#am I the only one this irritated?? 😐

[thesearchforbluejello]

I fundamentally do not understand this show. The Dominion War was RIGHT THERE. Like, RIGHT. THERE. Why did we need some whack Romulus-blew-up backstory when the federation was already decimated by the war?? A follow up on the fallout of that and how the ceding of territory, the betrayal by allies, and the xenophobia of threats from both within and outside would have been SO much more interesting to me.

And they're so busy pulling half developed plotlines out of thin air that they're not even pounding in their anchor points for it all. Like, case in point, Jay looking for Icheb's cortical node. SEVEN HAS IT. IT IS LITERALLY IN SEVEN'S FUCKING HEAD. Like, okay fine easter egg? Maybe? But a major plot point isn't exactly an Easter egg?? Like obviously Beyer knows a shitload about Voyager, so at least one of them must be aware of that, so I assume it's implied... but not everyone has seen every Trek and that is from one specific Voyager episode, and Seven had the perfect opportunity to rub that in Jay's face... And are we not going to talk about Seven becoming a Ranger which is HUGELY antithetical to where she was at in Voyager? Because the fact that she became an individual on a ship that was what, 1/3 Maquis? Um, that's a super fucking important fact? Love that for her, but Christ alive nail. these. plot points. home.

idk I guess these two are nitpicks, but I have so many more and just don't feel like writing a novel expounding upon what I perceive as their many (MANY) failures in writing this show. But this show is just full of those moments and I don't understand their choices. Easter eggs only work when there's actually something semi coherent to hide them in (hence why most of M*rvel's fail nowadays, just saying). This feels almost as incoherent as Renegades, and I am SOOOOO very sorry to be actually saying that because woooooof that is not a compliment. Like... it's the Romulans, it's the androids, it's the Borg. It feels like whatever unholy combination is happening with Applebee's and iHop right now. Like... Okay I guess? But it's just a weird combination and very unnecessary. Just fucking pick one and go from there.

I do however need like a lot more ex-Borg bonding that was such a good moment okay thanks bye

[gregoftom]

succ twitter makes me want to eat paint i fucking hate it and i find it funny that tg are the only ones who are ever put on blast, like, ever. ever. and roman/gerri shippers do the exact same thing, they are also a bit miffed that their ship is sidelined bc yeah, it was an interesting dynamic! would be nice to see more of that and where it was going! they are also upset that some good scenes are deleted. but they are literally Never screen capped and put on twitter like haha look at this idiot, thinking their ship meant anything. thinking they have any right to be excited about something or disappointed by the lack of it. look at this insane fool who read something that wasn’t there.

and the text will be shrugging like, well i was.

[wooliguns]

ii. and everyday, i am learning about you; the things that no one else sees

Venti is having a crisis.

And naturally, his solution is to turn that crisis into chaos.

“Move, people!” he bellows, skidding down the top floor of the campus building, brushing past loitering students with a flurry of twin braids and over-caffeinated energy. The hoots and disgruntled glares he gets in return only incite his antics as he weaves through a cluster of huddled students, winking cheekily at their baffled faces.

He can’t help it, alright? He’s riding a caffeine high from two large coffees this morning—an impressive feat, considering he works part-time at the library under Miss Lisa’s watchful eye. Sweet and laid-back as she is, even she raised an eyebrow when he begged off early, claiming he absolutely had to get to class. Luckily for him, she didn’t press further and let him go.

That library gig is one of the many ways Venti scrapes by as a college student. Hundred mora an hour, shelving books and helping students find obscure academic texts—it’s not bad. Add that to his other part-time jobs (serving ice cream at the Cat’s Tail and cashiering at a nearby convenience store), and he can just about manage tuition, food, and his share of bills with Xiao.

It’s a delicate balancing act, but he’s determined to graduate alongside his classmates. He just needs to avoid distractions���or at least, limit them to manageable uproar.

Today’s interference? The fact that he’s running late to jazz class and really, really needs to pee.

He charges up to the restroom on the top floor, figuring it’ll be less crowded. Wrong. As soon as he steps inside, he finds every stall occupied.

“Great,” he drawls, irritation prickling at his temples as he dumps his violin case and bag by the sinks. His reflection in the mirror offers no comfort, though he’s mildly relieved to see his braids still intact despite the morning’s frantic pace. Small wins.

“Excuse me, excuse me,” he chants, squeezing between a pair of boys chatting by the alcoves. One cubicle door catches his attention, and he narrows his eyes at the muffled mutterings inside.

Knocking briskly, he calls out, “Hey! Hurry up! I’m running late for class, and I need to pee!”

A disgruntled voice responds, “Hold your horses, geez!”

The sound of a flush follows, and the door swings open to reveal a boy about his height with icy-blue hair and sharp, cat-like eyes.

“Oh, it’s you,” the boy remarks, his expression mildly curious. “Xiao’s roommate, right?”

Venti blinks. “Uh… yeah? How’d you know?”

The boy, dressed in a white hoodie with blue accents and dark denim jeans, looks vaguely familiar. Before he can elaborate, another voice shouts from outside the restroom.

“Chongyun! Hurry up, or we’ll be late!”

Chongyun—if that’s his name—clicks his tongue, glancing toward the voice before saying, “Sorry, mate, gotta go.” With that, he’s gone, leaving Venti scratching his head.

What was he about to say? And how does he know Xiao?

No time to dwell. He claims the now-empty stall and finally finds sweet relief. Afterward, he grabs his stuff and rushes to jazz class, happy to see Ningguang hasn’t arrived yet. A few classmates greet him, and he returns their nods with a grin before settling into a seat in the back row.

As he flops down, his phone buzzes.

[from: xiao bestieee 🏃‍♂️🤨📸]

xiao: venti xiao: barbatos xiao: did u make it in time? u have jazz today right xiao: also xiao: did u feed cecilia before u left the dorm

Venti snorts, resting his elbows on the desk as he types back.

venti: yes to both, xiaooo venti: u in class rn? :)

Xiao responds almost immediately.

xiao: okay, good xiao: yes i am venti: good !!! xiao: btw i already took care of our bills yesterday. last time i told u to do it u forgot venti: ahhhhh i said i was sorry !! 😐😔 i got busy xiao: fine. did u feed cecilia before u left this morning? venti: as a matter of fact, i did !! 🤠 xiao: good xiao: thanks venti: np. i love her as much as u do u know 😐💚 xiao: as u should, she’s our pet venti: true 😊

Their chat carries on, touching on dorm chores and Xiao’s usual reminders to return things to their ‘rightful place.’ Xiao checks up on him; Venti checks up on Xiao. It’s their routine, one that feels oddly comforting amidst the day’s entropy.

xiao: class is starting talk to u later venti: okay !! bye xiao 👋🏻 have fun in class !! 📸 xiao: u too

As the chat ends, Venti chuckles softly, shaking his head. The way Xiao repeated the Cecilia question… So typical of him. But weirdly endearing.

“I swear to the gods, why don’t you two just date already?!”

“What—ah?” Venti whips around, startled, to find Hu Tao leaning over his shoulder, hands on her hips, appearing smug. “Oh. Hu Tao, I didn’t see you there,” he grouses, blinking at her.

“Of course you didn’t. Too busy flirting with your boyfriend,” she accuses, plopping down in the seat next to him and dumping her things on the desk.

Eyes widening, Venti looks down at his phone, desperately hoping his cheeks aren’t as red as they feel. “He’s not my boyfriend,” he murmurs.

“Yet~” Hu Tao sing-songs, voice dripping with mischief.

Venti snorts, lifting his chin. “Why do you say that like it’s a sure thing?”

“Because it is!” she declares confidently, leaning closer. Her dark, starry eyes gleam with determination and devilish intent.

Venti raises an eyebrow, and they lock eyes, a silent challenge hanging between them. The stare-off is on.

Hu Tao puffs out her cheeks, stubbornly refusing to blink.

Venti tries his best, but a few seconds in, he caves, shaking his head as a grin breaks across his face. Their laughter rings out, easy and bright—just how it always is between them. The unspoken rule: they could prank the entire world, but never each other. It would backfire spectacularly.

“But seriously,” Venti says, brushing it off, “Xiao doesn’t like me. We’re just friends. You know, like we’ve always been.”

Hu Tao clicks her tongue, slamming a hand on the desk loud enough to make him wince. “Which I don’t understand, Barbatos! You’re always all over each other!” She kicks his shoe to get his attention. “Look at me!”

Venti sighs, dragging his gaze up to meet hers.

“I see the way you look at him,” she whispers, dulcetly and conspiratorial. Then she smirks. “And I see the way he looks at you. That snob would kill for you, Venti. No doubt about it.”

Venti hums, benignly, thinking back. Does Xiao really look at me like that?

“Meh. You’re tripping,” he opposes, shaking his head. There’s no way. Right?

Hu Tao gives him a look so potent it could knock a second-rate person out of their seat. “Really? Then explain to me the time you went missing and Xiao practically tore through the entire city to find you.”

Huh? “He did?”

“He did!” Hu Tao exclaims, throwing her hands up. “It was, like, three in the morning! He called everyone—me, Xiangling, Mona—everyone. He even woke me up from the most beautiful dream!”

Venti’s memory stirs at the mention. He remembers that night: being at the park, the rain pouring relentlessly, and Xiao showing up with an umbrella and a mismatched pair of slippers. He’d walked Venti home, drenched and disheveled but dependable as ever.

Venti feels his palms grow cold as his cheeks heat up. “I—I didn’t realize he…”

“Uh-huh,” Hu Tao cuts him off, raising a skeptical brow. “And what about that time you were struggling with a project, and he stayed up all night with you? Even made you coffee?”

“Well…” Venti fumbles, his mind flitting to the recollection of Xiao helping him back to his room after he’d passed out over his coursework. “That was just him being nice.”

Hu Tao rolls her eyes so hard Venti worries they might pop out. “Nice? Oh, please! Would he do that for me? Nope! I couldn’t even borrow one of his portfolios!”

“That’s because you lose things all the time,” Venti disputes, folding his arms. “Also, you were probably going to prank him.”

“I was not!” she says indignantly, though the way she fidgets suggests otherwise.

“Sure, you weren’t,” Venti says, exasperated. “Anyway, Xiao is just… Xiao. He’s reserved, responsible, and polite. He’d help anyone, not just me.”

“Yeah, right,” Hu Tao intones, giving him a look of pure disbelief.

Venti slumps forward, burying his head in his arms. “Look, think whatever you want, but Xiao and I are just friends. Best friends, that’s all.”

“Best friends,” Hu Tao snorts. “Gross! That’s basically sibling territory. Incestuous, even!”

Venti bursts into giggles, swatting at her arm as his cheeks flush. Hu Tao retaliates with a playful shove, and they dissolve into laughter, the argument—if it could even be called that—momentarily forgotten.

**

Ningguang arrives late, so class ends up being charitably short. They barely manage a few jazz listening sessions before she announces that they’ll be learning the piano, saxophone, and trombone next.

Venti wants to mewl. Really?

At least she spares them the clarinet and trumpet, and for that, Venti can’t help breathing a sigh of exemption. But even so, adding three new instruments to his already-overloaded plate feels like a death sentence. He’s juggling the guitar, violin, and ukulele as it is—and while the ukulele is coming along and the guitar is pretty much second nature, the piano, sax, and trombone? That’s a whole new mountain to climb. He’s already planning to stay late, borrowing the practice instruments since he owns none of them.

By lunch, he’s about ready to collapse.

Venti makes his way to the grassy field behind campus, flopping down under his favorite tree. He tosses his violin and bag beside him, pulling out the ham and cheese sandwiches he grabbed from the cafeteria along with two cartons of strawberry milk.

Ripping the packet open, he bites down aggressively, pokes a straw into his milk, and gulps it down. Two bites in, he gives in to the itch and pulls out Diaochan. Balancing her on his collar, he spreads a music sheet on the grass in front of him, pinning it down with his textbooks.

The breeze tugs at his hair as he plays, the melody mingling with the rustling leaves. Days like this are perfect—chilly, crisp, and sunny enough to keep him warm. His blue-green windbreaker and joggers are comfortable, and his kicks make for a quick getaway if Miss Lisa suddenly shows up demanding to know why he fled work early.

By the second verse, he glances up, scanning his surroundings. That’s when he spots Albedo approaching, his blonde hair catching the light.

Venti falters but catches himself, ready to call out when Albedo raises a hand. “Don’t stop. Keep going,” the guy avers, voice soft but insistent.

Mildly bewildered, Venti nods and resumes playing.

Albedo settles beside him, pulling out a sketchpad and charcoal pencil. Angling himself to face Venti, he starts sketching in silence. Venti figures he’s the subject and carries on, letting the music fill the space between them.

The piece ends with a dramatic flick of his wrist. When he finally opens his eyes, Albedo is still sketching, aquamarine gaze darting between Venti and the paper.

Venti delays, carefully lowering Diaochan. “Are you submitting that?”

“No,” Albedo relays without looking up. “I just… miss drawing you.”

“Oh.” Venti blinks, taken aback by the simple revelation.

Silence lingers until Venti, unable to help himself, conveys, “Those glasses suit you, by the way. I didn’t know you wore glasses.”

Albedo perks up at that, finally meeting his gaze as he sets down the sketchpad. “They’re new.”

“Why? Trouble seeing?” Venti leans forward, their faces close enough that he can see the details in Albedo’s eyes. And, well, pretty doesn’t quite cut it. He doesn’t have feelings for Albedo, not even a flicker, but there’s no denying the guy is easy on the eyes.

A beat passes, their proximity hanging heavy in the air. Albedo is the one to look away first. “Not exactly,” he murmurs, a muted salmon color rising to his cheeks, which, wait. Is Albedo… blushing? Before Venti can process that, the guy continues, “There’s someone I’m trying to impress, I suppose.”

“Ohhh,” Venti muses, a teasing smirk forming. “You have a crush.”

Albedo’s blush deepens, but he shrugs, unbothered. “You could call it that. Infatuation might be more accurate.”

“Well, who’s the lucky person?”

“Lucky?” Albedo repeats, picking up his pencil again.

“Yeah, lucky! Anyone you fancy has to be lucky. I mean, look at you—you’re gorgeous, intelligent, kind, supportive, and you have perfect hair,” Venti declares, pressing a hand to his chest. “Honestly, I wish I were the one you had a crush on.”

Albedo chuckles, cheeks still faintly pink. “Too bad. I could never let myself fall for you, no matter how attractive you are.”

Venti sputters, face hot. “A-and why not?”

Albedo looks at him with a tiny, knowing smile. “Because your heart already belongs to someone else.”

Venti freezes, blush spreading like wildfire. He tears his gaze away, staring at the ground as his thoughts soar. Was he that obvious?

Albedo’s quiet laughter fills the silence, soft and knowing.

Venti groans, inwardly, burying his face in his hands. Archons, he hates how transparent he can be. “What do you… mean?” he asks, bashfully.

This—this genuinely frustrates him. Talking to people like Albedo, who possess an unnerving honesty, always throws him off balance. You can’t sidestep or reason your way out; they cut straight through your defenses. Unlike Hu Tao this morning—her, he could distract. Albedo? A different story.

Albedo sighs softly, repositioning himself on the grass, movements calm and deliberate. “Venti, anyone paying attention can see it from a mile away. The way you treat Xiao, like he’s your entire world.”

The mention of Xiao’s name sends Venti’s heart shooting straight into his throat, and he stiffens. Embarrassingly so. Still, there’s no way he’s admitting anything. “W-what do you mean? Xiao?” He forces a laugh, waving a hand dismissively. “Who says I like that dumbass? He may be hot—handsome as hell, even—and he knows it too, but no way! No!”

Albedo only smiles, his restful demeanor unwavering. “Sure, Venti,” he teases, lightly, almost patronizingly.

“I’m telling the truth!” Venti hisses, pouting deeper as he protests, heat rising to his face. He opens his mouth to add more when Albedo’s gaze averts, following something—or someone—behind Venti. Curious, Venti turns to see what’s caught his attention.

It’s Aether, a psychology student from another department. He’s dressed in a cream-colored jumper and beige trousers, a brown leather bag slung over his shoulder. He’s carrying a red binder and ruler, looking as ordinary as ever.

Venti beams, about to raise a hand to wave the guy over when Albedo clears his throat. Loudly.

Venti pauses, turning back to his friend, only to notice the faint rosy hue dusting his cheeks.

Oh.

Venti’s surveillance goes back and forth between Aether and Albedo, his mind piecing things together. Could it be…?

“Huh. You know, I read somewhere that if you stare too long into the abyss, the abyss stares back,” Venti teases, smirking at Albedo.

Albedo doesn’t falter, a smile playing on his lips. “Wise words from such a wise young man.”

“Hehe!” Venti grins smugly, leaning back. Albedo likes Aether. How cute.

“But I also read something once,” Albedo continues, unhurried.

“And?” Venti asks, intrigued.

“They say that if you stare too long, you might miss what’s right in front of you.”

Before Venti can puzzle over the words, Albedo gestures toward something behind him. Venti turns—and there’s Xiao, walking toward them with long, purposeful strides.

The breeze tousles Xiao’s hair, and his camouflage coat sways with a certain nonchalance, catching the light in a way that makes him look almost cinematic. The silver necklace around his neck glints faintly with each step, accentuating the grace of someone who seems to exist effortlessly on a higher plane.

Venti gapes for a moment, overwhelmed, heart stuttering. He barely registers Albedo’s satisfied hum before Xiao closes the distance between them. In one swift motion, Xiao grabs Diaochan and Venti’s bag, pulls him to his feet, and clasps his hand securely.

“Hi, Xiao—”

“No time. We need to hurry,” Xiao cuts him off, briskly.

“Huh? Where?” Venti stammers, stumbling as Xiao tugs him forward, his grip firm and unyielding.

Xiao doesn’t answer, and Venti has no time to process what’s happening, much less the fact that Xiao—his best friend, the campus heartthrob admired by just about everyone—is holding his hand. Holy shit, Xiao is holding his hand.

Oh no. Oh no, no, no.

“Albedo, hey,” Xiao says over his shoulder as they pass.

“Hey, Xiao,” Albedo replies without looking up, attention still on his sketchpad. Neither spares the other a glance, their greetings mechanical at best.

And just like that, Venti is being dragged away, heading toward the back gates of the campus, where students around them murmur and whisper, some even giggling as their eyes land on their clasped hands. Venti tries to ignore it, but his face feels like it’s going to catch fire.

“Is that Xiao?”

“Wait, are they… holding hands?”

“No way…”

Of course… Of course, Xiao is unfazed by all that. He’s always like this—stoic, indifferent to the world’s opinions. Venti, meanwhile, is about two seconds away from passing out from sheer mortification.

“Xiao,” he whines, attempting to sound casual but failing miserably. “Where are we going?”

Xiao grunts in response, still not answering. Venti sighs, a flustered mess. His heart is racing, his palms sweating, and he silently prays that Xiao doesn’t notice.

Eventually, they reach a quiet restaurant near the edge of campus, just past the bridge. Xiao doesn’t let go of his hand, though his grip softens, gentler now as if sensing Venti’s impending meltdown.

Venti swallows hard, his heart doing somersaults. He doesn’t want to make a big deal out of it, but it’s kind of impossible when all he can think is: Xiao is still holding my hand.

Archons, he’s so whipped he might actually cry.

“Don’t make it obvious, okay?” Xiao mutters suddenly.

“Huh? Obvious about what?” Venti asks, perplexed.

“Just—follow my lead.”

Venti’s unable to pry further as they step into the restaurant; Xiao releases his hand, and the sudden loss of warmth feels jarring Venti has to suppress the instinct to reach out again…

They settle at a table near the window, Xiao carefully placing Venti’s belongings beside him before rummaging through his own bag. He pulls out a navy blue Adidas cap and a black facemask, handing them to Venti without explanation.

“What’s this for? And why are we here, Xiao—”

“Shh!” Xiao shushes him in a blip, his arm looping around Venti’s head, pulling him close, practically pinning him against his chest. Venti bristles. His heart jackhammers in his ribcage, and for a moment, all he can focus on is the scent of Xiao’s cologne—clean, woodsy, and utterly intoxicating. It’s overwhelming, in the best and worst ways.

He blinks up at Xiao, flustered beyond belief, and finds the guy scanning the room intently. Following his line of sight, Venti tries to spot what’s caught his attention but sees nothing.

Frustrated, he does the first thing that comes to mind: he licks Xiao’s palm.

Xiao stiffens but doesn’t budge, keeping his hand clamped over Venti’s mouth.

“Mmmpff!” Venti fusses, wiggling his head to make some kind of muffled noise, earning him a glare from Xiao.

“Quit it, idiot. We’re acting like spies,” Xiao berates, tilting Venti’s head toward a specific direction. “Look over there, but don’t make it obvious.”

Finally, Venti spots what Xiao’s been watching: Ganyu, sitting at a small table for two, her hands clasped neatly in front of her.

“Huh.”

Before he can say more, the restaurant door opens, and in walks a girl with short lilac hair, dressed in a sleeveless white blouse and high-waisted brown slacks. She moves with a confident elegance, her sleek black handbag swinging at her side.

“She cut her hair,” Xiao murmurs, more to himself than to Venti.

“She?” Venti repeats, his curiosity growing.

“That’s Keqing. She’s in my department,” Xiao explains tersely. Then, he frees Venti with a warning whisper, motioning toward the cap and facemask, “There, I’m letting you go, but keep it down. And wear those.”

Venti huffs but complies, pulling the cap on and twiddling the facemask over his nose and mouth, peering over at Xiao who dons a black facemask himself, adjusting it into place beneath his beanie.

Venti leans forward, resting his elbows on the table as he squints at Ganyu and the lilac-haired girl—Keqing. “So, why are we stalking them?”

“I think Ganyu likes her,” Xiao says matter-of-factly, gaze never leaving the pair.

Venti leers at him, incredulous. “And your solution is to stalk them? Seriously, Xiao?”

“Shut up and observe,” Xiao mutters, ignoring him completely.

Venti sighs but goes along with it, turning his attention back to the other two’s table. And, it doesn’t take long to see what Xiao’s talking about; Ganyu’s every gesture is careful and volitional, her laughter soft and unguarded. Meanwhile, Keqing talks animatedly, her expression warm and open.

Venti’s known Ganyu for years, but he’s never seen her act like this—so smitten and sweet, like a lovesick schoolgirl.

“She’s definitely into her,” Venti deems.

Xiao doesn’t respond—just that his expression is unreadable, but the tension in his shoulders speaks volumes.

See, Xiao’s protectiveness of his sisters is practically legendary. Venti’s seen it firsthand: the way Xiao’s taken on the role of parent, guardian, and older brother all at once since their parents’ passing. Xiao’s world revolves around Ganyu and Qiqi, and his protective streak usually borders on overbearing.

Yet here he is, sitting still, watching his sister on what might very well be a date.

It’s unsettling.

When Ganyu and Keqing finally leave the restaurant, Xiao exhales, pulling his disguise off. Venti does the same, setting them on the table with a dramatic scoff.

“So?” Venti quips, breaking the silence. “Mission accomplished? Are we spies of the year or what?”

Xiao shoots him a sidelong glance, unimpressed. He doesn’t say a word yet, simply looking ahead as if lost in thought.

Until,

“Thanks,” he says quietly.

Venti blinks, caught off guard. “For what?”

Xiao shrugs, looking away. “For humoring me. And for not being… you know, too obnoxious about it.”

Venti bites back a grin, quietly marveling at this rare display of restraint. “Don’t mention it. Though, for the record, I still think you’re a little over the top. Your sister’s allowed to date, you know.”

Xiao’s response is an inaudible huff.

Neither speaks for five minutes afterward, the quietude stretching just long enough for Venti to feel restless.

“Um… Xiao?”

“Hmm?” Xiao hums, seemingly withdrawn.

“I need to get to my fourth class.”

Xiao nods, finally looking at him. “Alright. Let me walk you back.”

“That’s okay,” Venti spurns, shaking his head, “You might need to be somewhere else anyway. I can manage—”

“Nah.” Xiao swivels his gym bag and stands. “I just finished my last class today, and I don’t have any appointments outside of school.”

As Xiao gathers his things, including the facemask Venti discarded, Venti regards him, unsure what exactly he’s waiting for. Maybe an excuse for why Xiao’s being so attentive right now…?

When Xiao halts, Venti can’t help but ask, “You’re not taking your cap?”

Xiao tilts his head to the side, his amber eyes zooming on Venti with an intensity that always makes his breath catch.

Then Xiao looks away, lips pursed. “Keep it.”

“Eh? But—”

“No buts,” Xiao dismisses, already heading for the exit. “Come on, it’s been an hour since we got here. Can’t have you being late for class again.”

Without further ado, Xiao barrels forward, leaving Venti no choice but to grab his stuff and heed.

Together they hit the streets, and Venti busies himself stapling Diaochan in her case. “Are you sure it’s okay to walk me back?”

“I told you, I’m done with school for the day. No shoots either.”

“Lucky you,” Venti mopes.

The walk back is quiet but electric, their hands swinging close enough to brush. Venti is acutely cognizant of the gap between them—or the lack of it. When they near the campus, he notices the whispering again, passing students blasting them glances, murmurs of idiosyncrasy trailing in their wake.

Venti sneaks a look at Xiao, wondering how he’s taking all the attention, and… predictably, Xiao looks unperturbed—the ever-unruffled, ever-impassive Xiao.

Of course, it only makes Venti’s chest swell. How could anyone not be all his?

How could Venti not be his?

They stop at the gates after some time, Xiao turning to face him. “Here you are.”

“Thanks,” Venti says, lingering a beat too long, waiting for Xiao to leave. But the guy doesn’t move, standing rooted in place as if debating something.

Then he relays, “I saw another letter today when I passed by the ground floor.”

“Hmm?”

“From your secret admirer,” Xiao explicates.

“Oh. What did they say this time?”

Xiao doesn’t answer right away, his gaze shifting to the horizon. Venti waits, patient but curious.

Just then, Xiao clears his throat. “They, uh, complimented your recital performance the other day.”

Venti can’t help the grin that spreads across his face at hearing that. “Really? They must’ve been there then. Wait—they were there! I wonder who they are, and what they look like…” He puts a hand under his chin, mock-pondering, mind racing with possibilities.

Before him, Xiao’s lips press into a thin line. “That’s about it. I’m heading home,” he announces, already walking away.

“Oh, Xiao, wait!” Venti calls out, quick to stop him.

Xiao halts mid-step and glances back, his expression softening ever so slightly. “What?”

Venti smiles, warmth bubbling in his chest. “Nothing. Just… take care. See you later at home.”

Xiao nods once. “Yeah. You too,” he utters before stalking off and leaving Venti standing at the gates, clutching his cap and wondering if his best friend knows just how much moments like this mean to him.

**

Venti glances at his watch and realizes he still has time before Beidou’s lecture. No need to rush, then. Adjusting the strap of his bag and the violin slung across his back, he opts for a leisurely stroll through campus.

As he ambles along, he greets familiar faces with his signature grin, tossing nods to those who acknowledge him. A few students give him lingering looks—curious, speculative, and maybe even a little envious. Ah, those must be the ones who saw me and Xiao holding hands earlier. Something hot rises to his cheeks at the image, but he waves it off with ordained nonchalance. If Xiao could stay completely unaffected by the murmurs, so can he. Probably.

First, a pit stop. He ducks into the restroom, splashes cold water on his face, and checks his reflection. His tangerine-colored shirt is slightly rumpled, and his shoelaces are on the brink of rebellion. After straightening himself out, he gives the mirror a decisive nod. Good as new. With freshly washed hands, he steps back into the hallway.

And—wow. The corridor sure is alive with activity. Students crowd around tables stacked with colorful fliers and an assortment of random freebies: pens, keychains, and even stress balls shaped like slimes.

Ah, club recruitment season.

The consummation hits him like a mildly annoying cymbal crash. It’s that time of year again—when every club on campus comes out of the woodwork to pitch their ‘life-changing’ opportunities to anyone who so much as breathes near their booths.

He pauses for a moment, watching the madness unfold. Everyone’s earnestly tossing their clubs’ purpose, voices overlapping in an almost comedic symphony of enthusiasm. Pamphlets flutter through the air like oversized confetti, and the occasional shout of, “Join us!” cuts through the din.

Should he finally join a club this year? The thought crosses his mind, more out of idle novelty than genuine intent. He’s never joined one before—not because he wasn’t interested, but because life always seemed to get in the way. Between his jobs, recitals, and coursework, he barely has time to breathe, let alone commit to extracurriculars.

Still, the energy is infectious. A bemused smile tugs at his lips as he takes it all in. No wonder Xiao hightailed it out of here early. Ha.

Shaking his head, he resumes his path toward the lockers at the far end of the hallway. He plans to stash his bag and head to class with just his binder and Diaochan. But just as he’s nearing his destination, a familiar voice calls out his name, stopping him in his tracks.

“Venti!”

He turns and sees Xingqiu sprinting toward him, smiling widely and dazzlingly. Before Venti can react, Xingqiu collides with him in a bear hug, laughing brightly.

“Ventiii!” Xingqiu drawls, dragging out the syllable as if to emphasize his delight.

“Xingqiuuu,” Venti echoes, chuckling as he returns the hug. He knows Xingqiu can be clingy on occasion, and today seems to be one of those days.

When they pull apart, Xingqiu thrusts a flier into his hands.

“Care to join our club this year?”

Venti glances down at the paper, blinking. “What club is this?”

Right on cue, Hu Tao bounds over and slings an arm around Venti’s shoulders, bumping their hips together.

“Come on, Barbatos~” she trills, grinning mischievously. “You skipped out on clubs last year. Might as well make up for it now! Eh, Xiangling?”

“Community Service and Social Justice Club!” Xiangling declares proudly as she appears behind them, seemingly out of nowhere. She claps her hands together, her energy epidemic. “What do you say, Venti?”

The three of them—Xingqiu, Hu Tao, and Xiangling—are all grinning at him, their attention laser-focused on his decision. Venti feels slightly cornered, though not unpleasantly so.

“What do you guys even do?” he inquires, squinting one eye in mock suspicion. The name of the club doesn’t sit right with him, but he’ll indulge them.

“It’s simple,” Xingqiu begins, his tone serious but his smile betraying his amusement. “We strive to make a difference! Whether it’s on campus, in our community, or the whole of Teyvat!”

“That’s a little ambitious,” Venti mutters, fighting a laugh.

“It’s all about serving others,” Hu Tao adds with a shrug, clearly less enthused than Xingqiu about the lofty goals.

“Right…” Venti drawls, turning toward his locker. He pries Hu Tao’s arm off his shoulder with a chuckle. “I’ll think about it.”

The chorus of groans and whines that follows is almost deafening.

“Venti, come on!” Xiangling pleads, skipping up to him and pulling at his arm. “Just this year!”

“Maybe,” Venti replies over his shoulder, winking. “Maybe I’ll think about it.”

“Oh, come on!”

“Aww, don’t be like that!”

Venti blows out a sigh. “You guys… You do realize I’m already juggling three jobs, right? I mean, look at me.” He gestures to himself, striking a pose that somehow exudes equal parts confidence and self-pity. Pft. “I’m barely nineteen, hopping from place to place just to pay rent, tuition, and keep up with my never-ending pile of assignments, coursework, and recitals. Joining a club? That’s like volunteering to double my workload for free.” He finishes with a shrug, pursing his lips in mock despair.

His friends fall silent at his little tirade, exchanging frowns. Even Hu Tao, normally ready to counter him, deflates with a sigh.

“You’ve…got a point,” she mutters reluctantly, sounding like she’s surrendering her most prized argument.

Venti hums in acknowledgment, spinning the lock on his locker with a flourish. He stuffs his bag inside, pulls his binder out, and slams the door shut before whipping around to face them again.

“Have fun, though! I’m sure you’ll find plenty of recruits,” he says, beaming at their crestfallen countenances. “Anyway, gotta run! Beidou’s expecting me.”

“Bye, Venti,” Xingqiu mumbles, voice tinged with disappointment. Venti reaches out to pinch his cheek, earning a small, coy smile in return.

“See you later, bestie.”

“See you, Barbatos,” Hu Tao and Xiangling chime together, sounding no less defeated.

Venti gives them another wink and a cheeky wave as he slips out of their little huddle, heading for the stairs. Beidou’s class is on the third floor, and he’s determined not to trip on his way up.

Too bad determination isn’t enough.

Just as he reaches the third flight, he collides headlong into someone, the impact sending him stumbling back a couple of steps.

“Ah, sorry—oh, crap!” he grimaces, rubbing his elbow as he tries to regain his footing.

“Hey, are you okay?”

The voice comes from the other party, who’s already recovered and is reaching out a hand to steady Venti. The first thing he distinguishes is the stranger’s crimson eyes, framed by long lashes that practically glitter in the light. For a beat, Venti is speechless, caught off guard by how strikingly elegant the person looks, even in casual attire—a red hoodie and dark pants.

“I—I’m fine!” he finally sputters, straightening up and letting the stranger’s hand go. “Sorry, I didn’t see you coming down.”

“Same here,” the boy says with a sheepish smile, a faint blush dusting his pale cheeks. “I didn’t see you coming up.”

Venti finally gets a proper look at him. His white hair is neatly tied back, save for a few soft strands falling over his face, and a subtle red streak runs through the top. There’s a simplicity to his style that somehow screams sophistication. A transfer student, maybe? Venti’s never seen him before.

“It’s my fault, really,” he insists with a laugh, waving it off. “Venti, by the way. And you are?”

“Kazuha,” the boy replies, his smile widening slightly. “Nice to meet you. Finally.”

“Finally?” Venti feels his brows furrow.

Kazuha ducks his head, rubbing the back of his neck. “Yeah… I know who you are.”

“Ohhh~ Am I really that popular?” Venti teases, placing a hand on his hip and smirking.

“You are, actually,” Kazuha admits. “Everyone in my class knows you.”

Venti hums, amused. “And what class is that?”

“Photography.”

“Ah, same as my best friend!” Venti beams.

“Alatus, right?”

“Yep, him!” Venti grins wider. “Wow, you do know me.”

Kazuha chuckles softly, gaze flicking downward for a moment. “That’s because of him.”

“Excuse me?” Venti blinks, caught off guard.

“We have a few lectures together,” Kazuha explains. “He’s mentioned you a few times.”

“Huh.” Venti nods slowly, processing that. Mentioned me for what, though?

Kazuha’s eyes flick to the violin in Venti’s hand. “I’ve also seen you play. You’re really good, and your track selection is always on point.”

Venti preens at the compliment, puffing out his chest. “Why, thank you, Kazuha! I do aim to please.”

Kazuha smiles, eyes crinkling at the corners. “I plan to drop by again. Maybe next week, if you have another recital.”

“Oh, absolutely! Take the front row next time so I can spot you in the crowd!” Venti chirps.

“Sure,” Kazuha replies with a soft titter.

Venti checks his watch only to find he’s running out of time. “Anyway, I gotta go. Beidou’s waiting!” He starts jogging backward, waving as he goes. “See you around, Kazuha!”

“See you,” Kazuha calls after him, waving with that same gentle smile.

What a nice guy, Venti thinks as he heads for class.

**

Venti is dead tired. No exaggeration, whatsoever.

The subway ride home does nothing to ease his exhaustion, and bumping into Zhongli on the way—hand in hand with his intimidatingly tall, ginger-haired husband—only added to his mental strain. Zhongli had insisted on a conversation about ‘artistry’s delicate balance,’ or something equally poetic and impractical for Venti’s current mood. At one point, Venti had seriously considered throwing himself off the platform just to escape.

By the time he kicks open the door to their dorm, he feels like a human husk. “I’m home!” he calls, but his voice comes out pitifully weak. The sound almost breaks his own heart.

Xiao is crouched by the window, feeding Cecilia, their pet goldfish. He doesn’t even glance back. Ouch.

“Wow, cool. Nice to know I was missed,” Venti mutters as he toes off his shoes, carelessly kicking them to the side. He trudges toward the sofa, dropping his bag and Diaochan’s case unceremoniously by the door, and collapses face-first onto the cushions. “Ugh, end me now. I can’t take it anymore,” he groans, his voice muffled by the pillow for sure.

Xiao doesn’t reply, busy murmuring something unintelligible to Cecilia.

Venti flips onto his back, flinging an arm over his forehead. “I’m a dying man, Xiao. Dying, I tell you. My body can’t take it. I might just wither away here and now—”

“Move,” Xiao interrupts, nudging Venti’s thigh with his foot.

“No.”

Xiao sighs, retreating to the kitchen. The sound of a flicking stove knob reaches Venti’s ears, followed by the sizzle of oil in a pan.

Moments later, the aroma of stir-fried vegetables and bacon wafts into the living room. Venti sits up a little, sniffing the air like a cat catching a whiff of catnip. possibly. “Xiao, are you… cooking for me?”

“No,” Xiao deadpans from the kitchen. “I’m just setting the kitchen on fire.”

Venti snorts, sinking back into the cushions. Of course, he can’t admit he’s being nice.

When Xiao returns, he’s carrying two plates of food and two cans of soda. He sets them on the coffee table and glares at Venti. “Eat.”

Dragging himself upright, Venti grabs his plate and takes a bite. The stir-fried veggies, eggs, and crispy bacon are divine, making him sigh dramatically. “Xiao… you’re an angel. A harsh, grumpy, painfully snob and handsome angel.”

Xiao ignores the compliment, busy eating his own food.

Between bites, Venti recounts his day. “I swear, Zhongli hates me. He wants me to master the piano on top of everything else. I’m already drowning in coursework and side jobs, and now he’s asking me to ‘broaden my horizons.’ I’m not a machine!”

Xiao arches a brow. “Maybe he sees your potential. He cares about your future.”

“Ugh, caring is exhausting,” Venti groans, stuffing his mouth with bacon.

Xiao sighs and heads to the kitchen again, returning this time with a box of Pocky. He pulls out a stick and unceremoniously pops it into Venti’s mouth.

“Wha—” Venti blinks, chomping on the sweet treat.

“It’s to shut you up,” Xiao supplies, settling back on the sofa and pulling out a stick for himself.

But Venti has an idea. A wonderfully reckless idea, one may say. He grabs another Pocky stick, biting halfway and leaving the rest hanging from his mouth. He grins mischievously at Xiao.

“What are you doing?” Xiao asks, flatly, coming off as already sensing trouble.

“Nothing,” Venti says innocently, leaning back against the cushions. Come on, Xiao. Take the bait.

Xiao stares at him, diffidently. For a second, Venti thinks his plan has failed—until Xiao moves. The sofa dips under his weight as he leans forward, and whoa… Really?

Venti’s breath hitches. Oh, Archons. He’s actually doing it, isn’t he?

Xiao closes the distance slowly, locking his golden eyes onto Venti’s, smoldering even behind his perpetually calm exterior. The space between them grows smaller and smaller, and Venti can feel the heat radiating from Xiao’s skin, causing his heart to pound erratically in his chest.

Just as their noses brush, Xiao stops. His lips quirk into a smirk.

“Coward,” he murmurs, his voice low and teasing.

Unable to react, Venti braces himself as Xiao bites the other end of the Pocky stick and pulls back, straightening with a self-satisfied air. He chews leisurely, lugging their empty plates and withdrawing to the kitchen.

Venti is frozen, respectively.

His heart races, cheeks burning, and his thoughts are in disarray.

“What just—” he wheezes, weakly, clutching the sofa cushion like it’s a life raft. His pulse refuses to settle.

When Xiao comes back, he throws Venti the dorm keys. “Lock up,” he says casually.

Venti gapes at him, wide-eyed. Xiao doesn’t even glance his way as he disappears into his room, the door clicking shut behind him.

Venti flops back onto the sofa, hand over his chest. His heart is still hammering as he gawks at the ceiling.

“Am I dying?” he muses.

He’s not okay. He’s so not okay.

[planecrumbs]

Guys am i the only one who gets irritated at Pedri😐

[warriorprincesstramp]

I have deeply urgent things to do so clearly it's time for the final lost rankings of season one

1. kate - she's so crazy... you always want to run away katie!!

2. sayid... 🫶 when he was the first one to speak at boone's funeral graugh

3. jack. he's been serving like crazy lately it's insane. do no harm was just unreal. and I won't spoil for beth but that thing he did in exodus. his beautiful stupid hero complex <3 literally if he had absolute power he would keep it really niceys!!

4. sun. I don't have much to say she makes me feel a lot of things I really like her

5. shannon. every time she does something I find compelling she does something irritating like right after but of course I'm a feminist and I'm working on it. she's had some really good scenes though like her and walt... ugh 😿

6. jin. literally went from wanting him dead to here look how far we've come... he's been slaying sorry. but frankly I DON'TTTT care that he was in the mafia or whatever like to be honest dude I could not give less of a fuck. him just being a guy who can't communicate with the rest of them is inherently compelling and he can have this conflict with sun without it being like. oh well he's just so stressed because he's a contract killer. or whatever he does it's all the same stupid shit. I don't care! on a nicer note I'm obsessed with his little marital odd couple dynamic with micheal where micheal is one of the only ppl who can sort of understand him... they were in love here. or something.

7. boone. he will not be on this list after this and of course he's dead so I'm letting him be this high. his death was devastating lowkey and him dying desperately trying to save them all... whatever 😐 I'm letting you off the hook 😐 WHATEVER!

8. walt. henry mills swag! freaky little kid swag!

9. oh my god I forgot charlie. well if I'm being real he's been flopping lately. am I really gonna make him lower than jin... yeah I am. sorry. he'll win me back soon it won't be hard.

10. hurley. he's fine. him being the comedic side character is kind of getting grating though like I get it we need the silly but. come on...

11. locke. BOOOOOO! he's getting soooooo cocky like sit down bro you literally killed that kid because you're insane... and then calling it * ********* ********* GET OUT!!! he's obviously going to be the main part of a crazyyyy arc next season but he is irritating the hell out of me currently. and an enemy of jack is an enemy of mine...

12. micheal. also fine he has had a few good moments with jin but mostly he's kind of boring and whatever

13. sawyer. I like him much more than I used to! but he still pisses me off. ESPECIALLY after born to run before that I was like ok he can be kinda silly but oh my god keep kate's name out of your mouth she should've poisoned your ass...

whoaaaa I literally forgot about claire. sorry girl you are kind of nothing to me... I'd put her above hurley probably

and while I'm here. best episodes of season one - pilot/the moth/do no harm/exodus part one. <3 ok bye xoxo tee

[aqueeracademic]

morse being queer (and other commentary) pt 17:

season 5, episode 1, “Muse”:

note: this episode deals with some really dark topics; i don’t really get into it in this post but be wary of the content

- okay season 5‼️‼️

- let’s get gay

- this guy seems a little young to be a professor

- oh he isn’t a professor he’s just some guy

- i want to live in a windmill tbh

- strange playing the trombone agenda!

- pause did morse not move to london?

- me when i have no clue what’s going on

- DETECTIVE SERGEANT?????? ULTIMATE PAUSE

- HE PASSED HIS SERGEANTS

- shit i guess he stayed

- living with strange! besties 4 lyfe

- these umbrellas are doing nothing to keep them dry

- the way debryn is giving his analysis directly to morse 🥰🥰🥰

- bro knows morse is the only one who’s gonna pay attention tbh

- about WHAT morse situation 🤨🤨🤨🤨

- i love frazil she’s always rooting for morse

- hello who tf is that

- george fancy

- WAIT

- i cant experience the george fancy story again.

- can’t handle it.

- “i’m used to working alone, sir.”

- no ur not morse u just miss jakes

- WHAT. SITUATION.

- oh

- okay

- so they’re just not gonna move him 🙄

- made me panic for no good damn reason

- morse is so disrespectful to fancy and for what

- “what’s a pretty girl like you doing in a place like this?” “my job.” 😐

- i forgot i also hated fancy for a long time

- morse was right ‼️

- “hard to get, eh?” why don’t you! shut your mouth!

- “you have no idea.” “i like a challenge.”

- WHY DONT YOU! shut up ❤️

- in fairness morse was really upfront with george about his expectations so after a certain point it’s george’s fault for being a dumbass and annoying him

- that’s just me tho!

- okay ew i did not need to see debryn pull that spike out of the dudes ear

- i am experiencing debilitating heart burn right now i think im gonna die

- anywho

- thursday just roasting the shit out of nero while morse stands there like 😮

- JOAN ‼️‼️‼️

- omg she’s back

- morse is so awkward 🙄

- morse is just… drinking milk. just a glass of milk. like 🥛. im disgusted

- ayo

- body took me by surprise to say the least

- morse is getting awfully comfortable looking at dead people

- i feel like fancy is already a lot like jakes and that’s what’s irritating morse

- he keeps asking questions the same way jakes did

- it’s different though because fancy is asking because hes ignorant, not because he’s challenging morse

- and morse is irritated because jakes was an intellectual challenge

- he had to be certain before presenting anything to jakes because jakes would ask questions to force him to prove it or think it through all the way

- fancy isn’t challenging him intellectually even though he’s taking jakes’ spot

- and morse doesn’t want a replacement he just wants jakes

- ykwim??????????????

- great!

- moving on

- “dipped his quill in any ink pot.”

- bro was a whore

- i’m also assuming he was a lil…. fruity

- but don’t ask me for proof! i operate on vibes and vibes alone

- the way i thought that glider was small 💀💀

- it was literally carrying around an entire human being

- “i don’t think she likes men.” “maybe it’s just you she doesn’t like.”

- morse is SO catty i love him

- he clocked that guy as a scumbag and just ran w it

- IM DYING at morse saying what shade the lipstick is and debryn instantly knowing the line it’s from

- that’s a little 💅

- i’m just saying

- for this time period?

- also the silence after he says it 💀

- and morse just carries on 💀

- i love debryn

- george is doing his best tho

- morse just misses jakes and doesn’t want someone else hanging around and i’m SICK OVER IT

- morse watched that entire strip show and for what 😐

- you could have just gone straight to the dressing room babes

- the way he doesn’t check her out ONCE when she stands up

- respect 😔✊

- i’m watching this on amazon and the amount of times the captioning has said [inaudible] is killing me

- AYO eve is gorgeous

- i know that’s the point but like goddam 😭

- “he’d seen me dancing.” “stripping.”

- morse ur being annoying

- they’re dancers whether or not they take clothes off and ur stripping them of their dignity by belittling their careers

- there’s 0 reason to slut shame them for dancing even if it is stripping

- don’t be a dick ‼️

- naur why was morse the one to uncover the body 🥺

- i literally hate him and then immediately feel terrible for him and love him again 🙄

- i’m weak what can i say

- the way morse looks at trewlove during the interrogation and she’s just like 😳

- girl didn’t want to know a singular thing about morse’s sex life

- straight up trapped

- i’m honestly confused how fancy forgot to get the contents booked

- like you went to do it right away

- did you just?? stop? doing it???

- and then morse just covers for him to thursday to keep him in everyone’s good graces

- he’s sooooooo

- ugh.

- if there’s an opportunity to be self sacrificing he’s gonna take it and i hate it

- because being self sacrificing IS the example he sets fancy

- and we all know how that ends up

- i love it when morse is alone in the nick and opera music is playing

- it makes me think that it’s playing in his mind

- like he is constantly hearing opera when he’s working even if it’s not playing

- he’s just hearing it

- i love it

- a touch of the tism perhaps…

- ^me projecting

- that student that morse keeps talking to about the life model? the one w the blonde fringe? yeah! he’s gay.

- once again, no proof. vibes and vibes alone!

- GO CASS GO!

- out ur husband as a con artist!

- werk

- ooo dr croxley is gay for sure

- i’m so low on actual queer content from this show rn i’m just assuming every single side character is gay

- “i beg your pardon?” “you can beg my fat ass!”

- ROAST HIM FRED!!

- get his ass

- thursday has absolutely zero reservations about this shit i love him

- this is reminding me of the riot club tbh

- idk if any of you have seen that movie but the group of men behave just like the riot club

- morse giving a theory out and then bright going “and the rest?” and him being like 🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️🤷‍♀️ is SO REAL

- some of these episodes have so many characters, and i am so bad with names, i’ll get to the like one hour mark and have no idea who anyone is talking about anymore

- joan and thursday speaking for the first time in like a year is… hmmm

- she used to be such a daddy’s girl and now she hates his guts i am WRECKED

- dhmu 😔💔

- “that was quick.” “you asked for it.” “you’re a good sergeant, jim. good man, too.”

- you tell him thursday!

- me when i’m a jim strange STAN

- i’m nervous why is the music so scary

- oh literally nothing happened

- she just invited him inside

- he’s gonna sleep w her huh? 🙄

- he’s a slut

- i read the books! i know!

- “save it for your clients. i’m immune.”

- first of all, morse, we ALL KNOW that that isn’t true 🤨 no need to lie 😐

- “you’ve got need coming off you like a junkie gouging for a spike, but you won’t do anything about it.”

- this line is ABSOLUTELY INSANE i’m going feral

- like why would you say that 😭😭😭😭

- oh my god his face while she’s offering herself to him is so 😧

- i can’t do this tonight ✋😁

- the way he backs away from her when he starts to figure her out

- he’s so scared

- all the time!

- i hate it here

- sidebar:

- this is literally the plot of the riot club

- like what happened to the women and how the men behave and the fact that the men were scholars and it’s an elite group and they all call each other by different names

- it’s literally the riot club

- a movie i HATED and did not finish btw

- this is open riot club slander that movie was terrible

- feel free to watch it if you don’t believe me tho!

- but anyways this feels like the aftermath of that movie

- these girls are right and should be allowed to get away with it tho

- morse should have just pretended to never figure it out and let her get away with it

- i erased this episode from my memory this shit is so hard to watch

- justice for ruth astor.

- i’m sobbing my eyes out right now! literally sobbing.

- morse slut shames these girls the entire episode and then feels terrible at the end as he fucking should

- i hate men.

- just throwing in the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at the end????

- like hello?

- idk if that’s supposed to feel random but it certainly does

- ok that episode traumatized me

- on to the next!

[avatardoggo]

（ ; ; ）

[awildtei]

The King's Men

Aaron (<33333333333333)

-Aaron picking at loose threads on the pillows in therapy is literally me, off to a good start <3

-Aaron no longer feeling so agitated about Neil <3 Aaron deciding to be infuriating instead of angry <3 Real ones already knew he was The character of all time ✌😙

-God I love this little shit so much :')

-"Aaron wasn't fooled. They were twins; there was too much of them in each other despite all the years they'd spent apart." !!!!!!!!!!!!!

-Obviously outing people is not cool etc etc but there is something weirdly satisfying about Aaron having the upper hand for once in his relationship with Andrew and using it gleefully.

-"I am not." Me when I lie to my therapist.

-'"No," Andrew said, as Aaron said, "Yes."' It's funny but it's also like. They are COMMUNICATING. They are ARGUING. They are being BROTHERS.

-"Go slash some tires, or whatever it is you do for fun." GAH AARON MINYARD LOML

-This whole section:

Aaron Michael Minyard I am politely asking for your hand in marriage.

-I can rest in peace knowing Andrew knows Neil punched (tried to punch) Aaron. Us: I wonder what Andrew's reaction would have been if he'd seen Neil punching Aaron. Would he have been mad? Andrew finding out: "You bring out that urge in people 😐."

-Aaron throwing Andrew off balance is kind of beautiful to see.

-"I LIKE NEIL'S PROMISE RING BY THE WAY" ASKLGAKHG HE'S SUCH A LITTLE SHIT <3 Clearly it runs in the family (also, so true, Aaron).

-"Matching set. Very cute." This is actually not good for my health. I already loved Aaron an unhealthy amount and now this?? I am in danger.

-"He wielded honesty like a knife" okay Ronan Lynch.

-Okay but Nora is such a smart writer because each paragraph in these bonus chapters does incredibly heavy lifting characterization-wise. They're short but reveal so. much. about the characters whose pov we're seeing and also those around them. Truly masterful.

-Like that paragraph about scars? It hints at so many future conversations and so much growth in the twins' relationship in just a few sentences.

-Nicky and Aaron!!! Nora saw fools with poor reading comprehension skills call Aaron a homophobe and said "fuck that, hold my beer".

-"I don't care if you're gay, and I don't care that you picked the literal most irritating person on the planet to fall for. I care that you're being a hypocrite." We [big brained people] been knew. I love having correct opinions always <3

-"A few months ago, Aaron never would have imagined Andrew needed his approval. Finding out how important he was to Andrew was an ongoing, eye-opening experience." I'm going to be SICK this is everything to me!!!!!!!!!!!! It's what I believed in my heart of hearts about the twinyards and I love it in fics, but having canon confirmation is making me dizzy with joy!!! And Andrew getting reassured by two of the most important people in his life that they don't care that he's gay has me a little emotional tbh.

-Obsessed with Aaron referring to his discoveries about his brother as "fascinating" again and again. He wants to study him under a microscope just like every Andrew fan.

-"Aaron still didn't particularly like her or trust her, but he didn't have to. She truly mattered to Andrew when so few people did anymore." He totally means it about Neil, too.

-"I love her more than anything. I want to spend the rest of my life with her." sobBING THEY ARE SO DEAR TO ME 😭 Aaron is so guarded but he says it so easily, it's just the pure and simple truth HE WANTS TO SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE WITH HER!!! He's barely out of his teens and he's only known her for a year but he is absolutely certain he wants forever with her!!!!!!!! I'm unwell.

-Andrew going "You have abysmal taste in girls" because he doesn't have a good answer....... they're making progress, right before our eyes.......

-"I told her you were never going to develop a personality of your own" OH. Oh. MMMMMMM I could write an essay on this statement alone. I will be letting this sentence brew in the cauldron of my mind for the foreseeable future.

-"Aaron would take any chance he could to talk about her." GAAAAH he's so in love he wants to shout it from the rooftops but he has to keep quiet about it!!!!! He wants to gush about how incredible she is and how much he loves her but he's not allowed to!!!!!

-I know now it's, like, officially canon that Aaron wants to be a neurosurgeon, but I have enough friends in med school to know they change their minds about their specialties more often than not once they actually have to decide, so my pediatrician!Aaron hc is not dead.

-"His mother laughed him out of the room for daring to think he could make anything of himself" I love when personal headcanons become canon.

-Aaron now knows Andrew got them into Palmetto for his sake. I am fine. I am completely normal. I am chill, even.

-I BLAME US BOTH :))))))))))))

-"I don't want to lose you." I can't believe he said it out loud. Explicitly. Aaron Minyard I would die for you.

-"Aaron's all bruises." fuck

-"You promised me once you would never lie to me" oh, promises and more promises. Andrew. Andrew. (I'm now thinking about Cass again. The promises she asked of him and the ones she broke......)

-Andrew is so funny, I think it often gets lost in fandom among Neil's entirely out of pocket shittalk, but Andrew is the true comedian of aftg.

-Aaron calling Neil a mafioso 😭 this bonus chapter is truly giving me everything I've ever wished for.

-It ends with Aaron smiling. As it should. As all stories should, actually.

Welp, unsurprisingly this was my favorite one by miles. I will continue to think about it and read it again when I've had time to process it and maybe write something more coherent but. Holy shit. Aaron Minyard the man that you are <3

Some very unpolished thoughts I scribbled down on my first read of the bonus chapters (SPOILERS AHEAD):

David

-Wymack trying to steer Kevin away from alcohol and into therapy feels a bit retcon-y. I know it works just fine, but I kinda liked that for all his good intentions and overall positive impact Wymack was a very flawed father figure, particularly with something he seems to use as a crutch himself like alcohol is.

-"I don't trust [Betsy]." Interesting in many ways: (a) that makes Neil the second, not third, team member to distrust poor Betsy. (b) he doesn't trust her not to reveal his secrets, so clearly he trusted her just enough to tell her those secrets in the first place. (c) I think it adds a very interesting layer to Kandrew's dynamic, both because Kevin sees Betsy as someone who could get in between them and ruin it and because it's a secret Kevin and Jean shared but Kevin won't share with Andrew (the closest thing to a partner he has with the Foxes).

-"No. Don't ask me that." Exactly what Andrew says on the phone with Higgins. The immediate refusal, the automatic yet almost panicked order... mmm.

-Maybe Kevin's age when Kayleigh died had already been confirmed somewhere but I don't think I knew it, so. Nine. Old enough to (probably) remember her pretty well, to have learned from her and loved her and miss her. Young enough to be shaped into a Raven.

-"but Kevin would always be different." "You're not just a Fox. You're Kayleigh's son." Kill me.

-Kevin's reaction to Wymack talking about his mom is very validating of what I've always imagined he feels about her.

-"When he started thinking about rings he put himself on a plane home." *Holt's voice* VINDICATION!! I've seen people shit on Kayleigh way too often as some kind of cold-hearted bitch who cut Wymack out her life with no hesitation, but he left!! He failed to keep it casual so he left!! "He'd never called her again."

-"Coaches have no honor." Considering what we learned from Jean about Raven coaches... yeah, not shocking. (Did Kevin know Raven coaches were the exception while he was in the Nest? Or did he run to Wymack thinking all coaches are the same, that he would be beaten and punished but what made Wymack a good man was the he would allow him to stay? Did he have to slowly learn to trust that Wymack wouldn't hurt him like Jean with Rhemann?)

-"Your word is enough. Just yours." Throwignnn up :(

-"Nicky wasn't the only one so easily swayed" wait what. Is this about Andreil? Am I missing something? It's definitely about Andrew right?

-Nicky's terrible driving doesn't show up nearly enough in fics methinks.

[bunkernine]

where am i right now omg

[thee-achilles]

🥣.| astro observations & drabbles: pt. 2.

phoebe bridgers addition. <3

you really thought you ate? gimme that fcking plate 😒

anyways part dos 😻 i’ve got a lot to say and imma say it 💪😒 dale 👩🏻‍🦲

💥. | these are only observations i have made. please take them with a grain of salt. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE OR POST ANYWHERE ELSE. if there is anything you’d like to add, let me know! <3 |💥

🎯.| made by a libra sun, libra rising, and leo moon :)

🧞‍♂️i cannot stress this enough, y’all. LOOK AT THE DEGREES AND DECANS OF YOUR PLACEMENTS. this matters so much bruh. it further characterizes your placements. i’ll make a post about it if i’m feeling, como sé dice, frisky. 🕺

🧞‍♂️i think the reason why gen z leos are so funny is because they have sun-pluto aspects. our pluto is in sagittarius, one of the most funniest signs, and it’s making an aspect to leo, a natural attention-grabbing sign. since pluto has a huge effect on a person as it is, the sign has to effect the personality a bit too, right??

🧞‍♂️having NN in the 6H is just not knowing where you’re going, but you’re gonna work your ass off to get there. SN in the 12H shows what were used to and being in the unknown is it. also you may use spirituality to get you where you’re going. it’s like driving blind and ending up being just fine. if you ain’t got your NN in the 6H, FYL‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️ jk y’all stay blessed 😒☹️

🧞‍♂️**sigh** i think it’s time we discuss my momma’s chart. THIS GIRL GOT FIVE STELLIUMS. I DO NOT LIE. EVER. a capricorn, scorpio, 11H, 10H, and 8H stellium 😀 plus a pisces rising and an aquarius sun. y’all send her good energy ONLY. any shitting on her you do, y’all just gonna get back 👩🏻‍🦲 my mother is tired and protected 💂‍♀️

🧞‍♂️mars/jupiter conjunct mercury people are FUNNY, bro. mars-mercury come up with the funniest things on the fly & impulsively and jupiter-mercury is just subtly funny, i’ve noticed. although mars-mercury may have some issues saying things that aren’t supposed to be said/not thinking before they speak.

🧞‍♂️looking at phoebe bridgers’ chart and noticing she shares a moon & ascendant sign with my mom. plus her sun sign is my mom’s sister sign... no wonder i uber wanna smooch her in the most platonic way. edit: SHE’S ALSO GOT AN 11H CAPRICORN & 8H SCORPIO STELLI WTF BOY 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

🧞‍♂️people who are able to grow out beards w/ leo placements love to do it?? and it makes their eyes look more feline too. rawr or whatever 🙄‼️☝️🦁

🧞‍♂️TW: talk of weight. the 2H can possibly tell you how quickly you gain/lose weight. venus rules food and it’s beginner house is the 2H. it’s also the house closet to the 1H of image, so it wouldn’t be a surprise. also planets there can effect this, too.

ex: a sag rising may gain/lose weight slowly because their 2H is in capricorn, but if jupiter is there it may be harder to lose weight since jupiter rules expansion. and a pisces rising may gain/lose weight “out of nowhere” since aries is in that house. if venus is in this house, they may either be very happy with how they look all the time or not. it just depends on how venus is aspected. also look at the sign of the 2H’s ruler planet for further insight. :)

🧞‍♂️the sign of the house your NN is in could be the sign of the placements you attract the most.

my NN is in aries in my 6H in pisces and pisceans are ALWAYS attracted to me?? i love them though so if you got pisces placements kiss me.👩🏻‍🦲💂‍♀️🐺‼️💘

🧞‍♂️THAT JUNO-MOON SYNASTRY DOES NOT COME TO PLAY. that shit is powerful. do not play with me. i am not the one.

🧞‍♂️pluto in the 3H/pluto-mercury harsh aspects really makes you forget what you were saying mid-way through speaking 😐

🧞‍♂️i’ve noticed that people with water moons have parents/a parent who smokes or do dr*gs.

🧞‍♂️i’ve noticed that pisces placements get irritated when it’s hot?? they just get super moody. they also tend to get hot easily. maybe it’s because they’re hot themselves 😈

🧞‍♂️water/earth mars individuals hate getting wet 😐 y’all don’t like to swim or walk in the rain or anything, bro. always got an umbrella even if it’s a clear and sunny day outside.

🧞‍♂️IF SATURN IS IN HARMONIOUS ASPECTS WITH YOUR SUN, YOU ARE LESS LIKELY TO SUNBURN. you still better wear that that damn sunblock though 😒‼️

🧞‍♂️virgo, gemini placements/degrees, or mercury doms like cheese. even if they’re lactose intolerant, they just gobble that shit up.

🧞‍♂️leo risings blend well with the people around them. they have the ability to make themselves less noticeable if they want to. if they want to shine, they will, if they don’t, they don’t. y’all are so kind too 😭😭

going off that, aquarius risings tend to stand out more even if they don’t want to. i’ve noticed that everyone knows them too and talk about them, even if they don’t strike you as the popular type.

🧞‍♂️taurus moons have analyzed it all. they are so good at seeming like they’re unaware, but they have thought through every possible outcome something could have. these people are NOT risk-takers, y’all. do not play with them 👨‍🦲 they are not the one 🤬

🧞‍♂️5H/leo stelliums vs their ego 🥊DING🥊 DING🥊 DING🥊

NOT saying y’all are arrogant or whatever negative connotations that the ego includes. i’m just saying that y’all can be STUBBORN. in ANYTHING. especially when someone they dislike says something. that someone: “believe in yourself!” 5H/leo stelli: “no. never. i WILL NOT believe in myself. i hate you. literally get out of my face.” you cannot win them over with flattery. they are DWAYNE THE ROCK JOHNSON type of solid.

🧞‍♂️“i want to die with no money. money means nothing to me. when i have it, i feel like i HAVE to spend it otherwise i won’t spend it at all. if i’m rich, no i’m not. 😍” -my pluto in the 2H brother

🧞‍♂️pluto 3rd housers and having horrid intrusive thoughts. IMAGINE⁉️ COULD NOT BE ME💪 (is me)

🧞‍♂️i read a theory on twitter that your 5H is the goals you have for/how you treat your first child and the rest of the houses following are the rest of your children. my mother has two children- my brother and i- and her 5th and 6th house are both in cancer. my brother and i are both libra risings with cancer mcs 😳.

🧞‍♂️gemini placement children are so chill. i think they’re one of easiest ones to take care of.

🧞‍♂️imma need you mutable doms to tell me how you feel for once 👨‍🦲 STOP CONCEALING YOUR ANGER LET ME IN 🤬🤬🤬🤬 conceal 🧥 don’t 🙅‍♀️ feel 😩 it’s giving elsa of wherever tf she came from 👩🏻‍🦳

🧞‍♂️mercury doms/placements and collecting journals... and then never using them. 🙄🙄 (guilty)

🧞‍♂️okay. a lot of aries placements (specifically sun & rising) have noses that look like their symbol?? ♈️ very downturned with flared nostrils, but it works on them. also amazing amazing eyebrows. <3

🧞‍♂️the best people with the same sign that i’ve seen get along with each other are leos. y’all understand each other so well omg.

🧞‍♂️ugh i hate that everyone makes the 8H all about sex like 😒 it isn’t just that 🙄 anyways venus/mars in the 8H makes someone very experimental and fweaky 😈, but only when they feel the safest. intimacy is a huge deal for them, so sharing themselves and their energy can easily drain them. she’s a fweaky gal 😛

🧞‍♂️libra moons, i love you dearly. you’re so kind and you do acts of service expecting nothing back. you guys make my heart swell with joy, though i haven’t met many of y’all. you are full of and give love effortlessly despite how life has treated you. moral of the story, KISS ME YOU MF‼️‼️🤬🤬🤬🤬

🧞‍♂️as a leo moon, i tend to attract virgo moons SO MUCH. my best friend is a virgo moon, my bf is a virgo moon, and other people in my past have been virgo moons. love y’all or whatever.

🧞‍♂️EARTH MERCURIES ARE SO FUNNY, BRO. and when they have an earth mars? 😩 omg. [s]creaming. the way y’all say things just really tickle my pickle, bro. especially virgo mercuries.

🧞‍♂️the easiest rising sign to point out is libra risings. maybe it’s because i’m one, but i smell those bitches from miles away. 👃😤

🧞‍♂️scorpio placements usually do not desire children from what i’ve seen.

🧞‍♂️capricorn and aquarius placements care so much about how they smell/things smelling good. my mom and best friend have these placements and giving them things that smell good is the fastest way to their heart 😭 my mom owns like 294827818458 lotions and candles APPROXIMATELY.

🧞‍♂️my jupiter in the 1H 🤝 me being the first biracial in my immediate family line 😋

🧞‍♂️venus in detriment signs are frugal. MATERIAL GWORL‼️‼️ but without spending money on the material 😼

ASStroids. <3

🫐if you have asteroid sappho (#80) making positive aspects to any destiny point (node, fortune, vertex) or some of the big 4 points (asc, desc, IC, or MC) MAKES YOU GAY ASL BOY‼️‼️‼️ nah jk, but it makes you have a good feminine touch, however you identify as <3 also makes you empathize with feminine people more easily. also makes you an amazing writer, especially if sappho (#80) is in aspect to mercury. makes someone a feminist as well.

🫐asteroid vesta (#4) in aspect to venus makes you have acts of service as a love language. you also want to make people feel at home the best they can. :) however if it’s badly aspected, i’ve noticed these individuals are awkward about receiving gifts, but exude the most homey vibes even if they’re awkward.

🫐saturn and mars in the 9H in asteroid juno (#3) persona chart could meet their spouse through a sport they/their spouse does in college. bonus points if it’s in the winter or you’re cold or something.

🫐asteroid bambi (#15845) or asteroid angel (#11911) touching the ascendant, mercury, sun, moon, or in the 2H or touching planets in gemini or virgo makes someone have really great doe eyes. use this to your advantage. 😋

🫐asteroid chariklo (#10199) conjunct mercury makes for someone with healing words as well as healing hands. they know just what to say to make you feel better and will give you a massage to go along with it 💪😼

🫐asteroid patroclus (#617) may be where we tend to follow blindly without question. we tend to devote ourselves to it without asking. it’s filled with lessons that take a while to learn. we can be defensive where it’s at and we’re willing to sacrifice ourselves for it.

ex: asteroid patroclus (#617) in the 11H in virgo will be at the service of others without questioning. they can follow social and humanitarian groups if they see that it will do good for people. they won’t dive deeper into it or look at the opposing view, they just follow it. they may sacrifice their health, well-being, appetite, previous work, or school in order to fight for it. they also put in a lot of detail in how to fight for it. they may learn after a while to look into what they follow or who they help before they follow through and to take better care of themselves while doing so.

🫐asteroid wild (#1941) may show you the results of you taking risks. it also may show where you are most carefree and outgoing comfortably or where other people encourage you to be so.

🫐asteroid medusa (#149) is where you make people stop and stare or how you intimidate people. 😈

asteroid medusa (#149) touching the ascendant could make people naturally intimidating even when they’re actually pretty sweet.

🫐y’all. i was OBSESSED with princess aurora (sleeping beauty) when i was little. i wanted to be her and everything. asteroid aurora (#94) is in my 1H in scorpio at the same degree as my sun: 6°. SO STOP SAYING ASTROLOGY IS FAKE, BOZOS 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬

🫐⬆️ going off of that, asteroids of names or places in your first house could indicate them having an importance in your life. i mean, all of them do, but these will feel especially personal. <3

thank you SO MUCH for reading. i tried to make this one longer than the last. thanks to those gorgeous gorgeous pals who read to the end <33

have a lovely day!! <3

© thee-achilles 2022

[mekatrio]

and part two for episode one

- started applauding when seto finally spoke i love this piece of shit frog LOOK AT HIM. most useless boy in the world i love him. wait no i take it back he's actually using his powers this time around i forgot abt that. he's so awesome

i prefer this scene without seto bc it builds seto's reputation as a character that u dont pay attention to, but honestly its also very funny to have seto in this scene bc then you have kanoseto being two brothers who are doing fuck all. except bullying shintaro. basically the anime version of this

- also i forgot what seto had sounded like man he sounds great. love this voice actor for him

- lord kano is so irritating thank god hes in a timeloop cuz he deserves it

- why is kano the only one laughing at mary tripping. can seto react a bit at least

- the pacing of this scene is godawful lmao why did we waste so much time in shintaro's bedroom..... anyways

- so weird we dont see kanoseto's reaction to shintaro being held up by the throat. like in the manga we see kano's reaction to it which LOL is literally just 😐

also the fact that shintaro just stops mentioning ene like she is just Gone for the length of this scene until she conveniently shows up in the end like ok i guess. the store items dramatically falling with kano's face in the shadows is cool tho i guess. and i like this 2 frame shot of my kids

- jesus A LOT of shit is falling those girls are really putting their work in

- barely obviously that kano removed the restraints for shintaro lol. but oh well

- ohhh ene has been talking to him this whole time. i mean sure i guess.... thats a confusing way to show things. what. dunno why they couldnt hv shown her speaking to him throughout that sequence. oh wait i know why. cuz we spent 2 minutes on a dramatic opening and 6 minutes in shintaro's room and like 3 minutes walking to the mall.... u get the picture

- hai kido my girlie

also first mekatrio of the anime.... lfg!

- the background music is very very fun

- no shotgun sound to indicate shintaro just got shot at? seriously?

- really cool dream sequence. it was a good idea to make it so we cant hear ayano at all hell yes

- AND THATS IT! CUE THE DAZE OP

- am only realizing for the first time shes finally drinking her fated red bean soda

- oh right azami storytime. let me take a look

- oh ayano was the narrator for azami storytime! i didnt remember that. thats so fitting considering that ayano inherits azami's memories in the novels and manga. and maybe the song? whether she does in the anime i dont actually remember, but i do expect her to.

- do not understand why shaft decided to portray azami in a design more akin to her concept art:

left is mca's azami storytime portrayal of her, right is sidu's concept art for her. i wonder if what happened was that sidu gave shaft the designs + concept art of the characters and they mistakenly thought that the concept art was their designs as well. bc thats what happened with young mekatrio, theyre constantly dressed up the same way they were dressed in the concept art. except for seto, whose dressed up the way he was in Imagination Forest. ill add the pics of that when i actually watch that ep

- and this likely isnt intentional but this screen using saeru's colors... hehe

- BOOOOO this bluray rip doesnt include the fanarts that every episode had... smh.... i should look for those somewhere. ok i found it:

overall thoughts: man i wasnt expecting to but towards the ending i started feeling super nostalgic... it feel like its 2014 again and that im so happy and optimistic to see where this anime will go... aw.... the ayano dream sequence was so dramatic and good, and then the daze op, and then azami storytime and the next episode preview... man.... like i was reminded of all the exuberant optimism this fandom had at the start of this anime. man. this episode finishes on such a high note that it almost makes you think the rest of the episode was just as good. well it wasnt!

firstly this is bc of poor planning and bc jin had probably initially expected to be able to fit in mr2's plot into here, but considering we dont get that, the first two minutes of the ep couldve been reworked into hibihiyo's introduction, similarly to how the novels open with a hibihiyo prologue, and the first album features Kagerou Days pretty early. i dont remember how hibiya gets stuck into the Kisaragi Attention ep so that'll be interesting to revisit...

and ofc we spent too long in shintaro's room. unnecessarily long. this ep shouldve either 1.) ended at the introduction of the hostages, or 2.) skimmed the fat and moved it at a pace where the ep ends with momo and friends peering down on shintaro, similarly to the manga:

while still having the hostage situation Actually Make Sense. bc in this anime it made zero sense. while also looking very bad. well... that was episode 1 ig

too sick to draw or do anything else which means its the perfect time to watch mca and be a little autistic nitpicky bitch about it. planning to do a post like this per episode, this one's for episode One. well episode one part one bc nothing in my life is easy and i keep forgetting theres a fucking image limit for posts 🙄

- I HATE THIS FUCKING ANIME ok i needed to get that off my chest...... groaned so loudly at the first four seconds fucking... Church Bells and POLES?!?!? POLES?!?!!! i hate shaft's enviromental choices ok moving on

- how the fuck did i not realize that ayano's VA is rena ryuugu lmfao its all i can hear nowadays

- right theyre on a fucking clock... for some reason.... also honestly i dont like ayano's voice that much. like the voice is fine but i dont think it fits ayano's character

- also this clock sucks i wish it was like more More you know more gears more machinery like ep12 insanity ok wait. are shinaya 3d models here lmfao.. maybe?

- i like this line. saur mysterious

- hahaha.... the Kaien Panzermast

now that i think abt it i have no idea why its called kaien panzermast. like i what its referring to (the song siren thing thats telling kids to go tf home) but what the hell is a Kaien Panzermast?

- this scenery is near meaningless to kagepro literally just a whole bunch of nothing when i say i hate shaft's choices for this anime..... like what is any of this shit. also orange??!? orange of all colors..... god damn man

like yes ok its the evening BUT THIS IS KAGEROU PROJECT. GIVE ME MY RED AND BLUE!

-- this part is cool tho. a bit too heavy handed in the symbolism but i appreciate the gesture

- lol at this:

BECAUSE SHE DIDNT! not until 2017 lmfao. this makes me suspect that the revelations from mr2 were initially supposed to be in the anime. but in the end for whatever reason it couldnt fit itself there, so the only revelation we got was The First Tragedy Exists. and no elaboration.... now that i think of it, iirc me and many fans were pretty thrown off from this opening back when it first aired cuz this was like, the first time we've seen ayano act like this. wait. let me check my timeline

ok nvm lol. second time. first time shes ever like this is in the manga:

but anyways back in 2013/2014 before the LTM episode, there was like no context whatsoever for Why Is Ayano Like That. so that was a doozy

- damn can u imagine working on some songs writing a novel and getting these amazing voice actors to voice ur characters... ohhh i wouldnt know how to act

-HJEKHJSKDFHASJKDFH THIS LOOKS CHEAP AS HELL HELP ME

i mean thats um. one way to show a timeline getting thrown away... I Guess. ignoring the fact that Mary Has Long Hair (which she shouldnt), its a cool visual idea but the execution is um... hfjkssjk

- hehe

headphone actor mv on the left and mca countdown thingy on the right. holy shit they are near identical damn, i just thought they were similar but no, its practically identical. thats so cool T_T if only the rest of this anime was this cool.... whatever onwards i go

- shintaro's stupid futuristic high-rise apartment... i loathe thee

- the fuck is this

- first instance of shaft's trademark of putting random shit on the screen and im already annoyed its gonna be bad for me for the rest of this rewatch if i can even last that long. i know i will at least til ep 10 (11???) cuz i need to see baby mekatrio

- no aku benci lmfao shaft hates to animate so much they threw this story into the future so they could just conveniently project things onto shintaro's cyberwall hahaha..... i fucking hate this anime

- looks like shintaro was drawn by 4 different artists in these various shots that only span like 5 seconds

- damn in the anime its not even ene's fault that shintaro spilled the soda lmfao. thats all on him this time

- also shinene's voices are srsly perfect

- XX you say...... 🤨

- storyboarding sucks shit they went from flashback to not a flashback to flashback again my fucking god dude. the only reason i can make sense of any of it is cuz im rewinding every little thing

- literally no reason to add 'roomie' to this translation but it made me laugh so I GUESS

maybe i should hunt for the official crunchyroll subs. but im too lazy

- lmfao

text from Mekakucity Talkers 24, translated by x0401x. only difference from tht and the screenshot is that shintaro still has hair lol

- hm. i wish it made a bigger deal of shintaro leaving the house. yeah he threw a fit but i wish the actual stepping outside aspect was more dramatic yknow. like how Children Record emphasized it

- WHY IS THIS CITY SO EMPTY

- also curiously this episode is missing this sentence from shintaro abt someone rebuilding the city bit by bit which is in the novels and the manga, which is meant to foreshadow saeru's influence. but then again the first 17 manga chapters are taken nearly word-by-word from the novels so maybe thats all it is 🤷

- also it took like 6 minutes for shintaro to leave the house... theres other things being done ofc, establishing shinene's dynamics, quick exposition of how ene ended up with shintaro to begin with, and spilling soda onto the computer and leaving the house. but i feel like it wouldve been better if the anime stuck to what the novels + mr1 does, where ene blares a loud fucking alarm. that quickly establishes shinene's dynamic and easily leads to a So You Must Be Wondering How I Got Here type of thing, and then knock over the soda leave the house bam easy. instead the anime really took its time with like..... idk making shinaro look ikemen. yeahhh not the best choice, especially considered how rushed the last few episodes are gonna be. ok back to watching the anime

- also aku benci x2 like its only futuristic when its convenient which is soo fucking Lazy. theres literally no reason for this story to be set in the future. like all this city scenery is based off actual modern day Kashiwa its just... ugh. barely any care put into this anime at all

- this anime is cool sometimes

- reused this pencil texture from the start of the episode... wonder how many times ill be seeing that

- the fucking comedic timing of these terrorists lmfao. and right theyre clowns... for some reason....

- also dude ill still never understand why only their thumbs are the only parts ziplocked like what. also isnt that harder to animate... THIS STUPID ANIME

- this is a completely fair reaction to having kano shuuya speak to you for the first time

- no the fuck he isnt he hasnt thought of shit my god.

that comic person on here was not lying shaft really fucked up the order of events here bigtime. kano only speaks to shintaro after shintaro's done brooding.... also seto doing fuckall lol. ik he'll say smth in like 2 seconds but i do find it funny that we've seen him for like the past minute and he hasnt said shit

- ok but its cool that kano's hand just doesnt obey the ziplock.... very clever of the artists to just make him put his hands behind his head and other gestures to indicate that theres something up with him

- why are his eyes red.

[pearlcaddy]

[Image ID: An AO3 comment by an unregistered user who named themselves Updates pls. Comment reads: “I know it’s been 500000 years but I am respectfully requesting updates. This is my favorite universe atm and I will die if u don’t give me more of it 😐” End ID]

Okay.

I’ve gotten a lot of these lately, and normally I just delete them and move on with my life, but I got this on a completed fic, so it really sent my irritation to new heights.

If I’m being generous, I assume people who leave these comments don’t realize how awful and entitled they are. They think the fact that they’re demanding More™ is inherently complimentary, or they think that throwing a wee compliment in the middle makes up for the rudeness, or that words like respectfully or politely are magic spells that somehow counteract everything else they’ve said.

(This is the second one of these that I’ve gotten in the past twenty-four hours, and I’ve noticed a formula to it: A reference to how long it’s been since you last posted something, as if you’re an employee overdue on an assignment. A very brief compliment, immediately followed by a demand that you update, or else they will suffer/die/cry/whatever guilt bait they’re using.)

But to be honest, I don’t really feel like being generous because I never get the sense that people leaving these kinds of comments have thought about the person receiving them at all. They’re basically treating the writer like a vending machine: insert enough guilt and demands, and a fic may fall out.

So here is your daily reminder that fic writers write and post fics for free in the available time we find in our lives. We make time around our work, school, loved ones, caring responsibilities, health needs, etc. to do something that brings us joy. We write for ourselves, and when we share what we’ve made, the one thing that most of us are looking for in return is that readers who like what we’ve shared let us know in whatever way they’re able: a kudos, a reblog, an encouraging ask, a comment, a fic rec.

The things that have brought me back to fic writing in the past are comments that actually make me feel good about my writing. That remind me what I loved about a particular verse/fic/ship. That tell me my writing has some kind of impact on people who read it. Comments that make me and my writing feel valuable and enjoyable for both me and readers.

So what do I do when I love a fic and hope a writer updates it or creates more things in that verse? Comment. Or comment again if I’m re-reading. I let them know how much I love the thing they’ve made and tell them the things I like about it. And if I want to encourage more, my go-to phrase is “if you write anything else in the verse, I’ll be first in line to read it”—centering my enthusiasm for their work rather than screaming for More.

I can’t speak for other fic writers, but personally? Whenever I get update pls comments, I put off writing for longer. Because sharing another fic starts to feel Sisyphean if people are just going to keep banging on the table demanding More no matter what I do.

Part of the reason this particular comment set me off so much is that the fic is complete. In fact, there are multiple completed fics and tens of thousands of words in that verse. There is a lot of More already.

And one of the aspects of fandom that I’m finding really disheartening lately is how loud the screams for More are, as if a thing only has value as long as there is a constant stream of new stuff coming. As if a TV show is only worthwhile if there are new episodes being released. As if fandoms are only relevant as long as hordes of fans are actively creating new fanworks. As if WIPs only matter if they’re being updated.

Instead of valuing and celebrating works for existing even if they’re short or unfinished, there’s such endless demand for More that it feels like things are only valued if they’re infinite. And to quote Angel:

It just don't work. It's like a song. Now, I can hold a note for a long time. Actually, I can hold a note forever. But eventually, that's just noise. It's the change we're listening for. The note coming after and the one after that. That's what makes it music.

Stories end. Stories need to end. Both for their own sake and because creators need to move on to new stories. And even if a note is cut off early—if a show is cancelled or a WIP isn’t completed—it doesn’t diminish the beauty or value of the note. It usually makes things even more beautiful: the flash of lightning in a bottle, the thrill of promise suspended in amber.

Instead of always demanding More, could we not show appreciation for what already exists?

Or, at the very least, could we stop being entitled brats in AO3 comments?

[unnecessaryshenanigan]

The Hibernating Sheep

The Hibernating Sheep

Obey Me! Characters x Burnout Office Worker [MC]

I think I did good in these lmao- Haven’t posted in days cuz this excuse of a human is lazy and lost all motivation. My {Who’s MC?} story will be on hold because I’m lazy to even type a single thing for the next chapter😐👌

—

If you’ll choose, you just want to do nothing but breathe. Sleep. Breathe. Sleep. But of course, dear reality is as cruel as ever, you can’t do that. Work your ass off so you could make a living. So you could pay the rent, the bills, the food, the needs and all stuff. Your parents now depend on you since they’re old. Your other siblings have their own lives and family, barely having time for your parents. They’re just earning as much as you, not enough to give support for your parents. 

You can’t just let your parents off, having nothing. You’re not as bad as your siblings who don’t even ask about your parent’s situation or how they’re doing. They only reach out to you when they need money. And that’s how reality sucks that in families, children often forget where they came from; forgetting even their own parents.

“I’m going to work!” You shouted, running to the door and wearing your shoes. Your mother walked to you from the kitchen, holding out a paper bag. 

“What is that?” you asked. Your mother smiled, tucking a loose hair behind your ears.

“It’s just breakfast since I know you won’t be able to have it right now. You should dress up more, [Y/N]. No one will ask you out if you look haggard!”

“I don’t have time for that, mom” You grabbed the paper bag and kissed her cheeks. “Thanks for the take-out breakfast!”

You exited the house, greeted by your father who was gardening. He smiled at you bidding goodbye. You barely made it in time in your workplace. Now, these damned seniors of yours are giving their paperworks to you and ordering you to have O.T since it needs to be done tomorrow. Then, board meeting 2 hours from now. The presentation needs to be perfect. Then, do this and that work that your seniors left you. Then, have lunch for 30 minutes. Then get back to work, do reports, datas, analysis– Oh, it’s already 11:30 at night?

You sighed, leaning on your swivel chair. The day passed by again, everyone already went home and you’re the only one left in the department. 

‘Okay.. This is the last, then I can go home..’ You frowned.

“Who am I kidding? There’s nothing like the ‘last paper’.” You grumbled, returning back your focus to your computer. Seconds. Minutes. Hours had passed, it’s already 2 in the morning. You decided it’s over and enough, locked the department, walked past the eerily silent halls, running into some guards. There’s no vehicle left which leaves you to walk home. 

“Damn bastard seniors. Fuck them all!” You shouted, stomping your feet in irritation. But then, you suddenly felt like you’re falling which forced you to close your eyes. A second pass and your butt landed on the hard floor. 

Your eyes fluttered open, seeing seven-like thrones in front of you. Though, there’s only four people and the seat next to the middle right, left and the seat on the other end is missing. 

A laugh caught your attention and suddenly a big man stood in front of you. Now you feel small seeing that you barely reach his knees.

“Greetings!”

You looked up, seeing a man close-eyed smiling at you or more like at the wind. “I’m Diavolo, Prince of Hell. Soon enough, I will be crowned as the king of this world. Welcome to the Devildom, my Human Exchange Student” 

He opened his eyes but saw nothing. “Huh?” 

“Down here.” you said, making him look down. The two of you had a staring contest and he’s the first one to look away. He blinked a few times then squatted to at least reach you.

“You’re … different?” He poked on your cheeks only to greet his pointer finger an embrace from your fluffy fur. “You’re more like a.. Sheep?”

Your brows knotted. Isn’t it just the man some gian– you touched your cheeks only to feel soft fur. You looked at your hands and you almost had a heart attack! It's feet! Sheep feet! SMALL SHEEP FEET! The colors on your face drained, your lavender-like fur losing its color. 

“I– I am–”

“You’re quite different from Solomon eh?” He looks a bit lost yet still watches you with curiosity. You broke into a cold sweat, still panicking at your current form. 

“I-I’m a sheep…” You trembled. You saw a mirror across you and saw your tiny frame. NO! NAH! You REFUSE!

“I never knew that transmigrating you here will cost you to lose your original form” Diavolo shrugged yet you continued to ignore him. You’re too busy panicking.

“I shall explain the rest” 

A man with black hair, parted on the right side of his face and black eyes with red gradient walked to your way in a sophisticated manner. If you weren’t panicking, you would’ve admired both Diavolo and the man but given the situation, you’re too confused and shocked for that. You stared at him in daze.

“That’s Lucifer, A demon, My right-hand man, and the Avatar of Pride” Diavolo semi-whispered as you two stared at Lucifer. You nodded while pinching your cheeks.

“He’s also my most trusted friend!” Diavolo smiled. “Isn’t he beautiful?”

“Flattery will get you nowhere, Diavolo” Lucifer deadpanned. He turns to you and gives you a smile like how you deal with annoying business partners. 

“This is the council room of The Royal Academy of Diavolo, RAD for short” He started. “This assembly hall is the very heart of RAD. This is where we officers of the student council hold our meetings and conduct our business.”

“So? When can I go home?” You were finally able to talk after this quite shock of events. Diavolo looked at you with a smile. You gave him an emotionless look and his smile widened even more.

“Interesting. This one is quite different from Solomon” Lucifer smiled.

“Answer my question.” You demanded, feeling tired. Diavolo nodded at Lucifer and so, he started explaining more.

“It’s good that I don’t have to tell it slowly” He commented, making your brow raise.

“You see, Diavolo believes that we, demons, should start strengthening our relationship with both the human world and the Celestial Realm. As a first step towards this goal, we’ve decided to institute an exchange program.” Lucifer explained and you listened attentively. “We've sent two of our students to the human world and two to the Celestial Realm. So, we’re welcoming four students to our school; two from your world and two from the Celestial Realm.”

He looked at you with a frown, “You’ve taken it at this point, right? YOU have been chosen among the people in your world to participate in this program of ours.”

You stared in shock as he smiled, “YOU are our newest exchange student. Your period to stay is one year and you have to overcome the tasks we’ll give you. After one year, you will write a paper about your exchange here in Devildom.”

“Tasks?!”

You can’t believe it. Tasks?! TASKS?!

Lucifer frowned once again. “You are here as an exchange student. Did you expect to spend your time here fooling around?”

You glared at him, feeling the anger building inside you. Now this has to be a dream, right?! NO DEMONS! NO TASKS! NO EXCHANGE STUDENTS! NO REALMS! NO DIAVOLO! NO LUCIFER!

“Don’t glare at me like that,” Lucifer said, snapping you out of your rageful mind. “It’s not like I will abandon you all by yourself here in Devildom. You need someone to look after you and I think I know who that someone might be.”

Lucifer then took out a phone out of his pocket and handed it to you. Now, now, demons have PHONE?!

“It’s called D.D.D. and it’s a lot like the cell phones of your world. This will be yours to use as long as you’re here. Now go ahead and call Mammon.”

“Who’s Mammon?” you returned.

“Ah, I apologize I forgot.. Mammon will be the one to look after you. He’s my brother and the Avatar of Greed.”

You only nodded and opened the contacts on your D.D.D.. You called the man named Mammon and it didn’t take a second before he answered. 

“Yoooo” he greeted. And, you must admit, he has some good voice over there. 

“Yoooo” you greeted back in the same tone as him. 

“Are ya foolin’ around? Who the hell are ya?”

“I’m a human.”

“Whaaa? A human?” His voice was somewhat disappointed. “Geez, I was gettin’ all chilly here thinkin’ it was Lucifer again. You should have told me sooner!”

“So, what business does a human got with THE Mammon?”

You wanna laugh at his arrogance but just shrugged it off. Now this demon sounds fun huh?

“Lucifer said that you’ll be incharge of me now.”

“No way! There’s nothin’ in it for me.” You rolled your eyes, starting to get irritated.. “Whaddya even mean by, ‘be in charge of you’?”

“I’m the Human Exchange student”

“AAH! I get it now, you’re the other human– the new exchange student!” You kinda put away the phone from your ears when he suddenly shouted.

“G’luck with that. See ya.”

“Lucifer called for you.”

“Pfft– whatever. Ya think THE Mammon would listen to ya just ‘cause you’re tryin’ to scare me with that name?”

“Okay listen here, you demon.” you started, making Lucifer stop. He was about to intervene in the conversation. “I don’t want you to look after me too. Whether it’s Lucifer who called you or anybody, you’re needed here and you’re being called. I don’t have much patience because you see, I didn’t get a wink of sleep and now I’m in Hell as an exchange student. Get in here before I lose my sanity. You’ll have ten seconds and my countdown starts now.”

You ended the call, didn’t bother to hear his reply. Diavolo stared at you in amusement while Lucifer was in disbelief. A human ordering a demon?

“That seems like a good chat” Lucifer soon smiled. You only gave him a look and stood impatiently. 

“Why, you’re soooo cute!” A squeal made your head turn then you saw a man with champagne-colored hair, with long swept bangs on the left side walk into you, raising his phone. “Look at you, all soft lavender! I’ve gotta post your pic in Devilgram before the Newspaper club finds you!”

He hovers over you and you try your best to hide your face from him. 

“He’s Asmodeus, Avar of Lust,” Diavolo explained, laughing.

“Hello, Human” A blonde man with green eyes then greeted you, his left hand resting on his chest. “I welcome you in my utmost sincerity” 

“He’s Satan, The Avatar of Wrath” Diavolo introduced again.

“Hey, is that sheep the dinner tonight?” A muscular man with messy orange hair then appeared, eating. You frowned, unamused.

“Yes, that’s why I’m here” You replied yet he shrugged off the sarcasm. 

“Beelzebub, The Avatar of Gluttony” He introduced himself. You barely nodded at him.

“I’M HERE!” The loud voice boomed in the room. You saw the same man on your phone. White messy hair, tan skin, and clear blue eyes with yellow gradient. Well, this man looks good in person.

“Mammon.” Lucifer called and the man straightened up. You snickered but before he could introduce himself, a big wave of water destroyed the wall, flooding the room. And, you float. Your face was the definition of “I give up”. Diavolo picked you up, laughing.

“Excuse me but.. What’s funny?” you asked in an irritated tone. “Is something funny?”

“Oh, I apologize. It’s just that, the brothers' antics never failed to amuse me.” He replied awkwardly, half laughing.

“Well it’s not amusing to me” You saw his smile falter a bit. Sure you came off rude but with what’s happening now, there’s nothing FUN in here. Suddenly being dragged to hell as some ‘exchange student’, your human body disappearing, you in a small sheep’s body– everything is too complicated. 

“Mammon you idiot! GIVE ME BACK MY MONEY!” The man with indigo side swept hair shouted in fury. Ah, so he’s the one who flooded the room, huh? But what’s with the mass of water?

“Leviathan” Lucifer called. “You summoned Lotan again?”

You shivered as you felt his dangerous aura. Mental note, don’t mess with Lucifer.

“S-Sorry–” The indigo-haired man answered. “But I’m just here to take back my money from Mammon!”

“Argh. Seriously, Levi?! I already got ya your oh so beloved Ruru-chan figure!” You turned to Mammon who was in his demon form. “Means, the money I owed ya is now PAID!”

“Nah-ah! The figure you got me was like two months ago and I asked you that! What I’m asking is the money I lent you last week!” Leviathan argued.

“Is this their daily lives?” You asked Diavolo.

“Well, it’s not the fullest but yes, this is their normal lives”

“Where am I gonna stay my whole year here in Devildom?”

“ House of Lamentation.”

“Their home?”

“Yes, their home”

“I’m screwed.”

“But you accept the exchange event now?”

“Do I have a choice?”

Diavolo chuckled and you just drooped, your energy reaching its lowest level. 

“I’m really tired and.. I want to sleep.” You requested Diavolo. To be honest, in your position right now, you felt like a baby being dulled in Diavolo’s arms. “I badly want to sleep, please?”

Diavolo then distracted the brother’s from their shenanigans, telling them that it would be best if they go home now. He gave you to Mammon, like a baby being passed to another’s arms. Mammon disagreed at first but seeing you, trying to stay awake, he just let you fall asleep in his arms. 

—

Pt. 2 coming right up!:) [unless I don’t loose motivation TvT]

[imgonnapanic]

Hi! I was hoping you could do Asahi, Ushijima, and Bokuto with a trans s/o?

I go by Lunar with he/they pronouns!

Haikyuu with a Trans s/o!

I’ve never written Asahi x reader before…uh so this should be interesting. Also, pls tell me if I stepped out of line here. I am cis and will listen to any criticism on this from the trans community. Cw: mentions of being misgendered.

Azumane Asahi

I feel like Asahi would be a really anxious over-thinker as a boyfriend.

Like not to the point where it’s weird or irritating, through. It’s actually kind of endearing.

Of course, you’re always making efforts to calm him down.

One day you guys were texting late at night and you accidentally passed tf out with your phone in your hand.

And he basically freaked out and sent you exactly *two* apology paragraphs.

(Because he was really sorry for whatever he did but he also didn’t want to spam your phone because that’s what all the crazy boyfriends do-)

After you woke up the next morning you immediately FaceTimed him, apologizing profusely yourself.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have fallen asleep that was really rude-“

“No, IM sorry!”

“WHY?”

Anyways, if someone misuses ur pronouns it’s on sight.

He’s constantly reminding people that you don’t just use “he/him.”

And ofc he always checks on u after because he knows that shit must be frustrating as hell.

You pretty much explain to him that you’re used to it and then his heart breaks because people can’t find it in their brains to use “they/them.”

So he turns into his scary ass thirty-year-old looking self and talks to his team.

And now you have twelve people that will squish anyone like a bug if someone purposefully misgendered you or says some weird bs about “they/them” prns.

Ushijima Wakatoshi

He gives you a lot of things. Very materialistic but still shows you affection?? He just thinks that buying you stuff is a good way to show you he cares.

Which…ur not complaining-

This man has money so every holiday he buys you a binder and ur like

👁👁❤️ thanks?!??!?

But he also makes sure that you’re wearing it responsibly and not hurting yourself.

He’s the type of boyfriend that would give you a lot of volleyball stuff as well because it’s all he knows 😭

You’re always walking around in your “Shiratorizawa Athletics” shirt and wondering how you got with such a sports geek.

Well…reserved sports geek. 

He doesn’t get pissed off very easily, so you take that opportunity to make fun of him because he’s left-handed.

“So when’s the secret cult meeting?”

*sigh* “The one for left-handed people? It’s nonexistent.”

“That’s exactly what someone going to a secret cult meeting for left handed people would say.”

However, he DOES get pissed off when people disrespect your gender identity and his sexuality.

He’s done explaining to people why he’s bi and you’re trans. It’s too fucking redundant.

So, his way of telling people to fuck off is giving them the most bone-chilling, tooth-rattling, mind-fucking glare anyone has ever seen from a person as nonchalant as him.

“Don’t pay them any attention.”

“That’s the most words you have said all day.”

“😐”

“My bad-“

Bokuto Kotarou

You would think that Bokuto would be more verbally affectionate, but he’s an action type of guy.

“Did you see when I got that point in the fourth set and made it 21-14??? Wasn’t it great???”

Loves you with all his heart and his soul and would take a fucking bullet for you and he’s not even kidding 💖

Your favorite way of passing time is playing volleyball, even though he’s a lot stronger than you.

What? You’ve only been clobbered in the head like twice.

You’ll just be casually peppering and then all of a sudden.

*BAM*

“OW, BITCH.”

“SORRY AHHH”

He hung up a trans flag in his room, and he had it in there since you two started dating.

And when you first see it, you internally combust.

“Ko, why do you have this?”

He’s dead serious when he goes “It’s to show my support for the trans community and you.”

And then he just asks what kind of potato chips you want-

From then on, you felt a ton safer with him than you did already.

He also told Akaashi to not set anyone on the team who didn’t respect your pronouns or name.

Which seems kind of stupid, but when Akaashi filled you in on the fact that if he didn’t set Bokuto, he would go insane, you feel a little rush of pride.

[antiloreolympus]

9 Anti LO Asks

1. LO Apollo being a villain/Antagonist could be interesting if he wasn't so irredeemable and irritating. I mean, think about it. Apollo hates Persephone (for whatever reason. Maybe cause she's friends with Eros and Apollo and Eros have an ongoing rivalry), and maybe Persephone even hates him back (say because he's stuck up). But they're both friends with Hermes and Artemis. Now we've got a hilarious, slightly tense, "glare at each other across the couch" situation where Apollo and Persephone have to pretend not to hate each other for the sake of their friends.

Artemis is all like "I'm so glad my two favorite people are getting along!" and then it cuts to Persephone sharpening a knife while Apollo grips a pen so hard it snaps. And they're both like "Yeah. We love each other soooooo much...."

Bonus points if Hermes knows they hate each other, but just kinda wants to see how far they'll take it!

Anyways, all I'm saying is that I like the idea of an antagonistic Apollo. It could've been good! She could have used Persephone and Apollo's shared relationships to her advantage for comedic affect! Plus we could've had a whole arc about them learning to be like each other and thus strengthening Persephone's relationships outside of Hades. But RS is too incompetent to write anything good adjacent.  

2. This was like, ages ago but I cannot get over the fact that RS named random characters stuff like “Brenda” “Jill” and “Hank” like? Hello?? She could very easily just search “Greek names” (even “Ancient Greek names” if she wanted) and pick stuff she liked from there, and if she still wanted to keep the more “Americanized” names she could do names like Sophia, Helen, Nicholas, or even Jimmy (which is just an Americanized Dimitri, if I remember correctly?). Like,,, it’s so easy to use google instead of calling a Greek nymph “”Brenda”” 😐

Note: I am not a native Greek but I do have the classic “Greek-name-opoulos” surname so while I definitely do not have as much say as native Greeks I at least know a *little* bit about Greek names and the way RS names minor non-God characters is.... interesting.

3. Why is Hades’ face shaded like that? Is he about to get fetishized for being gay or smth?

4. Regarding the Americanisation of LO’s Greece: It would be one thing if the Greek pantheon in LO were the only pantheon in their universe. That way, RS could write off the Americanised lifestyle and names in LO as some weird shoehorning of diversity (the Hades games creators did a much better job by making the gods different races and justifying it by saying the gods may be Greek gods but they rule over all of humanity and therefore should be treated as representative of human diversity).

However, RS has established very early on that there are multiple pantheons in the universe of LO (remember how Perse at one point contemplated running away to join the Norse pantheon?) thus making it Impossible for her to justify the Greek gods being so Anglicised since they only rule over Greece in LO…

5. What I don't get it anti-nymph racism (and yes it's racism, Rachel said they're a different race) is so heavy and common place in the series that it's like ... what about Amphitrite? She's a nymph! Is the deal with her that she's well bred/one of the good ones" because if so 🤢🤮

6. Getting caught up on LO and Pfft Polymnia everything shes saying is supposed to be "character assassination" and slander / defamation of character of Persephone according to the title and yet....

Everything shes saying is true... Also "the accused hid like a coward" cuts to Persephone looking comfy just hanging out in Hades arms in ya know, the King of the Underworlds house??! After commiting a second murder / mutilation?

7. Rachel you coward give women big noses too

8. im sorry, i don care how much you might love lo, but yall cannot look me in the eye and tell me hades being wider than spiderverse kingpin is somehow a good look. how does he even walk without falling over.

9. I hate how the plot steam rolled over so much of their actually interesting plots. Hera just got reunited with Hephaestus, let’s see that relationship fester after she just started having nightmares. Artemis and Apollo were looking for each other because she almost put two and two together. Who texted echo to say “hey your roommate is a tree now”. Do any of the gods know Daphne is missing OR Minthe? Do gods actually care when something happens to a non god? (Probs not Hera turned someone into a goat) Eros and psyche??? What’s happening? Idc about the trial plot since persphone isn’t going to get punished

[moonhoures]

Jumping straight into what I was thinking about saying cause my memory is kinda trash.

I’ve been in bed literally all day from my cramps. I was supposed to go with my mom and sister to get my sister a dress for her middle school dance (miss those days but I don’t at the same time) I really wanted to go cause I recently been enjoying spending a lot time with my little sister outside of the house.

My cramps were so bad, I hadn’t eaten anything at that point, only a few sips of water, and I hadn’t taken any ibuprofen for the cramps so….I started crying cause I wanted to go and I felt bad cause they were waiting on me to get ready but I was in pain and hunger and I was wearing jeans and a tampon (sorry for tmi) and a pad ( gotta be safe 👏🏾).

Both my mom and sister said it was Alr if i didn’t go and to lay down. They brought me a muffin from the kitchen. I ate it, went to the bathroom and layed down, helped them pick a dress from over FaceTime and after I fell asleep (they left at like 5 sumn I think?) and woke up at 9 something. Asked my sister did they buy one ,they bought two so I was happy. And then I went back to sleep and woke up at 11 💀 and here we areeeee.

Haven’t ate anything else other then a large muffin and sipped a water bottle😐💀 I might find me something to eat but I know if I get up and be active imma be up until like 7 am again and waking up at 1. I hate sleeping in late late now for some reason. Like if I wake up and it’s 1 I get a little irritated cause it was so much nothing I coulda been doing. If that makes sense😭😭😭.

Also I thought about it and in June it’s gonna be a year since I graduated High School and my little sister will be out of middle school in 1 year ( after this school year finishes) but I feel OLD😟 I’m not really but it’s like where did time go??

Side note, I never had a stable bias wrecker in Monsta X I just considered them all to be my bias wrecker ( so far nobody has knocked Kyun off his throne for longer than 5 seconds😭😭) but Kihyun has been looking me dead in my eyeballs since Voyager Teaser and can I say it was fire

That’s all I had to say also……Seonghwa still has in a death grip

MAKE SURE TO DRINK YOUR WATER AND EAT EVERYONE🤍

-✨

i was literally just talking to my bff the other day abt how i hate waking up late on my days off bc it feels like i wasted my morning 😅 so i relate to that! and yeah time flies after graduation 🙁 in may it’ll be 4 years since i graduated 😩 i remember that shit like it was yesterday… *sigh* i def feel like a granny sometimes hahaha

and trust me at this point i think i’ve accepted that every member of mx will just be my wrecker bc they’re all so alspslxjxjlsosjsls y’know? they just make me melt 🥴💔