#9 is a confusing number but also a magical one

[cheeseoneveryfudgingthing]

This trick only works up to 10x9, but you use your fingers.

Basically hold both your hands in front of you (doesn’t matter if it’s palm side up or down). Now, starting from left to right, assign each finger with a number from 1 to 10 (in order).

When you want to multiply a number by 9, take the finger with the corresponding number you want to multiply 9 by and lower just that finger (for example, if you want to multiply 9 by 3, lower only the middle finger on the left hand).

Doing this, you will get a certain number of fingers to the left of the lowered finger, and a certain number of fingers to the right of the lowered finger. The fingers to the left represent the ten’s places and the fingers to the right represent the ones. So as an example, for 2x9, you would lower the second finger from the left and end up with one finger to the left and 8 fingers to the right. Put the 1 in the tens place and the 8 in the ones place and you get 18!

This works for every multiplication from 1 to 10.

In the case of 1 and 10, there are zero fingers to the left of right respectively, so you add a zero in front or behind the nine other fingers respectively.

Hopefully this helps someone!

[theelkmaiden]

So I've been thinking about Billy Batson (as one does). Specifically that one post about "why doesn't he just lie" about his secret identity.

So, imagine, 9 year old street rat billy batson celebrating his birthday, looking forward to taking some home made chilli from the watch tower to his little apartment and singing himself happy birthday. He gets accosted by leaguers who won't stop pestering him about his identity (he's still pretty new to the league) and, as 9 year old do, he gets annoyed and tells them to go away so he can celebrate his 9th birthday in peace. Of course, this gets more questions asked.

So Billy lies.

What does he come up with? He's an alien. From a short lived race. He became an adult at age 2. The life expectancy is 13, at most (13 is so far away. Its basically an impossible number. He's a street rat. He won't live that long.)(Think the ocampa from star trek)

And then he leaves and promptly forgets.

His coworkers do not.

Time jump 4 years, new foster home, and new siblings later and he's coming up to his 13th birthday. The justice league have started walling on eggshells around him, asking if he needs more time off. Offering him their seats if there's not one left. He thinks it's odd, but just goes with it.

He's going through puberty. He starts to mellow a little and gets grumpy. He's starting to forget things from his childhood, as all teenagers do.

Just, the misunderstandings. The angst. The confusion.

It'd be great.

Also, combined with that "eldritch captain marvel" post where he doesn't really need to breath or ant of that because he's made of magic. Say he falls asleep one day and just stops unconsciously doing the "alive human" thing.

[werewolfsmile]

The Eliot Spencer Details Masterpost

I have been recording details about our beloved Eliot Spencer on my latest watch through. And now, it's finally time to reveal the details!! If I have gotten any details INCORRECT, I beg of you to correct me, at which time, this post will be updated and credit given. (Note: S1 was aired out of chronological order. I am going by chronological episode numbers - aka the correct order - and providing the episode titles as well to minimise confusion.) !! This post contains details from Leverage: Redemption! Read the episode references carefully if you are wanting to avoid certain spoilers !!

Shirtless Moments

S1 E7 The Two-Horse Job: The flashback scene when Aimee asks Eliot what his excuse was for not coming back to her, we see him being dragged/tortured, shirtless. "Tell us what you did with the monkey!"

S2 E2 The Tap-Out Job: Eliot is shirtless for the fight match.

S4 E9 The Cross My Heart Job: Ehh he's not completely shirtless here but whatever. At about 16 mins in, Eliot and Parker are getting changed together, Eliot strips to a singlet then throws his shirt at me the camera. (I didn't include other scenes of Eliot in a singlet here because in this scene he's actively undressing, whereas in others he's not.)

Necklaces

The earliest sighting of his guitar pick necklace is S1 E2 The Homecoming Job. It continues to pop up frequently in episodes, though noticeably less in S1. I thought about recording every occurrence of it here but ... lmao it's in legit waaayyyy too many episodes for me to bother.

S2 E10 The Runway Job: Honourable mention of the necklaces Eliot wears with his fashion week outfit. The longer one is kinda dogtag-esque, the shorter one is ... I think it's a fleur de lis? He also wears a range of chain necklaces later in this episode.

S4 E18 The Last Dam Job: Bird pendant (possibly kingfisher) visible at 34 mins 39 seconds. Full credits to @wolves-in-the-world for this one including the time stamp! You can check out their reblog of this post with more details here!

Dammit Hardison

S1 E13 The Second David Job: The FIRST INSTANCE of dammit Hardison in the entire show! Said upon discovering each other in the gallery, around 4 mins 15 seconds.

S2 E1 The Beantown Bailout Job: Said around 22 mins 30 seconds, immediately following, "What are the odds that Eliot's crotch will actually explode?" Iconic.

S2 E6 The Top Hat Job: When setting up for the magic show and discovering the rabbit missing, roughly 19 mins 45 seconds.

S3 E3 The Inside Job: Running from security, around 31 mins 30 seconds.

S3 E4 The Scheherazade Job: Trying to enter McRory's at the same time, around 1 min 30 seconds.

S3 E5 The Double Blind Job: This is an honourable mention because this time NATE is the one to say dammit Hardison! 9 mins 15 seconds.

S3 E6 The Studio Job: Upon discovering the master tape isn't in the case, roughly 32 mins.

S3 E7 The Gone Fishin' Job: Eliot and Hardison running in the woods for their lives, arguing as always. This one is a bonus 'dammit' because Hardison says it straight back to Eliot after Eliot yells it at him! Around 21 mins.

S3 E12 The King George Job: Discussing Hardison's forgery work, followed by Eliot regretting touching anything. Around 23 mins 55 seconds.

S3 E13 The Morning After Job: Pretending to be cops and accidentally ending up with a prisoner to take back to jail, around 16 mins 20 seconds.

S3 E14 The Ho Ho Ho Job: Honourable mention of Chaos mocking Eliot by saying dammit Hardison. Roughly 21 mins 15 seconds.

(phew, S3 was rough on Hardison! given what Eliot was going through with the whole Moreau thing.... ooh that's delicious angst)

S4 E5 The Hot Potato Job: Honourable mention for Sophie saying it this time! While playing the role that was meant for Eliot, around 24 mins.

S4 E6 The Carnival Job: Mixing chemicals for a distraction, roughly 25 mins 30 seconds.

S4 E17 The Radio Job: Hardison running away from being thrown off a high floor, around 5 mins.

S4 E18 The Last Dam Job: Sneaking around at the Bellington Dam, roughly 13 mins 35 seconds.

S5 E1 The (Very) Big Bird Job: 'Accidentally' putting a brew pub menu in front of Eliot, around 10 mins 20 seconds.

S5 E15 The Long Goodbye Job: Emotional scene that we do not speak about, around 12 mins 40 seconds.

RS1 E1 The Too Many Rembrandts Job: After knocking Harry out and asking Hardison to help carry Harry, and Hardison refuses. 11 mins 40 seconds.

RS1 E2 The Panamanian Monkey Job: Upon discovering that security is headed to the vault where Parker is, and the only way down there is through the vents. Around 34 mins 10 seconds.

RS2 E1 The Debutante Job: We get 3! In this whole episode! Probably to make up for Hardison being gone for most of Redemption. Anyway! First one when Eliot and Hardison are in Ralphie Roy's place and Hardison has no idea who Ralphie is, around 23 mins 15 seconds. Second is when they're breaking into the elevator and Hardison won't help fight or move the unconscious guards, roughly 37 mins 40 seconds. And third, after the job when Parker says that Hardison was the one who took out all the guards. Around 45 mins 10 seconds.

RS2 E3 The Tournament Job: Right at the start after Eliot says gaming isn't a sport and Parker texts Hardison, so Hardison starts blowing up Eliot's phone. Lmao. Around 4 mins 20 seconds.

RS2 E4 The Date Night Job: After realising Breanna stole his truck, Eliot says dammit, then aims it at a grinning Hardison, since Breanna is already running away. Around 46 mins 50 seconds.

Dammit Parker

S1 E4 The Snow Job: Parker jumps out of a second floor window, Eliot catches her. 15 mins. (Parker gets a dammit from Eliot before Hardison does!!)

S3 E8 The Boost Job: Parker driving erratically, Eliot thrown around in back seat. (Technically there's a pause between dammit and Parker but I'm still including it) 35 min 35 seconds.

S5 E12 The White Rabbit Job: Searching the mark's house, Parker wants to steal a shirt. Again, this isn't technically a proper dammit Parker, as Eliot instead says, "Put it back! Dammit." But I'm still including it because it was aimed at her. 21 mins 20 seconds.

RS1 E9 The Bucket Job: Parker is pretending to be a hacker heavily modelled off Hardison. Not a proper dammit Parker as, again, Eliot only mutters "dammit" under his breath, but still counts to me. Just after 18 mins.

RS1 E10 The Unwellness Job: At end of episode, after Parker admits that she didn't even learn Eliot's name till after the team broke up the first time. 44 mins 30 seconds.

RS1 E13 The Hurricane Job: After washing up on shore and entering the Beacon Inn, Parker and Eliot are bickering about Maria. He doesn't strictly say dammit Parker but there's absolutely no doubt who he's directing the dammits towards. 3 mins 30 seconds.

RS2 E6 The Fractured Job: When farewelling Billy and Parker says next time she'll finish telling him about the robot bodies. Again, it's just dammit not dammit Parker but it's close enough. 41 mins.

RS2 E8 The Turkish Prisoner Job: Another standalone dammit that is most definitely aimed at Parker! When breaking Romero out, Parker says she's a firefighter (with far too much glee), around 14 mins 30 seconds.

RS2 E10 The Work Study Job: A full dammit Parker this time! When Parker reveals that it's super easy to steal from a university and produces a whole bunch of stuff, roughly 22 mins 40 seconds.

Very Distinctive Moments

S1 E2 The Homecoming Job: Eliot ID's the weapon from the gunshots, around 8 mins. Later, he ID's a guy off his knife fighting style, around 18 mins 50 seconds.

S2 E6 The Top Hat Job: ID's a CIA guy from his stance, roughly 7 mins 45 seconds.

S3 E11 The Rashomon Job: ID's the smell of peppermint on Hardison's breath, around 21 mins.

S3 E12 The King George Job: ID's former British paratroopers by their haircuts, 30 mins 10 seconds.

S4 E1 The Long Way Down Job: ID's a former spetsnaz guy by his footprint, 13 mins 45 seconds.

S4 E5 The Hot Potato Job: Honourable mention of Eliot ID'ing ex-military personnel by their stances, he just doesn't say very distinctive. 18 mins 50 seconds.

S4 E11 The Experimental Job: Honourable mention of Eliot ID'ing a helicopter by the whumpa-whumpa (there's 7 of them did you know). Around 7 mins.

S5 E3 The First Contact Job: ID's military satellite transmission by the static, 7 mins 20 seconds.

S5 E9 The Rundown Job: ID's a Navy Seal who enlisted between '90-'95 by his watch, around 16 mins.

RS1 E2 The Panamanian Monkey Job: ID's a drone (Breanna's) from the sound. 11 mins 50 seconds.

RS1 E3 The Rollin' On The River Job: ID's Russian mob by the tattoos, 36 mins 30 seconds.

RS1 E7 The Double-Edged Sword Job: Honourable mention for Maria ID'ing the way Eliot disarmed her gun, 7 mins 50 seconds.

RS2 E4 The Date Night Job: Eliot ID's a guy as not having a distinctive anything - which is what is so distinctive. 20 mins 40 seconds.

RS2 E13 The Crowning Achievement Job: ID's MI6 off their search pattern, 6 mins 50 seconds.

Known Family

S1 E6 The Miracle Job: When discussing Bibletopia, Eliot says his nephew would like it. This is the ONLY mention of a nephew in the entire show, Redemption included; nor is there any direct mention of a sibling beyond this (which leads me to believe that this nephew is actually the son of a close friend/cousin/military buddy, rather than a direct family relation, but that's just my headcanon).

S2 E3 The Order 23 Job: When talking to the abused boy, Randy, Eliot says he has an uncle named Randy.

S5 E11 The Low Low Price Job: Eliot's dad owned a hardware store and he wanted Eliot to take over one day. But Eliot wanted to get out of that small town, so he joined the service. Fought with his dad the night before he left and hasn't been back since. He goes back at the end of this episode and knocks - but his dad never answers the door 😭

RS1 E9 The Bucket Job: While interrogating/torturing Eliot with Red Haze, Bligh says that Eliot's dad's friend from Vietnam has invited Eliot to join them for Christmas. At the end of the episode, Eliot goes to join them for dinner, only to get a message from 'J' that his dad was a no show. This 'J' is widely accepted as Eliot's unknown sibling but that is incorrect! 'J' is Eliot's dad's buddy from Vietnam!

RS2 E6 The Fractured Job: The ultimate Eliot family backstory episode!! (if you haven't seen it yet and don't want spoilers, skip this one!) Eliot was adopted by a black couple, Billy and an unnamed woman, after being abandoned/surrendered at a hospital as a baby. His father was a war hero who got none of the glory and sustained a wound, ruining his civilian career path, so Billy never wanted Eliot to follow in his footsteps. Eliot loved the stories of his dad in the military so joined up to be like him. His mother died while Eliot was on an op and he couldn't get leave to come back for the funeral, deepening the rift between him and Billy. Ultimately, they reconcile, (Eliot says his dad was always a hero to him, Billy say's he's proud of Eliot, they hug), and I cry every time 😭❤️ [Edit: Eliot being a baby at the time of being found at the hospital and consequently brought home by his adopted mother is unconfirmed and my presumption. We have no clear info on his age at adoption. Thanks to @nival-kenival for picking that up!]

Phrases: Ain't

S1 E4 The Snow Job: Said to Nate, right before Nate tells him to go skip some rope.

S1 E9 The Stork Job: Says it twice while conning Irina.

S1 E10 The Juror #6 Job: Upon being told to go help Parker instead of watching a sports game, Eliot takes his beer back.

S2 E2 The Tap-Out Job: Discussing the fights the mark runs, says they ain't the UFC.

S2 E3 The Order 23 Job: Said right before threatening to throw Randy's abusive father over the railing of a stairwell.

S2 E4 The Fairy Godparents Job: Upon spotting a hitman sent to kill McSweeten and Taggart.

S2 E8 The Ice Man Job: After hearing Hardison call himself the Ice Man, says he won't bail him out when things go wrong.

S2 E9 The Lost Heir Job: While trying to get Parker to the court room and end up cut off by the police.

S2 E11 The Bottle Job: When Hardison wants help to clean up Nate's apartment and Eliot refuses.

S2 E14 The Three Strikes Job: When Nate says to meet outside the ballpark but Eliot refuses because now he's sucked into the sport.

S3 E3 The Inside Job: Twice while arguing with Hardison about how to rescue Parker, once when Parker offers him a lift down the stairwell with her on her harness rig and he refuses. This is the most he says ain't in a single episode!

S3 E7 The Gone Fishin' Job: Once when the militia try to make him kneel, later when the militia kid catches him and Hardison near the train tracks.

S3 E11 The Rashomon Job: When Sophie changes her story to mock Eliot's accent and mannerisms.

S3 E15 The Big Bang Job: When confronting Moreau with Hardison.

S4 E1 The Long Way Down Job: Upon arriving at the base camp and complaining to Nate.

S4 E7 The Grave Danger Job: When looking for a buried Hardison and hearing the sprinklers.

S4 E10 The Queen's Gambit Job: At the end, swearing revenge on Sterling.

S4 E12 The Office Job: Arguing with Hardison about Eliot's sandwich while searching the warehouse.

S4 E13 The Girls' Night Out Job: When trying to convince Nate to socialise at the very start.

S4 E14 The Boys' Night Out Job: Exactly the same as the previous episode, so this one barely counts.

S4 E17 The Radio Job: In the patent office, when trying to figure out who lured Nate into this situation. The same scene is used later as a flashback.

S4 E18 The Last Dam Job: Warning Nate of the consequences of taking a life with your own hands.

S5 E2 The Blue Line Job: When ambushed by Marko when leaving the ice rink.

S5 E9 The Rundown Job: Once when going to wring information on the hit out of Riley, once when Hardison steps on the trigger plate of the claymore.

S5 E13 The Corkscrew Job: First time talking to Betty about how Leonard's a jerk.

RS1 E1 The Too Many Rembrandts Job: Twice when ambushed by RIZ thugs in the warehouse.

RS1 E2 The Panamanian Monkey Job: Once when discussing Ryan Corbett at the start, once when refusing to let Hardison have a turn with the diamond-tipped drill.

RS1 E3 The Rollin' On The River Job: When warning Breanna to be certain of her calculations for how to get him and Parker out of the casino's vault.

RS1 E8 The Mastermind Job: Once when discussing hiring people to overthrow a government, once when discussing how they're going to do like 6 things at once, including saving Harry.

RS1 E9 The Bucket Job: Said twice while talking with Blanche, after Blanche helped rescue Eliot from RIZ.

RS1 E14 The Great Train Job: While digging through the tainted soil with Harry.

RS2 E1 The Debutante Job: When trying to get to Volkov's plane with Parker and seeing that two guards are in the way.

RS2 E5 The Walk In The Woods Job: Talking to Paul after rescuing Harry, who was pretending to be Eliot.

Fun fact: for every ain't that Eliot says, Hardison says at least two more. And that's too many for me to bother recording!

Phrases: Y'all

Never. Not even once.

Hardison, on the other hand, says y'all all the damn time - every season, multiple times, sometimes even multiple times in the same episode.

Honourable mention for Chaos saying y'all as an incorrect mockery of Eliot's accent in S3 E14 The Ho Ho Ho Job.

... Okay, okay! So Eliot says it a few times in Redemption! But only in ONE episode!

RS1 E1 The Too Many Rembrandts Job: Said 4 times when playing a character and convincing people to clear out of the auction house.

That's it.

Aliases

These are all the names that Eliot's gone by or used on cons that I could find, not just full blown aliases.

S1 E1 The Nigerian Job: Detective Lieutenant Carden (the scene with this alias was cut from a lot of versions of this episode)

S1 E4 The Snow Job: Vince Fetkey, Hans Von Schwesterkrank

S1 E7 The Two-Horse Job: Brad Mackie

S1 E9 The Stork Job: Dale

S1 E12 The First David Job: Professor Sinclair

S1 E13 The Second David Job: Professor/Dr Adam Sinclair

S2 E2 The Tap-Out Job: Kid Jones (on the fight match poster)

S2 E4 The Fairy Godparents Job: Coach Brewer

S2 E5 The Three Days Of The Hunter Job: Earl

S2 E9 The Lost Heir Job: Officer Hilts

S2 E10 The Runway Job: Julian

S2 E14 The Three Strikes Job: Roy Chappell

S3 E1 The Jailhouse Job: Dr Abernathy

S3 E2 The Reunion Job: Lloyd Hickey

S3 E4 The Scheherazade Job: Guy Hamilton

S3 E5 The Double Blind Job: Phil

S3 E6 The Studio Job: Kenneth Crane

S3 E7 The Gone Fishin' Job: Agent Quint

S3 E8 The Boost Job: Skeeter

S3 E9 The Three-Card Monte Job: Detective Moffat

S3 E10 The Underground Job: Eric

S3 E11 The Rashomon Job: Dr Wes Abernathy

S3 E16 The San Lorenzo Job: Ray Laroque

S4 E2 The Ten Li'l Grifters Job: Charlie Siringo

S4 E4 The Van Gogh Job: Lieutenant (only granting him this one because CK played him in the flashback)

S4 E5 The Hot Potato Job: Tom Boonen

S4 E12 The Office Job: Mr Dennis

S4 E14 The Boys' Night Out Job: Luigi

S4 E15 The Lonely Hearts Job: Jackson Cooper

S4 E16 The Gold Job: Tobias Bowden

S4 E17 The Radio Job: Cowboy (*cough* John McClane *cough*)

S5 E2 The Blue Line Job: Jacques "Jack" Labert

S5 E3 The First Contact Job: Willie Riker

S5 E5 The Gimme A K Street Job: Steven Turner

S5 E6 The DB Cooper Job: DB Cooper/Young Steve Reynolds (again, technically not an alias but whatever it's here anyway)

S5 E7 The Real Fake Car Job: Barry McElroy

S5 E11 The Low Low Price Job: Archer

S5 E14 The Toy Job: Carl

Honourable mentions of Eliot being called: "Rambo" by Hardison in S1 E2 The Homecoming Job [thanks @independent-fics for this!]; "Emeril" by Parker in S1 E3 The Wedding Job [thanks @aardvaark for this one!]; "Sparky" by Parker in S1 E10 The Juror #6 Job and by Tara in S2 E15 The Maltese Falcon Job; and "Skippy" by Hardison in S3 E7 The Gone Fishin' Job.

RS1 E1 The Too Many Rembrandts Job: Will Gallagher

RS1 E6 The Card Game Job: Glenn the Savage

RS1 E7 The Double-Edged Sword: Emmett Milbarge

RS1 E8 The Mastermind Job: Frank Farmer

RS1 E10 The Unwellness Job: Hank

RS1 E12 The Golf Job: Reed Wilkins

RS1 E13 The Hurricane Job: Calvin

RS1 E15 The Muddy Waters Job: Armus Vagra

RS2 E7 The Big Rig Job: Kris

RS2 E8 The Turkish Prisoner Job: Nick O'Brien

RS2 E10 The Work Study Job: New Blood, Caterpillar

Honourable mention of Eliot being called "Skipper" by Hardison in RS1 E16 The Harry Wilson Job.

Known Associates

This is in direct reference to hitters/people from the criminal world that Eliot knew or was aware of prior to the Leverage Team. Quinn is not included in this list due to that distinction (sorry Quinn).

S1 E3 The Wedding Job: The Butcher of Kiev

S2 E7 The Two Live Crew Job: Mikel Dayan

S3 E11 The Rashomon Job: Gutman

S3 E15 The Big Bang Job: Chapman, Damien Moreau

S3 E16 The San Lorenzo Job: Damien Moreau

S4 E4 The Van Gogh Job: Frank, Randall

S4 E6 The Carnival Job: Roper

S5 E4 The French Connection: Rampone

S5 E9 The Rundown Job: Riley

Trivia

S2 E6 The Top Hat Job: Eliot claims he only sleeps 90 minutes a day, and that he cured his claustrophobia as a kid by locking himself in the woodshed behind his house for a couple nights.

S3 E6 The Studio Job: Eliot is nervous to perform in front of an audience, to the point that Parker startles him and she's surprised that she did. Interesting to note that he seems to have no issue playing sport in front of crowds.

S3 E7 The Gone Fishin' Job: Eliot says he hates beets.

S4 E5 The Hot Potato Job: Eliot chews gum. He does this throughout a LOT of episodes across the seasons but I've only noted down this one episode for it.... thanks, past me 🙄 [Edit: thanks @nival-kenival for more info! Another confirmed episode is S1 E2 The Homecoming Job, and S3 E13 The Morning After Job!]

S4 E9 The Cross My Heart Job: Eliot says he fought a guy with a Nerf sword in Damascus, 2002.

S5 E11 The Low Low Price Job: Eliot drives an F-150 to his dad's house in Oklahoma. This is a THIRD vehicle that apparently belongs to Eliot, in addition to the Chevrolet Silverado and Dodge Challenger we see in other episodes. The F-150 is not seen again.

S5 E12 The White Rabbit Job: Eliot has 'special sedatives' aka a little psychotropic he picked up outside of Bogota.

Eliot mostly walks at the back of the group, presumably to be the rear guard and make sure no one falls behind. See ... just about every damn episode for evidence.

RS1 E3 The Rollin' On The River Job: Parker says that Eliot has cut his way out of an ice cave, escaped a gorilla enclosure, and catered a wedding for the mob.

Eliot is seen wearing glasses throughout various episodes. A flashback in S1 E1 The Nigerian Job shows him wearing presumably his own glasses. All other instances of him wearing glasses (that I can think of) are when he takes someone's glasses for a con. It is unconfirmed if Eliot actually needs glasses to correct his eyesight or not, but is a fandom headcanon. In S3 E1 The Jailhouse Job there is an interaction where Nate ribs Eliot for taking so long in a fight, and Eliot says it's because of new glasses. An argument could be made that this means Eliot does require glasses. [Thanks @independent-fics for picking this up - for pretty much all the details pertaining to Eliot's glasses!]

And there you have it! All the details that I've spent the last 3 months collecting!! Now it's time for me to take a good, long break because my brain is fried! 😂

Once again, let me know if you find any errors so I can update the post. Data from Redemption S2 is where I've most likely missed things, since I don't have it on DVD and it's sooo much harder to scrub through streaming footage to find things. When will they release RS2 on DVD I need itttt.

If you've made it this far, thanks for reading! I hope this post can be a helpful reference for you!

[eyecan02]

What I Feel Should Be Included in BJ3

1.) We need to go back to the original film's roots. The first BJ film was practically a "bottle" film where the film mostly took place inside the Deetz home. I feel the story needs to come full circle by having the story mainly within that house again.

2.) The model town also has to make a return. The last time the model was mentioned, Lydia wanted to chop it up and burn it, but seeing as we never see the board onscreen again, I think it's safe to assume Lydia just simply boarded up the the attic door once more.

3.) The return of Juno or introduce a Juno-like character. I know the original Juno actress passed on, but one option could be to recast and greatly alter the appearance like what they did with Charles but a lot less mangled. Some backstory on her and BJ's dynamic/specifics on his curse could be interesting.

4.) They need to make it harder this time to banish Beetlejuice. They need to even the playing field, and throw in a curve ball for Lydia where she can't just simply say his name 3 times to send him away. Maybe Beetlejuice can somehow find an object that causes confusion/makes you forget like the Rememberball (sp?) from Harry Potter.

5.) I know Keaton was against a lot of BJ screen time, but since this is the final installment, I think if they evenly spread out a couple minutes of him here and there, it won't ruin the "magic". Random example but Chris Hemsworth only had like 30 min of screen time in the first Avengers film, but it definitely feels like he's onscreen more. Not saying there should be an hour worth of Beetlejuice screen time but maybe 30-35 of screen time spread out could work.

6.) If Lydia is going to willingly marry BJ this time then the two of them need to TALK more in part 3. This time around they can talk about how BJ fell for her, what he likes about her, about Lydia's anxieties, her being at a crossroads with her show being over, making Astrid a priority, BJ cheering her up, making her laugh, BJ also sharing personal stuff and scaring off Astrid's bullies.

7.) Exploring BJ and Lydia's psychic connection. This time she can project herself to him if she needs to, and he's able to temporarily share his powers with her. Maybe a scene of Lydia possessing BJ to dance as payback, but it ends up leading to a playful and energetic dance number where they both end up having fun together.

8.) Delores and BJ somehow switch places where she gets his curse where if you say her name 3 times she gets summoned/banished and gets locked up in BJs old grave. Beetlejuice is now the new "soul sucker" who turns to Rory and says, "I'm taking back every last shred of Lydia you took from her." and proceeds to suck out his soul, burp and says he tastes like shit. Beetlejuice raises his hand and pressed it against Lydia's, essentially returning the stolen "energy" her toxic ex bf took from her.

9.) The wedding actually happens this time at the Deetz home because third times the charm, and because BJ losing a third time is boring and predictable. BUT there's a curveball: Beetlejuice can't leave the house until he can find someone to pass his "soul sucking" powers to (since it would be dangerous for a mortal to be walking around freely with that kind of ability).

BJ is irritated by the turn of events, but says he finally got his bride and promises someday he'll take Lydia to Hawaii for their honeymoon but in the mean time they can get plenty of practice for their honeymoon in their home. XD He then gives Astrid some money to "scram" and go to the movies to give them some privacy and to "come back after the cigarettes part". Then proceeds to carry Lydia up the stairs bridal style.

What do you guys think of my ideas? What kind of stuff do you think is essential for a BJ3 film?

[stefanmikaleson1864]

Doughnuts ?

A/N: I hope you all love this as much as I love Colt ! P.S. don't ask me how many times i watched this movie its distrubing

Colt Seavers X Reader

Working on a movie set had a been dream of yours for as long as you can remeber. The magic of seeing the big lights and the movie stars.

You always loved working on projects from the time you can remember.

Writting and directing and seeing your own magic come to life was always a dream come true.

Most people told you to dream releastic and stick something that would be more achievable.

But you didn't listen sitting at home doing a boring 9-5 was the not the life you wanted for yourself.

You went to film school out in LA and it was the most you ever felt alive. You finally felt like you belonged here.

When you graduated you thought you were going to immediately jump into work. I mean you were the next big thing right? Well that dream came crashing down. Reality set in and bills needed to be paid.

So when the oppurtinity came up for you to work as a camera operator for a movie you took it right away

. I mean you were going to be still working on the magic right ?

A couple of months in and you were finding your groove everyone on set was incredibly kind and welcoming.

There was one particular guy who was nice to you.

Colt Seavers was a incredible stunt man. Can we just also say for the love of god how incredibly hot he was.

I mean how was he not a movie star himself.

God took a little extra time with him. But the nice thing about him though was he didn't have a ego to match. To your surprise was he kind and nice and funny.

One day you were sitting eating lunch alone and he came and sat down next to you.

"Someone as beautiful as you shouldn't be eating alone" Colt said as he thew about 3 plates of food down.

"You really gonna eat all that" You said laughing

"Hey your brain needs carbs to live how else can i be set on fire without nothing on my stomach" Colt said laughing

Like what ever he said made sense. The two of you just sat and talked in for a while and he made you feel like you knew him forever.

He was funny like he was honesly geniunely hilarious.

The two of you talked about dream vacations and how being set on fire was nothing compared to when they stopped making his favoriate brand of coffee beans.

When lunch was over he asked for your number. He said he wanted to be a gentleman and drive you home because it was dangerous out there.

The work day seemed like it was never ending after that. The annoying ass director just wanted another take after another one.

You were about to just sit the camera down in protest and leave but thank god this was the last scene.

You didn't even get a chance to say goodbye to anyone. You just put your stuff away and grabbed your things.

You were sitting in the parking lot next to your car.

A few minutes had passed and you were worried you got stood up. You were about to get back into your car so you didn't look like an idiot.

Just as you were pulling out your keys. A huge truck blaring Taylor Swift pulled up next to you.

"You didn't think I forgot did you" Colt said smiling.

You smiled back and hoped into the truck

"A man with taste" You said

He pulled away and the windows were down and the music was blaring. He drove to an empty parking lot down the street and you gave him a confused look.

"Doughnuts" He asked

"I love Jelly" You said making him laugh loud

"A breakfast date when were done I love it" Colt said

"I know a good spot" You said.

Colt postioned the car and then looked over at you with a smirk and then took off fast.

It caught your breath fast and you felt your heart dropping into its stomach. Colt stretched out his arm and nodged you over closer to him.

It really did make you forget about your troubles. Like everything else didn't matter in this moment. You felt like when you were on a rollcoaster and you reached the top.

then when you shot done that rush of adrenline was amazing.

You could do this all night with him.

"Same time again tomorrow" Colt said

"It's a date after real doughnuts" You said

"Carbs make everything better" Colt said

You leaned in and laid your head on his shoulder and he smiled down at you. The real magic wasn't on the movie set it was right here with the two of you

[psychooomind]

Mixed Signals - 10

Severus Snape x reader

Summary: Set between 1989 and 1998, Severus Snape and Katya Borislova attend the European Potioneers' Assemblies, where they meet and begin a pen pal friendship that confuses them both.

This is a prequel to another of my Harry Potter fanfics, The New Founders.

A multi-entry, slow-burn, colleagues to lovers, smut

Chapter 1. Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9

Continuation of the story: The Art of Deception

You can also read it at AO3 here.

If there was something Katya couldn’t understand, it was the enthusiasm most wizards had for Quidditch. In England, just like in Russia, the sport was so ingrained in their culture that it was even a subject taught at school. When she was at Koldovstoretz, she had never been good at keeping her body elevated off the ground and would often get dizzy easily, so the mere thought of playing a sport in the air didn’t appeal to her. The same couldn’t be said for her best friend, Nikita Godunov, who had travelled to England with his husband solely to witness the Quidditch World Cup being held in Devon, England.

Nikita and his husband, Emil, had both been Quidditch players during their time at Koldovstoretz and made it a point to attend tournaments whenever they could. With an apartment in England and Katya already there, they took the opportunity to visit her and stay with her until the championship concluded. Nikita’s apartment was spacious enough for the couple and Katya to live together for a few weeks, and Nikita insisted that Katya spend time with them after work. He also made it clear that she absolutely had to attend the opening ceremony of the Quidditch World Cup.

“Hello, darling. Have you missed me?” he said upon arriving and greeting her at her apartment. “I’ve come to rescue you from the Brits,” he teased.

Katya let out a small squeal upon seeing him, excited that her friends were there. The last time they had seen each other was in 1993 when she visited them in Aspen. Katya and Nikita exchanged letters frequently, and she was grateful that her friend had lent her his apartment during her stay in England. So, when he asked her to join him and Emil at the Quidditch World Cup, Katya simply agreed.

The Quidditch World Cup campsite drew much of the country’s tourism. According to what Katya had heard at Gringotts, the Muggle Prime Minister and the Magical Prime Minister had agreed on a commercial statute due to the large number of witches and wizards attending that year’s championship, which would positively impact national tourism.

Katya had never attended a Quidditch World Cup before, so she found it fascinating how popular it was within the magical community. They had even introduced a kind of “holiday” where employees of banks, shops, and other establishments could leave work earlier to make it in time to the various Portkeys located in Diagon Alley that would take them to the championship’s meeting point.

The Quidditch World Cup was held in Devon, England, beside an isolated moor. The campsite was designed to resemble a Muggle camping ground with tents that appeared as ordinary as possible from the outside. However, inside, their owners had added features such as fireplaces, bell-pull cords, weather vanes, staircases, bedrooms, kitchens, and more. Katya, Nikita, and Emil opted to rent a tent with two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchen in the French sector, intentionally distancing themselves from the Russian tents. Nikita and Emil didn’t want to run into any family members or old school friends who might spoil their experience. Katya, for her part, couldn’t have been more grateful.

At the first match, Nikita and Emil decided to enjoy the event from one of the most exclusive boxes in the stadium, having paid a considerable sum for the privilege of sitting near the United Kingdom’s Minister for Magic. Katya watched attentively as the Malfoy family began taking their seats beside the Minister. She couldn’t help but wonder how close the Malfoys were to the Minister and whether that connection might yield useful information to report to her father.

“It’s vulgar, Draco,” she heard Narcissa Malfoy say firmly to her son.

“But, Mother, they started it—”

“I don’t care. You must behave and not stoop to their level,” she reprimanded sharply.

After speaking, Narcissa turned to adjust her gown as she sat down, and that was when her eyes met Katya’s. Katya, seated just behind them with only the railing of the box separating them, observed her intently. Narcissa offered a poised smile before leaning towards her husband to whisper something. Lucius Malfoy immediately turned to look at Katya, a smile spreading across his face.

“Oh, what a perfect coincidence, Miss Borislova!” Lucius exclaimed theatrically.

The remark caught the attention of the Minister for Magic, who raised an intrigued eyebrow upon hearing Katya’s surname. Even Draco turned abruptly to look at her, clearly surprised. Aware of the attention, Katya decided to handle the situation with composure.

“Lucius, Narcissa, Draco,” Katya greeted them with polite warmth.

Beside her, Nikita, wearing his characteristic sunglasses, observed the interaction with interest. Emil, on the other hand, discreetly withdrew his hand from his husband’s, mindful of the Malfoys’ influence and how even the smallest detail could be misinterpreted, despite England’s more liberal stance.

“I thought Quidditch wasn’t to your liking, Miss Borislova,” Narcissa remarked with an amused expression. “Have you changed your mind these days?”

“Oh, I’m just accompanying some friends,” Katya replied with a measured smile.

Nikita, more inclined to join in, gave a casual wave.

“Nikita Godunov,” he introduced himself elegantly.

Lucius regarded him with clear disdain before replying, “The designer?”

“The very same” Nikita answered with a feline grin, evidently enjoying being recognised.

Immediately, Narcissa and Nikita launched into an animated discussion about his latest clothing line, covering everything from his sources of inspiration to the enchantments applied to fabrics to ensure a better fit. Meanwhile, Katya, grateful for the distraction her friend provided, managed to catch snippets of a hushed conversation between Lucius and the Minister for Magic. Though she couldn’t make out the details, she noted how unusually close their relationship seemed. Could Minister Fudge be corrupt? she wondered.

“I’ll send you a gift once we’re back in New York,” Nikita was saying enthusiastically. “I love the idea of witches around the world having a bit of Godunov in their wardrobes.”

“Oh, what a delightful thought!” Narcissa replied, visibly pleased. “I must say, I saw one of your designs on Katya a few months ago, and the colour combination was simply sublime.”

“That’s because my Katya here is my favourite model,” Nikita said, winking at her conspiratorially.

“Oh, I didn’t realise Katya had a designer among her suitors,” Narcissa teased with a sly smile.

Katya let out a restrained laugh, while Nikita smirked sarcastically.

“Oh, no. I’m a married man,” Nikita clarified, raising his hand to show his gold wedding band. “Besides, I fear Katya has her attention elsewhere.”

“I think that’s enough, Nik,” Katya interjected with a warning glance, though she couldn’t help but smile at her friend’s boldness. She knew, much like Narcissa, Nikita enjoyed playing matchmaker for her.

“Oh, yes,” Narcissa added playfully. “I know quite a bit about that. I believe her interest lies in academics, much like herself.”

“Is that true?” Nikita asked, feigning curiosity as he glanced at Katya. “I feel like I’m missing out on my own friend’s news.”

Narcissa let out a soft chuckle and was about to add something more when, fortunately for Katya, the loud noise marking the start of the match interrupted the conversation.

“Just shut up, Nik” Katya whispered, relieved.

“Oh, I’m just having a little fun. You’re becoming dreadfully dull, Kitkat” he teased with a playful tone. Crossing his legs elegantly, he sipped from a charmed champagne glass that never emptied as the match began.

The match between Brazil and Italy unfolded with great intensity, filled with spectacular plays and nearly impossible catches that kept the audience on the edge of their seats. The stands shook with the cheers of the fans, and Katya, though not an avid Quidditch follower, found the spectacle surprisingly entertaining. Nikita, however, seemed more interested in analysing the players’ uniforms, making sarcastic remarks about the lack of style in some teams, while Emil watched every move with the focus of a true enthusiast.

Italy dominated the scoreboard for most of the match, and when their Seeker caught the Golden Snitch, sealing the victory, the stadium erupted in cheers. Katya clapped with a calm smile, although her attention was divided between the celebration and the movements of the notable figures attending the event, including the British Minister for Magic.

Once outside the box, the crowd began to disperse. In the organised chaos of witches and wizards heading towards various transport points, Katya felt a slight tension as the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge, approached with his aides.

"Miss Borislova, is it?" he greeted, extending a pudgy hand with his characteristic mix of politeness and awkwardness.

"Minister Fudge," Katya replied with a flawless smile as she shook his hand. "It’s an honour to meet you."

"The honour is mine," he said, studying her closely. His small eyes glimmered with curiosity. "I’ve heard very good things about you. The Malfoys speak highly of your work."

"Well... it’s a pleasure to work with them," Katya explained naturally, gesturing towards Emil and Nikita, who were watching the scene from a cautious distance.

Fudge nodded slowly, though his attention seemed fixed solely on her.

"Fascinating," he said after a moment. "Your father, Pyotr Borislova, is a highly respected name within Russia’s Federal Magical Committee. His influence does not go unnoticed, even here in England."

Katya maintained her smile, fully aware of the need to measure her words carefully.

"My father is married to his work. He has devoted his life to serving the Committee and our company," she replied neutrally.

"I imagine so," Fudge said, attempting a casual tone that couldn’t hide his interest. After a brief silence, he added, "I must admit, I am curious. What brings the daughter of such an influential man to work here in England?"

Katya noticed the undertone in his words: Should I be concerned? Although Fudge didn’t seem suspicious of the Malfoys, it was clear he was testing the waters regarding her family.

"I’m merely an accountant. I wish my work were more... disruptive, but I’m just a simple accountant," she said gracefully. "England seemed like a good place to broaden my horizons."

Fudge nodded, appearing satisfied with her answer, though his gaze remained laden with curiosity.

"I hope you enjoy your stay in our country, then," he said finally. "Although, I must say, I like to think we all share certain common values. I trust you share them as well."

Katya raised an eyebrow with feigned curiosity.

"What values would those be, sir?"

Fudge leaned in slightly, as if ensuring no one else would overhear.

"I mean security, Miss Borislova. Keeping ourselves safe from... dark influences that threaten our magical community. I can’t help but notice that certain rumours follow your father, though I’m sure they’re nothing more than that—rumours."

Katya kept her face impassive, though internally, she was weighing each word carefully.

"My father is a pragmatic man, Minister. But I must assure you that whatever he does—or doesn’t do—is unrelated to my presence in this country," she lied effortlessly. "While his decisions are always motivated by the wellbeing of our magical community, I am merely his daughter."

Fudge smiled, though his expression remained hard to read.

"That’s what I like to hear. I believe we must foster closer relationships between our magical communities. Of course, it’s always best to do so with those who share our vision."

Katya understood the subtext: Fudge was making it clear that he deeply distrusted any association with Dark Wizards, and her father, with his growing power in Russia, was precisely that—a powerful Dark Wizard. While Fudge didn’t see the Malfoys as a threat, it was evident that suspicions surrounding her father were a sensitive matter.

"I’m sure my father would wholeheartedly agree with you, Minister," Katya replied with a calm smile, inclining her head slightly.

Fudge seemed pleased with her response and straightened up, giving her one last evaluative look.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Borislova. I’m sure our paths will cross again."

"The pleasure was mine, sir," Katya replied.

As Fudge walked away, Katya felt the weight of the interaction. Her carefully chosen words were a reminder that, although her life in England appeared peaceful, it was anything but. There would always be watchful eyes on her—more than she’d like. Pyotr Borislova, with his reputation and connections, remained a polarising figure even beyond Russia.

Nikita approached then, his smile tinged with curiosity.

"That was... interesting. What did the great Cornelius Fudge want? Did he ask you to sort out the Ministry’s finances?"

Katya let out a short laugh, shaking her head.

"He just wanted to make sure I’m not a threat to the British magical community."

"Are you?" Emil teased, stepping up beside them.

Katya gave him a knowing look.

"That depends on who’s asking."

Nikita raised an eyebrow, his expression laced with unease. What exactly was his friend getting involved in?

The days passed in a whirlwind of emotions, spectacular plays, and the buzz of the Quidditch World Cup. Katya, Nikita, and Emil made the most of their time by attending every match, immersing themselves in the vibrant energy of the stadium and the infectious enthusiasm of the fans. Though Katya wasn’t particularly drawn to the sport, she couldn’t help but be captivated by the passion with which the teams competed and their catchy chants.

Nikita and Emil, on the other hand, lived each match as if they were on the field themselves. On more than one occasion, Katya caught them discussing strategies and reminiscing about their own days as Quidditch players at school. Emil, with his athletic build and nostalgic smile, often spoke of his time as a Beater for his school team, while Nikita, always more refined in his movements, had been a Seeker.

"Reminds me of your last match, Nik," Emil commented one afternoon as they walked back to the campsite. "It was one of the longest matches ever held at Koldovstoretz."

"Yes, I also remember how I broke my shoulder in the process," Nikita replied with a wry smile. "Though I must admit, hearing everyone chant my name was a decent consolation."

Katya smiled softly, enjoying the stories her friends shared. However, she couldn’t ignore the shadow of her true mission in England, which lingered at the back of her mind.

One evening, as the trio returned to their tents after an exhilarating match between Bulgaria and Japan, they found Lucius Malfoy waiting by the entrance to their tent. Lucius, as impeccable as ever, offered them a polite smile.

"Miss Borislova, gentlemen," he greeted them in his characteristic affable tone. "I trust you enjoyed the match. My wife and I are hosting a small gathering tonight in our tent. It would be an honour to have you join us."

Katya exchanged a quick glance with Emil and Nikita before replying.

"It would be a pleasure to attend, Mr Malfoy. Thank you for the invitation."

Lucius inclined his head slightly before taking his leave, leaving them alone. Once inside the tent, Katya adopted a more serious tone as she addressed her friends.

"Before we go, there’s something important you need to know," she began, looking at Emil and then Nikita. "There will be witches and wizards there with Legilimency skills. It’s crucial that you keep your minds closed."

Nikita frowned, crossing his arms.

"Why are you here, Katya? I thought you were just an accountant."

Katya sighed, anticipating the confrontation that was coming.

"I can’t give you all the details, but I’m gathering information. My father believes it’s important to observe certain movements in England at the moment."

"What?" Nikita replied, raising his voice slightly. "Do you realise you’re putting your life in danger just to please your father? This isn’t a game, Katya!"

"It isn’t," Katya responded firmly. "But there are things you don’t understand, Nikita. This is my ticket to freedom. If I do this, I’ll be able to break away from my family once and for all."

"And what if this goes wrong?" Nikita pressed, his tone full of frustration. "What if they find out you’re spying for him? Is it worth risking everything for this?"

"It’s not for you to decide," Katya replied with severity. Her gaze reflected both determination and sadness. The last thing she wanted was to argue with her best friend. "I’ve made my choice. All I ask is that you trust me."

The tension lingered between them for a moment before Emil stepped in, placing a hand on Nikita’s shoulder.

"We should focus on not drawing attention tonight. Katya knows what she’s doing."

Though Nikita didn’t respond, he eventually nodded, allowing the silence to settle over the tent as they prepared for the gathering.

When they arrived at the Malfoys’ tent, the atmosphere was one of understated elegance. Lucius and Narcissa welcomed their guests, while their house-elves circulated with trays of champagne.

Katya recognised several prominent figures from the Ministry of Magic. Cornelius Fudge was chatting animatedly with Barty Crouch, while Pius Thicknesse listened intently nearby. In another corner, Kingsley Shacklebolt and his wife, Athenea, were exchanging words with a group of officials.

Katya moved gracefully among the guests, greeting those who approached her while attentively observing the interactions around her. Emil and Nikita stayed close, though their behaviour remained reserved, following Katya’s instructions to reveal no more than necessary.

At one point, Fudge approached her with a smile.

"Miss Borislova, how delightful to see you again. Are you enjoying the evening?"

"Very much so, Minister," Katya replied. As they spoke, she couldn’t help but notice Lucius watching the conversation from a distance, as though evaluating every word. It served as a reminder that in this place, every gesture and every comment was observed and scrutinised.

As the night went on, Katya made a mental note of the most significant interactions, especially those involving discussions about alliances and international politics that would interest her father. Although she maintained a calm facade, she was acutely aware that she was walking a tightrope, where a single misstep could have severe consequences.

The tension of the evening weighed heavily on Katya’s shoulders as she tried to keep her composure. Her earlier argument with Nikita still lingered in her mind, but she couldn’t afford to be distracted. Her mission demanded her full attention and unshakeable focus. However, she couldn’t ignore the oppressive feeling that came over her when she noticed someone staring at her. Discreetly, she turned her head and found herself meeting the dark, intense gaze of Severus Snape, who seemed to be examining her as closely as ever. Her stomach tightened with irritation. Why is he here? she thought bitterly. This was not the time or place for personal distractions. She was here for information, to gather all that she could and be free of his father, not to relive old memories or face unresolved feelings.

Katya’s lips curled into a faint, lopsided smile as she looked away, forcing herself to maintain her composure. Severus wasn’t just watching her; his attention was also fixed on Nikita, who remained nearby with his usual stoic expression. The jealousy she sensed from Severus was almost palpable, and though part of her found it amusing, another part found it infuriating. After all this time, why did he still have this effect on her?

She hated that his presence made her falter, that it stirred memories she had worked hard to bury. It had been over a year since she had been with anyone, and she had convinced herself she was fine with that. Her life was too dangerous, too complicated for intimacy. Yet every time her path crossed with Severus, her body betrayed her resolve, reminding her of the nights they had spent together. Nights filled with lust and a connection that no one else had been able to replicate.

It wasn’t just the physical aspect, though that was undeniable. It was the way he challenged her, the way he understood her in ways few others could. She despised how easily he could unravel her defences with a single look, and tonight was no different.

At some point during the evening, the atmosphere inside the tent became suffocating. Katya needed air, needed to escape the weight of his gaze and the memories it dragged to the surface. Slipping outside, she lit a cigarette, the familiar act grounding her as she took a long drag, exhaling the tension slowly.

She had barely been outside for two minutes when a deep, familiar voice broke the silence.

“I thought you’d given up that habit,” Severus remarked, appearing at her side with his infuriatingly silent movements.

Her irritation flared again. Of course, he had followed her. She exhaled smoke slowly, refusing to meet his eyes immediately. 

“I had. For about two days. But England has a way of unsettling me.”

“And what’s troubling you, Katya?” he asked, his voice low and probing, crossing his arms as he looked at her with the same intensity that always managed to leave her unbalanced.

Katya finally turned her head, her expression calm, though her eyes betrayed her inner conflict. Part of her wanted to snap at him for intruding, for disrupting her carefully constructed focus. Another part of her wanted to close the gap between them and relive the moments she had sworn to forget.

“Nothing you can help with, Severus,” she replied flatly, taking another drag from her cigarette. She hated how her voice softened just slightly when she said his name. “I must admit, I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

“The Malfoys invited me. This isn’t really my sort of scene,” he said, his gaze shifting briefly towards the tent. “From what I can see, you’re in good company.”

Her lips quirked in a brief, genuine laugh despite herself. “Are you referring to Nikita and his husband?”

Severus arched an eyebrow, his mouth curving into the faintest hint of a smile. “Nikita? Your famous friend you used to talk about in our letters?”

“The very same.”

The way his brow furrowed ever so slightly told her he was already analysing her tone, her words, looking for deeper meaning. He always did this—always dug deeper than she was ready to reveal.

He stepped closer, and she felt the tension between them shift, becoming almost palpable. Her pulse quickened, and she cursed herself for it. She could feel his eyes on her, their shared history hanging in the air like a storm waiting to break.

“You’re as inscrutable as ever,” he said, his voice softer now, almost contemplative. “Still just as evasive. I wonder if you’ve ever been completely honest with me.”

Katya extinguished her cigarette, letting the silence hang between them for a moment before murmuring, “I was…” Her voice was almost too quiet, as though the words were meant more for herself than for him. Then, she turned to meet his gaze head-on. “Do you really want to talk about honesty? Do you really want to go there, Severus?”

The question seemed to catch him off guard, and for a moment, his mask of indifference slipped. But it was only a moment. He stepped closer, his tone low and deliberate. “I’m not here to argue the past. I’m here because I’m concerned about what you’re getting yourself into.”

Her heart ached at the concern in his voice, though she hated herself for feeling it. Why does he care? she thought bitterly. But deep down, she knew. Despite everything, despite the years, there was still something between them, something neither of them could completely sever.

“And what would that be?” she asked with a bitter laugh. “The last time we spoke, you promised to tell me about your connection with the Malfoys.” Her voice grew sharper, the irritation finally breaking through. “Funny, it’s been weeks, and I’ve heard nothing from you.”

“I haven’t forgotten; it simply isn’t the right time.”

“If you’ve lost interest, just say so.”

“Don’t underestimate my interest, Katya,” he said quietly, his voice dipping into that familiar tone that always left her off balance. “I’ve never stopped… thinking about you.” He hesitated, his words trailing off, but the implication was clear.

Her breath caught, and her pulse quickened against her will. Damn him.

“If you wish to continue thinking about it,” she said, forcing her voice into a casual, almost mocking tone, “I might suggest somewhere more private.”

Severus studied her for a moment, and she thought she saw a flicker of something—hesitation? Desire?—in his dark eyes before he gave a small nod. “Tell me where.”

She didn’t have time to reply before she felt his hand on hers, the faint touch sending a shiver through her. It was a gesture that reminded her of simpler times, times when things between them had been less complicated. A second later, the world shifted, and they left the tent—and the curious eyes inside—far behind.

In the distance, Nikita and Emil observed the scene with evident satisfaction.

"So that’s the famous professor," Emil whispered, sipping his champagne. "A bit… older than us."

"I’m glad to see Katya has finally given in to love," Nikita murmured, smiling.

"Always the romantic, my love," Emil said, taking Nikita’s hand and kissing his knuckles.

Nikita chuckled, and the pair left the tent.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - 2 GREAT Shows but everything else is kinda blah

Organized, in each category, with ones I'm enjoying most at the top. Happy new year, BLabies!

Jan 2024 Wk 1

Ongoing Series - Thai

Last Twilight (Fri YT) ep 9 of 12 - This show is really earning its chops, and these actors are executing beautifully. I think this is a great BL, and it reminds me quite a bit of ATOTS, only the physical comfort between the actors is more genuine and easy to watch. Unfortunately a guitar came out. Nice communication tho.

That was a very lovely romantic sex scene. Very prettily done. Classy boys, very classy.

Gah what a beautiful final scene with Day saying the last thing he wants to see is Mhork. Pure unadulterated romance of the highest order.

The Sign (Sat YT) ep 7 of 12 - If killer, why hot? Poor Tarn compelled to try to rescue everyone else from their fate, because he cannot save himself from his.

Meanwhile Phaya is finally learning that you catch more water snakes with honey lube than vinegar.

Stellar confession from Phaya brutally honest and very fated mates.

And another lovely sex scene, so I guess that was a vision and not a fantasy Tharn had.

Lets be clear those two shows were GREAT everything else this week was kinda blah.  

For Him (Thurs iQIYI) ep 6 of 12 - I find the backstory very odd. Are they twins? What happened to Blue? Am I meant to care? Do I care? 

Twins the series (Fri GaGa) ep 10 of 12 - I mostly just feel sorry for First. He’s so rightfully confused. Zee/Sprite keeps blowing hot and cold because they two different people! The after sex cuddle was cute. 

Pit Babe (Fri iQIYI) ep 8 of 14 - Love getting more JeffAlan. Also I switch favorite character allegiances in the trash watch happening here.

Cooking Crush (Sun YT) ep 6 of 12 - Didn’t air this week and I hardly noticed. 

You and My Stars YT 1 of 2(?) - school kids, love triangle, it’s cute enough.

My Universe (Sun iQIYI) 1626 ep 20 of 24 - Just so boring. 3/10 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

VIP Only (Taiwan Fri Gaga) ep 8 of 10 - I’m not into the love triangle. Although I kind of like the new suitor, he’s honest and a good communicator. I appreciate these things in a BL boy. But I begin to wonder if triangles should be left for KBL. Also, this should have been an 8 epper, 10 is too long.

Sahara-sensei to Toki-kun (Japan Fri Gaga) ep 5 of 8 - No ep until Jan 12 

I Became the Main Role of a BL (Japan Sun Gaga) ep 1-3 - AKA BL Drama no Shuen ni Narimashita: Crank Up Hen - A rising star is paired with an (older) former child actor (doesn’t think he’s good enough) in a BL series. It’s fun, built on a dynamic of off screen paralleling the on screen, so near constantly meta. All the tropes are there but are as a result of the filming process. The star turns out to be obsessed with the former actor and very dorky about it. In fact, everyone in this show is a little gremlin weirdo (affectionate). There’s tons of scenery chewing miscommunication drama, slapstick, voice over head hopping, and eccentric sides characters. “And he comes with feathers” applies to a number of my friends. You know I don’t like stories around fan obsession, but otherwise this was enjoyable. 8/10

A nice start to the JBL year. Keep em coming, Japan.  

It's done I Need to Catch up

What Did You Eat Yesterday Season 2 AKA Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2 (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - will binge when I have a spare day.

It's Airing But...

[INTERNATIONAL] Cherry Magic (Sat YouTube) ep 3 of 12 - yeah Japan put the smack down on our boys. Sadness. You can use a VPN if you like. Read all about it here.

Playboyy (Thurs Gaga) 14 eps - Dear Playboyy, it's not you, it’s me… I hate you. You’re about as deep (and as palatable) as a shot glass of cum. While I'm sure you’re someone’s kink, you're my weakest link. Goodbye. I DNFed this at ep 5. Frankly I'm impressed with myself for getting that far.

Night Dream (Sat YT) 6 eps - It’s a pain to track down and I really didn’t like the first episode so… DNF  

The Whisperer (Sun ????) 10 eps - Thai horror BL that ALSO involves cheating (what joy is mine). I don't think even the perfect single dimple can motivate me to watch. Word is... it's terrible.

7 Days Before Valentine (Weds WeTV) 10 eps - Giving me Luminous Solution vibes. I'm waiting to binge if safe.

Dead Friend Forever (Thai Sat iQIYI) - horror, meh, tell me if it's worth my time?

In Case You Missed it

All my year end round ups (so far) are as follows:

TOP 10 BL Trends of 2023

Top 10 BL Secondary Pairs of 2023

2023 BLs Best Trope Execution Awards! TOP 10

Best Back Hugs Thailand & Elsewhere

BL 2023 - Cute Bits of Domesticity

BL 2023 - Boys Feeding Boys

BL 2023 - BOOP!

All the BLs Announced for 2023 that didn't happen

Next Week Looks Like This

Starting This Week:

1/9 Time the series (Thai Gaga, WeTV, Channel 3) 10 eps - MFlow Entertainment brings us yet another "fix the past" narrative. After witnessing the gunning down of his beloved, a heartbroken actor uses a magic pocket watch to go back in time and discover the truth and maybe fix it.

1/11 Although I Love You and You AKA Sukiyanen Kedo Do Yaro ka (Japan Gaga) - Soga, who, after a divorce and relocation to Osaka, seeks solace in dining at 26-year-old Sakae's restaurant. Unbeknownst to Soga, Sakae sees him as more than just a regular customer.

More Coming Jan 2024

Beside You (Thai YouTube)

Love For Love's Sake (Korea ????)- based on the Manhwa ‘Love Supremacy Zone’ by Hwacha. A young man is dropped into a game based off a novel he loves. His mission is to make another player, YeoWoon happy. But then the game starts unfolding completely different from the novel.

Ossans Love Season 2 (Japan ????) - five years later, will anything have changed? This is Japan so... probubly not. I won't be watching this.

Upcoming BLs for 2024 are listed here. This list is not kept updated, so please leave a comment if you know something new or RP with additions.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

Yes, you SHOULD apologize!

This was a FANTASTIC moment! Last Twilight

Night Dream referencing the Shrimp Trope.

Some didn't like this bit BUT I love a claiming moment, even in a briefing room... especially there.

I ALSO love a good Grandma Moment in a BL.

Such a good sex scene. The Sign

(Last week)

[katyawriteswhump]

The power of love, part 5 (steddie, stobin, steve whump fic)

Steve has a habit of surviving near death experiences then getting sick for no reason. And Eddie and those fatal bat bites? After an impossible feat of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation from Steve, he’s mysteriously fixed. So, Eddie’s back to being banished, this time with Steve and Robin in tow. Eddie’s healing, but Steve isn’t… and life gets even more confusing, when Eddie develops feelings for Steve, which aren’t entirely unrequited.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12

Eddie POV

Robin spreads out a map they’d taken from the Harringtons across the blanket on Steve’s bed. She points to their current location. 

“So, this is us. We’re away from the road but still waaay too screaming-in-your-face easy to find.” She slides her finger a few inches across the map. “This old loggers’ camp is deep in the forest and could be the perfect place to hide. However, it’s over seven miles and we might have to hike, if the track is broken up. Steve? What do you say?”

“What am I supposed to say, Robin?” Steve sits up against the pillows, arms folded. “Let’s get going.”

“It’s a loooong way for you, if we can’t drive, man,” says Eddie.

“I’m good. Jesus! Hiking is in her top ten least favourite pass times. Not mine.” Steve throws off the covers, pushes himself up. He repels Eddie’s attempt to help with a jab of his elbow then leans heavily on the wall. “When do we start?”

“Hold your horses, cowboy.” Eddie cranes over the map. “My beloved Pa had a few hideouts round this way—”

“Yeah, they must’ve been totally undiscoverable,” snarks Steve, “what with Al Munson being FOREVER IN JAIL.”

“If you’re feeling so much better, Dingus, THEN STOP BEING A BITCH.” That was Robin, now matching Steve’s glare. “Go on, Eddie. What’s your plan?”

They strike out for the logging camp that afternoon, planning to break their journey in a cave, which Eddie’s Pops had used a couple of times. They drive the first part of the trail, then set off on foot when the track gets too uneven for the Lincoln’s tyres. Most of the trail is uphill through forest. Steve, however, refuses any help, and insists on taking his share of supplies.

He says very little, walking close to Robin. She wavers between cajoling him into taking breaks, and an encouraging monologue. Eddie goes ahead, using a compass and some basic tracking skills Wayne taught him, while squinting at the hazy sun. And, obviously, he seeks the easiest path for Steve.

“You know I suck at directions, right?” he whispers to Robin, while Steve takes a ‘moment,’ sitting down. “Though I’m gonna blame Vecna—and the matter that Hawkins is now one big, fiery Upside Down doormat—for blowing the compass off.”

She bats a bug from her nose. “Ugh! If it’s any consolation, trail finding was never exactly my number one skill, either.”

“How about Captain America over there?”

“He literally never knows his left from his right.” Eddie’s rarely seen anything more loving than the look she casts Steve’s way. “I think it’s gotten harder for him. He’s had... uh, quite a few blows to the head in recent years. Never seen him like this before. I’m worried, Eddie.”

“Me too.” Eddie swipes hair from his brow, finding it slick with sweat. “Talking of Vecna-skewed compasses and Vecna in general. Should we also worry about his crazy-ass cravings for Lover’s Lake?”

“At this juncture, I’m hoping it’s all some kind of freaky coincidence.” She actually closes her eyes, as if offering up a silent prayer. “I mean, even when he’s outta his mind, Steve really, really loves swimming. On the other hand, if going near the lake actually made Steve better, and that’s why he healed so quick after his initial bat attack, then… then…  Oh shit, I don’t even want to say it.”

Their gazes lock, and Eddie knows they’re brain sharing: There’s a gate to the Upside Down in Lover’s Lake. If Steve’s somehow linked to it some evil-magic-juju fashion, then… 

“You don’t seriously think he’s flayed?” Eddie little more than mouths the words.

Robin slices up a forbidding hand, so fast Eddie fliches. “No. Not that. He can’t be. Vecna isn’t in his head—he’d tell us, right? I mean, there could be a more physical link to the Upside Down and the hive mind, like with Will at various stages, but… No, no, no. We’re catastrophising, huh?”

Eddie nods keenly, which does little to dispel his unease. On the other hand, Robin is right. Nothing about Steve’s behaviour is shouting “flayed” or whatever. Including the teeny, tiny matter of Steve bringing Eddie back from extinction, though that remains totally unexplained. Yeah, it could be simply because death happens differently in the Upside Down.

Steve hauls himself up, hugging a tree. “What we waiting for? Bears to come bite our sorry butts?”

“There are bears out here?” Robin squeaks.

“He’s kidding,” mutters Eddie. At least, Eddie hopes he is. Steve still looks dead grumpy and serious.

They make the caves by sunset. They’ve got flashlights, and Eddie and Robin could’ve pressed on through the night, but Steve blatantly can’t. As soon as they arrive, he slumps down against the rockface, curls his legs up. He presses his face to his knees and rocks himself gently.

“You sure you’re all right?” asks Eddie.

“Next person who asks me that gets punched.”

Ooookay. No change in Steve’s mood then. Robin reassures herself there are no bear scratches in the cave then heads out to scout the route for the next morning. Eddie starts unpacking the bedding and cereal.

The air in the cave is cool and thick with damp. Eddie kinda likes it anyhow. Amid the must and mould, he inhales the faintest hint of charcoal. He pictures his Pa shacked up here, also on the run. He can’t help chuckle: I tried soooo hard not to follow in your footsteps. 

Steve, meanwhile, is huddling ever more tightly in on himself.

Eddie’s tempted to light a fire, as he imagines it gets cold in caves overnight, plus it’s still only April. However, he fears the smoke, if not the flames, could billow out of the narrow entrance and be spotted from miles around. Maybe that’s where you went wrong, Daddy dearest.

“You want a blanket?” ventures Eddie, sitting down next to Steve. Not quite touching, though. “Anything to eat? C’mon, dude. We all gotta keep our strength up.”

He taps the cereal packet against Steve’s arm, startling him into looking up. The torchlight heightens the shadows beneath Steve’s cheekbones, making him look horribly pale and gaunt. Kinda ghost-like, though Eddie stifles a gasp of shock for a different reason.

Steve Harrington is crying. Though trying his darndest not to—gritting his teeth, swiping the tell-tale moisture from his cheekbones. “God! I’m beyond pathetic. No wonder everyone thinks I’m a total dud.”

Cereal cast aside, Eddie squeezes Steve’s knee then retreats like the coward he is. “What are you on about? You’re, like, the most popular guy in town.”

Steve’s scowl is angry, incredulous and broken in equal measures. “Was, man. It was all a bunch of bull, and… totally irrelevant. I mean, haven’t you seen enough? We need to move, to keep moving, to evade capture, to get ready to fight Vecna again. I can barely walk.”

“Oookay, let’s rewind and be kind, Stevie.” He gets away with that sneaky pet-name again. “You’re feeling down because you’re… I dunno, sick, hurt, tired. Where do I begin? Fact is, you’re not a superhero man, you bleed and bruise like the rest of us lesser mortals… but you are a freakin’ hero.”

Steve’s brittle laugh breaks on a sob, against which he clamps his jaw even tighter. Eddie further musters his courage and slings an arm around Steve, who tenses. Then exhaustion wins. Steve sinks sideways against Eddie and rests his head on Eddie’s shoulder.

Soon, Steve’s shuddering breaths even out. The weirdest thing is that, despite how cranky Steve’s been all afternoon, this closeness feels disarmingly natural. That said, in the past forty-eight hours, they’ve had little choice but to become… intimate. Even Eddie's fizzing nerves soon settle.

“One thing’s for sure,” says Eddie, at length. “I’m more jealous than ever. I mean, Henderson’s respect for you must’ve skyrocketed and it was excruciatingly stratospheric already. I’m just the goon you brought back from the dead.”

Steve sniffles, lifts his head from Eddie’s shoulder. “I didn’t do anything really, man. Basic CPR. I executed a move.”

“Yeeeah.” A silly grin tugs the edges of Eddie’s mouth. “With your lips, dude.” 

Steve smirks, and… Woah! Eddie spots something he’d wondered if he’d imagined several times. Including earlier, when Steve collapsed against him on the way back from the outhouse. 

That merest hint of… attraction? Of flirty fun? 

Just as Eddie decides he’s imagining it—again—that spark reaches Steve’s too-pretty, too-sad eyes, and he says: 

“That was kinda fresh of me.”

Eddie’s tongue flaps away before he can stop it: “Tell you one other thing for sure—if you'd asked permission to get all smoochey, for whatever reason, I'd have granted you a full-access backstage pass.” Then Eddie’s brain kicks in. “Aaaaaand, that was dumb. What with you being the straightest guy in the history of ever.” 

Steve’s sparkle vanishes, and he turns his face to the darkness. “Go to Hell! Why does everyone always make such massive assumptions about me?”

“You’re not straight? I mean, I assumed… You’re you. You’ve got girlie mag centerfolds in your room!”

“You’re judging me on that?” Steve ruffles his hair and groans, sounding more wearily upset than agitated. “Look, man, I’ve not changed my room since sophomore year. In case you’re missing any of the plot, I’ve had other crap going on.” 

“Yeah, but you and Wheeler! The way you look at her, and the way she looks at—”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” Steve sinks his forehead to his knees again. Nevertheless, Eddie’s arm is still around him, and he’s not shrugged it off.  What’s more, it seems he does want to talk, even if it’s rambling and kinda hard to follow: 

“I've been through stuff like this before, Eddie. Getting hurt and shit, hit so hard I black out and the doctors give me all these scary warnings. It’s weird, whenever I wake after being hurt, it feels as if loads of time has passed, even if it’s only been a few minutes. I always feel… shitty, of course, but also… a bit different. It’s confusing… Probably bullshit. It’s all bullshit.”

Different. 

Eddie’s heart gives a little squeeze, which he kinda despairs of. Not before he’s given Steve a small squeeze, too. “What kind of different?”

“I dunno. Like.... this time around, I'm not so into Nance. Or maybe feeling so crappy this past day has given even my thick head perspective, and I can see it’s hopeless. I mean, I figured I was in love with Robin once, when I “came back” from being knocked out, and, of course, I do love her but... not like that. She gets me… better than I do, I guess. Talk to her if you want anything about me to make sense.” He yawns. “I’m soooo tired, man.”

Soon, Steve’s sunk so deep against Eddie, his head is in Eddie’s lap. Eddie drags a blanket up over Steve, then finds himself tentatively stroking Steve’s hair. He’s unsure if Steve is asleep or not. Either way, Steve sighs, kinda melts beneath his touch. Wherever he’s drifted off to, it seems peaceful.

Eddie tries and fails not to think on how trippy this is: I got Steve ‘King of Hawkins High’ Harrington asleep in my lap, and he just snapped at me for suggesting he was straight. 

He also tries and fails not to worry about the whole Lover’s-Lake-giving-Steve-weird-juju issue. Steve just straight-up told him he’s been through near-death experiences before and come back different. Yeah, Eddie’s cheerleading for the GOOD variety of different. However, in Hawkins, and in life in general:

Odds are stacked in the favour of BAD different, Munson. As in FLAYED different.

No. He’s not going down that path. Robin would notice anything weird about Steve, and Steve’s not acting strange. He’s just… strangely sick, though it’s not that odd, really, after all he’s been through.

Yeah, right. And My Little Pony seahorses are gonna surf in on a tsunami of petals and save the day. 

Man, it sucks being such a cynic.

He doesn’t notice Robin slip back in until she’s nearly upon them. “You two got cosy, then,” she whispers.

“I got a creeping suspicion he’s gonna break my neck in the morning for this.”

She wiggles her brows. “Oh, I dunno. His bark is totally worse than his bite.”

“I can hear you, asshats,” mumbles Steve. Robin’s brows shoot sky high. “I don’t want to be sleeping on his bony knees, but some moron forgot to bring pillows.”

Eddie strokes Steve’s hair into that warm groove behind his ear, and finally discovers he’s too tired to worry about anything much at all.

Part Six

...

(also on AO3 here and as part of my steve whump fic series)

tags: @estrellami-1 (thank you, thank you, thank you!) If anybody else would like to be tagged on this fic or any of my writing, please let me know :) Reblogs, comments and likes also very much appreciated :) Thank you for reading so far.

[multifandombullshitbabes]

Random Merlin Rewatch: Where a random number generator gives me a season and an episode from BBC Merlin; and then I comment on it as I go.

Today's episode: Season 3 Episode 9 - Love in the Time of Dragons

Before I start, very excited for season 3! Especially this episode! I don't remember all of it, but we're sure gonna get a TON of Gaius on this one. Love ittttt.

And we're back to young boyyy

Alice (?) has such a kind little face.

What the fuck is that thing. What the fuck is that. Ew. Hello???

EWWW THE ANIMATION ON THE FACE IS SO WEIRD, I HATE IT, WHY DID IT MAKE THAT FACE EUGHH

Damn intro music came in early. Not complaining, LET'S GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I love how, even though magic is being used for good, for performing miracle cures on people who would've otherwise fucking die or something, Uther HAS to see a problem with it. Like. Hello?? I'm very curious to see how Arthur is throughout this episode, seeing that magic here is doing something obviously good.

Merlin judging Uther so hard (as he should).

"I'm not the king, after all." I wonder if Camelot citizens are not as hateful of magic as Uther; fearful of course, and that's valid in my opinion, but the fact that Gaius said that and that's all it took for somebody to basically admit to treason?? Interesting dynamic this kingdom has. An obvious divide I think between the lower classes and the royal one.

Is Gaius smiling?? He's smiling so wide as he's walking out of the inn.

HAHAHAHHAH Gaius lying so clearly to the king and Merlin is the only one who knows, his face!!!! Like, that powder was bright blue and glittery, obvious magic, no denying it.

MERLIN'S FACEEEEEE

GAIUS GASLIGHTING MERLIN?? HELLO? This is hilarious, our poor boy is so confused.

Not Gaius taking away Merlin's meal like. LET MY BOY EAT!!

BABYYYYYYY. Also love that he's reading in bed, in fact fell asleep on it. It's probably a magic book, but it could be literally anything else!! Maybe a book on medicine and stuff, Merlin is Gaius' apprentice.

Merlin looks so handsome in just his sleep shirt, so cute.

BED HAIR!!!!!!!!!

Oh my god, Gaius and Alice are so sweet :(

MERLIN'S FACEEEEEEEEE he's so curious!! But like a happy curious!!!

"You've lost none of your charm." Gaius was a charmer when he was younger, confirmed. Womanizer.

JESUS FUCKING CHRIST!!!! AFTER THAT WHOLESOME SCENE BETWEEN ALICE AND GAIUS, WHAT THE FUCK!!!

Merlin trying to find out about the tea. Also love this role reversal, where the child is the one asking the parent where did they go last night. So fucking silly, love it.

"Do your suppliers normally kiss you?" HAHAHAHHAHA MERLIN!!!! YOU CAN'T JUST SAY THAT!!! GAIUS SCANDALIZED FACE, HELP!!

Merlin acting like Gaius is a silly teenager with a silly little crush is so amusing, I'm in love with this episode (let's ignore the weird creature part for now).

Just when Gaius find a job as the king's physician, she finds Alice. We know from a previous episode that Gaius got this job just when Arthur was born, right? I'm pretty sure. So they met for a little time, before the purge happened. I'm assuming the writers fucked up a bit on the timeline and Gaius was employed before Arthur's birth, which makes more sense to me.

I'm assuming Alice lived in Camelot for longer than Gaius, before he came to Camelot. I think Gaius might have learned his skills as a physician somewhere that's not Ealdor, but I'm assuming he was born there as Hunith is there, etc.

Merlin's like "Fuck yeah. Romance. Go get her, uncle."

Merlin is just straight up getting his shit rocked.

SDFGYHGFDTRESRDTGYUIJOKO

MERLIN IS JUST STRAIGHT FUCKING SUNSHINE WHEN HE MEETS ALICE HE'S SO CUTE

Oh my god, I would KILL Gaius if he just gave my room to somebody else's just right there on the spot. Merlin is better than me, for sure.

Not Merlin sleeping on the fucking floor, jesus christ.

THIS CREATURE MAKES ME SO UNCONFORTABLE WHY IS IT MOANING WHEN IT TAKES OUT VENOM, EWWWW

Oh I wonder how it was like before magic was banned. How people lived and learned all about it.

Ohhh how interesting, the way Gaius is not as scandalized by dark magic as maybe one would normally be. I wonder if it's not as bonkers unless it's taken to an extreme degree. I also wonder how "normalized" it was before the purge. Like how did sorcerers react to it then, and also now.

Of course Gaius doesn't want to admit Alice might be doing something evil, not just because this is their second chance and they haven't seen each other in so long, but also because she's obviously not the kind of person to do so.

Oh wow, we've never seen Gaius so blatantly angry with Merlin before. He's really hurt by Merlin's accusation of Alice.

Who the fuck screams "MORNING." in the library, Merlin. Also, it's just shock-full of cobwebs, someone PLEASE clean this place up, what the fuck.

Okay, so Merlin's still struggling with being a physician. I bet he's learned it since he's technically there to be Gaius' apprentice, but he doesn't like it much. He can take care of some stuff, but he won't like it that's for sure.

"Can I help you?" "No." MERLIN SDFGHJHGFDSEDTFGHJ

So interesting that Geoffery didn't react at all badly at Merlin asking about a magical creature. He even joked about Merlin seeing it or not. I bet he was just happy that somebody was using the fucking books and shit.

Merlin is just such a clumsy little shit, oh my god. Jesus fuck.

Love the face journey that Merlin just did where he landed on "Oh I'm gonna use magic in a silly way."

WHAT A DISNEY-ESQUE SCENE LMAOOOO

I don't think we fully appreciate how well Merlin is able to research things. Sure, it might be a little luck, but he's just elbows deep in a bunch of books, some opened, just researching for whatever he's trying to find. There's skill in research, y'all!

OH NO GAIUS' FEELINGS ARE HURT, NOOOO, GAIUS PLEASE LISTEN TO MERLIN!!!

Seeing Alice just live so naturally in Gaius' chambers really makes me yearn for an AU where Alice stayed with Gaius somehow and Merlin got to be raised by the two of them in Camelot. That would be so sweet :,))

Love how whenever Merlin is obviously upset about something, no matter how "annoyed" Arthur might act, he always asks what's wrong. It's so cute.

Arthur's strategy whenever he fights with his father is to just wait for him to get to his senses?? Arthur, babe, do you know who your father is?

AWWW ARTHUR TRYING TO CHEER MERLIN UP. Too back he's not a jock.

OOP!!! WE GOT A GAIUS AGE!!! A book Alice gifted him on his 50th birthday!! He got it a bit confused with when he became court physician, so maybe he was around that age when he got the job!! That would make him around 70 years old in present canon, which isn't too far fetched in my opinion. He looks older, but honestly being in the medical field, and also having to watch all your friends die right in front of your eyes, probably ages you a tad bit.

Oh the guilt is EATING HER UP inside. Oh Alice. Oh darling.

This is so interesting, it's the second episode where Arthur has found his father, at bed time, in his chambers in some way sick, meaning Arthur must check on Uther every other night? Every night? For what? It's probably matters of state or something, but don't they have all the time during the day to do that? In the start of the episode they're literally sitting side by side looking at documents. I wonder if Arthur just checks on Uther just because. I bet Uther's been the occasional assassination target during the purge. Maybe it's Arthur being paranoid (for good reason, I guess).

Oh Gaius is so deep in denial about Alice, this is just sad.

Wait, all of Uther's food is brought by armed guard up to his chambers? What about those family meal scenes we have. I'm assuming they must not happen every time, maybe. When the king is not too busy, the royal family eats together and any other time his food is brought to his chambers. And all of the food and drinks are tested for poison, of course.

Well. Arthur proving once again that he is smart. Sad it happens selectively. Also, he'd be a great detective.

Gaius implying that he might have taken the blame of Alice's actions, knowing the truth. This is just sad, bro.

I wonder if Merlin's magic truly isn't strong enough to kill a creature of the Old Religion. Sounds plausible, for sure, but I bet he can come VERY close.

THE WAY THE MANTICORE JUST FUCKING LEAPS AT MERLIN STRAIGHT AWAY MY BOY CAN'T GET A BREAK!

LET'S GO GAIUS USING MAGIC!!!!!!!!!!!

Some very stressful few seconds, I must say.

Gaius getting an adrenaline kick of what is just basically a normal Tuesday for Merlin.

It's so sweet that a lot of the characters do try and have open communication. It's very refreshing to see. They admit their fears and insecurities and they talk. It's so nice.

The fact that Merlin jokes about the dungeons being "so secure". 'Cause we all know they suck ass bro.

Why are they eating raw meat?? Y'all gotta cook it babes, what the fuck.

And that is it!!!! What a fun episode. No Gwen or Morgana though, sad :(.

[onlyymirknows]

Hello! For the violence ask game 9 and 13 💜

Hello!! Answering them in opposite order so people who just wanna read about Reiner don’t have to suffer through me going bananas over the Raid of Liberio.

13. worst blorboification

I admittedly don’t know what this means exactly. I assume it’s similar to uwuification? But less making them cute and more oversimplifying the character/intensely focusing only on certain aspects?

Anyway I’m going to say Reiner. Now I am often guilty of doing this to him, I think. Meaning it doesn’t bother/upset me that we blorboify him at times. Mainly I feel like a lot of us tend to paint him in post canon as this mostly silly himbo who has nightmares/the sads.

Imo he really isn’t a himbo (assuming I actually understand the meaning lol.) Plus his mental health struggles would probably also be just, uh, A LOT more. Just way, way more. I could elaborate but (1) I’m not a psychologist and (2) I could talk about it forever. Maybe a diff time lol.

9. worst part of canon

I have a joke answer and a serious answer.

First the joke answer, Reiner sniffing that letter lol. To me it feels like an out of place callback that undercuts much of Reiner’s development. It’s also a single panel that’s fun to meme about sometimes so it gets a pass.

Three things came to mind for the serious answer. First is how incomprehensible Eren’s magical attack titan/founding titan combo is. Second is how Isayama handled geopolitics, which disappointed me. Third (and the one I chose) is the execution of the Liberio festival plotline.

Originally I typed out a big explanation about why aot’s geopolitics bothered me in general. Then I got onto a side tangent about the Liberio Festival and realized that this is actually my least favorite thing lol. Specifically the lack of clear explanation of what happened.

Up until the time skip the plot of aot is explained in a pretty straightforward way. I think this is especially the case when it comes to expounding on the big twists we all love so much. The reveals of RBA are treated like detective stories where after the fact we’re shown the clues and how the characters pieced it together. (I’ve seen people complain about this, saying it’s spoon feeding the audience but I disagree lol)

Then the time skip happens and it feels like the narrative gets so cloudy. Since the question of Eren’s motivations is THE plot of post time skip, I do understand the much increased ambiguity. If we got clear answers in the moment that’d ruin things. However I think the reasoning behind the raid of Liberio is left without a meaningful explanation.

I like to think my critical thinking skills are pretty good and I needed people to explain it to me multiple times. I understand it now but geeze it requires reading between a lot of lines. This in itself isn’t wrong but it’s such a departure from how storylines were dealt with that I hate it lol.

Because lemme tell you, the number of people I’ve seen not understand that Eren wanted Willy to declare war is substantial. I think the fact that Eren and Zeke basically set up the festival to bait Willy into declaring war is even less understood. When people say “Eren had no choice but to rumble” I believe many of them probably feel that way because they don’t understand this arc.

The specific misunderstanding being that Eren attacked because Willy declared war. That if this hadn’t happened Eren wouldn’t have transformed and the raid wouldn’t have happened at all. The fact that this big of a misinterpretation happened so easily is really unfortunate. (It does NOT help that the anime cut out a pretty helpful detail.)

With the Reiner/Bertholdt reveal people aren’t confused by the main plot point: Reiner and Bert are titan shifters who want to destroy humanity for currently unknown reasons. Instead I see people ask stuff like “why did Reiner freak out about Ymir being able to read the words on a can?” or “why does Reiner choose that point to reveal himself?”

Anyway I think that’s probably one of the worst parts and it’s not even about the events of the story itself. Just the execution of the narration. So uh.. maybe I didn’t technically answer the question 😆

[thecrazyworldbuilder]

Worldbuilding rambles #1

What is a Utopia exactly? Let's make one.

A land without problems. Housing? There's countless plants, ground corals and zooplanta that grow around the world, forming elaborate and easy to inhabit burrows for anyone to reside in. Food? The spores/seeds of said vegetation are highly nutritious, and the populations of countless swarming animals are maintained healthy by predators in the wild; Hunting is easy via kill-pits, formed naturally via said vegetation. Water? Rains, and again, vegetation that stores water in various ways; Open bowls, root canisters, and leaf water bulbs.

I'm picturing something like if Scorn (biomech world) had Pandora's (JC Avatar) vibe.

What problems could possibly arise from there, one might ask? I believe there would be, still, just… With lesser stakes.

.

Do you have any army structures in your projects? Ranks, divisions sizes, names, et.c.

I always thought irl armies got confusing as hell naming systems and lots of inconsistency. Like if some big ass general at some point hated being called general because it sounds bad so he invents some "Grand Admiral" rank or something idk. I've had a complex rank system (which I am ought to use in Voice of Steel) with… I think about 50+ ranks?

But also have been thinking of systems like… Based on powers of two, on multiples of ten, on dozenal numbers, et.c. In terms of division sizes that is.

.

It's… Curious how oftentimes folks try to make gods of opposites and all for worldbuilding, uniting way too many ideologies that end up just. Too vague.

I thought of a matrix of gods of sorts, it being a 3x3x3 cube with dimensions of:

Benevolence vs Malevolence (keeping to the Four Universal Rules, or not keeping to them for personal profit)

Order vs Chaos (stagnation, or change)

Creation vs Destruction

The whole thing can be expanded into a tesseract by adding another axis, or even higher hypercubes, by adding even more axis. Each time, the amount of "alignments" of this sort will triple. So, there's 3, 9, 27, 81, et.c. alignments possible. Benevolent, orderly destruction - And you get a crusader god of sorts, a blind judge with a sword off to serve the Steel Law.

Malevolent, chaotic creation - And you get cancer cells, which spread out and bring land to ruin with their presence.

I love those meta ideas because this already sounds flawed. Who is to judge what is what? Who is who? Misused, this system will be used to motivate genocide and whatnot.

.

Concept: Suit-heroica.

The whole idea of this is that it is the suits that bring people powers. Think Ironman, who, even though he is hella smart rich and everything without the armor, does rely on his MARKs about 95% of the time.

Characters wear mantles of heroes, and gain powers related to them. Can be just one clothespiece, like a cape, mask, hat that gives you these powers. But could be also the stereotypical spandex or outright, yet again, Ironman-type full-body suit of armor.

The "heroes" live on, changing "wearers" over time. Some hunters take away the powerful clothespieces and wear several at once; Some kind of Tiger Amulet, Wizard Cloak, and idk, Spring-Heel Jack Boots. In total, you get people who would rather be what they are not - Just to have the powers associated with this something. Come on, a tiger-wizard-vampire gentleman dude is an interesting thought, but I doubt that normies would line up in queue to be something like this.

.

World of ITEMAGICKA: All magic resides within artifacts, which, when possessed allow users to cast specific spells or gain specific powers. Everyone got overcomplicated designs, and countless spells ready to go.

.

Thought of this: We all know concubi (sing. "concubus" - a gender neutral term for sexual energy feeding demons: Succubi and Incubi, female and male respectively¹), right? Those are of lust, as a mortal sin. What the other six mortal sins would look like? Tempting entities that corrupt mortals and push them to do things related to their respective sin²?

¹ Although, the etymology of those words implies a little bit different story, where rather than meaning "female" and "male" horny demons, it means "bottom" and "top" horny demons. ² As well the definition of "sin" itself is somewhat vague to me. As a person who has designed their own ideology (Four Universal Rules), based on the Golden rule (do upon others as you'd wish them to do upon you), "sins" per their definition do not make sense. Gluttony as "overconsumption to the point of waste" makes sense, but as "the innate human need to eat Something Tasty" it does not. Lust is vaguemost as it mashes too many things together - As long as sexual acts fit the Harkness test, to me, they simply cannot be sinful. Greed is a good take, capitalism be damned. Sloth is the most bullshit one since laziness does not exist and the word itself is more often used as a way to force people into labor/paint ideological enemies in a bad color. Wrath is just the violation of the Golden Rule, if put simply. Envy sounds like it's a good take, to some degree, until you remember it's been weaponized so that higher-ups could say to the lower-class folks "You are envious of me being a parasite of society and that's bad, you should be exiled to live in a monastery". Pride is just "thinking yourself first before God" and is just another organized religion/cult manipulation technique.

. Actually had a somewhat dope idea regarding magic, runes and wayshrines.

Hear me out.

A magic system built around wayshrines, each of which bears a single rune out of a complete alphabet. Each stone can be activated daily at high noon, and imprint onto whoever activated it.

By traveling from stone to stone and activating them at midday, you can pretty much just type out spells.

I -ten miles later- M -waits a whole day- M -travels to a remote island- O -travels back to main land, then 58 miles later- R -breaks leg, heals up for several months, returns on the quest now with a sick ass cane- T -77 miles later- A -158.5 miles later- L -goes waaay back to a familiar place- I -goes by a memorized path to another familiar place- T -300+ miles later on a different part of the continent- Y -returns to homeland, gets robbed and dies in a ditch before getting to the ENTER/SEND/CAST stone-

[thelunarfairy]

(Apologizes if an incomplete ask sent through, I was asking a question but the Internet cut off :<)

My question was though, how much can you analyze about the English lyrics of No. 7 (anime intro)? The lyrics supposedly explain some of the story and you're the best theorist I know who can put this in an organized post XD

(Sorry if you've been asked this before haha feel free to ignore if so and have a great day!)

I looked at the Japanese and English versions, and well, to better organize the meaning of the song, I'm going to write it here in a more objective way, it will be easy to understand the meaning as you read the lyrics.

This is because the Japanese version has a lot of wordplay and puns, the English version translated it literally and in the same way as the Japanese, which made some passages confusing.

Let's get started (this is the full version of the song)

So now let me tell you the story of number 7

1 Huh? Eh? Instantly happy and sad, even the past and the future 2 Two shadows appear within the rumors (the passion turned into nothing, it's just a story) 3 A sweet fruit mixed with the unreal 4 Yes, yes, even if I tell you repeatedly 5 Look, look, you're not listening properly (passion turned into nothing, an endless story) 6 After all, the boring thing is the ugly reality 7 Morning, day and night, like ten winds and five rains, rumors circulate 8 Without becoming pure in heart, turning my back against the unchanging mirror 9 I Want Some Magic, Say Seven Mysteries, That's Not Perfect 10 But We Are Struggling Because We Are Incomplete

11 Swinging the blade, words, too far 12 Wearing the smiling mask of lies (you in that place) 13 They Were Hurt Because Of Someone Else 14 Between sin and punishment, in that place where no one exists 15 Surely He Is There So now let me tell you the story of number 7

A secret history I heard from somewhere

16 It's a secret just between you and me 17 I will not lose to you, memory nor the brittle truth 18 Let's catch up, it's a reality like a rumor from some time ago 19 Every night and morning seems stupid 20 The dance of the second, the third morning, the fourth twilight 21 First, second, third, fourth 22 Mirai, Misaki, the mirror that doesn't see, the silent solitude 23 Is it the first? the eighth? Wait, there's no eighth 24 Until the four o'clock stands, if you repent, 25 It becomes four pains, eight pains 26 Trouble Towing in Seven Rounds 27 Hits, punishment 28 Come, come strange mystery 29 My body's habits, everything, are never perfect, so We are struggling because we are incomplete

Swinging the blade, words, far away 30 Please reach out, the laughter, the overlapping lies 31 (he is still there continuously) 32 I blurred the details while pretending to be fine 33 Between sin and punishment 34 Alone, placed in that place 35 Surely he exists

36 Hiding the past, blinding the eyes in front of the destiny that is coming to an end 37 I changed once, so I will change again The answer is clear

Swinging the blade, words, far away Wearing the smiling mask of lies (You alone) Were hurt because of someone else Between sin and punishment In that place where no one exists Today it also exists

So now let me tell you the story of number 7 Hey tell me about the continued story

ANALYSIS

Let's use numbers to better analyze the excerpts

1 = could mean that Hanako is happy now to be having fun with Nene and Kou, but at the same time sad about having to deal with the past and the future (Nene's future death)

2 = This excerpt is very emblematic, but "within the rumors two shadows appear" could refer to the twins "the passion turned into nothing, it's just a story" they would be in love with each other and what remained of that story would be murder. There is also the possibility that he is referring to Nene, since Hanako-san now has an assistant. Two shadows, and the passion that turned into nothing, an impossible love.

3 = A metaphor about the contrast between reality and a distant desire

4 and 5 = Hanako's story is being told little by little and someone (it could be Nene) is not realizing the details between the lines.

6 to 10 = Complaints about how reality is terrible and he wants to experience something unreal, not just him, but the other mysteries, everyone feels incomplete and is looking for something that reality cannot offer, something that they cannot achieve but they really want it. And specifically about the mirror, he says it is unchanging, confirming that no matter what he does, nothing will change.

11 to 15 = reference to Tsukasa's death, the murder. About how Hanako lied while creating a fake smile. He hurt Tsukasa, and he went to the place where nothing exists "Surely he is there" and the verses mention the sin and punishment that Hanako has to take responsibility for.

16 to 18 = Probably Hanako talking about his past with Nene. He says he will "reach him" that is, he will tell her the whole truth.

19 to 29 = references the other mysteries and how they are all fighting to create a better version of themselves, even though they are imperfect. In addition to, of course, mentioning a little about their feelings.

30 to 35 = reference to Tsukasa, he wants Hanako to show what he really feels, at the same time that Tsukasa "blurs" the way he feels "I blurred the details while pretending to be fine" "Alone, placed in that place" "he is still there continuously" reference that Tsukasa was left on Hanako's boundary and hides that he feels sad about it.

36 and 37 = it's a little difficult to know if the speaker is Hanako or Tsukasa, the excerpts fit for both, but it's probably more linked to Hanako, since he's the one hiding the past.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Place where nothing exists = boundary, Hanako says that when he enters a boundary, the person ceases to exist in the human world while there.

Swinging the blade = stabbing, direct reference to murder.

In that place where no one exists, he is certainly there = clear reference that Hanako believed that Tsukasa was on the boundary

In that place where no one exists, today he also exists = reference to Tsukasa's return.

Hey tell me about the continued story = about the story we are following now

CONCLUSION

Basically it's Hanako talking about himself, about the mysteries and about Tsukasa. We also see many parts where he talks about how he feels, but in short, that's it.

The lyrics of this song change subtly according to the translation you are looking for, but the general meaning is this.

That's the way I interpreted the opening lyrics, other people may have different ways of seeing how they work, but for me that's it.

[between-the-realms]

Races: 9 total

Human

An incredibly common and versatile group, the humans of this world had spread themselves to nearly every nation among the Keystone Continent. Their bodies are physically adept and magically in tune, so they can find themselves within every class without much struggle.

Element Affinity: All

Nations: Sunday Province, Unwelcoming Isles, Acidrial, The Frost Reaches, Wasteland,

Elf

The second most common race on the planet. They have different tribes across the globe, but the most common one is Eden among the great forest. They have different shapes, colors, and sizes but will always have long pointed ears. Is more magically adept than humans are, but also have a decent amount of physicality to them.

Element affinity: sun, healing, time, moon, beast

Nations: Eden, sunray Province, Acidrial, frost reaches, Wasteland,

Drow

A variant of the Elf race that eventually evolved into their own genome. Instead of the great greenery of Eden, the Drow preferred the isolated islands to the west of the continent. Small in number, mighty in physicality. These Drow became fantastic miners and fishermen once upon the Unwelcoming Isles, and the southern mines of Sunray Province. The southern mines had now been closed since the Religion of Sunray’s discovery of their colony. Any Drow that still remained in the mine will forever be trapped in said mine, since Sunray Province caused a collapse.

Element Affinity: Shadow, Moon, Necro

Nations: wasteland, the Unwelcoming Isles, southern Sunray Province, eden

Angel

The moth-like beings that reside on the top of Cupid’s Arrow mountain pass, named after the only angel that had died in the Homunculi rebellion. To this day, no one knows who’s side Cupid was on, and many historians speculate on it. Some even believe he may have simply been a bystander who was hit in the crossfire. His family was devastated, and the closest thing he had to a sister had moved into the great forest to start the kingdom of Eden, where she led the Elves and Drow through their evolution.

Angel’s are a nearly immortal species, where Historians and Alchemists are confused about how they came into being. Angel’s can not reproduce with other Angels. When they came into being there was a set number of them. They can not die of old age, and seemingly stop growing when they reach 40 years old. Angel’s can, however, reproduce with other races, but these half-breeds result in unbeknown genes.

Elemental affinity: Sun, healing, time, cryo, beast

Nation: Cupid’s Arrow, Eden

Sprites

The Last race to be evolved, trickster insects. These tiny little fairies love staying in the great forest, and rarely leave their bounds. They also have a tendency to play tricks on whoever enters their forest. This has made travel difficult for the people of Eden to travel to the different nations. Sprites have extreme phsyical and magical prowess to make up for their insect like size.

Elemental Affinity: All

Nations: The great Forest

Automatons

A copy of the homunculi, a robotic-like race created by a group of technology adept goblins. They were created with an electric core for a heart, and are a peaceful race, living beside their goblin creators and wherever they wish to go. They are free to be whatever they wish to be. Their creators wanted nothing more but companionship, so they created it themselves. Gifted poets and experts on ethics.

Elemental affinity: Electric

Nation: Wherever the goblins are :)

Goblin

Little Guys :)

Short Green creatures that enjoy a more primitive lifestyle. They mostly dwell in old cave systems, and out in the Acidrial wasteland. Although they have an abundance of Goblins, they can be found all over the world due to their nomadic nature. Despite the way they enjoy life, Goblin’s are masters of technology. They have been seen taking old tech and getting it working like new, almost better then how it once worked. They even went and created the homunculi. They use Mimicky as a sign of affection, and are often seen immitating humans and other races. They also don’t have a sense of property and will sometimes steal items from the outside of human and elven homes, but they don’t have a sense of what stealing is.

They are the second race to have evolved in this world, and were the one’s to have discovered Fire.

Elemental Affinity: Sun, Electric, Beast

Nations: Wherever they wish to go :)

Homunculus

Created by a Fae named Victoria, while she was working on the Immortality experiments. She wished to create test subjects similar in structure to the Fae folks to test these immortality experiments. Eventually due to the intervention of the Oligarchy, the homunculus was turned to servants, bodyguards, and soldiers. The first two Homunculus at creation were Cassandra and Fullgard, and were both created with more physical and magical prowess than their future generations. Although they were created before Humans crawled out of the mud, homunculus and humans have a striking resemblance to each other. The biggest difference between the two being the aging process. Homunculus grow at a much more rapid pace then Humans due, and also have almost glowing iridescent eyes.

Eventually the homunculus would rebel against their Fae creators and move southward to find a new home.

Elements: All

Nations: The homunculus kingdom.

The Fae

The first race to walk the earth. They had been alone for several thousand years, living in a frozen desolate land that they were the only ones adapted for. They would advance their technology to the point of being able to have cloning experiments, and do genetic experiments. They were once a tribal people that eventually, overtime, turned into an Oligarchy. One of the wealthiest men in this group of people owned a company called Magi-tech. They created small green crystals that were meant to be focus’ for their magic, however they slowly realized they had other uses, especially for weapons. This race can live over 10,000 years old before dying of old age. Many Ancient Fae are still alive in modern times because of this.

Elements: Cryo

Nations: The Frost Reaches.

@the-mysticandmodern-world @the-universal-fates

[fettesans]

Left, Aslan Goisum, from Prism, video sculpture made of three seven-metres-tall LED screens, part of the solo exhibition Prism, at Lunds Konsthall, Lund. February 9 -May 12, 2024. Via. Right, page from the book Disquiet Drive by Hesse K, 2024. Via.

--

That we are in a time dominated by magical thinking is demonstrated by the incontestable fact that people increasingly make less of a distinction between metaphor and reality; the metaphor is assumed to be a truth, in its strict literalness. It is not that metaphors aren’t true, and far less that they aren’t real – they are at least as real as a theory – but rather that they have a different nature, the nature of analogies, figures that, while they relate to what we tend to call ‘reality’, bring something else into being: the maturity of an intellect that sees relations between things without confusing them as one and the same. In every period marked by magical thinking, it is more common than ever for love – the only thing that is not a metaphor for something else, the only thing that is raw material for the world, the only thing that, were it to become visible, would make us tremble in pure terror – to be subject to the fantasy-making of poems and made-for-TV films, of politics and markets. But there is more: if we consider it to be true (which it is) that only humans understand what a ‘representation of reality’ is (dogs do not distinguish between the rules governing a tree and a photo of a tree, they see both as occupying the same plane of reality), then only humans comprehend what a metaphor is, precisely the opposite as happens in periods marked by magical thinking, periods that therefore come to belong to animals. But there is even something else: if animals do not distinguish between the tree and the photo of the tree, it is only humans that detect what we can call a ‘lag’ in the perception of the two things, a difference, a kind of vertigo similar to that which exists between the magic number and its corresponding trick, between the character and the real-life actor. Hellenic physics knew this, and Newton did too, but it was not until Einstein’s arrival that cause and effect could be shown as not instantaneous, that between the effect and its cause there must always be an intermediate time of interaction, a ‘lag’, and that no line connecting whichever events can be faster than light. That human – only human – ‘lag’ enabling us to distinguish reality and metaphor, tree and photo of tree, is also a maximum line of light that submerges magical thinking in a cheap trick. Well, this very vertigo produced by the lag is love; but the love of the real. (Lag love)

Agustín Fernández Mallo, from The Book of All Loves, 2024. Via.

[fox-daddy]

Ask Mc game because I can

Idea stolen from inspired by @snobgoblin Oc ask game

*number - means it's related to another question.

Kyle

What’s the maximum amount of time your character can sit still with nothing to do?

Depends on his mood, most times around 10-20 minutes but if in one of his moods can daydream for hours upon hours

2. How easy is it for your character to laugh?

Asra with a straight face: Benis

Kyle:

super easily

3. How do they put themselves to bed at night (reading, singing, thinking?)

He tends to wear himself out throughout the day so usually he lays down and just sleeps. Sometimes he lays there daydreaming*1

4. How easy is it to earn their trust?

Trust to what extent? Kyle tends to meet people on a positive foot, giving them some leeway and trust. However, he isn't going to jump off a cliff because a random person tells him to. Not without outside influence like situation. Upon first meeting Scout he had more trust to them than a normal person in the normal world but the magic realms are different. Overtime it's not hard to earn his trust with some time. Earning it back after you lost it is another thing.

5. How easy is it to earn their mistrust?

Super easily if you're trying to. They tend to be as mistrusting of new people as much as they are trustful. Using his outer appearance*40 to appear more trustful than he is but also willing to give benefit of the doubt more often than not. Once you've earned his trust betraying him would hurt him. Earning it back will take more work depending on the betrayal.

6. Do they consider laws flexible, or immovable?

Flexible as heck. The law to him isn't meant to be stone cut only this way it's meant to look at a situation and moderate it. Stealing is wrong but if someone steals some bread because their homeless and starving or worse stale bread from a dumpster, Kyle isn't going to hit them with the law and will try to help them. Stealing for fun however, yeah they can get hit with the law for all Kyle cares.

7. What triggers nostalgia for them, most often? Do they enjoy that feeling?

The forest near Vesuvia after a fresh rainstorm. The smell of wet trees and ferns. He enjoys it but can never quiet figure out what it reminds him of other than a time gone by.

8. What were they told to stop/start doing most often as a child

Running away. He liked to explore and run around with his endless energy.

9. Do they swear? Do they remember their first swear word?

Not often and yes/no. They don't remember their past due to MC amnesia but post-plague they remember their first swear. They'll never forget the look on Asra's face when they randomly said 'Fuck' during a game. (Basically the game was going back and forth saying a word for each letter to help Kyle practice speaking more and Kyle was on the letter F)

10. What lie do they most frequently remember telling? Does it haunt them?

Convincing Asra they would be fine the first time they left him alone at the shop to go on a trip by himself. When in reality Kyle were still scared of being left alone for too long, especially at night when everything is so dark and quiet. While it haunts them occasionally their first few nights by themselves, they don't regret it since he knew he had to overcome it and telling the truth would've made Asra stay or only go for a small trip which in reality would've only prolonged the true problem.

11. How do they cope with confusion (seek clarification, pretend they understand, etc)?

He'll seek clarification but in certain situations he'll look it up himself.

12. How do they deal with an itch found in a place they can’t quite reach?

If their love interest is around ask them to scratch it, if not rub against the wall bear style.

13. What color do they think they look best in? Do they actually look best in that color?

He think's he looks best in greens and blues. He looks best in Silver and gold due to his blue/green eyes and bright red hair.

14. What animal do they fear most?

bees and wasps

15. How do they speak? Is what they say usually thought of on the spot, or do they rehearse it in their mind first?

They have a kiwi accent meaning when he says 'deck' it sounds like 'dick' and when he says 'sax' it sounds 'sex'. Also he says stuff on the spot 9/10 because he doesn't usually have the time to think things fully out. Otherwise he would be standing there in awkward silence for a solid minute before replying to everything.

16. What makes their stomach turn?

Heavy gore and self inflicted harm.

17. Are they easily embarrassed?

Nope, but he also isn't so egotistical that he can't be embarrassed.

18. What embarrasses them?

Being suddenly shoved into a spotlight about something he has little to no knowledge in.

19. What is their favorite number?

420

20. If they were asked to explain the difference between romantic and platonic or familial love, how would they do so?

They would try and break down how each of them makes them feel as a starting point before trying to help break down what attractions this person has if any.

21. Why do they get up in the morning? 

Because he didn't die in his sleep.

22. How does jealousy manifest itself in them (they become possessive, they become aloof, etc)? 

He doesn't tend to notice he's jealous and instead becomes a bit more possessive of the thing that made him feel it. For example if he's jealous Asra is spending more time with someone else he'll try and spend more time with Asra because intuitively the problem isn't Asra spending time with someone else it's he doesn't feel like he's spent enough time with Asra himself. Due to this line of reacting he usually nips his jealousy in the butt. Unless he can't for some reason in which case he'd need someone else to ask him if he's jealous so he can step back and realize it himself.

23. How does envy manifest itself in them (they take what they want, they become resentful, etc)? 

Usually through jealousy*22 if it's because someone has something they want.

24. Is sex something that they’re comfortable speaking about? To whom? 

Yes and to their love interest mostly. They believe for a healthy sex life you need healthy communication about sex. Setting up a safe word and exploring it with the person they love. Not so much with strangers since it's more on a need to know bases.

25. What are their thoughts on marriage? 

He loves the idea of marrying the person he loves but also doesn't feel like it's important at all. If his partner never wanted to get married he wouldn't care, if they did want to get married he wouldn't care.

26. What is their preferred mode of transportation? 

Modern day; train and planes.

In the Arcana; riding on animals all the way.

27. What causes them to feel dread? 

When they sense or get the feeling something is going to go wrong, no matter if it's actually true or not.

 28. Would they prefer a lie over an unpleasant truth? 

Honesty is the best policy all the way down with Kyle.

29. Do they usually live up to their own ideals? 

Yes.

30. Who do they most regret meeting? 

Pre-plague; Tui

Post-plague; vulgora and valerius OHHHH and valdemar

 31. Who are they the most glad to have met? 

Pre-plague; Asra and his aunt

Post-plague; Nadia, Asra and Portia

32. Do they have a go-to story in conversation? Or a joke? 

Yes, if their stressed, unsure, nervous, or don't have any clue what to say and their asked 'what they think' his go to reply is 'I try not to'

In most situations his go to is the time a scammer was around Vesuvia and he got an influx of people asking for the southern version of a plant only to when asked for the people to describe the northern version of the plant. Then get mad at him when he tried to correct them about the plant and even had the gall to get angrier when he told them that plant didn't do what they thought it did. Only to return even ANGRIER when the plant didn't do what they wanted it to do even after Kyle had specifically explained the plant wouldn't help with that. A weird month for sure.

33. Could they be considered lazy?

NOPE! ADHD my dude, he's always bouncing around doing stuff and when he can't then yeah he can appear lazy but that's usually because their bored and when he's bored he gets sleepy.

 34. How hard is it for them to shake a sense of guilt?

Depends on what the guilt is about. If he can apologize he can shake it off easier but if it's something he has to get over then it can take him anywhere from a minute to a week.

35. How do they treat the things their friends come to them excited about? Are they supportive?

He is super supportive and will listen to what his friends are excited about. Depending on what it is either get into it with them or happily listen to them talk excitedly about it.

36. Do they actively seek romance, or do they wait for it to fall into their lap? 

No and No. They don't actively seek romance but they do go out of their way to nurture friendship's and relationships. If they start to feel more for that person would seek to nurture it.

37. Do they have a system for remembering names, long lists of numbers, things that need to go in a certain order (like anagrams, putting things to melodies, etc)? 

ADHD they can't remember shit at times so they have a system for how they manage the shop so they know what they need what they have in stock. With names it's hit or miss but he tends to be quiet good at them. If it's someone they NEED to remember they'll use physical features and color/foods/drinks/items to associate with them. I.E; Kyle remembers Valerius name by associating him with wine, his ram pin and a sarcastic undermining attitude

38. What memory do they revisit the most often? 

the first memory they have; being held by Asra in the magic shop. Feeling a sense of security and nothing else no understanding of anything.

39. How easy is it for them to ignore flaws in other people? 

Depends on the flaw*36 he associates Valerius with a sarcastic undermining attitude. He can look past Asra's almost need for constant physical touch or Julian's theatrics at every turn and even look past Lucio's loud and all about me attitude. However, he does take note of them even if he can push them aside.

40. How sensitive are they to their own flaws?

Kyle knows his flaws. One of his biggest one he tried to turn around into a strength. His small height, childish cape and friendly exterior means he's begging to be infantilized by strangers who don't know him. But he tries to use it to read people easier since he's much more perceptive than he lets on. Even if it still hurts to belittled and treated like he can't think for himself. It just lets him know these people aren't worth his time to try and correct them.

41. How do they feel about children? 

Kyle loves and hates children. He thinks their cute and fun and enjoys playing with them and kids seem to adore him and he's good with dealing with them. On the flip side their loud, messy and sometimes just kind of stupid. They wear him down mentally over time and worse of all some of the parents. 'Don't tell my kid what to do' ugh.

42. How badly do they want to reach their end goal?

He doesn't have an end goal. When he does it depends what it is. Most time he's relaxed about his goals and reaches them at his own pace.

43. If someone asked them to explain their sexuality, how would they do so?

'I love the people I love not their genital's.'

If you want to see how my Mc Hunter or Bluebell awnsers these let me know and I'll think about redoing this with them. But for now doing just Kyle is enough.

Thank you for making it this far and have a good day/night.

[dutifullycolddeer]

What does the new year mean to you?

I've personally understood the significance. That is, really until now. I'm in that weird transitional period of my life we call the teenage years. Before now I've never had to think about growing up, getting a job, going to university, learning to drive or really anything about my future.

But now that time has come. And it's scary. I can't wait to be an adult, but I also have an intense longing to stay this way, in this very moment forever. I don't want to think about that fact that I'll be [REDACTED] years old in just 3 months and 9 days. I don't want to think about how next year's school is going to be. I don't want to think about anything that may or may not happen.

However, I have to. It confuses me. Before now, the new year has always just been that, a marker of time passed. But now, I sit in my dark bedroom, far too close to my withering laptop screen, one of the kittens sitting behind me - though I can't tell which - and I'm forced to think about it differently.

In 59 minutes (It is 11:01pm EAST currently) it will be the year 2025 all across Australia. Does this really matter? No. It doesn't. Nothing is going to change in the next hour except a number on a computer. But as people, we give that number meaning. That change from a 4 to a 5 has weight because we say it does. Isn't that magical? I mean, seriously, that's crazy.

We have so much power as humans. Use it.

Do more good this year. Be a decent human. Be the best version of yourself.

In me writing this, that is a promise I make. I will be better. I will do better.

Thank you, and happy new year you wonderful motherfuckers!!