, like you wanna come play in Toronto? Like I'd love to get you and Ackles and Jeffrey Dean together on screen again. And I was like - so [crosses his fingers] I don't know what he's writing yet, or if it's gonna work out, but I was like -

Jensen: [makes face of exaggerated apprehension]

Jared: [laughs]

Jensen: Careful what you wish for!

Jared: Yeah, he goes, you know that scene with, uh, Rob? I was like ... yes? He's like, okay, I'll go write. And I was like, don't write that, don't write that! Yeah, so I think right now I'm currently in a place where I'd love to work with - I think through to Monk's point, who we met earlier, well, who y'all met earlier? For the last twenty years of my life, I've worked with people that I enjoy and love. That I would gladly hang out with in the mornings or in the nights or during the day at work or at play and I think it'd be a really tough pill to swallow to just go be on some show with somebody that's not the best person or the happiest person on set or off and so I hope I get to work with people that I really enjoy telling fun and new stories. Yeah.

Jensen: Yeah, not entirely dissimilar from what Jared said, that we've been very fortunate enough in our careers to get to a point now where we do kind of get to - not pick and choose, and certainly not dictate - but just have a little bit more kind of say in maybe what comes next. And we are fortunately enough getting options to do, you know, maybe a couple of things or - so, you know for me now it is really about finding projects that sound like they can be successful? You know, like you don't wanna put a whole bunch of energy and time and away from your family into something that just is gonna go [makes dismissive noise and thumbs down gesture]. And so that's kind of the first thing is just making sure that the story and the writing of the characters and stuff all like really line up to be, to have a shot at doing something great? And then, the people. It really for me, it is so much about the people and the personalities and the tone on a set? Because I've been on toxic sets and it's - I don't wanna go to work. I don't wanna do that. And I feel like I've gotten to a point now in my career where I don't have to do that. And now I get to find these projects or go work on projects with people that I know and I trust and I have a really good rapport with or a great relationship with or [gestures at Jared] a great friendship with? And that's even more satisfying than just going and doing a job. And so very, very blessed to be in that position, he and I both are, and I think that it is now kinda starting to come to fruition, what all of that work has been for, and getting us to that point. Because now we're getting to work with people like getting to go up and work with our friends. I just got back from doing an episode of Tracker with my buddy Justin Hartley. You know that came about by me just texting him during the Superbowl and saying hey, get your ugly face off the tv, I'm tryin to watch the show, or I'm trying to watch the game. And he was like, hey, you wanna come up and play my brother? And I was like, let's go! Let's do it, that sounds awesome! And it was. And I happened to know the showrunner of the show, because he was the showrunner on Big Sky. Which was another reason why I went and did Big Sky, that was one of the reasons I did Big Sky. Because I met with Elwood and he and I just hit it off immediately and he was a fan of my work and I quickly became a fan of his, and he pitched me his ideas and I was like, yes. And it just sounded like a really fun environment to be a part of and so I went and did that, had a great experience, Elwood is now running Tracker. He was like, come on up. I was like, you know, when and where, pal? This new show Countdown? I got to spend some time and we've had a lot of phone calls, a lot of interactions back and forth with Derek who is running the show, created the show, Derek Haas. And a fantastic guy, a Dallas native, another Texas boy up there, so a lot of connections and just is just a really good person. He's a father, and he's - he just - we vibed really, really quickly and so again, like, had that not happened and had those relationships not been built and had, I think, the reputation of us not have been established over the period of time that it has? We might be in a different position. But I'm proud of where we are, I'm proud of what we get to do, and I'm proud of the opportunities that are coming our way now because of it.

[nerd4music]

I think overall there’s one of two „big“ problems happening for people who have a problem with TOWL (racists and the likes aside… 🙄).

1- The misunderstanding that this was truly much more a Rick and Michonne story than a TWD one. This was not TWD S12. It was about telling the story of these 2 characters and being able to put a dot at the end (or a dot dot dot). And you’ve laid all of that out perfectly. Like yes, in TWD, Beale (& the CRM) would have been draaaaagged out. But this was much more of a Terminus approach than a Saviors one if we will…

2- TWD was never the most ..subtle show. They tended to hit the audience over the head with stuff. And I’m not sure I would go as far as calling TOWL subtle outright either (idk, didn’t think about this until right this moment lol -obviously elements of it are, sure -just as elements on TWD could be on the subtler side) but compared to TWD, it certainly is lol. And there has been a very big „media literacy“ and „basic comprehension skills“ problem happening for a minute now. And I really don’t say this to be mean or make fun of people or anything but these are just facts. Some people really struggle with getting the information when they are not being hit over the head with it, over and over and over again. After the finale I saw several posts on my tl of people wondering why this, that or the other was not addressed or how/why this, that or the other did happen… and I was utterly confused because those things they claimed were missing were very much shown? I was like, there was literally a scene dealing with all of this? And it didn’t require any reading between the lines to be honest, no subtext, it was very much the text of the scene?! So it seems like some people just didn’t get a lot of things that were happening 🫤

(BTW I don’t mean that even if someone didn’t have these specific problems with the show, they MUST love it then. Likes and dislikes etc etc. As much as I really loved the show as a whole, if I decided to put down the Richonne-colored glasses I wanted to and did watch to the show with.. I’d definitely have a few complaints lol, though still very much enjoyed the show even then)

That's definitely what happened. And to some extent, I get why, considering Rick and Michonne are 2/3 of the main show's Big Three. But when the press and promos started, and people were still talking about some Marvel-style meet-up, I was like...oh they're definitely not listening to what's being said, because it's six damn episodes, and also The Richonne story, not the Team Family jamboree. And then acting as if it's somehow 'insulting' to the rest of the characters if Rick and Michonne didn't talk about them. The man had PTSD so bad, he couldn't remember his own son's face. Why would you think it would be good time for him to pause in the middle of his wife telling him about a traumatic moment during her pregnancy to ask about anyone else? Please be fr.

I feel you on the comprehension thing, which is nothing new for this fandom. The fact that so many people legit thought Rick didn't know how to drive stick and questioned the 'realism' of it but never stopped to think that it was because he only has one damn hand. Y'all were fine with every silly ass moment that happened in the main show, that was either sheer dumb luck or handwaved away, but now we need a complete breakdown from experts on how Rick managed to fight off walkers one-handed. Now y'all want the realism, when you've been so giddy for weeks because you need one of them to die for the show to be 'interesting'.

I'm really not listening to people who need the narrative to hold their hand through everything, or need to see every piece of the plot onscreen for it to be considered 'legitimate'. (I'm officially banning the phrase 'plot armor' for the foreseeable future).

People didn't get things, because they don't take a minute to sit with the damn material anymore. From live reactions videos to live tweeting/blogging, people are just watching TV to make content and have an online moment, not for what's actually being shown. And yeah, TOWL isn't perfect, but the minor criticisms I have for it doesn't take away from the fact that it is very enjoyable and easily the best material from the TWD landscape in a long time.

(sidenote: I will say one of my favorite things from these past six weeks is everyone struggling to figure out the overall TWD timeline, lmao.)

[lakunalaika]

[‼️TW: This post is not sexual content itself however it talks about asexuality and thus also discusses sex.‼️]

Before pride month ends I want to talk about Transformers characters that are on the aroace spectrum!!

I want to clarify that since Cybertonians don't reproduce sexually that makes them all asexual in cannon!

...However the fandom still has a lot of different interpretations and headcannons. Some of these include procreation while others are robots being sexual for the sake of "fun" rather than biology. I personally feel VERY uncomfortable with the idea of sexual reproduction in transformers but fandom is fandom and I am well aware of how it ignores the cannon so this list is made with that in mind.

As for the aromantic part of this post....

Sadly none of those are actually cannon since the creators haven't said anything about it and it's never said out loud in the media these characters are from HOWEVER I feel like most of these are very heavily implied. If you're confused about labels please look them up!

Sorry this post only contains three characters, I'm writing this literally last minute before going to the airport lol. I feel like there are maybe some more that I've missed so you're welcome to comment or reblog if you want to add to the list!

-

-

Shockwave: aromantic, asexual, could be aplatonic in some continuities.

I HAD to start with him. Speaks for itself really, if you're in the fandom you're probably familiar with how little emotion Shockwave expresses in general. Sadly though most people either see him as a completely emotionless monster or make him the super ooc :( He has no interest in sex or romance and some versions of him do not care for platonic bonds either.

The fandom sadly does not understand this, I'm not completely against him being shipped with other characters I just wish it was written properly and with his sexual/romantic orientation in mind. I feel like there's some interesting queer platonic lab partner shipping potential here but again this fandom is terrible at not sexualising him for some reason.

He does show care for others in SOME continuities, in Cyberverse we see that he used to be friends with Wheeljack and possibly some other characters. He does have emotions, even in other shows/media, we see him get visibly angry in TFP and Earthspark. So just saying that he doesn't feel anything is a straight up lie. He follows logic although we do see him make non logical choices when influenced by emotions, it's rare but it has happened.

I'm planning to make more content about him and being aroace spec soon. I want to show people that just because you don't feel forms of attraction or love towards others doesn't mean you're completely heartless. And yes I know an extremely stereotypical evil robot probably isn't the best character to use to prove a point like this but I just need people to stop mischaracterising him.

-

-

Shadowstriker: aromantic, asexual.

[most of this is refering to her in Cyberverse, thought I do mention IDW briefly]

What is it with clearly aroace female characters, usually villains, and being called masc lesbians? No offence to lesbians but please y'all let us have some representation. Sorry pooks she doesn't want a girl, she doesn't want anyone actually. Which doesn't mean she doesn't value friendship, just look at how she interacts with Soundwave and Lazerbeak! That's found family if I've ever seen it!

I think she's someone who struggles a lot with emotions and intimacy just in general, though we do actually see her emotions slipping through the "mask" more towards the end of the show, even being happy [thought it was quite bittersweet] and part of a group hug in the last episode. Well done her for actually accepting physical touch that isn't punching someone in the face! She's a very untrusting character who tends to assume the worst in everyone and is really aggressive for most of the show. She has absolutely no interest in romance or sex and is probably apothisexual/apothiromantic. But as previously stated I think platonic love is really important to her. She's the type of person who would kill for her found family, in fact considering she's a Decepticon she probably has.

She's one of those extremely interesting and emotionally complex characters and yet somehow she's always overlooked. I see people talking about wanting more well written female characters and HERE SHE IS! Honestly I'd recommend watching Cyberverse even if you're just doing it for her, it's worth it. I could write a whole essay all about her. Can y'all tell she's my favourite? Because she is.

As for shipping I do like the idea of her being in a queer platonic ship with Flamewar and Slipstream in the IDW comics they're in, though again, I don't think people know how to write qp relationships...

-

-

TFP Soundwave: demiromantic, asexual.

This one is only specific to one continuity and that's Transformers Prime. Not saying other versions aren't on the spectrum, I have a quite couple headcannons, though I feel they might be a bit ooc/self indulgent so I'm not including them since I'm trying to keep this list as "likely to be cannon" as I can.

In the show he doesn't speak and doesn't really have a face so he doesn't really express himself a lot. Though he still definitely shows emotion, just, differently I guess? He is uninterested in sex, I think he could be in a romantic relationship but it would have to be someone he's already emotionally attached to. Platonic love is extremely important to him but specifically his cassettes, they're his family. Others however.... I feel like he doesn't really care for a lot of the characters in the show but then again he doesn't show emotions much so he could just be hiding it.

-

-

[rfswitchart]

What Redemption Means to Me

With the passing of Akira Toriyama as well as some things going on in my life, I think I'd like to talk about something that means a lot to me in writing... Redemption Arcs. Obviously, Vegeta's gonna be talked about here. Hunter from Owl House, sure. And I'll even throw Zuko from ATLA in here for free.

All three of them are considered evil right off the bat. They don't hide that they will do cruel and horrible things to either get their way or because it's fun. Then we find out that they weren't really evil so much as horribly abused and used to serve a purpose (Vegeta was basically handed to Frieza because King Vegeta and the rest of the Sayians were oppressed. Hunter did everything for Belos, who he thought was his uncle, and that Belos 'cared' for him. Zuko was 'dishonored' because his father said so, not to mention he got his face burned by his father.) And that their behavior is a reflection of the suffering and lives they've had. That, of course, is why we see them change...

Vegeta, on his dying breath in the battle against Frieza, basically told Goku everything about the fate of the Sayians, crying tears of anguish because he couldn't avenge his people after what the alien tyrant did. His heart changes even further when he has a relationship with Bulma and they have Trunks and Bulla. Does he lapse back into old habits and desire to defeat Goku? Sure. But even when he becomes Majin, he realizes that his family give him something strength can never give him. Love, the love of family long lost, and hope that his species will live on through his children.

Hunter, meanwhile, meets Luz and it made him question if helping his uncle is worth it. This was further compounded after kidnapping the Entrails when he realized he was hurting Willow and would rob them of their palismen to feed Belos and grant him a longer life. After seeing he was just a disposable puppet and clone of Belos brother (That he murdered,) Hunter fled to Hexside and eventually befriended Gus. Hunter lived a sheltered life and is saved by friendship and love (yes, Hunter and Willow were basically in love from the get go. Y'all need better media literacy if you think otherwise.)

Now, Zuko is a little different. Sure, the Gaang did help him figure things out and help him see the error in his ways, but who are we kidding. The thing that truly put Zuko on the path of good was his uncle, Iroh. Iroh never lost faith in his nephew, even when the boy lost his way and betrayed him. He always tried to show Zuko the right path to follow and give him advice when he needed it. Granted, it couldn't help Zuko make a decent cup of tea, but hey, he did at least come to understand what was right and gave him the tools to forge his own destiny.

Personally, I like these stories because my life has also been a redemption arc of sorts. Stop me if you've heard this one before. I was bullied and abused by family, classmates, friends, and lovers. I hurt people and lashed out because I was hurt and scared, even people I care about. And then, realized I messed up and having people who genuinely love and support me, I started to change into a better, more loving and compassionate person. Characters like Vegeta, Hunter, and Zuko are the kinds of people I am. People who have been misguided and done wrong, but also have worked hard to become much better people. No one is ever beyond redemption... I mean, unless you're Frieza, Belos, or Ozai. Fuck them.

[t0talbra1nd3ath]

Facts about Efren? 🙏 (I’m fixating on him at a concerning rate rn)

IVE BEEN WITING FOR THIS QUESTIONNN

Efren Lore + Fun Facts

(May contain some mild spoilers)

I think out of all of the DBM characters Efren has the most mild lore.

He's Filipino, but he was born and grew up in USA. His full name is Danilo Efren Dagohoy (yes he goes by his middle name). He doesn't really know any language other than English, though his parents did try to teach him Tagalog and he did take Spanish in high school.

His family is overall very average: middle class, suburban white picket fence house, church on Sundays, etc. He has 4 siblings - one older brother, and three younger siblings - two sister and a toddler brother.

Despite the pretty average upbringing he was always the black sheep of the family. He was always the biggest out of the five siblings, being born the weight of 8 pounds and 11 ounces. He was a chubby kid, though during puberty he started to grow really tall and with a bit of regular exercise he developed an impressive muscle mass.

He was always freakishly strong and completely unaware of it. In kindergarten and primary school he would get in trouble for accidentally hurting other kids and breaking toys. This self control issue really came to a boiling point when he accidentally killed the neighbours cat while playing with it. After that incident most of the kids his age in the area weren't allowed to talk to him. In middle school he became more of a loner and that stays true even to this day.

He still lives in a suburban-ish area. There aren't any houses near by but there is a road that joggers frequent near by.

Efren works from home as a cyber security guy for a whole array of websites ranging from sketchy to full on illegal. On top of being naturally strong he also has a talent for IT. In high school he would make simple viruses and hack into random websites for shits and giggles. That is actually how he got his job - he broke into one of those sketchy websites and after being tracked down on suspicions of being a fed he was offered to either work for them or perish (lol).

Efren has a very skewed sense of empathy. He doesn't feel much for people, you could confess your undying love to him or shoot yourself in the head in front of him and he wouldn't care either way. On the other hand he has insane levels of empathy towards animals, even the "gross ones" like bugs, snakes, arachnids, etc. He gets genuinely mad if someone kills a spider.

Other than a skewed sense of empathy Efren also has a very odd aggression response. His emotional response to being mad never results in impulsive physical or verbal aggression (yes ik in-game it's not really shown, I'll have to rewrite a few sections). But what does illicit impulsive physical aggression in Efren is something cute. That is the primary reason he won't get an actual pet cat, even though he desperately wants one, he is terrified of hurting it.

Ok now for a rapid-fire-round-up of small fun facts:

Efren hates beer! His favourite alcoholic drinks are a vodka-redbull and a banana daiquiri.

Efren is a massive nerd, he grew up spending all his free time playing video games and nowadays since his schedule is pretty lax he spends a large amount of his time watching anime and playing FPS shooters.

Efren has a two pet tarantulas named Tarantino and Tammy (they are both female).

Ok this turned out much longer than expected, sorry for the info dump Q_Q

Let me know if any on y'all are interested in lore on Isra and Hawk!! (I'm holding off on Orion lore since it would be a major spoiler for the full game)

[cosmiclove-heavenstruck]

My Not So Short Ramble About The Bear Season 3

(Spoilers: Ehhh, I did not really like it... I do like this frame though:)

I did kinda not so feel this season of The Bear, but let‘s start with what I liked: The Tina-centric episode was one of the best in my opinion (and directed by Ayo? Let's go, queen). She‘s a lovely character and to see her journey and how she got to The Beef and Mikey was very heartfelt and warming. It was also very nice to see Ebra happy again after he felt so out of place last season. And it‘s always good to have Olivia Coleman on my screen.

There were some fun moments. The Fak brothers are funny (to an extent), Richie and his daughter are super sweet, so there’s that. I like when all these characters clash, when things go wrong, when they scream at each other, when tensions get high and they need to achieve something. A show like this needs this energy.

Unfortunately, there is barely any engery this season.

This season was very slow. Look, I don‘t mind focusing on specific characters and getting to know them, but a whole episode dedicated to Sugar and her mom in the hospital because the baby‘s coming just for it to… not really go anywhere? Yes, some dialogue was really good but we don't leave the hospital room for 90% of the episode and they're just not strong enough to carry that. There wasn't even a big reunion, not even Carmy calling Sugar back, you know since she left pregnant and just didn‘t come back?? She could be in labor in Home Depot isle three, for all you know! Yeah, he‘s stressed and ill and all but that‘s his sister! Did he ever call her? Did he go see his niece? Why the fuck is it Sydney that cooks them food and brings it over and he isn‘t even shown talking to his sister once? (I mean, I know, Sdyney‘s great and she and Natalie are tight so that was sweet of her, but you get my point.) It just makes me so mad. There should have been a breakdown at the restaurant when they noticed! Hello, everybody loves Sugar! You'd be fucked without her. And y'all send her to get paper towels and don't give a flying fuck that she doesn't come back? This could have been a moment of peace between Richie and Carmy. The whole family should've been at the hospital. Instead it's... two Fak brothers. And even if they missed it, why couldn't Carmy go along with Syd to make up for his mistake? His love language is cooking and he and Sugar seemed so close the last two seasons so why never mention their relationship again?

While I mentioned I liked seeing Ebra happy again, I wish we'd gotten more of his character. In the beginning, it felt like they'd just sidelined him because he doesn't fit the high cuisine or whatever. Then he gets some support by some other guys but and yeah, he is happy and I love that, but it feels like the creators just wanted to get him out of the way even though the window business makes the only money in this hell house? He's fucking important to this success so treat him like it!

Montages and aesthetic shots of food cannot fill all the season (well, apparently, they can) because that‘s not storytelling. Yes, I want to see the food, but I don‘t need ten flashbacks and montages and slowmotion shots per episode. Speaking of flashbacks — what is it with Claire? Why are we doing this? Why would Carmy pine after her for months? She is so… bland, watered down — almost like a canvas for people who fancy JAW/Carmy to imagine themselves as Claire. It feels fanfiction-y, right? "You‘re a nurse and went to high school with Carmy but loose track of one another…" The Bear is capable of interesting, real-feeling characters so it‘s sad to see the screentime get wasted for her when all I want to see is what's happening in the restaurant.

What I mean is, this season was slow. Way too slow. There was so much time wasted on nothing that could‘ve been cut. Like the Natalie-goes-into-labor-episode and most of the first one as well, to be honest. The points that were supposed to come across to the viewer — how Carmy becomes this stressed out, shouting, cold chef high on perfectionism fighting with past desicions and getting a star for the restaurant, how that affected the whole staff, how it fucks up Sydney because he becomes so much like his former chef — they could have been better wrapped, a bit quicker paced. Have the funeral of the Ever more mid-season, have the surprise review consequences NOW and not just as flashes so I have to pause the episode to read anything/leave it hanging on a cliffhanger, have Syd fucking explode for once and tell Carmy how it is, how he is turning into the asshole he hates. Make it extra bad by having a conversation between the two earlier in the season on how bad it was for Carmy and not her "learning" about his past at the funeral dinner. Make her leave. Make him regret what he's done, make him feel what he's missing.

Really, I was yelling at Syd to leave through the last few episodes. Leave, get out, work at a different restaurant, find a new environment. Carmy doesn‘t need to have wallow in his feelings for minute on end on how he should apologize to Claire, he should apologize to Sydney and Richie and everyone he‘s stressing out so much. If Sydney only leaves by the end of season 4 I‘ll riot.

I don't even want to say I'm not hoping for anything to happen between Syd and Carmy, like I actively need them to get away from each other as of right now. But! I liked the call-back to the "best meal Sydney's ever had" and that that was the one time Carmy decided to go his own way and not follow the instructions of his chef. Which is why the theme of being haunted could've fit so well with them! It's just a joke in the beginning by the Faks, but then Sydney leaves The Bear and Carmy feels actually haunted by her. Doesn't even have to be romantic. The potential was there.

Some other smaller things: 1. The timing was so hard to tell. They should've worked with different lightnings or make it less confusing, but as it is now, I was constantly questioning myself when this took place. 2. I can't really complain about the casting of so many actual chefs because I just don't recognize them (oops, sorry) but while I liked to see the different dynamics between them and Carmy at least, it feels so rude to all the POC characters in the kitchen working their asses off and not getting any plot lines. 3. Again, again nothing really happens. I said it up there somewhere, if you'd cut the montages and flashbacks and filler stuff, how much plot are you really left with? When I think of all the important points that happened, they should not take ten episodes to show.

This could've been beautiful. But now it's just the bad kind of messy.

[godisaknife]

I'm gonna be real with you, every wincest take I see relies heavily on fanon interpretations of the characters and their relationships. It's really not as integral as y'all think it is. Don't get me wrong, ship whatever you want, you do you, I just really don't see it. Unhealthy family dynamics? Sure. Parentification? Sure. Incest between Sam and Dean on any level but the show poking fun at the concept? Nope. Not at all. To be totally honest there's a more incestuous dynamic between John and Dean, but even that's mostly emotional incest (which is to do with the unhealthy dynamic of parents putting their feelings and issues onto their kids, it doesn't even have anything specific to do with actual incest). The parallel to Bela and her Dad doesn't help. Idk, I just don't see it. Like Webb Sherman and Keegan Sherman from Bounty Hunters? That's subtextual incest, not whatever is going on with Sam and Dean. Not to mention the characters that do allude to it in-universe are completely tapped themselves and have to be manipulative in order to even keep Sam and Dean together (Azazel - without him Sam would've stayed at Stanford, Zachariah - Dean during 4x17 didn't want to follow his destiny as a hunter and was totally fine parting ways, Soulless Sam himself - he only wanted Dean when he thought he was useful, Dean only stayed with him because of Bobby's speech and Sam potentially killing innocents).

i might say something controversial here but, first of all, i personally think that emotional and psychological incest is enough to be considered incest. especially when it comes to a show that doesn't allow the usage of the word "fuck", because incest is never going to be allowed to be shown on screen or talked about openly, so all we will ever be allowed to hear and see are implications and subtext. dean and john sure do have their own incestual subtext, but i do think that sam and dean have a very strong one on their own, i'd say all one had to do is look it up and plenty of lines and body language taken directly from the show will prove what im talking about. let's see a random example: one of the most recent posts ive reblogged that come to my mind is crowley saying that his valet has hidden a device to locate them in their car and "oh, the things i've heard" followed by dean and sam looking uncomfortably at each other. yes, it's can be a joke but it is heavy in implications. it is not a joke one would even think of making to a couple of normal siblings because if there was no substance to make implications about then the joke wouldn't land as such, as anything at all, because the one making it would come out as a groundless creep and the siblings wouldn't have any reason to be worried or uncomfortable about it. so why do they look so uncomfortable and worried about it? and this is a random example. such little things are scattered throughout the show. and that is only one part of the subtext. the dynamic, the relationship, the history they have, i think all of it is permeated with incest subtext that cannot be made explicit and is, at least to me, more interesting by being covert in a way you have to translate it yourself in order to fully see and understand it. i do not agree with what you said about them held together by other characters' manipulation. i see what you see and i see why one may think so, but outside forces are necesarry to drive characters and their story, in any story there is always an amount of outsider elements. yes, sometimes they are pushed in one or other direction by someone else, but at the end it is them who make the conscious decision to stick with each other, to break the distance, to come back to each other. despite all the things that have happened between them, for one reason or another, they always choose to come back to each other because of their abnormal obsession and love for each other. i got into the show curious as per why wincest is a ship and when i started watching the show i was pleasantly surprised by how obvious their incestual relationship is, especially to an eye trained to notice "fucked up" themes. i'd elaborate more on all of this properly but i'm on withdrawal so this is the best i can do atm

[luigisblueoveralls]

Hello, I know that you only take Luigi requests, BUT I hope I don't bother with my request that I feel it would be nice: the Mario brothers as older/younger brothers of the reader :) gender neutral

No your request doesn't bother me at all!! I love this request! I just do better writing about Luigi individually but both brothers as a whole I can do! I decided to make them older than the reader since I can see them being great mentors while also being very protective to their younger sibling. Thank you so much for your request!

The Sibling Trio

Older!Sibling! Mario & Luigi with GN!Younger! Sibling Reader

Summary: Mario and Luigi are your older brothers, but the three of you do everything together. When the two of them find out you're being bullied, they step in to put an end to it.

Notes: Mario and Luigi are awesome and overprotective older siblings, scenes of bullying but nothing graphic. Mention of depression and self harm but just a mention. This is something different, but I had a lot of fun writing this one! Thank you again for this request!

💚

Another day, another day of being tormented at school, you thought. At least you would be looking forward to hanging with your older brothers after school. By the time school would be done, their work day is usually done. Your older brothers were Mario and Luigi and although they were in their 20s and you were younger, they still dragged you around with them with everything they did. And even though you looked forward to hanging out with them this afternoon, you still worried and were scared for going to school today. What your brothers and family didn't know was that you were being bullied at school. More specifically by Spike's nephew, which was Mario and Luigi's old boss they had who treated them horribly. Despite you not being a triplet to Mario and Luigi, you bared similarities to them in looks. So of course Spike's nephew, Shane, spotted you immediately. The torment started about three months ago and has been going on since then. You were thinking about the day when Mario came up behind you and ruffled your hair.

"Morning, Squeak." Mario greets you.

You smiled in response. Squeak was a nickname the brothers have given you when you were a baby because every time you smiled, you would squeak out of happiness. At first the nickname annoyed you, but as you got older you grew to love it.

"Morning Mario." You greet him back as he sits next to you at the table.

Mama Mario was making breakfast for the whole family, even though you and Mario were the only people up at the moment.

"Where's Luigi at?" You ask, seeing his absence.

"He's getting up. You know how he is." Mario says with a chuckle.

Luigi was definitely hard to get up in the morning. It's not that he wants to sleep all day, he is just a very drowsy person. After a while though, a very tired Luigi walked into the dining room.

"Morning sleeping beauty." You jokingly greet Luigi and he chuckles at your remark.

The rest of the morning was spent with the three of you guys chatting and eating some delicious pancakes Mama made. Eventually it was time for Mario and Luigi to go to work and for you to go to school. The twin brothers often drove you to school and picked you up depending on when their first and last clients of the day were. Thankfully today they were able to take you to school and pick you up as well. It's less likely chance for Shane to torment you. The three of you then arrived at your school.

"Do you wanna grab some grub after school, (Y/N)?" Mario asked you.

"Grub? What are you talking about, Mario?" Luigi asks Mario, making you giggle.

"Food, Lu!" Mario says.

Seeing the two brothers scuffle with each other always made you laugh. It never got serious to the point were they would have an intense fight with each other and that always made you feel relieved.

"But yes that would be great." You answered as you climbed out of the van.

"See y'all later." You told the brothers as you exited the van.

"Bye, Squeak!"

"Love you, Squeak!"

Both Mario and Luigi call out to you as you made your way to inside of your school. You wave back as they drove off and disappeared.

"Welcome to Hell, (Y/N)." You mumble to yourself as you walked to the first class of the day, already ready for this day of torment to end.

~

"You're such a loser!"

"Look at the baggy clothes they wear!!"

"Such a rat looking face!"

You tried to make your escape at the end of the day, but Shane and his goons managed to get to you. You were standing outside near the parent pick up line, and no teacher or parent took notice to you getting bullied. Suddenly, Shane shoved you down hard, causing you to hit your head on the hard pavement.

"What?! Too scared to fight?" Shane screamed at you, getting close to your face.

"J-Just, leave me alone." You stutter out, scared out of your mind.

"Pfft! They are just like their older brother that wears green all the time!" One of Shane's goons yelled.

Your blood boiled hearing that they were mocking Luigi. But unfortunately they had you pinned down to the ground and you couldn't get up. Shane was about to raise his hand down on your face and you recoiled back, waiting for the pain to arrive.

"Hey!!"

A familiar voice shouted, making Shane stop. You turned to see who it was and it was Mario and Luigi, quickly making their way towards you. You felt instant relief but also disappointment in yourself for this is how your older brothers find out about you being bullied.

"Leave her alone, NOW!" Mario shouted, causing the boys to let go of you and back off of you.

Luigi immediately came to your aid while Mario was cussing out the boys.

"Now if I ever see or even hear you come within fifty feet of (Y/N), I will be sure to make y'alls life hell. And I don't care that your daddy is our old boss, you don't mess with our younger sibling. Got it?" Mario sternly told Shane and his goons.

The three of them nervously nodded in response. Even though Mario was the shorter sibling, he was still taller than Shane and his goons. You could say that Shane had a Napoleon complex.

"Now scram!" Mario bowed up at them and the three of them scurried away like pussies.

"(Y/N), are you okay?" Luigi frantically asked you, as he got you on your feet.

By now, all of the parents and teachers were staring, which made you madder. Of course, Mario immediately took notice of that.

"Oh so now all of y'all are staring now when a midget starts yelling at some kids instead of helping someone who was getting bullied for God knows how long?!" Mario shouted at everyone.

"Mario, please." You call to him, to try and get him to stop.

"No, (Y/N). This is wrong. We have to report this." Mario sternly said.

"No, please. Just take me home." You muffled your sobs.

It's what you wanted. You wanted to be away from here.

"Mario, please. Let's get them out of here." Luigi pleaded with Mario.

Mario sighed deeply and nodded in agreement.

"Alright." Mario mumbles.

As the onlookers stared, Mario and even Luigi gave them all dirty looks. They both were boiling with anger. How could they sit there and stare and let their little sibling get beaten up and bullied like that?

"Wait till I get my hands on that damn kid." Luigi mumbled as they got you in their van.

You just sat in silence, holding your arm in pain, as Mario started the van and drove off.

"How long has he been picking on you, (Y/N)?" Mario asks you in a serious but comforting tone.

"Not long." You lied.

Judging by your soft tone, the brothers knew you were lying.

"(Y/N). Don't lie to us. Please. We want to help you." Luigi reassures you.

You knew they were trying to help but didn't want to make them worry more than they already were.

"I just..don't want y'all to worry about me."

"What do you mean? Of course we are gonna worry about you! You're our sibling! Youngest, in fact." Mario remarked.

He wasn't getting onto you at all but he wanted to make it clear that he was serious.

"I know." You mumble.

The rest of the ride back to y'alls house was silent. You felt as though you had disappointed Mario. Luigi was just very concerned and worried for you, and so was Mario, but you couldn't help but like you did something wrong. The van pulled up to the house, but neither you, Mario, or Luigi got out.

"I'm sorry." You broke the silence.

"For what?" Luigi asks you.

Both Mario and Luigi were confused as to why you were apologizing. You did nothing wrong.

"For disappointing y'all."

Mario and Luigi immediately turned to you.

"You didn't disappoint us, (Y/N)." Mario reassures you.

"Yeah. We just want you to be okay. We will get this figured out." Luigi reassures you as well.

"But it's Spike's nephew. Y'all's old boss."

"We know. And we don't care. You're our sibling and we want to make sure you're okay and not being bullied. There's no excuse for it." Mario told you.

Hearing Mario's words helped you a little bit.

"We love you, Squeak. We just want the best for you and don't want you to go through what I went through." Luigi mentioned.

You knew what Luigi was talking about. During their school years, Luigi was bullied heavily by their classmates, and even though you were younger at the time when this was happening, you could recall how it impacted Luigi. He was depressed and even had thoughts of hurting himself. Of course, he is better now, but you knew that Luigi didn't want that to happen with you.

"I know." You mumble out, trying not to sob.

The feeling of love and protection from your older brothers overwhelmed you greatly. But in a good way. Mario and Luigi immediately climbed into the back seat to hug you. Even though they had a huge family, Mario and Luigi secretly favored you the most. You were special to them and they loved you so much.

"Oh, you two, you're going to suffocate me." You joked as they hugged you tightly.

"Tomorrow, we are going to have a day off and come to your school to talk with the principal. And then get some ice cream. How does that sound?" Luigi offers.

"Yeah! And even take you to that book store you love so much!" Mario added.

"Sounds like a plan. Thank you, guys." You thanked them.

"You're welcome." Both Mario and Luigi said in unison.

"Jinx! You owe me a soda!" Mario exclaimed, punching Luigi in the shoulder.

"Aw, really, Mario?" Luigi groaned, making you laugh.

The three of you eventually exited the van and went inside y'alls house. You all spent the rest of the afternoon hanging out and playing video games all night to ease the anxiety of what the next day would bring.

💚

It's out!! Again I loved doing this one and sorry for the long delay! I've been having a busy couple of days but I hope you enjoy!

[dreamstormdragon]

Sorry for another ask but I am curious I know you said you can relate to Raph and Don is your fav. I will get to the point lol. What is your opinion on Raph? For the iterations you have seen of course

Oh this a welcomed one!

I adore Raph. He's one of my favorite character types - the gruff, protector who inside has this heart of gold, he just has to work through some stuff.

Rise Raph, will be first to go in this department, what a himbo, what a gem, what a sweetie. He's still got some of his rage, but he's more so the protector of the family. I love details like the bandage on his chest, that smile. His interactions with his brothers and April are so funny and wholesome. (The Lair Games and The Clothes Don't Make the Turtle are my favorite episodes for some choice brotherly moments)

Then we get to 2003 Raph, who is the one I first saw, the one who made me adore the character as a whole. This is the one I related to the most, because of the mix of his heartfelt moments, mixed with sometimes being too much.

Shoutouts to Lone Raph and Cub, for being the best Raphael episode. This boy just wants to save his loved ones and his brothers and father, bring out the best in him. Meet Casey Jones is another great Raph episode, because we see how Raph can turn OUT if he's not careful (and showing his merciful side, which I feel like is a character trait, that doesn't get talked about enough?)

Like, this boy could've laid Casey out, truly could've beat the snot outta him and left him hanging, but he DIDNT'.

I also, really appreciate in Hunted the way that Raph specifically wanted to *wrestle* with Leatherhead. There was no fear of his strength or his temper, just full out respect. I remember I read this AMAZING fict, btw involving them by Halogalapaghost: https://archiveofourown.org/works/53261914 Oh my gosh SO GOOD.

I really enjoyed the storylines they gave Raph, throughout 03, because he was trying to be better from what he was - even though, some of it was still his pissing contest with Leo, but ohhh so good... and Same as It Never Was Raph?

HELLO?

SIR?

YES?

THANK YOU

(Oh man, do not get me started on SAINW. DO NOT GET ME STARTED-)

This is gonna turn into just a 2003 Raph post, if I'm not careful. He's my SECOND favorite next to Donnie if y'all haven't guessed yet.

Because NEXT ON THAT LIST IS 1987 RAPH

DUDE HAD S TIER RIZZ.

Oh who am I kidding? Raph's always got rizz. It's just a matter if the writers will LET HIM HAVE A W.

Raphael Meets his Match was one of my favorite episodes of 1987 for that very reason. He's snarky, he will OBLITERATE you verbally, but this dude had rizz!!!

Honestly, he always makes me laugh.

NOW IF WE'RE TALKING RAPHAEL-

2007 RAPHAEL

Oh man, this totally gave me a type when I was 11... Gruff, armored, badass motorcycle, I was fresh off my Sonic phase (yes I was a Shadow stan, let's just get that outta the way now)

My Linkin Park listening, Shadow the Hedgehog loving self, was fresh off of getting caught up on 03 when this dropped.

That movie had no right being that fun. I know it's up in the air whether or not it's ACTUALLY 03 canon but it hurts no one to think it is so I consider this Raph to just be the 19 year old ver of 03 Raph. Lot of time to grow and adjust. The Nightwatcher look for him, was SO good and that scene where he's fighting that demon? LOVED IT. Still die laughing to this day.

I need to read the 07 comics, because I know there's a Nightwatcher origin comic.

The fight between this Raph and Leo too... this was one where, Raph had some good points. Leo had issues to work through but then he comes back and just expects everyone to be ready to go back to how it was... and Raph's been keeping things in check, while Don and Mikey tried to keep them financially afloat, (frick I should've included 07 Donnie too, but again *points to "I see them as the same just older"*) and Raph had to keep the city SAFE.

Some of the BEST ficts I ever read, involved that fight in the rain. Mmm that was good HOT SOUP

But then... my favorite Raphael of all time...

IDW Raphael is everything, I love about him and more. He's this protector, he's still got his temper, but his bonds with his family, with Casey, with Alopex...

It's just all coming together so nicely and I ADORE moments like these, where we see him calm, where we see his SMILE. WHere everything in his world, for just ONE MOMENT is all right. Where he's okay.

I love that and I adore Raph/Alopex, I love it more than RaphXMona. (I ALSO LOVE THIS ONE. IT'S GOOD BUT RAPHLOPEX IS MY OTP)

And I do not have an opinion yet on Mutant Mayhem Raph YET, but we will get there.

Thank you for coming to my RAPH APPRECIATION HOUR!

[lostonehero]

@gizm0-gadgetz fir return to New Texas

A continuation of the previous thingy

"You know I was planning on coming back here to break Billy again, but I suppose I could make due with you, Jack." Valerie smiles and kisses Jonny's forehead. "Wait, here, my baby boy."

"Mom?" Jonny blinks, staring at his mom. The mechs and hr remained in the casino. The rest have long cleared out.

"Funny thing about this." Valerie holds up her watch. "Your father is in here. My it was fun breaking him in to be a good pet speaking of. Billy start the process. I want Jack uploaded it onto this." She takes out a metal box seemingly a portable memory device.

Billy seems to solidify taking the machine and walks towards Jack on the floor. That's when the screaming started.

Jonny stares at his mom. "Will he...?"

"Your father won't hurt you, not anymore. And Jack, well, I'll have my own fun with him." Valerie helps Jonny up. "How about you introduce me to your friends? This tends to take a while and can get a bit messy."

Jonny hugs his mom tight. "How? You... you vanished. You were going to clean up dad's mess like always, and you just vanished."

Valerie smiles softly and bends her son down to place his head against her chest.

Jonny pauses and pales. "Your... your heart is ticking."

The mechs stare wide-eyed at the woman who claims to be Jonny's mother.

"Yeah unfortunately Carmillia is a cunt." Valerie ruffles her son's hair. "Although we match now." She hums softly approaching the mechs. "You must be Jonny's friends. My name is Valerie D'ville, and I'm his mother. And yes I do recall our encounters Marius."

Marius pulls Jr off his back. "I believe he is also yours."

Valerie chuckles. "Two boys then." She grabs Jr, who clings to her. "Jonny, you have a little brother now. What have they been calling you?"

"Jr." Jr hugs his mom tightly.

"That works." Valerie smiles, slinging Jonny over her other shoulder. "Come on, you two, I'm sure you want out of this awful casino."

Nastya crossed her arms and stepped in front. "I don't fucking buy this. Who the fuck are you actually? Look, just because you calmed Jonny down doesn't mean shit."

Valerie stops and turns to face Nastya. "Nastya." She smiles, and a chill runs through the desert air. She puts down Jonny and Jr. "I am Valerie D'ville. I am the first mechanism. I have been traveling the stars hunting for the Aurora for eons. I have been looking for my son. You dare accuse me of lying? Darling, unlike you, I don't abandon my family. I have been searching as soon as I got my footing, being thrust into immortality. Maybe if you actually made an effort to listen to my boy, you would have understood who I am."

Nastya steps back.

Valerie doesn't let her speak. "Did you figure out what you wanted when you abandoned your family? Your lover? Your brother? Of course not. You just want everything back to normal as if you never left. Just because I never caught up to y'all doesn't mean I didn't do my research. I have tracked my boy across the stars through the Gods tantrum. I have face deities and killed them for less. Do not threaten me because, unlike you - " She stops as Jonny grabs her arm.

"Mom, that's enough. Please, I just... I want to leave here." Jonny holds onto his mother. "I'll tell them."

Valerie smiles softly. "You don't have to. I'll tell them everything, and I'll tell you everything." She ruffles Jonny's hair. "I know you're tired and a mess. Just give me a moment." She pulls out a device and taps something into it, and a short pause there's a loud sound outside the casino. "Billy, take Jack with you and destroy the body when it's done."

"Understood, Val." Billy picks up Jack and heads out.

"What did you do?" Jr stares up at his mom.

Valerie chuckles. "I have my own ship. It would be a lot nicer to talk there than in this shithole. That means everyone." She snaps her fingers. "Either come or not, but I'm taking my boys."

The mechs scramble to follow even Nastya.

.......

Jonny was out like a light as Valerie tucked him in while the other watched. "You don't have to stare. I can tell you he's perfectly safe."

"That isn't why we are staring." Ashes crosses their arms. "Never seen Jonny fall asleep that fast before."

Valerie chuckles softly. Jr was already asleep clinging to her back. "It's from the stress of everything. He just crashed along with this little guy. I'm not surprised." She removes Jr from her back and places him next to Jonny, and both immediately cling to each other under the covers. She sits in a chair, leans back, and smiles. "Now, let us actually talk."

"How did Carmillia get you?" Eyes landed on Tim as he asked.

Valerie chuckles. "I like you. I was cleaning up Billy's mess as I normally did. He managed to accrue a debt with the new doctor in town, and it was, unfortunately, my job to clean up. Why do you think Jack only had one eye? I took it. However, Carmillia had different plans than sexual favors or even working it off. She wanted to test a new technology, and I had no choice but to agree. She thought I was a failure and shot me off into space. Just took a bit to come back." She scoffs. "She did fix my heart, but that was before she told me about you guys and, more importantly, my own boy. Our relationship deteriorated after that."

"Why do you seem to have so many wanted posters?" Marius scratched his chin. "You always seem to be ahead of us."

"Darling, you don't get where I am by playing nice." Valerie smirks. "Although it has been awhile and thankfully I'm not bored."

[befuddledcinnamonroll]

✨2023: A Summary✨

Post your most popular and/or favourite edit/gifset/analysis for each month (it’s okay to skip months!)

I was tagged by @telomeke (thanks! 😘)

Also appreciation that this post helped me finally take the time to figure out how to find my blog archive, lol.

January-June 2023

No posts! I was still in my lurker phase. Somehow I thought I had started earlier, but it's just been 6 months! That is insane to me. It has felt so much longer. Timey whimey and all that. Clearly I have made up for lost time. Now I cannot not talk about stuff on here.

July 2023

most popular - A whole 19 notes! When I was still totally on board for Be Mine Superstar. That did not last.

favorite - My very first post, in defense of Tai in La Pluie. Not so much because of the content, but it was the moment I just had to say something, and I'm so glad I did. Once you break the ice, it's so natural to keep going.

August 2023

most popular - My first genuinely popular post, and still my most popular post, where I joke about gay mafia. I start to get an idea of what makes y'all tick. It still gets likes now. I find that hilarious.

favorite - I think this one, on Hidden Agenda. It was the first time I started to genuinely dip into analysis, and I think I was on to something, considering what we learn about Zo and his mom's relationship!

September 2023

most popular - My cuddling friends agenda is supported!

favorite - I am deep in my Papang love. And yes, he is absolutely delicious, but is also such an amazing actor, and needs to be a goddamn lead already. Closely followed by my Bosston appreciation post, he rocked my socks in Be Mine.

October 2023

most popular - We were all losing our minds over Kiseki, clearly. Normally my recaps aren't that far-reaching, but this one apparently hit right at the high point of Chen Yi/Ai Di fever.

favorite - My proposal for GMMTV, inspired by @respectthepetty's gym bros post. YinWar have come through for me, which means that Petty deserves some goddamn Gym Bros already!!

November 2023

most popular - I love that this one was popular, because I still laugh at Meen's perfect "howwwww" face.

favorite - My thoughts on Shadow and forgiveness. As someone who's had family harmed by a religious figure, and as someone who worked in human services for a while, I have a lot of feelings about how often forgiveness is used as a cudgel against victims. And I got a private message from someone that my post actually helped them with how they were feeling after the episode. Which means so very much. And I reassert - it's up to you and no one else if you forgive, and it's ok if you decide you never will.

December 2023

most popular - Another one I'm so pleased was popular, because Saint deserves it. Also I like ranting about how much I like people or things. So much more fun than ranting about what I hate.

favorite - my love letter to you all. And I mean it!

I think anyone else I would tag has already been covered by @telomeke, but if we missed anyone, feel free to tag yourself!

Also, if you've been hesitating to stop lurking and start posting, just do it! The rewards are plentiful. This is a great corner of tumblr. We are nice people. You'll be ok.

[sweetlittledaisy7]

Happy New Year! I can't believe I've been on here since high school! Thank you for supporting me. I moved into my first apartment, will enroll in my master's degree program, and got engaged on New Years Day to the man of my dreams. I was completely shocked and smitten. I was totally caught off guard by this. I found forever love, and it feels so good. I can't wait to be his wife.

Being adopted, relationships never came easy for me. My family are really strict Christian conservatives. I grew up in church and went to Christian school since forever. I was forced to be used as a tool against abortion and support adoption. I was out there protesting at prolife events as a kid and didn't understand any of it. I was used for Orphan Sunday. None of my feelings mattered at all. I went through depression, self injury, anxiety, suicidal thoughts as a teen. I felt alone. Add on the whole no sex before marriage purity ring really fucks you up as an adoptee. I was born to an unwed birth mom, and she was used as an example about what can happen if you have premarital sex. I was reminded over and over again how I had to be adopted because of sin even if they didn't directly tell me this. That's what I internalized.

I was also pretty sheltered. Grew up in the same town my parents grew up in. Everyone knows each other and knows my story. It felt awful that I couldn't control my own story. During high school, it was common to see 18 - and 19 year olds get married. Heck, I'm seen as old getting married now. I never had a bf in high school. There was always this fear and assumption that I could end up like my birth mom. Even now, there are fears I'd end up like her. That's why when I met my fiancé in college, it was awkward. I didn't know how to trust or interact. I realized that being away from home, I got out of my bubble. I started questioning things. It was a relief I could control my own narrative. Yes, I went to Christian college, but coming out, I felt differently. I know people will make fun of me, but I didn't expect the first guy I met to actually be the one. Didn't know how to date or kiss. I was so scared of connection and being vulnerable. I always hid my feelings. My fiancé is truly the best thing that has ever happened to me. He understands me. He supports me. He loves me. I only experienced 1/3 before with my adoptive family. The first time I told him I was adopted, he didn't flinch or tell me to be grateful. He just held me as I cried. I truly found my forever partner, and I never thought I would. This was the first time I felt accepted and connected for being me. Not the adoptee but just me.

I can't wait for this next chapter in my life and have a family of my own. For now, it's just me, two pups, some fish, a rabbit, and my future hubby. Don't expect babies yet because people are already asking us. It's rude to ask a couple when they're having babies. I will not get pregnant or have kids right after marriage. That's the norm in my town. My parents wanted babies right after but couldn't get pregnant. I want to enjoy life, travel, and my husband first. Even my parents are asking about kids. "God wants you to have babies." Annoying. Can a gal just have her pets and enjoy herself for some time? Shit, y'all promote purity but don't want couples to enjoy the life after purity? I'm talking to you churches and a few conservatives who promote this. Women aren't just baby makers or housewives. Now, let us be. I'm a Mrs who will enjoy life.

End rant.

Thanks for following along.

[cheerstotheelites-if]

Oh god it's been a year already??? April 8??? Wasn't it just March yesterday?

Oh, uh, s h i t

Happy 1 Year Anniversary! (Holy crap)

Man, time sure is f a s t. One year of being here with you guys and just vibing. Zamn. That's crazy.

I know I keep saying this, but I really do appreciate all of you guys for sticking around for so long. I never expected the silly little stories with my silly little characters 13 year old me was writing and creating would come to this in the end. It's honestly just so mind boggling, and I want to say thank you. Thank you for showing your support, for being so patient with me, for those that send such fun asks and prompts to answer, and just being so cool in general. Don't say that you aren't. I'll fight ye on that. I also thank the lurkers in my followers, I know you and I don't tango too much with interactions but your likes, reblogs or just generally looking through is enough for me.

I'd also like to thank the mutuals and friends I made in the IF community and in the Write Club Discord server for being so cool and helpful. I never expected to make any mutuals here, and I'm honestly glad I did.

I'm kissing you all platonically on the cheek because you deserve it for being the best. 💙💙💙

Now, for the Anniversary Special content...... I don't have one written. I already have a short one for 1k Followers and is just waiting to be posted, but I forgot to prep one for the Anniversary. 🥲😭😭

I was planning to make a small IF to commomerate it, but college finals reared its ugly head like a disease so I didn't have enough time. So, instead, I'll just give y'all some Beta and BtS facts about this IF before it came to be as it is now. Hope that'll suffice, and I promise I'll make it up to y'all next year. 😭😭

Back in the earliest drafts for this IF, the prologue was supposed to start with a student Magus summoning an eldritch being from the underside of Reflection and it backfiring completely. The genre was supposed to fully embrace supernatural, but I ended up scrapping it instead for what we have now.

Beta Zephyrine was a mean girl diva; supposedly Fleur's opposite and bully. I changed it after deciding that Zeph's better off being Fleur's opposite in a more positive way (the version Zeph currently is) and genuinely being Fleur's friend, than whatever toxic mess the former was.

Eliseo was originally gonna be the big bad because of well… look at him. I ended up not doing that, because… look at him. He's simpable material, unfortunately.

Emery wasn't supposed to exist. I didn't originally intend for MC to learn nor have magic in the original drafts, thus no Familiar needed either, and let them be a non-magic character in the story. I changed my mind when I thought about how unfair that'll be, since that'll just make MC more of a damsel than a person with autonomy.

The 1586 Accident and the Willowsberg family as a whole was originally supposed to stay as a "myth" and unexplored as a whole. They were supposed to be mentioned only in passing and not talked about again.

In the early drafts, Fleur's parents were already dead/gone and she was working as her family bank's CEO at the start of the story. She was an outside figure that you'll meet through either Zephyrine or Weylyn.

Cooper was originally more of a loveable asshole back in his early characterization stages; smug know-it-all that loves to be a mischief maker. I have no idea what change happened to make him the hyper golden retriever he is now, but I don't regret it and I don't wanna know.

The choice of setting the IF in a rural city and in Lumintoile Academia specifically was based on old oneshots I wrote about Weylyn and Fleur 2-3 years ago. If you want to know what those oneshots are about, both of them are confessions scenes with Weylyn being the confessor.

Before Ophelia came to be as the 6th RO, she was originally supposed to be an antagonist, mostly due to a oneshot I wrote about her as a concept character 2 years ago. There were scenes planned where she would fight the cast and drama would ensue, but knowing what I know, I ended up scrapping the idea.

Weylyn's characterization didn't change much from his beta, surprisingly, and I think he's the only one who has retained his beta traits (besides some mild redesigning). I always intended him to be, well, him. The only things that did change are in spoiler territory, but very important to his characterization.

There were supposed to be 2 more side characters that you'll be introduced to in the early chapters with Fleur being a young CEO idea in mind, which were her two younger estranged cousins from her mother's side. I scrapped the idea for now, but they might make an appearance soon.

I had ideas to implement variables that show preferrences and proficiency in what magic MC uses, intending for them (MC) to be a jack-of-all trades instead of focusing solely on one magic. But then I thought about the long list of already existing variables I've written down, and went nope.

Eliseo & Fleur had the most rewrites and rehauls on their characterization. From what I can count and remember until recently, it's 10.

When I was making Emery, and basing him off of the Familiar Poll results, he was intented to be younger, 3 years old to be exact. I decided to age him up to 5 years old, because a) he would be too powerful, b) baby, c) "sir, that is a toddler and fresh out of infancy", and d) he would be too powerful.

The inspiration for the IF's whole vibes are from Kiersten White's 'The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein', V.C. Andrew's 'My Sweet Audrina', Laurie Anderson's 'Speak', Kyoukai no Kanata, Wonder Egg Priority, and the Dark Academia aesthetic itself.

This was originally supposed to be a self-contained story, more of a moment in the cast's life than something that will affect them in the long run or be actively going through with time, until I decided to add it into a growing timeline of events alongside other IF's.

[samoankpoper21]

GTKM Uncomfortably Well

Get to Know Me Uncomfortably Well (kpop edition)

Which group have you thought about stanning, but never seem to get around to it? -- LOONA and A.C.E I know their vocal game is CUHRAZY!

Do you have any irl friends that like kpop? -- YES!! 🫰🏽

How old were you when you first got into kpop? -- 18

What song(s) took you a while to warm up to? -- A 'Good'bye - Super Junior -- 1004 - B.A.P -- Ko Ko Bop - EXO

Have you ever disliked a group/idol? If so, why? (You don’t have to say who it is if you’re scared of getting hate). -- I don't...think so 🤔

What annoys you the most about kpop? -- Toxic fans -_- I haven't experienced it myself - THANK GAWD! - but I have read and heard too many fan accounts about how "fans" felt entitled to the idol group and they start getting physical or talking shit. One account I remember reading where a plus size fan was shamed for stanning a group and the "fans" told her she was unfit to represent the group like breh -_-

What do you love the most about kpop? -- The sense of community/bonding you get. It's times like these where you realize music, regardless of language, really does break barries ^.^

Do you only listen to kpop? -- Noooooo 😝 I listen to hip-hop, r&b, rap, gospel, Island reggae, reggae, cumbia, reggaeton, corridos, old school Samoan songs, "oldies, soft rock, rock, edm, pop, etc 😝

Who are you favorite western artists (if you have any)? -- Aaliyah (RIP) -- Megan thee Stallion -- Mozzy -- Ice Cube -- Monica -- J. Cole -- Kendrick Lamar -- Toni Braxton

How long have you been into kpop? -- 14 years 😳😳

What music did you used to listen to before getting into kpop? -- See Question 08 🤣 nah but on a serious note every time I talk about KPOP I never fail to tell everyone KPOP saved my life. I was going through a really tough time and then I found KPOP; it motivated me to do better and love myself ^.^

What fandom(s) were you in before getting into kpop? Are you still in them? -- I was stanning Tokio Hotel real bad 🤣 not so much no =')

Which group did you used to think was overrated but ended up loving? -- SNSD (please don't come for me y'all 😭 I discovered 2NE1 before SNSD)

Is there a kpop song that annoys you? If so, which one? -- Bar Bar Bar by Crayon Pop 🤣

What aspects of kpop make you cringe/feel secondhand embarrassment? -- Mispronunciation of idol's names ie JungCOOK 🤦🏽‍♀️

Which concepts do you love? -- Girl group: girl crush (ie 2NE1) -- Boy group: when they're dancing in suits and look all suave and shit 🤣

Which concepts do you hate? -- The "cute" concept for the girls

If you could trade places with an idol, who would it be? -- Yonghwa of CNBLUE. Just once I would love to see what goes on through his head when he writes the lyrics for the songs and produces it. I want to be in the studio when all that shit goes down: the recording process, him correcting the the members, everything.

What do you look for in a bias? -- I tend to look at the visuals but I end up falling hard for the leaders 🤣

Which kpop company do you hate the most? -- Cube, they always have an amazing roster but never promote them properly

What are you opinions on shipping? -- When I first got into KPOP I was a hardcore JongHo (SHINee's Jonghyun and Minho) shipper; now I don't pay too much attention to it.

How did you get into kpop? -- Boys Over Flowers OST; fell in love with the Stand by Meeeee 🤣

Has anyone ever made fun of you or looked at you weird for liking kpop? -- OH HELL YEAH! My family used to talk mad shit calling me weird but look at me now, their kids are coming up to me talm bout, "Aunty I heard you listen to KPOP "🤣

What is the cringiest thing you did when you were starting to get into kpop? -- Bangs! 🤦🏽‍♀️ Tried to style my hair like Jan Di from Boys Over Flowers 🤦🏽‍♀️I would get up early every morning so I would straighten my bangs

How long does it take you to learn the names of each member in a group? -- Depends on the size of the group.

Are you a gg, bg, or middle/coed stan? -- bg

If you could hang out with one idol, who would you hang out with? -- NAMJOON! I'm tryna fuck him 🤣 all jokes aside I would love to see what goes on in his mind when he's writing and producing/being in the studio and hopefully going on a bike ride to a museum where we can later enjoy coffee at a small cafe 😍

Who is the bias to your third favorite group? -- Kim Jonghyun of SS501

What name from your native language would you give your ult bias? -- For CL probably Afimailelagi (Fire coming from Heaven for her charisma); Namjoon would be Enele (wisdom) 😍

Thought on fanfiction/AUs/etc? -- delulu is the solulu 🤣