#I don't have anything planned with this setup in mind it just came to me one day and I thought you guys might find it funny

[descendant-of-truth]

If you had a world with fantasy clans who all specialize in different types of instruments, like you'd have the Brass Clan, the String Clan, the Wind Clan, etc., then I feel like the cultural insults between those groups would be insane

String Clan is like "omg these guys don't even have callouses" and the Brass and Wind Clans respond with "WELL AT LEAST WE KNOW HOW TO BREATHE"

The Percussion Clan is like "sigh. where would they be without us" and everyone's like "shut up you wouldn't know a melody if it hit you in the face"

[nellie-elizabeth]

The Handmaid's Tale: Exodus (6x08)

Not going to lie, I'm pretty massively underwhelmed by this one.

Cons: 

I just... for one thing, I thought the wedding was going to be where Shit Went Down, and instead it was where People Handed Each Other Weapons and Then Went Home. Just kind of a momentum killer, to be honest. Drugging the wedding cake is certainly audacious, but it's also silly. And I kept thinking that if going to the wedding was just about distributing stuff, why on earth did June and Moira even risk going? Everyone else is supposed to be there. No risk of Serena or Nick or anybody else recognizing them. It felt silly that they'd be there at all.

Serena has this big moment where she learns that her new husband is "just like all the others" and is not a good man, since he brings a Handmaid into their home together. Honestly, the idea that Serena would be surprised by this, that she would have bought into her own delusions enough to believe that this would be a different kind of marriage, didn't really bother me. But the way she reacted? Like, Serena, are you stupid? Just play dumb, lay low, get Noah out of there safely! Now you're on the run with no supplies and no recourse. I just wish she'd played it more clever. Like, nodded and smiled and asked that for their wedding night, it just be the two of them... then in the light of day find a way to get Noah away and figure out a plan. It just seemed silly for her to freak out and burn that bridge with no thought to strategy at all.

The big scene of this episode, the one that I wanted to move me, was the June speech to Lydia. And it just... did not land for me! I'm sorry! What, exactly, has changed Lydia's mind here? The Janine stuff? Okay, so then why did she need June to come and explain it to her when she's already seen Janine beaten by Bell? I was extremely distracted by the guard holding a gun in this scene. There's this crowd of Handmaids waiting with baited breath, there's June making her big speech, there's Lydia listening with a trembling lip... and I'm sitting there thinking: who's this dude, what does he think, is he being swayed? Is he too scared to act? Would he have shot June if Lydia had commanded it? And that's not what I wanted to be feeling, in this big culminating moment. I didn't want to be preoccupied by what the one man in the room thought about the things happening. It just didn't work for me as this ultimate turning point for Lydia. I'm not convinced that this would sway her after so much else did not. And I honestly thought June's speech went on a little too long and was a little too generic.

Pros:

I'm not completely writing this show off as a loss, of course. We have two more episodes, and I'm hoping they're bombastic and shocking and interesting. Serena's wedding was kind of a dud, more setup without payoff, but now the Handmaids are on the loose, and they're out for blood. There were a lot of cool little moments nested into this episode, even if the overall effect was underwhelming.

At the wedding, I loved how... insane and delusional Serena was when she went to talk to the Handmaids. Like she really thinks that being nice to them and trying to claim that she and her former Handmaid found a way to forgive and make friends, is going to make up for anything? She really thinks it's enough? She's totally lost it. When Rita came up and says "eyes on the prize, ladies," I was grinning so big. Like, I'm sorry, Serena, but I want you to get what's coming to you, and I want you to know it was June who did it.

I also like that Nick and June don't cross paths, that he remains entirely unaware that she's there and that anything is going on. The tension of that, when she can't quite stop herself from walking a few steps closer to him, when she fixates on him and Rose there together as this "happy" little family unit... I still don't understand what they're trying to do with Nick as a character but I have this hope/thought that he's going to figure out what's up and help June at the eleventh hour, which I would appreciate, at least.

While the Serena moments did kind of piss me off, I did like how genuinely crushed she was as she asked the Handmaid what her real name was. She's not a good person, and there's no going back on what she's done, but selfishly I'm glad she's at least woken up to how monstrous the system is, even if it's not sufficient to any degree. Great acting in that moment of dawning horror.

Similarly, while so much about the big Aunt Lydia v. June moment annoyed me, I loved Moira standing in her power and shouting Lydia down, and I especially love that Lydia didn't remember who she was. It puts paid to so many of the lies Lydia has told herself. That she's doing this to protect and save "her girls." She doesn't even know the names of all the people she's tortured and handed over to serial rapists over the years. And I loved Moira prepared to stare down Lydia and protect June, and then June just showing up like "here I am." Great acting from Ann Dowd in the aftermath of that scene, as she calls out "God help me" and sinks to her knees. I really believe in her as a broken, confused woman. Although again, that doesn't justify shit about shit, when you get right down to it.

So... yeah. I find myself really uncertain what we're meant to think, going into these last two episodes of the show. Poisoning the cake at the wedding felt like an anticlimax, people are behaving kinda stupid, and do we really think that this is going to be enough to bring down Gilead for good? Or maybe it's not, maybe this is a setup for The Testaments, maybe we're meant to believe that there are decades left before the real downfall comes. Who can say! All I know is, I don't want to walk away from this whole show with a sour taste in my mouth. I hope it all comes together in a way that feels earned and powerful.

6.5/10

[reddeaddamnation]

Dating dark!Ominis and dark!Sebastian would be like:

Warning ⚠️: Yandere boys, jealousy, manipulation

♡ In the beginning he would be exceptionally meek. He is smitten by your kindness and beauty and will do anything to keep you from leaving him

♡ Does anything you say just to keep you hooked.

♡ While you're getting comfortable with him, he is looking for ways to ensure you always stay with him.

♡ Already planned 3 weddings with you while you were sleeping

♡ You notice he starts hanging around you more and more to the point you don't even have a moment to yourself, let alone talk with your other friends.

♡ You want to sit with Natty this class? Nope. Sebastian already took the seat next to you. Poppy asked you to help her with some nifflers after class? Why shouldn't Sebastian be there?

♡ "I don't understand why I shouldn't accompany you when I'm interested in the same things as you are." He lied. He hasn't touched a niffler in his life.

♡ Star-gazing with Amit? OH HELL NO. Amit is good at astronomy. He can do it himself. Or is that a setup he came up with to get you alone so he can steal you from Sebastian?

♡ Overthinking 24/7 even the smallest thing that happened. Why did that Hufflepuff student had to ask YOU for notes? Why couldn't it be someone else? Why is everyone needing YOUR help all of a sudden?

♡ He is really good at playing victim so even if you confront him, he will act like he was only doing it to protect you, since you have so many enemies and he just wants to make sure you're safe.

♡ Will cry and fall on his knees if you try to tell him something. His act of endearment plays with your mind and he knows it well and is not afraid to use it.

♡ He knows you drop everything you're doing whenever you receive his owl, so whenever you're out and about by yourself or with someone else, he always sends you a letter to bring you back to help him even if its the dumbest thing in the world.

♡ He's not insecure. He is actually very cocky and knows he exceeds in every field, be it looks, intelligence or romance. He is just taking measures to make sure you don't leave him, since he has so many abandonment issues. That's what he says.

♡ If he goes too far and you get mad at him, he goes to great lengths to apologize and returns to his previous meek self for awhile until you cool down. You can see your friends and have a moment to yourself if that's what you want. Don't mind him, suffering and crying alone, punishing himself for a mistake he made.

♡ "Stay with me, Y/N, you know I never meant to cause harm to anyone. You know everything I did was to protect the people I love. You know I love you. More than anything. You know everything."

♡ Would 100% cast an unforgivable if you still leave him.

♤ Just because he's blind, you think he doesn't see the way boys look at you?

♤ If he notices you returning affections, he would do anything to get your attention back to him. Including weaponized incompetence. Yes, he could traverse the halls easily with his wand, but if you aren't with him, he will suddenly feel lost and helpless.

♤ He would go to great lengths to try to get any boy you talk to expelled

♤ If you get into an argument and he lashes out, he would also weaponize his family name, reminding you who he is and that its a privilege to date him.

♤ Of course, he would apologize after that

♤ He actually has no problem with you going out with your girl friends just as long as he knows every detail surrounding your plans and whereabouts. Or he will send something to spy on you

♤ He is an extrasense. Learned all your behaviors and patterns and would know when you're lying

♤ If you do lie, he would pretend that its okay, but mark it for future reference.

♤ Not as obsessive as Sebastian, but if you do decide to leave him, he will make your life hell so you can see he was the one shielding you from trouble with the headmaster.

♤ You will get in trouble for even the things you didn't do. Ominis will rat you out for everything you have ever done and doesn't have a problem if Sebastian gets in trouble too.

♤ Will go out of his way to stalk you and put you up for trouble.

♤ If you do decide to stay with him, he will demand to be in control at all times and expect submission

[delawaredetroit]

If you don't mind me asking a similar question as last time, is there anything you would change or rewrite in Act II? (For me, I would've made the Nighteye Agency arc a training arc where izuku learns prediction and analysis, and have it run parallel to Ochako's internship (which gets a bigger focus here and highlights other aspects in heroics like emergency logistics or communications) and Shouto/Bakugou's makeup classes/final exam and gotten rid of the Joint Training Arc altogether.)

Hmm, believe it or not, I wouldn't make as many changes to Act Two. Horikoshi is better at setups compared to executions, and most of Act Two is set ups.

In retrospect, the Provisional Licensing Exam wasn't a bad Arc. It brings the Commission and how they quantify good heroics out into the forefront. Bakugou not getting his license was a good choice. Shouto failing also made sense under the circumstances, though it would have been more meaningful if Inasa's motivations were a bit more compelling than you're dad was mean to me once as a kid.

Deku versus Kacchan Part Two: It needed more from Izuku. Izuku needed to be able to air his grievances to make this fight tolerable. Also, less coddling of Bakugou right afterwards from All Might would have helped. Bakugou finding out about One for All wasn't the end of the world. It allowed someone to think about the gravity of the situation but still not care enough about Izuku as a person to stop the downward spiral Horikoshi had planned for him.

Overhaul/Shie Hassaikai: I wouldn't change much of anything about the Nighteye, Mirio, and Izuku aspect of this arc. It was a good character conflict for Izuku, but the issue is that he never got to really resolve the insecurity he gains from this arc. The character backstory for Nejire that Horikoshi put in the final arc should have been placed here with the rest of the Big Three's backstories. The final arc was too late to make the readers care about Nejire and because her backstory parallels Shouto and Bakugou's backstories in some ways, it could have made the transition to their little Babysitter's Club Arc less janky. Ochako had a key moment of character development at the end about her goals as a hero that would have been more effective if there was more focus on her work study throughout the arc. The pacing of the hideout raid portion of this arc was a mess and some of it could have been cut out without affecting the story in any meaningful way.

I wouldn't change much about the make up classes/babysitter's club arc. All Might and Endeavor's conversation on what it means to be a symbol matters. This arc could have done more with Camie and Inasa considering it was the last time there was time to make the reader care about them. Both Bakugou and Shouto had good character development too.

School Festival Arc: Something about the pacing of it just felt off. The main beats of saving someone's spirit as well as physically were all well and good, but for a Class 1A arc it mostly only did anything interesting with Jirou and Aoyama (and Izuku). It's also unclear to me why La Brava was set up as a redeemable villain in this arc. More would need to be added about her and her goals/ideals to make that believable or thematically consistent.

Pro hero arc: Hawks' introduction was on point and the Commission was originally an interesting potential antagonist. Some of the Endeavor stuff from this arc was really jarring when it initially came out, but it's less of an issue given how Endeavor's arc ends. It would have been better if there was more dialogue from Shouto, Fuyumi, and Natsuo about their misgivings about the situation.

Joint Training Arc: Just remove this arc entirely outside of the One for All lore. Almost none of this was necessary. It was far too late in the story to introduce Class 1B. This should have already happened in the Sports Festival and the Forest Training Arcs.

This post is already long and Act Two covers around half the manga, so I'll end it here. These were the arcs that covered the immediate aftermath of All Might's retirement and normal hero society. Everything after this point was the set up for the war that destroys everything later.

[iamvegorott]

Magicians Don't Need Superheros Pt48

First: Link Prev: Link Next: Link

----------

“Come in.” Mare’s voice said from behind the door Marvin knocked on. He had been shown where Mare's personal office was, and he agreed to talk to him to have Mad keep his word but also to work on his own little agenda. Mad had said Marvin needed to talk to Mare, but he never said what he had to talk about. 

Marvin loved a loophole.

“Oh.” Mare’s surprised sound told Marvin he had been expecting someone else. Likely someone he lived with. Either he had forgotten Marvin was there or didn’t think he’d be coming to visit him like this. 

“Mad sent me,” Marvin said as he stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. “Nice setup.” He commented, looking around the space. Mare seemed to have a mash-up in interests in magic and music. 

There was a wall-sized shelf of ingredients Marvin could easily recognize as parts for potions, having seen some of those same plants in his books and the books he’d borrowed. Potions were more useful when it came to giving magical aid to those who had no abilities with it since it was much easier and often stronger to actually cast the spells oneself. Aside from the ingredients, there was also a collection of different kinds of instruments. A few guitars, a harmonica, a trumpet, a small drum set, and some other things Marvin didn’t know the names of. 

“Did Mad need something?” Mare asked from the desk that was lifted up to the perfect height for him to stand and use the space comfortably. Marvin was tempted to look into getting a standing desk for himself now. It would probably be nice for his back not to always be hunched over while reading. 

“He’s technically blackmailing me.” Marvin shrugged. 

“Technically?” Mare sat his pencil down and turned toward Marvin, leaning back against the desk. 

“One of those, do what he wants, and he’ll keep his mouth shut until given permission otherwise,” Marvin explained, heading over to the shelf of ingredients. 

“I can see why it’s technically blackmail now.” Mare hummed. “So, what’s your part of the agreement?”

“To talk with you.”

“Talk to me about what?”

“Didn’t specify. Just said I had to talk to you today.” 

“Loophole.”

“Yep.” Marvin popped the p. 

“You’re lucky it’s not my brother you’re pulling that shit with, or he’d give you hell. Mad’s gonna pout, but he'll give you credit for paying attention and using your brain to avoid what I’m pretty sure is what he actually wants you to do.” Mare walked over to where Marvin was and picked up one of the jars, handing it to him. “This is poisoned oak root. Literally, an oak tree’s root that’s soaked in a viper’s venom. It adds a stiffening effect to the potion if it’s based in chaos magic, meaning it’s perfect for anything based in paralyzation.” 

“Why are you telling me this?” Marvin asked, holding up the jar to look at the root from a different angle.

“Because you won’t have to lie about getting help with chaos magic. Mad told me that JJ’s been wanting you to talk to me about it as well, so there is some help. Now, what do you actually want to talk to me about? You’re not the kind to walk into something without some sort of plan in mind, regardless of how thought out it is.” 

“I should give you more credit.” Marvin hummed, putting the jar back. 

“You really should.” Mare agreed. “So. What do you want?” He added as he picked up his glass of water and took a drink. 

“How come you haven’t made out with Mad yet?” The beyond-blunt question got Mare to choke and cover his face with his arm as he coughed.  

“Fucking hell, Marvin.” Mare got out between his attempts to breathe. 

“Well? Why haven’t you?” Marvin kept prodding as he went over to stand next to Mare. 

“I’m not talking about this.” Mare scoffed, grabbing some tissues from the box on his desk and drying himself off the best he could. 

“Listen, I told you I got my shit figured out, and having said shit figured out has made it a lot more annoying when others refuse to figure out their shit.” 

“Can we stop calling it shit?” 

“Alright, fine, I’ll be even more blunt. Making out with Jackie solved many of my problems on that front, and I think you doing the same with Mad will help you.” Marvin placed one hand on his hip and the other on the desk, getting nice and comfortable. 

“Your denial is not the same thing as…” Mare just grunted and turned away. 

“As what? If you’re not in denial, then what’s stopping you? Mad said he can read affection from you, but it’s confused affection. What are you confused about? You either like him or you don’t.” Marvin could see how each question was getting Mare to look more and more irritated, but it was hard to tell who he was irritated with. 

“It’s complicated.” Mare sighed, rubbing his forehead. “And before you open your mouth again, let me explain because I know damn well you’re not going to leave me alone until I do, and I am already tired.” 

“Okay.” Marvin grabbed the desk chair that wasn’t being used, sat down, crossed his legs, and made a motion with his hand of ‘zipping his lips’.

“That seal won’t last long.” Mare tucked his hands into his pocket and slowly began walking around the room. “Remember when you messed up playing with chaos magic? The black fingers? How I came and checked on you and made sure you weren’t going to lose any emotions?”  A glance over his shoulder showed Marvin nodding in confirmation. “Already lasting longer than I thought.” He muttered to himself, going to one of his guitars. “Well, I know from personal experience about what distorted chaos magic can do. How it can take everything away.” Mare took the guitar off the wall and laid it gently across the table. “After Blank arrived and started seeing me as a parental figure, I got…worried.” He stepped over to the small cabinet next to the table and opened the doors, pulling out a few bottles and a rag. 

“Worried about what?” Marvin broke his silence when Mare didn’t say anything for a good moment as he went back to the table and started cleaning and polishing his guitar. 

“The world’s a dangerous, messed up place sometimes.” Mare didn’t look away from his instrument. “For more reasons than we probably know. I had and still have plenty of faith in Phantom taking care of himself, yet I can’t help myself from being sure he’s fine, and when Blank moved in, seeing him as a literal child, I was scared I wasn’t strong enough to keep both of them safe.” Mare’s movements started getting faster. More frantic. “So I started training. And training and training and training and practicing things I knew was beyond my current abilities, but wanted to get better and stronger and as soon as possible because I never knew when a day would come when I would need to protect my family.” He suddenly stopped and sighed, letting his hands rest flat on the table. “And it came back to bite me in the ass. I thought I was fine since I didn’t feel any effects, but I kept pushing and pushing, and then one day I woke up and was numb.” Mare grimaced at the memory. “You never realize how many things you can feel in a moment until it’s all gone. Pain doesn’t even process the same. No fear, no sorrow. I burnt my hand and just stared at it as my skin turned red, and it wasn’t until Phantom was freaking out and putting my hand under cold water that I realized something was wrong, and even then, I felt nothing, just numbly allowing myself to be moved and taken care of.”  

“What does all of that have to do with not being with Mad?” Marvin asked while Mare put his guitar back on the wall and picked a different one to put on the table. 

“When that happened, it was a few months after Mad arrived.” Mare was now cleaning and polishing the new guitar. 

“So that means this happened less than a year ago.” 

“Yes. It hasn’t been that long.” 

“So, how did you come back? Did Phantom fix you like you fixed me?” 

“No. I was too far gone for Phantom to help. He also heals the outside better than the inside: cuts, bruises, broken bones, stuff like that. Mad had asked Phantom to speed up the healing of Jackie’s arm, but he said Jackie would have to heal on his own and ‘learn his lesson’. He also knows Jackie heals very fast naturally and wouldn’t be struggling for long, plus Edward and Henrik wanted to make notes and blah, blah, blah.” Mare plucked at the strings and made a face before twisting the knobs at the top. 

“So if Phantom didn’t do it…did Mad?” Marvin was now sideways in the chair, elbow up on the back of it. 

“He did. He sat me down and brought me back with powers he’s still learning how to use to this day. He was able to untangle the distorted chaos magic just enough to find my emotions and bring them back out. I can’t remember most of the process itself. My memory blanks right after Mad started working. All I know is that after Mad was done, Phantom said his eyes turned black, and he threw up. I do remember him being a zombie himself the next day. Thankfully, it was more from exhaustion, and he didn’t damage his own emotions.” 

“Okay, but again, what does that have to do with-”

“What if I’m wrong?” Mare cut off the repeated question. “What if these emotions I’m having are a result of that? A forged connection that will fade with time as I fully heal. I can’t risk hurting Mad because I still haven’t figured out if my emotions are fully my own or still damaged from the distorted chaos magic and relying on what Mad had done. Is it real affection or just being pulled to the source? It hasn’t been that long, but I can’t…I can’t hurt him, Marvin.” 

“You’re gaslighting yourself.”

“Now is not the time for jokes.”

“I’m serious.” Marvin stood up and walked to Mare. “You are literally gaslighting yourself. You have convinced yourself that your reality isn’t real, that your emotions are lies, and talked yourself into countless circles of denying yourself something that could make you happy, and you know it would make Mad happy as well.” 

“I’m not doing any of that. I just don’t-don’t look at me like that. You look like Phantom when he’s about to say, ‘I told you so’.” Mare waved a hand in front of Marvin’s face. 

“Well, I won’t be using that phrase.” Marvin lowered Mare’s hand. “Trust me on this. You don’t have to go out there and kiss him right now, but at least think about it. Really think about it. Is it distorted chaos magic, or are you just scared? You’ve known Mad longer than I’ve known Jackie, and the first time I met him, I pushed him off a roof, and now I have plans to go home and use him as a pillow for a nap. I’m pretty sure it’s going to be even better for you two.”

“It’s more complicated than that.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Complicated this and complicated that. Just think about it, okay? Just sit and think. Be honest with yourself. Be honest with Mad.” Marvin paused when his phone buzzed, seeing a text from Jackie asking if he wanted to go watch a movie tonight. “I’m going to head out. I have to see you at least one more time to get JJ off my back, and maybe we’ll be planning a double date or something gross and cheesy like that.” 

“Marvin.” Mare sighed. 

“You know I’m right,” Were Marvin’s final words before leaving the office and then the house. 

[kinkteez]

Anyone can answer this: what’s a way you can tell someone is like… in the mood? Like do they act a certain way or do anything specific?

A/N: This is a poly-ATEEZ kink ask blog! Feel free to ask any of the eight members a question! :) Reblogs are very appreciated!

Hongjoong: For sure. Everyone's different, but both San, Mingi and Yeosang do kind of the same thing. They get all cuddly and clingy and cute. Sometimes San gets pouty and speaks all... Sulky like.

Yunho: Adorable, all of them. It's a lot more straight-forward to tell what Wooyoung wants. A couple of days ago, he came into the living room and just yelled out loud that he needed someone to dick him down. And I mean... It's effective communication, if nothing else.

San: He's shameless! But... I wish I could be maybe just a bit more like that. Being able to ask outright for what you want, is a good thing, I think.

Jongho: It is. But you, Mingi and Yeosang's signals are just as clear when I know what I'm looking for. I think for you guys, it's just not as easy to ask outright. Something about feeling like you're being demanding, yeah?

San: Mmh, yeah! It's a lot easier for me when someone else initiates sex, or a scene. It feels like I'm doing it for them, rather than the other way around. And that feels a lot better. I feel... Less guilty.

Yunho: ...Because fucking you is such a chore.

San: [Laughing] No no, I know it's not! It just feels different and better when someone else comes to me first.

Hongjoong: I still think Hwa's method of starting things is unparalelled. He'll just start verbally planning out the setup for a scene, and then see who follows him into his bedroom. King shit. Big dick energy, even. Don't tell him I said that.

Jongho: Oh, it's great. It's like, "here's what I offer - are you in or out?"

Yunho: Again; effective communication.

San: Yunho and Jongho, I think you guys... Like, ask, but it's way more subtle than Wooyoung. You start to get touchy to see if the other person seems interested, and then you just like ask if they're down to play at some point during the making out part. When the person is already turned on and will obviously agree. It's very unfair.

Jongho: You're always free to say no, Sannie.

San: ...Hard pass.

Yunho: [Laughs] See? I don't think you mind it at all! Now, Hongjoong-hyung. Your method of communication is very... Interesting.

Hongjoong: [Rolls his eyes heavily] Oh, here we go again.

Yunho: The more you need to have your brains scrambled, the more you pull yourself out of any social interaction that might get you what you want. Basically, the more you're locked in your studio, the more dire it is.

Hongjoong: Yeah, and? It works pretty well. ...Eventually.

[Everyone sighs theatrically but fondly]

[gt-zel]

Help! My classmate is a size shifter!

not so strong tough guy

(Next)

The first thing that came to mind when i thought of Elijah Stoll was alone. He always seemed to be off on his own and I've never really seen him talking to anyone that wasn't a teacher. Of course that's probably because of the standoffishness and over all cold aura he gives off. Like the kind of person you've never talked to but definitely wouldn't be put against on any kind of tussle.

Anyway, he's wired, and up until a week ago i wouldn't have even considered talking to him. we had our separate lives, i had my place as class rep, popular guy and the one dude everyone could rely on, and Elijah, well he was just alone. Up until that day, last week, when everything changed.

---

i was walking home after school when i heard a commotion from a nearby alleyway. i went to check it out only to find two of my upperclassmen cornering someone. their backs were to me so i decided to watch and see what was going on before acting.

"heh, get a load of this freak" the one with black hair said.

"yeah, what you gunna do now that all your goodie too shoe teachers aren't around to protect you huh?" jeered the other.

"i'm warning you, b-back off" i couldn't see the person speaking, but i heard his voice behind the gritted teeth with which he spoke.

"aaw, what are you gunna do huh? shoot rainbows at us?" one said, the other laughed at the comment. they both closed in on the boy, fists clenched and raised in a perfect setup to pummel the guy.

i waited to hear if the guy would fight back, but i couldn't decipher anything of the sort. i turned the corner just in time to see the black haired man deliver a mean uppercut, then he proceeded to kick the boy back to the wall. the smell of old garbage mixed with the new fume of blood fumigated the alleyway.

"h-hey!" i yelled without thinking. the other of the group turned to face me.

"well well well, looks like we have a witness" he moved toward me and i caught a glimpse of the victim. it was Elijah, THE Elijah, the one who was supposed to be invincible. the one who no one messed with. i didn't have time to think before the other guy lunged at me.

I'm really glad that i joined the football team because otherwise i don't know how i would've reacted. thankfully, i shoved him off me causing him to land against the wall. then the other guy turned to look at me.

He growled at me. He actually growled and then clenched his fists while talking a few steps toward me.

"listen here punk, you'd better get out of here and forget you saw anything or your next"

"yeah right, like I'd just leave after seeing what your doing to him" i swung at him, my fist balled and made contact with his cheekbone.

he stumbled backward but quickly recovered. he spat liquid red on the cold alleyway floor.

"oh your going to regret that" he threw himself at me, i barely dodged. i know when I've lost, and when facing the both of these two gangsters i realized id have to make a break for it.

i grabbed Elijah's hand and pulled him with me. he quickly realized what my plan was and ran as well. together, the both of us ran out of the alleyway and down the street.

the potent smell of blood and sweat still clung to us as we ran along the hot summer pavement. perspiration trickled down my face as we ran, hand in hand away from the men.

finally we came to a safe space on a nearby balcony. i let go of his hand and gasped for air. my throat stung with dryness as slumped against the metal fence.

he sat down next to me. i could see his pulse thumping rapidly on his neck and he turned to look at me.

"w-why did you do that?" his voice was strained from panting.

"what, save you from those thugs? that was nothing. i could've taken them both but i just uhm..."

"sure...which is why were currently hiding from them on the rooftop of an abandoned building?" he said sarcastically. i laughed at that, he really didn't seem as cold as people said he was.

"yeah yeah, whatever. why were they attacking you in the first place?"

"oh uhm, they tried to inject me with some kind of serum, i got 'em to stop halfway through because i was feeling weird but they did get me pretty good" he showed me a recent stab wound on his arm.

"wait, what the heck, why would you even agree to something like that in the first place??" i exclaimed.

"well i mean, the pay seemed to be good, didn't know it would hurt so bad though" he shrugged, his raven black hair coming down in strands along his face.

"well you shouldn't take shots from random strangers offering money. that's like a massive red flag"

"yeah whatever, honestly i didn't think anything of it. its not like they were trying to kill me or something, i think they just wanted to try out a new vaccine of some kind"

i reached over and tucked his hair behind an ear, we locked eyes and i pulled away blushing "s-sorry, i just-"

"n-no, its...its fine" he blushed cutely and looked away.

we sat there for a few minuets in comfortable silence before Elijah stood up.

"looks like its getting pretty late, i should probably head home." he brushed the dust off his cloths and reached out an arm to help me up.

"yeah, i guess. will i see you tomorrow at school?" i asked, grabbing his hand and getting up.

"yep, oh, what was your name again?" he said, pushing a strand of black hair back.

"Brian"

"see you tomorrow Brian"

"tomorrow." and then we parted ways...

[reverieparacosm]

Yandere Gamer Boyfriend Headcanons

GN!Reader x Male Yandere!OC

Warnings: Yandere, possessive behaviors, manipulation, mentioned cyberbullying, stalking, A LOT OF FLUFF

Note: It's essential to remember that the concept of a "Yandere" character is based on unhealthy and toxic behavior. These headcanons are meant to explore a fictional scenario and should not be considered as a healthy or ideal relationship dynamic in any way. Ngl, I felt a bit lonely playing video games and then this OC came up xD

Your Yandere Gamer Boyfriend is extremely possessive and protective of you

He becomes intensely jealous and paranoid whenever you spend time with other people, especially if they're male

Gaming is a major part of his life, and he expects you to share that passion

When he perceives a threat to your relationship, he's willing to go to extreme lengths to eliminate it. This can range from cyberbullying and hacking your rivals' accounts to more dangerous actions like stalking or even physical harm

"I'll always be here to protect you, my darling. No one else can have you but me."

Your boyfriend is more comfortable expressing his love and affection online rather than in person. He might shower you with extravagant gifts in games or write lengthy love letters through text messages and social media

Your boyfriend is not exactly a romantic kind of guy

However, he knows exactly what you like and love

One day, you come home, and the entire room is covered in red hearts. There's also a giant bouquet of roses waiting for you. Your boyfriend had prepared a romantic dinner for two, complete with your favorite dessert. His goal was to show you how important you are to him, and he did just that

He closely monitors your every move, both online and offline. He keeps track of your social media activities, checks your messages, and might even install tracking apps on your phone. He wants to know everything you do and everyone you interact with, just to ensure that you're not betraying him

He loves to keep you under his desk and pets you while his game loads

He often plays video games, but he'll stop and set aside his controller whenever you want to spend time with him

He's the kind of boyfriend who constantly talks to himself out loud as he plays games. You find it endearing, and it makes you feel closer to him

Your Yandere Gamer Boyfriend is incredibly passionate about gaming setups and technology. He spends hours researching and planning the perfect gaming setup for himself and you

Whenever your boyfriend loses a game, he gets so frustrated that he can't focus on anything else. That's when you come in. You sit beside him, gently placing a hand on his shoulder and giving him a comforting smile. His anger slowly melts away, replaced with a sense of peace and calm. And, of course, you're ready to play the next round with him

"No matter how many games I lose, I'll always have you. And that's a victory in my book."

Whenever you have a bad day, he'll drop everything he's doing to come over and comfort you. He'll listen to you vent, make you some hot chocolate

He'll often tell you about game lore and theories that he's read online or heard from his gaming buddies. You don't mind because you love the sound of his voice and the way he gets excited when he explains things

Even though he can be a bit needy and demanding at times, he's always supportive of your hobbies and interests. He'll even try out new things just so you can spend time together

"Sometimes I can get a bit carried away with my video games, but you always remind me of what's really important in life. Thank you for being there for me."

Your boyfriend loves to tease you, often in the form of playful insults. But you know that it's just his way of showing his affection. One day, he takes it too far, making you feel insecure about yourself. You tell him how much his words hurt you, and he immediately realizes his mistake. He takes you in his arms, kisses your forehead, and says, "I never meant to hurt you. You deserve the best in life, and I'll make sure you always feel that way."

[just-a-carrot]

Hello carrot I have a first Page of a book that im reading could you tell me it its interesting???

Chapter 1

----------------

Marco

 

"Dad, I'm going now!" I waved to my dad and I headed out the door. My dad said something but I didn't hear him. My shoes clanked as I walked to the bus stop. I moved from Texas to California last month during summer break, which I didn't really mind. I mean living near my abusive mom wasn't the best thing so I'm glad we moved.I still remember the day my dad saved me from her. "Marco!" my mom yelled. "Come here you little shit!" My footsteps clanked through the house as I ran to my mother. As I got to her I felt a sharp smack. Her hand hit my cheek and I stood in shock. My feet shaked as I didn't know what I did. Was I too noisy with my friends? Did I forget to do the laundry? "W-what did I do mother?" My breath came out shaky and I felt tears forming in my eyes. "Your stupid father wants to take full right custody of you" my heart skipped a beat. I could be free. I COULD BE FREE! Only after she saw the joy in my eyes she raised her palm again and the tears from the earlier attack finally sprung out. The only thing I remember is my dad picking me up and enrolling me in this school and he told me that I was safe with him. The court is happening early December but I do not mind. I didn't really have friends at my old school, not that I plan to have any friends but also I heard that there was better education in Cally than Texas. I'm a junior in High school so basically I just need to not talk to anyone or do anything embarrassing and I should be good to go. Right as I hit the bus stop that smelled like drugs and smoke and yet nothing of the sorts was there the bus stop was heavily graffitied and it looked putried as I kept walking. I bumped into someone. Just my fucking luck. "Aw, man I'm sorry!" I looked at the person who I bumped into and my jaw dropped.

What stood in front of me might as well have been the hottest man on the planet. His blue eyes and dark brown hair weakened my knees, and his scent? Oh god! He smelled like honey and spices, and oh god it was addicting. I think that I have never seen a man that beautiful. "It's okay..." I blushed and I tried to hide my face with my beanie. "No seriously, let me make it up to you" the boy said. "You only bumped into me... it's all right" I tried saying because he didn't do anything horrible he just bumped into me. "I guess, and whait! I haven't seen you here before, are you new?" "yea I just moved from Texas..." I mumbled trying to hide my face even further. "Aww man that must suck! I'k tell you what, you can sit at my table if you want, my friends won't mind. Oh! Also my name is Mattholomule but my friends call me Matt" he smiled brightly. I feel trapped like a mosquito in a jak or like a fly hitting the window over and over again. I couldn't tell him no. because for god's sake I was attracted to him and he was just so sweet. I lifted my head, put my beanie in a normal way and I nodded and smiled. "Sounds good, and thank you Matt. I'm Marco" I know this will be a bad decision, I mean I don't even know this dude but... it could also be... rewarding. After I said that the bus arrived. 

Do not steal!!!

did you mean "writing" and not "reading"? because it doesn't really make sense you'd share something with me that you're reading 🤣

and this is lovely! i'm not, uh... really any kind of critic, so i'm not entirely sure what to say LOL but i'm glad that you're having fun writing your own story! the only advice i might give would be that things happen quite quickly one after another, so i might try to slow the pacing down a bit? to give us more glimpses of each character and their personalities and the setting. but the setup is certainly very interesting!! i wish you the best of luck on your writing journey

[hillbillyoracle]

Sidekick Journal Setup

Wanted to make some notes on how I set up the newest version of my sidekick journal. It's still an A6 Leuchtturm 1917 notebook- though this time I'm using a dot grid, not ruled, version. Still using a Traveler's Notebook Monthly insert in the back as well. Past that, I've adapted it to loosely use the PARA framework by Tiago Forte that I've had luck using with my digital notes.

Much like last time, I still have a today card for tasks on the front. Some days I pick some out at the beginning. Some days I just write things down as I go. Not much has changed there.

It's worth noting that this journal springs open if I don't keep the strap on it. I use the strap to notch in a gel pen (currently trying to find one of my spare fountain pens to use instead). I don't personally mind this but I know it bugs some others.

On the back side of the front cover, things have changed more. I still have a next card to jot down tasks that don't need done today that come up throughout a day, but underneath is the P in PARA - projects.

Each project gets it's own card. I like this because things were getting lost in my notebook and I can more easily see what I've committed to so I don't overcommit. Tiago Forte recommends 10-15 projects but I am disabled and have issues with energy so I shoot for 5-10. I think currently I have 9 which is a little on the high side.

They all fit nicely under the black clip here and I can shuffle through them each day to see what I want to work on.

I have a To Read, To Watch, To Listen (podcasts), and To Listen (music). I occasionally have people recommend me things and they tend to get lost in my phone. So this is just a space to jot those down. My complete TBR is still kept in Storygraph atm. My TBW is on Letterboxd (kind of). I don't listen to a lot at the moment but I'm hoping to change that.

For the first A in PARA - Areas - I set up topical indexes. I know a lot of people tend to have a lot more but I group my stuff under Personal, Home, Work, and Ria (my partner). Personal is just me. Home is anything shared with Ria. Work is mostly writing and freelance projects at the moment. Ria is for anything that is just for Ria. Anything that doesn't fit in the categories goes in the main index that comes preset up in the notebook.

This way I can jot down whatever notes I want in this notebook but when I'm looking for something specific or just want to see what's going on in a given area, I can flip to that index.

This is just an example of the kinds of things I tend to use this notebook for. I did a menu plan and wrote down the order of steps to make a new dish I wanted to try (came out really nice). It's mostly to just order my thoughts and help my brain let go of things.

This is the Traveler's Notebook Passport Size Monthly Insert I really enjoyed last year. I've set up the first few months and will set up a few more. I need to go back in and add events/holidays.

A big reason why this still felt necessary is that I'm looking at switching to a dumbphone which means I won't necessarily have access to Google Calendar on the go. So I plan to keep this as up to date as possible. I might use it for some light memory keeping as well.

Lastly, I flip the notebook upside down from the back and this is where my commonplacing will go which will be how I manage the R in PARA - resources. I have 3 categories I tend to like jotting down information about to start with but there's room for more. I won't keep the markers with me but will periodically add circles for ease of reference.

For the last A in PARA I'm planning on storing these in a nice box when I'm done with them.

I don't really intend to journal in this though I suppose I could. I have a separate "bullet journal" that in all honesty I don't use super often. I do stream of consciousness journaling on 750words.com. It's mostly to jot down notes and get things out of my head quickly. I like that it's small enough to toss into most bags.

Hope this is interesting to someone!

[starzlz]

tbf he has let a lot of people stay with him and offered to even more. i don't think he minds letting people stay over because having a place to stay means they'll be in brighton more. same reasoning for the second set up at the office. the thing is that it doesn't have to mean anything deeper than that.

There is always a difference anon. Offering to close friends is common ( that too with who he is actually comfortable with and have been for years).

Even for morning crew or other singular ccs outside of his close friends, he has always asked if he should suggest rentals or contact airbnbs. The difference is always visible with who he actually let's stay at his apartment.

The only thing he offers everyone is the office pc setup, not a stay at his one bedroom apartment.

And after that billy house assumption, next anon on that blog was like boss-employee relationship is weird and should not happen. It's like they WANT to think the worst of him by assuming the worst without any proof.

Just now I got off twitter after seeing posts of that annoying twitter user who is assuming again about last night as tubbo went to go get food in middle of DIY competition.

He came back within 15 mins which would be reasonable with the different things he bought. And he had clear plans of shooting a video with owen for tubputers channel after eating the mac n cheese for which he actually went to tescos to get.

His life is 95% transparent. And still people are unable to understand anything. I mean I have never seen any other ccs get this much of critical observations and assumptions even on leaktwt.

It's like if he even looks at his phone, 'oh he is texting him'

and then if he says he is texting his dad then they are like 'why is he lying when it's clear he is texting him'.

He cannot win either way. It's getting annoying quite frankly.

it’s rlly has went frm weird speculation to obsession based on nothing 😵‍💫 as obsessed as i am w him and coy im not thinking every little thing tubbo does or says is bc of coy and tht everything coy does is because of tubbo. and when i do i clarify its me being a shipper and not me truthing

[abyssal-ali]

The Best Bat (?)

R: T+

WC: 1.8k

TW: There is a discussion about death and could be seen as having suicidal undertones.

The small gathering of low-level Justice Leaguers crowded the two more magical members anxiously.

"I wish for the best Bat to come," chanted the one leading the teleportation/summoning.

"Wasn't that a little open-ended? And are you *sure* that won't summoning, like, a flying mammal?" Inquired a Leaguer nervously.

The chanter stared at the asker. "My power is luck. We will get the Bat we want," said the chanter confidently.

Several Leaguers seemed uneasy about leaving Bat-picking up to such a fickle thing as *luck*.

In a poof of smoke a tall figure appeared. Choking, the Leaguers brushed away the smoke...and groaned. "Uh, you're not a Bat...and we wanted someone useful..."

The summoned form glared around the room. "Firstly, rude. I am too a Bat," they rasped, gesturing to their chest piece. "Secondly, rude. The 'real' Bats are useful, but of course I'm Villain and only good at decapitating people and shooting my Jericho. 941's. Well lemme tell you something, 'kay? Villains are people too, and *some* of us are a little more competent than others. So why'd you summon me, I mean, a Bat?"

"We have two different species of alien warships heading for us, and we were hoping for maybe...Batman? Red Robin? *Someone* trusted their luck and asked for the 'best Bat,'" one of the Leaguers explained.

The Red Hood laughed long and loud at that, though the laugh came out rather scratchy and unsettling through the voice modulator.

"Hah, that's a good one. So you were hoping for a hacker or maybe a diplomat? This may surprise you, but I'm not always shoot first, ask questions later. I'm a tactician, and since you asked so nicely, I'll help out of the goodness of my heart."

A Leaguer snorted. "You call getting beat by Batman *tactician planning*?"

Hood fixed his stare on them. "Yes. There's a reason you can't reach any of the Bats right now, and it's because I shut down the city two days ago, the last step in my 10-month 'screw with Batman' plan."

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances and were immensely relieved when Wonder Woman walked in.

"Ah, you are...here to...help?" She asked, sizing up his defensive stance and the Leaguers who weren't terrified, if not a little wary.

"Yeah, I got summoned so I figured I may as well help. Never hurts to be in the JL's good graces," drawled Hood.

He turned to the leader of the little group of Leaguers. "So, what are the aliens and what exactly do you know about the situation?"

Wonder Woman watched carefully from her corner as Hood took charge and began commanding everyone around. He was orderly and aware of issues, he seemed to be skilled in delegating and not overwhelming his subordinates, and his diplomatic interactions interested her greatly.

As ambassador from Themiscyra, she had experience dealing with issues like these and so, once the connections between the ships and Watchtower were set up, she sat beside him to help.

Hood turned in surprise as Diana joined him, not expecting her to do anything more than watch and maybe drag him to a cell once the negotiations were over. She smiled and motioned to the setup. He nodded and they began.

●○●○●○●

Once the negotiations were completed Diana pushed her chair away and stood, extending her hand to Hood.

"Would you like a drink?"

"I wouldn't mind a stiff one, but I don't think certain people up here would appreciate seeing my helmetless face."

"...why not?"

"Well, when blood isn't getting pumped everywhere for several hours, your skin tends to get pale and your features don't look the greatest..."

"What?"

"I was recently revived from a sliced jugular just before I was yoinked here, so my circulation isn't quite back to normal yet."

"You were dead," Diana said flatly, and Hood nodded. "And now you're alive?"

He nodded again and shrugged.

"Just happens sometimes. I always come back--Death seems to enjoy flirting with me more than she should."

"You...die...regularly?" Piped up Superman, the eavesdropper.

"Not clockwork regular, but often enough that it's a mere inconvenience."

Clark and Diana exchanged looks.

"Anyways, aren't you going to haul me off to jail or Arkham or something?"

They looked back at him.

"Well, you did save the planet, so I'm sure that earns you a pass this time..." said Diana slowly, unsure of how to proceed.

"Yes, we appreciate you helping out, Hood. But, why?" Clark added.

"Contrary to what Bats would have you believe, I'm not a complete boor with no regard for human life. I simply exterminate the scum that the law lets away. In Gotham, especially, it's a problem, but I do it for the innocents and victims, for *their* lives, so they can live peacefully, or at least with closure. I'm not so uncouth and careless with life that I'd condemn the whole planet to die-- just the guilty. But I had to save the innocents."

Instead of sounding angry or even passionate, like Diana and Clark expected, Hood simply sounded...tired. Defeated, maybe? Of course, that could be after effects of dying and then being summoned and helping an organization that isn't exactly friendly with you.

"...so, what should we tell Batman about today?" Wondered Clark.

"Tell him whatever you want. Bruce will probably just believe I brainwashed you if you say something good. Say you forced me to help in exchange for looking the other way this once, or you tried to bring me to the Hall of Justice after, but I escaped. He won't believe that I helped you of my own free will. He refuses to see that I am capable of good and I'm not a complete monster."

Clark noticed that *this* rant got Hood a little worked up, and at the mention of Batman his heart rate picked up.

He looked meaningfully at Diana, hoping years of working together would help her figure out what he was trying to communicate.

Diana looked thoughtfully at Hood.

"How did you die, most recently, if I may ask?"

"My showdown with Batman. I forced Bruce to pick between me or the Joker. He picked the clown, like he always does, and he bataranged my throat."

Hood lifted his chin and tugged down the neck of his jacket and underarmour to show a thin scar neatly across his neck.

The two superheroes gasped.

"Batman killed?"

"He has no problem with it if they're already dead-- vampires and zombies are both fair game. I'm part both, I guess, so I don't count."

"I think you need a spar," suggested Diana. "Friendly."

Hood led the way to the empty training room, strangely quite familiar with the Watchtower's layout.

Diana and Hood squared off and they began, after agreeing to no weapons or powers. Finally, Hood pinned Diana, using an Amazonian technique with ease.

Clark announced Hood the winner and Hood got up, offering Diana a helping hand.

"Good spar," she commented. "How did you know that move?"

He shrugged dismissively. "I've had many teachers, so I know many groups' styles and moves."

"You trained for a long time before baiting Batman. Why?"

"I needed time to plan, to research, to prepare. I needed to be better than the Bat. And now that I have broken him, my work is done. I'm not sure if I'll wear this again," he looked down at his getup for a minute, "but if I do, I will only be the Red Hood to protect the innocent and avenge the victims, not play with Bruce. I may have taken his old alias, but I will *never* be like him," he muttered the last part, but both heroes still caught it.

"What did Batman do to make you hate him?" Asked Diana compassionately.

Hood laughed shortly, startled. "Hate? No, I don't hate him. I thought I did, but I don't, at least not anymore. The problem is that I loved him. He doesn't deserve any of my attention anymore, so I have relegated him to my 'indifference' list. It's pathetic to waste your life over a man who will never change. Now that I've made my point and accomplished my goal, I'm done with him."

"I'm sorry," Diana said slowly, not quite knowing what she was apologizing for, but Hood seemed to know and understand.

"It's okay. I'm going to my mom's island soon for some R+R. It'll be good to see her and the twerp. Sometimes I think he's a demon brat, but then I remember a lot...I'll raise him okay, though."

Drawn out of her memories of how a curly-haired boy in bright colors would chatter away about anything and everything like Hood seemed to be doing, Diana looked at him in surprise. He was younger than she'd thought. She changed her mental estimate of late 20's/early 30's to early 20's.

Then Hood took his helmet off and kissed her cheek.

"Goodbye, Aunt Di. You were always my favourite."

In shock, Diana let him disappear.

"Jason?" She whispered to the air.

●○●○●○●

Five years later, Robin came onto the Watchtower, insulting everyone and everything quite creatively.

Wonder Woman came to greet the poky child. He deigned to let her hug him and in her ear he whispered, "My brother says to treat you well, for you are a true queen and his aunt. He told me to tell you he is happy and to call him. Here is his number," in Ancient Greek, which Diana was pretty sure even Batman didn't know.

The spiky child slipped a paper into her pocket, then proceeded to detatch himself with colorful insults.

Diana smiled fondly at her nephew's brother and left to make a call.

Over the years she had received packages randomly, with letters, new baking, books (self-annotated), random objects/weapons from around the globe, all signed, "With love from your favorite nephew to his favorite aunt."

The last one had been two months ago and held a patch for a lab coat which said "Dr. J. Todd".

The short note with it said he'd graduated medical school and was helping treat trauma/trafficking victims.

Enclosed was a glossy 3x5" grad photo, which she promptly framed and put by her bed.

Bruce had never been able to figure out why Diana and Clark treated him colder. All of the Leaguers around that day had been sworn to secrecy even though it was likely they knew nothing, but the big two were concerningly different around him. He never figured out why.

[penultimate-step]

Cliffhangers: when do they help?

There's a reductive negative stereotype of cliffhangers that comes to mind when people complain about them: with neither planning nor setup, a dramatic situation occurs to the characters. "how will the characters get out of this one?," asks a dramatic voiceover, as the show cuts to credits. Then, next episode, the whole thing is resolved immediately in two seconds, so the series can go back to focusing on the actual plot.

Now, as I said, this is something of a stereotype, not something that often happens - most writers know better than to do something so blatant. It does sometimes happen, but usually the situation has more nuance to it than that.

The cliffhanger that inspired this, the recent Oshi no Ko 158-9, has very little of those mitigating factors. It is almost entirely the negative stereotype, a cliffhanger that adds very little to the story and detracts much. Which got me thinking a bit on cliffhangers in general - what separates a good one from a bad one?

The same week OnK gave us that disappointing cliffhanger, another weekly manga I follow, Chainsaw Man, had a cliffhanger that felt much more interesting. (Though perhaps given we haven't had the followup chapter, this is premature...nonetheless, it is an easy at hand example.) Looking at the chapters preceding them, we can see a difference in pacing and buildup.

OnK 158 comes after a few chapters of winding down and calmer pacing - the cliffhanger, in this case, doubles as a spike in tension, intended to kickstart the next bit of serious plot, coming as a surprise and shock to the readers. This is already something of a problem, as it doesn't have anything to build on; but arcs have to start somewhere, this isn't in itself a problem. but by framing it a sudden jump, it puts all the true requirements for execution on the followup, where it's leading to. Which is why when the next chapter immediately follows up with a "just kidding, teehee uwu" it kills the whole momentum.

CSM 176 goes for the more conservative approach - while it does still end on a shocking twist, this comes in the middle of an already intense fight scene. It forms one brick in a larger rising action, supported by previous scenes, so even if the followup doesn't land it doesn't kill the whole momentum. It's not trying to establish it's own setup - where OnK ended one chapter with a sharp shock and then tried to offramp into character revelations, CSM dual purposes them - Yoru's revelation about the Gun (and Tank) as well as her own personal actions are twist, cliffhanger, and plot development all in one. So it works as a story beat regardless of where the chapter leaves off.

But that feels a little too hostile to cliffhangers, right? Like am I just saying that cliffhangers are an artifact of the serial storytelling format, and could basically be excised? Is a "good cliffhanger," one that integrates itself with the story beats, basically indistinguishable from a non-cliffhanger? that can't be true, right?

Anyway while rolling this around in my head I tried to think about some memorable and positive cliffhangers that I've read in the past. And one that came to mind was from about halfway through the webnovel Pact. So, spoilers for that.

So at the end of Arc 7, the protagonist gets into a fight with a demon. He loses. Chapter cuts, we start arc 8 - from a completely different perspective. What happened to our previous protag is left up in the air for a whole arc, with hints slowly trickling in - but it is only when the arc ends that we get a more complete picture, that he had lost his connections, been removed from all the memories of others, and fallen into a place outside conventional reality.

In this case, the cliffhanger, I would argue, helps the narrative significantly - in separating the event from the resolution, forcing readers to stew on it while other plot threads go on, it made the eventual revelations more satisfying, not less.

I don't think that quite helps my point though. "Cliffhangers are good when planned and executed into the story and bad when they aren't" seems like 2 steps away from saying "its good when its good and bad when its bad," that doesn't much clarify things for me.

That might just be what it boils down to, though - cliffhangers are just one of many ways to control the pacing and tension in a story, with no special negative or beneficial properties, and are good when used in cases where an upswing in those things are good, or the author otherwise wants to direct focus and attention to an element. The negative stereotype, with examples like OnK's, are a result of pursuing those in the short term while sacrificing longer-term story stability - a misstep many longer stories make, not anything tied to cliffhangers inherently.

I still feel like there's something important I'm missing that separates the bad example from the good. But I think I've lost the train of thought here, and this has gone on far too long for what was originally intended to me just me musing to myself about why recent developments in my favorite ongoing manga aren't hitting as well as they should.

[creativia10]

The Merits of Scientist Lab coats

Logan was preparing how he would want a Crofter's commercial to go, for if he gets the chance to share. Janus comes in while Logan is practicing to flirt with him.

Warnings: suggestive themes

Relationships: Logan/Janus

Wordcount: 1405

Notes: Loceit Week 2023 Day 5 Philosophy/Science (I chose science) Sorry this is late. I don't know if I'll have any more for @loceitweek as I only decided this week to write this one. The topic this week has inspired me though. I may write other Loceit fics, like maybe for the multifandom pride prompts I've been attempting (which will also be late).

Logan looked around at his setup with a nod. It wasn’t much, but it was perfect for what he was going for. Logan had been preparing in his head what kind of commercial he would have proposed for Crofters. If it ever came up that was.

He cleared his throat and smoothed out his lab coat. Logan then waved a hand at the nearby whiteboards to write out what he said. It would look better to be handwritten in real time for the actual thing when he showed the others. This was just for practice though.

He held up the crofters’ jar, presenting it to where he knew the camera would be. Logan had been listing helpful facts about the jam for a minute and a half when he heard someone go,

“Hmm.”

Logan stopped and looked in that direction. He hadn’t thought anyone was in here. To his surprise, Janus was sitting nearby, smirking at him.

Janus clapped.

“What a well-done presentation, Logan. I apologize for interrupting you. It was not my intention.”

Logan frowned at the other, unsure about that. Logan cleared his throat and set the jar of jam off to the side.

“Janus. I did not expect you in here. Did you need something?”

Janus hmmed again and stood up. He stretched languidly, bringing attention to his different outfit of choice. Then he started to walk over to Logan.

“Noo, not necessarily. Perhaps I just wanted to hear you ramble on intelligently about something of interest to you,” Janus said with a smirk.

Logan’s eyes widened. Janus walked closer to Logan, who then coughed to the side. Logan hadn’t expected anyone to actually want to hear him spew facts like that. The others had always acted like it was a necessity that nobody actually liked.

“I-is that so?” Logan cleared his throat again. He was usually so much better at holding his composure than this. Janus had simply caught him off guard by saying so.

“And the outfit?” Logan asked, gesturing to Janus’ new getup.

Janus was wearing a lab coat, like Logan’s own. Except he had a yellow shirt peaking out where Logan’s typical polo was similarly visible. Janus was also wearing safety goggles as well.

Janus hummed again, stepping even closer.

“Maybe I just wanted to match the vibe of your setup, hm? I think the scientist look works, don’t you?” He asked with a playful smirk.

“Ah well, yes. Of course, it works,” Logan started,

“I had the lab coat set up for this scene to show safety was a priority. And how the production of Crofters would be hygienic. Of course, we wouldn’t be near anything that would be a contamination concern anyways, as it is more for the aesthetic of the commercial.”

Janus sighed at that.

“Logan, I’m not doubting the merits of wearing a lab coat here. I know you have good plans for these things,” Janus said.

“You do?” Logan asked.

“Mhmm,” When Janus was close enough, he reached over and started toying with the lapels of Logan’s lab coat.

“I just think the whole scientist look, with the lab coats, works for us. Aesthetically, as you would say. I certainly appreciate intellectual looks,” Janus said with that smooth voice of his.

“O-oh,” Logan said. Janus’ fingers were warm where Logan could feel him brushing against his coat. Amidst messing with the lapels.

 Logan found he didn’t mind it, even if it was unexpected. Nobody got this close to him.

Janus leaned in.

“Did you want to keep going? I wouldn’t be opposed to assisting you.” Janus said.

Logan hesitated. He was sufficiently distracted now. Admitting such a thing felt embarrassing though.

“Uh, well,”

“Or did I throw you off your vibe?” Janus asked.

 Logan really needed to add that word to his slang vocab. He was hearing it a lot more now.

“I wouldn’t say you threw me off. I am physically right where I was when I started. I also knew I would be presenting this in front of others at some point. Theoretically, I should be fine.”

“Theoretically?” Janus asked with a knowing smile.

“Uh, well,” Logan wasn’t sure what he should say here. Janus hmmed.

“It’s okay if I distracted you, Logan. I am well aware you didn’t expect me to be here,” Janus said.

“How did you know I would be here anyways?” Logan asked.

“I didn’t originally,” Janus continued. “But I was bored and I overheard you as I passed this room amidst my wandering. Figured I could learn something and maybe have some fun. Which I definitely have.”

Janus was smirking again, which e often did.

Logan blinked. “Oh? You were enjoying my presentation?”

“Of course,” Janus said, “Although, I have more fun interacting with you.” Janus paused in his teasing to lightly poke Logan in the chest.

“I-is that so?” Logan asked.

Janus winked at him in response.

“Why are you interacting with me in this way?” Logan asked.

“Because it’s fun, as I said,” Janus continued, “Is that alright?”

“I suppose,” Logan said.

Janus frowned slightly and stepped away.

“Logan, I know you’re not the best at admitting to your wants, but you need to be clear about how you feel about my teasing. It’s no fun if I am actively making you uncomfortable. I get a hard enough time from the others. About whether I actually respect personal boundaries.”

Logan blinked at that.

“Wouldn’t that be more of a concern from Remus than you?” Logan asked. Janus sighed and shrugged. Logan frowned but nodded.

“I see what you are saying. I would not want to make things worse for you.”

“Logan, it’s not about that,” Janus said. “You are not responsible for anything that affects me except your own actions. Which you are fine with at this point by the way. Nothing else should be a factor in stating your boundaries. Aside from what you are comfortable with.”

Logan nodded again. He knew Janus had a point.

“Right, of course.”

But then came the harder part of admitting he didn’t mind Janus’ actions, because what would that mean next?

“It’s okay if you don’t know, Logan,” Janus said with a more genuine smile this time.

“I should have asked earlier anyways. I just like to be playful, you know how I am.”

Logan supposed he did. Although Logan saw this side more when Janus was around Logan now.

Logan took a breath. He was curious though where they could go from here. Logan was definitely one to seek after knowledge. Even in the case that it could affect his personal relationships, though not in a bad way.

“I…did not mind, Janus,” Logan said, not meeting the other’s eyes. He figured he should have at least looked at Janus while admitting so. But it was harder than he expected for some reason. Plus, Logan could feel his cheeks warming.

After a moment, Janus stepped up to Logan again.

“You are sure?” Janus asked.

Logan nodded.

“Yes. I am just…not used to admitting such things.”

Janus hummed again before reaching forward again to trace his fingers against Logan.

“That’s okay, Logan. It can be a process. It does make me wonder if you would prefer moving slower than I had in mind then.”

Logan’s breath caught, and he got himself to look at Janus in the face then. Janus looked back at him.

“I would like to know what you mean, first. And, I’m sorry if my need for clear wording changes the uh ‘mood’ at all, as the twins have told me in the past.”

Janus gave him a soft look at that and shook his head.

“Logan, you are not ruining anything. I know who you are. How do you know I don’t get hot and bothered by more words anyways?”

Logan narrowed his eyes in confusion.

“Hot and bothered? I certainly wouldn’t want you to be uncomfortable at all, that doesn’t sound pleasant. Should we get some air in here?”

Janus threw his head back in a laugh. Then he suddenly gripped his fingers around the coat lapels and pulled Logan against him. The breath from Janus’ lips brushed Logan’s own as he said,

“How about we head up to my room and I show you what I really mean by that?” Janus asked.

Logan’s breath stuttered.

“Okay,” Logan choked out.

[shokuto]

So we'll probably have to agree to disagree on a Gwiles ship (for a number of reasons, but in no dimension or version do I think Gwen should be Miles' main or only option for a romantic interest or relationship) :). But I appreciate your insights, and loved your response to the question "what makes Miles compelling as Spider-Man?" from a few weeks ago. I am kinda trying to figure out what Marvel is doing exactly? Between using just Miles' name instead of Spider-Man for the upcoming Strange Academy release, and Ziglar basically minimizing Miles in his own comic during this latest run in order to feature characters Ziglar seems to be enamored with, all while having characters constantly call Miles "boy" (see Mr. Morales who apparently has entered a black exploitation film), "kid" (practically every character being forced into the run is calling Miles this right now, which is funny given ATSV's take rightfully pushing back on that), "newbie" (Stark in the latest issue…meanwhile Civil War was a thing), basically everything but his name or Spider-Man…it's frustrating. Like, is Miles getting too popular for them or something? No offense to Ziglar, but I'm currently just sticking to reading and buying Bendis and Ahmed's comics going forward. Ziglar just doesn't seem to know how to write for Miles and his supporting cast, which is fine. They should put him back on Spider Punk since he said that he's wrote for that comic based on his time in a punk band. On top of that he hasn't done anything original so far? He's acknowledged Rabble is basically a reskin of Tinkerer from the Playstation game, he's obviously a fan of the Flash tv show given the electric sword (the idea of Miles' venom powers continuing to evolve in more novel and powerful ways is great though), plus the new character Hightale who = the Flash. And Misty Knight was just going over super basic things Aaron already taught his nephew. Also, Miles as any kind of detective was setup better by Bendis when he was toying with the idea of turning him into an agent of S.H.I.E.L.D (and that kinda came out of no where). If they extend Ziglar's time, it sounds like his plan is to constantly keep doing crossovers of other characters as "mentors", and given how he's handled that so far, I would not be to happy buying this run. :( Do you have a writer or writers in mind that you would like to see on Miles' comic? To be honest, I don't think there needs to be a ton of angst, I like that he has a great group of people in his life who know about him and have his and each others back against all odds (you can't tell me that comic Ganke wouldn't have tried to fight Miguel in ATSV even though he would lose, and Tiana would have 100% tried to pick Miguel up and drop him from the train if she saw him treating and talking to Miles like he did XD), it's one of the things that adds to Miles' uniqueness. But your analysis of Miles gets things about his character that the current run/Ziglar seems to be missing. On the plus side, the artwork is pretty good! And maybe the run will get better?

Eesh. I checked out of Ziglar’s run a while back, seems my criticisms with him minimizing Miles as Spider-Man in his own run hasn’t gotten any better, I probably made the right choice. Makes me sad though. I dislike Ahmed’s run a lot, but he at least had Miles on equal footing with the more seasoned guest stars like Captain America.

The disconnect is that Ziglar thinks Miles’ appeal lies in his youth. He thinks he’s a rookie, far out of his depth and in desperate need of guidance (from people he’s accomplished more than and with basic things he’s been doing since 2015 at minimum). I appreciate the callback to his origin from 2011, but it’s like he stopped reading that samw. Whoever I’d pick to write him moving forward would obviously be more up to speed on his history and the things that actually make him unique, but I honestly don’t trust that from anyone besides Phil Lord/Chris Miller, or Bendis. I always get the impression that everyone else either sees him as a blank slate, someone they need to reinvent or “fix”, if they simply don’t get it at all.

But besides that, if I could, I’d have his stories once again set in the Ultimate universe. Pulling him out erased one of his most prominent conflicts as someone bearing a legacy that makes him a target, that jeopardizes his future, and altered his relationship with his parents, which is why his comics were immediately made more lightheartedly and silly when he crossed over even with Bendis at the pen, because not only was Peter Parker alive and well, Miles was now one of four Spider-Men.

We’ll also have to agree to disagree on there not needing to be a ton of angst, I enjoy that Miles can inspire hope as much as the next guy, and I wish they’d let him do stupid fun teen shit without having to learn some sort of lesson at the end, but in the same vein that light without shadow is blinding, hope without tragedy is hollow. And as someone who’s been reading since Spider-Man cost him his uncle and [redacted until a mutual finishes the second volume], his stories have felt hollow to me for a very long time.

The artwork is good, but I don’t have faith that the writing’ll get better. I already held out hope that his comics would suddenly recapture that spark for eight years now.

[astraerystarr]

Hiii I came around your blog again and since you seem to like sonic I wanted to ask what's your opinion in the new movie? If that's okay?? <3

And also... opinions on Amy???

It's okay!!! No worries, it's been a while since I talked on this Tumblr again but I don't mind any asks <33

TIME TO BE INSANE ABOUT IT.

I thought the movie was good!! Not perfect, but it was good!

When it comes to humor and characterization, I still think the second one was the best at that. But S3 had a lot of themes and characters I like, and it also set up a good path for the other movies to follow, so I think it did a good job finishing some character's arcs and it works as a good setup for the future.

I'm really excited to see where they'll take things after this - AND how they'll bring Robotnik back since Jim Carrey is still up to do a fourth movie, but I have a feeling they'll tap into the multiverse for that (Which could then lead to them finding other types of emeralds like the Sol Emeralds and BLAZE AND SILVER) or some time-travel they teased in the leaked storyboards (Which could lead to angst and I LOVE IT).

Criticisms-wise, I do think they could have organized the time spent on some scenes a lot better and given us the DAMN SCENE WHERE STONE SAVES ROBOTNIK FROM THE ROBOT AND NURSES HIM BACK TO HEALTH. AAAA. I don't understand why they cut that out, it wouldn't even be that long of a scene!! Just a quick flashback like they already had planned in the storyboards!! And it would have added so much context behind Stone and Ivo's relationship that led to his realization in that last moment :'(( But that's about it, I liked the movie a lot <3

I also didn't think I'd cry but seeing Lee act with that much emotion got me and I was SOBBING Anon. Shadow and Sonic's talk on the moon? Cried. Maria's death? Cried. My old man yaoi continues being doomed, but it was such a good way to have their relationship progress that I'm okay with it!

The natural progression of that is to have Robotnik treating Stone with a lot more care now that he knows Stone genuinely cares about him, and I think I'd explode if we get more of them being soft with each other or if Robotnik calls Stone his family. AND HE NEEDS TO APOLOGIZE. It can be in his own way, maybe he builds something for Stone or anything else but my god Stone has gone THROUGH IT for him.

I genuinely believe they're trying to break them apart now to give Stone time to grow as a character BEYOND Robotnik - probably in a show like Wade and Knuckles', but with Stone and Shadow? - So if (when) they meet again, they'll be on equal grounds. Their dynamic would change even more then, and they could be a proper villain power couple <33

But I just hope they'll let Agent Stone shine now (Fowler PLEASE give us more Biker!Stone PLEASE that was SO badass) because he's suffered enough and Lee deserves everything that's good in the world, and if that includes going a little insane in the next movie then I'll be over here manifesting <3 He has the range too!! He played such an insane little guy in Get Fast. And Stone could be a different type of villain. Since Robotnik is the maniacal and extravagant type, Stone could be the quiet and menacing type! I don't know who else could be the villain if Robotnik is meant to stay dead, it's either Stone or they could probably bring a Robotnik from another universe into theirs and that would explain why there are so so many Metal Sonics there. Stone wouldn't have any reason to hold a grudge against Sonic. There's so much potential there!!

And I actually don't really have an opinion on Amy because I've always been a Blaze the Cat kid kjkjh but I think she's cool and her model looks pretty!! 'Small character with big hammer' will always be a peak concept, her personality could be such a good contrast to characters like Stone and Shadow like I've already seen on some awesome fanart in the Stobotnik tag, and I saw somewhere that the fourth movie could be a romantic comedy? I think it'd be cute to see the usual dynamic she and Sonic have, but I'm sure they already have a spin on that planned since everyone suddenly hates romance now.

BUT it'd be extra funny if the Rom-com plan is actually because of Stone and Robotnik meeting again with a post-divorce vibe. I'd spend all day looking at the angry reviews homophobes would leave

YAPPING SESSION OVER omg, but thank you so much for asking Anon kjdhdjh I don't have anyone to talk about this and there's not a single day where I don't think about these movies. The hyperfixation GOT ME