#9 field seasons is perhaps enough

[gettingacquaintedwiththesky]

A normal day of fieldwork. I've been attacked by plants. Again.

[dream-thief-forever-amen]

I love that the “hero” is still the absolute worst in season 2.

Let us explore the evidence.

Spoilers below:

1. Does not get on the plane to be a father to his child… his supposed motivation to earn money in the first place. Even when he has billions. In fact he’s become even more distant and unreliable, not even communicating with her any longer.

2. Promises to care for that girl’s younger brother but dumps him off on an old woman without explanation and a bag of cash. Continues to watch this old woman raise this random kid while working her old bones off in an outdoor market. Just like he watched his own mother work herself to death to care for his fully grown butt.

3. Does not use his considerable fortune to get the kid’s mom out of North Korea - just does the bare minimum with one broker.

4. Hoards his wealth to pursue his private obsession. Spends two years wasting away in his private hobby hotel and still does not have a solid plan or even good ideas about how to handle the murder island - and has not attempted to outsource this large problem to others better equipped to solve it.

5. Still has not realized the old man’s gamble at the end of season one with the homeless man only required that HE go down and help the dude or go down and get someone else to work with him to help the dude instead of just watching and hoping something would happen (This is arguably the theme of the show).

6. Gets back into the game but does not tell a single soul it’s a murder machine until AFTER they have all signed up, been photographed, and marched onto the field to be slaughtered.

7. Did not check in on or help his friend from season one, even though they were still in the same city and his friend was struggling. Now that poor sod is also in the game.

8. Doesn’t make his impassioned speech to convince others not to continue the game after round one - nope, not until over half have already voted and his own side is losing.

9. When the majority votes to continue the game, he makes no attempt to try to reason with or plead with those who voted to stay, even though they only lost by a narrow margin. The entire group stays divided and refuses to work together. Ironically it is two characters from the other, majority side who make a point to reach out to him. One of them shares his personal story of why he voted the way he did - swaying hearts and minds - which is ironically what our “hero” should have done. Except he doesn’t have a sad story of circumstances - he is the sad story.

10. Later our male lead finally thinks it’s time to perhaps attempt to sway some hearts and minds and is instantly talked out of it cause it might stir up trouble… in the murder game… the irony…

11. The completely haphazard plan to take over the facility by disarming the uniformed guards. Even though he knew they were outnumbered, there is surveillance everywhere, and he had zero plan of what to do next. Leaving the majority of his “team” to fend for themselves (and be murdered) while he secured the strongest among them to hide in wait.

HE IS THE WORST.

Is it a case of being your own worst enemy, of mental illness, of selfishness, stupidity? Is it soupical tendencies born from disappointments? Is it just in our DNA?

I don’t know. But I do think this show has gone to great lengths to show us repeatedly that the male lead is someone who doesn’t know how to care for others.

His sweet daughter loves him dearly but you could already see she was old enough to be disappointed in him. There was pity there too.

Money can’t change your bad habits or your crap personality.

This man didn’t even invest his money so that at least the interest could fund a few orphanages or homeless shelters in perpetuity. Nope, he’s got it sitting around on a mattress.

I also find it interesting how many older women are still trying to raise fully grown men in this show. The male lead’s mom. The mother of his dead friend who our male lead tosses another son onto. The mom contestant in season 2. There’s too many for it not to be commentary.

I’m glad we have shows like this though. Cause there are no easy answers. This island is just a symptom of a larger problem, one that can’t be fought alone. It will take many heads coming together to even start to unravel the mess we are in.

Anyways… looking forward to the finale. I would not be surprised if our lead male becomes a new commander of the games at the end.

[ven0moir]

Did ... Mike lie not only during his monologue ...?

Okay so, a little disclaimer that this is more of an interesting observation that my bestie made during her second S4 rewatch rather than an actual 'theory', but I do have some questions regarding when exactly Mike went to pick the flowers for El ...? In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't really matter whether or not he lied about this, but in putting his timeline together, I feel like I am missing something.

Please take this with a grain of salt, as I personally am not 100% convinced of this but it IS interesting enough to point out the possibility. So I'll start out by saying that when this scene came up ...

She immediately said "oh he's lying, he didn't handpick those flowers. Did you see that face?? What was that? Plus the way he hesitates, and then how he overexplains the flowers ..."

And I had to pause for a second. We know Mike is putting up a front, that his entire outfit is a front, his demeanor is a front ... so how do we know for certain that these flowers are not part of his 'disguise' too and that he isn't lying about them in some way ...?

I always thought that Mike got the idea to bring El flowers from her letter in EP1, specifically because she mentions them here:

She says she missed the flowers at first, but not anymore. Either way, perhaps Mike thought it'd be a good idea to bring her flowers, yes? We also see the flowers again at the end of the season, and it's fair to assume this is where Mike picked them from.

Now the thing is ... I went back and found a map of Hawkins to see where Hawkins High School is in comparison to Mike's house, Hopper's cabin and this hill (which we first saw in S3 when Dustin and the gang set up Cerebro).

(original map link here)

Notice the distance. The hill (aka Cerebro) is nowhere near the Wheeler's house. The hill is not on the way home from school either, so it's not like he made a quick stop on his way back. With this in mind, remember what Karen said to Mike earlier that day?

This implies he HAD to be back home at the very least sometime around 9pm. Mike was at school all day (minus when he and Dustin went to find Erica. Considering that Hawkins Middle School is likely where Erica is, which is right next to the High School, it wasn't a long trip either),

then they had their D&D game that night and by the time we see them leave the game, it is already nighttime, meaning he likely had to go straight back home after this. I'm not sure what time this scene was, but it was around the time Chrissy died, which was 9:27pm, meaning he had to immediately head back home after the game.

So my question is ... when exactly did Mike pick those flowers? It doesn't seem like he would've had time to do so. Is it possible that Karen did it for him instead? Did he asked her to do it for him, (which wasn't established since he left his house in a rush that morning) or was it Karen's idea altogether, as in a "Here, give your girlfriend these flowers, us girls like flowers" kind of supportive motherly way before he left for the airport?

My friend also noticed how nice the handwriting is on the card. I do not believe we've seen Mike's handwriting before, so there is no way for us to compare whether or not it fits him. Eleven would be able to recognize his handwriting, as she's been reading his letters. She's obviously disappointed because it doesn't say 'love, Mike' which would be her main concern. But she could've also noticed it wasn't his handwriting. Is this his handwriting's, or is it Karen's?

So the options are as following:

He disobeyed Karen and went to the field late that night to pick up the flowers, or he got super early the next morning to go pick the flowers before his flight.

Karen got them for him and gave them to him to give to El before he left for California the next morning, and then he lied to El about handpicking them because it seemed like a nice enough romantic gesture.

The Duffers didn't put that much thought into this and this is more of a plot hole, and not necessarily something we're meant to notice.

Only S5 will tell, it seems.

[st-just]

Random worldbuilding question #9!

re:

What aesthetics are considered “advanced” or “futuristic” in your world - canvas wings, shiny chrome, smooth plastic? How has this changed over time?

Okay so realizing after the fact that I’ve got at least three different relatively thought out settings each of which have multiple cultures/groups who probably have different answers for most of these questions, so! Lets pick semi-randomly and then lose track of the question and write seven hundred words of vaguely related free verse.

In most of Abhari, to be ‘advanced’ is to be similar to the latest fashions of the Sublime Commonwealth – the Committee on Industry and Progress is almost universally considered the most important body of state below the Grand Secretariat itself, after all. To be advanced means to be godless, the harvests and tides governed by mesmerisingly complex arrays of mirrored bronze directing aether in accordance to the dictates of Universal Reason. It means rectangular fields and ubiquitous canals, and government by sexless bureaucrats in grey coats and red hats, without family name or native tongue. Schoolhouses and conscription, and architecture that’s long on geometric patterns and short on portraits or idols.

‘Futuristic’ goes a bit beyond that, and the palette to draw with is clockwork and light. Pocketwatches and orreries and everything in between, automota doing the work of couriers and carriages on immaculate city streets, or self-propelled artillery crawling along mountain passes on spidery legs. Grand, illuminated libraries where the secrets and histories of the entire world have been transcribed into a single comprehensible tongue for any member of the public to peruse. Mirrors and lamplight and eyeglasses, and endless, endless reams of paper; every page full of facts and figures, or carefully transcribed reports.

Outsider the Commonwealth, there’s more variance. The artificers and guildmasters of the Holy Illyrin Empire and its sprawling array of vassals and dependencies would, as a rule, take being called ‘futuristic’ as a grave insult, to imply that their work is in some way distinct from their august predecessors is very nearly the same thing as calling them a fraud. Every worthwhile secret of craft and artifice was discovered by ancient masters centuries ago, even if it has perhaps only been unearthed and put to use quite recently by an appropriately respectful modern disciple. To be advanced in the positive sense in to be similar to the Imperial Court, and when the seasons change aristocratic fashion filters out across the land with some delay but enough force to make up for it.

The most impressive and famous workings are full of pomp and ceremony, ancient ritual and treasured heirlooms. The fashion at the moment leans towards ostentatious luxury – floor length cloaks and gowns, proudly displayed tokens of divine favour or noble patronage, cloth of gold and magnificent jewellery, a whole language of gems and patterns to advertise how ones sabre or necklace is enchanted. The most glorious are waited upon by called and bound devils, the right to command the labour of a condemned spirit and set the terms of its parole proof of their honour and lineage.

Conversely, no genius or savant of the Free Cities would object to having their work called futuristic – the heroic figure wresting some world-changing secret from an ancient tomb or the mind of a demon or the depths of their own imagination and winning fame and fortune for it is exactly what all of them are aspiring to be. If a well-read traveller’s image of a ‘city of the future’ isn’t one of the Commonwealth’s idealized and efficient geometric grids, it is surely Celmy or Khasal, sprawling and three-dimensional, full of unmapable paths that cut across each other at nonexistant angles to create impossible shortcuts.

To be advanced is to be rich, to sit at the heart of a globe-spanning trading empire whose markets are full of spices and textiles from continents away, to live in a city that others fight for the chance to visit, where the mere fact of citizenship is enough for magnates to woo you with feasts and festivals for your support in the Assembly. Little distinction is made between a novelty unearthed in a foreign land and brought home and one invented in a workshop down the street – the fact of something being an exotic novelty makes its presence as futuristic as any truly new innovation, and as worth showing off. The aesthetic is spectacle without much thought for restraint or modesty – silver and flame, strongmen and fleshweavers, ecstatic communion or sadistic demonbinding, monumental architecture or a more efficient mill; anything at all that demonstrates a personal surpassing of ones natural state.

[emilmoreno]

Full Name: Emiliano Tomás Moreno Nickname: Emil Age & Birthday: 33 - November 20th.  Occupation: Marine Welder Preferred Pronouns & Gender: He/him & cis-male Sexuality: Heterosexual Hometown: Briar Ridge, South Carolina. Neighborhood: Beach Front Family: Isabel 'Isa' Moreno - 9 year old daughter.

Pinterest | Stats | Connections. 

trigger warnings: car accident.

Born locally, Emil had what he would consider a mostly fairly middle of the road childhood. He often felt a bit detached from his parents, but he wanted for very little outside of perhaps a more socially stimulating environment. His uncle who was deemed by his ma as the ‘wild’ one of her family is very close to him.

A lot of times it was his uncle that took him to tee-ball, and sat in the stands all through his schooling years on the field.

Just as he was about to pack his bags and get out of dodge on a baseball scholarship, he experienced one of his first real upsets in life. His ma was in a bad car crash, and had to go through physical therapy. With medical bills and her needing help around the house, Emil put off college.

A semester turned into a year plus, but eventually with luck on his side and some help from his high school sweetheart’s family - Emil left town for his belated start out in San Diego on scholarship and studying physical therapy.

Everything was going pretty swimmingly, even his long distance relationship and he was so close to making the draft that he could practically hear the stadium crowds cheering for him. but alas life had one more curve ball for him & he was given the news that Amaia was pregnant and Emil immediately dropped everything to go back home.

Things went downhill from there in the years to follow. Between his own emotional distress of giving up his dream, there was a lot of tension between him and Amaia that he thought getting married could somehow fix. When it didn’t, the pair had a really ugly divorce and a custody battle you’d expect to be run by Judge Judy. Amaia was successful in painting Emil poorly and in the end, though he’d get visitations, he lost the custody battle for Isabel.

Having followed in his father’s footsteps upon coming back home, Emil nowadays has a very steady career. Though none of it is what he imagined he would be doing growing up he’s far from miserable, he’s adapted pretty well. Being able to turn his welding experience into his own thing by getting all his diving certifications definitely helped him settle in. Coaching tee-ball and being a sub for a local softball team certainly helps as well. The main stress in his life currently is dealing with his ex-wife and having to sometimes fight tooth and nail to get his owed visitations etc. with Isa. It doesn’t help that she’s old enough to ask questions Emil doesn’t always have an answer to, like why she has to stay with her mother. He’s stable enough that he’d like to go back to court, but he’s a little nervous it’d be hard on Isa and that he has less of a leg to stand on when Amaia has had her for as long as she has.

Fun facts:

he has a husky named Hercules after the dog in The Sandlot.

can be a bit of a thrill seeker. Likes roller coasters, dancing, and spontaneous road trips.

technically has enough diving certifications he could be a diving instructor but has little interest.  

owns way too many jerseys kind of sports fan, has seasonal tickets. supports a lot of local teams.

has a serious shellfish allergy, which is slightly amusing given the local cuisine.

likes #DadJokes and always has a snack on him because of either Isa or the kids he coaches for tee-ball.

[f1]

Im kicking myself Russell apologises to Mercedes after Canada DNF

George Russell started the Canadian Grand Prix in fourth, and was running in that position as he tried to pressurise Fernando Alonso ahead into a mistake. Instead, the error came from the Mercedes man as he ran wide over the kerbs and clattered into the wall. The Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is one that can bite, and although the fabled Wall of Champions didn’t claim a victim in the 2023 Grand Prix, the exit of Turn 9 did. Russell had been running within DRS range of the Aston Martin ahead, as he attempted to get close enough to pass for a podium place. Instead, he found himself limping back to the pits with a broken front wing and a rear-right puncture after clouting the wall. READ MORE: Hamilton buoyed by Canadian GP podium as he insists Mercedes are ‘going in the right direction’ “I just went a bit deep into the right-hander, and then from the left I just touched the kerb, but I clearly hit it with the bottom of the car,” a downbeat Russell said afterwards. “The next thing I knew I was up in the air and when I landed, lost the rear and I was in the wall. [I'm] kicking myself because such a small error has big consequences and that’s how it is on circuits like this. So kicking myself from my side.” Russell's crash left him with a puncture and wing damage Russell did manage to make it back out and re-join the race down in last position, initially making no real progress back through the field. But once his tyres were up to temperature and some others started pitting, he soon found himself back in the mix – even opportunistically making a double overtake on the squabbling Kevin Magnussen and Nyck de Vries. But he didn’t make it to the flag, overheating brake ducts curtailing his race and denying him the opportunity to pick up any points. FACTS AND STATS: Red Bull match Mercedes’ best-ever season start as Hamilton takes 10th Montreal podium “I did a good job to get back into the mix and obviously had a bit of an issue with the brakes. It all stemmed from my mistake. Sorry to the team, they put so much hard work in. The car was performing well, we weren’t expecting to be competitive here, yet we were putting up a good fight. It looks good for the future, just disappointed in the now. “[It] just wasn’t good enough and there were at least 12 points there on the table for us as a team.” This feature is currently not available because you need to provide consent to functional cookies. Please update your cookie preferences 2023 Canadian Grand Prix: Magnussen and De Vries end up down escape road after collision Russell had noted that perhaps his mistake was partially due to over-pushing to try and catch Alonso, saying that the Spaniard was “more competitive” than Mercedes had expected. The Aston Martin man was able to overtake Russell’s team mate Lewis Hamilton on track on merit, and hold him at bay until the chequered flag. READ MORE: Alonso says he pulled off ‘70 laps of qualifying’ to beat Hamilton in ‘amazing’ battle for second But with the upgrades working well and more on the way, there were still positives to take from the weekend for the Silver Arrows, even if Russell wasn't in any mood to appreciate them after his second retirement of the season. Mercedes have managed to retain second in the constructors’ championship thanks to Hamilton's podium, 13 points clear of Aston Martin. via Formula 1 News https://www.formula1.com

[ksouul]

april 26

as we switch seasons, the fixed state through these degrees are narrowing down my focus. the field in which i'm feeling through are three things. health, creativity in authentic taste and personal aesthetic, and dialog.

at my peak, I was someone who was pivotal. the ripples of my choices in the encouragement and motivation I'd offer in conversations would lead me closer and closer to opportunities that felt necessary. i'd like to say right for me but even that piece of the truth is trivial. til today, i'd like not to lean onto my own conceptions and continue to try and run all facets on the different angles God's truth has to offer. in English 101, they call it rhetorical thinking. my fixation on astrology in mind has surely stemmed from my mother. she's shared with me that any piece of revelation she ties to its science and I think it hinders me from enjoying life purely. what is pure to me? it's innocence. it's looking at a tree and not putting any names to it or any language to try and explain their movement. its looking up at the sky and enjoying what you see for what it is. not naming the cloud or being curious to what their name is but trying to understand the picture its creating instead or creating your own art with the strokes or fluffs given. truly don't know what it is i'm going through but I've gone through enough rounds around the sun to identify the motions and patterns of my timeline to catch that my need to run all facets is critical to my growth in the next 6 months.

I am at a time in my life where the facets need to be cleaned. all the pipes feel like they need to be changed. perhaps I can prepare for when it's time to install them. I graduate in August and as much as I love education, college is a flow I don't think would be fair for me to go through again. I am at a time in my life where i'm understanding the alchemy of surrendering into what my heart truly desires. my heart is devoted to the Kingdom and to the teachings that Jesus Christ doctrine has taught me. I've only ever gotten this far because of philosophers stone. where the heart and mind bind together to be purified. pushing through to graduation though has led me to forcefully learn and in ways it does wonders. if one was to say that you have to go at things consistently to obtain what you want, I believe that to a fault. I've learned that feelings aren't facts. if I don't feel like going to the gym but know that I have to, it must be done. but those are actions. forcing myself to be taught, hits differently. I think it runs me dry but thank Creation for coffee. i'm truly so thankful for this break. my first two days I didn't do anything but sleep and was revamped with the energy I miss so much within myself. the drive and passion for a better tomorrow and I still have yet to sit down and understand where that flow clogged up. I could name a few things but I've also been slowing down on physical activities to rest more. since the times changed i'm still trying to recover. the longer days holds me to wanna be a part of it til the end and the beginning to wind down at late 8pm close to 9 is causing me to go under to getting sleep for only 6 hours or 5 at most. impressed though as always, my ability to pull through and still make the best of what I can do which seems to be elevating at new heights.

for a second, I was chasing the whirlwind. where I was 6 months ago my plans to where I would be now is no where near what i've envisioned and my adaptability took me at the least 3 weeks to regain the plans I have to stay on the path. I just wanna be filled with trees surrounding me though. to lose sight of the sky and where I am and walk aimlessly. which is why I state that the education flow in this system is not for me. that it isn't fair to me. some may say that aiming aimlessly is a fault and I beg to differ. I find its beauty in it as well as its chaos and I truly am not withered by it. but maybe I am which is why if I hadn't had a break any sooner, I would have reached my burn out and I know it. these breaks are saving my life. which seems so selfish because my heart is on fire when I try to plan ways to save others. so much depth. not enough surface to swim in it, not just yet. I know I have to finish through though and again my hearts desires are not just for me. at 19 I was told to go out on this field and have come to accumulate for the many reasons of why. I only have 3 more months once i'm back and it. will. take. me. to. so. many. doors.

the balance of discipline and freedom. that is what I am learning. that is what I am being taught. in this jar holds many pieces of unfolding wisdom. which brings me to an idea I should create for my new home with my family. although where I envisioned i'd be 6 months ago isn't anywhere near where I would think I'd be now, it's much more beautiful than I could've ever thought for it to go and life has shown me that every. single. time. although what I envisioned was more from the mind, these flowers grew through concrete and I didn't realize how hardened my heart was. the tears I've cried have grown what's coming and is yet to come and for that holds the truth that justice will be served as long as I continue to face the atrocities bravely and find each opportunity I can to encourage others not to turn a blind eye. this revolution of ours is near and I always knew as a child that this is the lifetime I get to see it for humanity. why? because I wouldn't dare let my niece or the kids of my niece and nephews live in a world like this. and for their own troubles in their timelines, they'll create a better world for the next to come. this is evolution. not just a revolution. it is so important and the voices that continue to amplify tell it so.

[kakfightingring]

Week 4 Recap

High Score

Brown Wives Matter - After stumbling to a 1-2 start this season, the Wives were determined to get the ship righted in week 4. And as usual, the Tricks were waiting to service all their needs. Coach Tilley's squad seemingly scored at will with Josh Allen going for 320 yards and 4 TDs, spreading the ball around to Justin Jefferson (6/85/2), Puka Nacua (9/163/1) and AJ Brown (9/175/2). Those 4 players alone would've been enough to carry the Wives to victory this week.

Player of the Week

While he was not actually the highest scoring player of this week, I have to give a special shout out to De'Von Achane, who seems to be on a personal quest to rescue coach Haque's injury-plagued team. In week 3, he exploded for 203 rushing yards and 4 total TDs, leading coach Haque to say Out with the Young Hoe too, changing his team name to Achane't Get Enough. Achane followed that up with 120 total yards and 2 TDs, but just couldn't overcome being part of a team drafted by coach Haque, as they got stomped by cheetalive.

Turd of the Week

Week 4 was one of the greatest displays of Turditude that the WHL has ever seen. Winless Breakin T-Law managed just 73.27 points but still outscored THREE other teams who couldn't get out of the 60s. Appropriately, up against the Turdburners, the Kak Fighting Ring sprayed chicken shit all over the field. Deebo Samuel and Chris Olave who had been fantasy stars in weeks 1-3 combined for 1 catch, 4 receiving yards and 6 rushing yards. If that wasn't enough, Joe Burrow put up his 3rd single digit game of the year. Perhaps looking like the killer from the first Scream movie is starting to catch up with him.

Game of the Week

CANCELLED as all these games were more painful than watching Daniel Jones play QB.

What 2 Watch 4 Week 5

Use Your Hand vs. cheetalive - In week 4 coach Zand finally used his hand for something other than aggressively jerking it, laying the smackdown on coach Wickersham. That win sets up a surprising battle of 3-1 juggernauts. Coach Joyce, used to fantasy football only being a September sport, will have to figure out how to manage bye weeks as an actual contender. With Keenan Allen and Chris Godwin out, expect cheetalive to go all in on the Houston Texans with Tank Dell, Dameon Pierce and perhaps even C.J. Stroud.

32 Inch Apex Strikes Back vs. Tricks Named Jim -The Maghamsham Cup is one of the most storied traditions in the WHL. In the week leading up to the game fans of both squads engage in friendly competitions like the Smoke-a-Bowl relay race, the Carbon Footprint Reduction showdown, and everyone's favorite game: Who Can Pass Out the Longest Without Spilling Their Beer.

It all culminates this weekend as the teams face off to see who gets to take home the trophy, a cake with coach Maghamfar's face on it.

Power Rankings

The Six

bluemonkeyballs

Use Your Hand

Brown Wives Matter

32 Inch Apex Strikes Back

cheetalive

Kak Fighting Ring

Achane't Get Enough

Kaepernicklin

Tricks Named Jim

Turdburners

Breakin' T-Law

[galactichoneybee92]

Disorganized Thoughts on Sex Education Season 3

I binge watched the entirety of season 3 on Friday, and after sitting with it for a couple days, I have composed myself enough to offer some thoroughly disorganized thoughts on what I’ve seen. 

     While I did enjoy many things about this season, I don’t understand the people who claim it was the strongest. In fact, I believe that it was the weakest. I don’t know what exactly happened during the delay, but I swear they have to have lost staff. Writers, perhaps editors? Whoever usually reins things in a bit, keeps the show grounded, and everyone in character. Whoever had that job, they’re either gone, or they’ve just stopped giving a fuck which, while relatable, is unfortunate in regards to this show. Now what do I mean by that? Let me elaborate:

1. This season was gross. And I don’t mean in general, like I didn’t like it. No, I mean that the writers decided that being sexually explicit wasn’t funny enough and decided to add just a fuck-ton of fart jokes and toilet humor. And I get it, okay? This show prides itself on being crass. But you can be crass without being disgusting. I acknowledge that this comes entirely down to personal preference, but I can’t stand toilet humor and I feel like this season really ramped it up. Every episode was someone farting or talking about shit, or that god forsaken thrice cursed bus scene. Sex doesn’t gross me out, talk about sex all fucking day I don’t care, but I don’t need to watch an extended scene of someone digging their own shit out of a bus toilet in a sock and chucking it out the window onto someone’s car. And even just smaller things, like Aimee talking about the flour constipating her or her taking a massive shit in Jean’s toilet when she and Maureen were there. Those scenes weren’t necessary for the plot in any way, which leads me to believe they were just there because someone thought they were funny and if that’s you’re thing go off, but it most definitely isn’t mine. 

2. Ruby and Otis. And more importantly, what was the point of Ruby and Otis? Now don’t get me wrong, I like Ruby as a character and I found their relationship interesting. And I think that it would have been even more interesting if the writers had devoted more time to properly developing it- Ruby was getting better as a person but she wasn’t there yet. I liked it once Otis started standing up for himself more, and demanding respect in the relationship and as she started to actually care for him she did come to treat him more respectfully. I think with more time they could have been really good. But they didn’t get that time- she said she loved him and they didn’t even work through that fiasco before he was kissing Maeve at a gas station. Overall it had a lot of potential but the way they played it left me just sitting here like...why? Like from a narrative standpoint what was even the purpose? Because from where I’m sitting it really only served as yet another roadblock standing between Otis and Maeve and even though I shipped them like CRAZY in season 1 and 2 the constant unnecessary roadblocks are getting a little old. Which leads me to my next point...

3. Why was Maeve and Otis so unsatisfying? That’s not actually a rhetorical question, I can tell you: Because the writers put so little effort into what is supposed to be the main couple on the show. I feel like they put more effort into keeping them apart and then when it comes time to put them together they’re just kind of like NOW KISS, they only talk like once after and then they ship Maeve off to America. Now I’ve heard rumors that Emma Mackey might not want to return to the show for season 4 so if I had to guess at all of this I would say that both this point and the last was a sloppy attempt to cover their asses in the event that they can’t get her to sign back on. If she does return, they can explore the relationship between her and Otis in season 4. If she doesn’t, they’re probably going to put him back with Ruby. But they couldn’t just write her off without at least touching on the relationship they spent the past 2 seasons building, even though Otis and Maeve barely interact in this season, which is frankly another reason why it felt so shoddy. They spent exponentially more time talking to other people and then half the time when Otis was talking to her he was super cringe. 

     Overall, despite loving their relationship initially, the characters have changed so much from their original dynamic, and have interacted so little, that I really don’t even know what’s pulling these characters together. It’s disappointing to admit that I’m kind of over it but honestly even the writers don’t feel invested. it kind of feels like they put them together because the audience expected it and after 3 seasons of anticipation the payoff was generally underwhelming. 

4. Otis. Just...Otis. I understand that Otis was introduced as being a very nice helpful character in season one. He was the quintessential good guy. And then in season 2 he got to explore being a douche for a bit- which is fine. He is a teenager and he was going through some shit. But I really felt that by the end of season 2 he should have resolved that particular plot point. And he was a little better in season 3 I guess? But he didn’t really progress until the end of this season and from a writing standpoint I feel like they really dragged that out for too long. 

5. What’s with this show and it’s hard on for cheating? Like seriously, why does almost every relationship have some kind of infidelity. Like, were Otis and Ruby officially broken up when he kissed Maeve? Maeve certainly hadn’t broken up with Isaac, and this was almost directly on the heels of their very emotional sex scene. There was the issue with Jean and Jakob last season, and Eric cheating on Rahim with Adam. And then Eric (for some reason) cheating on Adam this season with random Nigerian dude whose name I can’t remember. Just...why is this a thing? 

     But also can we just talk about how weird the break up was? And out of left field? Like they literally spent the whole season developing their relationship, and then they get to Nigeria and after hiding the whole time he is subtly able to talk about Adam to his grandmother. And he sounds so proud, and so nice when he’s doing so, and not at all like he’s planning to end this wonderful relationship he’s describing. And then when he gets back, guilty after cheating on said boyfriend (like he should be) he asks Adam, seemingly as a test, if he would go out to a club with him. And Adam says no because that isn’t his scene and like...Eric knows that isn’t his scene. But at the same time, I feel like if Eric had sat him down and been like “You don’t have to wear makeup or dress outlandishly, just come to the club with me because it’s important to me” I really think Adam would have gone. And if the clothes and make-up were a dealbreaker like...why? You know who you’re dating. And while wanting him to tell his mom isn’t an overwhelmingly outrageous request, when you start getting into his physical appearance then that’s just actually trying to change him as a person and that’s just a really shitty thing to do. 

6. I promise there will be some positives in this list at some point but before that...what the fuck Eric? Like, I understand that Eric wants to get out there and explore his options, find someone more comfortable doing the things that he wants to go do. That’s realistic I guess, your high school relationships don’t work out and just because Adam came out for him he still isn’t obligated to stay in a relationship with him. But from a fictional narrative standpoint? What the fuck is this? Adam and Eric were one of the most popular ships on the show. They have been foreshadowed since season one, and had so so much effort put into developing them both as characters. Adam has come such a long way. They have brought him so far out of him comfort zone that Adam in season 3 is almost a completely different person to Adam in season 1. They spent so much of this season further developing the relationship they established last season, and for what? To break them up at the very end? WHY? 

7. Following on the heels of point 6, Aimee and Steve. They didn’t need to break up. I understand the direction the writers were taking this- Aimee wants to be single for a while to fully process her trauma and get to know her own body again. And that’s valid. I just don’t like it because I very strongly suspect that she will have a new love interest next season and that all her stuff about being single isn’t going to be shown. It will all happen off screen during whatever time skip they employ between seasons and then they’re going to use the fact that she is single to introduce a new more dramatic love interest for her since golden retriever boy Steve wasn’t interesting enough for them. Maybe that’s just me being cynical but if anyone can come out of season 3 NOT feeling a little cynical it would probably be a miracle. 

8. A positive! Finally a positive! I love the relationship between Adam and Rahim. Do I want them to date? Not particularly. I wouldn’t be mad if it happens, but I really just like them as like awkward begrudging friends. Some of my favorite scenes this season were the interactions between the two of them (Once again, the disgusting bus ride notwithstanding) I like Rahim a lot more when he isn’t interrupting my ship (which is a habit of mine. I liked Ola a lot more once she broke up with Otis) 

9. I don’t think Viv was out of character. Some people have been saying that she was, but I don’t think so. She has always been ambitious and even Jackson understand that about her in the show. And even when she was working for Hope and carrying out her rules, she was never an antagonist because she never gave up her personal morals to do it. For example, when Hope had them divided into boy and girl lines, Jackson asked her where Cal should go. She told him that boys went to the left and girls went to the right but as soon as Cal was like “Im not a boy or a girl,” Viv was immediately like, “ Oh! Right! Let me ask Hope.” She approached the situation in a way that made it clear that she recognized this issue as a legitimate problem and when she went to Hope it wasn’t framed like “This person is being an issue refusing to choose,” but instead like “We didn’t account for this possibility, that was our bad. How should we fix it?” Later on, on the class trip, Viv even lied to Hope and told her everything was fine because she didn’t want to get anyone in trouble. Viv took the opportunities presented to her, but I never interpreted it as her being an antagonist in any way. 

10. I love that Viv and Jackson remained friends, and I love that Viv has her sexy long-distance boyfriend who sexts about wheat XD Her sexting was one of my favorite scenes- well written, laugh out loud hilarious. No complaints. Sexy boyfriend was indeed very sexy and honestly, Viv absolutely deserves him. 

11. Mr. Groff better apologize to Adam next season, or at the very least have any kind of fucking conversation with his son at all or else why the fuck did I watch SO MANY scenes developing him as a sympathetic character? They could have spent that time developing ANYONE, but instead we were focused on him so like...I’m going to need some kind of payoff. Make it relevant

12. I want more bonding scenes between Adam and Maureen. I love Maureen- I love her friendship with Jean and I love how she always chooses her son over  her estranged husband (as she should) I especially love her very loving and supportive relationship with Adam, even though Adam is terrible at communication. It’s a self indulgent wish, I’d just like to see more. 

13. Isaac. I made many posts after the season 2 release, about how much I despised Isaac. Unlike Ola, I find that I didn’t have a complete change of heart but I don’t hate him AS MUCH as I did before. I still don’t like him though and while you might think “Yeah but you hate anyone who stands in the way of Otis and Maeve” no. This is historically accurate and yet, this season? Not true. For example, I don’t hate Ruby. Do I think her inclusion in the story was handled poorly in a way that made the entire plot point unnecessary? Yes I do. I also feel that way about Isaac, but less so because I feel like the relationship between him and Maeve deepening was better foreshadowed and was kind of the natural conclusion given the events of the previous season. As a character though, I still don’t really like him, and after 2 seasons of him I don’t think it has anything to do with him interfering with Maeve’s relationship with Otis- I just legitimately don’t like him. And I don’t like him with Maeve. I think the biggest irritant this season was the way that, after confessing about deleting the message he was like “yeah I fucked up but only because I like you so much, just forgive me” And then at one point I believe I remember Maeve apologizing to him for her reaction to everything. But then when he found out that she kissed Otis (admittedly a shitty thing to do) he got so mad and like, held a fucking grudge about it. And I get it, he has a right to be mad, but also boy you were the one groveling like 2 episodes ago get over yourself. They both fucked up in different ways but he acts like he has the moral high ground all the time and it gets really annoying. I don’t know, maybe I’m letting my general dislike of the character color my perception of events, but this show has managed to change my opinion on characters before but it still hasn’t made me like him so I think it’s just not going to. 

14. What the hell were they trying to do with Hope? Like legitimately, what? Because I can’t quite figure it out. And that’s mostly because I feel like they were trying to make her a nuanced and sympathetic villain, but they broke a cardinal rule- To make a villain sympathetic you must also ensure that nothing they do is inherently irredeemable. For example, principal Groff. He was a grade A dick for the past 2 seasons but I still feel that, now that we have a sympathetic backstory, if handled properly he could still come back from this. He can see the error of his ways and if he works really really hard to make amends to his family he could perhaps have his character turned around. In Hope’s case however, I would argue that they did makes her nuanced, but failed to make her sympathetic because as a character she went too far. If they had stuck to her just being a general tyrant of a headmaster - enforcing strict rules and regulations but doing so out of insurmountable pressure from her own bosses -  and then softened us towards the character by showing us her willingness to help Maeve get a scholarship, her troubled marriage, and her inability to conceive, it could have worked. The trouble is when they brought in her racism and general bigotry. Those weren’t flaws brought on by stress, those were deeply rooted character flaws that the character isn’t going to overcome because by the end of the season the character hasn’t even admitted them to herself. The issues were addressed by others, but not by Hope herself, leaving me to believe that the character herself still views them as a nonissue. I would be very surprised if she even appears in season 4 and moreso if they manage to even half-way redeem her. I’m relatively certain we won’t see her again, which makes me question the effort put into her character development. 

15. I like Jakob as a character, I don’t like him as a love interest for Jean, but I LOVE him as a father figure for Otis. It’s very conflicting because I want him to stay in Otis’s life, but I don’t like him as a romantic interest for Jean. also it’s pretty clear he isn’t Joy’s father so that’s going to be an awkward fucking conversation. If she even tells him. The way the show is going I kind of feel like she won’t, or will at least put it off for as long as possible. 

16. I want more interaction between Otis and Jean. Positive interaction, not just her being intrusive or Otis being a little bitch. I like their mother-son dynamic when they’re getting along so I just generally want more of it. 

17. Adam. Adam has become my favorite character in this show and I just generally want more of him and his relationships with others. I love his relationship with his mother but I want more if him and Emily, and him and Ola and now him and Ruby. I want to see him and Ruby discussing the Kardashians. I want him to train Madam and enter her in more competitions and just ultimately grow his social circle. Get all the love and support for god’s sake this boy needs it. 

Im sure there are plenty of things I’m forgetting and you can ask me about them if you like but for now it’s late and I’m tired. 

[secondhand-trash]

“I love you.” “It’ll pass.”

Season 2 ep 6, Fleabag

(more lines I like from things I like as prompts for people I like)

A/N: I reserved this one for Dabi when I was making the list but fuck Dabi It’s Getou time😌✨this scene impacted me so hard when I was watching the show and I knew right then that I had to write something off of it one day

Pairing: Getou Suguru x reader

Description: He left without saying goodbye.

Warning: major manga spoilers (set after the hs flashback arc and connecting to the prequel)

Word count: 3007

Playlist:

Cigarette Daydreams//Cage The Elephant

You Say I’m in Love//Banes World

The Killing Moon//Echo & the Bunnymen

-

It wasn’t until the report came out that you realised Getou was never coming back.

All 112 villagers of the prev. ** village deceased.

The letters printed on the white paper was staring right at your face, but somehow it still felt like it was miles away, like everything you read fell through your ears as an echo.

Residues at the scene could determine that it was Getou Suguru’s curse manipulation.

No one said anything when they saw you staring blankly at the still screen of your phone. The last few messages were still there, sitting there and waiting to be read.

You weren’t sure if you were hoping or detesting a response. He probably never would, like he probably wasn’t your boyfriend anymore.

“Do you know when you are getting back?”

Getou Suguru escaped.

“This is taking longer than your usual missions, is everything alright?”

According to item 9 of the Jujutsu Regulations, he is to be classified as a curse user-

“Suguru?”

-and is to be executed.

The other two saw him again after that, which they had the mercy of not telling you explicitly, but anyone could tell from the heaviness lingering in the air. 

Shoko smoked more than usual.

Gojo got quiet, and sometimes you would catch him fidgeting with the candy paper in his hand underneath his table.

Getou’s table was still there, an empty space starkly standing in the middle of the already sparsely occupied room. You had assumed that they would remove all traces of him immediately, but you could understand why they didn’t when you realised that your gaze still paused at where he once sat whenever it wandered.

The same way crimes scenes were always kept as it was, only the supposed corpse was still out there somewhere.

It was a silence bonding, the unbreakable chain of experiencing the same loss at the same time, but somehow your remaining friends were already there when you pushed open the door to the rooftop where no one usually went to.

That was the first day when he was gone. You had felt an impulse to go somewhere where you were not trapped inside, where you could feel the air entering your lungs as you inhale and it seemed like you were not the only one with that thought.

Gojo was already there, with his back bent forward as he leaned on the rail. He had one foot on the iron bar of the railing, casting a glance to your side when you silently joined him in looking down.

There was no one visible in your sight, but still you looked, and looked. The quiet footsteps getting closer let you know that the third (and last) classmate was here, a soft sigh ringing before there was a click and the smell of smoke made you furrow your eyebrows together.

You remembered that he used to smoke rather often, but somehow always put the cigarette off when you neared. He stopped smoking around you entirely after you got together, because you would push him away if you smelt the tell-tale scent of tobacco on him. But if you caught him at the corner with one between his fingers, he would always pull you close with his eyes curling into two thin strands, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as his other hand fumbled for the mints he kept in his jacket pocket.

You wanted to be mad at him, but the chill tickling your tongue when his breath fanned against your lips always had you weak.

“If he had come back for you,” Gojo’s voice was void of emotions, without the usual certainty or cockiness that always dripped from his words, “would you have followed?”

You shrugged.

“I don’t know,” you shook your head slightly, your eyes not once shifting away from the empty courts below.

The reality was that it still took you some time to process that fact that he killed a whole village of people, even longer when you eventually remembered that he did the same to his own parents. It didn’t feel real, like a bad dream that you could wake up from if you beat the thought into your head enough, like you could just close your eyes and see him walking up to you with his usual smile, asking you if you really fell for it.

But the feeling of being left behind, of conflict at the sentiments in your heart that you couldn’t brush away, of doubting if everything you once had was ever truly yours, of anger at how you were supposed to be the closest to him but knew nothing, of not being told anything, of not receiving a proper goodbye, of him running away without even telling you straight up that he was leaving you behind, were all very, very real.

There was a dull ache budding at the back of your throat over the fact that your last image of him was still the way he looked at you with so much tenderness made you sick to the stomach, and twisted even more at the knowing that to you, that was his one biggest crime. 

Perhaps that was what love was. You could look past the fucked up morals or even the murder, but there was no ignoring that you were left behind, and that meant that there was where it all ended.

You chuckled at the conclusion you had drawn, earning you a questioning stare from the boy who raised the question.

Hell, then he might just be the love of your life.

“I don’t know,” you repeated, bitterness lingering on your tongue when you smiled.

Sick, just sick.

They were both looking at you, but you didn’t turn to see what expression they were wearing as you dropped your head. The metal pressing against your forehead growing warm under the heat of your skin as you muttered, this time to yourself and no one else.

“I really don’t.”

-

Time sped up from there. 

Life went on. Eat, sleep, going out on missions before collapsing on your bed when you came back alone and tired, repeat. Gojo and Shoko stayed after graduation season hit, you didn’t. You spent so many years there already, you clicked your tongue as you said, it is time to move on.

You were not really talking about High school, both of them knew it but neither said a thing. The empty table remained as it was until a new batch of students poured into the classroom that was once yours, before they left and another group filled in. 

Occasionally you met young sorcerers on the field who wore the same button that once adorned your collar, and wondered if it was them who sat at that table now.

You did not think about Getou Suguru for years.

Yet, you were not surprised to find the exact same man that once plagued your thoughts late at night standing in the middle of your living room uninvited, without a single hint just as when he left.

“It has been long.”

You had a gut feeling that he got taller since you last saw him, even though you were probably standing too far away from him to truly measure. The edges and corners of his face were more prominant, his hair running down his back in a way that used to happen only when he was at his most relaxed. 

“You should try to let it grow,” you mumbled as you ran your hand through one lock of his hair, letting the black silk fell from your hand onto his chest, “it would look good on you.”

He chuckled, and the vibration seeped into your skin from the way he laid on your lap. The weight lifted from your legs when he sat up, his face right in front of yours as he grinned.

“When my hair reaches my waist, will you marry me?”

You laughed, and the smile on him only grew.

“Where did you get that from?” you hid your smile behind the back of your hand.

“It’s from a poem,” he replied with a tilt of his head, “Never heard of it?”

“No,” you still sounded breathy from the laughter, “but did people teach you not to make promises so easily?”

The one long piece of his bangs had fallen onto his face, covering his eyes just slightly. He huffed as he pushed it away from his view, placing his head on your shoulder.

“Who told you it was easy?”

Ah, your jaw clenched at the waterfall of black that stopped just above his waist, so he did grow it out in the end.

You did not move from your position at the door, standing with your back straight and your keys still gripping tightly in your hand. “What are you doing here?” 

You were just about to head back from a mission when you got the call. “He showed up at Kousen just then,” Gojo did not bother with formalities, or give you any context as to who “he” was but still you froze, knowing exactly what he was talking about right away, “he might go see you.”

(You were sure that he wouldn’t, but it seemed like you truly didn’t know him well at all.)

He chuckled, a soft sound that made your nails dig into the middle of your palm, “Am I not allowed to check up on you because I want to?”

He sounded familiar, exactly the way you remembered him to sound like. The corners of his lips were lifted up in a calculated angle, smiling at ease but not from heart. You suppressed the heat that was near pouring out your throat, swallowing the discomfort back into the pit of your core.

Was it true that this wasn’t how he smiled, or did you only notice the way his eyes were lifeless now?

You replied with a smile of your own, not willing to lose your footing, “Oh please.”

You never bothered to check on me before.

He was not bothered by the dryness in your voice, and if he was then he did a great job at not appearing so.

“When I left,” he asked, “were you mad at me?”

“No,” But I spent nights crying over you. “is that supposed to come out as a mock?”

“No.”

You searched for a hint of wavering in his eyes, any sign that he was experiencing even a bit of the turmoil that was boiling and burning in your chest as you tried to keep your voice still.

You wondered what you had hoped to find.

“What do you want?” you said, and forced yourself to look right into his eyes. You imagined that you could see your own reflection staring back at you if you were any closer to him and the hint of soreness shooting right up to your nasal until it the sting that left almost resembled longing.

If you were to fight, you probably couldn’t win him no matter how hard you try.

“If I say I miss you, would you believe me?” 

 There was a ring in your ear as you shut your eyes tight, forcing the corner of your lips to hold back from twitching.

God damn it.

“Does it matter?” I wish I don’t.

“Perhaps.” 

He was looking at you, and you could taste the blood at the tip of your tongue. You wished there wasn’t some part of you that was near breaking down inside of you, or that you didn’t feel such an urge to let the tears run free.

But you wouldn’t, your pride wouldn’t allow it.

His arms crossed loosely in front of his chest, the fabric of his cassock bunching up around his elbows. You had pondered why the cloak seemed so out of place, and then you remembered that he wasn’t even religious in the slightest.

It was all for show.

“Leave.” 

There was a hint of relief when you heard your own voice landing back on your ear and there wasn’t the shakiness you had so dreaded to hear. You knew you had lost the moment you even cared, but still, on the front you refused to show there sometimes, during the many years after he left, you would still see his face when you couldn’t sleep and all you could do was stare at the ceiling. You hoped the iciness in your expression was enough to cover up the fact that you had no erased all traces of what you once had with him completely, and there was still a photograph or two that you hid away so that no one would know you still hadn’t let go of him, a traitor.

He glanced down at your command, before nodding slightly to himself. Getou Suguru turned around until he was facing your window and his shadow slanted on the opposing wall from the cold hue of the moon.

The pale light blurred his figure, like smoke, like the mint tingling your senses.

“You ruined my life.” 

I love you.

He paused briefly, before turning to look at you once again. You were taken back when you see the look in his eyes, and the downward tug at his mouth.

With the moon and the cassock and the unexplainable depth in his eyes, he did look the part of feeling sorrow for the world and pity for the masses.

Oh, how ironic.

Getou parted his lips slightly, and you could see the shudder but heard no sound, until they pursed, before he finally spoke again.

I love you too.

“It’ll pass.”

You did not realise that you were staring out the window, not moving a step until you saw the dots of snow slowly landing on the glass. Your steps stumbled as you walked towards where he jumped out, your hand touching the chilled glass while the world outside was a scene of white.

He probably came and left on the back of some curse he had, not leaving even a trace.

You stared and stared, and wondered what it would feel like to be buried under the snow that was starting to pile up.

-

Gojo asked you if you want to see him for one last time.

You refused.

Your bones were cracking with each twist of your joints as you finally got back to your own space after the whole fiasco that went down had you drained. 

Of all the days he had to plan an uprising, it had to be Christmas Eve. A heavy sigh slipped from your lips when the door locked behind you, the lights flicking on to show the red number on the calendar hanging on the wall.

It was quiet, the handle of the clock ticking was all you could hear. It matched the pounding in your ear, drumming and drumming as you stared upwards at the ceiling, sucking in a deep breath as the cold air filled your lungs.

So he really was gone now.

“He said he couldn’t manage to laugh happily from the bottom of his heart in this world,” Gojo called you again a moment later after the initial one, and you had to swallow the want to tell him that there was no need to tell you what he said when the other end fell into silence when you didn’t response.

Only there was. You knew there was.

At the back of your head, you had a faint memory of where you had put the old things that you couldn’t find somewhere to store when you moved out of your dorm room. It was hidden under the piles and piles of clothes and blankets that you never used, much like how you had not touched that box since you first put it there. 

You sucked in a deep breath when your fingertip touched the rough corner of the cardboard, reaching in deeper to pull it out. It was covered in dust and slightly crooked from all the things you had stacked on it, but still exactly the same as how it looked when you sealed everything inside with the cover and shoved it in your closet.

There was still an innocent sense of glee when you opened it and saw all the things that reminded you of your youth. 

The student handbook, and your student card that was stuck in there like a bookmark. The gold button in which some of the gold pain had already come off from years of wear and tear. Your graduation picture, which showed the three of you sitting side by side properly in all its rarity.

The familiar ache in your throat returned when you got to the bottom, where you found the sole reason why you dug this out. You smiled, your hand gingerly picking the thin film laying flatly there without a single crease on it.

He was looking at you, who had your face on his shoulder with an arm thrown around your frame. Your hand was on his neck, pulling him down towards you as you laughed and he laughed back at you. You did not remember who took it, or when it happened, but the rush of warmth in your chest as you held the picture in your hand must be the proof that you were happy. 

You should have thrown this away the moment you knew he was not coming back, but you didn’t have the heart to.

How could you when he looked so happy too?

Your thumb traced over the smooth surface of the film, over where his lips were nearly touching your hair, over his eyes that were fixed on you.

Couldn’t manage to laugh happily from the bottom of his heart... huh?

You laughed, at him, at yourself, before the droplet of tear finally fell.

Like there was smoke in your eyes.

Like the chill on your arm was not from the snow outside but from the taste of peppermint on your tongue.

[zrtranscripts]

Season 9, Mission 17: Buried

Guard dog

~

PETER LYNNE: Look, don't get me wrong, Five. I'm obviously glad we made it out of Red Scorpion Base alive. But I'm not loving the ambiance of these caves. See, that is the third pile of human bones we've passed in the last 10 minutes. Look there. Tally marks carved into the rock. That's three sets of five. Someone was... counting the days?

GENERAL BAKARI: The caves are our only hope of a successful withdrawal from the base. Understand, Red Scorpion is ruthless and paranoid. It believes itself to be the last outpost of America left in the world. Quite possibly, it is. Their main concern will be to keep the panacea out of the hands of their enemies, and to them, everyone not of this base is an enemy. If the panacea we’ve stolen is recaptured, it'll never see the light of day. We need to get the thumb drive and the data in Five's blood to friendly territory ASAP.

If we move north, we should find exits to the surface. Beyond, there's a hidden supply cache and a map showing the location of a small motorboat. I planned for you to find it after leaving the base. You'll keep heading north toward the Maghreb Protectorate. That's our best chance of survival. Hopefully the broadcast from your tracker implants will be shielded from Guillemette down here.

JANINE DE LUCA: The tunnels do not sound stable. I spy more bones ahead, partly crushed by rocks. Propane canisters and a broken flamethrower beside them.

GENERAL BAKARI: Red Scorpion grew a lot of the ancient fungus in these caves once. When the time came to burn it, I hear it was a messy affair. Grab the canisters, Five, in case your torch batteries run dry. [grunts in pain] Damned leg is getting worse. You may have to leave me behind.

JANINE DE LUCA: That is not happening, General.

PETER LYNNE: I mean, you dragged us all the way to Tunisia for a madcap heist, Bakari. Why part now? Besides, you owe it to Janine to make it home.

JANINE DE LUCA: He owes us nothing, Peter. He burned that bridge when he chose Sigrid's side. But we have lost enough already. We can only hope Dr. Abani and Mr. Yao fled the base unharmed.

GENERAL BAKARI: They're not the priority. The panacea is. Focus on the mission, De Luca, just like I told you. Listen. That rumbling isn't the earth. The red fungus wasn't the only hazard the base experimented with. What's down here... if we're fast, we might make it out. Head past those scorch-marked rocks. Keep your voices low, and run.

~

GENERAL BAKARI: Blast it, Janine! I see you slowing down. If it's for me -

JANINE DE LUCA: It's to retrieve a compass from my pack, General. These caves are dark and branching. We will need help to stay on course.

GENERAL BAKARI: Ah. That's good operational thinking, Janine. You always had a knack for the field.

For the record, the business with Sigrid... I do regret it. I thought I was protecting you and Tom. Once I knew her plans, I knew you'd never go along. But if I was loyal, I could keep her from destroying you. Perhaps not Abel, but you. Have you both secured, kept safely out of it. I only ever did my best to look after you two.

JANINE DE LUCA: You packed us off to boarding school at every opportunity! You had ample time to warn us about Sigrid, and you didn't! Not once did you try to fight alongside us. I really think that -

[rock crumbles, tendril slithers]

PETER LYNNE: What was that?

JANINE DE LUCA: Torch up, Five. Something broke through the ceiling behind us. There! A large tendril covered in scales, like a serpent.

GENERAL DE LUCA: Duck, Five! It's lunging this way. [rock crumbles] It swiped hard enough to crack the wall. It's getting longer, more slithering out of the ceiling. Quickly, down the tunnel, move!

~

PETER LYNNE: Keep going, Five. God, it's so shadowy down here, I can't tell if that thing's still after us.

GENERAL BAKARI: All right, it's definitely awake.

JANINE DE LUCA: What's awake, General? What exactly are we facing?

[rock crumbles, tendrils slither]

PETER LYNNE: Two more snakes, dangling from the ceiling ahead.

JANINE DE LUCA: Peter, the grenades you took from the base.

PETER LYNNE: [laughs] Way ahead of you, Janine. Five, take one, Label says, uh, low yield concussion. And throw! Duck behind that rock! [explosion, flesh splatters] And now we're covered in bloody bits of blown-apart flesh. Wonderful.

JANINE DE LUCA: I suspect we're lucky the explosion did not cause a cave-in.

GENERAL BAKARI: That grenade will buy us time, but not much. We can't linger. Keep moving, straight ahead. Go!

~

PETER LYNNE: Look Five, there's more tallies on the rock. Three sets of five marks scratched into the stone. Dear God, what is that? The... the cave wall ahead, that-that's not rock. It's... it's alive. Segments of flesh, like a, like a huge worm's hide, pulsing and flexing.

GENERAL BAKARI: That's what's after us. Red Scorpion conducted many experiments after the fungus program failed. Research into genetic engineering. This was a tunneling creature designed to attack entrenched positions. It couldn't be tamed, so it was thrown outside, allowed to expand the tunnels beyond the base. It's a sort of guard dog.

PETER LYNNE: [shudders] It stinks of rot. And of Van Ark. He must have been in contact with Red Scorpion even-even before the apocalypse. Maybe... maybe this place was his backup plan, somewhere to escape to if things in England went south. Yes... Yes. I-I believe he was grown in a tank, sure, but that's what he wanted, never to die.

I have nightmares where the injections he gave me go horribly wrong, turn me into a big fleshy blob. You know? Something quite like that.

GENERAL BAKARI: The creature spreads tendrils through the ground, pulling animals down from the surface. It's grown too big to move over the years. We're only seeing a small chunk of its hide sticking out of the rock

JANINE DE LUCA: It is the thing that attacked us en route to the base. The burrowing creatures that consumed the camel, Five, remember? It is much worse up close. This tunnel veers left, running parallel to the creature's hide. We've no choice but to follow the wall of flesh until we find a path leading away. I see no tendrils, but we don't know where they grow from. Stay alert. Turn left, and move fast!

~

JANINE DE LUCA: Stay close to the left side of the tunnel, Five. Cleave to the rock. Do not approach the wall of flesh opposite.

PETER LYNNE: Ugh, there are stubby shapes writhing all along it. Baby tendrils covered in scales, ugh. I had scales once, a long time ago. Hey... sorry, hang on, those... those aren't scales. Oh God, they're covered... they're covered in fingernails! Oh, come on, it's layers of human fingernails joined like scales! How is that possible?

GENERAL BAKARI: The creature is a colony organism. Its cellular matrix is adaptive. It doesn't just eat prey, it absorbs it, adopts random traits. Look closely. There are patches of camel hair and scorpion chitin on its hide.

JANINE DE LUCA: I see two larger tendrils in our path, wrapped around a body. They're obscuring the face, but the body is in uniform. Much of it has been dragged into the flesh wall, consumed.

GENERAL BAKARI: The base dumps corpses in the caves for easy disposal. Digestion is slow. Those dog tags... 555. Were you still alive when they threw you out here? Fives carved into the wall for someone to remember you.

[flesh squelches]

PETER LYNNE: Uh, the tendrils, uh, they're peeling off the body, tearing skin with them. Five, look out!

[gunshots]

JANINE DE LUCA: Sorry, Five. Clumsy aim, nearly grazed you with a shot. Those tendrils swung straight for you, General, even though Five was closer.

GENERAL BAKARI: Sensing my injury, probably. Weakest in the pack.

[rock crumbles, tendrils slither]

PETER LYNNE: More of them coming through the ceiling. They're thrashing like fury.

GENERAL BAKARI: Over there. There's an opening in the cave wall, a tunnel branching away from the creature. That way, now!

~

[rock crumbles]

PETER LYNNE: Faster, Five. We're clear of the creature, but there are more tendrils breaking through the roof behind us.

[rock crumbles, tendrils slither]

GENERAL BAKARI: And in front. On your left, Colonel.

[gunshots]

JANINE DE LUCA: The tendrils are all going straight for you, General, as if you're their main target. The corpse... 555, you called it. You told us an ally with that designation helped send your message from the base. Was 555 a sacrifice?

GENERAL BAKARI: It was for the mission! If you're suggesting this creature inherited some kind of grudge -

JANINE DE LUCA: It's as plausible as anything, given the paucity of information from you. You treat my people as pawns, just like that poor soldier! You could have told us everything about this mission in your message. Instead, you lured us with the specter of Van Ark, kept your true objectives hidden.

Remember Algeria? You signed off on the operation there. We left Tom behind. You said capture was an anticipated risk, but you'd expected him to avoid it. I wanted to believe that. You never chose honesty with us. You always chose control!

GENERAL BAKARI: Janine...

[rock crumbles, tendrils slither, flesh squelches]

PETER LYNNE: Uh, guys, those tendrils are getting closer. And some are merging, sort of melting... oh, and they're forming a face! Ah, a human face.

GENERAL BAKARI: 555... more adopted traits. The tunnel's forking. Take the rightward path, go!

~

PETER LYNNE: Five, stop. Point your torch down. Look at the tunnel ahead.

GENERAL BAKARI: Tendrils emerging from the ground, none more than a foot tall, but they stretch as far as the eye can see. Impossible.

JANINE DE LUCA: The tendrils behind us are stretching to catch up.

PETER LYNNE: Oh, not just that, they're coming out of the walls, too. They are all around us.

JANINE DE LUCA: We’re trapped. General, what are you doing?

GENERAL BAKARI: Grabbing a propane canister from Five's pack. Sorry, Five, no time to ask. Feels full. Good spark from a rock will set it alight, should create a gap in the wall of flesh big enough to pass through. The tendrils have a protective chitinous layer, hardy. The explosion would have to come from the inside. If it grabs one of us, it will absorb its prey for digestion.

PETER LYNNE: General, that's suicide.

GENERAL BAKARI: The thing's going for me first and foremost. Maybe it did absorb some hate from poor 555. Maybe I'm just weak. Listen, when you reach the forest, you're looking for a crescent-shaped rocky ridge. Follow protocol Gamma Nine.

JANINE DE LUCA: General -

GENERAL BAKARI: I didn’t want to control you or Tom, De Luca, but I'm a military brat at heart. Didn't expect children. Couldn't ever figure out the right tactics. Remember our old Mastiff, Bracewell? How you'd scowl when he wouldn't follow orders? I always worried you and I were too alike.

JANINE DE LUCA: We'll find another way. There are other options.

GENERAL BAKARI: Janine, you know there aren't. Get that data out if you can. It's the best apology I can manage for the life I've lived. [sighs] Going to be hell on the old leg. Suppose I deserve it. I wasn't your father, Janine, but I am very proud.

JANINE DE LUCA: General -

PETER LYNNE: It's no good, Janine! He ran straight into those tendrils. We're dead if we follow. Listen, maybe he'll -

[explosion, flesh squelches, creature screams]

JANINE DE LUCA: He's gone. The creature... look, Five, the explosion has blown a hole through its flesh. The tunnel is clear. It may not stay that way. We cannot remain here. Straight forward, run!

~

PETER LYNNE: Okay, slow down a mo, Five. No sign of tendrils around. I think this stretch of cave is clear. Um, Janine...

JANINE DE LUCA: I am fine, Peter. No, that's not true. But there is no time to feel it now. We must gain some distance on that creature. The mission he gave us could save countless lives. That must be our focus.

PETER LYNNE: Still, I'm... I'm so sorry, sweetheart. I... despite everything, he was your... I mean, Bakari, he... he did seem like he-he truly cared about you and Tom.

JANINE DE LUCA: Peter, of course he cared. And so did I. And I wish that was an excuse for anything he did. Come on, both of you. We must escape these tunnels, find our teammates, and get the panacea back to the UK. We're far from out of danger and we've a long way to go before we reach home.

~

[emilmoreno]

Full Name: Emiliano Moreno Nickname: Emil Age & Birthday: 32 - November 20th.  Occupation: Marine Welder Preferred Pronouns & Gender: He/him & cis-male Sexuality: Heterosexual Hometown: Briar Ridge, South Carolina. Neighborhood: Beach Front Family: Isabel Moreno - 9 year old daughter.

Pinterest | Connections. 

trigger warnings: car accident.

Born locally, Emil had what he would consider a mostly fairly middle of the road childhood. He often felt a bit detached from his parents, but he wanted for very little outside of perhaps a more socially stimulating environment. His uncle who was deemed by his ma as the ‘wild’ one of her family is very close to him.

A lot of times it was his uncle that took him to tee-ball, and sat in the stands all through his schooling years on the field.

Just as he was about to pack his bags and get out of dodge on a baseball scholarship, he experienced one of his first real upsets in life. His ma was in a bad car crash, and had to go through physical therapy. With medical bills and her needing help around the house, Emil put off college.

A semester turned into a year plus, but eventually with luck on his side and some help from his high school sweetheart’s family - Emil left town for his belated start out in San Diego on scholarship and studying physical therapy.

Everything was going pretty swimmingly, even his long distance relationship and he was so close to making the draft that he could practically hear the stadium crowds cheering for him. but alas life had one more curve ball for him & he was given the news that Maya was pregnant and Emil immediately dropped everything to go back home.

Things went downhill from there in the years to follow. Between his own emotional distress of giving up his dream, there was a lot of tension between him and Maya that he thought getting married could somehow fix. When it didn’t, the pair had a really ugly divorce and a custody battle you’d expect to be run by Judge Judy. Maya was successful in painting Emil poorly and in the end, though he’d get visitations, he lost the custody battle for Isabel.

Having followed in his father’s footsteps upon coming back home, Emil nowadays has a very steady career. Though none of it is what he imagined he would be doing growing up he’s far from miserable, he’s adapted pretty well. Being able to turn his welding experience into his own thing by getting all his diving certifications definitely helped him settle in. Coaching tee-ball and being a sub for a local softball team certainly helps as well. The main stress in his life currently is dealing with his ex-wife and having to sometimes fight tooth and nail to get his owed visitations etc. with Isa. It doesn’t help that she’s old enough to ask questions Emil doesn’t always have an answer to, like why she has to stay with her mother. He’s stable enough that he’d like to go back to court, but he’s a little nervous it’d be hard on Isa and that he has less of a leg to stand on when Amaia has had her for as long as she has.

Fun facts:

he has a husky named Hercules after the dog in The Sandlot.

can be a bit of a thrill seeker. Likes roller coasters, dancing, and spontaneous road trips.

technically has enough diving certifications he could be a diving instructor but has little interest.  

owns way too many jerseys kind of sports fan, has seasonal tickets. supports a lot of local teams.

has a serious shellfish allergy, which is slightly amusing given the local cuisine.

likes #DadJokes and always has a snack on him because of either Isa or the kids he coaches for tee-ball.

Connections: I’ll make a full page with more suggestions etc. but here’s a quick handful to help with plotting!

Guy friends - sports fans, drinking buddies etc.

Female best friend - I'd like them to be a local similar in age if possible, so they could know his ex-wife and have gone to school together.

Dog sitter | Neighbor | Flings - I promise I'll add some other ideas & a full plots page once I get the time this week.

[pluviophile-bookworm]

HSMTMTS 2x10: New and a bit alarming... ok, very alarming

I don't even know at this point if I'm more nervous or excited for this episode. I've done my waiting and, well, whatever lies ahead, good or bad, or a little bit of both, I just can't wait anymore, even though I haven't been so scared to press play since... well, since last week. Guess I should just go for it, then:

Ooh, shady Seb doing the recap! We love to see it. Like, seriously, I'm anxious about the Seblos fight, but shady Seb is kind of my new favourite Seb.

I just... Ashlyn's acting is top tier. Emotional connection to the material? Superb! Chemistry with her co-lead... well, he'd have to be co-leading for any chemistry to be possible. I love Ricky, and I feel for him with all he's been through, but he's just not lead material right now. And it shows. Especially next to Ashlyn, who is killing it!

Miss Jenn is on the verge of a bloody mental breakdown and I just... wish I could do something to make things better. She reminds me of my mum when a deadline approaches for her to submit an article, and I just feel for her right now. Gosh, I'm feeling for everybody today. My empathy seems to be at its peak and I might just burst from all these emotions this episode is making me feel even before the 5-minute mark.

Ok, but Miss Jenn being stressed means Carlos is stressed for two, which means... this is a really bad time for him and Seb to have personal problems. My heart just can't handle it.

Wow... I never thought I'd see the day! The two leads are actually talking to each other! This is a mid-July miracle!

Why does everyone keep pretending their HSM was good? It was a flaming hot mess! A child could see that.

Miss Jenn needs a lot of work on her 'gracious face'. I, like Carlos, have quite some notes. Only mine aren't exactly, how do you say... verbally formulated quite yet.

Did Carlos just refer to Miss Jenn as 'mother'? Because yes.

I've been in a couple of local theatre productions in my day, but none of them had actual physical sets — we relied on the audience's imagination quite a lot — so I wouldn't know what a good set is made of... but even I can tell that plywood and Elmer's glue = not good.

Kourtney is a multi-tasking icon and we love her. I feel like I don't say this enough, but she deserves all the love.

Ooh, shady Seb is... well, shady! 'Quit school and get a job at the pizza shop?' — I mean, you don't see Reddy or Kourtney (or Howie, for that matter) quitting school in order to work at the Slices! Those kids juggle it all and, as someone who's never had to balance school and a job all at once, they have my deepest admiration.

Still, I think they should have thought about 'inventing' something re: transformation earlier than this point. The personal drama has taken up too much of their time.

Why does everyone keep inviting people over to Ashlyn's? I mean, it's not like I've ever heard her complain, but the girl needs some rest! And her house is not a public space.

Oh, so they're making this into a contest? I mean, I have never been a fan of competition, but to each their own. And Redlyn are hosting! This is going to be so beautiful! (You know, unless the boys try to sleep — see my post from yesterday about Reddy's background noise machine)

'I'm not worried. But North High should be!' Ooh, I love this look on Ashlyn! See, there's a lead to take notes from! And Ricky should be the first to do so. Take notes about what a lead acts like, I mean.

Oooooh, Big Red claps back! We love to see it. Although, you know, it stems from the fact that he's nervous about coming up with a solution to the transformation problem. 'I get bossy around the power tools' — Yes, sweetie, and I love that look on you. Maybe you should be around power tools more often, if that helps.

Ughhh, look what the cat brought in! Lily (I wish I knew her last name so I could refer to her by it exclusively, but we'll have to make do). I hate that girl. She reminds me quite exactly of the girl who bullied me in seventh grade to the point where I wished I'd die before having to deal with her at school again. She and Lily both bring out my aggressive side, and I hate that about them.

Ricky — 'so good at being a leading man'? I don't know what Lily is playing at here, but Ricky has not shown himself to be a very good leading man this season. He has the potential to be, but he has not fulfilled it by this point. Sure, he supports his friends and they support him, but that's basic decency. Not yet good leadership. No hate on Ricky, just the truth.

'I vaguely remember him' — please tell me this is setup for Ricky leading Lily on and then slamming the door in her face with the truth. The way I see it, he's been given a chance here. A chance to be the supportive, protective best friend Big Red deserves. I just... have a lot of ideas about this and I don't want it to end badly instead.

'I'm just not well-liked here, and I don't know what to do' — well, of course you aren't well-liked, you little— (ok, ok, calm down, breathe, 10, 9, 8...) whatever. I mean, she hasn't even considered basic decency, as it seems. Must be a new concept to her.

'Don't start with me, Carlos!' Wow. As much as I hate it that my two faves' only interaction in so long is so hostile, I kind of like this side of Big Red. I wonder what other sides of himself he's been hiding.

Listen, I don't like Seb being patronised and babied, but... 'Chip, this is your mother speaking: go call your mother!' made me laugh so hard. They're leaning into the on-stage family dynamic and I live for it.

EJ's idea of using old skateboards for the spinning contraption is... a brilliant callback to the fact that Ricky and Big Red were first characterised as skateboarders... you know, before diving headfirst into the theatre thing. And it feels like it might actually work.

Miss Jenn's excitement at seeing Mr Mazzara ('Benjamin!!!') is perhaps only topped by the fact that he was halfway home, got a text from her and instantly went back to the school. I mean, these two have something that's really big.

Miss Jenn referring to the kids as 'my children', combined with Carlos calling her 'mother' earlier just warms my heart so much! Those guys really are family. I live for it.

Ok, but... as clear as it is that the Wildcats are very far behind NH in terms of budget, rehearsal time and who knows what else, I hate seeing Miss Jenn resigned to them losing. I want to see her have faith in them, talk about how they will win, and, in her own words, 'trust the process'. I mean, I guess it's good that, as a teacher, she wants to prepare her kids for a possible defeat (and I mean really possible if they don't step up their game immediately, especially some of them * cough* Ricky *cough *), but a team that goes out to the field expecting to lose has a very minimal chance of winning.

Despite everything I've been saying again and again about Nini lately, the fact that she just delivered a very different 'No, Seb' has just redeemed her. See, this one wasn't dismissive or patronising — this was like, 'no, Seb, don't put yourself down' and I love that spin on the catchphrase I'd grown to hate. See, many things can be redeemed. And some simply cannot. * cough* Devil's spawn Lily *cough *. Also, Seb being self-conscious about the fact that Carlos 'doesn't have many options' at East Hight is the perfect setup for In a Heartbeat — meaning they will either have a chance to talk about their issue, or they have a telepathic connection, in which case, what kind of soulmate stuff is that?

'You're my sister; he's my cousin' — yeah, Ash, putting it like that makes it sound a lot weirder than it should, but I do get what you're trying to say. This is not a drill! Ashlyn is a Portwell shipper (heck, maybe even the captain of that ship) — but I feel like we already knew that.

'Why'd I never hear about this?' — and there it goes. Within the same scene, Nini was redeemed and then made aggravating again. What does she care if Gina thought Ricky sent her chocolates? He didn't. Because he and Gina can't be anything but very good friends. And I feel like good friends is what Gina needs. Maybe that's why I wanted EJ to be that for her initially (or it was because I'm aroace and don't tend to notice romantic attraction between fictional characters — or real people for that matter — unless it's explicitly stated to be there). But I've been on board of the majestic S.S. Portwell for a few weeks now and it's finally about to set sail.

Yeah, Nini, get a root beer, calm the heck down and get over it!

'Your other clockwise!' — Why does this even need to be said? How many 'clockwise's are there? I absolutely understand why Big Red gets the way he gets around power tools. I'd be on edge too, if the people I was trying to work with didn't know what way clockwise is. Still, I feel like by the time I'm 30, nobody younger than me would have a reason to know what way clockwise is, and I don't know if I feel bad or neutral about it.

Oh, so there's no telepathy involved in Seblos' problem resolution — it's been Redlyn's good communication all along. I might have known.

Ooh, Portwell is being discussed on both sides! PORTWELL NATION HOW WE FEELING

Nini? Why is everything about Nini? There's no way everything is about Nini. In all seriousness, though, EJ's worries about letting the next girl go seem valid in regards to Gina, given that she explicitly stated (though not within earshot of EJ or anyone who could have tipped him off) that she needs someone who will show up and stay. But they'll figure it out. They'll find a way. I know it. They will, or I will riot, and I know I won't be alone in that.

Ooh, Howie is giving Kourtney the original blueprints! Looks like Reddy isn't the only one who has a spy on the inside.

Ahhh, Ricky! Not 'Let You Go' again. I haven't cried to it in three days and I was not ready to break that streak. But... wait, this is where Carlos approaches Ricky to ask him for help with writing a song for Seb, isn't it? I am definitely ready for this.

Oh, is it... is it Ricky who suggests Carlos write a song for Seb? Now that is what a good leading man looks like.

'I'm adjusting to being called bro' — me too, Carlito, me too. But... this scene must have been so emotional for Josh, given that he hadn't come out yet. I remember him crying during The Climb and... all I'm saying is I want Ricky to come out at some point, too.

Oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh... they were just talking about love languages and that's when Carlos shows up? Cinematic. Wait, there's Portwell too? This is what dreams are made of.

My oh my oh my! Risotto! For real this time. I might have just teared up. (Full disclosure: I did.) I've only had Portwell for about three weeks, but if anything happens to them, I will... you know how the meme goes. [side note: Wait, when I said 'for real this time', I was not expecting EJ would say it, much less word for word. Am I... writing this show now? It's usually my dad who predicts people's lines in TV shows]

'Not that I know of'... excuse me while I hyperventilate! These two are literal soulmates. They might share a brain, too, for all that I know. Portwell nation you ok guys?

I love that Ricky helped Carlos out with this song and is supporting him through it, but... I just might have preferred for him not to be there. I kind of need Seblos to have this moment to themselves. But, you know, with the way they feel about each other it might as well be like they're alone in the universe, let alone the room.

Ok, but Frankie's voice... brings out feelings in me that I didn't know I was capable of. Make of that what you will. Also, I'm not sobbing my eyes out, you are.

Ahhh Reddy my sunshine my sweet boy I love you but why did you have to cut Seblos' moment short? They were going to kiss, I know it. Oh well, they probably will, later on. Off-screen probably, but who cares? Not everything is for us to see. At least Carlos and Ricky had a moment there... Carlos calling Ricky 'bro' made me more emotional than I expected. It's like Miss Jenn says in s1: 'They're best bros, and that's a sacred thing... for reasons I will never understand'.

Ricky's acting sounds like a cat about to spit up a hairball, and it's so funny... in a scene that is supposed to be arguably the most dramatic of the entire play, that is not a good thing.

Oh my, oh my... you did not! You did not just end the episode with Ricky taking a fall from who knows how high. I was not ready. This episode was entirely too much for me. I will need 10 to 15 business days to recover from this, and we all know there aren't that many. But in the meantime you'll find me obsessively listening to In a Heartbeat for hours on end. Seriously, this episode is too much.

[lokisasylum]

Saw this tag last night and thought it was pretty cool, but was passing out from exhaustion from the vaccine so I couldn’t do it.

Rules: List the first lines of your last 20 stories (if you have less than 20, just list them all!). see if there are any patterns. Choose your favorite opening line. Then tag some of your favorite authors!

1. No Ordinary Love [BTS, yoonmin - Still in the works, but I wanted to add it because I really like the Prologue]

When I entered the club that night… I wasn't expecting anything to happen beyond a casual conversation and perhaps sharing a few drinks.

I knew very well how delicate the situation stood between us after a disastrous breakup years ago, followed by a bittersweet reunion that ended anything but friendly.

No, I wasn't there to beg nor did I want him to take me back. Jiminie had his life and I had mine.

All I wanted was someone to talk to… and he was there for me.

Can you blame me for that?

2. Forever, You Said. [BTS, jikook, vampire au]

All my life I wanted nothing more than to get away and live my life the way I want. So why… does it suddenly not feel enough? Why do I feel like I'm missing something? - Jungkook 

3. Lunatic High [BTS, fantasy au]

The sound of his own harsh breathing echoed loudly in his ears, only matched by the sound of his erratic heartbeat as he ran half blindly through the field. 

4. Heal My Heart [BTS, jikook; historical au]

"Did you come here to yell at me too?"

Jimin rolled his eyes, but couldn't stop the smile that was already forming on his lips at the sight of the young knight sulking in the corner of the room like a child.

"Of course not. I’m your physician not your squad leader or Seokjin-hyung for that matter." The elder reassured him while placing the bowl of water, rags, ointment and bandages on the nearest table. "So obviously I’m here to treat your wounds… just like I always do." He added in a smaller voice, more to himself than to Jeongguk.

5. A Promised Scenery [BTS, vmin; canon]

It was 4:00 AM, but they hadn't gone inside when they said they would half an hour ago.

Or rather they had meant to.

But the minute that their hands were clasped so tight, like they never wanted to let go, and their eyes met in a whirlwind of emotions, shy smiles and embarrassed laughter. That moment was the first time where the world stopped spinning for them.

6. You're my Tear/You're my Fear [BTS, jikook; songfic]

A broken home.

A sad song.

The curtain rises, but its the same old story from before. Different scenarios, but always the same ending.

7. Yoongi's Confession [BTS, yoonmin; canon]

Our entire relationship, our love, our life can only be compared to a violent car crash on an empty road at night under the pouring rain. 

 Lots of dark moments, heartaches, blood, sweat and tears. 

 It’s how it started... and ended.

8. Love Cravings [BTS, vminkook; a/b/o]

Jungkook groaned as his phone rang for the 20th time that night when he had finally gotten into his car.

All he wanted was to get back home, to his warm bed and SLEEP like he deserved. Was that too much to ask?

9. Dirty Habits [BTS, jikook; labeled as “late valentines smut” LOL]

Jungkook stumbled through the front door of his apartment, nearly tripping on the ‘Welcome Home’ mat that never quite made you feel as welcome as it was intended to. 

10. So Trust Me [BTS, vminkook]

--Words of love, encouragement, good health, best wishes, and strength continued to flow in waves every minute into his cell phone. Lifting his spirit and filling his heart with joy little by little though not as fast or as overwhelming as it normally should.

It’s been a hard year, not just for him, but for everyone.

Even with all the happiness and beautiful memories being created around him, there was still sadness lingering in his heart. But he wouldn’t let it show, not yet, not here.

11. The Reason [BTS, vminkook]

“Jimin-ssi, keep your defense up!!” Jungkook barked out without breaking his stance as he watched the other male stumble backwards on to the snowy ground with a loud thud.

Taehyung watched from the side, leaning against the wall next to the glass sliding doors to their apartment. Worry etched on to his features behind the large scarf half covering his face to protect him from the cold weather. It’s not the first time he’s come to watch his two lovers spar, but as to why the two insist on doing it at such an early hour in the morning where it’s the coldest its beyond him.

12. Peppermint Kisses [BTS, vminkook]

Something was up in the dorm and Jungkook didn’t like it one bit.

And that something was related to two particular members of Bangtan.

The 95z.

13. UNSTEADY (Prequel to All or Nothing) [BTS, jikook; canon]

I watched him lie through his teeth again today during practice. But it wasn’t just today, there had been many other times where I had watched Jimin do the same; skipping meals, sleepless nights, and when nothing else worked he’d wear himself out with excessive practice hours in the studio by himself.

But I’m not blind, I know it’s on me… yet he still insists on taking the fall by himself for what happened that day.

14. The Sleepover [BTS, vminkook]

Taehyung was the first to stir awake that morning with a long groan. His lashes fluttered weakly against his cheek as he tried to fight off both sleep and nausea from his system.

The hangover making its presence known with a vengeance.

15. All or Nothing [BTS, jikook; canon]

The door to his and Hoseok’s shared room slammed so hard that he could have sworn the thing would come off its hinges any moment.

How dare he?

How fucking dare he?

16. Beautiful Tragedy [BTS, jikook; soulmate au]

When I was four my mother used to tell me stories about Soulmates and how they were always bound to find each other no matter what. Because they were destined to be.

Born and made for each other.

No distance was too far, no language became a barrier, no obstacle too high or low to overcome. No hardship was too much to bare. Because soulmates were two halves of the same soul who's primary purpose was to find their way back to one another and therefore spoke their own language in their hearts.

17. Private Show [BTS, jikook; canon]

“You’re late.” A voice scolded from somewhere in the still dark room.

His hand immediately left the doorknob to reach for the light switch, revealing a figure leaning on the farthest wall, against the mirrors. His pink hair hidden by a cap worn low which also hid his face, a jean jacket over a black buttoned up shirt, dark ripped jeans and boots.

It was Jimin.

18. Sin For You [BTS, vmin; AU]

He was singing our song again at our favorite karaoke bar.

Our secret song… the one nobody knows about. That keeps us connected even at times when we had been involved with someone else.

19. It's all in your mind [BTS, canon with some subtle jikook]

It felt strange to be back home after being away for so long while filming the second season of Bon Voyage, and with a new comeback sometime in September, the schedules were sure to be tight for the rest of the year. So everyone at the dorm tried to make the most of it by getting organized and rest.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I mean... it said favorite opening LINES, in PLURAL.

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED TODAY, KIDS?

That I need to work on my entries better =_=

Repeated patterns I may have noticed? Hmm... that I usually start the opening scenes with someone walking into a room (usually angry and throwing shit LOL), or describing sounds/smells/feelings.

And that in most cases its JK walking into said rooms and literally walking into some unknown chaos 😌😅 (said chaos being Jimin).

Tag... I don’t know if any of my favorite authors are here on tumblr, much less if I’m following any of them because lately I’ve been checking out authors who announce their work via twitter.

But if any of my moots are authors, go for it.

[fearsmagazine]

The GHOST ADVENTURES, the team investigates the haunted activity inside the childhood home of iconic American author JOHN STEINBECK

The Ghost Adventures crew is back! Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley and Jay Wasley continue their travels to haunted destinations where they meet with locals, eyewitnesses and experts in an attempt to piece together the haunted history of each site. They then begin their “lockdown” investigation, using the latest scientific gadgets and technology in an effort to obtain physical evidence of the paranormal and uncover the truth behind each haunted mystery.

Zak Bagans and Jay Wasley outside of author John Steinbeck’s former childhood home in Salinas, California, believed to be haunted by a dark presence.

New Season, Now Streaming on discovery+ and Airing Saturdays on Travel Channel

Jack Osbourne and Katrina Weidman face more hellish hauntings when PORTALS TO HELL returns with an all-new season. The intrepid paranormal investigators resume their chilling journey to haunted locations across the United States, confronting the dark side of the supernatural as they seek concrete evidence that a spirit world exists. In each episode, Osbourne and Weidman dive headfirst into a site where they examine unusual incidents of unexplained activity while utilizing specialized technology and a network of experts, including psychic mediums, in their search for answers. [Hour-long episodes]

“Savannah Theatre” – Begins Streaming Saturday, April 30 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day Saturday, April 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel Katrina Weidman and Jack Osbourne investigate the Savannah Theatre in Savannah, Georgia, a paranormal playhouse dating back almost 200 years. And in a television first, the duo takes the stage and discovers that this theater likes to put on a horror show.

Katrina Weidman and Jack Osbourne take the stage at the historic Savannah Theatre in Savannah, Georgia, where they discover this theatre likes to put on a haunted horror show.

“Fort Mifflin” – Begins Streaming Saturday, May 7 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day Saturday, May 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel Katrina Weidman takes Jack Osbourne to one of her favorite hotspots – Philadelphia’s Fort Mifflin, a location rife with the ghosts of wars long past. The pair peel back the layers of haunted history and discover something unexpected is stationed at the fort.

PARANORMAL CAUGHT ON CAMERA New Season, Now Streaming on discovery+ and Airing Thursdays on Travel Channel Some of the most amazing, eye-opening and downright scary paranormal videos from around the world are featured as a panel of experts break down the footage and analyze what exactly the eyewitnesses captured. Insights from some of the most knowledgeable specialists in the field and firsthand accounts from the people lucky enough – or perhaps unlucky enough – to witness these strange phenomena for themselves just might make a believer of even the biggest skeptics out there. [Hour-long episodes]

“Alabama Glitch in the Matrix and More” – Begins Streaming Thursday, April 28 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day Thursday, April 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel A UFO shoots across the sky in the Pocono Mountains. Bigfoot hides from a crowd in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. A suspended soap bubble may be evidence of a glitch in the matrix.

“Mysterious Mountainside Lights in North Carolina and More” – Begins Streaming Thursday, May 5 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day May 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel Mysterious orbs light up a mountainside in North Carolina. A man in Sweden communicates with a graveyard ghost. A humanoid creature perches atop a roof in Brazil.

EXPEDITION BIGFOOT New Season, Now Streaming on discovery+ and Airing Sundays on Travel Channel

A year after devastating wildfires forced them to evacuate the Olympic Peninsula, the EXPEDITION BIGFOOT team – acclaimed primatologist Dr. Mireya Mayor and Bigfoot experts Bryce Johnson, Ronny LeBlanc and Russell Acord – return to Washington State. Encouraged by an incredible discovery from the previous expedition, the team devises a new plan to rouse a Bigfoot from hiding and prove these elusive creatures are not a myth but a reality. [Hour-long episodes]

“Where the Legend Began” – Begins Streaming Sunday, May 1 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day Sunday, May 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel The team has a truly shocking sighting, only to see their best lead yet lead slip through their fingers. But a groundbreaking tip leads Bryce Johnson to wrap up their expedition in Washington State and relocate to a new Bigfoot hot spot.

“Sounds of Terror” – Begins Streaming Sunday, May 8 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day Sunday, May 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel At their new base camp in California, the team records a howl unlike anything they've heard before. Later, Bryce Johnson learns of a potential Bigfoot coverup by the U.S. government. And Russell Acord, Ronny Le Blanc and Mireya Mayor come face-to-face with danger while on a night hunt.

[baoshan-sanren]

Chapter 29

of the wwx emperor au I’m thinking of calling Lan QiRen’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week oh god it’s only gonna get worse

Prologue | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5 | Chapter 6 | Chapter 7 | Chapter 8 Part 1 | Chapter 8 Part 2 | Chapter 9 | Chapter 10 | Chapter 11 | Chapter 12 | Chapter 13 | Chapter 14 | Chapter 15 Part 1 | Chapter 15 Part 2 | Chapter 16 | Chapter 17 | Chapter 18 | Chapter 19 | Chapter 20 | Chapter 21 | Chapter 22 Part 1 | Chapter 22 Part 2 | Chapter 23 | Chapter 24 | Chapter 25 | Chapter 26 | Chapter 27 | Chapter 28

Wei Ying has watched the lanterns on every fifth night of his birthday festival for as long as he can remember.

His earliest memories are pale and indistinct, a collection of images and sounds, slithering through his fingers even as his grip tightens. The cold rooftop tiles under his hands, being lifted up onto his father’s shoulders, his mother’s delighted laughter. The Empress of the Shan Empire, a cool and dignified statue in the daylight hours, dancing over the moonlit roof peaks in her bare feet. Falling asleep in her lap while the lanterns drifted above, the soft murmur of his parents’ voices lulling him into sweet dreams.  

Eighteen years, and eighteen lantern festivals, but most of those he remembers clearly are filled with an ache of loss. He has often cursed his unreliable childhood memories, lamenting the cruelty of recollections that deny him access to those early years. Guilt usually follows after, as relentless as the passing of time. He has never had a cause to feel abandoned; not one festival has gone by where he was allowed to sink into despondency and isolation. Even on those years when copious amounts of wine were needed, his brothers had always been by his side, prepared to chase away the loneliness by any means necessary. Without Nie HuaiSang and Jiang Cheng, Wei Ying is certain that he would have grown twisted and warped by the loss, forever attempting to lean into the warmth that no longer existed. All that he is, and will still become, he owes to them. To shijie, to Wen Qing, to Wen Ning and A-Yuan.

But the easy, uncomplicated joy of watching the lights dance across the sky, that had gone away on his twelfth birthday. He had been convinced that it would never return. Not because of the loss, or the accompanying ache which had, over time, grown dull and heavy instead of sharp and bright, but because he believed it impossible, to feel a child’s joy once having reached adulthood.

There are many things he believed to be impossible before meeting Lan Zhan.

The outskirts of YiLing are sparsely populated to the east, a few sprawling farms and long pasture fields stretching between the town and the river. They have a small hill to themselves; the ground is still warm from the sun, the air saturated with the syrupy scent of the late autumn harvest, the fireflies rivaling the lanterns with their lights. They can hear the sounds of celebration from YiLing, but the noise is far away and muffled, barely penetrating the comfortable cocoon of silence between them.

Wei Ying’s little finger is hooked around Lan Zhan’s.

They are lying down, eyes locked on the sky. Wei Ying is sure that he will have grass and dirt in his hair, and probably a liberal smear of both on his robes. He is also sure that Lan Zhan’s hair and robes will be as pristine as they were before he cautiously stretched himself out by Wei Ying’s side.

Their shoulders are almost close enough to touch. Lan Zhan’s hand had trembled once, then settled into stillness. Wei Ying can hear him breathe, the rhythm slow and even. He thinks, if he were only to shift a little closer, if the din of YiLing were to fall quiet, perhaps he could hear Lan Zhan’s heart beating as well, and discern if it flutters as restlessly as his own.  

The touch is small and insignificant. Wei Ying has already held Lan Zhan’s hand in his own, had tangled their fingers together, had felt the warmth of his palm. But it does not feel small. The contact overshadows the lights above; a bright, single point of happiness that Wei Ying would give anything to keep.

“Lan Zhan,” he says.

“Mhm.”

Wei Ying bites his tongue.

It is not the lack of words that gives him pause. He possesses a river of words that relentlessly rushes whichever way it pleases, paying no mind to his intentions or wishes. He has had to learn how to dam this river; the Emperor must always take care of how he speaks, least he means to start a war with an offhand remark. But Lan Zhan is not a an overbearing sect leader, or a supplicant asking for favors. Nothing Wei Ying wants to say can ever be simple, because complexity is rooted in his birth, his status, his entire existence.

And yet.

What can be more simple than a feeling of emptiness finally filled, a sense of completeness, of irrevocable rightness?

Lan Zhan turns his head to look at him. There is a firefly hovering over his temple, a tiny burst of light traveling across a flawless cheek. In the gloom, his eyelashes seem thicker, his eyes black, their depth an endless abyss.

Wei Ying wants to look at him forever.    

“Lan Zhan, I really like you.”

The dark eyes widen, then immediately return to their study of the sky. Wei Ying watches his throat move, a heavy swallow that could mean anything at all. He cannot tell if there are words building behind the movement, and despite the obvious surprise in his gaze, as brief as it was, Lan Zhan’s expression has not changed.  

No, Wei Ying is wrong. It has changed.

There is a faint tremble to his eyelashes. The tips of his ears appear slightly darker. His throat moves again, but his mouth does not.

His little finger is still hooked around Wei Ying’s. It has not pulled away.

There is an entire language being spoken in front of Wei Ying’s eyes, but it is a language he does not yet understand. It is frustrating and painful to think, that he may never have an opportunity to learn, that Lan Zhan may not want him to know.

His future stretches in front of him, a lone seat on top of a dais, as decades endlessly melt into one another, seasons coming and going, favors given and taken away, a continuous tedium of birthdays, and festivals, and sect leader meetings. Lan Zhan nothing more than a cool and collected face, glimpsed twice a year among the sea of others, forever remaining a half-met stranger.

It is unbearable.

“Lan Zhan--“

“You are the Emperor,” Lan Zhan says, his voice stiff.

“Yes, but--“

“Young Master Lan!”

Startled, they both jerk upright, reaching for their swords.

“There you are,” an annoyed voice comes from the bottom of the hill, “if not for the Lan Sect funeral robes, I would have passed by this hill a dozen times.”

Wei Ying cannot make out the small shape climbing closer to them, but he recognizes the voice easily.

Lan Zhan has already gotten to his feet and moved back, placing himself a respectable distance away. Wei Ying was right. His hair and robes are as immaculate as they were before. Wei Ying, on the other hand, is pretty sure that he has grass sticking to his entire back.

“Why is it always you?” he snaps at the small disciple.

The boy, now close enough where he does not need to shout, offers him a sloppy bow and a disgruntled greeting.

“Your Majesty.”

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty” Wei Ying grumbles, “not two days ago you tried to bite me. I should have you tossed in the dungeons.”

“If it pleases Your Majesty,” the boy says, “this one would rather spend the night in the dungeon than traipsing through the YiLing countryside. Sect Leader Nie asks Your Majesty to meet him at the Lan Sect camp. There has been a development.”

“The Lan Sect camp?” he glances at Lan Zhan, but this time, the other boy’s face is truly unreadable.

“What is a Lan Sect camp? What development?”

“This one does not know,” the disciple says with exaggerated patience, “but if Your Majesty were to go there, I am sure it will all be made clear.”

Wei Ying ignores him.

“Lan Zhan, what is he talking about? What camp?”

Lan Zhan is silent for a few moments before he speaks, “The Lan Sect escort. The disciples that accompanied us to YiLing. There are no accommodations to be had in the town itself, so they have made camp on the outskirts.”

“Why?” Wei Ying asks, feeling bewildered, “all the other disciples are in the Immortal Mountain City. Why would you leave yours in YiLing?”

Lan Zhan’s throat moves again, but he does not need to speak. Wei Ying understands the moment the words have left his mouth.

They were not invited.

Uncle has always been the one to send out invitations, the Jiang Sect lotus prominently placed next to the Imperial Seal, his signature replacing Wei Ying’s, who could not be bothered with such minor formalities.

Fury rises in him for the second time that night, but this one is cold and already settled, not likely to wane any time soon.

“They will be coming with us,” he says, turning to head back down the hill.

What other small formalities have been left to Jiang FengMian over the years? Many more than Wei Ying can count; if he is to begin questioning his uncle’s methods, each must be addressed, reinspected, and altered if necessary.

This will take weeks. Possibly months.

Striding ahead, wishing he could kick something, he turns to the small disciple.

“Little beast, what is your name?”

The boy grimaces, but offers a half-bow, even sloppier than the one before, “This one is Nie XuanYu.”  

“Nie XuanYu,” Wei Ying says, “You have a bad temper and a terrible attitude. Try and pay attention to the Second Young Master, and you may yet learn how a disciple is supposed to behave.”