#also you could ask him for tea and talk about current ongoing series or something since Greed loves to gossip

[sysirauta]

Yeah, that's totally proper way to sit. Way to go, Greed.

He looks content at least.

[thereaderstea]

G´day tor-mon, how are you<3? Recommend me your favourite bts!jungkook x reader fics! so I guess its not an au?(no smut✋🚫)

Merry meet, nonnie! I am well, busy and a little stressed because I had a power outage yesterday, but well nonetheless ☺️ I hope you are merry in the holidays (if you celebrate) and are happy and healthy 😄🖤💜

asdfghjkl, my favorite JJK x Reader fics? I have to choose? 😰 *has an existential crisis*

Alright, after some deep reflection, an existential crisis, and fighting the urge to devour these fics again (you have a mission, tor-mon!), I present to you my current favorite JJK fics (this list is only bound to grow). These fics have made me feel so intensely and I think about these fics a lot (an unhealthy amount, probably). I sorted them by genre: fluff to angst to yandere.

tor-mon’s Favorite JJK x Reader Fics

Sugar and Coffee by @jimlingss​  ➵Fluff, Angst, Slice of Life | slice of life au |  pâtisserie school au | enemies to friends to lovers au | Slice of Life series | 23 ch series | 100.5k ➵You are quite the pâtisserie chef, or at least on your way to becoming one, but there’s that one person who always has to complain, Jeon Jungkook.  ➵A masterpiece, honestly. I remember cracking up so hard over their competitions, the banter, and dynamics, but nothing beats that one day after the dream... I don’t want to spoil! but I do want to warn that there is a wet dream (not too graphic and it’s not a lot, I promise) somewhere in there, but honestly, it’s so hilarious.

Chess of Ice by Jimlingss​ | The Reader’s Tea Reviews 1 | 2 | 3 ➵Fluff, a lil bit of Angst | sports au | curling au | trilogy | 42.8k ➵Jeon Jungkook is a rising star, that is, until he falls. Now he’s picking up another sport, curling. ➵I love a good team dynamic and the characters in this are everything 🙌🏻

Date in a Box by Jimlingss​  ➵Fluff | Service Series | oneshot | 9.7k (Jimlingss’s summary: ) ➵If you’re in a hurry then we’re here to help you! Everything you need in a box. Delivery less than five minutes. Upgrade and we can personalize your date even more! Guaranteed 100%! Don’t fret, we’re here.  ➵I love the entire Service Series because the concepts are so much fun and they’re hilarious and I love the service descriptions, aka the commercials XD

I Will Not Lose! by Jimlingss​ ➵Fluff | magic au | oneshot | 6.2k (Jimlingss’s summary: ) ➵A single bet - use every means to make Jeon Jungkook fall in love with you. ➵It’s fluffy and cute, and it’s got that hint of enemies to lovers, especially with how competitive the mc gets over this bet. And the ending! asdfghjkl ^.^ 

midas by @gukyi​  ➵Fluff, (light) Angst, Comedy | enemies to lovers au | ceo au| magical realism au | oneshot | 32k (gukyi’s summary: ) ➵jeon jungkook was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and the power to turn whatever he wants into pure gold. you were born with healing and invisibility powers but without a cent to your name. so when you’re plucked off of the streets for pickpocketing and assigned to be his minder as punishment, you realize you’re going to have to overcome a lot more than class differences if either of you are going to get what you want. (or,) ➵you become Jungkook’s magical babysitter ➵I really love this concept! This fic is what got me looking into magical realism as an entire genre. But also, who doesn’t love a good enemies to lovers? and from the master of enemies to lovers 🙌🏻

ice prince by gukyi | The Reader’s Tea Review   ➵Fluff, (very light) Angst | figure skating au | enemies to lovers au | oneshot | 22k ➵Your ice skating partner just had to break his leg right before a big competition and “of all people on this godforsaken Earth, you’ve been re-paired up with Jeon Jungkook, Ice Prince.” ➵an axel-lent enemies to lovers :D I love it so much! And I really love Tae and mc’s friendship and all those icebreaker questions ☺️

if i told you by gukyi​  ➵Fluff, (light) Angst, Comedy | friends to lovers au | college au | oneshot | 22k ➵Jeon Jungkook is a broke college student, so to pay off his debt, he sells himself as the perfect boyfriend. If only you weren’t a broke college student either, then maybe you could buy yourself a date with Jungkook. ➵The mc is so not what I expected, (no spoilers!) all I will say is that I really love how supportive she is. I also love how close they are and this Jungkook is too fluffy and cute! ^.^

a moonlight melody by gukyi​ | The Reader’s Tea Reviews 1 | 2 ➵Fluff, Soft Angst | fake dating au | orchestra au | vacation au | duology | 50k ➵Your best friend has pranked you too many times and you’ve done nothing about it, because you, quite frankly, suck at pranking. As such, Jungkook ➵This is so soft and magical and sweet and soft ☺️ and did I mention soft? but also all those memes! There is so much good and wholesome and hilarious dynamics in here! This is the kind of fic that makes me wish I had a big friend group to do crazy stuff like this (but I hear you have to leave your house and, like, socialize??)

Down With The Ship by @tatastaetae | The Reader’s Tea Reviews 1 | 2 | 3 ➵Fluff, Angst | pirate au | trilogy | 25.4k ➵ You board a ship to escape forced love; but you join a pirate crew to fall into the arms of your only true and constant love: the sea. (or, tatastaetae’s summary: ) ➵Captain Jeon Jungkook; a beautiful mess of blood and gold. His greatest treasure, may also be his greatest downfall. ➵Very very fluffy! I love the adventure and the antics and I still want to know what’s in that soup, Jin! But that ending, holy heck, I didn’t see it coming and I just malfunctioned and stared at my wall in shock for who knows how long, and I just love tatastaetae’s fluffy writing which always somehow wrecks my soul! ^.^

His Name by @jimlingss ➵Angst | multiple personality au | 8 part series | 52.4k ➵Jeon Jungkook has multiple personalities and gaps in his memory. It’s your job to treat him and perhaps help him remember his past... ➵This is the first bts fic I ever read (a special thanks to Nani for reccing it ☺️) and so it holds a special place in my black heart, especially because I sobbed so hard at 3 in the morning and my mind was stuck on this for days

Gravity by @donewithjeon | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵Angst, Fluff | ‘90s au | oneshot | 29k ➵Time can bring you together, but Time can also push you apart; will you and Jungkook be able to fight the distance and Time to stay together, or were you always meant to only share this descent to earth for just a moment, always meant to eventually drift apart? ➵I am a wimp when it comes to Time, but does that stop me from reading fics that exploit that weakness? nope! That last train scene destroyed my heart and that entire ending, the acceptance, stabbed me in the heart, for good measure.

written on the sky by @inktae​ | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵Angst, Fluff | apocalyptic au? | end of the world au | ‘seeking a friend at the end of the world’ au | oneshot | 22k ➵The 60-mile-wide asteroid was supposed to slip by Earth, but it’s a little late to change its course or do anything about it except to prepare for the end. So while you’re waiting for the end, find a friend, someone to hold a hand with at the end of the world. ➵I was sobbing before the fic even finished. The odd thing is that you know the end, but knowing doesn’t prepare you for the feels. 

below thunder showers by inktae | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵ Angst, lil bits of Fluff | sci-fi au | oneshot | 30k ➵ Yoongi leads Earth, while you lead a withered space station. You go to Earth to settle the tensions that have been brewing between Earth and the space station, and Jeon Jungkook, a broken soldier who holds a deep love for the rain, is there to deliver you. ➵we stan a fellow pluviophile ✊🏻 I am so conflicted over this Min Yoongi >.< but Jungkook is so soft and he really didn’t deserve to live this way :(

first light by inktae | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵Angst, Fluff | hotarubi no mori e au | 24.8k (inktae’s synopsis: ) ➵“Have you ever felt like the world is too loud sometimes?” “No. For me it’s always quiet.” ➵This fic wrecked me and made me so conflicted >.< I can never forget this fluffy, masked boy who lives in the woods and silence...

the swirling way of stars by inktae | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵Angst, Fluff | fantasy au | oneshot | 19k ➵You’re tasked with showing Jeon Jungkook what it’s like to live a completely normal life. ➵It’s just falling in love with life itself, the simple things, and it’s written so magically...how can you not fall in love?

the train of lost souls by inktae | The Reader’s Tea Review ➵Angst, lil bits of Fluff | fantasy au | oneshot | 13.6k ➵You have two options when you step on the train: you can live but forget your life, and everyone in your life will forget you, or you can move on and keep your memories for the rest of time. But, how can you choose when part of your soul rests on this train, and the other part longs for someone just out of reach... ➵Once again, I’m a wimp with Time, and the choices really get me thinking...

Pen Pal by @chinkbihh​  ➵Part 1 | Part 1.5 | Part 2 | Final 1/2 | Final 2/2 ➵Angst, Horror? | yandere au | murder and crime au | pen pal au | trilogy | 127.3k ➵Warnings: mental disorders (agoraphobia?), yandere, murder (stabbing)  ➵You sign up to receive a pen pal and are paired up with an inmate, jungkook. You just wanted to talk to someone who could understand what it’s like to be removed from society, but you just may be getting more than you asked for... ➵I love a good yandere fic, there’s something about a yandere’s demented psychology that calls to me, and it’s always so interesting to see how one yandere differs from another, especially in different scenarios. But please please please read and be mindful of the warnings in case it just doesn’t vibe with you.

Quarter Quell by chinkbihh ➵Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | +more  ➵Angst, Horror? | yandere au | hunger games au | ongoing ➵You have resigned to your fate as a tribute in the next hunger games when someone from District Two takes an interest in you...a bit too much of an interest, you’d say. ➵I am a little hesitant to rec this because it isn’t finished, but the premise is exciting and I am really amped for the next chapter in this fic, heck yeah! I mean, heck, a yandere hunger games au? let’s go! But please please please read the warnings in case it just doesn’t vibe with you

~*~

Bonus rec!

I haven’t read this fic, but my friend, Nani, rec’d it to me the other day, and it sounds so exciting :D so I’ll let her tell you about it:

Fan Identity by @tteokggukk​  ➵Fluff, Crack, Angst | enemies to lovers au | social media au | 37 ch series   ➵Influencer!JK is whipped for influencer!reader. Both don’t know they’re interacting with each other on their secret fan accounts. You’re rooting for the two long before they properly meet. But the best part? You’re rooting for their pseudos, Blair Witch and Seagull, as well. ➵I laugh, I pause, I gasp. The conflict between the two mc’s hurt. Honestly, it made the story worth the read.

~*~

Can I also...🥺...may I suggest:

10 Series by @deepdarkdelights | The Reader’s Tea Reviews 1 | 2 | 3 | The Reader’s Tea Analysis ➵10 Seconds | 10 Days | 10 Years ➵Horror? | yandere au | Bouquet Series | 10 Series | trilogy | 29.2k ➵You’re just a college student returning home from a late night out trying to finish up your ungodly college work...but “All it took was ten seconds” and well, now, you’re his. ➵How can I not include my favorite yandere writer, the master of yandere, herself? 🥺 I’m only hesitant because you requested no smut and I respect that, but if you are alright with a small smut scene (I promise there’s not too much) or even just skimming/skipping over it, I would highly recommend this series 🙌🏻 The smut scene is in the final installment (10 Years). It’s an all-time favorite from an all-time favorite writer. But please please please read the warnings in case it just doesn’t vibe with you.

~*~

Happy reading, carissima! I hope at least one of these fics will become your favorite, too ☺️ Let me know what you think as well after you’ve given the authors some love ☺️

Well met!

your fellow reading monster,

tor-mon 🖤

[ginmo]

Favorite theories regarding Brienne’s mother?

You didn’t ask about MY theory BUT IMMA SAY IT

I think it’s very possible her Dunk ancestry is through her mother which, imo, is the most straightforward route to explain everything. 

Brienne is a major POV character. 

(Before I get a hater going LMAO YoU WiSh ShE wAs A MaJoR PoV LoLLLL ---> [x] )

This is the over-explainer GRRM we’re talking about. If we don’t know who the mother is to a high born major POV character, then it’s probably because her identity is a spoiler somehow, whether it be a spoiler in the series or spin off series. Brienne is the only high born major POV character with only half of her identity known. She’s an heir, will inherit special titles, and we don’t know half of her political ties by birth. It’s very uncharacteristic of GRRM - the king of unnecessary detail. 

And it’s not even like her mother was never mentioned. There were dozens of opportunities for a one-off name drop, or even a mention of just her mother’s surname as she passes by the 3475305988 towns on her journeys, reminding her of a connection. Absolutely nothing. Not even in A World of Ice and Fire. Just, “my mother.” I can’t help but come to the conclusion that such an easy-to-include layer hasn’t been written because her mother’s identity is intentionally being kept hidden. 

Which makes me think her mother is attached to Dunk, a character in his other unfinished series. Refusing to name her could be him playing it safe in his gardening style of writing, because maybe he hasn’t decided how he wants that half of Brienne’s ancestry and history to be. The whole butterfly effect of that decision. OR her name is legit a massive spoiler for Dunk’s story. 

Hopefully we’ll find out eventually, though! In 2016, a fan asked GRRM,  "Will we ever learn how Brienne descends from Dunk?" GRRM replied, "Eventually. All will be revealed in time." [x] Imo that reply strongly suggests we’ll find out during one of the future installments of Dunk and Egg. HER ANCESTRY IS A SPOILER TO HIS OTHER SERIES, MY SWEETS, WHILE HER MOTHER IS AN UNNECESSARY MYSTERY. 

**Now HOW is her mother a descendent?**

I don’t know. But here are timeline details: 

Ser Duncan the Tall

Born: 191, 192, or 193 AC 

First known mention of him as a KG knight is  236 AC

Lord Commander by 252, 253 AC

Died: 259 AC at Summerhall 

Assuming he stayed true to his KG vows, some time between 210 AC and 236 AC he had a child. 

This Dunk situation is really confusing, because he was Lord Commander of the Kingsguard when he died. So was his child a bastard? Did he abandon mother and child? If so, why would his shield be passed down? Was he married and then his wife died and his child or children were already married off so he joined the KG? 

I’m leaning towards the latter. 

If his child was married by the time he joined the KG, then that means he had a child most likely between 210 AC (in 210 he doesn’t have a kid) and 220 AC, since the first mention of him as KG was 236 AC. I wouldn’t put him in the KG any earlier than 233 AC (the year Egg became king and Dunk helped Aemon leave for the NW). 

Let’s go in the middle and say Brienne’s grandparent was born in 215 AC. That means her grandparent was 15 - 20 years old when married. 

Brienne’s mother is then maybe born in the 240s or 250s. Selwyn Tarth was born in 245/246 AC. Brienne was born in 280 AC. 

SOOO, with this scenario, I think Dunk was her great grandfather on her mother’s side. 

Dunk married

His wife had a child/children

a) His daughter was married into a family - spoiler name that GRRM won’t give to Brienne’s mom. 

b) His son married and got the shield. His son had a daughter and that daughter married Selwyn. GRRM doesn’t give us a name to her mother, because it would be even MORE spoilery, since his Targaryen son would have whatever surname would be associated with Dunk or take on the Targaryen name of his Targaryen wife)

He joined the KG later in life, after the death of his wife and marriage of his kid

But WHO DID DUNK MARRY AH

Well�� 

An interesting nugget from AWoIaF

The Sapphire Isle, as some call it, is ruled by House Tarth of Evenfall Hall—an old family of Andal descent that boasts of ties to the Durrandons, the Baratheons, and more recently to House Targaryen.

Considering Dunk’s story is super closely tied to Targaryens, I don’t think it’s a stretch to assume that “more recently” is GRRM nodding to Dunk and his Dunk and Egg series and “more recently” is Brienne herself - the current heir to House Tarth. Putting all of the pieces together, including narrative purpose for Mystery Mom, Brienne would be the one carrying the “recent” blood ties to House Targaryen, not Selwyn. His connection would be through marriage. 

Brienne’s sister had a strong Targaryen name - Alysanne. Something about the random non-heir daughter inheriting a Targ name while the first born son gets a famous Tarth name sounds to me like the Targ name came from her mother. But there’s no evidence for that…    

Targaryen Wife Candidates: 

Dhaella Targaryen 

Born in 199 AC (a few years younger than Dunk) 

She was married and had at least one child. The names of her spouse and children are unknown. Her death is unknown. 

Rhae Targaryen 

Born 201 - 209 AC 

She was married and had at least one child. The names of her spouse and children are unknown. Her death is unknown. 

I’m going to put my money on Dunk being the mystery spouse for one of those two sisters.

BUT how can Dunk be a member of the Kingsguard if he had a child? Dunk having a child is fact. So he either had a kid before he joined the KG or when he was a member of the KG. Some members had bastards. Men with children have also joined the NW even though they aren't supposed to have children. Obviously the KG is different, because family allegiances could be a problem if there are conflicts of interest between their King and their children, BUT……. Dunk was very close to Egg, and if Dunk was married to one of Egg’s sister’s that died, and his child was a niece or nephew to Egg, then Dunk’s family would be the Targaryen family… the only problem would be if his child or descendants decided to usurp Egg. But Dunk was so loyal to Egg that I doubt there would be any concern. So I don’t think Dunk fathering a child and being married before he joined the KG later in life would have been a problem. 

It’s possible Dunk went against his KG vows and fathered a daughter (Brienne’s mom) while a member, and in that case it’s actually possible he’d be Brienne’s grandfather instead of great grandfather, which would be even EXTRA spoilery if we knew who her mother was. If that were the case, then Dunk didn’t marry one of the sisters, because he would have been in the KG and couldn’t marry, so it wouldn’t have been Rhae or Dhaella, since they had spouses, unless the child was a bastard and he had an affair. But then the kid would have probably been passed off as the spouse’s and the shield wouldn’t have been passed on. OR he had a kid with someone else. I find all this less likely. 

SO:

Her connection to Dunk is a spoiler.

Dunk was very close to a Targaryen

Literally everything about her mother has unnecessarily been kept a mystery.

“more recently” Targaryen ties

And yeah, the Targaryen connection and Dunk connection don’t have to be from the same side of her parentage. Or Targaryen on both sides, Dunk on one, Targaryen on one side, Dunk on both. But I wouldn’t understand why, from a narrative standpoint. It would feel a bit much. 

The Targaryen and Dunk connection could be through Selwyn. But… I just don’t find it a coincidence that the mother to a high born major POV is a huge question mark, her ancestor is bffs with a Targ, it’s an ongoing unfinished series with Dunk’s baby making being an actual spoiler for future books, and then GRRM goes off with “more recently” in AWoIaF like he’s lounging back, sipping that tea, dropping some sort of subtle Dunk and Egg promotion through a fun hint.  

Brienne’s mom being both the Targ and Dunk connection holds the most narrative weight while also being the least convoluted way to explain it all. 

[mxstyassasxin]

WIP Fic Recs Abound!

Thought I’d put together a list of WIPs that I’m currently following and would recommend to you all <3 

Drarry:

Instinct is a Marvellous Thing by @drarrymehome - A few months after defeating Voldemort, a grief-stricken Harry goes in search of the family he has always wanted. The search takes him to a place where everything is the same but a little bit different. Harry quite likes it there, although maybe everything isn't as it seems.But what happened to the people Harry left behind? The disappearance of Harry Potter rocked the wizarding world like nothing else, and when Draco Malfoy is accused of his kidnapping, why won’t he tell everyone the truth about what happened? Would they even believe him if he did?More importantly, where is Harry Potter and is he coming back? 

I’m loving this! It’s full of mystery and intrigue with a wonderfully pining Draco. A really well-paced slowburn where Harry has been a bit of an idiot and Draco’s trying to fix it. Beware the angst when barriers spring up in his efforts and when Harry starts to discover the truth.

Cherie, parchments and quills by Oleonetta - A birthday gift voucher for Le'Amortentia - the dating service, sends Harry into a whirlwind of words after choosing the profile of one man that sound very interesting and mysterious.Unable to disclose anything that reveals his name or identity, Harry must rely on words via a magical connected parchment to get to know the other man. Only time will tell if they wish to met.Meanwhile, Harry had started his 10th year as a Hogwarts professor, and this year ... one Mr Draco Malfoy has taken over the position of potions professor.

Professor Drarry! Letter writing! Both tropes that I really enjoy and this does not disappoint. The glee I feel knowing things as the reader when Harry and Draco don’t is brilliant and the fic is so full of amazing details that make it really heartwarming and emotional. 

Dramione:

The Auction by @lovesbitca8 – In the wake of the Dark Lord's triumph over Harry Potter, the defeated must learn their new place. Hermione Granger has been captured to be sold to the highest bidder as the top prize at an auction of Order members and sympathizers. But despite the horrors of Voldemort's new world, help seems to arise from the most unlikely of places.

Voldemort wins au, part of the Rights and Wrongs series. Start with The Right Thing To Do (not Voldy wins) because The Auction is the playout of something brought up in that by Draco and I love how fleshed out the little detail has become. Also, can I just give a cheer for all the bamf women in this fic! 

Professors by GinFics (edit: now complete) – Five years after the Battle of Hogwarts, the Hogwarts professors have been totally re-staffed by none other than the Golden Trio and their classmates. Ever since the Battle, Hermione has been dating Ron, though things haven't been good between them in a long time. With Draco and Hermione heading up the school's Dueling Club, it's guaranteed to be an interesting year, indeed.

What it says on the tin so far. Lovely fic about Draco and Hermione getting together at Hogwarts when they return to teach there. I love romantic Draco and the two of them wanting to do the best by each other and keep the other safe from the reactions of friends and family. Also, yey for supportive Harry and McGonagall

Bless the Broken Road by SnowblindLissaDream @snowblind12 @lissadream – Almost fifteen years post the Battle of Hogwarts, Hermione Granger and Draco Malfoy find themselves in a life they could never have imagined. Both have lost their spouses in untimely deaths. Both have young children to contend with. What will happen when their worlds reconnect via a spouse loss grief group put on by St. Mungo's?

Draco is such a sweetie in this fic and the way he interacts with Rose and Hugo is wonderful. He’s there for Hermione when Ginny and Harry can’t understand how she’s feeling and I’m pretty sure there’s some wonderful soulmate magic afoot. I love all the adorable feels!

Blue Widow by failedfracture – Hermione and Draco are both grieving for the ones they loved. Epilogue compliant.

Another one where Hermione’s a widow and has coped with it by leaving Britain, but now she’s back. This is as sexy as Bless the Broken Road is sweet. Harry and Ginny’s friendship with Draco is fabulous and they are just as protective over him as they are over Hermione.

Other/General:

It’s Tea Time series by ellizablue – Scorbus is the main pairing in this Potter family drama series following the events of Cursed Child but Lily’s rand James’ relationships with their respective OCs also play a huge part. I adore everyone’s characterisation in this series and this Lily is how I see all Lily Lunas now. Also massive love for Harry, Ginny and Draco as wonderfully portrayed parents and then grandparents. The same mystery, adventure feel that runs through the original HP works has been amazingly emulated here with bonus feels.

House of the Brave series by islandgirl394, starting chronologically with Written in the Stars – This fic begins a series that follows the next gen kids through all their times at Hogwarts with their individual challenges. Written in the Stars follows Victoire as she balances her academic responsibilities and her feelings for Teddy. She comes to terms with the fact that life doesn’t always work out the way you might expect it to, and Neville is on hand as an amazing Head of House with the good lectures and assistance to help her find her purpose. 

New Blood by artemisgirl – Sorted into Slytherin with the whisper of prophecy around her, Hermione refuses to bow down to the blood prejudices that poison the wizarding world. Carving her own path forward, Hermione chooses to make her own destiny, not as a Muggleborn, a halfblood, or as a pureblood... but as a New Blood, and everything the mysterious term means.

What life at Hogwarts might have been like had Hermione been sorted into Slytherin. I really enjoy their take on magic and pureblood traditions in this, Hermione’s ambition to prove herself, and Luna being a seer. The original plot of Harry vs Voldermort is ongoing in the background but obviously certain things are improved, one of which being Neville’s presence as a more fleshed out character. 

Lilypad: Year One by @marauders4evr – On 31 July 1991, Harry Potter adopted a cat and Dudley Dursley saved it. Neither child expected that the cat would adopt and save them, in turn. Yet, that is exactly what Regulus Black does, transforming his appearance, his life, and their world. The family grows closer, stronger, and greater, by the day. For anyone who needs a home is welcome at The Lilypad.

This is the ultimate Anti-Dumbledore rewrite and I love it! Powerful Lord Black is so amazing and his sass is one of the best things ever, as is the bamf oc and the way she jumps on board, no questions asked, to protect the two 11 year old boys; one who won’t eat and one who eats too much.

How To Tame Your Dragon by GloryofLove – A broken off relationship and a mistletoe led to some pretty extraordinary things. A drunken night. A dilemma worthy of the brightest witch. Mainly, for others its easy to mistake a child's father when they're both redheaded Weasleys. Two, she made a promise never to talk about how it happened in the first place. When the shaky foundation cracks what's left of the build for family?

I adore this Charmione story! They’re so adorable with each other yet still so fierce and independent and I’m absolutely in love with Hermione’s cottage (as well as Charlie). The whole thing is a wonderful exploration of emotions and struggles.

[thegoodprincess]

Together We Are Apart, but Apart We Are Together | KTH Ch. 5

Author: thegoodprincess

Pairing: Kim Taehyung | Original Female Character

Genre: romance, fantasy, action, forbidden love, human KTH | angel of death OC, supernatural au

Word Count: 2.9k [series, ongoing]

Rating: N/A

Warnings: Extremely brief mentions of blood. (Taehyung sadly doesn’t appear in this chapter 😭.)

Summary: After admiring a handsome boy from afar, an Angel of Death reluctantly rescues him from his own demise. As a result of going against her better judgment she inadvertently invites him into her world.

Together We Are Apart, but Apart We Are Together

Chapter 5. Revelations

“I chose you even before I met you.”

I was both physically and emotionally exhausted by the time Malachi put the boy to bed, yet I still found myself pacing back and forth in front of the fireplace. The air around me felt thick with tension as I began to recognize the gravity of the situation that had unfolded tonight. I found myself wringing my hands out of habit to get the pent up jitteriness out of me. My shoulders ached. I was acutely aware of how the pain started in the base of my neck and gradually crawled down my spine. It only stopped to settle when it reached my lower back. But even the pain couldn’t distract me enough from the twisting knot of anxiety in my stomach.

I stopped pacing to stare absentmindedly into the fireplace. Narrowing my eyes I fixated them on the way the flames licked around the edges of the firewood. They vaguely reminded me of the way the blood-tinted-water curled around the boy’s body as he sunk unconscious towards the bottom of the river. Upset at the memory, I dug my toes into the fibers of the Persian rug beneath my feet. But to no avail, it only spurred an entourage of other images. I unwittingly began to recall every minute detail of tonight’s events. Harrowing flashes of sights, sounds, sensations, smells and even tastes replayed over and over.

If I closed my eyes and focused hard enough I could see the panicked expression on the boy’s face when he’d realized he was falling, the bright red droplets of blood splashing against the backdrop of white snow, and the pale white translucency of his ice cold skin. I could clearly hear the sound of the bullet exiting the gun, the boy’s body breaking through the ice, and the way he gasped, panted, and gargled when his breathing became labored. I could feel the painfully icy water stabbing through my skin, how the feeling was amplified greatly by the frigid night air when we broke to the surface, and his heart beat gradually slowing as he got closer to death. I could still smell the metallic scent of his blood mixed with the faint undertones of his cologne. I could even remember the bitter tang left in my mouth from all the stress. It was almost too much for my reeling mind to comprehend. The memories only seemed to momentarily cease whenever I noticed that some of the stray cinders escaped the fire to create smudges on the rug.

I was unsure I had made the right decision saving the boy. As much as I didn’t want to admit that Malachi was right, there was undoubtedly going to be some sort of consequences for my actions. I was also uncertain of their severity. Maybe it was best to just have let him die. It wouldn’t have complicated things so much. Moreover, it wasn’t like I only saved him once. I had stopped death from claiming him during three different instances; the first time being when he fell into the river. He should have drowned as a result. The second and third times could have happened separately or together simultaneously while he was bleeding out from his gunshot wound and experiencing hypothermia after I rescued him. I was beginning to understand and accept that I had messed with the delicate balance of life and death. It made me uneasy to think that it was going to come back to haunt me one way or another. However, I couldn’t say I entirely regretted saving the boy. Something in my gut told me this wasn’t his time to die. There was something more to it that I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

I was vaguely aware of Malachi’s presence when he entered the room. He must have sensed my mental turmoil brewing behind my far-off gaze. After I heard him purposely cleared his throat, as to not startle me, he placed his ashen fingers on my tense shoulders to gently turn me to face him. Worry swam in his eyes as he stared at me. I broke eye contact first, as I didn’t have the energy to endure another lecture. Taking a second to collect his thoughts, he sighed out before speaking.

“Mistress, if I may on my behalf express to you my thoughts,” he hesitated as if to ask for permission.

“You may,” I curtly nodded, anxious yet genuinely curious of his opinion.

“What is done is done. And it is rather foolish to harp on such occurrences that we can not change.” Trailing his hands down my arms, he grabbed both of my hands. “While I do not entirely agree with involving ourselves with humans,” he trailed off almost sounding repulsed, “If you truly believe you did what was right, then I faithfully stand by you in your decisions.” He gave a reassuring squeeze to my hands.

Surprised I jerked my head up towards him and stared wide eyed. I was in disbelief at the sincerity of his words. His reaction was not what I was expecting. He only kindly smiled at my bewilderment.

“You’re not disappointed with me.” I timidly whimpered out. A few stray tears escaped my lash line and rolled down the apex of my cheek, feeling relieved as my emotions bubbled to the surface.

“I have grown too fond of you to ever be disappointed by the decisions you hold dear to your heart.” At a loss for words, my mouth opened and then immediately closed a few times before I just settled for abruptly hugging Malachi.

“Thank you,” were the only words I could muster as I whispered the sentiment into the crook of his neck. It took him a moment to realize I was embracing him before he returned my affection wrapping his arms tightly around my waist and shoulders to pull me even closer into him.

“You are very welcome,” he said before letting go of me. “Now have a seat. I will make you some tea with fresh herbs from the garden. In the meantime please refrain from staring at the fire so intensely. It almost looks as if you will burn a hole through it, not that that is really possible since it is already set ablaze, but you understand what I am alluding to. Relax.”

I giggled at his playful demeanor and nodded, walking around the coffee table to take a seat on the worn sofa. Once he left the room, I closed my eyes and rested my head on the back of the sofa. The grandfather clock settled next to the fireplace ticked rhythmically in the foreground. I syncopated the noise of the swinging pendulum to my breathing, focusing on it to momentarily distract me from the topic of the boy currently residing a few rooms away in my bed.

Sometime later Malachi returned holding a tea tray containing two crystal glass teacups and a freshly brewed kettle of tea. After sitting in a love seat adjacent to me, he gracefully poured the piping hot liquid just short of the brim into a cup, he then carefully handed it to me.

“Here, this will help to calm your nerves. But do be careful it is quite hot,” he quickly warned me before I could even think about taking a sip. As I brought the cup up towards my mouth, I noted its flowery vanilla aroma before the taste of the liquid washed over my tongue.

“Mmm, thank you. It’s good,” attempting to make small talk in a bid to distract myself I continued, “But I thought you were going to use some of the herbs we have. Instead you used roses. I hope you didn’t use too many. You know my rose bushes are precious to me,” I teased.

“Do not worry, I used only a few. They smelled too fragrant to pass on the opportunity. Plus they give the tea such a lovely color.” He said looking keenly into his own cup, admiring the way some of the stray petals swirled about it when he slightly rotated his wrist. Noticing the juxtaposition between Malachi’s daunting appearance and the delicacy of the tea’s ingredients was something I found quite comical. I chuckled softly to myself. It was then that Malachi broke the phlegmatic atmosphere.

“Mistress,” Malachi addressed me but didn’t say anything else. I could hear the hesitation in his voice.

“Hmm?” I encouraged him to continue whilst casually sipping my drink.

“Forgive me, but that boy,” he paused again unsure, “Why did you save him? And do not say that you do not know, because I know that you must have had some kind of a reason. You do not usually act so rashly without one. So tell me the truth, please.” He pled with me.

My smile suddenly faltered. “Uh, well, ” I stuttered. Finding it easier to just start from the beginning I spoke, “The first time I saw him I immediately noticed him. It was like my eyes immediately found his. I couldn’t look away… and I didn’t want to. After that I kept seeing him. It was almost too easy to pick him out of a crowd. Over and over he kept appearing before me. And it wasn’t like I was always seeing him in the same place around the same time; it was multiple different locations anywhere from early in the morning to late at night. They didn’t seem like coincidences,” I reasoned. “The harder I resisted looking, the more I wanted to. It’s like his presence demanded my attention. And the funny thing is when I do see him it feels like a kind of sixth sense,” I said as I exhaled dramatically, “A tingling takes over my whole body and immediately a voice in my head tells me, ‘hey look up, look up now,’ and suddenly he’s there in front of me. It’s like time slows down and the world becomes a blur. Almost like I’m hyperaware of the moment, so that I can take in every detail of our depressingly short encounters.” I didn't want it to seem like I only liked the boy for the way he looked. He had other attributes that I appreciated as well.

“And it’s not just because he’s handsome. Yeah, he’s beautiful; but he’s also kind and considerate and smart. He’s always looking after the well being of his friends, he’s respectful to strangers, and he acts so sweet towards his dog. Not to mention he has such a unique outlook on most things if you take the time to really listen to what he has to say.” I began to fidget with a loose thread that had come undone on my nightdress. Spinning the fiber between my fingertips I continued, “There’s more there hidden in the depths of his eyes and the way he smiles wide, and how his voice excitedly pitches and his eyes light up when he tells a story,” my passive face formed a smile as I remembered. “He looks… like… someone worth knowing. Like I could share all my secrets with him, lean in close and whisper in his ear and he’d listen intently but wouldn’t repeat anything aloud.” I stared dreamily into the fire, lost in my thoughts. “I want to be his friend. I want to make him smile and be there for him when he cries. You know I saw him once wandering around the streets of Seoul late at night with red eyes and tear stained cheeks. All I could think about was hugging him tight. I don’t even know what made him upset. I wish I could have asked what was wrong so I could make it better in any way I could. But I know I can’t -,” I trailed off catching myself in the middle of a an exceedingly long rant.

Embarrassed by my blabbing, I abruptly stopped. I tried as best I could to articulate my feelings but I found I was unknowingly speaking in an unfiltered rush. It felt like what I was saying didn’t even make that much sense, considering I didn't even properly know the boy. Malachi was considerate enough to not interrupt me though. Instead he only stared with a pensive look in his eyes, trying to make sense of what I was saying. He could tell I was struggling. Frustrated with my inability to properly give a direct answer, I pulled a seam in my dress and inadvertently created a tiny hole.

“I… feel like there is some sort of connection between us, like he came into my life for a reason.” I picked at the edges of the hole. “Or maybe I came into his life for a reason. ” Drawing a shaky breath I uttered, “Perhaps it was love at first sight.” My voice was just above a whisper by the time I spoke the last word. Overwhelmed and a bit scared by my own admission, my trembling fingers caused me to clink my cup against the plate when I set it down on the coffee table. Malachi solemnly nodded his head once as if to convey to me that he understood, even though I knew he didn’t.

“What is his name then?” He asked with a stoic expression, the orangish hue of the light emitting from the fireplace reflected on his pale face.

“I don’t know.” I felt silly for even entertaining the thought that I had feelings for the boy when I didn’t know something as simple as his name.

“You do not know,” Malachi repeated, his features impassive.

“No, Malachi, I don’t,” I retorted. I was being unreasonably defensive, “Shall I go and try to wake him to ask?” I was unable to hide the scorn in my voice.

“You know that is not what I am referring to. I was just -.”

“You just what?” I impudently interjected, “May I remind you who is in charge here, because you are beginning to agitate me.” I pinched the bridge of my nose as my blood began to boil in my veins. “Know your place,” I snapped at him. As soon as the bitter words left my mouth I saw a drop in Malachi’s shoulders. Feeling regret for my vile temper I quickly apologized. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. It’s just -,” I paused before meekly continuing, “Would you please kindly drop the subject? I’m exhausted and I need time to think things over.”

“Yes, of course Mistress, my apologies for upsetting you.” Malachi responded sounding dejected.

Looking towards a mirror hung on the left wall of the room, I then remembered something. Before the boy had fallen into the river, the gunman had deposited his wallet into the snowy bank to hide it.

“I don't know his name,” I whispered astonished that I hadn’t remembered this from before. Malachi confusedly furrowed his eyebrows. He was probably questioning why I was bringing up the topic again after I had told him to drop it. “But I know a way we can find out.”

“What are you suggesting then?” Malachi inquired, trying to catch on to what I was referring to.

“His wallet. It was left on the side of the river. I’m sure it contains some sort of identification in it. That is, if I can still find it. It was snowing when you rescued us… probably even harder since we left. I’m sure it’s buried by now. It’s worth a try though.” I rose from my chair, to walk over to the mirror. Taking a moment to focus on where I roughly remembered the gunman hiding the wallet, I then channeled my energy into the mirror to show Malachi the location I pictured in my head. Suddenly the scene in the glass shifted right before us from merely reflecting myself to showing a view of the Han River from where I was previously standing tonight to witness death’s doing. “See right along here is where it should be located.” I pointed to a particular area of snow. “If I can just -.”

“No, you have been through enough tonight,” Malachi cut me off. “I will go retrieve it.”

“Thank you, “ I whispered grateful Malachi was volunteering to help me. But just as he was about to teleport to leave, I called out to him. “Wait!” Malachi stopped in his tracks and turned around to face me. His face was void of emotion, but he raised his eyebrows as if to silently question why I had stopped him. “The man that shot the boy, what… what do you think will become of him?”

“Hmm, karma probably. Those who commit such heinous crimes, their actions are bound to catch up with them at some point in time. If you are not referring to prison while he is still alive and breathing, the Shadows will surely drag him to Hell once he reaches the afterlife.” Malachi spoke matter-of-factly.

“Oh.” Malachi’s candid input put me at ease. Angels of death usually escorted the souls of the dead to Heaven or even Purgatory, while the Shadows delivered those found unequivocally evil straight to Hell.

“Hey, do not ruminate too deeply on the virtue of others, or you will begin to develop wrinkles.” He made his way back over to me and gently rubbed out the worry lines in my forehead. “I will return as soon as I locate the boy’s possessions. Make sure you finish your tea,” he advised nodding towards my abandoned cup. He then turned on his heel and disappeared from sight only leaving the remnants of a shadowy fog were he once stood.

[coffeeandcalligraphy]

Hey there! :) This is for the OC Ask Game, for Harrison: could you answer questions 1-6, 14 &15? Hope you're doing well!

Oh let’s just expose Harrison *cracks knuckles*

1: List five basic facts about your OC.

He’s turning 22 (just shy of his birthday in Moth Work)

He’s gay as fuuuuuh

He’s from Brooklyn, NY

He’s an only child

If you come for his jacket, he’ll come for your life (a very basic fact)

2: Post a line of dialogue from your OC.

This is dialogue from book 3 that I still can’t get over (for context, Reeve is criticizing Harrison’s choice of Walmart as a gourmet pie shop back when Walmart used to be a big thing in my books lmaooo):

Reeve: “So your gourmet pie shop is Walmart?”

Harrison: “Why yes, actually… Do you have a problem with saving money and living better?” 

lmfaoooo

Also an iconic interaction from Moth Work:

Lonan: “You’re patronizing me.”

Harrison: “You’re patronizing yourself.” 

3: Post a snippet from your writing that describes your OC.

So this is the first ever description of Harrison from book 1 (I had just turned thirteen when I wrote this):

There’s a faint click somewhere to my right and a soft glow soon illuminatesthe room, shattering the darkness into pieces. I shake off the fact that Ican’t see where the light is coming from, instead pointing the still loaded gunat the first thing I see, a boy who looks a bit older than me with what I makeout to be honey blond hair and the most pissed off expression on his face. 

(fun fact I really wrestled with describing the colour of Harrison’s hair at the time and probably changed “honey blonde” from “honey brown” like 5000 times, 13-year-old me had BEEF with his hair colour)

4: Post a snippet from your writing in which another OC describes your OC.

This is a very old description I scavenged to find from book 6 where Reeve vaguely describes Harrison in the first paragraph which is one way to go about it:

Beside me is wood smoke and copper, leather and strong coffee, all strung around human flesh. He moves with precision, like a player focused on a riveting chess match…

And here’s the most recent paragraph (and the last paragraph in Lonan’s POV) of Lonan describing Harrison when they meet up for the first time after brief hiatus (I haven’t shared this yet, so for context, Suzanna is Harrison’s mother):

In the kitchen, Suzanna laughs at Eliza’s joke, something vaguely about Geminis, or maybe she says alibis. He doesn’t quite hear it. He doesn’t mean to drop the rose, but it falls with a muffled thump between them, a floral border. Lonan blinks many times. He breathes many times. He counts many times. But after all the tests—the blinking, the breathing, the counting, the person at the door doesn’t change. Sunshine hair. Concerned mouth. Semi-crooked nose. Butterfly lashes. Eyes the colour of a kingfisher.

5: Describe your OC’s physical appearance.

Harrison’s the cutest guy in town, so cute he managed to convince @sarahkelsiwrites to get me to write book one! Without Harrison’s cuteness, this 8 book series/monstrosity would not exist! As I’ve said, Harrison’s a cutie and should definitely be treated as such (the downfall of Moth Work loool). He’s shorter than Lonan by just a bit tho I really can’t think of how tall my characters are because I am apparently short and can’t imagine anyone a foot taller than me, so all you need to know is he’s tall but still shorter than Lonan lol. He looks a lot like his Portuguese mother and takes on both her “semi-crooked nose, the same mouth, straight and concerned, the same markabove the eyebrow he always thought came from some sort of accident. Eventhough her eyes are brown and his are clearish and teal, it’s like he has hereyes too—soft and rimmed with lashes like butterfly wings” according to Lonan lool. He wears Lonan’s fake mom’s earring which is a pretty dangly blue gem. Though Harrison could look like anything and all he’d need to be Harrison is his leather jacket. In the book cover I designed, Lonan’s wearing it (ROOD) as he unknowingly takes it in chapter 6, but besides that one time, his jacket never comes off! He also wears his mother’s guardian angel necklace which is a newer edition, though a well-liked one as I always pictured him wearing a chain of some sorts! It’s important to note that when I was thirteen, the only way I’d describe Harrison’s eyes were as “burning turquoise” loool.

Here’s how I drew him for the book cover (though I couldn’t really get his eyes right are they burning turquoise-y enough??):

6: Describe your OC’s love life.

Messy! Harrison’s gone through a lot as a hopeless romantic, and has been lead to much heartbreak because of it. If he loves someone, he really loves someone, and this is very much seen in his feelings toward Lonan. Since we’re spilling the tea on Harrison, here’s his relationship with Lonan throughout the books + as Nothing But Thieves songs (because we’re going THERE):

Book 2

When the boys actually meet! Lonan didn’t exist in book 1 and I think Harrison’s sanity benefitted from this but anyway

They’re coworkers (back when this book was a dystopia lmao, Harrison took an open job as a tech analyst in Lonan’s government squad which was his pride and joy and I have since of course axed it)

They don’t like each other but can’t get enough of being enemies if u know what I mean

NBT song: Last Orders 

Book 3

This “love being your enemy” thing continues even when Lonan makes his redemption arc and he’s no longer an enemy lmaoo

We get to see their actual friendship develop toward the ¾ mark of the book

“Clearly these people care about each other” kind of vibe!

NBT song: Wake Up Call

Book 4

We see a new level of closeness develop between the boys, and though we’re in Reeve’s head, she def senses some tension mwahaha

NBT song: Afterlife

Book 5

Harrison really steps in as not only a friend for Lonan in this book, but a body of support while his mental health goes through it

NBT song: Reset Me

Book 6

They’re both mad at each other for almost this entire book but this gives us more of that tension we WANT

Reeve really notices this tea develop and she be sippin it the whole book

Toward the midpoint there’s definitely explicit suggestion of their relationship (Reeve can’t fully see this as she’s mostly concerned about herself but there’s definitely an ongoing relationship in this book that’s pretty turbulent):

NBT song: You Know Me Too Well

Moth Work

This relationship sees a lot of bad times

It ain’t a healthy relationship by any means and things start falling apart! Both boys have things they have to work out, that are currently causing lots of conflict!

The TEA I have not shared yet is that I *plan* for them to split up by the end of this book (though they never were really together in this book so it’s not really a breakup lol). Harrison moves to Brooklyn with his mom and Lonan stays in Vegas with Eliza (do with that what you will!!)

NBT song: Hostage (for Harrison) and Take This Lonely Heart (for Lonan)

14: What is one of your OC’s secrets?

That he likes waffles better than he like Lonan? Scandle! Harrison had an affinity for waffles in book one. Here are receipts:

A scene from book 3 (2015) that features a lot of iconic content (Harrison’s waffle kink, Foster being prime-time soft boi, grumpy Lonan, narrated by Reeve who manages to not inject her opinion once, my classic 2015 “witty” YA dialogue):

“Ah, well… your sister [the youngest, not Reeve lol] was talking about people, and how being mean is the only way that they listen… She may or may not have had a run-in with Harrison earlier, which is why the topic was brought up…” From next to him, Ris grunts over his steaming waffles, a full mouth when he turns his face toward Lonan who’s got the same laptop in front of his face, furiously tapping at the keyboard as he concentrates. 

Harrison actually reaches over and slams the lid shut.            

“Hey asshole,” he says around his mouthful of waffle. “Put the fucking technology away, and be a little social.” Lonan’s dead silent on the receiving end, and when I look closer at him, I realize it’s because his fists are tightly clenched and a vein in his forehead’s bulging. 

“That was three full days of work that you might’ve completely ruined!” Lonan hisses, eyes wide and angry as he stares at Harrison who’s scowling around his breakfast. 

“Anyway…” Foster continues awkwardly. “Basically, helping people is sometimes–” He’s cut off as a giant waffle is smothered up to his face, Harrison holding it out tauntingly. “What the hell are you doing?” 

“You know you want the waffle… Waffles…”  

Also to the waitress while he and Reeve bond at a diner:

“Thank you.” Harrison says with a wide smile, staring at the waffles like they’re the love of his life. “Oh my fucking god.” He mumbles, and I assume that I’m not meant to here that. 

15: Your OC is given the chance to go back in time. Where do they go and what do they do?

I think there are a lot of things he’d like to change in his past, namely his relationship with his mother who he’s estranged from until the end of Moth Work. I think he would’ve liked to see her more in his teens (despite being a hard ass when she does show up in Moth Work). He’d go back to Brooklyn and like chill in a pizzeria with his mom lol. On a lighter note, I think he’d also like, join ABBA or something.

Thanks for asking!

[paperback-writers-blog1]

The Secret

By ModLennon & Mod McCartney

Rating: T (Little swearing)

Pairing: John/Paul

Summery: Moden AU! John meets a boy with a secret, but will he ever find out what it is?

Chapter: 1/?

Notes: Hey! It’s been a while I know! There have been a lot of things going on. However we have both been working on this story together for a few months and figured the best time to debut it (and return!) would be 6th July, or McLennon day! This is an ongoing project. We have a few chapters already, however we don’t know how many it will be in the end. We also hope to make it an ongoing series as it is quite a light read. Just cute and fluffy McLennon!

xx ModMcCartney

Paul nervously followed the slightly older boy. His dad had arranged this kind of 'play date' with the son of a friend. After moving again, Paul had fallen out of contact with his group of friends. He was too far away to casually meet up and gradually they had cut him out. Besides, currently Jim was very strict about who Paul should be with and for good reason. It was what made Paul nervous to meet new people. He wasn't normal and his greatest fear was people finding out. He was too nervous to really ask Ivan where they were going. Ivan didn't know Paul too well, but he wasn't really nervous or shy around him. He was quite the extrovert, and was excited to bring a new person into his little friend group. He looked at Paul as they walked, feeling a bit bad for the kid. He seemed so nervous.

 "So you play music right? Like... older music?" He asked, genuinely interested. His dad had suggested a few talking points before he met up with Paul to help him break the ice. Paul was pulled out of his thoughts by Ivan talking.

 "O... Oh... yeah... I mean... kinda."

Paul hadn't found many people who enjoyed playing the music he did. He mostly played along with the songs in his room now. Without other people to compare with, it was hard for him to gauge how good he really was.

 "Well Pete and John will love that, they're /obsessed/ with the oldies. Stuart's more into art stuff, he can be a bit pretentious about it all so don't mind him." Ivan warned. He wanted to help Paul as much as he could, he felt bad that he was the new kid without any real friends. "I think John's been trying to get a group together for a while, I dunno if that's something you're interested in, but he bugs us all the time about it." He was happy to chat as they walked. He was headed towards a little cafe that was their usual hangout. It was done up in a sort of retro style, and even had a jukebox with old music. Ivan sped up a bit when the cafe was in sight, excited to see his friends.

 "Well... I... I dunno..."

Paul feared might sound terrible with others. They might sound bad singing together. He didn't want to embarrass himself. He sped up to keep up with Ivan, realising they must be nearly there.

 "It’s just a thought. He'll probably bug you about it if he finds out you play," Ivan shrugged and smiled at him. "He's kinda pushy. I think you'll like Pete the best, he's quiet too."

 As they passed the window a boy with shaggy dark hair banged on the glass, pulling a silly face at Ivan through the glass, making him laugh. A boy with bright blonde hair in the same booth was laughing. The other with dark hair was looking off with a disapproving expression. Paul watched the interaction with wide eyes. He fell behind Ivan a bit, as if he could hide him. But it was stupid, considering he'd have to go into the cafe and sit down. They'd all see him anyway. Still he hung back and almost hid in a corner when Ivan went in to greet his friends. Ivan gave the boy who pulled the face a playful shove when he got inside. After a little laughter, he turned and beckoned Paul closer. He introduced the blonde boy as Pete, the disapproving boy as Stuart, and the other as John. Paul gave a polite little smile and awkward sort of wave. He didn't take a seat, he waited until the others had settled to find a spare space. His dad had given him some money so he figured he could get himself a drink when they each had their place. John had been on the inside of the booth, but after a brief meaningful look with Ivan, and an exasperated sigh from Ivan, he got up to let Ivan on the inside. That left the only open seat right beside John. Ivan looked at Paul again.

 "If he bothers you at all just let me know, I'm not afraid to make him take a lap and think about his actions." His tone was teasing, but his eyes were a bit genuinely apologetic.

He knew from the look John had given him that John found Paul attractive, and the seat switching had been done so John could hit on him. It wasn't the first time something like that had happened. John was unashamed about his sexuality, he simply liked beautiful people. Though he knew nothing about Paul yet, the instant attraction was undeniable. John wanted to know him better. Paul just smiled again in acknowledgement. When it had settled, he stood up to get something.

 "Dya want anythin?" He asked Ivan quietly not wanting to be the centre of attention but he couldn't rudely get something for himself and not offer Ivan.

 "Oh I'm alright for now, thanks!"

Ivan looked genuinely delighted that Paul had asked, more so because Paul was interacting even if just in a small way than anything else. The other three all had some mix of drinks and little pastries and Ivan was happy to munch off of theirs to taste test what was good today before deciding what he wanted. Paul nodded and went off to get himself something. He came back with a tray. He went for tea and had a cup, jug of milk and little teapot. He even treated himself to a piece of cake. If he was eating he had an excuse to not talk. By the time Paul got back, Ivan and Stuart were in a little debate about painting techniques, which Pete was trying to mediate. John had been watching them, quite amused, but shifted his attention as soon as Paul sat down. He looked the boy over again and smiled.

 "So how do you know Ivan?"

 Paul gave John another of those wide eyed looks, shocked he was being directly addressed. He hadn't managed to start eating yet so he didn't even have that excuse.

 "O... our parents are friends..."

 John bit his lip and looked down. /Fuck/ it was ridiculous how cute this kid was! Did he realize how adorable that wide eyed look was? He had to literally look away.

 "That's cool. So are you living here now or just visiting?"

 "We're livin around here now."

 Paul wasn't sure how to talk to John. He kept looking away from him. He distracted himself by making up a cup of tea. John had to get used to that stare, otherwise it would be impossible to talk to Paul. He decided to go for a more playful conversation than serious, as he was much better at that.

 "Ahh nice. So you're gonna be one of us then. I trust Ivan's told you about our initiation process by now? Don't worry too much, you'll have a few months to prepare…"

John made his voice sound a bit grave, as if Paul would be doing something quite unpleasant in order to join their group. He was only kidding, of course, wanting to make Paul laugh. Unfortunately Paul didn't know Johns humour and couldn't read him yet. He froze looking terrified.

 "I... y...ya what?"

 Paul nearly left then. He didn't want to have to do something horrible! His first though was what if they chucked him in water??

That would be disastrous!

He leaned away from John a bit. John saw the terror in Paul's eyes and realized he had fucked up.

"Ah shit, I'm only joking!" He laughed, putting his arm around Paul's shoulder in a shockingly forward move to pull him closer again. "We're just a group of misfits, you don't have ta do anything ta be with the group. Sometimes my bad humour just gets the best of me."

 "O...oh... r... right..."

 Paul tried to relax but it was difficult now he was pressed against a stranger. Still he calmed a bit, realising it was a joke. At one point Paul glanced down as he lost his balance. As he did, a slight blue sheen ran through his otherwise black hair. It was only really visible up close and for a split second. John had been just close enough, intensely admiring Paul, so he noticed what he thought was a flash of blue.

 "Woah, you colour your hair?"

 It was a stupid question, as that wasn't anything weird, but it just sort of slipped out. He hadn't seen any blue before, and was a little taken aback by the sheen of blue. Even now he couldn't see it anymore. Was it just a trick of the light? Paul looked up at John with a confused look.

 "N...no... see... it matches my eyebrows."

 Paul raised his eyebrows a bit so they touched his fringe.

 "Oh.. I just thought I saw…" John reached without thinking to push Paul's hair back a bit behind his ear, checking for blue underneath. There was nothing. He shook his head a bit with an apologetic smile. "I must be losing my mind today," he brushed it off with a laugh. Paul froze. He looked a little scared about John messing around his ears.

 "M...maybe it was a trick of the light?" Paul suggested.

 When John moved back he picked up his drink and had a sip. Paul couldn't take his eyes off John, so captivated his cake lay untouched. There was something about John and as he joked more, Paul relaxed and admired little things more.

 John nodded, "yeah must be." He turned a bit so he was mostly facing Paul, giving him all of his attention. "So tell me more about you, what do you like to do when you're bored, what do you think about right before you fall asleep? What's your favourite band?"

 John wanted... no needed to know everything about Paul.

 "That’s a very strange set of questions." Paul giggled a bit. "I like Elvis. When I'm bored I mostly play music but I draw sometimes. And as for what I think about... I dunno. Depends what I've done today or gotta do tomorrow." Paul raised an eyebrow. "Gemini by the way." He joked, giving John a little jab at all the questions. John nodded with a very serious expression.

 "Ah yes, that's a very Gemini way to answer those questions." Then he grinned, "sorry, I just don’t see the point in small talk, you know. If I wanna know you, then I wanna know you." He explained.

"And those questions give ya enough ta know me?" Paul had a little grin now. He had completely relaxed. "But I'm intrigued. Ya seem ta be an expert on Geminis. So tell me. What d’ya expect?"

 "Mmm you'll be very difficult, but I like a challenge. Probably a bit of a diva, too, right? I bet it takes you an hour just ta get your hair right." He teased a bit, testing the waters for how much he could joke with Paul.

 It was clear by the way he was looking at Paul, already so taken with him, that he wasn't trying to insult him.

 "It naturally falls that perfect! An when ya say diva, it's not just a polite way of saying two faced right?"

 Though John had not seen Pauls bitchy side. He wondered what he'd think. What if he didn't like that side of him? Paul stopped himself. Why was he thinking /that/? They had just met!

 John laughed a bit, "no no no, bein a diva is different. I can handle a diva." He said, as if reading Paul's mind.

 It seemed so forward, but something about Paul made him feel like he'd known him his whole life. He felt so relaxed and comfortable around him already.

"How dya know ya could handle me?" Paul tilted his head a bit.

 He wasn't even stopping to think how he was basically flirting with John. He had never even really considered his sexuality.

 "Do you think I couldn't?" John raised an eyebrow, amused.

John had been leaning closer unconsciously as they spoke. He had the strangest sensation that they were the only two in the world in that moment, the others completely forgotten and blocked out of his mind.

 "I haven't had enough proof ya could." Paul shot back.

 "Fair enough." John quite liked that, Paul didn't seem as nervous as he had initially. "So, Elvis ey?" He switched the topic, pulling back just a tiny bit, a pleased grin on his face.

 Paul gave a little nod. "Well... others too but ya seemed ta only want one answer."

 "Elvis is a good answer. Vinyl or digital?" He looked quite serious about this one.

 "Well I do have a record collection but it's a little difficult to travel with them so I gotta have some on my phone too." Paul explained taking it just as serious.

 John nodded approvingly. "I'd like to see your collection. Can I come over this weekend?" John had no shame inviting himself over.

 Paul suddenly looked shocked again. "Wh... what?"

 "I'm not doing anything Saturday night. Can I come over?"

 Ivan took that moment to jump in. "John you can't just invite yourself to people's homes!"

 Paul was looking nervous. But it was the weekend so... he wouldn't exactly be alone in his house with John.

 "Well... I... I think the whole point of me coming here was for me to make friends right?"

 "So that's a yes?" John grinned brilliantly, completely ignoring Ivan's comment. "I'll need your number then so I can text you to get your address."

 "Why? Can ya not remember it if I told you?" Paul raised an eyebrow.

 "I wouldn't wanna risk it. I've got a shit memory," John explained.

 He wasn't lying, though he did want Paul's number anyways so it wasn't the full truth.

 "Is it that bad?" Paul teased.

 John nodded gravely. "It's horrible, Pam." He joked, hoping that Paul would get his sense of humour.

 "Oh so ya blind to, considerin ya can't even /see/ my gender." Paul was getting used to Johns humour.

 "Hey you can be a boy named Pam. It is 2019, you know, there's not as many lines these days." He grinned again and reached for something in his jacket pocket, "though you are right, I should really get a proper look at you, now that I know such intimate details like your zodiac sign."

John put on a rather large pair of glasses that were a bit reminiscent of Buddy Holly's glasses. Paul was shocked. He never expected John to have glasses, or that he would look so... /attractive/ in them. He suddenly nervous, under Johns gaze, blushing slightly.

 "Do I make you nervous?" John asked softly, a little thrill running through him at the sight of Paul blushing.

 Fuck, he was far too cute. John wasn't used to falling so hard, so fast for someone. He had never felt such instant attraction before. Paul glanced up.

 "No...well...kinda...when ya gotta put on glasses ta analyse me..."

 "Mmm.. well ya shouldn't be.. ya look even better up close in high detail like this. Really you're very pretty." John was a bit more serious again. Paul blushed again, heavier this time.

 "W...well thanks..."

Sure, people had told Paul he was cute before, but somehow hearing it from John meant to much more. He looked up again and in a sudden act of bravery, he put his hands both side of Johns face and rested his fingertips on the arms on his glasses. "May I?" He looked like a curious child. Things like glasses always fascinated Paul. John was a bit shocked, but altogether pleased that Paul didn't seem so shy now. How could he? To John it felt like they'd known each other for years already. Christ, something about this kid was really getting to him.

 "Sure," he said softly. He had a quickly passing thought that he might have trouble ever telling Paul no.

 Paul carefully lifted the glasses off and after studying them for a moment carefully slipped them on his own face. He gave a little sharp intake of breath when he realised just how bad Johns eyesight was then looked up.

 "Well?"

 "They suit you well," John looked him over approvingly with a little grin.

 Paul gave a bashful little smile. He had to take them off though, they did hurt a bit to keep looking through. He carefully put them back on Johns face.

 "I think they're better on you..." His hands lingered on the sides of his face.

 John had to fight back a sudden urge to turn his face and kiss Paul's hand. Christ, this whole interaction felt too intimate for two people who were just meeting for the first time. His eyes locked on Paul's, just staring at him. Paul felt frozen as he stared back at John. He had never felt anything like this before. His heart hammered so hard he was sure everyone would be able to hear it. Even though nothing was being said it was like they were having an entire conversation.

 Johns friends looked at each other not quite sure what to do. In the end Stu leaned over to John.

 "Dya want us ta leave ya alone with ya date or what?" He teased.

 Stu invading the space broke the spell and Paul looked over as if remembering there were others there. His hands fell from Johns face. John looked over, a little pissed that Stuart had interrupted the moment.

 "I would appreciate it if ya fucked off, yeah."

 Ivan frowned, "You're monopolizing all of Paul's time! Let him meet everyone else."

 Paul flushed again realising he had been ignoring the two other boys. That was incredibly rude!

 "S...sorry..." He apologised, scooting away from John a little. John frowned at that.

 Pete, who had been sat back watching gave a little shrug. "Theres obviously somethin going on here. Are you sure you two have never met? Like as kids or anything?"

 "No." Paul said rather quickly. So quickly Pete raised his eyebrow. He sounded so sure.

 But who remembered every person they ever met as a /child/? John hadn't really thought of that possibility.

 "Are ya sure? I mean ya never visited family here or anything?" Paul just seemed so... familiar.

 "No. We haven't met." Paul said again with just as much certainty.

 John hadn't been in his year at school. They were the only kids Paul really hung around with. He didn't spend holidays around the home.

 John shrugged, guessing Paul must be right if he was that sure.

 The others looked completely baffled. Pauls accent told them he had never strayed far from Liverpool, but he was so certain... for now they left it.

 Stu was the first to stand up.

 "I gotta get goin. I wanted to swing by the art shop before it closed."

 Of course as much as Stu wanted to hang out with his friends he just as equally wanted to be home painting. Pete also said he was supposed to be back before dinner as he had relatives visiting. Ivan frowned.

 "I really should be getting Paul home. I have to get back too."

 Honestly Ivan just didn't want to play third wheel in whatever John and Paul had going on. Paul really didn't want to leave John. He felt like the time was far too short.

"Well...I still have this cake..." he said weakly trying to prolong the time with John.

 "I can take him home. Is that alright?" He turned back to Paul. "I don't want ya ta waste your cake." He was more than happy to latch onto any excuse to stay with Paul longer.

Ivan paused for a moment. Jim might be angry he left his son in the care of a stranger to him. But he knew John. And while he could be immature he wasn't exactly dangerous.

 "Alright." He finally relented. "I'll see ya some time."

 Pauls heart fluttered as he realised he was about to spend some time alone with John.

Chapter 2

[sieben9]

“changelings” impressions

{Quick request to anyone reading: I’m watching OUaT for the first time, and I want to avoid spoilers. So, if you want to discuss something spoilery, I’d be grateful if you could start a new post for that. Thank you!}

Well, damn.

Where do I even start?

Ah, yes, ridiculous fashion choices. Thank you, that’ll do nicely.

Seriously, what is up with this belt? Is there a funny story/deep significance I missed here? Did the Evil Queen get really into wrestling while off-screen? Is this a Fight Club thing?

So many questions, and neary an answer in sight…

…yeah, OK, I’ll get to the actual episode. Under the cut, though. Be warned, this wasn’t a happy one for multiple reasons. For one it’s so long and I am really sorry. I just kept going “and another thing…!” until we got to the current state of things. There are some “skip here” suggestions in the text, though. For another… yeah, just go ahead and read the thing. Short version right here: I did not like this episode, and its also a microcosm of this show’s issues with character continuity. (As in “which bits are canon this episode”)

OK, brief shout out to the whole scene at the barn house. Regina threatening the Evil Queen with crushing her own heart was deeply worrying, but also kind of badass. Good on her. Also, the conversation afterwards. It’s nice to have it all out in the open for once.

Next up: the flashback!

names displayed to silently accuse the guilty (not really they just happened to be in the shot)

Which was… alright, I guess? I mean, the Rumbelle dynamic was completely off compared to what we’ve seen from anything but their very earliest days (I’m thinking about the Robin incident, which was… maybe Belle’s second day there?), but compared to all the other nonsense going on in that area, this is barely a blip on the radar.

This had definitely the only moment of much-needed comic relief of the episode, namely Blue’s dress. I mean, she wears it with commendable sincerity, but that thing just doesn’t get any better with prolonged exposure.

So, Rumple can read Elf, but he can’t read Fairy? OK, I guess, but you’d think that over a 200-year-long rivalry, he’d have made the effort. Well, if nothing else, the “Belle knows Fairy” thing is a nice fanfic fact.

Anything else here…?

Oh, yeah. Rumple’s mom.

Alright, it might be a little early, but I’m calling it now: viewed by quantity, Rumple has The Worst Parents on this show. Simply because both of them were evil, child-stealing assholes who abandoned their son. …you know, despite the very obvious irony in that sentence, I’m shocked Rumple turned out as good as he did. All praise the two spinning ladies.

By the way, how many parents do we have who didn’t abandon their children? Obviously, there are some, but I highly doubt we’d get as much as an even split. Yes, I realise that this is part of the show’s theme, but that is still a lot of absent parents.

He didn’t get much out of that conversation, though, did he? Well, looks like he’ll have another opportunity this season, at least… (If I sound a little underwhelmed, it’s just because of my general mood, I’m actually pretty excited to see more of her. “Sometimes you have to choose power over love”, huh?)

::long groan:: I don’t wanna do this. Because I feel like this should be a serious, in-depth analysis, when really all I want to say is “this episode hurt me and not in the good way”.

I think a large part of the problem is this: I wasn’t there with the story. I think Rumple and Belle’s actions both grew… sort of organically to the point they reached by the end of the episode, but getting there was such a janky, half-baked mess that I just. Didn’t. Buy it.

Right up until the end of that really, really disturbing scene in the library, there are some giant leaps of logic I’m supposed to just follow along with. Like “the best way to get my son to love me is to speed up Belle’s pregnancy” or “Rumple wants to cut our son’s destiny so that he can be corrupted ‘or worse’.” Also, what the hell is “worse” supposed to be in this scenario? What, exactly, did he think Rumple would do to his own child? Ugh!

Also, this didn’t happen until later, but “Just because he did the right thing today doesn’t mean he’ll do the right thing tomorrow”? Really, Emma? Isn’t hoping people who do the right thing today will do the right thing tomorrow kind of at the core of your entire moral system?

::dons hardhat::

OK, outright: The library scene was painful, and deliberately cruel on part of the writers. Because there were so many options for this to play out that didn’t involve Rumple chasing Belle into the elevator that’s been an established “Thing” in the narrative of this couple. I’m not saying this is bad writing (I want to, but let’s face it, I’m hardly objective), but it’s definitely a deliberate punch to the gut. And then there’s the bit where Belle has to talk Rumple down, which…  ::shudder:: yeah, not a good look.

What annoys me about that conversation… OK, one of the things that annoy me about that conversation is that I can’t even properly analyse anyone’s character motivation here, because I have no fucking idea which bits of canon I’m “supposed to” remember this week!

Some canon dissection at this point, skip if you’re bored.

So. Belle told Rumple that “all she wanted [him] to do was try”, which is reasonable enough on its face. In an ideal world, I’d assume this refers back to his comment in s5 where he basically said that the darkness was irrevocably part of him and that he had no intentions of changing that. Which is a… bold choice of words for someone who was literally, straight-up cursed with that amount of darkness. But I digress. The thing is that I don’t actually know if that’s what Belle meant, because, like I said, there’s been a very clear trend of “please only remember selected pieces of established continuity” in recent seasons episodes, and if you’re going to play it like this, that makes any kind of analysis really hard.

Because here’s the thing: he absolutely did try after that. Right after that, you might say. He and Belle worked together (using Belle’s method rather than gunning for Hades directly) to get their child back from Hades. And when Belle decided to put herself under a sleeping curse so as not to risk Hades stealing their child (because Belle does impulsive shit when she feels cornered), Rumple not only got their child back, he also tried to kiss her awake afterwards—something he previously said would require too much of a change from him to even attempt! And when that didn’t work, he did what she’d asked and brought her to her father, who refused to wake her, because his child being worse-than-dead was apparently still better than her being with Rumple. (And no, words still cannot express how much I hate Moe French. He started out a shitty father and then got worse.)

And then he kept trying to wake her up, because that’s what you do for a person you love. I’d even say he was about to succeed in waking her up, when what I can only call a diabolus ex machina turned up to tell her that Rumple is bad and will “destroy his family” (in a frustratingly unspecified manner that was never elaborated upon). And I’d be happier with this if it was framed as the kind of self-fulfilling prophecy the season 2 seer girl made—that Belle trying to avoid a future where Rumple destroyed their family would put them on the path to destroying their family—but I’m not sure that’s what’s going on. And if it is, then the writing in that one bit of the show is certainly a lot subtler than everywhere else.

I don’t care how cute a baby you are, adult!you is still a douchebag

So, at this point, Rumple has tried really hard to be a better version of himself, but somehow none of that work is recognised in narrative. It’s perfectly fine for Belle not to recognise it for several reasons (it’s also a bit weird, considering how she still seems to feel about him), but the narrative never acknowledges that all of this can definitely be filed under “striving to be better.” Which, again, brings me to the “so which bits of canon are canon today?” question. (Also, hi, I have a strong suspicion that the people involved in planning this show are a lot better at short stories than ongoing series with open sequel hooks. No pun intended.)

And then, like I said, things took a pretty sharp turn towards the end of last episode and at the top of this one. I’m… not even touching that any further. I’m tired, and not in the “I woke up early to get this writing done” sense.

::sigh:: Remember The Bear and the Bow? Good times, that, huh?

Alright. Deep breath. It’s uphill from here. Kind of. The hill is inside a hell-pit, so it’s not a great climb.

The post-library bit of the episode kind of works as far as internal logic goes. The episode had pretty much lost me by then, to the point where I was just relieved it actually wasn’t Rumple who spiked that tea. Because, let me tell you, I know I said I didn’t see myself quitting the show, but that version would have been hard as hell to watch. So. Glad I don’t live in that version of reality.

Still, at that point, Belle has no reason to think someone other than Rumple would have wanted to give her that potion. Which meant he was still after the baby, so sending the little bean away was… still not a great idea, really, but I can see how she arrived there. Belle does impulsive shit when she feels cornered. If she thought Rumple had really sunk that low… yeah, it’s still not a great option (and, again some really good acting in that scene), but not completely out of left field.

And Rumple was obviously afraid something like this would happen, which is why he tried to barge into the convent like that. Didn’t exactly make him look more innocent, but he was in a hurry.

at least you’re pretty to look at, I guess

At least one person acted entirely consistent with prior characterisation, meaning the Evil Queen. Because that potion was such a classic move that I’m a bit surprised Rumple didn’t see that one coming. My guy, this is basically the same woman who convinced you Belle was dead before locking her in a cell for thirty years. She knows where to hit you and how to make it stick, and you should know that!

And this is not me saying that it’s Rumple’s fault, but he sure got a good hit from the idiot ball when he unceremoniously dropped the Evil Queen as his partner/”partner” without going “hm, could she possibly feel the urge to screw me over for this?”

And so, Rumple missed the birth of his second child, Belle had her first child without her husband to support her, and while Gideon is a lovely name, I can’t help but think that picking a name for your child is something couples should do together, playfully bickering back and forth for weeks that no, we are not naming our son Immanuel, why is this even a discussion? (…I had several friends get pregnant over the last three years and you hear some weird stuff. The little guy is called Immanuel now, by the way. Among other things.)

Oh, and speaking of the little guy’s name...

WHY WOULDN’T SHE TELL HIM? Seriously, the name wouldn’t do anything to find him he couldn’t do with blood magic. Which he has readily available, since it’s--and I know this comes as a shock--his child. Seriously, that just seems... nedlessly cruel.

Also, to close this out with some (semi-)humour, I want to make this a callout for one Belle Gold, who decided that of all the people present this was the best person to hand her newborn child:

I think I am on record for saying that I would not trust the Blue Fairy with taking care of a gerbil, nevermind a human being. Frankly, if she told me the sky was blue, I’d go outside and check, just in case the apocalypse had gone off while I wasn’t looking. That’s how little I trust her.

Now, I do know that this is not the story of how Blue has been evil all along, but there is a world where that’s the big twist at the end of this episode.

[chilly-territory]

K ~ Four Seasons of K: Like flowers in a storm

Thanks to the wonderful blueseraphima who I can never thank enough, I have the texts of GoRa's currently ongoing series of short stories 4 Seasons of K, subtitled ~Seasonal short stories that might have happened~ and published monthly. This is the third story of the series, about Homura's flower viewing experience.

Like Flowers in a Storm [*] by Azano Kouhei

"You kno~w, I ended up wandering as far as the riverbank yesterday after a long while, and I have to say, the sakura there really is beautiful. Right now is the perfect time to watch it bloom."

The one to make this utterance, cheerfully like spring itself, was Totsuka Tatara who sat at the counter, gracefully enjoying his black tea. Unfortunately, the bar's master, Kusanagi Izumo, was out shopping at the moment, but, surprisingly, the tea Totsuka made himself turned out pretty good. Although if Kusanagi saw him making it, he would probably give Totsuka an earful about how wasteful he was using more tea leaves than was necessary, in Kusanagi's view.

It was half past 4 in the afternoon, and bar HOMRA wasn't open for business just yet. Through the wide open windows languid spring air was seeping in, drifting across the bar. The faint sweet smell it brought with it was probably that of the flowers found in the flower beds on the street outside. Mingling with the aroma of the freshly brewed black tea, it tickled one's nostrils pleasantly.

"Ohh, sounds good." It was Yata Misaki, occupying a seat on the couch with a bottle of Cola, who swooped in on Totsuka's suggestion. His eyes sparkled as he jumped up out of his seat, "Actually, I was thinking the same thing. Especially considering that sakura in the city is almost in bloom already. The riverbed is sunny, so I thought that sakura there might've gone into full bloom already." "Ohh." Totsuka's gaze, focused on Yata's eager facem sounded teasing. "Now, that's a surprise." "Eh? What is?" "The fact that you would pay such close attention to how much sakura's blooming advanced. Since it's you we're talking about, I was sure that you would always unfailingly prefer dango over flowers, Yata." [**] "Wha...! Please don't assume things about me like I'm Kamamoto or something, Totsuka-san! And anyway, so what if I'm interested in sakura. It's not a big deal." "It is though, because you really strike everyone as someone who would chose dango over flowers, Yata-san." "...I thought so, too..." "Not you too, Anna! Sure, it's not like I hate dango, but come on!" Yata lamented pitifully, and the bar got filled with familiar laughter on the cue.

Even Anna, sitting by Totsuka's side, snickered, shoulders shaking. In her small hands, too, was grasped a cup of black tea that Totsuka made.

For a while, a frown was scrunching Yata's face, until he finally snorted. "Anyway," he got back on track, "we were talking about the sakura by the riverside, remember? Within this district, that's gotta be the best place worth seeing, right? It has a lot of sakura trees, their shape is good, and you can come there freely all year long. The way it blooms there, all huge and flashy and stuff, gotta feel really nice, too!" "Yeah. I agree. Yata is right. That riverbank has a nice view to begin with. It'd be most enjoyable to come there on a day with good weather like today." Lips on the edge of his cup, Totsuka glanced at the scenery outside the open window.

Even indoors, you could tell how pleasantly the gentle caress of the sunlight must have felt.

"Actually, Totsuka-san. Since we're discussing this seriously and stuff, let's just go proper flower viewing." "Oh, I'd like that! Let's all have a blast while watching sakura bloom! And bring lots of yummy stuff along, too!" "Heh, just listen to yourself, Kamamoto. I knew it, you're the first on the list among those who'd take dango over flowers." "But of course!" "...Hm?" "What, please cut me some slack, Yata-san. Like I'd be on the fence over something like that! Flowers over dango! But I'm not one to complain if I can get both flowers and dango, y'know? To elaborate on the topic, if you ask me, the optimum balance would be dango, flower, dango, dango!" "R-Right... I see." In the face of Kamamoto's impressive vigor, Yata, who started it in the first place, got humbled.

"Sounds nice to me~" came from the side from the always positive Totsuka. "Should we ask Kusanagi-san to make us some bentos then? Something like futomaki and inari-zushi." "In that case, I also want potato salad with fried eggs. And no matter what anyone says, fried chicken is a must!" "That's Kamamoto for you. So very particular about his dango, eh." "That's because for flower viewing, food is crucial. Is it OK for me to arrange for alcohol and drinks? Rest assured and simply leave the lead to me!" "Hey, don't put yourself in charge without asking!" "No, no, this is one thing I won't budge about." Although Kamamoto rapidly heated up all of a sudden, that careful and somewhat meddlesome side was what made him reliable in these situations.

"Decided, then," Totsuka smiled. "We'll refine the details once Kusanagi-san is back. ...No objection, I trust, right, King?" Totsuka turned to the farthest from the counter end of the room - to Suoh Mikoto - to check it with him.

But there was no answer.

"Huh?" All the present shifted their gazes to Suoh. "...King?"

"...Mn," Suoh finally responded halfheartedly after nodding his head back and forth. Then he slowly raised his arms and stretched, taking out a cigarette with a sigh, putting it between his lips and lighting it. Taking a drag with a drowsy look, he blew out the smoke.

"Hey," he voiced again. "'In spring one sleeps a sleep that knows no dawn,' was it," Totsuka commented, suppressing a giggle. "...It's already evening though," Kamamoto remarked in a whisper, but Suoh simply continued smoking his cigarette, showing no sign of caring any about the two's exchange.

Except when he noticed the black tea that Totsuka and Anna sipped, he ceased all movement for a second, raised one eyebrow and, taking one more drag of his cigarette, put out the barely touched stick on the ashtray.

"...So? What's this all about?" Suoh asked. "As I was saying..." With that, Totsuka summed up for Suoh the flower viewing discussion that took place just moments before.

"Do whatever you like," Suoh finally said rather disinterestedly. Though his lack of interest wasn't anything new, if anything, it was his normal state. Only, not outright refusing anything was what was good about Suoh, too.

"King, don't treat it like it someone else's business, you've got to participate as well, okay?" "If I feel like it." "You and your halfheartedness again. Come on, don't be difficult. All you'll need to do is just lie around on the riverbank, is all, anyway." Totsuka was his usual self as well, speaking cheerfully whatever was on his mind.

Still, clansmen be clansmen, and that was enough to get them thoroughly excited now that their king's approval had been secured.

"We gotta let the other guys know, too." "Yeah, let's have fun all together!"

Both Yata and Kamamoto didn't bother to hide how overeager they were. But the most delighted person was...

"...It will be my first time going flower viewing..."

...Anna, putting this muttered confession into words.

"Eh? Really?" Yata asked back.

Kamamoto looked surprised, too.

"Ah, but now that I think about it... Right, a kid wouldn't be interested in something like flower viewing. Sure, they go if their parents bring them along, but... ah no, it's..." Yata got flustered and didn't finish his sentence. "Anna," Totsuka smiled at the girl. "Can you see the color of sakura blossoms?" "...Yes. It's a sakura red, very pale though. Like it's about to vanish any moment... but yes, I can see it. Flecks of it floating in the air is what it looks like to me," Anna said haltingly, her eyes on the cup in her hands. She rocked the red of her black tea and swished it in the cup. "Being under it with everyone... I can't wait," she added delightedly, gazing down at the cup's contents.

All of a sudden Yata sprang up to his feet, pumping his fist excitedly, "Alright then! Count on us, Anna! We'll give you the taste of the best flower viewing experience ever!" "Let's do this, Yata-san! I'll make sausage octopuses! And apple rabbits!" "Hm, then what should I make, I wonder. Anna, what would you like?" "...Tom yum goong." "For flower viewing? That's sure original."

Suoh meanwhile put his elbows on the counter, watching his comrades talk excitedly. Sighing at the sight, he reached for the cigarette, then remembered he had put it out and stopped.

That's when the doorbell came to life, announcing the arrival of Kusanagi with an armful of shopping bags. "I'm back~" Jacket on his arm, he commented with a lopsided smile, "Today's so warm that I should've left the jacket home."

"Kusanagi-san! We got something to tell you!" "What is it, Yata? Got in another fight again?" "Not that! It's about flower viewing! We were talking about how it'd be nice to go flower viewing!" "Huh? It's a problem if you spring it on me on such short notice. I can't close the bar today." "Well, it doesn't have to be today. Besides, the place that we chose doesn't have street lighting, so it'd be really dark after sunset. But the earlier we can go, the better. So how about tomorrow? What do you say, Totsuka-san?"

Totsuka nodded, agreeing with Yata. Needless to say, neither Kamamoto, Anna or even Suoh had any objection, either.

The only one who looked troubled was Kusanagi. Sweeping all the present with a gaze, he finally said, "...Well, guys, hate to break it to you, but tomorrow..."

*

...it rained.

Or rather, it stormed.

By 10:10 a.m., pitch black clouds that had appeared at dawn, had covered the sky completely, and a strong wind blew in violent gusts, making the window panes of bar HOMRA rattle. The rain proper had yet to start falling, but large drops of it did hit the walls of the bar from time to time. According to the weather forecast, by noon a downpour was expected to hit in full. A real spring storm indeed.

"I told you, didn’t I? Oh well, this is one thing that we can't do anything about." "..." Yata and Kamamoto exchanged awkward looks, Totsuka smiled a strained little smile while tenderly stroking the head of a depressed looking Anna.

Even after hearing the weather forecast, the members assembled in the bar, hoping against hope that maybe it was wrong, but unfortunately for them, it wasn't. What's worse, because of the strong wind and torrential rain, sakura blossoms in full bloom had no chance to hold out through the day without scattering their petals prematurely. It was only reasonable to assume that this weather put a resolute end to sakura's blooming this year.

Kusanagi, standing deep behind the counter, glanced at Anna to check how she was doing. He had already heard why Yata and Kamamoto were so excited when he came back yesterday. It was the best opportunity they had in a long while, and they wanted Anna to enjoy it. That said, as he had remarked earlier, weather was the one thing that nothing could be done about.

"C'mon, Anna. Cheer up," Kusanagi called out, putting a multi-tiered bentou box on the counter. Despite knowing about the bad weather - or rather precisely because he had been aware - Kusanagi poured all of his skills and talent into making a deluxe flower viewing bentou.

With a soft click, another something was put onto the counter - a little vase. In it, lovely pink flowers were arranged. And their petails were...

"...Sakura?" "Or so they look like. Actually, it's primrose. Let's make do with these for today's flower viewing." Kusanagi winked playfully at the thoroughly surprised Anna.

Totsuka bowed his hear to Kusanagi in admiration. "Nothing less from you, Kusanagi-san. That consideration you show towards girls is why you're so popular with them, I guess." "As someone who calls himself the bar's master, I have the duty to soothe ladies' grieving hearts." "You're so cool, Kusanagi-san! Please soothe my grieving stomach next!" "Hey, no devouring this, Kamamoto. Lunchtime is still ways off. You're not supposed to be in a hurry when eating this," Kusanagi mildly admonished, and the mood in the bar brightened somewhat.

Anna seemed to bounce back, too, answering Kusanagi's consideration with a smile.

Only, immediately after...

A boom resounded as a loud clap of thunder exploded in the atmosphere somewhere very high above. Belatedly, torrent-like rain  started rapping against the windows with almost enough force to break them.

Anna shrank with a start, while Yata and Kamamoto yelped.

It was dark outside like it was night. The storm had finally arrived in all its glory.

The cheerfulness that had finally returned to Anna's features earlier disappeared and her expression got clouded again. Kusanagi and Totsuka, faces tight, exchanged glances.

And then...

"...Well then." Suoh, who was sitting silently at the counter until then, got up slowly. "I'm going out. Make sure to leave me some alcohol," he threw curtly Kusanagi's way. "Huh? Out? What for?" "A walk." "Huh?" "To the riverbank. Sakura'll fall off, right?" "No, no, no, no." Kusanagi shook his head like he had no idea what country's language he should speak to get through to Suoh.

All the others watched Suoh in shocked silence.

"It's a storm outside, I told you." "Yeah, looks like it, but that’s not a good enough reason for me not to go out." "Maybe, but with a strong wind like that...!" "I'll just get blown away, is all." "There's also rain. And with how things are looking, soon it will turn into a s---" "...So I'll get soaked, so what? Is that a problem or something?" Suoh replied calmly. And then flashed a tiny grin.

Kusanagi found himself lost for words.

Anna, who watched the exchange with wide open eyes, shook slightly. "...I'm going, too!" "Wait, Anna?!" Kusanagi cried out, but she only had eyes for Suoh. Suoh snorted. "...An umbrella won't do. Go put on a rain coat. And don't let go of me under any circumstances, got it?" he said.

Anna nodded energetically and rushed with small steps to get the rain coat.

"I-I'm going, too!" Yata shouted once he came to his senses. "Me, too," Kamamoto hurried to back him up.

Totsuka, unable to keep a straight face any longer, burst into laughter, while Kusanagi rolled his eyes at the ceiling, still dumbfounded. "I'm just no match, honestly." "No sweat. It's going to be very Homura-like flower viewing, no? How about coming along, Kusanagi-san?" Totsuka smiled a carefree smile at the grieving Kusanagi. So it appeared he intended to come along, too.

Before long, Anna returned with the rain coat. Her cheeks were colored with a faint blush and her eyes were sparkling just like they did yesterday when the group was making plans to go flower viewing.

At the sight of that face, all power got drained from Kusanagi, and he smiled the same smile as Totsuka.  "Can't be helped. How can I not." "Okay." "...Let's go, then." "Yeah!" Yata and Kamamoto yelled, following their leaders.

Anna nodded energetically.

*

And so, Homura departed for the riverbank in the storm mounting from every direction. Having experienced the drumming downpour of the torrential rain and the blizzard of falling sakura blossoms with every inch of their bodies, all of them to the last one got themselves dripping wet. Despite being soaked, they laughed in loud voices, thoroughly appreciating the sakura trees in full bloom as they got illuminated with flashes of lighting.

It was 3 hours later that they made it back to the bar. While Anna was off taking a hot shower, the rest, dripping on the floor, started the banquet. The merrymaking had lasted late into the night.

As a result, though. at least two participants came down with a cold...

But to Anna, it became a flower viewing experience, as beautiful and intense as blazing flames, that she would never forget.

T/N:

[*] The title itself 花に嵐の ("hana ni arashi no") is the beginning of a Japanese toast, originating in Chinese poetry and sounding like 花に嵐のたとえもあるぞ さよならだけが人生だ ("hana ni arashi no tatoe mo aruzo, sayonara dake ga jinsei da" - Like flowers scatter in a storm, life is filled with farewells). The common interpretation of it goes as follows: it's not unusual for transient flowers to get scattered by a sudden storm, so you've got to appreciate the people you meet and the time you spend with them while you still have the chance.

[**] 花より団子 ("hana yori dango" - Dango over flowers) is another famous set phrase, a proverb meaning that people are more interested in the practical over the aesthetic/ in material things over the soul.

[confidenceatitsfinest]

Jungkook Ship Fic Rec 2

Since so many of you asked me for another Kook ship fic rec, here I am! All smut will be bottom Jungkook as always. I’ve gotta admit, it’s really hard to find recently but I’ll pull up as many as I can because I know the feeling of wanting more bottom kook but finding none haha. These will be separated by ship! Oh my god it was so hard to find anything for jikook OTL well to be honest, I don’t know why it was so difficult to find fics this time.

Taekook

Resonance AO3, Oneshot, I already know it’s good because it’s by Rix. AND IT’S SOUL EATER AU. I NEVER THOUGHT I’D SEE THIS BUT YASSSS. This is actually one of the hottest things I’ve read in awhile. Like O_O wow.

I Just Had Sex (ft. Jungkook) AO3, Oneshot, first time bottoming and Tae is kind of angry because Kook almost missed his bday but things work out. 

Sugar and Spice AO3, Oneshot, Daddy Kink but the love is sooooo real, soft affectionate Kook (I honestly can’t tell who actually has the power anymore between these two). 

Night Winds AO3, Oneshot, Alpha Tae and Beta Kook, they could never work out but they did. 

Suit and Tie AO3, Complete, I’m still not over how good this is, the power struggle of two hot CEO’s, and then the budding cuteness.

I Can Make You (Cry For Me) and Empty Spaces Don’t Talk About It AO3, Complete, Taekookseok with taekook end game, there’s junghope but it’s not as present as Taekook, the second part is ANGST GALORE but it ends well.

Fuck the Rules AFF, Oneshot, Taekook think the new PDA rules are stupid, it’s not exhibitionism in case you were wondering lol.

I’ll be a man (of you, you, you babe) AO3, Oneshot, Tae always bails Kook out of arranged dates.

After School AO3, Oneshot, canon compliant with Tae at the dorm and Kook at school, this is actually kinda cute at the end lol.

Topsy-Turvy AO3, Ongoing, hate to love, stepbrother au.

The Smell of Peaches AO3, Ongoing, THIS IS SO FREAKING GOOD, abo au, taekook are ex’s but Kook gets his heat and they become friends with benefits but with hidden feelings, and oh my god the angst and smut is A++++++. This is my current obsession lol.

Jikook

it must be fate (or you’re stalking me, who knows) AO3, Oneshot, this was actually quite cute, Jimin is the definition of cutie in the streets and senpai in the sheets (lol I love that tag)

Restrictions and Rewards AO3, Oneshot, Kookie needs the proper motivation. 

See Through (If You Will) AO3, Complete, Mpreg Kook, hurt/comfort, I love the hurt.

Will You Stop Time AO3, Oneshot, Jungkook loved Jimin even if he pushed him away (but he always apologizes at night), the feels were real.

Bloom AO3, Oneshot, First Times, a little bit of angst.

No Strings Attached  AO3, Complete, recently finished camboy Kook au and wow was it good, go read it you won’t regret it. 

In Your Eyes (I’m the Best/I’m the Worst) AO3, Oneshot, fair warning this may or may not be your cup of tea, it’s humiliation kink well more like Jimin legit gets angry at Kook for being a brat all the time and insults him but Kook likes it (?), if you don’t like this kind of stuff, don’t read it. 

power struggle AO3, Oneshot, Omega Kook and Alpha Jimin, i really really love the jealous hurt/comfort.

Becoming Bad AFF, Ongoing, Subscribers Only, Jimin the bad boy taints Innocent Jungkook.

Don’t Hesitate Any Longer AO3, Oneshot, Adult Ceremony dance practice into something more, hyung kink. 

Every Morning (and Night) is Perfect With You That Christmas Evening Eros and Perfectly Imperfect AO3, Oneshot, yes shameless self-promotion but all of them are legit just bottom kook smut with feelings and tiny bit of plot.

Animal House AFF, Ongoing, Members-Only, Jungkook is the bunny cop that meets Fox Jimin, they room together and feelings develop but there’s something evil going on.

The Way You Move It (I Can’t Believe It) AO3, Oneshot, Jungkook is failing his Cha Cha class because his hips are stiff, Jimin shows him how to sway those hips and maybe more.

One Page Pornography Ch. 28 AO3, Oneshot, I was honestly craving hurt/comfort Jikook plus smut and dang did this provide. I loved the angst and it hurt so so good all the way up until Jimin comforted him and then the phone sex and actual sex was A+.

Kookiemonster

Golden Boy AO3, Complete, VOLLEYBALL AU, also angst and smut (hot smut) but angst, it’s a wild ride. 

House Made of Cards AO3, Oneshot, you’d think it’s just smut but wow the underlying emotion is whew.

Got Me Baited and Bruised AO3, Oneshot, Awkward flirting guys lol.

Junghope

I’ll Give You Love (You Wanted Nothing) AO3, Oneshot, Junghope discuss marriage and I love the written dynamic here. 

There and Back Again AO3, Oneshot, okay this is really cute, college au.

While You Were Sleeping AO3, Oneshot, Kook has a wet dream and Hobi takes care of it for him while he’s asleep, totally consensual, this it pretty hot. 

Joke AO3, Oneshot, Kook is a complete brat to Hobi (because he’s an extreme tsundere) and Hobi shows him that he is very capable of fucking Jungkook up. 

Sugakookie

Bittersweet AO3, Complete, this was a smut/angst ride too, darker themes but wow it’s good, mafia au. 

Sweet Baby Boy AO3, Oneshot, yup just pure smut indulgence.

Tied Up AO3, Complete, I suggest you read the whole series by Rosiex.

White Lines, Pretty Baby AO3, Oneshot, Yoongi is Kook’s boss (well he’s a drug dealer) and they develop an unconventional relationship. 

Good Boy, Baby Boy AO3, Oneshot, Daddy kink, lace panties, you get the idea.

Pretty Boy  AO3, Oneshot, Daddy kink, crossdressing, Kook tries to prove that he’s not pretty using shock factor but it doesn’t really work out.

Whenever You Smile (I Smile) AO3, Oneshot, Hogwarts au, I love this, it was so cute and gahhhh it’s a great example of how fluffy sugakookie can be. 

Mingling AO3, Complete, Werewolf Kookie meets ancient vampire Yoongi that’s actually a huge flirt.

The Assistant AO3, Complete, I honestly love this so much because it’s not just an interesting au with good smut, but the depth of the feelings. It’s a really healthy relationship between Sugakookie of course but also Kook and Jimin’s friendship. 

Jinkook

You’re So Beautiful That I’m Scared AO3, Oneshot, indulgent smut with light dom/sub undertones, soft feelings. 

So Nice and So Cool (So Good and So Hot) AO3, Oneshot, Seokjin the TA accidentally fucks one of his students

JungkookxEveryone

Pastel AO3, Ongoing, I think you all know this one by now but just in case you don’t, Kookie likes feeling pretty and he likes being taken care of, his hyungs find out one by one.

Vminkook

Crushed Lungs AO3, Ongoing, it’s kind of a love triangle but without the whole “i hate you” thing which I like. 

Yoonkookseok

a sleepless night again today AO3, Ongoing, I love this ot3 and the relationships are developing right now but it already looks amazing. 

Jihopekook 

Accidentally Right There AO3, Ongoing, this does have jihope with bottom!Jimin but it explores Jungkook’s one-sided love (it really isn't that unrequited) and the hurt/comfort is great, Jungkookie is a sub and he wants to be loved, I just really love it okay?

Jikookiemonster

oh baby (what’re you doing to me?) AO3, Complete, there’s a big of angst because unrequited love and stuff but then Jimin and Joon take care of him and the FEELS.

Yoonjinkook

Loving You (Is Not a Mistake) AO3, Oneshot, this is really really good and what I’ve been craving, Valentine’s Day but it’s different, hurt/comfort and oh god the Yoonjinkook ot3ness was amazing.

I Play To Win AO3, Oneshot, Alpha!Yoongi/Omega!Seokjin/Alpha!Jungkook, they all play Overwatch and Kookie sets his eyes on Yoongi (who basically hates him at first lol). I love the clash between fiery explosive Yoongi and Tease of the Century Tsundere Jungkook but things work out because you have Seokjin the peacemaker. Basically Yoongi fucks the submission into Kook.

Yup, this is all I could find for now so happy reading? I’ll update this when there’s more fics. HERE is the first fic rec I did in case you missed some of these. 

[thechurchillreview]

My friends know I do reviews, critiques, or express my thoughts about flicks and had been begging me to give Marvel’s Doctor Strange (2016) an actual look. My plate was full, but, I still obliged anyways. Shouldn’t have. Still did. XD I’d been curious. The whitewashing halted me from seeing it in theatres nor paying to rent it though. A comrade lent me their copy recently. Here’s the beginning. 

Doctor Stephen Strange, a creation of Stan Lee and Steve Dikto, has always been a sore subject. He arrived just two years after white actor Mickey Rooney’s offensive yellowface performance as I.Y. Yunioshi in Blake Edwards’ romantic comedy Breakfast in Tiffany’s (1961). A prototype of Doctor Strange was the earlier made physician character known as Doctor Anthony Droom courtesy of Lee and Jack Kirby. He was a Caucasian that transformed into a stereotypically Asian looking person via eyes, skin tone, eyebrows, and “moustache” after accepting to continue a dying Tibetan lama’s battle against the forces of evil. Basically, the white savior idea with a controversial twist. However, Droom would eventually fade away from continuity and be re-branded as Doctor Druid. 

For Doctor Strange, he went from initially Asian in appearance to a Gary Cooper look alike. Only once this transition happened with Doctor Strange did Marvel feel comfortable letting him star in his ongoing comic book series. He debuted in Strange Tales #110 (July 1963), a split book feature with The Fantastic Four’s Human Torch. #114 (December 1963) contained his origin story and re-design. 

Comic book writer Kurt Busiek on Twitter last year pointed out how despite Strange had changed, Steve Dikto would sometimes persist with employing racial caricature slanted eyes and eyebrows in wider shots while tighter ones kept Stephen white. In the same comic, the Asian ethnicity of the Ancient One wasn’t revealed, but his eyes and skin color said otherwise. Comic books are a visual medium after all and ignoring this is to disregard the fundamental longstanding language artwork provides within those pages.

Meaning, the very basis for 2016’s Doctor Strange comes from a less enlightened era and its resulting translation to the silver screen wasn’t smooth at all. After enduring a career-ending crash by driving fast in the rain while talking on his phone (a perfect PSA about why speeding or using one’s cellphone when driving is both a stupid and deadly thing to do) and with no options left, the cocky neurosurgeon Stephen Strange desperately seeks Kamar-Taj to cure him. At its core Doctor Strange is about a character in a foreign place overcoming inner challenges in order to recognize his destiny as “the one” to save the world. Marvel Studios eyeing Benedict Cumberbatch in the lead position before the movie’s existence speaks volume does it not? Similar to the whole Iron Fist Netflix series casting for Danny Rand not being an Asian-American (Lewis Tan versus Finn Jones), Marvel didn’t try in the slightest for diversity. If you’re a comics purist or someone that’s completely frustrated with the bland current whiteness of the MCU like I am, Marvel solely selecting Cumberbatch is another opportunity forever lost.

Thank goodness for Ryan Coogler’s Black Panther next year rectifying this fact: Black Panther will be Marvel’s first MCU flick starring a non-white hero. ...It took ten damn years to get here though. *Shakes head*

Honestly, the role of Doctor Strange could’ve gone to anyone as long as he/she was a successful neurosurgeon with an inflated ego that suffers a tragedy that realigns her/his life path. That’s what I think anyways. If the MCU’s Ancient One is now a Celtic woman why not a female Strange? Why not a female Doctor Who? Considering that the Doctor Strange flick is about opening one’s minds to new possibilities, thoughts, and comprehending the potential of endless realities, choosing to sticking with the safe dull norm of the entertainment industry for the film’s protagonist is absolutely disappointing.

Doctor Strange director and screenwriter (One of three for the film. Jon Spaiths, best known for co-penning 2012’s Prometheus with Damon Lindelof is the second. C. Robert Cargill, co-creator of the horror motion picture Sinister was the third.) Scott Derrickson’s own reasoning and thoughts about the Swinton casting aren’t totally bad actually. He wished to avoid having an older Asian woman in the Ancient One position since that reinforces the “Dragon Lady” stereotype after already trying to circumvent the magical Asian Fu Manchu stigma of the original comic book Ancient One. 

Anyone familiar with Lucy Lui’s Lindy Woo from the series Ally McBeal (1999-2002)? She personifies the trope of Dragon Lady. Which is an East Asian woman that’s aggressive or an opportunistic sexual being or a predatory gold digger. In that time period, no other prominent Asian (besides newscasters) woman were around on TV to counteract said stereotype. 

At the same time, Scott didn’t want a younger Asian woman since its perception would be exploiting an Asian fetish and a “fanboy’s dream girl”. On top of that Derrickson tried to get away from the “Western character coming to Asia to learn about being Asian” too by not having an Asian Ancient One in Doctor Strange. Marvel Studios could’ve taken a page from the current Jason Aaron and Chris Bachalo comic series that at the time of Doctor Strange’s release did have an Ancient One and Stephen resided in Greenwich Village. 

In other words, he tried. 

That is more than most ever do. 

Thanks Scott! :) 

On the other hand, the film regrettably never capitalizes nor expands on the Ancient One Celtic connection except for one spoken line. Seriously?! The character is addressed as a “she”/“her” the feel of the overall portrayal by Swinton swings towards more androgynous than female/male in my eyes. 

Stephen’s initial rendezvous with the Ancient One was hard to view for me. How he enters the room with an older Asian looking male figure reading only to discover that the bald person pouring tea for him is indeed the Ancient One. You’re supposed to laugh.

I grimaced.

Then Stephen callously labeling Eastern teachings as “gift shop fakes” in the Himalayan country of Nepal. That’s uncalled for. You came here of your accord dude! After arriving back after experiencing the astral plane for the first time, the Ancient One mockingly asks, “Have you seen that before at a gift shop?” He rejects all until the Ancient One intervening causes him to re-evaluate and fully comprehend what he didn’t prior to. Asian teachers or Eastern beliefs alone weren’t originally possible by themselves in Stephen’s mind, no, a solution solely presented itself after being filtered through a white lens (Ancient One). That’s Hollywood in a nutshell when it comes to diversity/representation, borrowing from their cultures using Caucasian actors in the limelight. Non-whites remain pretty much stuck in the background as opposed to the forefront (AGAIN). 

Perhaps to smooth over everyone furious about the whitewashing occurring, Kevin Feige, the President of Marvel Studios and the architect behind the MCU’s construction declared that the Ancient One and Sorcerer Supreme are mantles held by multiple characters throughout time so a comic-accurate Ancient One could be out there. I imagined him finishing this with a disingenuous “You’re welcome.” Kevin Feige’s statement had my Skepticism Meter on high alert. I don’t deem it as a bona fide assertion from Feige and doubt THAT Ancient One will be appearing onscreen.

Derrickson himself replied to the controversy with, “Diversity is the responsibility of directors, and I took that as seriously as I could,” he said. “Whitewashing, if you use the term the way it’s used now—it’s what I did with the role. But it also implies racial insensitivity and it implies racist motives and I don’t think I had either. I was really acting out of what I still feel is the best possible choice. But it’s like I chose the lesser evil—and just because you choose the lesser evil it doesn’t mean you’re not choosing an evil.” Scott continued, aiming towards those vocally upset about Swinton casting, “I don’t feel that they’re wrong,” he said, sympathetic. “I was very aware of the racial issues that I was dealing with. But I didn’t really understand the level of pain that’s out there, for people who grew up with movies like I did but didn’t see their own faces up there.”

He’s right, the decision made was still an evil. At least, Scott Derrickson is owning up to it instead of remaining silent. That’s an appreciated gesture. While I believe that Scott Derrickson and Marvel Studios seriously messed up, I don’t think it was entirely intentional. At least not on the director’s part.

All that being typed, I absolutely agree with George Takei’s thoughts about the matter as a whole. I’ll post some of it and if y’all are interested check out the rest for yourselves, ‘kay? I’d advise doing so.

“So let me get this straight. You cast a white actress so you wouldn’t hurt sales … in Asia? This backpedaling is nearly as cringeworthy as the casting. Marvel must think we’re all idiots,” writes Takei. “Marvel already addressed the Tibetan question by setting the action and the Ancient One in Kathmandu, Nepal, in the film. It wouldn’t have mattered to the Chinese government by that point whether the character was white or Asian, as it was already in another country. So this is a red herring, and it’s insulting that they expect us to buy their explanation. They cast Tilda because they believe white audiences want to see white faces. Audiences, too, should be aware of how dumb and out of touch the studios think we are.

To those who say, “She an actress, this is fiction,” remember that Hollywood has been casting white actors in Asian roles for decades now, and we can’t keep pretending there isn’t something deeper at work here. If it were true that actors of Asian descent were being offered choice roles in films, these arguments might prevail. But there has been a long standing practice of taking roles that were originally Asian and rewriting them for white actors to play, leaving Asians invisible on the screen and underemployed as actors. This is a very real problem, not an abstract one. It is not about political correctness, it is about correcting systemic exclusion. Do you see the difference?”

Because of all vocal outcry and the fact that Wong in the comics was a manservant to Doctor Stephen Strange, the reinterpretation of his MCU character by actor Benedict Wong generated by Derrickson, Cargill, and Spaiths, is something I’m perfectly fond of. Is Wong’s triad of sage librarian, mentor, and comic relief role supposed to serve as an apology of a genuine learned lesson for Swinton’s Ancient One? Not to mention a prominent Asian hero (non-TV) in the MCU at long last. Wong’s a true funny unlikely avatar of progress in a movie not willing to open its mind as much it keeps on boasting. 

Probably I’d wager.

His pretending not to know who singer Beyoncé is to Strange’s face when later in the audience observes him listening to one of her songs on his iPod brought a major smile to my face. Wong’s calculated perplexed responses to Stephen’s jokes with pop culture references: he does this to vex Strange’s egotism. When Wong does unexpectedly chuckle towards the end, it is hilarious, a moment of needed asked for levity after such a heavy climax. I’d like for Benedict Wong’s Wong to rub off on how Wong is and written in the comics. Normally, I’m not a fan of movie comic book whatnot seeping into the mainstream stuff. I’ve gone on spoken record often saying I hate that actually. Like for example The Dark Knight’s Ledger Joker (voiced by Brent Spinner) influenced selected take on him in the DC Comics animated series Young Justice, groooooan. Contrariwise, in this case, please Marvel let the MCU Wong replace or fiercely alter the existing comics manservant version.