#and opens up a new plot line of who his killer was

[ntaras]

i swear i don’t have all bad things to say about this game there were some stuff i liked

[dilf-docs]

hii i just read ur eddie x young reader. And i LOVE ITTTT

Can u please do something similar but with young neighbor reader? Where the reader moves in an apartment beside eddie . They meet each one day and they hit it off? (nsfw )

(Ignore this if u don’t like the idea or u can change it)

Knockin' On Heaven's Door

eddie brock x younger fem!reader

summary: you're what people call a ray of sunshine, probably the most likeable person in the planet. so why is this hot idiot next door so mean to you?

warnings: 18+ (minors dni), age gap (you know this blog lives by its name), smut, sunshine!reader x grumpy! eddie (cause his ass just got dumped lol), enemies to lovers (one-sided), kinda mean!eddie, porn with little to no plot, power goes out so they get freaky in the dark, use of pet names, p. in v.(use protection guys pls!!! don't be like this dumbasses fucking raw in the dark), oral (m. receiving), creampie, no venom :(

word count: 4,069 words (it's almost midnight again, me thinks I've forever messed up my sleep schedule cause ain't no way inspo only grows as per my eyebags lol)

side note: got my first request on tumblr!! (insert scarlett johanson dancing in marriage story gif). i love looove the neighbours trope so much (hey! if i had a hot older neighbour i would be doing the most to interact with them, bet); hope this lives up to ur expectations even if i tweaked a few things! also, this happens after eddie gets dumped by anne and moves out of the house lol so he's angry, moppy, horny and dry. what if i make this a series tho, would you like that? requests are open!

You're what people call a ray of sunshine. Ever since you managed to talk, all that comes out of you is happiness: the first sound to come out of your mouth was a laugh, your first word was smile, you have Love as your second name, you made friends on real time record, the profession you chose was that of a patissier and the first ink to grace your skin was a little heart tattoo.

Okay, maybe you've made it your whole personality to be likeable. So what? It's not your fault you light up every place you go, that people love you effortlesly and that life seems to smile your way.

It's the way the cookie crumbles, a fitting phrase for a pastry chef like you. Your friends often joked about it: you, a sweet person, baking little sweet goods to make other's lives sweeter.

And you loved it: your life, your job, your family, friends, cat and little apartment in San Francisco.

There was just one thing missing: because no matter how sweet you made other's peoples worlds by existing, no one was there to make it for you.

Alright, you had enough love and just loved love for the sake of it. Sometimes, a tidbit of romance through your screen or through the couple-d lives of your friends sufficed such desire, but its a lie to say you haven't dreamed of your own.

So when Johanna, the girl who lives across you, comes rushing with the newest gossip: "hot new neighbour moving next door!", there's something that tells you it might be time.

"You have to see him" she emphasizes, "a total eye candy"

That ignites the curiosity inside you, and after some weeks hearing through your walls grunts next door and a constant shuffle of things originally packed in boxes, you find yourself knocking on his door, tray of cookies in your hands.

Yes, you did bake them for him. After all, your chocolate chip cookies are a killer! People do lines to get them at your aunt's cafeteria, just to taste the warm soft dough, the chocolate melting on their mouths. You do this for every other new neighbour that comes around, it's just how you are! But the cookie choice is totally intentional though.

The door flinges open, and for the very first time in years, you find yourself at loss for words; speechless.

The stranger before you is a face you'll never forget. Handsome, of course, but there is something alluring in his beauty, one you can't exactly name, but comes along in a pair of thick lips, brown warm eyes and ink sprinkled across strong arms. Your heart hammers in your chest, and it takes all in you to not drop the tray in your chest right here and now.

"Hey!" you find your voice again. Clearing your throat, you proceed. "You're our new neighbour, right? I'm y/n, I live next door. Thought you'd like something sweet to eat after all that effort" you push the tray to the front, "I made this myself!"

He just stares back, blinking. You think he may be confused by your random act, but it's quite normal to do so with newbies. You love welcoming acts!

The awkward stiffness he radiates doesn't deter you away, though. "This are for you" you insist, "or just take one, if you don't want them all..."

"I hate chocolate" he finally says, with such a scowl on his face, you'd think you killed his entire family.

Oh! He hates chocolate? Who hates chocolate?!

You suddenly feel small and stupid. Without much else to say, you don't know how to proceed. You have your way with words, but no one has ever rejected you in the cold open before. It's left you baffled.

Then, a light bulb goes on in your head.

"Wait, I know you!" he quirks an eyebrow. "You're that reporter from TV, Eddie Brock" you gush, "I love helping others, but what you do is amazing... you're, like on other level, giving a voice to those who don't have one"

You admired him; he was someone who was brave and cared.

"Not anymore" and then the door slams in your face.

It takes you a while to process there, standing in the eerie silence of the empty hall, that Eddie Brock may be the very first person in the world who doesn't like you.

In the end, you'd given the batch of cookies to the homeless people living around your building. Even if it made you feel good, the pang in your chest didn't go away. You simply couldn't forget about the incident (because of pride and embarrasment in equal parts), plus, the fact that he lived next door and you couldn't go on about your day without hearing him pace around his apartment, made the task of forgetting about it difficult.

So in the following days you've avoided him, which has been pretty easy so far, since he barely leaves his apartment and you're busy with work and stuff.

It's friday night, and with the next week's groceries in hand, you take the elevator. The door's about to close when it opens again. You can't believe it: after successfuly evading him for five days, Eddie Brock is trapped with you inside the reduced space; you shouldn't been lazy and taken the stairs instead.

"'Night" he mutters, and you swear you've gone deaf because you barely hear so. You don't know what to do, so you just stand there, clutching your tote bag a little too hard. It could be an accident: he's too drunk out of his mind and doesn't know it's you.

It's not like he's been so nice, but after his asshole-ish move last time you saw each other, you don't expect basic courtesy towards you either.

You get a whiff of his scent, mixed with traces of whiskey. It's unfair how intoxicating it feels―how it's got you wanting more of what isn't yours.

God knows it's been long enough since you've wanted a man this bad.

It's not until the elevator dings again that you realize you've been holding your breath the entire time.

"Bye, pretty"

He casually exits out into your same floor never looking back, without realizing the effect his words have on you, hope slowly making its way through the creaks of your open heart.

Okay, maybe it's your fault for raising such high stakes based on two words and a silly little drunk interaction. Maybe you deserve it: because you've become a bit obsessed with the fact that Eddie hates you, but after yesterday, you've already traced a truce in your mind.

Even Johanna has told you to be cool about it. "It's time someone didn't like you" she joked, but you didn't find it funny. She insisted it's not important, but to you it is! How can he not like you? Maybe if he had a valid reason, you'd stop insisting, despite the let down. But he doesn't have one! And you've been nothing but kind! You think too much about it because it doesn't make any damn sense: you're loosing your mind and your friend just laughs.

The only reason you haven't talked to him again, is because work load has catched up to you.

But now you're here, out on the street, and the first person you see is him: on top of his bike, ready to go out.

"Nice!" you chirp. It may not be a top brand, but the black vehicle is as cool as its owner: the leather jacket, worn out jeans and beat up look is an insane combination that may or may not have you drooling.

"Huh?" he looks back at you, and you swear your cheeks reddened in embarrasment at his deadpan expresion.

"Nice bike, I mean" you nervously laugh, fiddling with a loose string of your sweater. "I love seeing them, but I don't think I'll ever ride one. I get scared too easily, you know?"

He puts his helmet on, "Alright"

Not even a thanks or an attempt of a small talk; what an idiot. Didn't he talk to you last time? Called you pretty? Why is he acting so curt right now?

"Hey, what is your pro-"

Your question doesn't get to be finished, because the engine roars and he's out of there, leaving you confused inside a cloud of smoke, the trail leaving with your last sparks of hope.

It's one of those nights where you just want to lay down and let sleep take control of your body. As soon as you get in your comfy pajamas and sink in the mattress, a noise erupts through the air. Startled, you raise on your feet, the slumber long gone.

Fuck. This hasn't been your week, has it?

The noise comes from outside, and you know who it is: the guy who lives in the corner, right next to the window; he who brings too many women home and plays his guitar a little too loud. It's late an he isn't getting the memo, clearly.

You swing your door open, ready to give him a piece of mind (and perhaps dump your accumulated stress from the week), until you realize you aren't the only one outside on the hall. It's Eddie, and he looks just as pissed as you do.

"Can't sleep?" he asks in a mocking tone, all while avoiding your eyes, rather focused on the common enemy's door.

"What do you think?" you reply, equaling his tone.

You both agree in silence, walking to his door. After some knocking, the guy opens his door: less thrilled when he sees Eddie and more complaint when he sees you.

"Sure, sweetheart. I'll keep it down" and winks. The nerve of this guy. Even Eddie is frowning, surely annoyed at his lack of etiquette. "You can knock anytime, noise or not".

The door closes, but it's Brock who did it, not guitar guy. You're too tired to ask, and after picking what's left of your dignity around him, you decide it's best to walk back to your apartment.

"You know what's funny?" you stop your tracks, laughing, but it's devoid of amusement, "I lost my sleep".

He just stares back, and you're tired of the way conversations have to run by your side, for the very first time. You keep on walking, but as soon as your hand touches your doorknob, he speaks up:

"Goodnight" a small truce, you think. But you're not falling this time.

So you do the right think: walk inside without saying a word, and just like him, never looking back.

You wake up agitated in the middle of the night. It's raining: not just a normal rain but a huge storm. You look over at your alarm, noticing its characteristically red numbers are as pitch black as the sky above you. It's also thundering, and God, do you hate noises and thunder.

You jump again at another one cutting through the sky, and decide it's for the best to just stay awake until it's time to wake up. According to your phone, you have about three hours until morning rises. That's enough time to watch a movie or two. Even to pet your cat, which is laying next to your bed, clearly unbothered―unlike his owner.

But there's a problem: when you try to turn the switch, no lights go on. Your incredulous laugh ecos in the room.

Not only a storm, but also a fucking black out.

Scare slowly creeps up, and the shivers you feel are definitely not only because of the temperature drop.

So you grab your phone and head out, without clearly thinking and obviously in panic, because the first thing you do is knock on your neighbour's door.

Eddie's.

"Oh!" it takes a while for him to answer his door, but when he does, his phone's flashlight burns your eyes. "Sorry" he apologizes, and you don't know if it's for that or the fact he didn't answer; maybe for everything too, "didn't hear the knocking with all the thunder".

You say it's fine, that you're just checking to see if you're not the only one without light.

He flicks a nearby switch to no avail, "I'm afraid everyone in the whole building too"

Eddie probably notices your frightened state, the way you shiver like a lost puppy, and feels sorry.

"Wanna come inside?" he offers, hands inside his grey sweater's pockets.

For the very first time since you met him, he looks at you, but really looks at you: eyes roaming over your body, an all too familiar feeling painted across his brown orbs.

You realize a bit late what you're wearing: a teensy short and top, a set of pajamas that happens to be your most comfortable. Favorite too. Appropiate for this emergency meeting? Maybe not.

"You want me to?" you asked, confused. "I thought you hated me"

The only sound across the hall is the droplets of rain outside, some tapping in the window next to you and his apartment.

He looks rather embarrased, "I don't".

"Then you're just an idiot" you counter back, and he doesn't fight you about it.

"Fair" he says, "I can make some coffee?"

Maybe he's pretty convincing or you're a people pleaser, but as soon as he proposes, you're caving in just like that.

"Fine, but you better let me bring my cat"

Truth is, Muffin plays hard to get, but now he's resting in Eddie's lap―purring, as you two sip quietly on your coffee. Traitor.

"I used to have a cat" he says, cutting through the silence.

"Oh!" you leave your mug on his table, next to the candle; the only source of light in the room, "didn't think of you as a cat person".

"Tecnically, it belongs to my fiancée. Sorry, ex-fiancée" he makes a pause, "bet that cat doesn't miss me".

"I didn't know you had a, uh-" you're not sure how to proceed, so you trail off. Muffin jumps from Eddie's lap to the kitchen, lost in the dark.

"Yeah, I had a fiancée, cat, house, and job. Then I lost everything" he dry chuckles, humorlessly, "guess that's why I'm so bitter"

"I'm sorry" you say on the most sincere tone you can muster. Eddie wonders how can you be so kind and forgiving, especially after he's been nothing but an asshole to you.

"Doesn't mean I should've been a douchebag for no reason. You didn't deserve it" he apologizes, embarrased.

You stay in silence for some more time but then he says: "Not an excuse, but it's been real bad days"

The candlelight is so flickering, you don't know if he's seen your eyes, but by the way he gulps, you think he did.

"Maybe... I could offer a helping hand"

Why had you said that? Are you out of your mind? You barely know the guy, who, by the way, had been a jackass to you like, five minutes ago. But he's hot! And you love to help!

Jesus, talk about dignity and boundaries.

"Y-you would?" he stammers, but the way his hand travels to your lap reveals nothing but security.

He's not asking if you've gone insane or what exactly you mean by that: he's just asking if you would do it.

Would you help?

"Don't you know, Eddie?" your voice drops a sultry octave, "I love to help".

You lean close enough for him to smell the cinammon scent of your skin. Soon, he's leaning too, playing along even against his better judgment. It's too soon, but he's so drawn into you and can't resist it no more; ever since he met you.

His cock twitches in his pants, "help me, then"

It happens too fast, one second you're sipping on your coffee, looking like the most warm and softhearted person in the world and now you're on your knees, deep into his carpet, tugging at his belt with your teeth, a hunger he hasn't seen before in your eyes and filthy needy mouth.

Sex with Anne was sweet and normal. Vainilla. You smell like it too, but there's a difference: you have the appetite of a siren.

Using your hands, you remove the leather your teeth had beggin with, moving them to tug his ripped jeans down, pulling the zipper too in the process. You keep using your mouth, now to get rid of his boxers, where the outline is tight over his cock. Eddie finds himself so aroused to the point he feels hot, even if there's a storm outside and the candle barely provides warmth.

"You sure have a mouth" he mumbles in ecstasy, drunk in the sight of your glimmering lips, coated in saliva. He's dripping too: everywhere.

His cock bounces out, almost hitting you in the face.

"Look at you" you coo, "already dripping for me. What a pretty cock you've got, Mr. Brock"

Fuck, he's going to hell after this. But you can't corrupt what's already corrupted.

"Then you better show me what you mean"

You lick the tip, already leaking with precum. He tenses momentarily, and then stiffle a moan when you take his balls into your mouth, a similar sound coming from you. You suck lightly at them, running your tongue along the sensitive skin.

His hips buckle into your face, and you have to chuckle at the fact it's probably the first time he's ever has his dick sucked this good.

"Don't stop" he huffs.

You obey, tongue tracing along the underside of his cock until you're back at his tip. Eddie's still inside his drunk haze when he feels you taking all of him inside your mouth in one single movement.

"Fuck-!" he chokes out, the thunder outside shutting the vulgar sounds coming out of his plush lips. "Think you can take more?"

His large hand touches the back of your head and pushes it forward with force. His cock presses deeper into your throat, tip hitting the back of it. You feel yourself gag, but the wet spot that's starting to form in your panties says otherwise.

He twists your hair tightly, holding you in place as he fucks your throat with his cock. You feel tears, and Eddie thinks he's never had a prettier sight than you: glossy eyes, looking up to him as you take all his cock.

"I know you can, baby" he presses, "help me like you said you would, yeah?"

His fat cock is blocking your air supply, but the subtle motivation and praise in his eyes is enough to keep you going, thought your throat ends up bulging from the size of his cock, stretching out to accommodate his size.

You said you would help, right? And even if you always do it for the altruist reward, something about being used in such a vulgar and rough way has your chest and panties feeling warm.

Brock groans, body sweating and muscles tense. He yanks you up by your hair, chasing the orgasm like an animal, every movement feeling almost primal.

"Stay there" he feels it coming, "don't move".

You gurgle something, spit rushing down your chin and dripping onto your chest.

"It's almost over, sweetheart" his eyes roll back, head resting on the coach he'd barely used until now, where he's fucking you in the mouth, "I knew that filthy mouth of yours could take me"

You open your mouth wider, anticipating. Tension releases: and he's pounding out his orgasm in your throat, hips banging into your face. You swallow it all, even if you can't taste it since he was so deep in you. He pulls out, a string of spit connecting his tip with your lips.

"Thanks" his voice comes out rough, "you do know how to help those in need"

You wipe your chin with your hand, voice hoarse, "I suppose"

There's some silence afterwards, and now Eddie is cursing he doesn't know what else to say.

"Power is still out" he speaks, "we've got some hours left until the sun rises again"

"So what's your idea?" you giggle, "tell scary stories in the dark?"

You both laugh, but you stop and deadpan. "Please don't, I get scared very easily" and you pout those pretty lips of yours out. How can you be such an adorable but greedy girl? It's hard to believe you're the same person.

"Not that" he swallows thickly. Why is he doing this? Was a blowjob (a fantastic blowjob, by the way) by a young insatiable thing like you enough to make him go mad? "I want to help you too".

Before you protest, he's pulling you and sealing your lips with a hot kiss. His tongue slips into your mouth, playing with it. He pulls out, biting your lower lip.

"Eddie" you whine, "b-bed, now"

He's supposed to be older and smarter, so why is his resolve melting away this quickly? Following your orders immediately, your back bouncing on the soft mattress of his bed. As soon as you lay, his lips trail kisses down your throat.

"God, you smell so good" you giggle, "bet this pussy will taste as sweet, huh?"

His cold fingertips grace the fabric of your tiny shorts and the touch gives you goosebumps, "look at you" he tugs your panties, nudging at your cunt. "So soaked... is this for me, baby?"

"Yes, Eddie" the way you say his name is enough to make even the strongest man fold, his dick jolting in response. "Take it"

Both of you remove your clothes in such a hurry, you hope you haven't damaged your favorite pair of pajamas.

"Let me see her" he demands, so you spread your legs, revealing your dripping pussy.

When you kiss again, the underlying carnal desire is mutual, saliva connecting in a silver thread as you both gasp for aire. Your hands wander across his chest, fingers playing with his tensing muscles.

"I promise to reward her, okay?" he lines his cock up with your entrance, the fat tip nudging against you, sticky with precum.

You're desperate with anticipation, practically begging, "please do".

He pushes inside you fully, balls slaping against your sticky clit hard. He’s so deep, pushing against your cervix and stretching you out with each thrust, making even the task of breathing painful and laborious.

Brock feels like he's ruined you, yet you look rather content. You've been used to giving; your kindness of a caretaker nature. You're used to giving your all and not receiving, so with every new thrust against you, his hips slamming, you know you'll never feel this pleasure again with anyone else, the delicious sense hitting you in waves that make you feel dizzy. So, in a way, he has ruined you.

"That desperate for me to fill you?" there's no answer, but the sound of rain and skin clapping against skin.

"Yes, give it to me” you sob, "Eddie, please!"

"Focus on taking it" he guides you. It may make him a pervert, but he isn't changing the sheets any time soon; they'll be covered in you and he'll smell them everytime he gets inside them. "I'm gonna cum"

You moan, lightly tugging at the strands of damp hazel hair. He chokes out a husky groan, heat pooling on his stomach.

Eddie's dick twitches inside you, cum filling your eager insides with the biggest load you’ve ever felt. Your pussy clenches, spasming, wrapping tighter around his length in a needy way, your high coming almost at the same time.

Both your breathes come out in ragged pants. He nuzzles against your neck, skins equally damped.

"Fuck"

As soon as those words leave his mouth, the power returns. You should go now, as this is the reason you stayed, but none of you make the move to leave.

"Stay?" he pleads, "It's still raining outside"

How can you say no to those brown puppy eyes? Does he think he can fuck you this good and then make you leave?

"Alright" you swear he smiles, and it's the prettiest smile you've seen in your life. Could you fall this easily in love? "But turn off the lights: I have work tomorrow and need some sleep"

"Whatever you say, baby" he nips at your lower lip, "you know I love to help"

[yandere-wishes]

Hi!! Just wanted to say May I request Yandere Capitano with a reader that’s like “omg you love me? No worries girl I love you too🤭” and doesnt mind his yandere tencedies? she is like really chill!

̩̩͙❆ Anon I tried to answer your ask as best I could but totally forgot about the reader being chill part and kinda made her a bit crazy. I LOVE it when the reader is also unhinged, There's something so delicious about crazy intercepting crazy.

̩̩͙❆ I wrote something similar here: Ice on Ice

｡ ₊°༺🧊༻°₊ ｡

̩̩͙❆ He's salt in the wound. a delicious itch that slithers beneath the skin and nips tenderly at your veins.  

̩̩͙❆ You try to shy away from his kisses, to fear the metal and frost. But instead, you get lost in his scars, fresh and old, raw and weathered. Your fingers trace his jagged lines, nails picking at the cicatrix pealing away the eschar. He only pulls your hand to his lips laying fervent kisses across the palm.

̩̩͙❆ Capitano runs his lips along your neck, inhaling your scent as you revel in his metallic touch. "You should be scared" he chuckles, "Most damsels fear the knight, fear things that are wartorn." His breath hitches, teeth digging into soft skin leaving kisses and claims. Your only reply is a wanton moan.

̩̩͙❆ Somewhere behind you, a body writhes with a final breath before going limp.

̩̩͙❆ Capitano likes to play the role of the vigilante knight. Fine. You'll play the role of the sweet damsel, the valiant darling. You let him kiss you like he's trying to kill, like he's trying to preserve. Wartorn things are not known to be gentle. You appreciate the fact that at least he tries.

̩̩͙❆ You'll kiss him goodbye at the door while hiding sadak knives behind your back. His lips bruise yours, teeth biting your lips raw marveling at the sweet taste of your crimson essence. He doesn't want to go, doesn't want to spend a moment apart from you. But he must obey his queen, he must follow the frozen path. You wait until his silhouette disappears into the immortal snow before turning away and closing the glacier door.

̩̩͙❆ Knights and spies. Swords and Knives. Killers and killers. All of it just sounds like 'lovers' to your jejune ears. Maybe it's the eternal cold that sets into people's hearts, maybe it's the human nature to kill first and question later. Regardless you've come to learn that your lover has many enemies staggering around Snezhnaya. People who wish to see Capitano's helmet resting by a marble tomb.

̩̩͙❆ You extinguish those who plot against him, those who scheme in shadows against the crown. There are none foolish enough to attack him outright. But they prepare his demise in the dark, a hundred arrows pointed at his back. Posion-laced cocktails served at a mandatory banquet. You've learned to hide amongst the shrouds, to leave nothing behind but fatal wounds that won't stop bleeding. You've learned to protect what's yours...

̩̩͙❆ Oh, sweet darling, protector of the knight.

̩̩͙❆ His returns are becoming all too sweet, you can't remember when you started awaiting him at the door, heart in your hands, dying for a cold kiss from a cold man.

̩̩͙❆ You jump into his arms once he opens the doors, Capitano laughs twirling you as he muses over how much he's missed you. You push up his helmet eagerly devouring his lips as he squeezes your body closer relishing in your sweet scent and the fullness of your fragile body beneath his steel fingers.

̩̩͙❆ "Tell me how you slayed them. Tell me about the gore and the way the sun reflects off your red-marred sword" Capitano spears no details, sweet intimidation tactic to keep you in line. Carnage drips from each word, as you peel away his armor, kissing every new piece of revealed skin. Running your tongue inside his fresh scars. You straddle his lap working nimble fingers under his armor pulling away the iron and letting it clank against the floor.

̩̩͙❆ You push him down roughly onto the bed, enjoying the way he hisses and squirms from his broken bones and wounds pushed open. You love him like this bruised, bones still unmended, scars still gushing out blood. You run your fingers over his biceps as he begins to lay kisses across your neck. Fingers sinking deeper into the plush of your thighs.

̩̩͙❆ You paint scars upon his back as his lips peck and bite your hips and chest. Teeth pulling your flesh as he glides his fingers across your spine, enjoying the view of you writhing and moaning under his icy touch.

̩̩͙❆ "I love you" he whispers, a forbidden prayer. Delineating the shell of your ear with his lips. "I shall burn the world for you, my lady, kill any who try to pry you away from me" You cuddle closer never able to fully repeat his words. 'I love you' you long to say, instead you settle for sinking your teeth into the flesh over his heart, and biting until his blood floods your mouth.

̩̩͙❆ I love you, I love you, I love you...

[absolutebl]

Lovesick 2014 versus Lovesick 2024

Rebooting the OG BL, Thailand? Are you sure that's wise?

I don't think anyone is ready for the depths I'm about to go to. But the gauntlet was thrown and comparisons must be made.

Generally when an IP is being remade by a different country I try to cut it slack and evaluate based on fresh eyes and different standards. But this is an actual reboot, not a reinterpretation.

Challenge accepted, Thailand.

A tiny bit of background......

I was one of those who watched Lovesick (LS14 aka the original) early on in my BL journey. No, not when it was airing, but the BL cut when it was first put up on YT (or maybe it was grey first?) hard subbed by fans way back before Netflix picked it up (and then dropped it). So yeah, it's been a while. and I LOVED it. I've rewatched it MULTIPLE times.

I like YA narratives and I enjoy high school BL and that is probably all Lovesick's fault. But nostalgia is a toxic emotion, so I'm trying to give the reboot (LS24 aka the new version) some credit.

But for those who don't know Love Sick is The Original Thai BL. Do not argue. It just is.

The plan is to do a general round up and comparison of broad aspects of script, filming, and acting at the very end, but as it airs I decided to do a "watch off." You ready?

And now......

Boys in Blue Shorts

LS24 Episode 1 versus LS14-s1 Episodes 1, 2, 3, 4 

They did a smart thing tailoring the whole thing down to just the BL thread from the original. And removing the opening party sequence is definitely a win.

However, with less time spent on all the ensemble characters in the opening three episodes, it’s a lot harder to keep such a large cast of characters straight (irony), especially the music club.

Also they materially damage the evolution of Noh & Phun's romance by losing the actual first sleepover and the "eating out with the girls" scenes, which really bonded the two boys in friendship prior to the "water fight crash into me" romantic beginning. By skipping to just the first flush of romance, PhunNoh feels rushed.

* UPDATE!! Spies report in that a lot of the stuff I complain about missing in the 2024 version is in the uncut version on iQIYI. (Which is longer by as much as 25%!) So I am rewatching it there and updating this post accordingly.

We got the entire arc of their first brush with love in just episode one of LS24. Which comes off as fast and cliffs-notes esk. However, it's more in line with modern Thai BL (which is rarely slow burn) and also more sexy and physical, less intimate and emotional. 

I've never liked the first two episodes of LS14, but episodes 3 & 4 are killer. Not to mention important to the plot and to the history of Thai BL.

In the end, because the cutting floor choices impacted the weight and emotional resonance of the main romance thread, I’m (still) going to give this one to the original. But you absolutely must watch the uncut version of the new version, it makes a massive difference.

2014 wins (but only just)

LS24 Episode 2 versus LS14-s1 Episodes 5, 6, 7 

The "Phun sick at Noh's house" is a lot more flirtatious in the new version but I missed the shoulder in the car and Noh snapping at Aim from the original. But I like Noh choosing to be a bolster pillow and offering himself (rather than being coerced), and the near kiss is better in the new version.

The new version also makes Phun more pitiable, like he sees Noh as a place/person of refuge. I like that a lot better for his character (and queerness).

Making Aim’s quandary (and personality flaws) nested in an actual queer crises (similar to Phun's) is a better tactic for sympathy, so this second ep really got me with some nice modernizations.

Phun freezing Noh out strikes hard in both versions but we lost Noh's identity crisis and Phun's crisis of conscience this time around.

The "letting go of the hand" is more powerful in the original, but it was also pretty good in the new one.

I hate to do this but, I have to......

2024 wins 

I say this knowing that the hand in the bookstore is and forever will be one of the most iconic moments in BL history.

If you disagree with me you can, literally, talk to the hand.

LS24 Episode 3 versus LS14-s1 Episodes 8, 9, 10 

The drunken confession, kiss, and the escape to the beach.

No kiss in the new version (which is WILD), but the old version hardly counted either.

In 2024 they have to make Phun have a long term crush and Noh be softer over gay feels to compensate for a tighter timeframe. These changes I don’t mind, but it does modernize the BLness of it all.

I really like that Phun was questioning his own sexuality when he initially asked Noh to fake date, and that the real reason was that he was testing himself. That is, frankly, more realistic to a queer coming of age, and makes the fake dating plot lest stupid. And it makes Phun a more likable character.

The shouting confessions in the new version were really cute too. As was the crying.

But I’m sad that we got no kiss and no back hug or chin down hug.

The original is so much more poignant, and so much more messy and so much more teenage about everything.

I cried in the original and I didn’t in the reboot.

"If it takes no time at all to fall in love, why does it hurt so bad to say goodbye?" 

Whatever way that script is translated, it’s a great line. 

Ep 10 from 2014 is a real dud tho. 

Argh! What to do? This one is a draw. 

No winner. 

An interesting thing about this show i never thought about during my many watches of the original: Phun has a harder time, even though he brought it on himself, partly because Noh is accustomed to being like where Phun is not. Phun, as the rich kid, is used to being envied and admired even respected. But not genuinely liked. The fact that Noh genuinely liked him for him (and not what he has) is a huge reason he can't let go.

I think the newer version showcases Phun's character in general a lot better than the original, and yeah I do think that is partly a superior actor this time around. Sorry, White.

LS24 Episode 4 versus LS14-s1 EPisodes 11, 12 & LS14-s2 Episodes 1, 2 

Earn loans the money and sports day commences.

Necklace drama and Phun’s jealousy, especially in the council room, is better in the new version. It’s just more vicious and petty and appropriate to teenagers. Plus a proper kabedon.

I did miss the face touch, forehead kiss, and “we don’t actually belong to each another” line. 

Argh that was SUCH are great line.

Not to mention the iconic standing in the street:

But, again, the opening eps of season 2 back in 2015 were very much not good, so condensing them down is an improvement.

Decisions, decisions.

No I can't, it's a draw again.

No winner.

LS24 Episode 5 versus LS14-s2 Episodes 2, 3, 4

Sports day continues, Phun thwarts Earn, the overalls scene du jour. 

Earn, the original, remains one of the greatest queer role models ever put into a BL. There is just no contest, sorry not sorry.

He is the King.

The new version has a public shoulder lean plus and epic "MINE" glare. You know I love a claiming.

But the big after party is much better in the old version.

But the switch of Golf’s character to Grace and the reason she left the school is absolutely genius and possibly my favorite change that has been made in the new series so far.

Oh but I really LOVE the drunken bathtub scene in the original.

This is a hard call.

But I simply must give it to the original. (Super props on Gracie tho, nice call 2024.)  

2014 wins 

LS24 Episode 6 versus LS14-s2 Episodes 5, 6, 7, 8, 8, 10

This new version speaks out loud more of the angst and messiness. The original let that simmer and be shown more than it was told. Interesting twist on the video evidence. 

(I love the tiny side couple of tough kid + the dork of the music club. Nice little ship, that.)

And...... We’re done with the beach visit already? The original took 4 eps! Which definitely could’ve been condensed down. Still no sunrise after sleeping in lawn chairs, no confession no nothing. Also lost one of the most iconic lines in all BL by leaving that section out.

It’s a terrible feeling, not knowing where the line is between us.

It’s so good. Hard to forgive the new version for losing it. Not to mention there's no Noh calling Earn to ask for his advice and Earn being torn over what to do with a bisexual crisis. Also "morning kiss krab."

But episode 9 of the original is entirely unnecessary and large chunks of 8 and 10 are as well. I can’t believe I entirely blocked out forgot about the singing competition. I mean, this is me, I always fast-forward through most of the singing stuff, but I forgot this whole part of season two.

Again, I lament the loss of iconic moments from the original script more than anything else, but because of the sheer quantity of superfluous flack in the original, and the fact that the new Phun is the prettiest pouty baby, this point has to go to the new version. 

2024 wins

LS24 Episode 7 versus LS14-s2 Episodes 11, 12, 13, 14

New Phun’s bitch face really is exceptional. I kind of enjoy everybody ribbing the two of them because they have no idea what’s actually going on. 

End of the auditions and the “repairing the couch Earn flirts” scene. Phun v jelly. I do like the way Earn puts it in this one, basically “I can’t fight against you if you don’t even know what you’re fighting for.” AKA you aren’t a worthy opponent. 

He’s nicer in this version. In the original, the confrontation between these two was much nastier. 

I love how Noh consciously winds Phun up in this version. It was really nice to see Noh get a bit of his own back. Of course Phun is sulky about it. He didn’t deserve to be rewarded with Noh’s confession but at least he didn’t let it just rest there, but gave his own back. We lost the problematic “not gay” line in the new version, which is very good. BUT we also lost the original shouting “I like you” across the court for all the nongs to overhear. Which is sad. Plus new version has much less Pete. Original ep 12 was epic.

We lost the phone flirting from the original, which was very cute. So I did very much miss that. 

The party at Noh’s. 

In the original, this has probably the best sequence of scripting in BL history. (Noh & Golf through the door) Where Noh talks about what it means to truly love somebody.

Mostly because they cut that bit out in the new version, I’m afraid I have to give this one to the original.

2014 wins

LS24 Episode 8 versus LS14-s2 Episodes 15, 16

The clip is discovered, the after effects of the party, the showering with Ohm, and the confrontation over Aim.

Okay so the post it love note of sweetness is better in 2024.

The Per/Win story arc never interested me in 2014 and I’m not enjoying it in 2024 either. But Mick & Ohm are better in 2024. Nong Mick is a standout character, and a brilliant glow up in this version. Confident little shit (affectionate). 

Helpful boyfriend Phun was darling. The bits where they are together as a couple really are the best. It’s when the rest of the world intrudes that things goes south.

I absolutely loved Aim's confrontation with her mother in the new version. It was stellar. And something that would never have been depicted 10 years ago.

Ah those classic high school trials and tribulations when your boyfriend has footage of your girlfriend with another girl. We’ve all been there.

Honestly, this is a much more messy and much better break up for Aim and Phun. More dramatic and more public. I like that change. 

All that said we lost Earn and the rejection in the theater. Still this one was an easy call:

2024 wins 

(How crazy, by the way, that as I type this: Ngern is opposite Oat OF ALL PEOPLE in Fourever You, Pineare and Sammy are ALSO in that show, August is finally in a leading role in a different remake, Addicted Heroin, Gunsmile is BACK in a cameo and this is the show he returned too away from GMMTV. We live in wild times.)

LS24 Episode 9 versus LS14-s2 Episodes 17, 18

The music competition ends + the big break up.

I like Earn’s sincerity and open admission in the new version, and I like how genuine and delicate Noh is coping with someone crushing on him. Probably because he knows how painful it is from the other side.

The conversation between Phun and Aim was much better and more kind in the new version, too. 

Noh’s cute pink raver cartoon outfit was everything. 

All in all I’m not wild about the original episodes of this segment. Sure there were a few things that I missed but none that I remembered well enough without the rewatch. So for this and that great communication around the break up: 

2024 wins

Since the number of the old episodes being squeezed into the new version has gone down, I’m assuming they aren’t planning on encompassing all of Season 2 in 2024. I suspect we’re gonna lose the camp in the forest section. Which is a shame, is has some of my favorite scenes.

LS24 Episode 10 versus LS14-s2 Episodes 19, 20, 21

2024 Phun actually turns into Dangerous Babygirl when he is flirting, who knew? (Dangerous Babygirl is a new archetype I have just invented. Yes, I'm pleased with myself.) Noh, who is a nice goodboy, doesn’t stand a chance. Neither does Jeed, since Phun has damn near perfected “back off bitch" face.

The arm drape public claiming, it gets me every time. It has done since SOTUS. I love to see it show back up again in a show that's already harkening back to the early days. It's like they used a trope that wasn't in the original to remind us of the past.

Nong Mick is hands-down my favorite character in the new version. I love him so much I can’t stand it. Consistent Nong King behavior. He uses his cute for evil and I love it.

The dunk tank part is better in 2014 and very funny. The kiss not kiss is a thing (and was a thing at the time) but I'm hoping we get a much better one in 2024 so I wasn't sad to see it left out this time. The one thing Thailand learned before most other BL producing countries was that boys can kiss (but it would take another 3 year and MaxTul to learn 'em good.) The concert at the convent is too long either way, but it’s much longer in the original. So for that alone the original gets docked. You know me and singing. 

That said, Phun stealing Noh from the two girls is pretty epic in the original. Hard to beat. As is Per and the screaming girls. But that Per scene wouldn’t work in 2024 with his character since he's a completely different personality. Also that level of comedy kinda requires Sing to execute.

Finally we get the confession on the agreement become a couple.

Noh is a lot more game and sweet and kind and less awkward in the new version. And since secondhand embarrassment is rough for me I prefer this new one. Sure, it still feels like the 2014 is more authentic to this kind of high school queer experience. (Maybe that’s because Noh's confused awkwardness is old-fashioned and so am I.) But 2024's lap sitting and crying together was truly spectacular.

All in all a hard choice, but I'm afraid I have to say:

2024 wins 

LS24 Episode 11 versus LS14-s2 Episodes 22, 23, 24

Waking up together. first date, the famous piano scene, Yuri's lament + Yuri catches them kissing. 

This is where the teen awkward comes to the front of the class and misspells it's name...... in both versions. And it’s always a challenge to watch because Phun is so ready to come out to the world (despite the fact that he’s more at risk with his family) and Noh is so not ready (despite the fact that we know his family and friends would be happy for him). 

It stands in contrast to their personalities too, Phun who is reserved and introverted, while Noh is cheerful and outgoing. And yet it always felt (and feels) very true to character as well. Noh wants to be liked and he's scared of being teased. Phun is more sure of himself, and with fewer quieter friends.

All the couples are so sweet in the new version where as, frankly, in 2014 one I only ever gravitated to Phun, Noh, Earn, and Pete.

In this episode (11) I enjoy how they're using all these likable side couples to foil our main couple by depicting all the different ways coming out (and being out) can go: from the good to the bad to the ugly. It amplifies the angst and the pacing in this episode and it highlights that both Phun and Noh are correct in their (un)willingness to be openly together. Because they really don’t know what the consequences might be, or even if there are consequences. 

In general, this segement was full of pining, angst, and communication issues and I thought bundled together in 2024 made for a much more tense and engaging sequence than the original. So this was an easy win for the new version (even if I would have preferred a real kiss).

2024 wins 

Also props to wardrobe (HA!) for Noh's off duty outfits. I love his punk goes to Disneyland (with preppy boyfriend) aesthetic.

LS24 Episode 12 & 13 versus LS14-s2 Episodes 25, 26, 27, 28, 34

The away competition, the book carrying, pizza party, meeting the aunt, starting to act like a couple. pun v dad 

I like getting more Phun/Dad conflict backstory in the new one.

But I thought that Noh freaking out and coping with what he had to do to break up with Yuri in the older version was more authentic.

That sad I’ve never been wild about how resistant Noh is in the original to kissing and physical intimacy. That still bothers me, even though I know it’s a sign of the 2014 times. I like the more comfortable physical affection between the two characters in the newer version.

The confession to friend group was good in both versions but 2014 is ICONIC. The teasing Phun was way better than 2014. Still, the physical intimacy was so much better in 2024 so for me......

2024 wins

(close tho)

The matchup is getting a little uneven at this juncture we seem to be jumping around and borrowing bits from other parts.

LS24 Episode 14 versus LS14-s2 Episodes 35

They moved the Pam bit from the end earlier, which is actually a good idea. Although I would’ve removed it entirely. 

They also substantially took steps to fix Phun‘s dad character in the new version. I really liked that a lot. (I guess we know which political party that dad belongs to this time.) 

Honestly? The teaching part (prior to finals) in the original is one of my favorite mini sequences in BL. But the new version was even better. I didn’t think they were gonna beat it out. But they did.

Them sneaking around to sleep together at the camp never gets old. And I mean that, since it’s been 10 years and it still gets me in the throat. So good.

This is a hard call, but if they’re gonna cut out Noh giving Yuri the shirt, and Yuri’s defensive now in the girls bathroom......? The old one is definitely gonna win. As it stands right now I’m gonna give this one to the older version. But a lot of the changes that the new one made I really appreciated so I reserve the right to change my mind after the final ep.

2014 Wins 

LS24 Episode 15 versus LS14-s2 Episodes 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 36

I’m quite pleased that they kept most of the stuff in the forest. And I actually like that they swapped it around so that this was the end of the series.

I think it makes for a better more satisfying ending. I like that they didn’t have Pete pine.

But. Still. Heaven forfend they give us an actual kiss. That part I did find very as disappointing. Frankly, these two would’ve done fine with a smooch.

I don’t know. In the end I think there are points in either version's favor. Neither of these Love Sicks really come out on top.

They’re both kind of representative of their time although this new one managed to be oddly nostalgic in ways that didn’t have to do with the original so much as what they chose to keep about that original.

I think, just because of the iconic nature of that last shot and the breaking of the forth wall that I'm going to hand the final to the original.

2014 Wins

The Leader Board

2014 = 5 points

2024 = 7 points

Other Factors

Script 

When they cut down this show for the new version, we lost some of the greatest and best lines ever scripted in BL of all all time. A few of them could’ve been left in. Because of that, because they didn’t keep the very best parts of the script (which is soem of the best parts of the whole show), despite the fact that they could have...... 

2014 Wins hands down 

Music

The music in the new version was band and unoticicable, but the music in the original was memorable and iconic (if not to my personal taste). Another easy win for the original.

2014 Wins

CAST 

Main couple 

I actually think that the leads in the new version are better actors than White & Captain. I know this comes off as heresy. But I just think they are superior in terms of subtlety and nuance. I also think that the new pair had much better chemistry. It feels like these two were workshopped whereas the originals definitely were not. For couple chemistry, especially at the beginning? 

2024 Wins 

Side couple 

Ohm & Mic had even less screen time than in the original, but not by much. And I have to say partly because of the actor switch between seasons in the original, that I liked this pair a million times better in the new version. 

2024 Wins 

Friendship group

The friendship aspect of the music group (Noh and Ohm's relationship in particular) is incredibly important to this story. Without it, the fabric of the piece feels substantially less robust. Therefore the original has to win in this regard. 

2014 Wins

Noh 

There is something endlessly appealing about the clumsy rawness of Captain's performance in this show. His version of Noh is just so utterly endlessly likable. And he has a genuinely adorable and an appealing screen presence. Progress did a good job, but Captain is just a little bit more charismatic.

2014 Wins 

Phun 

I am a bit of a sucker for a boy who’s good with his eyebrows, and Almond just does better eye work than White ever did. Also he shows and expresses his genuine interest and even attraction in Noh way better, probably in part because of how BL has changed in the intervening decade. But also, sorry White, Almond is just a better actor than you were back then.

2024 Wins 

Yuri 

In the original, Yuri starts out as endlessly annoying, but goes on an incredibly satisfying and quite brilliant character arc to become one of Noh’s best friends and one of the great supporters of his growth and a major linchpin of the show. There’s absolutely no way the newer version could ever compare to the original. 

2014 Wins 

Aim 

While I prefer the actress in the original, I really liked the depth that queerness gave to Aim's character in the new version. It made her a lot more relatable and understandable, even though it was a bit of a copout. It also allowed her to stay part of the narrative. I really like having the mean girl be a lesbian. It makes what she and Phun are doing to each other a little bit more like a mutual beard confusion situation and less like cheating. It’s also more feminist than punishing a female for sexual proclivity. Therefore, I’m gonna give this to the new version. 

2024 Wins

Earn 

This is a really really hard one, since Earn is my favorite character. And possibly one of my favorite characters in all BL. The original source of my ever present second lead syndrome, quite frankly. But, in the end, I can’t deviate, Ngern just set the bar so high. I'm so happy he's returned to our screens.

2014 Wins

Pete 

I know he’s a minor character, but I always  loved poor Pete , and in the original August was one of my favorite actors. (And my number one pick to star in a BL.) I really loved that the new version made both these characters honestly gay, but the original kinda didn’t have that option. Still, despite my love, I’m calling this one a draw since the first Pete won for character and the second Pete won for story. 

No winner 

FINAL TALLY

2014 = 11 points 2024 = 11 points

I swear I didn't intend it to come out that way.

(source)

[slxsherr]

Softer Than Shadow

pairing: charlie walker x fem!reader

summary: you make a better victim, so charlie rewrites his movie. jill doesn't have to know.

wc: 2239

warnings: fem!reader, cursing/swearing, underage drinking, descriptions of violence, mentions of blood, mentions of drugs, hospital description, thigh riding, public sex, unprotected sex (p in v), creampie

a/n: yo this one kinda actually has a plot?? forgot i could do that lol

When Kirby had invited everyone over to her house after Gale Weathers was attacked at Stab-A-Thon, you didn’t expect for the deadly night to continue. Robbie’s incessant worrying over possibly being arrested for simply hosting the event where the sheriff’s wife was attacked was only made worse after Trevor showed up uninvited. 

You’re the only one drunk enough to follow Robbie outside, not wanting to witness Charlie and Kirby flirt after Jill and Trevor separated themselves from the group, looking for evidence to find out who invited Trevor. Distracting yourself from what’s going on inside is easy, laughing at Robbie’s drunken attempts to get his stream going. You ignore the aching feeling in your chest when he tells his audience about Charlie and Kirby, downing the rest of your drink. 

Switching to a new school senior year is hard, but Kirby and her friends were nice enough to include you in their group. It just sucked that the only guy you were interested in was madly in love with someone else. You’re brought back to the moment when Robbie runs face first into a hanging plant, laughing cruelly at his pain. It’s not until you feel a knife stabbing through your left shoulder that you stop laughing. 

The cry you let out when Ghostface pulls the knife out is pathetic, and you quickly fall to your knees in pain, holding a hand over the bleeding wound. When you realize the killer left you to run after Robbie, you quickly rise to your feet and make your way around the house. You can hear footsteps following you, and you speed up, turning the corner to see Sidney, Jill, and Kirby all at the entryway.

“Run!” You yell, drawing their attention to you and the killer following behind you. 

Jill and Sidney run upstairs, but you follow Kirby further into her house, not trusting yourself and steps. Kirby tries calling 911 on the landline, but it’s dead and the line goes dead every time you try on her cell, having lost your own either in her couch or backyard. The two of you run into Sidney, who tells you she got through on her cell and that Jill should be safe. Kirby leads all three of you to a safe room in her house, locking the door behind her. 

“Kirby, let me in!” Charlie says, pounding on the glass of the door, smearing blood across the window panes. “No, no, no. I just found Robbie, this is his blood. Please!” He begs when Kirby hesitates to open the door. 

“If you can’t trust him, don’t open the door,” Sidney says, knowing exactly how Kirby feels.

“There is someone else out here, let me in! Oh, my God, let me in! Please!” He says, pounding harder on the glass, looking between Kirby and whoever else is outside. 

“I’m sorry, Charlie,” Kirby says, backing away from the door, and you wish you could let him in, but before you can consider the option for too long Ghostface appears behind him. 

The three of you can only watch as Charlie is bound to a patio chair, Kirby’s ringtone blaring through the air as the killer calls from Charlie’s phone. Sidney leaves to find Jill, leaving you and Kirby to keep Ghostface on the phone while she’s gone. You can hear your own heart pounding in your ears as Kirby answers the horror movie trivia asked over the phone. Both of you panic when she answers a question wrong, but calm down when she’s offered another question. 

Kirby lists off answers before Ghostface can even finish the question, knowing she’d answered correctly when she’s met with silence. The two of you rush outside to undo Charlie’s bindings, ripping off the duct tape and spewing apologies. Quickly, you all make your way back inside the house, but stop abruptly when Kirby is stabbed in the stomach by a familiar figure in the darkness. Ghostface twists the knife, and all you can do is watch Kirby fall to the ground and follow Charlie as he leads you away. 

You don’t realize you’re back in the house until you run into Charlie’s back, eyes widening when you see blood seeping through his shirt. Sidney comes downstairs, and as the killer focuses on her you drag Charlie with you further into the house. You make it into the kitchen and open the pantry door so that the two of you could hide inside, but jump back when a bound Trevor falls onto the floor in front of you. Before you can even think to help him, you feel something hit your head, and everything goes black as you fall unconscious to the floor. 

The sound of sirens is what wakes you, but you’re barely able to register anything else as you’re lifted onto a stretcher. You’re in and out of consciousness the whole ride to the hospital, but only fully awake later that night. The hospital room is half-lit, machines tracking your vitals beeping, IV needle stuck in your hand, and a curtain dividing the room in two. Your heart rate spikes, alerting the other patient in the room that you’ve woken up. 

The curtain barely moves as Charlie approaches you, his own IV and machines following behind him, cooing at you as you begin to cry in an attempt to soothe you. You sit up fully, wrapping your arms around his waist and hiding your face in his chest as you cry, unable to see the out of place smile stretching across his face. He holds you in his one-armed embrace, his left arm in a sling to relieve his wounded shoulder, happy that you seek comfort in him without question. 

“Shh, it’s gonna be okay, you’re okay,” he says as you begin to calm down. “You’re safe,” he reassures you when you pull away from him. “Can I sit with you?” He asks, and you quickly nod and lift your blanket as you scoot over in your bed for him to join you. 

“What happened? I don’t remember anything after you were stabbed and I think I passed out from blood loss,” you ask, fiddling with the scratchy hospital blanket that covers both of your lower bodies nervously as you wait to find out who was behind the mask. 

“Well, it turns out Jill and Trevor were the ones killing everyone. Pulled a real Bonnie and Clyde on us,” he chuckles, trying to relieve some of the tension, earning only a weak smile from you. “Jill shot me, but Sidney stopped her, and I was able to stop Trevor from finishing you off too,” he lies, knowing he’d be the only one to know what really happened.

“You saved my life,” you say, staring at him in awe.

“I only did what anyone else would’ve done,” he says, feigning modesty.

“No, you saved me. Someone else would’ve just watched or saved themselves,” you say, guilt gnawing at you as you think of how you and Kirby could only watch as Charlie was tied up by Ghostface.

“Maybe, hey, why the long face?” He asks, seeing the remorse in your teary eyes. 

“I’m so sorry,” you begin to cry again, hiding your face in his uninjured side. “I’m so sorry me and Kirby didn’t let you in, I’m sorry you got hurt protecting me,” you sob, your tears soaking through the thin hospital gown. 

“Shh, it’s okay. That doesn’t matter, we’re both alive and that’s all that matters, okay?” Charlie reassures you, his arm snaking around your waist as your sobs turn to sniffles. “Kirby’s with Sidney in the ICU. The doctors think they’ll both be waking up soon,” he says once you’ve calmed down again.

“Really?” You ask, surprised by the news. 

“Yeah, Dewey told me when he came by earlier,” he answers, unbothered by the news since neither of them knew the true extent of his involvement in the night’s events. 

“That’s good,” you say, beginning to separate yourself from Charlie’s side, now knowing the girl he’s in love with is still alive.”I’m sorry, did I hurt you? Are you okay?” You ask, seeing his face scrunch up in pain as you move away. 

“No, I’m fine. Painkillers are probably just wearing off,” he answers, shifting into a more comfortable position, moving closer to you in the small hospital bed. 

“I can call the nurse,” you offer, looking around for the remote.

“No, it’s fine. They should be coming by soon anyways,” he lies, knowing they won’t be checking in for another hour at least. 

Neither of you say anything for a moment, simply sit together in the silent room, beeping from the machines fading into the background. You’re not sure if it’s the medications, or the fact that you almost died, or if it’s because of how close you are to Charlie, but your mind is going haywire. Torn between wanting to scream, cry, and confess your feelings for him, feelings that have only intensified after finding out that he saved you, you unconsciously choose the latter, words already tumbling past your lips before you can stop them. 

“Charlie, I think I’m in love with you,” you say, blinking slowly at him. “Love is a bit much, actually. But I like you, a lot,” you say when his eyes widen in shock, lips parted as he tries to think of something to say. “I know you and Kirby have like, a thing, but I just wanted to tell you in case we almost die again.”

“Can I tell you something?” Charlie asks, finally saying something and you answer with a nod. “Me and Kirby really don’t have anything on, it’s just a running joke. I’ve actually been asking her for advice to ask you out,” he explains, looking away to feign embarrassment. 

“Oh,” is all you say, taking in the information. 

“Oh?” He prompts you, but you don’t say anything else. 

Instead, your gaze flickers from his lips to his eyes, and before you can overthink, you lean in to kiss him. His lips are chapped, and you’re sure yours are too, both of you dehydrated from running around all night. It’s fervent, stealing your breath away as he deepens the kiss, holding you close to him with his right arm. You feel dizzy, parting your lips to let him lick into your mouth, trying to match his energy. 

There’s only so much room on the small hospital bed, and you end up straddling Charlie’s thigh. The whimper you let out is barely muffled by his mouth when he forces you to sit, only the thin hospital gown separating your bare cunt from his leg. He’s moving you along his thigh, the friction stimulating your clit and soon you’re moving on your own, hip seeking pleasure as your hole begins to leak. He breaks the kiss, instead sucking and biting at the sensitive skin of your neck, marking you, focusing on your stifled moans that only he can hear.

“Charlie, the nurses–” you whisper, breathing heavily when Charlie interrupts you.

“Don’t worry about them, we’ll be quick,” he reassures you. 

Before you can reply, he’s reaching behind you to untie your gown, clumsily undoing the snap buttons on the sleeves to pull the offending fabric off, throwing it aside. He grabs your hand, spitting in your palm and wrapping your fingers around his length, guiding your hand’s movements as he fully hardens from your touch. It makes your stomach twist in want, watching the purple head leak pre and listening to his dulcet moans. 

Growing impatient, you straddle his hips, lining him up with your entrance and slowly sinking down until your ass meets his thighs. Thick cock stretching you out, you can only hold onto the hem of his hospital gown, not wanting to reopen any of his wounds. You move slowly, doing your best to hold back your noises, but Charlie lets his out without care, hand gripping your ass and moving you faster. 

“Wait– Charlie!” You squeal, his hips meeting yours, and you swear you can feel him in your guts. 

“Fuck, you’re so tight,” he groans, loving how you bite your lip and furrow your brow in an attempt to silence yourself. 

“Hah! Please, please,” you beg, but you’re not sure what for, feeling his thumb press roughly on your clit.

Your rhythm falters as he rubs circles on the sensitive nub, your orgasm building quickly. You screw your eyes shut tightly as you reach your peak, stars dancing behind your eyelids as you clench around him. Only whimpers fall past your lips, still holding back your noises in fear of the nurses, but Charlie’s cursing is barely hushed, rutting his hips up as finishes inside you, your walls milking him too tightly for him to pull out. 

He lets you slump against him, your head resting on his uninjured shoulder as your breathing slows, falling asleep on top of him. He’s not surprised you tired out so quickly, he hit your head pretty hard earlier. A content smile stretches across his face as he watches you doze in his arms peacefully, ignoring your injured shoulder, caused by his knife earlier in the night. He hated hurting you, and he hated to see you hurt, but if it meant he could have you like this, he could handle a few cuts and bruises. You are his perfect victim after all.

[bogwaterparasite]

Sketchbook

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Pairing: Miles Morales-42 x Reader

CW: None, just fluff

WC: 1.4k

A/N: This was part of an ongoing series I had on Ao3 when Spider-Man ATSV was popular, I lost motivation to keep it going (I forgot what the plot was gonna be) so I hope yall enjoy the few episodes I had

-ˋˏ✄┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈┈

Everyone hates waking up in the mornings to a loud beeping sound coming from whatever device you use as an alarm, some people are lucky and their bodies are programmed to wake up exactly at the same time every single day, but sadly I am not one of those people. A loud groan escaped my lips as the obnoxious sound of the alarm woke me, making all my peaceful dreams flee my mind. Reluctantly, I sit up, rubbing my eyes to get rid of any sleep threatening to cling onto me before climbing down from the bunk bed. My gaze shifted over to the top bunk where my roommate remained dead asleep, as per usual. Sometimes I wonder if she has superpowers, not once have I seen her actually go to a class, but yet she has killer grades! How does she do it? The world may never know.

Emerging from the quiet sanctuary of my dorm room into the chaos of the hallway, the cacophony of conversations, laughs, and occasional screams of surprise or delight were quick to pierce the once serene atmosphere of the dorm. I paused for a moment, readjusting myself to the new environment, taking it all in while walking down the corridor towards my locker. I popped open the door and pulled out my belongings, putting others that I wouldn’t need into the empty space. With a quick swing, my backpack landed swiftly over my shoulder, proceeding to slam the door shut, and continued my route to my first period.

Staring ahead, my mind was back to being consumed by my thoughts as I lazily walked to my first class. Typical trivial things such as what I’d have to eat, or what to do with your free time when you don’t have any friends, you know.. normal teen stuff. Yet, those thoughts quickly subsided as I was abruptly knocked off my balance. Stumbling forward, my arms flailed around wildly trying to hold on to something for support, quickly regaining my footing and looking back towards the person who I seemed to have tripped over.

“Sorry”

At first glance it was hard to recognize the culprit, but as my gaze focused on his I realized it was no other than Miles.

To say we were friends was an overstatement, we shared a couple of classes together, and sure we talked sometimes, but apart from that? He didn’t seem to care less about me as a person. Before I could respond, or even say something, he walked away, not interested on keeping the conversation going.

Alright?

I was about to head off, but just out of the corner of my eye I could see something on the floor. Curious, i bent down and picked it up. It was a black sketchbook, a few colorful lines and stickers on the cover, i glanced around to see if it belonged to any of the students nearby, but no one even batted an eye. Standing up again, my mind drifted off to my earlier encounter, it must have been his. I turned to see if by chance Miles was still somewhere on the hallway, but he was far gone.

My eyes drifted off to the clock, a minute remained until the start of class, cutting my time short. Quickly stuffing the sketchbook into my bag, I made a dash for the classroom.

Thankfully, I made it just in time, everyone was already in their seats but the teacher still wasn’t here. A relieved sigh escaped my lips as I made my way to my seat. It didn’t take long for the teacher to arrive and start the lesson, yet It felt almost impossible to pay attention to the words spewing from his mouth. I wondered what his art looked like, the pages seemed to crumble a little making the sketchbook thicker, was he a good artist? The temptation to look at its contents was eating its way out, but I persisted. It wouldn’t be right to violate his privacy, no matter how much I wanted to take a peek.

“Díaz, are you paying attention?”

Mr. Anderson brought me out of my thoughts once again. My gaze met his, then proceeded to take a look around the room… everyone was watching.

Immediately, the possibility of being swallowed whole by the earth seemed enticing. Shrinking into my spot as my cheeks took a reddish tint.

“sorry..”

“..Anywho, as I was saying”

As he turned back to the chalk board, everyone soon went back to writing things down, and I followed, forgetting the topic of the notebook and Miles… or at least trying to.

Time seemed to fly by after the incident, my mind being far too focused on the piles of homework that were assigned with little to no class time left. Soon enough, it was fourth hour, the one class I looked forward to, and coincidentally enough, the class I had with miles.

When I entered the room I was quick to notice only a handful of students were actually there. Yet, after a quick scanning I came to the conclusion that he wasn’t any of them.. hopefully he didn’t decide to skip class today.

I slipped my earbuds in, desperate to muffle the rising classroom din as more students filed in. My hope of his arrival was fading with each passing minute, the possibility of him showing up growing slimmer by the second. Then, almost miraculously, with barely a minute left in class, he materialized out of thin air. His hazel eyes briefly met mine before he turned away, rejoining the conversation he'd been having with those surrounding him.

Reaching down to my bag, I pulled out the sketchbook, carefully placing it on the desk. Hesitating slightly, my hand outstretched and tapped his shoulder… nothing. An eyebrow quirked in confusion as I tried again once more, yet he didn’t even flinch.

Was he ignoring me? Or did he genuinely not feel someone poking his shoulder? Regardless of what it was, I was just about ready to give up all hope and simply slide it over, all up until I saw one of his friends quirk his head towards me.

Miles turned to face me, his face holding a confused expression, maybe even annoyed, yet, it quickly faded as his eyes landed on the square object.

“This is yours, right?”

He didn’t hesitate, not wasting a single second before snatching the sketchbook from my hands. His once hardened expression now softened, a relief seemingly washing over him for that split second, then he remembered I spoke.

“Yeah, thanks”

As he spoke, he gave me a warm smile, his appreciation palpable in the subtle curve of his lips. The gesture was delicate, almost imperceptible, yet something profound shifted in his typically harsh expression. His perpetually cold gaze momentarily thawed, softening with an unexpected vulnerability, a side he never really showed… it was nice.

He turned around just as our teacher entered the classroom, exchanging quick pleasantries before launching into the day's lesson. Assignments accumulated steadily, and soon the teacher divided us into partners for a worksheet that felt more like a perfunctory exercise. I found myself paired with Miles. We settled into a comfortable silence, our proximity neither awkward nor forced. Without a word exchanged, we both bent our heads over the worksheet, an unspoken understanding between us.

Eventually, I finished the worksheet and stretched back in my chair, a subtle sense of accomplishment settling over. Stealing a glance sideways, I caught Miles engrossed in his sketchbook, his pencil moving with practiced ease. Curiosity finally got the better of me, leaning closer to him. His page was filled with intricate portraits—faces emerging from delicate lines and subtle shading. I found myself transfixed, unable to look away as the figures took shape beneath his hand.

“You’re a really good artist”

Resting my cheek on my palm, I continued to look down at the colorful page, yet, he suddenly stopped and looked at me. Mimicking his action, my gaze slowly lifted from the drawing, finding its way to his face. Our eyes met and locked, creating a charged silence that seemed to stop time itself, neither of us uttering a word. Perplexed by his this, I raised an eyebrow and tilted my head slightly.

“Do I have something on my face?”

As my voice filled the air, he seemed to get out of his trance, shaking his head and going back to drawing sharp and precise strokes on the piece of paper. A small chuckle escaped my lips, who knew he was actually awkward.

“No, uh… Thanks”

He finally answered, avoiding my own gaze. I hummed in response, continuing to watch as he drew. It was almost mesmerizing, art was something so beautiful, I was a bit of an artist myself, but if he didn’t want to know then there was no reason to tell him about it.

We remained like that for the rest of class, he continued to doodle away besides me as I watched, every now and then glancing away and talking to someone in case he was getting uncomfortable with my presence, eventually the bell rang, signaling the end of class. While walking out of the classroom I felt a slight tug at my bag, almost sounding like someone slapped it. I turned in order to see who did that, but as I turned miles smoothly escaped from behind me, out of sight and earshot.

I pulled my backpack off my shoulder, there was a small yellow sticky note on top of it with a small doodle of him on it, my lips curled into a smile again, looking at the hallway in which he had made his escape shaking my head.

It was kept safely between two notebooks until the end of the day

[xf-cases-solved]

S2E10: Red Museum

Case: Bro, don't make me try to summarize "Red Museum," so many things happen and every single one of them is baffling.

You know what? This entire episode feels like an SNL Stefon sketch, so I'm going to write it as one.

If you're looking for a monster-of-the-week X-Files tale centering around obscure religions, look no further. Fox network's hottest new episode is "Red Museum." This episode has everything. A cult of creepy vegetarians who all wear red turbans and whose sermons are all written on the fly by a dude who has a really impressive WPM. Children wandering around the woods in their underwear with "HE/SHE IS ONE" written on their backs with black Sharpie. Walk-ins.

Oh, what's a walk-in? It's that thing where a body's original soul is replaced by a new, different soul for some reason.

But that's okay if that's not for you. If what you're looking for is a story about a deep-seated conspiracy of unethical medical experiments, look no further. Fox network's hottest new episode is still "Red Museum." This episode has everything. An awkward road trip with an old man out into the countryside where he tells you his life story, unprompted. A random plane crash implicating the local doctor. Bovine somatotropin.

Oh, what's bovine somatotropin? It's that thing where you genetically engineer a growth hormone and give it to cows to make them produce more milk.

Still not what you're looking for? That's no problem. For those of you itching for some more myth arc plot, look no further. Fox network's hottest new episode continues to be fucking "Red Museum." This episode has everything. A middle-aged white man you're somehow supposed to distinguish from the millions of other middle-aged white men and remember that he's the guy that killed Deep Throat. A complete lack of usable evidence. Purity Control derivatives.

Oh, what's Purity Control? It's that thing from "The Erlenmeyer Flask" where you mix human DNA with alien DNA to conduct a series of experiments on the unsuspecting human population. 

Also, there's a perv creeping on kids through peepholes.

Anyway. This episode... goes some places. 

Moving on.

Does someone die in the cold open: My notes say, "no death in CO, but that kid is fucked up," which I feel is a good summary.

Does Mulder present a slideshow: YES!! Our boy and his projector have finally been reunited at last! He hasn't done a slideshow since "Tooms," which actually makes it all make sense now, bc that was the one he did in court that made me (and Scully) want to die from secondhand embarrassment. Maybe Scully had been keeping the projector locked away until he proved he could be trusted with it. She had the key to the storage closet in her pocket when she was abducted.

Does the evidence survive the investigation: Yeah, nah.

Whodunit: Bro, I don't fucking know. All of them. They all did it. Every single person is complicit. You're complicit. I'm complicit. Just blow the planet up and start over.

Convictions: 🙄😒

Did they solve it: Last line of the episode is "this case remains open and unsolved," soooooo. I'm not even giving them a "no, but" bc they didn't even manage to keep Deep Throat's killer alive long enough to get any useful information out of him. Maybe they shouldn't have given you guys the X-Files back, actually...

[how do i determine if a case is solved? check the scale here: x]

This episode is sponsored by: Part one of this five part SNL Stefon YouTube compilation for those of you who had no idea wtf I was referencing up there

***

General Total Stats:

(green means stat has changed since last ep; red means new stat added to list)

Total Cases *Definitively* Solved So Far: 15 (they haven't solved anything since fucking "blood," and technically they weren't even on the x-files then. they haven't solved a genuine x-file since "roland," and i only gave them that one out of pity. time to just keep the x-files closed and assign them to the department that tracks down people who pirate movies. mulder & scully and the search for the Truth 20-something college kid making copies of jurassic park to give to his cousin in exchange for weed)

Total Number of "Mulder/Scully, It's Me": 9

Total Number of Times Scully Has Conveniently Not Seen Something Crucial: 6

Total Number of Times Mulder Has Been in Mortal Danger: 14 (i think they technically both could have gotten blown up, right?) 

Total Number of Times Scully Has Been in Mortal Danger: 14 (i expected these two stats specifically to be more disproportionate, but so far they're pretty even huh)

Total Number of Sexually Charged, Uncomfortably Intimate, and/or Flirty Moments Between Friendly Coworkers: 19 (bbq napkin scene. she wants to devour those ribs and then devour him)

Total Number of Autopsies Scully Has Performed On Screen: 5

Total Number of Times Scully Plays Doctor: 2 

Total Number of Times Mulder Talks to an Informant: 21

Total Number of Times People Making Out in a Car Are Hurt or Killed: 2

Total Number of Times Someone Correctly Guesses a Password: 3 

Total Number of (Plot Relevant) Nosebleeds: 5

Total Number of Times Mulder Has Tasted/Sniffed/Touched Something Questionable Without Following Proper Safety Procedures: 4 (it was just gas, but it was on the floor of a slaughterhouse, directly underneath a hanging hunk of beef, and there was a very obvious red can labeled "gasoline" sitting three feet away on the floor, so i feel like he could have made that inference without sticking his hand in it)

Total Number of Times People Fight in a Parking Garage: 1 

Total Number of Times Someone Says "Trust No One": 3 

Total Number of Times Someone Says "I Want to Believe": 4 

Total Number of Times Someone Says "The Truth is Out There": 2 

Total Number of Cigarettes Cigarette Smoking Man Has Smoked: 16 

Total Number of Maggie Scully Sightings: 3

Total Number of Lone Gunmen Sightings: 3

Total Number of Alex Krycek Sightings: 3 (no more krycek for right now 😔. mulder's projector has returned, but still we lie in wait for rat boy's resurgence)

Total Number of Times I Had to Look Up What State the Episode Takes Place in Even Though I Literally Just Watched It: 13½ (not only did i not know, but i wrote this up over the course of two days, and had already forgotten by the time i got to this stat even tho i looked it up yesterday)

Total Number of Times I Had to Look at an Episode's Wikipedia Page to Fill This Out Because It Was Fucking Confusing and/or Too Boring for Me to Pay Attention: 7 (i am still not convinced i followed the whole thing. i don't think it's possible)

[bittersweetorpheus]

I’ve been getting into otome game lately, and finally had some free time, so… why not integrate the mechanics with Bungou Stray Dogs? I think there’s some huge potential for fanfics! Might turn into a series depending on the response I get ^^

An isekai: a Japanese term translating to ‘other word’. Always following the same plot— the protagonist who is transported to a fantasy world, game world, or parallel universe after dying in this boring normal one (usually via truck).

Yours had been your own fault, but death wasn’t as distressing as realizing bitterly that anime worlds were, in fact, real, and you were stuck in some random anime/manga you’d hyperfixated (curse your autistic tendencies) on for years but never actually watched or read. Bungou Stray Dogs, was its name. A world where ability users, those granted a single power based on classical literature and named after real life authors, prowled the streets.

You ate, slept, worked, rinse and repeat.

Or you did. Until you accidentally changed the whole damn genre of the manga! And the title, as well. Ahem, let us present… I Got Isekaied and Accidentally Caught the Eye of Fucked Up Criminals Because of Plot Convenience?!

Ah, the classic trope of the title spoiling the entire premise. But, we’ll need a little more context then that, won’t we?

—————

[REWIND TIME TO INTERLUDE?]

*YES* | NO

—————

You, fresh out from another shift of ‘standing around the warehouse and doing nothing at all’, had been mindlessly making your way home when— distracted by some shitty gacha game on your phone— stumbled right into an active crime scene. Active as in: the murder was currently being committed.

Dead police officers, a jester in a fully white outfit, portals opening up behind you…

Shit. You’d totally interrupted Nikolai’s introduction scene, hadn’t you? Your first thought was to curse yourself for your own stupidity at being so distracted by shitty, addicting mobile games that you failed to notice a crime scene going on in broad daylight.

Nikolai, still in that creepy clown getup, slowly turned his head towards you. His eyes narrowed, as though assessing you, before a smile slid onto his face.* “Looks like we have a little mouse who’s wandered into a tiger’s den! Hehe, you’re so cute, I might play around with you for a bit!”

You cringed. Who was in charge of writing dialogue for out-of-script scenes? Nikolai’s words were along the lines of what one would expect from an awkward bedroom partner who’d only ever stuck to the more vanilla side of things. Then again, it fit his happy-go-lucky-serial-killer persona, you supposed. Characters couldn’t be fleshed out in their very first scene, that was just rushed writing.

Pretending you had dialogue options to help ease her stress, you went with the safest one. “Wow. What a horrible crime scene. Please don’t stab me.” Ok, new issue: you absolutely sucked at acting when under pressure! It didn’t sound genuine at all!

Nikolai let out a small, low ‘pfft’ at your words, his shoulders shaking with the effort of containing his laughter. “Hey, hey, hey! It’s no fun when you’re so scared and shaky like that! You’re too cute!” Did Nikolai just… break character? This wasn’t supposed to happen, was it? That smile of his widened into a full blown grin. Shit. Were they self aware?

“Say, mousey, I’m curious about something,” he practically purred out, leaning down to get in your face, “How is it that you haven’t panicked and run away yet? I just slaughtered four whole policemen, after all.” His eyes narrowed, and he scrutinized you closely, searching for something that you couldn’t see.

> Punch him! Kick him!

> Run off now that he mentioned it—

> Confuse him by going from blunt to philosophical…

Those were the three options your frazzled mind presented you with. Mentally, you clicked on the third. Perhaps impulse-decision making was better left up to other people.

“Glue trap.” You said, fucking yourself over further. “You know, ‘cause you compared me to a mouse. But, like, aren’t we all mice? Stuck in glue traps, that is. Ugh, whatever. Look, it’s a perfectly natural reaction: fight, flee, or freeze.“

—————

*➳ NIKOLAI AFFECTION +5 -> TOTAL NIKOLAI AFFECTION: 5/120 ♡*

—————

“Glue trap?” Nikolai repeated, his expression briefly baffled. Clearly he hadn’t expected *that* from you.

He seemed to ponder something, then he abruptly stepped even closer, still towering over you. Nikolai put his gloved hand on your forehead, almost a bit like he was checking for a fever. With the difference being that he was way too close now. You could practically feel his breath brush against your skin, and it sent shivers down your spine.

This guy was way too damn close. The hell was he doing?

Nikolai finally pulled away, a thoughtful expression on his face. He began to circle you slowly, and his fingers drummed against his chin, as though deep in thought. “…Mousey,” he finally said, his voice quieter than before, more contemplative. Uh, what? “Have we… met before? Your voice… sounds familiar.”

You, the rizz god (maybe now wasn’t the time to use stupid internet terms), couldn’t help but ignore all the red flags that had popped up from that very same statement you’d heard far too many times before in otome games, so you could… make it into an inappropriate-for-the-situation pick up line. Well, ya missed 100% of the shots you didn’t take, though you weren’t quite sure you wanted this one in the first place. “No. But we *could* meet again, as a cute couple. Not a serial killer and unwilling witness. Only if you don’t murder me. Dating a corpse would be boring. I think.”

—————

*➳ NIKOLAI AFFECTION +10 -> TOTAL NIKOLAI AFFECTION: 15/120 ♡*

—————

Nikolai froze, wide-eyed and a strange expression on his face. Then he began to laugh. For once, his laugh wasn’t crazed or unhinged. It was a normal laugh, one full of genuine amusement.

He continued to chortle for a few more seconds, before he finally stopped and tried to compose himself again. Nikolai shook his head, but there was still a wide smile on his face. “Damn, do you have a death wish? Or do you make a habit of flirting with serial killers?” He paused, stepping even closer as if he just realized something. “Hold on, can you say something for me?”

“If it’s something along the lines of ‘I love you’, then it’s too early for the plot. And out of character, I have commitment issues. Just to be clear.” You made sure to word that a very particular way, praying Nikolai wouldn’t inadvertently confirm your suspicions that you’d ended up in one of those ‘self aware/third wall breaking’ alternate universes.

—————

*➳ NIKOLAI AFFECTION -5 -> TOTAL NIKOLAI AFFECTION: 10/120 ♡*

—————

*Nikolai chuckled, the amusement never leaving his face. He crossed his arms over his chest, still towering over you. Nikolai’s smile was just a tad bit unsettling.* “No no, mousey, not that. I was thinking something a bit less cliche.”

He paused, and that thoughtful look returned to his face. Nikolai tilted his head and narrowed his eyes at you, almost like he was trying to figure out a complex puzzle. “Say something. Anything. And don’t try to act. Just speak,” he insisted.

How the hell were you supposed to gauge whether he was self aware or not from that answer? Today just wasn’t your day. You not only messed with the plot line, but the character dynamics as well, by introducing herself into it. Damn! Why couldn’t this position have been given to some die-hard fangirl, instead of some office worker who’d only fixated on the franchise for a year or so.

“…I wish this was a shoujo instead of a seinen?” You blurted out. Even a shounen would’ve been better, with a power scaling system and hardworking main character. But, nope! Bungou Stray Dogs just had to fall into the seinen category because of heavy themes you in no way wanted to deal with.

A game over screen flashed before your eyes, at the very same time Nikolai’s portals did. Let’s hope you quick-saved, as this would be a rather humiliating end for you.

[bluegalaxygirl]

Amnesia (KidKiller X Reader) P3

Plot: After an explosion reader wakes up in a hospital with no memory of the past few years, her parents want to take her home so she can recover and get back to a normal life while the Kid pirates want her back on the ship where she belongs.

Warning: Bad language, Violence, Blood, Drugs, mentions of torture and Death.

Reader is Female, Poly Relationship, established relationship, Kid X Reader X Killer, Reader is a member of the Kid pirates and is in charge of the money, Budgeting and negotiating the best price.

< Previous part ….. Next Part >

The afternoon sun burned bright in the sky, the white soft clouds slowly floating through the clear sky as birds happy let the light wind take them across the sea. It would have been so peaceful if it weren't for the cannon fire, yelling and metal banging against brick, The Victoria Punk quickly docked at the side of the prison letting the crew off to rampage and free their crew mates while others stayed behind to fire at the prison walls with the cannons. Kid had already left the ship before it even docked and Killer wasn't too far behind, the captain busted open the gates sending shock waves though the floating prison startling everyone inside. Marines run to protect the prison but are either shot, cut or punched hardly standing a chance against the Kid pirates, Kid had no idea where he was going, he just hit and gathered mental as he runs through the base, Killer following behind slicing up anyone who came after them. Wire and Heat know that Kid and Killer would be doing their own thing so the two split up taking a few crew members with them to search the cell area for their crew, it wasn't long until Wire came across the missing crew members. Boogie waves his hand threw the bars seeing his tall crew mate and a few others running down the hall "Wire" The four call out with happy smile's glad to be getting out of this place, the tall man simply nods before using his trident to slice open the bars to each cell letting them out.

The crew around him cheer as they reunite with each other but Wire raises an eyebrow at only seeing the four of them, before he can ask though Bubblegum runs up to him in slight panic "They took Y/n to the infirmary but The Commodore recognized her, he said her father would he furious and to keep her off the records." He quickly explains knowing Wire didn't have the time for long stories, the other three nod confirming what Bubblegum just said. "Get them out of here, I'll check the infirmary , if you see Heat on the way make sure to inform him of all this" The tall man commands the crew he brought with him before heading off to find the medical ward alone, Its true the crew don't know anything about your past, but they never thought to ask and you never brought it up. You had a few strange quirks but then again so did the rest of the crew who come from all over the South blue and some even from the Grand line. Walking into the infirmary Wire looks around seeing several patients in their beds, some tied down while the others seem to be passed out but none of them were you. A whimper catches his attention turning to look at the desk's down the other end of the room, walking over the tall man steps around the main desk to see a young woman wearing a nurses outfit cowering under it, she freezes with a squeak when seeing Wire staring down at her. "Where's Y/N, she was brought in last night or this morning" He asks not making a move towards her yet, he had no reason to hurt her unless she refused to answer his question.

Despite her seeming to know that he had no intention to harm her if she answered, she gave him a response the tall man didn't like "w-we've had no n-new patients" She stutters while trying to move further back in fear but her back is already pressed firmly against the wood, Wire lets out a sigh before bending down to look right at her "My crew said she was brought here so don't lie, where is she?" He asks again becoming impatient his eyes burning into her's making the young girl gulp in fear "I-i'm not lying, I-I can show y-you the records" She pants hoping not to get killed by the tall man. Wire thinks for a second while looking her over, something told him she was telling the truth, but he needed to be sure so using one hand he shoves the heavy wooden desk away causing her to let out a scream, but she makes no move to get up and run, it seems her body chose freeze this time. "Hurry up, i don't have time" Wire gestures towards the file cabinets while gripping his trident in his other hand ready to kill her if she tried to run, with a nod the young woman stands to her shaky feet and makes her way over to the file cabinets taking out the patient records for the past couple of days. Her hands are shaky at best but manages to take them out without dropping them and places them on the other wooden desk thats still standing, Wire steps closer causing the woman to back up to the wall as to not be in his way. Looking over the files it seems she was telling the truth, there isn't any records of any new additions but there were records of the four crew members being patched up then shoved in a cell. So its true that they didn't put you on record but there has to be a trace of you somewhere at least someone who saw you here, the nurse would have told him if she saw you, she's too scared not too.

The young nurse watches the pirate's every move until he shoves the files off the desk and turn to her, thinking she's going to die the young woman closes her eyes and bases for a painful death but instead she hears footsteps walking away. Peeking open her eyes she watches Wire walk towards the door after stepping over the wooden desk that he shoved to the floor and heads down the hall to inform his captain about all this, surprisingly leaving the nurse alive. Killer slices through yet another Marine that thought he could take the masked man on in a sword fight as he follows Kid's mess of destruction, he know's that if he lost sight of his captain all he had to do was follow the trail of bodies and broken walls to find him again. A few marines tried to take on Kid but their weapons where ripped out of their hands as the red head uses his devil fruit to pull them, along with other piece of metal over to him covering his already metal arm making it much bigger and stronger. With a laugh Kid swings the giant arm hitting the marines and the walls around him as Killer finally catches up and stops next to his captain looking around at the mess. Just as they were about to keep going footsteps run up behind them causing the two to turn ready for a fight only to see Wire run around the corner and over to the two. "You find everyone?" Killer asks as the tall man stops in front of them, his breathing is heavy from running, but he also seemed very annoyed or even angry.

Wire nods at the masked man before trying to inform the two of what he's just learned "The others are heading back to the ship, Y/n was taken to the infirmary when she got here but-" Before he can continue Kid groans and walks past his tall friend while rolling his eyes "Well what the hell you waiting for?" The captain yells staring to head to the infirmary but is stopped by Killer "Kid wait.. what were you going to say?" The masked man asks knowing something is wrong since Wire would have looked in the infirmary so why was he here without you. "She's not there, there's no record of her ever being here, th-" Wire's interrupted again this time by both Kid and Killer who yell loud enough he swears that everyone back on the Victoria can hear them "What?" Wire takes a breath mainly to clam his own anger and frustration of being interrupted again before turning to the captain. With his arms crosses over his chest Wire finally managed to explain what the others told him while not being interrupted by the two, he also explained how the young nurse had no idea who you were and that the files showed the four others but not you. The only person who might know where you are is the Commodore, but he hasn't been seen anywhere, Kid growls as he grits his teeth not understanding how things can go this wrong. Killer sighs trying to calm himself before thinking how to go about things but it isn't really working "We should find him, if he won't tell us then we'll just have to beat it out of him" The first mate states getting Kid to snap out of his hate filled gaze on his clenched metal hand.

Kid gives a big grin and a quick nod showing a clear liking towards the idea before heading off to find the Commodore's office with Killer and Wire following behind, the Commodore may not be in his office with all the fighting, but they've met marines of higher ranks that would rather cower away and let their lower ranked officers do the work than fight. The three sprint down the hall gradually feeling the aura change as they get closer to a much stronger person, soon enough a white coated marine appears coming out of his office while holding a small yellow bottle. Kid growls, anger boiling through him as he jumps up bringing his fist down on the Commodore who only managed to dodge at the last second, his cheek getting cut by the splintered wood that fly's through the air due to the force of Kid's metal arm hitting the wooden floor. Using the distraction Killer runs in swinging his blades at the white coated man who gasp as it slices his hand off, Wire runs in next bringing his trident down on the man aiming for his shoulder since they need him alive. Despite the situation the Commodore smirks popping the yellow bottle and quickly tipping it into his mouth before Wire can hit him, a burst of energy sends the three flying back, yellow lightning like power causes out of the man who screams in agony. Killer manages to get to his feet quickly stopping himself from sliding too far away as Wire tumbles a little more but uses his hand to push himself up stopping his body from continuing to roll. Kid shield's his face with his metal arm as his feet skid across the floor managing to stop himself before passing Killer.

The blinding yellow lightning and screams soon stops revealing the Commodore who pants while looking very different, the hand that was cut off has healed into a stump already and the mans already large frame was even bigger, his muscles bulging and almost pulsing as thick raised veins run across his whole body, even his face, the clothes he's wearing is ripped to shreds except or a bit around his groin area and the white coat hanging off his back by a string wrapped around his neck. "What the fuck?" Kid asks standing to his full height as the now large man throws his head back in laughter before looking at the three "I know your rash but i thought you'd at least ask me a question first" The Commodore smirks bringing a leg behind him to get into a fighting stance, Kid takes a step forwards with a smirk of his own knowing it's going to be a good fight but doesn't jump in just yet since Killer lightly placing his hand on the captains arm "Where's Y/n?" The masked man calls out even though he knows he's not going to get a straight answer from this man. "I don't know who your talking about" It was a obvious lie since the man clearly rolled his eyes that smirk never fading from his face. Kid rushes in gathering metal around him to make his metal arm large again before punching the marine who uses both of his arms to stop the punch, the captain didn't bother to ask questions instead focusing on the fight. Pulling his hand back the captain continues to punch and grapple with the large marine while Killer and Wire wait on the side lines knowing not to jump in just yet. "Sneak into the office, see what you can find" The masked man glances at the tall man who nods heading of to sneak into the Commodore's office.

Once Wire's out of view Killer joins the fight running over with his blade's spinning and going for the Marines legs, sliding past the masked man turns back only to see the commodore's leg's unharmed even though his blade differently cut though skin since there's blood on his blade. "Answer the fucking question" Kid yells as he blocks the Commodore's punch with his metal arm, some of the metal denting under the force making the captain grunt in annoyance, Killer runs back into the fight, jumping into the air and bringing his blades down on the marines back letting them dig in. The Commodore yells in pain and anger as his wounds try to heal even though there are blades stuck in his back. "Where is she" The masked man yells as the marine tries to reach back and grab him only to be punched in the face by Kid's large arm, thinking quickly the commodore runs backwards hoping to crush the blonde between him and the wall only for Killer to quickly catch on and brings his blades out, jumps off the marines back just before being crushes. Panting slightly the white coated marine swipes as Killer lands about to hit him when a chunk of metal hits his chest forcing the large back back into the brick wall making it crack under the pressure. Metal continues to swarm over pinning the man to the wall while Kid Chuckles walking up to his partners side "Tell us where she is and I'll make your death quick" Kid smirks looking at the struggling and panting marine who seems to have given up,the Commodore slowly looks up at the two letting a sick joyful smile from on his face. "i'm sorry to inform you but she's dead, her wounds were just too much for her" The captain extends his arm purple strings of light flowing from his hand as his eyes burn with anger.

Kid starts closing his fist making the metal around the commodore compress the pain of even thinking your dead makes it hard for him not to kill this guy "Liar" The captain yells but the marine shakes his head while struggling to get free "She's dead deal with it" The commodore yells managing to get one of his arms free, Killer's quick to act running over and stabbing his arm forcing the blades through and into the wall, the marine yells in pain trying to pull his arm away but their combined strength was too much even with what ever drugs he took. "We know she's alive, tell us where she is" The masked man growls using all his strength to keep the commodore's arm in place while Kid continues to try and squeeze the life out of him, before the commodore can answer Wire runs out of the office with an angry look "She's not here" their crew mate yells out causing the two to look over at him in surprise and confusion "There's no record of her but a ship left last night with a bunch of medial supply's and an extra passenger. It didn't say where it was heading though" The tall man explains before turning to the Commodore "But you were the one to order it" Kid growls while squeezing tighter making the marine caught up blood, Killer removes his blades from the mans arms watching as the wound starts to close shut leaving no scar behind. "Where are they taking her?" Kid yells out stepping closer to the large man who's still struggling, but he can tell the marine is getting weaker, the drugs must be wearing off with all the healing its having to do, when the Commodore refused to answer Kid grips harder causing the man to scream out in pain, his ribs cracking and organs being crushed "We can still follow her Vivre card but I'd like to keep him alive, so we can get information" Killer sighs looking to his partner.

The captain thinks for a second before nodding and loosens his grip, the sound of bones cracking back into place echos threw the hall along with a slight yellow glow coming out from under the metal arm holding him in place. "Shit not now" The commodore groans feeling his strength fade away, the yellow light causing through his veins making his large body start to shrink and muscles deflate. With a laugh Kid lets the marine go watching him fall to the floor, his skin turning gray and his lest over clothes hang loosely around his now skinny body, much skinnier than when he was normal. "Looks like you took those drugs for nothing, they couldn't even help you take us down and made you even weaker. Pathetic" The captain smirks before bringing his foot down on the crouched man forcing him to lay on his stomach with little effort. "Well at least it'll be a lot easier to get him to the ship" Wire states walking over to the two and looking down at the weak looking Commodore who's struggling to try and lift his own head up, its clear what ever drug he took has bad side effects but they have no time to think about that now so Killer grabs a nearby cable and hog ties the marine as the captain steps aside starting to head back the way they came. Wire follows close behind as Killer throws the commodore over his shoulder carrying him back to the ship.

----- The Victoria Punk-----

Things had stetted down now that the Victoria is far away from the destroyed and burning prison but what they hoped would a simple job as now turned into a longer and more complicated one. Wire went back to steering the ship using your Vivre card to show him which direction to go in while Heat and Reck where keeping an eye on the Commodore who's currently chained up in a dark room bellow deck. Kid and Killer make their way into the med bay seeing House just finishing up taking care of the crew mate's wounds, there wasn't much to do since the medical staff at the prison did a, ok job but the doctor could tell it was more of a rush job. "Boss" Boogie yells with a smile happy to see his captain again, the other three crew mates turn and smile too slightly cheering for their captain and first mate, Kid grins for a second before becoming serious "Tell me what happened" The captain states walking into the room as Killer closes the door behind them, The four start talking all at once causing the masked man to sigh "One at a time" Killer states as the four look at each other before nodding silently agreeing that Bubblegum and Boogie should be the ones to say what happened. It took a while of explaining since Killer kept asking for more details and what exactly the marines said about you word for word. "So you didn't get anything on her farther?" Killer asks as he leans against the wall with his arms crossed, Bubblegum shakes his head but Emma sits up from the bed she's laying on "we'll we had a talk about it all in the cell, and we all agree that he's not a marine since the Lieutenant mentioned that her farther has no power to fire them."

The other three nod but Kid turns to House who's washing her equipment her back facing them "House… You know anything? She must have told you something" The captain asks making the crazy haired girl jump a little at her name being call, you and her are best friends so it's only right to assume she'll know something about your family but unfortunately she didn't know much. Turning to face her captain and his first mate she wipes her hands clean while looking down at the floor "Only that she ran way because they did something unforgivable and that she renounced her last name" She states but Killer and Kid look at her surprised, they knew you ran away because of your parents but your last name was fake? "What?" The two ask causing the girl to jump again as Killer pushes off the wall to walk over to her, he wasn't trying to be intimidating but House shrunk away, backing up into the counter with wide eyes "I-i thought she would have told you" House tries to defend herself making the masked man realizes his actions, with a sigh Killer places a light hand on her shoulder to reassure her "Just tell us everything she told you, even if you think we know" Relaxing a little House nods as Kid walks over to the two crossing his arms over his chest and waiting for the doctor to talk "She never told me what her real last name was because if she told me then… I'd know too much. She was drunk at the time so i though maybe she was just being paranoid or drunkenly rambling. She said a lot of other random stuff that still don't make sense really" She sighs but the two stay quiet wanting her to go on.

House gathers her courage while trying to remember what you said years ago while drunk out of your mind, you confided in her and told her not to tell a soul, House promised she wouldn't but now she had to break that promise and spill your random and incoherent rambling to your partners. "She said her parents were disappointed she wasn't a boy, that she used to tutor kids even though she didn't go to school. She won a bunch of contests that she's not proud off, She has sibling that she lived with but didn't know anything about them and that leaving was the best destitution she ever made." Kid sighs pinching his nose, it didn't give them much to go on other than your family is most likely stuck up and important in some way, Killer removes his hand from House's shoulder and gives her a nod, it did sound like drunken rambling but it did give him a few hints and maybe something to use in order to make the Commodore slip up while questioning him. "Thanks guy's, get some sleep before dinner, Papa's is cooking tonight since I've got another job to do" Killer states earning groans from around the room that he tries to hold a laugh back at "Papa's is the best out of a bad bunch, so they'll have to put up with it until Killer's free enough to cook again." Kid snaps even though he knows how bad the man's food is, Killer grips onto the captain's while gesturing to the door earning a gruff hum from the red head. Walking out the two hear the yelling of their crew behind them calling out their goodbyes and thanking them before the door is shut "What are you thinking?" Killer asks as the two walk side by side down the hall heading to the dark room where the marine is. "Just… Rich pricks" Kid huffs getting the masked man to let out a low chuckle in agreement.

[lightwise]

Comparing Acolyte vs. Skeleton Crew - Eps 1 & 2

I am SO SORRY for how long this post ended up being 🫣 😆

I am comparing and contrasting The Acolyte vs. Skeleton Crew episode by episode to figure out where Acolyte fell apart (for me) and failed to live up to its potential. There are three themes that I have pulled out of both shows: the perspectives and viewpoints of their child characters, the power struggle of light vs. dark in the galaxy, and specific viewpoints and opinions about the Jedi Order.

To recap from my intro post here, the trailer for Acolyte laid out these lines: "In an age of light, darkness rises. This isn't about good or bad, it's about power and who is allowed to use it." Not only does the show itself end up being centered around a much smaller/more personal angle than the trailers showed, (Osha as a character and the existence of the twins and the mystery around Brendok is not mentioned at all), I would argue Acolyte never actually shows us what the “light” in this time period is supposed to be, or who the Jedi truly WERE and what they stood for as a whole, and therefore its foray into the darkness feels both forced and lackluster.

In contrast, Skeleton Crew both delivers on its marketed purpose, adds in new ones once the show gets started, and consistently hits on and delivers on all of those themes every single episode, including wrapping them up in the finale (with just a few things that could have been delved into more thoroughly--like Tak Rennod's identity/fate, or the specifics around At Attin's history).

Interestingly, as I started writing this I realized for every major positive I found in Acolyte, I often had a minor or major qualm that was the opposite side of the same coin. The good and bad are linked, just like Osha and Mae. That really might be what it comes down to with this show—it’s not that it doesn’t have great moments, ideas, and even execution.  It’s that the ratio of good to bad doesn't balance out, depending on the episode, and that’s enough to tank the entire effort. 

So how does this play out in the first two episodes?

In both shows, the first episodes end up solving several mysteries very quickly, leaving the stories more open ended than the trailers suggested.

In Skeleton Crew, we aren't left wondering whether Captain Silvo, shown in the opening sequences, is also Jod Na Nawood, a prisoner who helps the Skeleton Crew kids escape Port Borgo (he is). Nor do they leave his Force abilities up to the imagination, with him pulling a key through the air within a few seconds of meeting the kids, although his status as a trained Jedi will remain in question until the finale. And the kids, who catapult themselves off into space by the end of the first episode, have a definitive way home by the end of the second (they have a ship, a droid who can fly it, and Jod's contacts who can help them along the way)--as long as they can figure out where exactly their home is.

The mystery of what At Attin is, and how to find it, turns out to be the driving plot point going forward, mixed in with some questions around Jod's character and motivations, character growth for the kids, action elements, and good old-fashioned pirate shenanigans. Despite the first two episodes covering so much ground, the arc of the storyline is still pointing in the same direction, just with some added layers. Skeleton Crew stays within its pirate adventure genre and makes sure that each unfolding mystery that is revealed each episode sits firmly within the umbrella that the trailers and first episode establish, in service to getting the kids home.

In the Acolyte, after being teased with a murder mystery and the rise of the Sith from the trailers, we witness in the first five minutes the shocking first murder (RIP Carrie Ann Moss), then learn that the same killer is supposedly in two different places in the galaxy at once, then are quickly led step by step through the revelations that Mae and Osha (who I repeat was not in the trailer at ALL) are twins, that Osha is innocent even though no one thinks she is for a hot minute (except Sol, bless his heart), Osha then figures out her sister is alive, then Mae is proven alive, supposedly has a master trained in the Force who is not a Jedi, and then she is proven to be the murderer of the Jedi--the mystery shown in the trailer as the supposedly driving force of the entire narrative. Rather than all of that being neatly wrapped up in a way that brings clarity (although it would remain rather dizzying even if it had), instead the plot branches into multiple other mysteries and conflicting directions, and cuts off half the limb it was supposed to be standing on.

What happened on Brendok? What crime occurred to warrant Mae tracking down four Jedi and trying to brutally murder them in cold blood? Who has trained her and goaded her into this situation in the first place? What does that have to do with the "rising dark" from the trailers? Who exactly are the Jedi in this day and age and what political troubles are they having, and do the failures of these four Jedi have anything to do with it? Can it actually pull all of these threads together into a cohesive tapestry?

Episode 1

You'll hear me say this a lot: the opening fight sequence is stunning. The use of the Force, the martial arts, the calm controlled presence that Carrie Ann has, and the nods to her Matrix days were beautiful to see.

I have to admit, the shock of Carrie Ann Moss being killed off in the first five minutes got me good when the show aired (how dare they do that to Trinity?!?! 🤣🫣). And it honestly put a bad taste in my mouth for the rest of the season. Now that I’m more removed and can evaluate the story as a whole, I do admit it works at least for a shocking and engaging opener. However, I still think it felt like marketing bait to use such a prestigious actress for a role like that, and to have used her character (and Kelnacca’s, but we’ll come to that later) as one of the major draws of the show only to fake everyone out. Just kind of a waste of a good actress.

Set is very Mandoverse but that’s to be expected (it's my opinion that Skeleton Crew is the first show to truly from start to finish use the Volume effectively and without compromising the depth and complexity of locations, scenery, or camera angles). 

Alien designs and droids throughout the show are pretty good. Outfits are also pretty decent. I disagree with their decision to put Indara in a robe more similar to the Prequel Jedi (I read in an interview they wanted the first Jedi we saw to bring us back to things we know in Star Wars). Terrible choice in my opinion. They should have been driving the High Republic era home immediately. Also I just think the robe looks silly on her haha. Once we get to Yord and Sol’s costumes I finally started getting the ornate, prestigious, High Republic feel I was waiting for.  

I haven’t read the High Republic books, but have heard snippets of their storylines, and have watched Young Jedi Adventures. I would argue this episode doesn’t do as much world building as I would have hoped given that we have both an entirely new cast of characters (no legacy characters to latch onto or guide us through the story), AND it’s a new time period that has never been shown on screen before. Even the prequels had legacy characters that were already known and loved, and Lucas really leaned into the ways in which the aesthetics and culture and clothing were very different than the original trilogy.

The use of the Nemoidians and the trade federation was the one tie in to the prequels that I thought was smart here. 

There are some little details that were well thought out. Osha sitting up out of sleep and holding her fist to her heart right after Indara takes a dagger to the heart. Her banter with Fillik while doing a very dangerous job, and her dissociation while watching the flames on the ship hull (I have zero opinion on the space physics of that scene, sorry). Mirroring the hint of character depth we see when Mae lets the bartender go because he has a child. Both Osha and Mae have more going on underneath the surface--Osha has a darkness that is belied by her cheerful demeanor, and Mae has a simmering empathy that is at odds with her violent mission.

That being said, Amandla’s performance as Mae is a qualm I have throughout the show. I’ve seen people say the opposite, but for me I mostly enjoy Amandla’s performance as Osha, and her embodiment of Mae falls flat for me. Osha has a more dynamic range of expression, care, and backstory that we’re shown, and while Mae is meant to be sinister, a mystery, and arguably trying too hard, I feel like Amandla was also trying too hard with her, and it felt forced. Ironically, for the child actors who portrayed both characters, I felt the opposite. Mae’s child actor came alive for me and Osha’s did not. I don’t know if it would have been better to have two adult actresses portray the adult characters, and one child portray the kids, or if I just can’t connect with Mae as strongly given how her storyline unfolds.

Yord’s intro was great. Finally we have full blown High Republic robes and we are every quickly given insight into Yord’s character and the friendship that he and Osha shared, making his suspicion and arrest of her all the more heartbreaking. The tension between them is fantastic, and Yord really lets us see the struggle between delight at seeing an old friend and his horror at what he believes she has done. We also see quite clearly that Osha has zero idea of what she’s about to be accused of, making us believe even more that she must be innocent somehow. Whatever my qualms are about acting capabilities throughout this show, this episode and this scene especially is not one of them. 

And yet here we have another coin flip for me. Why - why - W H Y did they go to all that effort to make Yord’s padawan Tasi Lowa, her character, her costume and prosthetics, her very distinctive personality—all for her to never show up in the rest of the show again????? It makes zero sense, and maybe provides some insight into how their immense budget was poorly used. While I think her character is very interesting, and I wanted more of her, given how she’s actually used, they should have never had her in the first place. Plus, we’re given no indication on what the High Republic rules are for having padawans, and Yord seems a little young to already have one. Either way, this was a miss for me. 

Similar to Yord’s intro, Sol’s is well done too, and we are shown that he is a deeply feeling and very complex character.

A huge qualm I have with the show: Vernestra, and the political climate of the Jedi order at this time period. Now, again, I have not read the THR books yet, but I know that a younger version of this character is in them, and I know how the order was viewed/inhabited the galaxy at the height of its influence several hundred years prior. This show was supposed to be a connecting bridge between the Jedi we see in the prequels and their inexorable fall into Palpatine’s clutches, a galactic war, and genocide, and the victorious, mostly peace keeping, knowledge bearing, compassionate, curious, respectful and respected Jedi religion of THR. Instead, through Vernestra, we are presented with a Jedi leader who is rigid, passive, rigorously against attachments, and who is willing to do anything to save face in a political climate that somehow is already suspicious of the Jedi, yet we are given no explanations as to why. I also felt that the actress herself, as well as her styling and makeup etc. did not hit the mark, neither for her character nor her species (Mirialan). I haven’t even read about the younger version of her character, and yet I feel like this older version of her is out of sync and jarring. 

The prison break is alright. Interestingly, the prisoners already don’t trust the Jedi or what they would do to Osha, and there’s no explanation for that either. Again, when and how did the Jedi’s reputation become so poor? The show is assuming too much in that regard and is not currently backing it up. 

The chair pilot droids are pretty cool. 

We’re given more clues that Osha is truly not the murderer by her rescue of the last prisoner. 

Jecki’s intro is also great, as is the setup for Sol to go to Carlac and find Osha. 

The vision sequence with Osha and younger Mae is used fairly well. I think at the time I was very surprised that the mystery of who the murderer was was being solved so quickly and so blatantly, and I wondered what the rest of the season was going to cover if this was being solved up front. This was a similar issue in Mando season 3, and also a tactic used in Skeleton Crew as I noted above. In Mando and Acolyte the marketing leaned heavily on these mysteries, so when the show just batted them away within the first episode it felt like a bait and switch. In Skeleton Crew it worked partly because the mystery wasn’t as heavily implied in the trailers and partly because Jod’s mystery wasn’t ever the main focus. The trailers captured the essence of the show but left the details to be unveiled. Whereas in Acolyte, the trailers promised one thing and then delivered another. 

Osha’s rescue and reunion with Sol is fine in how it wraps up the episode. 

The Stranger's appearance—idk what to think about it at this stage. It’s spooky and interesting, but at the same time rests on the main issue with the show—what is the “dream” of the Jedi that the stranger wants to kill? The show continuously refuses to give explicit backstory on what the current state of the Jedi is and what they stand for, while simultaneously attacking them for their role in the galaxy, but all without giving us a good reason or context for either stance. 

Episode 2

I just gotta say it up front—Torbin’s beard is atrocious 🤣🤣🤣. I just can’t take him seriously like that. Him floating in the air for the Barash vow is pretty cool though. 

Again, Amandla is just so stiff and awkward as Mae. I think she was trying to get across how much inner turmoil she has, but it really does not work. She feels like a caricature of herself at points, whereas Osha (for me) feels like a more well rounded person. 

As usual the stunt work does the work for the actors in this show. It is really interesting to watch Mae once again put her full effort into trying to best a Jedi and be thwarted for a time. And on the outside Torbin looks perfectly at peace and steadfast, the essence of who we believe Jedi to be. Of course we know later on that’s not the case at all. 

It’s also interesting seeing a little outpost type of Jedi temple. I wish we saw more of that in this show--just how the Jedi are acting as peacekeepers throughout the galaxy in ways we never got to see in the prequels.

Jecki and Osha immediately set up a very cute banter as they’re sizing each other up. Their dialogue explains the new term of meknek and how it subverts our usual droid expectations in Star Wars. Jecki also starts to warm up to Osha and we get more insight into her character. 

We get some insight into Sol’s character as well, although we won’t know until later just how much. He tells Yord “don’t let fear affect your judgment.” We find out later he is speaking from deep and painful experience here. We also find out that the existence of Mae’s sister was not passed on to all of the Jedi. So far only Sol and Indara seem to have immediately known that fact (Vernestra and Yord did not). While the big mystery of who is trying to kill Jedi is being solved up front, some lingering mysteries of what exactly happened to both Mae and Osha and how they tie into the Jedi order is being teased. 

We get our first real look at The Stranger—excuse me, I mean Qimir 😁. Manny Jacinto is at his best when he’s playing scrappy, frazzled, out-of-it himbos. Mae is noticeably more expressive and herself around him, so we can assume they have a relationship of sorts. Their banter is delightful, and we learn more about Mae’s mission and that she is trying to kill four Jedi, and at at least one without a weapon, in order to satisfy a Master whom Qimir presumably works for as well. 

We get hints that Mae might be on the Sith side of things when she and Qimir bring up the phrase “peace is a lie.” And Qimir’s beliefs are laid out when he states that "everyone has a weakness, you just have to find it.” We also finally get a bit of insight into what the show believes about the Jedi—that they “justify their galactic dominance in the name of peace.” Dominance is an interesting perspective on their role as peacekeepers the Republic.

“Like every other Jedi, he only thinks he’s found peace” Qimir says about Torbin. He needs what only Mae can give him: “absolution”. The show has the Jedi condemned before it even starts, and that is true of the four Jedi in question, as we will find out. They’ve done wrong. But the show is extrapolating that out to all the Jedi, and in these first two episodes is doing nothing to support that claim. 

We see the father/daughter quality of Sol and Osha’s relationship, and we start to see that Qimir’s assessment at least of certain Jedi might be right—Sol claims he has made peace with what happened on Brendok, but he is clearly hiding something. We also know that Osha is very troubled as well and hasn’t been able to let go of the past (something that we know Jedi of all time periods are encouraged to do).

Starting with the cuts between Mae/Torbin and Sol’s group, this is the first time that the editing starts to fall short for me. The jumps back and forth and where the dialogue gets cut off feel awkward and too fast to me, like they’re forcing an artificial sense of anxiety. I also think it was a little over dramatic for there to be one last fakeout of whether or not Osha was behind the killings, but at least it gives Yord the evidence he finally needs to believe she is innocent. 

Another interesting “Jedi culture” thing that isn’t explained—giving a civilian a weapon supposedly violates a bunch of rules. Since when has that ever been a thing? 

The sets on Olega are fine, but still don’t feel quite as lived in as those in Andor or Skeleton Crew do. 

I’ll never get over Qimir being an adorable dork. 

It’s very obvious there’s a darker side to him, and that he immediately knows he’s not talking to Mae, and that he’s interested in who Osha might be. Another “mystery” that the show decides not to leave a mystery (and the show runners admitted they never meant it to be questioned in the first place)—whether Qimir and The Stranger and Mae’s Master are the same person. 

It’s REALLY interesting that Qimir is willing to sell Mae out so quickly. It's also interesting that the Jedi are fine with not arresting a man who has been caught willingly supplying poison to someone. 

We start to see the darkness and anger residing in Osha, and that it is directed towards her sister.

Sol also wants the absolution Qimir spoke of—except he wants to gain his by trying to save Mae from the dark path she’s been on. 

Once again, the fight scenes are the saving grace of this show for me. Just incredible stunt work and choreography, and the continued showcase of how the Jedi, when staying calm and cool and collected are more than a match for Mae’s frenzied and anxious attempts to bring them down. She can only best them when she gets at an emotional weakness of some kind, but she cannot best them physically. 

Sol says something interesting—that Mae has misunderstood the Jedi arts and that her master had failed her, and hidden himself from her. Both he and Yord have made free use of their ability to peer into other people’s thoughts, and it seems to be accepted as both a practice and by outsiders that this is a thing the Jedi do regularly. I’m not sure that is supported as normal by the rest of the media, but please correct me if I am wrong. 

There's an interesting parallel towards the end when Qimir backs Mae up against a wall while she is trying to get her knife pressed against his throat. You probably already know what I'm referencing (Osha and his lightsaber, anyone?) but I will bring this up again later.

By the end of the episode we know Mae’s weakness—her sister. Most likely her plans for revenge have hinged more on grief over her sister rather than a true commitment to the dark side, and we will see that play out over the show. She misses her and wants them to be together again. We also know that Mae is Osha’s weakness too, but not for the same reasons. Her attitude towards her burns with anger and resentment. It's obvious that these two have a lot to work through both separately and together. 

So how do these episodes stack up from a storytelling perspective, a quality perspective, and the three themes I pulled out earlier (children's POV, light vs. dark, and how the Jedi are handled)?

Quality and Story

Hear me out: I know I just complained about a bunch of details, but quality and storytelling wise I actually think these first two episodes of Acolyte are fine. Decent. Even good, actually, as far as episodes of television go, to be quite honest. Overall I really enjoyed them when they first aired, once I got past the shock of the first five minutes. I appreciated the dialogue and banter, the new characters, some of the settings, and the epic choreography. I also was down for learning more about the mysteries that were stacking up even though the initial one was already solved. On this rewatch months later--I still think they're very good. Which makes the rest of the show that much more disappointing. But we'll get there. The visuals were already better than the other Mando shows, and the new characters seemed interesting even if I wasn't attached to them yet.

For Skeleton Crew, I was hooked immediately on all counts, but especially in quality. Every alien species, every prosthetic, the sets, the camera angles, the dialogue and cheeky banter, the action sequences, the CGI, the plot points and progression, all BLEW. ME. AWAY. My expectations for this show were on the floor, so to have it immediately become one of my favorite parts of Star Wars ever was not at all what I anticipated. I have no doubt I will continue to find it impeccable years down the road. After the first two episodes I was just hoping that they wouldn't fumble it. The fact that they didn't is kind of a miracle given the Star Wars track record at this point, and it was also a breath of fresh air after the sour taste and exhaustion left in the fandom after Acolyte.

Children's POV

An interesting contrast between Acolyte and Skeleton Crew is how the children are used. In Acolyte I would argue they end up being props, whereas in Skeleton Crew they are the main perspective. Skeleton Crew is about kids, for kids, and mainly from the children's perspectives, and yet the creators didn't let that stop them from making a complex, layered, and still very mature story that doesn't shy away from violence, innuendo, and the gritty reality of the Star Wars galaxy and pirate lifestyles. Whereas in Acolyte, Mae and Osha's childhood selves and the ways their past haunts them, both in visions and flashbacks, was unexpected and at times awkwardly executed. For these first two episodes, Osha's vision of child Mae is interesting, and I think showcases their bond and adds a sense of intrigue, but it's still from adult Osha's perspective. We don't know yet what happened to those children or what their perspectives were. Right now it is more intriguing than fulfilling.

The Jedi

"The Jedi justify their galactic dominance in the name of peace." Acolyte starts out at the tail end of the High Republic, an era filled with prosperity, scientific advancement, conflicts with dark side users (the Nihil) that ended with the Jedi restoring peace to the galaxy, and a strong governing Republic. There are temples on many worlds, and upwards of 10,000 Jedi help keep the peace across the galaxy. However, all of that has never been shown on screen before (barring a children's cartoon), and Acolyte had the heavy task of introducing not only a new time period, but also a version of the Jedi order that bridges the gap between THR and the more weary, waning force that we see in the Prequels as they become corrupted by the dark side and get dragged into war. They're not there yet though. And while Acolyte does do an okay job of showing the expanded Jedi Order, the hustle and bustle of the Coruscant Temple, various outposts, and even the training of the next generation, it doesn't really give us context on who the Jedi are in this era. What defines them, what their role is, how they interact with and serve the Republic, what level of partnership they have with the Senate and what their jurisdiction is. What is normal for them interacting with the public, what the average person thinks of them. There are a lot of rules thrown around, a lot of talk of remaining respectable so their enemies can't find fault with them--but at least in these two episodes, no explanation as to why they might be scrutinized in the first place.

As I said before, I think Vernestra's character as a spokesperson for them really doesn't mesh well with where the show is supposed to be starting out. The attachment issues sounding more like Prequel Jedi feels out of place, the brazen use of mind reading is jarring, and while it becomes very clear that Sol, Indara, Torbin, and Kelnacca did SOMETHING years ago, I think the show falters in one very clear area when it comes to the treatment of the Jedi--the actions of four individuals are being used as a placeholder for a critique on the Order as a whole. And for me it doesn't hold up. Of course at this stage we can't know that yet, and the directions the show is going could have been interesting. But I needed more groundwork laid here than what we were given.

For Skeleton Crew, the frequent mention of the Jedi as heroic role models on a remote planet in the middle of the Mandoverse era was not something I expected at all. However, it clearly is set up both to provide Wim with an ideal to follow and interpret the world through, as well as giving the kids a framework to deal with Jod when they first meet him. In the first two episodes it's more of a fun quirk, much like Wim's storybook. By the end it will become very important to both the story and the kids' character growth.

Light vs. Dark

"Peace is a lie." The Acolyte trailers promised an epic showdown between the light side vs. the dark side. So far in these episodes we start out with a clear line being drawn--the Jedi, good, on the surface. Mae, and her Master--evil, and trying to take them down. But is it really that clear? Osha is presumed guilty at first, then shown to be innocent, and then revealing a dark well of anger underneath. Sol claims he has let go of the past, but clearly still feels the need to atone for mistakes he has made. Torbin is so wracked with guilt that he is willing to take a Barash vow and will only break it to welcome death. Vernestra seems on edge and worried about upholding an appearance of respectability--but it shouldn't be an appearance at all. And the Stranger, Mae's master (and Qimir) both seem to have a grudge set against the Jedi, claiming them to be manipulative and overbearing, yet we have no insight yet into why they want to take down the Jedi "dream" that supposedly not everyone shares. I'm always for grey morality and complicated motivations, and I think the Jedi have always been very flawed at every stage of their existence. But so far the clear cut light side vs. dark side dynamics that even the most morally grey characters in Star Wars tend to fall along aren't proving to be so clear cut after all.

The themes of good vs. evil in Skeleton Crew are more obvious at the beginning. At Attin is presented as a happy planet even though it is very obviously a surveillance society. Jedi are talked about as legends of helpers and heroes. Pirates are the menacing, chaotic troublemakers that they usually are in media, and the introduction of Jod at the end of episode 2 just starts to lean into the possibility of a more complicated morality. But one of the biggest themes of the show that will become apparent as each episode goes on, is that at each step of the children's journey, there are always people who are willing to help them, even in as lawless of a place as a pirate stronghold. And that will end up being one of the deepest ties the show has to what makes Star Wars, Star Wars.

Read my recap of Episode 3 here.

[theamityelf]

Since I'm never going to take the time to actually write an SDR2 musical, I'm just going to post all my Danganronpa 2 musical brainstorms that I dumped on some acquaintances on Discord. Just as documentation.

First of all (and this is genuinely just copy-pasted in the order I said it.), Akane would have an upbeat song like Violet's in the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory musical. And maybe Nekomaru would keep trying to interrupt with a more basic melody, but then she keeps interrupting him back. Gundham’s song would be similar to H-llfire from Hunchback.

Akane's stuff could have shades of Dead Girl Walking (Reprise) from Heathers, if that makes sense. Just a vibe thing.

Plot-wise, I think the Twilight Syndrome Murder case can be dropped to just the envelope of photos, but I'd like to include the Funhouse if possible. (I specified this because I know the stageplay dropped the Funhouse, and precedent makes me stubborn.)

Chapter One:

First scene is just Hajime being confused and meeting people. Maybe we meet everyone through song, where everyone gets a verse to say their talent and their general deal.

Then we have Usami overpowered by Monokuma and Monokuma establishing the killing game. I'm thinking no song for that.

Impostor gets a song where he becomes the leader and encourages everyone.

First murder happens. A song for the trial, where Teruteru gets kind of Patter Song vibes to convey how no one could understand him at the end of that trial in the game. He's constantly interrupted by Nagito and the others.

After the trial, Nagito gets a short song about his bizarre ideology. It's going to get a few reprises later. That's why it's short. (Also, Nagito's song gets cut short by Kaz and Nekomaru abducting him.)

Chapter Two:

Instead of initially not knowing where Nagito is, the group is told the next morning that Kaz and Neko tied him up in the old building, and instead of having Mahiru bring him breakfast just once, it's a thing she does every day. She also still helps Hiyoko with her kimono

There's a song about exploring the new island, basically goes over all of what's there, in accordance with who Hajime spoke to in those places in the game (so, Fuyuhiko gets a verse in the diner, Sonia in the library, etc.) Fuyuhiko is the only character who doesn't sing (yet); he hasn't sung at all, this whole time. Not in a meta way, where he's acknowledging that everyone else is singing; he just doesn't do it.

Akane's song happens here, because it's where she first starts training with Nekomaru. Fast-paced duet where he keeps trying to slow her down.

Monokuma's motive is simplified from a video game to just an envelope of photos.

Mahiru asks Hajime to feed Nagito for her one day because she has another thing to do. He does, and Nagito sings part of a reprise for his song from earlier, but Hajime walks out on it.

Kazuichi brings Hajime in on his plan to crash the girls' beach trip, they find the body. When they find the mask, Sonia gets a song that is superficially her explaining Sparkling Justice and really her getting to be open about her interest in serial killers; there's a lot of creepy lyrical dissonance and I'm picturing it to be like (extremely deep cut incoming) the song "Silver and Gold" from the musical 1619: When Destinies Collide, as far as the general sound and the casually grim lyrics.

Investigation happens, Nagito pops in (and depending on the tone of the musical, his first line when he shows up can be something like, "Hey guys, good news! I've been in everybody's cabin tracing the shape of their shoes!"). The trial happens. They sing through presenting the evidence, except Fuyuhiko still only talks. The reveals happen the same as in the game, and Fuyuhiko's first sung word is just a long cry of Peko's name. From Chapter 3 on, he's a singing character.

Okay, that's as far as I got. Might add more later.

[tiledis]

The psychic Steve Connelly really added a bit of mystical element to the show, I've seen many says "What's the point of that psychic guy?" Well, many fiction enjoy writing about overlooked prophets.

However, this character's main purpose seems to extend beyond that. Besides reinforcing the narrative themes of " the killer is among us" and " the truth will shatter relationships" he also indirectly reflects the other characters' states of mind—people often turn to the supernatural when they’re desperate.

The show hinted that he is a fraud. (I know Chibnall once said this is an open plot, but hear me out ):

He speaks with uncertainty most of the time, relying on "cold reading" (commonly used by mediums). For example, he mentions "names with the letters R or S" (take a look at the characters list; everyone fits that description) and "playing the piano" (which he even got wrong). Hardy confronts him, this is a seaside town, there are boats everywhere; 'About boats' is just a lucky guess.

The only time he speaks with certainty is when he says, "She says she forgives you about the pendant."

But we later learn that Hardy didn't need to be "forgiven" at all, because it wasn't his fault. Connelly must have looked up news about Sandbrook beforehand, leading him to mistakenly believe this was a solid fact.

Interestingly, Hardy himself should know this deep down than anyone. Logically, he shouldn't just never believe these supernatural things from the start; after this line, he should feel very certain that Connelly is a fraud.

However, after Hardy falls at the end of S01E06, after Hardy collapses while chasing the suspect, his heart problem becomes apparent, and he is about to be reassigned. This is when he calls to meet the psychic.

Either he was genuinely so disoriented that he started to believe his own lie, that the pendant incident was actually his fault, or he was truly at his wit’s end...

I've always wanted to discuss faith in this show.

Although it's called Broadchurch and there is indeed a church, it seems that the only character who practices religion is Beth's mother, Liz, who wears a cross necklace and is a church deacon. There don't seem to be others.

In S01E04, Joe comments on Jack, saying, "I didn't know he was religious." to which Miller retorts, "Didn't know we were."

Later, in a conversation with Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller, we learn that people here might go to church for weddings and funerals, and attend Midnight Mass on Easter, primarily for Easter egg hunts. But people don't really believe in it, so it's a very fragile and easily broken thing.

Mark in his anger and sadness exclaim: "Your God left my son for dead!"

In a deleted scene, even Tom provocatively says to Paul, "Won't God protect you?"

Interestingly, in S01E04, one morning Joe suddenly says he wants to take the kids to church; if you think about it seriously, I find it definitely suspicious.

As for whether Alec Hardy believes, Ellie Miller once asked him, and he made a joke, clearly indicating he doesn't.

However, we can infer from what Alec Hardy's mother says, "God will put you in the right place." that she likely believes, so we can assume young Hardy was influenced by that.

I think he might have believed at one point, but at some moment that faith let him down, perhaps because of his mother's death.

In the official novel, there's a passage:

‘You have no concept of faith, do you?’ says Coates. ‘I didn’t muscle in. People turned to me. Straight away. People who wouldn’t normally even think about religion. They asked me to speak. They asked me to listen. They needed me. And you know why? Because there was a fear that you couldn’t address, a gap you couldn’t plug. Because all you have is suspicion, and an urge to blame whoever’s in closest proximity.’ Hardy folds his arms against the tirade. ‘Look, you can accuse me, you can take samples, you can belittle who I was in the past. But you don’t get to belittle my faith, just because you have none. People need hope right now, and they’re certainly not getting it from you.’

He waits for Hardy’s reaction like he’s expecting some kind of conversion. Hardy keeps his arms folded and his mouth closed. He will not give Coates the satisfaction of knowing how shaken he is.

The words echo in his head for the rest of the afternoon. It is not true that he has no concept of faith. He has always believed in evidence and procedure. But where do you go if they fail you, as they are now? What happens then?

If Hardy were a different sort of man, he would pray for a miracle.

Hardy actually has his beliefs, but some things just can't be undone.

We often say that Alec Hardy is emotional, while Ellie Miller is evidence-driven (like her keen awareness of the the wood floor in S2) (Millardy is the best team!)

Alec Hardy's investigative process is filled with intuition and emotion — he often perceives through feelings and drives the case forward with emotions, making suspects anxious until they slip up.

So to say he completely disbelieves such things isn't entirely accurate; he literally sought out a psychic for help.

Here's a little detail — he never outright says the psychic is a fraud — even though, as previously mentioned, he should be the one most aware of this.

The phrasing is interesting; he tells the psychic, "I have to find this killer and prove my case in court. I deal with facts. All you're giving her is fantasy."

Because evidence is incredibly important. Sandbrook nearly failed because of the lost of the pendant, and in S2, evidence was deemed invalid one after another, reinforcing this point.

Ultimately, everyone did things that exceeded their beliefs: Paul threatened the psychic and participated in Joe's exile, removing his priest's collar;

Thus, the true Broad Church is revealed at this moment: it's the people, it's the community.

I know many viewers are deeply frustrated with the so-called courtroom plot in Season 2, which can be said to be completely fake; it is both important and unimportant. This courtroom is not real; it serves more of a dramatic purpose (the entire region exists within Thomas Hardy's fictional country).

The trial is not just about Joe; it's about the entire community. In the end, the result does not follow the court's decision — Joe is still expelled from the community regardless. This means that if you believe in "Broadchurch," you will find that what truly matters is not the court, but rather the "the wrathful God of Broadchurch."(There used to be a post, but it has been lost. Here is the screenshot:

Court result? The court's verdict will disappoint everyone, while people's connections and separations, love and hate, community and life, the past, present and future are what truly, truly matter.

At the end of S3, as Paul prepares to leave, the Broadchurch's church will be gone, but the broader "church" still exists among the people.

The last time they gathered like this was during the S2 trial.

I like seeing Hardy there too; the last time he came to church, he was filled with scepticism, sitting alone at the back, with his fake wife in front of him.

But this time, it's pure, with no agenda; people are just here to listen to Paul speak. Daisy sits beside Hardy, children are with their parents.

Paul quotes from Hebrews: "Let us consider how we may spur one another on, toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing. But encouraging one another."

[casino-lights]

Hi everyone! I've gone back and forth on this for years now, but now I've finally decided to open some writing commissions! Here's a proper commission info sheet for anyone interested!

I WILL WRITE

ocs (including my own, if you have requests!)

oc x oc pairings

oc x canon pairings

canon x canon pairings

canon divergence and aus

ships with age gaps and/or power imbalances, such as professor/student, noble/servant, etc.

sentient nonhuman entities (spirits, demons, monsters, druid wild shapes, etc.)

smut, including kinks, bdsm, cnc, free use, etc.

Dubcon is negotiable, but I reserve the right to turn down any kinks or smut concepts if I feel uncomfortable writing them.

I WILL NOT WRITE

smut involving characters under the age of 18 or appearing to be under the age of 18

noncon

If you don't see something on either of these lists, please DM me with your ideas and I can confirm whether or not I will write them! I do not judge and I will not bash anyone for a kink or a ship dynamic they ask me about, even if I don't end up accepting the commission. I am also happy to talk out ideas in DMs.

FANDOMS I WRITE FOR

Dragon Age (all mainline games, the Wigmaker Job short story, and the Asunder novel - I have not read all the external material)

Mass Effect (trilogy and Andromeda, I have not read the comics or novels)

KOTOR (1 and 2)

Baldur's Gate 3

The Elder Scrolls (Oblivion and Skyrim, including their DLC, have the NPCs I know best, but I am familiar with the lore)

Fallout (3, New Vegas, 4, 76, and all their DLC)

Fable (1/TLC/Anniversary, 2, 3)

Again, even if you don't see something on this list, please don't hesitate to ask if I know it, especially if I've reblogged or engaged with content about it previously. I'm currently playing SWTOR and Elder Scrolls Online so hopefully those will be on my list someday as well!

Red Dead Redemption 2

Cyberpunk 2077

PRICING

Gale Dekarios x oc smut oneshot, 4,754 words

I will ask for payment upon delivery of the completed commission. I'll be working on a scale of approximately 500 words for $5 USD, so pricing will look like this:

~ 500 words - $5

~ 1,000 words - $10

~ 1,500 words - $15

~ 2,000 words - $20

~ 2,500 words - $25

~ 3,000 words - $30

~ 3,500 words - $35

~ 4,000 words - $40

~ 4,500 words - $45

I will write up to a maximum of approximately 4500 words for a oneshot. I will not charge extra if I go a little over or if I feel the piece would be incomplete without a few more lines. Examples of my work with their word counts:

Illario Dellamorte x oc hurt with some comfort oneshot, 3,670 words

Illario Dellamorte character study oneshot, 1,607 words

More examples of my writing can be found on my AO3 and under #gracewrites on my blog, but these three are the best examples of my current writing style!

HOW TO COMMISSION ME

I'm going to open two slots for now. The slots I have available will be in my bio, but please don't hesitate to reach out with your ideas and/or any questions you may have even if they're both full! I'll add your name to a waiting list and DM you as soon as I have a free space for you. If interested, please DM me here on tumblr with some basic info:

how long would you like this piece to be and/or what is your budget?

which fandom is the piece for?

is it a piece that involves one or more ships? if so, which ship(s)?

is this NSFW or SFW?

does this piece involve one or more ocs? if so, what are their names and pronouns, what do they look like, and - if NSFW - what is their anatomy?

if NSFW, how much plot would you like me to add?

if NSFW, are there any kinks or positions you'd like me to highlight? if nothing immediately comes to mind, no worries - we can discuss that later!

a brief description of the plot you have in mind, like a list of the scene(s) you'd like depicted or the concept you came up with. example: "character A and character B go to a masquerade ball and they discover a body hidden in the bathroom. they have to unmask the killer, who turns out to be character C."

is the piece going to be part of an AU or is it canon divergent in some way? if so, please describe the AU - i.e. modern AU, soulmate AU.

After some discussion with you, I'll begin working on your commission! I will provide updates and snippets and I will most likely be asking some follow-up questions during the writing process, but don't feel obligated to answer them immediately - I know timezones exist and everyone has lives to live! If you ever have any new ideas to add, please let me know as soon as you can, and we can discuss adding them. If it's an entirely new scene that will extend the length quite a bit, we can renegotiate the price. I don't usually outline my writing, but upon request, I can work up an outline for the piece and discuss it with you.

Once I finish the piece and am personally satisfied with it, I will send it to you for a final overview! If you encounter any spelling errors/typos/other mistakes, please let me know and I'll fix them immediately! I will be proofreading it myself, of course, but I'm human. If the piece includes OCs, and you feel I've mischaracterized them at any point or they would not say or do something I wrote, I will happily rewrite the offending lines, free of charge.

Payment is due once the piece is fully complete! I will offer my PayPal address; please send the payment via the friends and family option. I'm working on the honor system here.

All finished pieces will be delivered via Google Docs, and I will then ask if you want your piece published here to tumblr. If you say yes, I'll publish the piece to my blog here, DM you the post, and tag you! I WILL NOT publish finished commissions on AO3 out of respect for their rules regarding paid fanworks. I personally consider writing commissions a fair practice, and the fact that I accept commissions now will never stop me from writing for free. I will absolutely be putting as much passion and effort into my commissions as my free work.

Finally, I have never and will never use AI at any point in my writing process. Keep AI out of fanworks. I hate that this even has to be said nowadays. Thank you for reading this far, and thank you for signal boosting this!

[danganronpasurvivoraskblog]

I know I know. It's just kinda weirdly funny to me that his entire plot twist incest motive was reduced to a lie. Tsumugi really pulled the rug out from under Kiyo and made a fool of him when he had the spotlight from crossing the line with his serial killer-ness.

//Sometimes I think about the reality that V3 was all fiction, and I'm trying to think about which of the characters got screwed over the hardest by its dogshit writing.

//Kiyo I think takes it, but Ryoma for me is a strong contender.

//The thing is, I never found Kiyo's, as you put it, "serial killer-ness" even remotely interesting, or a good twist.

//Danganronpa has done it before, and it's been far more effective.

//It was honestly super disappointing because genuinely, from Chapters 1-3, Kiyo was one of my favourite characters in V3. I feel like every time he opened his mouth, I learned something new. Maybe not information that was that relevant to me, but I think it's an excellent writing choice to have a character among its cast that is simply extremely enjoyable to listen to.

//But then Chapter 3 happens, and his character is reduced to this absolute shitshow.

//Not only does he stage quite literally the most idiotic sequence of events, with quite an easy way to actually get away with the murder had he just quit while he was ahead, but betrays this knowledge and wisdom that he was set up to have completely, and instead tries to prioritize the artistic side of his murder instead of the actual logical side (like a dumbass) but as much as I badger on about it, the motive itself, and the fact that it goes the extra mile by not only being done for the sake of his sister, who is dead; but by being for the sake of his sister, who is dead, and also who he was fucking.

//It’s widely acknowledged that Kiyo and his sister shared a deeply disturbing and abusive relationship. But frankly, I never envisioned Kiyo as the submissive type.

//While other Chapter 3 culprits like Celeste and Mikan have been criticized, their motives at least align with their established personalities. Mikan’s actions, while driven by the Despair Disease, are consistent with her being a Remnant of Despair, and it’s believable that Celeste would kill for money.

//Kiyo’s motive, however, feels out of place, and really against the type of character he was set up to be. I know that sometimes that's the point, and it's supposed to catch you off guard, but most of the time when Danganronpa does this, it's believable because there are hints to it.

//Again, Celeste and Mikan. They both exhibited traits of ill desire prior to their revelations as killers. And yeah, Kiyo is creepy, and there were hints that there was stuff going on with him, but he never came across as psychologically unhinged or submissive in his portrayal up to that point. At least not to this extent.

//While it’s refreshing to see a killer with a motive that isn’t directly tied to Monokuma’s incentives, the reasoning behind it needs to be good, and this just isn't.

//He initially intrigued me as a unique and fascinating character, and even after his death, aspects of his personality remain compelling to me, but this particular case undermines all of that for me, leaving a lasting sense of disappointment that tarnishes his character entirely.

-Mod

[scalacaelumxx]

Who are your top 3 favorite KH characters? ✨

I'm going to try not to ramble on this forever but thank you so much for sending this ask in! I apologize in advance for the can of worms you have opened.

Vidar (Spoilers for Dark Road incoming) Probably the least surprising thing, but currently Vidar is my top favorite. I'm fairly new to the mobile games, and full disclosure, I did not like him when I first saw him. Eraqus was so upset by Vor leaving (even though it was her own choice) that I genuinely felt for him, and therefor didn't approve of Vidar "taking" her away. But continuing the story and learning that he and his friends were so close to achieving what they had been training for for years, only for it to end in the death of not one of his friends, but four of them. And he can't bring himself to strike down what caused their deaths, because Baldr is just a kid and he (presuming that one line was about Hoder) can't bear to face her if something happened to him after she died trying to protect him His character is interesting, he's got a killer design, you can tell how much he cared about his friends, and the tragedy of risking everything to save someone for your friend, only to die by that person's hand trying to protect the friends you have left. I could talk about him for 22 hours a day.

Saix/Isa I know I don't post about him a lot, but Saix (or Isa) has been one of my favorite characters since my friend introduced me to Kingdom Hearts when I was a kid. If it wasn't for Vidar, he'd still be in the top spot! There's just something about how ruthless he was in kh2 and Days. How brutally honest and blunt his deliveries were, and how his boss fight involves catching you off guard with mechanics that don't seem to suit what you've seen of him until you really look at it and realize it does. His relationship with Axel is hilarious on surface level and depressing when you go deeper. His relationship of being Xemnas' right-hand man (next to Xigbar) while also plotting to betray him is so intriguing. And then seeing those sharp eyes and the barbed words and the ruthlessness in him and seeing those compared to the kid who made fun of his best friend and wanted to explore places he wasn't supposed to be in and help someone he had just met is heartbreaking. I loved his redemption in kh3, subtle in the background as it was, and I'm hoping to see more of him trying to be a better person and make it up to Roxas and Xion in 4.

Zexion/Ienzo This one caught me so off guard. I had gotten back into the fandom after a long while and was replaying through the old games to get caught up and Zexion blindsided me in Re:CoM. He was secretive and quiet, but really held no animosity towards Sora or Riku. Which, compared to the rest of the Organization in the castle, stood out a lot. Considering this, he really didn't deserve the death he got, which is still pretty brutal for a Kingdom Hearts death. Then he comes back and immediately throws everything he has into helping the heroes. They were more of a means to an end before, rather than true enemies, and despite their reservations about him he has no problems spending all of his time and resources into helping them stop Xehanort. He was just a kid when he helped start the fall of Radiant Garden but he still feels so guilty and wants to atone so badly. Plus you get extra angst in the "didn't have a heart for 10 odd years and now suddenly has one and is feeling" department.

Runner ups include: Baldr, Vali, Xaldin/Dilan, Vexen/Even, and Terra!

[kudosmyhero]

Batman (vol. 1) #493: Knightfall, part 3: Redslash

Read Date: September 21, 2023 Cover Date: May 1993 ● Writer: Doug Moench ● Penciler: Norm Breyfogle ● Inker: Norm Breyfogle ● Colorist: Adrienne Roy ● Letterer: Tim Harkins ● Editor: Dennis O'Neil ◦ Jordan B. Gorfinkel ●

**HERE BE SPOILERS: Skip ahead to the fan art/podcast to avoid spoilers (👏=didn't like it, 👏👏=it was ok, 👏👏👏=I liked it, 👏👏👏👏=I really liked it!, 👏👏👏👏👏=I loved it!)

Reactions As I Read: ● if Mad Hatter, Amygdala, Ventriloquist, and Film Freak are “major” ones, what does Batman call the likes of Joker? ● lol wut:

● if everyone had followed the lead of the woman who wanted to fight, they could have probably done something against Zsasz. ● Batman is losing it ● 👏👏👏👏

Synopsis: Batman is aware that his strength and resolve are fading with every escaped Arkham Asylum inmate he encounters. He knows that Bane has orchestrated this situation to wear him down.

Victor Zsasz has found his way to a boarding school where he plans to add some of the girls to his tally of kills. Many of the girls escape out the back, but there are still fifteen or so trapped inside with the serial killer. After failing to hear from the officer he sent inside, Stan Kitch sends another officer in. The officer encounters his predecessor, with his throat cut. Unfortunately, Zsasz sneaks up on him, and gives him the same fate. Meanwhile, the girls left unattended plot to bring down their hostage-taker.

Bullock and Montoya arrive on the scene, asking the situation. Kitch checks the status of his officers on the inside, but Zsasz angrily responds on the police radio, and throws the two dead officers' bodies out the window onto a police car. He threatens that two girls will have to die in order to pay for the two transgressions the police have made.

Batman arrives, telling the police to stand down. Bullock comments to Montoya that Batman isn't looking well, but she is nowhere to be found. Batman activates his night-vision, and when he hears a sound from a classroom, he opens the door, only to find a pair of hands around his neck. His assailant turns out to be Robin, who has come against his mentor's wishes. Robin reveals that he's met Bird, one of Bane's lackeys. Batman allows him to chase Bird, so long as he doesn't directly confront Bane.

Zsasz returns to his hostages, preparing to select two new victims. The girls attack him, but most are so paralyzed with fear that he easily overpowers them, and puts a knife to a girl's neck. Suddenly, Renée Montoya appears in the doorway with her gun trained on the killer. Zsasz views her appearance as a challenge. Montoya offers herself in exchange for the girl's life.

When Zsasz gets his knife to Montoya's throat, Batman bursts through the window. Zsasz claims that he and Batman are the same, as Montoya shouts that he should simply take Zsasz out rather than worry about her. Zsasz's words start to get to Batman, and he falters. However, Zsasz's confidence makes him careless, and Montoya headbutts him. The serial killer escapes into the dark hallway, and Batman is nearly stabbed. Batman retaliates in full force. Zsasz mocks Batman, calling on the Dark Knight to cross the line and kill him. Batman refuses, but fails to realize how brutally he is beating Zsasz, and how close to killing him he is.

Montoya calls Batman off, and he escapes. Bird reports back to Bane that the Batman is looking especially haggard.

(https://dc.fandom.com/wiki/Batman_Vol_1_493)

Fan Art: Victor Zsasz on the loose by phil-cho

Accompanying Podcast: ● Everyone Loves the Drake - episode 31