#and its a little jarring for me honestly to see the place i grew into my identity be so open abt this when not even 5 years ago it was such

[aihoshiino]

chapter 157 thoughts

Chapters Since The 143 Kiss Happened And Went Entirely Unacknowledged And Unaddressed Count: 14… IN THIS CHAPTER OF ALL CHAPTERS…????

Aqua Hoshigan Status: White

Congrats to 157 for taking 144's crown as the Oshi no Ko chapter that has vexed and confused me the most. Taken entirely in isolation, it's a sweet, lowkey, calm before the storm moment… but it's entirely because it stands in such stark isolation from the events surrounding it that it feels so baffling. It's like an amped up version of the issues with 156 - when viewed in isolation, you can't strictly say there's anything wrong with it, but as a part of the sequential storytelling of Oshi no Ko it just feels off. I'm reminded of the weird, off-kilter pacing of the Movie Arc, where story beats fell at weird places as if the story was falling out of tempo with itself. Because of that, this chapter review is probably going to be a bit disjointed but tbh besties i am fighting for my life on this one

I will say at the top of things though that it's darkly funny to me that we're fastforwarding through so much of the B-Komachi tour lol. Offscreen no Ko strikes again!

Honestly, this chapter in general kind of defies any attempt at a beat by beat analysis though that does seem to largely be by design. As the chapter title suggests, this is simply some pagetime spent on letting us stew in what a calm, ordinary day looks like for the twins and for what it is, it's sweet and chill. Taken on its own there isn't really a ton to pick apart, other than just pointing at what moments I found cute which was like 90% of them. I want a 5 chapter mini arc of AQRB goofing around at the grocery store and squabbling over the cooking together.

I also really like that Aqua is the one to suggest doing something nice for Miyako and that he joins Ruby in waiting up for her to get home and see it. It feels like a sweet and warm acknowledgement of the subtle shift in their relationship after 155, with the two of them properly stepping into their roles as parent and child.

As nice as this chapter is though, it does kind of feel like too little too late. One of the major complaints across the series (that I do largely agree with) is that Aqua and Ruby's day-to-day dynamic is for the most part underbaked and that the two of them don't really feel like people who grew up in the same household for 16+ years. I think a few more moments like this properly threaded through the manga would have helped but… well, considering OnK's pacing, do I really want to encourage much more downtime…

Moving on from the things I liked, as cute as this chapter was it's also just kind of weird that so much of it feels like the framing device is a recap episode lol. I guess it isn't the worst idea in the world to have one as we're heading into the final stretch of the story but… well, again, see my point above about weird pacing.

It's also just baffling as fuck to see Ruby frame these events in a way that distinctly did not happen lol. Like, sure, she was definitely having fun doing idol stuff for a lot of it but seeing her so warmly gas up stuff like Tokyo Blade when the anime airing right now is reminding us that Aqua was going through the SpongeBob horror hallway the entire time is so jarring - especially when Aqua (and thus, implicitly, the narrative) agrees with her. I mean, fuck, even putting Aqua aside it's WILD to see Ruby framing "Dig Deep" as having been fun for her when her major contribution to the show was manipulative drama stirring for the purposes of chasing clout that she herself said was having an impact on her mental health. I've criticized the story for the ways Ruby's black hoshigan arc amounted to nothing but there's a special kind of infuriating in seeing it specifically call back to that arc and still fail to actually acknowledge any wrongdoing on Ruby's part.

This is part of a much bigger trend in OnK right now of Ruby being super coddled by the narrative and coming off in some really unpleasant ways as a result. I didn't mention it last chapter but something that's been percolating in my brain since after I wrote my review is just how fucking bonkers Ruby's total non-respose to Mem's situation is. "Oh, you're getting stalked by the press? Sucks to be you, thank god I'm Miyako's special little favourite tho 🙏". Not only is this just kind of a shitty response to begin with but it feels insane coming from a person like Ruby who, you know, saw her mother's life blighted and then ended by this kind of treatment. No concern for Mem, tho!

Idk. I don't want to dislike Ruby but man. A lot of the ways Akasaka has been playing favourites with her lately has the effect of Ruby coming off, in universe, like a deeply self centered and callous person in ways I don't think narrative intends or even realizes and thus fails to interrogate in a satisfying way. But that's a rant for another day. And I'm pretty sure you guys already know what today's rant is gonna be. Which is to say, uh…

HEY. AKASAKA. ARE THEY GONNA TALK ABOUT… ANY OF WHAT HAPPENED IN THE MOVIE ARC?? ANYTHING AT ALL????

This is what I meant when I said this chapter utterly fucking bamboozled me. The way the story has contorted itself into knots to avoid letting Aqua and Ruby have a conversation even when they're literally in the same room is already insane, but giving us an entire chapter of them alone together with ample opportunity to have any sort of meaningful discussion as to the gigantic elephant in the room looming over their relationship and……. literally nothing happens???

This is made even more insanity inducing by the fact that this is, as stated above, more or less a recap chapter and not only does Ruby talk about the movie specifically but we even SEE a flashback to the HikAi kiss…. but not the one Ruby jumpscared him with at the end of 143!!!

What the fuck is even going on anymore? Was it retconned? Resolved offscreen?? Did we collectively hallucinate it??? Is Akasaka gaslighting us????

If nothing else, this chapter has proved to me once and for all that whatever goes on with Aqua and Ruby, that resolution is going to come entirely at the speed of plot, as and when Akasaka decides to do it and not when it would be natural and organic for development to occur. This is an issue that has plagued Aqua and Ruby's r/s from the start, where Akasaka simply refuses to let them communicate, seemingly for the purposes of drawing out the drama rather than because of any narrative justification. So I'm giving on predicting what direction their relationship is going in and what the outcome is going to be. The inner machinations of Aka Akasaka's mind are a mystery to me.

To pre-pick some nits before I leave off… I've seen some people calling this a 'Tanabata chapter' and insisting this is intentional/foreshadowing aquruby end/etc and uh… sorry to be that guy but no it's not lol. Even accounting for the differences in calendars that scatters Tanabata celebrations across July and August, August's Tanabata falls on the 10th this year - and even in the anime world, celebrations across Japan took place on the 'official' date of 7/7. And while there is a Tanabata festival being held in Sendai today… that's just in Sendai, which is all the way up in northern Japan, nowhere near Tokyo where the series is set (and which itself had its Tanabata celebrations on the weekends surrounding 7/7 as per usual.)

There's also just the fact that this chapter… has nothing to do with Tanabata? There's no imagery or iconography and it takes place in the middle of December lol. I simply don't think it was intentional at all on Akasaka's part. It's a cute coincidence, sure, but still just a coincidence.

break next week. i love biweekly manga, oshi no ko.

[woeismyhoe]

I'm gonna preface this by saying I have no problem with representation. I love queer stories, especially when they're organic and natural. I'm bi, and I've had fulfilling relationships with women as well as men. Honestly, I would love a spin-off on Brimsley and Reynolds. It didn't feel.....forced. the characters were new and their story grew organically. Michaela? No. I'm trying to articulate how I feel without sounding like I hate the queer community because I genuinely don't. I appreciated Benedict's story line even if it was a little jarring. He's exploring, experimenting and that's fine. It still doesn't take away from his story. But the introduction of Michaela felt like a guy punch. It felt wrong. I've never particularly like gender swapping in stories based on an original IP, because it changes a lot of dynamics. It changes a lot of story lines. And yes, it's fiction, but I'm sorry I cannot get over it, especially when it's such a blatant case of pandering. It makes me feel as if I'm wrong to question this change and I've somehow internalised homophobia. If so, then why wouldn't I hate other queer characters or be similarly uncomfortable?

Okay I think I can make my argument clear with an example. If anyone has seen the movie Love Lies Bleeding, I think they'll get it. The sexual orientation of the characters didn't matter. It felt right. And it was not important to the story. It was just an established dynamic and we could enjoy the plot easily. It wouldn't have mattered if it was a heterosexual couple or a homosexual couple, the story is largely unchanged. If Michael becomes Michaela, here's the issues I see. Who inherits Kilmartin. We've already established an estate will go to the next male heir if the current owner dies. A major part of Michael's story was his guilt over his inheritance and his imposter syndrome. His story arc taking his place in parliament. It's all gone. I mean, I know the show isn't interested in the plots other than the main character pairing but this felt so wrong. If they wanted a lesbian lead, the just make another show with original characters why force this? I'm not looking forward to Francescas season at all. I'm sure a lot of people will like it and that's their prerogative but for me, personally, the only thing keeping the story moving forward is Benedict. Maybe Eloise. But I feel like the story of the show has lost its charm and has dug itself into a hole like Disney or marvel

I’m going to try to be respectful as possible. As a lesbian, it’s deeply concerning and infuriating to me how so many people including ppl from the community have internalized misogyny and homophobia to queer women. Just because you support and don’t have an issue with queer male stories doesn’t mean you can’t be homophobic to queer female stories. Just because you’re bi doesn’t mean you can’t be homophobic. Why do you think majority of mlm stories are consumed by women? Why are the stories written and targeted towards women instead of the couple’s own community?

There’s an issue going on right now where many fans are okay and THRILLED with Benedict being bi and sleeping with a man, yet complaining about Francesca and Michaela— both have revealed that they have a potential to turn into queer stories. But no one’s batting an eye to Sophie being erased for Benedict’s potential gay partner. People are more okay with a lesbian Eloise than Francesca, and maybe because Eloise fits the stereotype more than Francesca. Why????

Maybe you need to reflect on why you’re feeling this way since you’re clearly favoring queer male stories over queer female stories. Why is a straight male character’s arc more important than a sapphic character who can go through the same arc and even MORE? Why are you okay with Benedict but not with Francesca? Why does Brimsley and Reynolds feel natural but Francesca and Michael is forced and pandering? Why is making sapphic representation pandering unless it’s based on stereotypes, but not gay representation?

This is Bridgerton. They made POCs part of the elites, it’s not historically accurate, the medicine and technology isn’t historically accurate. I see no reason why they won’t change the law at some point for it to be possible for a woman to inherit titles and estates. Even if they don’t go into that direction, I’m pretty sure there’s a lot more story to explore for a sapphic character.

There’s so many variants of Michael in other stories and media, he’s not special. But Michaela?? How many stories are there even in the mainstream media where we get a happy WLW couple that doesn’t end in tragedy? Literally 0. There’s no happy ending anywhere in popular media because Bury Your Gays is the default fate of every queer female story that gets even slightly popular. You say make a new show with sapphic characters yet 90% of the time they get cancelled after the first season and this is something we’ve been dealing with for decades and trying to call out.

So again, why is a straight couple’s story more important to you than a WLW couple who can offer a more unique, nuanced portrayal of yearning, desire, betrayal to one’s self, crisis of faith, even loss of identity and room to show politics in the Bridgerton world like how they did with Queen Charlotte— and make a bigger impact on how the public perceives queer women?

You’re uncomfortable with a queer female character changing what you know and are familiar with in the books— that she can’t possibly compare to what a male character can offer. It’s ironic how awfully similar that sounds to homophobes who can’t accept the existence of queer women in society because god forbid a woman can do what a man can for a woman, or even do better.

Don’t watch it if you don’t want to. The rest of us will feel valued and seen and enjoy it together when the season comes out while you distance yourself further from the sapphic community.

TLDR; Queerness makes the story richer than any straightness will.

[sara-likes-things]

I'm gonna preface this by saying I have no problem with representation. I love queer stories, especially when they're organic and natural. I'm bi, and I've had fulfilling relationships with women as well as men. Honestly, I would love a spin-off on Brimsley and Reynolds. It didn't feel.....forced. the characters were new and their story grew organically. Michaela? No. I'm trying to articulate how I feel without sounding like I hate the queer community because I genuinely don't. I appreciated Benedict's story line even if it was a little jarring. He's exploring, experimenting and that's fine. It still doesn't take away from his story. But the introduction of Michaela felt like a guy punch. It felt wrong. I've never particularly like gender swapping in stories based on an original IP, because it changes a lot of dynamics. It changes a lot of story lines. And yes, it's fiction, but I'm sorry I cannot get over it, especially when it's such a blatant case of pandering. It makes me feel as if I'm wrong to question this change and I've somehow internalised homophobia. If so, then why wouldn't I hate other queer characters or be similarly uncomfortable?

Okay I think I can make my argument clear with an example. If anyone has seen the movie Love Lies Bleeding, I think they'll get it. The sexual orientation of the characters didn't matter. It felt right. And it was not important to the story. It was just an established dynamic and we could enjoy the plot easily. It wouldn't have mattered if it was a heterosexual couple or a homosexual couple, the story is largely unchanged. If Michael becomes Michaela, here's the issues I see. Who inherits Kilmartin. We've already established an estate will go to the next male heir if the current owner dies. A major part of Michael's story was his guilt over his inheritance and his imposter syndrome. His story arc taking his place in parliament. It's all gone. I mean, I know the show isn't interested in the plots other than the main character pairing but this felt so wrong. If they wanted a lesbian lead, the just make another show with original characters why force this? I'm not looking forward to Francescas season at all. I'm sure a lot of people will like it and that's their prerogative but for me, personally, the only thing keeping the story moving forward is Benedict. Maybe Eloise. But I feel like the story of the show has lost its charm and has dug itself into a hole like Disney or marvel

I can see why you feel that way, for me its kinda like that but more so how they went about it.

I dont mind the gender swap but hate the way they went about it, diminishing the relationship francesca has with lord killmartin when they spent all season saying to violet and us how love stories are different but that doesnt mean theyre not as good but then go and do exactly the opposite??? I think if instead of francesca michaela reacted the way fran did then it would be less jarring because at the end of it its the same dynamic, but making fran react like that after just getting married means she doesnt really love lord killmartin as much as she told her mom and thats a problem.

Also i think the problem with the gender swap its that it doesnt really work with the overall story of francesca haha like if they wanted to gender swap one character there was sophie or maybe try that change with eloises story, you know, stories were someone getting pregnant isnt necessary.

I do believe bridgerton has lost some of the aspects that made it so good, the production feels cheaper and the writing too modern and simple, it feels like another show but even if im not that excited as before i know im gonna keep watching so 😐

[a--a---a]

I'm gonna preface this by saying I have no problem with representation. I love queer stories, especially when they're organic and natural. I'm bi, and I've had fulfilling relationships with women as well as men. Honestly, I would love a spin-off on Brimsley and Reynolds. It didn't feel.....forced. the characters were new and their story grew organically. Michaela? No. I'm trying to articulate how I feel without sounding like I hate the queer community because I genuinely don't. I appreciated Benedict's story line even if it was a little jarring. He's exploring, experimenting and that's fine. It still doesn't take away from his story. But the introduction of Michaela felt like a guy punch. It felt wrong. I've never particularly like gender swapping in stories based on an original IP, because it changes a lot of dynamics. It changes a lot of story lines. And yes, it's fiction, but I'm sorry I cannot get over it, especially when it's such a blatant case of pandering. It makes me feel as if I'm wrong to question this change and I've somehow internalised homophobia. If so, then why wouldn't I hate other queer characters or be similarly uncomfortable?

Okay I think I can make my argument clear with an example. If anyone has seen the movie Love Lies Bleeding, I think they'll get it. The sexual orientation of the characters didn't matter. It felt right. And it was not important to the story. It was just an established dynamic and we could enjoy the plot easily. It wouldn't have mattered if it was a heterosexual couple or a homosexual couple, the story is largely unchanged. If Michael becomes Michaela, here's the issues I see. Who inherits Kilmartin. We've already established an estate will go to the next male heir if the current owner dies. A major part of Michael's story was his guilt over his inheritance and his imposter syndrome. His story arc taking his place in parliament. It's all gone. I mean, I know the show isn't interested in the plots other than the main character pairing but this felt so wrong. If they wanted a lesbian lead, the just make another show with original characters why force this? I'm not looking forward to Francescas season at all. I'm sure a lot of people will like it and that's their prerogative but for me, personally, the only thing keeping the story moving forward is Benedict. Maybe Eloise. But I feel like the story of the show has lost its charm and has dug itself into a hole like Disney or marvel

I think your points are really valid. Wanting the show to be closer to the books (and the original storyline) makes sense, especially if that's why you liked that story.

From what I have heard there are specific things in the books that won't work with a wlw storyline in the show, but I don't actually know the specifics. (✨I only read RMB and TVWLM✨. I'm sorry. I suck, I know.)

I very much want a wlw relationship in the show, but I don't really care which story it is. This is just a very obvious lead.

I'm hoping that Michaela is still Michael in some sense, whether it be as a trans love story (but I don't think the actress is trans so prob not) or as a Mulan-type story, where Michaela takes over the Earl-ship as Michael, an estranged cousin back after John's death. Michael and Francesca love in secret (because time period), and to the public she is Michael (or twins or something idk so she has to be both - like She's the Man) and at home she is Michael. Their Scottish home in the hills in basically bumblefuck? Excellent for concealing your wlw romance. And I could just imagine the Bridgertons knowing and still accepting it.

There is a theory that Michaela is a twin, but it's very obv they're going for wlw if Francesca's reaction is anything.

I'm sorry they're changing the story out of what you were wanting, but I hope you still find satisfaction in whatever they decide to make.

[fairlywonderful]

I'm gonna preface this by saying I have no problem with representation. I love queer stories, especially when they're organic and natural. I'm bi, and I've had fulfilling relationships with women as well as men. Honestly, I would love a spin-off on Brimsley and Reynolds. It didn't feel.....forced. the characters were new and their story grew organically. Michaela? No. I'm trying to articulate how I feel without sounding like I hate the queer community because I genuinely don't. I appreciated Benedict's story line even if it was a little jarring. He's exploring, experimenting and that's fine. It still doesn't take away from his story. But the introduction of Michaela felt like a guy punch. It felt wrong. I've never particularly like gender swapping in stories based on an original IP, because it changes a lot of dynamics. It changes a lot of story lines. And yes, it's fiction, but I'm sorry I cannot get over it, especially when it's such a blatant case of pandering. It makes me feel as if I'm wrong to question this change and I've somehow internalised homophobia. If so, then why wouldn't I hate other queer characters or be similarly uncomfortable?

Okay I think I can make my argument clear with an example. If anyone has seen the movie Love Lies Bleeding, I think they'll get it. The sexual orientation of the characters didn't matter. It felt right. And it was not important to the story. It was just an established dynamic and we could enjoy the plot easily. It wouldn't have mattered if it was a heterosexual couple or a homosexual couple, the story is largely unchanged. If Michael becomes Michaela, here's the issues I see. Who inherits Kilmartin. We've already established an estate will go to the next male heir if the current owner dies. A major part of Michael's story was his guilt over his inheritance and his imposter syndrome. His story arc taking his place in parliament. It's all gone. I mean, I know the show isn't interested in the plots other than the main character pairing but this felt so wrong. If they wanted a lesbian lead, the just make another show with original characters why force this? I'm not looking forward to Francescas season at all. I'm sure a lot of people will like it and that's their prerogative but for me, personally, the only thing keeping the story moving forward is Benedict. Maybe Eloise. But I feel like the story of the show has lost its charm and has dug itself into a hole like Disney or marvel

You are not even giving it a chance though, just write it off immediately. Do you not think that the writers didn’t contemplate the same questions about the plot as you have and yet still decided to do these changes? Do you not think Julia Quinn didn’t hear about these discussions and then still said she’s excited for what’s coming?

We won’t be getting Francesca’s season for a minimum of 4 or 5 more years, that is if she’s the one after Benedict. Yet here you are, not even giving it a chance and just writing it off entirely. To me and to many others it did not feel forced at all, maybe because I understood after the changes they made from the books in s1 and s2 that this won’t be a very strict adaptation but a good show regardless.

On the internalised homophobia point, I literally do not know who you are so I’m can’t say anything to your experience but it’s kinda weird to start of by saying that Benedict’s story is jarring and only being acceptable because he will still end up in a nice heterosexual love story, saying Francesca being a lesbian lead is not acceptable in this show (maybe in others shows other characters can be, but not in this one, oh no) when nothing has been said about her orientation (she literally just married a man? at this point she’s most likely bi but we don’t know anything yet) and giving an example of an acceptable queer story being only one where their sexuality didn’t matter and not important to the story.

Lastly, and I hope if nothing else, this will stick with you: if you see a fellow queer person being upset about the rampant homophobia in a comment section, wishing that queer, especially female, characters could exist in a mainstream show without people literally stopping to watch the show and not even giving them a chance, please PLEASE do not go into their ask doubling down on what they are upset about.

You expressed your opinion, great, thanks for sharing. But now what? If you are not giving the upcoming seasons a chance because Benedict story change is jarring and Francesca will be romantically involved with a woman, that’s on you.

Don’t give it a chance for all I care. I will give them a chance because to me their meeting was cute. I think Benedict’s discovering his bisexually was super interesting because since the abandoned artist plotline from s1, not much has been happening with him. I’m interested in seeing how the writers will write the story. I’m interested in what emotions the characters will experience. I’m interesting in learning more about the world of bridgerton and how queer people can fit in. I’m interested in the love stories, regardless of gender or orientation and trust that the writers will write something if not great, at least interesting.

I hope you will find a show that you can enjoy because it doesn’t dig itself into a hole by making characters queer.

[sparrow-orion-writes]

Happy WBW! Today's is incredibly niche, but what does your world's gratitude look like? Are large acts of thanks required or scorned? Do most people find it polite to express thanks? Or, if that's a little much, how about your characters? What are their feelings toward giving and receiving gratitude?

I loved this question so much and now that's everyone else's problem, please get ready for an essay.

Arcadian Wilds:

Ari

Ari grew up in a world where respect was owed without cause. Thankfulness was something expected, required, whether or not the individual sees reason to give thanks. It makes being thankful into a chore. I wrote a little thing here:

He remembers his mother telling him he was to marry at sixteen. He remembers the false gratitude behind the building, frustrated grief of his own powerlessness.

As for how gratitude was expressed in his culture, it was largely through gifts. The value of the gift in proportion to that of the thanks given.

Giving gifts to the goddess was a more spiritual matter. They believed that they were giving pieces of themselves in a more metaphysical way, than leaving actual gifts.

April

On the opposite end, April comes from a place where nothing is really expected of anyone. People fall into places they belong and pass the time. Giving thanks was never really very high on his list, however there's an important distinction to make for April between giving thanks to people, and giving thanks to the gods, and also, in April's unique case, animals too.

April had largely grown up waiting to die, he realised. He can't remember ever even being acknowledged as a living person. Maybe that's why he rarely wanted the help of others. He's not sure he ever learned how to say thank you.

Vs

He held out his hand to stop Ember in his tracks. "Don't step on any jars - the offerings - to the forest people." He'd left a few in his time here before. His way of saying thank you for his own knowledge; something that only half makes sense to him now. Even if he did, or didn't believe, just in case it seemed only right.

Vs

"Thank you for not biting me," April muttered, staring into the large pincers with surprising calmness. To solidify this, he threw it half of his sandwich, which it took gratefully and scurried off.

Released:

Mallory:

This man is a walking train wreck, this is important. He's overly thankful. People walk all over him and he's like cheers for that. Get this man some therapy. Or don't because whatever wrong with him is more interesting.

Thìodran's Acolytes:

Blood. Many blood. Lots of flesh?? Honestly general cult stuff when it comes to giving thanks to an eldritch apocalyptic god.

Dieredredah's Witches

Kindness to bugs, especially spiders. Reverence of the small and mundane. Divination.

Cardinal Sins

Tulip and Aspen:

Aspen thanks Tulip by offering its hand. Tulip thanks Aspen by sinking his teeth into the offered flesh.

And honestly that's all that matters rn.

[where-theres-smoak-2]

The fact that Mal wanted a farm was a craving from when he was little according to Alina in the Season 1 scene, and Alina's maps ended up making him want to travel. At least, that's the best explanation I have.

These two were really similar asks so I decided to put them together. I get what you are both saying but I still think that the writers didn't do a good enough job of showing M*l's change in aspirations. Alina in season 1 doesn't specify that it was M*l's dream when he was little, she said he 'always' wanted to settle on a farm, its that continuation, he talked about it when he was little but he talked about it as they grew up and when they were in the first army and even when they reunited in between him being in the trenches and that is where my confusion comes in. M*l says that when he was in the trenches Alina's drawings made him wonder what the world was like and this seems to have inspired this new dream to travel but my question is why did he never tell alina this when coming back from the trenches? That's his best friend yet he never tells her that he actually would like to travel in the future.

But then from the way Alina was talking in season 1 we don't even know if she ever told M*l about her dream of wanting to travel. To me it was just an odd choice to have this line in season 1 and then to go a completely different track in season 2, it just felt too jarring to me. At best it makes it look like M*lina have poor communication skills with each other (which honestly I think they do but that's a whole other can of worms) and don't talk about their futures with each other which for best friends is just weird to me, I mean Alina is able to talk about it with Genya yet apparently doesn't know what M*l's true aspirations are?

Ultimately I don't think it matters a whole lot, I do think it was an odd choice to have that line in season 1 highlighting how M*lina have different dreams for the future, especially as it wasn't in the books, only to flip it in season 2. I think they just rushed the transition. I mean if they had M*l say that line about being in the trenches and seeing Alina's drawing and that making him wonder about the world. Then showed him experiencing and enjoying visiting Novyi Zem, him talking with Sturmhond's crew and learning more about a life at sea and then had that scene with Nikolai where he admits to being jealous of their lifestyle it might have worked better as it would show how having a little taste of what travelling was like influenced his change in his dreams. But they rushed it instead and all we got was two lines about how he does want to travel now after all. It would have been better if we saw a more gradual journey to M*l getting to that place instead it came across like they just retconned it to fit M*l into Alina's story again.

[bigyikes97]

Triangle, my beloved

This drama was a DUMPSTER FIRE that, in my opinion, crossed the line between just awful into some secret tier of amazing. It's the Sharknado of Kdramas. I have to tell you about this show.

First, the premise was amazing. A better writer could've made it the buzziest show of its season. You see glimmers of greatness all through it. However...

The story was NOT written in advance. It was written episode by episode according to input from online fans. And BOY, the results were INSANE. He loves her! He hates her! We need a love triangle! We're going to forget it happened! We can't figure out how to get him out of jail...so the next episode opens with a 2-year time skip and we move on!!

It was COMPLETELY unpredictable, with flat out continuity errors--I'm talking day/night errors, totally forgetting where characters were, cutting to people in the wrong places, people getting stabbed and left for dead and walking around the next day, the whole shebang. One character even completely forgot that he had very emotionally beaten another unconscious and been charged with "finishing him off" in front of a ring of watching gangsters that afternoon--IT CUT TO HIM STANDING IN HIS KITCHEN PEACEFULLY MAKING DINNER AT NIGHT IN DIFFERENT CLOTHES AND THE OTHER GUY WAS INEXPLICABLY FINE!

At that point, to me, it veered completely into comedy and I couldn't stop watching. The characters were a special highlight to me. Have you ever wanted to see a gangster played by Kim Jaejoong whose lipstick occasionally and unevenly turns distractingly pink or orange in-between takes? Now's your chance.

For Im Siwan's character in particular, it seems they were trying to go for a nuanced villain/anti-hero, but couldn't figure out what they wanted and so swung WILDLY between wanting to learn his family's business from the employee-level up, to wanting to escape, to being just some guy, to wanting to return as a mustache-twirling overlord...it was like a parody, and somehow it hit just the right wavelength of being hilarious. He saved it by apparently approaching each episode as a stand-alone concept and putting his whole heart into each week's iteration of the character. It was like, I don't know exactly what this guy is feeling because he's changed his entire motivation and MO like 3 times in 4 episodes, but boy is he feeling something!

(Also, nobody looked ANYTHING like their promo images. Wardrobe, hairstyles all totally different, it was hilarious.)

Towards the end, flashbacks grew longer and longer as the executives apparently quarreled over what material to include. As the actors started to have other encroaching deadlines because they were going over time, they couldn't execute even the plans they wanted, and the ending was completely in the air even as the final episodes were being filmed. Finally, at the end,

(SPOILER!!!)

A main character died in the first 10 minutes of the finale, from a tiny knife wound and in the arms of a trained emergency responder over an excruciatingly long period of time in which said responder did not do any kind of medical treatment or call an ambulance. Both of the other main characters had taken 5 times the damage of that tiny lil wound and bounced back without a scratch.

(END SPOILER!!!)

I mean for the first three episodes our main man was getting beaten to the point of death, stabbed multiple times and left for dead like every 15 minutes and then walking it off the next day:

so watching this other guy keel over from a tiny little cut was jarring and random to the point that it would've been comedic if all three actors hadn't also been acting with their whole hearts to make you forget the abysmal context and silliness of all that preceded.

Come to find out--that particular decision WAS random!! They had gone so far over time that the actor literally had to fly to France to film another show and so they just killed his character and changed the entire end of the story! Which is honestly just very on-brand for the rest of the show.

If you watch it as each scene by itself, each scene is awesome. If you watch it together? Reverse Gestalt theory!! It's somehow less than the sum of its parts!!! But still? Glorious. Also everyone is gorgeous which is definitely a perk.

To summarize, the process was basically a budgeted improv club on steroids in which everyone did their absolute best to keep pace with the bizarre new twists and act surprised each time the repetitive ones repeated. Vibes: Improv - The Office US - YouTube.

I didn't actually finish it; I think I watched the first 15 minutes of the last episode and then just recapped the end. But honestly? No regrets with the show, it's my favorite worst thing and my go-to for "bad" examples of writing and continuity when I'm tutoring. If you want to see some gorgeous faces and kill brain cells, you must watch Triangle, it's a riot.

(look at all that drama they brought to this dumpster fire! Loved it haha.)

[theonefairygodmother]

I'm gonna preface this by saying I have no problem with representation. I love queer stories, especially when they're organic and natural. I'm bi, and I've had fulfilling relationships with women as well as men. Honestly, I would love a spin-off on Brimsley and Reynolds. It didn't feel.....forced. the characters were new and their story grew organically. Michaela? No. I'm trying to articulate how I feel without sounding like I hate the queer community because I genuinely don't. I appreciated Benedict's story line even if it was a little jarring. He's exploring, experimenting and that's fine. It still doesn't take away from his story. But the introduction of Michaela felt like a guy punch. It felt wrong. I've never particularly like gender swapping in stories based on an original IP, because it changes a lot of dynamics. It changes a lot of story lines. And yes, it's fiction, but I'm sorry I cannot get over it, especially when it's such a blatant case of pandering. It makes me feel as if I'm wrong to question this change and I've somehow internalised homophobia. If so, then why wouldn't I hate other queer characters or be similarly uncomfortable?

Okay I think I can make my argument clear with an example. If anyone has seen the movie Love Lies Bleeding, I think they'll get it. The sexual orientation of the characters didn't matter. It felt right. And it was not important to the story. It was just an established dynamic and we could enjoy the plot easily. It wouldn't have mattered if it was a heterosexual couple or a homosexual couple, the story is largely unchanged. If Michael becomes Michaela, here's the issues I see. Who inherits Kilmartin. We've already established an estate will go to the next male heir if the current owner dies. A major part of Michael's story was his guilt over his inheritance and his imposter syndrome. His story arc taking his place in parliament. It's all gone. I mean, I know the show isn't interested in the plots other than the main character pairing but this felt so wrong. If they wanted a lesbian lead, the just make another show with original characters why force this? I'm not looking forward to Francescas season at all. I'm sure a lot of people will like it and that's their prerogative but for me, personally, the only thing keeping the story moving forward is Benedict. Maybe Eloise. But I feel like the story of the show has lost its charm and has dug itself into a hole like Disney or marvel

Completely understand your point and i don't think youre being homophobic.

Let's start from the major thing that separates you and me on the queer representation of this show: I'm a Bridgerton Netflix fan, I've read 3 of Julia Quinn's books so far and they all felt... wrong. Not because of the straight pairings but because of the normalization of violence she brings in her books. I love period books, I understand violent relationships are real and they happen, but romanticizing it is not really my deal. So basically I love how Netflix adapted the books because I hated the books, but for a reader who loves JQ stories and felt a connection to her stories, I understand the pure anger of not seeing your favorite part and favorite pairing, and worrying about how they'll adapt.

Second and minor difference between us: book adaptation. I'm a fan of adaptations, I love to see how shows change the books and how book adaptation change the series/movies. I'm the type of reader/watcher who always separates one work from the other because I want to see other visions of the same premisse, i want that work changed. And this is because I've concluded that no show will ever substitute the feeling I had when I first read the book; no book adaptation will ever be that special as the day I first watched the original movie. When School for Good and Evil was adapted into Netflix I was overjoyed even when they changed so many things, from the looks of the characters, to the interactions, to the plot organization, everything. I loved seeing things from the book and I loved seeing new and different views the writers and director had of that universe. So, even if I liked JQ's Bridgertons, I wouldn't have hated so much the changes.

Now back to the queerness: we could have had an original queer character like Brimsley and Reinolds. Cressida, though not original, could be a great representation because she checks all the boxes and her husband is of no importance since it was meanness to Penelope that made her any useful in the books. Going for the Bridgertons is also part of trying to answer the wants of the fandom (yup and i mean the lgbt part of it that crave representation, like myself). Just like they added the Yellow song or the mirror scene, Netflix is literally fucking around with fans wishes, they want to innovate the original material which they did by ruling out racism.

Now, I do understand you're sad about it. And I do understand they should have done a better job by creating new characters or adapting original lgbt books. But I'm so happy they're making a Bridgerton lgbt that I... I just want to see how fucked up or brilliant it can be. I was glad to read and write the fanfics (another one of my favorite adaptations form) and if you had told me that they would have made a Bridgerton lgbt two days ago I would have laughed at your face, I really didn't think they had the guts (or the wish of being killed by the original books fandom) to do it.

[quinnigallagherjones]

I'm gonna preface this by saying I have no problem with representation. I love queer stories, especially when they're organic and natural. I'm bi, and I've had fulfilling relationships with women as well as men. Honestly, I would love a spin-off on Brimsley and Reynolds. It didn't feel.....forced. the characters were new and their story grew organically. Michaela? No. I'm trying to articulate how I feel without sounding like I hate the queer community because I genuinely don't. I appreciated Benedict's story line even if it was a little jarring. He's exploring, experimenting and that's fine. It still doesn't take away from his story. But the introduction of Michaela felt like a guy punch. It felt wrong. I've never particularly like gender swapping in stories based on an original IP, because it changes a lot of dynamics. It changes a lot of story lines. And yes, it's fiction, but I'm sorry I cannot get over it, especially when it's such a blatant case of pandering. It makes me feel as if I'm wrong to question this change and I've somehow internalised homophobia. If so, then why wouldn't I hate other queer characters or be similarly uncomfortable?

Okay I think I can make my argument clear with an example. If anyone has seen the movie Love Lies Bleeding, I think they'll get it. The sexual orientation of the characters didn't matter. It felt right. And it was not important to the story. It was just an established dynamic and we could enjoy the plot easily. It wouldn't have mattered if it was a heterosexual couple or a homosexual couple, the story is largely unchanged. If Michael becomes Michaela, here's the issues I see. Who inherits Kilmartin. We've already established an estate will go to the next male heir if the current owner dies. A major part of Michael's story was his guilt over his inheritance and his imposter syndrome. His story arc taking his place in parliament. It's all gone. I mean, I know the show isn't interested in the plots other than the main character pairing but this felt so wrong. If they wanted a lesbian lead, the just make another show with original characters why force this? I'm not looking forward to Francescas season at all. I'm sure a lot of people will like it and that's their prerogative but for me, personally, the only thing keeping the story moving forward is Benedict. Maybe Eloise. But I feel like the story of the show has lost its charm and has dug itself into a hole like Disney or marvel

[truthundressing]

happy pride to my shithole of a hometown <3

[moony-to-ur-pads]

THE STAG

young jily pining—>fluff. first jily in a long time so enjoy lmao

@jilychallenge fic with the location: forbidden forest, prompt: “You got me stuck on the thought of you,” (Sunroof)

September, 1977 (Now)

A dry crack of split pine needles under-hoof was all she needed to know that it was here.

“You’re back,” Lily said, not bothering to turn around.

The crisp snap of needles grew heavier as it approached—a crescendo of pops and starts, like one of those little firecrackers she used to set off on Bonfire Night. Still, the bursts came in restrained, careful bursts, the hoof-falls of the creature being as well-practiced and delicately-placed as ever.

“I’ve no idea why you come back, you daft thing,” Lily said, as it drew to a stop—a massive, hulking presence at her side. “I’ve no food, I’ve told you that a million hundred times.”

It gave a soft, cheery snort and settled down onto the forest floor with a heavy thunk. Lily absently held out a hand and ran it down the reddish hide. She shifted her body to accomodate for the truly splendid display of antlers and shuffled into the stag’s side. It was certainly a lot more comfortable than the tangle of roots she’d been perching on for the past few minutes.

The stag slowly turned its head to her and Lily leaned back to avoid the array of potentially eye-piercing tines that swivelled around with it. It turned until one large, brown eye found hers, and held her gaze in a soft, inquisitive silence.

Lily knew what that meant: Well, out with it then, Evans.

A little white ago, she would think it completely bonkers to hold any kind of conversation with a random woodland beast. But now…

She couldn’t say that venting to this creature wasn’t comforting, at the very least. If nothing else, she knew this stag would never go around jabbering about her problems or stab her in the back. In fact, she doubted it understood her at all—although a less sane part of her insisted adamantly that its reactions were all too human for it to be entirely stupid.

But maybe that was wishful thinking. In truth, it was just nice to have somebody to talk to.

Lily sighed, and cleared her throat. “I’ve a predicament,” she told the stag. “It’s pretty terrible.”

It raised its head a little in reply, attention engaged.

“Honestly, it’s… a lot,” she continued, “And I think the best way out of the whole thing is if you stabbed me through with one of ‘em bloody antler-thingies, really—but judge for yourself, here, I’ll give you all the facts.”

…

February, 1975

Lily dropped the crumpled scrap of parchment to the earth and grinded it into the mushy leaf litter beneath her feet with a precisely twisted sneaker. She rubbed an elbow over her face and sniffled angrily, hating how the cold only made her nose run all the worse.

She was not upset. She was furious.

Helpless, and furious, and that only made her want to tear the bloody world to pieces all the more.

Lily dropped down onto the log behind her, taking a heavy seat on a pile of moss that immediately began to bleed into the back of her skirt. She shut her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

But that was when she heard footsteps.

It was unnerving, at the best of times, to hear a sudden noise in the silence of the Forbidden Forest. It was worse in the colder months, though. When the birds had gone dead quiet for the season—fled the snow for warmer parts—and the only sounds were the rough whisper of rustling firs in the wind.

In that dead cold quiet, the footsteps over autumn’s leaf litter were disarming, jarring. Yards away, and still they were as loud as if they’d sounded right behind her.

Lily had never been one to cry for the world to see. She was private corners and toilet loos, hair pushed over eyes to hide their rosy-red whites, sniffles and tears stifled on her sleeves until they stuck straight to her skin.

To think that someone had found her here, in this sacred place, this quiet place, this place where she could unmask her heart and let herself be free… it was terrifying. Infuriating.

Lily slipped her wand from her pocket and got to her feet in a swift motion—well-practiced, since a muggle-born had to be on her guard anyhow—and raised it as she turns towards the thing, person, whoever it may be.

It did not cross her mind that it might have been a some kind of dark magical creature—an acromantula, an angry centaur, a vampire—and indeed, she would have preferred that outcome, really. At least you could hex an animal, or scare it away. With a human being on the other hand, you had to be more careful, lest you were indicted for assault or murder.

Lily threw her hair back and scanned the woods behind her, where she’d heard the noise. They were lonely and dark, falling quickly into shadow beyond the confines of the little meadow—or more the parting in the trees—that she stood in. Lily squinted and searched the darkness, trying to make shape and figure come together from the shadow. Nothing.

Except, then—a sudden shift in the blackness. The movement of some tremendous body, with huge arms stretched above its head, and hoofed feet like a centaur's. Autumn leaves crinkled beneath its feet—softer than the sounds she'd heard before, but menacing as it timed its slow approach—and the shadows shifted across its skin as it pushed the darkness aside with those huge, branch-y arms.

It strode, powerful and delicate, into the light, and bit by bit the creature turned from black, to grey, to a deep muddy brown.

And Lily lost her breath, wand falling to her side.

The 'arms' she'd seen held straight above its head were really antlers, and they were magnificent—each three feet tall and ending in a regal burst of tines. It’s head was bowed, and dark brown eyes met hers with a powerful, commanding gaze. It stepped around fallen branches in its way with with meditated care—it looks very human, Lily thought, like a klutz trying very hard not to trip—and emerged with golden grandeur into the sunlight.

“Oh my god,” Lily whispered.

It stopped a mere yard in front of her and stretched an inquisitive muzzle in her direction. Her wand-less hand raised automatically to meet it, and Lily gingerly laid a hand on its snout.

“Oh my god oh my god oh my god.”

It let her run her hand down it’s muzzle, even pushing against her hand insistently like a cat when she tried to pull away.

“You like this, huh?” Lily murmured. She cleared her throat—there were tears blocking her words up like tar, resting heavy in the back of her mouth—and said, “You’re a bloody gorgeous thing, aren’t you?”

The stag gave a snort and Lily pulled away, thinking she’d spooked it, but it only raised its head, and looked rather proud of itself.

“Yeah, you’re magnificent,” Lily told it, and the stag stomped it’s hooves happily. “You’re gorgeous.”

It stepped around her and into the clearing, making way for the old log where Lily’d been sitting a moment earlier. Lily followed at a distance, still a little wary. To her surprise, it plonked down clumsily onto the earth next to the mossy log, and turned an antlered head slowly in her direction, eyes fixed as if to beckon her.

Lily walked over slowly, and regained her perch on the damp moss of the log. The stag gave a satisfied snort. It turned to the wet mush of leaves, snuffling at the patch of ground where the scrap of parchment twisted—shredded, cream against the muddy greyish brown—around the leaf litter.

Lily bit her lip, and watched it nudge curiously at the mess. “The idiots purists write things to the muggle-borns,” she mumbled. “It’s stupid, really. I shouldn’t let it get to me.”

The stag turned one huge head—slowly—to her, and fixed her with a gaze that was as soft as it was inquisitive.

“I guess it hits harder because I know it’s Sev’s idiot friends who send them. And he still hangs out with the lot, would you believe it? I mean.” She cleared ur throat again. “He’s meant to be my friend.”

The stag gives an affronted snort—almost a scoff—as if to say that no, it could not believe it. It could not believe that Severus would do such a thing to her. And no, neither could Lily.

“Yeah. He’s such a jerk.” She kicked out with her sneaker, and disintegrated the offending mush of parchment a little more. “He is so stupid. At least, I hope he is. Either he’s an idiot, or he really does agree with that lot. And I think I’d rather it the first, y’know?”

The stag gave a soft snort of agreement, and Lily smiled to herself, reaching out to lay a careful hand on the reddish mound of its back. It couldn’t understand her, she was sure of that. But the sentiment was sweet. In that moment, Lily didn’t think she had many better friends than this fine old stag.

…

Now

Lily lay her head on the stag’s side and gave a heavy sigh, her eyes fixed on the canopy of interwoven evergreen branches blocking out the light above them.

“It’s certainly a conundrum,” she told the stag. “See—I’m Head Girl this year, did you know?”

The stag gave a little grunt.

“I know, it’s amazing. The thing is—guess who they made Head Boy?”

The stag was silent.

“James Potter, would you believe it?”

More silence. Lily rolled over so she could see the back of its head and it’s antlers.

“And I know we’re friends now and all—I don’t hate him or anything, that’s not the problem. No… he’s actually quite pleasant.”

The stag gave a huff.

“Wait, no—the pleasantness, that might be the problem.” The stag turned to look at her, fixing her with a piecing gaze.

Lily tried not to blush over the next part. She bit her lip. “So… over summer, we owled a little… And Remus and I talked about Potters too. Oh, and… he’s so nice. He’s… he’s changed, so fucking much!”

She gave a frustrated groan and rolled back over to face the canopy.

“And I… I find myself thinking about him, a lot. Like, a lot a lot. It’s scary. Sometimes I don’t even realise I’m thinking about him… it’s like my mind just drifts there, and I’m sitting in class, and suddenly I haven’t heard a thing the Professor’s said for the past quarter hour because my minds been skipping on James Potter like a bloody broken record.”

She felt the stag’s chest move up and down beneath her, like the soft lulling of an ocean.

Lily took a deep breath, and squeezed her eyes shut to manage the last part. “Well fuck me dead, stag, because I think I like him!”

And then—possibly the strangest thing that had ever happened to Lily in the presence of the stag—it gave a startled bark and suddenly staggered to its feet, dumping her clean off its hide and to the forest floor.

Lily scrambled back and looked up at it, as it stomped its feet and turned around in a rather strange little routine she didn’t understand.

She’d leaned on it many, many times before. And she hadn’t poked it, or anything. Maybe it’d been spooked by a rat in the undergrowth?

“Woah, boy,” she said, clambering quickly to her feet. She knew that was what you were meant to say with horses. She hoped it worked with stags. “Woah! Calm down!”

The stag stomped in a circle and turned to her, lowering its head and nudging her lightly with its muzzle. Then, looking quite as if it’d fallen into some kind of craze, it turned and went deer-hopping off into the trees.

“Bye,” Lily said, unsurely, watching it disappear.

…

Now

Remus pressed his hand to his face. “And you just ran?”

James crossed his arms defensively. “I—yeah! I couldn’t stop myself! You know I can’t think straight when I’m a stag. They’re really quite dumb animals.”

“Well of course, the animagus form does mirror the wizard,” Sirius said with a smirk, splayed out across Remus’ bed like a starfish. “Isn’t that right, Moony?”

Remus rolled his eyes.

“Are you calling me stupid?” James said, indignant.

“If you have to ask—”

Remus held one hand up in a fist. “Morons!” They both fell quiet and turned to him. “Listen. This is serious business.”

Sirius opened his mouth with another smirk on his lips, but Remus sent him a death-glare powerful enough to shut him right up.

“Lily likes James. Do you know how long that idiot has pined for this?”

James frowned. “That was fifth-year James. New James doesn’t—”

“Don’t bother lying, darling,” Sirius drawled. “We all hear you talking in your sleep, you know.”

“It’s admirable that you’ve restrained your advances this year, but it’s also understandable that you can’t move on. I, better than anyone, know you unfortunately can’t control love.” Remus gave a resigned and dramatic sigh, but James could see that he was holding back a smile.

“What was that?” Sirius gasped, sitting up on his boyfriend’s bed with a huge pout plastered on his lips.

“Nothing, Pads,” Remus said, turning back to James. “How’re you going to approach this?”

James crossed his arms and rocked from shoe to shoe. “I… don’t know. Do I tell her I’m a stag?”

Remus laughed. “No way!”

“But you know I never meant to intrude like that! At least, not the first time! I walked in on her crying, and she liked it.”

“So you came back, and invaded again and again and again.”

“I don’t tell anyone what she tells me! Except this—but this is a special case. I just sit there, make sure she feels better, and leave. I’m sure she won’t mind it.”

“Lily Evans has her pride. She wouldn’t be able to bear it if any one of us had seen her cry. I’ve been friends with her ages, James, trust me. In third-year I found her crying over a guy and she threatened to obliviate me.”

“I concur,” Sirius said, solemnly raising his hand. “Unless you have a death wish, James-y…”

“Yes,” Remus picked up, “Unless you sincerely want to die, don’t you ever tell her that. It’ll be grounds for an instant divorce.”

James’ mouth fell open. “You think we’ll get married?!”

Sirius leapt to his feet. “I bags best man!”

Remus frowned. “Pads, I want to be—No, never mind! No body’s getting married, alright!”

James gasped. Ever?

“Yet,” Remus amended, and James smiled. “What we need,” Remus continued, heading over to sit on the bed Sirius had recently-vacated, “Is a plan. And possibly an exhaustive script, so you don’t fuck it up.”

Sirius eagerly joined Remus, lying belly-up at the foot of the bed like a dog. James sat down on the covers next to his friends.

“Well, what do you got then, Moons?”

…

Now

Lily enjoyed the quiet of the forest. Even when the stag wasn’t here to spill her secrets to. Sometimes she brought a book, and read it on the border of the woods. Sometimes, she brought nothing at all—just listened to the birdsong, and the whispers, and the quiet.

Today, she sat on the edge of the tree-line—two hundred yards or so down from Hagrid’s cabin—and watched the sunset. It was darkening fast, the sky steeling over with the soft ash cover of creeping twilight. The castle glowed, pockmarked with windows like glowing golden beacons, flooded with light that grew steadily brighter in the gathering darkness.

“Hello?”

A voice.

Lily pulled her wand out quickly and got to her feet, searching the forest behind her for the source of the voice.

“Lily!” it called.

The grip on her wand tightened. You didn’t trust just anybody, just because they knew your name.

She caught sight of something tramping through the darkness towards her, and raised her wand.

“Name yourself,” she said—calm, firm, practiced.

“James Fleamont Potter,” the voice said, and the figure emerged through the gap in the trees.

He smiled at her, ran a hand through his hair in that habitual way of his that had once infuriated her, and now was just a part of him. “The fact that I know my middle name at all should be enough to confirm my identity—it’s very classified information—but feel free to ask me a question if you need.”

Lily kept her wand raised, undeterred by his friendliness. She’d cooked up Polyjuice Potion in her fourth year—it wasn’t hard. “How’d ‘furry little problem’ come to be?” she asked him, after a moment’s deliberation.

“Sirius and I stole a rabbit from Hagrid for a prank,” James recited, in an almost-bored voice. “We called it our furry little problem, but you always thought we were referring to Moony’s thing. Then you referred to his lycanthropy as his ‘furry little problem’ when we were talking about it, we all got really confused, and then we worked out what you meant and the nickname was so good it stuck.”

Lily let out a breath and lowered her wand. “You passed.”

James grinned. “Merlin, all of you have to start thinking of better questions. I’ve been asked that one by Sirius and Peter and Remus.”

Lily sighed. “It’s hard to think of them so fast.”

“I know. I resort to ‘how’d we meet’ every time.”

“Oh, then it’s not like you can complain about mine. That’s horrid!”

James rolled his eyes.

“So what’re you doing out here, Potter?” she asked. “You’re not stalking me?”

“No,” James said, looking guilty enough that Lily was doubly suspicious.

“James,” she stressed, warningly, “You better not be trying to prank me.”

He shook his head. “No! Nothing like that! Evans—I’m Head Boy! You know those days are behind me!”

“So you didn’t switch out Rosier’s spider eyes with chopped up salamander shit on Thursday and watch his potion blow up?”

James snorted. “No, of course not! But it was funny, wasn’t it?”

Lily raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. “If you try to prank me I will hex your pants off.”

James blinked. Lily turned red.

“Arse off,” she said. “I’ll hex your bloody arse off.”

James blinked again. He took a step towards her, and suddenly she noticed that he was looking at her very, very strangely.

She didn’t like it. But she didn’t hate it.

It made her skin crawl. But it made her heart flutter.

“James…” she mumbled.

He looked as if he was about to throw up.

“Lilydoyouwanttomaybegetabeerwithme?” James gasped out.

Lily froze. “What?”

“A beer. Us?”

It was Lily’s turn to blink. “Us… how?”

“How? I—at Hogsmede, of—”

“No,” Lily interrupted. Her heart was thudding something crazy—she could hear it in her ears. She had to fight to keep from turning the colour of a ripe tomato. “I mean, how as in—in what way. Friends, or…?”

James’ eyes widened. “I—I don’t know,” he squeaked. “I don’t care! I—friends sure! Or—” James didn’t blush bright like her—it didn’t show so well on his brown skin—but she could see the slightest touch of redness now. He gulped.

Somehow, his nervousness emboldened her.

Lily giggled breathlessly. “Oi, don’t back out now, loser. You’re so close.”

James blinked. Took a deep breath. “Fuck me, Lily. This is torturing me.”

“Ask nicely, Potter. And properly,” she said, through horridly burning cheeks—she’d given up on holding the blush back.

“Lily darling Evans. My friend. My co-Head. Would you pretty please go to the Hog’s Head with me?”

She beamed, feeling dizzy and hot and so so free. “I will, James Potter. I will.”

[discet]

I Really Wish Sasha and Marcy had Haunted Season 3a

To start off, I actually really like a lot of what 3a had to offer. I loved the Boonchuy’s and all of their interactions. I liked a lot of the extended cast (though I think they could have cut a few in favor of giving the remaining more development). 

But I saw some discourse surrounding this gag from Escape and it got me thinking about why it struck nerve with people.

Honestly I think its cause a lot of people were waiting for any kind of sign that Anne was impacted by the events of True Colors. Outside of Anne and the Plantar’s, Sasha and Marcy are probably the most significant characters narratively speaking, especially to Anne. And the last thing Anne see’s before being teleported is Marcy getting impaled and Sasha stranded in a flying castle with no clear means of escape. So the fact that after episode 1 Anne doesn’t really think about them until the Christmas episode - and even then for it to be mostly about consideration for their parents - is kind of jarring. 

Now I didn’t need a scene where Anne breaks down under the weight of her trauma. I would have loved to get it, but I don’t think it really fits tonally speaking. 

But she is living right where they all grew up. Even if Anne is in hardcore denial over their fates, it feels off that she isn’t constantly being reminded of them. 

So I think that having the memory of Sasha and Marcy haunting Anne in small moments would have gotten a long way to alleviate some peoples frustrations. I think the best example from canon would be something like Hopping Mall, where most of the episode is just a fairly typical romp which suddenly gets very emotional at the end with Anne confiding how much she misses home. 

I think if we got 3 moments like this it would have removed most people’s concerns. Just some examples I was playing around with

1. The episode at the Mall, as their leaving, have Anne hang back a sec and spot a place where she and the girls had gotten Boba. 

2. Have them walking through the neighborhood and stop outside the Wu residence which has been put up for sale/lived in by new residents. 

This last one is admittedly a little more drastic a change, but I do think its a shame we didn’t get Anne interacting with any of her school mates outside of that gag with the newspaper club. 

3. Have Anne confront one of her bullies from school, standing up for herself without Sasha needing to intercede. With Anne being pensive about outgrowing the need for that protection.

Nothing that would overtake a normal episode, nothing that would deeply mar the mostly up beat tone they seemed to be aiming for with the LA episodes

I think now that we are officially leaving LA, I do think its a bit of a shame that this potential is officially squandered. I did enjoy Season 3A and am excited for the rest of 3b, just wanted to vent some thoughts.  

[hawksky]

You wake up on your ex's fire escape; wc 2.5k

A/N: I don't really know how to categorize this ? starts as funny, gets into angst with a happy/hopeful ending. I might write this again for another character and make it 0 angst but using Megumi just let this get away from me. Thank you @sixeyesgojo for reading through my first draft, it helped me edit a lot since 😘. Although I have not looked over the ending since I wrote it, I'm done working on this fic so sorry if it falls flat.

CW: Mentions of excessive alcohol consumption.

Suggested listening: song 1 and song 2 you can pick just one to cater your experience (they are VERY different vibes) or switch over around the shampoo situation.

Objectively, there were good ways to wake up. In the arms of a beautiful person, with cold sheets and a warm body, or with the scent of your favourite breakfast wafting through the air. No disrespect to mornings at all, there were good ways to wake up, you were mature enough to recognize this.

A perplexingly rough, wet, and warm sensation gliding across your cheek, while last night’s jeans dug into your waist, and there was a pounding in your head? It was fairly safe to say this was not a good way to wake up.

It spoke volumes for how out of it you were that it was only just beginning to register in your brain that you weren’t at home, you were not even on a bed, and that the continued licks across your face were the work of animal far too large to be one of your friends cats.

“Fucking hell you’re supposed to be intimidating” you hear a voice grumble without much heat behind it.

As you forced your eyes open you are met with an excited dog tapping its paws in excitement of your presence, and the man behind the half hearted grumble. His gaze was unmistakably familiar, but his expression could not be more foreign to you.

“uhm, Hi” you croaked out while plastering a wide grin in hopes he wouldn’t murder you.

His eyebrow raised on instinct in response. You knew he was waiting for you to explain what you were doing, but the reality was you didn’t have an answer.

“I wish I could explain, but honestly I’m not sure what happened – last thing I remember was being bought another shot… Wait, where am I exactly?” You were desperately hoping you came off as charming instead of pathetic given the circumstances.

“How out of it are you?” he scrunched his face in confusion as he muttered to himself. “You’re on my fire escape, it’s in Ikebukuro? Tokyo… Japan, in case you needed the reminder”

It felt infantilizing to have him scold you like this, which only made this next part all the more difficult. You were not supposed to be Ikebukuro. You were not supposed to be in Tokyo. You were supposed to be in Yokohama. What was even more concerning is that you were definitely not supposed to be on your old fire escape, the one connected to the apartment your ex still lived in.

As you painstakingly pushed yourself upright, a warm weight laid on your upper thigh, a furry face nuzzling into your stomach – you wondered if she was aware of tension between you and her owner. You scratched behind her ears, letting Jade know she was in fact a good girl despite the earlier reprimand from her owner.

As much as you’d love to spend the day sitting on a fire escape petting your ex’s dog, you had to go home, you just need to call –

Your phone. Where was your phone? You felt around frantically for your phone, only to come up with nothing. A light sense of panic bubbles in the pit of your stomach, only to be swiftly interrupted.

“it’s already charging, I plugged it in last night, you dropped in inches away from falling down”

So, he was still watching you despite having returned inside long ago. It was difficult for you to parse this sort of gesture, how caring could it be to plug someone’s phone in when you still left them to sleep outside? Maybe he was just doing everything he could to get rid of you. It was too much to try and analyze for someone who blacked out and woke up in a different city.

“Why did you come here?” you hear him bite out from inside. It sounds harsh, but it feels like his stange way of inviting you inside.

“I don’t know what you’ve picked up from these circumstances, but not knowing is kind of a part of the problem. Believe me, there’s no amount of conscious desperation that would leaf me to sleeping on a fire escape, even yours”

You glanced around the apartment to avoid his void expression; it was spotless. But it was even harder noticing, the turned over picture frames, your favourite quilt still on the back of the couch – remnants of the past living in the present.

This tension only increased as a mug of freshly brewed green tea was placed in front of you. How thoughtful to remember you hated coffee, to realize your throat was probably killing you – you would have tasted a creeping bitterness from all these emotions, if it wasn’t overpowered by what was the distinct taste of your favourite brand that had to be special ordered.

He had always complained, there were plenty of good options for tea at the grocery store, why wasn’t that enough for you? It was so much extra effort to special order from a tea shop across town, the only place that you were able to charm the owner into ordering for you.

“How are you still so fucking awful at taking care of yourself?” he spat the words out like an insult, it was jarring honestly. Despite the time away from each other, it was no less strange to feel his detachment.

He moved towards the door beckoning Jade to follow. “There’s a towel and change of clothes in the bathroom, you should probably take a shower. If I’m not back by the time you leave, just lock up before you go, I haven’t moved the spare key.” Without looking back or waiting for a response he left.

You were starting to recognize your growing frustration – you had known him how long? Dated and lived together for a not-insignificant amount of time? Yet here you were, no idea how to interpret this strange morning, much less his last comment. Did he want you to be here when he returned? Were you supposed to leave and act like you had never been there? Could he genuinely be as indifferent as he wanted you to believe? It pissed you that your feelings were probably plain on your face.

You searched for your phone, finding it on what used to be your side of the couch. It felt ridiculous to think you ever had a side of the couch, but you were both creatures of habit and slowly without even thinking you both made your own little sanctuary mere metres away from each other.

You awoke your phone, expecting a flood of texts and phone calls from your friends, only to find nothing. Not a single check in from anyone. You open the group chat and furiously tap out a message.

<Hey assholes who let me go home on my own last night? Anyways good job I blacked out and I’m on Fushiguro’s fire escape! You are all absolutely useless to me I swear to god.>

Your phone vibrates rapidly as you place it down but you’re not in the mood to field their questions.

You’re tempted to leave now, just to get it over with, go home and crawl into bed and forget any of this ever happened. But, you felt gross, it was late enough in the morning that you could run into someone you knew, and you missed the water pressure here.

As you got ready for your shower you surveyed your options. You refused to smell like him, but the only other bottle in the shower was doggy shampoo. Surely dog’s fur and human hair weren’t so different right? Jade did have a beautiful coat, very soft and shiny… You reprimanded yourself for the ridiculous idea, but the point remained, there had to be something else for you to use.

Your brain, far more alert than it was 30 minutes ago, thought of all the things he hadn’t changed, all the fixtures still in place. You had always kept an extra set of all your supplies under the sink. By the grace of all that is good on this cruel cruel earth, they were there, in all their dusty glory, your prized hygiene products sat unmoved under the sink. It would have been sick and twisted to have to leave your ex-boyfriend’s apartment smelling exactly like him, left to spend the rest of the day agonizing over whether you should take another shower.

As you entered the shower you wondered more. He had to have noticed the softness in your eyes, the faint smile you wore just having an ounce of his attention again, the way ti widened at every caring gesture, and falling with every biting remark.

Yes, it hurt every day missing him. Yes, it would hurt if he hated you. But none of that compared to the feeling of not knowing. What were you supposed to do with all these residual feelings that have yet to go away? Were they worth the suffocation or should you strip them away?

You were proud of yourself, all these reminders of what you once had, in a place you once loved, and you had yet to break down, not even shedding a tear. If you weren’t wrapping yourself in a towel, you would’ve given yourself a pat on the back. This victory was short lived, everyone’s strength has its limits and you had taken yours too far past it already. But then you saw it, something you were completely unprepared for.

Laid neatly on top the closed laundry basket was THE outfit. It was nothing special to anyone else, just a grey sweater and loose joggers, but how many days had you spent alone breathing in his scent for comfort while he was gone? How many hard days at work had you reaching for these exact pieces as if they were the cure to all your problems?

Unable to support your own weight anymore, you fell to the tiled floor, tears spilling out, as your already sore throat grew even more hoarse – you felt like everything was collapsing around you. You weren’t expecting to see him, and you certainly weren’t expecting to need him in so many little ways. It was easy to forget how easily he weaves himself into your life, encroaching on everything you do.

The world disappeared behind each shallow breath, and an endless stream of tears you couldn’t control. Your fingers scratch against your forearms repeatedly, trying to ground yourself in some reality you could no longer grasp. It is so exhausting trying to be over him, going through these cycles of strong emotions, over and over and over again.

Suddenly, for the second time in as few hours, you felt an overwhelming weight encompass your body.

Of course, his stupid fucking perfect dog would still know how to bring you out of a panic attack like he had spent so much time training when you started dating. You clutched to Jade as your breathing slowed, but it did nothing to stop your sobs, if anything it was just another painful reminder of everything you let go.

“Uhhh….” Megumi was frozen at the door, for the first time today he didn’t know what to do. His indifferent façade dropped as he observed the scene on his bathroom floor.

There’s nothing left to lose, not for a moment that he has seen this morning have you possessed more than an ounce of dignity, “So that’s it? You don’t know what to do either? You know it’s been a whole fucking year and I still haven’t figured out how to live without you. A whole year and I’m still a mess. I can’t survive being reminded of us, look at me. And yet every attempt to get over you was a knife twisting because they’ll never be you. Now I’m here and I get to witness the wonderful Megumi Fushiguro, unaffected, and you… you have it all together.” You trail off, giving to him everything left in you.

You weren’t expecting the confused and indignant expression on his face, “You think this is having it together?” His voice lightly raising with each word “This place might as well be a sealed shrine to you and our relationship. I haven’t thrown a single thing out, moved any furniture, bought anything new – the only thing that’s ‘new’ is your stupid tea I keep buying even though I hate it, and for fucks sake y/n I should’ve moved out. Every part of me that looks like I have it together is just my version of a mess.” He brushes a stray strand out of your face, his own face moving far too close for this to be purely platonic anymore “y/n I’m no better off than you are, I’ve just kept everyone from looking”.

“So what are we supposed to do with all this?” Your eyes shining, naïve hope seeping through your defenses at the confirmation that he couldn’t live without you either.

“We could try again” Somehow, it wasn’t quite what you needed to hear. “I, am going to get dressed, and then we’ll talk, I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” He nodded lightly, pulling himself up and exiting with Jade on his heels.

Dressed in the clothes you thought would burn your skin to even touch let alone wear, you let out a long sigh as you sit on at the breakfast nook. “Look, Megumi, I need to know if you’ve worked through it, any of it? I can’t, I can’t wait another three years for you to tell me you can’t say the words I love you, that you can’t commit to more than a yearly rental, I can’t just have you here I need more security than that”

He pursed his lips, unsure of what he could say to that, how he could make sure you didn’t leave again.

“Megumi, I don’t need you to say it to me today, I don’t need you to commit to anything today, but I have to know you’ve tried that I can’t keep waiting for you”

“I… Just give me a minute, please” his voice weak pleading with you. You waited, knowing better than to rush him, laying a hand on top of his assuring him you weren’t going to run out the door.

“y/n, I’m supposed to be honest and vulnerable, I’m supposed to tell myself that people won’t abandon me just because I give them access to who I really am. I want to tell you I love you, because there’s no other explanation for feeling this way. For feeling like your eyes outshine the stars, that your mind is more brilliant than the sun. I’ve tortured myself for a year with the idea of you meeting someone who could give you everything I couldn’t, and selfishly I prayed they were awful, I wished you were miserable so I pretend the truth wasn’t real that I was not enough for you, that I couldn’t give you what you needed. I’ve never seen a loving relationship, certainly not for long enough to form memories, but I look at you and I can’t imagine anything else”

Your thumb reaches to brush away the stray tear sliding down his face as he spoke to you. Manoeuvring yourself around to be on the same side of the nook as him, you pull him into you, letting him bury his head into the crook of your neck. You placed a gentle kiss into his hair before whispered into his ear “You were always enough, I just needed you to know it too.”

not not a tag list: @satosuguslut @sandyscastle

[hydrangeasimagination]

Cadence

Pairing(s): Saiki Kusuo X Gender Neutral! Reader | Onesided! Saiki Kusuo X Teruhashi Kokomi

Summary: When Kusuo feels, he feels with all of himself. It bleeds into everything, from exasperation to pining. Two things that came to him this special afternoon... The afternoon he’d told his mother he’d confess to his crush.

Warning(s): Unrequited Love. Slight Angst.

A/N: I'M SORRY KOKOMI... This is a fandom I haven't written for in a while! I know some people probably don't like her that much?? But it came to me. Think of it like Conan Gray's "Heather", just that Heather isn't the one our love interest has affections for. Oh - the reader is a musician here!! This is longer than usual.

(P.S. The last line of it probably doesn't make sense unless you've watched the Saiki K dub.)

“bolded italics” is Saiki speaking via telepathy, “italics” are thoughts.

“Amorous feelings were something hard to harbor.

Especially if they're directed towards someone that feels unreachable.

Like no matter how far you stretch, you can never reach them.

With heart in hand, ready to give.

Though the seeds of concern at possible rejection, the sting of heartbreak is painful. As is losing the receiver if your relationship predates the confession, if they were close already.

Unshakeable worry.

Even for someone like the invincible Saiki Kusuo.

Settled in his slightly uncomfortable desk, head resting on his palm. His gaze settled on the rolling clouds, thoughts filtering in and out of his head. Half-lidded violets sleepily dreaming of drizzling rain, of huddling close under an umbrella. Spending time under dreary skies with the one to brighten it all.”

"Well her thoughts aren't exactly far off."

A chill washed over his skin, his cryokinesis calming the blood about to rush to his cheeks.

Teruhashi's gaze felt heavy on his back, her commentary matching his recent feelings word for word. Sweeping strands of blue over her shoulder, she discreetly watched him from the corners of her eyes under a veil of lashes.

"Of course, the thoughts of a boy are always so predictable," She nearly giggled "especially when they're in love with someone like me."

His face dropped into a deadpan.

"She's way off though... I feel kind of bad honestly."

Kusuo shook his head, brow furrowing as he slid his gaze down to his desk.

Or rather, what was sitting in it.

"My mom told me not to be ashamed or feel guilty for not reciprocating someone elses' feelings." He breaths in, sliding his ring into his finger.

"Especially when I'm not responsible for them."

The tone of the bell filled the airways, signaling dismissal for students - voices of relief and rejoice. A long school day dragging to a close, its occupants reader to leave and relish in the weekend.

But there was a mission Saiki was on.

One that would have him stay after school as opposed to his want to escape the clutches of his friends.

Most of which were aware of his plans.

He left before he even questioned or asked about plans, skillfully dodging the flow of the crowd. Of course, with the ring, it makes it the slightest bit harder to discern the best route to move through them. But it wasn't a problem for him despite the handicap on one of the more useful powers he has.

The lack of knowledge of those around him in that moment was a little nerve racking(though not any less when it came to matters of the heart), though his general instincts were aware about those on his tail.

He paid it no mind.

He was on a mission.

The light taps of his shoes stopped right at the door, squeaking lightly on the linoleum. Fingers running along the edges of his already immaculate blazer, he slid it open and peered inside.

Notes of music thrummed from within, melody flowing into harmony soothingly.

"Oh, Saiki - san."

The club's president was first to notice him, having been near the door.

Gesturing him inside and quietly pestering him again with a mumble, "I don't mind you coming here but have you reconsidered join -"

"My answer is still no."

This time, Saiki doesn't wait to hear the boy's thoughts even if he could. Instead shifting his attention to the reason he even came to the music room.

Basking under the glow of the window, swaying just slightly with a serene calm. In rhythm with the mellowing sounds of music blending together, he feels his heartbeat sync with it. Then skipping for one or two as he slowly walked across the room, careful to not disturb the other practicing musicians. Though their eyes were also taken.

Fingers skimming over strings, its noise vibrating throughout the guitar as chords shifted and moved.

It didn't stop as the fingers' owner, you, smiled at him. Soft and easy going, silently acknowledging his presence before going straight back to playing.

He didn't mind, no, not at all.

Instead, he set himself down at your side.

He could wait.

It was you after all.

As the arrangement ended, notes left ringing out to leave his head and body with a nice break. No thoughts flooding and bashing at the insides of his skull, no need to strain himself or his powers.

The light round of applause was also not as jarring as loud cheers or things of the sort.

It was one of the reasons he'd come to this club, enough for the President to ask him if he'd like to join due to their frequency.

"Came about as early as I did this time."

Stashing the guitar in a case and stretching aching fingers, you smiled again at him. Shimmering gaze and soft features accented by filled windows, his heart fluttered gently from it's place. Thudding against his sternum like a drum.

Fitting.

But the music was only one of the reasons he visited so often.

"What, excited to see me, Saiki - kun?" You jested, his breath hitching just slightly at that.

He contemplates the question. The stares on him burn a little, with a short glance at the door, he can see the pair that took the risk in following him. There was no way to stop them anyhow...

Yumehara was a horrible gossip monger - and Teruhashi?

... He knew of her crush on him.

There is something in his chest that moves along with the speeding of his pulse.

Vindication?

Satisfaction?

How petty of him...

As he shifted his rose tinted gaze back to you, he can't really find it in himself to care.

"What a pain." He thought, quite derisively.

Removing the ring, he gorged himself on the sweetened sight of your sleepy eyes and smile - full of cheek.

It's pleasant.

Seeing you was just what he needed - his racing heart petering to a mellowing flicker. A warmth washing through his veins, breathing and thriving in your scent and calming presence.

This is a nice feeling.

Having a crush like this.

Being surrounded and swaddled in the fuzzy feelings of pining hit him a couple months back, when he'd first grew privy to the melody playing in your head. Naked truth and honesty, utter genuinity from every pore - matching actions to words.

Hearing and sitting and watching you play... It made him grow endeared to you over the time you'd spent with each other, even if it wasn't long.

"You don't have to answer, I was just joking."

"... But I was excited."

You blink.

He only lifted his hand, pressing the back of it to his mouth in slight abashment. He really isn't good at this.

But he's trying.

With the color tinging the tips of your ears, it seemed to fell through. Making a look, though shy, appear 'pon your face. Now less drowsy.

"I'm glad you came," You admitted, turning away to try and hide the timidness you suddenly felt "always am."

Saiki's stomach did flip flops, hand falling from his now smiling lips.

"Perhaps I would do it a lot more often, that is, if you were interested in filling a position." He is somewhat aware how funny it is for him to be making music jokes, "It's first seat - just for a guitarist."

Fiddling with the collar of your uniform, quietly, you mumbled, "It sounds like... You're trying to ask me out -"

"I am." Kusuo ignored the squeaks he most definitely heard on the other side of the door. "Only if you're interested."

"I am." You parrot, honeyed confession interlacing in softened tone in difference from his. Paired with a expression of such tenderness any ice lingering on him melts away.

"So..." He trailed off.

You laugh a little bit, still somewhat sheepish as a warm color washes your soft cheeks. "My answer is yes, I will happily take that position."

He can't help it.

Your hand is warm as he took it in his own, heating in contact, darkening flush sweeping down your neck in response to the showcase of affection.

“Cute."

Playfully scowling at that, you only huffed.

"Shush you."

He felt the hodge-podge of emotions flooding from behind the door; hurt, anger, disbelief. Guilt pulled at his strained heart strings, knowing full well that just beyond the door was someone vying for his affections.

"She never respected how you felt."

The intrusive thought of his making was snuffed faster than a candle, fingers shifting and locking through the spaces in his.

"Saiki?" You spoke, brows knitting. "You okay?"

His troubles were showing on his face, huh?

It was hard to remain dishonest around you.

"Kusuo... Call me Kusuo."

Surprise filters over the shyness, but you positively titter at your new boyfriend's insistence.

"This means you gotta stop calling me your senpai." The comment leaves butterfly wings fluttering in his belly.

He tested your appellation on his own lips.

Though he was unsatisfied, now rather irritated with your voyeurs despite his previous guilt. Especially at the insulting thoughts he now hears in your name - subject to Kokomi.

It came to him as he moved closer, soaking in the music playing again you both watched someone seat themselves at the piano.

Petty?

Yes.

But they were the ones that decided to follow him in the first place.

So he might was well hit two birds with one stone.

He indulged in the sticky, gooey feelings you'd plagued him with. Pressing his lips to your cheekbone in a display of his devotion, relishing in the gasp of shock he tore from you.

Kusuo squeezed your hand, charoite eyes promising a little mischief.

"Does that mean I can call you my baby doll?"

[chisatowo]

Gonna do some light rambles abt some ocs I haven't rly properly introduced under the cut cause Im bored (design and art credits can be found on their toyhouse pages which will be linked)

Starting with Misk!! They're a little brat child who deeply admires Brady as she saved them during the rebellion in their town that took place a few years ago, and they currently live with her. Misk sees Brady as the definition of heroism, and constant tries to be like him, in their own weird way where they yell at ppl on the streets because they have no idea how to talk to ppl lol. After Brady had to leave town after an attempted murder, Misk refused to believe that Brady would do something like that, or at least not without good reason, and defended it fiercely, ultimately stubbornly choosing to leave town with it, much to its protest.

Next up Lum! They're another friend of Brady, although they used to see her as a rival and nemesis, as during the initial rebellion they had assumed they came to town specifically to try to capitalise on this chance for power and fame, but eventually grew to respect her after getting to know her more. Generally they're quite snarky and pessimistic, and while they still try to be the realist between them and Brady, they understand that their pessimism isn't actually always realistic, and that Brady does a good job at catching these moments and Brady honestly does more to balance them out than the other way around lol.

Now for a character that Ive technically introduced but haven't talked abt much, Miko! Shes the adopted daughter of the ancient sea leviathan Jarfield (my siblings bullied me into naming her that sorry 😔) who saved him from an attempted drowning from his bio parents. Jar was a deeply caring mother, but the two ended up growing a bit more distant as Miko got older, mostly because of how others treated Miko as a disciple of Jar and a messenger for her, leading to Miko feeling an incredible amount of pressure from nearly everyone she interacted with aside from her mother, leading to her trying to fit the role pushed on her more, and trying to treat her mom more as a boss than a parent. Jar tried to ease Miko's stress by reassuring him that he is still loved unconditionally, and that he doesn't need to be any sort of hero or champion, and to please take a god damn break. Miko of course refused to do so, leading to Jar trying to find creative ways to get Miko away from working herself to the bone for everyone she stumbles across. One day she tried sending him to investigate a thing she though was gonna be minor but out of the way and scenic enough to be a nice break, but alas it turned out to be in fact a very big thing, and now Miko has taken it upon himself to save the world rip

Aaaand last two for now, Dennie and Kickz! I'll keep this one short since I need to sleep, but uhhh body swap shenanigans ooo wacky (it's not wacky it ruined both of their lives lol). Loooong story short, Dennie died in her initial body as a kid, but was revived by some family with otherworldly magic thats illegal so to keep Dennie from just being killed again, they took advantage of a law they have abt wish contracts, and Dennie was assigned to semi haunt Kickz in order to grant their wish and hopefully get to live legally. Kickz was happy to help, although they didn't rly know how since their wish was just to have friends, but the two ended up growing up together and becoming rly close. Kickz started working to get a job as a fisher cause they're a loser like that, but Dennie was starting to get rly paranoid abt weather or not they'd ever get to go home and have a proper body again. Eventually they snapped at Kickz, and impulsively tried to steal their body, along with the pendant that the wish was tied to, but as Kickz was kicked out of her body, she managed to take the pendant with her, and ended up getting flung into Kickz body back in the magic world. They're both having a rough time lol