#THIS IS THE ORIGIN OF MY AIM IS GETTING BETTER

[cryptotheism]

approximately how much of your research time do you aim to spend on deciphering original sources and interpretation of/commentary on sources vs. like historical context and other miscellany that's not the source itself but is important to understand the source?

I would say the vast majority of my research time is reading scholarly commentaries. I can't read classical Greek or Latin, so reading many original sources can be difficult for me. But I benefit from several thousand years of scholarship on the text's that interest me.

It might sound strange, but sometimes I don't actually read the entirety of the original text. I haven't read translations of all of pseudo-aristotle, or the entire Jabirian corpus. But I have read many excellent books about them!

I don't necessarily want to get bogged down with minute details. My job isn't to do deep analysis of specific texts. There are plenty of scholars who do that way better than me, and they've published their work for me to read. My job is basically being a science communicator. My job is to read that scholarship, and tell the people like you what it is, why it's interesting, and important, and worth your time.

So I'm interested less in specifics, and more interested in influences. Im looking for broad social trends, influential ideas and thinkers, and how all of that interacts over the course of centuries. I don't necessarily seek out flavor and miscellany, but I discover it naturally as part of the research process.

[nitw]

i've been waiting for gravity falls to become relevant again so i could share one of my favorite underrated bits from the entire show. like it's only episode 2 but this whole segment just makes me lose my shit. i think jason ritter's exasperated line delivery is what makes it

[flurry-of-stars]

︵‿︵‿୨✩୧‿︵‿︵

*taps microphone* New chapter for These Hollow Halls coming soon--

[miodiodavinci]

in light of posting the UTAU guide i'm breaking my personal NDA to say "please please believe that salvador_AR is not the full extent of my UTAU capabilities i swear i know what im doing i swear" hh

song: lower (one's eyes) ust: HiepTran/Hye

[omarfor-orchestra]

I do think people who work in the field should roast the show because it was supposed to bring attention to some kind of realities that get ignored more often than everything else and it became a soap opera instead but consider. I like it.

[strogoff-era]

Tags by @cyclesprefectpress

Yes, Bodoni ! I didn't have much choice for the font considering I needed 1) a lot of letters to do the whole thing in one go 2) needed small capitals and 3) a font that ressembles a bit the original Note. Add to this I'm in France (and the workshop has little to no english fonts) and you get Bodoni lol

Guess who's done !! :D

My (almost) 1:1 print of the Victory Point Note is done ! It's a mix of lead printing and screen printing

I have a lot of them so I might sell some of them (if I can, I still have to look into it)

Also fun fact : I made a version without the signature and my new goal is to have the actors from The Terror to sign in place of their characters lol

[thehammyyammy]

honestly watching gravity falls growing up was ridiculously influential on me, like some of the morals and the mystery chasing for sure but i think more-so it explains a bit why im. like this.

[koushirouizumi]

{YU-GI-OH!} Duel Monsters Type: AMV ~ Yuugi & {Ace-implied!}Yami {Atem*} (*This AMV mainly contains 'Yami''s form) [Reading in Aro-Ace or Aro-Acespec!Yami is also Fine] {Just please respect my own headcanons too!} Title: "Taking Over Me"

Summary: "You saw me M o u r n i n g my {xxxx} for YOU, and T O U C H E D MY H A N D..."

"...Just to F I N D Y O U--"

Music © E.v.a.n.e.s.e.n.c.e/Amy Lee

Spoiler Info: -Leads up to End of Anime-only “DOMA” Arc's Yuugi & Yami Duel {Anime-Only sequences; not included in original manga} -{Mainly} D.M. Only Eps -A single clip from the original 1st series by Toei opens it, but nothing else from it is included.

*Any Lip-sync'ng was unintentional {+Any similar Might be removed in any future Remake}

Yu-Gi-Oh! © Kazuki Takahashi Yu-Gi-Oh! 1st Series {Anime} © Toei Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters {Anime} © Studio Gallop This is a FAN-WORK. NO $$$ is being made off this work.

{AMV by (Young) Me} {DO NOT REPOST} {DO NOT COPY} {DO NOT REPRODUCE MY WORKS UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES WITHOUT MY PERMISSION}

(Note: This is an OLD work {10+ yrs old}. and one of my last YGO D. M. ones of the timeframe; however, it was still very early on in my making of these type of works {AMVs} when I finished this. The footage used will reflect this, as it was made before widespread transition into H.D. Footages. Please be understanding.) [There may be intent for me to remake it someday!] Overall, it is Complete, and other than removing accidental lipsyncs; Most of it I do not plan to change.

Note: -This video’s embed may randomly not display at times, Showing like it’s “down”, but it’s not at this time! {It usually happens late at night[s] or seemingly when Tumblr and/or Vimeo is experiencing very high traffic} If that happens, please consider watching the Direct link here!

{I am NOT taking new Requests [or making changes to this one] (+for this series) at this time. Please DO NOT Ask!}

[byoldervine]

How To (Realistically) Make A Habit Of Writing

To clarify: Works with my autism. WORKS WITH MY AUTISM!!! I’ve been meeting my goals since I made them my New Year’s resolution! Anyway I’m so sick of all those ‘how to’ guides that don’t actually tell you what the process is they’re just like ‘just do it, but don’t burn yourself out, do what’s best for you!’ because you’re not telling me what I’m not supposed to be burning myself out over but okay, so I made my own. Hope this helps

1. Choose your fighter metric. What works better for you as a measurement of your progress; time spent writing or your word count? Personally I get very motivated and encouraged by seeing my word count go up and making a note of where it should be when I’m done, so I measure by that. At the same time, a lot of people are also very discouraged by their word count and it can negatively impact their motivation to write, and in that case you may be better off working from how much time you spend writing rather than where the word count is

2. Choose your starter Pokémon time frame. How often can you write before it starts to feel like a chore or a burden rather than something fun you look forward to? Many people believe that they have to write daily, but for some people this can do more harm than good. Maybe every two or three days? Weekly? Figure out what fits your schedule and go with it

3. Choose your funny third joke goal. Now that you’ve got your chosen time frame to complete your goal in, what’s a reasonable goal to aim to complete within that time frame based on the metric you chose? If your metric is your word count, how much can you reasonably and consistently write within your chosen time frame? If your metric is time spent writing, how much time can you reasonably and consistently spend writing within that time? Maybe 1000 words per week works, or maybe 10 minutes per day? The goal here is to find something that works for you and your own schedule without burning you out

4. Trial and error. Experiment with your new target and adapt it accordingly. Most people can’t consistently write 1667 words per day like you do in NaNoWriMo, so we want to avoid that and aim somewhere more reasonable. If you feel like it’s too much to do in such a short time frame, either give yourself less to do or more time to do it in. If you find yourself begrudgingly writing so often that it constantly feels more like a chore than something fun, maybe consider adapting things. And if you think that you gave yourself too much wiggle room and you could do more than this consistently, give yourself more of a challenge. Everything needs to suit you and your pace and needs

5. Run your own race. Don’t feel like you’re not accomplishing enough in comparison to others or not working fast enough to satisfy some arbitrary feeling of doubt. Everybody works at their own pace and slower work doesn’t mean worse work. You could be on one word per day and you’ll still see consistent results, which is still one word per day more than you could originally count on. All progress is progress, regardless of its speed

[zhelin-thames]

Danny meets JL Members #4

[Danny and Green Arrow in the middle of a fight with ghosts]

Danny: Nice aim, Robin Hood, but arrows don’t work on ghosts. Green Arrow: They do when they’re tipped with magnesium-phased ectoplasm. Danny: [blinks] …Did you just make that up, or do you actually know ghost science? Green Arrow: I’m a billionaire vigilante with too much free time. Of course, I know ghost science.

Danny: So, you’re like a ghostbuster with a bow? Green Arrow: More like a ghostbuster who’s better dressed. Danny: [gestures to Green Arrow’s outfit] You think that’s better dressed?

Green Arrow: Wait, you’re half-ghost? Danny: Yup! Half-ghost, half-human. Green Arrow: [mutters] And people say my origin story is weird.

Danny: You ever get tired of using arrows? Green Arrow: You ever get tired of glowing green? Danny: Touché.

[Danny and Green Arrow vs. Ghosts]

Danny: Quick! Shoot an arrow at that ghost! Green Arrow: On it. [shoots an arrow, and it flies straight through the ghost] Danny: Okay, maybe try a different arrow. Green Arrow: [grinning] I have a boxing glove arrow. Want me to use that? Danny: What the—why do you even have that?!

[Later, back at the Arrowcave]

Danny: So, do all vigilantes just have caves? Batman’s got one, you’ve got one—what’s next, Superman’s got a Fortress of Solitude? Green Arrow: He does. Danny: You guys are way cooler than my FentonWorks basement.

Green Arrow: You know, kid, you’re pretty good at this hero thing. Ever think about joining the Justice League? Danny: Thanks, but I’ve got my own ghost problems to deal with. Plus, I don’t think the League’s ready for this much sarcasm.

Green Arrow: [to himself] Ghost kid with powers… I need to tell Batman about this one. Danny: [overhearing] Oh, great. Another broody guy in a cape to deal with.

[dresshistorynerd]

Historically Accurate Jasmine

Another remake! I remade Jasmine for my series of "Historically Accurate" Disney Princesses. I honestly don't like the first version of Jasmine I made five years ago. It's not well drawn, I don't like the design, it doesn't look Jasmine and I incoherently mixed elements from different time periods. I also made some embarrassing blunders in history while explaining my thought process, since back then I was much less familiar with the history of Middle East and India. So I definitely wanted to redo her.

I do like Aladdin a lot, but let's be real, it's a very Orientalist film. Orientalism is the colonial lens through which the west looks at Asia and North-Africa, or the so called "Orient". It's dehumanizing and fetishistic lens - the west at the same time despises and covets the "Oriental" body. The "Orient" is flattened as one single entity and it's all savage and exotic, backward and mystical. Orientalism is fueled by jealousy and entitled superiority. In Aladdin it's very visible in how the setting blends a lot of very different Asian cultures, flattening large parts of a very diverse continent. It's set in sandy desert, but a lot of the elements of dress especially are much more Indian in aesthetic. Certainly fitted bodices and exposed stomachs are not practical clothes in a desert climate. The characters too are frequently exotised and fetishised with most female characters including Jasmine dressed and posed to appeal to the colonial gaze that covets brown bodies. Jasmine is sexualised much more that any of the white Disney princesses.

Originally the story was going to be more focused, though I can't imagine it ever lacking in Orientalism. It was supposed to be set in Baghdad, but during the production the First Gulf War happened, so they tried to distance it from the original Iraqi setting by setting it to the fictional city of Agrabah. Would there have been less Indian elements? Probably. It is pointed that in the wake of American forever wars in the Middle East, to not cause a stir Disney elected to make the movie more Orientalist. Orientalism was the inoffensive option.

Deciding on the historical setting to ground the redesign in was not simple considering the mess that the movie's setting is. One Thousand And One Nights is a collection (or many collections) of Islamic folktales from Northern Africa to Central and South Asia. So India (especially Mughal India ruled by Muslim dynasty) wouldn't be an incorrect setting and certainly neither would Middle East. The problem is that the film seems to imply there's no meaningful difference. Rather than trying figure out what is the most fitting place and time period for the film, I looked to the origins of the story of Aladdin. Apparently Aladdin’s story was added to One Thousand And One Hundred Nights by a French translator in 1709. He got the story from a Syrian-born Maronite storyteller, Hanna Diyab, who might have come up with the story himself. Most of Syria (at least Aleppo where he was born) was at the time part of Safavid dynasty Persia, so I decided to set my version of Jasmine in 17th century Persia.

I basically based the design on the illustration from 1702-3 by Mu'in Musavvir first below. The more fitted and tailored style with wider skirt likely influenced by European fashion it represents became fashionable in mid 17th century, so it still fits the time period I'm aiming at. The colour is simply perfect for Jasmine and I really like the overall desing. I did look at other art as well to get a better understanding on how the cut of the dress works, so here's couple o more references: second one is "Two Lovers with a Servant Woman" from 1696 by Mu'in Musavvir as well, third and fourth are details from paintings in the Chehel Stoun palace in Isfahan from 1646. Eyebrows grown together was considered especially beautiful feature so of course I gave Jasmine brows like that.

I of course gave her a crown, since she's a princess and depictions of Safavid princesses seem to always have a crown. I found that usually in art women had a white veil with their crown which is why I made her veil white, even though with the scarf band, which was the more typical headwear for women, colourful veils seemed to have been much more popular at the time. The veils in 17th century were also very long. For the crown and jewelry I wasn't as concerned to be using references from mid to late 17th century specifically, since these tend to change slower than other fashions. I based the crown mostly on the first illustration below from c. 1600 by Muhammad-Sharif Musawwir of a Seated Princess and the earrings on the second illustration from c. 1540 by Mirza ‘Ali of a Seated Princess with a Spray of Flowers.

Most of the images I found on this very useful blog which had gathered A LOT of Persian illustrations and paintings in handy timeline. A lot of the information of Safavid fashion I got from this MET Museum write up by Nazanin Hedayat Munroe.

[chaconnehoonie]

Wet- L.HS

☼ Lee Heeseung x Fem Reader

Synopsis- As temperatures rise, so does Heeseung’s dick.

WC: 4k+

Warnings: smut, one(1) food play-ish scene, water gun fight, cursing, nothing too extreme it’s just pwp

Smut warnings: Verbal and physical teasing, kissing, oral(f), unprotected sex, creampies, voyeurism and they (kinda) get caught, pool/outdoor sex

This is fiction and the scenarios are completely fake and from my brain, none of the characters are accurate in real life, MDNI!

A/N: This was originally supposed to be written for Sunghoon but I can’t get over that picture of Heeseung so I changed my mind. Enjoy!

You’re so hot

The summer sun warms the exposed areas of skin, but your water soaked shirt keeps you cool in the one hundred degree weather. God damn the sun and its harsh rays—cursing the land with heat waves and rising temperatures that force you and your friends to find ways to cool off.

Heeseung can’t help but stare.

Even as he feels a stream of water hit the back of his head, he can’t keep his eyes off of you. Especially when Jake takes aim and pulls the trigger of his water gun to shoot straight at the center of your chest. God bless the sun.

“Alright, pervert! You got me.” You run a hand through your wet hair, laughing to yourself as you make your way towards your friends and knock water guns with Sunoo as a small celebration.

Jake shoots you one last time, whining about how unfair you play. “Seriously, how did you even get back there? I swear I checked thrice! I want to switch teams!” You poke the muscle of bicep that’s outlined by his own soaking wet shirt, teasing him for his terrible skills at his own game.

“Maybe you should’ve checked better.” With a click of your tongue you prance towards the pool, placing a palm upon the hot pavement to determine the heat. Heeseung watches as you stand up and pull your shirt off of yourself, back arching and neck rolling back as you peel the sticking fabric off of your body to reveal your bikini.

He admires the way you swiftly throw your shirt to the side, grabbing your beach towel and placing it next to the pool to sit on. Plopping yourself onto it, you dip your freshly painted toes into the water and splash them around.

“Why don’t you just ask her out?” Jay startles Heeseung from his trance, snapping his head to see the younger is now the only person standing next to him, a quirked eyebrow following his question. “I can’t.”

Heeseung replies simply, turning back just in time to notice Sunghoon handing you a small ice cream cone. He’s unable to focus for long as his attention is caught by Sunoo loudly laughing from the pool, where Jake is swimming around with an open mouth, begging Sunghoon to at least attempt to throw his own cone into his mouth from where he stands next to you.

“I don’t think Sunghoon would like that.” Heeseung sighs, shaking his head and deciding his own fate is to watch you from afar. To admire you from a distance.

But Jay wouldn’t let that happen. He doesn’t call himself “Heeseung’s number one wing man” for no reason, which is why he encourages his friend to go after you. Even if Sunghoon seems to be the only guy in your field of vision.

Of course, you’re just friends. At least that’s what you both claim. Heeseung doesn’t believe it though, in fact, he believes you two have been keeping it on the low. He’s created a whole fantasy relationship between his two friends— a fantasy that he isn’t a part of.

“Your first problem is not Sunghoon.” Jay brings up the topic once they’ve made their way into the cool house, alone. “The problem is you thinking there’s something going on between them.” Heeseung scoffs, taking a beer from Jay then turning his head to look at you through the window.

Your ice cream cone is melting in the hot sun, creamy liquid running through your fingers and down your forearm and Heeseung shivers. He’s always known he has a strong imagination, but with the visual stimulation right there; the suggestively colored desert leaving trails of itself down your arm, he can only imagine how his is own cream would adorn your body.

“Are you even listening?” Jay smacks his friend’s head, snapping him out of his scandalous fantasy. “You need to make a move. And I promise you Sunghoon won’t care. Sure, he’s a little protective but he’s your best friend too—he knows what’s best for both of you.”

Heeseung only pays attention to the first half of Jay’s rant, falling back into a trance as you finally lick a long stripe up your forearm, swapping your ice cream cone to the other hand to suck on your messy fingers. He only looks away when Sunghoon grabs your wrist and forces your fingers further down your throat and you gag for a second, then bring your ice cream and spit covered hand to the back of Sunghoon’s head, pushing him into the pool with Jake and Sunoo.

“You’re so right.” Heeseung’s voice is barely audible to Jay. “What-”before Jay can even question him, the older is patting him on the back and muttering a quick thanks you’re the best and rushing outside. Jay stands there for a second, sighs, then quickly entertains himself with an unopened bottle of vodka. He’ll pay Sunghoon back later.

You move your attention from the pool to the house just in time to see Heeseung sitting down next to you. You note that he looks nervous, maybe even shy, but you don’t say anything to humiliate him. Yet.

“Hi, Hee. What’s up?” You chirp out before bringing what’s left of your ice cream to your lips, licking a sensual stripe along the side. You don’t break eye contact with Heeseung as you twist the cone between your fingers, coating the entire expanse with your tongue.

Heeseung gulps, adam’s apple bobbing as he watches a drop of melted cream land on your chest, then can’t help but follow it with his eyes as it glides down your skin over your right breast, then between your breasts, and finally landing somewhere in the covered area of your bikini top.

As if he wasn’t just ogling your body, he looks back up to see you staring at him in amusement, and finally answers your question. “Nothing.”

You nod, smirking to yourself and quickly glancing towards all four of your friends now in the pool. “Nothing, huh?” You repeat and he nods eagerly.

“So what about that?” Your gaze drops to his lap, and only then does he realize how hard he’s gotten over this short interaction. “That seems pretty up to me.” You tease, letting out a giggle before abruptly standing up and stretching out the hand currently holding your ice cream.

Heeseung grabs the cone, confused but so love-struck that he’s barely processing anything at the moment. You push his hand closer to his mouth, watching as drops land onto the crotch of his swim trunks and he once again follows your gaze.

Grabbing his cheek with one hand and pushing the ice cream past his lips with the other, you smile widely at him. “Finish for me, yeah?”

.☼.

If yesterday really happened, then Heeseung is in a slight dilemma. After arriving home last night, he did finish for you. At least, he hopes that’s what you meant by finish. Perhaps you really did mean the yummy treat but he knows you. He knows your double meanings and your teasing jokes.

But this makes his situation all the worse. To anyone else, these interactions would have confirmed your requited feelings for Heeseung, but it’s you. You’re so confusing.

With the way you’re so teasing with everyone, and the way you show affection in questionable manners. Even the way you openly treat all and any of your friends as if they’re your boyfriend.

Heeseung remembers when Sunoo complimented the scent of your lip gloss, so in return you kissed him for a solid five seconds, stating that you “just wanted him to taste it”. Yeah, sure.

Or the time Jake wanted you to clean up his eyebrows for him, which resulted in you sitting in his lap for fifteen stiff minutes applying your entire skin care routine on him.

Whatever you have going on in your head, it confuses Heeseung. Which is why he decided he’s finally going to man up and ask you on a date at your daily pool hang out.

At least, he’s going to try to. Hopefully if you’re not wearing his favorite red bikini. Hopefully if you somehow magically forgot the events of yesterday. Hopefully if he just grows some balls and lets his feelings free for the first time in years. Probably not.

.☼.

It’s safe to say, you did not forget the events of yesterday, you’re definitely wearing Heeseung’s favorite red bikini, and he has not at all grown any balls to even make eye contact with you yet.

He’s been here for an hour. One whole agonizing hour of watching you climb onto Jake’s shoulders and wrestle Sunghoon who is on Sunoo’s shoulders. Thankfully, Sunoo has thighs of steel and is able to keep Sunghoon steady while you push and pull all in an attempt to knock him over.

Heeseung’s jaw clenches and his eyes don’t leave your hands— your hands that are currently touching up every part of Sunghoon’s body. He contemplates leaving now and skipping out on the guy’s night he and his friends hold biweekly.

Your fingers grip Sunghoon’s biceps before making their way to his chest, nails scratching their way down his ridged stomach, letting out frustrated groans as you poke and poke at Sunghoon’s body.

Oh, how Heeseung wishes it was his body you were touching. He can’t take it anymore, standing up quickly and pushing his lawn chair back, where it hits the floor with a loud crash before making his way into the house just like he did yesterday.

The crash distracts you and Sunghoon takes this as an advantage as he swiftly loosens your harsh grip on Jake’s shoulders and pushes you down into the water.

From outside of the pool, Jay sighs to himself before following Heeseung back inside, finding him snooping through Sunghoon’s home bar.

“She’s not going to fuck you if you’re not sober, you know.” Heeseung jumps at the sound of Jay’s voice, almost dropping one of the expensive bottles of alcohol.

He shrugs and continues snooping. “Who said anything about fucking?” His reply is nonchalant but his best friend can see right through his act. “Your eyes say everything I need to know.” Jay laughs to himself but Heeseung doesn’t find it funny.

“Whatever. She’s not into me like that anyways.” Heeseung speaks like he’s trying to convince himself, but Jay can hear the hopeful tone in his voice. “Trust me. She was eye fucking you earlier when you weren’t looking.”

Jay barely gets the sentence out before Heeseung is visibly perking up. “Really?!” His face is bright and his eyes are glossy and wide. “Relax, man. Don’t pop a boner in front of me.” Jay teases his friend and Heeseung rolls his eyes in embarrassment, because he definitely would grow stiff at just the mention of your name.

Jay heads back towards the sliding door but turns back to Heeseung before he opens it. “By the way, Hoon invited her to stay the night with us also.” He smiles to himself before continuing his sentence. “So please try to keep it down if you do happen to make it past first base.” With that, he makes his way back to the pool and leaves Heeseung with a heavy problem in his swim trunks.

.☼.

Heeseung opens his eyes to the sound of obnoxious snoring echoing throughout Sunghoon’s living room. He’s not sure how long he’s been asleep but by the looks of it, everyone else seems to have knocked out by now too. Closing his eyes, he decides to try to fall back asleep. Until he’s startled awake-

“Heeseung.”

Shooting his eyes back open, he sits up from his place on the couch and looks around the dark room. With his eyes adjusting to the lack of light, he can only barely make out your figure kneeling next to him on the floor. “What the fuck are you doing?” He whispers a little too loudly and you stand up, a palm covering his mouth swiftly as you take place onto the couch next to him.

Heeseung is a big man, meaning he already takes up most of the space, leaving you only a small sliver of cushion to sit on. So, you climb up onto his lap to get comfortable— because of course you would. Stiffening up from under you, he makes eye contact with you the best he can with the dim lighting, only the moonlight peeking through the curtains.

“I couldn’t sleep.” You whisper, slowly taking your hand off of his mouth and trailing it down his chest and stomach, finally resting it at his side. Your thumb swipes comfortably there, almost as if you’re reassuring him, letting him know that this is real. “And I’m bored.” You lean in closer to him, your hand now coming up to his chest and pushing him to lay flat underneath you, his head landing softly on the armrest of the couch.

He gulps, big doe eyes looking up at you almost innocently. But you know that’s not the case. You’ve seen the way he watches you when he thinks you’re not looking. Seeing him drool over you is one thing but seeing him think he’s being slick with it? It, makes you way more aroused than you’d like to admit.

However, it’s taken too long for him to act on his desires, so you decide to do it for him. “Wanna help me?” Your voice is sultry and low, and Heeseung’s tummy feels warm as it stirs with excitement when he nods. Leaning down slowly, you stop as soon as the tip of your nose brushes Heeseung’s. Nodding your head slightly, you rub your nose against his almost domestically, before leaning in and lightly pressing your lips to his.

The kiss doesn’t last long, as you’re quick to pull away and smile. But Heeseung isn’t pleased yet, instead cupping the back of your head with his hand and pulling your face back towards his. Your lips smash together almost painfully, but you’re distracted quickly as his tongue immediately pushes its way into your mouth. It’s warm and wet, strong as it glides against yours in a teasing manner.

You catch his bottom lip between yours, sucking on it for a second before biting it softly and pulling away, watching as it bounces back now glossy and red. Heeseung expects more, but to his surprise, you just jump off of his lap and quietly walk to the door that leads outside.

Looking back, you watch his silhouette as he runs a hand through his hair and sits up again. You turn back to unlock the door, already taking your shirt off to expose your bare torso before turning to him one last time. “You coming?”

.☼.

If anyone had told Heeseung two days ago that he would be not only skinny dipping at 2am with you—but shoving his tongue down your throat as well, he wouldn’t believe it.

But, lo and behold, he currently has your back pressed to the edge of the pool with your legs wrapped around his naked waist, lips locked and swollen.

It all happened in a rush, between you stripping to nothing in front of him to him following your lead and ending up intertwined, he suddenly finds himself in a dream-like state.

Was this really happening? The girl he’s been craving for years is finally giving him a chance? Heeseung feels like happiest man on earth right now, and judging by the little moans you let out every now and then, he thinks you may feel the same.

“Heeseung.” You practically whimper as he drags his lips to your neck, nipping and sucking at your warm skin. His lips kiss down your chest softly, landing on one of your hard nipples. He pecks it so so softly, almost afraid of hurting you, but you want it to hurt. Grabbing the back of his head and pushing your chest forward, you encourage him to take your nipple into his mouth and he easily gets the hint.

He’s barely done anything and you’re already shaking in his arms, gripping his biceps and throwing your head back with a loud moan. “Heeseung- I need you to fuck me.”

He stops immediately, then slowly detaches his mouth from your nipple and looks up at you. “Yeah? Want me to fuck this pretty pussy?” He thrusts his hips up, his movements slowed by the water but his cock still manages to brush against your folds. You bite your lip, nodding your head eagerly and Heeseung smiles. “Let me get a taste of it first.”

Without waiting for your response, he lifts you up and places you at the edge of the pool, your pussy sat deliciously in front of where he keeps himself afloat.

He almost drools, noting the way he can still see your slick drip out of you despite your whole body being drenched in pool water. Heeseung wastes no time, wrapping his arms around your thighs and pulling you closer so his tongue can lap at your slit.

The pleasure sends a shock through your body, your back arching almost painfully and your hips push themselves harder against Heeseung’s face. He’s forced so close into your cunt that you can feel each feature—his nose stimulating your clit as his tongue teases your entrance and his plush lips sucking almost obnoxiously all while his chin is already slippery with your arousal.

“Ah-fuck!” He’s only been at it for a few minutes yet you’re already so close. But this isn’t want you want. No, as much as you want to release all over his pretty nose, you didn’t seduce him just to finish so quickly. So, you use all of your strength to pull him off of you and scoot away. “Need you to fuck me, now.”

That’s all it takes for Heeseung to lift himself out of the pool, pick you up, and then throw you on the nearest lounging chair. Thank fuck for Heeseung convincing Sunghoon to buy these at the start of the summer. Otherwise he may have opted for fucking you on the itchy grass.

Grabbing his face, you pull him down, kissing him with a sloppy force while you grow more impatient by the second. “How do you want it?” He’s so polite as he asks, but just the idea of him caring about your pleasure is so arousing. You turn around, placing your cheek on the cushion of the pool lounger and wiggling your ass to taunt him.

It works, of course, and Heeseung takes his place behind you. He slaps his thick girth on the crevice of your ass, feeling the heat between your bodies mix with the humid summer night air. “Hurry, please.” You whine but he just shushes you, dropping his cock to gather your slick on his tip.

You’re tired of waiting, pushing yourself back only slightly to feel him enter you just an inch. “Oh, God.” You gasp, caught off guard by the stretch of just the head. He fights the urge to fully push himself in, instead gently sliding in more, your walls clenching tighter and tighter as each inch stretches you out, a tingling feeling fluttering in your stomach.

He fully bottoms out, standing still with his hands on your hips for a second, before somehow pushing even deeper. You squeak, brows furrowing as you try to ignore the pain of the threatening size currently stuffing you full. You open your eyes, looking back to see his bottom lip caught between his teeth and his eyes shut.

You reach your hand back and tap his own hand, letting him know he can finally move. He nods, leaning forward a bit to hover his body closer to yours. “I’m going to make you feel so good.” You smile at him for a second, but it’s quickly replaced by an open mouthed moan as he pulls back a few inches, then slams himself back in.

Building up a steady pace, he thrusts a few times before finally letting out his first moan. And God, was it beautiful. “Yes-yes let me hear you, baby.” Your voice is weak as his thrusts push your whole body against the chair, your breath unsteady and shaky with each meet of your hips.

It feels amazing, but you can’t help but feel that Heeseung is trying to be gentle with you, which you don’t want. Pushing yourself back again, you meet his thrusts with quiet hmph hmph hmph noises that catch his attention. “You need more? Yeah? My cock isn’t enough for you, needy baby?” He coos at you but you know he’s still holding back. “Please, Heeseung. More.” Your fragile voice ignites something in him, and you’re suddenly being picked up by your hair.

Heeseung grabs your wrists and pins them to the top of the lounger, romantically intertwining his fingers between yours before aggressively snapping his hips against your ass. You let out an almost-too-loud moan, but it only fuels Heeseung more. Your bodies are close and he can’t pull back fully, so instead he fucks into you at a fast, almost blinding pace.

He watches your ass jiggle as it meets his pelvis, the bouncing fat sending him to an almost trance like state. The only thing that snaps him out of it is your whiny voice. “Harder, Heeseung, harder!” He pulls out fully, not giving you time to process his actions as he sits down on the lounger and pulls you on top of him, slipping his cock back into your heat easily.

Thrusting up once, twice, then a third time, he watches your thighs tremble as you try to hold yourself up for him. He finds it cute, how you’ve teased him for so long only to end up too cock drunk to even ride him. He wraps his arms around your body, pulling you flat against him so you’re chest to chest with your face in his neck.

He slowly drags his cock out of you, then fully shoves it in, a loud squelching noise following. “So fucking wet. So fucking noisy.” He grits his teeth, clenching his jaw as he fucks up into your cunt in an almost inhumane pace. “Ah ah ah, shit! I’m cumming, Heeseung!”

Your warning barely falls from your lips as you clench impossibly tight around him, body stiffening for a second until your toes curl and you feel the knot in your stomach releasing with a tingling sensation spreading throughout your entire body, which then goes limp against Heeseung’s.

This encourages him to thrust harder, chasing his own release that he can already sense creeping up on him. His fingers dig into your ass, nails leaving indents as his hips don’t slow down. The sound of your release mixing with the slapping of his balls on your ass is all too much, and he finally lets himself go.

“Gonna cum in you, baby. Gonna cum so fucking deep-fuck!” He bites down on your shoulder as he cums, hips stilled and cock stuffed so deep inside of you, you’re sure you’ll end up pregnant even on birth control.

He slowly lowers his hips, caressing your back soothingly as if he’s apologizing for his harsh treatment before. “Was that okay? Did I hurt you?” He cups your cheeks to look into your eyes, only to meet your fucked out expression and lazy smile. “That was the best I’ve ever had.”

That was enough to almost have Heeseung stiffening up again, if not for the sound of the sliding door opening and Jay’s pissed off voice. “Brought you guys some towels.” He walks out with a hand covering his eyes and the other holding out two beach towels, which he throws on the floor carelessly, then walks back to the door. “I told you to keep it down if you got past first base.”

[secretagentdragon]

Palestinian blogs who have reached out to me to share their campaigns (current as of 2024/09/29, check original post for most up to date version - post 1/3):

Part 2 here! / Part 3 here!

@ahmad-syam-blog / Help Ahmed Jehad and his newborn survive! / post / verified on the bees and watermelons list : $5,612/$40,000 LOW

@jody-family / Help jody and her family evacuate from Gaza / post / new fundraiser but vouched for by a vetted fundraiser : £11,035/£20,000

@mahmoud-1995 / Help this family evacuate from gaza / post / verified by @/90-ghost : 15,595 USD/50,000 USD

@hanaa-yousef / Evacuate Yousef and his family from Gaza / post / verified on the spreadsheet by @/nabulsi and @/el-shab-hussein :£17,723/£20,000

@misk2020 (@shadowyavenuetaco / @mahergaza) / Your donation today, new hope tomorrow - Emergency support / post / new campaign, aiming to be vetted : £5,010/£50,000 LOW

@mohiy-gaza / Support Mohi's Fight for Survival in Gaza / post / verified by @/90-ghost : $6,549/$63,000 *(updated goal due to medical emergencies)

@falestine-yousef / Help Palestine and Family Survive the Gaza Crisis / post / verified on the spreadsheet by @/nabulsi and @/el-shab-hussein : $25,145/$40,000

@abdelmutei / Help us for the sake of God / post / verified by @/90-ghost : €13,487/€25,000

@maria-abood / Help Abood From the War / post / new but vouched for by a vetted fundraiser : 9,795 USD/40,000 USD LOW

@aseelo680 / Support Aseeel Fight for Life and Family in Gaza / post / verified by @/90-ghost : 37,232 USD/50,000 USD *(updated goal)

@lina-gaza (was @azaxa) / Support Family escape from rafah to save place / post / vouched for by a vetted fundraiser : €42,804/€60,000 *(updated goal)

@mahmoudayyad / Urgent aid ! Help to fight starvation for an extended family / post / verified by @/90-ghost : €6,432/€100,000 LOW

@asmaamajed2 (@asmaamajed) / Help Asmaa to continue school outside of gaza / post / verified by @/90-ghost: 10,250 USD/50,000 USD LOW

@motaaz37 / Defend my brother's family from genocide in gaza / post / verified by @/90-ghost: kr74,391/kr250,000 (1 kr = 0.1 USD = 0.13 CAD) LOW

@musababed / Help Musab and his family,my pets survive this war in Gaza / post / verified by @/90-ghost : £6,628/£18,000 *(updated goal)

@eslamfamily / Help Eslam Save Her Family / post / verified on the bees and watermelons list :11,425 USD/50,000 USD

@himaa12345 / Help Shaima's family get out of Gaza / post / unvetted but reverse image search is clear: €2,992/€50,000 EXTREMELY LOW

@dinamahammed99 / Help me save my children from death in the Gaza war / post / vetted by association: 6,654 USD/15,000 USD

@rehamyasirr + @sabrinaaxm / Help nurse Reham &family soufi of Palestine from Gaza City, / post / verified by @/90-ghost: 4,938AUD/40,000 AUD LOW

@mayadayyad81 / Help little children of Gaza stay safe and alive! / post / verified by @/nabulsi: 42,679 USD/50,000 USD CLOSE TO GOAL!

@mohamedsmeer34 / Help me in completing my medical studies please / post / unvetted but seems legit, mohamed has an active instagram from 2017: 1,803 AUD/45,000 AUD *goal increased as the rest of his family is now included, LOW

@wafaaresh6 / Support Wafa's Fight for Safety and Health / post / verified by @/90-ghost: $29,417 USD/50,000 USD

@yasermohammad / Help my Uncel’s family , BE THE CHANGE / post / verified by @/90-ghost: €24,298/€35,000

@ahmedhelllis / Helping the Helles family achieve a better future / post / verified by @/90-ghost: €18,819/€80,000 LOW

@lamahourani7 / Helping Lama & Mohammed to evacuate from Gaza / post / verified by association: 3,730 USD/10,000 USD

@noorabd-1992 / Help Nour and his family escape from the war in Gaza / post / verified by @/90-ghost and association: 19,345 USD/$45,000 USD

@majedgaza1 / Rebuilding Hope: A Gaza Family in Need of Your Help / post / vetted: 6,232 USD/70,000 USD LOW

@shamfarhat1 / Save Dr. Farhat's family from genocide in Gaza / post / verified on the spreadsheet by @/nabulsi and @/el-shab-hussein: 10,299 USD/29,500 USD

@familygazaamal / Support Amal's Family in War-Torn Gaza Escape to Egypt / post /unverified but appears legit: 1,809 USD/30,000 USD LOW

[possesseddesiress]

Switch Up: Logan's Revenge

CONTENT WARNING: This story includes themes of transformation and body control with a suggestive approach. If this type of narrative is not to your liking or you do not meet the recommended age, we suggest you do not continue. All images used (if any) belong to their respective owners. I claim no authorship over them and they are only used for illustrative purposes.

If you decide to go ahead, welcome to Possessed Desires, where mind and body are never completely under your control.

Switch Up: Logan's Revenge (English Version)

Part One: First Level

Part Two: Logan's Revenge

Part Three: Ethan's Relief

Part Four: Miles' Ambition

Part Five: Conclusions

— Fuck it, give it to me.

I muttered taking the control from his hand, examining it for a second.

— Be careful, don't take it so hard, Logan - Miles said somewhat nervously, although he was right, the controller was like the greatest invention of the 21st century.

But I was excited. I hadn't said anything about having been in Ethan's body, but geez! If I hadn't taken my clothes off at the time it had been out of mere respect for my friend. But I clearly wanted to see what it was like to have a thin chest, or a slender body. I had always wanted to be different, far from… The typical stereotype of a nerdy boy: fat, pimply-faced, unattractive.

I wanted more, too. Just like Ethan had said, I wished I had more than this.

— What are you going to do now? - Ethan said a little nervously.

— Hunt… As Miles said.

Everyone thought it was strange that he chose Caleb. They were right that he was obnoxious, and that was exactly why he had become my target. I was sick of his laughs, his mocking comments about my weight, once he had even burped in my face.

I knew he was an idiot, a lout, who hardly wore deodorant and used his brain to the bare minimum. I knew there were better bodies, but I wanted revenge.

— And you need help? Ethan was always the one who cared the most about others, with a warm personality and a big heart. I was a little more reserved, quiet and barely peeking out of the comics, Miles? Well, he was Miles.

— No. But one thing I rarely showed my friends, was the dark side of me. An extremely vindictive and spiteful side that was willing to do anything to see Caleb Hawks pay.

— Logan, are you sure you're…?

— Miles, how do I use it?

— Just point the antenna where you want the first body to be, then press the yellow button. At the end, point it at the second body, green button, and that's it.

— And what happens if he notices the change? Miles was thoughtful.

— There is a function but it's not finished yet, I would have to….

— Give me safe options.

— Tackle it. I swallowed.

Partly I knew it was a very bad idea all around. Going alone, aiming a controller at my bully, hoping he wouldn't hit me first. I thought about asking them for help, whether it was both of them or anyone else, Ethan could stay in the shadows and just be in charge of pointing and pressing buttons.

But I wanted to do things that only my company could authorize.

— And what will happen to the control?

— The controller will stay in your original body's hand, I doubt he'll figure out how it works, but you should get it back as soon as possible.

I nodded, as if mentally going over the steps to complete the “mission”.

— Right. I turned immediately, leaving the library to start walking through the rest of the high school.

I had no idea where Caleb could be, classes? In practice? It was like looking for a needle in a haystack. Yes, he was my stalker; but he always seemed to have a knack for finding me.

I decided to head out to the gym, there were hardly any people in that area at that hour, everyone else was in class I guess. I heard the sound of weights, the snorts of someone, and finally… I was there.

Caleb was lifting a weight, flexing his arms with a frown, there was sweat all over his body. He was concentrating on his exercises until he could see me through the reflection in the mirror.

— There you are, buttery! - he dropped the weights, with his usual stupid expression, that smug smile - What are you doing here, are you finally thinking of stopping being this heavy?

My hand was shaking as I watched him get closer and closer. Rage boiled through my body. I quickly pointed at his body to press the yellow button, to which he smiled a confused, mostly mocking smile.

— Is that one of your nerdy tastes? I clenched my jaw, he was getting closer, slow but steady. He was nothing short of lunging for it.

He stayed still. But I knew it was just a trap, he immediately rushed at me but I quickly turned the control towards me, aimed and pressed the green button.

From one moment to the next, I looked at my old body. And I couldn't help but smile with satisfaction. My old face formed a confused expression of Caleb's own, and before I could do anything, I snatched the controller away from him.

— What the fuck? He looked down at his new fat hands. To which I immediately ran with the control to the locker room.

I felt powerful. No, powerful was not powerful enough, I felt great! With my new strong legs I strided forward until I ended up at the bathroom door, and immediately whipped it shut to lock it.

I turned to the mirror, to find myself directly in front of Caleb's reflection, or rather: My new reflection.

Moments ago he only trained with a cap and pants, he was always careless with those things. Wearing any clothes to train, always leaving everything impregnated with his stench.

I froze for a moment, until a smug smile formed on my face. I lifted my armpit to start smelling my new scent, smiling at it; totally ecstatic about it.

I stroked my abs, letting out a giggle as I didn't feel my old belly, just a firm set of muscles. I kept hearing Caleb knocking on the door like crazy, but that was what mattered least.

My hands went to my pecs, and as soon as I caressed the relief on them, it was like seeing stars. An expression between confusion and ecstasy formed on my face, to which I went back to touching that area again and again. A silly, almost idiotic gesture, somewhat typical of the old Caleb appeared on me.

But what was better was feeling what Caleb was hiding in his pants! I could feel the stiffness, how it grew to bulge and stick uncomfortably against his pants, begging to be released.

I pulled out his phone, unlocked it with his fingerprint, starting to take pictures of me in different poses and faces. Some in profile, showing off his abs or highlighting his pecs, others with a mocking expression, or a serious one.

But what I loved the most, was sticking out my tongue, rolling my eyes and making him look even dumber than he already was. I had Caleb's fate in the palm of my hand! I could ruin his reputation as much as I wanted, drive myself crazy with power - anything!

But then he came knocking on the door again, and I didn't just want him to see from afar everything I was willing to commit, no. I wanted him to experience it in the flesh. I wanted him to experience it in the flesh.

I hid the control in a part of the bathroom sink, and opened the door to pull him inside with some force. My old body was undoubtedly a bit heavy, but even that wouldn't stop me now.

— What the hell did you do! - Caleb jerked like a worm on my arm, but I still didn't release my grip.

— Isn't it obvious, buttery? - I made sure to put extreme emphasis on that last word, I wanted to break it.

— Don't call me that, bitch! You don't know what I'm capable of doing!

— What would you be capable of doing, Logan - I tightened my grip on my old video game t-shirt - Because I remind you that that's your name now, you're Logan, and I'm Caleb Hawks.

His eyes conveyed terror, denying.

— N-no!

— Yes - I smiled with pure malice - But don't worry, I think I've had enough of annoying you like I used to, I think I've come up with a much better way to use you.

I grabbed him by the hair forcefully, lifted my armpit and suddenly pressed him against it. The former Caleb let out a whimper, and again tried to escape, but no. I would make him pay, hundreds and hundreds of days of him teasing me would not be forgotten.

I rubbed his nose up and down against my wet, smelly skin, my hand gripping the back of his neck. For a while he struggled until he seemed to slowly give up.

All you could hear were his gasps, his gasping breaths, and how he began to lick.

— Geez, looks like someone's hungry! He didn't respond, just swallowed saliva before plunging his face back into my new sweaty, stinky armpit.

I smiled contentedly, playing with him for a while. It was beyond gratifying to have him in the palm of my hand, in control of every single thing I did.

— You love it, don't you? - He was on his knees, his face flushed as he gasped for air, a couple of strands of saliva escaping his lips as my new masculinity was in the air - You love that this body is now in the hands of someone who deserves it, don't you?

It was as if his brain was mush, he barely nodded before I grabbed him by the back of the neck to get him to attend to me again.

We were in the dressing room for at least two hours, until he ended up with squirts and squirts of frothy stuff in his mouth. Apparently Caleb had buckets and buckets of nectar in his nuts too!

— Who are you now? - I grabbed him by the hair hard, which made him gasp. The image was more than satisfying, messy, full of sticky white goo, his face flushed.

— M-my name is L-Logan….

I smiled.

— Good thing that was clear, buttery.

I blurted out. I put on a denim jacket that he previously wore, and again pulled out my phone to take pictures of myself, revealing my new body.

It felt amazing, switching with Ethan had been just a stepping stone to the whole ladder of pleasure being Caleb was giving me. I kicked off my shoe, pulling my foot up against the sink to take a new picture.

Strangely… in my old body I'd never had that “taste” for feet before, it seemed a bit odd, but now… I couldn't take my eyes off my foot. I got as close as I could to sniff it, and it was like glory... I smelled again, noticing scents where I didn't notice them before, and feeling a great interest in my own scent.

How my armpits stank, or my balls. The smell of my feet… My whole body, in fact, was like an elixir. I'd never felt anything like it before, really. I had never smelled anything so… perfect.

Then I understood. Caleb had hyperosemia; a disorder that made him smell scents even stronger than they were. He was so obsessed with his bad smell because it smelled good to him.

— So that was your secret, that you smell so good to you, you don't care if others are disgusted? - I smiled, smelling my armpit again - Now I get it…. I smell so good.

He just looked at me like a hypnotized puppy, to which I just smiled.

— I think I've had enough fun with you. But I'm bored now, so I'll see you around, loser.

I let out a laugh to leave the locker room, but not before picking up the controller. I started to walk through the halls of the school, it was just a change of classes, so the halls were quite crowded.

I lifted my chin, stuck out my chest and strode forward with confidence. I didn't mind not wearing a t-shirt, I reeked of sweat, I could even smell that whitish liquid I had poured in droves on “Logan”, I smelled like glory. I was amazing!

I ended up making it to the library. I thought my friends would be gone, but there they were, Ethan was lying on the table, apparently fed up; Miles was still making notes.

I moved towards them, they didn't even see me coming when I grabbed Miles from behind to grab his hair. How Caleb used to annoy all the nerds at school.

— Let me go! - He tried to move while I just smiled. Ethan woke up in anguish as he looked at us.

— What's up, nerds? Your fat friend wanted to do something weird to me with a contraption of his, what did they have in mind trying to do something like that to me?

Ethan's expression turned almost terrified. To which I ended up letting out a laugh, I loosened my grip on Miles to pull out the controller.

— You should have seen their faces. I sat down in a nearby chair, placing my hands behind my neck and leaning back.

— Logan?…. - Ethan muttered in confusion. Miles just coughed as he glared at me.

— No, now tell me Caleb - I said as I smiled a self-centered smile again. I looked down at the table, picking up one of my comics to flip through it. I wanted to make sure I still had my taste in comics, and I did. I leafed through it for a while waiting for a response, though there was only silence - Won't you say anything?

— How does it feel? - Miles was the first to speak. He rushed quickly towards me, ready to ask hundreds of questions - How was it, where is the old Caleb?

— It feels amazing - I stroked my chest arrogantly, then flexed my arm in front of them to widen my bicep. Finally I reached up to my armpit to lick it - It's feeling a myriad of new experiences, and about the new Logan… I hope they don't find him in the locker room or his reputation will be buried forever.

I laughed deeply. Miles and Ethan just looked at me with admiration, though I knew part of it was also with desire, to which I flexed both arms to widen my chest and big arms.

— I'm like a superhero, aren't I? - There was silence again, just staring at me in rapt attention - Come on, guys. Stop drooling and better find out who we can play with.

I pointed to the control in the middle of the table, to which they got up in a hurry to almost run out of the library. I was left alone with a smirk on my face.

I got up just the same. To walk to the bathroom, I still hadn't finished exploring this whole body…

I went into the bathroom to start taking off what I had on, only being left in my boxers. I loved how the fabric clung to Caleb's chubby muscular legs, all his effort was now mine.

His muscles, his stench, his clothes, his phone. Everything, everything was mine and mine alone.

I pulled out my phone to take pictures of myself again, soon they would be all over his social media.

His Instagram feed would soon be full of shirtless guys, goodbye to all those girls in bikinis, nope. It would now be full of muscle boys, or twinks eager to be at my feet.

I was now a fucking god! With smelly feet, stinky armpits and musky smelling whole body. I smelled amazing… And even better, I could act as dumb as the old Caleb. Although with the big difference that I would exploit being a dumb, stinky “himbo” to the fullest.

The guys are definitely going to love it.

To be continued.

----

I hope you enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you liked it, don't forget to follow it and share it so more people can discover it.

I'm always open to suggestions and ideas, so if you have any fantasy or scenario in mind, let me know in the comments or in messages.

This is the second part of “Switch Up”, a new series for the blog, I hope you like it.

See you in the next story… Who knows what body you'll occupy this time?

----

[lostwords-found]

Oh no. Oh fuck. I am relistening to some of the earlier Protocol episodes, and I have a horrible, terrible, no good very bad suspicion about Gerry.

I could, I want to emphasize, be completely wrong! I could be wildly, hilariously, off the mark. But--hear me out. This is going to take some explaining about what I think is going on in the bigger picture worldbuilding stuff; hopefully it'll be coherent, but fair warning, it may get a bit long.

First: there have been a lot of cases that have boiled down to trying to keep only the "good"/desirable/etc aspects of things or events or people, and discard the "bad"/unwanted, right? We saw this happening very explicitly in episode 23 with Alesis Newman, and way back in episode 2 with Daria the painter, but a number of episodes have presented variations on a similar theme.

Two variations in particular that I've been thinking a lot about are the violinist in episode 4 and the gambler in episode 9. The violinist can play his violin beautifully, but he wants to be rid of the price in flesh and blood that it demands. Similarly, the gambler wants the rewards of rolling high on his magic dice, but wants to be rid of the misfortunes that come with rolling low. Crucially, both episodes make clear that in this type of balance--something unwanted for something wanted--you can't just make the unwanted piece vanish. It has to go somewhere, it has to happen. But you can make it happen to someone else, somewhere else. And when that's how the game works, one of the major questions for players who want to get ahead then becomes: "how do I make the bad stuff stay happening somewhere else, and keep reaping the benefits of the good stuff that balances it out?"

Here's where this gets wildly speculative and from here on I freely acknowledge that I may be talking out my ass:

I think the Magnus Institute was investigating that question. I suspect a great many alchemists before the Institute, probably going back to the times of Albertus Magnus, were investigating it as well. I think the Great Work they were attempting -- the "universal transmutation" alluded to in episode 21 as the Magnus Institute's aim -- was the exact opposite of Jonah Magnus's own "Great Work" in TMA. In other words, I think they were probably trying to make the world an eternal paradise, rather than an eternal hell.

But if you're getting rid of all the "bad" stuff, all the suffering and misfortune, it's got to go somewhere.

I think they were sending it through to other worlds.

I'm not going to get into all the reasons I think that right now, because that's a whole essay in itself, but basically--the Leitners in TMA? The artifacts? All the little bits and pieces of evil given physical form, that never had a clear origin point in the world where they caused so much suffering for so long? We've all been worried about them winding up here, post-Archives... but I think this is where they came from in the first place. I think they were sent away in the hopes that an increase in "bad" in other worlds would lead to an increase in "good" in this one. Remember all those books Albrecht von Closen found in the tomb in the Black Forest in TMA, that Jonah Magnus later stole and let loose on the world? Remember that Albrecht found a mysterious coin along with them dated 1279? Albertus Magnus died in 1280; I strongly suspect he sent those books from the world of Protocol to that of Archives shortly before his death, much as the world of Archives sent the tapes away centuries later. But I think Protocol's world kept sending things away, kept trying to export "bad" and import "good". Remember all those happy, laughing volunteers bringing strange and sinister items to the charity shop on Hill Top Road in episode 7? "All for a good cause."

Okay so. Now. With that bit of hypothetical framework for Protocol's worldbuilding in place, let's next go back to Alesis Newman of episode 23. Her expressed wish is to create a new her. "Someone better. Someone the pain can't touch." Someone who can be everything Alesis wishes she could have been. Someone "free of all (her) mistakes."

But increasingly it sounds like what she actually wants isn't to create someone new. It is to create someone who is only a part of her current self. Someone who, she says in one of her last few posts, will "just be the good parts of me."

And if that's the case, if what she's really trying to do is make someone who holds only the "good" parts of her, someone who can be happy and strong and perfect and loved by everyone forever... what happens to the bad parts of Alesis Newman, as she currently exists? What about the parts of her that feel pain and fear, the parts of her that make mistakes, the parts of her that she rejects?

One might assume, from the experience she narrates, that those pieces of her are simply being destroyed. But that doesn't line up with the suggestion we've seen from earlier episodes that there has to be some kind of balance maintained in these bargains. What she actually says is happening to her--and what the forum members have apparently told her will happen, through this process--is that she and this "new her" are "becoming one... and then two."

I don't think the "bad" parts of Alesis Newman are dying. I think they're also going to become a "new her"--they're just going to go somewhere else, somewhere the new, happy, strong, perfect version of Alesis Newman never has to see them.

Still with me?

Okay.

Now let's talk about Gerry. Let's talk about the smiling, laughing, irrepressibly happy Gerry Keay we meet early in Protocol. Gerry who seems to have everything that the Gerry Keay of Archives was denied.

Gerry who underwent tests at the Magnus Institute as a child, and who, per the static over his and "Gee Gee's" words, holds a few more secrets about what went on there than he let on to Sam and Celia.

Back when I first heard Gerry's appearance in episode 8, it sure felt like a narrative gut punch: This is who he could have been in Archives, if not for the presence of the Fears. This is what Jon and Martin's final decision threatens to destroy--for this safe, happy version of Gerry, and for everyone else in his world.

I'm now suspecting it might be significantly worse than that. I think the Magnus Institute might have done to Gerry Keay something similar to what Alesis Newman later did to herself: made him New. Kept only the good parts--ensured a happy, comfortable, good life for him. In which case, all the bad stuff--all the parts of Gerry Keay that would ever have to suffer from bad luck, to feel pain and fear and misery...

...well. They'd have had to go... somewhere else, wouldn't they.

Which would suggest I had the causality the wrong way around the first time I heard Gerry's appearance in Protocol: maybe it's not "Gerry has a happy life in this world because he didn't have to suffer everything that the Gerry Keay of Archives did."

Maybe it's "Gerry in Archives had to suffer everything he did because Gerry in Protocol was made to always be happy."

[mangooes]

Mirror...Mirror, Run now

It started with an innocent game of “who can toss the coin into the teacup first.”

In their defense, Luke and Kieran had almost managed to keep the chaos contained to the hallway.

Almost.

The glimmering sound of something shattering into a thousand crystalline pieces sent a wave of silence through the manor.

The twins froze mid-competition, eyes wide in horror as they turned in unison to the sight of the ornate, gold-framed vintage mirror lying in shimmering ruins on the living room floor.

“...Wasn’t that the mirror Missus bought from that antique dealer who made her sign a scam contract to own it?” Kieran whispered, voice laced with doom.

“...Yup,” Luke nodded slowly. “The one she called her ‘lucky morning glory mirror’ because it made her feel like a fairy queen.”

Kieran swallowed. “We’re gonna die.”

“We need the boss. Now.”

“You what?” Sylus stood still, jaw tight, crimson eyes twitching slightly as he stared down at the panicked twins.

“It was Kieran’s idea—!”

“Excuse me?! You were the one who said ‘I bet I can flick the coin in better than you!’”

“It was clearly your reckless aim that—!”

“BOTH of you,” Sylus growled, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Let me get this straight: you broke my wife's favorite mirror. The one she imported. That has sentimental value. And you want me to help you replace it before she finds out?”

Two matching heads nodded like bobbleheads.

“Because if she gets mad—” Luke started.

“She doesn’t just scold us, boss,” Kieran added gravely. “She scorches souls.”

Sylus sighed so hard it might’ve shifted the weather outside. “You’re lucky I love her more than I fear her.”

“...That’s saying a lot,” Luke muttered under his breath.

Sylus shot them a glare. “Get in the car.”

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

The mission: Operation Mirror Replacement.

The problem: The exact model was discontinued.

Three stores, a phone call to (Name)’s favorite antique dealer, and one shady back-alley antique auction later—they finally found a similar mirror. Almost identical frame. Same soft golden pattern. If you squinted, it even looked aged the same way.

“It's not exact,” Sylus said, eyeing it critically.

“It’s close enough if we dim the lights and pray,” Kieran said, already hauling it to the car.

They returned to the manor in record time, moving like thieves in the night. With extreme care, they replaced the shattered pieces with the new mirror. Sylus even summoned a thin mist of his Evol to darken the lighting around it—just enough to mimic the original's aged glow.

As they stood back to admire their work, the front door clicked open.

Ah, the mother of the house is home.

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

She stepped in humming, carrying a tote bag with fresh peaches. Her curls bounced with every step, and her heels clicked lightly against the floor as she entered.

The boys immediately snapped into casual poses that screamed we’re absolutely hiding something.

(Name)’s eyes scanned the room slowly.

Her gaze landed on Sylus, hair slightly tousled, shirt untucked from where he'd been hauling mirrors into place.

“Sysy,” she greeted sweetly. “Where were you just now? Your hair looks like it wrestled with a thundercloud.”

Sylus opened his mouth, but before he could spin a tale, Luke panicked.

“HE WAS DEFINITELY NOT OUT BUYING A MIRROR, I MEAN—UH—”

Kieran facepalmed so hard he nearly broke his nose.

She blinked.

She looked from Luke… to Sylus… to the new mirror.

Then smiled.

The kind of smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Oh,” she said, slipping her heels off. “So that’s why the air smells like panic and desperation.”

Sylus began backing up instinctively.

(Name) bent down, grabbed her slipper from the shoe rack, and turned to face the three grown men standing like guilty puppies in a row.

She raised the slipper like a judge raising a gavel.

“You have five seconds.”

Kieran squeaked.

Luke was already running.

“FIVE—”

Sylus turned on his heel and bolted.

“FOUR!”

“Boss, save yourself!” Kieran cried, diving behind a couch.

“THREE—”

(Name) began advancing, slipper in one hand, peaches still in the other like a poetic contradiction of war and domesticity.

“...Missus, mercy?” Luke called from under the dining table.

“TWO.”

Sylus peeked from behind a hallway wall, grinning far too amused despite himself.

“ONE—!”

Chaos erupted.

The twins screamed.

The slipper flew.

Sylus caught it mid-air.

(Name) blinked, unimpressed.

Sylus smirked, huffed out a laugh. “We need to fix your aim, kitten.”

She marched up to him, arms crossed. “Oh don't you 'kitten' me! You are still guilty, husband.”

“I helped fix it,” he defended.

“You helped cover it up.”

He leaned down and kissed her forehead gently, grinning. “Would do it again if it meant seeing that fire in your eyes.”

She huffed, fighting a smile.

“...Next time,” she warned, “tell me before the twins cry to you like kicked puppies.”

“They threatened to tell Mephisto,” Sylus said with mock horror.

“Oh no,” (Name) deadpanned. “Not Mephisto.” She turned to the couch. “KIERAN I SEE YOU.”

“AAAAHHH—!!”

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

It took exactly four more minutes and a batch of peach tarts to calm the storm.

And as Sylus later lay with (Name) curled into his chest, the mirror reflecting their laughter from across the room, he whispered:

“You had your fun terrorizing the twins?”

She kissed his jaw. “I did. Still, next time if I catch you—”

“Slipper to the face?”

“Twice.”

He laughed, wrapping his arms tighter around her.

“Noted, sweetie. Noted.”

AAA TMRW IS HIS BDY GUYS IM SCARED AND SO EXCITED I LOVE U SYLUS PLS anyways this is one of the drafts i have! I revised it a bit but, a long bday fic is up for tmrw :))