#I'm so friggin frustrated

[parachutingkitten]

Send me asks to help numb my brain while I fight the yt copyright bot...

[bunnysbrainrot]

A Lesson in Manners

Relationship: Dean Winchester x f!Reader

Content: Romantic tension, protective Dean, alcohol consumption, a weird guy ft. the way Dean handles it.

Summary: After a long, exhausting day of hunting, Team Free Will unwinds with drinks at a nearby bar. You're enjoying your time until a stranger decides to pester you, but that won't go unnoticed by Dean.

The signature purr of the Impala faded as Dean turned off the ignition, releasing a heavy sigh, a defeated and tired noise. Whatever nasties they have down here in Georgia have been difficult. All signs in this case were pointing to a djinn, but without getting in closer, there was no way to be completely sure.

That risk was left to Sam and Dean, as they had told you yesterday, when the research finally fell into place.

Sam's lips pressed into a thin line as he stared at his laptop screen, his brows twitching. He deadpanned and looked to his brother, "Djinn. How the hell didn't we think of that yet?"

Dean matched Sam's frustration with a scoff. He simply shook his head.

Djinn were unfamiliar to you still. Though you had done a fair bit of research, helpfully guided by Sam, and learned quite a lot. But, you also knew that research and experience were very, very different for a hunter.

"Awesome, so... what?" Dean inquired, raising a brow at Sam. You sat in the small armchair in the boys' motel room, looking between them. "We gonna go into blood-sucking paradise-dream-world again?"

Sam flashed a quick smile, "Let's just hope it doesn't come to that. Do we have any more lamb's blood?"

Dean's expression changed to annoyance, "Not after that dickbag Balthazar used it for that stupid parallel-universe crap." He crossed his arms over his chest and threw his head back in thought. "And where are we supposed to get it, anyway? We're in the middle of friggin' nowhere."

"Cas?"

"If we could even get a hold of him."

"I'm sure he's still listening, Dean. I know he's been here and there for a while, but-" Sam explained.

Whirling to face his brother, Dean countered, "'Here and there'? Sam, we basically wait three to five business days for him to give us anything. If he's so focused on Heaven right now, let him stay up there."

You had seen Dean's rising upset with his friend for a few weeks now, seeing the angel's presence less and less. Castiel didn't indulge any details, and kept recollections vague - but, the lack of transparency had been taking a toll on the group.

He’d been absent for two weeks now. Nothing.

Dean's lengthy sigh showed his stress. He brought a hand up to his brow; Sam rolled his head to stretch his neck in the passenger seat.

"I need a fuckin' beer," Dean breathed.

You laid a hand on his shoulder from the seat directly behind his - Sam was more conversational on long drives, so sitting on the left side gave good distraction in the long hours on the road. Dean craned his neck to you, looking to you expectantly.

Because as much as he didn't like to admit it, Dean craved the moments when you touched him.

You couldn’t tell if you spooked him, judging by the way Dean froze in his seat, eyes boring directly into yours. A grin spread across your face, "Let's get shitfaced."

Dean shook his head and pointed to you, "You don't wanna get to shitfaced level with me, sweetheart. Just a few beers. Plus, I’ve seen you get tipsy even after one."

Each of you started stepped out of the Impala, respectively stretching your achy legs, or arms, or backs or neck and everything else. No matter the hunt, the soreness remained the same. You released a groan as you lean backward, flexing your stiffened spine. Dean neared and landed a gentle pat between your shoulders to get you moving along.

You noticed how quickly Dean pushed ahead to open the front door, before you had the chance to lift a finger. He looked into the cracked door - an assessing glaze cast over his eyes. Always on the lookout for danger.

Who could keep you safer than Dean Winchester?

After all of his impressive feats so far, it’d be hard for someone not to admire Dean. Saving the world was easier on the drawing board, and with having been to hell and back, you couldn’t fathom the willpower he gained to push past it. Not a semblance of that traumatic experience showed in that handsome, stoic face.

Dean pressed the door ajar to make way for you and Sam. You scanned the tables and stools at the bar; patrons scattered around in clusters, each chattering and laughing amongst themselves.

The thick smell of liquor filled the air. You noticed the hints of whiskey, oddly reminding you of Dean, and the way that scent mixed with his cologne. You memorized that smell from his occasional hugs, or times where you’d sit together, and you’d wondered if he could hear your heart hammering in your chest.

Sam led the way toward a taller table in the corner of the joint, settling in a stool closest to the back emergency exit. You eyed the stool at the outer side, but a creeping feeling dawns on you - someone is staring. Settling into your stool, you took the chance to swivel around, looking for the source of that persistent feeling.

At the bar, a man with a scruffy beard had his eyes trained on yours, roving over your form in the chair. You exhaled, fighting back the feeling of disgust, and turned back to Sam, plastering on a terse smile.

“What is it?” Sam asked, his brows furrowing in concern.

You paled slightly, the man’s stare still honed in on your back, “Dude at the bar has a staring problem.”

Sam leaned casually to reach for his pocket, craning his head for a swift second. A glint in his eye told you he’d found the perpetrator. Footsteps approached from behind - a familiar pattern, one you’d heard every day, and without turning you’d known it was Dean. A careful brush of his hand between your shoulder blades eased you, a gentle reminder he was here.

“Bottoms up, buttercup,” Dean teased, placing a shot of amber liquor in front of you, himself, and then his brother.

Three lime wedges rested on a plate, along with a salt shaker. You glance at Dean with a ‘seriously?’ look, and he gave a signature Winchester grin. You did say you wanted to get shitfaced. And hell, it could help with that looming creep. You licked the back of your hand and sprinkled some salt.

“To figuring something out,” you proclaimed, raising the shot glass. The boys follow your lead before clinking them on the table, and tossing their heads back.

The tequila burns the back of your throat, but the lime helps you ignore it. Sam held a steady face while Dean grimaced at the burn.

You giggled softly, “Can’t handle tequila, Dean?”

He flashed a toothy grin, and a quick middle finger. Your giggle evolved into a bright laugh that drew one from Sam, too.

“Bet you couldn’t handle pool, though,” countered Dean.

Sam eyed you from the side and threw a knowing smirk. You’d never back down from a challenge, especially when it was Dean testing you. There was a desire to beat him at his own games, to show him you could match his skill and then some.

Then there was the chase of it - cycles of teasing comments and passing glances, but never a break in the tension.

Your voice lowers, “I’ll take you on any day, Winchester.”

The jest made Dean grin. The chase was on again.

Sam stayed behind when you and Dean claimed a vacant pool table, letting you set yourselves up for the perfect one-on-one.

Dean nodded to you and eyed the cue ball. You bend at the waist over the table, and felt the creeping feeling again. It radiated along your spine to the nape of your neck, as if your body was set ablaze under the stranger’s stare.

Until suddenly, you had company.

“Say, think you could spare me a game when you’re done, beautiful?”

The voice matched the face. It was nasally with a copious amount of douchery; another entitled asshole who got involved when he wasn’t wanted.

Across the table, Dean’s brow twitched.

“Listen bud, we’re just getting started here. Plenty of other folks in here who can play you,” the edge in Dean’s tone was a warning in and of itself.

You hitched a breath awaiting the man’s reaction.

Out of the corner of your eye you spotted Sam sliding off his barstool, slowly making his way closer to your pool table. He idly looked at his phone, but kept a watchful glance.

“I’m sure you’ll have the time for another one, right, baby?” The stranger’s words slurred stupidly. He didn’t address Dean with meeting his stare, and instead fought to have yours. He closed the gap between you two further - the smell of alcohol lingered on him, thick and nauseating.

You bark, “You’ve got ten seconds.”

“Oh…. hic… ten seconds ain’t enough for me, sweetheart..”

Dean’s voice was taunting, probably trying to pull the dickbag away from you, “It’s plenty for us.”

Finally, the man looked to Dean, straightening his posture at the height difference. He was lean, but couldn’t hold a firm stance, by the looks of it. The man scanned Dean top to bottom before turning back to you.

Before crossing a crucial line.

A foreign hand stroked your spine, making you recoil. Anger contorted your features as you warned him yourself.

“Try that again, fucker,” you spat with disgust. You could still feel the touch on your back. Gross.

The man’s lips tug into a smile, and the anger continued to brew. Of course, you were not the only one with that bubbling rage. Dean has closed the distance before you could register he’d moved at all.

Dean loomed over the man with a haunting glare. To add fuel to the fire, the man had the gall to grin at the threat, raising his hands to Dean’s chest.

“Come on, jus’ gavin’ a lil’ fun,” said the stranger.

In one swift motion, Dean collected the man’s wrists with one hand, and delivered a hook with the other.

The blow knocked his head to the side. Other patrons turned to the scene unfolding - some turned back to their drinks, some kept staring. You gasped when Dean landed another strike, sending the man tumbling to the floor with a resounding thud.

“Dean, that’s enough, he’s-“

He didn’t react to your objection.

Behind the commotion, Sam’s eyes widen with shock, though he smiles with satisfaction at the takedown.

A final shove put enough distance between you and the pathetic drunk. You turned to see the bartender giving Dean a stern look, but they return to filling a pint glass.

You panted softly while the stranger walked away, bracing his bloodied chin with his hand. You looked to Dean and found his attention back at the pool table, letting out a frustrated grunt. There wasn’t a way to thank him. No need. The man had made great strides in protecting you, enough to reassure that you didn’t have to offer thanks. It came naturally, protecting one another.

Sam made his way back to the table and returned to his stool, shaking his head in disbelief, a smile on his face.

What a night, right?

It was Dean’s voice that brought you back to your senses. That same voice that calmed you, that ignited your body to its core.

“Alright, sweetheart, you go first.”

——

“Dammit, whathefuck- that isn’t fair-“ you protested. You’d lost, but kept trying to knock the striped pool balls into the pockets, insisting that there was some sort of rule to let you go until you were fully done, including the cue ball.

Sam handed you a glass of water, which you sipped on immediately. Your fingertips slowly grew numb against the cold glass.

Dean chortled as he collected the pool balls, “Shitfaced and pool don’t mix well, do they?”

You let out a tipsy laugh and shake your head at him. The moment stilled, where the rest of the scene faded away. Dean scanned you over, and held a too-long look. A small spark lit behind his eyes.

“Let’s getcha home.”

Thank you for reading! I liked this idea, and I think it could easily have a second part. Vote in the poll or me know in the comments if you’d like to see where this goes!

[barblaz-arts]

I think people have been accustomed to couples being in that honeymoon phase when they’re shown onscreen together. We ALWAYS see that with newly-established couples in pretty much any type of media… But that’s not Chaggie.

Charlie and Vaggie have been together for years. Their honeymoon phase has long past. They’re not doing outlandish displays of affection. They’re just, comfortable. Doesn’t mean they love each other any less, just that those sappy moments aren’t as common anymore

Yes! also the way a lot of people are surprised that charlie and vaggie aren't only best friends is such a good example of the double standards wlw ships get. thinking they aren't dating is understandable. Overlooking that Vaggie and Charlie were meant to at least be shipped together is INSANE.

If i never knew they were dating already, i and so many other sapphic ship lovers would be eyeing tf out of Vaggie and Charlie's relationship. Lookit some of the things that happened/are established before the "she's my girlfriend" line in ep 5

- the newcaster lady made a homophobic comment towards Charlie, saying she "doesn't touch the gays" when Charlie tried to give her a handshake

- THIS

- just all the times Vaggie would soften up as soon as she sees Charlie smiling or being her dorky self despite being previously upset/angry

- Vaggie's whole friggin verse in Whatever It Takes is very obviously meant to be romantic

- Charlie being worried about Angel Dust while Vaggie gives her the most "i love you and im sad that you're upset but i love that you're upset over something like this because it shows how amazing of a person you are" look at Charlie as she tucks her hair behind her ear

- Angel: I think this belongs to you *hands Charlie over to Vaggie*

- just all the casual touches they do that would totally be read as shipping fuel AT LEAST if it happened between a male/female duo or two men

- the fact Vaggie woke up?? Looking beside her to find Charlie?? To show that they sleep in the same bed?????

- Vaggie offering her hand unprompted when Charlie was having a stressful phone call with her dad and Charlie readily accepting it

And I'm sure there are people who'd go "But it's always shown from Vaggie's end! It looks so one-sided!" So? Aren't there tons of ships out there that seem one-sided but yall are perfectly fine shipping? And it's harder to see Charlie's love for Vaggie because Charlie at her core is a very loving and affectionate person. Of course it's gonna be more obvious for Vaggie since she's so prickly towards anyone else.

If all these things still happened without any of us knowing that they were actually girlfriends, we'd have a certain section of the fandom shipping it hoping they DO become canon while others would be claiming we'd be ruining a perfectly good platonic friendship by making it gay. They'd say we're reading too much into things.

But they ARE a couple. we aren't reading too much into things because it was meant to be read as romantic. And yet we're still the delusional ones for thinking an already established sapphic couple is "cute and interesting" because now they're claiming they simply dont have chemistry. It's frustrating.

Of course I have my criticisms too. The show could portray more of how Vaggie is more special to Charlie than anyone else, have them flirting more overtly or something. But any argument that they're "so boring i thought it was het" is invalid to me because i damn well know if at least one them was a dude a lot of them would be saying otherwise.

[zepskies]

What Does "Supporting Writers" Mean? ✍️

Apparently it's Fanfic Writer Appreciation Day! To all my fellow writers, I truly appreciate you for bringing me joy, making me smile on rough days, and giving me my weekly/daily dose of escapism and warm fuzzies. (Shoutouts to you personally below.) 💓💓

But what does it mean "practically" to appreciate your favorite writers, especially on Tumblr?

For example, I know some fanfic authors are starting to block "serial likers": people who'll go through someone's entire masterlist and hit the "like" button on 20-something stories without commenting or basic reblogging.

While I think blocking them is extreme, I understand the authors' frustrations. I've actually been asked if I'll ever leave Tumblr, since many of them have dropped off over the past few months, or even the past few years.

I'm still here for two very important reasons:

I love to write about my favorite characters. I write primarily because I love it, not just for the kudos.

I'm friggin' blessed to have a lot of friends and lovely readers on here and Ao3 who support me immensely on my writing and on this blog in general. I love and appreciate each and every one of you! Which is why I do my best to reply to your comments and reblogs. 💖💖

Of course, there are many reasons why a writer might take a break or stop writing entirely, but one of those reasons is also why the #supportwriters tag exists...

And why you'll see us include banners like this on our posts:

(Credits: cafekitsune, me, inklore)

That being said, here's my own rule of thumb on how I try to support my fellow writers when I read something I enjoy:

If I "liked" something, it means I had the time to read a story all the way through and I enjoyed it! (Or I'm bookmarking it for later in the day lol)

If I have the time to read it, I have the time to leave a comment on what I liked the most about it.

If I have the time to write out a comment (anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes), I typically put that comment in a reblog -- maybe even add a gif or two for ✨razzle dazzle.✨ That way I can share it with the rest of my followers, so they can see it and hopefully enjoy it too...

Why? Because Tumblr isn't TikTok or IG. Reblogging is the best way to help a post gain traction on Tumblr. The algorithm doesn't care much about likes.

But on a more human level, supporting writers is just the basic thing of -- if you enjoyed something you read (that a writer shared for free), just let them know what you liked about it.

Remember that there's a person behind the content you enjoy. They might have been working on that story for weeks or months, or even years before they got the courage to post it.

They might really be putting themselves out there, writing about a topic or subject matter that they're not sure people will even like or engage with.

Maybe they're exploring something new, like a character or trope they've never written before.

Maybe they're expressing part of themselves that they haven't even told another living soul.

Maybe they just wanted to write something fun and smutty or angsty or fluffy and want to share the escapism with you.

Whether they've been writing for years or are just starting out, any and all is valid.

For me, as a writer and a reader, supporting my fellow writers often means supporting my friends. And 9 times out of 10, the way we became friends was by leaving feedback on their work and asking them questions, or responding to their awesome feedback on mine.

If you want a little jumpstart on how to leave feedback, whether encouraging or constructive, here's an awesome post about it (not mine).

Shoutout to some of my favorite writers 💞:

(In no particular order)

@waynes-multiverse @luci-in-trenchcoats @dean-winchester-is-a-warrior @thatonewriter15 @rizlowwritessortof

@waywardxwords @tofics @kaleldobrev @deanbrainrotwritings @deanwritings

@jawritter @deanwinchesterswitch @justagirlinafandomworld @ravengirl94 @waywardxwords

@spnbabe67 @deanwanddamons @ejlovespie @kittenofdoomage @venus-haze

@talltalesandbedtimestories @sam-is-my-safe-word @jacklesbrainworms @artyandink @princessmisery666 (I just starting reading your stories, but I'm continuing with Samnesia soon!) -- and I'm sure many more! 💋

[crabonfire]

☆ Would merc still like you if merasmus turned you into a worm 🪱 ☆

characters: all mercs

tags: crack but not really I'm taking it kinda seriously, reader has a platonic relationship with the mercs

note: maybe someone's done this before idk I felt compelled to write something tf2 related and this is lowkey all I fucking got lmao

Also this is ridiculously long for a fic that was supposed to be crack so my bad (this was longer actually, but I cut out a bunch of yapping)

●○●○●

• I feel like Scout's first reaction instead of panicking is to curse and threaten Merasmus.

"OUT OF EVERY SHITTY THING YOU COULD'VE DONE, YOU TURNED THEM INTO A FRIGGIN' WORM?!"

• He's yelling, so much to the point where Merasmus just teleports away and ignores it, finding it funny (of course he finds it funny what a dick)

• He realizes that when he was so busy yelling at Merasmus, he had lost you. He panicked, looking around the ground with a horrified frown, cursing to himself as he started to dig, looking closely. When he finally found you, he placed you on his hand with a frown, looking at how you moved against his fingertips. He wanted to cry a little, he really didn't know what to do.

• He's placing you under his hat. Usually he'd find worms or maggots gross as hell, and if he was going to be honest he still found you gross, but it was you, so...

• Then he rushes back to base, the panicked look on his face never leaving him. He alerts all the other mercs, making a huge fuss over how, you're a worm now, and they need to help him get back at merasmus to turn him back.

He's holding you in his palm, and you're just wiggling around like nothing is wrong cause you're a worm now. And the rest of the mercs look at him like he's crazy.

• Spy, Sniper, Medic, and Heavy are convinced he's lying. Demo believes him a little since he's experienced Merasmus' antics. Soldier automatically believes him fully since the worms there, but you're not, so that must be you. Engineer is just trying to keep the peace, trying to calm scout down, but it doesn't work as no one is listening to him.

• The team is skeptical, thinking that this is some elaborate prank and that, you're just out for a couple hours. But when you don't return tomorrow for the fight, or return after, that raises some suspicions on where you are.

• Ms. Pauling doesn't know where you are either. So is it true? Are you really the worm?

• A meeting is held, everyone stands around the rounded table, the light shining down on you. You're in your little wormy home, slithering and worming your way through life, forgetting your identity, eating leaves and sleeping in dirt.

The mercs watch as you're doing your worm thing.

Engineer clears his throat, making the attention go to him. He turns to Scout, and the confusion in his voice is evident as he speaks.

"Scout, you're absolutely positive that, this worm is (y/n)?"

Scout responds with an aggresive nod, the slight panic and frustration shown in his expression.

"I told you, its them! I saw it happen with my own two eyes, Merasmus found em, they got zapped and poof- they're a worm! A freakin' worm!"

• The team continues to look at you, so peaceful, so calm, being a worm. They don't know why, but, now it was much easier to believe him. The worm was just like you, chill and...cool...and awesome...and wow... amazing..

"So...what? They're just a worm now?"

Sniper said, picking up the jar you were in, looking at you curiously.

"I don't think they'll be too happy stuck like that."

Engineer spoke once again, "If they got turned into a worm, there's...probably a way to turn em' back, right?"

• That was enough to bring hope to Scout's mind. Of course! That was it, if he could find Merasmus and maybe force convince him to turn you back, everything would be okay! All his sadness had dissipated, and he was quick to start making plans.

• So they did, the team would go hunting for Merasmus, and make him turn you back. In the meantime, they'd take turns taking care of you.

• Scout liked to hang out with you, pretending like it was just like before, where you and him would sip sodas together and talk about anything and everything. He'd pour some soda in the dirt you were in, not really caring of the consequences and thinking everything was the same with you two. He really missed having someone to talk to, though.

"Man, I hope you can hear me. It'll be like, super fuckin' weird if I've been talking to you and you're not even in there.."

• Pyro wouldn't really see a difference. That sounds mean, but its really nothing personal. Though now that you were a worm, you weren't as scared as them as you usually were. They'd sit you down, with their plushies, having a nice tea party, watching carefully as you'd just slither about as a worm.

• Soldier was...confused. You, who once was a brave and selfless fighter, was now a worm. It fascinated him and scared him at the same time. He'd get awkward around you, wondering if you remembered him. He'd talk to you mostly, sometimes petting you...He'd try to.

"EVEN IF YOU'RE A WORM, YOU'RE STILL STRONG TO ME!"

"...You're still in there aren't you?"

• Demo wouldn't really know what to do with you either. He finds it kinda funny how you got turned into a worm. Unlike Scout or Soldier, he doesn't really panic, knowing you'll probably be fine, worm or not. He does miss having you to talk to, like scout. Sometimes he'd just be in the living room, and you'd be by the table in your little jar. He'd just watch curiously, but wouldn't really do anything.

• Same thing goes for Sniper. He legit doesn't really know what to do or say. But, he is a little afraid that you won't turn back into a person. Unlike Scout, he found that you weren't 100% obnoxious or annoying, someone to have chill conversations with after battle. He'd keep watch over you, letting you sit with him as he's chilling on top of his van. Sometimes he'd even bring you out with him in battles as he's camping out enemies during fights. He always makes sure you're safe, though.

• Heavy really liked you. He found you someone worth talking to, and a solid member of the team, so it was a bit jarring to see you turned into a worm. He'd keep his hopes up, though, talking to you like normal. Sometimes he'd watch you like Demo did, curious about you and your little world. It was weirdly calming, after battles he'd be worn out, and when he'd see you worming your way through leaves and dirt, it relieved him a little.

• Engie was a little off put by it, the same way soldier felt. You're just...a worm now? Huh. He doesn't really know what to say to that. Medic and him share the same thought, and that thought is, are you concious? Are you aware that you're a worm? Or are you mindless?

They can't help but think of it that way, in a practical sense. Medic would have to hide you from archimedes and the rest of his doves, who would love to eat you at any given chance.

Sometimes they'd do tests on you. Nothing painful or dramatic but, tests to see if you're still in there. They're really overthinking it.

Engie likes having you in his workshop late at night, makes him feel less alone when you're just worming. Medic keeps you at a distance, just to make sure he doesn't lose you or, have one of his doves eat you.

• Spy, is, kind of grossed out. Nobody has a close relationship with him. He did have a lot of respect for you, both on and off the battlefield. You were just a decent human being who he found a liking to, now you're...a worm. A gross, slimy worm.

He never let you into his smoking room, actually he never even let you out of your jar. He liked you, respected you, but liked you more as a person.

He feels pity, honestly, and just wants you to either be out of his way, or back to normal.

• When you do eventually turn back into a worm, they're all pretty glad. They all have questions, ranging from "Were you really in there? Like were you- aware?" And then "Was it nice being a worm?"

I'm sure you can tell who's asking which question and such.

○●○●○

this what comic 7 leak does to a person

[charrlote365]

Pumping Gym

Reference Idol: fromis_9 LEE CHAEYOUNG Word Count: 7.160

Tags: Romance, gym, Kpop idol, fromis_9, Lee Chaeyoung

I woke up with the cold touch of the gym floor against my cheek, the imaginary echo of repeated clanking steel dumbbells still ringing in my head. I saw my watch and It's 4 AM now like wtf. "Where is everyone?" "How did I end up lying on the empty gym's floor, naked??". Shit now I remember.

It was our anniversary, and Chaeyoung and I had rented out the entire gym for a private workout celebration. Like it's literally just both us. Nobody else there. I know it sounds weird to celebrate anniversary in a gym but she really loves workout and since its part of her daily routines, there's nothing out of ordinary for the medias to find out our relationship. It's friggin hard to keep our relationship from those dispatch rats. I walked into the gym, ready for our routine workout session. There she was, Chaeyoung, my dearest girlfriend, her body is so fit, her shoulder is wide and filled with muscle. She looks as if she could punch the punching bag into oblivion in one punch. Her usually bright eyes were stormy, and she seemed to be in her own world for the warming up, with her headphones on.

Confused by her cold shoulder on our special day, I tried to match her pace on the stair climber, but she sped up, so I gave up. I realized that she left her phone on the bench, so out of boredom I took it and secretly took a picture of her from behind and posted her sexy buttocks on her IG story. "Oh my gosh, she's gonna kill me for this". She kept on going with the climber. Her butts were moving up and down, my gawd if there's anything I wanted to do was to shove my face into that crack and sniff out her soul out of it. It must have felt great, I thought while losing myself looking at those bouncy heaven.

Not a minute later. Drenched in sweat, she stopped using the equipment and walked to me. She then suddenly grabbed my head with both hands like it was a watermelon on a flash sales and kissed my lips. She stopped for a while and we looked at each other, she's so cute with that begging face of her so I kissed her back, my tongue running over her lips, my hand traveling on her tight gym pants, they're so tight like its part of her skin. my lips brushed her sweaty neck finding a sweet spot "mmrh~" she started making weird sound and she suddenly whispered to my ear, "I'm sorry for being cold today but i'm so horny since this morning, it's so frustrating, so tonight, I'll squeeze you dry until I'm satisfied". "Now, just take them off~" she sighed as I bit her neck. I put my hand into her pants. "Don't rush into it" she whispered, she grabbed my hand and put it on her breast. Her breasts aren't really big, maybe around C cup, but they're super bouncy and heavy, must be because of all of the workouts she's been doing. I slipped off my shirt, throwing it to the side. I leaned forward, kissing her breast through her bra, my hands worked it's way up, slowly pulling her bra up.

My lips teased her breast, biting as she moaned "mmmh~". My hands trailed down her hips, into the pants, going right to her underwear. But wait! there's nothing there. where is the underwear??? "Hmm someone not wearing panties today", I said to slightly teasing her. My hands ran over her thigh, then went back to her big buttocks, pushing on her soft cheeks. "omhh~" she moans. Carefully, I put off all of her clothes, her gym pants, her clothes, bra and everything else. Now naked, I sat down on a chair while she sat on my lap, putting her hands on my shoulder.I ran my hands rubbing and sucking her breasts, then my lips trailing her body. breast, stomach, neck, and feeling the softness of her thighs making me fell deeper into the extacy.

Her pussy is so wet now, the love juice pouring onto my thighs like honey. She stood up so I moved my fingers down. Inserting them into her hole, Two fingers. "Shibaal~" she moaned, as my fingers curled inside of her. She moved her hips down, pushing my fingers deeper into her pussy. my pace quickened as I inserted a third finger. Her walls were closing around them, Her hands pulled my hair causing my head to throb. I did not stop, I kept going, and faster and even faster, her pussy walls continued tightening as her body suddenly shook. She came as more of her pussy juice poured onto the floor like a waterfall. I removed my fingers and licked em to taste her juice. Kinda tasted sour but I liked the yoghurt taste anyways. Now it's time for the main event. We found a gym matress lying on the floor so I lie down on it, with my d1ck standing up hard rock like a flag pole on the moon erected by Neil Armstrong. I'm waiting for her to stab it into her pussy. She squatted down slowly onto my dick. My dick was curving inside her walls, I could feel her warmth, liquid and pussy walls engulfing my dick like it's sucking a lolipop. She moaned loudly and started moving quickly. My balls slapped against her pussy lips as I felt my toes began to curl, "oh my fucking gawd!" I whined loud as her hands were playing on my nipples, she pounded deeper into my body. But then, she suddenly stopped. "Wait, what's happening? don't stop please! I haven't come yet", I begged her. "She then made a grin on her face and took 2 friggin pieces of 10 kg dumbbells. She jammed her pussy back into my dick while carrying 2 10kg dumbbells in her hands. "Can't miss my gym session just because of you, babe". Fuck, since the dumbells were so heavy her pussy jammed even deeper into me like in extra 5 cm deeper. I could even feel her cervix gate bumping on the tip of my dick. I thought the two of us would become as one if she tried to go any deeper. My body tensed up and "Chaeyoung ahhh~ sarang hae!!" I moaned loudly as I came, I felt my vision got blurry as my body got loose. Chaeyoung, who hasn't come yet ignored my moans and kept continuing to jam my dick into her cervix. She was smiling and enjoying her time while lifting the 2 dumbbells, making steel clacking sound as she's bumping her pussy deeper and harder into me. It's so deep that now the tip of my dick was being strangled by her cervix neck. "ffuckkk Chaeyoung ahh~ my dick is still so sensitive, please stopp!!" I yelled. She still didn't listen, I kept begging her to stop as I started losing consciousness and finally, fainted. Although I fainted, for fcking sure, I think she was still using my fainted body as her private dildo until I released cement into her stomach for another 5 rounds by the look of how much of my sperm was on the matress when I woke up.

"Ping", my phone suddenly rang. There's a message from Chaeyoung. She sent a photo of her topless with a message "I'm sorry for the mess last night, It seemed that I enjoyed myself too much. ㅋㅋㅋ. I was going to wake you up after I finished but I realized that I was almost late for my solo flight to Bali today at 5 AM so I just left you there. Hopefully you didnt catch a cold. See you again after I come back to Korea, baby. - xoxo, Chaeyoung." Damn it, I felt like I was pranked. I wanted to have revenge on her for making me fainted last night. Yeah right, let's follow her to Bali and surprise her with a sudden rough sex. Muehehe. -End.

[nightlyrequiem]

hello dere :3

First of all, lemme just say i absolutely adore ur writing and storybuilding!! Ur so friggin awesome!!! im patiently waiting for sep. 16th (??) ⭐️

second of all, lemme request a fluffy lil scenario, if u write in this style?? Like .. i dunno, take this as u will

Valeria coming home suspiciously late causing a large argument -- which results in her absolutely pampering reader the day after as an apology :))

Hello ☺️ Thank you so much! I'm super happy you like my storybuilding

I love writing fluff, but I also love writing angst which I get to do both here <3

I love Valeria, but I can definitely see her being busy all the time

Tags/Warnings: Angst, Fluff, Pre-Established Relationship, Arguing, Non-Sexual Intimacy

Making it Right

Valeria is busy at work. Or so she says. You glance over at the alarm clock on the night table. 3:43AM. Once again, she is out late. Working. When she does come home, she's always tired and irritable. Like she can't stand behind around you. Her cold behavior stings. You miss how things were in the beginning, new and exciting. When she'd surprise you with dates and the two of you would lay awake together whispering about the future. You hear the front door closing and heavy steps walking up the stairs. You sit up and wait for her, a talk is long over do.

The bedroom door slowly creaks open, and Valeria silently walks in. You reach your hand put to the side, fumbling for the lamp cord. Your fingers find the switch and you turn it on, washing the room in a yellow glow. Valeria pauses and looks at you.

"You're still up." She remarks. Continuing towards the closet. She begins to undress but you're too downtrodden to appreciate the sight of her.

"Were you hoping I'd be asleep?" You ask. Valeria looks at you and frowns.

"I just wasn't expecting you to be awake." Valeria replies, her voice taking on a harsher edge. She clearly didn't appreciate your tone but you don't appreciate being neglected.

You frown at her.

"Where were you?" You ask her bluntly. Valeria sighs as she pulls on something more comfortable.

"I was working, where else would I be?" She grumbles. Walking around the bed to her side. She peels away the comforter and crawls in.

"I don't know." You murmur, narrowing your eyes. "Maybe with another woman." Your tone is bitter and hurt. Her cheating is the only conclusion your mind keeps coming back to. She's out late, everything you do seems to irritate her, and she never wants to spend any time with you anymore. All the signs are there. You would know, you googled it.

Valeria scoffs and looks at you. Clearly not happy by the accusation.

"Excuse me?" She snaps. "You think I'm seeing someone behind your back?"

"Don't do that."

"Don't do what?"

"Don't make me feel stupid for having valid concerns." You say angrily. Valeria scowls at you. Sitting up.

"They aren't valid nor are they true." She huffs. "I'm not seeing another woman." 

Your heart clenches. "Then what it is?" You ask painfully. "If there isn't another woman then is it because you don't love me anymore or what?"

"What are you talking about?" Valeria sounds frustrated rather than sympathetic, and it hurts you. Just more evidence that she doesn't love you.

The realisation really sinks in for you.

"You're always gone." You mutter. "Always working late, you don't spend any time with me, you treat talking to me like a chore." 

Valeria rolls her eyes with exasperation. "Jesus Christ." She mutters. "You're seriously upset because you think I don't spend enough time with you?"

Her words hurt you. It's like she doesn't care that what she's doing is upsetting you and that hurts more than her actions. "It's not about what I think, it's the fact that you don't!" You snap at her.

"You are unbelieve." Valeria sneers. "You know what I do for work, of course I'm busy!"

"Did you not listen to anything I said?" You ask angrily.

"I'm not going to have time to spend every waking moment with you." She continues harshly. "Maybe if you got your own personality or some hobbies you wouldn't be so pathetically clingy or sad."

Her words evaporate any rebuttal you might've had with how scorching they were. Pathetic and clingy with no personality. Is that really how she sees you? You two stare at each other, Valeria clearly isn't going to apologize or take it back. Without another word you angrily get out of bed.

"Where are you going?" Valeria frowns. 

"I'm sleeping in the spare room." You say quietly. Valeria doesn't protest at all as you walk out the door.

The spare bed is cold and unfamiliar as you try to get comfortable. The sheets smell stale and unused. You lay down and try to sleep but your worries keep you up. There's a pit in your stomach. Wondering if she really is having an affair and if this is the beginning of the end. Your tears soak into the plain white pillowcase.

Valeria is gone the next morning. Like usual. You regret confronting her. If you had just shut up maybe you wouldn't be on the road to breaking up. The idea is so distressing that you just stay in bed. There's nothing else for you to even do.

You fall asleep and when you wake up it's dark in the bedroom. You feel very dehydrated, and your bladder is bursting. You stay rooted in bed for as long as you can before the discomfort forces you out of bed . You walk through the darkened hallways and into the bathroom, doing your business and heading back to the bedroom. The door opens as you enter the hallway and Valeria steps inside. She stops and locks eyes with you.

"...Come here." She says. You hesitate but walk over to her crossing your arms over your chest.

"Yeah?" You ask. Valeria moves closer and wraps her arms around you, pulling you into her embrace. She buries her face into the side of your neck.

"I'm sorry." She murmurs. That's all it takes to melt away your anger. "I should've been more considerate."

You hug her back. Feeling so much more at peace now that you have her in your arms. "It's okay." You reply softly. It's always okay. Maybe you should learn to stay angry but ot feels so nice to be held. Valeria pulls away from you.

"I'll run you a bath." She says, squeezing your shoulders.

Valeria turns and heads towards the bathroom. You watch her disappear around the corner and hear the sound of running water. You join her, entering just in time to watch her light some candles. The tub is being filled with water. Bottles of sweet-scented oils sit on the edge. Valeria stands and smiles.

"Get in," She nods at the tub. You stick a hand under the water. It's warm enough to steam, almost burning. You shed your clothes and slowly step into the tub, easing your body into the water. It rushes over you, warming you on the outside and inside.

The flickering candles make shadows dance across Valeria's face. She kneels at the end of the tub behind you. She grabs one of the bottles of bath oil and squirts a few drops into her hands, lathering it onto your shoulders.

"It's not massage oil but I don't think that matters." She speaks. Valeria presses her thumbs into the area between your shoulders and neck. Gently massaging out all the tension. You close your eyes and slouch slightly. Practically forgetting all about your earlier stress.

You lean back against Valeria's touch.

"What did you do today?" She asks.

"I didn't really do anything." You reply. Embarrassed because you proved her right. It's like you really don't have any hobbies. 

"That sounds nice." Valeria hums kindly. "Things at work got... complicated. Sometimes I wish I could just do nothing."  

You hesitate before speaking the words on your mind. "You could spare a day to just relax, I'm sure. The warm water and Valeria's soft breathing relaxes you. Making you feel sleepy.

"I'll try to take some more time off of work." Valeria says quietly. "It's just hard, I have to make sure things are done right."

You consider her words. You don't necessarily like it, but you understand. "I know." You relent.

"I will make more time for you." She continues. "We can have breakfast together tomorrow, I'll cook."

"I like the sound of that." You smile. You feel silly for being so worried earlier. Of course Valeria isn't having an affair. Of course you two won't break up. You should've known that Valeria will always make things right between the two of you.

Valeria continues to massage your neck and shoulders. You two mindlessly chatter, rebuilding that bond between the two of you. The warm water begins to cool, and you get out, your fingers all pruny and wrinkled. Valeria wraps a soft fluffy robe around your shoulders and walks you back to the bedroom with a bottle of lotion in her hands. You sit on the bed and let her rub the pleasant-smelling cream into your skin. The same hands that have killed and harmed oh-so gently cradle your calf as she works.

You're all soft and lotioned up. Laying in the sheets of your bed with Valeria pressed up against your back, lightly stroking your leg. You feel loved and safe. You wish this moment would last forever but your content enough with Valeria's promise to make more of an effort.

[tacky-optic]

The agony of being able to go through an entire tumblr tag from start to finish.... ANYWAY. we're back with more food for the hat trick niche ft. rare JigZeni pachislot (zeni acknowledges jigen for 0.1 seconds and jigen forgot he was there even tho he's driving)

One thing I like about rarepairs is the flexibility. They're a headcanon/hypothetical breeding ground of potential without having to sacrifice too much of the character's integrity, because they rarely ever talk/barely have a relationship to launchpad off of! yaay :'D

So let's talk about how! Five how's, actually. Might've gotten a bit carried away with this one.

As with anything involving these two, somehow, some way, it always circles right back around to Lupin. It kind of has to, given their shared obsession and/or dedication with the guy. But that can split up into all sorts of scenarios, with some equally varied results (and some exceptions!)

~ Getting together in spite of Lupin

In which Lupin's basically that "I messed up so bad that I turned my girl date gay/my guy date straight" joke but everyone's still queer and it's just his partner hooking up with his rival because of how much he's been frustrating them both lately (and oops the proxy hate sex turns out to be really good) INHALES. Does that even make any sense.

I'm sorry but Lupin fumbling the ball is just so funny to me. It is a bit deeper than that, obviously, and this'd have some weird love triangle logistics because Jigen and Zenigata are still hopelessly in love with Lupin, in their own ways. But dipping into that is always complicated and messy-- JUST HOW WE LIKE IT.

This one definitely has the most jealousy on all fronts. For me, there's always this little asterisk on the JigLup/LuZeni pairings because someone's getting left out. Tell me Zenigata's chest wouldn't ache every time he watches Lupin and Jigen escape, an arm slung over the other's shoulder, cheek to cheek, laughs fading off into the cold, lonely night. Tell me Jigen wouldn't hate waiting in the Fiat for Lupin to lose his dogged hunter, mind wandering as to why he's taking so damn long. He grits his jaw when Lupin finally saunters up, victoriously spinning yet another pair of handcuffs on his pointer finger.

There's a silent rivalry for Lupin's attention that they might not even realize is going on until they blow up at each other about it.

It's difficult to tell if Lupin is being genuine or just messing around, especially for Zenigata. He asks Jigen how he deals with him, how he deals with.... everything. Just everything. The "will they won't they"s and the "does he really mean it"s. How does he stay so collected all the damn time. Jigen says he doesn't have a single friggin' clue. Maybe they make out sloppy style about it. Maybe they keep meeting up to vent, drink, exist in each other's company. During chases, Zenigata keeps dipping after Jigen instead of Lupin more and more often. Lupin's standing on a rooftop Pulp Fiction John Travolta style wondering where the fuck everyone went.

Ohhh jealous Lupin, where have you gone. Where did the tms writers hide your unchecked narcissistic ego. The other points after this support Supportive Lupin in some capacity but this one does not. The slow-burn's done slow-burning but it ain't over yet, baby. There's trouble in paradise and its name is Lupin the Third. He is Not Enjoying This. The two guys that are always looking at him aren't looking at him anymore and that just won't do. Drama ensues.

~ Getting together because of Lupin

Matchmaker Lupin! This is if Lupin's relationships with Jigen and/or Zenigata are more platonic-leaning (which is totally valid). The paired fics in Disreputable Company nail this dynamic perfectly imo. But as far as my own separate take goes....

They're both just so. So emotionally constipated. Intentionally or not, Jigen's been screwed over in the romantic interest department to many times that he's intentionally reduced his acquaintance list to how many fingers he's got on his right hand. Zenigata practically unloaded an entire clip into his foot as far as maintaining healthy family/friend relationships go. Spoilers for Zenigata Keibu, but he 100% knew what he was saying when he told Haruka he'd go back to her once he caught Lupin (I can never be yours), and that Zenigata's supposed to be the freest one! Bound not necessarily to Lupin specifically, but to The Chase forever.

Anyway. Jigen and Zenigata are Isolated. The fact that someone would consider them attractive is so foreign that they'd think its some kind of sick joke or ruse to screw them over instead of anything that could ever be even remotely genuine. They need someone to shove them out of their little self-made paranoia bubbles, and Lupin just loves to meddle in people's businesses. I dunno. I just think he'd think it's funny.

*dramatic finger point* "haha zenigata, you are banging my partner!!" "you... you tricked us into our first date? made the reservations?? th- the tailored suits???" "lu you friggin roller-skated out in a waiter outfit and immediately bought us the most expensive top-shelf booze they offered. not even remotely conspicuous about it" "lol yeah. good times"

He's just happy two of his favorite humans are finally getting laid for once, y'know?

~ Getting together for Lupin

Jigen and Zenigata are forced to team up. Okay, this scenario only goes down if 1) Lupin goes missing or is KO'd for a prolonged period of time or 2) the Truce demands they separate for a while. On top of seeing this play out in other fics, my good friend duke and I have been messing around with (a variant of) this idea for a while now (aka they've been letting me run around in their au Rampant and Unchecked. ty duke).

In ""canon"", if these two were to become at the very least amicable towards each other, this'd be the way to do it. In all honesty (and my personal bias for them aside), I'm genuinely shocked they haven't done this before. Not even an episode, tms? That 4-ish minute block in POTP is all you're giving me? One bar chat in the kobayashi sendoff ep. Okay. I'm not miffed i swear

Like I mentioned in this previous post, the idea of the two of them being able to function together without Lupin as a crutch is upsetting at first. They're used to following him to the Ends of the Earth and they're used to him living rent-free in their heads. They've convinced themselves that they're hopeless on their own, that if he disappeared for good they'd just go back to being two husks vaguely shaped like humans meandering around with no meaningful north star to head towards. Don't get me wrong, if the situation was Bad, Goemon and Fujiko would be devastated, too. But they could move on, albeit with a heavy heart. They're kind of known for heading out on their own should the situation call for it. But Jigen and Zenigata are in for the long-haul for better or for worse, whether they like it or not (they do not).

They're on edge the whole time. Hostile towards each other and passive-aggressive at best to any unfortunate folk they have to interact with on this stupid side quest they've been unwillingly shunted onto together.

It helps immensely that they're both "cut that out" people to anyone but themselves, because they can be that for each other. There's a lot of bickering/conflicts of interest and methodology. "You're being too harsh", "You're one to talk", "You're so goddamn stubborn", "You're such a hypocrite", etc etc. But holy shit they're so freakishly effective together, to a frankly terrifying degree-- maybe even moreso than with Lupin because they're honing the fuck in and nothing else-- no banter or bullshit-- and that's what gets them through to the end. Maybe it helps them come to terms with whatever sort of issues they've got going on, maybe it doesn't. Bare minimum, they come out of this with newfound understanding of each other. At max, uh.... see the point after this next one.

~ Lupin-adjacent

A shift in fixation. The slightest glance, the slightest exchange of eye contact for a second too long, the briefest moment of consideration, and the thoughts start spiraling. This is "in spite of Lupin" without the spite. The urge to know absolutely everything about someone, down to the marrow, just gets shifted a little bit to the right onto another guy. It's just them, in-between heists, with barely any mention of the Chase and anyone else involved therein. Their own little adventure away from the status quo. It's weird at first, sure, but it's new and exciting and real dang nice having things not revolve exclusively around him for once. It's a shot for Jigen to mess with Zenigata for once and the closest thing to a willing vacation Zenigata can get. Win-win! Well. Sorta.

The loneliness, though-- that's what makes itself most prevalent during the in-between times. They really don't have much left outside of the Usual. Forgetting the bare essentials, days blending together, moving around the masses like a ghost.... it's familiar, and it's common, not being sure whether they actually like someone or they're just desperately lonely. Zenigata wallows in it, Jigen shoves it down. They've got images to keep. but getting noticed for what they are is simultaneously the worst thing to ever happen and the highlight of their day. Real wholesome bonding material, ain't it

"I tracked you down for only you". "I dragged you into this issue because I want you here". "You get it".

~ Secret fifth thing

*points at playbohz mag* "lol wouldn't it be funny if zenigata was jigen's type??" *points at y series, miyazaki's zeni, island of assassins, that one manga where they put him in a tshirt, etc* "oh my god zenigata is jigen's type."

It's just a one-night stand lmao. I feel like I see this one a fair bit too, mostly because it's super duper simple and doesn't require a crap-ton of emotional angst setup just to get them into the same bed. It's the above point diluted into, like, an afternoon lmao. It doesn't have a lot of depth by design. Curiosity gets the better of both of them, plain and simple. They get buzzed enough at a bar, skip off to some motel to do what they gotta do one time and never speak of it again.

A part of me likes that, but another part of me in the deep deep recesses of my psyche is hollering "TACKY YOU GOTTA TURN THIS INTO THE SPITE BULLETPOINT!!!"

NO. For this one they get one nice hookup and THAT'S THAT. Sorry not sorry.

Maybe it's easier because there's actually something to decipher. There isn't some esoteric idea of "Lupin the Third, Gentleman Thief"; a mystery man(?) with a million little gadgets and masks and smiles; this unwavering, unpredictable force of chaos that likes taking shiny things from one place and hiding them somewhere else over and over again with no real rhyme or reason.

It's easier to find solace in turning to the guy next to you and going, "what do you think that is?" than in going up to "that" and poking it with a stick in hopes it'll give some sort of answer. "That" won't. "That" likes watching you guys flounder around together too much :)

[david-talks-sw]

Okay so I watched Inside Man on Netflix. It's interesting. More importantly, it's a masterclass in crafting likeable characters and how the POV we follow in a scene affects the way we see a character. Also, this somehow relates to the Star Wars Prequels, I promise! 😆

The moral of the series is that "everyone is a murderer, all it takes is a good reason and a bad day." The main characters are:

A vicar who - through a huge misunderstanding - has now locked his son's tutor in his basement and doesn't know how to get out of this situation, played by David Tennant.

A convicted murderer and ex-criminal psychology professor who solves crimes from his cell, as he waits for his execution, played by Stanley Tucci.

So a man who locked a woman in his cellar and a guy who murdered his wife. In any other movie, these guys are the villains. Yet, both of these characters are extremely likeable!

This is achieved through how relatably they behave in their relationships (kind, humble, humorous)...

... and through the emotion and/or charisma brought by the actors playing them (it's THE DOCTOR/CROWLEY and Stanley Friggin' Tucci)... but also through the amount of screen time they get.

We're with them for most of the show. There's other characters (the journalist, the trapped tutor and the vicar's wife) and subplots, of course, but they're our two anchors.

So when I'm watching David Tennant lock his son's tutor in his cellar and consider if he should free her - only to see him and his wife make things worse - I'm not thinking "you monster" like I do when I see Buffalo Bill in Silence of the Lambs for example.

No, I'm thinking "goddammit vicar you're making things worse, it'll come back to haunt you, there's still a chance to turn back, please!" I'm rooting for him to make the right choice because I'm seeing him struggle and despair and hesitate throughout many scenes.

When I'm watching Stanley Tucci guiltily say he deserves death, after being so darn charming, humble and in clear possession of a moral compass, my instinct as a viewer isn't to go "he's right".

It's to go "aaaw, no it's fine, everyone makes mistakes."

And these characters remain likeable and/or relatable for a huge chunk of time... until, every once in a while, the show reminds you that, "remember, these guys are criminals."

"One of them's killed his wife then decapitated her, and the other one is contemplating murder, so they did/are doing evil stuff, they're the villains and you shouldn't grow fond of them."

Then it goes back to making you empathize with them again.

It's quite the emotional roller-coaster, very intriguing yet frustrating, which I have to guess is exactly what the show is going for.

But the point is: the amount of time we spend with these characters is partially what elicits this emotional reaction out of us.

If we consider the tutor's character:

For all intents and purposes, we should feel sorry for her, or full-on fucking love her. Objectively-speaking, she's:

smart but obviously scared,

we establish early on that she has a brave heart and stands up for oppressed women,

she thinks she's trapped by a pedophile or a man defending a pedophile, figures he'll inevitably try to murder her, yet manages to stay resourceful, determined and cool-headed despite it all.

She's an absolute superhero.

But that's not how the narrative frames her.

She's framed as an antagonistic force, in the vicar's subplot.

She may be the one tied up in a basement, but she's in control and the vicar is not. She's almost framed as being in a position of power (when she's really not), which leads the audience to view Tenant's vicar as an underdog.

When the vicar is trying to look for alternatives to end this situation so that he doesn't have to kill her, she's unhelpful,

and even starts pitting the vicar and his wife against each other.

Again, in-universe, she's scared shitless and in "fight-or-flight" mode. She's putting up a front because she's just trying to get outta this alive. She's the victim, here, not the vicar who captured her.

But as a viewer, you don't feel that, despite objectively knowing that. Why and how?

Because we barely see this character, compared to Tenant's vicar. So we have more time to grow to feel for him. There's "why".

Also 90% of what we do see of the tutor is her being aggressive, manipulative, sometimes downright merciless and we're seeing her from the POV of the vicar or the vicar's wife. There's "how".

Result: the viewer feels sorry for the captor and frustrated towards the captive.

This isn't a rational reaction, it's an emotional one (the goal of any visual artform being to get an emotional reaction out of the viewer).

Which means the series and Stephen Moffat effectively did their job.

How does this relate to the Prequels?

Well, a lot of people see the Jedi in a negative light in the Prequels, and Anakin in a more sympathetic one.

Even though the Prequels are about how a good man becomes bad, and even though the Jedi embody one of the major Star Wars themes (selflesness) as opposed to Anakin who clearly displays the anti-theme (selfish)... a majority of fans feels more for the latter than the former. Why?

Because the Prequels unintentionally do what Inside Man does purposefully. You react to Anakin like you react to the vicar. You react to the Jedi like you react to the tutor.

Simply put: Anakin has more screen time than the Jedi. And we don't just see him more, we see him struggle, we see him about what he knows to be morally right vs what he really wants, we see him be overtaken by his own fear...

... and just by contrast, that makes him more relatable than the Jedi, who have already overcome their character arcs and mostly all learned to keep their flaws in check.

The narrative doesn't intend to frame them as antagonistic. We do see them talk about how worried they are, we do see them emote.

And if you think about it, it's easy to see why:

their entire way of life is going to crap,

their values are being corrupted as they're forced to fight and die, alongside their clone brothers, in a war they wanted no part of,

they sense that the Force is close to the breaking point and that the galaxy's inhabitants are suffering on the daily.

But, for example, when Mace or Ki-Adi Mundi are shown expressing concern in the Prequels... as worried as they are, in-universe... out-of-universe, their measured reactions doesn't emotionally impact a viewer as much as Anakin's intense ones do.

So a big chunk of the audience will sympathize more with him than them. But like the tutor in Inside Man, the Jedi are objectively the victims and Anakin is objectively an unstable space-nazi who betrayed and destroyed them.

Just because we're not shown these characters be worried beyond just monotonously saying "I'm worried" doesn't mean they're not actually worried as Anakin is in Revenge of the Sith (if not more).

However we don't see it.

Because these three films aren't about the Jedi Order, they're about the Republic and about Anakin and about how each of these two beautiful things were corrupted (by Palpatine and by themselves) into becoming the very thing they stood against.

The Jedi aren't a factor in either of those two themes set up by George Lucas.

They became a factor when fans - who despite not liking the Prequels, still admirably chose to engage with the material - made the Jedi be more important to the narrative of the Prequels by re-framing these films as "The Failure of the Jedi".

Now, should Lucas have recognized that most fans wouldn't give two shits about why a Republic falls or the "matinee serial" format, and would've rather he focused on the Jedi, and developed them accordingly? Probably.

But good luck telling an indie filmmaker with a bunch of money how to tell the story he wants to tell.

Could Lucas have done more with the Prequels to highlight the fact that the Jedi are the underdogs of the story, not Anakin's oppressors? Yes.

But, firstly, he probably didn't think that was a point that needed explaining. And secondly, as he explained at Cannes, in 2002, feature films are a very limiting format to tell a story, especially one of the Prequels' scale. If it doesn't directly contribute to the story you're telling... it's gotta go.

A limited show would've been better to cover every aspect of the Prequels more in detail and avoid confusing the audience re: who they should be rooting for.

Which is why it's interesting, to me, that Stephen Moffat used his limited show to INTENTIONALLY confuse the audience! 😃

[viisator]

Seok Matthew

Pairing : Seok Matthew x F!Redear

Genre : Love hate.

Warning : None.

Not proofread.

• • • • •

One thing about this guy...is that he's friggin weird. Period.

 That's what you automatically thought when the first time you sat with Seok Matthew. First thing first, it's the way he suddenly comes up to your table, grabbing a chair, dragging it in front of you, then sitting down while his both elbows on your desk and his chin on his palm, staring at you with that wide, sweet, happy, sickening grin...

It wasn't the only time he did that, it was almost everyday after morning classes, and since you eat lunch inside the classroom while everyone's out, It's always been you alone in there. And then there's Mathew...staring at you, blinking his eyelashes multiple times for your own good and sanity...! sigh...just how many more times till you can't take it anymore? Because really, you need to talk to him about this routine you're getting yourself into.

"Uh, Matthew." You called, your attention fully on the notebook below you beside his elbows on the desk. 

"Hmm?" He hummed with that usual smile.

"Don't you wanna have lunch?" Asking that was an excuse to rid of him of course, and you could only sigh.

"You're not having lunch yourself." He replied cheekily, and that stupid chuckle at the end.

"Well, it's because I'm studying. Matthew, you have to eat." You shot him a narrowing gaze, making his grin wider. If that's even posible.

"YOU have to eat." He tilt his head to the side, making you look at him deadpanned in which he replied with a giggle.

"You know, Y/n, if you want me to leave you can just be honest you know?" Another giggle from him, another sigh of exasperation from you.

"Well even if I did, you'll just lean in closer to my face until I have no space at all." You did asked him to leave once, but that's not what he did, he shamelessly leaned even closer and his breath fanning in your cheeks. You didn't want to be reminded.

"Hmm..." He hummed, leaning closer.

"Why do you wanna get rid of me, huh?" For once, his grin's wiped out his face, now a frown replaced, amusing you.

"Because you're taking all my personal space and you're literally staring at me like you're on drugs or something!" Matthew just stare at your frustration. The way you threw your hands up in the air and your face frowning, brows furrowed and lips pouted...he licked his own lips.

"That's absurd... accusing me of using drugs." Matthew absentmindedly stated, his eyes lingering on your lips making you flick your own gaze at his own. You swallowed harnd and look back at your notes, feeling your ears warm. Then there's his chuckle again.

God... it's that chuckle again. That's the reason you can't concentrate at all, no words nor letters are registering in your head, just the way his chuckle made you clutch your skirt and swallow hard and your heart almost jumps off your ribcage... God help you.

"You're getting flustered, is that why you want me to leave, hm?" You felt his breath brush your ear and suddenly, his whole presence is so close you could barely breath. Just when did he get so close? You slowly lift your gaze to look at him. There's no grin and far off look there, just his parted lips and half-lided eyes staring directly at you; at your lips.

You didn't manage to answer his question, because the second you know, is he's already so close, his nose on the hollow of your closed right eyes, his lips touching the side of your nose while his fingers tangled with your hair caressing and pulling you close. You froze of course. I mean- what are you supposed to do? You can only hold your breath and hope you don't pass out right then and there-(because girl! Matthew's hella hot and you can't even lie about that.) Then he sniffs, inhaling your scent while his nose still on your closed right eyes.

"Eh?" Baffled, your brain seemed to pause, but he didn't stop from sniffing for a while and you just sat there frozen, then after that seemed to be an awful lot while, he leaned away and gave you his full wide grin, happiness on his face.

Matthew softly poked your nose. "I should get lunch now, you want anything?" You stare at him for a solid minute, your brain slowly registering what happened then you suddenly feel your cheeks burn and down to your neck and suddenly you cannot look at him, your view meet the handwriting on your notebook. You swallow hard.

"Um... strawberry milk will do." You muttered, but Matthew managed to hear, and so, he pat your head and made his way to the cafeteria with that wide, sweet, happy, sickening grin.

•

My second ZB1 fic...another draft from last year.

[ask-the-neighbores]

Do any of you guys besides Mark have the talent/ability to cook? If so, how well?

Eduardo: I'm definitely not terrible at cooking. I got a few recipes up my sleeve-

Mark: Oh, you absolutely know what you're doing in the kitchen~. You've got skill, love, you just need to use it more often. Unless it involves the oven..

Eduardo: Right. I don't do baking, none of that. It frustrates me to no end.

Jon: Perhaps could it be because of that one bake off competition you and Edd were both in?

Eduardo: ....... Listen I don't have the time or patience to sit around and wait for somethin' to be done and follow all those teeny tiny little steps just to make friggin' cupcakes that I don't even wanna spend the time decorating.

Jon: That's the kind of stuff I do love! I grew up with homemade sweets. I love finding all sorts of different recipes to follow and then decorating it the way I want to, it's very peaceful to me :). I'd love to cook supper one time... I know Matt's a good cook, but I don't think we're close enough to ask him to teach me.

Mark: I could teach yoooou! :D.

Jon: Mmm.. I'll stick to what I know for now!

[bronx-bomber87]

Happy Monday fandom :) I love these episodes for them. I know they’re not always a fan favorite but I adore them. Just for the Chenford content alone. The married moments, the touching, the sassy banter. What’s not to love? Just like I did for 3x07 I’ll just be analyzing their moments in this ep. Since they’re disconnected from rest of group for most part. Let's get going shall we?

4x16 Real Crime

Sunshine x Grumpy at it's absolute finest kicking this episode off. Lucy is so jazzed to be back. Her little foot kick after she asks how they are? I cannot. She’s so cute. Tim is already over it from the moment his sexy ass hits that chair. It’s so friggin funny. Our king of expressions is on one in this ep. Tim judges Lucy the entire time with serious sass throw in. Their banter mode is on right away and never turns off. We start off with them asking Tim if he saw the last one? Of course he didn't...

Why would he? The only way he would watch it is if Lucy forced him to. haha Lucy rolling her eyes at his answer but with a hint of fondness. She loves her grumpy old man so much. The married train has officially left the station. All aboard. The ride is gonna be hilarious. Tim gets them back on track saying they were first responders to the scene. Tim notes how frustrating it was with all the cameras and coverage nobody saw anything. Nothing useful for the investigation. I mean that is ridiculous tbh. I'm with him on that one.

Lucy tries to add colorful sound bites and Tim is judging her so damn hard. The amount of sass in that second gif. He was not about that line at all. Like who are you right now? Their mini fight in front of the interviewer I’m dying. ‘Why are you SO happy?’ 'I'm being colorful!' LMFAO Lucy defends why she’s doing this and Tim can’t believe it. The bickering in hushed tones is too funny. Like a true couple. Lucy imitating a wife scolding her husband while defending herself.

God I love these idiots sfm. Naturally this is the last thing Tim wants to be doing. The shake of his head above is one of many to come. We all know he would much rather be out on the streets than dealing with this circus. Lucy going the opposite direction. Wanting to get them as many segments as possible We all know the less he's in this the better for him. He barely wants to be in the amount he's in now. heh

This next section is one of my faves. First off I love and commend Lucy’s confidence to just rap in public. I adore her so very much. She couldn’t be cuter in this episode if she tried. Of course she has a karaoke jam I adore her. She is more than happy to share this info. We’ve talked about Eric’s comedic timing. He is absolute gold in this.

His reactions from start to finish are what make this portion so amusing. Goes from 'Huh?' to 'WTF is happening?' It's so funny every time I watch it. Tim doesn't need to say anything. His facial expressions say it all. The sheer amount of judgement he is throwing her way is immense. This is the woman you’ve chosen to love Timothy LOL

Lucy is in her own world as she jams this out. Tim is next her with all the judgment he can muster. These moments are one of the many reasons why he loves her though. Just being 100 percent herself no shame in the game. We know it’s these types of goobery scenes that he actually enjoys from her. She looks so joyful and happy when she turns to sing at him. Then she see's his reaction.... Prompting the iconic line below that always makes me laugh.

Tim’s confusion of her rapping is everything I have to say. I think she’s partly trying to impress him with her rapping skills. He doesn’t give her anything though. LOL They’re so cute I might burst. The marriage moment to end this scene is the best. ‘Can I be interviewed alone? ‘ LMFAO. She is already over his grumpy ass and I’m laughing so hard. Eric and Melissa play off each other so well. It’s a delight to watch them. They have so much chemistry just sitting next to one another. It''s unreal.

We flit back to them talking about Aaron’s father’s musical partner. Tim delivers a ‘colorful’ sound bit of his own. Lucy is beaming with pride. So much so she has to say to make sure it's noted. Interrupting to heap on that praise. Then casually touches his arm. Not a short touch either. It's 4 seconds. Yes I counted heh She lingers. I love watching Tim get all fidgety and hot under the collar after she does this.

Wringing his hands to shake off the feelings washing over him. Trying not to have his feelings recorded for this documentary. Too late... It’s so cute because one he clearly got a little contact high off that touch. Two she just complimented him publicly with the proudest look on her face. He is riding high ha Look at her. That is proud wifey mode right there. Especially after he thanks her for the compliment.

She tries to put herself back in check but is brimming with giddiness. It's adorable. I cannot with these two. *heart clutch* Be more in love please. It's one of those 'Everyone knows but them moments.' He’s also just so cute when he says ‘Thanks..’ haha Oh my Timothy you are so out of your depth with this documentary. But so adorable I wanna squeeze you. Part me of thinks he was trying to get into this for Lucy. Impress her a little with his quote. Mission accomplished sir. Your girl was very proud. Love these idiots in love so much.

Their chemistry is so palpable in these scenes. They're asked a question about the knife in Aaron's kitchen. Saying his DNA was all over the murder weapon. Well duh....Lucy slams the interviewer hard with some solid logic and sass. They're trying to implicate Aaron for having DNA all over the knife in his kitchen... Lucy absolutely destroys this guy's stupid question. Then starts to feel bad afterwards. Checks in with hubby and asks if that was too mean?

Lucy couldn't be cuter turning to her person for feedback. Her immediate reaction to do so getting me all in the feels. I adore him backing her like he does. She looks to him for reassurance and he gives it to her in spades. Saying no that it actually felt good. To be able to stick it to them a bit. You know he is proud of her for doing so. Instead of doing an evocative soundbite she knocked them down a peg. He didn't need to help her in the dept. But the support one? Nailed it.

I love her proud and smug face when he says it was a dumb question. Careful Lucy your feelings are showing my love. Look at her in that first gif. She a ten but crap at hiding her feelings. The second gif is that same look she always gets when he compliments her. *sigh* I just love them. He backs her so fiercely here and Lucy is so ecstatic with his reply. It’s all over her face especially in the last one. That smug smile when he validates her is everything fo her. Basically saying my hubby says I'm right so that means I am haha

Tag team of smug righteousness and it’s amazing. He is oozing proudness in this moment for her. He followed it up with having her back and she’s a happy girl. Let’s not forget the gloriousness that is Tim’s biceps and forearms out on display. Mmm defending his girl and his arms are crossed? Pass the ice water imma need it. This man is deliciously fit and I too am a happy girl in this moment.

The case leads them to a woman named Colette who was brought home to their apt that same night. She had a controlling BF that was never questioned. Cue back to Lucy and Tim. Lucy explaining how a group of internet sleuths found him. How they spent countless hours investigating Aaron’s case. Tim notes this group also pointed the finger at a lot of innocent people ruining their lives… Lucy comments some of the members went little too far.... That's putting it lightly. lol

It’s here the interviewer reveals a prominent poster named ‘truecrimejunkie.’ Implying it’s Lucy who posts under that name. The amount of sass Tim is throwing her way is hysterical. I'm laughing so very hard. Tim’s reaction is the best part of this whole scene. It’s the intense stare down he does. This episode has me laughing from beginning to end. The way he fully turns to her is hilarious. Making fun of his wife with just a look. Lucy stumbling around for words and coming up short.

That moment when your husband finds out about your secret internet life LOL Lucy could not be more embarrassed. Stuttering trying to defend herself to Tim. It’s so funny. It finishes off with Tim’s ‘Seriously?’ Eric and Melissa are a god damn treasure. We are so lucky to have them. It's truly mind blowing the chemistry these two have just with their banter alone. What makes these episodes so very good with their segments. They are the best part with their back and forth. I love this episode for them. I defy you not to laugh or smile with this one.

It comes out Aaron’s mom was in Paris the day Patrick was murdered. Lucy gets all hyped up when they ask what they thought of this? The true crime junkie in her coming out. Saying what a game changer it was. Tim brings her back down to earth with his reply. Lucy doing her cute ‘Well yeah…’

Tim shaking his head. Not at her but this whole documentary. He hates the feelings/people being exploited in this whole thing. Doesn’t sit well with him at all. Once again proving Tim is just a good man on the daily. Not trying to impress anyone with it. It's just who he is as person. His integrity deeply ingrained in him.

Unlike the clown. He's not even in this one but I had to point this out and take a shot. lol Also let's not ignore the GLORIOUS forearm/bicep porn here. My god it's a miracle his work shirt contains those guns of his. Bursting at the seams with muscled goodness. I’m here for it. He could bench press me any day. I'm available is all I'm saying...

We cut back to Tim and Lucy talking about the case being closed. They have their killer finally. Aaron has been exonerated in the process. She starts on another ‘colorful’ bit and stops herself. Rubbing her tattoo feeling how wrong this is. The way she stops herself mid sentence knowing this. Tim jumping in saying ‘Feels gross doesn’t it?’ She agrees and says 'Yeah.'

Look at Lucy growing in this documentary at the end. No longer wanting to do 'colorful' sound bites to get them more time. Being much more focused on respecting those involved. Her ending statement is much better than her potential ‘juicy sound bite’ Look at our babies still growing. I love this episode. So nice to have after a clown fueled previous ep.

~~~

Side notes non-Chenford

Everyone is funny on these types of episodes. Always enjoy their bits. Especially Harper haha

Patrick’s dad coming to apologize to Aaron was a really nice way to close that chapter of his life. Was very sweet.

Thank you as always to those who like, comment and reblog. I appreciate you all more than you’ll ever know. See you all in 4x17 :)

[mrs-gauche]

If the Spirit!Solas theory happens to be true—and I’m confident it is—then it really gives you a new level of respect for how much restraint this guy has.

I’m talking specifically about his interactions with Dorian. The part where Dorian is trying to convince Solas that enslaving spirits is cool and neat and not wrong because ‘spirits aren’t people.’

Imagine having the strength of character to listen to someone tell you to your face that you are not a person and therefore undeserving of the most basic civil rights without immediately decking them in the face.

Solas puts up with tool much, man.

Oh yeah, definitely! 😂 (As much as I feel for Dorian just trying to find some common ground...) I guess that one line in Tevinter Nights does a great job of putting Solas' attitude on this matter in a nutshell.

[…] roared not in anger, but with quiet contempt. "From this moment, should you ever bind a spirit, then your life is mine."

Keep in mind, Solas has witnessed spirits suffering from the consequences of creating the Veil for at least a thousand years at this point, if only from the Fade. When he's saying "It hurts. It always does." to the Inquisitor after returning to Skyhold and Wisdom's death, he's referring to the countless times he had to watch his friends being drawn to the waking world, either forced, or to see them “wish to join the living”, only to be twisted, bound, corrupted, killed, you name it.

"How small the pain of one man seems when weighed against the endless depths of memory, of feeling, of existence. That ocean carries everyone. And those of us who learn to see its currents move through life with their fewer ripples."

Much like a lot of his banter with Sera taunting him about his grief for the past, at this point, Solas is so old and has witnessed so much history, so much pain, that Dorian's remarks couldn't possibly evoke any real anger from him. It's so insignificant compared to what he has seen. There's a reason why Weekes keeps emphasizing how friggin tired Solas truly is. This is after all the general perception of spirits in present Thedas, aside from a few cultures like the Avvar. He can't blame Dorian for Tevinter raising him to think of spirits as nothing more than "amorphous constructs", just like he can't blame the Dalish for the knowledge lost to time. Similarly to any other argument he has with the other companions, Solas' frustration/resentment is almost never aimed at them personally, but rather at the current state of the world that shaped their perspective. (As is also evident in how his banter always ends up with them eventually coming to terms and grow a mutual/respectful relationship. The only exception being a low approval Inquisitor and Iron Bull if he chose the Qun over the Chargers… In that case, the hostility was definitely personal. 😂)

(That being said, I'm SO hoping for any kind of serious emotional outbreak from Solas in DA4, since there's still like a thousand year old trauma that needs to be addressed. lol)

But yeah, I think, going by his actions in Tevinter Nights, Tevinter is definitely not ready for what's probably coming for them in DA4, now that Solas is actually able to change things. 👀 And isn't it interesting how he will now be facing the Imperium, which was essentially built on the ruins of the empire he brought down/the same slavery based system he once rebelled against, so history kinda repeats itself? lol

I think it's also very telling how Solas will immediately counter Dorian's comments on the treatment of spirits in Tevinter by directly comparing it to slavery.

Dorian: "There's no harm putting them to constructive use, and most mages back home treat them well." Solas: "And any that show any magical talent are freed, are they not?" Dorian: "What? Spirits don't have magical talent." Solas: "Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you were talking about your slaves."

But the beautiful irony in this, as I've talked about in this post, is how this draws a direct parallel to how Solas, in return, doesn't recognize the people of the waking world as real either, at least not until after the Inquisitor considers Wisdom a living being worth saving. This and his admission to the Inquisitor after he returns to Skyhold is imo the turning point in his character development. Imo, this is what leads him to say "Not at first. You showed me that I was wrong." in his high approval ending in Trespasser.

And this is also why I think that the theory of Solas intending to save the spirits first and foremost would make for such an interesting story actually.

The waking world doesn't view spirits as real people. Just like Solas can't accept the people of the waking world as real. So, what will happen if he tears down the Veil, and the Fade and the waking world become one again? The Inquisitor was potentially willing to save Wisdom despite it having already turned into a Pride demon. And in doing so, the Inquisitor unintentionally put up a mirror in front of Solas' face and basically went "If I can see them as real people worth saving, why can't you?".

And if the spirit origin theory is true, then it could make for a fascinating inner conflict. Solas, living in both the waking world and the Fade, having been a spirit and a corporeal person, is now facing the question of who "his people" actually are. Where does he belong? After all, his biggest fear remains to "die alone".

While this was said in more of a joking manner, Weekes' words from 2016 really put it into perspective here. Solas sees himself in that old fisherman he saw in the Fade. He is "the one who lived". So, I picture it like this… Solas is left alone in the Fade after the creation of the Veil. Spirits are now his only company for the next thousand years. Whether or not those spirits were the remaining souls of the elves he tried to save, we don't know, but regardless, I truly believe they are his people. But he is not a spirit. At least, not anymore.

Cole: "You don't need to envy me, Solas. You can find happiness in your own way." Solas: "I apologize for disturbing you, Cole. I am not a spirit and sometimes it hard to remember such simple truths." Cole: "They are not gone so long as you remember them." Solas: "I know." Cole: "But you could let them go." Solas: "I know that as well." Cole: "You didn't do it to be right. You did it to save them." Inquisitor: "Solas, what is Cole talking about?" Solas: "A mistake. One of many by a much younger elf who was certain he knew everything."

In this banter, Cole reveals to us that Solas' mind immediately goes from "It's hard for me to accept I'm not a spirit" to "the people that were lost when Solas created the Veil". To me, this pretty much confirms that the people of Elvhenan and spirits are connected, if not one and the same. It's assumed that the Evanuris mined the Titans to somehow create bodies for spirits to inhabit, and that Mythal gave Solas a body against his will. There's also the theory about the creation of the Veil having caused the separation of body and spirit.

You know, I've written so much about this in previous posts and I don't want to sound like a broken record, but if we consider all those little clues and look at all of his dialogue in that context, it just makes so much sense to me, that what he wants to do is primarily to save the spirits/destroy the barrier for them to enter the waking world without their purpose getting corrupted. There's also still the matter of the Blights and red lyrium otherwise probably consuming the entire world. 😅 I think that's what he's referring to when saying "What I am doing will save this world" in Tevinter Nights.

And remember, "Dread Wolf" is still literally an anagram for "World" and "Fade". 😂 Both worlds colliding is quite literally in his title. lol Whatever the six eyed high dragon sized Dread Wolf actually is, as far as we know, he only seems to exist within the Fade, but how exactly is he connected to Solas and what will happen to him if he tears down the Veil (which btw is also definitely gonna happen… I mean, besides the fact that the Veil is getting weaker regardless of Solas' actions)? ANYWAY.

Sorry for rambling so much (and I feel like my English is a little rusty, too 😖), but I haven't talked about this stuff in a while and the lack of news is killing me. 😂 But your message gave me something to think about again, so thank you! :)

[frenchfrysplash]

.

hey under a read more because this is just some thoughts

watching the fun kathryn hahn show (haven't seen the finale yet) has got me analyzing my own reactions to television and media and I just want to take a moment to type it out into the void

basically I feel so anxious, and I've been struggling to identify why. like, I am really enjoying this show, but before I watch an episode I feel my stomach twist and my heart speeding up and I know it's anxiety. seeing spoilers or not seeing spoilers doesn't seem to make a difference - for example, I was so friggin TENSE before episode 5 because I had seen spoilers, and then I watched the episode and it was just....an episode. of a thing that I like. for the next couple episodes I tried blacklisting the title of the show and that STILL didn't work.

and I recognize that this is stupid! I recognize that it's not that fucking deep! and it's not specific to a show, this has also happened with legends of tomorrow and critical role. I think I can trace this back to watching carmilla and waiting for new episodes to drop. these are all pieces of media that I absolutely ADORE.

I do notice that it seems fairly specific to shows that are week-to-week rather than dropped all at once. But I also am of the strong opinion that week-to-week is the better way to release things. so what does that mean for me?

does this come from the anxiety of waiting for the other shoe to drop, so to speak, like with the 100 and lexa? like i'm just waiting for something terrible to happen to the characters I like, or the creators to make a choice I disagree with? (and if that's it, how stupid and entitled am I?) I was always that kid that skipped to the last page to make sure my favourite character survived. Or does this come from getting too hyper-fixated on something. I have all these memories of starting to watch a show with a family member or talking to a friend about something and then getting so into it or having too strong (and kinda dumb) opinions that the person no longer wants to talk about it or watch it with me. Does it come from that?

I have tried very hard in the last few years to just remove myself from these types of situations, and focus on other things I enjoy, like hobbies or reading or whatever. obviously I still watch tv shows, I just tend to wait until they're over, or watch old ones (the x-files, xena), or if they're so far ahead (critical role), or ones that drop all at once.

but it's just very frustrating to feel like this about things I enjoy and like. I can see how much love went into the kathryn hahn show, and I have really enjoyed watching it, but this anxiety it just ridiculous. am I just never going to be able to properly like things?

anyway this is just rambling - if you have read this, know that yes, I'm in therapy, I plan to talk about this aspect of my personality, I'm just writing into the void.

[lilith-vodkaaunt-of-demons]

The most hilarious thing happened in one of my Dungeons and Dragons games the other day, and I wanna share it.

So, I play an Apothecary Wizard in one of my dnd games. She makes and sells potions, medicines, alcohol, and the occasional Geneva Convention violation called Alchemist's Fire. Anyway, one of the things I always ask my DMs when making a character is if I can get a free Musical Instrument proficiency since I like the idea of it, probably because I want to learn how to play someday.

So anyway, my Wizard knows how to play the lute, and since she's a saleswoman, she has the Charisma to back it up...except for this instance. I hadn't started with a lute, but over the course of several session found myself in possession of an incredibly out of tune lute that a cultist had just happened to have. So she picks up the lute and plucks a few strings and learns that this bandit must have just had this lute for show or something, because it's TERRIBLY out of tune. So the DM has me roll to tune it... Natural 1. For the next 30 minutes OOC and several hours in game, I cannot. For the life of me. Tune. This. Lute. I legitimately make like, 10 rolls and never roll above a 5. This is an INTELLIGENCE Performance Check, since it's technical, I am a WIZARD, with a 20 intelligence, and proficiency. I have a +8 to this roll, and the DC is

14.

Eventually I have to stop trying because we get into combat with more crazy cultists, but OOC I am gobsmacked, and IC my Wizard is absolutely INCENSED at this friggin' untunable lute.

Anyway, some fighting happens, and eventually I'm cornered by a Fire Genasi Cultist who is hopped up on energy from the Plane of Fire, so is currently immune to Fire Damage, the one damage type I have as a cantrip, and I'm trying to not use my spell slots on the little guys because we all know there's a boss battle at the end of this cave.

So I'm stuck. Embers McHotPants is in melee range, so my Firebolt, on top of not actually doing any damage to him, would be at disadvantage, even if I tried to hit someone not currently immune to fire. I'm a squishy wizard with not so great AC, so running away and possibly getting hit with an AOO is not attractive. Could I have disengaged? Maybe if I hadn't had an amazing idea first.

Me: I hit him with the lute.

DM: What?

Me: The Lute. The infernal instrument cursed to never be in tune. I hit him with the lute.

DM: Riiight, okay. Roll improvised weapon attack.

(For clarity, my Wizard has an 8 strength, and is not proficient with improvised weapons.)

Me: *rolls d20, then starts laughing*

DM: Did you roll another Nat1?

Me: *still laughing* No!

At this point the entire table is laughing but the DM.

DM: You didn't.

Me: *unable to speak, I just nod*

I had rolled a nat20, (19 total) to hit the guy with the lute.

At first the DM looked just plain flabbergasted, but then he got this look on his face, a kind of half smile, and started describing what happened.

DM: Alright, so you find yourself cornered. Nowhere to run, nowhere to hide, and this cultist is utterly immune to your attacks. It's just so...frustrating. Frustrating like that damn lute that you just couldn't tune. You feel your frustration boil over, and you just grab the lute by the neck and swing it! You hear a discordant BWANGGGG! as you smack the cultist upside the head with the head with the lute. And maybe he was more hurt than you thought, or maybe he just had a glass jaw, but he goes down. As the cultist falls, you relax a bit, lowering the lute, which somehow isn't broken, and you pluck a few strings absent-mindedly, and...you can't believe your ears. The lute is perfectly in tune. You've heard professionally tuned instruments that aren't as perfectly tuned as this instrument.

The table EXPLODED. It was pandemonium. My PC had hit the cultist in such a way that it tuned the untunable lute. There was laughter, tears, and celebration. It was amazing. I was laughing so hard I cried and gave myself hiccups.

[smolwritingchick]

Smol Oneshot: First Fight

Author's Note: Well since I'm on my computer, I'll share this old thing I wrote years ago from my documents. I am still trying to figure out what I want Jennie (OC) and Jungkook's first fight as a couple to be. But it will happen in 2017. I do plan to put this in my story. I may add on and modify it as well. Let this hold you! :)

--------

The members selected to go bowling and Jungkook decided to join. But while there, he was scowling the whole time and watched the game instead of joining like he would normally do. Adjusting the black cap on his head, he angrily glanced at Namjoon and Angelina, who were acting all mushy together. 

The Golden Maknae rolled his eyes. This was a bad idea. Why did he come here? This would only make him madder since he didn’t have his girl with him. It irked him to see happy couples around. He glanced at the empty seat next to him. That seat was supposed to be for Jennie. But a few days ago, they had their first fight as a couple.

Jungkook was frustrated. This was his first serious relationship and he didn’t know how to handle the situation. Some things were said, and things got heated during their argument. But despite all of that, he still loved her dearly and lowkey wished that she would apologize first so they could move on. Jennie probably felt the same way, hoping he would apologize since they both were as stubborn as ever. Jennie had a mouth when she got upset. She remained firm and voiced her opinion until she said what she had to say in their argument. She wasn’t one to back down so easily. She tried her best not to lash out and had trouble keeping her mouth shut but he kept pushing her buttons. And she kept pushing his.

Were relationships always this hard?

You feel like everything is perfect but after one fight, you feel like your world is crashing down and things may come to an end. 

Do all couples deal with fights like this?

How do couples overcome issues like this?

Were they freaking out over nothing and things will be back the way they were soon?

Sure, they bicker from time to time and have disagreements but it was never this bad. The day after their fight, the members noticed the tension, right away. The 95 Liners freaked out, worried to death when they didn’t see JenKook together. It startled everyone to see that they hadn’t said a word to one another. Their managers and Bang PD were even concerned.

JenKook began to ignore each other, keeping their distance. But over time, the members would regard the couple stealing glances at one another, unmistakably indicating that they missed each other. All Jungkook wanted to do was hold and kiss her but he assumed that she was still mad at him.

Having enough, Jungkook snapped at Angelina and Namjoon after seeing them kiss. “Can you two stop kissing in front of me like that!? I didn’t come here for a friggin’ show!”

His sudden shout prompted the members to stare at him, startled. The Golden Maknae immediately got scolded by a few of his hyungs for how he was acting.

“Unnecessary! Apologize, right now! That was so rude of you," Jin said with a disappointed look. 

Angelina frowned, understanding what he had said in Korean. It was clear that Jungkook was hurting. She knew he didn’t mean it. He just wanted Jennie, and she was damn sure that Jennie was hurting as well and wanted him, too. 

She thought about their conversation earlier today.

------

“Are you seriously not going to bowl with us? So, what are you gonna do? Stay in the hotel all day? Girl, if you don’t join us.” Angelina exclaimed, crossing her arms in front of Jennie who was seated on her bed.

“I just don’t want to go. I don’t feel like bowling, okay?” she responded.

“Is this because of your boyfriend?” 

From the look on Jen’s face, she was right.

Jennie didn’t want to upset Jungkook even more, so she decided to give him space until they cooled down. Seeing him so upset during that fight broke her heart and Jungkook felt the same, seeing her so upset with him.

Jen admitted that she was scared. This was their first big fight and she was wondering how they would recover from this. She did not want to give up on him and she refused to allow her relationship with him to end over a fight. 

As time went on, all she wanted to do was hug and show him how much he meant to her but she still stayed away, assuming that he didn’t want to speak with her anytime soon.

“I seriously think that you two need to be locked in a bedroom, together. Nothing like love and physical affection after you two finally decide to talk it out~.” Angelina teased, hoping to get some type of reaction out of her but it didn’t work. “Okay, but seriously. You two should really talk it out.”

Angelina also reminded Jennie that she felt the same. She felt frustrated and furious with Namjoon but Jen had helped her when they had their first fight. 

“I was this close to breaking up with Namjoon. But who talked some sense into me and gave me advice? You. You gave me a long ass pep talk and you told me that communication is key. Remember? This time, follow your own advice. Communicate with your man. Things will be OK.”

-------

Jungkook stood up and grumbled. “I’m leaving...”

Watching him storm off, Namjoon sighed and rubbed his temples while Hobi said, “I did not think it was this bad.”

“All right, we are fixing this ASAP! Jimin and I did not spend months trying to get Jennie and Jungkook together only for it to end over a bad fight. We gotta do something!” Taehyung suggested.

“Yeah! My heart is aching over this! This is not supposed to happen!” Jimin whined.

And they did as the members forced JenKook to go out to dinner with them the next evening. No matter what excuse they made, everyone made sure to drag them to dinner. It was so weird to not have JenKook drive everyone crazy with their goofy antics and not seeing them so close. Things needed to go back to normal.

Being sly at dinner, Taehyung and Jimin, made the couple sit across from each other at the table. Everyone watched their every move, noticing the accidental touches when they were getting food. Throughout the night, the Golden Couple would unintentionally brush their feet and legs against one another. The endless staring and averting of their eyes also amused the members.

“I saw that.” Jimin sipped his drink.

“I did too,” Hobi murmured.

“Mm-Hm,” Taehyung added.

After dinner, the members went roller skating to pass the time. Jen was glad that she went because it was hilarious to see everyone falling on their asses and bumping into people. It had been a while since she went roller skating, and as she skated around, she ended up losing her balance and prepared for the worst.

Abruptly, her Golden Boyfriend came to her rescue, catching her just in time. It was like he had been watching her, making sure she was safe ever since she put her skates on. Feeling his warm hands on her skin, gave her that strong urge to hug him as he helped her balance and stand on her feet.

His eyes showed concern and tenderness as he murmured, “You all right?”

After she told him she was fine, he went on to skate ahead and she realized how much she missed him. She finally decided that she was going to pull him aside and ask to talk about their fight in private after they were done skating. No more being stubborn about this.

Minutes later, it was Jungkook that had fallen on the floor thanks to Hobi accidentally bumping into him. Seeing a pair of skates by his legs, Jungkook looked up to see Jennie extending her hand. It seemed like she was trying not to laugh at how “gracefully” he fell. That smile she was fighting warmed his heart as he took her hand.

After helping him up, she said, “Be careful,” before skating away.

Once she was done skating, Jen exchanged her skates for her shoes, thinking of how she should approach Jungkook. She then noticed that he was exchanging his skates as well when she turned in his direction. 

“Babe, can we please talk?”

“Honey, can we please talk?”

They both said simultaneously. Hearing them use one of their names for each other made their hearts flutter. It was moments like that where they could never remain mad at each other.

“I guess we were both thinking the same thing.” he smiled softly, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I wanted to speak with you privately about our fight. We should sit down and talk about it.”

“Yeah. Let’s walk back to the hotel to talk. Get away from the public.” he gently grabbed her hand, walking her outside.

What they both wanted to do was sit down, talk about the argument, resolve it, and move on so they could be happy again. It seemed like they were about to move in the right direction to make up.

“Hey, look! They’re leaving together!” Taehyung happily announced.

Jimin, getting so excited while skating and watching them leave, smacked himself against the wall and fell. Loud laughter was heard from the members as they teased him. After pulling themselves together, they sat down, discussing JenKook.

“Finally talking like adults. About time.” Angelina sighed out of relief.

“Should we head back, too? Should we really leave them alone like that? Don’t you think we should make sure they’re fine?” Jin suggested.

“No way!” Taehyung exclaimed. “We’re staying here!”

“Nah, leave them alone,” Yoongi responded.

“They’re fine and besides those kids need some serious alone time,” Namjoon added. “Let them get it all out of their systems and talk it out.”

The 95 Liners glanced at each other with knowing looks and giggled to themselves.

“Yeah, let them talk it out.” Taehyung went on, nudging Jimin.

“Yeah, talk,” Jimin responded sarcastically with an amused look.