#VAMPIRES EEEK

[boardboxes]

i love whatever the hell vampires have going on

[dreamingofep]

New chapter up tonight🩸

[absentmoon]

i wonder how rei would do w horror games

[tuiyla]

Time for another Buffy and Angel retro

Sigh, so I really should have done a BtVS s5 and AtS s2 retro before watching the following seasons of both those shows but oops, here we are. For my own peace of mind I will write an unstructured random something so I can do a whole series (so far) summary for both shows before diving into Buffy season 7.

Buffy Season 5

Such a strong season that pretty much immediately became my favourite of the first 5. After the somewhat stumbling season 4 with its college storyline and, sigh, the Initiative, here was a show more confident in itself and feeling free to explore new things and lose dead weight (Riley). From the very start it wasn’t afraid to mix camp with the stronger storytelling that made previous seasons so successful. Season 5 just feels so sure of itself and no wonder, what with that finality that it was leading up to. And I did expect yet another Buffy death to feel kind of cheap but no, the impact was more than fully there (and appropriately heavy in season 6). Dawn’s introduction, while not seamless went a lot smoother than I think could be expected, and I personally like the character so it all worked for me. And I do have to admit, big sister Buffy became my favourite and I felt myself loving her much more throughout this season. It’s not like I wasn’t a fan of Buffy’s character before but this is when she really arrived of rme.

I don’t need to introduce any BtVS fan to the impact The Body can have on a person or how well Glory works as our Big Bad for the season. The stakes are so high this season, with Buffy herself risking and losing so much not only to the highest of forces but also the mundane, depressing realities of life. Despite this, season 5 is very much about family in a way I don’t think even previous seasons were. Sure, the Scoobies always have been a family but put into this much more suburban setting with a young girl to look after, plus our core characters growing up it’s hard for me to deny that this is where they’ve truly arrived for me as a unit. This setup of the Scoobies also just works rather well, with the core four being complemented by Anya, Tara and, well and truly now, Spike. Yes, they serve as love interests to the three main “kids” (well, Spike not quite yet, I suppose) but in their best moments they also stand on their own two feet. Even Tara, the only character not getting the main title treatment has come into her and arguably had a bigger arc than even her girlfriend, Willow.

Speaking of. The only “complaint” I would have about the season is a minor one, and then another, so far half-baked thought. Complaint one is that Willow didn’t have much of an arc this season, or at least less so than other main characters and I thought that was a shame. Sure, she’s become so powerful that she ended up taking on a god and that leads us nicely into season 6, but I would have expected at least one episode to have a decidedly Willow A plot and that never truly came. And then my half-baked thought is that, for all its confidence and standout episodes and overall strong arc, season 5 did miss something of a spark for me. Maybe that’s the curse of being consistently strong with very few subpar moments, I’m not sure. I think it might be that I just went with the flow so well I didn’t take the time to process everything, because the pieces were all there and it all led to a stunning conclusion. Maybe I’m just a messy bitch who likes the despair of season 6 just a little bit better. Speaking of.

Buffy Season 6

In all fairness, season 5 was praised to me whereas I was warned to lower my expectations for season 6 so there was already a difference there. But season 6 came by swinging and I’m not saying it never missed, the “Big Bad” being a particular pain point for me, but it was messy in delicious ways and I enjoyed the darker tone the season set for our heroes. Buffy’s afterdeath was handled much better than I thought it would be, by which I mean it wasn’t just retconned and everyone on their merry way. Buffy’s death and the undoing of it at Willow’s hands sets not only the tone of the entire season but the very DNA of it. We’re also dealing with the harsh truths of life this season, from the financial reality of a(n officially) jobless orphan looking after her little sister to destructive relationships and, yes, addiction. And I know Willow’s storyline is a point of contention in the fandom - one day, I might even bring myself to try and stand in defense of it. But for now I’ll just say that the many metaphors of BtVS are versatile things and it was about time Willow’s journey hit a big milestone.

In fact, it’s that very fact of the season being primarily about Buffy’s and Willow’s struggles that I appreciate. They’re mirrors this season in all the ways they don’t see. If only they’d seen the director’s cut of Tara and Giles’ reprise of their solos, they’d see the parallels. Of course, I can’t praise season 6 without mentioning that Once More, With Feeling is indeed as great as everyone hypes it up to be. If it results in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Cast making it into my top 5 artists in this year’s Spotify Wrapped I’m gonna be mad, but only because the songs genuinely slap and the story is so well-handled through them. That said, I think it’d be a mistake to reduce season 6 to the one standout episode. While inarguably the most unique, it’s far from being the season’s only great episode. And even more than standouts, it’s the overall consistency that I appreciate. Some may frown upon episodes like Doublemeat Palace and the whole storyline of Buffy getting a fast food job, but I’m a seasoned ex-maccies worker who’s bene there and found odd catharsis in the show finally acknowledging financials. Call me Anya, but I care about money - some logistics of money in my shows, anyway.

All of this is not to say I think the season was perfect by any means. Some of the Spuffy shitshow was rough to watch, some of it really rough to the point of harrowing, and I’ll miss Tara as much as the next Sapphic. It’s in the Trio’s mere existence where you’ll find my reasons for potentially debating whether this really is the best season. It’s not that I hated them; you are generally supposed to hate villains. It’s that they’re annoying even at the best of times heinous at the worst, Warren in the lead of course but the two lackeys as well. I’ll say it, the show should have let Jonathan go. I don’t hate the concept inherently and I think the show does a fair enough deconstruction of why nerds aren’t always so innocuous but that doesn’t change the fact that was just plain unpleasant to watch them take up screentime in a season where Tara’s clock is ticking and our main characters are desperately trying to hold their lives together. No fun. I might rant about it later.

But that aside, I’ll proudly proclaim season 6 as my favourite and right now there are few questions about it. It’s the one that made me feel the most in any case and that’s what matters in my eyes. Dark Willow, I’ll never forget you, nor will I overlook Xander’s best moment in the entire series anytime soon. Unless he does something very stupid in season 7, which is entirely possible and in fact expected.

Angel Season 2

The two shows began diverging so much that it feels strange to even jump into Angel the Series here but let’s do so anyway. Not exactly sure what the reason is since I watched them parallel but for some reason, Angel season 2 feels even more distant now than Buffy season 5. Maybe it’s because of how much has changed in the series and how far it has come from its origins. Maybe it’s because I practically binged Angel season 3 and then Buffy season 6, so I’ve now spent more time away from AtS. Whatever it may be, I’ll have fond memories of Angel’s second season and how, just like BtVS season 5 felt so confident in itself, so too did the spin-off grow more sure of its own strengths and structure.

The big appeal of the season is the return of Darla, far too unceremoniously killed off back in BtVS season 1 Darla. Julie Benz is far too great in the role to be limited to just flashback and so, here she is in all her glory, tormenting Angel and then herself with the new-old soul she has. Darla has now had two human and two vampire lives and it’s fascinating to follow her progress through those lives and deaths. AtS season 2 did a great job at further establishing the messy but deep Angel and Darla relationship we only got a hint of previously. She was the perfect villain to elevate Angel the Series above what it was in its first season. Also in the antagonistic role the ever-present Wolfram & Hart and the delightful albeit short return of Drusilla, which together made for one heck of a challenge for Angel.

I’d even say that I enjoyed Angel’s momentary slip into lone wolf jerk territory because of course what Wolfram & Hart put him through landed him there, of course. Constantly atoning or not, Angel will never not be a flawed character and season 2 gave us so much of his ups and downs. Some highlights include his 50s flashback and the Darla episode glimpse at just how much of a pathetic meow meow he was even after first getting his soul. My only complaint about Angel’s arc is a self-indulgent one, that being that his should have continued his prison chats with Faith. Not just because I’m a slut for Faith first and foremost but because the two have developed such a beautiful connection and I would have loved to see that continue as a through-line in season 2 and beyond. Oh well, see you in season 4, Faith.

In terms of other characters, I think this season was most significant for Wesley, beyond Angel and Darla. He got to take a leadership role and prove how capable he can be when he believes in himself, and that was wonderful to witness after how far he’s come. I do feel like Cordelia got more to work with than the more lowkey development (up until the end) of season 1 but it still wasn’t quite there. Maybe at the very end, again, as she demonstrated her growth when refusing to give up the visions in Pylea. The girl who snogged every mouth she saw when first getting the visions from Doyle has come far indeed. Speaking of Pylea, let me just highlight the last four episodes’ adventure as an excellent way to end the season. So different for the Buffyverse, almost Doctor Who-like in its premise but a welcome change of pace after the heavy Darla stuff that the rest of the season covered.

I wish I had more to say about Gunn joining the team or even Lorne’s introduction and subsequent steady presence, but now that I’ve also seen season 3 I just feel like there’d be little point in me trying to force myself to gather thoughts on them in season 2. And not that they had an awful lot to work with, either. Like I said, apart from Angel it was mostly a Wesley season in my eyes.

Angel Season 3

Where there is more to say about Gunn, Lorne, and more is season 3, even more of a departure from BtVS than season 2 was. Part of that is the different network situation and I can’t pretend I didn’t feel baited and betrayed when a crossover post-Buffy resurrection was teased and then done with offscreen, but maybe that’s for the best. Angel’s life is now so distinct from the going ons of Sunnydale and that is okay. Imagine Angel telling Buffy about getting Darla pregnant who then gave birth by staking and poofing herself and the baby growing up in a hell dimension only to... do all of that to his bio daddy. Man, this season was wild. And no I won’t let them live the staking and poofing down.

If I’m honest, if season 2 was Darla’s well deserved chance to shine her return here felt lackluster and her second vampire death even more ridiculous and unworthy than her first. Yes, yes, she died for her son, a noble moment from a soulless vampire, blah blah. I wasn’t a huge fan of the pregnancy storyline and how sidelined Darla herself felt in it but anyway, let’s not get into that tangent. The point is, Angel’s suddenly a dad this season and that fundamentally changes the status quo. I feel like I’ll have more to say about Connor is later season and it is perhaps best if I don’t dwell on him as a character for now, and instead highlight that stakes have indeed been raised and, if nothing else, I appreciate the bold direction.

There’s much to say about the way Angel Investigations changes this season, particularly with Wesley’s well-intentioned but catastrophic betrayal but, again, maybe something I’ll return to later or in another post. I will say that Wesley’s clearly starting to go down a dark path and I would hope he finds redemption on a show all about atonement but you never know. In other AI team news, Fred is here! I had no idea Amy Acker would be more than a late season 2 guest star but I welcomed her addition to the main cast. Fred brings a different kind of dynamic to the team, even if love triangles can be tedious, and she’s a refreshing presence overall. I know I said Gunn has more to do in season 3 but I still don’t think there’s a ton to say about him. And that is a shame, but maybe now that Wesley’s gone and Angel’s at the bottom of the ocean he’ll step into more of a leader role.

The highlight of the season is Cordelia for me, which is something I’ve been waiting to be able to say since BtVS season 1. I’ve always had a feeling BtVS was never giving her her dues and I was warned AtS wouldn’t exactly be kind to the character either. Season 1 did take the piss on occasion and I mostly just wanted more of her in season 2, but now that she’s on her sixth Buffyverse season the Cordelia I always knew she could be is finally here. Not only does she have a solid arc, her moments of compassion are emotionally poignant and her relentless support of Angel in particular is heartwarming. Now, the romantic aspect of their relationship is just another one of those things you’ll have to ask me about later because... I don’t hate it, but I also don’t think it was necessary. The imagery of the season ending with Angel sinking to the bottom of the ocean and Cordelia ascending to the heavens is striking, though. But personally I do hope the whole higher being thing doesn’t last forever for Cordy. She’s needed right here on Earth.

I feel like I’ve strained far from the season overview style I started with BtVS now but Angel season 3 is just a lot to process. I haven’t even touched on Holtz, an overall underwhelming Big Bad if not for the Connor of it all, or Lilah’s increased role now that Lindsey’s gone. But season 3 feels less about the antagonistic forces Angel has to face than about the concept of family, found family and what we choose to do with it. And with the cliffhanger and so many relationships with question marks at their portmanteau's, I don’t think the season offers many answers, as such. Just that this is life, albeit to a heightened extreme and this is what you can make of it. Now, I’ve heard whispers about how badly the last two seasons drop the ball and I’m hoping that’s not true. All I can say for now is that season 3 was a wild ride and even though I think it had more issues for me than AtS s2, it still proved that this spin-off has more than earned its right to exist and continue on.

Aaaaand that is it for now, folks! I shall now reluctantly begin the end of BtVS and venture forward with Angel’s last two seasons. I’m scared and sad but shall savour it while I can.

[mysteryshoptls]

SSR Leona Kingscholar - Nightmare Suit Vignette

"What makes a qualified king"

[Halloween Town – Town Hall]

Leona: You want to hear more about the Halloween we celebrate back home? We've already come up with enough ideas for you.

Jack Skellington: Well, you guys have so many fresh ideas. I want you to teach me everything you know, without skipping a thing.

Epel: Without skipping a thing… Hmm, was there anything else?

Epel: Oh yeah, don't the people in this town wear any costumes for Halloween?

Jack Skellington: Costumes?

Epel: Yes! We dress up like mummies, werewolves, vampires and other sorts of monsters to scare people.

Riddle: When it comes to scaring… I don't think any of that would be any different for the residents here.

Epel: Oh, right… Hmmm, I'm sorry, I can't think of anything better.

Jack Skellington: No, you're fine. Basically, you're saying that you dress differently than you normally do, right? That also sounds interesting.

Jack Skellington: Might not be too bad to have big ears, a tail, sharp fangs and claws to become a werewolf.

Epel: Jack-san… a werewolf?

Leona: Kekek, I can see that making things even more confusing.

Leona: Regardless, it's much too early to be talking about next Halloween.

Jack Skellington: Too early? Not at all.

Jack Skellington: Once this year's Halloween is over, we only have 364 days until next Halloween.

Riddle: Indeed. I agree in that it may not be too early. Even this time, we are all working on a tight schedule…

Riddle: If you were to create a rough plan now, there'll be more time for preparations next year.

Leona: I get what you're saying. But there's no saying whether our Halloween will even be successful.

Leona: We haven't even finished the prep for this coming Halloween.

Leona: I think it'd be best for us to give our brains and bodies a rest to make sure we can even prepare everything properly.

Jack Skellington: Yeah, it's important to take breaks. But once this Halloween is over, you guys are going back to your own world, right?

Jack Skellington: And during the day, we're all so busy with preparations. I want to hear all your stories while I can.

Leona: Your eagerness to learn is astounding. If that's the case, then there's someone else who can help you better.

Leona: Hey, Idia.

Idia: Eeek!? D-Don't just pan the camera over to me… Why me, anyway…?

Leona: "Why"? Well, obviously because you're the Housewarden of the dorm Ignihyde, which adheres to the diligent spirit of the Lord of the Underworld.

Jack Skellington: The Lord of the Underworld? That sounds fascinating. Idia-kun, tell me more.

Idia: T-T-T-Tell you more? More what? I mean, s-sure, I know all his lore, but I don't want to give a presentation, or anything…!

Epel: Right, since Jack-san is the King of Halloween… That means he'd be considered the Lord of this town, right?

Leona: You can't judge someone just by their title. A king is only as good as what actions they take.

Leona: Although I'm pretty interested in what exactly the King of Halloween is expected to do, too.

Jack Skellington: What I do? Well, of course, that's to make Halloween as frightening as possible.

Idia: I-I mean, since you're the King of Halloween, you just gotta hype up Halloween, right? I guess…

Riddle: In order to make Halloween as frightening as possible, what exactly do you do?

Jack Skellington: Let me think. I'd drive a cart…

Epel: You drive…?

Jack Skellington: Or take walks in the cemetery with Zero…

Idia: And walk your dog…?

Jack Skellington: And I'll also read, or do experiments.

Riddle: Reading is one thing, but what sort of experiments does one need to do on Halloween…?

Jack Skellington: And finally… It's also my job to look over the townsfolk's proposals that the mayor has gathered.

Leona: Ah, there we go, finally something that sounds appropriate.

Leona: But you're telling me that the king goes through everyone's proposals personally? I bet there's a more efficient way to do it.

Jack Skellington: No, not at all. I need to take everyone's ideas and bring them together to make the best Halloween ever.

Jack Skellington: Wait, yeah, that's it. The king is someone who can bring everyone together.

Epel: I see. So, that's why you're the King of Halloween.

Idia: Ugh… There's no way I'd ever be able to bring everyone together like that…

Riddle: I cannot allow you to wallow like that. It is a Housewarden's job to keep the students together.

Leona: Hey, now, Riddle, don't bully the guy. That's way too much to ask of that gloomy kid.

Leona: But, huh, never expected bringing everyone together to be considered what makes a qualified king here. Guess it's much easier to decide a king here in this town than in other places.

[Halloween Town – Center]

Mayor: Now, now, everyone work quickly! We must hurry to finish making all the decorations!

Jack Skellington: Mayor! I've brought all the finished decorations.

Mayor: Oho, these have been made splendidly! I'll get these up on the gate now.

Leona: …I thought I'd take a break around here, but it looks like I should look somewhere else.

Leona: I'm exhausted from all the troubles I've had to deal with. I can just leave the rest of the preparations to the townsfolk… Hm?

Grim: OUTTA THE WAY, GET OUT OF MY WAAAY!

1. Grim, stop! 2. Someone please catch him!

[Mayor's face changes to sad]

Jack Skellington: Mayor, look out!

Mayor: AAAAAAAA HE'S GONNA CRASH RIGHT INTO MEEEEE!!!!

Mayor: H-Huh…? I'm not hurt…

Grim: MYAAAAAH! DON'T PICK ME UP BY MY SCRUFFFF!

Leona: Shut up, stop fussing. Geez, it's just one thing after another with you.

Leona: What did this furball do this time?

1. He ruined a bunch of the decorations…

Leona: So, that's the reason why he's got so many things stuck in his fur after running away without looking where he was going, huh. Leona: There's spider webs, bat wings, and… is this a fish bone? How many decorations did you destroy?

2. He snuck a bunch of the candy…

Leona: There's a lot of crumbs all over Grim's face. …I understand what happened. Leona: You got caught stuffing your face, and just ran away without looking where you were going, huh.

Grim: Humph! Blame the decorations for being in the way!!

Jack Skellington: …

Grim: How dare all these things stick to my beautiful fur… I'll throw off all these weird decorations!!

Grim: HEY, LEONA, LET GO OF ME ALREADY!! LET GO, LET GO, LET GOOOOO!

Jack Skellington: GRAAAAAAAAAH!!

Grim: Eeep!?

Grim: I-I was just joking! And now that my tummy's happy, I'll totally help with the prep now!

Jack Skellington: Then make sure you put the decorations back where they came from. And apologize to everyone you caused problems for.

Grim: Fine…

Jack Skellington: Good. Halloween is right around the corner, you know.

Grim: His bones streeeetched, and he had such sharp teeth just now… That version of Jack was super scary.

Leona: Hey, [Yuu]. Go see Trey and Jamil right now, and tell them everything that happened.

Leona: Since it's those guys, I'm sure they already planned for any sort of possible trouble, but…

Leona: If Grim really did eat so much he's full, then there's no way we'll have enough to eat.

Leona: After you talk to them, do whatever Trey and Jamil tell you to. Got it?

1. I understand. 2. Yessir, right away!

Grim: Gweh!? Hey, [Yuu], don't you grab me by my scruff too!

[Grim and Yuu leave]

Leona: What's left is… Those decorations, huh.

Mayor: That's right. We need to finish decorating the gate as quickly as we can. I'll call the closest people and...

Leona: Hey, now, you planning on having everyone stand in a line and take turns going up and down the ladder to set everything up, or something?

Leona: Just have someone call over the witches.

Leona: These are all light. If they carry them up on their brooms and put up the decorations, it'll be over in less than 30 minutes.

Mayor: Eeeh!? But I'm having the witches do a different task.

Leona: Then have someone else do whatever it is they're doing. Halloween is right around the corner, right?

Leona: Do you all even have time to be lax about all this?

Leona: Pretty sure now's the time you want to start thinking about who should do what to get everything done in the shortest amount of time possible.

Jack Skellington: Yeah, I think you're right, Leona-kun. If we're looking for someone to trade jobs with the witches… I think that guy over there should work.

Jack Skellington: We'll tell the witches to come to the town center and have them do this task.

Mayor: We're going with what Leona-kun says, hm… Then, can I ask you to help on a few other things?

Mayor: You see, we're actually facing delays on this task and that one…

Leona: Haah… I just wanted to rest for a bit.

Leona: But it'd be bad if I just let it be and Halloween is a big failure, since I won't be able to go back home.

Leona: Fine. I'll just do a little bit more work, then.

[Mayor's face changes to glad]

[Halloween Town – Center]

[rabble, rabble]

Halloween Town Resident A: Jack, we've finished with our tasks.

Halloween Town Resident B: We're done, too. Oh, and it sounds like there'll be enough candy made in time, too.

Jack Skellington: That's great! Thanks, everyone.

Leona: …Looks like we somehow made it. Now all we can do is hope Halloween goes off without a hitch.

???: For my part, I apologize for all the troubles I caused.

Leona: Yeah, seriously. You can't possibly imagine the amount of extra work I had to do all because of your tantrum.

Skully: However, ever since you took charge, Leona-san, it seems as though all preparations were completed smoothly.

Skully: Vil-san looked over all the completed delicate needlework, and Idia-san provided so much help with difficult calculations…

Skully: I heard you took everyone's strengths and thoughtfully allocated tasks accordingly.

Leona: I didn't do nothing "thoughtfully." I just gave them stuff I didn't want to do.

Skully: Oh, you are most humble. Yes, even Trey-san and Jamil-san were especially thankful for your consideration.

Skully: Because you see, they were lacking in sweets in a greater number than Jamil-san had initially thought.

Skully: He said, if you had not sent [Yuu]-san to inform them…

Skully: We would have been forced to have a desolate Halloween without candy.

Leona: Heh, well, sorry for makin' him work harder, then.

Skully: …You keep a good eye on everything around you. Not only did you look after your schoolmates, but also the townsfolk.

Skully: You were able to get everyone to work together, despite only having met them only a few days ago… Your skill is a sight to behold.

Jack Skellington: That's right!

Skully: Jack-sama!

Jack Skellington: As everyone finished their tasks, they'd all report to me afterwards, you see.

Jack Skellington: When I told them everything was all thanks to Leona-kun's improvement efforts, everyone was so pleased.

Dr. Finkelstein: That's right. Leona's got quite the head on his shoulders. He's a rather capable young man.

Mayor: Absolutely. Whenever we consulted him, he'd always have an idea ready, and once we implemented it, it always went well.

Sally: It was amazing how he didn't even need to leave the town center, and could figure out the situation and give the right instructions right away…

Skully: He never lifted a finger, and yet he was able to expertly give commands… Heheh, sounds like Leona-san is a king to me.

Skully: Perhaps it could be said, then… That this Halloween came to be thanks to two great kings.

Jack Skellington: Yes, it's just as Skully-kun says. Because a king is someone who can bring everyone together.

Mayor: I agree, you guys are so skilled in keeping everyone on task!

Sally: Both of you have amazing leadership skills.

Dr. Finkelstein: Indeed, we've received great inspiration from all of your original ideas.

Skully: Isn't it amazing, Leona-san? Not only are you receiving high praise from the illustrious Jack-sama, but also from all those who admire him…

Leona: Well, whatever, thanks for all the accolades.

Leona: Just hearing all of you say all that is making me feel idiotic for even putting so much thought into everything.

Leona: If someone is recognized as a king by all those who need and admire them…

Leona: I guess that person really becomes their "king," then.

[Savanaclaw Dorm – Lounge]

Savanaclaw Student A: And that's how we do Halloween at Night Raven College. That was epic!

Savanaclaw Student B: I had just as much fun prepping as I did enjoying the events. Man, I can't believe Halloween's over already.

Jack: What are those guys doing…? They should be getting ready for Spelldrive practice.

Ruggie: Guess they're just sufferin' from what we call the Halloween Blues. Y'see it every year. There's always freshmen who're burned out after.

Ruggie: I mean, I totally get the same "we did it!" feeling, sure. But if they keep lounging around like that…

Leona: Hey, you. How long do all of you plan to laze around?

Savanaclaw Student A/B: AH, HOUSEWARDEN LEONA!

Leona: It's almost time for Spelldrive practice to start… You guys must be feeling pretty good to not even be changed yet, huh.

Leona: If you've learned the applied magic needed to change your clothes right here, right now, why don't all you freshmen show me what you can do?

Savanaclaw Student A/B: S-Sorry! We'll go change right now and head towards the Spelldrive field!

Leona: Geez, they're just one pain after another…

Jack: They were all just laying around… But as soon as they saw Leona-senpai, they straightened right out.

Ruggie: Didja see how stiff they were when they shot up straight? …Well, I guess when a lion glares atcha, anyone'd fall in line.

Ruggie: See, that's why when Leona-san's around, everyone's at attention… It's like the whole dorm is in peak condition.

Ruggie: That's Leona-san, for ya. Our king is the best of the best!

Leona: What, I'm a king just 'cause I scolded some of our cubs? That's a pretty cheap price for a throne.

Leona: If you're gonna try to butter me up, try making a little more sense.

Jack: It's not just idle flattery. Just like Ruggie-senpai says, you're our…

Leona: Yeah, yeah, whatever, thanks.

Leona: …Leave the stupid chatter out of it. Time to head to the Spelldrive field.

Requested by @farfalla049 and @raven-at-the-writing-desk

[liliapleasesteponme]

Ok, so AAA week is coming up so im gonna pause work on my reqs atm so I'll be ready for it !!

A peak into what each day will be -

Young!lilia highschool au

Poly!coven band au

Politics au lilia x agatha x reader (calderess)

Pirate!lilia x siren!reader

Vampire!reader x lilia

Soulmate au rio x agatha x lilia (lithario)

Princess!lilia x handmaid!reader

Eeek im really excited !

[cherry-queens-blog]

🦇🦇HALLOWEEN NIGHT 🦇🦇

Summary- You're 6 years old and Tomura takes you out trick or treating for Halloween

Content- Shigaraki and Child reader, killing, trick or treating, one shot, scaring, carving a pumpkin, short story, halloween

Note- I wanted to do a fun little story for Halloween with Shigaraki since I figured it would be a fun short story for halloween. Have a fun spooky night guys!

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Toga was in the room helping you get your costume on that she got for you for halloween while twice and compress were scooping the insides of pumpkins and tossing them into a large bowl. It was Halloween and they wanted you to be able to enjoy it tonight. Tomura was gonna be the one to take you out trick or treating while Kurogiri got snacks, drinks, and movies set up in the Hideout while Dabi just stayed in his room not having any part of this damn holiday since he found it to be stupid. Toga sat you on the bed as she started doing your makeup like a vampire.

"Eeek you're just so darn cute Y/N"

She said with excitement as she added the fake blood to the side of your mouth as a knock was heard on the door.

"Come in!"

Toga shouted as she was adding the finishing touches to your makeup. Tomura walked in, crossing his arms a bit as he found it to be a bit much for you since you were only 6 and didn't really need makeup due to your age but he would let it slide since it's just for one night.

"Doesn't she look cute Tomura!"

"It's a bit much Toga.. I thought I said no makeup"

"Aww but she looks so cute though!, besides she's a little vampire!"

Tomura sighs as he brings his hand up, starting to scratch at his neck.

"Sure whatever. Is she about ready? I wanna go get back"

"Yes she is"

"Good now get her shoes on, I'll be out there"

He stated as he walked out of the room. Toga helped you slide your shoes on before helping you off the bed and bringing you out of the room with your bag in hand. Twice and Compress were carving the pumpkins, twice carving a Jackolanter in his while Compress carved a cat in his. Tomura grabbed his hoodie sliding it on so he could cover his identity a bit from any hero's that are gonna be out patrolling tonight.

"You ready Y/N I don't wanna be out to long so we're not staying out for hours got it"

You nod to him before taking hold of his finger and following him to the door when Twice and Compress both waved at you.

"You two have fun now"

Compress said with a smile as you left with Tomura. It was pretty cold outside and there was tons of parents out with their kids which was pretty annoying to Tomura but he did want you to be able to go out and some fun tonight, though he's definitely stealing some of your candy later once you go to bed.

"You're gonna stay with me alright? That means no letting go of my finger and don't go running up to some house, got it?"

"Okay"

"Good, now let's go"

He walks with you holding his finger as you two approach the first house. Tomura knocks and steps aside so the people can't really see him much when they answer the door. Once they do you say the line your supposed to and hold out your bag to the lady who smiles and gives you a few pieces of candy, giving you a few compliments before going back inside. Taking Tomuras finger again you follow him away from the house and off to the next, repeating it a few times over with each house you both stopped by. You guys started to approach the 10th house when some guy decided to do a so called "fun" act and wanted to try and scare the absolute hell out of you. You stayed close to Tomura as the house you two were approaching looked pretty terrifying to you and Tomura looked down at you with a slight frown on his face when all of a sudden the guy ran up, screaming at you, managing to scare the absolute hell out of you making you cling to Tomuras leg quickly as tears formed in your eyes which only seemed to really piss him off as the guy started to laugh. Tomura glared at the guy as he scratched at his neck a bit before he picked up carefully and walked up on the guy and grabbed his face activating his quirk, watching the decay spread through the guy quickly as his body turned to dust withing a matter of minutes.

You stayed clung to Tomura as he had just killed a guy who decided to be a dick bag and scare you. Tomura took you up to the last house, knocking on the door carefully setting you down and using his hoodie to dry your tears as another kid answered the door with their mom holding a candy bowl.

"Whoa cool costume"

The kid said before handing you some candy which made you smile a bit.

"T-thank you"

You muttered out. After that Tomura decides it's best to take you back to the Hideout now and let you relax. Once you both got back there was snacks, punch, and a few movies out ready to go. Toga noticed you had been crying and kind of felt a bit bad for you.

"Did she fall or something? Why the tears?"

She asked as she was laying out some blankets in front of the tv.

"No, some asshole thought it'd be funny to scare her"

Tomura responded with a hint of annoyance in his tone as he pulled off his hoodie.

"Really?"

"Yeah.."

"Aww well it's okay Y/N. We're gonna watch some movies and have snacks okay?"

"Okay"

Toga guided you over to the blankets she laid out and sat next to you as Kurogiri put a movie in as Tomura sat at the bar. The movie starts as you calm down more and start going through your candy when you find one that you remember seeing Tomura eat before so you knew it was his favorite. You grab it and get up walking over to Tomura tapping his leg getting his attention on you.

"Yes Y/N?"

"Here it's your favorite"

You said holding the candy up to him. He smiled a bit and took the candy from you.

"Will you join shiggy?"

You asked pointing to the movie wanting him to watch it with you. He nods getting up from the bar stool and sitting down on the blankets, you grab your bag of candy and brought it over to Tomura as you sat on his lap, going through it as you, Toga, and Tomura watched Halloween movies.

[alittleplaytime]

I love vampire agere too!!! ❤️

@ssunshinebabyy

eeek!! it's so nice knowing there's others who love it too!!!

like theres so many cute ideas for it, like this!!:

like making a tiny fake fang for this little box!!!

[clouseplayssims]

Eeek! I kind of forgot Farrah was not an eternally happy vampire but I'm watching her now!

[misssprinkles]

OKAY SO!

MY FRIEND IS PLAYING HERE FOR SWEET HEARTS AND IVE BEEN WATCHING! AND OH MY GOD THERES SO MUCH FORESHADOWING!!

BIG SPOILERS FOR HFSH AFTER THE CUT

SO!

THE WHOLE THING WITH NOVAS WHOLE GOAL BEING TO GET PEOPLE TO LIKE THEM, which is one of the more noticible. ALSO HOW IT CALLS BEFRIENDING A CHARACTER "Gaining their hearts"

UH BUT ALSO

NOVA EVEN SAYS THEY ARE A VAMPIRE!!!! (Though Theodore takes it as a joke, and the player likely does too)

LOOK AT THIS!!!

I mean I know Nova isnt royalty, but they are rich too.

THERES PROBABLY EVEN MORE IM FORGETTING.

GOSH I LOVE REPLAYING GAMES AND SEEING ALL THE FORESHADOWING!!!!!!!!!

EEEK!!!

(BTW shes only starting Ollies route today, so there isnt much ive seen so far, im sure ill notice even more the farther she gets into the game)

[ticklish-n-stuff]

Persuasive methods

Happy pride month @teasinterests

I hope this is gay enough 😭💖

___________________________________________

Eichi x Rei (gey tension)

Lee: Eichi

Ler: Rei

Warnings: Tickles! Very gey

___________________________________________

Eichi was currently lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling with a slight pout. His mood turning sour by negative thoughts. That got interrupted when he felt one of his roomates return. He quickly flipped around to face them, putting on a smile thinking that it'd be Aira but instead...

"Oh, it's just you..."

"Kuhkuh, you couldn't even mask your disappointment to see me?~" Rei teased with his usual chuckle, before furrowing his eyebrows. "What's wrong? You seem moodier than usual"

"Huh? Oh, it's nothing..." Eichi's gaze wandered away from the brunnette's, obviously lying.

"It's clearly something, so why not just say it?"

"And why should I tell you?!" the blonde's cheeks huffed like an angry toddler, it was quite the cute scene.

"Fine, suit yourself then...~" there was a slight sinister tone to Rei's comment, although Eichi just brushed him off with an eye rolled and flipped back around to face away from him.

"You make this too easy~" Rei smirked as he climbed onto Eichi's bed.

"H-hey! What are you—" before the blonde could finish his sentence, the vampire had straddled his waist and pinned his wrists over his head. Even though they were both frail, Rei still held the upper hand, literally.

Without further ado, Rei's free hand shot down to his roomate's side, his nails gently scratching at them.

Eichi's eyes almost bulged out of his skull as he tried his best to surpress his laughter.

"Well that's not gonna do it for me" Rei shook his head in mock disappointment before getting an idea. He then flipped Eichi to lay flat on his stomach.

"Gyah! W-what are you doing nohoHOW?!" Eichi practically screeched in surprise as he felt the vampire's nails stroking down his sensitive back. He tried wiggling around, kicking his legs out, anything to stop that god-awful sensation. But he felt so powerless to fight back. Rei was always one to take advantage of his cute weaknesses.

"Much better!~" Rei hummed in satisfaction as his nails worked around the blonde's neck and shoulders, enjoying the squeaks and giggles he got out of the usual composed man. "You should laugh more like this instead of acting so calmly all the time".

"I- Pfft! Ehehehe! Q-quit ihihit!".

Rei giggled along with him, the funny sounds he let out were simply too amusing to listen to.

"But you're giggling up a storm! I'm starting to think you actually like this~" Rei teased him playfully, although didn't miss how the back of Eichi's neck slowly started turning bright red.

"Dohon't be ridiculous! I- EEEK!" the poor blonde squealed and tried arching away when he felt Rei's nail go down his spine oh so agonizingly slow. If he kept this up any longer, he might actually go insane.

But Rei being Rei, he kept teasing his ticklish back a while further. Scribbling along his shoulderblades, massaging the back of his ribs, even giving a few tickles under his arms. Once he felt satisfied did the brunnette stop, leaving a breathless, blushing Eichi metaforically dead on the bed. Out of all the ways to go out...

The blonde gasped for air, his chest heaving as he didn't even dare to look at Sakuma in the eye. Feeling too flustered to even think straight...~

"So, you gonna tell me what's bothering you now? Or shall we go for round two?~" Rei smirked menacingly as he raised his hands up, ready to pounce at Eichi at any moment.

"No!— F-fine, I'll talk..." the blonde spoke begrudgingly. Although he had to be honest with himself. Even if the tickle attack was sudden, it did ease up his nerves. Not like he'd ever admit to it, especially to Rei.

___________________________________________

I would personally like to apoligize to the gays for writing this monstrosity 💀

[gamequeenanya]

Tickletober Day 21: Wake Up! - (Vampire Hunters!AU - ler!William, lee!Clara)

Summary: Inspired by the Evil! Mrs. Afton AU/headcanon, combined with William's evil, combined with hunting vampires! Sounds like a perfect match, right? // Warning for spiciness and innuendo.

...

"Wake up, Clara, we're hunting vampires!" William whispered seductively in his wife's ear. She was covered in blankets, only her head and hands visible.

However, Clara had just about enough of this. It was always 'hunt vampires with me!', it was never 'spend a candlelit dinner with me!' She pulled a pillow over her head.

"You hunt them. I just want to rest."

He got into bed with her.

"What's wrong, dear...?" Carefully, he brushed a section of her blonde hair with his fingers. "Is something upsetting you...?"

She took him by surprise when she turned around. "Oh, I don't know! Maybe the only times my husband wants to spend time with me is when we kill stuff together! What happened to just us...?!"

"Oh." He pulled his hand away, realizing he may have messed up. "I-I apologize... I never meant to..."

Pulling the covers off of herself, Clara got out of bed and stood up. She was already in her vampire hunter's outfit. Far from anything traditional, the outfit consisted of a long cape, a leather shirt that showed off some cleavage and her midriff, a frilly skirt that fell almost to her knees and knee-high black boots. There were also black leather gloves she'd decided not to wear tonight.

She put her hands on her hips, staring down at her husband still in bed.

"Well, are we going...?"

He felt his breath hitch in his throat.

"T-that's a trick question, and you know it!"

"I got all dressed up for it... may as well."

William thought for a moment.

"Hmm... No, no. I promised you something nice. We'll do that candle lit dinner you wanted. How about that...?"

She smiled. "Alright. But what about my outfit? Should I get changed...?"

He shook his head. "You look beautiful. And besides... I want you all to myself tonight~"

...

The dinner was nice, but now she'd have to decide what she was going to do. Perhaps they could have a night to themselves...? After all, they weren't the town's only vampire hunters.

Her thoughts were cut off when she felt arms around her and suddenly she was lifted into the air!

"Eeek! Put me down!" She screeched. William laughed and set her down in bed.

Then his arms were around her and she was being tickled all over!

"HEHEHHEHHEEHEHEHEHHEEHEHEEE! WILLY!! PLEHEHEHHEHEASE!!" She squealed as she thrashed around.

"HAHAHA! This is what you get for tickling me yesterday!" He grinned. Yesterday she'd taken advantage of his shirtless Vampire Hunter's outfit to get all of his weak spots, so he thought he may as well return the favor. "Oh goodness me! Your armpits have no protection!"

"EEHEEEHEHEHEHEHEHEE!" She clamped her arms down, trapping his hands in her armpits in the process. "STAHAHAHHAHAHAHAAP!"

"I would love to my dear, but your shrieks are music to my ears!"

Once his hands were free, he explored other places on her torso. Finding her bare belly, he grinned. As he poked her, she let out a shriek and tried to roll over.

"Oh my, what is this...? I think it's a weak spot! Oh, and look - a ticklish little cavern! As his other fingers traced her belly, one finger explored her belly button, and she shrieked and laughed harder.

"HEHEEHEHEEHEHEEHHEEHHEEEEHEEE! WILLIAM!! HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEEE! I CAHAHAHHAHAHAAN'T!! IHIHIHIH'M TOOHOOOHHOO TICKLISH!!!"

He laughed along with her. "Should have thought of that before you were oh so cruel to me yesterday."

There was more shrill laughter, screeching and thrashing. He took the opportunity to tickle all over her sides, hips, and back. Finally, William let go and lay beside her as she breathed heavily.

"Well then. What do you think? Have I proven that I'm completely in love with you?" His voice got lower as he whispered in her ear. "Or do I need to prove myself further...?"

She giggled and pushed him away, with an affectionate tone. "Dearie... Let me catch my breath first!"

[lucidicer]

FRIEND UR A FIRST KILL ENJOYER AS WELL!!!?!?! EEEK

[mentally you and i are dancing and jumping together. i am absolutely NOT normal about things i enjoy]

OF COURSEEE!!!!!! i watched that shit in one go it was crazy 🧎 I JUST WANT MY LESBIAN VAMPIRES BACK!!!!!! also id let elinor do literally anything she wants to me

[water-mellie-seeds]

EEEK VAMPIRE JUMPSCARE IS PLAYING DST!!!! I GOT SO SCARED

[kentopedia]

RYLIE HI <33

first of all i just wanted to say that you're not an irritation in any way- we love listening to you and talking to you just remember that <3

and second of all you have no idea- the only thing keeping me from screaming when you said we'd be getting pt. 4 of the vampire! dazai fic soon was my sleeping family in the other parts of the house </3

anyways, take your time with completing it till you're satisfied, i'm not trying to rush you, just wanted to let you know that i'm looking forward to it! thank you for gifting us with your writing!

you're so sweet, thank you !!! it's definitely one of the things i'll be keeping on my mind & focusing on in 2024 tehe <3

AHHHH NO DON'T WAKE THEM UP AHHAHA. eeek i'm so glad people are still excited about it! i'm really trying to focus on my multi part / longer fics in january!! hopefully i can wrap up some things i've been working on for a while <3 thank u for your sweet words & happy new year to you!!

[nottsangel]

"EEEK THANKS BABY ♡ go do it!!!!!"

i will do it once i have the time hehe <33

i heard you‘re gonna be a vampire on halloween? luckily i have a soft spot for vampires 🤭

- 🌞

oh really? i wasn’t sure yet if i wanted to be a vampire but i am pretty sure now