#.... how many serieses are you watching at once???

[cooledtured]

Why Pokemon But Not Digimon?

The 2000s were the beginning of the West being introduced to anime. We ended up getting many of the big names that still are talked about today such as Dragon Ball, Yu-Gi-Oh and Pokemon. However, one series that isn’t talked about nearly as much that was also introduced around this time is Digimon. Sure there’s still fans of the series around, however, it’s nowhere near as popular here as the others. This is especially strange considering that Pokemon, a series similar to Digimon, is even more popular than ever here.

Pokemon and Digimon share a few things in common. They’re both serieses about kids using monsters to fight other monsters with power to evolve said monsters to make them stronger. However, once you delve a bit deeper you realize that these two shows couldn’t be more different. For one thing Pokemon is centered around a more creature capture aspect to it with characters usually having more than one partner at a time. Digimon on the other hand - aside from one season - focuses more on the bonds between pairs and thus characters will only ever have one partner. Then there’s the fact that characters in Pokemon are usually only fighting other trainers while in Digimon it’s wild Digimon they’re fighting.

Even with these differences though, it still doesn’t explain the difference in popularity. That’s why I believe it boils down to two factors. The first is the fact that Pokemon was more ‘relatable’. In Digimon these kids weren’t your ordinary kids; they were the Digidestined. These kids were the chosen ones who were said to be the ones to save the Digital World from danger. Ash Ketchum, however, isn't some chosen one, he’s just your ordinary kid. Sure he’s done some pretty incredible things, but technically speaking any kid in that world would be capable of doing the same. In other words, any kid watching at home could step into that world be as good of or even better of a pokemon trainer than Ash was without needing to be some chosen one. This ability to basically place yourself in that world so easily was just one of Pokemon’s appeals.

What really helped Pokemon and hurt Digimon though were their games. If you ask any Pokemon or Digimon fan what the best game in their respective series is, they’ll always have different answers. In the case of Pokemon the reason is because there have been so many great games it’s hard to narrow it down to just one. Digimon fans struggle though because of how different the quality of their games are. While there are good Digimon games, there aren’t a lot that have created as big of an impact as Pokemon. As a result fans of the franchise have at times felt burned because of them. And if old fans feel this way, how does the franchise have any chance of gaining new fans?

In terms of show quality I’d say that Digimon is just as good and has even surpassed Pokemon at times. But that’s unfortunately not enough to build up a franchise. While relatability was definitely part of it, I truly feel that had the games been better Digimon could be just as popular in the West. However, it’s instead a series that’s gotten to the point where people aren’t even aware that a new season came out.

Logan Floyd-Mcgee | Writer POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST cooledtured.com |  GROW YOUR COLLECTION

[transienturl]

I have watched/listened to, I dunno, a small to moderate amount of actual play tabletop campaign series... serieses? What is the plural of series?

Okay, before we get distracted: while I do so, I'm constantly thinking about what I would and wouldn't want to emulate from them if I were a player or GM in my own campaign. I have a couple of mostly-unrelated thoughts on this topic:

I actually have no idea how close these things are to a typical home tabletop roleplay game; I have been in... a little bit of one... once? Doesn't seem like a big enough sample size. Obviously, it's clear to me that there's a big difference between the ones where there's a set output format and in some sense it's heavily preplanned/"scripted" (live stage shows with a time limit; shows with elaborate physical props like dimension 20) and, you know, the shows that don't have those, but I'm sure there are much more subtle things that you do only when you're recording something for an audience that I wouldn't easily pick up on.

Even though the amounts of each roleplay group I've experienced besides the one I've watched hours of are like [two episodes, four episodes, about 10 minutes, one season], it's really obvious that everyone's strengths and weaknesses are different, to the extent that "actual play D&D" really doesn't fundamentally describe the same thing. Some groups seem, besides the DM, actively bad at the D&D part itself and the "rules" are more of an inspiration source for some professional-tier storytellers/roleplayers who are really using that skill. Contrast, I guess, with critical role, who seem to more actively be playing the game itself (neither of which is better or worse, obviously; it's just different).

My biggest pet peeve, that I'm really curious about the prevalence of, is when the GM presents the players with a problem, multiple players come up with ways to solve it that don't really engage with each other, that's kind of the end of the thought, and they say "okay each of our characters does their plan" and they all roll separately. I dunno, like... I guess when you say it that way it sounds fine. But it doesn't lend itself to, I guess, stuff like narrative drama? I thought I had a better way to describe this in my head. But, I guess, coming up with a plan that involves everyone's idea makes the successes or failures dictated by the device create a coherent narrative that everyone can contribute narrative ideas to, while everyone splitting up to (let's say) sneak into an area and one person getting caught usually just leads to the invalidation of the potential storylines of all of the other potentially clever ways to get past the challenge.

Related to that, and more generally: I like to think I would run tabletop in a very specific way: that of "the best, most compelling story is the one we're trying to create." For example, I would actively want my GM to decide how many wolves are around the corner based partially on the current state of the party, not necessarily because they wrote that down beforehand. To me, that's not a betrayal of the system we decided wherein the better my character is built the more successful they are! I would want to play tabletop more as a collaborative writing exercise than as a video game, I guess. I find "clever ways to skip boss encounters" actively annoying unless the clever way is cool, and makes a cool story, and feels good, which it often does but often doesn't! If not, it's just wasted story potential, wasted emotion potential really. The goal is to feel something. I'm not saying de-weight the dice, to be clear; the dice are also a way to feel something! I'm saying, engineer the scenario so each time you roll the dice, you have the maximum chance of feeling something because of it.

Yeah, I think about this a lot for someone who will likely not experience these things any time soon.

(If you're looking for recs: I don't think Oxventure is the sort I'd do a specific rec for since a lot of the draw is enjoying the people and just how they interact, but I do really like all of them and have watched it by far the most; the early bits of TAZ I've listened to give me similar vibes but I hear the worldbuilding gets pretty good later; I don't like how crit role does combat descriptions and I don't have the time to commit to understand the melodrama so I passed on it; I haven't gotten into friends at the table but I bet I would find them the most compelling if I did; their creative abilities seem off-the-charts but I have trouble parsing the voices...

...and I watched the first dimension 20 season and that one does get a straight up recommendation, because wow they are good at what they do; I would say the high-energy style is not actually my style but if you're gonna do that they do it in a way that I bet almost no one can

Still looking for a show that feels like, "oh, this is me." Not actively looking, but.).

[thisbluespirit]

#Treasure island#Robert Louis Stevenson#classic tv#1977#John Lucarotti#Michael E. Briant#alfred burke#Jack Watson#Anthony Bate#patrick troughton#David Collings#Ashley Knight#Jo Kendall#Terry Scully#Christopher Burgess#Stephen Greif#Talfryn Thomas#Roy Boyd#Ena Cabayo#John Baskcomb#William Abney#Max Faulkner#Linal Haft#Clive Wood#Q: what is the definition of an embarrassment of riches? A: the cast of Treasure Island (1977). You know you've got a hell of a cast when#Patrick Troughton himself is reduced to background work (although I'm confident he'll come into it more‚ he's playing Israel Hands)#Alfred Burke was‚ naturally‚ my main reason for getting hold of this. It's been delight upon delight however to see so many iconic faces#From classic TV; the Beeb really weren't messing around with this one. It's hard to pick an mvp from such a cast but I gotta say David#Collings absolutely smashes it as a terrifyingly otherworldly Blind Pew. Im sure I'd have been quite terrified if I'd seen this as a nipper#A leisurely start to the story (I always forget how long it takes them to actually get on a boat) but I've high hopes indeed for the rest 

\o/ Someone sent me this pre-DVD release (I have some very excellent LJ/DW flisters!), and it was good fun.  Although it must have been longer ago now than I thought, because I recognise almost none of these shots.

Treasure Island: Part One (1.1, BBC, 1977)

"You know what this is, Jim?"

"Yes, Captain, a four penny piece."

"It's yours, Jim, and more like it - if you do a small service for me."

"Yes Captain?"

"All you've got to do is to keep a weather-eye open for a seafaring man with one leg, d'you hear?"

"A sailor with one leg?"

"That's right, Jim. And should you see him or any other rogues that don't belong these shores, you press your sails to tell me, no matter where I am."

[eeunoia]

ENHYPEN Mini Series

E N H Y P E N as Campus Heart-throbs

pairings: jake sim x reader

summary: being one of the popular students in your school, a lot of eyes were always in your group. people adores you and you were surrounded by love. but when an unexpected turn of events happened, suddenly you realized who’s gonna stay beside you no matter what.

warnings: i think this will be the first time i’ll put a warning in this series but here ya go, this might contain some situations that are not so good. may involve disturbing matter such as ‘scandal’ so just be aware. I just want to remind all of you that this is pure fictional and all came from my mind. I don’t intentionally want to hurt or offend anyone by this blog, it’s just an imagine.

word count: 6.3k

note📎: I don’t know if this will be sensitive matter but we all have different opinions. This may be not sensitive to some but is sensitive to others. So to be fair, I am telling you ahead that this is fictional. I actually tried to pour some emotions here. It took me awhile to finish this and even had a hard time thinking of how to finish it. Jungwon, Heeseung and Jay received so much love! i hope you guys liked it! it really means a lot to me whenever you let me know what you think about them, re-blogs and comments are well appreciated. btw, i love you guys and thank you for reading my works. have a nice day/night! 🤍

tag list: @jakeysim @kpoppinandlockin @en-sun @f1iore @dilfhwa​ @rubyanne​ @enhappy

​© 2021 eeunoia — all rights reserved

Jake Sim

Class - 3 - A - “The Campus Angel”

Being one of the most beautiful girls in your campus sure is overwhelming. Students always admires you and usually looks up to you. It wasn't really a big deal, since you were used to it already.

To be able to hang out in a group full of students that are popular in your school was a great privilege. Eyes always follows you around and students loves you.

One afternoon during your break time, you joined the laughter of your friends as your boyfriend wrapped his arms around your shoulder. Jake's eyes darted over it and he clenched his jaw before looking away from the two of you.

"You sound stupid!" your boyfriend told the friend that was talking about something that just made you laugh a while ago.

The group once again burst laughing at his rude remarks. Your brows furrowed as you gently tapped his chest to stop him from being rude. He looked over at you with confusion as he shrugged his shoulder off.

You did like your boyfriend. I mean, the students around you always thought you two were a great couple. He's a basketball player, girls admires him and he's good looking too. But you just don't like how he's so rude most of the times. You've already told him about it and he also assured you many times that he'll change it but up until now, he's still like that.

Your eyes suddenly darted to someone when a coat rested over your thigh. With a confused look, you turned your head over to Jake who's now throwing the trash your group just made.

Jake saw you looking at him so he quickly showed you his charming smile. "Your thighs are showing." he said even used his chin to point you where his coat is.

You blushed and your heart suddenly felt warm because of his small gesture. You tried so hard not to make it such of a big deal because Jake's your friend. He's naturally caring and a gentlemen so it was just normal. He's not called the Campus Angel just for nothing.

Your boyfriend clenched his jaw as he sharply glared towards Jake's direction. The group now felt the heavy atmosphere between the two so they slowly quiet down.

"That's so caring of you, Jake. But you do know she have a boyfriend beside her, right?" your boyfriend rudely fired at him. You turned to face him and held his arm to stop him from arguing with Jake. Your friends were silently watching them. Some rolled their eyes and tried to just mind other things, it's like a normal scene for them.

Jake smiled at your boyfriend, "Of course! I was just helping y/n." you don't know if he's sincere or he's teasing but since its Jake, you're pretty sure he really mean what he just said.

"Hey, stop it." you stopped your boyfriend even before he can say something again to Jake. He looked at you before he shoot another glare towards Jake then he smiled.

"Alright, babe." that actually made you feel at ease. You're afraid that both of them will argue once again. These past few weeks, those two often get into each other's nerves and mostly because of you. You kind of feel bad to Jake because you're sure he's just naturally caring and your boyfriend always misunderstand it. You were completely clueless of how he feels towards you so you don't know anything.

Your boyfriend then took off his coat and pulled off Jake's from your thigh. He used his coat to cover you instead as he tossed Jake's over to him. He managed to catch it easily as he stared at your boyfriend’s that’s now covering your legs. Soon his eyes trailed over how his arms were wrapped around your shoulder. He looked at it with dead look and tried hard to contain his thoughts to himself.

"Calm down, Jake." his head snapped over his left only to see one of his friend. Heeseung got this smirk over his face. He was part of their group of friends and he's very aware of how Jake feels towards you.

Jake let out a chuckle, now finding it funny that he’s losing off his cool just because of a coat. You, then looked at him with apologetic eyes. You mouthed sorry to him and he quickly nodded his head then smiled at you. Of course it’s okay, it isn’t your fault that your boyfriend is an asshole.

“You guys coming or not?” (name), one of the girls in your group asked as she brushed through her long bleached hair.

The other cheered in excitement and quickly answered with a yes while you, shake your head 'no'. Your boyfriend looked at you with disbelief as he tilted his head a bit.

“Babe, come on.” this was the thing you guys were arguing about before the last subject started.

You looked straight to his eyes, “I already told you, I have to study.” your decision was firm and your boyfriend knows that once you made up your mind, it’s impossible to change it.

He clenched his jaw as he shook his head in disappointment. “Yeah, alright. Go on and choose those books over me.” his voice sounded so mad but that didn’t change your mind.

As he stepped backwards he still kept his eyes over at you, “I hope they can give you a ride home.” and after that, he left you there in front of your school as he walked over at his car.

Your eyes grew big as you can’t believe what he just did. You were kind of used at how immature he was but you never thought he can actually do this to you. He picked you up at your house so you didn’t have your car with you. And now, you’ll have to ride the bus. Great.

“You coming, Jake?” (name), another one from your group asked the boy a few meters away from you.

He was silently watching the scenario between you and your boyfriend and been trying hard to stop himself from punching him right at that moment.

He smiled over to the girl and you didn’t listen to it anymore. You bid goodbyes to some of your remaining friends then started walking towards the bus stop. It will surely be packed up with so much people so if you want to get home early, you need to move now.

“Y/n! Wait up.” you halted from your tracks and turned around only to see Jake running after you.

Your brows furrowed in confusion as you tried to look back where you left your friends at. (name) was now getting into (name)’s car as her eyes darted sharply over at Jake and you.

“Jake? What’s up?” with surprise and a little bit confusion, you looked at him waiting for his response.

He smiled brightly, “Do you want a ride home?”

“Huh? But I’m not coming. I’m going straight home--” he didn’t even let you finish as he gently took your things from you.

“I’m not going too. I’m going straight home as well.” he smiled at you. You suddenly feel delighted because of what you heard. You hated going into a public transport since it’s very hassle.

“Really? Great! You’re my savior.” nobody can count how many times did Jake just saved you from moments like this.

Jake and you had been friends ever since you guys were eight. He’d been a good friend and always had been by your side ready to help you with anything. You were obviously grateful for him.

“Let’s go.” and even guided you where he parked his car.

You smiled over to the students who greeted you a good morning while you were busy getting some stuff from your locker. It was still early but you decided to go to school earlier.

When you were about to close your locker, a hand suddenly smashed it close that startled everything in you. As you turn your head to glare at whoever it was, you found your boyfriend looking so mad beside you.

“What is your problem now?” you rolled your eyes at him and turned your heels. You started walking away from him that pissed him off even more.

“Who gave you a ride to school, y/n?” he straight up asked you with a little hint of accusing tone.

Actually, the person who gave you a ride to school was you. You take your car with you since you remembered that you’re mad at your boyfriend and since he’s immature, he’s probably mad as well. That means, he won’t give you a ride home again. You can’t manage to ask Jake for a ride because it’s Thursday and he have soccer practice.

You raised an eyebrow at your annoying boyfriend, “I drove myself here.” he looked like he calmed a little bit by what he heard but he still looked mad.

Without even waiting for what he’s gonna say next, you headed your way to your classroom and he expectedly followed behind you. Of course, eyes were watching. It was normal and actually part of your daily life. It’s like your life is a drama and they serve as the people who watches it.

Even before you can make it inside, a hand gradually grabbed your wrist and made you turn around. It was your boyfriend.

“Heard Jake took you home yesterday.” he sounded so sarcastic and angry.

With a grimace you stared right into his eyes, “Yeah, he did. And so what?” you crossed your arms after you broke free from his hold. There’s no point in running away from this topic. He’ll just keep on bugging you out until you give him what he wants.

His hand brushes through his hair whilst his tongue pushed at the side of his cheeks. He looked really pissed right now but you’re mad as well. How can he act mad when he’s the one who left you yesterday?

“You know I don’t like it whenever you’re getting too close to him.”

You rolled your eyes, “We’re already close even before you became my boyfriend and besides, who left me yesterday?” he clenched his jaw right after you muttered those words to him. He didn’t respond and just listen, maybe feeling a little guilty since it’s really partly his fault too.

“Can’t you just be thankful that your girlfriend got home safe yesterday even if you left her?”

This time you saw how his eyes soften and his forehead looked at ease. He bit his lower lip, “Okay, I'm sorry. That was an asshole move.” he extended his hand over at you.

Still not feeling so satisfied and okay for how he asked forgiveness, you decided to just let it slide for now. After glancing once over to his hand, you reached out for it and he quickly pulled you into a hug.

He dropped a kiss over at your temple but your brows furrow when the same feeling you used to feel whenever he’s doing this sort of things was not there anymore. It was plain. There was nothing.

Your eyes unconsciously roamed around and it landed over to Jake’s, who’s eyes were fiery looking at the two of you. Unknowingly, your heart skipped a bit. You were about to wave your hand but he just went inside the classroom. Feeling a bit weirded out since he never do that before. He always smiles at you.

Weeks passed by and everything’s going well except from the frequent petty fights between your boyfriend and Jake. They often fight and so did the two of you. He always makes a big deal of Jake’s actions towards you. You kept on telling him that he’s wrong and that he’s just misunderstanding everything so he should really stop confronting Jake about it.

But one day, while you were busy in one of the meetings of the club you were in, a student came rushing inside the club room that made all of you jumped in surprise.

“Jake and your boyfriend are fighting at the soccer field.” without wasting any time you stood up to go and stop the two of them.

The moment you arrived, as expected, the soccer field was surrounded by a lot of students. But your eyes was quick the find the two boys who’s all over each other. Jake was at the ground while your boyfriend was throwing punches over at him. He’s lower lip was bleeding already and his nose have bruises too.

“(boyfriend’s name)! Stop that!” you were hysterical. They both snapped their heads towards you and you saw your boyfriend’s bloodshot eyes darted over at you.

His fist was halted in mid-air as he was interrupted by you. Jake was at the ground looking over at you, his face was full of bruises and you felt so bad.

“Get off from Jake now!” your boyfriend’s face looked disappointed as he clenched his jaw at you. He was about to punch Jake once again but thankfully somebody grabbed his wrist to stop him.

It was Jay. Jake’s friend from Class 3 - B. His brows were furrowed at your boyfriend. You were grateful that he stopped your boyfriend but you’re also worried because Jay is known for his bad boy image. You’re afraid that he might just punch your boyfriend.

“That’s enough.” he muttered with a low cold voice. He then pushed your boyfriend off from his friend and helped Jake get up.

As he gaze towards your direction, you felt chills ran down over your spine as you held your boyfriend’s arm. (boyfriend’s name) was silent, of course, it’s Park Jay. Nobody messes with him.

“Let’s go, (boyfriend’s name).” your head looked over to Heeseung who approached the two of you.

With brows furrowed you looked at him with confused look over your face. “W-Wait, why?” you can’t help but to worry for him. He is wrong for hurting Jake but he’s bruised too and he’s still your boyfriend.

“He cause all of these, y/n. I’m sorry but I need to take him to the disciplinary.” His eyes were blank and serious. Heeseung is nice, but when he’s like this, you can’t do anything but to just silently follow his orders.

“And Jake?” you looked over at his direction. His friends were around him asking him if he’s alright but his eyes were busy watching you.

“He’ll go after him.” he looked over at his friend as well. You nodded your head as your boyfriend followed Heeseung.

When they were far already, you decided to go and approach Jake. He was still surrounded by his friends so you felt a little shy but you thought it would be so rude to just leave without even saying sorry for what your boyfriend did.

Jake’s eyes were already looking at you. Even with bruises all over his face, he felt delighted to see you walking towards him with worried eyes. For the first time, you were there for him. Even though it’s not really it but it felt like you chose him.

“Next time you’ll get in a fight because of a girl, make sure you’ll win.” Jay muttered lowly, enough only for Jake to hear. Jake chuckled, “She’s walking towards me, I feel like I won already.” and he started meeting you in the middle.

Sunghoon and Jay watched as their friend approached you. Like Heeseung, they were aware of how he felt towards you. That’s why to hear that he’s caught up in a fight with your boyfriend didn’t surprised them at all.

“Y/n, he needs to go to the clinic so his wounds will be cleaned.” Sunghoon told you as he hang his bag over his shoulder.

You gave him a nod and they just decided to leave Jake under your supervision. They’re sure that’s what he wanted as well so they’re just being a good friend.

As you stare over at him, your heartbeats went crazy. You don’t know for what particular reason. Is it because you felt bad for him? Or maybe you feel embarrassed because of the mess your boyfriend once again created? Or maybe...

“Y/n? You okay?” Jake even leaned downward to meet your eyes. He looked so worried that made you confused.

With a hint of blush over your cheeks you tried to shove away the thought.

“Aren’t I supposed to be the one asking you that?” before you even stop yourself, your hand touched his face. Jake was taken aback by your gentle touch.

Feeling surprised of your action you were about to pull your hand away but Jake held the hand that was holding his face. He can hear his heart beating like crazy inside him. It was like he just ran miles. It was unexplainable. He felt happy, excited and surprised. Is this what your boyfriend get to experience having you as a girl? Damn he’s one lucky guy huh...

“J-Jake, we need to go to the clinic.” you were confused why your heart was reacting this way towards Jake. The feelings that you’ve been looking for with your boyfriend suddenly appeared as Jake held unto your hand. You must be getting out of your mind.

As you both arrived inside, he was quickly taken care by the school nurse. She was telling him about the things that he needs to do, this and that. You were just silent and didn’t listen at some point since your mind was still filled with mixed thoughts.

You were confused by your own feelings. You’ve never felt like these before that’s why you’re a bit weirded out.

“y/n...” you startled a little as Jake gently called out your name. He snickered a laugh as he finds it cute. You looked occupied that you didn’t even notice that his bruises were now treated.

“Huh?” you looked cute having a puzzled look over your face. He smiled in front of you as you felt your cheeks heated up out of embarrassment. You were spacing out too much.

You gulped trying to composed yourself once again, “Look, I’m sorry about (boyfriend’s name). I don’t know what got into him today. He’s been misunderstanding your actions lately.” you told him very sincere.

When you looked over Jake he’s just staring at you with that calm smile. He didn’t speak for a couple of seconds until you heard him let out a heavy sigh.

“He didn’t misunderstood my actions, y/n.” he said clearly as he slowly lowered his head while playing with his fingers.

You were dumbfounded the moment you heard what he just said. It wasn’t what you expected and now you’re heart is racing like crazy again. Butterflies were all over your stomach, it was a bit dreadful. You don’t know how to react.

“What...?” was the only response you can come up. With eyes both a little bit big out of surprised, you looked at him as he slowly raised his head to meet your eyes.

“I have feelings for you, y/n.” Jake said those while looking passionately into your eyes.

You don’t know what happened but after hearing those words you feel like you’ve been hit by something. Your head felt so light and you don’t know what to say.

Jake doesn’t know what to say too. He didn’t planned to admit his feelings at this situation. He feel like it’s bad timing but he also had a sudden urge of confessing. He thought he fucked up big time and won’t be surprised if you will start avoiding him.

He gulped trying to clear his throat in order not to stutter. He realized that there’s no turning back. He just confessed and he can’t just take it back. That would be rude and you might think he’s playing with your feelings.

“You don’t have to say anything. I just thought I should let you know.” he saw how you’re cheeks were so red and he restrained himself from hugging you since you looked so cute.

“I’m sorry I pissed off your boyfriend. He went here at the field telling me that I’ll never have you.”

Your brows furrowed as you listen at what he was saying. One thing’s for sure. Jake won’t tell a lie so you can definitely trust him.

“So he did approached you first. I’m sorry--”

“Yeah he came to see me but I’m the first one who threw punches.” he cuts you off and you quickly felt nervous when he stood up from his place then slowly walked closer to you.

“W-Wait... What do you--”

“The scene you’ve seen where he’s punching me furiously was because I just told your boyfriend I’ll steal you from him.” you’re now raising your head so you can see his eyes. Your heart thumped faster and louder the closer he gets to you.

It was beyond you can imagine. Everything you’ve been feeling right now is way more intense than what your boyfriend had made you feel. Jake’s making you crazy at the moment and you don’t know why but you don’t want to complain about it.

“This time, y/n, I don’t care about being the campus angel. I can grew horns just to get you so if you don’t want me, you have to run. Really fast, because I’m done holding back.” and to your surprise, Jake just dropped a very gentle kiss over the top of your head before he left you there dumbfounded.

Both Jake and your boyfriend had punishments so they were suspended. It's already been three days and you were thorn between. What Jake just told you bothers your whole system. Just then, you started remembering ll those moments that your boyfriend had been telling you. How come you were so ignorant that you didn’t notice?

All those times that he’d been looking at the two of you with piercing eyes. But the disturbing thing is why aren’t you feeling guilty that you didn’t believed your boyfriend? You feel chills ran down your spine just by thinking about Jake.

“You okay, y/n?” your head snaps beside you. To sasha.

You nodded your head as your other friends looked over your side. Heeseung and Sunghoon got this look that tells you that they know something. Your cheeks heated up right away and you quickly glanced away.

“Your face is so red. Are you sure you’re okay?” Sasha asked. Not sure if she’s really worried or what, because you aren’t really close. They just started hanging out with you because you’re b/n’s girl.

“U-Uh yeah.” and you started eyeing your food, not really having the appetite to eat.

“Leave her alone. Maybe she just remembered something.” you snapped your head over at Heeseung and he’s smirking while eating his food.

Sasha and the other girls furrow their brows in wonder what he’s talking about. Sunghoon smirked as well and silently continued eating.

“What? What did you remember?”

You blinked twice and was about to talk but somebody interrupted you.

“Let’s just eat quietly.” Sunghoon just saved you from being in the hot seat because the girls just spared you.

You entered the Journalism club room when Heeseung just asked you to go here. You were clueless why but you did what he just told because maybe he needed help for his club or something.

“Heeseung-ah?” you entered and roamed your eyes inside the vacant room. Nobody’s inside so you were a bit confused.

Then Heeseung suddenly went out of the storage room that surprised you a little. He gave you a small smile before he sighed heavily.

“I swear, this will be the first and last time I’ll do this.” you were once again confused by what he just said.

You just realized what he’s talking about when Jake suddenly appeared behind him. He got this smile of him while one of his hand ran over his hair as the other one was inside his pocket.

“Thanks hyung, I owe you.” he tapped his shoulder as Heeseung decided to give you two space to talk. He left the room and you quickly felt your heart beating so fast.

“Hey,” his voice sounded so soft as he held your hand a bit hesitating. He’s afraid you’ll shove away his hand but gladly you didn’t.

Your eyes were silently darted over both of your hands. You watch as he silently rub his thumb over your palm. You bit your lower lip once as that felt so warm and comforting. Both of your eyes started to heat up because of the situation.

“I’m sorry that I made you come here. I just missed you so much. I can’t see you for days because I was suspended.” you gave him a small nod not really know how to respond to him.

“Hey, are you okay?” Jake raised his hand and cupped your face. Slowly, he lifted up your head so he can see your eyes. Both of his brows furrow in worry when he saw pool of tears over your eyes.

“I’m sorry, Jake. I can’t accept your feelings.” to say that it was painful was understatement. Jake somehow expected that but why does it still hurt him so much?

But instead of showing you that he’s in pain, he smiled at you trying to shrug off what he just felt. It was kind of his fault because he confess while you’re still in a relationship.

“It’s okay.” it wasn’t. Jake know it's not okay, that he’s not okay. But he can’t be selfish and force you to something you don’t like.

You shut your eyes and tears ran down your face. Without saying anything anymore, you left him there. Alone and rejected.

Jake was silent inside the room. His thoughts were blank as his chest gets painful and painful.

But he's wondering why you're like that? He knew you were sorry but is it necessary to cry? It seems like you were in pain too as you say those words at him.

If you don’t want him, why are you crying then?

You tried to calm yourself down as you go through the quiet hallways of your school. Students left hours ago already so you are pretty sure that nobody will see you here.

You rested your back at a wall when you felt your knees weaken up. You need to stop to prevent yourself from collapsing. Your chest was tightening making it a bit more harder to breath.

Before you can even go here, you already had a talk with your boyfriend. Lately, you’re thoughts about Jake didn’t left your mind even once. It made you realize that you liked him as well.

Despite of feeling nervous and afraid, you decided to tell it to your boyfriend. You wanted to be fair to him and if ever, still keep your friendship after all these. But he’s thinking a different thing.

He have no plans of letting you go. Of course he got mad the moment he heard about it. You stopped him from going to Jake but that also caused you your very own freedom. He told you that he’ll stop bothering Jake only if you remain dating him.

You refused because you told him that you’re being unfair and that will just hurt him more. But he was consistent and was really determine on not letting you go. He started threatening you that he’ll ruin your image in the school.

You don’t have any idea of how he will do that but you still got afraid. You know him and if he said it, he’ll really do it. There’s also been past cases of him making students expelled in your school with false rumor. That’s one thing he stopped doing after dating you.

You’re afraid he’ll do something that can make you expelled. You can’t afford that to happen specially when you only have another year to finish high-school.

Even when you’re hurting, you decided to just let go of Jake and whatever you two could have. Maybe it’s just really not meant to be. Besides, you can’t cause any trouble for Jake as well.

“Hi, Jake!” yuna greeted Jake who just arrived. You on the other hand kept your eyes over at your notebook and kept answering them.

Things went back to normal days after the punishment of the two. It was almost like nothing happened, except from b/n and Jake not talking to each other and you avoiding Jake. Jake’s also avoiding you and you noticed that lately he’s been close to Yuna.

It's painful to watch him do things that he did only for you before. To see him give her gentle smiles was unbearable.

When the third week of ignoring Jake came, you were slowly losing it. You seriously can’t take it anymore. To see him always together with Yuna was really dreadful. You can’t even stand looking at them. And the relationship with your boyfriend just gets more unhappy.

So one day, you made up your mind and talked to your boyfriend.

“I don’t want to do this anymore, b/n.” your eyes were already filled with tears but you made sure he can see that your decision was firm.

You saw how his smile fell and his eyes starred at you in dismay. Eyes filled with rage he clenched his jaw.

“You know what will happen if you leave me, y/n.” he threaten you with the familiar lines.

You gulped balling up your fist as you shut your eyes. The image of Jake smiling suddenly flashed inside your mind and gave you some courage to do what you’ve been planning to do for weeks now.

“I know. But I don’t care now. I’m in love with Jake.” you opened your eyes to meet his that contain nothing but anger.

You gulped, “We’re done now, b/n.”

With that you turn your heels and started walking away from him. He even shouted one last sentence for you.

“You’ll regret this!”

You woke up the next day with a heavy feeling inside your chest. You dressed up for school with nothing inside your mind. You're blank and you don’t know what to feel exactly.

As you arrived the school, you noticed  the odd way the students looks at you. Their eyes will stare at you from head to toe then they’ll whisper something to the person beside them. Then they’ll laugh like something's funny was just delivered.

When you arrived near your building, your world almost felt like it stopped when you saw a couple of photos of your face printed and sticked unto the bulletin board.

It was two photos that was collaged inside one frame. The one was your photo during a phone call, you’re smiling. The other one was not familiar at you but the written words beside it was just enough to make you cry.

‘I am y/n and i sent my nude to other people.’

Even if it was a nude photo that was obviously doesn’t belong to you, it made you feel dreadful. With anxious eyes, you looked around only to see students talking about you. You felt humiliated even if you knew very well that it wasn’t yours.

“y/n..” your head snapped over to the side as you heard sasha’s name. You felt relieved to see your friend approach you.

But that faded when she suddenly looked at you with judgement all over her face. She crossed her arms at you.

“I can’t believe I’m friends with someone like you. You cheated over b/n and even sent nudes to other dudes?” she continuously accused you.

You were about to say something but your eyes trailed over to the people behind her. There stand Jake, he’s looking straightly at you and his eyes looked dead and blank. Your heart sank. To know that he probably thinks of you like that as well, hurts you the most.

Without defending yourself, you decided to leave. You ran as fast as you could and even tripped over something then fell over.

Nobody dared to help you but instead they laughed. It was the worst day for you. You never imagined that this will happen to you.

“Sasha! You can’t do this to me!” you cried at her when she started throwing your things outside of your shared apartment.

She glared at you not really minding that your now starting to get drenched by rain. “I don’t want to be in a same roof with someone like you!” she told you with rage and kept throwing your things outside.

You cried trying to collect your now wet things. People who’s passing by were eyeing you, probably thinking you’re crazy.

Sniffing and nervous at the same time, your feet unconsciously took you to a place that you didn’t expect to go to at this state.

In front of you was Jake’s house. You gulped and your hand raised to ring the doorbell. After one try, the door opened right away.

Jake's on the phone when he opened it for you. With eyes pull of tears you starred over at him. Jake looked surprised and relieved when he set eyes over at you.

Even before you can say something, he pulled you over to a warm hug. Feeling so alone and desperate, you burst out crying.

“Jake...” you started.

“I know it’s not you baby. Where were you? I looked everywhere for you and you’re not picking up my calls.” he stated.

You cried your hearts out inside his embrace. Jake tighten his embrace as he realized you might feel so bad right now. His mind went blank the moment he saw the pictures. He knew it wasn’t you so his mind was quickly clouded with rage. He’s mad to whoever did that to you. He only went back to his senses when he saw you running away.

He ripped off the photos and once again threw punches over your ex boyfriend.

“Shh, I’m here now.” he whispered sincerely at you. Your whimpered became softer but your hugs tighten. Having him here beside you just means a lot to you.

You felt everybody just turned their backs over at you but that doesn’t matter now that you have Jake.

“I'm sorry this happened, love. I’m gonna work something out.” he continued whispering comforting things for you.

You sniffed now slowly feeling tired. Your body hurts and your head aches so much. Jake noticed your heavy breathing and that you’re hot.

As you lose consciousness, Jake carried you bridal style and dropped a kiss over at your forehead.

“I love you.”

“Where is she?” Heeseung asked the moment he entered Jake’s house.

"In my room, she’s sick.” Heeseung starred over Jake. This was the first time he saw him this serious and mad. He can’t blame him tho, to see that the girl you value the most humiliated for something that she didn’t even do sure will get you mad.

“Who do you think did it?” Heeseung asked again.

Jake had someone inside his head but he’s too busy on thinking of solutions how to deal with the issue.

“It’s surely b/n.” sunghoon stated after being silent for a while.

Jake looked over at him. “Even if he’s an asshole, I don’t think he’ll do that to his girlfriend.” he said. He did punched your boyfriend but not because he thought he did that but because he didn’t stood up for you.

Sunghoon furrowed his brows. "you didn’t know? Y/n broke up with him the day before saying she’s done pretending. Y/n told him that she loves you.”

Jake mind was clouded once again. His heart warmed up but his anger just became more intense. Now, he also think it was him responsible for all of this.

“We’ll figure things out. For now, take care of her. I brought the things she left back at the apartment. Most of them were drenched but I think it can still be saved.” Heeseung told Jake. He nodded his head as the two boys left the house.

Jake went to his room only to find you crying once again. He panicked and quickly approached you.

"hey, what happened love?” he asked softly. Hearing his voice you snapped your head and quickly threw yourself at him.

“I had a nightmare Jake! They were hurting me.” you cried. Jake clenched his jaw feeling bad.

He pulled away from the hug for a while and wiped your tears off of your pretty face. To see you at this state hurts him so much.

“Shh, i’m here now. I won’t let anybody hurt you. I love you.” he said. You're still crying and shaking but you nodded your head completely trusting Jake.

“I love you too.” you said sincerely that made his heart jump in happiness.

He slowly leaned and connected your lips together. You two enjoyed the small intimate moment you shared.

“I don’t want to go to school anymore.”

Jake clenched his jaw as he brushed your hair away from your face. He starred at you for a while and leaned closer showering your face soft kisses assuring you that he’ll be right beside you no matter what.

“Okay, love. I’ll arrange things for you. From now on, you’ll only need me. I’ll be here for you.” for the first time today, you smiled a little as you thanked him.

Jake’s image of being the campus angel varied when he suddenly found out the culprit of spreading false rumors about you. He made sure he’ll pay for it and everyone else that was involve.

He made them expelled and made sure other good schools won’t accept them anymore. He cleared your issue and made everyone know that it was not true.

Months after, you finally decided to go back to school. Jake was always there for you. It was not easy for you at first but after days of realizing that it's okay, you slowly went back to normal.

You were a bit careful with choosing friends now but you don’t have to worry so much since Jake's always there for you.

“I love you, thank you for staying by my side.” you said smiling at him.

He smiled at you too and kissed you right at your lips after licking his lips once. “I’ll do anything for you, y/n. I love you.”

note📎: Okay, I just want to let you know that your mistakes doesn’t completely define you and that everyone deserves respect. This actually was based on some movie I’ve watched and whenever I think about the guy who protected and stood up to the girl, Jake pops out inside my head. Jake has protective vibes in him and I feel like he don’t judge people easily.

Sometimes, there are situations that made you realize who’s there for you no matter what, and make sure to keep those people. Have a nice day, ily. 🤍

main master-list

campus heart-throb master-list

[sonic-me-baby]

Why I didn’t like Loki Season 1

MAJOR SPOILERS FOR ALL EPISODES

With a series titled ‘Loki’, one would assume that we would get a deep dive into the character of Loki to better understand his motivations, traumas and backstory. Look at Wandavision - despite its failings it really told the story of Wanda and how she deals with her trauma WHILE advancing the plot. Falcon and Winter Soldier wasn’t as good but at least, we see how Falcon and Bucky deal with the aftermath and there is some growth.

I thought that Loki was on the right track in episode 1 when Loki watched himself die and reflect a little more on himself and ‘glorious purpose’. In fact, the whole set up with the TVA seemed like an amazing premise to allow Loki to rediscover himself and forge a new path for himself - an interesting prospect when we consider the tension between what he desires and the lack of free will in the TVA.

Unfortunately, what we got instead was 1 episode of Loki admitting he is a narcissist and has daddy issues, another where he comes out as bisexual before immediately falling for a female (and note, female instead of non binary which I find to be an odd choice) version of himself. The writers must think that this is such a good idea, he is such a narcissist the only person he can fall for is himself. Except, that doesn’t seem right to me, how quickly Loki’s character development shifts from admitting to being lonely and traumatised to falling incredibly quickly for himself. Even if this were the writer’s choice, it was poorly executed with so many ‘romance’ heavy scenes pushed in our faces (e.g Loki talking about ruling the universe together, giving Sylvie a blanket or the sexy eyes literally every moment he sees her) Why? It was not convincing at all that he fell for her mere hours after meeting her. Sylvie’s lukewarm reactions towards Loki makes this all the more unfounded. Even as an enemy to lovers trope this failed - where are the moments of real tension and the slow burn where they discover feelings for each other? My problem is that Sylvie and Loki are so much like each other that it isn’t the fertile land for this push and pull - in fact their differences (Sylvie wanting to destroy the TVA, Loki wanting ??) seems manufactured and unconvincing. What exactly draws them together? 

Aside from this very lengthy point, what disappointed me further was how the focus on Sylvie and Loki as a couple very much derailed and distracted from the actual plot in the last 3 episodes. On that note, the pacing made absolutely no sense. As a 6 hour movie sure, but to reveal the main villain in the last episode (whom we have no emotional or character driven connection to) and to drop a bomb that this whole series was basically made to open the multiverse made me feel cheated. So this series WASN’T about Loki it was about advancing the plot. Sure, the loose ends, edgy concept is bold but narratively, Marvel is going to leave fans just wondering about all the other characters without any epilogue or even cut scene? Like the previous serieses, the finale was a total letdown. 

Cinematographically, it looked like they just ran out of money - just Kang, Loki and Sylvie in a room talking for more than 30 minutes. How? So much exposition, it’s lazy writing in my opinion. They need to explain sure, but NOT in the final episode. I mean literally telling us about Kang’s experience of the multiverse war is an example of Telling not Showing, it adds no stakes to the plot. So, I’m supposed to listen to this guy talk and just automatically understand why he created the TVA? Especially coming from such an amazing episode with all the Lokis meeting each other and creating such an interesting world we have this?? No, absolutely not. Sylvie kissing Loki in the last 10 minutes just to backstab him after setting up that Loki was so in love with her the past 3 episodes? Absolutely not. Overall, my main issue is not so much that Sylvie and Loki start to ‘fall’ for each other, but rather, how quickly all character motivations and objectives become linked to this romance. 

Instead, I would argue that Loki as a character has not been fully and adequately developed as a character to be involved in ANY romantic relationship and I wonder why they included it. The whole story would have worked without the romantic undertones. Loki himself hasn’t grown enough as an individual to warrant whatever they put him through in this series. It just puzzles me that they chose to add romance at all. Not only was the Loki character unsatisfactorily developed at the end of the series, the other characters such as renslayer, mobius and even b-15 all lack adequate character growth. What happens after the ending? Why would you leave fans just waiting for more than a year to come back to this world. It really feels like they threw us in the water to drown.  I am most disappointed in renslayer - WHY is she so compliant to the TVA? Why does she do what she does? What is her internal drive and motivation? Mobius is slightly more developed but it seemed like they just threw the TVA characters away in the last episode. 

Finally, I think that the writers did Sylvie dirty. I do not understand why she was written this way - if you think about it no growth was achieved except that she killed kang and the multiverse. My problem with this is that it seems that her main purpose was plot - she is simply there to be romanced so she can betray loki and wreak havoc into the world. We needed to see more of her. You compare classic loki, he didn't have much screen time but narratively I understood, he has reached the end of his life and the touch of him finding his glorious purpose was so simple yet effective. With such a beautiful end for old Loki, it is so sad that our Loki once again ends up alone, yet again. 

Overall, I feel disappointed in the series because

1. Loki didn’t grow as a character, what we know about him now seems added in so that disney looks more LGBT+ friendly 

2. The dominance of Sylvie and Loki subplot which became a main plot and added nothing to the story

3. Horrible pacing

4. Inadequate development of characters

There are many things I loved about this series too such as the introduction of Loki variants (hella cool), the concept and design of the TVA and also multiverses! However, as a series titled ‘Loki’, it left much to be desired. Who and why Loki does what he does still doesn't make sense to me. Worse yet, the only lesson he learnt through this series is that no matter who gets close to him, Loki will still end up alone. 

[moonlights-inkwell]

Come On, Rip My Clothes Off

Modern! Jaskier x Reader

Word Count: 1635

Summary: When your boyfriend told you he was dropping out of university to start a band, you expected a lot of things. This was not one of them.

A/N: Really, I have no excuse for this one. It’s straight up some mindless smut, but like. Modern. It was a good enough distraction from the like... 3 unfinished serieses I have. Rip. It’s modern and junk, but I’m still seeing this reader as the same as the one in the rest of my fics. Enjoy the smut.

Title from Wild Blue Yonder

Warnings: Smut. Fingering. Slight dirty talk. Jokes about foot fetishes. Explicit mention of Jaskier having an exhibition kink.

When your boyfriend said he was dropping out of university to start a band you expected a few things. One was moving out of your flat to find a smaller one that would be easier to afford on one pay check. Another was to spend too many nights hanging about in dive bars to listen to him strum away at that guitar, listening to honeyed words and watching ringed fingers move over the frets at speeds while trying not to focus on the silly Bart Simpson sticker in the lower corner. The thing you expected the least, however, is exactly what's happening to you now: being fingered in the back of a tour bus.  

The tour bus itself you probably could have guessed. Jaskier is overwhelmingly talented, you knew he would do well with music, even if his stupid song about his weird best friend hadn't gone viral and ended up on Billboard's Hot 100. The fingering too was always on the cards, but the two together? No. You never would have assumed that was on the cards. It seemed too much like something from one of those tabloid magazines piled up by the self-checkout in any store, kinda fantastical and something that happens to other people, not you. You work in a bar between classes, and girls like you don’t have this happen to you, but it’s happening none the less. It’s dizzying, but not as dizzying as his fingers are.  

His fingers, stupidly talented fingers, are moving at such a lazy pace you could cry, alternating between crooking and scissoring the digits as if you both have all the time in the world. You guess you do. It was a good show, and his hand is moving at a pace that would make that clear even if you hadn’t been watching the whole thing. He takes his time after shows where everything goes as they should, still riding the high of screams of his name. Thrusting and spreading fingers, moving and searching for your g-spot, have you trying to cover your mouth, but he pulls your hand away with his free one to press sweet kisses to your palm. A jacket, gaudy and dyed a mint green with pins and badges along the lapels, is on the floor at your feet; it had served as a pathetic attempt to at least vaguely mask what is going on between the two of you while Geralt had been searching for his own jacket before going to meet his not-quite-girlfriend. He had figured out what had been going on, you suppose, seeing as he had made a sharpish exit after you had moaned but Jaskier had pushed his tongue into your mouth by that point, and maybe he just thought the two of you were very into kissing. It wouldn’t be the first time it had ever happened.

Performer that he is, Jaskier's got an exhibition kink a mile wide, one you know all too well.  

First year, when he was dorming with a prick called Valdo Marx, Jaskier made it his mission in life to make you cum until you screamed every time you had sex. Second year had seen you and him fucking in the untouched music theory section of the Oxenfurt library so often that you’re still surprised you weren’t caught. But those were different; you hadn’t given a shit about if Valdo Marx knew that Jaskier could make you cum six times in one night and knew there were no cameras in the dingy third floor corner that housed music books that no one ever came looking for. Here though? Here is something completely different. Even with the tour bus being empty you feel far too exposed.  

“God, Little Miss, you’re fuckin' soaked.” He sighs out, rubbing the heel of his palm into your clit leisurely. You are. Each ministration of his fingers has a soft moan coming from you. He’s grinning, ocean-eyes glittering at the sight of what he's doing to you, and you don’t know if you want to kiss or kill him. “You really must have liked the show.” You did, but that wasn’t the point. It wasn’t even the show you had enjoyed, not really, it was the sight of Jaskier strutting about on stage: glowing from the pure joy of performing, winking in your direction with every song, the gruff way his voice turned to a growl in songs about your sex life. He’s a god, an idiot and everything in-between, and you have absolutely no idea what the fuck you must have done in a past life to deserve him.  

“Fuck off, Julian.” Is all you can manage in response before another moan is torn from you, muffled by you biting your lip. You don’t need to be quiet, not now, all of his band mates and security have long since left the bus, but still you’re determined to be quiet.

Quiet infuriates him. He cannot stand the quiet, you think it’s the musician in him that just can’t let the quiet be, he spends so much time making noises with his hands- drawing beautiful sounds from every instrument he ever touches. Being silent is rebellion, to encourage him to try harder, so he does. A hand, soft but firm, pushes you onto your back- and when you glance to him, he’s smirking down at you, like how a dog eyes a steak before devouring it. The look would be enough to make a weaker woman worried, but you know it all too well, know those cornflower eyes and the path they always take from your own eyes to your tits and then down to your cunt, how to roaming of his eyes has his pupils growing wider and darker. Feral. Your thighs are pushed up without warning, pressed into your stomach while those clever fingers are tugging your jeans and panties down so he can see you fully. A gentle breeze passes across your soaked slit, which makes you shiver and Jaskier grin. The position is not the most comfortable in the world, but it’s worth it when you hear the weak moan that comes from the man leering over you; dazed and grinning at the sight of your soaked sex.  

“Melitele's tits, Dear Heart, you’re fucking beautiful.”  

“Flatterer.”  

“No, just a man with eyes.” He smiles and thrusts his fingers back into you, struggling to remove your jeans with one hand. “A man lucky enough to have you, Little Miss.”

He’s forgotten your shoes, the muttered curses he lets out when he gets your clothes down to your ankles makes it obvious and you laugh. Of course, he did. Of fucking course he forgot about your shoes. He’s been all over you from the moment he got off stage, but now he’s found an obstacle, and it was entirely because he didn’t give you a second to kick off your boots.  

The laughter dies on your tongue though when he slaps your thigh playfully. He’s trying to look indignant, but you can see the smile in his eyes even if it doesn’t quite reach his lips yet. It isn’t enough power to hurt, but it is enough to make you stop laughing and smile up at him.

“Are you laughing at me, Little Miss?”  

“I don’t know. Did you forget I had shoes on?”  

He flushes at that, gnawing at his bottom lip before thrusting a finger towards your face as fingers inside of you crook; drawing out a loud moan both from shock and pleasure.  

“Sorry I care more about making you cum than I do about you having shoes on. It would be weirder if I spent my time staring at your feet, don’t you think?”  

He’s right, but you just moan again and grab at his wrist. Crooking fingers finally hit that spot deep within you, your thighs shake and eyes roll back slightly.  

“There she is.” Jaskier coos, and you feel your boots be pulled from your feet, one by one, followed finally by your pants. “You close, Dear Heart?”  

“Yes...”  

“Oh I know, darling. I can feel you, you’re so fucking tight.” He leans over you and presses his lips to the crook of your neck. “Do you wish it was my cock, Little Miss? My cock just slamming into you while you grip me so fucking tight.” How his words are enough to have you teetering on the brink of oblivion is confusing but you can’t afford it any thought, no all you can do is chase his fingers with your hips, desperately trying to reach that perfect, blissful high. “I wish it was too, Dear Heart.”

“Jaskier-"  

“Or my mouth on you. You always did say I had a smart mouth. Could just lie down and let you just... use my mouth until you cum, so I can flip you over and make you cum, over. And over again.”  

His fingers slow slightly, but there's so much more power in the thrusts now, clearly trying to send you over the edge. He’s hitting your g-spot over, and over, unyielding and unwavering. You’re close. So close, just a little more is all you need. For him to just duck his head down, lather his tongue across your clit and show you how that little death feels once more but...

He stops.  

“Jaskier!” You almost shout at him, moving towards him only for him to grasp the back of your head and kiss you- bypassing any nicety to push his tongue into your mouth and tugging you onto his lap. Cold, rough denim drags across your naked sex, and you remember suddenly how naked you are in comparison to him.  

“I want you to cum on my tongue or on my cock.”  

It’s going to be a long night.  

[electronicdelusionstarlight]

Alright, let’s analyze it on a more specific prospective.

So, BNHA’s Society.

80% of the population have achieved superpower via birth. 20% is factually disabled in this society by lacking, again said superpowers, and face discrimination and mockery.

The Main Character belongs to this category of people, at least at first, and has been bullied and abused all his life over it, authority figures turning a blind eye to it.

Emblematic that one time he was mocked over it with the always charming phrase “Why don’t you go jump off the roof and kill yourself, maybe you’ll get a Quirk in your next life.”

So, oppressed minorities, ones that are so due to birth defects, and who are excluded by the workforce or a safe school environment due to their condition, in a eugenic society that rewards those who, by birth, have achieved the strongest Quirks, or have been given the opportunity to master them.

Let’s not focus on that.

I feel enough people have focused on how fucked that up is.

No, let’s focus instead on my sworn enemy.

Capitalism.

So, the BNHA world is a world filled with people with various degrees of superpower. This has lead to a time of strife back in the days, allowing the rise of satanic figure AFO and his messianic, Cain-like brother OFA, and shit like that.

By the time the series take place, in the 23rd-24th century, things have gotten back into a semblance of “Normality.”

By turning Superheroes into Cops.

The State, once they realize that powers are here to state, set up a system that heavily favours them.

1) You cannot use a superpower in public unless the state gives you a permit for it, under no circumstance. This especially applies to cases of self defense or defense of others. That’d be Vigilantism, and Vigilantism is a crime, as they specifically say during the Stain Arc, where both Midoryia and Todoroki, interns under two pro heroes, use their Quirks to protect two people and themselves from a serial killer. You CANNOT use your powers to save anyone or protect yourself unless the state allows you to do it. This means that you cannot protect yourself in case of a mugging, for starters, or in case someone were to, say, fight back against their r*pist by using their powers, they’d be judged guilty by the system for it.

2) This is SPECIFICALLY so the state, again, can get the MONOPOLY ON SUPER VIOLENCE. It’s the state who decides who gets to use their powers, and it’s the state who decide how they do it. This is enforced via a serieses of Military Academies, mostly private or state high school, specifically designed to mold 14 to 18 years old into future Soldiers for the Cause, military academies leading to a specific, high risk job which highly publicized among preteen and middle school kids with spots, cartoons, merchandise, everything to be sold to the kids so they get processed in those nice academies bigger than an entire city founded by so much government money that will then, in turn, allow their underage child soldiers to intern under one or more top hero during their years there, unpaid, and without adult supervision from the institute..

3) This leads us to the Capitalism. UA alone should, if Aizawa doesn’t snap and mass expels everyone in his class again, graduate 40+ heroes every year. this not counting eventual General Studies students switching courses, and all the other military academies out there. This creates a Market Oversaturation, forcing superheroes to work under a more experienced veteran as a sidekick to earn a living, and creates a competitive and toxic market. Because that’s what this is. Capitalism applied to superheroics. It’s heroes having to sell their images to products, to produce merchandise after merchandise and have it sell, to every day look at the popularity charts and BEG whatever deity out there that they did not get another dive, that they will have enough money to feed their family this month.

4) Agencies are forced to take either government jobs, or find other ways to finance themselves. An example is the agency Momo goes to for her first internship, more a joke than an actual commentary on society, (Because of course Momo gets treated as a joke), where she is conscripted into doing TV commercial by her pro hero. Another pro hero, Mt. Lady, instead uses her interns as slaves to do most if not all of her work for her. This makes superheroing a Business, as exemplified by the existence of a Business Class in UA, an highly competitive one of many corporations of heroes, where the “weaker” and “less interesting” ones are set aside, or outshined by other heroes.

5) This is an unsustainable and broken system. Heroism is seen as a gateway to fame and money, but also fucks you over pretty easily given the dangerous work conditions. Female Heroes have to be on point at all times in order not to fall in popularity, heroes have to have flashy quirks that easily catch the attention not to be reduced to underground ones, people must have safe, good powers, so not to accidentally kill anyone and be labeled a monster by society and her clear cut view of heroes and villains, but they must ALSO have a power so not to be met with Pity or Mockery for their existence, and to top it all off there is a dying maniac sprinting around the country on a limited time limit stealing everyone’s job trying to be the Symbol of Peace.

6) You can’t have a system of endless competition between everyone involved, and then have Goku go around, free of charge, and do most of the work for everyone. Had All Might been at his Full Might, he would have destroyed the superhero economy, already greatly flawed as it is, by doing everything he could to fuck it, without even realizing it. Because who the hell needs a very minimum of 40+ new heroes EVERY YEAR  in ONE COUNTRY when the symbol of peace is there, acting as deterrent? What happens to all those young, impressionable teens who just want to be heroes?

7) As I said before? They become sidekicks. They become wage slaves, unpaid interns to some flashy hero, or are forced into other... less savory sides of the job. After all, their Pro Hero might make or break their career, so who are they to talk back to them? As they are forced to do things they normally wouldn’t do? For a chance at helping people? For a chance at giving their loved ones a better life?

8) And all of this? Is played completely straight from episode 2 onward. Much like in Naruto, much like in RWBY the status quo is not to be challenged, society, this society of heroes and capitalism, is not to be challenged. The ones who do so are villains, they are terrorists who kidnap little girls with insane powers to torture a “cure” out of her, they are Serial Killers murdering frauds and legit heroes alike under a misguided view of the world, they are not to be listened to, or to be treated seriously. Why should you? They are evil. They decided to be evil. Society, the government, your employer are telling you they are evil.

9) And evil people have no rights. No, all they have, is a containment cell in Tartarus, strapped to a table, and forced to be tortured psychologically for the rest of their lives, alone, barely sentient. No Lawyer, no Process, no Pity.

10) As a rule, I LOATHE Superhero Decostructions such as “The Boys” (Comic Books, not sure about the show didn’t watch it) or anything else Garth Ennis or Frank Miller ever wrote in their entire life, ESPECIALLY Holy Terror, but BNHA?

BNHA is the universe of a superhero deconstruction... but played like a legit superhero universe.

And that’s fucked up.

PS: DON’T GET ME STARTED ON QUIRK MARRIAGES LIKE WHAT THE FUCK.

[lord-explosion-baku]

Thorns

Plot Summary:

Big changes are to come to Sir Cornelius Hollowstone’s School for the Phenomenally Gifted when the Supreme, the man with the living embodiment of magic itself, Toshinori Yagi announced his long awaited retirement. Six witches and six warlocks were to compete amongst themselves in trials to see who will be the next to reign over the the magical community as the Supreme.

Pairings: it’s complicated

Warnings: dark themes, occult themes, swearing, vulgar insinuations, sexual themes, slight bullying, one mention of suicide, drug use insinuation, just dark stuff idk uh

A/N: hi! I got this idea in my head while I was at work and I had to write it down! It’s a magic school au and like GIS, there’s a lot of pairings and it gets a little complicated. I just thought I’d post the first chapter here and then with updates the rest will be on my AO3 like I do with most of my serieses! (Serieses sounds wrong uh) but basically!!! Magical school heavily inspired by American Horror Story: Coven! If you can’t watch American Horror Stiry then I suggest that you don’t read this because it’s gonna get pretty dark and kinda spicy! It’s not a smut fic but there will be smut. Just throwin this into the void. For a better summary about what this story is gonna be about, you can check my AO3! Hizzzaaaht! (Everyone is aged up to 18 or older)

Magic exists but it’s nothing.

Magic is to casters the same way that instapots are to mortals. Magic is a cheat; a means to make everyday things easier to casters who have far too much power to exert and not enough time to brew their morning coffee. Magic is unbiased and has no laws to abide by until somebody was bound to come around and make them. Magic can open your car door when you’ve locked your keys on the inside but magic can’t force people to fall in love and it can’t bring people back to life. So it’s nothing.

Or so you thought.

Magic was nothing until you learned that magic is everything.

You were a third year at Sir Cornelius Hollowstone’s School For The Phenomenally Gifted, aptly and absurdly named after a famous warlock who hailed as Supreme three hundred long years ago, who once settled the war between casters and the demons in the underworld by slicing his entire right arm off and feeding it to a hungry hell pit. This would actually be your second year attending Hollowstone since the all girls academy you previously attended in your first year was shut down due to poor funding and the plague of talking rodents that infiltrated the school grounds who had demands that no caster was willing to meet. The current Supreme, the man with the living embodiment of magic itself, Toshinori Yagi, was all too willing to flex his power and rule that the boys and girls academies would be merged in hopes of bringing the magical community closer together. However, if anything, that just made everyone all the more competitive.

Witches and Warlocks did not agree on a lot of things and part of the reason for that was because there hadn’t been a witch reigning as Supreme in almost four hundred years, half because one warlock Supreme from the past lived to be over two hundred years old and half because the witches just gave up as a whole.

There was a power imbalance in the community as well that was very obviously misogynistic in its own right. When the time came for a Supreme to retire, both witches and warlocks were to compete amongst their selective gender for the titles of High Priestess and High Priest. After the two champions are chosen, they must compete against one another to see who will be ascending as the next Supreme. Many odd years ago, a warlock Supreme made the preposterous law that when the High Priest champion became the Supreme, the High Priestess champion would be forced to marry him. He made it law on the grounds that he had fallen deeply in love with his champion counterpart, Harleen Blackwater, who did not reciprocate his feelings. Upon hearing the terrible news that she was to wed the Supreme, she exhausted the dauntless task of taking her own life, resulting in the tradition of High Priestesses ending themselves when they did not become the next Supreme, as one last hail to Lady Blackwater. Of course, that wasn’t mandatory. The tradition was never set in stone but when it did happen, it wasn’t something that the community would bat an eyelash at. It just be like that sometimes.

The school year was starting out with an excited frenzy, much to your annoyance, because Yagi had just announced his retirement which meant the trials for the champions were about to begin. Six third year witches and six third year warlocks were to be selected to compete for their champion titles and that was all anybody could talk about. You, on the other hand, didn’t care for the trials, rather, you wished you didn’t. Of course, big changes like this piqued anybody’s interest but you were a cynical witch and a mundane one at that. You were called a T.Di witch, which stood for Telekinesis and Divination. Mortals would think “oh wow, telekinesis! That’s super OP!” but it wasn’t. Not in your world. Telekinesis was the most versatile of the seven affinities and though, when used correctly, it could be very powerful, more often than not, it was only used to float objects to lazy casters. Everyone had telekinesis. To put it simply, you weren’t special. Your other affinity, divination, was looked down upon in your community. Divination: the ability to obtain direct knowledge of an object, person, location, or physical event through a relating energy. Basically if someone needed something to be found, you suddenly became their best friend until you helped them with their lost item and then you’d get tossed back into Loser Village, population: you and Izuku Midoriya.

Most third years already had two of the seven affinities, those seven affinities, the seven divine powers granted to casters, being telekinesis, pyromancy, divination, transmutation, decensum, vitalum vitalus, and concilium. Poor Izuku Midoriya was just a T warlock; he could only use telekinesis and, on top of that, he still had to use a wand. Wands were given to first years so they could get a better grip on channeling their magic. After understanding the basic fundamentals of magic, second years learn to wield their power with their hands and by the end of the of the year, all students should have a better grasp on it. Midoriya was still a ways behind. You felt sorry for him but at least he was pretty decent at memorizing spells. As the two of you were each other’s only semi-casual friends, you helped each other out a lot. He was quite intelligent so he was your encyclopedia and since he was always losing things, you were his finder’s eye.

So you knew that the trials had absolutely nothing to do with you. You hoped whoever was to become the next High Priest and Priestess were two casters that were interested in changing the law a bit but it would most likely be two students who’d already been royal assholes to you. Still, you’d probably end up watching some of the trials, particularly the trials involving memorization or wit but other than that, you’d stay away from the discourse.

You spent most of your time in the herbology room, which was where you were now, since it was the classroom nobody could really use magic to excel in unless one had chlorokinesis like Ibara Shiozaki. You liked tending to the plants. They didn’t care if you were a T.Di witch nor did they talk down to you. They only showed you their appreciation by blooming for you after you’d fed them all your tender love and care.

You were lucky enough to aide for Professor Aizawa’s Herbology 1 class, which proceeded into his Herbology 2 class that you were taking straight afterwards. After taking his Herbology 1 and Potions 2 classes the previous year, he had quickly become your favorite professor at Hollowstone and you, hopefully, had become his favorite student. When the class you aided for ended and it was passing period, Aizawa would ask you for answers to problems he already knew the solutions to, just to humor you and test your knowledge— a fun game that you appreciated.

“A warlock has been struck with a hex that has caused him to convulse and vomit uncontrollably. He’s lost all his teeth in the process. Would you use hawthorn, licorice, or juniper to wean him away from his ailments?”

You stopped tapping your pen on the lab bench you were sitting on and brought it to your lips, eyeing your teacher to see if he was giving you some sort of tell, but Aizawa’s expression was as unreadable as ever.

“Is he suffering from any other kinds of symptoms? How is his heart?”

“Same as it was before the hex and he has no other symptoms aside from the ones I’ve listed.”

“Alright then, that’s easy! Juniper!”

In response, Aizawa quirked a brow, signaling that he needed more than just a simple answer. There was always a catch with him.

“Juniper and…” one steady tap of the pen on your lips brought the answer to your head, “yarrow!”

Aizawa reached out, grabbed the pen away from your lips and placed it next to you on the bench, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. “Go on.”

You pulled down on your school skirt, always needing to fidget with something when you had to concentrate. Aizawa rolled his eyes and you jokingly scowled back him.

“I would use the juniper and mix it with crushed yarrow. No-! I’d cut the juniper and fuse it with yarrow extract, then that together and give it to the warlock. Then maybe to relax his muscle spasms, I’d have him smoke some lavender because... I’m nice.”

Aizawa clicked his tongue and took your pen from the bench. “Clever witch,” he said, opening his notebook to scribble in it.

“What! That was noteworthy?” You said with a little more excitement than you wanted to show him. If anything, you didn’t want to be a loner and a teacher’s pet but getting Aizawa’s approval was something special to you.

“It was. I would’ve crushed the juniper and something with the same properties as yarrow together and brewed that together but letting the juniper soak in yarrow is close to genius. And I probably wouldn’t have even thought about bringing lavender into the equation. I’m impressed.”

“I carry around dried lavender anyways and I’m always trying to think about what I can use it with,” you grinned sheepishly, trying to hide how thrilled you were at receiving his praise.

“You know, I’m a little disappointed in you.”

You frowned. “I don’t smoke the lavender myself. I just carry it around with me.”

He chuckled. “That’s not why I’m disappointed… why aren’t you taking my potions class this year?”

“Oh…” If you were being honest, you didn’t dislike potions but the students that were going to be taking the class were a whole lot of people you wanted to avoid. Getting bullied at an all girls academy was one thing but now that you had witches and warlocks laughing at the T.Di witch, it was a little overbearing. “I had to choose between aiding and potions and… I don’t know. I guess I really like plants.”

“There are plants in my potions class.”

“Yeah.” And other really gifted casters but you didn’t want him to know how insecure you were.

“Hmph,” he closed his notebook and eyed your school bag that was draped across the chair you were supposed to be sitting on. “So you carry dried lavender around?”

“Mhmm…” your face began to flush.

“And you don’t smoke it?”

“Ha?” Your breath caught in your throat. In the witching world, there weren’t a whole lot things you could get in trouble for but you’d consumed enough mortal media to have a slight fear of getting in trouble with authoritative figures for your recreational activities. “I mean, maybe if I’ve been a bit stressed out.”

“Huh. I wouldn’t have guessed. Do you mix it with anything?”

“Professor!” Your face grew hot and the tie around your neck felt too constricting. You knew that you weren’t in any kind of trouble but you couldn’t keep your stomach from forming nervous knots.

“There’s no need to be embarrassed, I really am just curious about you,” he grinned, amused at your obvious fluster. “So, you have some on you?”

You looked at your teacher and sighed. To hell with it. Reaching over, you grabbed your bag from off your chair and shook the little pouch you kept your treasure in. “If you want some, you’re gonna have to tell me what you’re going to use it for.”

“You might find it hard to believe but a teacher’s life is far more stressful than a student’s. I have… ways of destressing but a little added lavender could be quite beneficial,” he took the pouch from you. “How much can I take?”

“You can have it. I’ve got some growing in the makeshift greenhouse outside my dorm. It’ll be ready for me to clip any day now.”

He looked at you with surprised amusement. “During Autumn?”

“Well,” you smirked, “I am a clever witch.”

“That you are.” Aizawa thanked you and pocketed your pouch. At that moment, the chimes from the bell tower sounded the end of passing period and the beginning of class; a short eerie jingle you still hadn’t gotten used to even after a year.

“Big surprise,” Aizawa sighed, “everyone’s late.”

“They’re excited,” you said pointedly.

���And you’re not?”

You shrugged. You were just thankful that your last school year had something that would keep everyone else occupied.

“Alright,” he tapped your bare knee, surprising you, “get your ass off of my bench before my students think that’s okay too.”

“My ass?” You laughed, hopping down from the table. “I’m your student too, Professor Aizawa.”

He started walking towards his desk. “Then you should know that I have strict rules for my classroom. No ifs, ands, or…”

“Butts?” You offered.

He grinned and snapped his fingers, conjuring signs to sit atop all of the greenhouse benches that read ‘NO “BUTTS!”’ You stifled a snort as your classmates began shuffling into the greenhouse.

Speaking of the the recreational use of certain herbs, in walked Hanta Sero and Denki Kaminari with two big stupid grins hanging off their faces. You already felt your shoulders begin to tense as Kaminari approached you.

“Hey, tiddy witch!” He tapped you on your back but you kept your head down, resisting the urge to roll your eyes at the horrible nickname. It had been an accident on Kaminari’s part last year when he read off a list of students in your charms class and when it came to your name, he read ‘T.Di’ as ‘tiddy’. Once he saw everyone laugh at his mistake, it was all over for you and the name stuck. You weren’t sure if he knew or even cared that the nickname bothered the hell out of you. “How’s it going?”

“Fine.” You pulled your notebook out of your bag and flipped it open to the next empty page, trying to make a point that you wanted to focus on your work.

“Just fine?” You could hear the smile in his voice as he sat on the chair next to you with Sero joining him. It was a shame that Aizawa didn’t have assigned seating in this classroom. “But we’re here!”

“Uh-huh,” you began scribbling down unimportant words so it looked like you were busy but you could still feel Kaminari’s eyes on you. Finally your gaze met his. “What do you want, Kaminari?”

“I need help finding something!” His golden eyes shined while his grin widened and Sero hit his shoulder.

“Dude, don’t,” Sero said, though he covered his mouth to hide his smile.

Kaminari looked back at Sero and snickered and turned his attention back on you. “Can you help me find it?”

Your eyes narrowed. Your brain screamed, ‘shenanigans!’ but a small part of you wanted to help; the small part of you that wished to be well liked. Against your better judgement, you asked, “what is it?”

“I can’t really say what it is but I can describe it to you!”

...That was the kind of challenge that you liked to indulge in. You sighed and said, “okay. Do you have anything on you that’s related to whatever it is you’re looking for?”

“Errmmm, yes and no… maybe you can just hold my hand while I tell you about it?” He rested his hand palm-up on the table.

Your eyes flicked over to Sero whose head was buried in his arms on the bench, shaking with hidden laughter. Suspicious, you took his hand. “Alright, shoot.”

Sero let out a snort and Kaminari snickered with him. “Cool. Cool cool. Uhhh, okay… how to describe it... Well, it’s big.”

“Okay, big,” you noted, closing your eyes to allow your mind to swim through the nether. A spiral of large objects made their way past your consciousness while you started your search for Kaminari.

“And it makes me happy?”

“Happy,” you whispered, barely even able to hear the chuckles anymore. You were focused.

“It can make you happy too… especially if we were both using it.”

“Mmhmmm,” your mind took you to the greenhouse outside of your dorms and swam over to a secret trampoline that was hiding deep inside the eastern gardens of the schoolyard. From what you could tell by holding his hand, Kaminari didn’t have any idea about either of those things. “What does it look like?”

“Well,” Kaminari’s voice bounced around in your head, “it carries blood… a part of it resembles a mushroom… there’s a long, throbbing vein that runs along the underside…”

Your eyes shot open and you quickly pulled your hand away from his. You saw exactly what he was referring to and it wasn’t lost at all. In fact, it was attached to his stupid fucking body! Fuck!

“Did you find it?” Kaminari gave you a toothy grin, Sero still hunched over beside him, shaking and lost in a fit of laughter.

“No!” You spat in a hushed tone. What an incredibly vulgar joke! Wasn’t that considered sexual harassment?! Judging by the look on his face, it didn’t seem like Kaminari cared. Boys were so dumb! “I’m sorry, Kaminari, I can’t help you. It turns out, whatever you’re looking for is a little too small for me to detect!”

Sero hooted, banging his hand on the table. “She totally saw it!”

Kaminari’s smile faltered only slightly. “It’s not small, I measured it last week! It’s slightly above average!” He let out an embarrassed laugh, “you’re so cruel, tiddy witch!”

You scoffed. You weren’t cruel, he was. He might as well had dropped his slacks and flashed you! At least then everyone else would be traumatized along with you. You turned away from him and snarled, “are you done?”

Kaminari was silent for a short moment. For a second you thought that he’d finished his teasing but then he waved his hand out in front of your face. “Hey,” he whispered, “hey, are you mad?”

You ignored him and leaned closer to your desk, trying to pay attention to Aizawa’s lecture but Kaminari wasn’t having it.

“Shit,” he scooted closer to you, “wait, I’m really sorry I’ve upset you… hey… tiddy witch…?”

When you didn’t pay him any mind he teleported himself onto the other chair next to you. Kaminari was a T.Tr warlock, meaning that he already had the affinities for telekinesis and transmutation. Transmutation was simply the power to move from one location to another without occupying the spaces in between, or, in other words, teleportation. Popping up out of nowhere was just one more thing to add to the list of Kaminari’s annoying qualities. “Please don’t be mad at me!”

Aizawa stopped talking about the different properties of several disintegrating herbs and glanced at your bench, scowling at Kaminari. “Is there a problem?” He looked from Kaminari to you and silence followed. “What could possibly be so important that you need to interrupt my lecture?”

“Nothing, Professor,” the two of you said in unison. As much as Kaminari bugged you, you weren’t about to be a rat— a poor ‘woe is me, life is a nightmare, nobody is nice to me’ kid. At least, not out loud and definitely not in front of Aizawa.

Not believing either of you, Aizawa scanned the room until his eyes landed on Shiozaki, who was on the other side of the greenhouse poking at some tomato berries.

“Mr. Kaminari, switch places with Miss Shiozaki.”

In an instant, Kaminari zapped himself over by Shiozaki and said something as preposterously stupid as “hey there, sweet thang,” only to have Shiozaki toss her gorgeously thick, vine-like hair over her shoulder, stick her nose up in the air, and walk across the room. She offered you a curt smile before taking her seat between you and Sero. You liked Shiozaki. Having the power of chlorokinesis easily placed her at the top of this class with you as a close second, so you were a tad envious of her abilities but it was the kind of jealousy that drove you to do better everyday. She knew about your one-sided rivalry and even though she wasn’t competitive by nature, she’d humor you by glancing over at your work from time to time to make sure she stayed ahead of you.

You tried to relax and focus on Aizawa’s discussion about how magically charged valerian root could knock a person out with a simple whiff if aged and acutely diced but you kept feeling Kaminari’s eyes on you. After you had gotten used to it, a folded note fluttered its way to your bench. You glanced back at Kaminari who had the same damn stupid grin plastered on his face.

The note read, ‘I really am sorry! Let me make it up to you by taking you to the Cherry Moon Ceremony!’ signed with a hastily-scribbled little heart.

You nearly gagged.

Hell would freeze over before you let Denki Kaminari escort you anywhere and the world would explode before you even thought about going to the Cherry Moon Ceremony! The witching community had some sort of festival for all holidays and every full moon. The Cherry Moon occurred on the first full moon of September. It involved everyone getting very close to nude, if not completely naked, and engaging in many lewd activities, often regarding a virgin or two. Casters were an open minded people and it wasn’t that you weren’t open minded but having been raised with a caster as a mother and a mortal as a father, you were probably one of the more conservative witches around and that was saying something considering how liberal your father was while he was alive. You wouldn’t call yourself a prude, though you haven’t done anything that says otherwise, but being scantily clad in front of your classmates as well as some teachers just did not sound like a fantastic time to you. But Kaminari didn’t have to know that. Kaminari didn’t deserve to know that the thought of going out with him to an event like that flustered you beyond belief. So instead of explaining yourself to him, you turned back to him and mouthed, ‘you don’t even know my name!’

Kaminari pouted at you before whispering to get Sero’s attention. Once Sero turned to him, Kaminari pointed at you and mouthed, ‘what’s her name?!’

Sero chuckled and turned back to face Aizawa, muttering, “like hell I’m telling him.”

You leaned in and whispered over Shiozaki, “do you even know my name?”

Sero offered up a half grin and tapped his pointer finger on his temple. Right. Like Kaminari, Hanta Sero was a T.Tr warlock but he was already gifted with powers outside of the seven affinities. He was clairevoyant; a telepath. He could read people’s thoughts as well as project thoughts into other people’s minds if he wanted to. That sort of explained why he seemed more empathetic than everyone else, though, if you were in his position and you knew what was going on in the poor T.Di witch’s head, you wouldn’t let your friends make so many jokes at her expense. Other than that, Sero was an alright guy but it was easy to forget that he was a strong caster since he spends so much of his time with imbeciles like Kaminari.

Sero snickered… did he hear that?!

“Now,” Aizawa’s stern voice interrupted your train of thought, “since the lot of you were late to my class, how about a pop quiz?”

The class groaned when dozens of flower pots appeared on the benches. Every pot held the same desperate and ugly plant that looked like they used to have flowers. It hurt your heart in a way.

“If you can return some of the plant’s chlorophyll, demonstrating a freshly green hue, you’ll pass. If you can get the flower to bloom again, you’ll get an A. If you’re unable to complete either of those tasks, it’s an automatic fail. Begin.”

Quickly, you got to focusing on your plant. You knew immediately that it was of the asteraceae family. When the plant was in better shape, it seemed like seedlings had dropped down into the pot. That could’ve been the cause of its diminished state, if not from being completely neglected by Aizawa. You grinned. Flower killer Aizawa.

Tenderly, you pinch the stem and tentatively traced the poor thing. You felt your energy surge through you and as your fingers caressed your flora friend, the green hue trailed along with your touch. Reaching an old bud of the plant, your fingers grew warm as the flower began to change and warp underneath them. The corolla started to form and in an instant a gorgeous pink chrysanthemum bloomed and blushed for you.

You let out a long, squeaky yawn. Making the chrysanthemum bloom must’ve drained a lot more of your energy than you thought it would… either that or you could have had a heartier breakfast that morning. You were pleased to see Shiozaki concentrated on her flower, desperately stroking its withered stem with no success and, taking a quick glance around the room, you saw that nobody else had gotten anywhere further; one witch had actually set her pot on fire! T.Py casters.

“If you hadn’t noticed, the plant is dead. And dead means dead. There’s nothing anyone could’ve done to make these flowers bloom. So,” Aizawa’s lips twitched up into that funny grin he did whenever he pulled a past one on his student’s, “you all fail.”

That warranted another groan from the class. You furrowed your brow. Your plant was very much alive. You didn’t fail. You did another once over of the entire room. You were the only student with a flower in full bloom in front of you.

“Now I do curve your grades and since I’m positive that everyone has failed, this quiz doesn’t matter. But you’ve learned a very important life lesson. Which is…?” A pregnant pause from the room lead to Aizawa pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers in frustration. “Dead means…?”

“Dead!” Yelled one warlock from the back of the greenhouse. A wave of unenthusiastic “dead”’s followed.

“Tiddy witch’s plant isn’t dead!” Chimed in Kaminari, who, for some reason, still had eyes on you.

Aizawa froze. Slowly he turned to you. From the head of your bench, his eyes twitched down to your pot. “What?”

Finally, some good old fashioned recognition.

He walked over to behind your chair and leaned over you. He was so close that you could smell him; he had on a nice earthy blend with a hint of coffee. You tilted your head away from him. Liking your teacher’s scent was probably a bad thing. Morally gray, at least to mortals… probably.

“It appears you’ve completed the assignment,” he said in a low, hushed tone.

“This was rigged,” shouted a student. “It’s ‘cause she was the only one who wasn’t late! That’s favoritism!”

It wasn’t beyond Aizawa to pull something like that over to make a point to his lagging students but he looked awestruck. But it wasn’t a huge deal… you just healed a plant.

Aizawa cleared his throat and, not taking his eyes away from your pot, he asked, “each of these plants are exact copies of themselves. How did you do this?”

“I don’t know. I just,” another yawn escaped you and you hoped it didn’t look like you were bored or even smug with yourself, “I just did it.”

Aizawa examined your flower very closely. He brought his thumb to the steam and steadily traced your plant upwards, fingering the leaves. When he got to your ever-delighted Chrysanthemum petals, he tapped lightly on them, making some of the petals drop and flutter down gracefully on to your bench before they shriveled up back to their previous state. Aizawa clicked his tongue. He looked you straight in the eye. You held your breath. You were proud of yourself but you were sure you were about to get dragged behind your back again if Aizawa said something about you being a clever witch in front of everyone else… though hearing it again wouldn’t be so bad.

“You get a 90%. The rest of the class gets 50.”

You felt the room grow heavy. In Aizawa’s Herbology class, a 50 out of 90 was still passing but hardly. Most students took this class because they thought it was going to be an easy pass like his Herbology 1 class, so this wasn’t fun news to anybody.

There was salty energy in the air for the rest of the period but other than that, you and your chrysanthemum flower were forgotten about. When class ended, Aizawa instructed you to take the pot with you and take notes on any sudden developments your plant my form. “A pet project,” he called your task. “Take good care of it for me, okay?”

Despite your likeability plummeting after the incident, you were excited for your project. Your mind whirled with ideas on what to do with your assignment; what to do with the plant that wasn't supposed to heal. You didn’t want to disappoint Aizawa. You were, at least to him, a clever witch.

Tags for EVERYTHING (closed): @yandere-inamorata @miitaart @dessiedawnwritesfanfiction @wickedlewicked @chickennuggetsarequestionable @nevermorelanore @kpanime @ayeputita @captain-sin-allmight-queen @diisasterbii @iceformer @meganofmars @colagirl5 @colorbookshd @grimmjadeskye @sm0kingcrack @sarcastictextstuck @zellllyyyy @psionicsnow @mynahx3 @andie-in-tumblland @iamthe-leaf @midnightfeline666 @bungou-stray-alies-tales-of-aly -of-aly @rubyred-imagines @kattariapenn @heypartypeps @quirktaker @thecryingsombra @smbody-stole-mycar-radio @ghost-of-todoroki @geektastic84 @davalia @glixeo @rubycubix @mekakushi-dan-01-kido

[cromulentbookreview]

Sonata in A! K331! 3rd Movement!

Funny thing is, this is surprisingly accurate. 

And by that I mean: The Kingdom of Back by Marie Lu!

You don’t have to be a music fan to know the name Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. In fact, you probably have no idea what in the hell a Sonata in K K331 Third Movement even is until you hear it. Then you’ll know it immediately. In fact, you can know nothing about Mozart but still be familiar with many of his pieces. Maybe you had the misfortune to be forced to watch the movie Amadeus* in your German class (a movie that is probably not appropriate to show public high school students even if it’s dubbed in German) or have seen the 30 Rock parody episode where, instead of writing music, they create a porn video game. My point is: you know Mozart. Everyone knows Mozart, especially kids who were made to learn piano. Or, in my case, piano AND violin**. The main reason for that is, well, public domain, but also because Mozart is the shit. 

I mean, I’m more of a Beethoven girl myself, and I have a lot of love for the 19th century Russians (Tchaikovsky and The Five FTW!), but, seriously, if you learn anything about music, you learn about Mozart. And, as someone semi-fluent in German, who has dedicated most of her life to learning German, you have no choice but to learn about the greats of German music. Yes, Austrians count as part of German music. As I’ve mentioned before, there was no “Germany” until 1871, and I’m including any and all native German speakers as part of German music. Austrians speak German. Kind of. I mean, 99.9% of my German teachers were either from southern Germany or Austria, so I may have a bit of a bias...though my main bias is against Swiss German which literally is not German stop calling it that, Switzerland!

What were we talking about?

Oh. Yeah. Mozart. 

You know he had a sister, right? One who was a musical prodigy in her own right, who used to play for the courts of Europe alongside her little brother, right?

No?

Yeah, you probably don’t. Because back in the 18th century, women weren’t allowed to be composers or musical prodigies. Once they grew up, they got married, had children and were subsequently erased from history while the men in their family achieve immortality. 

Meet Maria Anna Mozart, known by her family as Nannerl. 

The Kingdom of Back is Nannerl’s story.

Salzburg! 1759! Nannerl Mozart is only eight, but is desperate to please her father and prove her mettle as a musician. The Mozart family is in a perpetual state of one-missed-paycheck-away-from-homelessness, and Nannerl’s stage dad, Leopold, hopes to cash in on the whole child prodigy thing. Unfortunately, Nannerl’s first demonstration for a court musician goes wrong when she’s distracted by her baby brother, Wolferl. That night, Nannerl dreams of a beautiful kingdom full of music, and of a beautiful boy with glowing blue eyes. 

As she gets older, Nannerl is as shocked as her parents when Lil Wolferl shows a knack for music. She’s horrified to discover that she feels jealous of her baby brother, who idolizes her. One night, Nannerl and Wolferl are woken up by a strange light coming from their music room. When they investigate, they find the beautiful boy from Nannerl’s dream, in the flesh. He steals Nannerl’s music notebook then promptly jumps out the window.

Like so:

Complete with broken glass.

Anyway, the next time Nannerl sees the boy, she’s out in Salzburg with her brother on a shopping trip when she opens the door to a shop’s storage room, only to find it leads to the magical kingdom she’d seen in her dream. The boy, Hyacinth, wants Nannerl’s help to reclaim his throne. In exchange, he will make sure Nannerl gets her greatest wish: to be remembered forever.

Shortly after, Nannerl and Wolferl are called to Vienna to play for the Emperor and Empress. Wolferl puts on quite the show, charming everyone in the room and even proposing to the Emperor and Empress’s youngest daughter. It’s after this that Nannerl and Wolferl’s parents decide to take them on a massive tour of Europe. In the long, dull carriage rides between destinations, Nannerl and Wolferl come up with a name and origin story for Hyacinth and the magical kingdom that they saw: The Kingdom of Back. As the tour continues and Wolfer’s fame rises, Nannerl worries more and more about being forgotten - that her fate is sealed: she will never be a composer and a musician, instead she will become a wife and mother and nothing more than a footnote in history.

But the Kingdom of Back is more than just a fantasy story shared between two bored kids. Hyacinth’s magic has an effect on our world, causing calamities and illness. As Nannerl struggles to cope with her conflicting emotions, Hyacinth starts to seem less like a fairy prince and more like something sinister. But his promises of fame and immortality to Nannerl are so very, very tempting. I mean, wouldn’t you be a little jealous if your baby brother was an 18th century child rockstar? 

(Ok, the throwing of underthings may not have happened to Mozart, but it definitely happened to Liszt so that episode of the Simpsons isn’t entirely inaccurate).

 If you come into The Kingdom of Back expecting it to be something like Marie Lu’s other novels - namely, action packed sci-fi/fantasy serieses - you are bound to be disappointed. The Kingdom of Back is unlike all of Lu’s other novels - it is a standalone historical fantasy dedicated to someone who, in spite of her talent, was relegated to the dustbin of history just because she was a girl. I adore Marie Lu’s books (the Legend trilogy is probably one of the best YA trilogies ever - if you haven’t read it, stop everything and do that now, please) and I’m also a fan of music, 18th century Germans, and 18th century German musical composers so I wasn’t at all put off knowing that The Kingdom of Back wasn’t going to be like her other books. It was more like “holy shit, Marie Lu is wrote a book about Mozart’s sister, put it in my brain immediately, please.” The Kingdom of Back is just wonderful, you guys. Lu beautifully captures what it’s like to have a sibling that you love, but also envy. Lu’s writing is lyrical and enchanting without crossing into purple prose territory. Music can be difficult to capture in prose, but Lu manages to do so without alienating the reader with too many weird technical musical terms that would be off putting to the average reader (hi!). The way time works in the book is weird - you’re never quite sure when you are at any given time or how old anyone else, unless you have the timeline of the Mozart children’s grand tour open while you read. Months can go by in a single sentence which can be a bit jarring, but the book manages to condense a decade into 300 pages. I’d rather have 300 pages and a few pacing issues than way too much detail within 900 pages. 

My absolute favorite aspect of this book is Nannerl herself. Nannerl, as an 18th century girl, is bound by 18th century constraints - she’s not allowed to compose openly, as herself. She’s not allowed to talk back. She’s expected to look after her brother, as her position as older sister makes her mom-in-training. Nannerl is a good and proper 18th century lady, and she hates it. She hates the limits placed on her by society, but at the same time, she’s desperate to please her parents and earn their praise. Because what else can she do? It’s the shit situation women have experienced since time immaterial: conform, or else. Nannerl may seem meek and submissive compared to the likes of June from Legend or Emika from Warcross, but make no mistake, she is just as strong as they are. Her strength lies in her quiet resilience. Nannerl can’t exactly fight back against the system the way June and Emika do, so she rebels in other, quieter ways. She maintains eye contact for her father, waiting for him to break first or stays quiet when she’s expected to voice her praises. She creates a whole fantasy world in which to take refuge. Nannerl’s way of fighting back is subtle because it has to be. 

Unfortunately, it takes only a click of a Wikipedia link to know how Nannerl’s story ends. It is bittersweet and something that will definitely strike a chord (pun absolutely intended) with any girl or woman who reads The Kingdom of Back. 

RECOMMENDED FOR: Any girl or woman who has ever seen her accomplishments ignored or passed over in favor of a man’s, anyone with a sibling they’re just a little bit jealous of, music fans, Mozart fans, Marie Lu fans, anyone in the mood for a gorgeously-written YA historical fantasy.

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Haydn aficionados, Leopold Mozart, children who were forced to learn piano, men’s rights activists, people who would mistake an 18th century girl’s quiet resilience for weakness.

RELEASE DATE: March 3, 2020 - hey, I promise cromulent reviews, not “on time” reviews or “reviews in advance of publication.”

RATING: 4/5

MOZART RATING:

BEETHOVEN FANS, WHEN ENCOUNTERED BY MOZART FANS:

You can hear the 5th symphony with every haw.

*Please remember the movie Amadeus is also a historical fantasy - Salieri and Mozart were peers and were most likely friends, if not friendly. Also, Salieri had like, 8 kids and at least 1 mistress, he wasn’t some pious weirdo like he’s portrayed in the movie. I mean, he was Italian. F. Murray Abraham was awesome in it, though. My point is, don’t get your history from movies. It’s a bad idea.

Get it from Wikipedia, like a normal person.

That soundtrack, though. If you want an intro to Mozart’s music, that is a good way to go.

**Ahahahaha I was, then and now, and will forever remain, terrible at both. 

[raptatta]

Hiya Sam! ;v; Would you say that anime/manga like FMA and Inuyasha really changed your life/gave you more positivity from being able to enjoy them? ^^ Seeing your FMA and Inuyasha art always brightens ,y day; because they're two serieses that always remind me of my childhood. And you always seem so happy talking about them/drawing for them and it makes me smile!

hello kappa!!!! ^q^ first off, i hope you are feeling much better!!

secondly, yes… absolutely did fma and inuyasha change my life! i think both of these series got me through some pretty difficult times, especially when i was younger!!! inuyasha fills me with so many nostalgic emotions and i can look back on it so fondly. it was always such a tremendous part of my childhood and i’m happy to see it affecting me, even now, when i’m almost 20!!!! i was very antisocial as a kid so coming home to watch inuyasha always made my day LOLOL and now that i’m older, i can appreciate the series in a far more different light. funnily enough, my fav char used to be sango… (she still is but but but) i was always so inspired by her bravery and courage. i even had my very own little hiraikotsu LMAOand to me, coming back to fma feels like coming back to home in a sense. i’ve been into this series for a little more than a decade now and never has my love for the series dwindled… i have lost interest in other series, but never fma!!! never!! not once!!! and even now, 10 years later, it still makes me cry just as badly as it did the first time!!!! being into these two series now has given me so much positivity… i am connecting with new people who mean the absolute world to me and i couldnt want any less!!! plus, to see how far my art has come due to these two series… it makes me so happy ROFL m(___)mI AM SO GLAD THEY ARE APART OF YOURS AS WELL and ahh yes i could never grow tired of talking about fma and inu… tl;dr, these series have definitely changed my life for the better. the characters of both are such strong willed as well… ahh look at me getting emotional

[cromulentbookreview]

Binge! Part 2: The Re-Binging

I’m often put off by long book series - considering how often I complain about being suckered into the first book of a series, this isn’t surprising. However, sometimes I’m willing to put in the time to binge a whole series.

Like, for example, the Barker & Llewelyn series by Will Thomas.

So I binge-read the first 10 books of this series (well, 10.5, there’s a novella called An Awkward Way to Die ) in one long, dizzying binge last year. And, lucky for me, there’s a new book out: Lethal Pursuit! Pretty much exactly one year from the release of Blood is Blood! 

But! If you haven’t read the first 10.5 books, here’s a review:

BOOK 1 - Some Danger Involved: Your average detective enquiry agent-duo origin story featuring brilliant detective and his new snarky Welsh sidekick!

BOOK 2 - To Kingdom Come: Barker & Llewelyn go undercover and build bombs for the Irish!

BOOK 3 - The Limehouse Text: Barker & Llewelyn face big trouble in London’s 19th Century Chinatown!

BOOK 4 - The Hellfire Conspiracy: Barker & Llewelyn fight human traffickers, secret societies and such!

BOOK 5 - The Black Hand: Barker & Llewelyn fight the Italian mafia!

BOOK 6 - Fatal Enquiry: Barker & Llewelyn fight Barker’s almost comically evil arch-nemesis!

BOOK 7 - Anatomy of Evil: Barker & Llewelyn fight Jack the Ripper!

BOOK 8 - Hell Bay: Barker & Llewelyn Present: Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None!

BOOK 8.5 - An Awkward Way to Die: Barker & Llewelyn solve a case in, like, 20 minutes!

BOOK 9 - Old Scores: Barker & Llewelyn Present: Japonism in Late-19th Century England!

BOOK 10 - Blood is Blood: Barker is put temporarily out of commission by an explosion! Llewelyn must solve the case himself! Who should show up to help but Barker’s long lost brother??

BOOK 11 - Lethal Pursuit: Barker and Llewelyn are hired by the Prime Minister himself to transport an ancient manuscript to Calais. Sounds easy enough! Except Barker seems more interested in investigating the death of the man who brought the manuscript to England in the first place…

So! Lethal Pursuit! It begins with Hillary Drummond, recently arrived to England from Germany (somewhat newly united! Kind of!) he’s on the run from some blue uniformed youths after the satchel he’s carrying, which contains this book’s MacGuffin an ancient, and very valuable manuscript. Drummond almost, almost makes it to the Home Office when, gasp! He’s run through with a sword. Then he walks into traffic and is run over by a cab.

Or, as it’s known in London traffic: Tuesday.

Meanwhile! It’s January! 1892! Llewelyn is a happily married man, as he loves to mention roughly every two pages. Along with being a happily married man (did he mention that he’s married now? Because he is) he’s also now a partner in Barker’s Detective Private Enquiry Agency. Barker has been moving a bit slower since his leg injury during the events of Blood is Blood, but, instead of treating Llewelyn like a full partner, Barker continues to treat him like an assistant. Which rankles Llewelyn a bit but hey, at least he’s married to the love of his life Rebecca. Only they still live in Barker’s house - he’s renovated the first floor for them and everything. Anyway, Barker and Llwelyn receive a summons from Prime Minister himself! The British government has the MacGuffin, and they want nothing more than to have the manuscript sent off to the Vatican archives and forgotten. But Barker is more interested in the mystery of who killed Hillary Drummond and why. Rather than immediately deliver the manuscript to Calais like the Prime Minister asked them to do, Barker hangs onto it. See, this manuscript is, apparently, a new gospel. Which is important because...reasons?

OK, so after 11 books, I’ve noticed that the Barker & Llwelyn series involve a lot more religion than I know anything about. I mean, when it comes to the religious category on Jeopardy, my answer is always “Jesus.” I’ve never read the Bible the whole way through - I read Acts of the Apostles in high school for an assignment, for which I had to actually go out and buy a Bible because the one we had was a family heirloom that couldn’t be opened without falling to pieces. In my lifetime I’ve attended a grand total of two church services - one when I was baptized at the ripe old age of 7 (I guess from ages 0-7 I was naught but a sinful hellbeast) and once in Germany I attended an Easter mass in a thousand year old cathedral because it was literally the only thing open on Easter Sunday in the whole town. Upper Franconia is suuuuper Catholic, you guys. Anyway, I took communion at that mass just to see what the body of Christ tastes like (burnt toast, I was disappointed). Does that mean I’m Catholic now? Hurray for gold-plated everything and indulgences? I mean, I’m not even 100% sure what I was baptized as back when I was a 7-yr-old unbaptized hellbeast…Lutheran, maybe? I think? I do enjoy posting lists of complaints on peoples’ doors. I mean, I could check, but that would require getting up and I both don’t want to and really don’t care all that much. Anyway, long story short: religion is not my strong suit. I don’t know the difference between a Baptist and an Episcopalian and a Methodist. Perhaps I should but honestly…eh. My point is, when Will Thomas writes about a manuscript that might be a new gospel written before Luke or Matthew or whoever...I just sort of smile and nod and go "yeah sure OK" and have zero idea what that might actually mean or its religious significance. I just hear “1000 year old manuscript” and think “that sounds awesome, gimme.”

Back to the book: this manuscript is so valuable, the people after it are willing to kill for it. Which puts Barker & Llewelyn in an awkward position. Even more awkward is the fact that Rebecca’s family, who seemed so cool in the last book, have now decided to shun her for marrying Thomas, a gentile. As usual, Barker & Llewelyn are caught between a rock and a hard place. Can they deliver the manuscript safely to the Vatican? Can Thomas repair the relationship between himself and his in-laws? Will Rebecca ever learn how to make a decent Pain au chocolat? Will we ever, ever meet Thomas’s massive Welsh family? Will Rebecca ever demand to get to know her small army of brothers- and sisters-in-law? Will Barker ever propose to Philippa? Will I ever learn the difference between various sects of Christianity? Find out tomorrow in Barker & Llewelyn: Lethal Pursuit!  Same bat time, same bat channel!

I love this series. I am well and truly hooked. Barker & Llewelyn are a more down-to-earth Holmes and Watson. There is just the right amount of action, historical detail, and mystery to satisfy any Sherlockian desperate for some 19th century English mystery. I don’t know of any other book series, save Meg Cabot’s Princess Diaries series, where I’ve stuck around past the 8th or 9th book. So many books! Not enough time for serieses! I mean, sometimes I entertain the thought of binging all 900,000 Discworld books, but there are so many other things I’d like to read, too…I wish I were a faster reader. Better yet, I wish I could be like the Doctor and just flip through a book and absorb all its contents at once. That’d be awesome.

Still. I adore Barker & Llewelyn - I will absolutely be there for any book they’re in, even if the series goes the full Anne Perry and goes on and on for like, 20+ books. I’m here for it. And I am on pins and needles for the next book. I really, really, really want Thomas to reconcile with his family in Wales. I want Barker to actually acknowledge that Philippa Ashleigh is his girlfriend. I JUST WANT MORE, DAMN IT!

OK, for lack of anything else to say, let’s fancast this thing.

OK, so Barker would obviously be played by Graham McTavish, aka Dougal from Outlander.

Admit it, he’d be absolutely perfect, right? Come on. I mean, just look at that face.

Thomas Llewelyn would be played by Taron Egerton because he’s Welsh and  absolutely pretty and tough enough to be Llewelyn

Yesssss.

Mac would be played by Paul Ready because Paul Ready is beautiful and I love him and would cast him in anything. Plus, I could see him as the finicky perfectionist Mac. Plus, I still ship Mac/Thomas, and I think he’d play well against Taron Edgerton. By which I mean they’re both gorgeous and I’d enjoy watching them.

Jeremy Jenkins would be played by Adam Nagaitis because he’s awesome and he’d be perfect as the squirrley / drunk half the time Jenkins.

Ho would be played by Benedict Wong because he would be perfect, though I’m not sure if my fantasy BBC/ITV/Netflix series budget would have enough money to get Benedict Wong. He’s got Marvel money now.

Rebecca Llwelyn nee Cowan nee Mocatta would be played by Jessica Brown Findlay because, eh, why not. I’m still traumatized/pissed off about Sybil’s death on Downton Abbey.

Tchéky Karyo as expert chef Etienne Dummolard because I can seriously picture him going into a long French tirade and throwing shit whenever Barker disrespects his cooking.

Michelle Gomez as Philippa Ashleigh, Barker’s Girlfriend, because I would love to see her and Graham McTavish as Barker snipe at each other.

Gemma Chan as Bok Fu Ying aka Miss Winter, Barker’s ward, because she is the perfect combination of elegance and badass.

Gaten Matarazzo as Soho Vic because I’m absolutely sure he could pull off a British accent and annoy the shit out of Thomas,

And this dog as Harm. Look at this dog!

Awww!

RECOMMENDED FOR: Anyone fond of a fun 19th century mystery-solving duo.

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: People who dislike mysteries, detective private enquiry agent duos.

OVERALL SERIES RATING: 4.5/5

TOTALLY UNBIASED VICTORIAN MYSTERY / MURDERINO FANGIRL RATING: 5/5

LETHAL PURSUIT RATING: 4/5

RELEASE DATE: November 12, 2019

ANTICIPATION LEVEL FOR NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES: Olympus Mons