#and it just doesn't end. like usually I can just be like meh I'm not gonna worry abt things I can't control rn. eyes closed I don't see it

[kittlyns]

I have soooo much anxiety abt shit rn and lowkey I kinda wish I were just medicated and/or sedated at this point

[lxkeee]

END GAME

PART TWO

pairing: lucifer x fallen angel! fem! reader

fandom: hazbin hotel

genre: fluff

warnings: no warnings yet.

notes: very feral for this man and this is multishot fic and would be writing a smut for this. Reader is close to his age (probably a hundred years younger but meh)

additional notes: just because there are moments where Lucifer seems to be flustered or like mesmerized by the reader, it doesn't mean he already has a crush. It just means that he's been alone for so long that anyone who's gorgeous would make him get flustered cuz it's been awhile since he socialized with others lmfao. I am planning to make their relationship slowly bloom cuz why not?

PART ONE | PART THREE

“The name's Lucifer Morningstar, welcome to hell.” the light blond haired man said with slight smile and [y/n] can feel her jaw dropped. This is the first fallen angel? The king of hell? Very pale skin, short stature, pink cheeks, attractive. [Y/n] believes that the stories from ancient heavenly scrolls didn't do him any justice.

Lucifer just gave her a small toothy grin as he watched the awe look on her face as he leans his body against the door frame, crossing his arms as he looked at her. “You're Lucifer...?” she asked softly, looking at him with slight doubt and he nodded, “Indeed I am darling.” he replied with a grin, almost a smirk.

“You're much shorter than I thought you would be.” [y/n] says looking at him and Lucifer felt like an arrow was shot into his heart, if she stood next to him it would be guaranteed that she'll be looking down on him literally, “Though, I do believe that the heavenly scrolls did not do you any justice. You are prettier than how the scrolls describe you to be.” she says with a grin, crossing her arms on her chest as Lucifer just looked at her, blinking slowly as the red of his cheeks darkened slightly.

I swear to me, why is she so bold? He asked himself mentally.

He cleared his throat before eventually looking back at her, “Are you normally this bold to strangers?” he asked with a deadpan and [y/n] snorted a little, “Usually, I'm more.” she replied and Lucifer had to take a deep breather as he mumbled “Jesus...” underneath his breath making the woman chuckle.

[y/n] haven't paid him any mind, chuckling slightly to see the ruler of hell to be easily flustered. “I assumed you healed me? How long was I out?” she asked him, deciding to stop teasing the poor man. Lucifer managed to calm himself down, adjusting the collar to his suit, “Yes, you have crashed into my front yard but don't mind about it. You've been in a coma for almost... Three weeks.” he replied before eventually walking towards her and sat on the bed. His expression softened as his hand grazed over her shoulder blades, “They really cut off your wings...” he muttered softly and she just sighed, “Indeed they did.”

Deciding not to make her uncomfortable, he removed his hand from her shoulders, “If you don't mind me asking, what happened?” he asked and she gently lied down on to the bed, avoiding his gaze.

“Heaven was suffocating. Too many rules and I began to question them.” she replied softly and Lucifer just nodded in understanding, “I would probably have been bearable if I was allowed to punch Adam occasionally but nope.” she jokes slightly, making the light blond haired fallen angel chuckle, “Indeed.” he says softly making the woman giggle. Lucifer then gave her a raised eyebrow, “I think now's the time I catch the name of the person I took care of for almost three weeks. Hmm?” he asked with a slight hum. [Y/n] smiled before returning back to her sitting position, extending her hand for a handshake, “My name is [Y/n] [l/n], it is a pleasure to meet you.” she says and Lucifer smiled and held her hand and gave her knuckle a chaste kiss, “The pleasure is all mine.”

[y/n] just chuckles as he lets go of her hand, “As expected, you really are charming.” she says making Lucifer laugh slightly, “Thank you, now.” he says before clapping his hands together, “Since you are new here, I assume that you don't have anywhere to stay. How about you work for me? You are a fallen angel so I know you are powerful. So what do you say?” he asked, extending his hand with a slight smirk. [Y/n] looked at his hand with a raised eyebrow and with a small teasing smile.

“A deal with the devil...? What's the catch?” she asked, crossing her arms making Lucifer chuckle, “This isn't the usual deal where you sell your soul to me, that kind of deal requires a contract with your signature of consent. This is just a normal deal for you to work and be my assistant while getting a place to stay in return.” he explained, despite the smirk on his face, [y/n] cannot sense deception from the man. She sighs before eventually shaking his hand.

“You got yourself a deal, Lucifer.” she says making the king of hell smirk, “You won't regret it.”

end notes: and I worked like a doggg day and night 😭

[yanderes-galore]

Scenario in which platonic yandere Bubba Sawyer has a younger sibling who tried to leave the family and start over, but got caught at the last moment, and Bubba is not very happy about them trying to leave.

Poor you is tired of being a cannibal and just wants a normal life... only for your "older brother" to drag you back. Dubious on if you're blood related to them or just kidnapped at a young age since I feel someone blood related may just stay... but I could be wrong! The ending is so... meh... but we all know by now I suck at endings, right?

Bear Trap

Yandere! Platonic! Bubba Sawyer Scenario

Pairing: Platonic

Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Clingy behavior, Overprotective behavior, Kidnapping, Isolation, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism mentioned but this time not graphically described, Forced companionship.

You were getting tired of this life.

Growing up, you never felt you belonged. You were taught to kill, taught to feast... you were taught to behave. However... you never really considered the Sawyers... family.

Not entirely, anyways.

There was only one you really didn't mind. That was the youngest son, Bubba, your older brother. In a way you guessed you... pitied him, often taking most of the family's abuse. You always looked after him, though.

You always checked in... which must be why he enjoyed you.

You were often around Bubba when growing up. He wasn't like the rest of the family, but certainly wasn't innocent either. His... childish demeanor often brought young you comfort. There were times Bubba acted more like a caretaker around the house with you than your other siblings did.

You were never usually away from Bubba, the youngest of your brothers always sticking by your side. Even now, as an adult, he often searched for you. You could never have alone time without the large Sawyer grappling you in a hug.

You felt so isolated here. No matter what your brother's said, you didn't feel... right. You didn't want to eat people, it often made you sick, but it was what you were taught.

You wanted to leave. In fact, ever since you became an adult you've been planning how to leave. The difficult thing as you were never let off the homestead... despite this... you felt it was time to try your luck.

Pulling yourself from your bed and picking your best clothes, you took what you felt you needed (which wasn't much considering where you are) and left your room. The wood of the house creaked under your feet as you pattered your way down the stairs. You flinch at every sound the house makes... but you need to look natural.

You need to look like you're just taking a walk... then pretend to be a victim of your own family.

You pause when you hear rummaging in the kitchen. Such a noise wasn't new, Bubba or Drayton tended to be in the kitchen preparing meat. The sounds made you desperate to be careful, however, as you pushed gently on the outside door.

Then the noises stop and you nearly feel your heart fall to your stomach.

You realize you'll need to play it casual, standing in the open door as you watch the kitchen. As expected, Bubba looks into the hallway with a confused expression. You clear your head... it's Bubba... you can probably sweet talk him....

You see blood stains on his apron and you grimace, his size making him look intimidating. The only reason you can stand your ground is you grew up with him. Towards you... he's a sweetheart... yet still dangerous.

"Hey, Bubba..." You smile sweetly, leaning against the doorframe. "I just wanted to go out into the field for a bit...."

Bubba doesn't seem to believe you, making a noise of protest before stepping closer. You feel a bit panicked yet swallow your fear. No need to make a scene.

"Come on, Bubba...!" You plead, trying to stay light-hearted. "I'm not a little kid anymore... I can handle myself!"

The unfortunate thing with being close to Bubba is one thing... he can read you. As simple minded as Bubba is, he knows you. In fact... you don't doubt he knows about your distaste for the family.

Along with your rebellious nature... you're the most rebellious one there is in the Sawyers.

So, unfortunately, you can tell Bubba doesn't believe your lie again. You feel yourself practically sweating as Bubba comes closer to stand in front of you. You brace yourself... yet your younger brother just offers a pat on the head.

The affection takes you off guard. You don't understand what he's doing before Bubba reaches for your arm, gently tugging you closer before exiting the house. It's then it clicks.

Bubba either believes you're just taking a walk... or just wants to keep an eye on you. Either way you understand your older brother is coming with you. Such a development suddenly makes your plan so much harder.

Reluctantly you allow yourself to be led by Bubba. The large man proceeds to walk you around the homestead and fields... all while you look for a plan. Quietly you plan a distraction, something to get Bubba to look away.

As the walk progresses, you find yourself growing desperate. You try your best to talk sweetly to Bubba... and for the most part he loosens his grip. You're so close... you keep behaving, keep playing nice...

"You know..." You begin, trying to grab his attention enough. Bubba's gaze glances at you, a curious noise leaving him as he watches you carefully. "You were always my favorite...."

Bubba pauses, grip loosening. He makes a pleased and flattered grunt towards you as you flash a smile. Deceiving him makes you feel a bit bad... unfortunately...

You need to leave...

You stop your walk, keeping up the good sibling persona as you raise your arms. Bubba watches you, suddenly excited at what you're implying. A hug.

"I love you..." you smile, but once you're free...

You ditch.

Your sudden dash takes Bubba by surprise. Due to how fond he is of you it was easy to play him for a fool. You hear a distressed yelp from behind you as you make your way to the roadside.

You ignore the slight emotional pain you get for what you did. Instead you focus on your search for the road through the cornfields. Silently you hope the family truck doesn't pull in...

But you learn you have other problems when you hear more distressed sounds from Bubba behind you.

Your escape attempt quickly becomes a hunt as you try to evade Bubba. Unfortunately, Bubba is not only bigger than you... but faster. Especially without the chainsaw.

You try to keep your hope as you run towards the road. You can just barely see the path as you try to push yourself further. You're so close... so close if you can just lose him...

But your escape attempt was dead in the water the moment Bubba saw you.

Big strong arms quickly grapple you. It's familiar yet in this current moment harsh. You squeal as you're tugged back, nearly falling only to collide with a chest.

You freeze, the familiar smell of blood and possible rot making you quiver. You know who this is... and you're scared. Your heart rapidly thumps as you hear irritated yet relieved grunts and groans behind you.

"Hey, Bubba..." You solemnly greet, only for Bubba to tighten his hold and sling you over his shoulder. You've lost your chance... you don't know when you'll have another one... you just hope Bubba doesn't tell your brothers.

You're carried back like you weigh nothing as Bubba carries you. His grip is tight and bruising... like he's scared to let you go. You don't bother explaining yourself.

Bubba wouldn't understand.

You quietly resign yourself to your fate as Bubba reaches the house. It's quiet and tense between you two. You wonder if he'll hold a grudge... if he thinks you hate him.

You don't... not really... but you struggle to explain yourself as he pulls you upstairs and into your room. You hear him grunt and grumble, yet you can also tell his voice is cracking. You just expect him to lock you in your room like a troublesome child...

Yet Bubba just sits on your bed and keeps you in his lap. You don't move when he places his head on yours with soft grunts. You can't tell what he's thinking....

His grip around you is tight, like you're ensnared. You can't struggle against his much stronger hold as he squeezes you against him. You can tell your escape attempt affected him... but he wasn't going to hurt you.

Instead, he acts as a bear trap as he holds you tight...

Treating you like a trapped animal caught trying to run to freedom.

[genshingorlsrevengeance]

What about Defy with an s/o who's more artistically inclined? That sounds like an interesting scenario. (Or at least just AK-15)

(GFL) AK-12, AN-94, AK-15, RPK-16, and Angelia with an artistic S/O

12 understands human art. She is able to decipher if something looks pleasing, but not exactly what makes it beautiful.

Though not because she couldn't process, it's mainly because she didn't really care or find it interesting.

Being a state of the art combat T-Doll doesn't exactly leave much room for appreciating anything else other than efficiency or lethality.

And yet, not only was 12 able to even have a significant other, but to appreciate their drawings. Mainly because they were of herself.

Peeking her eyes open at their sketchbook, smiling and handing it back to them as her closed again.

(AK-12) "You do a pretty good job drawing by hand, all things considered."

S/O chuckled, leaning back into their chair.

(S/O) "Think you could do better?"

(AK-12) "Naturally. I can draw a perfect circle, to start. But, I think I'd lack that 'human touch' that a lot of people seem to care about."

(S/O) "Psh, don't seem to be that broken up about it."

(AK-12) "Meh. Listen, if you wanna get some interesting drawings, I could always-"

(S/O) "I already know what you're going to say, and my answer is no. You aren't going to get a rise out of me that way."

12 just hummed in acknowledgement, genuinely admiring their little sketch of her.

Though she pouted slightly at the small note of "needs to look more smug" by the side of her face.

94 grasps the concept of art, to a certain extent. She understands what is human art, but she doesn't get how it is made.

Although her question of what is art was just an attempt at small talk, it ended up getting into a deeper discussion than she intended, just lying in bed with S/O as they attempted to explain it in a way she could understand.

(S/O) "Art comes...I guess both from the mind and heart, so to speak."

94 leaned onto her side, facing S/O with her face beaming with curiosity, her voice raising above her usual monotone into something warmer, and admittedly cuter.

(AN-94) "Is it human imagination that allows you to create your paintings?"

S/O ran their hand through her hair idly, nodding in response.

(S/O) "Yeah. Things like grief, happiness, all sorts of emotions help me envision something to paint. Like a landscape, or a person."

(AN-94) "But what makes a painting good to others? Is it the passion alone?"

(S/O) "Hm...Well, yes and no. It has to be pleasing to the eye as well, or maybe standout."

(AN-94) "Isn't that subjective?"

94 wants to understand, but has trouble actually doing so, surprising neither of them.

To 15, lots of human customs never made sense to her, like believing in Santa, for example.

And human art is especially lost on her, both not understanding and not particularly caring.

That is, until RPK-16 and S/O tried to get her to broaden her worldview, introducing her to many things.

And S/O was playing a piece on a piano they had found, slaving away to repair it and hear its beautiful notes once more.

15 stood near S/O as the keys of the piano rang out a lovely melody, or at least she assumed it was nice.

(AK-15) "...You're smiling."

(S/O) "Hm? Oh, yeah. it's a song I heard from my childhood. I think it's a rather beautiful song!"

(AK-15) "I'll take your word for it."

(S/O) "Do you not like music?"

(AK-15) "I have no preference. I tend to prefer the silence rather than any noise."

(S/O) "But surely there must be something you like. It's kind of hard for me to imagine that there's absolutely nothing you care about."

(AK-15) "I can't say that I've had much experience listening to music in my downtime at all, S/O."

S/O smiled, gently grabbing her hand to sit down near them.

(S/O) "Then maybe we can start with mine? You;re not annoyed by what I'm playing, right?"

(AK-15) "I am not. And I suppose we can start with that."

Scooting over to give them room to play, AK-15 simply sits in silence, watching as S/O played, the music registering in her ears but not reacting all too much.

Though, overtime she began to get used to the sound of S/O's music, able to go into resting mode with it in the background.

16 was fascinated by human art, asking just as much questions as AN-94, if not even more.

Though she was startlingly very well adept at interpreting human art, to the point it was uncanny.

Almost as if she were an actual human herself.

(RPK-16) "This painting is rather...haunting, wouldn't you say? The expression on the woman's face is full of sorrow."

(S/O) "I'm...surprised you can tell that much just by looking at it."

(RPK-16) "It's obvious to anyone who cares enough to pay attention. I'd like to hang it on our wall."

(S/O) "Hah, m-maybe not this one. It sort of creeps me out."

(RPK-16) "Why? It's just a picture. Does it remind you something out of a nightmare? Or something here in reality?"

(S/O) "More of the former. Just not the kind of thing I'd want to look at first thing in the morning."

(RPK-16) "Then what would you like to see in a painting? What is pleasant to you?"

(S/O) "...You just wanna see my reactions to a freaky painting, don't you?"

(RPK-16) "Well, yes! But I'd still like to hear your actual answer."

Angelia didn't care too much about art, considering her line of work. No time to appreciate how pretty a picture is or whatever when bullets are whizzing by your head.

But at the very least, she glanced at whatever S/O was doing.

(Angelia) "You're typing up a storm there, and something tells me it isn't a report."

(S/O) "Ah! Sorry if it's distracting, just writing something for my novel."

Angelia let out a small titter, putting her tablet down momentarily to look over at her S/O.

(Angelia) "You write fiction?"

(S/O) "Yeah! Got lots of ideas after being with you and the rest of the girls."

(Angelia) "Nothing classified, I hope?"

(S/O) "Of course not! All purely fiction in a medieval land!"

(Angelia) "Hm. I don't seem to recall you ever mentioning that you published anything."

(S/O) "Well, that's what I save up a chunk of each paycheck for. Hopefully I can find someone to publish it en masse. I would hope that I'm not fighting forever. Heck, might even be a nice cushion for us, we could even get a nice house!"

Angelia shrugged, but she had a small smile form on her lips.

(Angelia) "It'd be impressive if a book could land us something in the Green Zone...Remind me to read one of your works if I ever get the time, I guess."

(S/O) "Hah, so never?"

Angelia rolled her eyes playfully, but her expression softened ever so slightly when she turned to S/O.

(Angelia) "I can't promise it'd be anytime soon but if it's for you? I'm sure I could make time."

[carmenized-onions]

Chicago's Kindest | Blurb #02 - Good.

logline; sometimes you just need to hear someone else say it.

[!!!] series history; not a new chapter!! but like, it's fun, and it's better than the nothing you've been getting, eh?

portion; 2k, just over.

pairing; A platonic Rich & Chip fic, for the boys

tasting notes; a pepper of hurt? a bunch of comfort? I'd describe it as fluff, I think.

possible allergies; this blurb is AFTER the next chapter coming out whenever it comes out (Chapter 16). So. Get into that grindset man. there's a fun thing in this hinting at a fun thing to come !! so!! have fun!! You should definitely read the other chapters in the series before this!!

Not a new chapter baby I'm sorry! But I was noodling around this idea, and I think perhaps you may like it. Should blurbs go on the masterlist? Idk.

When you finally tell Richie he's a good dad, it's when both of you least expect it. Mostly because you weren't trying to tell him at all that day. 

It's January. About a week before the Taylor Swift concert. About a week into back to back to back reservations. Richie’s been burning the candle at both ends— He always gets tipped well, so it's not like it's not worth it. He's fucking Richie. He's the go to. He's good with people. ...Right?

Richie might care too much, might write himself in the schedule too much, might cover for wait staff at a moment's notice too much, might do research on guests in his off hours too much, might push himself to be present at every waking moment too much.

He wishes Carmen noticed, he's certain Carmen doesn't. 

He's taking two personal days for the concert. How dare he? He wouldn't do it under normal circumstances, but his sweets takes priority. 

Carmen, his Highness, will certainly notice time-off before anything else. Fucker.

To make up for it, Richie's working a double shift today. And he's made a ten-page pamphlet on all the reservations and details of the guests that'll be coming in while he's gone. He's good. He's Richie. He's a really good manager, a stellar host, fantastic with people. 

Is he a good dad? 

Probably not. Because he scheduled his make-up hours and didn't think to double check his custody hours. Deadbeat. God, fuck you, Carmen. 

It wasn't entirely his fault. Tif asked if he'd want the extra weekend since something about wedding planning came up. And he did, he always does. More time with Eva is good time with Eva.

And usually he's very good at plugging that into his calendar but he got the call at a very busy time on his shift and he just said yes before actually putting it in and then forgot— Who remembers anything that happens in a phone call? She should’ve sent him a summary email—it got away from him, suffice to say. Then Tif texted asking ‘Hey, when are you coming to pick her up?’ and then suddenly he's the bad guy? Deadbeat. Bad dad. Richie Bad News. Fucked accent. Fuck you, David. Fuck executive chefs all together, just write them all off. 

He called around asking any and everyone if they could take Eva off his hands for just a couple hours, but Richie hasn’t really had many connections since his one connection kicked his bucket. The rest of his connections work the same hours as him, at the same fucked establishment as him. 

Well, that’s what he thought, until he complained about this to you over the phone, first thing in the morning, before he’s set to pick up Eva. 

“I could take her.” The words are lovely and jumbled. He can hear you shovelling scrambled eggs into your mouth. “Could just make Lu cover bar, he’s been wanting to test drive alone anyways.”

Excuse Richie, but he’s always been one to look a gift horse in the mouth. It’s a habit. “Isn’t the whole point of test driving to have someone watching you?” He wishes he was eating eggs too, but again, candle’s on fire. He’s choking down a Kashi bar and attempting to be happy about it.

“Meh.” Is all you reply. Meh. “He’s a talented ass chef, he can handle making some fuckin’ cocktails without me over his shoulder.” 

Even still, he’s got to work out all the kinks. “Carmen’s gonna be pissed.” But you both know, while he’ll have a less than stellar day without you, he will have a fucking awful day without Richie. 

“He will live.” There’s a moment of silence, as you finish chewing down your last few bites of breakfast. “…Would you please give me the gift of some long overdue Eva time, Rich?”

And when you put it like that, when you put it like he’s actually the one doing you the favour… Eva is dropped off at your place an hour before he has to clock in. It’s a touch hurtful how excited she is to spend a couple hours with you instead of him. 

“It’s the return of the champ!” But he gets it, as soon as they arrive, and you’re out front on your stoop ready to throw fake punches at Eva like a boxing coach. “They said she’d never be back in the ring folks—” And picking her up. “But here she is, better than ever, ready to face any and every challenger! E-E-Eva!”

Easy for anyone to get excited at the idea of hanging out with you. He wishes he could join in for even a few minutes, but it’s not in the cards— Nor today’s packed schedule. Rich promptly and tiredly runs over everything you need to know for the day, leaning against your doorway as Eva runs around in your apartment. 

“Full of energy today, get ready to be ever so slightly annoyed because she will not stop playing the why game today.” 

“Hm.” You hum, not the least bit annoyed by the idea. “I played that a lot too, I think. It’s simply karma.”

There’s a sigh of a smile on Richie’s face. God he looks burnt out. You won’t prod, though your worried face does plenty on its own. “Can I make you a coffee or somethin’ before you head out, Rich?” 

“No, no, it’s good.” He’s quick to shake his head, straightening up off your door. “I’ll get Copenhagen to make me somethin’, test drive, y’know?”

“A’right.” All you can do is shrug. “I will feed her the normal foods at the normal times, make her take her two naps, and we will be mostly screenless, if we can help it. But I think I fuck with Bluey more than she does, so…”

“I owe you.” 

The reply is off the cuff, “No you don’t, just bring me back a dead plate or somethin’.” 

Richie smiles and nods, but there’s a hesitation to it. And whether you notice it, or he even notices it himself, he’s not sure. But as you close the door, you peek it open, noticing something. You surprise the man, when you suddenly reach out and lightly slap his neck. You scratch at scruff that isn’t there, smiling. 

He lined up his beard. Richie listens. Even when he doesn’t want to.

“Good man.”

You close the door with a smile, like you didn’t just blast open his brain. You know what to say even when Richie doesn’t know what he wants to hear. And all he wants to hear is good. Good job. Everyone sees the work you’re putting in. You’re valuable. 

“What the fuck— Richard, no surprises—” “Shut the fuck up, shut the fuck up, of course surprises—” “It’s gonna make a mess—” “If Chip were here, you wouldn’t have a problem—” “Well she’s not here, isn’t she? She’s at home taking care of your kid—”

“W—Woah-holy-shit—” Syd has to elbow her way between Carmen and Richie— And a pinata— To break up this fight. “Way too personal too fast, straighten it the fuck up, Chef.” 

She rubs her chest with her fist, and Carmen returns it, after a deep breath. A thousand yard stare towards no one, as he apologizes— Well, he never really says it, but when he says, “My fault. I’m hot.” He means sorry. 

“You need… A second?” Sydney gestures over his general form. “Want to take your ten?”

“Five. Smoke break. Thank you, chef.” And he’s off. Double entendre. He’s always off, when you’re off. 

Syd turns back to Richie. She replaces you as union rep, when you’re off. She doesn’t ask questions, she doesn’t refuse Richie and his pinata, she doesn’t say, ‘Good idea, Richie, Fantastic research on the couple at table sixteen, Good job finding out that they met at a chocolate museum in Brussels as teenagers on separate school trips. It was all worth it, and you’re so valuable.’

She just says, “I’m not cleaning it up.”

But no skin off his back, he shrugs. It’s not meant to be a thankless job, but it is. “Fair enough.” And he puts on his brightest smile, grabs a bottle of champagne off of your shelf, and puts on a fucking show. 

When he’s finally finished, Richie does remember to grab you a dead plate. Well, more specifically, he grabbed a dead plate and then Carmy asked if it was for you, and when he said yes, the stupid loverboy fuck made him wait as he made you— And only you, a star worthy dinner. Yuck. 

He ate your original dead plate in the meanwhile. Richie texts you all this, sending terribly unflattering photos of Carmen during the whole cooking process. You laugh, over text, and tell him you’ll leave the door unlocked for him— Despite as bad an idea as he thinks that is, he just texts back a thumbs up. 

And when he finishes the exhausting day finally, and drives over to your place, and opens your door with one hand, tupperware in the other— He grimaces, as he can overhear his wonderful daughter playing the extremely aggravating ‘Why?’ game, with you, in the kitchen.

He quietly closes the door, not wanting to cause too much of a commotion. Neither of you seem to hear him, so he’s able to listen in. 

“Why?”

“Why what?”

“Why can’t I use the knife?”

Richie watches from the archway, just peeking slightly. You’re cutting carrots as a late night snack for yourselves. Your back is turned to him and Eva’s sitting on the kitchen counter. She’s not really letting the bowl you’re tossing the carrot sticks in get very full— She’s dipping them in ranch and eating them pretty immediately. 

“Because you might get hurt.”

“Why?”

“Because you’ve got little hands, and this is a big knife.”

“Why?”

“Because weirdly enough, big knives always seem to be the cheapest at my grocery store— I really don’t get it.”

“Hm.” She kicks her legs in the air, thinking of her next line of questioning. “Why are you watching me tonight?”

Because Richie’s forgetful, a bad dad, a typical deadbeat divorcee with half a brain— 

“Because I love you. Duh.” Well, of course you have to say that. 

“Why?”

“Because you’re a good egg.”

“Why?”

“Because your dad— And mum— Made you into a good egg.”

“Why?”

“Because he’s a good dad.”

Oh. Thank God for Eva asking on his behalf, “Why?”

“Because he’s good.” You say it like it’s so simple, mind still focused on cutting carrots, like you’ve said something as easy as describing the weather. 

“Why?”

“Well— I dunno, that’s like asking—” You put down your knife to pick up what’s left of your current carrot. “This carrot, why is it a carrot?”

“...” Eva can’t help but laugh as she answers, “Because it’s a carrot!” 

“Exactly! It’s a carrot! It just is a carrot! You can’t ask a carrot why it’s a carrot— It’s just a carrot!” You chuckle in return, putting the carrot back down to chop it once more.

You shake your head as you answer, “You can’t ask why Richie’s— Why your dad is good. He just is. He’s good.”

If he were still alone in his car with his Kashi bar wrappers hearing this, he’d probably be crying into your tupperware.

But he’s here, so, can’t.

He takes a step into your kitchen— “Th—”

Immediately, you shriek, stepping in front of Eva as you turn around, knife in hand. No coherent words come out of you, just screaming, thinking you’re about to pay repentance for leaving your door unlocked. 

He almost drops your tupperware, holding it up in what is either defense or an offering. “Not a third time, Christ, please God?!”

At least he knows that in a time of crisis, you can go to bat for his kid. 

At least Richie knows his best actively alive friend thinks he’s a good dad; thinks he’s good.

At least Richie will think of your words instead of any execs first, in his head. 

yippee!!!

one day i'll write romance for this guy, one day. maybe.

anyways. sorry for my absence!! i cannot say it will improve my loves. don't worry, we're still finishing CK, it has just REALLY gotten tossed down the laundry list. No one reads these, but, life updates:

Got a new job! In my industry! I'll be working part-time hours there, so I had to talk to my current job about going part time--- And they let me!! Lowkey was hoping my ass would get fired so I'd have more time for you and more importantly, the next thing i'm gonna write about. Alas. We ball.

NOT a we ball moment, PARENT GOT THE BAD DISEASE!!! (fuck cancer!!!) Send sweet thoughts psychically, but not through actual message or asks or anything because i DO hate talking about it, but yknow. that's taken up obviously: most of my time lately!!

so many parties in october man. having our housewarming party next weekend. yes i know it's weird to be normal in this state but that's sort of how life is. we have to keep going?? crazy .

anyways. Hopefully once I start my new position, I can have a concrete schedule for writing. But until then! I'll probably write you short blurbs whenever inspiration hits, so send in requests man!!

Not to be stupid but requests and just talking about writing instead of the big bad evil in my life will do WONDERS for my mental stabilty!! so come yap in my inbox about CK and make me write about it.

love you!!! bed time for me now jesus chrsit.

[mrsfrecklesmarauders]

Lily sighed profoundly and drank her chocolate shake as if it was liquor. She was sitting by the bar inside a pub anyways. It was Hogsmeade weekend. And Lily needed something sweet.

Lily knew Madam Rosemerta sometimes did exceptions and sold beer to minors. But Lily reckoned she wouldn't have luck. She was bad at convincing people. Worse adults.

Plus, she wouldn't break the rules.

"Ye, Okay. Luv?"

Lily realized she was pouting when the bar owner imitated her gesture.

"Look at thet face!"

Lily swallowed her shake.

"Nothing Rosmie, really" Lily answered "I was just thinking"

"Aye, the many times people had told meh their problems... Yeh would believe I'm good listener"

Lily blushed. She didn't have a problem precisely. Maybe she was panicking a bit. But it was all in her mind.

"Have you ever had a weird dream?" Lily asked "It is just so weird. So weird, because you wouldn't do that thing that you were doing in that dream ever! But you were still doing it in the dream and in the dream you seem to like it. Only in the dream. Never in real life"

Rosmie seemed confused.

"Yeh mean like a nightmare?"

Lily nodded enthusiastically. That was the only way to describe it. A nightmare.

"Well, God knows I've had many weird dreams and nightmares, Is bloode normal, eh?" the woman said "Doesn't mean they're real"

"Yeah you are right" Lily said relaxing a little. It had been just a dream.

Rosmie leaned closer.

"Althoughe, dreams are a window to our subconscious" she continued "Show us our deepest fears and deepest desires, aye"

Lily's eyes widened slowly.

"I know what'm sayin' luv" Rosmie nodded "I followed a course online. It was prette good"

Lily blinked.

"What did yeh dream about?"

Lily drank more milkshake as she remembered the dream. She usually forgot about them when she woke. But this was vivid in her mind. Playing over and over again.

He was grabbing her by the waist in such a perfect manner, she had her hand on his shoulder and they waltzed and waltzed in synchrony only looking into each other's eyes.

His eyes were big and beautiful as they changed color. His eyelashes... God, so perfect. And that black hair that Lily wished she could touch. Looked like cotton on top of his head.

The song ended and it was time to reveal their faces. Lily took out her mask first.

"God, you're beautiful" said a sexy hoarse male voice. It sounded familiar somehow.

Lily smiled.

It was his turn to take the mask off. He did it so slowly that Lily was trembling in anticipation. And then a gasp when she saw his face.

"What's up, Evans?" he grinned.

"Potter??"

"Just admit that you want to kiss me so badly"

Before Lily could protest, James grabbed her waist and pulled her into a kiss. She was struggling at first but oh how much she was enjoying this, butterflies in her tummy and she felt sparks and magic around so she gave into the kiss. Opened her mouth for him. And it was perfect...

Lily gulped down her shake and ignored her brain freeze.

Rosmie was looking at her as if she was crazy.

"What if you dream about someone you really hate... Like really hate! And in the dream you are being.... Friendly..." she blushed "with him... Them... Them... We don't know the gender... I'm hypotecally speaking..."

Rosmie opened her mouth to respond but was interrupted by someone else approaching.

"Hey, Rosmie"

Lily panicked realizing who it was. Standing right there next to her. So close...

"Hey, Evans"

Lily wished she would be swallowed by earth.

"Hey" she answered quickly and looked away.

Do not look at him. She told herself.

"Can I get a portion of chips?" James asked innocently.

Rosmie was not paying attention. She was looking between the two of them with a knowing smile.

"I understand now" she spoke to Lily, her eyes flickering at James.

Oh bollocks.

Lily shook her head discreetly.

"Yeah," James was oblivious "Chips?"

Rosmie winked at Lily then smiled at James.

"I'll tell the cook right away and I'll take yer order ter yer table, luv"

"Maybe some beers while we are at it?"

"Nice try, luv"

Rosmie walked away.

"Make it a large one" James said after her "My mates eat like pigs"

Lily was silently begging her not to leave them alone but Rosmie was already crossing the kitchen door.

There was silence after that. Lily stared at a gum stuck to the counter and only that. Although she knew Potter was running his fingers through his hair which made Lily blush more. She had done that in the dream. While she kissed him.

"Sweet tooth, eh?" Potter asked.

"Ha?" Lily jumped "What about my tooth, why are you referring to anything that has to do with my mouth?

James was amused "It's an expression. I was referring to the shake you just had" he pointed to the empty glass.

Lily felt like an idiot.

"Want another one?"

James was already getting out his wallet, so Lily stopped him.

"Don't you dare!" Lily snapped "I'm okay with one. Too much sugar for today"

James shrugged and pocketed his wallet.

"Are you alright?"

"Peachy"

James was looking at her without discretion.

"Come with me then"

"Excuse me?" Lily felt her face on fire "You think you can make me follow you somewhere so that we can be alone and you can woo me, eh Potter? Well, I'm not giving up... You might have girls with no brains drooling for you but not me. Not me" she crossed her arms at the end.

James blinked.

"I'm definitely not kissing you"

James laughed.

"Relax Evans, I only meant to come to the table with my friends" he said "I was inviting you over... What do you think I am, a perv?"

Oh God... Could Lily humiliate herself more?

"I'm with Mary and Marlene. They went to the loo and are taking ages..."

"They are out of the loo by now" James said "They are sitting with us. See?"

He pointed to a table by the window and in fact Mary and Marlene were laughing with the boys.

"Right"

"Plus, I thought that we were friends now, weren't we?" James added "Or have I done something wrong?"

It was true. They had had a couple of decent conversations with each other and Lily was seeing a different side in him. He wasn’t that bad. He wasn’t pressuring her into anything anymore. In fact the other day he had given her advice about Luke. He didn't ask her out just because. He didn't care about her like that anymore. Just the other day Lily saw him kissing Rebecca.

She had felt like an idiot because Luke had tried to kiss her and she couldn't. She ran away. But when she saw James kissing Rebecca she wanted it badly. Not to snog James, no. To snog someone like that.

Maybe that was why her brain was confused.

Lily was being silly. It had only been a dream. She had read somewhere that the brain picked parts of what you saw and lived during the day and mixed it up in a dream. Like a shake.

"Nothing" Lily said now more relaxed "You did nothing. It's just... I'm still getting used to being your friend"

James smiled at her.

"You know I tend to attack you as soon as you open your mouth" she added. "It's a habit but I promise I will change that"

James rubbed his hair once more.

"Well, I'm trying to stop the habit of being a dick" James said which made Lily laugh "Only tell me to fuck off if I am really being a dick to you. Promise me, okay?"

Lily nodded.

"Alright" James tusked "Care to follow me to the table were thy friends are waiting for you, Miss?"

Lily smiled as she grabbed her purse "That was actually better than: 'Come with me', so..."

Lily and James started walking.

"Alright madam, promise to be more formal the next time"

"Okay"

They both smiled at each other and it wasn't awkward anymore.

[mixelation]

what do you prefer? a good story with an awful ending that completely ruins any further enjoyment, or a bad story that has a handful of glowing moments that could have been something greater?

interesting question..... i think if i was simply seeking something out for my own entertainment, i'd usually pick "good journey with a disappointing end." like, idk, i LOVE a good ending and usually struggle with writing unless i have an ending i love in mind, but i also have a bad habit of watching series to their 90% mark so i think i'm maybe more forgiving of bad endings than a lot of people would assume. like i'll call one out, and i do think a bad ending can tank a story in a way a weird bit at the beginning or middle wouldn't, but also i'm a person who still maintains the beginning seasons of shows like Game of Thrones and Supernatural are worth watching. i value a good ride!!!! a stupid end doesn't negate the good beginning!!!

like, literally this week i was having one of those "which star wars movie is best" debates and i maintain even though Rogue One is pretty universally accepted as Good, the middle parts absolutely drag and have meh aspects; it's just that the end was really impactful so people forget the meh parts. meanwhile, if you go into my book review tag for my review of Xiran Jay Zhao's Heavenly Tyrant, i did have fun with the very end of it but felt the mountain of boring dialogue required to get to the end is absolutely not worth it.

what about everyone else?

[ofliterarynature]

DECEMBER 2024 WRAP UP

[ loved liked okay nope dnf (reread) ]

(The Warrior of the Third Veil) • Labyrinth's Heart • Graveyard Shift • Haunt Sweet Home • Dear Bartleby • The Weaver of the Middle Desert • (Jackaby) • Jamaica Inn • The Hallowed Hunt • The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All, Vol 1 • (Beastly Bones) • These Old Shades • (Ghostly Echoes) • Balancing Stone • (The Dire King) • Bestiary • The Agony House • The Bone Maker • Siddartha • The Morningside • Why We Sleep

* * * * *

It's the final month with this picture format because Goodreads has decided to f*ck their page format entirely! Only managed to do this month through some miracle and a bookmarked page on my phone.

The Warrior of the Third Veil & The Weaver of the Middle Desert - wonderful! I'm so glad that Victoria was finally able to finish Weaver, what with it being almost 6 years since it's original mentioned release date. It was really nice getting to see more of Arzu, since she's not one of the Red Company and we don't know much about her. Jack and the beanstalk is not the fairy tale I'd have expected to be incorporated here, but it was neat! I feel like I should have thoughts about how this series is the 'Sisters' Avramapul but still always end up being about Sardeet at the heart of the story, but I still kind of wish we could fit in a fourth book about her third husband? She has such terrible taste in husbands, I want to see how the last one screws up.

Labyrinth's Heart - mixed feelings! In reality I read this series in quick enough succession that I didn't have much time to build up expectations, and I did like and enjoy this and think it was a good ending to the series. I was a little meh on the beginning, mostly - the whole favor/marriage tournament felt a little weird, and it was over so quickly (comparatively - it's a long book!) and went out with a whimper. This was the book where Ren's house of cards was going to start falling, and bringing back mother dearest (whose name I've forgotten again) was a genius move that was well supported - she just ended up feeling very underutilized because Ren was being pulled in ten directions and she played her trump card so early in the story, which left her feeling more of a petty villain rather than anything more significant. It also felt like after the authors killed off a major character at the end of book one, they weren't willing to take such a swing again? Which really dropped the tension for me, unfortunately. I think book 2 will live on as my favorite in the series, but I still had a great time with this one. Would highly recommend the series!

Graveyard Shift - the author may have abandoned tumblr years ago, but some part of me still feels compelled to support her books lol. This was interesting! Another one for the mycological horror section. I don't really have much more to say - I saw people saying it should have been longer, but I don't know that I would have stayed interested for much longer, and thought the structure of telling the story of this one 8 hr period was clever. I wonder if a series of single-shift novellas would be something feasible?

Haunt Sweet Home - meh. I think I was hoping for something a little funnier? But this really didn't leave me feeling much. A pass from me. Maybe try the Haunted Home Renovation series by Juliet Blackwell.

Dear Bartleby - 4th book in the series, and in this one we are back to epistolary, romance, and a full novel length! My speculations were correct that I'd find epistolary + romance more enjoyable, and contrary to my usual tastes I do think the author writes better in 1st person. It unfortunately doesn't hide the fact that the author can't create any kind of personality for the secondary characters. Everyone can be boiled down to "X personality trait and interested in Y thing." As the novel got further into romance territory it definitely started to annoy me more - the romantic interest was nice, but I couldn't really tell you why they were in love. idk! Hoopla doesn't have the next book on audiobook so I've been forced to stop with the series, which is probably for the best.

Jackaby - look, I didn't *mean* to reread this entire series, but here we are. I picked up the first one because my print copies were on the potential chopping block, and I had positive memories of reading them (and the covers are so lovely). They were okay! I had a pleasant enough time, but I think that was in part because I'd read them before, and I kept picking them up because I was struggling to find other books to read (see: my dnf list for the month). I don't know if I'd have liked them if this was my first time through, but they're also in an odd spot where they were published as YA, but Abigail is treated as an (young) adult, and there are no other teenage characters. Who knows! The fourth book was a bit meh, not on its own necessarily, but as part of the series a lot of it came out of nowhere - I think this really could have used a book 3.5 to help in the transition to the endgame. Interesting, but leave this one to the teens, I think.

Jamaica Inn - I had mixed results reading du Maurier's Rebecca a few years ago, but found this at the library sale and decided to give her another shot. "Liked" is perhaps too strong of a word, but it kept my interest and I didn't speed the audiobook up to 2x, so I'd call it a success!

The Hallowed Hunt - so sad to be done with the Chalion novels! I still have the Penric & Desdemona novellas to work through at least, which I hope to do in 2025. I feel like I saw reviews saying this wasn't as good as the other two, and while I do think Paladin reigns supreme, this one didn't quite yuck me in some of the ways Curse did (and also was less confusing for not being the first book, lol), so I think I enjoyed the reading experience more. Did the weird, forbidden animal magic remind me fondly of the Farseer trilogy? Maybe. My only real wish is that Bujould would have let Lady Ijada say her own part.

The Guy She Was Interested in Wasn't a Guy at All, Vol 1 - this was so cute!!! I've never read a manga before, so I can't compare it to other books. I struggled a bit to follow the text because there were multiple speech bubbles following different conversation threads, but! The characters were SO expressive, it was pretty easy to muddle along. The art is so great, and I loved the side characters of the overly-invested uncle and the classmate who totally ships it. Also maybe very obsessed with the gender of it all :D So glad my library had at least one copy of this for me to try, I think I'll probably end up buying my own copy and Vol 2 when it comes out in 2025.

These Old Shades - I've been wanting to try Georgette Heyer's work ever since I saw KJ Charles describe some of her own books as being "Heyer but gayer." This one I found at the thrift store and just happened to be one of the half-dozen my library has as an unabridged audiobook (library, why are so many abridged???), so here we are. I wish I'd liked it. It's no fault of the writing, and I certainly enjoyed the dramatic twists and reveals. My dislike largely lies with the main pairing of Leonie and the Duke, which starts out as servant & master, then guardian & ward and seems somewhat paternal, but inexplicably shifts to romantic, with much support from the other characters. I suppose it may have been considered within norms for the time period? But it really hit some of my squick points and yucked me out. I don't think you'll find me recommending this one, but I'm still willing to give Heyer another chance or two.

Balancing Stone - a brand new short story in the Greenwing & Dart series, starring Hope! Victoria still doesn't have many stories with female protagonists, so it's always nice to get a new one, and Hope is such a lovely person. Not much in the way of plot, but definitely provoking some thoughts about the old Alinorel religions (an ongoing theme) as well as a new outsider perspective on Jemis, which is always entertaining.

DNF

Bestiary (4%) - Picked this up entirely on a whim at the library book sale. I was intrigued by the magical realism of the description and the lgbtq tag, but the opening was very odd and I wasn't into it.

The Agony House (15%) - one of my four unread Cherie Priest books! This one was YA, which was already a point against it; the mc was a senior in high school but the tone of the writing was almost more middle-grade, which is not bad in itself; and the way the family was going about renovating their house annoyed me lol. I decided it probably wasn't going to be one I really liked and wasn't invested enough to keep going.

The Bone Maker (55%) - Very sad about this one! I read a number of Sarah Beth Durst's YA titles as a teen and was excited to see her put out her first adult title. It took me a while to get to this because I was waiting for my library to get the audiobook, and unfortunately I think I got around to it too late. I wanted to like this but the characters and story just never quite gripped me, and by the halfway point it was starting to feel like a slog. Since I also dnf'd Durst's more recent adult title The Spellshop the other month, I think it might be time for me to say goodbye to her work.

Siddartha (4%) - a paperback copy of this was gifted to me by a friend in college, and while unfortunately her track record has not been good so far, this is the first one I had to dnf! The audiobook version I picked had a nice introduction about the author, which I did like, but unfortunately the actual book just went in one ear and out the other and wasn't working. Me being tired, the language being poetic, and my unfamiliarity with the place and culture were a bad combination. Maybe I'll keep the print version on my shelf for another attempt.

The Morningside (35%) - I started this at work on a Friday and got along well enough, but come Monday I'd forgotten what I'd been reading and felt kind of meh about starting it back up. Story-wise it reminded me somewhat of 2 AM at the Cat's Pajamas (which I didn't like) and some worldbuilding/vibes of The Saint of Bright Doors (which I did). Not something I'd be opposed to trying again someday, but maybe I'll start with one of the author's other books first.

Why We Sleep (31%) - I wanted to read this, really! I think the subject is interesting and I also know that my sleep schedule is very, very bad, so personally it felt very relevant. Unfortunately listening to this on audio was putting me to sleep - the author actually took time to note, if this puts you to sleep, let it, he'd be pleased! Unfortunately I was listening at work, and that's a no-go lol. Maybe one I'll purchase in print and keep on my shelf to try again "someday".

[hammerhead-jpg]

I often shart on my art so I'mma be positive today and do the top 10 pieces of my art that I'm still fond of despite them being quite old

Most (all) of them are redacted fanart so behold

(sorted from oldest to latest)

Felt the need to put the first drawing I ever posted on this account. It doesn't stand out as being that much better than it's close by in date brethren but it still pops off in it's own right and is not nearly as embarrassing as it could've been as a first drawing (ps: it was based of a drawing by @febreze-bottle-without-febreze!)

I already reblogged this one pointing out how it lowkey served for it's time but it still deserves to be said

Like this piece specifically points out how drawings don't have to be hella detailed and have 100% effort put into them to look good. Like it obviously has its flaws but it's serves it's purpose and I honestly think that overhauling with full rendering and a detailed background would've removed some of it's charm

It kind of reminds me of those semi animations/animatics people would do for musicals and things with the desaturated background with a gradient and minimal shading

This one's is not much again but it's Adam and he's serving cunt so it ended up here. If you can find the Pinterest pose I used as a ref for this one you win a Gatorade

It's not much artistically, like I feel like the shading is lacking in places (like either the contrast is shit or the color combos for the shading are shart I can't tell) and there's some anatomical mistakes but I feel like it's iconic in it's own way and I luuuv starlight and Avior

This Gavin doodle is lowkey giving idk there's something about him...

He has no forehead but shhhh look at him 💞

Another Adam Jessup slay I think about this drawing a lot like can I ever truly replicate the face card in this piece?

He caused a motherquake measuring 9.9 on the cunter scale with this...

This is strange cuz like it's a ref sheet and usually ref sheets are my most meh art because I have a compulsion to do them but they're always a pain in the ass to do so like?

Even though Taurus is one of my more ignored redacted ocs I still like his design and I think this drawing still holds up

Rip veguh💔💔💔 it's like I can still hear his voice 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

Anyways idk this one eats noticably, again kinda sad considering it's an another low effort doodle

Scorpius mentioned yeesdddss

I remember not being sure wether or not to post it but it's kinda nice looking considering even though I am knida at this point known the Scorpius artists I don't like most of my Scorpius drawings

And this one is pretty recent but careless avior and starlight doodles! Again why is this post just telling me that I should give up fully coloring rendering and just doodle for the rest of my life

I saw a tiktok of a person who animated some greek god related stuff and got hated on because they didn't make the ichor gold and they explained why that was but I totally get them bc when I drew the scene of Starlight and Avior bathing in liquid gold people immediately said it looked like piss💔💔

[sickfictropes]

I just read a comic where one of the traumatized characters suddenly flinched and looked behind him while talking to his friend. Aforementioned friend said "is something wrong?" and traumatized character went "I felt like I was being watched... meh, false alarm."

(for context, it was a moringmark comic and the characters were Hunter and Gus from TOH respectively)

Two things about this. A, Traumatized Character (Hunter, but to avoid this turning into an analysis of TOH let's keep it anonymous in wording if not spirit) gets the feeling that he's being watched (and in this case, someone is watching him because Chekhov's Gun), which means he can tell when someone is watching him. B, he immediately backtracks on this, hinting that he has feelings like this regularly and that they're usually benign. What he thinks is a useless trauma response is actually a sharp instinct that serves a purpose.

I'm sure you're wondering where I'm going with this, and why I'm in your askbox about it.

It made me think, what if there was a whumpee, supernatural probably but could also just have really good instincts, has a sort of "spider sense" and can miraculously know when danger is afoot? The team uses this to their advantage, frequently checking in and going "Whumpee, everything good?" / "Hey Whumpee, think this path is safe?" because Whumpee's miraculous ability hasn't failed them yet and has gotten them out of a few scrapes. Whumpee relies on this ability too to navigate the world—and to help to their beloved team.

So. What would happen if this ability went haywire?

Whumpee is unwell somehow, but their symptoms are either ignorable or mild enough that they haven't even been noticed yet. So they haven't told the others, of course. At one point, something happens.

Now, I'm imagining this as high fantasy / travel whump, historical time period, maybe a bit inspired by The Dragon Prince on Netflix. ANY genre could work but I'm just gonna write out my ideas with this in mind

Here are the options.

Whumpee's danger alarm goes off. One minute everything is good and mellow, the next the hairs on the back of their neck are spiking and adrenaline floods their veins. Everything in their body is on high alert, and they know what that means—something's coming, something big. So they warn the team. The danger sense doesn't usually have this strong an affect on them, so it must be really bad. Their panicked tone and the way they're shaking wakes the whole team right up, and Leader is suddenly pushing the others behind them, looking around for any sign of trouble while interrogating Whumpee on what they think they could be sensing. They're too shaken to answer the questions all that well, and the sense is always vague anyway. They just know there's danger. But as the team goes into a frenzy, ready to defend themselves or run away if necessary, time passes. But like I said, Whumpee's ability hasn't failed them yet, so they trust it. If they say there's danger, there's danger, don't lower your weapons. But then Whumpee realizes that there are sensations they aren't used to—they usually don't feel this warm or dizzy during a "danger's approaching" moment. So... what's going on?

On the other end of the spectrum, there is danger, and Whumpee doesn't sense it. They're calm as ever, if feeling a little under the weather for reasons they can't place. They chat with their teammates, laughing along to their stories and acting like nothing's wrong. But something is wrong. Because something happens—a monster comes barreling through the trees, followed by a whole pack. A hostile monster. Everyone knows Whumpee should've seen it a mile away, so as everyone scrambles for a fight they didn't prepare for, some teammates try and focus on the task at hand while others scream at Whumpee, "Why didn't you warn us about this?!". But there's at least one who looks heartbreakingly concerned and just asks "you didn't sense this? are you alright?"

It might also be interesting if Whumpee's senses weren't going haywire in the sense that they were wrong, just that they were affecting them so strongly they couldn't really do anything.

Say there's something dangerous—really dangerous. Maybe the world is ending, even. I mean, we are talking high fantasy team whump, so it's within the realm of possibility. Everyone is trying to keep their heads together. But Whumpee's never had to physically feel impending danger this intense before, so they have the worst anxiety attack known to man and probably pass out.

Or maybe it hurts every time, no matter how mild the danger. Usually the focus isn't on them since when they sense danger, that means the whole team needs to focus on that. But someone asks, after the fight is over, "what does it feel like?" and Whumpee struggles to explain the acid in their lungs, the fire in their stomach and ice in their hands. The reason why they can hardly breathe when they so much as look across the tavern at someone with their hand on the hilt of their sword. They can't afford to focus to themself, though. So they swallow down and take it.

SORRY FOR THE WALL OF TEXT I JUST GOT REALLY ENTHUSIASTIC

OMG THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS NOVELLA I LOVE IT!! you were so thorough that i don't have much to add but i'll say i love when powers become unseless when they're sick. i used this trope a lot in my TMA fanfics on my AO3 and fic blog because it's just so so good!!

[scorpiusmalfoylovesoscarwilde]

I'm ill again because I have the immune system of a sickly victorian child. Therefore I must project onto the harry potter next gen kids

What i think (some) of the next gen kids are like when they're sick:

Scorpius: I've already done a whole post on this but I have no idea how to link posts despite being on this site for years. the short version is, he was a sick child and constantly in and out of hospital so now he cannot gauge when he's actually really sick and needs to just rest, so albus has to forcibly keep him in the dorm or hospital wing otherwise he will still try and go to class even if actively dying

Albus: he's lowkey so dramatic. if he has a small cold you WILL be hearing about it, BUT he's super subtle. he will casually tie it into conversation to make you feel sorry for him and just keep bringing it up until youre like aw no, im so sorry man. he doesnt try with rose anymore, because she will just mock him, she knows what hes doing. he's most obvious about it to Scorpius, he'll start pouting and be like I feel sick 🥺🥺 and Scorpius is immediately like oh poor baby 🥺🥺/gen and does in fact baby him until he feels better

Rose: does not get sick and its infuriating. when there's some kind of bug going around the school, you can guarantee this girl will not get it. she thinks everyone is just being dramatic and trying to get out of class. don't come to her for sympathy unless you actually look like you're on deaths door. the most sympathy surprisingly goes to Scorpius because she has seen this idiot try to attend class whilst not being able to function properly and be escorted out

Hugo: he doesnt get sick often, like a slightly below average getting sick, but my version of hugo is so unbothered by everything, he would end up in hospital or whatever but wont tell anyone, not on purpose, he just never goes out of his way to mention anything until it specifically comes up in conversation. Hes the random kid that pops up, says he has a relevant anecdote, tells you the wildest story youve ever heard so casually, youre left like???? what the fuck?? and how has that never come up before????, then he just dissapears again

James: gets so mopey, he gets so restless and hates having to sit and wait to get better. he'll enjoy not having to go to class for like one day but when you tell him he can't go anywhere or play quidditch or anything he's immediately over it like, 😟😟 wdym??? wdym I have to just lie here until I'm better??? lemme out!!!! LEMME OUT!!!!

Lily: lowkey whiny. she's not usually super whiny but she acts like a little kid when she's sick and will constantly frown and pout and cross her arms and kick her legs. collateral of being the youngest sibling lmao. she wants people to do everything for her and will shout for people to come get the TV remote or something that's only like 2 feet away from her and just shake her arm at it until you pass it. Ginny and Harry do it for her, her brothers do not lmao

Victorie: doesn't usually get sick-sick often, but I headcanon her as being a general athlete, she likes to do triathlons in her spare time, and if she gets injured she literally has to not be able to walk before she stops. she will just keep going. have you seen female footballers? the way they will be wacked in the head and start bleeding everywhere but then be like meh I can keep going. so her.

Louis: cannot stand the wanting to throw up kind of sick. he can deal with anything else, he has a pretty good immune system, he can pretty much carry on with normal stuff, and you won't even realise he's sick, but the second he feels stomach sickness, he is pale as a ghost and out for business. lowkey has emetaphobia, he will just sit so still until he doesn't feel like that anymore trying to make it go away by just 🧍🏻‍♂️if I don't move it won't know I'm here, yk lmao. hates throwing up so fucking bad

Roxanne: takes the sickness as some kind of personal test. is dramatic in the sense that she will go full warrior mode and be like 😈 i will survive 😈 I will not be beaten by these pitiful germs 😈 and will absolutely just rock her way through it, she talks like she's on some kind of quest, and that this is some kind of evaluation of her perseverance

Fred: just lies there. will not move until he's better. doesn't get really dramatic or complain but god forbid you try and make him do something, he'll start going off about how normalised it is for people to push themselves when sick because society wants people to work themselves to death, and doesn't actually care about anyone's health, and everyone just gets so sick of hearing him, they leave him alone

Karl Jenkins: will purposefully cough on people to get them sick too "as a joke"

[stormyoceans]

i'm curious about one thing though, isn't it a bit meh to ship two people when one of them clearly finds it annoying/uncomfortable? although maybe that's just enemies to lovers excellence lol but i usually love enemies to lovers so idk why i don't ship junpo... it's not because of thamepo because i honestly find them a little bit boring for my taste but something about po being so (on the nose) whipped for thame doesn't let me enjoy junpo, you feel me?

i do get what you mean, po is so enamored with thame (and so annoyed by jun sfjksgfj) that for some people may be hard to imagine him ever developing feelings for jun, which is why in the context of the show i also tend to lean more towards a thame/po/jun poly (thamejun is very interesting to me too ngl), but at the same time i think part of the fun of shipping comes from the fact that it doesn't necessarily have to make perfect sense

canon gives us the framework, and within that, we can play with as many possibilities as we'd like, as long as they're interesting to us. this is something that i think fandom has lost a little over time, it seems to me that it has become a bit more rigid compared to when i was younger, but i've personally shipped characters who didn't even interact with each other (like, EVER) just because i thought their dynamic would be fun (shout-out to jayfoei, those bitches truly had me moving differently)

so to me, it's not that hard to imagine junpo somehow happening, but maybe it's because im also very biased towards jun and i don't read po as being uncomfortable with him. annoyed and frustrated as fuck due to a mix of a bad first impression, jun basically being his complete opposite, and po not being able to understand jun's intentions? sure. but uncomfortable? not really, and i think the proof of this is that po is ready to praise jun when jun isn't there to hear him, he doesn't mind touching jun or jun touching him when thame isn't around to see them, and he willingly shared personal stuff with jun when they were trying to bring nano back to the group (which he didn't really have to do for the plan to work)

jun also brings out a side of po that we don't see with anyone else, not even with thame, at least not after the first episode. po is someone who tends to overthink and doubt himself a lot, and he often has a hard time speaking his mind (see: telling the vendor he wants only one sandwich now, for example), but he doesn't have that issue with jun, and sure, one could say that it's because he doesn't care about jun's feelings (although imho po is way too kind for that), or maybe it's because their dynamic allows po to be more open and more true to himself

also, if you think about it, in the first episode po started out disliking thame because he thought thame was like his ex, but then he got to learn about thame and what he truly felt and po's feelings for him started to change, so i don't see why that couldn't happen with jun too, especially since po has never seen jun being vulnerable (in po's eyes, jun is the smart one, the cunning one, the annoying one, the unbothered one, but what if he saw jun struggling and breaking down in front of him????? DELICIOUS)

so yeah, idk. they're obviously never going to happen in the show, and maybe in the next episode the writers are gonna be like SIKE. JUN NEVER LIKED PO. but they still remain a very compelling pair to me, and in my head it's not that hard to imagine a future where thamepo break up and po eventually falls for jun

for some people that may be unrealistic, for me it's not, and i think both point of views are valid. at the end of the day, fiction is our playground, and as long as we don't hurt anybody, we can play pretend with what it offers us in any way that sparks joy!!!!

[transfemzedaph]

idea that definitely hasnt been living in my brain:

joel totally, 100%, does NOT have a massive crush on zedaph. zedaph, who he's heard a lot of things about but, but nothing could've prepared him for how blummin' cute he is, for goodness sake-- what. what? don't look at him like that. it's nothing. shut up.

(hope u like this even if u dont write smth for it DJBDJD)

i fucking loved this ask so much <3. i transed joel & zeds genders. bc im me. also the end is meh & i dont know what grians base looks like and i do not care

-

Of course Joel had heard about Zedaph, how could they not have. There was the rest of ZITS in the life series, Skizz specifically when he found out the both of them were joining, and of course Grians run down of all of the hermits. The basic gist of it was she's weird in a cool way and makes creative and useless but fun machines, which honestly, Joel thought sounded really awesome. Redstone was fine and all but they did tend to think most redstoners were way too serious about the whole thing.

So when Joel was invited over to be the first person to test Zeds newest thing, they were excited!

What none of any of his friends had told them, was how flippin cute she was. And yeah maybe Joel ended up stumbling over their words more than usual whilst hanging out, and yeah maybe they were a little bit distracted from the game? activity? workout? whatever it was, Joel was a bit distracted because they kept watching Zed.

Joel rushes their goodbyes and runs off back home, laying face down on the floor of their newly built home, void they should have put some furniture in already.

Grian wanders over and lets out a little snort at the sight of Joel, who just groans and rolls over, propping themself up a bit,

"This is all your fault."

Grian just stares.

Joel locks eyes with him face scrunching, "You didn't tell me she was cute."

Grian, promptly bursts out laughing.

"Gri, no, this isn't funny. This is serious. And she's gonna think I'm an idiot now and it's all your fault!"

Grian's still laughing.

Joel sits then self up and crosses their arms indignantly, "Are you done?"

Grian's giggling a bit when he replies, "You've got it so bad! For a blonde! Again! You have a type sooo bad."

Joel kicks their leg out towards Grian, grumbling slightly, "Yeah well, you're blonde but you're ugly and I hate you. So there."

Grian sits himself down next to Joel, bumping their shoulder with his own as he does.

"Honestly I bet Zed loved hanging out with you. Don't worry yeah? And at least next time you can compose yourself before you hang out."

Joel leans their head on Grians shoulder.

"Yeah." They sigh, picking at their fingernails, before mumbling "Think 'm just overthinking it cause of being new 'n all that. Just dont wanna make anyone hate me."

Grian scoffs, "No one is going to hate you, and you know Skizz, and probably Tango and Impulse as well, have all talked to Zed about you? Why do you think she invited you to hang out?"

Joel hums.

"To me it seems like she was also trying to impress you too, showing off what she made?"

Joel blushes, halfheartedly giving Grian a little shove, "Shut up."

-

It's a couple of days later when Joel barges into Grians house, "I have an excuse to go visit Zed!"

Grian sighs, "And you had to come and tell me about this? Right now?"

Joel takes in the scene, Mumbo, standing next to a coffee machine, his moustache looking very lackluster, Grian almost curled up on his stool, hands clasped around a mug.

Joel winces, "Uh, what time is it?"

"Too early for this nonsense, shoo." Grian lazily waves one hand in Joels general direction to usher them away.

Joel grumbles to themself as they walk away, "Whatever, Grian doesn't get to know my really cool and awesome plan of going over and saying that we need to beat Impulse and Tangos high score without being a bit cheaty like they were. Which is the best plan ever."

[miss0atae]

15 Day BL Challenge 2024 - The Sequel (PART 1) :

I never have enough it seems. Again, we don’t really have time to do it from day to day, so I’m going to post 5 of them in a post. You can find this challenge here and thanks to @slonekaru for making this sequel.

16 – What show has taken you by surprise this year?

Three shows has taken me by surprise this year.

The first one is Reverse 4 You. I remember when I saw the first pictures of this series and I read the synopsis. I was thinking “meh”, it’s not for me. I think I waited until the series reach the middle of its story to watch it and I never expected to like this series as much as I did. It has its flaws as any other series, but it never really was a problem for me. I was charmed by the main leads and I was rooting for them to be together. It was a great surprise and I had fun.

The second series was Every You, Every Me. I admit, it may be wrong, but I usually get hyped by a series for two reasons: its plot or the actors/actresses that star in it. However, when I read the synopsis of this series, I didn’t get the appeal. I also admit I didn’t know the actors, so I had nothing to really grab my attention. I know myself, sometimes my judgment can be too hasty, so I gave it a try and it became one my favorite Sunday treat. The actors’ performance were really good and the idea of mixing several stories and featuring the same leads was compelling.

The third one is a series that is still airing and it's Caged Again. I really thought it would be a silly show that will just be entertaining. Again, I was proven wrong. There is so much more in this series that I never expected. I forgot that sometimes, talking about serious topics, doesn't require a serious settings or characters. Animals-turned-humans that experience what the meaning of humanity is actually a good idea.

17 – What's your most returned-to / comfort BL show?

If we are strictly talking about a 2024 show, I would say Love for Love’s Shake. I re-watched it several times and I always get the same feelings. I guess it gave me hope when I was feeling down.

However, if it’s my most returned-to BL show of all time, I will have to say Not Me, again. I already said many times how much this series count for me, so I won’t repeat myself because you'll get tired of reading the same things all the time.

A special mention to I Will Knock You and 3 Will Be Free.

18 – What show are you waiting most (im)patiently for?

Do we have to give only one?! There isn't only one show that I'm waiting for very impatiently, so I'm going to give 5 of them (but the list is longer). These are the ones I really can't wait. There are at the top of the list.

The Ex-Morning because I really can't wait to see what they are going to give us. I know I'm pretty late to the party as I watched Sotus and the sequels this year (again a special thanks to @dropthedemiurge for showing me what I was missing), but no one is really too late to appreciate something. I was impressed by the work of Krist and Singto and I want to see what they can bring to this story.

Interminable seems to have everything I like in one story: historical romance paired with drama and reincarnation. We're also going to see beautiful traditional Thai dances and I really started to appreciate them thanks to @heaven-is-in-your-arms-series that writes about them in series (I also want to add that they regale me with their reviews of Mhom Ped Sawan)

Us is my third choice because it’s been too long and the wait is actually killing me. I wish I could say it’s because the story seems incredible that I would like to watch this series, but I have to admit it’s mostly because of Emi Thasorn. This woman is so dreamy.

Goddess Bless You From Death is a story I can’t wait to see. I got a taste of “horror” BL series with DFF and now I want to have more. I also started to read the first chapter of the book in English and so it made me really anticipate this series (I will probably never know the end of the story without the series because the kind translator of this series stopped translating).

The last one I can’t wait to see is Only Friends: Dream On. I admit I like the drama and the messiness of the first one. This new cast and the trailer made me really curious to see what we can get. I’m a simple person, I like to be entertained and this seems to be pretty fun.

A special mention to Wicked, Pit Babe 2, Memoir of Rati, Girls Rules and The next Prince.

19 – If you could turn any Non-BL show into a BL, which would you choose?

Very easy to choose, I would say High School Frenemy. I know it was very BL-coded bromance, but why not going full BL?!

On a side note, I feel Summer Night would have made a good GL with a side dish of BL.

20 – Which series do you wish had more episodes than it did or you wish had another season?

The On1y One can't finish with this lukewarm ending. I know there were several announcement of a second season, but as there is nothing happening now, I still think I can add this series here so Tian and Wang can finally end up together. They found something in each other and I wish them happiness by keeping it.

Meet You at the Blossom was such a delight and I wish it had more episodes so I could enjoy all these characters more. I know we got special episodes, but it wasn't enough for me. It was great, but can't I be greedy?! I think it would also have given more time for the other couples.

Every You, Every Me, can have more seasons and a GL spin-off. I didn't get enough with this series.

A special mention to the Trainee, LoveSick 2024, First Note of Love and This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans.

[thedegu]

For no particular reason I gave taken pictures of all of my d20s, and I am posting them with rankings under the cut

All the names listed for these dice are just what I've given them. I don't remember what company has made any of these, so don't ask lmao. They are listed with the character associated with them if applicable. From worst to best, we have:

Chunk 1 D. To be fair to this die, it is meant to keep track of HP in MTG, not to be rolled. That being said, she has a lot of manufacturing defects, to the point I'd never roll her because, well, there is no way she's balanced. However that does not excuse the really shotty paintjob and overall low craftsmanship, she lives inside the bag of holding unless I'm playing mtg and want to keep track of hp with her-- which I usually don't because I both have a better tracking dice in her sister as well as an app and a paper tracker.

Chunk 2, D, Look, I will roll you in a pinch, but blame your brother that I try not to. even though your craftsmanship is much higher wality and you're opaque so I cant see any possible air bubbles inside of you, I just don't trust you like that. I know you came in clutch with that one nat 20 for Madea's save against her father's effect, but look at your brother. Would you trust your manufacturing if you knew that's where you were made, too? I will use you to keep track of HP during commander nights, though, I promise.

Lesbian <3. D, these were hand made dice I bought at a pride fair and I wish I could give them a higher score but they roll like hand-made dice :pensive: like its notable how many times river rolled a 17 with this girl so she's been gently placed in the bag of holding until further notice. she's also super hard to read and you can hardly see the flag in any of the dice in the set outside of the d6. i wannnntttt tooooo loooovvvveeeee youuuuuu

Asphalt, C, bought this D20 on a whim as a single dice. I don't think I've ever rolled it. I've always just reached out for any other dice at the time, including its sister, Funfetti. I guess I should start reaching for this one instead because, given how much Funfetti has been defiant, maybe her sibling will be more competitive.

Berry Blue(jeans), C my first ever dice for DMing but he came in that welcome to dnd bookset with lost mines of phandelver. It has perfectly useable dice but has little nostalgia, even for being my first dm set. does have the knock against it that *technically* my dad bought it for me. But I don't hold it against him too bad; he just doesn't have much pizazz ya feel?

Black n blood, C, I dont rmemver why i bought this, I think it was for a barbaiain character I never really got to play but either way, I don't think I've ever really used this set, it feels basic but it does have more pizzaz then the dice above the stark matte black with the blood red numbers has some flair but I've never really felt the need to roll this set when I have my blood bone set that fills the same niche and are one of my favorites

snow stone| Rossien, C, I don't have too much to say about this die beyond its surprisingly hard to read and, rolls meh.

Sea Dragon, C, is one of my oldest sets of dice and only gets a B because of that. It was the second set of dice I ever bought, but they have ended up in dice jail more than once, brining down their score. They're also super slippery and hard to pick up because of that.

MAGIC! B, i dont remember buying this dice nor ever using them, but boy are they pretty <3 they are in my current rotation of dice

girliepop, B, while i love his color and texture girliepop is just so beat to shit that I hesitate to use it anymore. She's one of my older sets but the one who has aged least gracefully. Im missing a few dice from the set, and the d20 itself is pretty beat to shit from different moves and interactions with pets I wish I did you better girliepop but you're still cute

Funfetti, A, oh, Funfetti, you are the dice that inspired this list. How you always roll exactly one under a verbally set DC so well and so reliably. If I want to miss that DC by a hair, I know who to pick.

Metal Steam | Xavia, A. soild rolls feels good to roll and is easy to read. I don't have much to say besides that

Blood Bone, S, this dice is sooo nice to roll, with its matte surface and good contrast between the numbers and the face. probably my favorite dice to roll, if not use. they're also really good at death saves while mid at most other things wich feels fitting imo

Ace Dice! (ace dice ace dice ace dice), S, a gift from my sibling and my only metal dice, is only on the bottom of S-tier because she's really hard to read and difficult to roll. I love playing and fidgeting with you, but I'd actually rather roll just about any other dice in my collection. You're one of my favorite to handle, and I love showing you to people because you're so much fun to hold and play with, but I wish there was more contrast between the numbers and the faces.

forest green | Ida, S, my first ever set of dice I bought for myself. She's had many characters under her belt, Xavia, Ida, Xildi, Koli, to name a few, but she's so dependable and a GREAT storyteller. if I have an important roll to make, I almost always pick this dice to roll

Purple Magic| ale, S, a gift from @halfandhalfling, from inside a bar of soap. This dice has been through a lot with me and Ale. I almost exclusively use this dice to roll for ale if I'm not using Foundary, it's had some major clutch moments as well as some devastating failures (girliepop cannot make a save for their life) but it is one hell of a storyteller.

Dino | Tyblin, S, a gift from @ijltln the whole set has little dinosaur figures in them and I love them so much, it frustrates me that I couldn't get a good picture of the d20 because it also has my favorite dino in it.

Phinox Fire | Madea, S, a gift from @theboombardbox, this is a liquid-core dice, and it's so much fun to roll. She does not have too many stories connected in her storytelling but she's just so damn pretty that I don't care.

Jaguar's eye | acamapichtli, S, there is going to be a theme for my s-tier as this was a gift from @halfandhalfling. They are the only set of gem dice I own but god, they're so much fun to roll and were clutch during the ancient history arc. They are also my newest set of dice!

-

(dis)Honorable mentions

Foundary dice roller: C, I want to like you more than I do, but you've burned me one too many times. Your tools are making my life easier by doing the math, which is reduced by the constant, absolutely abismial rolls. Me and my entire group going whole sessions unable to roll above a 10 on you, is just -- you'd rate yourself this way too if you were me, especially after that beach encounter You know what you did boundary, and you need to do a lot to get that faith back

Roll20 dice roller: D, you can almost see the pattern in the dice rolls. This website's RNG feels way too predictable and almost weighted. it never feels good to roll on Roll20

Google Dice: C Whenever I don't trust Foundary and am too lazy to go get my physical dice, I use you. You roll pretty well and what feels fair. Your interface is easy to use and fun to watch, but you are brought down from an A to a C because, sadly, you are Google.

Random dice roller app i downloaded 10 years ago: A, similar interface to the google one but just on my phone, I should just use this when Foundary is being a bitch tbh, but I always forget I have the app. You might be super old and are probably filled with viruses but you get the job done and I'm thankful for that

[bereft-of-frogs]

disorganized best (and worst) books/films/shows of 2024

I finished 68 books, watched 105 films and 35 TV shows, and finished 3 games.

Honestly, the math might be off because it turns out this was a terrible idea. At the start of the year I was like 'oh it will be fun to do one big list!' It was not fun to do one big list. It was really hard to keep count. I already have a plan for next year, it's going to be much more organized. If you can decipher these lists feel free to ask me for a review about any entry on the list.

This isn't really going to be a top 5 or 10 or anything because I felt like it would be more fun just to kind of highlight my favorites (and least favorites) rather than forcing myself to pick a specific number. Fits the theme of disorganization like the lists above.

Onwards!

I had a really good TV year, book and film were a little more meh, not a lot is sticking out in the same way the best TV shows are:

SILO!!! (AppleTV). I'll be real honest, I started watching this because post-Dune Part II, I had a crush on Rebecca Ferguson. It had NO BUSINESS being this good for a show I was exclusively watching disrespectfully for Rebecca Ferguson wearing tank tops. That doesn't usually work out this well for me. But it is so good. There are flaws but also no there aren't, because it's made so earnestly that some of the shakier acting performances and awkward dialogue moments just don't matter to me. It's almost like the shows I used to watch on SyFy Fridays except with AppleTV money and production values. Which makes it so fun.

Severance (AppleTV). This is where I really knew I was in trouble with AppleTV. I was not going to be cancelling that free trial. This show is SO good and I cannot wait for the new season in a couple weeks.

AppleTV honestly kind of killed it this year, I also really enjoyed Dark Matter and Constellation, which both meet my criteria for multiverse shows, aka 'could these be branches of The OA's multiverse tree'. I've also been really enjoying Shrinking, even though it's not my usual genre. I'm so mad I signed up for a free trial and then got so completely hooked on the quality of their shows that I've continued to subscribe long after the trial ended. Outrageous. How dare they be making such excellent, high quality television. I'm appalled.

Giri/Haji (Netflix). It turns out that the show that keeps appearing on 'hidden gems of streaming' is good actually. WHO KNEW? The excellent characters and performances really elevated this gang war crime drama.

Scavenger's Reign (Originally HBO, but I watched it on Netflix). This show was gorgeous and so creative. I'm so sad they're not getting a second season. I cried twice. It was short but it made an impact.

Special Film Category: Films that Actually Scared Me.

Since I mainly watch horror, I significant marker of quality for me is if I actually get scared watching a movie and two movies genuinely freaked me out this year: Oddity (2024) and Pyewacket (2017). For both, there were moments where I was like 'oh no I don't want to go to bed alone tonight'. Normally I love living alone. Regretted it only after these movies. The concept of the murder in Oddity was enough to freak me out but even outside of the inciting incident, it kept delivering with the deeply unsettling scenes. Pyewacket wasn't perfect, I think Adam MacDonald is the kind of filmmaker who builds a whole film based off one scene he has in his mind and the rest of film isn't quite as strong as that one scene. But that scene is so disturbing and I haven't stopped thinking about it. (Same with his Backcountry (2017), it was fairly weak except for this ONE scene that I'll never get out of my head.)

Also Dune Part II was pretty great, super glad I saw it on IMAX and I'm pretty sure it's like half the reason Hans Zimmer ended up on my Spotify top 5 this year. (Interstellar was the other half, SO glad I finally after a decade got to see it on IMAX!)

For books, I really enjoyed The Fishermen by John Langan. It's a great meditation on death, AND had a dark ocean, which you know I love.

Silver In the Wood by Emily Tesh's only crime was how short it was! I do still have to pick up the sequel, but I was definitely down for a full length novel of this.

This was the year I also discovered I CAN listen to audiobooks, which is part of why my count is higher than ever. I'm not done with this but I've been listening to Leviathan Wakes by James SA Corey and really liking it. I'm hoping to read the whole of that series in 2025.

Also, of course, while the quality of the individual books varied, my marathon of the Star Wars High Republic series was probably the most fun I've had with a series in years. Looking forward to the last couple books in 2025, though I'm sad to see it end.

worst of the year + notable DNFs under the cut so you don't have to scroll past my griping if you want to stay positive on this New Year's Dat. I'll reveal the list here in case I am saying mean things about your fave and you don't want to click the readmore: The Acolyte, Ronin by Emma Mieko Canton, City of Brass by SA Chakraborty, Aurora by David Koepp, Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie

The Acolyte (Disney+). Ok first off, I don't want to downplay that the experience of watching The Acolyte was one of my top of the year. Watching and theorizing week-to-week, live reaction posting, my High Republic book marathon leading up to it, those parts were SO fun. However. The longer I think about this show, the more I just cannot ignore how bad the structural issues are. This is even setting aside my personal issues with the show -- mainly the second-half pivot toward the enemies-to-lovers romance that really didn't land for me, and the treatment of Vernestra's character, and some of the things Headland said in interviews. The two full flashback episodes with no framing devices or any content in the present is just...bad television structure. I mean the first one just dumped on us was bad enough, but the second one where the episode before looked like it was setting up a framing for the flashback, only for the finale to be like 'never mind, that's not what was happening at all', was absurd. I dream of living in the branch of the multiverse where this is properly edited. Imagine how good it could have been, if the flashbacks were properly cut into the primary story, and we had more development of all the characters? Every time I watched something this year with extensive flashbacks (The Head, Dune: Prophecy, Black Doves, Giri/Haji) I thought 'alas, what if??' I think what happened though is Headland came up with the Rashomon comparison early and didn't change when the story would have been better served by not doing the conflicting perspective Rashomon thing, and using a more normal flashback structure.

There were good things! The fight choreography was truly excellent, episode 5 was a standout, and it didn't deserve the hate it got from toxic fans, but ultimately it had more downsides for me than up and I can't say I was particularly disappointed when it wasn't renewed. Though even that wasn't really deserved because it's FAR from the only Disney+ show to have really deep structural issues. Most of their series actually just aren't very good television. This isn't even the first time I had a great experience watching something and was engaged enough to write fic for it, only to in hindsight realize how flawed it was. (Loki came first, then Obi-Wan Kenobi, though the fic inspired by The Acolyte is shaping up to be the longest -- the others really only got short oneshots, I'm looking at a beast with this fic, 40k and counting!) And unless Disney+ makes some major changes in the TV production wing...I doubt it will be the last.

Ronin by Emma Mieko Canton (DNF). Technically, I would say this book isn't bad and why I labeled this section 'notable DNFs' as well. I think it's a good example of the way that concepts work really well in some formats, and don't translate well to others. I LOVE Visions, and I love "The Duel", specifically because the studios aren't bound by Star Wars canon. The open creativity of that series is a feature, not a bug. But I didn't find it translated well to the longer format of the book. I would follow the plot for a while and then get absolutely thrown by worldbuilding or backstory I couldn't follow. I think it needed more exposition. It was kind of odd that it was written like any other licensed book that didn't need exposition, but it was so different from standard canon it was hard to follow and I ended up giving up.

City of Brass by SA Chakraborty. I tried, babes, I tried. Everything said to make it to 50% and it would get better but I just could not do it. Nahri was so deeply annoying and I wasn't engaged enough in the rest of the plot to keep going. If she 'realized' one more thing I was going to lose my entire mind. I'm sorry.

Aurora by David Koepp. This is another where, like Ronin, it's not technically bad. I just ended up getting kind of pissed off by the end. It felt like it was trying to be Station Eleven but was too cynical. And maybe just now because my parents live in an area that gets a lot of power outages, I was kind of pissed that he reduced the accomplishment of getting the power grid working again to one line towards the end. I would have been way more interested to hear about that collective effort over the 'the suburbs make a utopian commune while all those scary urban people immediately descended into chaos' thing.

Episode Thirteen by Craig DiLouie. I feel so bad for saying this, but Craig DiLouie just wasn't intellectual enough to achieve what he was aiming for in this. Or at least he didn't put enough time or effort in to developing th? It couldn't counteract the truly stupid moments like the time when a character says he's going to shoot a ghost. But hey, it did lead to a reread of House of Leaves and further appreciation for one of my favorite underrated found footage films, As Above So Below. Because that was the crux of my problem with this book, that it wasn't well thought out enough to be House of Leaves and it didn't have enough heart to be As Above So Below.

I don't know why almost all of my least favorites this year were books, I guess I just have a lot of opinions on books. I also tend to DNF books less, so I end up having more negative thoughts about books, whereas with TV or film if I don't like it I just don't finish it or don't pay attention.

Congratulations for getting to the end. Again, feel free to ask thoughts about anything else on the list if you want (and can read it). I promise it will be more organized next year. Happy New Year! What were your favorite/least favorite things this year?