#I wonder if winners might recognize it?

[goated33]

ART TRADE W/ @teddie-bear420 !! Have Vaggie angrily defending her not at all stinky and blood covered close comrade in arms while said comrade feels only platonic emotions about it

[penelope-potter]

How Did You Know This Feeling?~

Fandom: Hazbin Hotel/ Helluva Boss Pairing: Alastor x Fem! Owl Hybrid! Reader + (Stolas x Reader) Summary: You are very good friends with the Owl King Stolas. However, after a while he called you over for a shoulder to cry on because of his heartbreak from Blitzo. You were gone straight away to help your dear friend, but not leaving your own crush Alastor slightly jealous, so he follows you. Warnings: No one

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You sat on the couch, next to an old antic telephone. You sighed. Charlie came up with the great idea to bring a phone inside the lobby, in hope that more sinners were about to call and check in. You didn't really liked the idea of letting other filthy demons who might not take all this seriously in, but the princess of hell seemed so eager about this, so you just volunteered to be the secretary in hope to tell if there are false tongues under it. Now you regret it, because for at least the twentieths time some dickhead called, only to laugh at you for being so stupid and open up a hotel. You were more cursing and screaming into the phone than to actually take a new resident in. Charlie stood there for a while, nervously tapping with her foot and biting her nails. "I think it was a bad idea..." She said finally, after you slammed the listener back to it’s station. You took in a deep breath before turning to her, smiling thin. "No Charlie it was a good idea. But it was obvious that this were going to happen or?" She just nodded. "I just thought that would be easier to actually bring more sinners to our hotel..." She said again, a sad expression on her face. You sighed and got up. "Don't be so sad, you know I can't take that." You smiled and hugged her side. "You know, Someday someone who actually feel like redeeming will call. And I will be there to guide them to us. After I inspected them of course." She smiled with big eyes at you, wiping around her right eye to hide the tear which was slipping out. "You sure you want to continue the job? You sounded very angry a few minutes ago..." "Noo, I just got a bit emotional that's all..." You laughed and waved it off. She was right, it pissed you off in every way possible. But you didn't wanted to disappoint her, so- how bad could this job be, sitting around and arguing with some wanna-be-sinners? "Alright. Thank you (Y/N)." "Anytime."

You smiled and went back to your little cozy place. Today was a calm, quite day. You placed a notebook, a pen and your already third tea on the table in front of the sofa and watched the phone silently. It was Alastor's he brought in one day after Charlie told him so. You didn't know if it was an actual phone which was for sale anywhere or just a magic appearance of his. However, you liked it. It was red and blue with golden ornaments, and it reminded you a bit of Stolas. You saw him rarely since you met him. You also never got the chance to change numbers, so you would have to travel a mile to visit him. After a while the phone ringed again, and you jumped slightly. Great, another dumb ass. You sighed and took the receiver to your ear. "Welcome to the Hazbin Hotel, where sinners are going to be winners in no time! How can I help you?" You said in a placed on cheery voice and rolled your eyes, ready to scream at anyone who might as well fuck you up today. "(Y/N)? Oh for hell's sake I'm so glad to hear from you!" You knew this voice. "Stolas? Is- is it you?" You sat up and your smile grew wider. "Of course! I wanted to call you so much earlier but I couldn't find a way to contact you..."

The two of you talked for hours it seemed, you, already forgetting that you're technically at work and blocked the whole line, but you just hoped that no one who actually wanted to be redeemed, was in line waiting. You didn't even realized that a certain demon appeared right behind you in the room, curious looking over at you, wondering with who you might talk so happily about. After a while he recognize the way you talked with them and his smile stiffened. Stolas. It was not as if he didn't liked you, having a friend of high royalty. It wasn't the fact that you seemed to be so light headed around him, talking with him for so long already, you shifted the receiver to your other hand, and it definitely wasn't the fact that he was a bit jealous of him. He shook his head surprised. Why does he fretting about some demon king talking with you? It drove him insane how you made him feel. You talked with him too, and you could also share long talk sessions. But it never was this exiting like it was with him. He noticed how your expression looked like, so relaxed and calm. You played with the cable string of the phone, and your leg was bouncing up and down from the couch rest. With him you always were stiffed, attentive and careful. You laughed too, but there was always something holding you back to be your whole true self. Oh how badly he wanted you to talk with him like you did with Stolas. He wanted you to swing your legs over his armchair, and title your head to your side, playing with a book of his shelf which was long forgotten or to grab his arm in excitement. He only realized how hard he grabbed his cane, as his fingers began to shake. "Oh...I'm so sorry Stolas. I didn't knew that he's feeling this...kind of way about you." His ears peeked up. You shifted your body down to place your elbow on your knee. You listened for a while until he went a few steps up to his left to see your expression. It was sad, understanding. Like you always were when someone is having a bad day. You were always the one someone could go to when they have a problem. You were an angel, and god knows why you end up here.

You started to play with the cable string again, but this time more stiffened. "Please don't cry. I-I would love to help you somehow...yes I know, I know..." He came closer until he was standing a few feet behind the couch. "Okay you know what? I will talk to my boss Charlie if I can take two days off and come to your place." And instant urge of madness flowed inside him and his smile twitched at the edges. You were about to visit him? All alone among the sinners? It was not like he didn't trusted you in your ability to help yourself, but it made him uncomfortable letting you go alone. He wanted to keep you safe, no matter what. Another thing what was going on inside him for the second you walked through the doors of the hotel. He started to think that he grew some kind of attachment for you... "Don't worry Stolas. I'll talk with her. It's only two days." You said goodbye to him and hang on. As you turned around you jumped and let out a terrified gasp. "Al! Geez don't scare me like that!" His heart fluttered by the nickname you gave him. "Oh I'm sorry sweetheart, I just came by and heard you talking. Who was it, a sinner?" He asked Innocent, your body already stiffened up. He could scratch his nails on the soft fabric of the couch rest. "No it was Stolas. My- my friend. Poor thing, he is heart broken because of his unrequired love for Blitzo..." You said, he noticed your also sad expression. "I don't want him to feel that way, so I will talk to Charlie if I can have two days off, so I can give him company." It costs his best to stay calm, and not letting his anger took the hand over him. You didn't done anything wrong, it was him who was the problem. "Oh that's unfortunate to hear. But don't you think it's a long way to his palace only for two days? You already need a day to walk to him alone..." He said, the grip on his cane more harder than usual you thought. "Uhm yes I know, but when I leave today, I might be there by him till daytime so-" "Don't you think he can handle this...problem on his own?" He said, his smile wider and his eyes more narrowed to slits. You could feel your heart skipped a beat. Obviously he couldn't know- he doesn't love anyone and never got his heart broken then. The fact that he's saying this to the person who loves him and knows exactly how it feels like being trapped in a one sided love, only makes it worse. "No he can't Alastor." You said slightly angered, his eyes opened up a bit surprised. "It's not so easy as you might think. I know that you don't understand those feelings, and be glad about it. But let me tell you it's not a joke." You sighed. "It really feels like someone is about to rib your heart out of your chest, and the worst thing about is that you love this person anyway..." You ended your sentence only for him to grew more curious. "How did you know that feeling so well sweetheart?"

You stared at him blankly, your head empty and not a single thought seemed to enter your mind for him to give. The only thing that came close to was Fuck, but you couldn’t give this to him now. “I…” You started as the door flew open and Angel came in together with Husk. They looks darted to you and their chatter got quite in an instant. “Sorry, we interrupting?” Husk asked, more you than him. “Uhm n-no not at all!” You said jumping off the sofa. “Do you know where Charlie is?” You changed the subject, while you could feel the look from the demon behind you stabbing holes in your back. “Uhm she’s in the kitchen, trying some new stuff…” Angel said, and looked between Alastor and you, clearly smelling the thick air. “Thank you!” You turned on your heels and gave the deer demon just a slightly side eye. “I’m sorry, can we talk later?” You had to admit, this was the shittiest idea that ever popped into your mind. What is he going to think about you now? You found Charlie in the kitchen, and you talked with her. “Your friend Stolas? Oh no I’m so sorry for him!” She said and nodded understanding. You told her that you really wanted to help him, and that you asked her to give you two days off. She agreed, you knew she would. Bless her soul. After a while you told the others that you would be gone, still feeling a bit guilty for reject your new task, but Charlie told you it was okay. The sinners need their time anyway. Alastor was always at your side, next to you at the dinner table and even as you packed some things into an old backpack that looked similar to the one you had when you were alive. “Are you sure this will do their need?” He asked, standing in the door and tapping your backpack with the tip of his cane. “I just stay for two days, this is more than I need.” You said, glad that he didn’t insist on his question. Well, you couldn’t just tell him that he was the problem why you knew this kind of pain don’t you? “You are probably right dearest…” You smiled softly at his words. He always calls you differently than the others. I’ts always dearest instead of dear. It’s sweetheart and not darling. You felt special. A little too special maybe. The sting in your heart grew bigger with each second you thought about it and with each step you took with him outside to the lobby to in front of the hotel doors. “Well...I think I’m going now-” “I have to interrupt you sweetheart.” He said, holding up his index finger. “Why?” You asked. “I would be a total fool for letting you go this way all alone.”

Your heart began to race. “O-oh, oh you don’t have to come with me Al. I know you’re busy and- and well I know the way…” Alastor shook his head. “I couldn’t bear the guilt for letting you go alone only to find you tortured by some kind of filthy sinners or Overlords…” “I can protect myself Al.” “Oh I never doubt this. But what gentleman would I be, when I don’t walk my dearest girl to her friend?” His smile grew a bit softer and thinner until he gave you a mouth-closed smile. His eyes were filled with something you could spot as admiration, but you quickly shook this thought off. It was your imagination running wild again, nothing else. “Alright then.” He was happy about your accepting, you could see it in the way his eyes widened. You’ve spent enough time to admire him for afar, studying his features like a little girl with her first crush. It also felt like he is the only true love you ever experienced. Too bad it was all in your head and nothing real. You enjoyed the walk with him, even though you tried constantly your hardest to keep your heart in a steady beat and prayed he didn’t noticed the racing of your veins against his arm as he offered it to you for you to cling in. He was warm against you, even through his coat. He was taller than you which was nothing new, he was taller than the most of the sinners. His smile was easy, his eyes relaxed an a bit lidded like the explanation of bedroom eyes, which made him look ironically more attractive. If he would stand in your room like this, you wouldn’t be able to hold yourself… You turned your gaze away from him in embarrassment. “Tell me sweetheart, you didn’t answered my question earlier…” You heart skipped a beat as you tried your hardest to look at a building with a bright neon font spelling: “Step on Me.” “Oh yes well…” You turned your head in his direction. You had to come up with a solution, and it have to be a damn good one so he wouldn’t get suspicious. “Why do you want to know this so bad?” You awkwardly asked, as he just blinked. “Hmm...I really want to know who I have to kill for making you feel this way…” He entangled his fingers to sharp claws. You love his hands. The sharp nails always managed to run shivers down your spine whenever he touches you. You would have laughed at his words, because he would have to kill himself to actually hold his word. “No. No you better not…” You said laughing. “No come on, you can trust me dearest. I’m almost offended that you won’t tell me.” “I just could have guessed how it feels like don’t I?” “Nonsense, I saw the look on your face. After all you are not hard to read sweetest. Even though I adore this in you, this could also be your dead end. In this world…” He suddenly came incredible close to you as he stopped you in your walking. “I wouldn’t want you to feel those things sweetest. So, could you tell me? Please?”

His gaze and the fact that he actually said ‘please’ to you, only you made your heart stutter and your breath irregular. “Hmm...maybe I’ll tell you when I’m back. What about that?” You tried to be teasing, and he titled his head with a grin but also slightly annoyance. “Promise me~?” He sung and the desire to grab his face in your hands was almost unbearable. “Yes...promised.” You two continued standing in the middle of the streets, in the Lust Ring, and staring at each other. You two were the odd picture in the middle of filthy, dirty minded heads who are more interested in fucking another than to actually love another. You stared at him with so much love in your eyes that it made his heart sting. You were so pure. He could never understand the desire to touch anybody's body in certain ways, not in his live or in this afterlife as well. And it changed completely when he’s looking at you right now. Suddenly he felt the urge to wrap his arms around you, to smell your scent which were always around him whenever you were near, to trade kisses along your neck. Nothing like the things those filthy, perverted creatures in this ring might crave, but a loving gesture what this act is all about. He truly loved you. And it hit him deeper than the bullet with he was shot. His heart began to race and suddenly he was very aware of the close distance between you both so he stepped back a bit. “Well then...I look forward to hear the answer from you when I lead you back.” He said now in a raspy voice. The static almost completely gone, you shuddered. “Oh you don’t have to do this Al. I know you don’t like this place and the other neither…” He waved it off, his claws only inches away from your shoulder as he grabbed you gently on your upper back. “That is alright. I don’t have to stay here, I just travel right through it. Don’t break your pretty little head about it.” You gave him a crooked smile as you two walked further. By the time you got more relaxed, slowly becoming the person you really are. His heart fluttered in excitement. Your wings spread towards the sky as you told him a story how you met Stolas the first time. The blue neon lights hits you on the right spots, your face was so bright in this moment and your wings had a silver shimmer in it. The black of your heart shaped antlers reminded him of black gold, and your eyes...the animalistic it brought with it, and your real eye color was breathtaking. You looked like a goddess. Finally there, you thanked him again for walking with you. “I see you in two days. But don’t think I’ll ignore your broadcasts because I’ll still listen to them.” You laughed and he smiled, and his smile reached his eyes completely. “Oh I do hope so sweetheart!” He placed his hands on the top of his cane. “I wish you luck for making your friend feel better…” At the mention of Stolas his eyes got the mix of darkness. Was he jealous? “Yes me too…” You smiled at him. “Well then-” “Can I ask you one more thing before you go?” You stopped him, why did you stopped him? It was the question which itched you more than anything right now. “Yes dearest?”

You hesitated. “Why do you call me differently than the others? Not that I don’t like it, it’s just…” You stopped. Messing with your heart. “Unusual.” He had to thought for a moment because he stood still and avoided your gaze. Instead he looked at the sky. “Well… you are different from the others. So I might like to call you different names.” He looked back at you again, and you almost jumped at the sight of him. His red eyes a warm cherry red, and his pupils dilated. “Those phrases were nothing rare from the decade I came from…” He walked to you a few steps until he stood right before you. “Sweetheart was used for someone you found dearly…” He took your chin in his hands. “Dearest was for someone you laid an eye on for a long time…” He pulled your face closer to his, and took his time to scan your features. “And sugar…” He looked at your lips for a brief second before locking eyes with you again. “Was for someone you were in love with. The young boys would call them baby but I find sugar is much more fitting for you.” You forget how to breath until you could feel your head heated up so you just smiled shyly. “O-okay...that’s interesting to hear. You know how much I love your timeline…” You said. It was the truth you like the time he was from. But the sudden touch was more than enough to make you completely flustered already. He chuckled. “Yes I know…” He titled his head and swung on his heels. “Well then, I’ll see you in two days. Remember, when anything goes wrong and the king will not be able to protect you from it, just call my name and I will be here. I will hear it.” He said, looking over his shoulder. “Yes...yes sure. Goodbye.” “Goodbye. Sugar.” Your smile was replaced with shock as he was swallowed up by his demons in an instant. As you walked in to Stolas palace you immediately got hugged from your owl friend. “Oh (Y/N) I’m so happy you are here right now!” You rubbed his back. “I know, I just wish I would see you in a less depressive way.” The demon sighed, and wiped his smudged mascara from his cheeks. “I’m so sorry you have to see me in this state. But- I don’t have someone else-” “No, no it’s fine I want to help you you are my friend Stolas…” You said and grabbed his arm. “We can get through this. I’m here now.” He looked at you sadly before leading you into his main room where you placed him on the sofa. “Okay now: talk. I want you to express everything you feel.”

He looked down at his hands. “Blitzo he…” He stopped. “He doesn’t see it. He cannot see the way I feel for him. He was here yesterday.” “He was here? You told him that you-” “Yes…” He nodded. He started to tell you the story what happened, and you tried your best to comfort him. The nights changed into the daytime because it was the only time you could make him a bit happier even just for a little while. “I know how you feel. I got a similar issue…” You told him once you two sat on the carpet and ate ice cream. “I know. You are in love with the worst demon in hell?” He asked. After yesterday he now seemed more stabilized than before. “He’s not always like that. He walked all the way with me here.” Stolas gaze weighted heavy on you. “And...something happened?” You looked at him for a brief moment only to look away. “Yes. Almost. But this is not important right now. I’m here to make you feel better not you taking care of me when nothing actually happened.” You shrugged it off just to pick inside your ice cream, the thoughts far far away. “No tell me about it. It’s far better than to think about my current situation to no end.” You sighed. “Fine. He asked me why I know the feeling of unrequired love so good.” You started and placed the cup next to you. “Oh...and you told him…” “No! No I just dodged out the question the whole time. Now he waits for the answer when he pick me up after tomorrow.” You stared at the ceiling of his. His beautiful star sky felt like the one left on earth, and you smiled sadly. “You know, I never thought that I could love someone like that. It never was like this in my lifetime.. Now that I’ve got him it all feels so surreal. It was the feeling I’ve always wanted, yet when I have it it’s the worst.” You scoffed. “Guess it’s only a good feeling when both are in the same boat.” You looked at Stolas who looked suddenly more sad than ever. You had an idea. “You know what? I’ll go talk to him.” The expression on his face was almost like if you had told him you burned his daughter alive. “What?! No! No you can’t just go talk to him H-he will get mad at you oh he will hate-” “If he’s hating me then I’m fine with that.” You said, a serious tone in your voice. “I’ll go and talk to him. He’s already pissed off so when it’s me he let’s off steam then it’s better as if it was you.” You took his hand in yours. “Don’t hate me but you’re not in the right state for talking with him in the next while. You would let your emotions lead you and I’m neutral about it. I can put the facts on the table, without he hurting

you more.” “I can’t order this from you…” “Yes you can and even if you forbid it to me, I would do it anyway.” You said smiling. “I’ll talk to him tomorrow if that’s better for you. You know to emotionally prepare yourself?” He let out a tired laugh. “Yes this would be nice.” “Good. Alright then. Let’s eat this here up before it gets even more liquid.” You said, grabbing your ice cream cup. When your love story don’t have a happy ending, you might just form one for them.

Alastor was back at the hotel, but he wasn’t really at peace. It was hidden in the little ways that his assumption was indeed right. It was the way how he sat uncomfortable at his seat while dinner, how everyone's chatting made him nervous, or how he couldn’t find a spot to just sit and wait. Those two days were the worst for him and he couldn’t believed that you were the reason for it. “What is wrong with me…” He said to himself after he ended his broadcast. This time it was shorter and felt more like a desperate way of dealing with this feeling until it passes. At the second on time as the next day rises, he stood up a lightness in his steps. He knew he was far too early, but he had an idea. He told Charlie that he’s going to visit Rosie and pick you up after that. She agreed, of course what else so he went straight to her. After all he needed someone who might be able to tell him what’s exactly wrong with him. “Oh Alastor that this would ever happen!” She cheered and her smile wider than anything else. He just rolled his eyes. “Care to tell me Rosie?” She chuckled. “Oh come on I think you know exactly what all of this means, you are just too scared of it actually happening!” He couldn’t ignore the stitch coming with her words, but she was right. He would deny it until the last moment, but this little other thing inside him told him to have hope. Maybe you would accept his courting? “Go and tell her when you pick her up. So many people regret it their whole life for not telling the one their love for them. Or they are too afraid. But you two got the eternity gifted. What could you have possible to lose? It can’t be worse than a no.” “I see that you are clearly not understanding the issue it comes with loving another person…” He said, the grip on his cane firmed. “Yes I do. You never felt this way about someone so you are afraid. But don’t be. Try it. And you’ll see it will work out for both of you.” She laughed. “There must be a reason why the universe waited until your death to let you meet each other.” Yes there must be something. He went straight from Rosie’s to the long road to you. He could have used his shadows to teleport,

but he chose the long way to rethink everything he ever done. It would cost him everything he worked for. Someone could come and rip you apart from him. What if he’s not able to protect you from that? Maybe you could keep it as a secret so no one will know? You would understand that, you always understand everything. But what if you say no? Could he bear the thought of his only and first love saying no to him? He could force you, he had the power. But oh he would never do it. Never to you. He didn’t realized his hands were shaking, of angst. For the first time someone messed with his feelings in such a strange odd way he believed it was only a dream. All in a sudden he was right there and the long way didn’t seemed so long after all. His heart was racing he had to choose now. He wanted you to be with him. He wanted to learn to love, he wanted to try. Oh how he hoped you would try to love him too. All his flaws and his imperfections. To love the monster he was. He searched for you in every corner outside of the palace but couldn’t find you. He didn’t even came close to the door because of the security. Cold terror flooded through his veins. “Find her.” He orders, bringing up his shadow who looked much more terrified than he might look now. It resembles his true emotions after all. The shadow disappeared and Alastor after it. He found you about three blocks away in an old dirty building, your voice banging loudly from the windows. Faster than ever, he teleport himself right on the spot between you and a now utterly confused red hellborn with two large black and white striped horns now were standing. “What the fuck are you doing here, aren’t you her goddamn cru-” “Shut the fuck up Blitzo!” He looked over at you and raised his eyebrows. You looked feral, your features more hellish than before, a clear showing of how angry you must be. Your horns grew fourth the size, your eyes a dangerous light and your wings spread larger and sharper than before. “Whatever. You can go now and stop pissing me off!” Blitzo said and turned around only for you to raise your hand, your sharp claws longer and your power to pull him out of thin air back to you. You were powerful he knows that. And you looked so sinful attractive right now he had to admit. “I’m not finished with you. Can’t you see that Stolas loves you? And you love him too I know it! How can you let him down when it’s the thing you want so bad!” “You know nothing about me!” “Yes I do Blitzo! You are my friend, you brought me here when I first came to hell and I see how you care! Care about everyone in this damn business of yours and Stolas included! You might think you are not worth it or some kind of shit but you do! You do deserve it! Don’t stop the love when it’s giving to you! Do you know how he is feeling? How hard it is to love someone only to know it’s one sided?!” You almost screamed while Alastor stood there and watched you, unsure what to do. “Just because your fucking deer demon don’t love you, it doesn’t mean that I have to accept Stolas!” You froze and you could see the shock running into Blitzo’s jumped expression. He didn’t said that on purpose. But Alastor heard you. Shit.

“Oh fuck, (Y/N) I’m sorry I-” “Don’t apologize to me, apologize to him.” You only said. There was nothing you could do to undo this. You would have to come up with something but not now. Your features changed back to normal as you let out a shaky breath. “I know you well Blitzo. And you know I love you two idiots so please do me a favor and just fucking talk with each other…” You glared at him one last time before turning around and avoided Alastor’s gaze on you. “We can go now. Come.” You said quietly and walked right up to the window because you don’t really had the nerves to run down the entire building. You jumped and flew right to the ground, while Alastor was still standing on his place, looking at Blitzo. “Well I think you are really bad at this. I would be careful in your position…” He said, Blitzo only clenched his teeths. “Fuck off. I really don’t know what she sees in you but I hope you are just half less an asshole with her!” He said and brushed of, slammed the door behind him. A slightly sprinkle of hope flooded him. Was it really right what he heard from the hellborn? He manifested himself on the spot next to the building, only for finding you curled up on the curb, your face in your hands. “Oh sweetheart…” He placed himself next to you, much more closer than he would ever accept it. You wondered that he even sat on the ground with you, but you had other problems right now. You were angry with Blitzo, but this would not have made you this insecure, it was because he couldn’t hold his damn mouth. Alastor didn’t seemed to bother your silent confession to him, but you know you couldn’t just let it hang it in the air forever. “It’s alright. I...I’m just angry at him. But that’s okay. He will talk with him.” The demon looked at you raising an eyebrow. “Well he didn’t seemed like doing so.” You smiled slightly. “Yeah because you don’t know him.” You looked up again. “He took me under his roof before I came to the hotel. I stayed long enough to know that he will talk with Stolas. And to know that he loves him too.” You avoided his intense gaze again. “Well…” You started and got up. “I think I owe you an answer too. Even though you know it thanks to Blitzo…” You hands were sweating, the air got so hot in an instant. He slowly stood up as well, but not taking up space. The opposite, he even moved closer to you. As he tried to say something you quickly cut him off, not wanting to hear the things you fear the most yet. “Please let me talk first okay?” You asked, and breathed in and out. “The reason why I know this feeling of unrequited love so good is because...I’m...uhm I’m in love with- with you. Since a long time. Since the day I came to the hotel when I’m honest. Well it felt

like that for sure.” You started and couldn’t look at him, fixating a spot on his bow tie. “I was so afraid of you finding out and confronting me because you don’t feel those things and now it’s all out. I can’t believe it really. But I didn’t wanted to ruin the bond we build so I just hoped it would go away someday. A-and it will be for sure I just-” You cut yourself off. “You must be hating me right now. I can’t blame you for making fun of me, It’s really dumb from me to believe that someone like you could love someone like me even when it’s not even your fault you can’t feel those things…” You could see his feet moving closer to you so you looked up carefully as he suddenly grabbed your face in his hands and pulled you into a kiss. Your whole body was shaking and stiffened for shock as you shyly grabbed his wrists. His warm lips on yours felt like a piece of heaven and the strands of hair in his so perfectly placed hairstyle tickled you on the cheek. You could hear your heart slamming against your rib cage and you could hear the way he sighed as he pulled away for air. You stared at him, the raw shock in your eyes and lips parted. Oh there you are again, his goddess actually feeling the same way about him as he felt about you. “You are speaking so much nonsense sugar.” He said, his head lowered up to yours, gently grabbing your left hand and guiding it to his chest on the spot where his heart beats. His other hand wrapped around your side keeping you close to him as if you could disappear into thin air if he would not pay attention. “But- but why? You can’t love me, nobody’s ever done that before!” You tried to say but he only softened his smile and raised his finger. “You are a bit like your friend my sweetest. You can’t believe that someone really loves you. But darling I can tell you you drove me insane this whole two days as you were gone, and all the other days since I first met you.” He said, slowly placing his hands on your lower back. You continued to lay yours flat on his chest which were rising up in down in a breathless way, he was breathless. The static in his voice completely gone, what made him even more attractive than he already was. “I must admit to you and only you that I was scared...for once in my entire life.” He said, his eyes gazed over your face and stopped at your lips. “I was scared to have something to lose. But a good friend told me that we have eternity. And...I’m not used to this. But I want to try it. I want to try loving you the right way. When you can bring it over you to love a monster like me.” You were feeling sad for him. Did he really think that you thought about him so low? “You are not a monster.” You began, slowly reaching for his cheek. “Not for me.” You smiled. “We can try this together. We will start slow and take baby steps. Because I want this too.” You leaned your forehead against his. “More than anything.” “Good. Because I’m pretty sure I love you too, more than anything ever in my life next to my mother. Sugar” You smiled. “That’s sweet. And also the nickname.”

He looked at you smiling wider. “It is fitting for you.” He brushed off a strand of hair out of your face as he gazed at you with half lidded eyes. You two came closer until you stopped him gently with your hand on his chest. “You’ll tell me when you’re feeling uncomfortable with anything alright? Let this be our first rule.” “Oh so organized.” He teased and brushed your nose with his. He couldn’t hide the fact that his heart lit up from your words. “I agree. But the same is for you dearest.” You smiled. “Alright.” “May I kiss you now darling? Because the imagination I had of this couldn’t even reach the reality…” You chuckled but couldn’t hide the reddish color of your whole face from him. He chuckled too. He found it amusing how easy you were to fluster. “What’s the matter darling?” You pouted. “Nothing. It’s your choice of words.” You teased. “Oh you mean the fact that I think sinful thoughts about you? Or is it the way I’m calling you?~” You rolled your eyes and pushed him away playfully with your hand. He laughed, a laugh so truly and from the bottom of his heart that it made you melt. He took your hand from his chest and kissed it. Surprised you looked back and gave him a crooked smile. “Maybe it’s also the way you’re acting.” He pulled you close to him again. “Oh sugar you wrapped me around your finger. I’ll be damned…” You leaned your head against his, while stroking through his hair. “You already are. We are both.” A quick kiss from you on his lips made him press his lips against you again in an instant. You smiled as you could hear him sighting and as he got braver to explore your mouth. You let him take the control, wanting him to take the next step when he’s ready. This must be a dream. You thanked Blitzo to the universe that he couldn’t shut his stupid mouth. You hoped they will find their happy ending too, soon.

~~~~~~~~~

The full moon episode killed me so I had to add this trauma somehow :') I hope you like it you all!

[digi-lov]

Digimon Liberator Novel

[read on the official website] DEBUG.1-1 [Yuuki] - DEBUG.1-2 [HEAVY METAL PLAY] - DEBUG.2-1 [Winr] - DEBUG.2-2 [GOOD GAME]

First spoiler free, then more detailed including spoilers under cut

So the first 2 chapters of the Digimon liberator novel dropped last week! We don't exactly know how frequent it'll update, but most likely not as regular as the comic. First impressions on the main characters, I really like them. I think they are fun and interesting enough to drive the story. They don't feel like exact copies of previous characters, and make me exited for a fresh adventure!

As far as I could tell, the translation seems fairly good, but there was a mistranslation of a card effect. However the translation of TCG card effects can be a bit tricky, and the translators might not have known the official english wording. They also show the respective card right there, so it's easy to see what the effect should be, but it might be confusing to people who weren't already familiar with the cards.

Nevertheless I'm optimistic and looking forward to read more!

So now for a bit more detail

First off, I think they way they incorporate the player's tamer cards is really smart. A player get's their own blank tamer card, and can obtain various effects to add to it within the game, to customize their own tamer card to their play style. Nice! This way it doesn't feel like a weird 4th wall break for Yuuki to have a Yuuki Tamer card for example.

I really like Yuuki , immediately! She's fun, and she definitely has flaws and quirks to work on that'll make her interesting to watch grow. Her relationship with Impmon is nice too. Impmon is not exactly a serious character, but does want Yuuki to be a bit more serious, and recognize the weight of the situation. To an extend, Impmon wants Yuuki to take their partnership more serious in turn, I'd say. The way they talk to each other feels very familiar. You can tell they're close, not holding back complaining about the other. They bicker, but they also quickly drop the fight when needing to figure something out together.

Yuuki's Impmon, as most already know, get's a new evolution line: Punkmon, Loudmon, and HeavyMetaldramon. I love them! I like how it gives Yuuki and her Impmon more of an individual identity, than if they used a previously common Impmon line. The detail about Yuuki being a dancer, and vibing with the cool metal dragon is sweet too!

Also, I wonder if that Altea character is this girl from the poster? It's interesting that Impmon is not a fan of her...

Winr and FunBeemon's introduction was great too. Winr seems like a proud kid, without being feeling too stuck up. The story taking place after he's already known Yuuki for a year, really helps with his walls having started to come down already. I'm curious if his parents will be related to the in universe Digimon Franchise or Game Company in a way, or it they're just generic absent rich parents. Which, I don't think would take away from Winr's character if they are. I feel for him to want to escape from his home life into a virtual world. I love his relationship with FunBeemon. FunBeemon is very attentive to Winr's feelings, and cares a lot about him. And Winr doesn't get annoyed by it, but appreciates it, even though he doesn't quite know how to express it. The new evolutions for FunBeemon are also cool! I've like FunBeemon for a partner Digimon for a while, and I'm excited to see it finally happen!

I'm curious about Winr's real name too, assuming Winr is his username. Winr is a play on "winner", with his Japanese name サイキヨ Saikiyo being a play on 最強 (さいきょう) saikyou meaning "the best" or "the strongest". FunBeemon's nickname "Winnie" is キヨちゃん kiyo-chan in Japanese.

For anyone who's interested: Japanese first person pronouns

Yuuki uses the japanese first person pronoun あたし atashi, which is quite feminine, but as being too over the top girly is sometimes seen as disruptive, atashi also has a do-as-I-please kinda vibe sometimes. For example, it's used by Yuffie from FFVII. The even more cute-girly atai in turn is often used in media by very strong-willed, rough women, such as Plumeria fom Pokémon Sun&Moon, or the Gerudo women from the Legend of Zelda games. It can also be played straight as super cute too thoug, like with Vivian from Paper Mario TTYD.

Impmon uses オレ ore, which is a strong, proud, often masculine pronoun. In formal situations it would be considered rude, but it's normal for guys to use in a casual setting. Very rarely it is also used by super tough women in media, such as Kumatora from Mother 3, or Big Mom from One Piece. Eiichiro Oda mentioned himself knowing women who use ore, but this is quite uncommon and likely a modern developement. You go girls! Impmon also uses it in katakana, which gives it a bit more emphasis.

Winr uses 僕 boku, which is quite common for young boys, or more soft spoken men in casual settings. In media it is also occasionally used by girl characters that have a "tomboy" vibe, but also sometimes by female singers in their songs.

FunBeemon uses 私 watashi, which is technically a polite neutral pronoun, but using it in a casual setting has a feminine connotation.

PS: Sorry this took so long, I'm still very sick, and writing coherent sentences with okay spelling is diffcult.

[jonquilyst]

Day 20 - Socialization Day

Wow! Can you believe it's already the 20th day of TDS? With only 6 contestants remaining, it won't be long until somebody is crowned the winner...

We begin this socialization day with Enzo complaining about Coffee. Drew seems to listen, but Takashi overhears them from the other side of the mess hall, appearing... quite shocked. Hmm 🤔 More on that later.

This morning Flo was busy in the kitchen, feeling both both brave and generous. Drew became curious when she began smelling peanut butter in the mess hall. Soon after, Flo exited the kitchen to give Drew one of the fresh peanut butter cookies that she made all by herself, both as a symbol of their friendship and for Flo, to tell Drew that she's in fact a talented and passionate baker, hoping that she won't be seen as cringe in Drew's eyes.

Thankfully though, Drew happily accepted the cookie and ate it right away, wondering why it took so long for her BFF to admit that she loved baking. The cookie was absolutely fantastic too...

Flo also gave a cookie to Takashi before going back to her regularly-scheduled spying!

Which is a great time for her because guys... I think the peace that's held this group together so far might be starting to fall apart. Takashi suddenly accused Enzo of being mean to Coffee during yesterday's challenge, which Enzo FIERCELY denied! No one can say for sure how Takashi came to find out that Enzo was acting rude to Coffee, but like Flo, he also has the nosy trait. He's just not as... obvious... as Flo is.

The argument only ended when everyone came to the mess hall for dinner. Enzo was seen cautiously side-eyeing Takashi the entire time... Oof.

On the other hand, it was just a happy day spent at the campfire for Paulina and Liana, who are both oblivious to the drama that went down today!

Today's Confessional: Takashi Abbottsford

"I might not have been in the room when Enzo was being an ass to Coffee, but I knew it was the two of them. You know why? Because at this point I've known them long enough to recognize their voices. Besides, Enzo's the only other guy left! And he was definitely yelling... And as for Coffee? Well... I just know! And Coffee was looking really upset at the elimination ceremony. Not because she was eliminated- No. She was upset BEFORE the ceremony too! That's when I knew something happened."

"It's a good thing I heard the two of them, because it's not just me that knows what happened now. Flo and Drew know about it too! They know everything that's happened, so Enzo better watch his back! The fact that he was so quick to deny that he was mean to Coffee says a lot... Not to mention that I heard him complain about Coffee to Drew! Ugh!"

"Whether anyone believes me or not, I know the truth... Enzo is not to be trusted. I just... wish I could have saved Coffee from being eliminated..."

@seyvia @witheringscreations @akitasimblr @stargazer-sims @cowplant-ate-my-sim

@bloomingkyras

[darkkbluee]

What are your lawlight headcanons?

Oh, an ask? In my inbox? It took a while to realize there really was something in the inbox and it wasn't a bot this time. Anon, this is my first real ask, I'm so touched <3

To the topic! Lawlight headcanons! I have so many, I don't even know where to start. Some of them are AU genre specific, some are based on which arc/timeperiod it is. So many thoughts, how to summarize...

Warning: Below is a long ramble of a few headcanons and why I think that way. They're headcanons, and don't need canon or authorial proof to exist, thanks. Some of them might be AUs too, oops.

For AUs set in the early 2000s, where Light is first arc age. L realizes he's in love first. Not because L's older. Because of the circumstances Light grew up in.

Light is the eldest (and only) son of his family. He had his life figured out since childhood and never doubted he would do anything other than follow that path: Become a detective, chief, and eventually director. Get a girlfriend, buy a car and a house, marry said steady girlfriend, have two kids, the whole traditional family thing. You can even see hints of that in second arc.

When I first read the manga, I could see it in manga!Light. It seemed that way to me because it is sort of a common cultural thing between some Asian countries. Not anime!Light though, which is interesting, but not the point here.

So, Light does not realize he's in love, because he's never had the question of whether he's gay, because he never thought the reason he can't keep his eyes off L is because he's attracted to L, because 'attraction to L' is a non-existent concept in his consciousness.

Light is not dense, nor homophobic or anything. He recognizes when other men are attracted to him, he accepts that people can love whoever they want. He just never superimposes that image on himself.

It takes a whole long while for his brain to cook enough, to separate himself from the image he has in his mind. Then, he questions his sexuality and realizes he is, indeed, attracted to men as well. Or rather, one specific man. He has no sexual and romantic interest in anyone else and by that age, Light has experimented enough to know that.

Between Older Light and L, Light would be the first one to figure it out. But between 18 - 21 year old Light and L, it would L.

2. L is very specific about textures. His favorite, the one he discovers when he meets Light, is Light. Light takes very good care of himself, his face and body being as much a resource he uses as his brains.

Cue touchy L. L likes to run his fingers through Light's hair, he likes it when he can touch Light skin-to-skin, likes it when Light touches him back with his fingers.

As much as L likes watching Light (because L will freely admit he is a shallow creature and Light is very attractive to watch indeed), L loves touching Light more. He may or may not miss body language cues if he's too close to observe the full picture, but the trade off is worth it to L.

3. Light's long list of ex-girlfriends and admirers has stumped L many times. Especially when Light admits they all knew about the others. And that they don't begrudge Light for not committing 100%. And that they still happily help Light with whatever he wants them for even decades later.

Sometimes, it makes L wonder if he is just another victim of Light Yagami's charisma. Then he discards that thought because it doesn't matter. He has Light and Light is just as obsessed with him right back. L is the eventual winner and it doesn't matter who caught whom when they're both in it together.

4. They're both highly competitive. It translates over to board games as well. It's a Rule TM, posted on the fridge, notarized, signed and stamped by their friends and family, that they are never allowed to play Monopoly. And Uno. And Catan. And- [an increasing list of trade focused games].

Addendum - Twister should only be played in personal space, behind closed locked doors! — Sayu and Mello

Addendum 2 - Light is forbidden to play Jenga with Near. — L

That's all for now! If I continue, I'll never stop XD

Thanks for the ask, Anon!

[daydream-cement]

Larissa Weems Headcanons

Some Larissa Weems x Reader. Just a series of little things that I think about for Larissa. Most are just little things, not big enough for stories.

Send me your own personal headcanons for her or feel free to argue with the ones I've listed.

As a little girl, she always said she wanted to be a doctor. This changed quickly when she began at Nevermore and began taking outcast centered classes. That's when she knew she wanted to teach those subjects.

She has always had a desire to be a leader. It was her mentor at Nevermore who pushed her to get her principals license and apply for the position of headmistress when it opened up.

The scar above her lip is from her first year teaching. She was taking a student to the lycanthropy cages and they turned before she got them inside.

She had a critical mother and father. This led her to be hyper independent and over critical of herself. She attributes most of her success in life to this, but she is aware of how negatively it impacts herself.

She struggles to open up emotionally with most people.

She loves to go out with the other teaching staff for a drink or two at the end of the week.

Most of her life revolves around work, so most of her relationships are acquaintanceships or distant friendships.

While she spends a lot of time working, most of it is her going above and beyond. She plans and works more than she needs to in the first place.

She doesn't find herself unattractive, but she certainly doesn't think she is as attractive as you might tell her she is.

She sometimes snores but she will vehemently deny that she does

She takes forever to get ready in the morning, but she doesn't see it as a burden. She loves every second of it.

She wouldn't notice if someone had a crush on her, nor would she recognize most types of flirting. Typically, she just sees people as being friendly.

She gets flustered easily when you first start dating.

She tries not to tell people about her abilities. She worries people won't trust her or will ask her to shapeshift if they find out.

While she does have many bitter emotions towards Morticia, she misses her quite often. They were a wonderful duo that complimented each other well.

Larissa is not a fan of PDA, but won't hesitate to tell people you are both together. She loves to talk about you as she is very proud to be with you.

She loves TEA (sometimes coffee), but simply getting her to drink water is a challenge. Often she will say, "There is water in my tea/coffee. I don't need to drink water."

Because you are with her, you both attend many official dinners or conferences together. Due to this, you have developed a bit of a secret language with one another. Certain looks, glances, or pinches on the arm are different methods of silent communication.

She is a wonderful person, but she does enjoy people watching and occasionally poking fun at others. Her snide comments are only for you to hear though.

She understands technology to a certain extent. Loves games like Candy Crush or Solitaire, but will sit and listen to you explain social media to her. She refuses to download the apps no matter how many times you ask.

She is a frequent patron of the arts. Loves having art around her home, enjoys theater, and never is without a new novel in her purse.

She loves ABBA, Madonna, and Fleetwood Mac. Her favorite ABBA album is Voulez-Vouz

She has a tradition to watch every mamma mia movie at least once a year. Regardless if you like it, you will have to watch it with her. There will be singing along, the occasional quoting of the movie, but never interruptions that involve criticism of this 'timeless masterpiece' - Larissa's words

She is argumentative as hell. You have never been right and never will be right.

She is stubborn and competitive. She wants to be the winner of everything (even if it's not a competition).

[austinslounge]

Im just here to rant about the awards. I don't want to talk about his personal life anymore.

Anyways I'm just kinda upset that Austin might not end up with Major nominations for this year.

1.Dune is a sci-fi movie which are usually overlooked especially in the acting department

2. Everyone has forgotten about the movie

3. Their campaign is terribly weak. It's only Denis doing some screenings that nobody cares about

4. It's mostly because timothee is focusing on campaigning for the bob Dylan movie, it's an Oscar bait movie so he isn't campaigning for Dune 2 and Zendaya(even though she has no chance in an Oscar nomination) is campaigning for Challengers.... So because both leads aren't doing anything, Austin isn't getting any push from WB either

5. Forget about Bikeriders, it has no chance in anything

6. The critics and award experts aren't predicting him to get any nominations. The only chance he has was getting a golden globe nomination but that also seems unlikely.

7. I know I shouldn't be upset over this, not every role is award worthy. There are plenty of other actors who have been overlooked too but I'm still upset nonetheless

8. It's all the more upsetting because if he doesn't get nominated then there's less chance of him even attending these shows. So we probably won't see him on any red carpets for a while.

9. My only hope is that Dune 2 gets a SAG ensemble award so that would automatically make him a winner. Also hopefully Dune 2 will be nominated for the best picture at the Oscars so that he can attend the show with the cast.

End!!

Here's a hug for you girlie 🥰

I'm kind of bummed too, but I'll be honest, I didn't really expect much this year? I think my biggest bet would have been on "Dune: Part 2", but like you said, Sci-fi films aren't exactly awards bait, Timothée is putting more of his time and effort on the Bob Dylan biopic (rightfully so), and Zendaya is also putting more of her focus on "Challengers" (rightfully so).

I actually haven't even really seen Zendaya doing that much of a push for "Challengers", and she still got a nomination. 😅

But don't worry, Austin already has his Golden Globe award. Maybe this year will be Timothée's year. 😊 I'm happy for a lot of the other nominees this year.

While I'm kind of bummed that Austin's great performance in Dune isn't getting recognized by the major awards (yet), at the same time, I realize that there will be years when he won't be considered for any awards, and that's okay! That's just the life of an actor lol.

Don't worry though, I foresee plenty more nominations and award wins in Austin's career going forward. 😊 I'm just so thankful he's been able to do such wonderful work with such an amazing, talented group of people.

I would love for the Dune cast to get a SAG ensemble cast nod!

And let's still keep our fingers crossed for Austin being a possible presenter at one of these awards events. Keep in mind, he was in 2 films this year, one that has been critically-acclaimed, and, he also has "Eddington" coming out, and he's also been announced for "American Speed". So, he has a lot of buzz surrounding him rn, so they might ask him to present at one of these awards. I guess we'll see! 😊

Let's pray we get to see him on the red carpet at an awards event this year with the buzzed cut! 😁

[delphiealmond]

A Fallen Apple From The Apple Tree

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Pairing ➸ Lucifer Morningstar x Alastor

Synopsis ➸ Lucifer Morningstar believed that Heaven was a sanctuary, the best place for a soul to be in. Growing up with his brothers was the easy part, until God summoned him and his older brother Michael to guard over the portal between realms. Slowly, Lucifer begins to see how frightful Heaven really was. Sought out to defend the sinners of Hell, tragedy strikes among the Archangels. But a familiar face makes Lucifer think that maybe defending his opinion wasn't the worst idea he could've had. Does this familiar face bring him peace? Or does Lucifer end up getting stuck in another twisting cycle of lies and betrayals?

Warnings ➸ None for this chapter

⋆☾⋆𓅮❦⛧⋆☾⋆

MASTERLIST : Previous | Next

Chapter Seven (2.9k)

The Furtherance Day ceremony was what everyone dreamed it would be. Once Emily was welcomed into this new stage of her life, buffets, drinks and parties were opened up all throughout Heaven. No stores were open as everyone celebrated such a momentous day. 

Emily had her hands full, thanking the Elder Angels, talking with the winners of Heaven. She seemed happy to be in such a place. She seemed proud of herself, glad to finally play into the role she was made for. And it was beautiful, even as the day grew darker. 

Tables were set up outside of the courthouse halls, pointing off to the beauty of the Heaven’s clouds. The dimming blue sky coloured in pinks and yellows as the suns set for the day. The clouds mimicked the colours of the angelic sky. 

The light show was beautiful. Fireworks of magic that Emily recognized immediately. Purples, blues, whites. Gold and pink danced against the night sky. The booms echoed throughout Heaven, a feeling that shook Emily through her core, yet she smiled brightly as the show continued. 

She never expected to be so amazed. This day was more important than the day she was brought into this existence, and to watch a light show made by the one and only Lucifer Morningstar, nearly brought her to tears. A friendship she never expected to mean so much to her. 

Yet as the day went on, Lucifer didn’t get the chance to speak with her again. She was always swept up by someone else and chatted with, by the time he and the brothers were leaving, he didn’t get a chance to congratulate her. Though, he knew that the duck he gave her meant a lot to her. Even then, it brought a smile to his face. 

Stretching out on the couch, the brothers put on a movie, for their weekly movie night. Each of them dressed in their pajamas, cuddling stuffed animals or even just the blankets, Lucifer sat proudly in his duck pajamas with Duckie to his side. 

“Boys,” God spoke, pulling their attention away from the TV screen, and over to their father. Michael didn’t waste a second to pause the movie. “I am very proud of you today.” He smiled. 

Uriel sat up more, a bright smile on his face as he listened. 

“Each one of you respected the angels. I do admit, it could be boring, but I’m very glad you behaved.” 

“Thank you father,” Raphael hummed, burying his face into the fuzzy blanket he was wrapped in. 

“Michael, Lucifer.” He turned his attention to his eldest sons. “You did a wonderful job on the light show. I’m very proud of you. Your magic has come so far, and I can’t wait to see what you do with it in your futures, as they gleam ever so brightly.” 

Lucifer glanced at Michael, who sat up properly. He smiled at Lucifer before looking back at their father. 

“Thank you… It was a lot of fun,”

“And practice.” Lucifer commented, only to smile at his father. “I hope we can do something like that again soon.”

“Well,” God crossed his arms over his chest. “Perhaps that day might come sooner than you think.” He looked among his sons. He felt a gust of love and proudness cloud over him, thinking of how behaved they were today. A soft, caring smile appeared on his face. 

“Enjoy your movie, but then get to bed. You’ve all got a long day tomorrow.” He said. 

“Yes father!!” Joel shouted, before trying to take the remote from Michael. Michael held up his arm, stopping the younger from grabbing it. 

“Good night, father.” Lucifer smiled, getting himself comfortable on the couch. 

“Good night, my sons.”

~~~~

The red sky, decorated in orange and blood red clouds hung with an uncomfortable feeling in the air. Screams of souls lost in the world echoed through the streets of the damned. Uneasiness lingered in the hearts of souls who felt better off hidden than seen. 

Souls avoided the darkened streets, watching as powerful overlords ran sections of cities, places untouched by holy hands. The rings, pulsed with power, yet screamed with mediocre sinners. 

Dreams crushed in the hands of the rulers of Hell. Hope dwindled like a candle burning out. Such things didn’t bother to exist in a world of chaos and pain. A world, some had grown accustomed to. A world fit for demons and hellborns, sinners and Goetias. 

Standing outside his father’s office, his fingers played with frills at the ends of his sleeves, awaiting to be beckoned into the room. His ears twitched with the sound of a soul’s final scream before being blown to shreds outside of the building. 

Eventually, a Hellhound pushed open the door, welcoming him into the room that was shrouded in red and orange flame. The flicker of the fireplace illuminated the room, his father not at his desk, yet sat by the fire, whisky in his hand. 

“Alastor,” he smiled, standing from his chair. He placed the glass on the side table as the doors closed behind his son. “Up to no good recently?” He asked. 

Alastor’s tail whipped at the comment as he smiled at his father. 

“You know, spending my time with dear Rosie and watching sinners fight for nothing.” He said, his ears twitching. 

“Excellent.” Satan gestured for Alastor to sit as he stood by the fireplace. A room so familiar to him, yet in the moment it felt foreign. It felt strange to be called upon by his father, but he knew something was up. 

“What’s with the formalities?” Alastor pondered, tilting his head to the side. 

“Well,” Satan looked at the fire. “I think it’s time. You’ve done your research, you’ve shown me that you could be an excellent leader-” 

“Overlord was a title easy to earn, father.” Alastor smiled, crossing his leg over his knee. “A task so simple that it was almost shameful.”

“I know,” Satan chuckled. “But it’s growing closer to a time where you just might be one of the most important people in a room.” Alastor’s ears twitched to the comment. 

“Sounds intriguing.”

“Doesn’t it, though?” Satan headed over to the other chair, sitting beside Alastor. “You’re old enough now to take my responsibilities. And I know you're fully capable of doing so.” Alastor raised an eyebrow. 

“Take your responsibilities?” 

“Yes, well… Outside of the Wrath Ring that is. If you want to earn your spot in my chair, I need you to do my outside biddings. And as your son, I know it’ll be an easy task for you.”

“You want me to travel between the rings on your behalf?” Alastor asked, crossing his arms over his chest. “To what..?”

“Show them your power.” Satan smiled. “One day, I might not be here, Al.” Satan took a drink of the whisky. “And I need you to be able to take my place if that ever occurs. I’ve got a bullet pointed straight at my back and I’m wondering when it will hit me.”

Alastor listened, his ears twitching in their conversation. 

“I know Imps and hellhounds can do quite a bit. But I need you,” Satan looked at Alastor. “To be able to show me that you can take my place.”

“Are you implying that you’re going to die?” Alastor asked. “What again?” He laughed. “You’re such a good entertainment father.” 

“Alastor,” Satan chuckled. “Being in power is not about having power. It’s about controlling it, and demanding it. And with that, comes the possibility of being someone’s enemy.” Alastor raised an eyebrow. 

“Enemies are everywhere.” He hummed. 

“Yes, and if you build up enough enemies, you will never know who will get the chance to shoot you first.”

Alastor looked at the fire. The flames danced in the fireplace, warming the room as if Hell wasn’t already warm enough. 

“I’m giving you a very important role, here Al. I trust you with it. Don’t take it and think you’re superior now, because you’re not. You are still my son, and as of now, I’m still alive.”

“I won’t backstab my own father,” Alastor waved his hand in dismissal. “I’m not that horrible of a son.” Satan looked at him, for a good long while before he spoke again. 

“Promise me, Alastor.” 

“To do what?” Alastor turned his attention back to his father, only for the seriousness of the conversation to dwindle his cheery attitude. The expression on his fathers face was something he had only seen twice in his entire life. 

“I promise…” He muttered. 

“Good.” Satan messed up Alastor’s hair. “That’s my boy.” Alastor frowned, trying to fix his hair yet his tail wagged and thumped against the chair. 

~~~~

Days had passed since the ceremony, and winners hadn’t been happier. To greet a winner on the street who smiled so happily made Lucifer’s heart burn bright. Emily was already making a contribution to Heaven and it was already showing. Souls were singing their songs, sharing tea with breakfast and it was as if joy was floating through the air. 

Heaven was beautiful, bright and so joyful, even now. Though for the archangels, their jobs were just beginning. Of course, Lucifer helped Joel and Raphael at any chance he got. 

Teaching his brothers the greatness of interacting with Earth souls, showing them his own magic, in hopes to encourage them to keep practicing their own. Yet, he walked along the streets with his brothers, only to see the angel army soldiers walking through the streets. Angelic weapons in their hands as they barely even greeted souls who walked past them. 

It was like a darkness lingered around them that Lucifer didn’t quite understand. A darkness that he’s noticed before, but couldn’t quite place. 

“Luci, can we go visit some of the shops on the Promenade?” Joel asked, his expression full of nothing but boredom. Though the comment should’ve hindered his own spirit, he remembers being with Michael and going through this with Sera. It was boring at times. 

“Fine, but only a few shops.” He said, raising a hand. 

“Wait, really?” Raphael asked, his expression perking up as he looked at his older brother with excitement. 

“Yes, only for a few hours though. Then we gotta get back to your training.” 

“Training schmaining.” Joel complained, turning down a road that would lead to the Promenade. Lucifer frowned, following after his youngest brother as he tried to understand what he just said. 

“Don’t tell me I’m getting old…” he complained. Raphael laughed. 

“You? Old? Nah, that’s Mike.” He said, throwing his hands in his pockets. He caught up to Joel, walking alongside him as they began to talk about how boring their training was. How useless it was. 

Lucifer walked behind them, a small frown lingering on his face. Neither of them were getting old, Michael was only two years older than him. But then again, they were the oldest siblings of the bunch so he could understand where they were coming from. 

“Hey, Luci,” Raphael paused, looking back at the blonde. “Do you know why the military are wandering around?” Lucifer shook his head, spotting not two, not three, but five angel army soldiers on the promenade. 

“Just ignore them for now. They have to greet us, we don’t greet them.”

“That sounds harsh.” Joel muttered. 

“I know..” 

The three of them walked past the group of soldiers and all they did was bow to the three of them. Didn’t bat an eye, didn’t say a word, but just bowed to them. 

“What do you think they see?” Joel whispered to Raphael. 

“I don’t know, but don’t go asking that question. It could be impolite.” He whispered back. 

Lucifer watched the group of soldiers as they laughed with each other as they headed down the promenade, drinks in their hands. He watched them closely, watching as they made fun of what seemed to be the hierarchy. And with that, Lucifer stared at one of the cups in their hands. 

It exploded not a few seconds later, all over two of the soldiers. Immediately, Lucifer rushed Joel and Raphael into a nearby candy shop. He paused for a moment as the two brothers looked at him, confused expressions on their faces. 

“What happened?”

“Lucifer..?” 

“Nothing,” Lucifer smiled at the two of them. “I just didn't like what I saw. Anyways,” He put his hands in his pockets as he looked around the store. “How about you guys pick out… Four bags of candy, fill it ‘till your heart's content and I’ll pay for it?” 

“Wait really???” Joel cheered. 

“Really, go on.” He gestured, and the two boys headed off into the store, chatting with each other and stopping every now and then to look at the candy. Taking a deep breath, Lucifer crossed his arms over his chest as he peered out the store windows. He didn’t see any of the soldiers around, which made him sigh with relief.

Ever since it all began, Lucifer never liked the idea of the angel army. His childhood, often mistaken in a blur, rang to him whenever he saw an exorcist. Of course, regular winners couldn’t tell the difference between exorcists and angels, but Lucifer could. He had a few foggy memories in his head that he could mistake for dreams, but he felt an uncertainty in his stomach whenever he saw one. Even now, he couldn’t entirely place why. Yes, it was maybe rude to do such a thing, but he felt it fit right for some odd reason. 

~~~~

Discussing the day's plan was what Michael and Lucifer did almost every night. To the two of them, it was important to include what each brother needed to work on. Better yet, it was important to give them moments of clarity, a break between all of their work. 

The four of them weren’t being pushed as much as Michael or Lucifer were. Sera was a lot harder on them when they were growing up, that they promised each other that they wouldn’t be as harsh with their brothers. 

Talking about Joel’s magic practice and Gabriel’s flight tests made the night brush past them, and before they knew it, the rest of the brothers had gone off to bed for the night, while Lucifer and Michael stayed up talking. 

“And what about you?” Michael looked at him, resting his chin against the back of his hand. “What do you plan to do tomorrow? Who are you gonna take under your wing?”

“I had Raphael and Joel today…” Lucifer said, leaning back as his magic glittered in his hands. “I personally think I should stay home tomorrow, if I’m honest. Something happened today and I don’t really want to go out.”

“Oh?” Michael sat up. “What happened…?”

Lucifer glanced at Michael. At times, Michael seemed younger than Lucifer, but in other situations, Michael was able to take Lucifer’s hand and guide him. Perhaps that’s why he was so important in the family line. 

“Well…” Lucifer’s magic disappeared as he leaned forward. “Today we saw a few exorcists. They reacted fairly to us, but when they were walking away I could sense that they were making a fool out of the Hierarchy.” Michael nodded, listening to what Lucifer had to say. 

“So… I may or may not have exploded a drink in one of their hands…” He muttered. “It got all over two of the soldiers but I didn’t see what else happened because I pushed Joel and Raph into a shop before they could see it was me.”

“Why… were you afraid of them?” Michael asked, a frown on his face. Lucifer shrugged, slumping against the table. 

“Why did you do it…?” 

“I got mad. Or irritated?” Lucifer sighed. “I don’t like the exorcists, and seeing them make fun of the one thing we’re born for?” Lucifer looked at Michael. “It didn’t sit right with me.” Michael took a long deep breath. 

“Luci, remember that they are there to protect us. Without them, maybe our powers wouldn’t mean anything.” 

“I doubt that.” Lucifer sat up. “We’re much stronger than them. If we could, I’m sure you and I alone could defeat half the army in one attempt.” 

“Don’t talk like that.” Michael warned, a frown on his face. “We respect the army as much as they respect us.” Lucifer paused. He watched Michael’s face, watched his expressions. Maybe it wasn’t the right thing to say. He sighed, shaking his head as he ran his hands through his hair, messing it up entirely. 

“I’m sorry, I'll take it back.” 

Michael sighed, giving a firm nod as he looked at the schedule. 

“I’ll take Joel and Raphael for the day, and you can spend the morning at home, and the rest of the day with Uriel and Gabriel-,”

“There’s no need,” God’s voice startled both Lucifer and Michael. Their father, standing tall and arms crossed over his chest, had been standing there, watching the two of them talk with each other for who knows how long. 

“Tomorrow, Sera and Emily will entertain your brothers.” He said, heading over to the table. Lucifer and Michael exchanged looks. 

“Father? What about us?” Michael asked. 

“The two of you will be meeting me in my office at noon. I’m inviting you to a meeting, a very important meeting that you need to be involved in. it’s about time I show you your first step into the hierarchy.”

[astrae4]

AFFOGATO TELL YUU SMTH | chp 13

THE FINAL COMPETITION | wc. 910

warnings — mentions of prayer, anxiety, tears, cringe pick up lines

IT WAS FINALLY THE DAY. The long-awaited DDPA (Deobi Dance Performing Arts) competition finals. The sole reason Juyeon and I reunited once more. He had gone early long before I woke up to catch up on last minute practice. This was a milestone for him, and winning this would also mean that his chances of getting in DEOBI ENT. would be easier than drinking water. Nervous as I may be for him, I tried not to show it as I texted him my last goodlucks, saying that he’d definitely win the competition. (Though I wasn’t so sure about him being able to read that since his device was probably confiscated already.)

It had taken me an hour to get ready. And another 20 minutes to get to the venue. I was lucky to have decided to go two hours earlier, as even then the line for the competition was extensive.

I managed to get the third row in the middle area after a while. Now, I sit with a fresh bouquet of pink, plump peonies laying on my lap while my legs contradict the pretty flowers as it taps the floor restlessly.

After another thirty minutes of waiting did the lights dim, and my goodness, did the people’s screams shock me. The MC entered, giving out an introduction which fueled the onlookers’ anticipation. He then introduced the unbelievable line-up of judges which was brought before me. Even as someone who didn’t really know so much about dance anymore (yeah, I kind of stopped paying attention to it after I broke up with Juyeon the first time), I could still recognize some of the judges.

I might have attended a dozen or more competitions back in highschool, but none had been as crazy and grand as this competition. You could imagine how it felt performing if even me as an onlooker felt intimidated.

About two dozen people had performed so far, all of them different and impressive in their own way. (I would be lying if I didn’t pray that they’d all make a mistake so my boy would get a better chance) Now I am just wondering why it is taking so long for him to come out,

“Next to perform is….LEE JUYEON!”

I swear I’ve never screamed as hard as I have today.

Now, I already know he’s good. I mean, I accompanied most of his competitions back then, but the moment the first note dropped and he started, it was just…mesmerizing. This was totally different from back then. His moves were smoother, agility faster, and the body control he has now is insane. It captured me completely, as if I were trapped in a siren’s trance. I couldn’t say anything the whole performance, even when time seemed to speed up and he finished performing. Even when everyone stood to clap.

I only broke out in my trance when his eyes searched the room and met mine. He gave me a smile, and I smiled back. Gosh, I think I fell in love again. Is this man even real?

It took five more performances before all the participants finished their dances. One by one, the judges started giving out scores starting with the lowest. My goodness was it brutal…some of them left crying. (I would too if I placed last..) And finally, hope seemed to shine as only two participants were left for first place. Juyeon and another talented individual named Ji Changmin, whose dance contrasted Juyeon’s smooth moves with edge-cutting ones.

By this point, I was already very much nervous, hands folded as I prayed hard that Juyeon’s name would be called out in the first place.

“And the winner of DDPA with a whopping 97.2 score average by the judges is…”

Please, please, please, please, please—

“LEE JUYEON!!”

The crowd cheers, the tears spill.

It takes me a while before I can reach Juyeon backstage, seeing how surrounded he was by people. By the time I could see his hair, he was beside what I assume to be Eric Sohn and Kim Sunwoo. It seems that the man has a sixth sense for me though, as his eyes immediately drifted to mine, lighting up.

He seemed to say something to them to make them leave, before he approached me with a big and excited wave.

”Sora!” He exclaimed adorably, reminding me of a golden retriever.

“Juyeon!” I exclaimed back, giving him the bouquet, “You did so good, congrats!”

“Thank you!” He exclaimed, “for the flowers and for coming.”

”Of course, I love watching your performances!”

”Really?” He asked in a teasing tone, “Does that mean I can anticipate your presence in my future performances?”

This man is going to drive me crazy, but in no way was I going to back down now. Take the risk, you know?

”Of course I will. Who wouldn’t want to watch handsome men perform?”

”Oh..” He squeaked out, flustered.

“Cat got your tongue, baby?”

I laughed at his cute reaction. It seemed that I pushed him too much, as he seemed to break down (and by that I don’t mean dancing lol) in front of me.

“Haha~ I’m sorry, you can forget about that.”

“No! No I uh—Sora..” He let out, fumbling his words.

“Yeah?” I asked, “What is it?”

He scratched his neck, as if embarrassed about his next few words. I waited, though impatiently as he struggled to let out his next few words.

“I uh…Affogato tell Yuu something…”

previous | m.list | next

© astrae4 2024 | please don’t copy, translate, or plagiarize my works on all platforms!

[nevermindirah]

a gold-medal proposal in Paris

Transcript of NBC coverage of the 2024 Summer Olympics set two years after this Olympic meet-cute.

Kelly Clarkson While we're waiting for the next event to get started in the pool here at La Défense Arena let me take you to a mini ice rink in the stands where I've found two Olympians from the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing. Gold medalist Nile Freeman represented Team USA in speed skating, and Team France hockey player Sébastien le Livre who viewers may also recognize from the NHL, Stanley Cup winner with the Capitals and now playing for the Chicago Hockey Team. I hear congratulations are in order, you two!

Nile Freeman Hi, thank you!

Sébastien le Livre Yes, my fiancée does deserve another round of congratulations for her Olympic gold!

[Freeman beams.]

Clarkson Absolutely, and congratulations as well on your engagement! What a setting for it, what many consider the most romantic city in the world, and your home turf Sébastien.

le Livre Well, not quite — I'm proud to be from Marseille. But Paris is doing a wonderful job representing France to the world and I couldn't resist the magic of the opening ceremonies as a backdrop to ask this incredible woman to marry me.

Freeman After the Games we're spending a week in Marseille with Seb's family. This is my first time in France and it's been even more special than I imagined.

Clarkson You met two years ago at a very different Olympic Games. What was that like, connecting at such an unusual Olympics with strict covid protocols, and now experiencing all the crowds and the atmosphere here in Paris?

Freeman It's a little bittersweet sitting in a roaring crowd after our families couldn't be there with us in Beijing and there was so much stress with the pandemic, but the restrictions were necessary. They came with a silver lining, since it was easier to focus on competition, for me at least. We probably had more time to get to know each other than we might have if all of our loved ones had been there with us and if tourist destinations and that sort of thing had been open.

le Livre I wouldn't trade it for anything. [le Livre looks besottedly at his wife-to-be.] It's great fun to be at the Olympics on vacation, just a part of the crowds, not having to worry about preparing for the next event. The opening ceremonies were spectacular.

Freeman They were! That was all so cool, how they made the whole city feel like a stadium. The fashion show was my favorite, and the Assassin's Creed parkourist. [to le Livre] You weren't a little nervous though, with that ring burning a hole in your pocket?

le Livre No. You only make me nervous when you challenge me to a race, because you always win.

Clarkson Y'all are too cute! Maybe for your next race you could try swimming, see if that changes the rankings?

[Freeman playfully squints at le Livre, who shrugs with a smile.]

Clarkson Will we see you back on the ice in two years in Milan?

Freeman That's the plan!

Clarkson What are you most looking forward to here at the Summer Games?

le Livre The football, ah, soccer is high on my list, and just taking it all in with Nile.

Freeman Me too, babe. And I'm pumped to see my girl Simone Biles! This'll be my first time seeing her compete in person. She's such a badass and an inspiration.

Clarkson You and me both, girl! Simone Biles is married to NFL player Jonathan Owens of the Bears — sounds like a double date is in order once you get back home to Chicago.

Freeman Ha, sure, we're in!

Clarkson Thanks so much for talking to me! Enjoy your time here in Paris and congratulations again on your engagement and your accomplishments in both of your sports. Now back to you in the studio, Mike.

[Freeman and le Livre, holding hands, smile and wave to the camera.]

[inhibited-irregularity]

Since the voting was truly abysmal and the real winner was robbed by the corrupt juries, might as well make a "they deserved better" list including both semis and the grand finale and considering both juries and the general public. So, in an attempt to be as objective as I can, here's my

☆♥︎THEY DESERVED BETTER♥︎☆

In no particular order:

🇩🇪 Germany, Lord of the lost - Blood and glitter: I admit that I wasn't a fan in the beginning, and even made a post about how I wish that the rock entries went harder and that LOTL should either commit to hardcore or be more silly with the song. I found the cheesy lyrics delivered in such a serious and dramatic manner cringey, BUT, after their performance last night, changed my mind completely. First of all, I ADORE the lead singer's vocals (and he seems like a cool guy), and the song itself has some seriously good moments, not to mention how freakin catchy it is. Their energy was through the roof, the performance was flawless, and in spite of my initial reaction to the song, I bought it and genuinely loved it. It felt like watching a concert by one of my favorite bands. Not my winner, but I was really disappointed with how low they scored.

🇪🇸 Spain, Blanca Paloma - Eaea: ROBBED. Over the years, the juries projected an image of people that look for all things *artistic* in a song (even though it usually translates as a pretentious kid in art college with no real taste picking the thing they think their 50yo profesor would approve of). Well, they be blind, since Blanca Paloma brought IT, and they failed to recognize. Outstanding vocals, stunning visuals, the power of the entire performance, and all the emotion and significance packed into a seemingly simple concept. It was more like a movie scene than a musical competition entry, she transported me into another dimension and unlocked something ancient and wonderful. All the people I've talked to had different favorites, but they all had strong, immensely positive reactions to Spain. I literally teared up and had a spiritual experience with Blanca Paloma's performance, and the energy she exuded was undeniably healing, freeing and over-all cathartic. While I knew that her chances of winning were slim and I didn't count on the public vote, she deserved SO MUCH MORE from both general public and the juries.

🇦🇹 Austria, Teya and Salena - Who the hell is Edgar: One of my favorites from the very beginning. A quality pop song with a bop-y rhythm and ingenious lyrics. Under the guise of random and silly, there's quite a few things implied - the obvious criticism of the music industry and the more subtle "people are readier to believe that a ghost of a famous writer possessed me than that a woman can write quality lyrics and have a sense of humor" (shout-out to generations of men claiming Kurt Cobain wrote Courtney Love's songs and lyrics, work on your reading comprehension) While that might be a personal observation, here's what absolutely stands. They're adorable, funny, had a fun choreography, a catchy song, the lyrics that are fun even if you don't analyze them, great personalities, solid performance, perfect delivery and the right amount of quality with a dash of random that matches Iceland's Dađy Freyr and that y'all claim to respect. Shame on the audience; the jury can't recognize talent anyway.

🇸🇮 Slovenia, Joker out - Carpe Diem: Not much left to say. Good song, good vibes, all the charisma in the world. They had Måneskin's synergy, they had a good time, the audience had a good time with them, and they were confident in a non-pretentious manner. Special mention for Bojan, the lead singer, who's shown such sportsmanship, was truly an example of a perfect esc. representative. The entire band seems very fun to hang out with, and while they're goofy, they seem very smart with how they manage to balance witty and respectful in interviews. Members aside, their music is refreshing and perfect for people that find mainstream pop repetitive but aren't into anything too heavy. Perfect for a summer music festival or a feel-good playlist.

🇵🇹 Portugal, Mimicat - Ai, coração: you know she's something special when her entire home country shows such support and excitement. I wasn't a fan at first when I saw the national performance, it seemed a bit out-dated and frankly a bit too weird for my taste, but she changed my mind as soon as she took the stage in the first semi. In my opinion, a Broadway-worthy performance, and such personality! Fun aunt vibes, and one of the coolest people this year. When I grow up, I wanna be her.

🇭🇷 Croatia, Let 3 - Mama, ŠČ: The juries are such cowards, honestly. I was familiar with some of the band's history and not everything they did was exactly my taste, but what else to expect from a band so unhinged. I had some misgivings, but they won me over quickly. The punkest thing Eurovison has seen in recent years. That's how you do anti-war, Switzerland. Satire on point. Weird, meaningful, fun, grotesque. How something like that didn't do better in Eurovision is beyond me. But leave it to the cowardly juries that left Italy's Ermal Meta and Fabrizio Moro with almost no points to do just that. I'm still butthurt.

🇷🇸 Serbia, Luke Black - Samo mi se spava: Listen, I was NOT a fan. All the homophobes aside, everyone in the country and their mom was gushing about how original and unique the song is, which can be annoying to someone who's as exposed to various aspects of pop culture as I am (humble,I know), and I still think his singing could be better. At first, he was a bit awkward and seemed pretentious during the national selection. However, the performance did stand out, he amped his energy and put such effort, and there's no denying the flawless staging and production and how well it suits him, and over time, he's proved to be a funny, likeable and down to earth guy (with flawless fashion sense). I'm proud of him and how he represented the country, and he definitely didn't deserve to be at the bottom of the list.

🇮🇸 Iceland, Diljá - Power: I'm OUTRAGED that it didn't qualify and can only call lesbophobia idk. I mean, Im not familiar with her sexuality, but if I've ever seen something that doesn't give a damn about the male gaze, this would be it. Still, it's beyond me how she didn't qualify. One of the best vocals this year, not to mention she sung FLAWLESSLY while running and jumping all over the stage with zero breaks. The track itself is meh to me, but should be something that Eurovision fans enjoy; that being said, the vocal and performance can make or break a song with such a track, and she ATE. Power indeed, I was blown away. Her being super-cute is just a bonus. She has my heart and my votes ♡ Too bad people didn't agree.

🇷🇴 Romania, Theodor Andrei - D.G.T: Ok, I can't shout that he deserved to qualify, I knew the chances were slim and the song had some ways to go, not to mention the hot mess of a national performance. However, he doesn't deserve ANY hate that he's getting, and in my opinion, he was the best male vocal this year. I'm in love with his voice and he doesn't lack charisma either. I loved the re-vamp with the acoustic guitar, but at the end of the day, the stage was a bit empty. I will add D. G. T. to my playlist though, and I wish him a wonderful career and a powerful return.

🇱🇻 Latvia, Sudden Lights - Aijā; Well, this one hurts. I know it wasn't a fan favorite, but I was rooting for it so much and still think it deserved to qualify over some *questionable* entries. While it was something straight out of my high-school playlist, I didn't find it derivative and it was warm, touching and comforting. And beautiful, goddammit. I get how it's not everyone's cup of tea, but come on.

🇵🇱 Poland, Jann - Gladiator: Was this a jumpscare? Lol. No need to write a huge paragraph, the entire world knows that he was robbed. I've never seen someone so charismatic and meant to be a performer, and I enjoyed both the song, the lyrics and the delivery, even though I immediately noticed a similarity with Judas by Lady Gaga. However, I feel obliged to say that he should work on his vocals and that y'all wouldn't be so mad if he didn't look the way he looks. Still, the true choice of Poland, and I have no doubt he would've done great in the final.

AND FINALLY .....

THE ONE TRUE WINNER

💚💚💚💚🇫🇮🇫🇮🇫🇮💚💚💚

Käärija (my beloved) - Cha Cha Cha:

Ok, he didn't lack the love or the appreciation. But the RIGGERY. The ROBBERY. THE AUDACITY.

First of all, the song is a banger. It mixes industrial rock, techno and eurodance perfectly, with flawless transitions, while managing to catch the ears of people that aren't into any of those genres. Great intro that pulls you in immediately, and the pacing done just right. Now onto Käärijä himself. He's a fucking star. A legend. It's impossible not to like him. Every video of him I've seen was so much fun. Performance wise, great energy, great delivery. The song manages to appeal so many people with staying unique and checking all the boxes. Want something for the angst? He got you. Want something upbeat? Cha cha cha motherfuckers. Want weird? "My name is Kääärijää", there's our green man. Want quality production? Boy from Vantaa's got it.

The only possible criticism I can see him receiving is something along the lines of "it's gimmicky", which is frankly a ridiculous thing to say about a Eurovision entry (insert the Maryl Streep from Devil Wears Prada meme) and if it were gimmicky, he wouldn't have become the only artist to ever have his name chanted by the entire audience while Sweden gets points, and I wouldn't have replayed it so many times since it came out without getting bored. Honestly, one of the rare songs that puts me in a good mood, cos it has that "starting from anger and angst and acknowledging bad feelings and THEN bringing you to upbeat and happy" thing going on. Eh. Fuck the jury.

This concludes my list. Special mentions.

Not my cup of tea, but deserved the praise - Norway, Italy, Australia, Armenia

Deserved more public votes, undeniable quality, but faded into the background compared to my other favs - France, Czechia

Not for me but I get it- Moldova, Estonia, Georgia

+ Acknowledging Malta for pulling that performance and getting everything possible out of a song that relies entirely on one catchy hook. Most improved entry since the nationals, good show, likeable group, fun staging.

[simply-slytherin]

Hogwarts Legacy Hunger Games

Ok so here is the lineup of our tributes. Did my best to make them kind of district accurate but it wasn’t always possible. We are putting our faves through hell today let’s see who wins. (I also needed to pad out with some super background characters so thats why you might not recognize them all instantly!)

The games play out underneath the read more!

But beware it is a very long post, I tried my best to edit it down.

The Bloodbath

Bro who gave Garreth explosives?????

Day 1

Poor Arthur man, he tried. Also MC sleeping throughout the day is a little to realistic lmao. 

Night 1

Not us and Poppy having a moment in the middle of the Hunger Games!!!!

Sorry King stay strong.

Day 2

Love the Poppy and Ominis team up, go besties. Also I feel like Zenobia and Leander are bonding on be bullied.

Night 2

Ominis! you better be thinking about winning!!!! Also seeing Sebastian and Garreth working together? A crazy thought. Also some more sadly lore accurate moments lol. We love you Amit

Day 3

OMINIS what did Lucan do to you?!! Also love the MC “anonymous” sponsor we know its you Fig.

ALSO WAIT GRACE AND SEBASTIAN TOTALLY BETRAYED GARRETH FROM THE DAY BEFORE LMAO. Slytherins over bros I guess.

 RIP Natty, Garreth, Imelda and Lucan.  

Night 3

Omg Poppy and MC goin through it and Ominis is just a killing machine.  OMG WAIT SEBASTIAN!! This is too close to home.

Day 4

Look at Amit being a hero, what a guy RIP. Also not us stalking Seb lmao

Night 4

Poor Seb :(. Also Amit kILLING US? Like dude!! I’m sorry we brought you on a quest ONE time!

RIP us and few others.

The Feast

No Sebastian!!!! Rip :(

Day 5

With so many gone the days info are much smaller.

Poppy!!! RIP. Why are Cressida and Ominis like proper rivals here. They worked together, both contemplated winning and are doing the same things.

Night 5

Bro they really do be teaming up. I wonder if they are going to be the last two standing.

Day 6

Op there goes Amit. RIP 

Arena Event

OMG! Ominis for what his third kill?

Well that makes Ominis our winner!

so proud of our boy

[maxphilippa]

*rises up from the grave* So... how was TPOT 7 for you?

for what it's worth (i'm not exactly attached to these guys, but i do find them endearing), it was. heartbreaking??? to say the least?

I adore Two and how even despite everything they do care deeply about their contestants. Like, they didn't HAVE to get involved on Clock's & Winner's whole thing, but they still gave Clock a chance to try and fix things with Winner (even though that might just take a while since ever Winner was,,, happy? Conflicted?? Still uneasy about what Clock did, even if it was on good faith), makes me think that Clock's actions had such a big impact on Winner that they don't even... y'know, even feel a bit of pity on Clock's elimination. But it makes absolute sense. Makes me wonder even more if something similar with Loser happened to Winner. Why were they the one that got left behind? And forgotten? Makes me wonder stuff at times.

Basketball's and Robot Flower's scenes broke my heart. I am very emotional about characters who have identity crisis because they can't be recognized nor loved by those who are "their friends", and about robots who were made initially to live off at the expectation of someone, and meanwhile they're now their own person- it's still difficult for them to accept that. Now, Robot Flower wanting to be like Flower really made me feel sad. In a way I could relate to it- RF felt so forgotten, since Basketball was the only one that cared enough, that she (I think RB uses she/her pls tell me if not i can't remember things well) wished to be like the OG Flower.

But... that's the thing. OG Flower went through things before she was truly recognized as a good person- she had to deconstruct herself from her selfish persona in order to be loved to be first, to understand that if she wanted to be loved, she had to love others too. That's why she's besties with Gelatin and is in good terms with the rest of the BFDI/BFB cast post-finale! And RF has the personality of S1 Flower and...

I genuinely hope RF ends up learning that she doesn't have to be like Flower in order to be loved. She was already kind of growing into her own self. I hope that RF does get to have an unique arc though- I hope RF grows into their own.

Oh and Tree's death- that was certainly something. Man got literally decapitated. And how the PACT is not doing so well afterwards. i personally don't really care about pillow but i guess her interactions with fanny were alright

fanny also had her reasons to be rightfully frustrated and so did lighting- seeing them understanding eachother was very nice too.

and the post cred scene????? man!!!! that was so sad and at the same time kind of an WHAT THE FUCK type of thing

that's the thoughts i'm having

[clothyume]

Forgotten Homework Episode 7

(Nearly one hour later)

Kaoru: Ah, look, Moricchi. Do you recognize that building?  

Chiaki: Ooh, I do remember it! That means this must be the usual shopping district 

If we can get this far we don’t even need to rely on signs or intuition. We’ll be at ES in no time…✩

It’s all thanks to you that we’ve come this far without getting lost, Hakaze. Thank you so much, I’m glad you’re my assistant 

Kaoru: You’re exaggerating. Anyway, I’m worried that this is going so well the programme wont have any footage 

Like Mirsuru-kun’s team. They stopped at a bakery on the way. Maybe we should’ve made detours like that 

Chiaki: Maybe. We should've jumped into the ocean after all. Or maybe we could’ve played in the water…

Kaoru: Eww~... Isn’t that stuff meaningless unless you’re with a cute girl? 

Chiaki: Why!? Didn’t we go on a date together…! 

Kaoru: Are you talking about the “Date Plan concept”? Didn’t I tell you that wasn’t a date 

Well, even though we didn’t get a lot of footage, I guess I enjoyed it like a refreshing little vacation 

It’s been a while since I could talk so freely with Moricchi, kinda feels like I’m a student again 

If the season was right, I would’ve loved to go surfboarding together 

Chiaki: Feel free to invite me. Though we’re both busy with work, so it might be hard for us to find time together 

Kaoru: Yeah. If I have time in summer, I’ll invite you 

Mitsuru: We’ve arrive~d☆ Nagisa-senpai, is it okay here? 

Nagisa: …Look, Tenma-kun. Don’t you recognize that shopping mall? 

Mitsuru: Ah, I know it. Amazing, it’s just like you said Nagisa-senpai! I can run all the way to ES from here!  

Chiaki: Ooh, if it isn’t Tenma-kun! I didn’t expect to see you here 

Nagisa: …Phew. Those two haven’t reached the goal yet, Tenma-kun

Mitsuru: They said they were doing well, so I thought maybe they’d already reached the goal 

Chiaki: Hahaha. We thought our team would be first too 

Seriously, I didn’t expect you guys to catch up this soon…

Mitsuru: Ehehe. It’s all thanks to Nagisa-senpai 

I happened to find a bus stop, and from there I followed the names of places that Nagisa-senpai had seen before and we ended up here! 

Nagisa: …I used to read atlases as a part of my reading habits. I didn’t think it would help here.

Kaoru: You read atlases? Rather than reading, aren’t you just looking at it? 

Nagisa: …Fufu. I like to imagine the origins of a town based on its location and topography

Mitsuru: Anyways. We’ve caught up to Chia-chan-senpai’s team now. But we still don’t know who the winner is!  

Chiaki: Yeah, exactly. We were worried our team was doing so well that we wouldn’t have enough footage, but I think we’ll be able to capture a heated competition…♪

Alright! It’s settled, we’ll reach ES first! 

Let’s go, Hakaze…♪

Mitsuru: Ah, no fair, Chia-chan-senpai. You didn’t even stay start first! 

Kaoru: Ahaha. When those two are together it gets lively. No, maybe it's better to say I get restless? 

They’ve both completely forgotten that this project isn’t about competition 

Nagisa: …By the time we’ve gotten this far we’ve already reached the original purpose. So I don’t think there’s any problem with competing from here 

Kaoru: Speaking of which, I wonder how Kiryu-kun’s team are doing? 

Do you think there’s a possibility they might’ve overtaken us while we were waiting? 

Mitsuru: He~y, Nagisa-senpai! How long are you gonna stay over there? Chia-chan-senpai is gonna take our victory if we don’t hurry! 

Chiaki: You too, Hakaze! Tenma-kun’s team will beat us at this rate

Kaoru: Alright, I’ll come now. Jeez, it’s hard looking after such an energetic kid~

—Oh, the replacement smartphone is ringing, it’ll be Kiryu-kun won’t it? 

Chiaki: I was just wondering what he was doing 

Nagisa: …You don't suppose he’s passed us, like Kaoru-kun said? 

Mitsuru: Eh? What did Hakaze-senpai say? 

Kaoru: I just said that Kiryu-kun’s team might be the first to reach the destination 

Though it’s starting to feel a bit more realistic now that they’ve called us like this 

Mitsuru: Eeh, no way…!? 

Chiaki: Don’t give up so fast! We still haven;t picked up. We should answer 

Kaoru: Hello. I didn’t think you guys would call us. What’s up? 

I’m not sure of it but, have you already arrived at ES? 

Shu: "...Something unthinkable has happened"

Kaoru: Eh? Something unthinkable? 

Shu: "We won’t be able to return to ES today"

Previous | Next

[khiphop-discussions]

RAP:Public Ep.1 Thoughts

I like the idea of the masks to conceal identity. This is similar to Hip Hop Tribe 2 where the auditions were blind until after a certain point in the performance. Also, having the rappers judge is a good idea.

Spoilers below this point

I knew Khan just off the voice lol but then his hoodie fell off and exposed his hair.

It was Gamma. I'm not too familiar with him so I'm not shocked I didn't recognize the voice.

I can tell just by all the promo on ig, including in-person events, and the clips of Khan at the beginning of the episode that he's gonna be a major player in this season.

2nd battle: 1 vs 31 Omg I don't recognize the voice (1) but it feels like a native english speaker. Is 31 kitsyoji? Or mckdaddy? O'domar, yeah I NEVER WOULD HAVE GOTTEN THAT ONE! Oh but 1 is kaogaii so it wasn't a native english speaker but was someone friends with kitsyoji and mckdaddy lol. Kaogaii did good

3rd: Noh Yunha (10) vs (28). I think from the hair #28 might be Mackidd. Oh no, I think from the voice it's Sky Minhyuk. If so, he's improved a lot from smtm9. Could still use more work but has nonetheless improved. Oh I got it RIGHT! Yunha trying to get that red bull endorsement lol

4th: This is polodared, can tell by size (50) and "the turn off the beat thing" lol vs (30) yang kyle the winner of rapcup (didnt watch the show so I don't know anything about him)

5th: Haon? Nah it was Marv

From here they show a lot of rappers but no battles.

Moon came on the show?!? That's unexpected

Next battle (7th of the episode): 13 (seems like a native english speaker, no clue) vs 51 (no clue) until the MOMENT he started rapping! Fleeky Bang OBVIOUSLY! His style/voice is SO obvious! Still no clue who 13 is I don't think I've ever heard of him. 13 won by being entertaining. It's hardnto out-entertain Fleeky so damn, that's crazy. 13 is Double Down. Never heard of him until now. But he's cool with foggyatthebottom so I'm sure Chillin Homie and some others from the khiphop scene know or have heard about him.

8th: 4 vs 33. I have no guesses for who either one is. Number 4 just said "Bitch" at the end after messing up so bad lol. 4 is goldbuuda. Xwally. They showed VIIN in this episode too. So I'm interested in seeing how far they go.

9th: 40 vs I think Since? (29) vs 40 is Geegooin! Im sure of it! Lol both so recognizable. Except to Yunha I guess. He didn't recognize Since. The vote was 56 to 2. I think the split was a bit unfair. Geegooin did do really well but I guess Since was so impactful.

Here's another montage of people without showing their battle:

Boi B is also here. Mckdaddy was here (I wonder if I would have guessed him right this time if they showed his whole battle from the beginning?). Reddy. Jo Gwangil.

9th: 39 vs 8. I don't know who 39 is but maybe Olltii? Or is he still in the military? I don't think it's him? Something about him reminds me of Olltii though. 8? It seems like a lot of the rappers know who he is just based on mannerisms and voice but I can't figure it out. I think 8 won but both did good. Let's see how the rappers vote. 39 was osun. I'm not very familiar with him. I've only heard him on the "GWTM (remix)" so I am excited to see more of him on this show. 8 was Haon. Ok, now I feel like Yunha with Since lol. How did I not realize it was him. I don't listen to Haon that often so I guess it makes sense lol.

Damn, Haon seems so different now compared to HSR2 from the energy he's showing. Obviously he's way older and has more experiences and responsibilities. So it makes sense.

10 th: 45 (no clue) vs 34 (no clue) Based on his style, it seems like if I listened to him often I'd definitely know who it was. So I suspect I don't know this artist. Same with 45 due to the nails and the rap style. 34 wins. Wait, 45 is cocona? Like the kpop girl from xg(?)? She pretended to not be good or something? Wait they didn't mention it so I think she just has the same name. Zene tha Zilla was 34. I don't listen to him often lol

11th: 14 is Don Mills cause everyone already recognized him so they revealed him like they did with Yunha. He's facing 11. I can't tell who he is off mannerisms or hair so I'll wait until he speaks. Nope can't tell. He's speaking Spanish(?) Is it the guy from AP Alchemy? Why can't i remember the name? Vapo? or was it the other one (edited after the battle: I was thinking Chu Seo jun as the "other one" but Vapo was the correct one who speaks Portuguese, not Spanish lol)? Either way, 11 won so we'll see right now. Nah, it was Daniel Jikal. Not familiar with him

12: 23 vs 27 not sure. i think I head some okashii members would come on. I'm not very familiar with them (only heard a few things earlier this year or last year) so could this be them? Well 27, says he doesn't know 23 but it could be an act. Both acted pretty aggressive (27 saying "That shit is weak" to 23s rap. Then 23, touching 27. 23 was Mason Home so I was right about okashii but only based on luck (randomly remembering that I saw rumors that okashii members were coming on the show). 27 was shyboiitobii...i don't think I've ever seen his face. Omg hes cute af 😍😍...🤣🤣🤣. Looks like he gets in some drama later on in the season.

13: 32 (Owen). I didn't guess it. I was too busy writing about 12 lol

14: 46 (not sure) vs ?? He did sound familiar but I remember thinking "He sounds like Justhis somehow but I know it's not him" lol That should've been the giveaway. (Edit: the one with a familiar voice/similar to Justhis, was Khundi Panda)

Kaogaii hates being calles a loser lol

15: 41 vs 18: I don't think I'm familiar with either artist. 41 somehow reminds me of Chillin Homie but I know it's not him. Both are really good. 41 wins. 30 to 28. 18 is Luci Gang. I am familiar with her lol I don't listen to her that often. I do like what I've heard of her. Chaboom?!? Obviously, I'm familiar with him but I haven't listened to him since the last smtm season he was on. Maybe 6?

16: 53 vs 54. I'm not sure about 54. But I think 53 is Hash Swan. First based on the height (someone mentioned that 54, a girl, was taller. So that was telling) but then the voice was a DEAD giveaway. Seems like the guys have crushes lol. Hash lost. Hippie Kunda. Yeah, I've never heard of he by name. But I think i have heard of 99 Nasty Kids group she talked about. Only in passing though.

17: 19 vs 48. Oh 19 is obviously Loopy lol. Just like Swan, the voice gives it away IMMEDIATELY! Not sure about 48. Loopy wins 57 to 1. 48 is Punchnello?!? Damn. People are shocked he got beat that badly. Apparently, his score of 1 is the worst vote so far.

Loopy says he hasn't kept in touch with anyone from mkitrain. But him and Owen recognized each other's voice. Loopy almost walked past Owen without any acknowledgement once the masks were off. Owen acknowledged him first. And cried on his shoulder.

18: 25 by himself but wasn't there supposed to be 60? Why does someone not have an opponent? Oh there is another person, 35.

25 sounds familiar but I can't put my finger on it. 35's voice might be too obvious so that's why he won't speak. Honestly, his rap ALSO sounds familiar but I ALSO can't put my finger on it lol. Oh, Busan in the lyrics. Must be J-Tong. I guessed northfacegawd (which doesn't make sense because they sound nothing alike) and then later on he said northfacegawd in the lyrics. The Jtong guess was pure luck because like the okashii one. I remembered I heard rumors that he was on the show once I heard "Busan" in the lyrics.

25 got 3. 35 got 55. 25 was Bizzy so that's why he sounds so familiar.

They don't show 35. They left it as a cliffhanger but I'm certain it was J-Tong.

[melliotwrites]

What exactly is the Phaethon Prize? I don’t think it says what it is in Adamandi, but it must be important if Vincent and the previous prize winners go to such lengths to get it

It's described in A Word to the Wise! (and somewhat intentionally vague- the intended reading is that the prize only has value because of the lengths people go to in order to get it.)

If you're wondering what a winner receives, it isn't a physical prize, but a graduation honor ("a highly competitive award, given to a single senior in each graduating class") -- basically a title of distinction that future schools, employers, etc. will recognize as incredibly prestigious. Usually these things might also come with a bit of cash, but the real reward is having a line to put on your resumé signifying you beat all the other students to get it.