#although honestly its not like he's alone in that regard

[hyolks]

(TW: BODY/ORGANS/NEEDLES!!)

Yo! So I was scrolling down your posts and found the one about Al’s ever-increasing automail body and how you are unsure how many of his organs could be replaced and… I have personal experience with that! What a lovely thing, to go through organ failure and have it be worth it if I can pass on that experience for the sake of ✨semi-realism-maybe-if-you-squint✨

My pancreas failed. Entirely. I have to manually give myself insulin every time I eat, and do calculations for it all; I can eat pretty much anything, but it comes at a price. Something something “equivalent exchange” one might even say.

But anyway, I basically have a mechanical pancreas with a remote control! I inject a 7 day supply of insulin into it with a syringe, and I tell it how much and how frequently to inject manually. It can inject into any spot on the body with a thick enough fat layer, usually stomach, thighs, the flabby parts of your upper arm, etc… note: I was 90lbs when I first went into organ failure, you do not have to be any particular body type/size for this to work.

It’s a very simple concept for the machine, and very simple/limited commands. You could even combine the controller with it and make it so there’s a switch/buttons directly on the injection site that have pre-determined doses.

Insulin has to be kept temperature controlled when in storage too, so that’s a cool thing you could mess around with if he has to keep more than a week supply on him. (This can honestly also just be ignored if it’s too complicated ‘^-^)

Insulin is a hormone, basically a command to tell your body to do something. So this can be applied to certain parts of the brain as well!

I don’t know if this’ll help, or if you’ve already found other inspirations that conflict with it, I just thought “hey, this Al makes me feel a little less alone in the world, if I can project a piece of me onto him I’d be really happy”.

Sorry if that’s presumptuous or weird of me to do >~<

OH MY GOSH DW DW THANK YOU SO MUH FOR SENDING THIS!!!! I SINCERELY APPRECIATE IT !!! i know its very strange to say but i love reading stuff like this and this was truly incredible to receive :")

medication/suppliments 1000% slipped my mind like i cant even BELIEVE it how much i forgot to consider it. i knew that going through an organ transplant also entailed needing to take medication to keep your body from rejecting it, but thats about where i stop with knowledge about regarding organ replacements,, but that is so interesting in your case with how much control and calculation is needed?? I also never thought about how truly indepth/technical mechanical organs would need to be!! especially since our organs just casually do the things they do and having a machine mimic it is more than just hitting "go" ...!! if you dont mind me asking how does it like stay powered, i guess ? :O

THE PRESSURE THAT WOULD BE ADDED IF THEY HAD TIME CONSTRAINTS BC OF MEDICATION..... OOOOOO.... especially with the temperature control.... them traveling through the desert would be so much more perilous !! I really will haveta figure out what he would be taking, if it were insulin or some almagomation (that included insulin of course) that could provide him the nutrients he would be missing out on because his lack of ability to eat/digest food...?

the handwavy science of canon that allows automail to work via nerve connections for motor control definitely like. eases the load a bit? although most of these organs require more function than just motor control... hmmm... REGARDLESS, thank u so mcuh for bringing up manually providing the body with hormones (and additionally nutrients), because no matter how quote unquote advanced the automail is, it wouldnt be able to actually produce the things he needs... process it, maybe? sure? but cannot produce it...!!

you're genuinely so sweet!!! thank you SO SO SO much for sending this in !! it really means so much to me that you can relate to this Al :")!! even though im probably trying to get tooo realistic with this portrayal (given the fact that al is mostly metal OTL) i dont want to like... not consider the things he would have to go through ? i guess? i cant quite figure out the words for what i want to say, but nonetheless!! <33333 thank you!!!!!

[ccrisntok]

Your Masterminds, Whit Young, and Ace Markey! (mm! whace au)

(Spoilers lol)

what normal fellas ahahahahaha (I have poured my entire soul into these two there is nothing left of me)

A basic summary of their relationship:

Whit has spent like, over a year manipulating Ace into being complacent in his plans. In his own eyes, Ace is a sorta-stupid lacky, who he's constantly love-bombing to keep obedient. Although, he is a bit glad for the company... it was sorta empty when Ace was "dead" and they couldn't really talk. And maybe Ace almost dying from his fake execution was a bit disturbing. But he's sure its nothing! (He fell in love with him like a moron.)

Ace has fully fallen in love with Whit. He's not happy about it, but it happened. As a result, he's basically ruined any semblance of his own morality, just so he doesn't lose Whit, or the affection he knows is mostly performative. He's more than happy to kill his fuck-face classmates, after a... bit of prodding, and honestly, he'd do anything Whit asked at this point, even die. He'll still complain about it, though.

i tried to be as original as humanly possible, but I'm def giving credit to @talkativeanonymous, @acethehorseishere, and @a-blog-for-kat all for inspiring these two in one way or another (esp. a-blog-for-kat lol).

anyway there's the art, here's the promised lore. warning for like a million words. I'm serious. It's 1,400 words. you can stop here i don't blame you.

also sorry for the odd looking bullet points, didn't realize you couldn't have gaps lol!

This au operates on a probably un-canon assumption that I pulled out of my ass. That is that Mai Akasaki is both a student in the class of 27, and that she is the "time loop" student. She is usually a part of the killing game, but she isn't this time, for reasons I'll explain in a sec.

This specific loop, Mai is attempting to dissuade the (usual) mastermind from wanting to start a killing game in the first place. That mastermind is Whit Young.

She goes about this by trying to curb Whit's main reason for his descent into despair, his resounding loneliness, by giving him championship. Charles hasn't softened up to the others in any regard yet. But that wasn't the main reason, unbenouced to Mai.

In this loop, and this loop alone, Mai sets Whit and Ace up to be friends. She hopes they can help each other, since they usually end up more or less alone in their school life.

Surprisingly, it works. They get along decently well, although a codependency starts to develop on Ace's side.

Around this time, Whit takes up an internship at XF Future, which Mai doesn't realize. He innocently wants to explore other job options, "Matchmaking" not really being a stable career forever.

Obviously FX Future isn't a normal Tech Company. Whit starts to change, in a barely noticeable fashion, the longer he works there.

Ace notices Whit's contacts start looking a lot more vibrant after Whit takes a couple weeks off school for a "company trip." He thinks it's... sort of pretty.

(Whit's time at XF Future showed him a side of humanity he didn't realize existed. Insane levels of greed, using the concepts of "ultimates" to guide a stupid pubic where the Government wanted them, generally a dystopia. It feeds into his existing detachment from humanity, until he hits a breaking point, setting his sights on ending the "Ultimates" concept by killing the newest class in the public eye, including himself.)

(XF Future develops a new sort of technology, prosthetic "eyes" that basically turn you into a living remote control, able to connect to an entire building if its connected via a computer system. Security cameras, doors, fucking air conditioning- everything.

(Whit offers himself as the test dummy, and it goes perfectly.)

Anyway, Mai decides to talk to Ace, since she's starting to realize he's becoming a bit... softer after hanging out with Whit so much? And hopes like, for once, he'll actually accept help for his mountain of problems.

He doesn't take this conversation very well.

Mai, with knowledge from dozens of loops, accidentally brings up an extremely traumatic event, simply mentioning the name "Tyler" once.

In a blinding mix of rage and horror at Mai's knowledge of the event, that Ace has literally never even spoken about in this timeline, Ace shoves her away from him.

She falls backwards, and splits her head on a desk, killing her instantly.

Ace, in a horrified frenzy, calls Whit, literally his only friend.

Whit shows up. Ace expects him to freak the fuck out, call the cops, or something like that... But he doesn't.

Whit simply tells him they were going to hide the body together, not even remotely caring about Mai's death.

yeah that's a little fucking weird, and its terrifying, but going to jail is scarier sooo Ace goes along with it!

After this, Whit wraps Ace into uncharacteristically cruel pranks against some of their classmates and others at Hopes Peak, oftentimes resulting in physical injury.

He acts like these are completely normal and funny, while Ace is both freaked out by it, and sort of enjoys enacting pain on people he didn't like.

Along the way, Whit notices Ace starting to fall for him. Horrible news for Ace, since Whit plays into those emotions by becoming much more physically and emotionally affectionate. Which he doesn't enjoy, like, at all... not a bit...

Whit convinces Ace to assist him in greater and greater acts of violence until Whit just straight up kills someone (not a classmate, a stranger.)

Ace is of course tied into everything way too deep to stop now, and after all this... he doesn't really want to. So he stays as Whit's accomplice for months, up until Whit's weirdo behavior arrives at the idea of the killing game. He references the "First Killing Game", which Ace had never heard of.

The idea is a bit intense for Ace, but at that point, he didn't have anything beyond Whit. If it took this to stay with him... He'd do it. Even if in the end, they both were going to die.

So they get to work!

Ace had been taking engineering classes at Hope's Peak in hopes of getting out of jockeying, and he'd helped his family build sheds and shit since he was a kid, so he focused on the construction and executions.

Whit wired the building an all-encompassing computer system he could control, as well as stealing "Mono-TV" from XF Future, a robot he can fully control to be the "host" of the game.

He also steals the "mind wiping" technology from XF Future. It's weirdly easy to steal stuff from this company, hm? It's almost like they aren't protecting it...

Whit also uses another piece of experimental biological technology... on Ace.

A screen connected to his brain, a lottt less invasive than Whit's eye surgery. It doesn't impact Ace mentally, it just gives him the ability to produce visible projections for easy construction, communicate with Whit remotely, (and give Whit a way to always know what Ace's condition.)

The screen is unclipped when the game starts, but the brain implant is still connected to Whit, so he can detect Ace's condition.

After kidnapping the class of 27 and wiping their memories... It all starts. A killing game, streamed live to the entire nation.

Whit and Ace start off as a part of the class, interacting with the others like normal, a pretty decent show. Things go roughly as planned, putting everyone in the positions Whit wanted them. Untilll... chapter 2.

Ace gets his ass jumped, and almost dies prematurely. This is fine, Whit privately makes sure the wounds properly cleaned, but it does fill Whit with an... ominous feeling.

Ace still kills Arei, a part of the plan, and gets "executed", so he can more easily upkeep the executions and such behind the scenes.

After the screen playing the fake execution turns off, Whit checks to make sure Ace didn't get injured in his running around... but can't detect anything.

At all.

Ace's heart wasn't beating.

He actually, seriously, had a fucking heart attack.

(Ace's heart attack was for a combination of reasons. Firstly, his heart was actually in pretty bad condition as a result of his eating disorder, something Whit had figured was "over" by now. It wasn't!)

(Second, in that moment, the idea that maybe, just maybe, Whit could have been double-crossing him came to Ace. What if Whit loaded the guns? What if Ace's use was done, and Whit was finally getting rid of him? It was terrifying because he could die, and terrifying because... It'd make sense. It was all that ever happened to him.)

So he had a heart attackkk lameeeeee

This makes Whit tweak the fuck out, internally. (lol pretend his spooky ass sprite happens AFTER the execution, not before. shh its all made up its all pretend)

After Levi gets taken to the infirmary, Whit drops Charles off at his room as quickly as he can, then fucking BOLTS IT to a hidden passageway in his room to the like... Mastermind area, with the execution chamber.

Whit manages to resuscitate Ace in time, barely. And even after that, he's in pretty bad condition. But he's conscious and mobile.

Whit gets him as comfortable as he can, and after spending the night, he sort of... has to leave. He does some tweaks to Ace's brain screen thing, creating a functional heart monitor that Ace (and he) can watch.

As often as he can, Whit sneaks off to the Mastermind area at night to make sure Ace doesn't fucking die in his sleep. But Ace gets... decently better quickly, and returns to his duties overseeing the killing game.

Whit still visits almost every night to make sure Ace wakes up, which he can't really explain to himself. Ace was... supposed to be disposable anyway. Why would it matter if he died?

Anyway yeah the rest of the game happens. No clue there.

In the end, Whit and Ace come out as masterminds (happy pride).

I have a comic planned for how the end goes, soooo... that's it!

holy fuck! my fingers! hi the whole 2 people who made it down this far... uh... did you like my lore.....? do you want me dead now for having you read 1,400 words of two evil homsexuals...? 😅 love you thank you im sorry.

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - Top 3 Are HEATING UP

Organized, in each category, by ones I'm enjoying most at the top.

Dec 2023 Wk 2

Ongoing Series - Thai

Honestly, 3 are neck & necking for top position! They are all so good in different ways. But The Sign had me hooting with laughter this week, so it scooped #1.

The Sign (Sat YT) ep 4 of 10 - This show is literally everything (except straight) all at once. It's BL, queer, band of brothers, romcom, erotica, paranormal, fated mates, mystery, suspense, slasher, and horror. It’s the king of genre mash-up chaos. I have no idea what I’m watching but I’m ON this ride. Is it a roller coaster? Is it a haunted house? Is it a twirl & hurl? Is there candy floss? Am I even tall enough? Who tf cares. All through the second scene, I was laughing. It was legit funny. Billy has great comedic timing. Guess he’s not just a pretty face.

Everyone should be watching this. Sure, it's madness but there is genius in it.

Last Twilight (Fri YT) ep 6 of 12 -  Yech. August may be one of GMMTV’s least likable characters ever (and that is saying something). Meanwhile, MOAR language play! They spoiling me!

Mhok letting Day go then walking away at the party hurt so bad.

Argh this show is great!

Ep 6 so that kiss was right on schedule. I’m looking forward to the boyfriend eps before doom & pain in the new year. Carry on GMMTV. 

Speaking of...

Cherry Magic (Sat YouTube) ep 2 of 12 - Oh they’re great. It’s great. It’s paced oddly, moving quickly through most of the key scenes of the original JBL in these first 2 eps. I think it’s intending to encompass more of the manga series than that one did. Which is good, cause that will get us all the way to The Library Kiss (TM). It's the best kiss in the manga. I also like the sides in this show (better than the JBL version). 

My Dear Gangster Oppa (Thurs iQIYI) ep 8fin - What a lovely slightly unhinged little show. Tew, can we talk? Un-ironic suspenders, that takes courage. Also, the revolver was a crazy gun choice. 

Final thoughts:

This show is just as ridiculous as its title. About a gaymer who falls in love with one of his in-game teammates, who just happens to be a IRL gangster. A real gangster, the kind that actually kills people regularly. The lead pair is doing their best with a ridiculous story and shoddy script, but I enjoyed it. Although I was grateful it wasn’t very long, what we got was oddly satisfying if, frankly, a little bit silly. Recommended. 8/10 

That said, what's important about this BL is not the show, but the production and style. Let me explain... no, too much, let me sum up.

This is a chimera BL. Regarding characters: it has Japan's style otaku + Korea's style gangster + Thailand's style friendship group. It used Thai talent + Korean money (Kakao) & IP (adapted from a manwha) but aired on a Chinese channel globally (iQIYI). I'm delighted by the eclectic insanity of this production and truly doubt that any other genre but BL could ever produce like this. It's like diplomat's BL and it's the great wonder of our age that it happened at all. This BL deserves its place in the history books on production alone, even if that place is only in the footnotes. A remarkable little monster.

For Him (Thurs iQIYI) ep 3 of 10 - The sides are… messy. Using the same actor for the old bf is… odd. But in the end, this show leaves me smiling. Which means, I like it despite myself. 

Bake Me Please (Mon Gaga) ep 4 of 6 - It's decent. It’s basically what I wanted Antique Bakery to be when I first watched that way back when (not to mention Bite Me). But there’s been so much BL since then that, for some reason, this is falling flat. I think it’s moving too fast for a Thai series. Although, say what you like, Ohm has to be one of the best soft kissers in the industry. He's just good at mouth tenderness.

Ugh, that doesn't sound right. But you know what I mean.

Twins the series (Fri GaGa) ep 7 of 10 - I love how First is so upset when Sprite starts chatting and being nice to Koh. Sprite is just a sweet easy-going likable boy. I enjoy Sprite as a main character, he’s a bubbly little communicator. And they had a cute kiss.  

Pit Babe (Fri iQIYI) ep 5 of 14 - Because there was more Alan and Jeff and they were more key to the plot I was more into this ep. I do compare it to green smoothie down the pants in the Trash Watch.

Cooking Crush (Sun YT) ep 3 of 12 - Look OffGun are truly great. But I’m just not sure we need them in BL anymore. That said, it’s nice to see Off as "the one with the crush" for a change. Also, this show is only good when OffGun are on screen together, otherwise it kinda, well, sucks.

Night Dream (Sat YT) ep 1 of 6 - Cafe setting featuring a cook and a writer. *Seems awfully familiar.* Except these two are exes and this is a reunion romance. It’s stiff and very pulp but not bad (no crap sound effects) and I am a sucker for a reunion romance. That said, Rookie Thailand is not to be trusted, proceed with caution.

Absolute Zero (Weds iQIYI) ep 12fin - I'm grateful this is over. It was tense but for the wrong reasons - sadness and confusion. This final episode was fine, but that’s because it was mostly them being together + flashbacks. Plus all the familiar actor faces of the grown-up friends (hi, Karn my lovely, still stunning I see). But 2 of 12 episodes is not enough for the 10 of suffering and confusion that came before.

In conclusion:

A man is killed on his 10th anniversary resulting in a time paradox, for which the only solution is him never meeting his childhood sweetheart until later in life. Both lovers cycle back to the past at different ages, so that they each become their own 1st & 2nd great loves, but every time it ends in pain, until each also endures 10 years of separation. Finally it gets fixed, but leaves them with multiple memories of time's failures like temporal PTSD, and everyone around them has chronic deja vu. Me? I got both. This is one of those BLs that is high-quality with great acting but poor story. If you like your BL dwelling, maudlin, and tense due to angst and suffering, then you might enjoy this. But I just regret it, 6/10. Recommended only if you like confusing time travel emo pain.

In which case, just watch Tokyo in April is... instead. Give over Thailand, Japan does it better.

Middleman’s Love (Fri YT & iQIYI ep 6 of 8 - While our main couple isn’t working for me... the side couple isn’t working for me either. I really wanted to give LeoTai a chance, this is the 3rd show I’ve seen them in, and still nope. I like Jade a lot more when he’s sad. He’s a much more pleasant screen experience depressed. I would like him to stay hurt for a couple of eps, just so I can enjoy this show a tiny bit more. But then he just goes unhinged again. Argh. I just don’t like it. 

My Universe (Sun iQIYI) Pisces of Me ep 17 of 24 - Codependent boyfriends in middle school planning for high school dealing with stuff. Including other boys being into them. 

Playboyy (Thurs Gaga) 5 of 14 eps - Dear Playboyy, it's not you, it’s me… I hate you. You’re about as deep (and as palatable) as a shot glass of cum. While I'm sure you’re someone’s kink, you're my weakest link. Goodbye. DNF 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

VIP Only (Taiwan Fri Gaga) ep 5 of 10 - It’s cute but I don’t think BL in this short format is Taiwan’s strength these days. And this is quite slow and dull. Perhaps they should have whacked it down to 6 eps, not 10.

Sahara-sensei to Toki-kun (Japan Fri Gaga) ep 3 of 8 - This is one of those JBLs that I should like on paper but is failing me. The drag bit was ridiculous but handled gently. The kiss was… well… something wasn’t it? It’s all very odd. I like the photographer cutie character. 

It's Airing But...

The Whisperer (Sun ????) 10 eps - Thai horror BL that ALSO involves cheating (what joy is mine). I don't think even the perfect single dimple can motivate me to watch. Word is... it's terrible.

7 Days Before Valentine (Weds WeTV) 10 eps - Giving me Luminous Solution vibes. I'm waiting to binge if it's safe.

Beyond The Star (Weds iQIYI) 8 eps - House of Stars meets Boyband. I was NOT impressed with ep 1. Been told I shouldn't bother.

What Did You Eat Yesterday Season 2 AKA Kinou Nani Tabeta? Season 2 (Japan Gaga) 10 eps - I find this series more fun to binge, so I'm waiting until after it completes its run next week.

Dear Kitakyushu (Thai/Japan movie) in theaters in country only, I know nothing about distribution.

Behind the Shadows (Korea movie) this is a historical I was interested in, but I've been told they kill the gay so I'm OUT.

Next Week Looks Like This

Still coming:

12/23 Dead Friend Forever (Thai horror) iQIYI

Original 2023 forthcoming BL master post (see comments, some are inaccurate, NOT KEPT UPDATED). With the end of the year upon us I'll do an "announced for 2023 but never happened list" soon.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

He so pretty.

I forgot how likable TayNew are, and frankly I think New is a better version of this role for me, personally. I like him a lot. He's a conscientious sweetheart. And a good egg. (Cherry Magic)

Ah the rooftop my old friend. (Last Twilight)

I would like to point out that it's no accident the naga's sex dream happened in the shower, he's a water creature after all. (The Sign)

(Last week)

[i-am-creacheur]

okay listen. I get the urge to talk about my favorite life series ship like it's Canon in every season...BUT. THAT HAS NEVER ONCE BEEN THE CASE.

Yes, Jimmy would be upset if Tango canaried (technical scientific term for that). Everyone would be- even I would be, and I've never watched a single one of his videos. Canarying sucks, and it hurts. Of course I would be upset. THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT I THINK JIMMY WOULD BREAK DOWN SOBBING FROM A CHARACTER STAND POINT. They have had only like... THREE on screen interactions. One is Tango murdering a man infront of Jimmy and another is Tango cheerfully burning down something one of Jimmy's teammates worked very hard on. WildLifeChara!Jimmy has more reason to hate or be afraid of WildLifeChara!Tango than to be madly in love with him.

I promise you, if Tango had offered Jimmy a life instead of Ren, people wouldn't shut up about for MONTHS. But, because it's Ren, somehow the interaction isn't NEARLY as homoerotic??? I understand having NOTP's, but the Jimmy/Ren ship doesn't even show up ONCE on ao3. Zero fics. ZE-RO. There's no reason to hate something that doesn't even exist.

This same concept applies for Flower Husbands as well- not just in Wild Life, and Secret Life and Limited Life and Last Life and Real Life though- in Empires.

I have no clue about Empires Season 1, but they barely interacted in Empires Season 2- and yet the amount of ship art I sift through on a weekly basis for my side blog is actually insane. Yeah, the few interactions WERE important, but I think Scott only flirted (in video) with Jimmy maaybbeeee three times. I have no idea what the count of that for streaming is, but I swear it is not enough to keep that number so inflated.

Although, honestly, this problem might just be affecting me because of my personal view on shipping- if it's in a context where it doesn't make sense for the characters to be romantically engaged, I won't read it or write it.

For example, my beloved Solidwood! I mostly get their vibes or read their fics from the following series: Evo, Last Life, New Life, Empires2, Secret Life. That's because those settings make sense! They are active, they are engaged, they have near constant interactions or very close base locations. It makes SENSE for them to be shipped. However, if you showed me art or fic of them in, say, Limited Life, I'd furrow my brow and tilt my head and say "no, that doesn't do anything for me." BECAUSE THEY HAVE ZERO REASON TO BE INVESTED ROMANTICALLY IN ONE ANOTHER THERE, AS A STAND ALONE SETTING.

Most of the major Jimmy ships, though, don't follow this rule. I can understand loving a ship so much you want to see it everywhere- but, I promise you, stepping back and looking at which characters actually have chemistry regarding the new setting and social system will do wonders... you won't have to think of new Au's to insert your favorite ship into a new setting... all ships will be your favorite ship (unless they give you the ick). Join the multishiper hivemind /j

No but honestly it's gotten to the point where I will like or dislike a creator/character of theirs by what ship is their most popular given the context of the setting. Like, Tango in Double Life? Awww the sweetie!! I love him :) and then Tango in Empires2 sets off alarm bells in my brain screaming at me. He is NOT meant to be here bringing that ship here, this is NOT its territory. Same problem for Scott in nearly damn near every SMP both Jimmy and him are in... except Wild Life because he's actually been pretty nice and not condescending or forcing on Jimmy. I guess also power imbalances in how fans view them is a major no-go for me...

Idk if you read this whole thing thanks I guess... for anymore needed context I am a Jimmy rarepair obsessed multishiper.

TLDR; Lots of popular ships are inserted into settings without a thought for what that would mean for the setting and any changes in the established social connections, which gives OP the ick. I'm also not policing ships I'm just begging people to please either understand more ships using in setting context or list their AU details in the summaries of the fics. This goes hand in hand with misinterpreting characters in writing also... the more ships you like the more characters you will get to get good at writing!!!!

[hadesknockedupintheunderworld]

Okay I just need to say that I knew I'd like this Tailstube as soon as I saw the thumbnail (after all, I am a Sonadails enjoyer, and Tails is literally in the middle of them in the thumbnail)

But I think probably something that stood out the most to me when I watched it was just

The hints that Shadow and Tails have a relationship outside of Sonic??

The first thing that tipped me off to this was that not only did Tails convince Shadow to join in on his show, he also convinced him to stick around to its natural end?? You know, Shadow. The guy you can't force to do anything and frequently will just dip if he's bored or doesn't want to be there. But even while Sonic was annoying him and he made it clear he wanted the "interview" over with, he still never made a move to chaos control out of there because of any of this.

And the second thing that tipped me off was this:

When Shadow is both confused and annoyed at Sonic, he chooses to complain to Tails about Sonic. And so Tails steps in to try to "explain" what Sonic meant by what he said (i.e he told Shadow something much nicer in the interest of getting them to be on better terms). The fact that he looks to Tails to complain to about Tails' own best friend and possibly even to explain that which he does not understand in a social context tells me just how highly he regards Tails. And since both Shadow and Sonic are being childish here, it's amusing to see Tails regarded as something closer to a trusted figure with more power here.

From an objective analysis standpoint, of course this means they have their own friendship. And this is a prospect I enjoy (The idea that Tails and Shadow are good friends)! It actually means a lot to me that Tails could form a frienship or bond with Shadow outside of the context of Sonic (in terms of who initiates it and for what reason it's initiated).

But, my friends, from a biased standpoint, I'm shipping trash. And to me this Tailstube was a fun show for Sonadails fans. Honestly, Tails staging this episode to get Sonic and Shadow to talk and "bury the hatchet", as well as how he acts during the show, read a lot to me personally like a guy trying to get his two boyfriends (who happen to be rivals) to get on better terms, if not just tolerate each other. I quite like the idea of Tails dating both of these idiots and just trying to get them to play nice when they're all together (although frankly I think the ideal scenario for Tails in my biased reading is that Sonic and Shadow get together as well).

This is also not to mention the dynamics showcased here! Sonic and Tails as best friends, with Sonic assuming that he and Tails were gonna talk shit about Shadow behind his back, and Tails trying to get him to play nicer. Shadow and Tails as friends, with Tails trying to convince him why he and Sonic are in the perfect position to become friends and helping him out socially, and with Shadow choosing to do something he doesn't want to because of Tails, as well as looking to Tails to complain to when Sonic is annoying him or when he doesn't understand something. And then there's Sonic and Shadow. In short, their relationship in this episode reminded me a lot of the dynamic I plotted out for that Sonadow post I wrote up where the two just beat the crap out of each other. In slightly longer terms, I find interesting how Mr. Flynn maintained Sonic and Shadow's dynamic during SA2 (with Sonic bothering Shadow and trying to fight him, while Shadow is just annoyed that Sonic won't leave him alone) while also showing the audience that they are rivals. And in longer terms...Sonic was clearly seeking a fight during this episode. And the facial expression, the mocking, his tone of voice, it doesn’t really matter whether or not he actually dislikes Shadow and believes they could never be friends. He's trying to annoy Shadow and goad him into a fight because he wants to fight Shadow so badly it makes him look stupid. And we can tell by how he expresses his confusion to Tails that Shadow is just not getting this. To him Sonic is just being annoying and confusing. Sonic is targeting him specifically, and Shadow shoots back with his own words. And so it's also pointed that Shadow reciprocates/actually decides to fight Sonic when Sonic specifically challenges him. He doesn't respond to Sonic trying to goad him on, but when Sonic challenges him specifically he's much more interested in opposing him.

Anyways guys I love Shadow and Tails having a soft on the side relationship while Sonic flirts by convincing Shadow to fight him somehow😂💖

[rewritingcanon]

Honestly I love the interpretation of the Greengrass’s having some Greek heritage (I’m of Greek descent) and it honestly kind of lines up. Due to their surname definitely not being Greek I’d have to assume it’s on their mothers side, so the side that’s cursed.

I also love this because unlike every other character having Roman names, Daphne and Astoria (and Hyperion) are definitely Greek in origin no questions asked. I seriously doubt Scorpius’ middle name is from a Malfoy, and honestly it would make more sense if it was Astoria’s maternal grandfather or uncle.

Daphne the nymph had a connection to Apollo and Astoria’s original form Asteria has a connection to Artemis and Apollo, Apollo having taken over for Helios, Helios having taken over for Hyperion as sun gods. And Scorpius (Skorpio) the constellation also has a connection to Artemis and Orion! All of their names somehow relate and I love this detail.

Daphne was a naiad, a nymph of the river Ladon of Arkadia (more on Ladon later) or Peneios of Thessalia. Famously Apollo was attracted to Daphne and pursued her endlessly until in her exhaustion she asked for Gaia’s help. Gaia turned her into a tree, the laurel tree that Apollo is heavily associated with, and also — and I’m not kidding — was used as a symbol in the Festival of Delphi!

Asteria (the Titanesse of falling stars, prophetic dreams and the nighttime) has a surprisingly similar story, although with a lot more going on. Asteria was — like many Greek women — caught the eye of Zeus. He chased her around a bit until she became a quail, went into the water, and became the island of Delos. Delos is also the birth place of Artemis and Apollo, and Hera had done a very thorough job of trying to prevent Leto from birthing these twins, making it a whole big thing that she finally managed to birth them. So, Asteria has that motherhood connection too, specifically to the sun and moon.

Daphne and Astoria essentially both come from stories regarding a man wanting a woman and her becoming part of the wilderness when he can’t take no for an answer. Make whatever theories regarding their blood curse from that theme that you want.

Hilariously, Scorpius’ name sort of ties into this theme. Most constellations as we know them come from a corresponding Greek or Phoenician myth and Scorpius is no different. Orion the giant was harassing either Artemis herself, some of her hunters, or the Pleiades, and Artemis did not like this. So she created a horrifying monster to kill Orion, called the Skorpios. Orion died, and was placed among the stars to honour his valiant deeds, but the Pleiades were also in the stars and he promptly started harassing them again, so Skorpios (or Scorpius) was also placed among the stars to get this guy to knock it off. Astrologically speaking the Scorpius constellation even chases Orion through the night sky.

This has the hilarious effect of naming Daphne and Astoria after harassed women and Scorpius after the consent monster that’ll kill you if you don’t back the fuck off. Also the fact that so many of the Black family names relate back to Orion (Sirius is his dog, and Bellatrix is his shoulder) should not be missed.

So basically, don’t harass women when Scorpius is in earshot of you. Or, conversely, Delphi leave that child the fuck alone, Scorpius will ruin your day.

(I could say more, because there is actually a surprising amount to analyse when it comes to just these guys names, but I think this is enough for now.)

yknow what the greek greengrass family is slowly growing on me and i think this may be the last nail in the coffin for anything else because i have quite literally never heard a better exploration to the super frustratingly vague ‘blood curse that attacks greengrass women every few generations’ thing besides an ancient magic tied to greek myth. i remember someone else headcanoning this too.

idk how big of a deal this is in ur greek family but in mine names are HUGE and are especially big because its a greek thing to name ur kids after ur parents. like me, and my other firstborn cousins are all named after my papou, and my sister and secondborn cousin are named after my yiayia. so does that mean there was a scorpius greengrass 👀 most greeks i know typically dont have middle names but i guess there are some that do. one of my childhood friends had one for instance, and her middle name was her yiayia’s name so maybe that’s what hyperion is as you said (maybe i am reading too much into it since greengrass is certainly not a greek name so if the curse was greek than that line would probs be very diluted).

also rip scorpius if you were actually greek you wouldve loved kourabiedes. it wouldve done more for you than chocolate frogs ever did.

[ask-felix-aberg]

*Upon entering your room, you noticed a bouquet of forget-me-nots placed above your bedside drawer. There was also a small red box with a matching ribbon beside the bouquet. As you went closer to inspect, you saw that there was also a letter under the red box with the label "To: Felix*

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁₊ ⊹

Dear Felix,

You must think I have forgotten about you.

Ha! I don’t think I ever will, for you left quite an impression on me, which I believe you’re partially already aware of.

You know, it’s been a while since our last exchange. So, tell me, how have you been? Has life been treating you well like you deserve, or has it been throwing you some challenges?

I haven’t been seeing you lately—actually, most people I know, as well. As embarrassing as it is to admit, I had an accident with a Bludger during Quidditch practice about a month ago. It hit my head, and I was unconscious for weeks.

I’m afraid that I missed out on your birthday, too.

If it’s any consolation, I made something for you! It’s a soothing perfume with a slightly crisp scent of lemon, bergamot, and a bit of lavender. I thought that it would suit you, plus I heard you like lemons! :D

I’m not entirely sure if you like perfumes, but let me know if it’s to your liking or not.

Oh Felix, I really hope that I’ll be able to join our classes soon, so that I may be able to at least introduce myself to you or just see you again. Just witnessing your smile warms my heart; therefore, I’m looking forward to seeing it again.

Although I’ve grown quite fond of our exchanges, I can’t help but wonder... how would you feel if I revealed my identity? You don’t have to answer; I just wanted to put it out there.

Anyway, I wish you all the best, and always take care!

Warmest regards,

Your Secret Admirer

. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁˖ . ݁₊ ⊹

Felix entered his dorm room after a long day, ready to collapse into bed, when something unusual caught his eye. A bouquet of forget-me-nots sat on his bedside drawer, along with a small, neatly wrapped red box. Curious, he picked it up and gave it a gentle shake, hearing a faint sound inside. But before he could investigate further, his eyes landed on a letter tucked beneath the box.

With a grin, Felix sat on his bed and carefully opened the envelope, his eyes scanning the neat handwriting. As he read, his expression changed from surprise to concern and then softened as he reached the end.

"A perfume?" he murmured to himself and set the letter aside for a moment to open the red box. What he found was a sleek flacon, its glass sparkling under the low light of his room. He uncapped it, carefully dribbling a bit of the liquid onto the back of his hand, bringing it closer to his nose. It was refreshing, soothing even, and he couldn't help but smile as he enjoyed the fragrance. He appreciated the lightness of it - nothing too overwhelming.

Satisfied, he sat down at his desk, reading the letter once more before reaching for parchment and quill to write his reply.

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─☆: .☽ . :☆─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Dear Secret Admirer,

It's lovely to hear from you again, and thank you for the thoughtful gifts. I hope you've been recovering well from your accident. I had heard bits and pieces from other students about the Bludger incident - Quidditch can be quite unforgiving. I'm relieved to know you're awake and on the mend. If you're still in the Hospital Wing, don't worry too much - Alsius is the best Healer we've got, and I'm sure you'll be back to yourself in no time!

As for me, life has been a bit challenging, but nothing too unexpected. The N.E.W.T.s are fast approaching, and most of my time is spent studying. It's exhausting, to say the least, but with the holidays just around the corner, I'm looking forward to a bit of a break. Do you have any plans for the holidays? I hope they involve some well-deserved rest after everything you've been through.

You don't need to apologise about missing my birthday - honestly, the thought alone means a lot. And while the gifts weren't necessary, they're very lovely. The perfume is delightful, and you're right - I do have a fondness for lemons!

I'm not usually one to wear fragrances, but I think I might use it as a room scent. It's refreshing, and it brings a nice atmosphere to our space.

I truly hope you'll be able to return to classes soon. It'll be good to have you back among everyone. I've missed your quiet presence behind me in Arithmancy. :)

And as for revealing your identity, I wouldn't mind at all if you chose to do so. At the very least, I'd be able to thank you properly for everything. But of course, I completely respect your decision if you choose to remain anonymous. I've enjoyed our little exchanges. They have been such a lovely part of my days.

Thank you again for the flowers, the perfume, and your kind words. If you need anything - anything at all - or if there's something I can do for you, don't hesitate to let me know. Until then, take care, and I wish you all the best in your recovery.

Warmly,

Felix

[whats-it-mean]

hiii idk how i haven't seen anyone writing about this trope with him but... can i request some kaoru with a jealous/possessive s/o? since he's popular and he's like, the pretty boy from undead i think it would a scenario of him getting hit and maybe his s/o just asks him politely to be alone for a moment with an excuse, but it's actually just to steal a kiss from him since they got jealous and they're a bit sulky now ^^

Jealousy, jealousy ☆

A/N - HAHAHAH. ANOTHER KAORU REQUEST WEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEHEH evil cackling i love kaoru so much and honestly this prompt makes so much sense like. you cant tell me he doesnt get hit on every time he leaves his house (and with good reason i mean have you SEEN him??????????????????????????????)

C/W - none :D

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

A relationship with Kaoru, resident playboy of UNDEAD, was bound to have its strings attached, and you knew that by now. It wasn’t too big of a deal to you. Him offering winks out to the crowd and occasionally using some sort of shitty pick up line during interviews- Just little acts of fanservice for the various fans who would enjoy that sort of thing, and by now it was all something you’d become accustomed to.

And even then, it wasn’t necessarily a bad thing when there was an UNDEAD meet-and-greet. It was vaguely annoying to see how many girls (and even some boys) would fawn over him at such events, but you were there to support him, after all, and it wasn’t enough of a nuisance to bring up when it was so crucial to his success as an idol. 

And, even the slight annoyances were fine, because most, if not all of UNDEAD’s fans were respectful enough to realize which boundaries not to push.

But there’s always an exception to that sort of thing, isn’t there?

It was fairly average for Kaoru to flirt with fans at meet-and greet-events, but today there was one person in particular who seemed to have no regard whatsoever for his comfort in the situation. It started off fairly normal, them clearly expressing their excitement as they shook Kaoru’s hand, but you couldn’t help but feel offput by the way they stared at him.

“Kaoru!! It’s so amazing to meet you!” They squealed, squeezing their hands tighter around Kaoru’s, and he let out a nervous chuckle.

“Ah, of course, always a pleasure to meet a fan~”  

You blinked in annoyance, rolling your eyes at the typical, overly-familiar display before turning back to face the meet-and-greet stall, only to see this particular fan having leaned uncomfortably close to Kaoru, a love-struck look in their eyes and as they spoke. “Kaoru, you should go out with me! I’m your biggest fan, and I love you, you know!”

Wha…?

Without a moment to waste, the security guards scattered about the stall took the individual away, eliciting a pouty whine from them, but they overall didn’t put up too much of a fight against it, although yelling “I love you, Kaoru!!” as they were taken off. 

Saying you were pissed was probably an understatement.

You huffed at the display, tapping your foot with agitation as you stared off at where security had taken them, letting your eyes linger on the corner they’d just turned before walking up next to Kaoru with a practiced smile on your face.

“Apologies! Kaoru needs an impromptu break, so he’ll have to take a quick leave, everyone.” You announced, earning some annoyed groans from the line of fans awaiting their turn. He glanced at you, confusion evident on his face, but didn’t protest as he watched you. “He’ll be back soon.”

And with that, you had an arm around his and were practically dragging him to find a more secluded area in the little setup UNDEAD had, your poor temper only festering as you turned around a corner and finally stopped, huffing and crossing your arms.

“Um..” Kaoru chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck as he stared at you. “Everything okay?”

You glanced up at him, contemplating your options- you could either explain your jealousy, and risk endless teasing from Kaoru (and, consequently, Rei), or… You could kiss him. A quick little reminder that he was yours, and then the problem would be resolved, right?

It seemed as good a plan as any other, and you found yourself wrapping your arms carefully around his neck to bring him down to your height and closed the distance with a quick and sweet kiss. You pulled away after a moment of reveling in the way his eyes widened from the feeling of your lips against his, and grinned. 

“...Yeah, everything’s good.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── End.

[thelampisaflashlight]

Strangely Human Rewrite 2: Pretend

[Dew struggles behind closed doors. This one is a bit heavy as a heads up, and deals with the rougher part of Dew's transformation into a ghoul.] Below the cut.

It has been a little over a week since the ghouls decided that they'd had enough of Mountain and Dew's petty little... whatever you wanna call it.

At the very least, Mountain can't ignore Dew anymore, not with a section of their shared wall missing, and, try as he might to cover the hole, Dew lacks the motivation to do anything beyond hang up Mountain's stupid beaded curtain.

Which, admittedly, doesn't look too bad.

Dew's honestly not sure why he's even still mad at Mountain, or if he's just mad in general.

It's hard to distinguish what's genuine anger and just... him being in irritable from feeling sick.

Dew doesn't have the energy these days to unpack his suitcases -still set in the middle of his floor mocking him- let alone pick through his feelings.

Perhaps that has something to do with it.

His lethargy, the perpetual feeling of malaise... it's one thing to deal with it behind closed doors, but now he has Mountain, who isn't in his space per se, but within sight more often than not these days.

Who shifts noticeably in his sleep whenever Dew gets up in the middle of the night or glances through the partition if he lays in bed for too long.

Sometimes, Dew's heart will warm a little when he sees Mountain's face pop into view from around the corner.

He tries not to be obvious with his concern because they're sort of fighting, but kind of not.

But, at times, it's... it's too much to be seen when he's feeling bad, and he knows the guy means well, but Dew needs his alone time, and he hasn't been getting much of that lately, and not just because he and Mounty are roommates now.

None of the ghouls are leaving him be.

Not since Aether discovered the rough patches on his skin had begun to spread.

"I... I don't know what's happening." he admitted, brow creased with worry as he tried and failed to make the scaly skin smooth out again to no avail, "I don't know how to help."

What's worse, is that the patches have started to itch now.

The only thing that seems to soothe the persistent ache is water.

Not lotion or a cooling balm -they tried that and it had burned so bad soaking into his skin that Aether all but threw him into the shower to wash it off of him- just water.

He spends a lot of time in the bath, soaking, leaving the door open so he can talk to Mountain even though they're totally still fighting.

Totally.

Neither of them have really apologized to one another, but Dew can only go so long sitting in silence before he starts to go a little stir crazy, and being sick certainly brings out the worst in him in that regard.

That said, it's nearly impossible to force two unwilling individuals to share a room, especially two grown adults, so, perhaps, the fact that Mountain has not abandoned his room, and Dew hasn't returned to his old accommodations is their own stubborn way of saying sorry.

Who knows.

Any which way, as Dew lets the water run over him like a dehydrated houseplant, Mountain is sat with his back leaning against the edge of the tub, fiddling with one of the bath toys Sunny had happily tossed into Dew's bathroom that morning.

It's a light blue crab with its eyes poorly painted on, made of a soft, hollow rubber that squirts water when squeezed, and although Dew had been a little annoyed being given something clearly for toddlers... he did have to admit it made wasting his days soaking in the tub a lot less boring.

"Hey, Mount?" Dew asks, shoving a small red and yellow octopus beneath the water, releasing it so he can watch it pop above the surface and bobble about.

"Yes?"

"Do you think... Do you think I'm dying?"

The earth giant turns to him, letting his elbow slip over the edge into the water, fingers still worrying the toy and frowns.

"I don't." he says.

"Why not?"

And Mountain pauses then, arm drooping further beneath the soapy water as he breathes.

Green meets amber, and in a voice so painfully small, he says...

"Because I don't want you to."

.

.

.

"It is possible that the last ritual had some delayed side effects." Papa says, wincing as he sees Dew practically clawing at his own neck, scratching at the long, angry looking marks already drawn there.

If he weren't so preoccupied itching, Dew would make some kind of witty remark, but his throat is sore, so he just glares at him, bemused.

"Then does that mean Dew is becoming a ghoul? Or is he... is he cursed somehow?" Aether asks, hopeful that it's the former not the latter.

"We suspect that Dew is undergoing the transition gradually, as opposed to all at once as the ritual was meant to do." Papa explains, "However... it's unclear which..."

He breathes in.

"It's unclear which element his body is shifting into..."

Aether tenses, "Elaborate."

"They tried turning me into water first." Dew says, cutting into the conversation, still dragging his nails down his neck, "Then fire. Twice."

"How come it didn't work the first time?" Aether wonders, grabbing Dew's hand to stop him from tearing at his skin anymore, "How is that even possible?"

"Well..." Papa clears his throat and sighs, "...we don't know. One theory that has been proposed is that Dewdrop already has a demonic attachment, which would explain why the previous rituals did not take... and, perhaps, that entity, the one preventing his transition, is finally tapping into the magic from the ritual."

"How would I..." Dew holds up his hand, "How the fuck could I have already been possessed and not know it?"

"I did not say possessed, I said you might have an attachment. It's not quite the same thing." Papa says, "But that's just one theory. I am more inclined to believe the second one, being that you may have had an ancestor who laid with a demonic entity at some point, meaning you were already technically a demon, and the rituals made it more... pronounced."

"...I personally do not wanna imagine being a monster fucker is a familial trait-"

"I mean that IS how the original ghouls were made..." Papa trails off, "But I digress."

"I don't think it's too much of a digression to imply that rawing demons may have lead to my current predicament... Maybe I caught something from the ghouls?" Dew mumbles, "Some kinda weird demon STD...?"

Aether frowns, "Dude."

"What? We all fuck around. A LOT. I'm just saying-"

Papa coughs into his hand.

"At any rate, we will look into the cause more thoroughly soon enough. Until then, monitor your symptoms and report any notable changes."

Dew pouts the entire way back to the dorms.

"That was completely fucking useless." he complains, scratching at his neck again, leaving the skin raw underneath his nails.

"Dew-" Aether starts, then tenses, "Dew, stop scratching, you'll make yourself bleed at this rate."

"It fucking itches." Dew grouses, then adds in a tired voice, "...It fucking hurts."

Aether furrows his brow, "It's only going to get worse if you keep that up. C'mon, let's get you back in the t-"

"I don't want to get back in the fucking tub, Aeth, I want to be able to actually get shit done, but I can't, because it feels like someone fried me and ran my skin through a cheese grater..." He hisses, itching the dry patches on his arms now, "I can't even fucking sleep-"

"You haven't been sleeping?"

Dew mumbles something under his breath.

"What?"

"I said of course I fucking haven't!" Dew cries, "I'm either shredding myself to pieces or trying not to drown, and any time I DO get the chance to lay down, my spine feels like someone is pulling it out my ass!"

"...You didn't mention the spine part when we had our check-up earlier." Aether says, "I told you to tell me if there was anything new! You-"

"I-" Dew gives a frustrated shout and stomps his feet, "I'M TIRED OF EVERYONE BEING UP IN MY BUSINESS, OKAY?!"

"D-"

"Every fucking day. Every fucking day! Someone is asking me, 'Hey, are you alright?' or 'How are you feeling?' and you know what?! I FEEL LIKE SHIT!" he digs his hands into his hair, "I feel like shit, Aether, and it's not getting any better."

"It's not getting any better..."

"Dew, it will. It will get better, it's just going to take time." Aether tries, reaching out to pull Dew into a hug, but as soon as his fingers brush the other man's sides, Dew flinches.

Hard.

"Fuck!"

Dew curls into himself.

"Dew?!" Aether startles, placing his hands on Dew's shoulders, "What's wrong?!"

"Don't touch me!"

.

.

.

So yeah.

Yeah.

Dew's getting worse.

A lot worse.

Every day seems to drag on and on and on.

And he doesn't sleep.

Just lays awake, too tired to even think of raking his fingers across his skin.

Mountain keeps the others updated, lets Aether in to check on him, but no one else really visits anymore, because every time anyone starts to speak, Dew snaps at them.

Physically.

He's taken to biting anyone who gets too close.

Even poor Rain, who had just been trying to ease his symptoms with a bit of his magic met the painful bite of blunt teeth.

"You should apologize." Swiss tells him late one night, sat beside his bed, he sounds like he's angry, or trying to be.

But more than that, he just sounds worried.

"When you're better, you have to-"

"Swiss..."

"Yes?" the multi ghoul asks, feeling hopeful.

That hope fades quickly as Dew rolls over to face him in the darkness, replaced with grief.

Dew's entire face is flaking like ash, like he's one breath away from being reduced to nothing but dust.

"...I'm sorry."

[rin-solo]

To anyone in the TUC fandom who has looked at AHS and skipped it because they heard the ending is happy...

... and then assumed that it's just a wish fulfillment "ideal reality" kind of outcome of the TUC story that cuts all of the depth, pain, and realism ... Go back and read it right now.

Because that is not what AHS is. Not even close.

AHS is not "my version" of TUC where I just change whatever I dislike without regard for themes or characters in the original. Far from it. One of the main goals I had was actually to give more of the Underland. More characterization (that aligns with canon, although some characters develop in a different direction because of shifts in circumstances), more worldbuilding (that coincides with canon, adding onto it), ... just more, period.

The best way I can describe what it actually is is honestly saying that AHS is to TUC like Marvel's "What if ...?" is to the MCU. It is quite literally a "What if Henry had survived his fall at the end of "Gregor the Overlander"?" And I kid you not, 95% of the changes in the story, compared to TUC, are simply a result of exactly this change.

But the entire plot of the final book is different, right? Well, I didn't say that the consequences of that one change weren't substantial. They are. Without spoiling too much I can only say that Henry happens to be an optimist, and it also happens that an optimist was exactly what the TUC story needed to achieve a happier outcome.

Anyone who has actually read my version of the CoC plot will tell you that it is far from ideal, perfect, or pain-free. A lot more happens in the actual plot, but most of those new events are there to serve the dark, violent nature of war. There's so much talk about loss, and sacrifice, exploration of (also the dark side of) heroism, and whether "for the greater good" is worth it. There's corruption and death, injustice, and grappling with unkind fates and alienation/rejection.

Now, I will admit that I did put less emphasis on the societal pressure aspect of CoC, but mainly because that theme is a huge part of AHS 2 already, and it did not really fit this part of the story anymore. Instead, "Gregor against society" becomes "Questers against society" (quite literally, since they are — small spoiler — banding together to actually overthrow Solovet and bring about change.)

BUT ... if there is corruption, death, and the violence of war, how is it happier then? How can it have a happy ending?

Very simply because it is not only corruption but also redemption. Not only death and suffering but also growth and gain. Not only violence and breaking of relationships but also companionship, hope, and mending of relationships.

... The main change that happens to be so powerful it can give this series a happy ending without disrespecting or abandoning its original gritty violent core is ... a shift in mindset toward the positive. For Gregor, but also for everyone else. One of the main themes I added is the exploration of the double-edged nature of things: Everything has good and bad consequences. What we take away from it is what we choose to focus on.

Now you might see better what I meant by "All this series needed was an optimist" earlier. If there were someone to remind people of the bright side, to remind Gregor that his rager power does not make him evil and that he is never alone or choiceless, to embody this hopeful outlook and bring it out in everything ... I promise to you that this is all it would have taken.

And this is what I'm giving you.

[cursedvibes]

Now that Sukuna has defeated the strongest sorcerer in Jujutsu society today, that really just solidifies his title of King of Curses. But that also makes it really hard for Gege to put Yuji in a position where he could defeat Sukuna, as far as Yuji has come. It makes now sense that after defeating Gojo, Sukuna could be defeated by Itadori unless some godlike power-up happens (I'm saying this, but honestly it would be really satisfying to see).

I don't think Sukuna's title of King of Curses was never up for debate because it doesn't mean he's the strongest sorcerer around, it was coined by him being such a terrible and sadistic person that even as a human he could be considered the worst curse of them all. If anything that title didn't live up to its hype here because Sukuna hasn't done anything too terrible, nothing all that inhumane or exceptionally cruel. (now if he started eating Gojo's corpse that would be another thing....)

I don't think this means he's unbeatable though because Gojo did manage to weaken him and I never expected Yuuji to take him on in a 1v1 fight. He would absolutely lose there, true, but that's also a stupid tactic if you have other sources to take advantage of. Yuuji is at his best in a group with others. Just think of Yuuji & Todo vs Mahito or him and Nobara vs Eso & Kechizu, Yuuji & Maki vs Sukuna. This should be a group effort and they have powerhouses like Maki, Hakari, Yuuta and Kashimo (and kinda sorta Angel) by their side. Yuuji doesn't need a big power-up. He has something no one else has, not even Gojo, and that's his understanding and grasp of the soul.

We don't know what he trained and learned exactly, but we know he can switch souls and since Yuuji knows Sukuna's soul like no other, that's the trump card here. There's also Sukuna's last finger still lying around. The only issue is weakening Sukuna and immobilizing him long enough for Yuuji to touch his soul, but that's where the others come in. Again, I don't know what the exact execution will be and the extent to which Yuuji has improved in his soul and CE research (would be boring if that was already obvious), but I think it's enough to be entirely reasonable that he can defeat or even extinguish Sukuna with the help of others. It won't be easy and more people will die probably, but no need for a godlike power-up. Until Sukuna vs Gojo, jujutsu fights were never about pure strength, power beams or who has the most CE (although that helps), it's about using what is available to you to your advantage the best way you can. Kenjaku is much weaker than Gojo and still he's the one who got sealed and is now dead.

Gojo's death clearly shows that they should've worked together earlier, going out there alone is suicidal (that's why Kashimo is jumping in first). I have no doubt they can pull it off or accomplish something anything in regards to Megumi if they work together.

[idyllic-affections]

WAH I LOVE MAMA XIAOYUN IDEAS, that is soooo cute! And i would pay for you to actually make it a series just like the Kaveh Dad AU

So here’s some scenarios i had thought of when reading 🐉 and 🐌 anons take on it. Ok so first of all, i hc that [name] would inherit Xianyun’s hobby of tinkering and making devices, like they may not be a half adepti nor have homicidal urges like their sisters but the kid is a curious gremlin who would be the type to break apart a toy because their curious on how it works. Just imagine Xiaoyun and [name] bonding together by making their first machine together, [name] would give little toys to their sisters like maybe a small toy Qilin or crane?

Also I LOVE the idea of [name] and Yaoyao having a friendship like Cloud Retainer and Madame Ping, like there’s [name] who would go head first to do something reckless or chaotic and then there’s Yaoyao being the voice of reason then there’s Xiangling encouraging [name] behavior for the sake of good ingredients so now Yaoyao have to look after two chaotic people. Also like with Ganyu and Shenhe, [name] would also give Yaoyao some toys that they made themself and they would play with the toys together. WAIT WHAT IF XIAOYUN ALSO MADE [NAME] A PLUSH THAT IS LIKE YUEGUI TO PROTECT THEM, omg that would be sooo adorable! Maybe Yaoyao and [name] would have a tea party with both of their stuff animals as the others guests?? Idk but the idea of Xiaoyun making them a stuff animal that has the same function like Yuegui is soo cute, idk what kind of animal would it be thought.. maybe a crane..? Or maybe a chicken? Because baby cranes are called chicks..? (Im just pulling straws here also i just like the idea of [name] having Sushang’s chicken from HSR)

Would Shenhe introduce [name] to Chongyun? Like how Xiaoyun is pushing [name] to be friends with Yaoyao, Shenhe is doing the same but with Chongyun. Chongyun being confused with situation but nevertheless still get along with the kid his auntie introduced. And then he introduce them to Xingqiu and a chaotic duo was born.. I’ll let you think of the shenanigans the both of them have done :)

And about Moral Injury, personally i dont really want that much other than [name] bonding with Collei and their interactions with Scaramouche back when he was being experimented by Dottore BUT I do like the idea that maybe in an arc where they’re on the run, they come across Diluc when he left Mondstadt. Idk how it would go but maybe Diluc was injured from doing whatever mission he did regarding the fatui then [name] came across him and healed him up before quickly leaving him alone once they saw his delusion. Like when healing him, they saw his delusion and qucikly try to finish healing him because curse their bleeding heart! If he has a delusion, then that means either he’s a fatui agent or has some connection to the fatui. They instantly book it to the next nation and changed their identity. Diluc sometimes thinks about the kind stranger who helped him, although not because of how they help him, its because of their subtle reaction towards his delusion and how they became a ghost when he tried to find any information about them.

So yeah that’s all. Im honestly kinda scared rn because in a day or two, im going to go back to school which i am not ready for but here’s to hoping that we wont get any tests next week! Hope you have a good day/night though!

- 🐱Anon

i am trying SOOOO hard to not start writing this series yet...... she isn't even playable yet...... Please

YEAH NO EXACTLY!!!!!! i like to think that in the first few days of them living with xianyun, she builds them toys that do cool and fun things.... the mechanics are simple to her, but they should entertain a child well enough, no..? well, later, she walks in to the room she's given them find that [name] has meticulously and carefully pulled the toys apart to peer at the internal mechanics. and they apologize profusely when they realize she's there because they weren't trying to destroy the toys, they just... wanted to know how they worked. and xianyun just hums, settling on the floor next to them (which is perhaps something quite uncommon for someone like herself), picks them up, sets them in her lap, and goes on to explain it to them and teach them how to put it back together <3 bonding activity <3

eventually it becomes a hobby of [name]'s, and xianyun invites them to help with the things she's working on too. mama xianyun often pursues little projects for her child (though i like to think she doesn't immediately realize that this is another child of hers, like her older daughters. maybe ping points it out to her and she thinks about it for a second, but then nods and agrees. she's not embarrassed. she has two older daughters! so.... it wouldn't be the first time). and [name] would totally make cute little trinkets for their big sisters!!!!!

YEAH HAHA CHAOTIC [NAME] REAL AND TRUE. MEANWHILE YAOYAO IS ABOUT TO HAVE A HEART ATTACK AT THE AGE OF, IDK, 7????? BECAUSE OF THE THINGS HER FRIEND KEEPS DOING...... but [name] would definitely make a cute toy for her as an apology!! OH AND I WHOLEHEARTEDLY BELIEVE XIANYUN WOULD DO THAT...... maybe it would be a little crane that almost, vaguely seems to resemble... herself, but in her adeptus form? huh, how odd. must be a coincidence (it is not, in fact, a coincidence. xianyun does this on purpose). but i also think [name] having a little chicken would be so cute <3333 mama crane and her little chick...... Sighhhhhh

YES SHE SO WOULD i think shenhe would teach them exorcism, to a certain extent. mostly so that they can effectively protect themselves against things... beyond the living world. so she would most certainly introduce them to chongyun! and i think they would honestly cause problems for him at first. slipping jueyun chilis into his food (like xingqiu...... teehee) and stuff, but then apologizing kindly and offering him a popsicle afterwards. they do know where to stop. he would introduce them to xingqiu and it would be OVERRRRR for him HELP

moving onto moral injury... OH MAN [name] and diluc do have an important (angstful) interaction later on, but adding this in prior to it would give that interaction a lot more depth. thank you for the suggestion, lovely!!!!! i will definitely be adding this in. also, some variation of "curse [their] bleeding heart" would be a good chapter title. thank you for reminding me of that phrase!!! i forgot it existed tbh

[tamelee]

Hi Tamelee,

Love your blog and thanks so much for the meta, these are a gold mine!

I am not sure if it was your blog or another that pointed out how jarring it is that Naruto would choose to get a new arm without Sasuke, since both of them are in agreement that they would share each other's burdens. And that it seems inherently a selfish choice for him to choose it while Sasuke refused.

I honestly never thought of it, because I assumed that since both of them were without arms for some time during the blank period and they discussed it and Sasuke chose not to since he didn't trust it would not fail in battle and Naruto agreed with him.

It's more of a realisation for me, since I just thought that they were both in agreement, but this other take made me wonder and hence I decided to send you this ask.

Long post:

Hi @helenarasmussen87 ,

Thankyou! I'm glad to read that ♡!

Oh, that would not have been me for sure. As you say, it was "a take" from someone because I can't think of a moment (at least in canon) where they.. discuss this matter. (Perhaps in 'Boruto'? If so then ignore the rest 😆)

And if they haven't discussed it, then don't you think that all talk regarding this are theories? We don't really know why Sasuke chose to not get a new arm. That's not to say that some theories are more probable than others but Naruto making a decision while disregarding Sasuke? That didn't happen whether we saw it or not because it wouldn't make sense for their characters. In their case, they've developed too much for it to be a possibility.

There are many in-character theories though, things that would make sense too.. but the problem with those as well is that it's just that: theories. Or, headcanons. E.g. Naruto never said that he'd get an arm because it'd be irresponsible otherwise as Hokage and Sasuke never mentioned that a missing arm would remind him of VotE2. (I'm saying it simply, the original theories go deeper than that, but you get what I mean..)

Naruto-Reddit is all in agreement with each other that Sasuke didn't get a new arm "to atone for his sins" and that it is "explicitly stated somewhere". On Twitter they even bring up Sakura and that it is to punish himself for her sake.. *insert major eyeroll* Although they can't tell you where any of this was stated. Of course, this also isn't true and don't mind the lack of reading comprehension..

Now what I think..

Well…

I like that our sub fandom, or the people who understand Sasuke's character can somewhat understand that Sasuke wouldn't necessarily want a new arm, need it to battle or feel the need to receive this.. "gift" from Konoha/Tsunade- or whatever.

As a SNS-fan I certainly enjoy many of the headcanons about this subject because most of them are based on canon material. Canon as in: the removal of it holds a lot of meaning, as much as the entirety of the story itself almost as it serves as a conclusion and beginning at the same time:

And yeah, there they were, finally.

This visual is incredible and I do think it is a reminder of sorts, but (I'm sorry..) I think the choice to not get the prosthetic has less to do with Naruto alone personally. Although he is part of it. Sasuke without Naruto is a practical character and given the entire story and the fact that they're separating at the end of the Manga.. (temporarily but also in preparation for its sequel :/ they ((shueisha)) tried at least ykwim) don't you think that suddenly receiving an arm from Konoha after they wanted to put him in jail and punish him for changing a corrupt system after they've failed him first, seems kind of like he'd be indebted to them? Like, "we're letting you go free because we've pardoned you and giving you an arm out of the kindness~ of our hearts.. so…." Yeah, no. And isn't is also true (not sure, because this was mentioned in 'Boruto' right?) that if something happened to it he'd need a new one? Meaning: he'd be depending on Konoha for an arm as they constantly are doing research on it and improving the thing.. so don't you think that Sasuke would be the type of character to just learn how to use his powers/weapons/Jutsu with one arm- if he could?

*gasp*

Which he can now? Instead of depending and being "sorta but not really" indebted to Konoha who then so kindly provided this new arm for him? "Despite him having been a rogue Shinobi who went against them"? < general narrative.

Yeah.

Which one sounds like a burden to you?? Seems like an easy choice to me.

But having said that, I don't think Sasuke minds it because of the way it happened and with who. He had no reaction to having lost his own arm, but when he saw Naruto lost his as well..

He looks shocked, defeated, turns away and then Kishimoto decides to cover his eyes and make Sasuke question Naruto again more out of desperation than anything else.. several times. It hurts and not just because he's bleeding to death.

There is so much meaning and symbolism behind the missing arm.

And that's the big difference. Not minding and holding the meaning/history closely as a personal matter or "resenting Naruto for getting an arm without him" as some posts here make it sound like is something else entirely. There is sort of a… jealous/bitter(?) tone to that which isn't necessary and doesn't suit him/them. There are things bigger than them and the fact that there are proves how important they are to each other. Growth in contrast as shown to the audience (us). Sasuke understands Naruto's connections as much as he does his own (including lack thereof) and the one they have with each other. If there wasn't they wouldn't have developed as much.

So I understand it, but there is one thing I dislike. The general fandom, without explanation is holding onto this idea of "Sasuke sinning" all because of one panel and seeing him without an arm is validation for them as if to say "see? He's feeling guilty, as he should! And that's why he doesn't have an arm." As I said before, they even make up entire theories relating this to.. Sakura? Who especially has nothing to do with it as Sasuke even says himself. (IN THE SAME PANEL LMAO!) It's depressing. Which, sort of fits the Shinobi life I guess. One who doesn't live for themselves.. that's the burden here. Not the missing arm. Apparently for this audience it is necessary to give it a panel or two because they take most things at face value or grab things out of context.

Sasuke did leave Konoha before the arm that was made for him was finished and Kishimoto did mention that notably because people would otherwise question it. This however, I find interesting because the question actually still remains.. "why?"

He simply says that he can't "miss this chance" to go travel, to see the world, go on a journey by himself and although that's true, that doesn't seem like the sole reason for rushing his leave, not staying in Konoha any longer and therefore not getting the arm that's almost finished. Sakura also says the arm is made out of Hashirama's cells- which is where things could get complicated.

And I believe, although I'm not sure about this, this is currently completely retconned in 'Boruto'. The whole "using of Hashirama's cells" is confusing to me because I've been reading theories and everyone is saying different things and 'Boruto' makes no sense anymore. I'd have to study it.. For now I'd say that Kishimoto deliberately chose to leave it and not go the route of figuring out how to work with it and what it would mean if Naruto/Sasuke have an arm made up of Hashirama's cells which they could potentially use for other things.

Why does he suddenly have an elbow?

And why does it look like that under the bandages?? 😆 (So natural, I mean) Why use bandages in the first place then? This is some BS!!

Also:

"Boruto" everyone. I don't know much about it yet but I'll read the damn thing when I get back from my travel, hence these screenshots- these are not my opinions/observations.

I think in conclusion that's why Sasuke refused the arm, but the reason for Kishimoto was much simpler and dismissive as it wasn't for him to deal with (he thought). And now 'Boruto' doesn't really know how to handle the lore regarding power dynamics at all, changing it to all kinds of scientific stuff to make it easier on them I guess.

But admittedly, I do like some of the SNS-headcanons.. *shrug*. I just take them for what they are.

[gumjester]

OK. Ok. ok. After a good night's sleep, plus a few extra hours of distracting myself, I can finally express my analysis and thoughts on the latest chapter of RIR (chapter 24). Let's rip off the bandage, shall we?

...In regards to That Scene. As a writer myself, I can understand why you did it; the audience has already seen You-Know-Who be nefarious, but to see him willingly do that to [Redacted] really damned him as an irredeemable, immoral SOB/bastard. It also showed that there were indeed consequences to the party- well, I'm sure the audience knew there would be consequences, just not to this degree.

As a reader, That Scene fucking gutted me. The entire time I was going "no, no, no, please god, NO" because I knew what it was leading to. I wanted to rip through that screen, grab [Redacted], and pull her out of there into the safety of my bedroom, but I couldn't; all I could do was scroll to the next paragraph with my guts on the floor and my heart in my throat.

When I'm going over That Scene in my head, one thing stands out to me, both as a writer and a reader:

“I know that you are a lost child, and when you scream, no gods will hear you.”

FUCK. This line alone sent chills down my spine. That Scene itself seemed to imply, at least for me, that he's done this before...And those chills got just a little bit stronger as I type this out.

Truth be told, now that I've thought more about it, I have a feeling this decision of his will bite him in the ass later. Like, there is no way he's getting away with this- someone is going to find out, or start asking questions... Maybe Briar or Hopper?

ALSO. I am still very high on copium and denial, so I am praying that this isn't The End for [Redacted]. I know it probably is, but a girl can dream... right?

TL;DR: infinity out of 10 chapter, absolutely destroyed me and I was left staring at my screen for a solid minute wondering if it was real by the end

nonny hearing your thoughts is ALWAYS wonderful and beautiful and encouraging and entertaining and girl i am so fucking SORRRRYYYYYYYYYYYYY LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

I WAITED A FEW DAYS 2 ANSWER THIS IN CASE SOME PEOPLE HADNT READ THE CHAPTER [although i greatly appreciate your censoring! how reader conscious] but...... YEAH....... i am so happy you.... enjoyed? QUESTION MARK? it was rough on all parties involved honestly and people were genuinely MUCH more upset than i thought they would be OH DEAR

still!!!! it is all for the sake of the narrative [grimm be like?] and to answer a coupleeee of your questions: yes, he has done this before. yes, this will have its own set of consequences for him, as i aim for every event in the story. i intend for everything to have a purpose, and this is certainly no exception. and as for the state of [Redacted].... well. you can tell yourself whatever you need to....

[rybonucleic-ket]

just watched 90s it for the first time, and only for the hanbrough bike scene ngl

anyway

I've avoided it for so long because it is pretty much what I thought it'd be. I don't mind rough graphics, that's a product of its time. the problem is it feels so censored, softened. like obviously stephen king writes real fucked up shit in that book that should never go on screen, and not showing kids actively being ripped apart may have been to avoid shitty graphics, but I don't think anyone even said fuck. there was a racial slur from Bowers, and nobody said fuck. trashmouth who?

Bev's dad is watered down to just real mean when he was a fucking horrible, disgusting, incredibly abusive person.

their responses are also relatively minimal. like genuinely, even without the clips where people get maimed, especially as kids, it seemed like the reactions were watered down significantly. I mean, you can make a movie about a child eating clown without showing the active child consumption, but the reactions of the kids in particular honestly feels closer to the 'scary' parts of home alone than a reaction based on a stephen king book.

I will say, many parts are more consistent with the book, technically speaking. with regard to the time, some of the things they saw, etc. but I far prefer the newer adaptation simply because it doesn't feel like someone tried to make it something you'd show your kids if they promise not to get nightmares. even if their graphics were as shitty as the 90s version, it was better based on acting alone. it did not feel watered down. as stated previously, stephen king wrote some massively fucked up shit that I hope never goes on film in that book, but the 2017/2019 version still felt like it was a stephen king movie. the 90s, not so much.

although the 90s had the hanbrough bike scene, so.

[pb-dot]

Film Friday: Hush (2016)

I'm on a bit of a thriller track after talking about Red Eye last week. Today I want to talk about another movie where a woman deals with a threatening man, and things are decidedly less romcom initially, aiming for more of a "this madman is hunting people for sport" kind of vibe. There is something to be said for drilling down to the core of things.

Maddie is an author and, like many of us, she's a bit of a recluse. Granted, not all of us take it to the level where they live alone in the woods, but I'm sure more would if presented with the opportunity. Further adding to her isolation is the fact that Maddie is deaf-mute after a childhood illness. Nevertheless, Maddie's days of not quite being able to make herself write and battling imposter syndrome get disrupted when one of her few friends in the area is brutally murdered by a masked assailant who, upon realizing that Maddie is deaf, decides to really fuck with her.

What follows is an almost uncomfortably tense game of cat and mouse. The assailant, so mysterious his role's credited as "The Man," clearly enjoys the power Maddie's deafness affords him, and so instead of sneaking up to her and killing her right away, steals her phone and starts terrorizing her by sending her pictures from the thing. In an early confrontation, he even unmasks in front of Maddie to make it crystal clear that he does not intend for her to make it through the night.

This isn't to say Maddie is taking this all lying down, far from it. After an early encounter puts her in a position where her two choices are 1: killing this guy or 2. dying out here, she does gun for the stronger, faster, decidedly more bloodthirsty man with what little she has. It's one of those desperate struggles that even when Maddie pulls a Wait Until Dark (1967) with her visual fire alarm is settled more by a lucky shot than any innate ability.

It's a nasty, brutish kind of story, but I honestly feel better about the brutishness than say The Strangers, who pits preternaturally sneaky and scheming killers against regular fallible humans. The Man is not the kind of man you want to be pitted against, but he's strong and capable in the way a regular human might be, and he bleeds like the rest of us. It makes for a high-tension sort of chase that maintains the energy despite a relatively low bodycount for a slasher.

Hush is a product of mid-budget horror master Mike Flannagan and his wife and co-writer Kate Siegel, who also plays the main character. I would have preferred to see the main role be played by a deaf actress. Not because Siegel does a bad job or anything, she's quite excellent and expressive and does a lot to communicate the character and the horrors that she faces. It'd just be a really cool role for a deaf actress, like how Millicent Simmonds really elevated A Quiet Place to something quite special.

The movie is decidedly less of a heady experience than many others I favor, but this isn't a strike against it in my book. Hush finds its home in the limbic system. It's not what it's about or how it is about it, it's about how there's a guy out there and he can see you but you can't see him and he's going to GET you. It's a primal fear, prey fear, more concerned with its emotional impact than what it's saying.

This isn't to say it has nothing in that regard, paralleling Maddie's ability to plan for her survival with her ability to work out and visualize a plot. Like many writers before her, she's struggling with the impossibility of getting her plot started, and she similarly struggles with engaging with the main challenges to survival until something in her figures out that there's no other choice than to Do It Scared or face death with a whimper. This feels very correct as far as writing processes go, although the stakes generally aren't quite as high as death.

It feels wrong to call a movie as brutal as Hush fun, but certainly is captivating. It does terrible things to the protagonist, but more for catharsis than for fun, and once in a while I believe it's healthy for the soul to have a movie kick the shit out of you.