#(for all of you that may be confused that is a direct quote from the show save for the cuss. spranne is not a ship)

[lizzybugsblog]

Based on this post, here's how I think Leo would react to a new friend or potential person of interest. (This is just for human type of reader.)

I feel like if you are a human and meet Leo, he'd try to explain that he isn't a giant talking turtle and "you're just seeing things" or ask for directions to the science convention he's currently dressed for(I don't remember the exact quote). Chances are you would see him again, since they do little to nothing to hide themselves from the general public. Probably just avoid actual citizenship as to not pay taxes. But anyway, you'd probably also find out they exist from April(I'm writing this in the pov that you are teenage or young adult going to school with her). After Leo properly introduces himself, he'd want to learn a little about you. Y'know, just incase you're trying to get close to them for some reason nefarious. But since you aren't because you're a good person and good people don't betray their turtle friends out of nowhere. He's not all quick wit and funny poses. Anyway, you two are friends are now, you've joined his list of 'people to bother when he's bored'. Expect a bunch of sudden drop ins with his portal swords and rants about the Jupiter Jim and Lou Jitsu lore. He sometimes gets annoyed by the questions you have about why he is the way he is. "You have you're weird habits! I have mine!" If you forget something at home, he'll be fine with portaling the item to your location. If you're standing beside him, chances are he'll hold it above your head to mess with you. He's 5'5" cannonically. There's only so high he can hold it.

Leo enjoys challenges, so if you're competitive or at least willing to play along, there will be a bunch of races or competitions of some sort. He doesn't let you win. You have to win fair and square or drop a banana peel to make him fall. In any video games, he'll always be excited to set a high score for you to try and beat. If you do, he'll try his hardest to beat it. It's a vicious cycle of trying to be better than each other.

If you're not as competitive, Leo does some of his "impressive" tricks, like skateboarding tricks, or trick shots in basketball, or the pizza tower balancing on his head just to earn a surprised look from you or a "how did you do that?" type of reaction.

Also, you'll probably catch on to his aromantic tendencies or he'll show it. Probably because his brothers tease him sometimes since you two spend so much time together. "I don't have many outside friends! Of course I'm going to hang out with them. You guys are no fun anyway." I feel like he'd say something like that so his brothers would quit teasing him. Hopefully, you can resist the "prettiest face" of the Mad Dogs. *Insert eye roll*

He comes to talk with you on the rooftops or just the park if you're not that casual. Mostly about his missions and how he totally had everything under control. Definitely, tells you all his one-liners or "jokes" he said that day. If you actually laugh, he starts smiling a little more softly and genuine as opposed to his usual smirk.

He wouldn't think of you as a love interest, just someone he can talk to that isn't family. Based on your reactions most the time, he doesn't think you find it weird. And if you do ask questions about it, he'll deny and say something to most likely make any assumption or fantasy about him evaporate from your brain.

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After the events from the Movie, Leo tends to call you for conversations on rooftops. Or depending on your injuries, you two will just talk on the floor or couch in your house/room.

He still sees you as a friend. Even if you did tell him never to do that again and constantly hold onto him when he's the slightest bit sad. Leo may feel a little confused to be cared for by a human. And even if he does somehow feel a little different around you, he can't let any lovey-dovey thoughts in his mind. You're a human and he's a freak of nature. Literally.

Although, after a few session with Mikey or Dr. Feelings and an overlook of his relationship with you, it's clear as day that he's fallen for his best friend. "No, I haven't. That's ridiculous. I think the Kraang did a number on you to think of a situation as crazy as that." He's definitely in denial. Poor boy can't realize he's in love.

Gross. He can't be in love. That's icky.

So what if he knows what you like and don't like? That's what friends do. So what if he spends more time with you than he would with April or Sunita or Casey, both of them? You're the newest and least judgmental friend he has. And when you are judgmental it's kind of funny. So what if he text you in the middle of the night? He's an insomniac and he's bothered his brothers long enough. So what if he hugs you and spins you around and shares his pizza with you? OH. He shares his pizza with you. Yeah, he's toast.

At first, he doesn't know how to approach the idea that he likes you more than a friend. Leo mostly tries to ignore it, but every time you smile his way or laugh at his jokes or say he's actually got "rad skills". OHH! WHY??! He sometimes has to cover his face or act like he's adjusting his bandana to make sure you don't see him sweat or blush a little in embarrassment.

If you confess first, he might react like "Oh, of course you do. I am the face man. The greatest ninja of all time, who wouldn't love me?" He'd say with the most confidence, flipping his bandana tails and smirk while trying to ignore the blush on his face. If he has to confess, eh boy. He's acting a lot more flamboyant until you ask him why he's acting so weird. "Weird? I'm not acting weird! You're being weird! You're being weird hanging out with a turtle who can do ninjitsu!" He eventually calms down and takes a deep breath to look you in the eyes. "Okay, don't freak out, but I may have an attachment to you further than... oh, I can't say it." He'd probably turn around to actually figure out what to say. He can't wing it this time, he's gotta be professional. "OK! Listen, I... I like you. And... more than a friend should." Leo has to say it since you're probably confused if he's getting a flashback or just speaking gibberish at this point. "And I was wondering if... maybe... you... like me too?" He's looking down and tapping his fingers together like this.

This idiot.

If you return his feelings, he's shocked at first. Real shocked. You like him? How? He's a clumsy, weird, arrogant, impulsive, and self-sacrificing. Why would you like him?

Well, somehow you like him back and he's so happy. He's a little confused on how to react since... romance. Icky. So he just settles with hugging you and spinning you around like he normally does.

If you don't like him. Oh. Yeah that makes sense. He's weird and you guys are just friends and romance icky. You guys agreed on that. No lovey and or dovey talk. You can still be friends. He's just glad to get that off his chest.

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This is my opinion so take it with a grain of salt. Or pepper if you don't like salt.

Why I headcanon Leo as aromantic

While I enjoy the fanarts and fics of Leo with Usagi, if I would gonna write a Rise fic, I would write him as aromantic, cause canonically, this boy is disgusted about romance.

Is not just that he doesnt like it: he is GROSSED OUT.

Look at this boy, and tell me, do you think someone that reacts like him is cannonically interested in romance 😭 And of his brothers, is the only one that reacts this way.

... so, yeah, thats why I headcanon him as aromantic.... and gay. Cause you dont need to be in love to feel atraction.

[selfdiagnosedeyemotif]

ive recently been contemplating just how much of an impact amphibia has had on me as a writer because like... wow. it really did. like, you can trace stuff like preference for writing small dialogue scenes to episodes like Wally and Anne, and both Reunion and True Colours have become my roadmap for writing combat and tension. AND its also the originator of the themes of change that have been popping up all over my writing as of late. like, think about it. project OCtopath has been laden with stories about change thus far (aestia's character arc-forward story, tyrri's crusade of progress, and praem's denial of fate), and believe you me when i say that isn't gonna change any time soon. or ever. AND THEN, forget-me-not (so sorry about not doing anything with that as of late, i prommy that the prologue is in the works) is ALSO shaping up to be about the impact of the protags on each other AND mirror's amphibia's finale with its own (nothing is forever. teehee). like WOW. thank you so much, frog show. you've permanently shifted the way my brain works

[threeacttragedy]

Entry 15 – The One Where I Try to Convince You of Just About Anything

“Don’t compromise yourself. Wait for the right person because you’re worth it.”

These were Nicola’s words the night of the London premiere when she was asked what dating advice she had for viewers. This quote has always stuck with me. Not because it’s actually great advice or emits wisdom well beyond Nicola’s years but because I can still remember the odd sense of foreboding that I felt as I listened to her words. They were just as poignant, if not more so, than the words that first invited me aboard this ship (Luke’s comments in Australia about friends-to-lovers).

And, although Luke “agree[d] with all of the above,” Nicola’s comment always struck me as making Luke uncomfortable. That interaction seemed off somehow. Awkward and strange in a way I wasn’t used to after two months of watching a rom-com style World Tour. In hindsight, and in a rather ominous way, the discomfort I felt alluded to what would happen later that evening – Luke “hard launching” Antonia.

As I was scribbling out today’s post and, honestly, struggling with how I wanted to structure it, I realized that it was not necessarily post-Papsmear (a/k/a Hot Boy Summer) people had an issue with. Instead, it seemed many people were having a hard time understanding – and accepting – Antonia’s existence in the Lukola-verse. This confusion, of course, led many to their own internal battlefield of trying to rationalize Luke’s behavior during that relatively short seven-week period. The reality is no one wants Luke to be the “Bad Guy;” therefore, people struggle to look at Hot Boy Summer with neutrality.

Don’t worry, I’m guilty, too.

I mean, Papsmear went down like a guillotine on a French – uh, well, nevermind that part. Let’s just say it did not go over well with the fandom. After months of “Romancing Mr. Bridgerton,” Luke was photographed walking into a hotel with Antonia snapping at his heels, sending the Lukola fandom into convulsions. What made it worse was that this was the night of the London premiere, the last leg of the World Tour. So long, motherfucking London!

The dark side of the fandom painted Luke as a monster – a man who, in less than three minutes, pissed on the Season 3 World Tour and broke Lukola hearts all over the world by seemingly choosing Antonia over Nicola. And, not only choosing Antonia, but flaunting her. People felt betrayed, shadowed by the possibility that Luke and Nicola had hoodwinked them with a fake PR romance and dumbfounded that Mr. I’m-Publicly-Single had a “girlfriend” (yes, that word is always up for speculation in this fandom). But, as with every dismal situation, you had the light bringers – the true-to-heart Lukolas – firing up on all cylinders and calling, “Foul!” in the direction of Antonia. A few of the less classy ones even picked up bits of old salad they’d found in a dumpster and tossed it in her direction (heehee, did you get my Dad Joke?).

And so Hot Boy Summer began…as did the confusion surrounding it.

In the beginning, I absolutely wanted Antonia to be the villain. But I’ve found that the more I write, the more indifferent I have become on the subject. Of course, that didn’t stop me from theorizing with friends. In fact, at one point, I had so many thoughts on the matter, if I had mapped them out on paper, they’d have resembled a spider’s web, with the hub being Papsmear. However, what I’ve discovered is that each of those theories, regardless of how simple or convoluted they were, took root in one of three central ideas.

That’s what I want to discuss today – those three central ideas from which every one of your sub-theories likely takes root (unless, of course, you’re the conspiracy theorist that believes Antonia is AI generated…). I want to lay out why I believe these theories are plausible (yes, prepare yourself to read some shit you almost certainly won’t find entertaining) countered by why I believe they may be out in left field. Maybe, just maybe, they will shed some light on Hot Boy Summer. But, also, maybe they won’t.

Okay, our three central theories are:

A) Luke and Nicola were simply PR-ing the fuck out of Polin.

B) Luke and Nicola were legit in their feels and Antonia became the jilted girlfriend.

C) Antonia was a PR girlfriend because [feel free to insert any reason you please].

We’re going to get the one nobody wants to consider out of the way first.

THEORY A: Nicola and Luke had a PR card up their sleeve the entire time.

I don’t like this theory any more than you do – the idea that Luke and Nicola were merely playing the part of two infatuated costars during the World Tour. However, this theory does exist, so there is no point in pretending that it doesn’t.

The backbone of this theory is that Luke and Nicola came to some kind of agreement to behave in a certain flirtatious manner during the World Tour to promote viewership of the show. As annoying as this theory is to the Lukolas, it is not unrealistic. For example, Glen Powell and Sydney Sweeney recently admitted to using the dating rumors that began while they were filming to build buzz around their movie, “Anyone But You.” Regardless of how reckless I find this behavior to be, I don’t doubt that we will start seeing it utilized more and more because it does help build interest in a project. That said, and although she admittedly leaned into the Powell romance rumors, Sweeney had an easy out once their press tour ended – she was (and still is) engaged to her long-time partner.

Now, let’s apply this PR romance to Luke and Nicola. It is entirely possible that these two simply played into their natural chemistry and allowed the romance rumors to fuel Polin. We could even go as far as to suggest that Netflix & Co. supported this PR romance because more viewers equaled more money. This, to some degree, also fits with the narrative that Luke seemingly kept Antonia out of the spotlight during the World Tour and, although it was terrible timing, launched her at the London premiere because he was tired of the fake PR. We could also make a convincing argument that this theory aligns with Luke and Nicola never addressing the status of their relationship (i.e., by never openly admitting they were “just friends,” they leave room for speculation and shipping).

To be honest, this would be a nice and tidy answer for how the World Tour went down, with Luke stepping in an elephant-sized pile of dog shit on his way out of the London afterparty and Nicola swooping into to play PR Hero by promoting Season 3 throughout the summer. Meaning, Hot Boy Summer was simply what it appeared to be at surface level – Luke running off with his girlfriend while Nicola continued promoting Season 3 on her own. Sure, this theory would leave us all feeling like we had just been kicked in the teeth, but we could absolutely package it up quite nicely and tie it with a little pink bow. However – nothing is ever that simple, is it?

There are some things that make me question the plausibility of this Luke-and-Nicola-PR-Romance theory, namely, (a) Luke and Nicola’s World Tour behavior, (b) comments made by interviewers, (c) the Claddagh ring, (d) the side trip to Galway, and (e) Chaos Week.

Regarding Luke and Nicola’s behavior towards each other during the World Tour, I don’t believe I need to go into too much detail here. Again, we all watched the same World Tour, and we all had the same reaction to their chemistry. Hell, the Jakolas started out on this side of the fandom because they also saw something between Luke and Nicola. However, to play Devil’s advocate, I will suggest that Luke and Nicola could absolutely be the next Daniel Day Lewis and Meryl Streep, method acting their way through the World Tour. But, in my honest opinion, they’re not. They’re both lovely actors but they don’t compare to the two I just named (sorry, but also not sorry).

I honestly debated with myself as to whether I wanted to include interviewer comments under this section. I finally relented and decided to do so because, for me, it was one of those things that made me question the plausibility of Luke and Nicola being strictly PR during the World Tour – because, yes, I did consider that back in May. For example, in response to Luke drinking from Nicola’s tea cup in Australia, when asked about it, the interviewer, Rachael Evren, responded, “They’re in[ ]love it’s fine.” Also in Australia, we listened to the back and forth between podcasters, Laura Brodnik and Em Vernem, debate Luke and Nicola’s real-life relationship:

Em: “I can’t believe you got her to say such juicy things about their chemistry.”

Laura: “They’re best friends and stuff, yeah, people think they’re together. They’re not, they’re just best friends.”

Em: “No, but they are.”

Laura: “Oh, don’t start that rumor. I want it on the record I’m not saying that.”

Em: “Well, I feel like after you watch Bridgerton Season 3 you would be like, ‘Oh yeah, they’re definitely dating.’”

By the time Luke and Nicola reached Canada, you had interviewers being quite obviously taken with their chemistry. For example, The Morning Show in Canada – have you ever watched Carolyn Mackenzie’s face when Luke and Nicola get into that Ryan Gosling discussion? Or, have you listened to the surprise in Karen Koster’s voice (“it’s like the carriage scene”) after witnessing Nicola touch Luke’s forehead on Ireland AM? Then you had Meredith Shaw from BT Canada and Ciara Kelly from Newstalk boldly asking Luke and Nicola about their real-life relationship, and Ben Shepherd from This Morning calling them out about the Carriage Scene (“you’re blaming the soundproof carriage, not the fact you got lost in the moment”).

And, then we had the written print:

On May 16, 2024, Shondaland’s Valentina Valentini wrote: “But throughout the past three seasons, it’s been a slow-burn anticipation for Newton and Coughlan, who have genuinely become real-life best friends in that span of time. Parallel to that, their on-screen characters have given us such a perfect crescendo of what it’s like to fall in love over decades that I’m not entirely convinced that the real-life people sitting in front of me are not actually in love. ‘Yeah! We’ve kept that one really secret!’ Coughlan jests when I hint at the possibility.”

And, in her June 14, 2024 publication, Fashion’s Annika Lautens wrote: “Nicola Coughlan and Luke Newton can’t stop looking at each other. I mean, they really can’t. As I enter their suite in the Four Seasons Hotel Toronto to interview the Bridgerton stars, all I can hear is laughter. Coughlan is leaning over to show Newton something on her phone. He throws his head back, giggling. It feels extremely intimate but, as the world has seen through countless clips on TikTok and on the third season of Bridgerton…this is just your average Tuesday for the two co-stars.”

These third-party reactions alone – in my opinion – debunk the Luke-and-Nicola-PR-Romance theory, but we will keep moving along.

I am not going to reexamine the Claddagh ring or Chaos Week in this entry as I have already gone into extensive detail of both in my blog Entries 6 and 14, respectively. If you’re behind on the significance of the Claddagh ring or Chaos Week, please take a moment and read those for more context. However, I will briefly discuss that special trip to Galway.

I’ve never quite followed why Nicola and Luke took that side trip to Galway. There was no special visit to Brighton – or wherever Luke’s family lives – so why Galway? I often find myself straddling the line between logic and delulu when I put my thoughts about Lukola on paper. I mean, from a logical standpoint, they were in Dublin so visiting Nicola’s hometown while they were on the island isn’t that farfetched. But to film it? Okay, yeah sure, Nicola is Shonda’s alleged favorite child, so I suppose it’s possible Shonda granted Nicola’s wish to flaunt Bridgerton in her hometown. I can honestly see this fitting into the Luke-and-Nicola-PR-Romance narrative. But –

It also doesn’t fit.

Sending Luke and Nicola to Galway was too close to home. It crossed the line between what could be excused as PR and what was clearly personal.

Not only did we have Nicola wearing her Claddagh ring in Galway in a manner that suggested she was in a relationship, but we also had her introducing Luke to her mother for the first time in what appeared to be an emotional moment. I have tried to convince myself this Mother-Meets-Luke thing was perfectly normal costar behavior. I have tried to convince myself that her sister-in-law’s reaction to Mother-Meets-Luke didn’t make me side-eye the entire situation. I have tried to convince myself that the Irish folks I’ve spoken with are exaggerating the significance of the Mother-Meets-Luke moment. I have also tried to convince myself there isn’t additional footage out there of this Galway Gathering just waiting to surface.

But, ugh, I just cannot convince myself that Luke and Nicola were strictly PR. This theory is as confusing as Sanrio telling us that Hello Kitty is really a human girl.

Verdict: NOT GUILTY.

Yes, we are marking this one as debunked.

THEORY B: Antonia became Luke’s jilted ex-girlfriend.

Hey, hey, USS Lutonia! I’ve got your flank.

No, actually I don’t. If the USS Lutonia was ever afloat, it sank somewhere off the coast of Italy. Sorry, but not really because I didn’t mourn you even a teensy bit.

I will preface this section by asserting my opinion that Luke and Antonia are not currently in a romantic relationship. Outside of “insinuation” posts made by Antonia, there is no evidence directly linking Luke to Antonia after July 30. Feel free to try to convince me otherwise but, when you do, make sure to include at least one photograph of Luke and Antonia in the same place at the same time with convincing evidence that it is current and that they are a couple (and, no, I will not accept blurry or Photoshopped images or metadata pulled from Instagram as evidence). That said, I will not argue with the idea that Luke and Antonia could have dated at one time. In fact, for this theory to play out, we have to agree that Luke and Antonia dated at some point.

Let’s pretend for a moment that Luke and Antonia dated before, during, and for a period after the World Tour. In this theory, the chemistry between Luke and Nicola was real (seriously, I think we’ve debunked that PR theory). The Claddagh ring and the side trip to Galway both suggested a romantic relationship between Luke and Nicola. Regardless of how real things were between Luke and Nicola, Luke still had Antonia lurking in the background. Perhaps Luke didn’t know how to break things off with her; maybe his friends and/or family made it difficult; maybe Antonia made things difficult. Everything came to a head at the London premiere, with Luke stepping on a landmine with Papsmear. But, because they can’t help but gravitate towards each other, Luke and Nicola found themselves back together – either immediately after Papsmear or, at the latest, by early August – and have continued their affair since. Oh, and Luke finally got around to breaking things off with Antonia on or after July 30.

This would – in a scorned woman kind of way – explain the “trolling” behavior Antonia was accused of during and after the World Tour. Those random posts that insinuated she was “with Luke,” even though the only evidence that directly linked her to Luke were (1) leaked and/or since-deleted pictures and videos from sources other than Luke, or (2) pictures of Luke’s friend group, which included Antonia, that, from time-to-time, alluded to Luke’s presence. Speaking of the friend group, the fact that Antonia appeared to be part of that group would support the idea that it was difficult for Luke to completely shake Antonia. This theory would also support the cat-and-mouse game played out on social media between Antonia and Nicola, which seemed heightened during and after Hot Boy Summer. Surely, you noticed that pattern by now. At the end of July, Luke’s friend group suffered some kind of catastrophic blow and Luke abandoned ship, officially breaking things off with Antonia as he went. This would explain the continued trolling for which Antonia has been accused; she hates Luke and is jealous of Nicola. Yeah, I can see this theory working. In fact, this is my preferred theory because it is the simplest. However –

For this theory to work, you must accept that Luke and Nicola are not perfect. That the two of them started an affair behind Antonia’s back. That “Nice Guy” Luke isn’t quite as sweet and kind as you have been led to believe; perhaps he’s even a bit of a fool. That “Good Girl” Nicola intervened in someone else’s relationship, making her the “other woman” and a tad disingenuous.  Does this make Luke and Nicola horrible people? No, it makes them two people who found themselves in a situation they didn’t know how to handle properly.

That said, this theory has its flaws.

For starters, it does not explain Luke’s apathy towards Antonia during and after the World Tour. I am not going to deep dive into my thoughts on this as I have already outlined them in “Entry 1: The One About That Weird Ass Cressida Post” and “Entry 13: The One Where the Ashes Blew Towards Us with the Salt Wind from the Sea.” But, I will reiterate that, to date, Luke has never acknowledged a relationship with Antonia, and he has never made an effort to rescue her from the fandom’s jaws of death. The only consistent link between the two of them was the friend group (that seems to have disbanded) and “insinuation” posts made by Antonia. I am sure there are people out there who will disagree with my next statement, but I don’t consider a New Year’s Eve kiss or a date to a tennis match a “relationship.” That would be like saying “I love you” on your first date (I know, I’ve offended at least one person with this remark – I apologize but I’m still leaving it in). It’s the lack of interaction between Luke and Antonia that makes me question whether they were ever in a real relationship; and therefore, I must question the validity of this theory.

And, because I know some of you will bring up those goddamn Instagram likes, the only comment I have is, “Get the fuck over it.” For real, it is far more fun to sit back and laugh at the “obligatory likes” than it is to freak out about them. Those likes are the only visible interaction between Luke and Antonia, and it’s becoming less and less frequent. The sad reality is, when Luke stops throwing a like in Antonia’s direction or unfollows her, she may lose the followers she gained after being linked to him. But, honestly, at this point – almost half a year later! – Antonia losing followers is her problem. And as much as I hate to admit it – this whole “like business” suggests some sort of arrangement was put in place post-breakup.

Verdict: HUNG JURY.

It’s a plausible theory – if I could be convinced Luke and Antonia were ever in a real relationship.

THEORY C: Antonia was the Real PR this whole time.

I hope you’ve read “Entry 1: The One About That Weird Ass Cressida Post” and, at a minimum, the “Mrs. Danvers” section of “Entry 13: The One Where the Ashes Blew Towards Us with the Salt Wind from the Sea” because they both detail my blubbering bullshit thoughts on Luke and Antonia’s “relationship.” I’m not going to rehash them here because I’m confident most of you also find this “relationship” suspicious for the exact same reasons I do.

For the longest time, I believed the absurdly popular “Antonia was the Real PR” [conspiracy] theory to be the fandom’s excuse for not wanting to believe Luke could ever be in a real relationship with Antonia, and that (gasp!) he could have chosen Antonia over Nicola (I mean, what a prick!). In truth, I refused to give this theory much weight until my dad – yes, that guy ­– said to me, “Sounds like PR,” during one of our fireside Lukola chats. My father has a whole sub-theory on this, actually, and yes, I will explain it momentarily.

Honestly, I hate this theory because it’s complicated. And, damn straight, I’m going to throw some Benjamin Franklin at you and say, “Three can keep a secret if two of them are dead.” This theory takes things beyond two celebrities playing into romance rumors to boost interest in their project, and brings in a third wheel, Antonia, to – fuck, I have no idea – blur the lines a bit?!

Alright, time for Dad’s theory…

Per my father, this was not just any PR deal; it was an arrangement struck with a “friend of a friend.” No need for an actual third wheel; just someone who was already part of the friend group that could provide the illusion that Luke might have a girlfriend. All they had to do was plant the seed and let the rumor grow, all while never outwardly confirming or denying it; that way the PR relationship could disappear as easily as it was planted.

I allowed my dad to carry on with his theory because, as he pointed out, Antonia being part of the friend group explained why (1) Luke didn’t mind her being around over the summer (it wasn’t personal, it was business), and (2) Luke had no romantic interest in Antonia (she was simply a “friend of a friend”). The fact that my father picked up on this “fandom dilemma” intrigued me.

After listening to my dad’s theory (there’s more, I promise), I spent an afternoon researching “PR relationships” and whether they existed or not. Turns out, they do. Well, they do, if we trust Mr. Google’s search results. It’s a bit of a quid pro quo thing. For example, one, usually more famous person, strikes up a “relationship” with a lesser-known person. The lesser-known person receives exposure while the more famous person receives [fill in the blank]; both gain some kind of benefit from the arrangement.

Now, the question of why Luke would need a PR relationship is – seriously – “fill in the blank” material. Some people have suggested it was to keep Luke and Nicola’s real-life relationship private; some have suggested it was Netflix stepping in to protect Polin if Lukola went south; others have suggested it was to bolster Luke’s image. I find the latter reason offensive because it assumes that having Nicola by his side wouldn’t help his image. But the other two sub-theories are reasonable to me (but also don’t really matter in the scheme of things).

The problem with the Luke-and-Antonia-PR-Romance is that it seems to have gone terribly wrong. What very possibly started out as an “illusion” became “real” with Papsmear. What I find interesting is, like the New York City premiere, Antonia was only seen in the background of the London premiere. Even as Luke was leaving the London afterparty, she went to the car while he met with fans. It wasn’t until they were papped at the hotel, that Antonia was suddenly “next to” Luke grabbing at his hand, thus “launching their relationship.”

Ruh-roh.

My dad’s theory goes on to assume that – after Papsmear – whatever “deal” Antonia was given (for example, Luke’s online support of her Instagram page or invitations to attend certain events over the summer) would be carried out as agreed. However, during that time, Antonia would return to her place in the shadows. I will confess that this is what seemed to happen – Luke never acknowledged a relationship with Antonia and evidence of their relationship seemed virtually non-existent. To the general audience, Antonia was simply a “woman in the background,” unrecognizable by most.

Assuming this PR theory is true, I’d like to believe Antonia was simply doing what she had agreed to do – feed into the illusion of a relationship with “insinuation” posts, for which she could later claim plausible deniability. However, I find this hard to believe when leaked photographs and videos started to surface in July and they were always preceded by DeuxMoi (see, I’m starting to support this theory).

At this point in his theory, my dad quoted a line by Paul McCartney, “You took your lucky break and broke it in two.” What he was saying was Antonia was given an opportunity and, due to her own actions, she mucked it up. She became fame hungry and the insinuations of her being in a relationship with Luke became harder to dispel when they were being leaked online by third party sources. However, as I reminded my father, we cannot prove Antonia was involved with any of the pap pictures. We can speculate, sure, but please keep in mind we cannot prove it.

Did I warn you my dad deep dived into this? Because, haha, he sure did.

By mid-July, per my father’s theory, Nicola was fully aware of the game Antonia was playing and recruited (not the right word, but we’ll go with it) JVN to fire subtle insults into Antonia’s camp with the intent of discrediting her.

The game ended after the Italy pap pictures were published, with Luke seemingly cutting ties with his entire friend group, which included Antonia. However, the game didn’t actually end there, at least not for Antonia. Due to whatever agreement Luke and Antonia had in place before Italy, Luke was still obligated to fulfill his part of the deal. We’re just going to speculate here that part of that included those “obligatory likes” of Antonia’s Instagram posts.

Thank you, Dear Dad, for that rather practical theory.

My issue with this is that Antonia’s antics repeatedly bring hate to Luke’s doorstep. Every time Antonia posts something on Instagram and Luke likes the post, the fandom – namely, the Sincerely Ignorant – get riled up and start slinging hate missiles at Luke (at this point, Luke can’t have nice things). And Antonia slipping things in like that balcony from the Spanish resort doesn’t help to dissuade the fandom from believing her to be a petty bitch.

My initial reaction to this theory was, no way, because at this point Antonia would have breached her contract and Luke wouldn’t still be bound by it. But then I realized, in order to breach it, one had to prove Antonia violated it. Okay, fine. But why not negotiate terminating the agreement early? Oh, well, yes, I suppose it is possible that the cost to do that outweighed the benefit. And, since those “obligatory likes” still seem to be in place – even when they bring Luke hate – I’m going to make a wild guess the agreement remains. For now.

In closing, and since I mentioned that Spanish resort nonsense, the fact that Antonia only ever posts things that insinuate she may have been in the same location as Luke supports the idea that Antonia is simply doing what she agreed to do – create an illusion. So, before anyone starts bashing Antonia, recognize she may simply be complying with her end of the arrangement. She may be just as ready to get out of that agreement as we imagine Luke to be. You know what I’d love to see? Antonia unfollow Luke and be like, “I’m out, bitches!” Honestly, I’d probably give her an “atta girl,” if she did that.

Verdict: HUNG JURY BUT WILLING TO CONSIDER A RETRIAL.

I hate to admit it, but I think this is a plausible theory. Not full proof, but strangely (and annoyingly) credible.

***

Alright, so there you have it. The three central theories that act as the spider web’s hub to all your sub-theories – because I’m certain you have them. You’re welcome to spin off in whatever direction you please, and no, you don’t need to loop me in – because, in truth, I don’t care that much anymore. And that’s not in any way meant to be negative.

For the longest time, trying to rationalize how Hot Boy Summer played out was the missing piece of my Lukola puzzle. I mean, I needed the answer. I needed it so badly; I practically presented an entire Lukola documentary to the wisest person I know – my dad – so he could solve it for me.

Dad: “Why does this matter?”

Me: “I don’t know, it just does. I just want to know what happened.”

Dad: “Will it change your opinion about whether Luke and Nicola are together?”

Me: “No.”

Dad: “Then why does it matter?”

Me: “I don’t know. It just does.”

Dad: “But you’re never going to know, are you?”

Goddammit, no, I’m never going to fucking know.

And, that is the reality of this situation. No matter how many hypotheticals we present, no matter how many sub-theories we create, we will never know what happened over Hot Boy Summer. We will never be able to justify Luke���s behavior during that time. We will never be able to explain with certainty Antonia’s role in this whole shebang.

You may not like that answer. In fact, the theories I presented today may have fueled your ambition to continue trying to solve Hot Boy Summer on your own, or with your friends. I admire that determination. But I also admire those who can let go and accept that it is what it is.

And what it is – and what it will almost certainly always be – is unknown.

[officialstrawhat]

The Hate We Love To Make

Roronoa Zoro x Fem!Strawhat!Reader

Summary: You and Zoro hate each other but feelings start to change when the captain of the Barto pirates points out what a great couple you two make.

Word Count: 1.3K

Note: Not Edited!

Masterlist

The grand Colosseum of Dressrosa buzzed with the roars of the crowd. Fighters from all across the grand line had gathered, their minds filled with ambition. Among them stood Bartolomeo, nearly vibrating with excitement. He had just met his hero, Monkey D. Luffy, the future king of the pirates. But now, his attention was completely captivated by the scene unfolding before him. He couldn’t believe it! You and Roronoa Zoro were there standing right there!

Since Bartolomeo’s obsession with the Straw Hats began, he’d held the utmost respect and admiration for each crew member. But your relationship with Zoro held a special place in his heart. He’d heard tales of your synchronized battles, of how you two took down foes with perfect timing, always watching each other’s backs. Now, he watched as the two of you stood so close to each other, sharing what looked like an intimate conversation. 

Oh, how he wished he could hear every word you two were saying to one another…

OoOoOo

“IDIOT!” you hiss as Zoro walks away from you. “You’re going the wrong way!”

Kin’emon, dressed in his disguise, stood nearby with an exasperated look. In his short time knowing you he’d grown accustomed to the daily verbal sparring matches between you two.

Zoro spun around, eye narrowed. Your eyes locked with his, a storm brewing between you. “How would you know that? You’ve never been here either!”

“Because I’m not a moron!” You jabbed a finger in his direction, inching closer. It was infuriating how much Zoro seemed to get under your skin. 

Ever since you joined the crew, Zoro had an uncanny knack for getting in your way. You tried not to let it bother you but every time you were about to defeat an opponent, Zoro would swoop in and take them down first. It drove you insane. So you started doing the same to him, knowing it drove him mad with similar fury. Since then, you’d made it a habit to pick on him with Sanji, drink his alcohol, and “accidentally” wake him up from naps.

“If you’re so concerned about which way we’re going, then leave.” He pointed in the opposite direction with a sharp flick of his wrist. “Go that way.”

Kin’emon’s voice cut through the tension. “Please, there’s no need to argue—”

But neither of you heard him as you stepped forward. Your fists clenched as heat surged through your veins.  Your face was now very close to his,  “I hate you. I hope you get lost and don’t come back.”

Zoro’s lip curled, his head tilting in a mocking grin. “Big words coming from a meek woman!”

“Meek?” you repeated, eyes blazing. “You son of a b—”

A loud, high-pitched squeal erupted nearby. “Oh. My. God. It’s Mister Roronoa Zoro and Miss Y/N!” Bartolomeo’s eyes were wide with admiration, his hands clutched to his chest as if his heart might burst.

Your scowl turned to panic. “Um—no, no. I think you have us confused,” you blurted out, shifting awkwardly as Zoro gave you a look.

“Yeah, we’re just regular citizens of Dressrosa,” he added, voice dripping with sarcasm.

Bartolomeo was undeterred, bouncing with excitement. “May I just say you two are so cute together! The power couple of the Pirate Era!”

The world seemed to pause as you and Zoro exchanged glances, the fierce tension shifting to something strange and unspoken. You watched his eyes soften, only for a moment before hardening again. 

“Oh- No, we’re not a couple,” you protested.

“But you two are my OTP!” Bartolomeo exclaimed, looking devastated. 

“Listen, pal, I don’t know what that means, but she hates me,” Zoro huffed, gesturing toward you.”

“But… you defend each other in battle! Finish off each other’s foes!” Bartolomeo exclaimed. “And according to the Straw Hat fan club newsletter, it says and I quote: Zoro and Y/N’s secret love is a thing of beauty in this rough worl—”

“Yeah, hate to break it to you,” you interrupted, “but we have not, nor will we ever, be a thing.”

Bartolomeo’s face fell, and he broke out into exaggerated tears. “Oh, this is a tragedy! How could I be so wrong!”

Zoro exhaled, breaking eye contact. “Come on. We don’t have time for this.”

A small smile crept onto your lips as you followed him, muttering, “You’re still going the wrong way.”

OoOoOo

Kin’emon directed the two of you to a narrow alley, muttering something about searching for his friend and promising to return soon. As the sounds of the bustling street faded, silence settled between you and Zoro, thick with an awkward tension neither of you knew how to break. You found yourself overthinking the fanatics' odd assumption—why would he (and others apparently) think that you and the green-haired swordsman made a good match? You stole a glance at him. Sure, you didn’t want to admit it, but the scarred man was ruggedly handsome. But he had such an infuriating personality. With his brooding silences, those ridiculous earrings, and his rippling muscles—wait, what!?

The silence dragged on until, finally, Zoro broke it, pulling you out of your spiraling thoughts. “Tch, don’t listen to that weird guy. He’s got no clue what he’s saying.”

You let out a dry chuckle, “Yeah, seriously. I mean, can you imagine? You and me?”

Zoro smirked, his sharp gaze flicking over to you. “Yeah, right. Total disaster.”

“One of epic proportions,” you agreed, crossing your arms and leaning back against the wall. You turned your head, pretending to be absorbed by the junk lying around, “The world couldn’t handle it.”

A glint of something unguarded flickered in Zoro’s eyes as he stepped closer, his presence shifting from casual to something more intense. “And yet,” he said, his voice a low, teasing rumble, “you’re still here. You haven’t walked away.”

You raised an eyebrow, turning to meet his gaze. “Maybe I just don’t trust you not to get yourself into trouble the second I turn my back.”

He huffed a short laugh, taking another step that brought him close enough for you to feel the heat radiating off his body. “You think I need you to babysit me?”

“Need? No.” Your voice dropped, matching his tone. “But I know for a fact if it wasn’t for me you’d be neck-deep in trouble twice as often.”

A grin curled at the edge of his lips, his eyes flicking down to your lips and then back to your eyes, lingering for just a second too long. “Guess I’d better keep you close then, huh?” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.

Your heart skipped a beat, the atmosphere between you shifting, the sharp tension morphing into something far more dangerous. The unspoken heat you’d tried so hard to ignore suddenly flared, like a fuse catching fire. For a moment, neither of you moved, as if testing how far this would go. But then, something snapped—years of friction, half-buried glances, and barely-concealed bickering finally erupted. He surged forward, and before you could second-guess it, your lips crashed into his.

The kiss was intense, more battle than embrace, a raw clash of defiance and need. Your hands found his broad shoulders, fingers digging into them as his calloused hands cupped the back of your neck, then tangling in your hair. Everything else faded: the noise of the marketplace, the distant shouts of vendors, even the thought of Kin’emon returning. For this moment, it was just the two of you, like fire meeting spilled oil—volatile, explosive, and inevitable.

When you broke apart, both of you were panting, your breaths mingling in the space between you. Zoro’s lips curved into a smirk, his eyes darkened with something that made your pulse race. “You still hate me?” he asked, his voice a husky drawl.

“With a passion,” you growled, trying to steady your breathing.

“Good.” He chuckled, his hand sliding down to grip your ass possessively. With a rough shove, he pinned you harder against the wall, his lips ghosting the shell of your ear. “Wouldn’t want it any other way.” 

Your retort was lost as his lips found yours again, the world outside that narrow alley slipping into oblivion.

[bigsoggyboots]

Sevika x Teacher!Reader

Estranged

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Uses lyrics from stranger by Jhene Aiko

summ: You remember the good life. The old life. A life that held you and briefly mentioned Sevika. Isha brings you both together. You're now reconsidering everything.

words: 1.3k

cw: smoking, mentions of drugs and death.

note: https://archiveofourown.org/users/calamitykills

Admittedly, I had a lot of fun writing this. I wrote this while being on a call with a friend, and I love how it turned out! Depending on its popularity will depend on a future part two for Valentine's.

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“We don't give up our people.” That's what Sevika is quoted for, it's who she serves. No matter how you see her, in the highest and lowest parts of all of Zaun, it's who she is.

But you remember who she got that quote from. The Hound of the Undercity. When life was good and most people were afraid of enforcers and not their own people. A life that's now estranged to some.

No one remembers that now. You couldn't tell anyone how many there had been. They were just like you.

Everyone in Zaun now is either homeless, addicts, beating the addicts and homeless or catering to the people who beat the addicts and homeless.

Including you, or, so it seemed.

You were sick of that, sick of the miserable life you led. You were tired of being the same. You decided that you wanted to be the change you wanted to see in Zaun, starting with the beginning of change itself; our children.

☆

Word of you was going around. You were like a flower growing through the concrete. And you didn't know what to do with all the attention and appreciation. With the newfound attention you garnered, things seem to go right.

More kids began showing up to your classes, more money was being donated, less kids went home hungry. You strengthened the community and watch how everything came together. Albeit the good luck you recently felt come your way, you didn't think there'd be a direct cause for it.

Except for Isha maybe.

Ever since she came along, things that were once black and white came into color. You were grateful for her, and this new era she brought upon.

She was unlike your other kids. She was spunky and brave, possessing a passion for learning. You loved that about her and how she'd tried to spend any time she could with you.

The only thing you wondered is why you never saw her in public.

☆

Isha found you today, when the sun was glistening on the rainy floor. You heard her boots squeak as she made her way over to you. You were preoccupied, in a small alleyway, confused on where she came from and how she found you. Isha just wanted a hug.

You laughed hearing Isha pant so breathlessly. “Hey, breathe girl, no one's gonna get you.” She looked up at you, and formed a smile. A smile that you knew well enough to know that something's up. “Isha are you-”

Someone spat on the ground, gravely footsteps following behind it. “Brat.” You looked towards Isha. You knew her face, you knew her name. Damn near everyone knew who that was. Your eyes landed on Isha and your eyes met hers; she was unafraid.

You don't know what went through you, you and all your years of experience living here screamed at you to take her and run. As wrong as it may be. But you hadn't. You watched Isha hide behind you, small playful giggles leaving her. A game of Hide-and-Seek with Sevika? Either that or Isha just pissed her off.

Right now, you trusted her. Kids reveal the true nature of people through their actions. If Isha was scared, you would've known the moment she landed in your arms.

So, you looked down the alleyway ahead of you. Dark, bleek, a disgusting yet signaturely Zaun sort of smell, nothing out of ordinary. Then you smelled it. A type of smelly smell that smells.. smelly. Smoke.

It filled your nose faster than you could think, and Sevika coughed louder than you could comprehend. She was straight down the way. Sevika grunted, pulling herself closer, and Isha peeked behind you to get a look herself.

“I see you down there.” Isha gasped, then giggled. You could practically hear Sevika's eye roll.

She scoffed, stepping down the hall. She dipped into the light, standing in front of you. Her eyes studied you, without malice, nor the fierceness she normally would hold. It's a stare that's different from the one you've seen all these years; it's new and.. it seems like she likes you.

“Come on.” You refocus, seeing Sevika look at Isha as she shakes her head. Isha grips your pants tighter, huffing out her next breath. Was she giving Sevika attitude?

“Come on, she's not your friend.” Likewise. Isha took off her hat, revealing to Sevika a picture she had drawn of you. Your eyes widen. You remember the day you both colored together. Isha made that for you, you insisted she'd keep it. It warmed your heart that she did.

Sevika kneeled down, looking at the paper before her. She recognized this.“This is who you sneak off to see?” Isha nodded, looking almost proud. It was cute to watch.

“I've seen you around before.” Grunting whilst she stood again, she looked back at you. Your eyes linger in more than a casual way. “You hung around Vander.”

You blink a few times in surprise. “Yeah, I did.” Vander flashed your mind as she said that. His voice, his laugh, his face. Janna, it's been too long since you last seen him. “That was a long time ago.”

Isha listened to your conversation, putting her hat back on as she waited. She was obviously confused about it, even more confused when Sevika picked her up with one arm.

Isha grumbled, hitting Sevika as she held her.

“Let's go. We have places to be.” Sevika shoved the paper back in Isha's hands. From what you could tell, Sevika had been through hell and back to get here.

You wanted to question it, shit, you had hundreds of questions.

Why'd she remember you? How did she remember you? Did Silco have a file on you? Did he plan on getting rid of you? How do Isha and Sevika know each other?

Just.. lots and lots of questions. Not enough time for answers. You also doubted she'd give that to you.

So right as the rain started falling again, and sun barely peeked over the horizon, you asked yourself how worth it it would be to regret another unasked question.

Isha hummed at the sight of rain. Sevika sure as hell didn't. It put out the light in her cigar and she sighed having to take it out.

The dried up cigar soon took in the rain water. “Rain… No good..” Sevika let Isha adjust her cloak, draping the cloth on top of both their heads.

You covered yourself too, lifting your hood. “Will I see you again in better weather?”

Isha beamed, her smile promising. Sevika responded for her. “Once she listens.”

“I mean you too, Sevika.”

You should be proud; you stopped the woman in her tracks. She stares up at you, unblinking. It was the last thing she was expecting. Thoughts raced through her all at once, some of them you could probably guess.

“I'll be around.” That put a smile on your face, and seeing you smile put one on hers.

Rekindling with old friends became something foreign to you. Like many Zaunites, you became too comfortable knowing you're more than likely to lose more friends than you can keep. And you thought you lost Sevika too.

Although there was no pool of blood to signify any loss, she began working for the wrong person. It's why you're both estranged, you leaving without a trace after Vander's death.

Until now. You sensed change in her. Silco's death changed her, and it made you think that a relationship could be possible again. Isn't that crazy?

You stood there, grateful now. Without Isha, another opportunity would've been lost to you.

You waved goodbye to the girl, hearing her hum before returning the gesture. Sevika and Isha both slipped into the dark alleyway.

Perhaps your distaste for Sevika would dissipate if she could show how to be good to our youth. Perhaps now since Zaun was all in her hands, she'd begin to fight for the right things. And maybe, just maybe, a stranger could lead her the right way.

[hematomes]

EDIT: please check the reblogs, im backtracking on nanook specifically and instead think phainon could be terminus the finality. oki bye <3

okay early amphoreus allows me to be a little insane because the lore isn't overwhelming yet so let's try a semi-crack theory (crack because it's insane, semi because im actually serious about it!)

disclaimer: im still digesting hsr lore so there's probably a shit ton of plotholes in this, but it's kind of funny

phainon is nanook the destruction, and amphoreus is the story of how they ascended to aeonhood

what we know:

there are 3 distinct aeons in/around amphoreus. fuli the remembrance, nous the erudition, and a mysterious 3rd one. i don't have the specific screenshots but this is an almost direct quote from black swan (although this is her own speculation- welt's being "three entities comparable to emanators").

the heroes have golden blood, a wink to greek deities' ichor but also possibly a reference to nanook themself, as they're the only aeon with gold blood.

nanook's home planet was destroyed, and amphoreus is visibly on the brink of destruction as well. it is worth noting that nanook's ascension may have caused said destruction of their home planet.

kevin kaslana, of whom phainon is an expy, has a similar storyline of starting off as a hero and ending up as a "villain".

finally, in the amphoreus trailer, when phainon oils himself up (erm), the scars that appear kind of resemble nanook's ones

amphoreus itself seems to be a memory preserved by fuli the remembrance; my theory is that it's one of nanook's memory.

ill add that phaenon, in greek mythology, was a human turned into a god. he was created by prometheus, and was so beautiful that prometheus tried to not introduce him to zeus; eros, the god of romance and sex (aglaea/mnestia?) snitched on prometheus to zeus, and hermes was sent to phaenon to convince him to become immortal.

so at the very least i believe phainon will ascend aeonhood or emanator level- in hsr so far it points to nanook, but i also believe he could become kephale's replacement. i suspect his coreflame will be that of kephale, in all honesty (everything regarding nodikar is setting him up for failure, i don't think he'll win that trial).

adding less convincing bits (= me reaching a LOT) under the cut because why not. warning this might as well be shitposting but you need to see the vision. thank you and good night

we know that nanook comes from a planet called "adlivun", which is the underworld in inuit mythology. it is described as a frozen wasteland, and nanook in inuit mythology is a polar bear. both kevin and phainon seem to be using ice-related powers in their animations, and phainon is nicknamed snowy by tribbie in the english localisation.

phainon has the same chinese voice actor as caelus, who is tightly linked to nanook.

he also has the same chinese, japanese AND korean voice actor as hakuhatsu ki, the wielder of the edict edge "end" in izumo. end = destruction lol!!! (im sorry). more seriously acheron confirms the overlap between her story with hakuhatsu ki and kevin's story as told by welt. and hakuhatsu ki means white-haired oni in japanese, so...

phainon is presumed to be on the destruction path :). i warned you that this category is me reaching a lot

kafka has told the TB that they'll eventually face nanook, and that it's when destiny ends. coincidentally, fuli gazing at the TB led to confusing memories about their shared past with the stellaron hunters.

[cherryrikis]

BETTER LUCK TOMORROW - introduction ! senior project

pairing : nishimura riki x reader

synopsis : after being in the wrong place at the wrong time, you (as well as your friends), were framed for the death of your brother and disappearance of your boyfriend. you all had no hope. no job, no money, none of you were even allowed to graduate. at least, until a stubborn kid on a dance scholarship suddenly acts as your savior, riki helps clear your name all for the sake of a school project.

this episode contains the following : 1.3k wc, brief swearing, mentions of death & mentions of murder/killing, lots of dialogue

previous | masterlist | next

“as you all know, you have a major senior project due by the end of the year for part of your college interviews. this will be worth 90% of your grade and is not optional. any questions to far?” riki’s english teacher read off the whiteboard, before turning to face the class.

she cleared her throat loudly before continuing.

“late work will not be accepted, because you have until may 25 to get this project submitted. everyone should know which college they plan on attending, or applying to by now. a google slides format must be be at least 25 slides, and a word doc should be at least 10 pages.”

jungwon quoted the teacher, explaining to riki what’s expected of them after he realized riki hadn’t been paying attention.

“how the hell did you remember all she said? and- why are you even here.. you’re like, a freshman in college.” riki noticed, with a visible look of confusion on his face.

“sophomore, actually. and i’m here for volunteer work! we have finals too you know. i was telling you and sunoo about this last week, but it’s for my social thought class!-” jungwon explained with a smile, only for it to drop as he was cut off .“yeah yeah okay. so what kind of topic am i supposed to pick?” riki asked before crumpling up a random paper into a ball, tossing it in jungwons direction.

jungwon let out a sigh. “riki, you really need to do better. if you can’t improve how you act, that impact will show on my grade as well. and that won’t be good for either of us.” he said as he took the paper ball, unfolding it to reveal riki’s report card from last quarter. it wasn’t too bad really, mainly straight a and b minuses. but the biggest issue, was behavior and participation.

“how would your grade tanking be bad on me? i still have until fall before i start going to ucla.”

“i really don’t know how you got in.” jungwon shook his head.

“dance scholarship. duh.” “nishimura riki! you have 7 more minutes to determine your main topic. i recommend that you use your time more wisely.” the teacher called out from her desk.

“okay seriously, now we have to focus. what topics are you interested in?” jungwon asked, as he pulled his notebook out.

“well, i like dancing. i can research the history on different dance styles.” riki shrugged, loosely putting an idea out there.

“that’s actually not that bad, especially as a dance major. let’s sit on that idea for a bit in case anything else comes up. what else do you like?” jungwon hummed while briefly scribbling a few notes in.

“i don’t even get why i still have to do this stupid assignment when i already heard back from ucla. if anything it’s a waste of my time, because this only benefits the kids who haven’t heard back yet.” riki complained.

“well,” jungwon chuckled. “the start of the fall semester is still a while from now, anything can change by then. they’re still gonna be looking at your final report card and all that. this is just to determine that your slot in that school is ensured. i think the you from freshman year would be proud to see you improve.”

but of course, he wasn’t listening. riki was hyper focused on his computer. at least until the last sentence stuck out to him.

“say that again?” riki questioned, making sure he heard jungwon right.

“the you from three years ago would be proud if you improved?” he repeated an improvised version, with a raised brow.

riki chewed on the bottom of his pen, before hastily writing something down on jungwon’s notebook.

“you.. you want to solve heeseung and jay’s case..?” jungwon stuttered as he read the notes. “how is this even related to what i said? is it because you were a freshman when it happened?”

“do you really believe yn was capable of killing them? i mean honestly, won. we grew up with her. she was heeseung’s little sister.” riki insisted, ignoring jungwon’s previous questions.

“i couldn’t believe it either, because there was no way it could’ve been her. but there was a lot of evidence that said otherwise.” jungwon informed, moving the notebook back onto his desk.

“also, don’t get mad when i say this. but, do you think the reason why you’ve been so fixated on yn being innocent is because you never got over your crush on her from middle school?”

“hey! shut the fuck up dude.” riki hissed, slapping the older boy on the back of his head. “and she was someone we were close to, a 17 year old at the time. it just isn’t likely.”

“age doesn’t mean anything. 35% of murders in america were committed by people ranging between 17 and 21. and, 28% of murders are committed by a relative or acquaintance. chances are low but not zero.” a girl butt in from behind the them. riki whipped his head back to see who it was, only to wish he never turned around.

minji kim. a pain in the original friend groups ass since elementary school.

the two stared at her with two completely different expressions. riki looked minji up and down with a frown, while jungwon just blinked slowly with wide eyes.

“what? do you seriously not remember me?” she scoffed.

“no trust me, we do, minji.” riki huffed before turning back around.

“we’re just wondering how you know that, is all.” jungwon hummed.

“my brother is a police officer now. i’m sure if you didn’t know who he was, one of your other friends might.” she snickered.

minjae kim. he is minji’s brother and one of the officers who handled the heeseung-jay case, aka one of the officers responsible for the arrests of yn and a few others. riki would know, because he attended the court hearing.

“minji, what topic have you selected?” the teacher asked as she briefly looked up from the computer screen.

“i will be making a slideshow on the history of ballet.” she answered with a proud smile. oh how riki just wanted to wipe that look off her face.

“and.. finally. riki and jungwon?”

"me and jungwon will investigate the lee siblings case, from 3 years ago." and the teachers face fell.

"riki, i don't know if this is a good topic write on. you still have time to change your mind-"

"no. this is what i want to do. i want to solve the murder of heeseung lee, and the disappearance of jay park." riki cut off the teacher with determination.

and the class went silent.

"there's nothing to solve! yn lee killed her own brother, and her own boyfriend. case closed." minji said. but remember, her brother was one of the officers who testified against yn. of course, her opinion on the topic was just as biased as riki’s or jungwon’s could be.

"shut up minji, your brother got demoted for a reason. and, you didn't know yn." jungwon waved off.

"you may have known heeseung but that doesn't mean you know her. and i know enough about yn lee to see that shes a cold hearted killer." "enough!" the teacher interrupted.

"fine. riki and jungwon, you may pursue this case. but we have to set some boundaries. first off, you may use any public sources or personal connections. secondly, when contacting any sources like publishers or officers, do not push the limit. if they say certain answers to questions are confidential, then respect that. third and foremost, absolutely do NOT contact the lees or the parks. leave any involved families out of this, especially now that miss yn lee is out of juvie."

she teacher sighed in slight relief as she saw jungwon and riki nodding in agreement.

but what she didn’t see, was how their fingers were crossed behind their backs.

taglist ! @jiiyen @prettiestgirlontheplanet @hannicorpse @wonsboo @murazbae @stilesks @soobinbunnie5 @blvengene @r1kification @gyuvision @goldenmellow @ariluvssssss100 @who-tf-soddhi @mmurazz @jaemified @strawberrieswithchocolateo3o @heartheejake @hoonsdrnkdzd

not proofread

[100gayicons]

James Dean may be the most iconic actor of the 20th century. With only three films and a handful of TV roles, he cemented himself as a Hollywood legend. And his early death in a car accident at the age of 24 frozen his image as a troubled teenager in the minds of his fans. You could fill a library with books and articles about 1950s icon James Dean. He is still talked about today— and gossiped about. Was Dean straight? Was he gay? Was he gay-for-pay? Was he bisexual?

Homosexuals in the 1950s rarely revealed their secret to the public— especially young actors who were just starting their careers. So we can’t expect to discover the truth in his own words. Instead, we can get the answers to the question from Dean’s friends and contemporaries.

William Bast

James Dean attended a summer session at UCLA in 1950. He became friends with fellow student William Bast and they became roommates. In 1956, after Dean’s death, Bast wrote a book about their friendship.

In 2006 Bast revised the book and revealed the true nature of his relationship with Dean. They were lovers, something he couldn’t reveal in the 1950s. (Bast became a screenwriter and producer for films & television.)

James Bellah

Bellah was a friend of Dean from his days at UCLA. He also helped Dean get his first agent.

“Dean was a user. I don't think he was homosexual. But if he could get something by performing an act....Once, when I ran into him in New York City at an agent's office, Dean told me that he had spent the summer as a "professional house guest" on Fire Island—which was a big gay hangout. Dean said this in a loud voice—he wanted people to hear. He was crazy.”

Mark Rydell

Rydell was a close friend of Dean’s. The two studied together at Actors Studio in Manhattan in the early 1950s. He also directed a film about Dean’s life in 2001. Mark Rydell has been quoted saying:

"I don't think he was essentially homosexual. I think that he had very big appetites, and I think he exercised them."

Nicholas Ray

Nicholas Ray directed James Dean in “Rebel Without a Cause” (1955).

“James Dean was not straight, he was not gay, he was bisexual... Jimmy himself said more than once that he swung both ways, so why all the mystery or confusion?"

Elizabeth Taylor

Taylor co-starred with James Dean in “Giant”. In 2000, Elizabeth Taylor accepted an award for her work raising awareness of the AIDS crisis (and helping to raise lots of money for research). In her speech, she says:

“All of my life I’ve spent a lot of time with gay men... Montgomery Clift, Jimmy Dean, Rock Hudson … (they) were my colleagues, coworkers, my confidants, my closest friends but I never thought of who they slept with. They were just the people I love!”

James Dean

When he was asked by a reporter:

“I’m not a homosexual, but I’m not going through life with one hand tied behind my back.”

Jack Simmons

Here’s a GIF of Dean with Broadway actor Jack Simmons, another of his reported lovers . The placement of Simmons’ fingers on Dean’s thigh indicates an affectionate bond between the two men.

Perhaps the bigger question is - is this James Dean masturbating in a tree?!?

[yourstrulynobody]

Questions, a lot of them

Idk if someone already did ask or if these were already explained

BUT

How does death work in your SAMS human version AU thingie?

Like for example did solar still die cause ruin and his stuff?

Or how did nathan (nexus) get in the story?

Ik there is something with entity's going on in this AU/version (IDK HOW TO CALL IT TvT)

Also how did elias (eclipse)[ i tjikk that was his name?] come to be?

So yeh thats kinda the things that are in the top

Also I love your artstyle so much TvT

THANK YOUU❤‼️ Ik really glad some people like my artstyle Ｏ(≧∇≦)Ｏ !!!

also: YESSS I GOOD EXCUSE TO YAP!!! Im not good at explaining so feel free to ask abt some things you may have gotten confused on :)

Anyway (I'll be using their actual names instead of their human names for less confusion :3) yap session under cut

Question 1.

Honestly, death works mostly the same still! Every event thats happened in the SAMS/LAES/EAPS universe still very much proceeds the same way, just smaller aspects like revival thats changed.

-(1.1) Yes, Solar still did die because of Ruin! His revival was much harder due to him being from another dimension, but Eclipse has knowledge of different kinds of revival spells and all he had to do was gain the materials—the one Eclipse used contained using his very blood which tied Solar to the new dimension :)

-(1.2) Same procedure with the whole "New Moon" thing, but slightly altered; Moon sacrificed himself for Killcode which broke the bond they had (aka what ties an Entity like Killcode to a host like Max) in a safer manner because Entities tend to die when their host dies (something I forgot to mention in this post)... but since a new consciousness developed in Moon's place (aka New Moon/Nexus), Killcode did not die. After Solar dies, the same events happened with New Moon becoming Nexus, but instead of a chip that contained Moon, Moon was instead a consciousness that Nexus pushed out of his head that Monty quickly worked to restore since the consciousness was very much fading; Monty used a revival spell that made a new body (similar to Moon's) so Moon's consciousness could transfer there.

–(1.3) Bonus: Now that Nexus is technically alive via Witherstorm (which makes Nexus a Ghost-Entity of sorts), no revival spell was ever actually used on him. Instead, the Witherstorm forcibly revived him by using him as a vessel which is why Nexus's consciousness is fading.

There are many revival spells that may be used such as:

•Body Revival= the one used for Moon; revives ones body but with no consciousness. Very much not known.

•Consciousness Revival= allows to make a consciousness of someone who passed (with or without their memories intact) or a new being (no memories). More known but hard to do.

•Full revival= the one used for Eclipse and Bloodmoon (+Solar Flare); revives both body and consciousness with most of their memories intact. This one takes a lot of time... for most, Ruin does it with ease.

•Power Revival= Similar to how the Creator was revived, people can also be revived via simple magic or Negative Star Power (NSP), that is if strong enough—sometimes, the one who revived them may make them connect them to be a servant (like Rez and the Creator, or maybe even Servant Sun and Lord Eclipse).

Books about reviving someone is not a known one—in fact, theres barely any, but Moon managed to "inherit" one from the Creator's old office that the Creator thought was useless, and Moon merely told it to Monty just in case. Ruin, however, had to go through trial and error to manually learn how to do a Full Revival which was what he tested in his old dimension in secret, and he eventually mastered that which is why Solar Flare and the other two (three?) were easily revived.

Question 2.

Heres some direct quotes from my notes:

–..."At the age of 16 Y/O, Moon eventually argues with Killcode, and says in the heat of the moment: "Just go to Sun! Youll have more luck making him submit!" (Moon was angry and confused; he hadnt meant to drag Sun into the argument). Now, Entities dont like being challenged... but Killcode didnt wanna leave Moon either since Moon's body is strong, so Killcode puts a part of himself into Sun's head instead." <–(How Eclipse was made)

–..."Thats why Eclipse knows a lot about Sun and Moon because he has Killcode's memories on the twins's upbringing."

–..."Anyway, Eclipse doesnt fully develop until a few months in where Sun meets him. Sun mistakes Eclipse as just "the friend/older brother figure in my dreams" (since Eclipse only appeared dream-wise to Sun back then)—they got closer this way which is what I meant by saying "My human version of Sun and Eclipse being closer" or smth like that. At this stage, Eclipse doesnt have a form, so he looks like Sun but just older in a sense—he never spoke a lot, too (+no introduction at all), as he only did actions and all."

To summarize: Killcode put a part of himself in Sun's head which resulted in Eclipse. Eclipse wasnt exactly known until months later when he appeared to Sun in his dreams which then formed a bond.

Something I hadnt mentioned was that: Entities need to form a bond with their host to intertwine their lives and so the Entity grows stronger—their core (the very thing that causes their lives to intertwine which is what I meant by "Entities tend to die when their host dies".

Basically: the reason why Eclipse keeps reviving or having the ability to be revived is because Sun hasnt died yet, but their connection has weakened the more Eclipse has been revived—especially now with Eclipse being on his 4th revival. So now if Sun were to ever die, Eclipse wouldnt die as well due his more humane nature now.

Again: I am horrible at explaining, so if this is still confusing I do apologize! :'D

[xreaderdumpster]

Hi!

I find the ficosphere woefully lacking Hank McCoy/Beast content - could you help in remedying that?

Looking for a little mutual pining - angst - to - confession/love situation

Thank you!!!

Hello friend, thank you for your patience! I see your blog says you’re female so used she/her pronouns for the reader! I hope you’ve seen X-Men ‘97!

Content warning: Spoilers for X-Men 97, AFAB! Reader so she/her pronouns but no mention of y/n, no specific mutant powers for reader, potential inaccuracies for classic quotes, mentions of ruin, blood and death; fluff to angst to comfort.

Word count: 1,165

Fear is excitement without breath- Hank McCoy x AFAB!Reader

You’d always been at Hank’s side, helping him with his experiments, almost playing a secretariat role to the esteemed doctor. At first, you genuinely wanted to help him.But it was the subtle things that started seeding themselves in your heart. The coffee being made just right when you got to the labs, the chuckles at your cheesy jokes, the little mannerisms that rubbed off onto one another. That was when you recognised the stirring feelings. Alongside Gambit, Rogue and Magneto, you were invited to Genosha when they received UN member status. A revolution for the mutant kind!

“There’s a ball kinda thing happening when we get there. I’ve never been to something so fancy!” You exclaimed excitedly. It was nothing new for Hank to be in your bedroom, helping you choose an outfit. You held up a sleek black dress in one hand and an equally flattering suit in the other. Hank chuckled fondly at your confused expression as you internally debated.

“My dear, I will never understand why you ask for my opinion when it comes to your fashion. I believe you will look marvelous in anything.” He replied with a warm smile. You purse your lips as you continue to debate the two outfits in your head before glancing back to Hank.

“You’re sure about not coming with us?” You asked. Beast frowned with a small nod.

“Scott wants some of us to stay behind for the interviews with Patricia Tilby. Having a renowned doctor in the midst seems like the best step forward.” He explained. A heavy sigh escaped him. Deep down, he wanted to go with you. To experience the vibrant culture of the new mutant nation. To ensure you’re safe. To have just one dance with you. You nodded, having the same desires as he did bubbling under the surface.

All that want burst into flames the moment the news came on.

“The images you are about to see may be… Disturbing.” Patricia’s voice croaked with emotion as the images of Genosha in ruin flashed on screen. The once proud and tall statues of Charles Xavier and Erik Lenshar were broken, heads looking off into the distance from the ground. Rubble and collapsed buildings flashed on screen as did body after body being carried away. Some of the rescuers glancing under blankets, faces contorting in anguish and heartbreak. He could hear the commotion of the mansion but felt as if it was far away. Jubilee’s muffled sobs into Roberto’s arms. Logan and Scott devising their next moves and getting on the phone for survivors. Hank’s eyes pricked with tears. Not just from the horrific destruction. Not from the fear of his friends being hurt. But for you. Fear that you had been lost before he could tell you…

“Teams haven’t risked clearing the citadel. Too unstable. Jean and I can handle it. Rest of you, go show humanity that the X-Men are here to stay.” Scott ordered as he walked towards the citadel.

“Me and Roberto will help hand out food and water.” Jubilee chimed in as the two youngest X-Men wandered in another direction. Hank stood, almost frozen in place for a brief moment. Logan glanced, noting his hesitation. He wasn’t an affectionate man by any means but Logan could sense things. Sniffing the air, he could pinpoint the unmistakable scent of you amongst the destruction and injury. He placed a hand on Hank’s shoulder, squeezing it briefly.

“She’s in the tent, fur ball. Go see her and the other injured survivors. They’ll need a doc.” Logan grumbled roughly. It seemed to snap Hank out of his thoughts as he turned to Logan, brown eyes meeting blue. A short nod was exchanged before Hank walked towards the first aid tent.

Inside was a hustle and bustle, injured mutants receiving medical treatment. Some were far worse for wear than others. Amelia glanced back from her patient, her facial expression relaxing just slightly at the sight of Hank. She stood up and walked towards him, leaving him a clear view of you lying in the makeshift cot. He felt his breathing hitch as he saw you. Bright eyes closed, dried blood gathered around your lips and forehead that had been attempted to be cleaned off. Bandages and gauze wrapped around your limbs. Hank felt his heart break.

“I’m glad to see you, Dr. McCoy.” Amelia said with a half hearted smile.

“And… And I you, Amelia. Apologies for the delay.” He mumbled, uncharacteristic of the normally eloquent blue doctor. He hesitantly walked closer, examining each bruise and cut on the face he admires. Hank has seen you like this. Injured, bloodied. But now it is different. It wasn’t some training simulator gone wrong or a fight with the FOH. This was due to the fall of the first ever mutant nation. In the same dress you were debating wearing back at the mansion.

“They’ve all been saying how brave she was. Getting people out of the citadel and to the garden. Protecting life after life. But one of the sentinel’s blasts hit a falling boulder into her. She’s sustained serious injuries and hasn’t woken up since last night.” Amelia explained. Hank gently took your hand, almost engulfing it in his own. He was a man of science, a man known for being calm. But now, he couldn’t keep calm, a mixture of emotions brewing inside of him. Amelia frowned, patting his shoulder gently before walking off. A silent agreement to leave him with you a moment.

A twitch of your hand caused him to be pulled from the torrent of emotions. Groaning, your eyes fluttered open as he uttered your name. A smile crossed your lips.

“Knew it was you, Hank. Your cologne is unmistakable.” You croaked before coughing. Hank felt a nervous laugh bubble in his throat.

“You are not the first person to tell me that, my dear.” He finally choked out as tears began falling. You raised the hand that once found safety in his and cupped his cheek. Stroking his tears away, his face nuzzled into your palm, seeking further comfort from the gesture.

“I… I know this isn’t exactly the appropriate time but… I love you, Hank. Being in the carnage made me want to survive to tell you that.” You said weakly. His heart skipped a beat.

“I… Have fallen for you too, my dear. In all the world, there is no heart for me like yours. In all the world, there is no love for you like mine.”

“Maya Angelou?” You asked. Hank confirmed this with a nod.

“I… Am beyond glad to know you are alive. Whatever I can do to get you better, I will.” He replied, determination hidden behind the loving look in his eyes.

“I know, love. Now go on, help the others. I’ll be here.” The smile on your face grew as he planted a delicate kiss on your forehead before hurrying to the other patients. You knew you’d be under the best care in the world. You’d fallen for Dr. Hank McCoy afterall.

[miicycle]

The Kung Fu Panda Movies have always had Mr. Ping give the moral of the story, and I think about that a lot. Yes, Po is usually out fighting bad guys when realizing where he should be mentally and skillfully, on his own when he gets the point of teachings. Ping is such an important person in Po's life, just as much as Shifu is needed to help Po learn Kung Fu.

Way more under the cut!!!

Kung Fu Panda 1: "You are almost ready to be entrusted with the secret ingredient of my secret ingredient soup. And then you will fulfill your destiny and take over the restaurant [...]" - Ping

"Secret Ingredient of my secret ingredient soup" being an allegory for Dragon scroll and "destiny" being Po becoming the Dragon warrior and "take over the restaurant" as being Oogway's successor.

Then it turns out the scroll is blank. And Ping feels its a good place to tell Po about the secret ingredient. NOTHING. For something to be special, you just have to BELIEVE it's special.

So Po, not needing any secret scroll or any cool powerup, wins against Tai Lung by believeing in himself.

Ping made him believe in himself. And when Po fulfills his destiny of defeating Tai Lung, he's PROUD!

Kung Fu Panda 2: "Po, your life may not have such a happy beginning, but look at how it turned out! You got me, you got kung fu! And you got noodles!" - Ping (and almsot identical quote said by Soothsayer)

And

Po: "I gotta go. I'm the Dragon Warrior, it's kinda my job to save Kung Fu. And if I don't, what am I?"

Ping: "You're my son! ... Right?"

The message is pretty clearcut, but it's repeated very heavily in the movie. Mr Ping may not be his father, but he is his dad. No matter where he came from, Po is Mr Pings son through and through and he very much loves him.

The scene where Po has been knocked into a river and saved by the Soothsayer, she says the same thing that Ping does. He didn't have a happy beginning, but what matters is who he is, and what he chooses to do now.

And the montage plays everything hes done up until now, but also empathizes the moments between Ping and Po. The last thing he sees in his mind is Ping being a dad, because he is Po's dad! Whatever happened before doesn't have bearing for who Po chooses to be. So when he chooses to be the son of a goose and the Dragon Warrior, nothing he finds out can change that.

Because Dragon Warrior or not, Po is Ping's son! Right?

Kung Fu Panda 3: "He's hurt. He's confused. And he still has to save the World! He needs both his dads." - Ping

"I realized that having you in his life doesn't mean less for me. It means more for Po." - Ping

And

"I'm not trying to turn you into me. I'm trying to turn you into you!" - Shifu

(Love how often Shifu and Ping mirror each other's roles btw they're both so important)

So these are a little less on the nose, but again super important. No matter what Po is going through, he still has to fulfill his destiny, and giving him support while he does so is the best they can do. Ping was initially worried of Li Shan stealing Po away, but realizes that bonding with his biological father doesn't take him away from Ping, just more love and support for Po.

But also, Po learning that he doesn't have to change drastically to reach his true potential. When Ping and Li Shan stand on the small platform and tell Po that they can help, along with all other pandas, Po has the realization that he can't turn them into him, just as Shifu can't turn him into Shifu, or Li Shan can't turn him into a typical panda.

Ping doesn't say a direct quote to mirror Shifu's, but he did initiate talking to Li Shan after Po and Li Shan had the liar reveal. Li never had the experience of having an arguement with his child, but Ping obviously does. So he takes it upon himself to keep being the rock that Po can lean on by talking to Li Shan and helping him realize that they have to be there for Po, no matter what happens.

Because again. Po is hurt. Po is confused. But he still has to save the world. He needs both his dads.

I love Ping so much for being a good dad in this way. He really plays well as a support character and is such a good parent. Yeah, Po may not fit the mold the way Ping expected (taking over the noodle shop etc) but hes still so proud!!!

[delighteddistractions555]

LMK Incorrect Quotes 3#

The last of the series until the month of April or May. Enjoy the usual insanity!

(MK is yet again hosting another party and is the DJ.)

MK: NEVER GOING TO GIVE YOU UP!!! NEVER GOING TO LET YOU DOWN-

Erlang Shen: Hold it!! Pause right there MK!

(MK is confused but pauses the song anyway.)

Erlang Shen: (Turns to the others.) Alright, raise your hand if, A. Someone has let you down. B. You have let someone down. Or C. Both.

(Mei, Red Son, Nezha, Pigsy, Macaque, Chang’e, DBK, Princess Iron Fan, and Sun Wukong raise their hands.)

MK: …….*SCREAMS BLOODY MURDER.* (Before smashing the DJ station and running off still screaming.)

Nezha: ……I think MK chose C…

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

(Red Son walks in to see MK and Mei hiding behind the couch.)

Red Son: So what are you pathetic peasants doing-

MK: SSSSSSSHHHH!!!

Mei: *Whispering* He could move any minute now!!

(Red Son looks in their direction to see a motionless cowboy rag doll on the floor.)

Red Son: HA!! You stupid peasants know that’s just a dumb idea from that idiotic foreigner movie-

(Nezha walks in and sees the doll.)

Nezha: -_-…….. Really Wooster?! You get LOST again?!?!

(Woody stands up and places his hands on his hips.)

Woody: Well to be fair-I DIDN’T EXACTLY ASK TO GET SOLD ONLINE AGAIN!!!

Red Son: AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!  (Runs to Nezha and jumps into the latter’s arms.) GET THAT HIDEOUS HEATHEN AWAY FROM ME!!

Nezha: Little Bull, it’s just Woody!!

Red Son: AND WHATEVER ITS NAME IS IT'S STILL DOWNRIGHT TERRIFYING!!! MAKE IT GO AWAY!!!

Woody: (Places a hand on his forehead.) Why do I have a gut feeling this kid never had a proper childhood….

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Erlang Shen: You’re my favorite little one Nezzie~ (Hugs Nezha as he ruffles the younger god’s hair.)

Nezha: *Happy to receive the attention.* Erlang, stooop!

Chenxiang: Ooooooh, then I guess I’m just chopped liver to you eh, uncle?!

(Erlang and Nezha freeze, turning their heads to see the newcomer.)

Nezha: Erlang, WHO is that?!?!

Erlang Shen: Uuuuuuhhhhh, hey Nezha, I want you to try not to panic as I- (Yeets a smoke bomb and zooms off with Nezha in tow.)

Nezha: YOU DIDN’T TELL ME YOU HAD A NEPHEW!!!

Erlang Shen: WELL I DIDN’T ASK FOR ONE!!!

(Meanwhile, back on Mount Hua.)

Chenxiang: Mom, let me take the axe, I’m hunting revenge for dinner tonight.

Holy Mother of Mount Hua: *Tired of dealing with her estranged brother.* Sweetheart, what did your uncle do this time?

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

(Wukong sneaks into Macaque’s private garden to see his shadowy counterpart ticked off.) 

Sun Wukong: What’s up Mac?

Macaque: Oh I’ll tell you what’s up. Just as think you put up enough bird feeders for all these blasted birds-

(Cue a flock of hummingbirds alighting onto their feeders. Only for the birds to start dive bombing and squabbling over one feeder instead of going to another.)

Macaque: AND IT HAPPENS EVERY DAMN TIME!!! It doesn’t matter how much I give these little bastards-they all keep fighting over a few feeders and ignoring the rest!!

Sun Wukong: Ha! What a bunch of birdbrains, wait a minute. This region of the world isn’t native to hummingbirds…

Macaque: ……

Sun Wukong: ……. Mac, put 'em back.

Macaque: And leave them to starve?! No. 

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Li Jing: I hereby decree you remain on the moon forevermore.

Chang’e: Hey! That’s what the last emperor said!!

Pigsy: Now wait a piping hot minute Mr. High-N-Mighty!!! Why don’t we bring some democracy into this instead of just straight up punishing her AGAIN for one stupid little mistake?!

Li Jing: *Scoffs* Following that blasted America’s example? Now that is the most ridiculous-

Erlang Shen: No, no, no, wait. The chef has a point. 

Gold Star of Venus: Voting can actually be good for diplomacy. 

Jinzha: That’s not a bad idea!

Li Jing: You are seriously not considering-

Ao Guang: Actually, a decision made by the majority instead of just one seems to be more sound. 

Queen Mother of the West: I say we give the poor dearie a chance. She suffered enough already. 

Nuwa: Let’s take a vote then!

Li Jing: WHERE DID YOU THREE COME FROM-

Erlang Shen: All in favor of lifting Chang'e banishment, raise your hands!

(The Heavenly Court, the Monkie Kid Crew, the DBK Family, the Ao Dragon Clan, and Nuwa raise their hands except for Li Jing.)

Li Jing: I am NOT going to let this pass-

Gold Star of Venus: What’s that you’re majesty? You wish for a vote to decide whether or not you should be the emperor?

(Li Jing clamps his mouth shut.)

Queen Mother of the West: Well it appears the majority wishes for your freedom, welcome back Chang’e!

Chang’e: My hero!! (Runs to Pigsy.)

Pigsy: As you say Chang’e, Cooking is Life, and it’s a life best shared with others! 

[pocket-jack]

Love Mail

Luffy climbing up to Victoria Punk: Love mail!

Killer playing along: Love mail? Oh! It must be a letter for you, Kid!

Kid: You're two are a dorks. The hell is love mail?

Luffy: It's a news report. Did you know that the sunflowers on the whole island are looking at the same direction? They're looking at you, sunshine! Get it? Because sunflowers are always facing the sun, and when there isn't any, they're facing each other. I guess they confused you with the sun, Juggy!

Kid, all red: "Drops his instrument kit" Ahhh... What a bullshit...

Killer: Aww, that's sweet

Kid: Shut up...

Luffy: I'll go spread the Love Mail to Traffy! Enjoy your day!

Kid: Mggghghhh....

Killer: I'll translate that: you too, Straw Hat!

Luffy, climbing in the Polar Tang: Love Mail!

Shachi: AAAH! Straw Hat! You scared me! Don't sneak up on us so suddenly! And what the hell is a Love Mail?

Luffy: Can't tell you! It's for Traffy!

Shachi: Ah-... Ooooh! I get it! Ooooooi! Captain! There's a letter for you!!

Law coming from the operating room cleaning his instruments: A letter? From who?

Luffy: From me :))

Law: "Smiling warmly" What is it?

Luffy: A love mail! S' a fact actually!

Law: A fact? A fun one?

Luffy: A really fun one! Did you know that I have a disease?

Law: Wha-? A disease? What is it? Why didn't you tell me? You know that your and Kids health are important to me! What are the symptoms?

Luffy: I know how it's called and I've had it for a while know... And the symptoms are... "Pressed his hand to his chest" Whenever I'm around Traffy my heart keeps beating faster and I may die if I stop looking at him! You know how it's called?

Law completely oblivious: I... Such a strange and vague symptoms... Are you sure there's nothing else? It can't be that I don't know it!..

Luffy: Te-he! The disease that I have is called... 'Traffy is so attractive that I can't look away from him"!

Law: ...

Law: "Turns red, but also sighs in relief" Oh... Oh! Straw Hat-ya, don't scare me like that! I thought you had something serious!

Luffy: It is serious! There is also a newpaper in the love mail! It's states that Trafalgar Law is the handsomest doctor in the world! And do you know who wrote the report? The future Pirate King Monkey D. Luffy! Can you imagine!?

Law: "Flatters" Aw! Stop! I need to work! Did you send the love mail to Eustass too?

Luffy: Of course! I'm the best love mail man in the world!

Luffy: "Leaves" Byee! Hope the love letter made your day!

Law: It sure did...

Shachi: Awww! Captain is smiling! This is the best day of my life!

Law: Shachi, I will split you in half.

Shachi: Got it! I'll shut up!

Robin: Hello, Luffy! How was your love mail plan?

Luffy: It's good! Traffy and jaggy were so red and happy when I told them about it! Thank you for helping with the quotes! And thanks to you too, Sanji!

Sanji: Repay me with stopping trying to break into the refrigerator. I know you tried to bite off the code lock

Luffy: But I'm hungry at night! How can I eat if the refrigerator looked?

Robin: "Spots Kid, climbing onto the ship" Oh, hello Kid

Luffy: Jaggy! Do you need something?

Kid: Yeah, just wanted to pass you the mail

Luffy: The mail?

Kid: Yes. It's the trinket. I know, you love them

Luffy: Wha- For me???

Kid: Yep! I can't do quotes, but I'd do anything to see you happy

Luffy: "Processing" ...

Luffy: "Covers his red face with a hat" Nishishishi! Thank you!..

Kid: "Rises Luffy's chin with his hand to see his red face" No prob! That's what the Love Mail means, right?

Luffy: "Got shy" Ahh!.. Y-yeah!...

Robin and Sanji: Aaawww

Law: "Teleports to them with a box" Hey

Luffy: Traffy? Why are you here?

Law: Don't act like I can't see my partner whenever I want. About the Love Mail thing

Luffy: Oh? "Hides his eyes with a hat" You too???..

Kid: I was first! Did he get you too?

Law: I just want to talk about his... 'Disease'. Not compete for his attention with you, Eustass

Luffy: What do you wanna talk about?

Law: Your diagnosis. First time I thought I don't know anything about it, but know that you named a disease, I think that I know exactly what too prescribe you

Luffy: Wha?..

Law: "Gives him a box" It may ease the symptoms a little bit. But the kisses and hugs will do the trick as well

Luffy: "Opens it" What's inside? A medicine?

Law: The best that I have

Luffy sees the inside full of chocolate that he loves: Oh!?.. OOOOH?????

Kid: Don't tell me he won! What about my trinket to you? It can be used as a fidget toy, puzzle, even self defens-.. Agh... Forget it. You already ate the chocolate... I'm glad you happy, monkey

Luffy: It was SO delicious! It had my favorite flavor and all! Oh!.. Wait... Was I suppose... To eat all of it in one go.

Law: You can eat as much as you want. That's kind of the thing. You can't get overdose. Truly a beautiful medicine for a beautiful patient

Luffy: Eh... Stop... That's not...

Kid: It is! You're beautiful! The prettiest out of the world! And also you, hot doc

Law: Hot doc? Did you receive the news as well?

Kid: I've figured you'd be! And you too! So adorable when you shy "Smooches Luffy"

Luffy: ..aaw.. "Covers his whole face with hat"

Kid and Law got K.O-ed momentetaly: Oh-...

Kid and Law proceeds to hug and kiss completely shy Luffy: Love Mail - the best thing in the world!

Straw Hats: AWWWWWW

[lair-of-the-white-worm]

Returned to the Oddworld tag after awhile away and saw your post about the "Abe is a pacifist he doesn't like using violence" take and-

(this ain't anon hate promise I know you've had some problems with that so let's get that out the way rn immediately)

That take is so utterly fascinating to me because I think what's happening here is a misunderstanding surrounding a trait of his he indisputably does have.

Namely- how much he hates this role destiny has chosen for him and how fucking stressed and anxious it makes him.

Every moment this guy is on screen doing hero stuff he's miserable about it. The original 1990s games had a bit more of a comical slant to it, but it was very much there. Soulstorm pulls no punches that he's freaking tf out and only holding it together because the lives of everyone he's ever loved depends on him pulling this wild shit off.

Now, because their captors won't just let 'em walk off, violence comes mandatory with the territory of being the promised hero. I think technically you can beat Soulstorm without killing, but there's no narrative consequence in either direction so I assume Abe did indeed kill people to manage what he did.

I don't think Abe hates killing people, necessarily. I mean like you said. Man LAUGHS. It's quiet but very much audible.

I think people assume that since figuring all this out is such a miserable experience for him, therefore, he must hate the dirtiest part of it- killing people. A thing that, to be fair, is not easy on the psyche. No matter how angry a person is, actually taking a life is A Lot. I can see where the logic train follows, even if I don't wholly subscribe to it. It doesn't help that he seems like a pretty kind, selfless person- yeah, he doesn't want to be doing any of this, but he genuinely cares about the others. He runs to comfort a dying stranger despite having only just gotten a bit of a lead in his frantic run through a BURNING CAVE from PEOPLE SHOOTING AT HIM. And apologies for not being able to save him! So much of Soulstorm is him worrying about other people. Folks don't tend to associate that kind of person with gleeful violence.

So, what exactly is Abe's relationship with violence? Hard to say! We get the quiet little laugh and that's it- could be anything from a stress response, the brain violently going WHAT THE FUCK UHHHHH MAKE NOISE, I GUESS in response to not knowing how to respond to watching a guy explode into meat nuggets. Could be a well I have to do this anyway so fuck it, I may as well enjoy what I can from this shitty experience and I'm not sorry about killing people that have abused and murdered us for years response.

The game makes it pretty clear he cares about what really matters, regardless, so it's fun seeing what particular characterization other people assume of him for this specific aspect of his personality, and how they make it fit with how we've seen him behave.

Anyway thank you for the opportunity to think on this aspect of him for a bit. I am very normal and sane about one (1) very anxious, tired blue man who needs a hug and a nap.

I don't even remember what post you're talking about anon lol but I appreciate the infodump! It's nice to hear other ppls takes. I'm assuming this was something I said offhandedly criticizing the old 2005 character bio for Abe, because that quote sounds like something from it.

Before I say anything further you have to keep in mind that Abes personality is staunchly different in Soulstorm. While he is still a reluctant hero, he's far from apathetic about it in Soulstorm. He's more confused and unsure than anything else, and the amount of times in that game where Toby and Alf, or the Keeper, need to step in and give him some insight kinda drills that home. Abe isn't really on his own anymore in Soulstorm. The pressure is very much still on, but he's not like, complaining about it? I don't know the right words to use. He's a lot more curious and actively wanting to be a savior figure, he's just so confused and unsure as to how.

In the original timeline, Abe is on his own for the most part. Yeah Alf and co help him cross the desert, but after that, Abe is back to doing everything on his own. He's angry. He's stressed out. And in Oddysee as well, he just learned that he's gonna be chopped up and sold as are his kin. Then he escapes and gets bombarded with the truth about his race. It's a lot at once. Like, in all honesty? Abe went postal. He's hucking literal grenades at sligs. He's lost it. He was just a janitor a day ago and now he's being told he's the goddamn messiah and if he doesn't follow his fate he and all his buddies are gonna die. Like, if I was him I wouldn't even take a MOMENT to consider the most nonviolent option. I'd consider the easiest. And I'd have no problem with a few casualties of the motherfuckers who have been beating the shit out of me and being racist to me my entire life. Abe has had enough and he has every right to be pissed.

Pacifist was never the right word to describe Abe. More like. An insurrectionist maybe, but he's far from organized. He wants a reform but also he wants a revolt. I mean, to be honest we don't really know much about what Abe wants. He's being told what his fate is and he's doing his best to follow it. If I were in his position, I'd be at a loss when it comes to rational descision making.

You have to remember as well, pacifism means non-violent. Even if Abe isn't killing, even if you were to somehow minimize any harm done to the sligs, Abe is still not a pacifist. In Oddysee, In Exoddus, in Munch, even in Soulstorm, he doesn't just harm people. He blows up buildings. He kills slogs that are in his way. He destroyes major structures. He is still going crazy with destruction even if he isn't doing any killing. And that's probably because he's scared! He's stressed! He's freaking the hell out! You stop caring about a lot of safety protocol when you're freaking the hell out.

Not to mention, Shrykull. While Shrykull is not Abe, it is still using Abe as a vessel, and its important to note that Shrykull is a god of balance. A god of creation and destruction. Just noting that there. While Abe may not have control of Shrykull, his body is still a vessel for a god that Breaks Shit.

Is abe a pacifist? Absolutely not. Does abe wish he was a pacifist? Also no. Abe wishes he didn't have to do any of this. Not because it involves violence but because his fellow Mudokon's lives are on the line. Abe is a wanted Mud. If he doesn't do any of this he's going to get killed. And then because he's been forced into the position he's in, his brothers will get killed. Its not that abes stressed out because he's having to enact violence. He's stressed out because if he doesn't act he and his brothers are Literally Going To Fucking Die. There's a lot on the line. And every tiny act of violence he does Increases My Chances Of Getting Killed. I'd be at my breaking point too. And I'd be getting rid of anybody in my way, and laughing to myself to cope with how much worse my life is becoming because of it and overwhelmingly traumatic the whole thing is.

Sorry I went off on a tangent there LOL. But yeah.

TL;DR: Abe is not a pacifist or an anarchist. He is a paranoid, vulnerable dude who was thrust into the shoes of "Saviour" and simply went postal because he didn't know what the hell else to do.

[neresney]

Aaaaaand episode 4, let’s go:

Okay, I want to start this with: I didn’t think I’d ever like (love) to see a therapy session on screen and find it interesting or cool….. I really don’t know what’s wrong with me.

Oh yeah, and Will freaking out with Hannibal calming him down is my favorite thing now, argue with the wall!

Aaaaaand this is really disgusting, thank you Will for visioning that away

Uuuuuh, Hannibal at will’s Home. If he is allowed, then that isn’t the first time (the dogs seem to know him, or it’s the snacks) and that is the fun thing actually. Because this is the fourth episode, and Will already trusts Hannibal coming to his house

Abigail in retail being frustrated and angry, yeah, I’d probably be too ngl….. probably would’ve snapped already if I’m being honest

Alana and Hannibal in a room, didn’t think id ever see that. And as my very stereotypical dad‘d say right now: kinda goes against the norm doesn’t it? A girl with a beer while the guy drinks red wine? And I’d tell him: that isn’t a norm, that’s a stereotype, and seeing Hannibal, as elegant and proper as he is, with a beer would have shattered a world in me. But hey, who cares, I love my dad

Also “tell me about your mother” “that’s some lazy psychiatry, dr. Lecter” is about the first quote I’ve ever heard from this series and I’m not at all sorry for it!

Oh so he *was* allowed into the home, interesting.

Finding out about Will and his past through therapy is also not something I thought would happen, tbh.

And Jack having dinner with Hannibal is kinda strange for me….. put it away

I actually really like the concept of “making your own family” being framed in a bad way (even if we only the the bad thing from an outsider perspective) (and that normal families don’t kill their blood relatives and stuff) because I’m really deep In >found family<

Ok, wait a sec; is that the third session in one episode 😂 god, they really want to pour their dynamic into my brain, do they? I can already see myself shipping them so hard, you have no idea! Buckle up, losers

Hannibal? What are you doing?

Btw, I’m sorry for everyone that is confused about what I’m talking about sometimes, I mostly go chronologically tho, so that’s good?

In what kind of direction does that go?! I’m intrigued and confused

Awwww, drugged Abigail is so cute

I don’t think I mentioned this before, but I really adore how smart Will is. Like, how much you notice that while the encephalitis is helpful, it isn’t the actual key or the only thing Will is capable of doing. He may have failed through the screening because he was “too labile” but besides that, Will Graham would absolutely be a great agent of the FBI.

Bye

[certifiedcallahanstan]

The memoir of a horny fangirl

chapter 2

Warnings: This is a pretty heavy chapter, it shows a really vulnerable side to Hazel and the shitty side of the reader. I had to get this chapter done, so the rest can be lighter and more *spicy*. The next chapter will get back to baseball hazel!!

This chapter contains: sa

It’s been a couple days since you had received the picture and you know you shouldn’t be upset, Hazel is a grown woman and is allowed to kiss whomever she wants, it’s not like you two are together anyways. That however doesn’t stop you from trying to avoid her.

P.J invites you to the coffee shop with Josie and Brittany to do quote on quote “studying” which really means she wants to talk to you all about her latest hook up.

Despite your initial reluctance, you find yourself getting caught up in the conversation.

“and i mean it wasn’t a fucking normal sized strap, that shit was like- fucking xxl” P.J moves her hands at least a feet apart from eachother trying to demonstrate the size and josie scrunches up her nose.

“I don’t need to hear that P.J, you keep that to yourself” she huffs and you cover your mouth trying to stop a laugh from escaping.

For a brief moment, the weight of your emotions regarding Hazel and the photo fade into the background as you lose yourself in the conversation until eventually Brittany convinces everyone that we should probably study.

You pull out your notes adorned with doodles of different sea creatures and facts about them when you hear a familiar voice approach the table.

“Hey guys” the voice that belongs to the shaggy brunette starts “Josie told me you all were studying and that..” she looks at her phone reading the text “We are about to kill P.J, please come before one of us commits a felony”

P.J just responds with a huff a mutters something along the lines of “you all are just mad i get more hoes” as Hazel pulls out a chair and joins the group.

You scoot slightly more away from Hazel hoping nobody will notice. unfortunately these chairs are millenniums old and makes and obnoxious screeching noise

You cringe inwardly, feeling a flush of embarrassment creep up your cheeks as all eyes turn in your direction.

Hazel's gaze flickers briefly in your direction, her brow furrowing in confusion at the sudden noise.

"Sorry about that," you mumble, offering a sheepish smile as you try to play off the noise. "These chairs are... uh, not the most cooperative."

Everyone seems to accept that excuse as they get back to their previous tasks. You start shading in the sea creature you were previously drawing in your journal when you feel P.J looming over you.

“what the fuck knuckles is that” she says as she points at your drawing

you look down at a your notebook where you had draw what looks like a eel-shark hybrid

“it’s called a frilled shark” you start explaining as all eyes look at you “they get their name from the frilly appearance of their gill sets. In fact they’re one of the few sharks that eat their prey whole…”

You trail off awkwardly, realizing that you may have gone a bit overboard with your explanation when you see everyone blankly staring at you. Clearing your throat, you try to steer the conversation back on track.

"Anyway, um... yeah, it's just a cool creature I thought I'd draw," you finish lamely

“I think it’s sick”

you turn your head to the voice and see Hazel smiling at you “i mean a shark that moves like an eel?”

"Yeah, exactly!" you respond, a smile spreading across your face as you meet Hazel's gaze. "It's pretty fascinating how they've adapted to their environment."

fuck why does she have to be so damn irresistible.

your thoughts are cut off by the slamming of a text book and you see Brittany getting up “my brain feels all mushy, im going home to take a nap”

Josie nods, putting her computer in her back pack “i should probably get back to Isabel” and P.J mutters something about going to “fuck then duck” whatever that means.

Soon enough it’s just you and Hazel, you try to ignore the tension, but damn it’s so thick you could cut it with a knife.

For a moment, neither of you speaks, the silence stretching between you as you both seem lost in your own thoughts. You fidget nervously, unsure of what to say.

Finally, Hazel clears her throat, breaking the silence with a hesitant smile. "So... um, how have you been?" she asks, her voice soft and tentative.

You swallow, trying to push aside the swirling emotions that threaten to overwhelm you. "I've been okay," you reply, your voice slightly strained. "Just... you know, trying to stay busy with school and stuff."

and not making out with random red heads and getting chlamydia you add in your head.

Hazel nods, her gaze flickering briefly as she seems to search for the right words. "Yeah, I get that," she says quietly “hey um..have you been avoiding me? i’ve tried to text you but you haven’t answered and everytime i try to come up to you you walk the opposite direction”

your jaw clenches as you start putting everything in your shark printed back pack “what reason would i have to avoid you Hazel” your voice tinged with frustration and hurt.

she runs her ringed fingers through her hair and you try not to notice the prominent veins “that’s what i’m trying to figure out, did i do something?”

“not everything is about you callahan” you grunt out as you try to gather all your loose papers

“here let me help-“

“i don’t need your help” you shove her arm away and in the process her hand hits an open water bottle spilling water all over your notebook. the notebooks that has three years worth of research in it

A sense of panic washes over you as you scramble to salvage what you can, frantically wiping at the water with trembling hands. Hazel watches helplessly, her expression a mixture of concern and regret.

"I'm sorry," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't mean to... I was just trying to..."

You cut her off with a sharp gesture, your own frustration boiling over as you struggle to contain your emotions. "Just... leave me alone, Hazel," you mutter, your voice thick with emotion.

she steps back as her eyebrows knit together “this wouldn’t have happened if you just let me help. Maybe instead of pushing people away talk to them”

You can see the hurt etched in her features, and for a moment, you feel a pang of guilt tug at your conscience.

"I'm sorry, I just..." you begin, your voice catching in your throat as tears threaten to spill from your eyes. With a heavy sigh, you toss your notebook into the trash and sling your backpack over your shoulder

"I have to go," you murmur, your voice barely above a whisper as you turn away, unable to face Hazel in that moment. With each step you take, the distance between you and Hazel grows, the ache of regret gnawing at your heart.

Hazel just presses her lips together and nods before you see the same red head from the photo calling her name in an annoying high pitched voice.

You watch in silence as Hazel hesitates, her eyes briefly searching yours for any sign of a response. Before you can gather your thoughts, she turns away, putting on a fake smile as the red-headed girl approaches.

"What's up, Becca?" she says, her tone polite but strained, the artificiality of her smile not escaping your notice.

you turn away, knowing that it's not your place to intervene in Hazel's personal life. And also if you stayed there someone would be getting punched in the face, and here’s a hint. it wasn’t going to be you.

—————————————

“Did you say sorry at least?” Isabel ask as you lay upside down on her bed, letting the blood flow rush to your head to try to forget about what Josie now calls “they great water incident” that happened last week

"Yeah, I did," you reply with a sigh, your voice muffled from your upside-down position. “kinda.. i dunno. I mean you should’ve seen the way that becky, bexar, what ever the fuck her name is held onto her”

P.J shoves a handful of chips into her mouth and shrugs “i say kill the bitch”

Josie tosses a pillow at her face and huffs “We already have one murderous charge against us, we don’t need another”

Isabel nods in agreement. "Exactly. We'll figure this out without resorting to murder,"

“fine” P.J huffs holding her hands in the air “but just know that i know people”

“mhmm” you hum as you launch yourself back into an upright position on the bed stealing chips from P.J’s bowl.

As the group starts debating whether han solo or darth vader would be better in bed, you can’t help but wonder at this exact moment what hazel is doing.

——————————————

Hazel sits on her bed in her apartment talking about how the frilled shark can unhinge their jaw and eat prey at least twice their size as the red head sits and stares at her.

Hazel has never been one for social cues, she sincerely honestly thought that Rebecca just needed a friend, and sure they made out at the party but in her defense her face looked similar to yours in the midst of her 6 shots.

So here they are in Hazels apartment, Hazel blabbering about the eel-shark abomination (that she most definitely didn’t spend five hours researching after finding out about it)

“Rebecca? did you hear what i said” she stops and tilts her head with wide eyes

Rebecca nods and turns to Hazel “mhm- yeah the shark is like- long or some shit”

“you seem distracted” the brunette mutters “and it’s not called a long shark it’s called a frilled shark because-“ her sentence is interrupted when she hears Rebecca let out a drawn out sigh and move closer to Hazel.

“Yeah that’s kinda gross Hazey and i’m bored so how about we have some fun…”

“i don’t know what you mean-“ hazel starts before the girl lifts her shirt off and suddenly Hazel realizes why this girl has been being so nice to her.

"I... I don't think that's a good idea," Hazel stammers, her voice tinged with unease as she shifts uncomfortably on the bed.

“come on baby” Rebecca whines as she crawls into an unwilling Hazels lap “I’ve heard how good you are in bed”

And it’s true, Hazel was amazing in bed and she has had her fair share of hookups, but usually she knows about them before.

"Rebecca, I... I really don't think this is a good idea," Hazel insists, her voice shaky as she gently tries to push Rebecca away. "I'm not interested in anything like that right now."

“shhh” Rebecca whispers out as she slams her lips against Hazels and suddenly everything seems too much, Rebecca’s lips are wet, the lights are too bright, the AC is too loud. Panic grips her as she struggles to push Rebecca away, her thoughts a jumble of fear and confusion.

"Stop," Hazel manages to choke out, her voice barely audible over the rush of blood in her ears. She pushes against Rebecca's chest with all her strength, her heart pounding with urgency.

Rebecca pulls back, frustration evident on her face. "What's wrong?" she demands, her voice tinged with irritation.

Hazel's chest heaves as she tries to catch her breath, her mind reeling with a flood of emotions. "I... I told you to stop," she says, her voice trembling

Rebecca's expression darkens, her features contorted with anger as she takes a step forward. "You're just playing hard to get,"

Hazel manages to push Rebecca off her lap and quickly stands up, putting some distance between them.

"I think it's best if you leave," she says firmly, her voice trembling slightly with the effort to maintain composure.

With a frustrated huff, Rebecca storms out of the room, leaving Hazel alone with her racing thoughts and pounding heart. As she sinks onto the bed she grabs her phone with shakey hands and presses your contact then the call button.

“Hey what’s up” your voice bellows out from Hazels phone

“Hey i don’t know what-“

“HAHA JK this is my voice mail, leave a message or don’t i don’t care” your voice interrupts and Hazel can’t help the tears that fall down her face

“Hey..i don’t know if you’ll see this but Rebecca was here and i thought we were just friends, i mean i know i kissed her but i was drunk and..anyways we were talking and-“ Hazels voice cracks “-and she climbed on me and i told her to get off but she didn’t and- and she kissed me and maybe it’s my fault but..i don’t know what the point of calling you is because i’m pretty sure you hate me. I dunno, i just needed to tell someone.”

She presses the hang up button and brings her knees to her chest letting out a sob. How could she have been so stupid? Flash backs of when her dad would buy her these new suits and buttons up because he knew you hated dresses, but then make her get dressed in front of him flashed back into her mind.

Despite her best efforts to push those memories aside, they continue to haunt her, casting a shadow over her as she cries herself eventually to sleep.

———————————

it’s not until two days later that you see the voice mail, you’re sitting in your biology class with your airpod in when you click the play button.

“What the fuck?!” you blurt out when it finishes and suddenly all eyes are on you.

You smile sheepishly as you gather all of your belongings and rush out of the classroom calling P.J

after three rings she answers with a “I’m talking to this really hot chick so this better be important”

“You remember when we said that we weren’t going to kill anyone anymore”

P.J hums “well YOU ALL said that, i never actually agreed to it”

“Yeah well…it’s time for some killing..or at least seriously maiming”

as you explained the situation to P.J, the last thing she said before she hung up was

“let’s go kick some leprechaun ass”

————————————

Okay so YOU didn’t kick some leprechaun ass, P.J insisted she could take Rebecca herself and you assuming it went well because as you were driving (well over the speed limit) to Hazels house you receive a message from P.J saying “i’m like 75% sure she’s still alive, anyways if police come questioning you, say a rabid bear attacked her”

You chose not to question her further.

You get to Hazels house and you take a deep breath, you’ve never been good at comforting people, usually you just pat their back and give them water. You assume that probably won’t work for this situation .

Taking a deep breath, you exit your car and make your way to Hazel's apartment. Each step feels heavier than the last, the weight of the situation bearing down on you with each passing moment.

you knock on the door three times fast, two slow, that was your signature knock for her since middle school. As the door swings open, you're greeted by the sight of Hazel, her eyes red-rimmed from tears. Without a word, you pull her into a tight embrace, holding her close.

“y-you came-“ Hazel mutters out as you pull away and she wipes her eyes

“yeah of course haze, im sorry i didn’t see the voice mail till today”

Hazel nods, her expression grateful as she steps back, allowing you to enter her apartment. As you settle into the living room, Hazel gestures for you to take a seat on the couch beside her. You can sense her hesitancy, so you squeeze her hand and softly smile.

“you can talk to me about whatever, you know that right haze?”

Hazel meets your gaze, her eyes reflecting a mixture of emotions—vulnerability, fear, and a glimmer of hope. With a shaky breath, she begins to recount the events of that night, pouring out her heart and soul to you.

And all you saw was fucking red. How the fuck could someone do this to her Hazel, her sweet, beautiful, funny Hazel?

Your heart pounds in your chest as Hazel's words sink in, each one feeling like a blow to your own sense of justice. Anger simmers beneath the surface as you listen to the betrayal she endured, your grip on her hand tightening instinctively.

Taking a deep breath to steady yourself, you meet Hazel's gaze with determination burning in your eyes. "Hazel, I am so sorry that you had to go through that," you say, your voice firm but gentle. "But I promise you, we will get through this together. I won't let anyone hurt you like that again."

Hazel coughs out a laugh and looks at you with wet eyes “That’s supposed to be my line”

You smile softly at her response, a flicker of warmth spreading through your chest. "Well, consider it borrowed for now," you say, returning her gaze with sincerity. "Because I mean every word of it. I'm here for you, Hazel, no matter what."

In that moment, as you sit together in quiet solidarity, you know that your bond with Hazel runs deeper than words can express. And with that unspoken understanding, you both find solace in each other's presence.