#also arthur never wanting to take advantage of her

[sic-vita]

"I thought a castle would be a suitable substitute for a home, and mandatory displays of respect would be a suitable substitute for human affection. You were treated like a queen but you were my hostage, Genny what the hell did we think was going to happen?"

inspired by this post by @badsalmonella

[galactaknightyaoi]

It's my OCs' first birthday today, yippie!! They're enjoying their birthday with some tiny company and a horribly baked cake. But it's the thought that counts!

These are Pai, Aurelio, and Lizzie. They are a couple and run a diner together in the low suburbs of Halcandra. Their shop also serves as a safe space and shelter for other Star Borns just like them.

They also tend to take in the more little ones of their kind, soon after they've first formed. They look after them and teach them stuff, before letting them go to live independently. But they're always welcome back in their house! Be it for shelter, or a nice cup of coffee.

More about them under the cut. Be warned it gets kinda long.

Pai's ability is Cook. When he was little, he used to use his ability to make food to share with his whole neighborhood as a way of uniting everyone.

Since then he's been steadily building towards a goal, to open his very own Diner. He wanted to create a space for his community to thrive in, though he was severely disadvantaged in such a large city.

He's not one to give up and he always looks on the positive side of things. He tends to spoil the kids they look after with treats, and has a hard time saying no, so he often takes on more than he can handle.

He is the one that looks after the well-being of the kids, and generally, things that require a bit more... Tact. He looks after them when they're sick or injured, which is how he ends up meeting future GSA founders Arthur, Erebus, and Anansi.

Aurelio grew up in a scrapyard with 6 others of their kind, being kept there as guard dogs for the paranoid old man who owned the place. They were encouraged to fight each other for fun, which is how they got the scar across their face.

When they got too big and troublesome, most of them were kicked out of their home and left to fend for themselves.

Aurelio's Spear ability eventually landed them a job as a Knight for Halcandra's elites, where they worked alongside a few of their friends. Their job was to guard the meeting room and defend their assignment from threats.

A few years into this job, they and other soldiers were given a mission. A pair of dragons were nesting at the bottom of the Haldera Volcano, they had to get them out. Dragons are calm if not provoked, so relocation shouldn't be difficult...

As it turns out, the dragons were a mated pair. A male and a female, and they were viciously protecting their egg clutch.

In the battle against the dragons, Aurelio was injured and burned by fire, but their natural fire immunity allowed them to be one of the few survivors. Nevertheless, the Knights were successful in their mission and managed to drive the dragons out.

The 4 eggs that weren't crushed during the battle were passed off to the Ancients for research. They became the Guardian Angel Landia later on.

She was forced to retire from Knighthood at age 31. Due to the lasting effects of their injuries, Aurelio is the one who spends most of the time with the children. For better and for worse.

Because of their childhood, they have very skewed ideas of how to treat children. She'll often put them in dangerous situations unintentionally since she has no frame of reference to tell her that taking kids out to the Gator Pond isn't a very good idea.

Aurelio teaches the rougher life lessons. They've been through quite a bit, so they want the kids to learn how to defend themselves, and to be careful and not have others take advantage of them.

She does most of the disciplining and the one that gives timeouts and other such punishments. She is of the opinion that sometimes rough love is necessary to set someone straight. She's calm and loving, but a bit stuck in the old way of doing things.

Lizzie, real name Angeliz, is a 2-time college dropout who grew up upper class despite her species' disadvantage. She never had many friends growing up, since other kids didn't really like her, and resigned herself to being what her parents wanted her to be.

She tried to study medicine but quit after 2 years. Not wanting to further disappoint her parents, she went into law. Which she also hated but tried to commit to finishing despite how miserable it made her.

Meeting Pai and Aurelio helped her get through the year, but after Aurelio was injured, she quit law and started living with them. She helped Pai balance his business with taking care of Aurelio and eventually used some of the money she still had left to give Pai's Diner the little push forward it needed.

Despite the many etiquette classes she took as a child, Lizzie completely lacks social skills. She's a total disaster, especially when talking to someone she likes. Once she gets comfortable, her true personality starts to shine through.

She's a huge slob and kind of vulgar despite her cute appearance. She's easily angered and does not like to be teased, which makes putting up with bratty kids more difficult for her.

She tends to treat kids as little adults instead, which causes her to not be very mindful of their sensitivities. Even when in a good mood, trying to do her best, she always ends up saying the wrong thing and makes everything worse.

She handles the business aspect of their Diner, crunching numbers and reading over legal documents. She's really smart and knowledgeable, so she's the one who tends to teach kids reading, writing, and math.

Her ability is Bubble. She never used to like it, it was silly and useless to her, so she kept it hidden for years. After meeting her partners and becoming happy, she's started blowing bubbles more frequently. The kids love them.

[pigfacedbitch]

It's A Trap!

summary : Prince Arthur uses reader to lure Merlin out whenever he is hiding from him.

word count : 0.5k

type : imagines

pairing/s involved : Merlin x Reader (?)

warning/s : none. just Merlin pining over reader and Arthur being an ass.

here is my masterlist!

Note : I thought of this when I watched the clip where Arthur is looking for Merlin and he was hiding behind the door. 😂 It was a one shot before and I heavily edited it too.

There is no denying that Prince's Arthur's manservant is in love with (Y/N), a noble lady from one of the most prestigious houses in Camelot.

Everyone, even Arthur himself, knows it. And that's saying something. 🫢😂

From the way Merlin would stare at you with heart in his eyes, how he would follow you everywhere like a dog, or his ears pick up whenever he hears your name.

Gaius almost wants to take a leaf out of Van Gogh's book and tear off his own ears because Merlin wouldn't shut up about you. He also writes about you in his letters for Hunith.

Now, does Arthur take advantage of it? Of course, he does. Like,"Do you know Lady (Y/N) would be there?" or "If you fetch flowers for Gwen, you could also get some for your lady love."

The epitome of the statement, however, is making you his trap. Confused? I'll explain further later.

"Merlin?! Where are you?!"

It's very common for the palace staff to hear the prince of Camelot blaringly calling out to his manservant. Although some people catch Merlin scurrying away from him or has an idea of his whereabouts, no one bothers to tell Arthur anything.

After all, it's completely understandable and why many servants can empathize. As admirable and honorable the prince is, he can be a handful at times.

That's where you come in.

Whenever Arthur has given up searching for Merlin, he would search for you instead.

He often finds you in the gardens with the other noble ladies, helping some servants with menial tasks, or having tea with Morgana and Gwen. Uther enjoys your company too, making the usual stoic ruler laugh and gossip.

"May I excuse Lady (Y/N)? I need her assistance with something."

"Is it Merlin again?"

"...Yes."

You would go to Gaius' chambers, the kitchens, servant's quarters, or anywhere Merlin could've gone to. Then, you would tell anyone that you're looking for him to speak about personal matters and you'll be waiting for him with a place of your choice.

Arthur would wait with you, but he's hiding where Merlin can't see him.

Why do you continue helping the royal prat? It's because you find it funny.

You're also curious, thinking how long will it take Merlin to stop seeking you out because most of the time it's just one of Arthur's traps.

The prince's knights bet on it. Gwaine and Leon are winning— saying how Merlin will never learn.

It's true, he doesn't. I guess love does make you an idiot.

Merlin always approaches you with a beaming grin on his face and blushed cheeks, acting like a lovesick school boy.

"My lady, you were looking for me?"

"Well you see..."

Arthur would wait for Merlin to get closer before grabbing the manservant in his clutches.

"Here you are, you idiot!"

Sometimes Merlin would free himself and run, sometimes he doesn't and Arthur would drag him away while warning him of possible punishments.

But he never misses the chance to look back and give you the most charming smile anyone has ever graced you with.

"Merlin really loves you, doesn't he?" You hear Gwen beside you, linking your arm with hers. Nervous and worried, you reply—

"Yes. I just hope that I get to tell Merlin that I share his affections. But Arthur is always with him."

[kirbybecomesastarwarrior]

NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED!

I know I've been hush-hush about who killed Sir Uther; now I'm ready for the grand reveal... it was Sir Nonsurat~

Like I said before, Nonsurat holds the title of betrayer (similar to his counterpart, Lancelot ) but for an entirely different reason. A.K.A the murder/assassinations of Sir Uther. But wait, shouldn't that be a good thing... kill the evil tyrant, and everything should be alright again... right? Wrongo~

Sir Nonsurat truly did not plan to kill Uther it was merely an act of impulse...in a moment of panic, an accident really (but very much deserved)... but Nonsurat still committed a crime, and there was one witness that he did not take an account of... SOL CLEAVER!

Sol Cleaver did not have a problem with the act of killing it was how it was done... When Nonsurat killed him... it was not via duel but when Uther was having a fit of insanity... which was an act that Sol Cleaver did not like (it wasn't in a glorious battle)... not only that, but he used his (Sol Cleaver) and he did not take pride in his kill... and after tried to get rid of them (Sol Cleaver). Basically pissed off the weapon three times...

Sol Cleaver: NO, YOU DON'T YOU'RE USING ME, MF! (and curses him to only using him as a weapon, having his hands drip blood any time he uses something other than them (Sol Cleaver).

*there are a few more things I'm going to reveal a little later, but not right now...*

So basically, in fear, Nonsurant is hiding the murder weapon by hiding it in the axe he uses... while it may look like an axe on the outside, on the inside, it's Sol Cleaver...

Keep reading for some lore/spoiler-ish content.

Sir Nonsurat is very much the (if you are familiar with Epic the Musical Epic Eurylochus to Sir Arthur's Odyessusy) or (Hamilton) Aaron Burr to Sir Arthur's Hamilton)...

He makes mistakes that are well-meaning and seem like the right decisions at the time... (killing Sir Uther), leading to consequences he never foresaw would happen...

This reveals a critical flaw in Nonsurat's thinking: "Don't solve problems, eliminate them!" (Ironically, a philosophy taught to him by Sir Uther) This is also exhibited when trying to "expose Arthur's partnership with Merly(a.k.a Celestine). Which follows the same thought process of "getting rid of Arthur should solve the problem..."

There's no Guinevere affair like in the (OG Arthurian lore) & (sorry guys, I didn't know how to fit her in the sorry... complicated & needless mellow drama...)

So, instead, I made it "the exposing of Arthur's connection with Merlyn..." leading to Celestine framing herself to save Arthur but also leading to her demise (info in her bio) to replace that event... so either Nonsurat's screwing up Arthur's love life (LMAO... I'm so sorry Merthur/Celarthur there had to be a tragedy)

Okay back Nonsurat~

Also, it shows a pattern... the nature of these actions, he does not commit these acts upfront but rather in the shadows... anonymously... which I also wanted to show in how he endorsed Arthur for leader behind Morgans's back rather than telling why or giving her notice. - We understand why he did this (because she was on her way to becoming another Sir Uther. ) But still didn't have the heart to tell her upfront...

However, it is this act that brings forth the demise of Sir Arthur. (I know spoilers, but low-key, I've been lining death flags for that man since last December...) Morgan takes advantage of these actions... which leads to One Uncomfortable Family Reunion... (once I finish it, merely I just laid the groundwork for this...

~

Nonsurat is such an underutilized character in the fandom and is mostly characterized as the "strong & silent type," which I don't mind at all, but... we have so many different flavors of the other three (Sir Falspar, Sir Dragato, Sir Arthur...)

Also, the fandom never took advantage of the fact that he was supposed to represent Lancelot—you know, the one who betrayed Arthur in (the og Arthurian lore.) Which is why I really wanted to bring out the KBASW lore.

I suppose this is also a call to action to give Nonsurat some more rep & love out here. We need more variety, Nonsurat is an incredible canvas of a character.

The only other who has a unique take and uses Arthurian lore, amazingly for Nonsurat, is @galapathy, Another person who does such an incredible spin on the character @mercyillustrator.

Shoutout to you guys. I love you & please follow them!

And If anyone knows of another cool new interpretation (on Sir Nonsurat.), let me know! And that concludes the mystery of who killed Sir Uther & what happened to Sol Cleaver.

Stay tuned, hope you all have a wonderful day~

[ccghastly]

Ooh! I’d love to hear about your head canon of Arthur speaking French if you don’t mind sharing!

For Sure! Thank you for asking!!

My headcanon is that Arthur's maternal grandparents were french immigrants and while Arthur's maman Beatrice is fluent in English she grew up primarily speaking French, so French is her first language and the one she has more confidence in speaking.

(Yes, Beatrice was totally the poor belaboured kid that had to act as a translator for her parents whose English skills were much worse than hers)

So, since Arthur's dad Lyle didn't have much of anything to do with Arthur while Arthur was in his formative years, Arthur's first language is also French because Beatrice preferred to use her mother-tongue when speaking with her baby.

This also, of course, means that Arthur did have a french accent when he was young, but after his maman's death Lyle didn't approve of Arthur not speaking 'plain English' and he worked hard to get rid of it.

Thus Arthur is fully fluent in conversational French.

This is also why Dutch and Hosea had to teach him to read after they met. Arthur learned to read from his maman, who learned to read from her parents, who only read and wrote in French. Arthur of course didn't tell the Odd Couple that he was already fully literate, just not literate in English. First because he'd learned that letting people think you're dumber than you are is never a bad thing, and then later because he was too deep into the lie to correct it.

Hosea did catch him in the act one day when he was sweet talking the horses (because he knew far more sweet pet-names in french) and Hosea cut him a deal. Hosea could mostly hold up his end of a conversation in french, but he was by no means fluent and lack of use only made him more rusty, so if Arthur would agree to talk with him in french once in a while when asked Hosea wouldn't tell Dutch.

Arthur agreed and Hosea kept his promise. No doubt saving Arthur from the innumerable hijinks Dutch would think up to take advantage of Arthur's polyglossal ways.

Arthur leaves notes for Hosea in French if he doesn't want Dutch or John (especially john) reading them. Dutch nearly caught on once because he knows Hosea speaks french and thus did assume that Hosea wrote the note, but the note didn't quite look like Hosea's writing. Hosea said that he'd just written it in a hurry, and Arthur took it upon himself to master mimicing Hosea's handwriting.

Hosea still finds it both funny and disconcerting to find notes that look exactly like he wrote them when he most definitely didn't. It's given him quite a few memory-loss scares when the notes are too vague or about common things that he could feasibly have wanted to note down to remember later.

Whoops that ran far longer than I meant it to, but it does hit all the highnotes of my Arthur speaks French headcanon. Thank you again for asking, I adore getting to rant about my unfounded brainchildren.

The fact that John is canonically learning to write in French has only solidified this particular idea, it's also a really fun coincidence.

[frankenjoly]

HAII. verlaine special

rimlaine + "hold me?"

fyolaine + "how does that taste?"

koulaine + "this ought to be put on your record"

rimlaine + “hold me?”

“Hold me?” He asked, in barely a whisper. And, just as quickly, Arthur Rimbaud got his wish granted in the form of his partner wrapping himself around him in a tight hug.

Tight and warm, exactly what he was looking for.

“Thanks, dear.” He answered, his voice muffled as he promptly buried his face in the crook of Verlaine’s neck, hugging him back with intensity. Blankets were nice, but that… that was special in the best of ways. Because nothing was better than sharing body heat with someone else, especially him, and because… oh, to hold each other so tenderly, them who also were capable of so much violence.

“No need to thank me, I do it gladly.” Was the response he got, as Rimbaud felt Verlaine’s head moving to rest on top of him.

Silence then fell for a while, since there was no need for words; both were more than happy to stay just like that. And an ‘I love you’ made its way into his throat, too, but it didn’t exit it.

Instead, the words were released in the form of Morse code softly tapped against Verlaine’s back.

fyolaine + “how does that taste?”

“How does that taste?”

“Honestly? Terrible.” Verlaine quickly replied, once he had swallowed. “But at least it’s not poison, so I give you that.”

“You seem pretty sure that it’s not poison.” Fyodor countered with a catty smile.

“I am, yes. Perks of the job.” Was all he offered in return in the realm of the current topic. Dostoyevsky wasn’t there to have a conversation about food, that was for sure, and he wouldn’t entertain small talk with someone like him. “Anyway, what do you want?”

“Can’t I greet one of the Port Mafia’s executives just because I feel like it?”

“Because you feel like it? You?” If there was something Verlaine was more than well aware of how the person in front of him, it was how he never stitched without a thread, and underestimating even the smallest word could be fatal. Ace had made that mistake, the dumbass, and he wouldn’t be following his footsteps. Especially when there was more intel on Dostoyevsky now, even if still scarce.

Unravelling the mystery that Fyodor was could only be a task for geniuses or fools, and despite his own smarts and boldness, Verlaine wouldn’t count himself as neither.

No matter how tempting it may be.

koulaine + “this ought to be put on your record”

“This ought to be on your record.” Kôyô said, only half serious, and despite that Verlaine quickly offered him a scowl.

“This was your fault now, so don’t try to pin it all on me.”

Being completely honest with herself, albeit only mentally, Kôyô had to admit it tended to be both their faults more often than not. But, of course, she wouldn’t say that to Verlaine’s face so easily.

“I’m by no means the one that is still under surveillance, just in case.” Was her response instead, scoffing. And, instead of escalating the conversation even further and into a full-fledged argument, what those words got from him as a reaction was laughter… which, to her surprise, sounded rather nice.

“Oh? So you’re going to take advantage of that, perhaps?” 

Verlaine’s words were filled with sarcasm, accompanied with a bit of venom but bigger amounts of amusement. And those only became more noticeable when she pushed him back into the seat both had been occupying before getting… interrupted, then ‘climbed’ to his lap, with him offering no actual resistance.

“Last time I checked we were both executives.” Kôyô said, simply and plainly. After all and at that point, all that talk was only part of an inside charade.

(Also on ao3.)

[yallemagne]

I'm never going to be able to work on Orice in this state. Let's talk about Jack Seward. I have so much. Soooo so much to say about him.

Warning: I am going to be looking at Jack and his motives and attitudes, and I am going to be treating him like any ol' guy that you could find in the world. I'm not gonna take "it's just a fictional story, it's not that deep". I am a writer. It is that deep. This post is critical of Jack for reasons other than the obvious fact that he abuses his patients. Don't proceed if you don't want that.

And additional warning: if you ship Lucy and Jack and are going to get mad at me that it isn't book canon, you can take it up with Bram Stoker instead. This warning will seem petty, and it is. I have been yelled at simply for engaging with canon in a way that goes against other people's headcanon, and I will not tolerate that here.

I'm thinking about men and their entitlement. I don't like the idea of the story ending with Jack and Arthur being gifted two nameless, faceless trophy wives. One can explore for themselves in writing how those two got hitched and construct developed OCs to be the wives... but the truth is that the reason why those two got married is that Bram looked at two bachelors who had no women of their own and said: "that isn't a happy ending". The idea that these two men went through this entire story fighting for women, and neither "got the girl"? That's preposterous! Hence why Bram hastily adds that the two are married seven years later. I take full advantage of the vague wording -- of the fact that it is not technically confirmed that they are married separately to two women -- because the idea that these men were just given wives because that is what is expected of men gives me a weird feeling in my stomach. Or maybe I just need to eat, but oh well--

There is also the problem of Jack's entitlement in particular.

Just look at his marriage proposal. I analyzed it back then. He comes to Lucy, telling her how much this prospective marriage will do for him, how happy he will be, how she will be fixing his life, his problems. Nothing about what he has to offer. All he has to offer is himself and, it goes without saying, his wealth... but that's a given since she doesn't have her own income nor control over her assets-- he NEEDS to be able to provide fiscally for her. That is the least he can offer. But that's all that he really brings to the table. What he talks about during his proposal is all the things Lucy has to bring to the table, all the things he expects of her, and she hasn't even said yes!! Of course, she cried, hot damn.

Lucy herself lamented how good and noble men are and that women don't deserve them! And it is because of that general attitude that Jack listed all the blessings he would reap from the marriage but never focused on how Lucy would benefit-- because it's thought that all a woman needs is a man! That women are lucky to have a man regardless of circumstances! This is why I'm so damn happy that Lucy listened to her heart and chose the man that she loved regardless of all the pressure being put on her by two others. She knows herself in a way Jack doesn't know either of them.

Do I think Jack is an awful person for this? No. But I also don't think he was proposing to Lucy for the right reasons. I'm not entirely sure he was really in love with her. I know he thought he was, but with how shortly they knew each other, I believe he saw Lucy as a pretty face with good marriage prospects. And that's exactly how Lucy sees him! Just a pretty face and a good prospective marriage candidate-- but she's not in love with him. Lucy knows that love isn't the only thing that makes a marriage, but it's still very important to her. If she can find a man she loves who loves her back AND can support her? Woo! And she did with Arthur! Meanwhile, I think Jack doesn't feel love so much as fascination. That's not a bad thing, it doesn't make him bad.

Rolling this back around to the idea of just giving him a wife in the epilogue. That's part of why there's a sour taste on my tongue thinking about it. Men feel entitled to marriage because it is one of the expectations put on them -- they need to find a woman and keep her, and she needs to be a good one. She needs to make his meals to his standards, clean up after him, provide him with children, clean up after them. She also needs to love him and express that love through the previously mentioned chores and sex. If a man doesn't have this, is he really a man? Can his life ever be happy?

Jack wasn't happy with his work. He was in a very unhealthy place, and instead of addressing the issue, he thought bringing in a woman to dote upon him would brighten the place up. Like buying a new piece of furniture to make a dilapidated house feel more homey.

I think Jack is worthy of love, but the problem is that, like most men in this patriarchal society, he believes he is entitled as a man to receive it from any woman he chooses, and I don't think he ever has that worldview shaken over the course of the story. Hell, I think he kind of had his worldview validated! The happiest he ever was in his own home was when Mina made him tea, and he could pretend for a moment that she was his wife. That's cute for a fictional character. But imagine if you were a married woman and your male friend fantasized the reason you were nice to him was because you wanted him. Not so cute.

In a post-Dracula story where Jack gets a nameless, faceless bride, I don't see him ever leaving the asylum. No, instead, he stays, and he wonders why being married hasn't cured his depression. He wonders why his wife seems unsatisfied with him constantly working and neglecting her when one of the things that attracted her was his high position. God forbid she tries to drag him away from his work-- he needs this job to feel like a man!

In a post-Dracula story where Jack has instead married Arthur (yeah, not a legal marriage, but gay couples have always had ways of being together), I see him in a better place. I see him with a man who knows and loves him, who recognizes that the esteem that the insane asylum brings Jack is not worth his unhappiness, and who can actually get through to Jack because Jack respects Arthur's opinion as a man! I see Jack finally self-reflecting and eventually rejecting his faulty belief that a woman would "fix" him.

This is a lot, Jesus.

[specific-dreamer]

highschool orange!bev, paul and darry headcanons bc i miss orange bev :(

beverly is two years younger than them. they all officially met in middle school and darry decided he absolutely had to keep both socs

paul and darry are each others confidants yes however. they are best friends and confidants in the same way bbc merlin and arthur were, that is to say paul told darry everything under the sun but darry had a few things he would never tell paul

enter beverly jitney bush my beloved

she only became a soc when she was like 9. and as a girl greaser in the 60s at that age she’s had her fair share of hardships and can still relate to darry if even distantly. ANYWAYS

she is darry’s ultimate confidant. because she understands why he’s so drastically different around the socs compared to how he might be at home. because she tries to hide any trace of greaser that could possibly show up in her

this was meant to be fluffy headcanons um

“darry even spent the night at his house. tat west side soc 😒” AHT WRONG he spent the night at bev’s house but his momma didn’t want him at no girls house alone (if only she knew) so paul would always show up much to bev’s chagrin

paul and bev vm have a middle school corey and topanga relationship. where bev doesn’t much care about paul, hes freaked by her presence and she likes taking advantage of that and being the worse possible menace she can to him

they’re siblings you’re honor. add in marcia and paul never learns peace again

they’re friendly enough in public though, beverly has a reputation to keep thank you very much, but a lot of people think she and paul have an on again off again relationship. they never deny it though

one time, when they were drunker than somebody’s uncle, paul said they ought to convince everyone that darry was the reason they were off again (as if she couldn’t make up her mind)

except beverly lets it slip that (chet told bob who told cherry who told marcia who told her) that half the school already thinks that and the only reason her reputation hasn’t tanked is because everyone thinks she has them both wrapped around her finger

and that the reason paul and darry never fight is because they want bev to pick them

they’re both silent for a while and darry has tears down his face because “even the rumors of us are more fun wtf guys”

those first two years (rly one year bc hs was grades 10-12 back then but i digress) of highschool were nearly unbearable without bev. they really didn’t know how to cope without their third so joined random clubs just occupy their free time. that’s how they joined football.

paul convinced darry to join sga for the shits and giggles (but darry actually really enjoyed it because people had to take an hour and a half out of their day to quit looking at him as some greaser and to actually hear him out on his ideas)

darry forced paul to join woodworking but he was so shitty at it he had to drop it mid semester and the only other class that fit in his schedule was drama. he refuses to tell darry but he absolutely adored it. he never got on stage or anything, he was far from an actor, but he did adore helping with set and lighting

one time. like right after the love triangle rumors started, bev and paul kissed just to try and see if maybe there was some credibility to the rumors, but the way both of them immediately screwed up their faces and turned red they knew there was absolutely nothing there.

however that was also when they stopped pissing the other off has much. (they immediately noticed that the other was queer but since they didn’t want to be clocked themselves neither mentioned it to the other)

(they do tell darry though. “darry did you know bev’s one of them fruits??” “…it’s literally 12 in the morning, what the hell are you talking about?” / “i’m serious darrel, he kissed like he was the girl!” “wait rewind the cassette. yall done kissed?”

darry is not pleased. his dad woke up him talking abt some “the phone rang like a devil tryin tah catch jesus and it’s just yo damn fool of a friend. go tell them to quit callin my damn house at 12 in the got damn morning like they pay bills”

he wasn’t really mad, the phone woke up him and ofc everyone else in the house sleeps like the dead so he had to answer it. darry was pissed off though. he very much values his sleep)

oh ! bev hates giving nicknames. loathes being called her full name, only call her bev ty, but she refuses to use a nickname for you. she’s called darry darrel since the day they first met, way back when she was still a greaser

[astra-galaxie]

So...not to be inappropriate or offensive or anything (you can choose to answer this ask if you want) but I'm wondering about something.

I don't know if it's a common thought but a lot of people seem to think that people from the Victorian era are really sensitive to dirty or vulgar imagery. Even the slight and subtle ones (*ahem* ankles *ahem*).

That being said, how do you think the flying squad would react to stuff like that? Considering their personalities, I'm a little curious and would love to hear your thoughts too.

Sorry if this ask seems kind of long. I wasn't sure if you'd answer something like this. Again, it's your choice of you want to or not.

Don't worry; the question is fine with me. It's not like you are asking anything NSFW-specific, so I'm okay with answering it for you. But thank you for giving me the choice. Now, as for how I think the Flying Squad react to scandalous (yes, even the ankles) things:

(It's not NSFW or anything explicit under the cut, but I'm adding it just in case.)

Arthur Wright

Since he's one of the biggest "gentlemen" on the Squad, I think he would be easily embarrassed by things related to scandalous and sexual things. I'm not sure if I would go as far as to say he would get flustered by someone's ankles, but out of the entire Squad, I would say he'd be most likely to! Arthur isn't such a prude that he wouldn't engage in sexual acts, but it would be reserved for someone he trusts and loves enough to be that intimate with.

Isaac Bontamps

Like Arthur, Isaac is also a proper gentleman and, therefore, values modesty. While he has seen a lot in his lifetime, he's not much more desensitized to vulgar things compared to Arthur. Isaac is also easily flustered and embarrassed when someone is rather forward towards him. He also tries to respect others' modesty and would never take advantage of someone. Isaac would sooner give someone his coat to cover themselves than ogle at their body.

Maddie O'Malley

Even though Maddie's heard her fair share of innuendos and watched some more "eye-opening" shows, it still doesn't take much sometimes to make her blush as red as her hair! But she isn't as modest as some of her coworkers and isn't afraid to try some of the latest fashion trends, even if they are on the more "risque" side. Plus, we know she isn't against having sex before marriage, so she's not as traditional as most are when it comes to those kinds of things.

Charlie Dupont

Charlie is similar to Maddie in that vulgar things are a little more common among their generation than Arthur and Isaac's. But that doesn't mean you'll catch Charlie being inappropriate towards others; he's still a gentleman, after all! He'll blush when faced with someone dressed in less clothes than he's used to, and he'd rather not engage in a conversation that crosses into the dirty category. However, like Maddie, he's not as traditional as others but still respects people's modesty and purity.

Richard "Dick" Wells

Since I headcanon Dick to be AroAce, I think he's the least affected by dirty or vulgar things out of the Squad. Everything he sees is through eyes focused on seeing things for their scientific values and not for their "sexiness." You could say or show Dick anything scandalous, and this man wouldn't bat an eye at it, least of all blush!

Evie Holloway

With Evie being the youngest on the Squad and the one who is the most sheltered from the world, thanks to her library, it doesn't take much to fluster Evie. But don't let her innocence fool you; I can so see Evie reading risque romance novels, what minimal of them exist in her time. And after becoming friends with Diego and getting together with Katherine, Evie gains more confidence. While she is still easily flustered, she's less likely to hide behind a book when she sees or hears something dirty.

Viola Pemberton

Given her love of theatre and arts, I'm sure Viola is no stranger to things that are on the more scandalous side. After all, there are plenty of statues and paintings featuring naked people from all over the world! But that doesn't mean she's not modest. Viola can still get flustered by things that are too dirty for her, and she always prefers to cover up rather than wear revealing clothes. While she has judged people's fashion choices before, Viola knows it's not her place to force people to dress more modestly.

Rose Zhao

Similar to Dick but not on the same level as him, it takes a lot to make Rose flustered. She's seen many, MANY things while working in the deep, dark corners of Concordia, and she's no stranger to dirty things... And I'm not talking about mud! Plus, given that she wears the most revealing outfit out of the Squad, she's obviously comfortable with showing off her assets. (But that's not an invitation to stare; I imagine many have learned this by receiving a metal fist to the face!) That said, it doesn't matter what a person wears or says; Rose will only blush when something is VERY obscene!

Diego del Lobo

Diego is almost on par with Rose and Dick until someone flirts with him, that is! While Diego can make anyone blush with his carefully selected words and meaningful gestures, Diego can become a blushing mess when he's on the receiving end of the flirting! But, he can handle most things that make the average person blush, like scantily clothing or sexual conversations. He loves looking at pretty things and isn't one to shy away from something as simple as ankles...

Argo Acquafredda

(Doing this one for funsies😉)

Even though he did date Diego and is no stranger to receiving flirting, Argo is uncomfortable with seeing and hearing dirty things. He's gotten his fair share of unwanted advances and is disgusted by what people think is appropriate to say. And while he has worn some risque outfits in the past, Argo prefers modest attire. But he can handle hearing some vulgar things (he did grow up around sailors), so he's not as innocent as some people might think. He just doesn't understand a lot of innuendos.

Hopefully, I managed to stay on topic with my answers! It felt like I was going a little off track at some spots...

This was definitely different from my usual request, but it was a good brain teaser nonetheless! Thank you for the ask.

[howtosingit]

Some good/bad/ugly (but not super ugly, I'm not a dick about it) thoughts on RWRB. Obvious spoilers.

The Good:

The cake. Different from the book in a few ways but so damn good and a really strong beginning for the film. Also, watch through the credits for a tiny post-credit cake moment.

Alex and Henry messaging back and forth and talking on the phone at the beginning. A perfect way to translate that to the screen, taking advantage of the visual medium. I laughed out loud multiple times during the segment and just really enjoyed watching it.

Zahra. All of her scenes. So good. Dare I say her relationship with Alex was the most developed in the film? Maybe. It was certainly my favorite.

The polo match was a lot of fun, too. Though brief, it was very much in-line with what was on the page and that was satisfying to watch.

The King. He's a very different character than Queen Mary and by casting Stephen Fry and refocusing the moment, it became layered and interesting. An implied foil for Henry. Probably one of the better changes from the book.

The Bad:

Nora and Bea don't have a lot to do. Nora certainly gets a little lost after the first part of the film, though she’s around. Bea doesn't really mean anything until the last half of the film. Neither of them really have any of the depth that their book counterparts had, which is a shame since they're so great on the page.

Percy (because I'm pretty sure he is never referred to as Pez in the film) is an absolutely nothing character. Surprised he wasn't cut, but they clearly wanted Henry to have a counterpart to match Alex's Nora. But he actually gets nothing at all to do.

Alex and Henry's Christmas phone call is gone, and they only really have one big moment of vulnerability before New Year's (the hospital closet), which kind of makes the big kiss feel unearned. They're definitely friendly by New Year's, so that's something.

We're told a lot about the cages that Alex and Henry find themselves in, but they're never clearly defined in the film (it's very tell, don't show), which makes the stakes of them breaking out to be together feel lower, at least to me. I wish we saw a little bit more of the world that they inhabit so that we could understand the risks, but instead it's all summarized in TV segments.

For me, Alex and Henry never really feel fully-realized, especially Henry, who doesn't get his big moments until the later half of the film. It's a shame, but none of their moments of sincerity felt truly earned. I don't know, there was some kind of barrier between me and them for the entire film, I struggled to feel for them outside of "oh that's cute" or "oh that's sad" or "oh how nice."

The Ugly (or, more accurately, things that still don't sit right with me 15 hours later):

Miguel. Oh, boy. I really, really don't understand the choice to include this original character. From the very beginning it's just very... what? And why? All of the leak and antagonism of the leak, instead of being contributed to the white conservative Republican was instead placed on a queer Latiné man with no depth and I'm just... so very very confused by this choice. Obviously it was to streamline a lot of the backstory and details of how the leak came to happen, but my god... I really don't even know. I don't know if Matthew will ever talk about his choices for this character, but I'd really like to hear them. Also, he's not Liam or Rafael Luna, not even close. A pity that comparison was even made at any point during promo because it's 100% not true.

We get maybe 3 mentions of Arthur, no sight of Catherine. In fact, while Catherine is an absent mother, it's not attributed to her grief at all, but more just that she'd rather be anywhere else than by her children? And Henry and Bea are both very resentful of that fact. And I was like... why are we doing that to Catherine? She doesn't deserve that writing.

So after the leak, we get the communications lockdown which makes it impossible for Alex and Henry to speak to each other. But the film decided to have Alex make his big public speech during that time, without having Henry by his side or without him even talking to Henry about it first, and I found that really really upsetting. That was one of my favorite parts of the book, that Alex got to Henry as quickly as he could and then they walked through the whole situation together, side-by-side, as a team, both consenting to the everything after their consent was ripped away from them because of the leak. The film didn't give them that and I really didn't like it at all.

I mean, there were other things, too (the big sex scene was in Paris and happened way too early in my opinion - not because of the sex itself, just how it was framed), but I'm really not interested in picking the film apart. It's an okay film. It's not a terrible way to spend 2 hours. All in all, it feels like a solid summary of the book with glimpses at a lot of the book moments that we love. That doesn't make it a bad film, just a straightforward, simple one. It was made to be palatable for a general audience and that's fine. There's a deeper and more complex story here, which we know from the book, but this film wasn't the place to tell it. It tells a version of it, and it does an okay job at it.

(But, like, I'll take a 5-6 episode mini-series one day so that we can get the fully complex Henry backstory and screen time that he deserves to have.)

Also, Taylor Zakhar Perez's bare ass is a 10 out of 10, would recommend. There will be plenty of gifs of that in the next day or two, and no one will be complaining about it.

Oh, the opening credits were cute too and had an early-2000s rom-com vibe, which was great!

[vickyvicarious]

Your meta made me think that secrecy, sealing one's own feelings, and lack of communication for someone's sake seem to be themes, and one of Dracula's greatest allies. And it's already showing up now.

They absolutely are. And we've seen it already with Dracula, in several different ways. There's also lack of communication due to societal rules which is a big ally to Dracula as well. We've seen the Count use some of these elements already:

Jonathan has to suppress his feelings and play the role of guest to survive

Dracula works to hide the truth of what is happening to Jonathan

The crew of the Demeter are hesitant to speak of their fears to their superiors/are silenced by a superior (first mate)

But what's happening here is different and maybe even worse because it's entirely independent of Dracula himself. And it is all likely helpful to him, and the kind of thing he takes advantage of, but he isn't the cause of it. These people are making their own choices to hide things from one another and in doing so are becoming more isolated/miserable for all that they mean well.

Spoilers below as I talk a little about future events:

This is why I am so adamant that Jonathan being honest with Mina in his journal, even about potentially unflattering details like his attraction to the vampire ladies, is so important. It's because that is what the entire book keeps saying, over and over again.

We are entering into a long section of the book now where the truth is hidden left and right for well-meaning causes. A lot of the time people even have good reasons for their decisions (van Helsing doesn't want Jack to think he's crazy or keep him away from Lucy; no one wants to deliver the final shock to Mrs. Westenra that will kill her). Even when the logic doesn't necessarily check out they are keeping quiet out of love and an unwillingness to become a burden.

But the thing is, no one in this entire novel succeeds on their own. At no point does going off alone solve anything (at best you get something like Quincey shooting at a bat, which is startling but does neither harm nor good). Jonathan's survival - which may seem like the most solitary part of the story - is thanks in large part to helpful strangers before and after the castle. Lucy lives as long as she does because Art called in Jack who called in van Helsing who sought information from others and also established a watch with multiple people staying close to her. Without Mina sharing her and Jonathan's journals (without Jonathan sharing his with her) van Helsing wouldn't have known where to find Dracula. In fact he wasn't even ready to share his own information until she set the example, and if he hadn't done that vamp!Lucy would be still drinking kids and potentially ready to aid Dracula against the heroes later on. If Jack didn't agree to share his records with Mina then no one would have made the connection between Renfield and Dracula. If no one made that connection, he would never have met Mina and wouldn't have had a change of heart. And so on and so forth...

Even partially hiding the truth doesn't help. When a few members team up but keep a loved one in the dark it always leads to negative consequences. Lucy and Mina bear the brunt of these, and it's always well-meant but it's never helpful. The key thing is the sharing of documents. Of stories, of vulnerabilities, of pain and hurt and weakness. It's hard to do, it exposes people to risk - but it's sharing the burden. And whenever that happens, again and again both the characters and the novel itself reward whoever opened up that way. They are treated compassionately and it helps them to heal. And even the person accepting this burden does so willingly out of love.

Whether it is Mrs. Westenra, Mina, Jack, van Helsing, Arthur, or even Lucy herself... hiding things for the sake of a loved one doesn't actually help that person. Most notably Lucy (which is why I listed these particular characters though everyone hides things at one point or another), though she certainly isn't alone in the negative consequences. And this isn't something Dracula ever causes. He just takes advantage of it, fosters secrecy around himself and utilizes the hiding of truths. He directly silences his victims, yes. But all the other secrets, the kind we're beginning to see - those are a choice. One made out of love. And they become a painful lesson indeed, when those good intentions nonetheless serve Dracula's evil.

[madamebaggio]

Notes: Previously...

So... Yeah. This was supposed to be a Christmas thing from the poll... I am so sorry. I got writer's block again, the end of the year was insane... Anyway.

Thank you for the love and patience. I hope you enjoy this.

Also, I am aware that Will and Baelish are played by the same actor, but we'll all pretend it's not the case XD

****

Chapter 7

Arthur was downright chipper the next morning as he walked down the keep’s hallways. He’d left his chamber early, because he wasn’t convinced his wife wouldn’t smother him with a pillow.

Although he didn’t think that was much Sansa’s style.

She looked more like the type to poison his mead.

That was progress the night before, right? She’d allowed him a kiss -a damn good one, if he could say so -and she’d enjoyed it.

She had, right?

For a moment, the night before, he’d feared he’d pushed her too far. And when she’d said he could just do whatever he wanted…

Arthur had no illusions about how women were treated. He grew up in a brothel, he knew better than anyone how men considered women property at best, and objects at worst.

He’d grown up seeing strangers coming in and slapping the women around, all the while the owner of the house did nothing.

As soon as he was strong enough, Arthur killed the owner and took over the house. It wasn’t only a brothel after that, even though it was what most people thought it was. Many people and many products passed through there.

However, the women’s safety was Arthur’s top priority. There were no more slaps, no more violence. There was a choice.

The fact that Sansa believed she didn’t have one with him gutted him.

He’d been fun and lighthearted so far, because he thought it was just a case of him having to charm his wife and redo the mistakes of their wedding night.

The fact that Sansa was more than ready to just lay down and think of the North while he did whatever he wanted to her made his stomach churn.

Arthur had never been that kind of man, but his wife thought he might be.

And now he wondered if this was exclusively his fault -for the mess he’d done on their wedding night- or if there was something else.

“Morning, lads.” He grumbled as he entered the hall and found his men -his friends -around the table.

Losing Back Lack had been a fucking hard. He’d almost quit the whole thing just then.

However, Jon Snow hadn’t let him give up. While everyone else was fighting for that fucking ugly throne, Jon had kept only one thing in his mind: the Others. Jon didn’t care for crown or country, not when they could all die soon.

He’d only kept going because he believed in Snow, even if he believed in nothing else at that point.

Three years of war had been difficult, to say the least. However, Kay had also been right: this wasn’t a competition, and Sansa had certainly faced her own challenges.

The question then was… How bad had it been?

“I need a word with you, Goose Fat.”

The man gave him a look. Arthur guessed the nickname had worn thin after a while. “Yes?”

He cleared his throat. He trusted those men with his life, but he wasn’t sure if he should be discussing his wife in front of all of them. So Arthur indicated a corner of the hall with his head.

Bill said nothing as he got up and followed him.

When they took Camelot back from his uncle, Arthur left Bill there to receive Sansa and take care of things while he was out.

Bill had been there for a long time, enough that he’d know if something had happened.

“Yes?” Bill asked again.

“I know you have sent me letters and kept me posted on most things…” Arthur sighed. “But I need to ask you a question.”

Bill arched an eyebrow. “About?”

“My wife.” 

Bill frowned. “What about Lady Pendragon?”

“I was away for a long time…” Bill’s frown got even deeper. “And Sansa was without protection, and she is very beautiful…”

“Arthur…”

“Has anyone tried to take advantage of her while I was away?”

It was clearly not what Bill had been expecting. “For fuck’s sake.” He let out a long sigh. “I thought you were about to suggest your wife had been improper. Then I would have to hit you.”

That actually made Arthur smirk. “Oh, you were about to defend her honor.” He was amused.

“Lady Pendragon is a singular woman.” Bill said. “She is resilient, hard-working and smart, but also extremely kind. She is a good one.”

“It never crossed my mind that Sansa might have found a lover while I was away.” Arthur assured him, quite seriously. “My concern is whether someone came along who did not care about her opinion on the subject.”

Bill sighed. “I had promised her not to tell you this unless you asked me.”

“What?” Arthur demanded.

“Remember when I wrote you a letter, telling you about an execution?”

“Petyr Baelish?”

“Yes.” Bill confirmed.

Arthur did remember this. Bill had told him about Arya Stark coming out of nowhere and appearing in Camelot, and how she and Sansa executed a man by the name of Petyr Baelish for treason.

The details were unclear to him at the time, since he knew very little about the man, but Will had explained to him it had something to do with Sansa’s parents.

“So what exactly have you been hiding from me?” He arched an eyebrow.

“I did not hide anything.” Will, slippery as always, was quick to say. “I told you the truth, but one aspect of it I did conceal, because Lady Pendragon asked me to.”

Arthur snorted. “Out with it.”

“That Baelish… He was interested in her.” Will admitted.

“Excuse me?” Arthur crossed his arms.

“It was something really… Wrong. He was looking for Cat Stark’s shadow in Sansa.”

Arthur’s nose crinkled in disgust. “Did she know?”

“He came to Camelot as soon as she did.” Will said. “And at first I think she really thought he was trying to help, but it soon became clear he was not.”

“Did he do anything to her?” Arthur demanded.

“Not that I know of.” Will said. “I did have everyone here keeping an eye on him, and nobody reported anything. I had guards posted in front of Lady Pendragon’s chambers while he was around. As far as I know, what he did do was trying to poison her against you, her sister and anyone that came in between him and her.”

Arthur rubbed her temples. “Why did she ask you not to tell me about that part?”

“Well…” Will scratched his chin. “It was around that time when you were all marching up to Winterfell to fight against the walkers. Remember? We offered to let people camp here and you said no?”

Arthur had to think about that one for a minute. After all that time, many events started to get jumbled in his head. Honestly, he had no idea of dates or details for any of the many battles he’d fought since that mess started.

He finally nodded. “Yes, I remember. Snow convinced Queen Daenerys to fight the white walkers. We did not stop here because it did not make sense. We would have to go out of our way, and it was simpler to just keep going.”

Will hummed. “It was not how your wife saw it.”

“What do you mean?”

“She offered shelter, she offered to come to you and you said no.” Will arched an eyebrow. “Can you guess what she understood from that?”

Arthur groaned. “I did not mean it like that.”

“You two did not know each other.” Will’s tone was devoid of judgment. “And you did not correspond for the whole time you were away. Lady Pendragon had no way of knowing you or your motives, so… She chose to believe you did not care.”

“Fuck.” Arthur grunted.

“And since you did not care, you did not need to know, since it was settled.” Will concluded. “At least… That was what she told me.”

Arthur groaned once again. “Being married is difficult.”

Will snorted. “You have not seen anything yet, lad.” He eyed Arthur. “Have you tried talking to your wife?”

“No, never crossed my mind.” Arthur replied dryly. “Sansa is… Guarded.”

Will put a hand on Arthur’s shoulder. “Arthur, I have seen you entering this very room with your arms wide open and tell your uncle to ‘fuck off’. You are not scared of your wife now, are you?”

“Of course not.”

Arthur wasn’t afraid of Sansa. He was afraid she’d never give him a chance, and his bluff from earlier might be true: he’d fall in love like an idiot and she wouldn’t meet him halfway.

[kirbybecomesastarwarrior]

So how evil would you say Morgan is?

In Morgan's last post, I mentioned one of the biggest changes in KBASW AU (to mix the anime & game lore...) is Dame Morgan the one who gave Hyness the Jamba Heart.

(I hinted at her ability in this post... when I said she's a black hole, I meant that.)

She was the one who created the dimensional rift that dropped the Jamba Heart at his & the cult's doorstep. Dame Morgan being very well aware that Hyness was in the position of the book of Legend made sure the circumstances a line with everything the book says.

And of course, she waltzes right in (pretending she just happened to pass by), "Could it be the Jamba Heart, and it's chosen you, imagine the great power you can do with that, only you could, this is your destiny... "

And presents herself "as a former star warrior who's become weary lost soul after the war just trying to find purpose." Needless to say, Hyness welcomes her with open arms. The raw power of an ex-gsa-soldier, he couldn't pass up this ...

The events of Star Allies are very different... The best way I can describe is (without spoilers/ this is a reference to Kirby Star Allies' game). The "Story Mode" doesn't happen but Star Allies Guest Star mode is happening... (Minus the boss battles MK & King Dedede since aren't there ... they have someone else to fight ~)

"Where's Kirby & the main gang during this..."

"Forgotten Land" is happening... and when Dream Friends are confronting Morpho Knight so is Kirby in the Isolated Isles (the Extra Mode), Morpho is testing Kirby and his friends all at the same time.

Basically (this Boss battle is happening), while everyone was fighting Morgan snatched the Jamba Heart away. However, one person notices and tries to stop her... Leading to... this zesty confrontation with Zan Partizanne and Dame Morgan.

Keep reading for spoilers~

Zan Partizanne was able to realize that it was Morgan who delivered the Jamba heart to their doorstep once she saw (Morgan) create the dimensional rift to snatch it away.

And as any true villain does... Morgan comes after Zan Partizanne's entire life & entire existence ( as well as the hypocrisy of the cult) and rubs her mistakes in her face leaving no crumbs.

And this is why Morgan's so dangerous. She takes advantage of everyone's very human flaws and calls people out on them... she knows how to play a good mind game. (via. Joker in the Dark Knight)

THE THREE MAGE SISTERS ARE MEANT PARALLEL TO UTHER'S & HIS THREE STUDENTS: Zan Partizanne - Sir Arthur/ Flamberge - Dame Morgan/ Francisca - Sir Nonsurat...

With a very key difference, the Mage sisters genuinely care for one another, Uther's students hated each other. Which is why the blind loyalty they put into Hyness sickened her (at least Uther had class but this bumbling moron's way to scrap at the bottom of the barrel.)

Dame Morgan is one of the most complex characters in the story. (Uther & Morgan's dynamic is basically Azula & Fire Lord Ozai...) She's very much out to get what she deserves, in a sense she played by the rules of the world but it was never enough.

Now she's out to make her own way, rule her own life... TO TAKE IT!

She's evil yes but you get why she's like this.

I also want to explain a bit more her power with the Jamba Heart, and how she was able to negate "insanity..." She's the middle man of the deal... that reaps the benefits. Getting that generated dark heat energy for herself. And it also helps that now she has her own personal sponge for that (*cough* Dark Matter *cough*).

And of course, after this, she departs for Dreamland... And this is where things get really interesting!~

I hope you all enjoyed Dame Morgan aka Morgan Le Faye.

[norbezjones]

Bez Reviews Independent Books 3: Tales From The Screens

Hey everyone!  I wanna do little reviews/writeups for the independently-published books I find on itch.io, and so, here I am.  I want to review one book every month or two (or quicker, if I’m lucky); it’ll get me reading more, and get authors who often go without feedback some thoughts on their work!  I think it’ll be cool for everyone!

If you want your book reviewed, the only requirement I have is that it’s hosted on itch.io.  Even if itch is just one of many places you can get the book, I want to review books that have a home there at least.  Feel free to get in touch with me with your books—I’m @NorbezJones on Twitter (I refuse to call it X), Bluesky, Pillowfort, Threads, Instagram, and Tumblr; I’m norbez2.0 on Discord.

Looking forward to seeing your books! <3

__________

It’s book time, and I’m gonna book all over the place!  Today, I’m taking a look at Tales From The Screens, a spooky tale told in the form of employee pamphlets for a haunted electronic store.  It’s written by literal_roach_king, an artist who specializes in creating kandi bracelets (which I LOVE), adoptables, and zines.  The pivot to Nightvale-inspired horror content seems a bit out of left field, but I see that as a good thing—after all, it’s awesome to expand your horizons and explore new territory!  Tales From The Screens launched with 3 zines/chapters, and I expect that there will be more in the future.  Let’s look over the story so far, shall we?

The first zine, A Guide For The Initiated, acts as an introduction to the story and world, informing new employees of the universe-defying job they’ve taken on.  We learn that the story takes place as Eidel’s Electronics, and the people who work at the store are known as “Keepers”.  To quote the book, “Here, you [the Keeper] are not simply guarding old TVs— you are protecting the world from the dangerous forces trapped inside them. These TVs hold the stories of those lost to the unknown, and your job is to ensure that these stories never escape.”  The electronics are “gateways to otherworldly realms”, who cannot be allowed to break free from their television prisons.

The book goes over basics of the store: the layout (which puts the “safest” TVs at the front, and the most dangerous TVs in the basements), types of images the TV may broadcast, rituals a Keeper must perform if a TV shows signs of breaking free, what indicates a customer has been entranced by the TV, and what to do in a big emergency.  The guide concludes with, “Never forget: the screens are always watching, and it is you who must ensure they never escape.”

The second & third zines—A Broadcast Too Long & Static In The Basement, respectively—give us employee testimonials of strange occurrences at the store, via transcripts of recorded interviews.  We also meet our main cast: Maya Calderón, a Keeper who’s quick on her feet; Jonah Harper, a senior Keeper; Callie Bennet, a Keeper-in-Training; and Arthur O’Connell aka “Artie”, whose title isn’t stated but who I assume is a Keeper-in Training.

In A Broadcast Too Long, Maya sees a strange flicker from a TV, and soon enough, the television has hypnotized all of the customers in the store.  She & Jonah manage to stop it from breaking free, but not before the TV asks Maya to join them, and says, “You can’t turn us off. We’re always here. Always watching.”

In Static In The Basement, Jonah goes with Callie, an overly-curious employee, after a staticy sound comes up from, well, the basement.  Once they get there, Callie is sucked into the TV, and the TV shows distorted images of her, turning & twisting her body.  Thankfully, Jonah & Maya manage to get Callie out of there.

Reading these zines reminded me of watching analog horror content, like The Mandela Catalogue.  I found the story & premise very interesting, and the story so far takes good advantage of the premise.  I also noticed that is appears that the story takes place in the past—the TVs are analog, and Artie is shown listening to a Walkman.

I do have some questions so far.  I ask these not to deride the work, but to genuinely try to engage with and understand the world & story:

Why are the TVs set up in a electronics shop at all?  If they feed off of people, why give them what they want by putting them in a storefront?

If these are employee pamphlets, then it’s safe to assume there’s a company of some sort that runs the electronic store and guards the TVs.  Who are they?  How did they come into existence?

How does one come across a job application to be a Keeper?  Does it look normal at first, or are they introduced to the strange right away?

If a Keeper gets fired, what’s to stop them from going rogue and trying to release the TVs?

I assume more employee pamphlets will be released as this series goes on, so perhaps I’ll revisit this in the future!  I really enjoyed what I saw and I’m looking forward to seeing where it goes.

If you want to read Tales From The Screens, you can do so here!  Please check it out! Thanks for reading!  Next time, I’ll be returning to M. Kirin’s work.  Can you guess what book of theirs I’m taking a look at?

[btr-rewatch]

Big Time Rush Season 1, Episode 9: “Big Time Demos”

After skipping reviews of the previous two episodes (though I did have fun making gifs of them), I'm back to do a post on this episode that I honestly don't remember much of aside from it including a monkey that makes fart noises??

Highlights: the guys share some weird things they've learned since coming to L.A., Mercedes Griffin is a nightmare girlfriend, and the band is at risk of falling apart for the third (??) time so far this season.

We begin with the boys hanging by the pool and talking about how they've been in L.A. for three months now. Logan suggests they go into a flashback montage, and we get a series of silly clips that showcase all the ridiculous shenanigans they've been involved in. We see them racing tricycles by the pool, pushing Carlos through the lobby in a bathtub (this is an homage to The Monkees, btw! The opening sequence to their show has them pushing Peter through the streets in a bathtub), and fighting off a bear. Very exciting stuff.

Kelly comes by with plane tickets because apparently, if Big Time Rush's demo doesn't get picked, they all have to go home. The boys are shocked, which means they were either never told this information or were told but not one of them was paying attention any of the times it was mentioned. Which sounds believable to me, tbh.

After learning about some of the competition they're up against, Logan says they're toast. Kendall disagrees and tries to lead them into a pep talk, which then results in one of my favorite exchanges of the entire series.

Love James's confidence

What on EARTH led Logan to this conclusion?

I love Carlos. So much. He must be protected from all the bad in the world. Also, keep in mind that Kendall asked what they had learned since being in L.A. This means that something happened in the last three months that made Carlos believe toys come alive when you leave the house. I desperately want to know what series of events led to this.

Obviously, these are not the responses Kendall was looking for, but they sure did try, didn't they? Kendall clearly woke up in charge of the brain cell that morning.

A few moments after some words of encouragement, Mercedes Griffin walks into Gustavo's office to pick up the demo cd. And it's at this exact moment that I realize I always thought Griffin was his first name. Looked it up, and it turns out his first name is Arthur, which I might have known deep in the back of my brain. Anyway! Mercedes is spoiled, manipulative, and used to getting every little thing her heart desires. She thinks the guys are cute, and when Carlos assumes that she's the one in charge of picking the winning demos, she doesn't correct him.

Quickly realizing that she can use this to her advantage, she promptly picks Kendall as her new boyfriend and drags him from the room while he pleads for help like a victim in a horror movie being captured by a terrifying monster.

Poor guy.

We go to the Palm Woods then, where Mrs. Knight is preparing for the possibility that they'll have to return home. Katie doesn't want to leave, but they can't afford to stay in the apartment. Bitters shows up (intent on taking apartment 2J for his own) and says that the only way Mrs. Knight could afford to renew is if she had a job working at the Palm Woods. Unfortunately, there are no jobs available.

...Until 2 seconds later, that is.

And just like that, there's an assistant manager position open.

Meanwhile, Kendall is having the worst day of his life being Mercedes's boyfriend. The rest of the guys stop by to encourage Kendall to stick with the act so Mercedes will pick their demo. Well, Logan and Carlos encourage him. James is too busy being self-absorbed and insulting Kendall's looks.

Mercedes and Kendall's poolside date doesn't go too well. Kendall is pretty much disgusted at the whole thing and can't bring himself to fawn over Mercedes in the way she expects. The boy has STANDARDS and isn't about to drop them for some stuck-up girl, even if it means the band is at risk.

Mad respect for my boy Kendall Knight.

Mercedes breaks up with Kendall and makes Carlos her new boyfriend. We'll see how that goes.

Returning to the Mrs. Knight storyline, Katie forges a fake resume and ends up getting her mom the job as assistant manager. Her first assignment is to unclog a toilet. Gonna be honest, the Mama Knight and Katie plot isn't all that interesting.

After being pelted with cookies during his date with Mercedes, Carlos runs to hide in the bathroom, where we get another one of my favorite moments.

Absurdity. Why is Kelly holding a loofah?? Why is Logan holding a toothbrush??

"Are you talking behind my back with shower people?!" Mercedes asks. Maybe I have a simple sense of humor, but this line is SO FUNNY to me.

Mercedes breaks up with Carlos and picks an absolutely terrified Logan to be her next victim boyfriend. She announces she's going to dye Logan's hair green to match her purse, and it's at this point that Kendall puts his foot down. He storms out into the living room and tells Mercedes: "He's dumping you. Because you're spoiled, pushy, mean, and he, and me, and we would all rather go back to Minnesota than spend one more second pretending to be your boyfriend."

I love Kendall. And I especially love that it's this moment that makes him give Mercedes a piece of his mind. He endured being her boyfriend, watched Carlos go through the experience, but he draws the line at Logan. And while Kendall is protective of all his friends, I think he's noticeably more so of Logan because Logan NEEDS that kind of protection. He'll step back at certain times to let Carlos and James fend for themselves, but Logan needs his guidance. It's sweet.

Mercedes says that she's definitely not picking BTR now and leaves the apartment. Everyone is less than thrilled with Kendall.

Later on, the guys all sit around sadly packing their bags. Gustavo manages to tell them that he's proud of them without looking like the words cause him physical pain! So sweet.

Mercedes returns to apologize, but she also comes bearing the news that she isn't actually the one in charge of picking the demos. A chimpanzee is. Gustavo and the boys kidnap Lolo in an attempt to train him to pick BTR. We don't get to see the plan in action, just the aftermath, which is this...

Unfortunately, their attempt to Pavlov Lolo into liking their music ends with the chimp hurling bananas at them, then running from the studio. Griffin later comes to the studio with Lolo in tow, telling them that he found him hitchhiking on the freeway.

Mercedes, the boys, and Kelly offer up their explanations for why they did what they did, and Griffin replies with, "Those were a lot of sentences, containing words, containing letters."

Griffin is honestly a top-tier character. Deranged man.

When asked what he thinks of the band, Lolo makes a fart noise. Mercedes then jumps in to tell her father that the chimp is wrong, and he should pick BTR's demo. Griffin is quickly swayed and declares Big Time Rush the winner. We then go to the boys singing "Halfway There" (which is one of my favorites. it slaps to this day)

Once back at the Palm Woods, Kelly renews their lease, Mrs. Knight quits her assistant manager job, and we get this sweet exchange.

Yay, the guys get to stay!! They're home!! FOUND FAMILYYYYY!!!!

This was never one of my favorite episodes, but I enjoyed revisiting it. It has some very funny lines and scenes, and it's an important one because the series really feel "solidified" after this episode. Yeah, the band will still have moments where it's at risk, but the guys are putting their roots down in this one. L.A. is home now. Logan, James, and Carlos are seemingly content to leave behind their families and just live in California and be raised by Mrs. Knight from here on out. Interesting.

Catch ya next time.

[derekscorner]

Fated Rantings: Saiba

I finished the original Fate Stay Night anime

Now I’m sure the first thing an older Fate fan will ask is “why would you watch that one?” because nearly every recommendation I did see was ‘Unlimited Blade Works’ or Fate Zero.

And, to be honest, I was curious. I’m old by weeb standards and I prefer that older early 00s anime style. Most importantly, I fell down the Fate rabbit hole to begin with due to Saber herself.

My earliest loves as a child was older medieval fantasies you see. Robin Hood, King Arthur, stuff like that. (I love Gargoyles to this day due to it’s Celtic roots)

I had always heard of Fate but never dabbled. Some avoid it for the convolution but I grew up on Kingdom Hearts so that’s not exactly a hurdle I fear. lol

Rather I tried the mobile game out of boredom and true to my nature I sought lore because I love mythology. Even if you hate Grand Order everyone can enjoy how Fate retools mythology of any kind into a modern story.

So one playlist later and I found myself knee deep and now here we are. That said, while I chose to watch the original Fate Stay Night it was not the first Fate I’ve seen.

While waiting to track down the dvds I watched Apocrypha online first. Which also proved to be better than anticipated~

Arthurian Legends own me

Now as stated, I found myself drawn to Saber the most. Not just the one you see in the original anime or UBW but as a whole. I had spoiled myself on Saber’s backstory and lore long before I watched that 26 episode anime.

I found myself rather engrossed in this retelling of King Arthur because it was done better than simply gender swapping the legendary figure. Saber was raised as a man and a knight and sees people treating her as a woman as an insult.

And this makes sense given the era King Arthur was believed to have lived in. Women simply could not hold a title like king. Yes, that is very silly, especially since she was chosen by a holy sword, but that’s the point you see.

But the events that made her this way aren’t just tied to that. It’s not as simple as gender identities despite what some will claim. In fact, Artoria is very similar to her “son” Mordred who was also warped by circumstance.

To my delight Fate does not shy away from Arthur’s more noteworthy legends but bends them to Sabers life.

There are subtle changes but key events still happened.

Although they’re full blood sisters in Fate, Morgan Le Fay is still Artoria’s sister.

Although Merlin was wise his detachment to humanity caused him to guide Artoria poorly.

The whole mess with Guenevere and Lancelot.

Although Artoria was the ideal king men wanted she wasn’t one they could understand. (and vice versa)

Caliburn, Excalibur, and the holy lance left her ageless. (literally)

Hell, even Mordred is still her “son”. Artoria allowed Merlin to work his magic to temporarily make her (I presume) a hermaphrodite to produce an heir only for Morgan to use this chance to sneak into the castle and essential slip a magic roofie and take advantage of her sister.

The dark aspects of King Arthur’s legend are still there and it has made Saber who she is. She’s desperate for the grail to redo the sword selection because she genuinely wants someone better fit to do it.

Little does she know the sword and her life was plotted by Merlin and her father decades prior. Artoria, much like Mordred, was set up for failure but not by her own design.

This stubbornness, alongside Shirous own stubborn nature, frustrates some watchers. I however found it fitting for them both. While Shirou lacks the power for her to fight efficiently his personality is the perfect match for her as she is in that moment.

And, like my Mordred post, I’m gonna tackle something some probably think I have no right too but bear with me.

While I understand Artoria’s wishes to not be viewed as a woman I do not think she hates being one or has any ideals you’d usually see tumblr (well now twitter) throw on that bonfire. Rather, to consider her as such is to diminish her pride as a king. Even if she believes herself unfit and a failure she still was a king.

On the flip-side, Shirou is naive due to his age. He’s never been in love before and like Gilgamesh (albeit far less depraved) he can’t really accept that Saber is something he longs for but can’t have. Despite her shared feelings in this route she can’t stay in that era.

But I did not get mad at Shirou for stubbornly getting in the way. He done it the wrong way but behind his teenage infatuation is a desire for Saber to be treated like a genuine person.

She violently rejects this because she believes she’s unworthy of that kindness. It’s a very nuanced thing where no one has bad intentions but still causing negative disputes.

This core issue is what hooked me so badly that I bought and watched the original anime. This is the only anime adaption that follows the “fate route” otherwise known as “sabers route”.

That’s also why this ramble is so Saber focused. This is her story and it was a story I loved to see. A small part of you wants to see them work out but more importantly a big part of you wants Saber to love herself.

To be given the chance to want and be human. Something her upbringing as “Arthur Pendragon” denied her. This lack of freedom in her life is noticed and pointed out exceedingly quickly by Iskander in the Fate Zero scenes I’ve watched.

In Fairness

Now I will grant you that I could enjoy this story far more because I had the context. I was fully aware of what drove Saber and I was aware of why she was summoned by Shirou and how.

I knew about Avalon, her torn feelings, and how Shirous hero complex mirrored her. I would imagine the average anime fan, especially back in the early 2000s, would be fully fucking lost.

For them Fate Stay Night was a generic anime with borrowed names in mythology. I’m also aware some prefer the modern ‘Unlimited Blade Works’, Fate Zero, and ‘Heaven’s Feel’ because they enjoy the other girls more.

Each route focuses on a girl in the barest sense. There’ll always be “animisms” like damsel in distress as well that some just do not like. That is fine. I wouldn’t recommend you view this without context either.

That said, I still enjoyed it far more than I expected. I wish this route explained Heroic Spirit Emiya or had the added epilogue where Shirou finds Saber in Avalon but it’s fine like this.

There was things to enjoy I felt. Rin seems not as “tsundere” as she is in other media I’m shown and I like that she nor Shirou really have a drive for the grail. Their dynamic seems to work in any route whether they’re lovers or allies.

I also like Shirous powers. Due to the Scabbard Avalon he’s become a highly spec’d magic sword. His father didn’t train him properly and he sucks at everything else but by hell do I wish I could just conjure swords. Seeing him use it to greater levels in other stories is always a good time.

I even laughed because the comments I had read before were right. Kotomine literally slings mud as Shirou in this route. The man can use magic karate to topple trees and here he just slings angst sludge at the boy. lmao

Another small thing to note was Gilgamesh’s use of the Babylon Gate. In other media he seems to just sling his entire treasury at people but in this show he actually used the tools a bit. A few swords, a dagger, chains, it wasn’t much but I liked that. (though I suspect animation budget was the cause)

Resolution

At the end of the day I found Fate Stay Night an enjoyable time. I even put off watching the last six because I did not want the ride to end. It leaves some mysteries open but that’s the fault of the original source which was a visual novel.

You simply can’t cram an entire, multi-route, novel into an anime. Thus why I say I enjoyed it more than most due to me having prior context.

To be honest I hope they redo this route one day. Give it the full ‘Unlimited Blade Works’ or even ‘Heaven’s Feel’ treatment. If they do I hope they added the epilogue of Shirou finding Saber in Avalon. (Let them be happy damn you!)

Now to plot what my next venture into Fate will be. Bye~

=======================

For my other experiences with Fate go here: https://derekscorner.tumblr.com/tagged/fated-rantings