#also i was trying to understand where this guy got that conclusion from

[day-mark]

he sounds a bit based for that ngl

real like i barely know wtf is going on anymore with this drama but i will support this one specific thing

[jaqdawks]

Might need to clarify

Just in case

Because someone said something on IG that might be unrelated but I figured it’s good to just disclose

I’ve only got ADHD and ASD, when I reblog about stuff related to DID, Cluster B disorders, or any disorder really, it’s more so for support and not personal, medical resonation

[obscurevideogames]

Tumblr’s Core Prodct Stratgy

Here at Tumblr, we’ve been working hard on trying to keep our sinking ship afloat for as long as possible. This means desperately trying to copy every new fly-by-night social media app that some multi-billionaire sh*t out during their daily Peloton routine. What follows is the strategy we're using to accomplish the goal of user growth. If you find the things we say here worrisome, please understand that is our exact intention. You've outgrown our target demographic. Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

The Diagnosis

It's lookin' pretty bad y'all!

After somehow losing hundreds of thousands of users during the great pr0n purge of 2018, we started to wonder if anything could be done to get back to where we were. We even brought in a management consultant who charged us a ridiculous amount of money. It would make you sick if you knew how much, but we got a few nice meals out of it at least. Anyhow, we handed this guy the app, and HE HAD NO IDEA HOW TO USE IT! It was f*cking hilarious! But suddenly it all clicked -- our users are a bunch of stupid idiots who can't even do basic arithmetic. I mean, they spend all day looking at their phones, so what do you expect?

Tumblr’s best feature is its unique content and vibrant communities. But who cares, right? We're just as happy getting traffic from people sh*t-posting memes, vague-booking, giving out-of-context hot takes to news events, and spewing whatever random thought is in their head at the moment. Plus that stuff doesn't p*ss off Apple.

To keep this thing going we need new people. And by "people" we mean teenagers, like we used to have back in the good ol' days. Unfortunately we're all in our 40s now, so we have no idea what they want. But teenagers are so cool! Imagine if they talked to us like we're one of them? We're getting hard just thinking about it.

Our Guidng Principls

To make Tumblr cool again, we must address these huge glaring issues.

People can look at a blog without logging in. How is that fair to all the poor schlubs who had to fill out forms to get an account? Also we haven't figured out a way to force ads onto the personalized pages yet. But we swear that's not the main reason.

People can see content they are looking for or linked to. People can keep up with blogs they follow. But the problem with this is, people don't know what they want. We know what they want! We're smart. We wrote this damn site, remember?

Promote posts that incite pointless conversations. Posts that are guaranteed to bait every troll into responding. Isn't that why all your Magat relatives love Facebook so much? We can do that!

P*ss off your content creators in every way possible (see #2).

Create algorithms that throw an unending barrage of irrelevant content in your face. Have you seen Instagram lately? We could do that so easy!!!

The app is slow. The website is slow. Obviously this is because of GIFs. Facebook and Instagram don't allow them, so why should we?

Conclusion

Our mission changes on a day-to-day basis. Right now we're super jealous of all the attention that new Threads thing is getting. We're still not sure what it is, but we're gonna download it after work.

[moongreenlight]

More childhood best friend!Gaz headcanons because I cannot stop thinking about him

He’s your valentine every single year. Started as his dad trying to teach him proper etiquette when he was young and just never stopped. A bouquet of flowers on your stoop and a cheap card he scratches a note into. Never signs his name. Just ends ‘xx.’

He chaperoned your first real date in high school because your dad paid for his tank of gas. The guy you were keen on never called you back after. It took you until you were seventeen to realize that it was probably because Kyle was sitting on the same side of the booth as you and spoon feeding you bites of dinner.

He also ruined your first real relationship when he beat your boyfriend to asking you to formal (a full two months early). You tried to explain that it didn’t mean anything, but he just couldn’t understand. Kyle said it was for the better while you sobbed into his shoulder. “Tosser can’t cope with the fact he’ll always be second place. Better not to waste your time.”

His basic training was 26 weeks away from home. He went immediately after picking up his diploma. It was the most miserable summer of your entire life. Spent primarily waiting by the mailbox for the postman to deliver your daily letters back and forth. He’s started signing off “Garrick. x.”

Both of your families went to his graduation, but his mother insisted you were the one to tap him out. You barely recognized him, like the summer where his family took a month long vacation and he came back a full four inches taller. He’s bigger now, his shoulders permanently rolled back, but he still carries himself with that same cool ease.

He barely stays long enough to say his hello’s to everyone until he takes you back to the car and lays you out in the backseat. Griping the whole way about how “you’d be in a hurry, too. Couldn’t even get away with a wank in the shower.” And “s’your duty to the country. You wanna thank me for my service, don’t you?” You swear the two of you fit easier six months ago, but now he’s cramped between the seats. Caged in tight. His head bumps the window each time he snaps his hips into you.

You seriously considered moving close to base when you found out he was being permanently relocated after joining the task force, but he wouldn’t hear a word about it.

So you settle on sending each other disposable cameras back and forth. You’ve got a picture of him on a mission in Amsterdam framed up in your hall. He’s got a cigarette hanging out of his big, toothy smile, posing like an overexcited tourist in front of a lingerie shop with a display window that made your ears hot when you first saw it.

He called you a few days after his incident with the helo in Urzikstan. Boasted his adventure with only a whispering tremble on the soft underside of his tough facade. Carried on until you wretched dryly into the receiver. Working yourself up into sick with worry even though he promised he was fine, just sticking to the ground for a bit.

Even though you’re seeing him less nowadays, he’s still somehow coming between you and any romantic pursuits you make. You chalk it up to coincidence most of the time, but a blind eye can only be turned so far.

He seems to have a sixth sense for when you’re on a date or a one night stand. Sending texts and pictures that could be misconstrued as flirty to someone who didn’t know the dynamic at just the wrong moment every time. And there was the one time where he sent flowers to your desk at work just a few days after you’d said something about a coworker getting sweet on you.

It happened so often that you eventually decided that the dating scene just wasn’t for you. Resigned to focus on work and friends. Adopting a new mantra of “if it’s meant to be, it’ll be.”

You’ve got no idea why Kyle is so pleased to hear about the conclusion you’ve come to. Or why he’s suddenly coming back home for a few weeks.

[ms-demeanor]

Hey, if you have the time, would you be willing to help me understand whether msg is harmful or not? I'm seeing a lot of conflicting information when I try to look it up, though I understand that a lot of the basis of the (us) hate for it is just racism. In particular this paper worries me and I don't feel that I have the tools to parse it well- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5938543/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwjyoJ_3-bqBAxXRF1kFHeF1DPMQFnoECA0QBg&usg=AOvVaw0i4ZlJU2xakrpbz-DMFx24

Okay, we're going to play chase the reference with a few of the links in this paper.

the [3] link there (which makes the claim that MSG reactions occur 20 minutes after consumption) leads to this paper, which is a case study of a single patient who had swelling in his throat after eating at a Chinese restaurant. That paper has only 7 citations, 4 of which were at least 30 years old (and one was 50 years old) at the time of publication.

Let's dial in to something interesting in that case study:

First of all, the case study that proved symptoms come on in 20 minutes was for a case when symptoms came on after more than eight hours. Secondly let's look at that last sentence - those two papers found that MSG consumption without solids (as in soups) was associated with more reported symptoms, right?

Well. Not completely. Obayashi and Nagamura's review found that the studies in which increased reports of symptoms were present were the ones in which it was possible to taste the difference between MSG and the control, OR in studies where the flavor of even the control was so strong that people might have thought they were being given MSG. The studies in which the MSG was dissolved in chicken stock found no significant difference between groups consuming MSG or a control.

And the other review cited there [7] did note more symptoms reported without solid food, but also noted that those results weren't reproducible.

So the root paper links to a case study that doesn't actually support the sentence it's cited in and that itself cites two papers as evidence that draw different conclusions than the authors of the case study.

That's one source chased. Let's chase another. The misused paper from the case study also shows up in the root paper.

the claim "75 mg/kg MSG significantly elevated systolic blood pressure" is supported by two whole citations. Let's see what they say. Obayashi and Nagamura are pretty clear:

That's the only observation of blood pressure listed in that paper.

What about Shimada et al.?

well, that actually wasn't what they were looking at, there were confounding factors, and the dose that produced the described results is twice what was listed in the root paper.

and actually the 75mg/kg dose in the root paper is mentioned in citation [5] in this paper and whoops, the low (75mg/kg) dose was *not* associated with increases in blood pressure:

Also. I mean. Jeeze. For an adult weighing 200lbs, 75mg/kg is 6 grams.

What did the root paper say they thought the average daily intake was?

so 75mg/kg is six times higher than the high end of an estimated average and is not enough to cause a statistically significant increase in blood pressure. Cool cool cool.

I've looked at this paper long enough now to get really mad at it.

Paragraph by paragraph, here's what this paper says:

MSG: what if it's poison?

According to multiple studies of rodents in which MSG was injected subcutaneously in juvenile animals MSG might cause obesity or neurological symptoms similar to traumatic brain injury. If humans were to get doses similar to infant mice being subcutaneously injected with MSG as toddlers it could be catastrophic.

This one guy even got a swollen throat from MSG eight hours after eating some soup once and some people who study headaches says it's more common to have bad reactions to msg in soup and he ate soup please ignore that actually the headache people weren't saying reports were more common from people eating soup.

Both animal studies with extremely high doses of MSG and a human study with broken links that doesn't appear on the publisher's website anymore suggest that MSG could do reproductive harm or at least make cramps worse possibly.

The way that people have discussed asthma and MSG in the past is really extreme and super negative but actually there's never been a connection proven there.

And actually it seems like maybe MSG prevents anemia? Neat? Possibly. ANYWAY:

what harmful effects??? You have not successfully described any harmful effects!!!!

this kind of thing shows up all the fuck over the place, look at this bit from a totally different paper:

that cites one nearly 40 year old study, two studies that are nearly 30 years old, two rodent studies, and:

and a literature review that does not reflect those findings and calls for further research because there is poor evidence for those claims.

I'm so mad.

I'm not mad at you, I'm mad that the root article frontloaded with a bunch of complicated neurological stuff that is difficult for anyone without a neuroscience background to parse (i sure can't) and then left the bullshit and misused citations for later in the paper. I'm mad that half of the articles cited in every one of these papers is skeptical of MSG as a risk or a threat and those skeptical papers are being linked to as evidence of MSG as a threat. I'm mad that this stuff is inaccessible and confusing because it doesn't need to be confusing i don't know why these people who work at universities and hospitals are writing these kinds of bullshit papers, I don't know why if you look for information about the safety of msg you get webMD "medically verified" articles that tell you to avoid tomato sauce. I hate all of this and I'm so mad and it's bullshit but here is a very long writeup on why the methodology of a lot of the studies cited in the article you linked are not ideal; this piece goes over a lot of the supposed harms of MSG with a fine toothed comb and generally finds that food amounts of MSG are likely fine and that it's probably worthwhile to do some research on MSG as it relates to fetal development but that it should pretty much be considered safe.

[nyxthejinx]

Answering to this desperate cry for help

Maaan this was so much fun fr, i hope I made these bad boys justice. Also, didn't know what kind of format I should be using and especially how to repost the original thing, since copying and pasting on the reblog would be absolute hell rip

𝐓𝐖: people biting each other but in an affectionate way, idk lemme know if there's more

𝐅𝐭.: Dottore, Xiao, Childe - GN!Reader

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 1.1k (in total)

𝐋𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨: 3rd Made in Abyss soundtrack - Kevin Penkin (yes, it's that good, no comment)

𝐃𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐞

OHOO he's gonna be so intrigued by this weird habit of yours.

We all know he's not big on social interactions and all -he barely values human life- but when you came into the picture he felt invested in someone for the first time. Hence he observes... Normal people, to learn the basics.

He's smart, a quick learner. Will understand in no time your likes and dislikes, but one day you?? Bite him? Chomp like a feral newborn kitten? Oh, his scholar personality spikes through the roof.

Dottore's never seen anyone bite their partner like you do, it confuses him at first, although he won't say anything and just chuckle. He'd rather observe you and come to his own conclusions before asking.

Was it a one time thing? When, how and where do you like to do it? Is there a deeper meaning, a show of intimacy? Need for attention? Affection?

Yeah he'll treat it like a maths equation, that's how he is.

Some days you'd see him without his mask, leaning particularly close to your face. Other times he'd set his gloves aside and let his digits linger on your cheeks and jaw for every little thing. (He knows he’s difficult to bite because of his clothes)

"Oh Dear, look at your lips, they're chapped/full of crumbs/smeared with any other kind of food/every single excuse he can come up with."

It takes you a bit longer than you would've wanted, but you realise his true intentions eventually. If you feel smug you can just chomp on him randomly and see him lose his mind (he thought he'd figured everything out rip dottore.exe).

I advise against it though, he'd repay the torture tenfold. (aka not cuddle with you even if you ask nicely).

Overall, Dottore finds this habit of yours cute. You're a nice little, innocent thing in his eyes and that just adds to your charm.

Yeah you can be a 1.90m tall menace of a person and he'd still tease you, an arrogant, mean jerk >:(

After some time he starts biting you back (ouch shark teeth), not in a painful way ofc. He's so casual with it, most likely to strike when you least expect it just to see your surprised and/or flustered face.

Or to have you chomping in return, even ;)

I'd say 7.5/10, good chomping partner but will "fight" back.

𝐗𝐢𝐚𝐨

My guy, poor guy.

He's another social inept, we all know why.

He started to learn about human customs after meeting you, and you've helped him out a lot, but he's still so stiff.

He probably gets a heart attack every time you give him a surprise hug. The day you chomp on him his soul leaves his body.

It's not that he's a scaredy cat, physical touch just overwhelms his senses if he's not prepared :((

Asks you to tell him beforehand next time.

But aside from that he doesn't seem to mind. He finds every human custom weird in a way, this one is no exception, and eventually it becomes routine yeah?

I think he's a perfect subject for chomping, with all the exposed skin he has. I mean, look at his shoulders! The urge to sneak up from behind and just CHOMP.

He's got muscles for days too, won't shatter your teeth on his bones. AND HIS CHEEKS- his baby cheeks, they look so soft how can you not bite those.

But yeah, just give him some time and he'll get used to this.

Xiao's not stupid either, he notices right away that you're the only human partaking in this activity, or in public at least. Lowkey feels happy and proud to have you as a partner, you're so special and unique :( <33

At some point he'll want to try it out as well, but he's sooo shy about it and a bit scared he'll hurt you. You gotta make him confess with bone crushing hugs.

When he eventually chomps back he's UGHH so soft with it. For Xiao it's more about the meaning and the bonding experience than the chomp itself.

9/10 if you're fine with doing all the chomping. 8/10 if you want chomps back, but definetly recommended.

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐞

Run. RUN. RUN FOR YOUR CHEEKS' LIFE.

He is THE chomping menace.

Let me tell ya, you're putting your life on the line. It's like a declaration of war and he will not hesitate to respond with all he's got.

We know for a fact that he's always up for a challenge. If you're crazy enough to engage and bite him first, well I hope you have a survival plan for the rest of your life cus he won't stop.

It can and will escalate in a "fight" if you're in a private space (you know the tickle fights where you become a mess of tangled limbs? That.) If you try that in public though? He's gonna look at you like a damn predator.

He'll eat your cheeks once you get home, good luck.

His bites are rough-ish too, unfortunately for you. He’d never hurt you on purpose, and is always careful with his strength, but in the heat of battle he’ll forget; 7 times out of 10 you leave the field with a 32 teeth bite mark. 

I think he is more of a cheek guy than anything. They're always available and easy to reach, regardless of your height, and it's also so intimate because who else touches your face? No one, aside from him.

He's the chosen one.

And don't think it will stop at the first time, no no. You've unlocked a new hobby for him. He'll put so much effort in it, it's terrifying.

If you act surprised or flustered well, bonus points in his opinion. Your face is just priceless and will make a habit to make you react that way.

At that point you either fight back or succumb. His soft spots are his stomach (duh, nibble on the exposed skin when he's in his work clothes, I bet he's ticklish), his nape, collarbones and overall the base of his neck.

The rest of his body is still a good chomping surface, but his instincts kick in and his muscles go taut, it's like biting a rock and has no effect on him.

Childe will definitely give you a hard time. It's up to you to take advantage of the right moment and give him a good revenge chomp.

Honestly, he's my fave ever but I'll give him a 5/10 just because of that. Can't even bite the man in peace anymore 🙄

DON'T copy/repost my work. REBLOG instead! ©nyxthejinx

[loveforquanrui]

zb1's reaction to finding out you're sick

제로베이스원- zb1 and their reaction to finding out you are sick after trying to hide it from them, lowercase intended, mentions of food, gn reader, not proofread, lowercase intended

-jiwoong-

i think it would be easy to hide the fact that you were sick to jiwoong

i give it 2 days max until he finds out

when he does find out, he would not be mad or disappointed, i truly believe he would understand why you were trying to hide it from him

his first priority is to make you feel better, so he would try to come over to your house, so he can make his lovely partner feel better

in the case that you don't want him to come over

he would be respectful of what you want but would 100% be the type to drop off medicine, snacks, and stuffed animals

-hao-

unlike jiwoong, it would be so hard to hide something from hao

hao is soo clingy so its not an easy task to hide that you are sick

when he finds out that you are sick

he'd throw a little sassy fit over the phone and say that he is sad that you would hide it from him

would go over to your house and even though he is a bit upset that you tried to hide the fact that you were sick, he would do anything you need

need to do some chores no worries hao is already doing them

want to get up to grab your journal, hao is already running to your run to grab it for you

needless to say hao does not want you moving an inch from where you are laying

-hanbin-

you see hanbin he has days where he is clingly and days where he isnt

but hanbin is an enfj and would constantly check up on you

the moment you respond unusually late, he would already be knocking at your door

when he finds out you've been sick for a couple of days already

he would be so disappointed, he would be wondering why you would hide it from him

luckily even though he is disappointed, his first priority like jiwoong is to get you to feel better

once you are better expect a lecture on how you should not hide these things from him

he would randomly ask what are your symptoms?

once you tell him, he'd say "i'll be right back", and a couple of minutes later he would return with a bag full of medicine

he would take care of you so well, and even spend the night until you feel like yourself again

-matthew-

when it comes to matthew i feel like he would know that you got sick even before you got sick

you guys were probably out, when it started to rain, and that's when you got a slight cough

from there matthew already knew that you were about to get sick

he wouldn't lecture you in fact i feel like matthew would be sooo chill and relaxing to be around when you're sick

matthew would make sure to buy you the medicine you would need way in advanced

and when he takes care of you he would make a little fort for you two in your living room

and he would put on one of his favorite animes, and would also prepare your favorite snacks

-taerae-

taerae.. listen i believe in clingly boyfriend taerae, it just has to be real

so i give it max one literal day till he finds out that you are sick

when he finds out that you are sick and that you were going to hide it from him, he'd be so petty and slightly upset

our little duck has anger issues but it's okay cause its taerae!

he would be so upset because he wants you to tell him this things not hide them :,(

he would still take care of you of course his pettiness can only go for so long

but don't think it'll be easy

he would be a bit sassy and petty but would still take good care of you and give you all the necessary cuddles

so in conclusion don't hide something like this to taerae or our baby will be upset :(

-ricky-

our ricky who for sure is a T

i don't think ricky is clingly like the other members

so i think he would be clueless to you being sick but..

in the time when he does find out he would try to act calm and collected but our lovelicky would be a worried mess

immediately he would show up to your house bringing a doctor along

after the doctor prescribes you medicine, he would tuck you into your bed, and go buy the medicine in the nearest pharmacy

you being sick activates cute worried ricky :,)

he would help you with literally everything

he would try to feed you the medicine even though he's shy about it

would cuddle with you and watch any of your favorite movies, even if he's not interested in them, he would watch them to make you feel happy

i dont think he would stay the night over like some of the other boys but thats because everyday that you are sick..

ricky will show up with a new gift in order to get you a little distracted from your sickness

in a moment like this you're all he thinks about and he only cares about you feeling better

-gyuvin-

oh our clueless yet adorable gyuvin

listen despite him being a little goofy sometimes he would also be another member that you cannot hide things from

when you tried hiding the fact that you are sick it was.. hard

gyuvin is sooo clingly

so before you could even tell him not to come over because you were busy

he was already at your house, unlocking the door with the spare key

"Y/N" he'd yell and when you can't respond because of how sick you are, he'd look for you immediately

when he finds you and finds out your sick, he'd be asking so many questions

"why are you sick", "when did you get sick", "why didn't you tell me?"

when you answered his long list of questions he would assure you that he can take care of you, and that you don't need to call your mom to do so

and boy was it definitely an experience to put it nicely

he would make you soup and would help by feeding it to you

but of course your boyfriend isn't himself if he isn't pulling a little prank on you

he would feed you like parents feed their babies saying something like "here comes the airplane open wide", when you said you won't do that he insisted he wont let you eat until you do

and when you comply right as the spoon was about to enter your mouth he quickly feeds himself instead

you gotta admit it made you laugh and thats why you love your boyfriend

he always makes you forget about the negative aspects in life

-gunwook-

while gunwook is so smart, i'd think he's a little gullible

i feel like the reason why i think he's gullible is because he trusts you so much so he wouldn't expect you to lie to him about being sick

so when you text him that you are not sick he immediately believes you

it isnt until 3 days later when he calls you unexpectedly, and your words could lie, but your voice couldn't

thats how he found out you have been sick and not busy like you said

he would say "i'm coming over in 5 minutes"

he'd show up with all the right medicine, food, and some flowers

but he would be sooo pouty

he'd cuddle into you, not caring if he got sick, and after those cuddles comes the worst part

the lecture

he would give you a lecture about how you should tell him when you don't feel well because he's here to help you not make you feel like you can't tell him :,)

after understanding each other comes the lovey dovey part

gunwook would cuddle you day and night

and he would read you any book you wanted to read

and he would also tell you many stories of his childhood that you did not know about

and you would rapidly get better since gunwook made you also do activity like yoga that can make your body more relax

so in a week you were already cured, as if you never got sick

your boyfriend is so smart so ofc he knows how to get you to feel better right away

-yujin-

yujin is such a cutie

he would be so clueless as well

if you tell him you're not sick he would also believe you and not ask any questions

so hiding the fact that you were sick would be so easy

it wasn't until after you got a little better and you only had a runny nose when he found out you've been sick

"oh you should've told me"

he'd feel so bad for not realizing that you were sick sooner

so the next time when you guys met up at the park, he bought you a gift as an apology

he would tell you that next time you feel sick to let him know so he could be there for you

yujin may be shy and awkward and times but at the end of the day he is very caring and gentle towards the people he loves

[eroguron0nsense]

Perhaps my brain isn't braining or I'm assigning undue significance to this but I kinda feel like One Piece seemed to shift more toward exploring what real familial love means or looks like after the timeskip? We get Ace's death, the postwar arc, and Luffy coming to the conclusion that despite having lost both of his brothers, he's still got the Straw Hats and he can move forward with his ragtag crew of siblings, Team Mom and Dad, and an eccentric skeleton Uncle, and then right after that, we get several arcs defined overwhelmingly by either the destruction or salvation of various families.

One of the main inciting incidents–if not the inciting incident–of all the political intrigue inherent to the Fishman Island arc is the assassination of Otohime and its ramifications for Shirahoshi and the entire Ryugu Kingdom (not to mention Luffy trying really fucking hard to imitate Ace and be a big brother to Shirahoshi and Surume as a means of processing his own loss).

Dressrossa's where we first see a true perversion of all the lovely found family tropes that have long been established in One Piece (villains have destroyed families but few if any are depicted as having one in the same way Luffy does; pre-time skip villains are more likely to be loners or self-interested tyrants and their followers aren't really referred to as "family"), giving us self fashioned patriarch in Doffy who completed the destruction of his bio family and spent the rest of his life building a grotesque, failed imitation of it through manipulating and indoctrinating a group of followers he doesn't truly care for, only to be brought down by a combination of his brother's final actions, the little boy Cora saved and loved, the bonds of the Riku family he brutalized, the brothers of the guy whose devil fruit he acquired and tried to entrap his enemies with, and an actual Found Family Crew who genuinely love each other and are willing to sacrifice for each other in a way Doffy cannot possibly understand.

The entirety of WCI involves almost every conceivable permutation of multiple families plotting against, exploiting, abusing, and defiantly loving each other, from Judge discarding any hope he ever had of having an actual family that could love him by literally stripping away their ability to do so in the name of facism/conquest, to Chiffon betraying her abusive mom for her loving husband and in-laws, to Linlin being failed by every parental figure in her life and constructing the most bizarre, fundamentally horrifying political/military structure out of her army of bio children.

Wano's main villain is also an abusive father and tyrannical crew leader, and that does, in fact, contribute to his eventual downfall, but more to the point, the arc opens and closes with the initial destruction and eventual restoration of the Kozuki family in Momo, Hiyori, and Sukiyaki, Luffy's kinship with Momo and Tama, circling back to reminders of Ace yet again (for the third arc so far) and Hiyori literally closing out the arc mirroring her father's catchphrase/dying words (and to a lesser extent, plot fuelled by the destruction of the Kurozumi clan). By the time we end what I personally consider to be Part 2 of One Piece, Luffy's family has picked up another uncle, he's been confronted repeatedly with the spectre of his brother and come out stronger for it (also filling the big brother role for multiple characters), he's reunited with Sabo, and has confronted and defeated multiple villains who act as the antithesis to everything One Piece has told us so far about the joy and love and unity that the Straw Hats and their friends and true families exemplify. And by the time he tells everyone his real dream and shares what he'd previously only told Ace, Sabo, and Shanks, it feels like we've finally gotten some closure for Marineford

[tempobaekh]

Dating So Mun headcanons

(this is a long one)

Pairing: So Mun x civilian!fem!reader

Warnings: fluff, angst if you squint, suggestive?? idk, teeny tiny spoilers from avengers: endgame?? y’all will understand when you read this THIS TAKES PLACE IN S2 BUT ALL IS WELL

A/N: I finished tuc last episodes and I’m so sad bc my weekly dose of happiness is over:(( anyways I’m falling more and more inlove with So Mun and wrote this

OKAY SO

LET'S GET STARTED

So yall met at a food stall and bonded over food

You were a regular at one of the food stalls and really loved by the old lady running the stall

She always gives you samples of new dishes or free food

Even though you would argue with her and try giving her money but she wasn’t having it

ANYWAYS

So Mun had just finished dealing with a level one spirit

Not wanting to disturb the other counters about it as it was just a mere level one spirit and was really easy to deal with

And he decided to stop by the food stalls for a quick snack bc he was feeling hungry

You were at the food stall speaking happily with the old lady

As fate would have it, So Mun found himself at the same stall as you drawn to the mouthwatering aroma of the popular dish the old lady was selling

Your guys eyes met briefly and you two felt an instant connection

As if the universe had conspired to bring yall together

So Mun decided to be the first one to struck up a conversation and asked for your recommendation among the food options

And since you were a regular and you couldn’t pass on the opportunity of speaking to the incredibly handsome man with long luscious curly hair

You decided to share your favorite food/dishes with him

You guys ended up spending the evening chatting and sharing delicious food

And the rest is history

NOW LET'S START WITH YALLS RELATIONSHIP

So Mun’s top priority is your safety

Him being a counter is also the main reason of him being protective

And bc he is just protective over his loved ones

Like he will insist on walking you home no matter what

Picking you up from places

Him always walking on the side of the road

Always holding your hand

He’d always prioritize your safety and well-being

Going above and beyond to keep you out of harm’s way

So Mun wears his heart on his sleeve and is very verbal about his love

Always providing with words of reassurance and love

So Mun did not plan in any way how to tell you about his counter side

He knew he would get a warning from Yung but just couldn’t hold back and continue to lie to you

Like mans loves you too much and cannot physically lie to you too long

So it happened one day

So Mun had just got finished with a particularly hard mission with a level 3 spirit

And something in him just had to see you no matter what

Despite the other counters asking him where he is going

Or Ms. Chu asking to heal him before he leaves where ever he is going

So Mun didn’t listen he only had one thing on his mind and that was you

While you started noticing him disappearing at odd hours

And sometimes the only time you guys would have time to talk would be through late night facetime calls

Or him saying that something urgent came up

You were patient and didn’t want to force it out of him so you didn’t ask him much about him

Besides you trust So Mun to know that he would speak with you when the time comes

One day So Mun had showed up at your door with a cut on his lip, one on his cheek and blood on the side of mouth and forehead after the mission with the level 3 spirit

When you opened your apartment door So Mun just engulfed you in a tight hug

You could also feel something wet on your shoulder where So Mun had nuzzled his face

You came to the conclusion that he was crying

You just stood there rubbing his back and whispering ‘it’s okay’ or ‘I got you baby’ while waiting for him to calm down

When he did calm down you silently dragged him to your bathroom and sat him down on the toilet seat

You grabbed your supplies to clean his cuts while your hands were shaking from worry

You just silently cleaned his wounds

Having silence from So Mun was also concerning considering that he is a very talkative person

When you got done cleaning his wounds you crouched in front of him

“What happened, darling?” you asked in a gentle whisper

That’s when So Mun told you everything

Him being a counter

About the evil spirits

About the other counters

And how tonight’s mission was hard and that he felt like he had to see you instead of letting one of the counters heal him

He also mentioned how he would get a warning from ‘Yung’ for telling you this

You did scold him a bit about that

But he couldn’t hold it in anymore

Like he can never ever lie to you he loves you too much to do that

When he got done talking you just silently hugged him

Holding him close to your chest and pressing small kisses to his forehead

That’s how the rest of the night went

You comforting So Mun and him telling you more about him being a counter

And now you are even more worried and concerned about So Mun

Often waiting for his call or him when he is on mission’s

Now to be honest So Mun was kind of nervous about introducing you to the rest

They can be a bit… much sometimes

He wants everything to go smoothly

So Mun waited for the right moment to introduce you to the others

So he decides to tell the counters first

He casually drops the news when they are all having dinner together at the hideout

The moment the sentence i have a girlfriend leaves his mouth

It’s silence

Fucking silence even Jeok Bong is stunned

Before all hell breaks loose and everywhere is throwing questions at poor So Mun

“Girlfriend?” “When and how and how long!??” “How does he get a girlfriend before me!”

And when he tells them that you know about the counter part

MS CHU AND HANA GO OFF ON HIM

SCOLDING THE SHIT OUTTA HIM

But at the end they calm down and Ms Chu encourages So Mun to invite you over for dinner:))

So Mun playfully not threatens the other counters to act normal and not scare you off

When So Mun then mentioned to you about the counters wanting to meet you

You panic like what if they don't like you? What if they get mad that you know about them being counters?

You know that these people are important to So Mun

They are like his family and you want their approval

So you and So Mun agree on going to dinner and meeting the counters

Ms Chu wanted to make you her infamous and delicious noodles

At the start the vibe is slightly tense before Jang Mul breaks the silence with his booming voice

Ms Chu thinks you are very pretty, and sweet, and perfect for So Mun

Motak and Jeok Bong do not pass off the chance to tease the shit out of So Mun

While Hana has only one question:

“Why him??”

Obviously she’s joking

She’s already planning y'all's wedding in her head, and swears to protect you and So Mun more no matter what

So all of the counters adore you to put it plainly

After the dinner you come around for sleepovers with So Mun much more

Always being a part of game and movie nights with the other counters

And then end the night by cuddling and falling asleep with So Mun

So Mun’s determination and dedication in his counter duties would also translate into his relationship

If you ever face challenges or obstacles you can count on him to stand by your side and work tirelessly to overcome them

That being said he never ever let’s both of you go to bed angry after a fight even though yall dont have many of them

He cannot stand the fact of going to bed angst at you or knowing that you are angry at him

Dates with So Mun are always different

It can be a stroll in the park, cooking a meal together, movie night with lot’s of kissing as well, visiting an art gallery bc he loves art so much and you can listen to him talk for hours, late night snacks, bookstore dates, going to the amusement park, star gazing etc

Like dates with him are always so fun and loving

Bc this man uses all his love on these dates bc he just loves you so much.

So Mun has seen a lot of supernatural shit no he’d have a special appreciation for the ordinary, everyday moments you share together

Like a simple meal or a walk in the park would mean a lot to him

Speaking of art

This man has so many drawings of you

Any chance he gets he will draw you no matter what

He has so many sketches of you while you are doing different things

Bc he thinks you are so pretty

The prettiest in the whole world

The drawings can’t do justice to your beauty he insists

Movie nights with him are always fun

Like he is always down to have a marvel movie marathon with you

Cmon guy’s So Mun LOVES comics you cannot not tell me he doesn’t like marvel especially the comics

Will absolutely hold you in his arms and coo and comfort you when you sob at Tony and Natasha’s death while watching Avenger: Endgame

Like it hurts everytime

Trust me it does;((

So Mun is your biggest cheerleader in your life

Like mans is always there for you cheering you no matter what

So Mun might occasionally struggle with balancing his duties as a counter and his desire to spend time with you

There would be rare moments of conflict but he always prioritize you and your safety

WEARING HIS JACKETS!!!

(or wearing his clothes in general!!)

If you’re cold he is handing you his jacket

And since he already wears oversized ones they are even bigger on you no matter what

Like you see his closet and just snatch whatever you like

He doesn’t mind

He LOVES seeing you in his clothes

HE THINKS YOU LOOK SO CUTE IN THEM

LIKE HE SQUISHES AND PINCHES YOUR CHEEKS

AND COOS AT HOW ADORABLE YOU LOOK IN HIS CLOTHES

Physical touch is one of So Mun’s biggest love language

So he always has an arm around you

A hand on your thigh

Rubbing his thumb on your palm

Holding pinkies

ALSO

MAKEOUT SESSIONS!!

You guys have been caught more than once making out by the others

LIKe

THIS MAN LOVES KISSING YOU

NO MATTER WHAT

And he is damn good at it too

Cocky mf will smirk when he sees how flustered you get after a heated makeout session

Loves having you on his lap while kissing you

Also please tug/pull at his hair like he secretly loves it

THIS MAN DEFINITELY GROANS WHEN YOU TUG AT HIS HAIR

CURRENTLY KICKING MY FEET, GIGGLING, TWIRLING MY HAIRKSJDJSKSHDKJDK

Loves giving you hickies

Like he almost goes feral at seeing the mark that HE gave you on your neck

Mf will purposely give you one on an obvious place that you forget to cover up

And when the others see it they will be shocked

“Yah! You attacked the poor girl!”

“Your neck looks like it’s been mauled.”

But this cocky bastard isn’t fazed

Is fucking proud instead

ALSO

BEING THE MENACE HE IS

When there isn’t any place for you to sit in a setting or place

hE WILL SMIRK

FUCKING MAN SPREAD HIS LEGS

AND TAP HIS THIGH TO INDICATE THAT HE WANTS YOU TO SIT THERE

bro has too much rizz

LIKE IF YOU WALK PAST HIM AND HE FEELS LIKE IT HE WILL PULL YOU ONTO HIS LAP AND WRAP HIS ARMS AROUND YOUR WAIST AND LEAVE KISSES ON YOUR NECK

I'M CURRENTLY MALFUNCTIONING

Also here are some things that So Mun unintentionally does that you think is so attractive and it drives you crazy

When you are standing in the way of him

He will gently grip your waist and move you aside while softly whispering in your ear, “Excuse me, baby.”

LIKE AHHHSKDHDKSK IT JUST MAKES YOUR HEART EXPLODE

There is a noticeable height difference between you two and you find it so attractive when he slightly leans down bc he can’t hear you completely

It just makes you stutter for a moment and collect yourself

Also i feel like So Mun if the type of guy to wear gray sweatpants with either, a t shirt or a compression shirt

And that shit is so sexy

Like you can just sit and watch him in that attire train for hours

Definitely does it to tease you sometimes as well

You’ve met his grandparents and they love you sm

Especially his grandmother

She adores you

And you love her bc she is so genuinely kind hatred and sweet

“Munyoung has sent So Mun an gel to take care of him!”

You almost cried when she told you that

When you are having sleepovers with So Mun at the hideout and y'all can’t sleep you guys will just sit around in the kitchen and eat snacks

Like just sitting on the floor, your head on So Mun’s lap

His hand tangled in your hair and massaging your scalp

While eating snacks and just talking

Or sometimes when you two have too much energy yall will have a singing session

You guy’s would sing and jam out to Lana Del Rey, Taylor Swift, or Chase Atalantic

Istg So Mun is so Lana Del Rey and Chase Atlantic coded idc what yall say

You stand in the boxing ring pretending to be the singer giving a performance

While So Mun is outside the ring cheering you on

Acting like your biggest fan he is anyways

And cheering on encouraging words

“Yeah! That’s my talented baby!”

“You’re doing so good!”

“My pretty girl!”

You guys have been yelled at and sent to your room more than twice by Hana

Who wakes up by the noise

You always carry around multiple hair ties on your wrist for So Mun

Bc you know that he sometimes get irritated when his hair gets in his face

So you either just tie his hair in a ponytail and kiss his forehead

Or he borrows the hair tie from you and presses a kiss to your lips

He treasures all of your hair ties

Like he was on the verge of tears when he once lost your hair tie on a mission

ANYWAYS here are some pet names So Mun calls you by:

Sweetheart: So Mun uses this classic term of endearment bc it’s simple and affectionate

Sunshine: So Mun might use this one bc you bring warmth and light to his life

Precious: He values the people he cares about deeply, and this pet name would show just how important you are to him

Beloved: So Mun is a sincere and devoted guy and he would want you to know how deeply he cares for you. “Beloved” would be a heartfelt way to express his affection

Dearest: This pet name simply emphasizes that you hold a special and dear place in his heart and it’s a reflection of his genuine feelings for you

In conclusion So Mun is the most loving, precious, loyal, sweet, and caring partner

We all need a So Mun in our lives.

Note: gifs, pictures, and header DOES NOT belong to me. CREDITS TO THE RIGHTFUL OWNERS!! Feedback is appreciated.

[moonshynecybin]

okay i'm sorry for this but. you mentioning marc crying + showing hole on ig at the same time made me think. he would so be an overstimulation kinda crier.

he literally is thank you so much. genuinely before AND after reconciliation it’s like. he is genuinely crying by the time vale gets inside him. ummmmmm this got lawng. under the cut !

EYE think. marc has this insane ability to have this vice grip handle on his body and his reactions to physical input thereof… high pain tolerance high pleasure tolerance i would wager. think about how clear headed he is on track despite an INSANE amount of sensation and physical input and adrenaline… like it all speaks to his freak ass nature. you can’t just turn that shit off !!

SO it’s fun for MEEE to take that to its logical conclusion. sex with vale valentino rossi. where (at the beginning especially) he’s starstruck and responsive and sweet, but he’s also very clearly still ALL there. no getting lost in the hedonistic haze for marc— instead he’s absolutely DIALED IN on vale, cataloging information like a crazy person. he’s like. vale likes it when i move my hips like X and i incorporate more tongue here and just. trying to win at sex. make it good for vale make it good overall (ITS ALREADY INSANE MIND YOU). trying to get a good grade in fucking vale trying to WIN ! and i think it results creating a little competitive streak in vale where he NOTICES and. well he wants to make marc absolutely lose his god damn mind. and it’s not ONLY as a “winning at sex” kind of thing (trust that is at play. the crazy ego of getting there— the desire to see this hyper, neurotic, COMPETITIVE (a RIVAL. the fastest guy on track even !) guy CHILL OUT), it’s also coupled with grade A 100% pure and earnest horniness. crucially. it bothers him that his baseline effort gets marc there but doesn’t make him LOSE HIS MIND!! BEST HE EVER HAD!! crazy possessive streak he ABSOLUTELY doesn’t quite understand… he wants him to not be able to SPEAK… he wants the only thing swimming around in marc’s little intelligent fucked up noggin to be VALENTINO ROSSI in bright flashing letters… so. he sets about achieving that goal with typical rakish whimsy

so they fuck normal style and marc comes and it’s Good (knee wobbly) and he’s laughing like. jajaja okay now i will take a shower :3 and he’s got one knee off the bed stupid blue underwear in hand looking ENTIRELY too unruffled for someone who just got their back blown out by THEE valentino rossi… ass insane abs go crazy hair all over the place flush on his cheeks… just casually LEAVING the bed while vale’s still strung out breathing hard all sweaty from fucking and tangled in sheets lounging like a roman emperor. and that’s when the irritation meets competitiveness meets horny and some neuron fires in vale’s head and the switch FLIPS. and vale catches marc by the wrist. pulls him back. flips him against the mattress gets a thumb under his knee. marc shivers mouth like :o vale slings his legs over his shoulderssssssssss and he gets to WORK.

genuinely vale like. sorry nasty zone. getting him off as many times as humanely possible. relentless. fingers him blows him fucks him then eats his own come out of his hole absolutely NASTY. hickies on thighs thumbs on his nipple. marc doesn’t even know what to DO with all of it… and marc can handle a lot of sensation he LIKES a lot of sensation…. the things that would be WAY too much for normal people are justttt enough for our boy marc marquez… but his knees were jello forty minutes ago and vale’s got two fingers tugging on the oversensitive rim of his hole and his tongue is playing slick on the underside of his cock and vale’s STARING at him blue eyes clear and lasered in… and vale takes his other hand and presses his fingers, feather light against the outside of marc’s thigh, a caress, and marc is coming and his breath is catching and tears are hitting the light in the corner of his eyes like he’s an old hollywood star and he’s SO overwhelmed and loving it SO much and his head is EMPTY and he has maybe the most insane orgasm of his life. shoots all over his chest with a cracked open sob hands white knuckled on vale’s shoulders….. doesn’t leave the bed for ten full hours after that….

[too-deviant]

idk if you’d be comfortable writing this but I was wondering if you could whip up an Aphrodite!reader who’s fed up with her beauty. She stops attending school and stays the full term at camp which makes Luke confused. So she tells him about how random dudes would hit on her and be creepy at her school or something. She’d prolly join him with Kronos bc she wants to feel respected for once. Would be such an angsty but filled with femme rage although totally cool if you choose not to write this~ Just wanted to share it with someone 💛

Pairing: Luke Castellan x Aphrodite!Reader

Summary: Maybe you didn't want to be beautiful anymore.

Content: pretty angsty, brief mentions of male harassment but nothing explicit or triggering, again sorry for the wait i had w block pls forgive me. also not proofread sorry yall its been a rough week.

You were only faintly aware of the noise around you.

The chatter of the city was a mere buzz in the back of your head as you marched down the street. It amazed you, really, just how unbelievably dickish mortal boys could be. This one in particular; Mike Schwartz, a five foot something jock who sat on the bench at every game. He’d been a bother in your life since you started high school. Back then, you took the endless prospects as a compliment – you truly were your mother’s daughter. It was a boost to your weak teenage confidence. 

But as the years went by, the constant asking for your hand became an irritant. Especially when they couldn’t get the hint – at fourteen, turning down guys felt amazing, but when those same guys kept coming back for more, it made your eye twitch. Couldn’t they take the first no, tuck their tail between their legs and fuck off?

Apparently not. 

After four years of putting up with it, you were done. Storming out of the cafeteria, grabbing all your things, hailing a cab and getting the hell outta dodge. Maybe you should’ve stopped to think — called your dad, taken a few deep breaths. But the harder you thought about it, after trying not to for so many years, you came to the conclusion that you would’ve ended up here anyway. 

Here being the peak of HalfBlood Hill in the middle of September. It was only slightly unusual, because when you usually arrive at the start of summer you get to watch the crowds of arrivals setting up shop at camp. Now, however, it was fairly desolate. Less people, you knew. 

It was also a split second shock when you stepped across the border and felt the drastic change in weather. From the cool breeze of the autumn air to the warm summery spring that camp was in year-round. A shift that made you pause, but you kept on down the hill anyway. 

Chiron was waiting for you on the porch of the Big House, and without so much as a word, gestured for you to follow him inside. He was fairly understanding of your situation, but made you Iris Message your dad and tell him of your decision. He, too, was more glad you were safe than angry you ran off. 

“We can talk about this when you feel like talking.” He’d said. 

So you’d done it. Finally, you’d gotten yourself away from the hey hot stuffs and the you seeing anyone baby?s. You were back at camp, you were where you were most happy. 

But you weren’t happy. 

Being a year-rounder, you’d discovered, was a lot less busy than being a summer camper. You got more days off, longer breaks between activities. You found yourself spending more time in your own company; something you never really got to do before. Most of the time you were with your siblings, or your mortal friends, or you were being hounded by some frat boy and their friends.

It took a minute to get used to the loneliness, but you did. You explored camp, found places you hadn’t seen before. A cute clearing near a stream on the east side of the forest, or a Satyr sanctuary on the far end of the beach. You read more books, you trained a little harder, you perfected six new hairstyles on your little sister Elena and Annabeth from the Athena Cabin. 

And yet, you were still pissed off. 

“Why?” 

Luke Castellan was a name everyone knew in this little corner of Long Island. One of the oldest campers, head counsellor of the rowdiest cabin, token tour guide for the new kids. Oh, and the best swordsman camp had seen in, like, three centuries. He was cute, that much you’d heard all around your cabin. But you’d never really held a solid conversation with him until you became a year-rounder. The fewer people around, the more you run into him. 

You’d been practising a few neat tricks with a dagger when he spotted you. Said he was there to train himself for once and that you wouldn’t even notice he was there. You did, though. Especially when he took his shirt off twenty minutes in. 

You shared a water break, he asked you why you’d transferred to being a year rounder, and you indulge him in the story. He was super nice about it too, which made you angry. Was Luke the only nice guy on the planet? 

“But at least you’re happier now, right?” He’d said. You weren’t, you told him that much. He gave you this knowing look you’d never seen on him before, and asked Why?

You shrugged, “I don’t know. I love it here, I do. But I shouldn’t have to uproot my entire life and bring it here just to get some semblance of peace. I shouldn’t have to give up my education, my friends, my dad, just so I don’t have to get harassed every day. It’s not even like my mom gave me anything to help combat it, either. She just made me beautiful and told me to deal with the consequences! I mean,” You let out a weak chuckle, holding up the dagger you’d been toying with, “This was a birthday present from a friend in Cabin Six. Not even my mother, who is a warrior herself, could bother sending me a weapon. They really don’t give two shits about us, do they?” 

He’d parted his lips, eyes shining with something, and looked at you through his bottom lashes, “No. They don’t.”

You and Luke grew closer after that. A lot closer. By the time summer rolled around and the rest of the campers returned, you were inseparable. Many rumours spread but you two ignored them in favour of sneaking into that clearing you’d found and talking in whispers about your hatred for the gods. Who cared if they could hear you? Let them. 

It was Luke who had come up with the idea to steal the bolt. A quick job, in and out, and maybe then they’d listen to what you’d have to say. But they didn’t — they did exactly what they always did and risked the lives of two young demigods and a satyr just because they couldn’t be bothered doing it themselves. Selfish — that’s what they were. They didn’t care about anyone —

“ — but themselves!” You glared at Thalia, who stood before you atop Mount Tamalpais with her spear in your direction. “I mean, look at your dad. He didn’t care enough to stop the monsters from killing you, oh, but it’s okay because he turned you into a damn tree!”

“This isn’t the way!” Annabeth yelled from afar. Her hair was twisted in a style you’d taught her how to do that first year as a year-rounder. It broke your heart that she couldn’t see how right you and Luke were. 

“Curse them, Thalia.” You said plainly, holding up your dagger. Half mortal metal, half celestial bronze. A gift from Luke. “Curse your father and his children. His brothers. Curse them all like they deserve to be cursed! They deserve to be toppled.”

 You tilted your head, looking at them all. Luke and your army were heading steadily up the mountain. If you could convince them now, there wouldn’t need to be a battle. 

“Where are they now, huh?” You raised both your arms, “You’re fighting for your life against a titan on a mountain and the only god who came to help out was Artemis? And that’s just because she was here already.” You scoffed out a laugh, “You should thank us, really, for taking her. Had we not, you’d be dead already.” 

Annabeth watched. You were unrecognisable in that moment — your face streaked with dirt and blood, curled into a dark sneer that any of your siblings would berate you for because of the wrinkles you’d get. You didn’t seem to care all that much, though. Not when Thalia was lunging for you and attempting to pull you out of the rage you were in. Not when her spear and shield were no match for your measly dagger and you went toppling down the mountain. 

The next time any of them saw you was in Manhattan — after believing you to be dead for a year and a half, it came as a shock when you emerged from the crowd of monsters. Your hair was hacked short, and one of your legs had been replaced with a bronze prosthetic. You fought with a ruthlessness none of them had seen in you before, whether it be because you were on the losing side or because Luke had given his body to the Lord of Time before you had the chance to tell him you loved him. You were still angry, and even if you hated Kronos, you didn’t hate him nearly as much as you hated the gods. 

When Luke died, you were kneeled beside him. Your face was dirty, your hair was knotty, and there was a dent in your bronze leg. He lifted a hand to your face, “I’m sorry to have to say this, but…you’re sorta beautiful.”

“Sorta?”

He grinned, and then he died, and you were filled with such unbridled rage that you pushed yourself down to the ground of Manhattan and tore through Kronos’ army with fire in your eyes, not stopping until Apollo got rid of your sight and forced you to calm down. You didn’t know if you’d ever be calm, since the only person who ever understood you just died in your arms, but you dropped your dagger and stomped your way back up to Olympus like a bratty child anyway. 

Zeus didn’t punish you for what you did, but he did say he’d be keeping a firm eye on you. You joined the hunters, much to your mothers disdain, and didn’t ever allow yourself to look back.

[cakesunflower]

lovelorn (and nobody knows) [rafe cameron au fic] chapter 3

Summary: Isla Carrera had planned for the summer before college to be focused on three things: helping out at her family’s restaurant (the helpful daughter), preparing for college (the good student), and having fun with the Pogues (the loyal friend). But one fateful night, where her car breaks down and her rescuer is none other than Rafe Cameron, seems to send her summer down a path she didn’t see coming–one teeming with a secret, illicit romance with the last person she expected. And if her friends and sister found out, Isla isn’t sure they’ll be so understanding, no matter what her feelings are.

Previous Chapters: Chapter 1 | Chapter 2

A/N: wowie haven't posted in a hot minute - so sorry about that. posting this now in case anyone still wants to read it -- and if you do, let me know and i'll keep updating. also, do you guys prefer to read this here, or would it be easier to read on AO3?

Chapter 3

Isla is drunk.

Not totally off-her-ass, slurring her words type of drunk. But the easy going kind of drunk, where she’s got a lazy smile on her face, has lost some of her mild introverted tendencies, and is happily dancing with her girls without a care in the world. JJ’s playlist curated specifically for Boneyard parties has everyone on their feet, the sea breeze cooling her skin as she moves. 

When her cup is once again empty, she lifts it at her friends, tapping it with her finger. “’Nother refill.”

This time, she does stumble a little as she makes her way to the kegs, weaving around the partygoers. “Heya, Jimmy,” she smiles at one of the guys behind the kegs. “Can I get—”

“COPS!”

Isla freezes, eyes widening as Jimmy and the guy next to him immediately bolt—along with everyone else around her. “Uhm—” She stands frozen even though she knows she should move. Almost everyone here is underage, which is why there’s a commotion of her peers scattering to get as far as they possibly can before the police roll up. And Isla needs to be one of them, given that she’s eighteen.

She turns, her gaze darting as she blinks away any blurriness from her drinks. The cacophony of the waves crashing mixing with the sudden rowdiness of the crowd dispersing has Isla’s heartbeat picking up the pace quickly, pounding in her chest as she takes a couple of steps forward, trying to catch sight of her friends. But everyone is making a break for it, the faces blurring together, but that doesn’t stop her from trying to spot them, doing a quick three-sixty spin in hopes of finding them.

“Kie?!” she shouts, though her voice is drowned out.

But the sounds of the approaching sirens aren't drowned out, and Isla’s eyes widen as she realizes the cops are getting close, inhaling sharply because she’s quickly coming to the conclusion that she’s gonna have to get out of here without her friends. “Fuck, fuck,” she hisses before finally kicking her ass into gear. God, if she gets arrested for underage drinking, her parents are going to make her clean the bathrooms at the restaurant for the rest of her life.

“Go, go, go!”

“Let’s get out of here!”

“Cops are comin’, man!”

Everyone is clamoring around her and through her pounding heart, Isla tries to make her way off the Boneyard, even as she tries to catch sight of her friends. They’re not where she had left them. Maybe they’re already gone? She can’t stop to check her phone as she breaks into a jog, the sounds of sirens growing louder and louder by the second as she tries not to get shoved and bumped into by others.

When she makes it out onto the road, she sees people getting into cars, hears doors slamming and engines revving, but she can’t spot John B’s van anywhere. “Shit, shit, shit,” she curses, panting as she figures that she’s probably going to have to get out of here on foot, hopefully make it to the Chateau without getting picked up by the cops.

The panic has made her sober, so with a sharp inhale, she begins running down the road, opposite of the way the cops are coming. She’ll cut around, go through the dirt path back onto the main road and head to John B’s house. Hopefully they’re still driving and can pick her up on the way or something, because she can’t linger around here any longer.

She barely makes it twenty running steps when a rumble sounds next to her, and Isla glances over to see a motorcycle halting to a stop next to her. “Get on,” Rafe demands, helmetless as his blue eyes lock on hers.

This time, Isla doesn’t show any signs of hesitation. Hands on his shoulders, she hoists herself up on the bike behind him and as soon as her arms are secure around his waist, he takes off. The purr of his Ducati is lost in the wind howling past them as Rafe speeds down the road, creating more and more distance between them and the Boneyard.

Her thundering heart slows down some as Rafe Cameron comes to her rescue a third damn time, the wind flying through her hair as she peers over Rafe’s shoulder. There are a few more cars on the road but Rafe moves around them with ease, and Isla has stopped her thoughts from spinning too much to tell him over the howling wind, “I need to go to the Chateau!”

She swears she hears him scoff before he calls back, “Your wish is my command.”

Isla rolls her eyes but doesn’t respond, squinting a little as the wind hits her face. The desperation of getting away from the cops had them forgoing the helmets, but Isla doesn’t mind, even as her eyes water a little. Her gaze shifts to him, watching the way the breeze dances through his dirty blonde hair, how firm his arms look as he grips the handles of the motorcycle, exposed thanks to the short sleeved shirt he’s got on. Instead of admiring the world passing by them, Isla’s eyes are fixed on Rafe—on the sharp curve of his jaw, the warmth of his body seeping into hers, his tight grip on the handles.

She presses her tongue to the back of her teeth, squeezing her eyes shut as she shakes her head as if she’s trying to shake those thoughts of Rafe out of her head. In two short days, the universe has thrown her to him three times already—four if she counts him coming into The Wreck earlier today—and Isla isn’t sure how she’s supposed to take it. Outer Banks is a small island, she’s run into Rafe plenty of times before, but for some reason these last few times have felt different in a way she can’t quite explain. Truth be told, Rafe can be intimidating as hell when he wants to be—she’s seen him pull out that talent plenty of times against John B, Pope, and JJ—but it had been absent these last two days. 

Since the Boneyard isn’t too far from the Chateau, they arrive pretty soon, and before Isla can even say anything, Rafe stops the bike some distance away from the front door of John B’s house. No one can see her arrive with Rafe, which is good because she can see the Twink is parked in the makeshift driveway. 

“Thanks again,” Isla says as she gets off the bike, running her fingers through her wind swept hair to tame it.

Rafe leans back where he sits, watching her with that half smirk appearing on his face. “That’s three times I’ve saved your ass, Isla.”

She narrows her eyes at him. “I become a lot less grateful when you keep count.” She’s kind of proud of herself for that one, actually.

His blue eyes glint against the lights of the Chateau, the shadows across his face sharpening his features. “You’ll be even less grateful when I come to collect my favors.”

She blinks at him, bewildered. “I’m sorry—your favors?”

Rafe quirks an eyebrow, tilting his head. She knows he’s mocking her, and it’s irritating as all hell, but it also stirs something low in her belly. “You didn’t think I helped you out for free, did you?”

A disbelieving scoff escapes her, jaw dropping in incredulity. “You said they were your good deeds!”

He hums thoughtfully. “The first one was, sure. But I changed my mind about the other two. If you were under the impression that I’m a good person, that’s on you, sweetheart.”

Fire pools in her cheeks, and the most annoying part is she’s not sure if it’s because of his condescending tone or that damn term of endearment. Crossing her arms over her chest, Isla snaps, “Trust me, I was never under that impression.”

Rafe’s smirk widens, something flashing in his eyes that Isla can’t quite make out. “Atta girl,” he praises, once again gripping the handles of the bike. He nods at the house. “Now get inside.”

Isla rolls her eyes but begins walking backwards. His gaze is fixed on her as she presses a hand to her chest and quips, “Careful, Cameron, or I’ll start thinking you care about me.”

He raises an eyebrow. “In your dreams, Carrera.”

She sticks her tongue out and points her finger into her mouth, mock gagging, and it pulls a low chuckle from him in response. Arms crossed over her chest, she turns and walks towards the screened-in front porch of the Chateau, a little relieved when she hears this bike’s engine followed by the tires rushing along the gravel as he rides away.

The lights in the house are on as she approaches it, pulling her phone out of her pocket and cringing slightly at the multiple texts and missed calls she got from her friends. As she walks up the front steps, she can hear their chatter inside, loud and lively as always, and is immediately spotted by Cleo sitting on the couch on the porch.

“There you are!” she exclaims, her words only slightly slurred as she sits up.

All gazes instantly swing to Isla as she opens the screen door, the hinges creaking as her gaze meets Kie’s. “I’m good,” she assures, first and foremost, as the door shuts behind her. 

“Isla, I’m so sorry we took off without you,” John B says, his tone as apologetic as his expression where he sits on the chair, Sarah on his lap. Her friends look more sober now—running from the cops will do that—as they lay spread out on the various chairs of the porch. “We tried to look for you, but—”

“Don’t worry about it, John B,” Isla tells him with a smile. She doesn’t fault them at all for leaving when the cops showed up. “Made it out in one piece,” she adds, grabbing the last vacant chair and spinning it until she’s straddling it.

Kie, who sits crossed legged on the floor next to JJ, leaning against the walls, frowns at Isla. “How’d you get here?”

“Hitched a ride.” She glances at JJ and—definitely so her friends don’t ask her to elaborate about who gave her a ride—quickly adds, “Is he okay?”

“Pretty sure he’s asleep,” Kie answers with a roll of her eyes as she reaches for the brim of JJ’s baseball cap, which covers the top half of his face. He sits with his head leaned back, mouth slightly agape, and when Kie lifts the brim of the cap, JJ’s eyes are no doubt closed, his arms lazily crossed. With a snort, she adds, “He was definitely the host with the most tonight.”

“Got his mind off things, at least,” Sarah muses, her fingers idly playing with John B’s brown hair. In a softer tone, she asks, “You think he’s gonna be okay?”

“Yeah, he’s staying here. Dad and I’ll keep an eye on him,” John B says, rubbing Sarah’s thigh.

“And make sure he doesn’t get fired from the country club,” Pope adds with a raise of his eyebrows.

Kie scoffs, shaking her head as she raises her eyebrows at the rest of them. “We all agree that that’s the worst place for him to work at, right?” she asks in that knowing tone. “Right there, with all those Kooks?”

Isla dips her chin in agreement as John B shrugs. “He says it’s good pay.”

“As long as he doesn’t get fired,” Pope repeats pointedly.

Cleo smacks his chest, shooting him a glare that doesn’t carry too much heat. “Stop being so negative. Have a little faith.”

He flicks her nose in response, which pulls a grin from Cleo because Pope has always been the only one to break through her tough exterior. Opposite of Isla, Sarah says, “You guys, I wanna throw a party.”

Isla quirks an eyebrow, smirking slightly. “After the cops just crashed the one we were at?”

Sarah shrugs, grinning. “My dad and Rose are going to the Bahamas for the week. It’d be the perfect time to commemorate the start of summer.” Afterall, what’s summer without one party after another?

Pope gives an exaggerated shiver. “You want us to go over to Kooklandia?” 

Sarah rolls her hazel eyes, though her smile remains. “It’ll be mostly Pogues, but yeah, maybe some old Kook friends of mine.” She shrugs and gives a slight apologetic smile. “And Rafe’s probably gonna invite his friends, but I’ll tell him there’s a limit.”

Isla isn’t sure what to make of the way her breath seems to seize for a moment when Sarah mentions her brother, feeling her entire body go tense as Rafe’s face flashes through her mind. She presses her tongue to the roof of her mouth, looking down as her fingers play with the thread bracelet on her wrist—a yellow one that matches with Kie’s red, Sarah’s blue, and Cleo’s green. What are the odds she won’t run into Rafe at his own house? Unlikely, but she can hope.

“I’m down,” John B says, giving Sarah that love-sick, puppy dog look he only wears for his girlfriend. He shoots the rest of them an easy grin. “It’ll be a grand ole’ time.”

Kie points at him and Pope, raising her eyebrows in warning. “No fighting with the Kooks.”

John B’s grin widens, turning into a shit-eating smile that only means trouble. “Only if they start it.”

A couple hours later, Isla and her sister decide to head home, hopping into Kie’s Jeep. As Kie drives them home, a song by Cage the Elephant playing lowly through the car, Kie asks, “Seriously—who gave you a ride to John B’s?”

Isla tenses slightly, though she doesn’t tear her gaze away from the window. “Got a ride from one of the Tourons,” she fibs. “You know—the one who can’t stop flirting with me,” she adds with a cheeky grin towards Kie.

Kie snorts out a laugh. “You must’ve made his night. He’s been trying to hook up with you since we were fifteen.”

Isla chuckles, shaking her head. “He only gave me a ride, nothing else.”

She mentally high fives herself for thinking of that guy as her scapegoat—Riley, she recalls his name. He’s been summering in the Outer Banks with his family since he was fifteen, which was the same summer he met Isla. He gives her major love sick puppy vibes—kind of like John B—but harmless and never really demands anything of her. She’s sure he forgets all about her when he goes back home to Chicago.

“Just put the guy out of his misery,” Kie snickers as they cross the bridge that connects the Cut and Figure Eight. She looks over at Isla, the window down and breeze blowing through their hair, as she rests her elbow on the windowsill and asks, “When was the last time you hooked up with someone?”

Isla’s jaw drops, laughing. “None of your business.”

Kie smirks. “You’re deflecting,” she sing-songs

Isla arches an eyebrow. “When are you and JJ gonna admit your feelings for each other?”

A protesting sound escapes Kie and Isla has to suppress her laugh when Kie throws her an incredulous look. “What the hell—”

“Oh, who are you trying to kid, Kie?” Isla groans, throwing her head back. “I’m your sister. You think I don’t see how you make googly eyes at JJ?”

Kie rolls her eyes. “I have never made googly eyes at anyone.” 

But Isla can see her blushing, and it only widens Isla’s grin. “Yeah, that’s what you think,” she says with a snort, laughing when her sister shoves her playfully.

“I’ll tell JJ how I feel when you get a boyfriend,” Kie shoots back.

This time it’s Isla’s turn to roll her eyes. “I have no interest in dating anyone this summer.” It’s the last summer before college—she just wants to have fun with her friends before starting this new chapter, even though she plans to go to college nearby. Her grin returns. “At least you admitted you have feelings for JJ.”

Kie sighs. “I hate you.”

Isla blows her a kiss. “Love you, too.”

[demon-country]

One thing I like about Stolas is that he learns, and then he takes action of his own accord. He's not stagnant. Sure, he can be a bit oblivious and lost in his own head, but once he's finally informed that there is a problem he always makes a real effort to reflect on it and then do something about it.

We see it as early as Loo Loo Land, where he misses all the cues that Octavia is upset, but once she actually tells him what's wrong he immediately reassures her. He then promptly leaves with her, asks her what she wants to do instead, and takes her there despite not understanding the appeal. His focus is on her the whole time from the moment he finds her crying. He even carries her like she's a small child again the entire way back to the van, and she lets him because physical comfort is something she needs and he knows it.

We see it again after Ozzie's, where Blitz is finally honest about his belief that Stolas wants him for nothing but sex. After a night of heavy drinking, he immediately starts to reflect on things and comes to the correct conclusion that their deal needs to end, because in hindsight Blitz didn't seem happy or like he was having a good time like Stolas previously assumed, and then he tries to find Blitz a way to stay in business without relying on him. He gets a little side tracked because of the divorce, but he never gives up on getting Blitz an Asmodean Crystal, even when it requires him to wait several hours in Asmodeus' waiting room fresh out of the hospital.

We also see it in Apology Tour, where he reflects in his song and starts to realize that his behavior early on wasn't taken as him being cute and playful like he intended, but pushy and overbearing. Despite how Blitz hurt and yelled at him both that morning and the night before, he acknowledges that it wasn't malicious and doesn't try to put the blame for things going wrong on Blitz, although he doesn't yet realize that it's not because Blitz doesn't care, it's because he cares too much and is scared of that.

Stolas is learning and changing, but it's a slow process. It comes in pieces. Which is generally how it goes in real life, too. People don't usually change overnight, it can take years and years to fully unlearn bad behaviors and do better, but fuck if he isn't trying.

He needs problems spelled out for him though. He's been extremely sheltered and socially isolated his whole life, and there are a lot of things pointing to him being autistic as well. He's going to miss or misinterpret things that are just implied, there's simply no getting around that. For example, he was never going to realize that there are problems with how he treats imps in general without prompting, because that's been normalized for him and he's high enough on the food chain that almost no one is going to correct his unconscious bigotry. That is, until Blitz, who is perhaps the only person of a lower class Stolas knows who's not intimated by him in the slightest (other than Striker, who was torturing him at the time, which is yet another trauma barrier that will make it hard for him to reconcile with his racism/classism), tells him in a fit of rage. 

I'm sure he'll reflect on Blitz's words and what they mean about how he acts when it's not less than 24 hours since he got his heart smashed to pieces. I don't know about you guys, but I know firsthand that the humiliation and betrayal he likely felt after having his feelings mocked not once, but twice (first on accident, but the next very much on purpose. Oh Blitz, the self-sabotage is so painful to see) take a little while to get over. Let him reflect on how his over-enthusiasm had him running roughshod over Blitz first for a bit, which he's already in the process of doing, then when things aren't so fresh he'll be in a better headspace to consider his overarching biases.

And from a narrative standpoint, the fact that it's taking a while for him to work through everything is a good thing. Expecting him to just Know Better is unrealistic and would cheapen his character arc. He's fighting to do better for the people he loves despite his trauma and implicit biases making that hard for him, and if he is autistic then there are just some things he will always struggle with, like reading social cues. But for any of his improvement to feel satisfying for the viewers then it has to move at a reasonable pace, and unfortunately that kind of change takes time. It's difficult, but he's actually doing a pretty good job so far. He's making a real effort to fix his behavior. But you gotta be patient, he's basically fumbling blindly through this alone.

Anyway, I just really love that, slowly but surely, he's learning. He's not being babied by the narrative or the creators, he's holding himself accountable and changing himself for the better. If you want realistic characters with nuance and depth then you have to let them actually act in the messy, imperfect ways real people do. This is true for Blitz and his character arc as well, but that's for a whole other post.

[essence-inked]

Alright fuck it, maybe my two cents on this will be helpful to someone.

Content warning: this is about the Neil Gaiman thing.

I'm a victim of sexual harassment and assault, and I feel like my experiences would help explain my thoughts. And also, this is mostly stream-of-consciousness, so I guess y'all are getting some personal backstory on this one regardless, because I don't have the emotional bandwidth to polish this.

The first time, when I was harassed, I came forward. The guy who'd harassed me (and from what I learned later, I was damn lucky I happened to have the confidence to keep saying no despite repeated attempts at coercion) had assaulted other people, and this ended with his victims banding together to try to bring him to justice. We had an overwhelming pile of evidence, but the administration of our college kept dragging their feet, ignored their own policies, and eventually, after a grueling fight for justice that lasted long enough for him to assault another person who joined us, he finally got suspended. Conveniently, this was right when he was graduating and it wouldn't matter anyways, but we figured that at least we wouldn't have to deal with him at graduation - that is, until the school let him walk, and he used his chance to give a speech to misrepresent what had happened. I say all this to point out that the people with the power to actually convict someone of assault are often negligent, and as much as I want to say that I'll just wait and see what the investigation turns up, just because nothing comes of this doesn't mean it didn't happen.

BUT - and this is equally as important - that also doesn't mean it did. To my understanding, "always believe victims" means "don't presume someone is lying just because you think the person they're accusing isn't capable of causing harm." It means believing victims could be telling the truth when they come forward about trusted authority figures, or loved ones, or someone who's otherwise seemed perfectly nice. It means believing that assault CAN happen. This is where my second story comes in. A couple years ago, I was assaulted by a friend. I was too shaken to come forward, and scared enough that I just wanted to move on from the whole thing. A couple months later, though, I decided to tell a mutual friend what had happened, because I was worried if I didn't, she'd have the same thing happen to her. The important bit is that she didn't dismiss me just because this was a friend we were talking about, and she sat and listened and believed that they could be capable of hurting me. The point I’m trying to make here is that it is possible for someone to seem perfectly nice and not be, and doubly so with celebrities whose public persona is the only part of them we see. And when victims come forward, it’s not about necessarily accepting their claim as fact - it’s about understanding that you shouldn’t dismiss them on the grounds that the person they’re accusing would never do that, because you could be wrong.

The unfortunate fact of the matter is that you can't just wrap everything up with an easy conclusion. Anyone can lie - Neil Gaiman can lie, the two women who accused him of assault can lie, and hell, all three of them can lie to some degree at the same time. Is it eyebrow-raising that the source of the accusations is anti-BDSM (topically relevant since a lot of this centers around kinky sex, and whether Gaiman actually got consent to be that rough), and also affiliated with TERFs (who aren't exactly fans of Gaiman these days)? Yes. Would it be fucked up to just dismiss the claims because of that? Also yes. Then there's the bit where it's more likely for people to make false accusations against celebrities, but also, celebrities live in the weird ego-boosting microcosm that would make someone more prone to be a shitty person.

The bottom line is that we don't know anything for sure, and that is something we are going to have to live with and factor into how we make our decisions. Personally, I think I'll be able to appreciate collaborative stuff like Good Omens just on the basis that it's also Pratchett's work, and some of Gaiman's books hold a special place in my heart regardless of any personal feelings about him. But also, that may be subject to change, so who knows? Right now, I'm going to take a step back, and probably poke my head back in after a few months once the dust has settled and there's a bit more to go on (but as said, a lack of an official guilty verdict doesn't necessarily mean a definitive lack of assault, and we probably won’t get a clear answer here).

I'm seeing a lot of people either say that Gaiman for sure did commit assault, or for sure did not commit assault, and not back up either statement with any solid evidence, and quite frankly I think that's stupid and irresponsible. Uncertainty happens sometimes, and it sucks, and pretending like you can reach a definitive conclusion will not actually make the situation better. Instead, you just have to do the best you can with the information that you have, and try to make the most reasonable choices you can.

Edit: just to be clear, I'm not trying to express any particular stance on Gaiman himself - the most I've got there is it sounds like when I do delve down the rabbit hole more later on, I'll probably be disappointed in him. What I care about is that I'm seeing people reaffirm their stances with claims that someone quite literally couldn't lie (both in reference to Gaiman and the women who came forward), or citing the podcast's TERF affiliations as proof that nothing happened, or saying that Gaiman just gave off bad vibes, and that's proof he did do it. And like. That sort of rhetoric is what people point to when they want to discredit victims. That sort of rhetoric is how you wind up stumbling into having a bad take at some point and not being able to think critically about it. I'm more concerned about poking my head in here and seeing an absolute dumpster fire of shitty logic in every single stance than I am about whether or not an author whose stuff I've liked turns out to be a horrible person.

Also, re: the commenter who said he admitted coersion, that'd be super useful to know, but every source I've found in my short "okay what the fuck is going on" search says he's going full denial, so I'm gonna need a quote on that one. And to that end, that's exactly why I'm holding off on going down the rabbit hole, because I want to wait til there's a bit more coverage so I can get the story in one fell swoop rather than piecemeal. And also to that end, y'all are more than welcome to toss sources on here for me to check out at a later date, or for anyone else who might want them.

[watchingblsnowandforever]

We Are Ep.14: Part 1/3

Hello!!! =D

Welcome back to my crack posts!

Part 2, Part 3

Ep 14 ruined me, just so y'all know. I'm honestly scared for what the next episode will do to me. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!

Warning: long, long post 😊😅 (also divided into three parts this time because I wanted to screenshot the whole damn thing, but this is next best)

I did not expect Q to be the one to stand up for Phum, but I wasn't really surprised after the last ep. Previously, he'd be the first one to go up in arms, but he's starting to understand maybe everything isn't that straightforward, and despite his friends meddling in his own relationship, he wants to leave Peem alone.

Conclusion: he's a very good friend.

Of course. I should've known something like this would come up 😭

Of course they've taken baths together.

I love this friendship so much.

You again. 😶 I swear to the gods, this guy will give me high blood pressure or something. Please please just leave Peem, alone. Learn to take a 'no' and mantain social distancing.

Peem... you're too kind for your own good. (I get it though)

You have no right to say that, especially without knowing the full story. But I'm feeling kind, so you're still a (mostly) decent human to me. Try not to ruin that impression. And never, ever again say anything to my babie Phum. Ever.

Oh my gods my heart broke for Tan 🥺 Here he was, probably never having dated after he fell for Fang, so knowing that Fang had dated even after whatever they went through must be so painful to him.

FANG KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT'S WRONG AND HOW TO FIX IT.

Just like we see Tan waving away Fang's insecurities every time, Fang does the very same for Tan.

I love them. <33

🥺🫶🏼

They're both so whipped-

Fai: I didn't see anything 👀😗 (we all know she's fangirling so hard inside)

Fai is me, I am Fai.

No but, Phum, are you sure Peem staring at you for a long time won't make your heart race?

Whipped. They're both so goddamn whipped. *sighs fondly*

The horns I'm dying 😭😂

Phum wasn't even surprised 😭👍🏼

Okay, not the best impromptu band performance/concert I've seen, but this is Thai BL, and they need some music and at least like 10 scenes with some band to pass whatever standard of approval, so I'll let it slide. Also, I'm terribly fond of these idiots. <3

HANDS.

They're besties for a reason hehe

You're asking the question, but are you ready for the answer?

I have already gone crazy over this too many times, I really don't have the energy anymore.

Peem is definitely winning Best Non-Confession Confession of the Year Award.

Are we still talking about the painting, or...?

Honestly though, when he was saying this I got actual flashbacks of Phum kicking the ball into his painting and how their relationship developed from there till where they are right now.

HE-

He named it "Happy" because it's all the things that make him happy. 😶

I had to pause here to take a deep breath so I didn't break out in tears two eps in a row.

WHAT IS THIS SERIES DOING TO ME.

Also, taken together, they are a story in 3 pics.

I'm just gonna go sob in the corner.

When faced with that smile and that "na, Peem, na" how could he ever deny Phum anything 😭

Textbook definition of a blushing boy who just became boyfriends with his crush the boy he loves. <3

No, he thinks he's a babygirl and rightfully so.

THIS HUG. That's it. That's all I have to say. I have no words for how this made me feel, and will make me feel for the rest of the forseeable future.

I end Part 1 here. Part 2 and 3 will be out tomorrow (because they are quite a bit long and I have Thoughts about them that I need to write in detail)!

If you've gotten this far, thank you so much for reading!! 😊

Here, have a taco 🌮

[folklore-barnes]

Grotesquerie 1x08 | 1x09

Thoughts

We need to discuss how Redd used the word “ritual” twice in her scene with Marshall, and then later used it again when talking to Lois. Like????

I needed Megan to murder that nasty man so bad. I was so ready to ride at dawn for her, but thankfully Lois took care of it, and it was so satisfying.

Marshall is so diabolical, pls😭. Whisphering in Lois' ear that he wanted her to “fucking die” was insane. And then calling her a c***???? Like ik we're using that word a little more lightly these days (I still can't bring myself to say it or even write it), but the way he said it was crazy. Like he really meant every bit of what he said. I'm giving all the flowers of the world to Courtney B. Vance.

I wanted to be suspicious of the psychiatrist, but he looked so nice, like I could not see an ounce of evil in his eyes. And that's precisely why a part of me still believes there's something wrong with him.

I loved the confirmation that Megan was possessed in Lois' dream because I love being right.

Lois and Megan's chemistry still intact. You love to see it.

Doctor Charlie looking a little worried when Lois said that she heard everything, like... sir what are you hiding? A part of me thinks that he's obviously very evil, and another part of me thinks he said freaky things to Lois while she was asleep and maybe that's why she pictured him as freaky in her dream. Which would explain why he seemed to look at her with desire when he approached her the second time.

Maisie started off creepy, but when just got really endearing and funny, but with some creepiness still lingering.

I could feel Merritt's disdain towards Lois through the screen. Oh, Raven Godwin, the queen that you are.

Guys... wdym Merritt was in a cult?🧍🏽‍♀️

I'm sorry but Lois being in a coma 'cause of COVID out of all things was so stupid to me. Like I genuinely thought it would've been something bigger that could've been possibly related to the story, so it was a little disappointing to know that it was because of that.

Redd wanting to go to the same place that Lois suggested she'd move away too pissed me off so bad. Like okay, so now you want everything Lois wants or has??? That aside, I love Redd idc. She's so wholesome.

That last scene of Ep 9 was so weird and satisfying at the same time. Like a part of me is questioning that reality as well, especially 'cause Ryan mentioned there'd be more than one “reset” in the last episodes. But another part of me thought that Megan and that asshole were saying it wasn't real to use her former state against her and confuse her, so she wouldn't do anything. And ALSO???? That Justin guy was repeating the same thing that the old man said in the conference the psychiatrist had attended to. What the hell was that about???

The cross in the knife that Megan cut Lois has me wondering a lot 'cause wth was that about as well.

In conclusion, I'd lie to you if I said I wasn't expecting something else. I was expecting them to wrap it up a little bit quicker and for us to see more than one of the crimes. But looking back at it, I'm glad they didn't because now it makes even more sense for them to have a second season like Ryan mentioned because there'd still so many things to wonder about. I know some folks have been saying that it was boring after the twist and I understand where they're coming from, but I'm glad that they took some time to show us Lois coming to terms with her new reality, trying to make sense of it and dealing with the people in her life that were affected by her bad decisions. That led to some great acting performances from all of the main cast members, especially Niecy, Courtney, Raven and Micaela, who we got to see the most on the screen. I also think there's a lot more going on than we think, so I'm very intrigued to see what that's about.

Teaser

At first I just thought the three men are guilty. But there's no way they're telling us that in the teaser, so my guess is Ed and Marshall will be framed or are doing some sus activity that's being misunderstood or is not as bad as what the actual brains of the operation is doing. I have no idea.

Creepy dude in the shadow looks a lot like Charlie and the shot that is shown after hints at it. It's making him look hella sus, but a part of me thinks there's no way they're making it that obvious. So we'll see...