#and the allure of making a character who doesn't speak in their own voice. only mimics others. deflecting everything

[wake-me-up-inside-imagines]

hi! I saw somewhere that Jason is manipulative. Would you want to write him with a nerd reader? Maybe where he's like. An extra bad person?

Ooh yeah, Jason's darling being a nerd would certainly bring out an...interesting side of him. I hope this lives up to expectations!

Yandere! Jock With A Nerd Darling

Gn! reader

Warnings: Yandere character, gaslighting, sort of stalking, Jason makes mean comments, manipulation, emotional manipulation, Jason's a bad boyfriend, he's also really obnoxious, jerk mentality on Jason's part

divider credit goes to: @k1ssyoursister

Yandere! Jason who never would have seen himself with someone like you, not until he ended up in a class with you, anyway. He'd never been one to interact with the nerds (or the losers, as he liked to call them) during grade school, not even to bully them. He simply pretended they didn't exist, minus the odd rumor here and there. That little habit of his didn't change much once he got to college, especially with how much bigger crowd was around him. He had his crowd, and the introverted smarties had their own. There was even less reason to keep them in his mind than before.

Yandere! Jason who doesn't think much of you when he ends up sitting next to you in class one semester, on the first day of the class. It's a rather packed class, and he did arrive late, but he doesn't really care about the less-than-stellar seating arrangement. It's not like he knew anybody in the class anyways, so why does he care who he sits by? You clearly won't bother him, nobody with a brain would. If he's lucky, he'll be able to skate through the class without needing to do any groupwork.

Yandere! Jason who's quite pissed when he finds out that he is going to do group work, enough so that it's a rather large part of his grade. At least he's paired with someone who looks relatively smart. He'll just have you do all the work and he'll claim his grade. If you oppose that idea? Well...he'll cross that bridge if he gets to it.

Yandere! Jason who thought he'd hate being paired with a know-it-all looking loser, forced to listen to longwinded rants about lord knows what while he nods off into his laptop. He's surprised to find that you aren't like that, not really. You're smart, he can tell just by briefly interacting with you, but you aren't overly obnoxious about it. You'll spit out information when you need to, but for the most part you keep to yourself, doing your work quietly. Plus, you end up doing his portion of the work without complaining once it's clear he won't be doing it, so it's a total win for him! He gets a free grade, and he doesn't have to worry about some annoying groupmate!

Yandere! Jason who thought that would be the extent of your relationship. And yet...as each class passes, he can't help but look forward to the next one, where he gets to see you again. You don't speak much, but every word you do say has some sort of allure to it, drawing him in with every syllable. It doesn't help that your easy on the eyes, although a style switch up wouldn't kill you...

Yandere! Jason who slowly begins initiating conversation with you, mostly teasing, joking remarks. His occasional comments turn to regular annoyances that go on as the class progresses, never ending in their frequency. You don't respond most of the time, but your occasional protests are like music to his ears, filling him with an even greater desire to hear your sweet voice. If only he could get to know you better...

Yandere! Jason who slings his arm around your shoulder one day, casually chatting you up while you walk back to your dorm. He talks about everything and anything with you, mostly teasing still, being obnoxious as always as he asks you about yourself, probing for answers. You can try all you'd like to go anywhere else than where you live, but he'll just keep harassing you until you let him walk you to your dorm. He will find out where you live, regardless of your willingness to tell him.

Yandere! Jason who uses his newfound knowledge to harass you even more, not just during class. He'll figure out your schedule just to be able to catch you as you're leaving for class. Lord knows you're not going anywhere else. And don't try to change up your schedule so you can avoid him, because he will figure out what you're doing.

Yandere! Jason who would have laughed if a couple months ago, you'd told him he'd be paying so much attention to a nerd like you. It's not so funny now, not when you've made him utterly infatuated. Even he doesn't understand it. Why would someone as inconspicuous as you catch his eye? You're not like the models and athletes he's used to dating, you've got nothing particularly eye catching about you, so why does he crave you so badly? Is it because of your soft genuine nature, so unlike the prissy suck-ups he's surrounded by constantly? Is it your unconscious anxiety around him, turning you into a shy mess of a human whenever he speaks? Maybe it's the taboo nature of the relationship, a hunk of a guy like him with a pathetic teacher's pet like you?

Yandere! Jason who's unsure of a lot, but he knows one thing: you're too good of an opportunity to pass up.

Yandere! Jason who actually begins being a little nicer to you as time goes on. He'll drag you get you into the best parties on campus, he'll get you little gifts he thinks you might like, he'll even start complementing you more often. Of course, you aren't doing the most with your looks and he'll make sure you know that, but he offers to help you out, so it's not too meanspirited! If your what he's got to work with, then work with you he will. he'll make the perfect partner out of you yet.

Yandere! Jason who doesn't take long in asking you out, despite the jibes and jeers from his friends. They know of you, it's hard not to when Jason's been dragging you everywhere with him, but he doesn't care. He'll have you, no matter what his friends say. They'll like you soon enough.

Yandere! Jason who's ecstatic when you say yes, not that he expected any different. It's not like you had much choice either, with him publicly asking you out in front of his gang and all. Now he can really start getting to work on you.

Yandere! Jason who starts off slow, at first. He'll let you get used to the relationship before doing anything rash, slowly warming you up to his touch and affection. His obnoxious teasing doesn't let up, but rest assured, he'll make you feel loved and safe. He'll prove he can be a good boyfriend to you, if you'll let him. How can he expect to help you in any way if you don't trust him in the first place?

Yandere! Jason who gives it a couple months, implementing tiny, miniscule changes as he does so. Integrating you into his friend group little by little, getting you articles of clothing he'd think look good on you, asking you on more public dates every time you two go out. You don't notice anything, and he's grateful for it. It'll make the next transition much smoother.

Yandere! Jason who begins to get a little meaner after a while, though not by much. In fact, you could be misinterpreting things, conjuring up issues that don't actually exist. That's what Jason says, at least. What do you mean, he's getting more pushy about the clothes you wear? he just thinks you would look nice in the outfit he bought you, is that so terrible? What are you talking about when you say he's been making jabs at they way you talk and act? he's just been making harmless comments, what's wrong with that? Seriously, are you feeling ok? You're reading way too into things, this is normal in a relationship.

Yandere! Jason who knows you believe him, and he knows it's driving you crazy. He's not stupid; he's seen how your demeanor has shifted. You've started suppressing the little traits he's made comments about, consciously forcing yourself to behave in a manner he said he likes more. You've ditched most of the unflattering clothes you used to wear when he met you, changing your wardrobe to fit his tastes more. You've stopped talking about your more nerdy interests once you figured out he won't pay you any mind, staying quiet as he shows you what his actually interesting hobbies are. You're still nerdy, but he's changing you little by little. Just like he planned.

Yandere! Jason who can feel pride swelling in his chest as he sees how different your becoming, how pliant you are. He knew you'd be easy to shape to his liking, he knew you'd follow his lead, but it's still beautiful to see the fruits of his labor unfold before him. Of course, he still loves you, he always has. Even when you were still a nobody, he loved everything about you. But he needed to make you change, he needed to! Not only for himself, but for you. How was he supposed to carry on dating you and leave you as you were? You were a loser, a nobody, someone who only managed to catch his eye by pure chance. For the sake of his image and yours, he had to help you.

Of course...I does help that you'll listen to whatever he has to say, isn't it?

Yandere! Jason who does feel a bit bad for you. You've changed a lot of your personality for him, a personality he was rather fond of. He can see how quiet and depressed you've gotten since getting with him, and in a way, it breaks his heart. Still, it's for the best, he knows it is. He's opened up so many doors for you, surely you'll learn to adapt to his changes, right? He still loves you, you know that, right?

Yandere! Jason who knows you're still a nerdy, shy person at heart. But he can change that. He can break you down until you're everything he wants you to be, rebuilding you as his own perfect partner. You're still a work in progress, but that's ok. For you, he can be patient.

He can be patient.

I hope you enjoyed!

[blakeswritingimagines]

That's All I Need

Summary: Meeting up with the past brings pleasure into your future.

Word count: 3.0k

Warnings: Reader could be good or bad, Toxic Al and reader, mentions of past relationship and reader using Al, Mention of murder but not in detail, Public sex, Dom Al x Sub reader, Marking

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Al Simmons/Hellspawn character/s nor do I claim to own them. I do not own any of the images used nor do I claim to own them.

With a growl, his crimson eyes flash dangerously. "I'm not your plaything." He crosses his arms over his chest, his muscles rippling beneath his skin-tight black suit. His gaze is intense, piercing through you with an almost palpable force. "You think you can just summon me here whenever you want? That's a fucking mistake." His voice is low, filled with simmering rage and a hint of something else - a dangerous allure that seems to draw people closer despite their better judgment. The air around him crackles with barely contained energy, the very atmosphere charged with his presence. He takes a step towards you, closing the distance between you both, his boots thudding against the ground. "And what do you want from me now, huh? Another one of your little games?" You stand your ground, unflinching under Al's intense gaze. Your own eyes, a striking twinkle passing them, meet his with a mix of defiance and curiosity. "Games, Al? I wouldn't call it that." You pause for a moment, studying his face, taking in the harsh lines and the dark aura surrounding him. It's clear that he's not the same man you once knew, but there's still something there, a glimmer of the person he used to be. "I've got a problem on my hands," you continue, your voice steady. "Your… unique skills might be just what I need to get things under control." You hold his gaze, challenging him to refuse your request.

A scoff escapes his lips, his eyebrows furrowing at your words. "My 'unique' skills?" He repeats, his tone laced with sarcasm. "Is that what you're calling it now? Last time I checked, you didn't seem too keen on my… abilities." Despite his words, there's a subtle shift in his stance, an indication that he's considering your proposal. His eyes flicker down to your body, lingering on the curves hidden beneath your clothing before returning to your face. "What kind of problem could possibly require the services of a demon like me?" You raise an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on your lips. "Let's just say it involves someone who thinks they can push me around." Your gaze drifts off, lost in thought for a moment before refocusing on Al. "It's a powerful individual, one who doesn't take kindly to being challenged." You step closer to him, your voice lowering to a teasing whisper. "I need someone who can handle themselves in a fight, someone who won't back down when faced with danger. And let's be honest, Al, you're the only one who fits that bill." Your eyes lock onto his, a silent challenge hanging in the air between you. "So, what do you say?"

A slow, menacing grin spreads across his face, revealing sharp fangs. "Oh, I see how this works now. You want me to be your enforcer, your muscle, so to speak." He chuckles darkly, the sound sending shivers down your spine. "Well, I suppose it's been a while since I had a decent fight. And I must admit, the idea of taking down some arrogant prick who thinks he can bully you… it has its appeal." He takes another step closer, invading your personal space, his height and imposing presence making you feel small. "But don't get any wrong ideas. I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart. I have my own reasons for wanting to hurt people like that. So we understand each other?" You nod slowly, your breath catching slightly as Al invades your space. You can feel the heat radiating off his body, the raw power emanating from him. "We understand each other perfectly, Al." Your voice is steady, but there's a hint of excitement beneath the surface. "I'll provide you with the information you need, and you'll take care of the problem. Simple as that." You reached out, your hand brushing against his chest, feeling the hard muscle beneath his suit. "And who knows, maybe we can explore other… arrangements after this." Your eyes sparkle with mischief, a daring proposition hanging in the air. "After all, I've always found demons quite… entertaining."

A low rumble echoes in his chest, a sound that's part laughter, part growl. "You always did know how to push my buttons." His hand wraps around yours, trapping it against his chest, his fingers tightening around your wrist. "But let's make one thing clear - I'm not some toy for you to play with. I'm a weapon, a dangerous one. And if you're not careful, you might just find yourself caught in the crossfire." He leans in closer, his lips brushing against your ear, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. "But if you're willing to take that risk, then fine. We have a deal. But remember sweetheart - you wanted to dance with the devil. Don't complain when you get burned." He pulls back, releasing your wrist, his eyes burning into yours. A soft gasp escapes your lips as his hot breath tickles your ear. The sensation sends a jolt of pleasure straight to your core, causing your knees to weaken slightly. "Burn me all you want, Al." You replied, your voice thick with desire. "As long as it's worth it." You bite your lower lip, your eyes locked onto his, filled with a fiery determination. You smirk, unfazed by Al's warning. "I never said I wasn't willing to get my hands dirty, Al."

You tilt your head up, meeting his gaze head-on. "And I've dealt with worse than you. Besides, I've always enjoyed a good challenge." You stepped back, putting some distance between you both, your expression turning serious. "The target's name is Victor Kane. He's a wealthy businessman with connections to some very influential people. He's been causing trouble for me and my organization, and I want him taken care of. Permanently." You hold out your hand, waiting for Al to shake it. "Do we have a deal?" A wicked smile curls his lips, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Victor Kane, huh?" He muses aloud, his mind already plotting the demon's demise. "Sounds like a perfect opportunity to vent some frustration." He extends his hand, clasping yours firmly, sealing their agreement. "Consider it done." His voice is a low growl, filled with promise. "I'll enjoy every second of it." You watched as he shook your hand, your grip firm and confident. A thrill runs through you at the prospect of Al exacting revenge on Kane. "Good." You say, your voice dripping with satisfaction. "Because I intend to watch every second of it." You release his hand, stepping back again, your eyes scanning his form appreciatively. "Just make sure you save some of that energy for me afterwards." Your smirk widens, a playful glint in your eyes.

Al materializes in the dimly lit alleyway, his eyes adjusting to the shadows. He's dressed in a black leather jacket and pants, his boots making barely a sound as he moves towards the entrance of the upscale nightclub. He can hear the thumping bass music and the distant sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. He pauses for a moment, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. This is it – the moment he's been waiting for. With a final glance around to ensure no one is watching, he pushes open the door and slips inside. The club is a whirlwind of color and noise, the strobe lights casting eerie shadows on the walls. Al makes his way through the crowd, his eyes scanning the room for any sign of Victor Kane. In the VIP section of the club, you sit at a table surrounded by your entourage. Your eyes are glued to the dance floor, your lips curled into a satisfied smirk. You are dressed in a tight, black dress that hugs your curves, your long legs crossed casually underneath the table. You sip on a glass of champagne, the bubbles fizzling against your tongue. Out of the corner of your eye, you spot Al moving through the crowd. A thrill runs through you at the sight of him, his presence commanding attention even amongst the chaos of the club. You raise your glass in a silent toast, your lips curving into a sly smile.

He weaves his way through the sea of bodies, his gaze never leaving the VIP section. As he approaches, he can see you clearly now, your beauty undiminished by the years. His heart pounds in his chest, a strange mix of emotions swirling within him. Anger, yes, but also a flicker of something else – an attraction that surprises even him. He stops at the edge of the VIP area, his eyes locking onto yours. For a moment, you simply stare at each other, unspoken words passing between you two. Then, without breaking eye contact, he pushes his way through the velvet rope and strides toward your table. You watched as Al approached, your eyes sparkling with mischief and anticipation. You set down your glass, standing up to meet him halfway. You reached out, placing a hand on his arm, your touch sending a jolt of electricity through his body. "Well, aren't you just full of surprises," you purr, your voice low and sultry. "I didn't think you'd be able to resist the temptation of this place."

He looks down at your hand on his arm, his expression unreadable. Yet, beneath the surface, a storm is brewing. "Resist? No, sweetheart," he murmurs, his voice a dark whisper. "Never that. But I had to make sure you were here first." His eyes drift over your body, taking in every curve outlined by the fabric of your dress. "This isn't exactly my scene, but for you… I'll make an exception." He looks back up at your face, his eyes darkening with intensity. "Temptation has its uses." He murmurs, his voice barely audible above the din of the club. "But tonight, it's not what brought me here." He leans in close, his lips brushing against your ear. "I found our friend, Kane. He won't be bothering you anymore." He pulls back, his gaze challenging. "Shall we go somewhere more… private, to discuss the details?" A surge of excitement rushes through you at his words, your heart pounding in your chest. You nod, your lips curling into a triumphant grin. "Lead the way," you whisper back, your voice laced with desire and a hint of danger. "I've got a feeling tonight is going to be unforgettable." You take his hand, leading him away from the table and towards the bathrooms.

He allows himself to be led, his hand enveloping yours tightly. The heat of your skin sears through him, igniting a fire within his veins. As you approach the bathroom, he pulls you into a darkened alcove, pressing you against the wall. His free hand finds your hip, gripping it possessively. "Unforgettable, huh?" he growls, his face inches from yours. "Let's make that happen." With a swift motion, he claims your mouth in a fierce kiss, his tongue delving deep to taste you. The world around you both fades away, leaving only the two of you, lost in a maelstrom of lust and retribution. You moan into the kiss, your body melting against Al's hard frame. You wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him closer as your tongues dance together in a passionate duel. The roughness of his stubble scrapes against your cheek, adding to the intensity of the moment. When you finally break apart for air, you gaze up at him with hooded eyes, your chest heaving with exertion. "Fuck, Al…" you breathe, your voice husky with desire. "You always knew how to make an entrance." You nip at his bottom lip playfully before capturing it once more in another searing kiss.

Al responds to your kiss with equal fervor, his hands roaming your body with a hunger that cannot be satiated. He breaks the kiss briefly to trail his lips down your neck, biting gently at the sensitive skin there. His fingers dig into your hips, pulling you harder against him as he grinds his arousal against you. "You have no idea," he rasps, his voice thick with lust. "But tonight, I'm not just making an entrance… I'm taking control." With that, he spins you around, pushing you against the wall once more. He tears at your dress, the fabric ripping easily beneath his strength as he exposes your body to his hungry gaze. A gasp escapes your lips as you feel the cool air hit your exposed skin. The sensation sends a shiver down your spine, causing your nipples to harden instantly. You look back at Al over your shoulder, your eyes burning with desire. "Is that so?" you taunt, your voice dripping with seduction. "And what exactly do you plan to do with your newfound control?"Even as you speak, the sight of your bare flesh seems to fuel his aggression, driving him to new heights of lust. You know exactly what you're doing – teasing him, provoking him until he loses all restraint.

A predatory grin spreads across Al's face as he takes in the sight of your bare skin. His hands roam freely over your curves, squeezing and kneading the soft flesh. He leans in, taking a hardened nipple between his teeth, biting down gently. "Oh, I'm going to make you scream my name," he promises, his voice a low growl. "I'm going to fuck you so hard you won't remember anyone else's touch." Al grunts in response, his hands roaming over your body with increasing urgency. He traces the curve of your waist, then up to cup your breast as his thumb brushes over your hardened nipple. His fingers dig into your flesh, claiming you as his own. His free hand snakes down between your thighs, finding you already wet and ready for him. He rubs your clit roughly, relishing the way your body quakes with pleasure. "Tell me you want it," he commands, his voice filled with raw desire. A sharp cry slips past your lips as Al teases your nipple, the pain mingling with pleasure to create an intoxicating blend. You nod, unable to form coherent words, your mind clouded by lust. "Yes," you manage to whisper, your voice barely audible above the thumping music outside the alcove. "I want it."

Your hips grind against his hand instinctively, seeking more of the delicious friction he provides. You push yourself back against him, desperate for him to fill you. But you want more than just physical release – you crave the power exchange, the dominance and submission that comes with being taken by Al. A wicked smile curls Al's lips as he hears your whispered plea. With a swift motion, he rips off his own clothes, revealing his chiseled physique and the impressive bulge straining against his boxers. He steps back just enough to shed the remaining garments, then grips your hips firmly, positioning himself at your entrance. "I'm going to give you everything you crave," he vows, his voice heavy with promise. "And you're going to beg for more." With that, he thrusts deep inside you, claiming you with a single, powerful stroke. He sets a brutal pace, pounding into you with abandon as he fills you completely. Each snap of his hips drives him impossibly deeper, hitting spots within you that make you see stars.

A loud, keening wail echoes through the deserted hallway as Al claims you. Your walls clench around him instinctively, trying to hold onto him as he moves within you. You throw your head back, exposing the long column of your throat, a silent invitation for him to mark you. "Oh God, yes!" you cry out, your voice echoing off the stone walls. "Just like that! Fuck me, Al!" The sensation of being filled so completely overwhelms your senses, rendering you speechless. Every thrust sends waves of pleasure crashing through you, each wave building upon the last until you are on the brink of something truly spectacular. Al revels in the sound of your pleas, his name falling from your lips like a sacred mantra. He leans forward, his teeth grazing your exposed throat, marking you as his own same as in the past. The sensation of your tight walls gripping him sends sparks shooting up his spine, fueling his need even further. "Mine," he growls, the word rumbling from deep within his chest. "Say it. Tell me you're mine." His movements become even more frenzied, his thrusts becoming erratic but no less powerful. He can feel your climax building, your inner muscles fluttering around him in preparation. And he intends to draw every ounce of pleasure from this encounter, to leave you spent and satisfied.

Your nails dig into Al's shoulders as you feel the pressure building within you. The words tumble from your lips, spoken in a desperate, pleading tone. "Yours, Al. I'm yours. Please, don't stop!" The tension coiling within you reaches its breaking point, and you scream his name as your orgasm crashes over you. Waves of intense pleasure ripple through your body, your inner walls clamping down on him as you ride out the ecstasy. "More!" you demand, your voice hoarse with passion. "Give me everything you've got!" You're lost in the throes of your climax, your mind blank except for the feeling of Al's body moving within yours, the sound of his harsh breathing, and the primal urge to be claimed by him completely. Al roars as he feels you tighten around him, your orgasm triggering his own. He buries himself deep within you, his hips grinding against yours as he releases deep inside you. His seed spills into you, filling you completely as he rides out the aftershocks of his climax. "Fuck," he groans, his body trembling with exertion. "That was…" He trails off, struggling to find the right words to describe the intensity of the connection. But words fail him, and instead, he pulls you close, holding you tightly against him as you both come down from your highs. "That was incredible," he finally manages to say, nuzzling the side of your neck affectionately. "And we're just getting started."

[invisibleshawtyofc]

Parallel Lines

Pairing: introvert!jungkook x extrover!reader

Genre: angst, friends to lovers

Word Count: 1k

Warning: mentions of de@th. Please note, all characters depicted in this story are fictional and are derived from my own imagination. The story is written for entertainment purposes. It does not intend to mock, ridicule, or impersonate any real-life people, groups, or organizations. The characters and story are original and do not portray any bts member.

"Parallel lines, a forbidden romance. Destinated to pass by each other without ever being together."

She loved roses; her beauty overshadowed the grace of roses, her sun-tanned skin captivated his heart. Her heart-shaped lips and fluffy cheeks made his love grow. Oh, how bad he wished to squeeze them forever. He found himself trapped in her soft caramel eyes; a beauty that reminded him of stepping into a paradise of pure bliss. Her hair smelled like cherries, it was something to delight the senses, for nothing could ever compare to the sweet fragrance she possessed. He never liked them, but after she sat beside him for the first time in class, they became his favourite. He never realized how much he would adore that delicious scent, only because it reminded him of her. Also, how can he hate something that smells like her?

He remembers the first time he heard her voice; and it became a part of him that he desperately craved to hear again and again. He wasn't the one for reading , but the moment he learned about her endless love for books, was like a light bulb moment. From that moment on, he made it a habit to visit the library every weekend, all in an effort to get closer to the bookish beauty who had stolen his heart. She was akin to a goddess, so ethereal and divine, a being who was beyond his understanding. He felt unworthy of her, knowing he could never match up to her allure. In his eyes, he was insignificant compared to her beauty and brilliance. 'Who could ever love a person like me?' He would always ponder, never daring to hope. But despite his insecurities, he couldn't resist loving her from afar, unable to tear his eyes away from her radiant beauty.

It was their graduation day when his beloved confessed her feelings to him. His heart fluttered like butterflies, and the world around him came to a standstill. But the bittersweet revelation made him realize just how worried she had been that he would reject her. How could he have ever thought he had a right to break this girl's heart? He was on cloud nine but the pain of knowing she was leaving the country soon stung all the worse. She was leaving for a bright future ahead, but the moment she confessed, a deep sense of sorrow washed over him. He wasn't sure why this bittersweet moment was making him feel so melancholy, but maybe the heartbreak was inevitable all along. If only they knew fate had different plans for them...

Four years. It has been four years since she had departed for her studies. Jungkook has had no contact with her ever since—his efforts to keep track of her seemed pointless. He's a successful man now, got everything he once desired except that one person he adored. The day before was their school reunion, he anxiously surveyed the room in futile search for those enchanting caramel eyes he adored so much. He hoped against hope to catch a glimpse of her, but reality proved more harsh than he imagined, for she had found someone else to replace him in her life. The passage of time was no excuse, he feared. Maybe she hadn't even thought of him anymore? Rage filled his entire body. Maybe she doesn't even remember him now. The atmosphere grew gloomier the moment one of his classmates started speaking about her untimely demise. Time came to a halt for Jungkook. He was overcome with a sickening feeling in his stomach, a sickening feeling that he knew all too well. The terrible news of her death was like a wave of reality crashing into his mind, drowning out any hopes that he still had of her existence. It was a crushing blow that his heart struggled to process. His throat grew dry, his breath shallow, as the nausea of grief washed over him, as the one thing he could never imagine was being without her. She had passed away in a fatal car crash, which was devastating enough, but she never even left their country...a country she had been so excited to go study in. It seemed an impossible curse fell upon her; why hadn't anyone thought to inform him of this tragedy? He never fit in before. His introverted nature and isolation had kept him out of the social circles, so he expected nobody would have thought to reach out to him. People only approached him when it was convenient or necessary, and they never even tried to initiate small talk. So, it was no surprise when no word about her passing reached him. He was truly alone, and this news only served to emphasize his lonliness. His mind wandered to how no one wanted to interact with him until she did.

He scrambled to the graveyard in search of a name he desperately did not want to find. But there, her name, and her final resting place, was engraved in stone. The carvings of the tombstone felt like a knife in his heart. As he studied the words, the enormity of her passing weighed heavy on his mind.

sacred to the memory

of Y/l/n Y/n

1997-2022

Her name, carved so beautifully on the tombstone, made his heart skip a beat. The roses that caught his eyes were just like the two of them—always close, yet unable to be together. Tears flooded down his face as he laid the sweet flowers on her grave. She would have loved these roses. Maybe she was one now. He missed his love so terribly, and this sight felt like a surreal dream—a dream he dreaded was real. It had been a long time since their last meeting, and so much had changed. But in all this time, he never stopped loving her. The flowers on her grave were an act of love, and of pure loneliness, as he realized it was all too late, and he had lost her forever.

-Okay so, this is actually like my debut and I'm so nervous to be very honest! I have edited the text so many times but I think this feels right. So, I'm sticking with it.

[yourladystar]

Star's Engage Catalogue Day 34 (part 5)

I feel that it's only right to showcase the final team that will be joining me.

And I have to split it into 2 posts because Tumblr has a 10-picture limit.

Don't really think I have to explain why Alear has been a strong fighter. You see those stats and you see why I had Marth stick with him, those two are a perfect fit.

But I wanna talk about how shocked I am by Alear's character. He's genuinely up there with Corrin and Shez as one of the best avatars this series has done. His story is engaging, he's a joy to watch in anything he does or says, his voice acting is immaculate, he's so God flippin adorable! I'll definitely talk more about him another time, but he managed to become one of my favorite characters in all of Fire Emblem, something I never expected to happen playing this game!

Again, don't think I need to explain why a dancer is good. And while Corrin worked with him for a while, Byleth is a better option, especially with the stats he gives.

And Seadall surprised me with his character. His alluring nature and way of speaking, his wisdom and experience from his past, the struggles he deals with from his lifestyle, and the way he can inspire others even when he doesn't believe in himself. I don't know how some of y'all can say he's boring, this sh*t is lovely.

Also he's pretty as hell, but I think you can see that.

Rosado has been a reliable fighter who can just about any enemy I have him face. Good stats, weapon variety and flyer mobility make him extremely versatile. Leif has been the best fit for him, since his stat boosts and skills work best for how Rosado functions in battle.

His character is also wonderful. A perfect evolution of Forrest and wonderful rep for trans, genderfluid, crossdresser's, and gender questioning people in a time where they really need positive representation. Plus he's spunky and sassy while also being caring and supportive.

Amber is a weirdly good example of hard-hitting but fragile. His low speed and res make him susceptible to one-hit kills, but the enemy can't do that if he doesn't kill them in one hit first. Eirika also works weirdly well for him, as the twins' skills suit whatever I need him to do that turn.

But I can overlook all of that for his character. I love this doof! He's so dumb and goofy but filled with so much positivity and cheerfulness it's hard not to smile at his antics. Even when he royally f*cks something up, you can't help but smile and go, "Youre doing amazing, sweetie."

Alcryst might just be the strongest member of my team and Lyn really helped to bring out his true potential. Her skills perfectly suit his play style and ensure that any he fights will not survive, whether it'd be death by crit, death by Luna, or Alacrity stopping the opponent from even fighting back. And with me giving him avoidance skill, literally nothing can even touch him. It's honestly ridiculous how busted this unit is.

And don't get me started on how much I love this little skrunkly! He stole my love the second his first scene ended and it only got better with each scene he got. I just wanted this boy to have love and happiness and seeing him get that from everyone in his life- his brother, his retainers, his friends, his boyfriend- they all just make me smile.

Alfred has a rocky middle, but he really picked up. Once I started utilizing the resources I got and realized that he got swords after being promoted, Alfred really came into his own and started being a powerhouse. Sigurd has been his Emblem since the start. No one else can really utilize his movement the same way Alfred does.

Alfred also shocked me with his character. I already liked him enough for the goofy and entertaining meathead he was, but the second I unlocked his A-support with Céline, everything I perceived about him changed! He went from being just a fun and silly presence to one of the most tragic yet hopeful characters in this. Someone who, even knowing they have little time left, refuses to give up and continues to strive forward to protect everything and everyone he cares. Someone who doesn't ask for your pity and will always be put you first.

I couldn't have picked a better person to give the Pact Ring to.

Alflear for life, baby!

Zelkov is a unit that started off good and continued to be good throughout the entire game. I've never been in a position where it felt like bringing him along was an inconvenience, even when there was no chest for him to unlock. Hell, for the longest time, he didn't even need an Emblem to assist him, but when I did decide to give him one, the Three Houses lords for him like a glove.

And God, I love listening to him talk! I had no idea what to expect out of him during the lead-up to Engage, but I am so happy with what I got. An enigmatic and mysterious yet sweet, caring, and helpful man who seems like an autistic coded goat on the surface but is just using his many hobbies to avoid dealing with the trauma of his childhood- that is right up my alley!

I'll do the second half in the next post.

[jamieedlund]

Aaravos for the character ask

First impression: There were 2 first impressions since we got introduced to his voice without knowing who he was first. -About his voice: I thought to myself woah this narrator sounds kinda smexy... Can you talk more sir?👀 -About his first appearance: I'm not one to grow attach to a character based on appearances but because of how ominous they introduced him and how beautiful he is, the only thought that crossed my mind was: damn I wanna see him genuinely smile. I bet he has a smile that can light up an entire night sky - Yknow that kind of smile that radiates warmth and comfort and kinda makes you wanna cry-

Need I say more?

If no one's doing it then I'm doing it myself- DO yo u S E E ? ? ? you're not a real simp until you just wants this man to be happy.

Impression now: HELLO MISTER MAN YOU ARE MY ONLY HOPE OF A CHARACTER THEY HAVEN'T RUINED BY BAD WRITINGS PLEASE TAKE CALLUM AND RUN AWAY SAVE YOURSELVES!!! I LOVE YOU SO MUCH PLEASE---

Favorite moment: Need I say more?

This spell casting --- these movements--- *clenches fist* Hell yea if I wasn't a simp before I am now. Just this entire sequence of him being hot pls I can't-

Idea for a story: How about you and Callum run away from the plot for 3 seasons doing chaotic good things huh?

You all know what I'm talking about.

Unpopular opinion: He is not a villain. The show keeps telling me that he's evil and bad and all the terribleness but what it SHOWED me was the complete opposite. He is an enabler. Manipulative for sure but fucking hell if the person he's speaking to doesn't listen to him, it's not like he can do anything about it. All he gave was advice... semi-terrible advice but just advice nonetheless. HE IS NOT DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY BAD CHOICES VIREN MADE and consequentially Claudia's in ss4. He enables what it is that the person truly desire and sayyyy idk... if the person wish was simply for Aaravos himself to be free, happy and for him to stop hurting (whether it's hurting himself or others) *cough cough callum cough* then he would just go from "evil" smexy whisperer to enabling his own therapy and I do not take this any other way. He amplifies the person's wants. So I guess the better take should be what if the person's want wasn't the world, or power or love but simply just to be with him? What then?

Favorite relationship: The one he has with Callum in my writing because again I can't count on the show to give him justice...Not after ruthlessly murdering Callum as a character...

Favorite headcanon: He sure as hell isn't interested in romance and he has more important things to care about than sex. I see everyone make him out to be this sex deprived horny ass 5000 year-old man and I'm sitting over here be like... Haha what if man really is a good person??? What if he is chasted as hell? What if he just... wants to look presentable but doesn't really have the need or even wants to be desirable because - character complexity??? He should be someone who normal people misjudged and cant quite understand, therefore adding to that alluring charm he has to him. I feel like making him a walking contradiction is far more fun and meaningful than just straight up shoving him into the horny bastard box (though i understand everyone sorta kinda really are thirsty for him...AND THAT'S ALRIGHT GOOD FOR YOU GUYS.) I just prefer to view him in a little more wholesome light.

[raggaraddy]

The Basement: part one

Anon request: Hi can I request an assassin!yoongi one shot where yoongi gets jealous over reader somehow even though I know he isolates her so she depends on him but maybe she somehow stumbles into a colleague of his in his living room or a friend and the friend is 👀 looking not so respectfully

A/N: Enjoy lovely. 💜💜💜 Part two

Summary: For the first time ever there is someone else in the house with you and Yoongi. How could Yoongi expect you to resist speaking with him.

Trigger warnings: Violence, intimidation, kidnapping, imprisonment, yandere themes.

Yoongi

Yandere! Yoongi

Assassin! Yoongi

It may only be a few hundred square meters, but this house is your entire world. You know every creak, every floorboard that squeaked, how each door closes, everything. So in the middle of the night when you are woken by an almighty thump, at once you could recognize how out of place it was.

Cautiously sneaking downstairs and peering around every bend, you are just in time to see Yoongi slamming the basement door shut behind him.

Putting your ear to the entrance, you could hear the sounds of banging, of the chains, of low spoken voices. Over and over in your head, you told yourself to ignore it. To go back to bed and let it be. But the signs that there was another person down there with Yoongi were clear, and the temptation of that was too much to bear.

Your lesser instinct winning out, you open the door, instantly coming face to face with an ascending Yoongi. And behind him, in the place where you had been chained up many times before was a hooded man. Seated on the floor in a slumped position. His hands fixed against the wall keeping them high.

"Out," Yoongi demands, shoving your shoulder lightly to push you back through the doorway.

"Who-" is all you can gape, disbelief printed on your face.

"Not your concern." He refuses, closing the door. Continuing to push you back into the kitchen. "You do not go down there. Am I clear?" A finality to his expression not allowing any room for discussion or expansion.

Nodding, with a small pout you look at the basement one last time before faking a smile and returning to bed.

You were awestricken. Not once in nearly 8 months have you seen or heard another person in this house. Also not during the 6 months stretch before that. No one had visited. Not a single person had come past the house or had even driven up the driveway by accident. Your curiosity was burning you from the inside out. Your longing to see, to speak to another human aching your very soul.

Yoongi had gone into town, leaving you alone with the unlocked basement door. You'd always been chained up if he kept you down there, so it had never needed to be locked before. And the very idea of taking a quick peek was so tantalizing. However, on the more sensible side of this debate, you knew that Yoongi's word was final and you had never disobeyed him before.

You would like to say you were smart enough for this to at least be a difficult decision. But you swiftly threw common sense to the wind and went downstairs the second you heard the car pull out of the garage. Your body buzzing as you approached the new man.

With a heavy breath and timorous movements, you pull the hood back from the man's head. Black, straight, short hair. Dark, full brows, a perfect heart-shaped face, and ears that stuck out just a little too far. From head to toe, he's largely built. Taller and wider than Yoongi, making you astounded to think about how dangerous he really was.

For a few seconds, the both of you look equally surprised to see the other. Your pulse coursing through your ears, mouth slightly agape, looking at another human for the first time in forever.

"Hi," you squeak, nothing else coming to mind.

"Who are you?" He snarls.

It's spoken with so much hostility, but that question is one that brings you so much relief. You break down, pouring out your entire story in a rampant monologue. Telling him in detail everything you could about you, Yoongi, this place and your abductions. Fully spilling all that you had been so desperate to tell.

He, however, gives you nothing in return. For nearly 10 minutes you ask him question after question and he declines them all. Not even his name slips loose. He explains once that he can't know if your working with Yoongi, or that lunatic as he called him, and he is not going to tell you a single thing. Every question afterwards is only met with a solemn stare or a shake of refusal.

"If you won't tell me anything," you mope a little, "well, you look like a James Bond character, so I'm going to call you Mr Spy. The Spy? 007. Spy-man? I'll work on it." You mutter completely senseless and giddy from this rare moment. Continuing to overshare and divulge.

"Okay, Y/N. With everything you've told me, we're on the same page. So, if you help me get out of these," he rattles his hands, "Then I can get you out of this place."

The thought is alluring. But also more than you signed up for when you came down here. Firstly, Yoongi always keeps the keys for these chains on him. But secondly and most importantly, if you attempted to escape, if you tried to leave again Yoongi would never forgive you. You can't get away from him. You know you can't. And if you tried he would lock you up and throw away the key. You couldn't- You can't.

"I'm sorry, but no. I can't." You sadly brush his offer aside. Feeling awful denying him help like that. "I have to go back up before Yoongi comes home," you mumble.

Leaning over him you bring the hood up. You need to return him to how he was. He doesn't fight or argue, seeming to somberly accept his fate, but his eyes do dart to the top of the stairs at the last second.

Reacting to his troubled expression, you spin around seeing Yoongi already home, standing at the entrance.

At once your body tightens becoming flushed with sweat. Scrambling back from the man you stand in the middle of the room, trying to keep your breathing slow and deep to hide your fright.

"I thought," He starts to lower down the stairs, punctuating each point in his sentence with an additional step. "I said. You could not. Come in here."

"I'm sorry," you hush as Yoongi snatches the hood from your hand. Your head lowering in surrender.

"You want to save her?" He turns his attention and building anger towards his new prisoner. His fists are tight, knuckles cracking as he clenches and twists them. "You want to get her out of this place?" The challenge, the hash way he spits the words spoken about you is making the hairs on the back of your neck stand. Goosebumps flittering down your skin.

Lurching forward Yoongi's knee bashes into The Spy's head. And again. His foot following down booting him in the chest. And again.

"You think she wants to go with you?!" He growls, beating his fist into his head, over and over. The skin breaking, blood erupting all across his face. The Spy's restrained position not allowing him to protect himself in any way, only able to groan and splutter through the abuse. "You're too weak to even get yourself free. You think you can take her!" Yoongi steps back and lifts his leg, stomping the heel of his boot into the curled up fist of The Spy. Making him explode in a pained howl as you hear the bones crunch.

Not wanting to show any reaction, you stay coiled and fixed. Praying for this to end quickly. You had seen this level of violence and sadism from Yoongi before in the outside world. He doesn't acknowledge or accept any interference and he will only finish on his own terms.

You can't help but think if this is this how cruel and viciously he treats everyone else?

Stomping down again, this time he lines up The Spy's ankle. Throwing all his weight, all his force into the joint. The man's screams turning into cries as he wails in agony.

"No. You're not taking her anywhere." Yoongi straightens up, blowing out a heavy breath. Running his fingers back through his black hair over and over pulling it out of his face. "You're gonna tell me everything I wanna know. And then I'll finally let you die." He swallows hard, rearranging his clothes and loosening his muscles. His fiery explosion now quenched.

You can't lift your eyes as he drags you to the top floor. The basement door sealing, muffling the tears of the man below.

"Yoongi. I told him- I told him I couldn't-" You're starting and stopping, trying to sufficiently explain or plead your case. He's never shown anything near that level of violence towards you, but you were still sure he was about to lock you away endlessly for disobeying him.

He steps into you, silencing and making you jump back, smacking into the wall. Trapped between it and your hovering captor.

"I heard you." He speaks deeply and softly. In complete opposition to how he was moments ago. "Well done." His coarse pronunciation is abandoned as he speaks these words very clearly. Making sure you hear his sincerity.

His hand runs softly over your hair, stroking and cupping your head. Making you fight not to melt. Making you look up at him with big eyes. Any sort of affection from Yoongi instantly impacting you greatly, making you emotional and needy for more. Your bottom lip quivering, you whimper lowly as you lose the internal struggle and lean into his hand. Your eyes scrunching tight, hating yourself for how much his gentle touch affects your heart.

"Come with me," he holds your hand having you trail him upstairs. Taking you into his bedroom where he extends the affection and intimacy. Being with you so tenderly and kindly as your mind and heart tears back and forth between the softness you can feel now, and the horrors you saw him do before.

Despite the risks, your head fills with how and when you could see The Spy again. He was hurt, and he needed your help. And you were too eager to see him again. But when you wake the next day, you find a hefty padlock keeping the basement door sealed.

Yoongi at once reading your reaction. "You should thank me for locking that door Y/N. You don't know how dangerous some people can be."

Part two

[thestorytellersapprentice]

Why Do-yeok

I cannot believe I'm writing another one of this "Why" post. I thought it's a one-time thing with Love Alarm... But, here I am. Maybe because just like the previously mentioned Netflix series, Nevertheless causes huge discourse among its viewers. Team Potato and Team Butterfly. Jae-eon and Do-hyeok. Sanctuary or the gravitational pull.

And first off, an important note: my intention by writing this is not to seek any debate with anyone. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, so here's mine. Feel free to read it or definitely not to read it if you're firmly on Jae-eon's corner and you can't imagine Na-bi with anyone else but him. I just want to sort out my thoughts simultaneously through writing this. And this is gonna be a bit long, I suppose.

So, as the title already declares, I'm Team Potato all the way. And, yep, this means I'm thoroughly on Do-hyeok's side and I want him to be happy because he deserves it. (Still need to see what's in store in the final episode, but I'm perfectly okay with an open ending: Na-bi ends up not choosing anyone but herself, as long as her friendship with Do-hyeok remains intact.)

And this comes down simply because of who Yang Do-hyeok is as a person.

If Do-hyeok is real, then you can bet that I'll date him myself too. At the very least, I'd definitely like to be friends with him.

Why?

Because....

One. His whole vibe is just so....warm and comfortable. We often see Do-hyeok's cheerful sides. He smiles a lot (and boy, Chae Jong-hyeop's smiles are just so endearing, but we're talking about the character here. Ahem.) He's attentive, thoughtful, and open. And he's not only like this with Na-bi. He, by nature, is a very friendly person, as you can see from his interaction with Do-yeon, his cousin, also with Na-bi's friends and the hyeongs in the noodle restaurant that he works at.

And I like it a lot that even just after Do-hyeok confesses to Na-bi and she turns him down, the very next day, they're able to speak with each other normally and just talk about his videos and how she'll watch them and give him feedback. That night, Na-bi also answers his call with a smile on her face. They joke around and not even stopping after Do-hyeok throws her some arguably-cringey-lines (if uttered by other guys and not handled properly). Clearly, Na-bi's very on ease and comfortable with and around him despite everything that has happened.

She even says this on her own: "And most of all, I feel comfortable when I'm with him."

Two. With Do-hyeok, the communication is sterling. Honesty and communication is also very important in a healthy relationship. Your partner isn't a mind reader, so you gotta tell her/him what you feel and think about, especially when you're having a hard time, so you both can work on it together. And our potato guy is the perfect example of openness and honesty.

Even when he's having a hard time, he doesn't lash out (unlike a certain someone), but he communicates it clearly to Na-bi: "I saw you and Park Jae-eon going into your house together. I know I said that I could wait for you as long as it takes. But I felt so jealous."

Do-hyeok also casually throwing lines like: "It's nice to hear your voice. The whole neighborhood seems empty without you." which can be really cringey, but hearing these with Chae Jong-hyeop's delivery = it's just Do-hyeok openly sharing his thoughts. And, again, he's not just like this with Na-bi. That's just the way he is. He openly states his concerns and thoughts to people close to him.

After her first disaster relationship and Jae-eon (who's a master deflector on all personal questions and is truly opaque), IMO someone like Do-hyeok is what Na-bi needs. With Do-hyeok, she never has to guess where she stands. And Na-bi responds to his openness accordingly. She shares her worries and not-so-good moments ("I was spacing out because the critique went badly. I got scolded. This semester is really the worst. I didn't get accepted to the exchange program as well.") And of course, Do-hyeok responds by reassuring and encouraging her.

Three. They begin as friends. Childhood friends, even. And while some may point out that she friend-zones him, I beg to differ. The expression on Na-bi's face when she first sees Do-yeon and hasn't recognizes her is not the expression of someone who sees her just-platonic-friend conversing with a girl. You can practically see the gears in her head turning and she suddenly looks unsure: "Who is that girl talking to Do-hyeok?"

But anyway, iIluminatedquill has written here and here what I want to say and more, so I won't add any more here, other than this: it's my own personal preference as well. I'm just more drawn to romantic relationships which also evolve from friendship. I feel that lust will only get you so far, and the companionship aspect is what makes it long-lasting. (Even in my personal life, my boyfriend is not only my boyfie, he's my friend and partner in crime also.)

Four. Do-hyeok has good and normal relationships with his family. He obviously has good relationship with his Grandpa (judging from the way he's reviving his Grandpa's noodle place until his Grandpa feels better) and is close with his cousin, Do-yeon. While this is based on what's been shown and even though we never see or hear about his parents, I think it's safe to say that Do-hyeok most probably grows up in a loving family and he carries their values with him as he approaches his relationships with people as an adult.

Again, this is mostly personal preference, but as someone who highly value family, for me this is another point for Do-hyeok. I'm not saying that someone with dysfunctional family cannot form loving relationships, but it's what one aspires for.

Do-hyeok cares for people. He takes care of them (e.g. voicing concerns over Do-yeon's plastered hand, preparing umbrella and coffee for Na-bi, etc etc). And, sadly, Jae-eon's distant family background just makes him even more detached and non-committal towards people.

As for Na-bi, she wants to learn from her mother and not following in her footsteps. "I promise myself I would never date while watching my mom." It's heavily implied (and is practically confirmed by her aunt) that her mother dates around as well, and from the one scene we're shown during her birthday weekend, she always feels like her mother neglects her and she's upset about it. So, yeah, Na-bi wants to live differently, and it's clear who's a natural at it already.

Five. I can see them growing together. Yeah, Na-bi's mostly the one who needs to sort out her life, but she also can be a good influence to Do-hyeok. She gives him feedback on his videos (as an example) and he builds upon that.

From Na-bi herself: "I don't want to ever disappoint Do-hyeok." She sees him as such a good guy and always receives things from him. I interpret her line here as her desire to improve herself, to be better. And that's how a good relationship should be, right? It brings out the best out of each other.

That's it from me for now.

I guess some of the points up there can be different priorities for different people, and that's okay. As I've said at the beginning of this post, this is all mine, so feel free to disagree.

To me, Jae-eon is like this very strong gravitational pull: he's sexy, mysterious and very alluring, yet he displays oh-so-many red flags. It's all such a rollercoaster ride with him: very fun and thrilling, yet can also cause you extreme dread.

While Do-hyeok is like a sanctuary. He represents safety, stability and ease. With him, it's like strolling on a park somewhere under the sunshine: things feel warm, pleasant, and cozy.

Na-bi probably still feels the gravitational force of Jae-eon. It's hard to shake off completely on such a short span of time, but I hope she remembers that just like her namesake, she always have her own strength to fly and defy gravity.

[cartermarcian]

4Kids Korner - Season 2 - Episode 3

I'm a bit late this week because I got caught up with work and school-related dread, but now I'm back to bring you more 4Kids products! This week we have an epic trifepic: Winx Club Magazine Issue one - the castle, Kirby Right Back at Ya - Ice Kirby (DVDouble-Shot) and Kirby Right Back at Ya - Kirby Comes to Cappy Town!

Let's start by getting the smallest one out of the way. Here's Kirby Right Back at Ya - Ice Kirby (2005)

There's something I oddly like about DVDouble-Shot. Starting In 2005, the DVDouble-Shot line was introduced featuring two-Episode DVDs of 4Kids most profitable shows as a way of promoting 4Kids TV. As for the consumer, the main selling point is that you could buy them for a low price, collect and possibly trade them with your friends, kind of like Pokémon cards. I like the idea of one kid saying to the other on the playground, "hey, wanna trade your Ninja Turtles for my YuGiOh?" How successful they were, I have no idea, but they're fun and easy to review on this show. Given their small portion size, practically every DVDouble-Shot is the same. This one had the episodes "The Chill Factor" and "DeDeDe's Snow Job," in accordance with the ice theme of the disc. It also features assorted promos for then-current and upcoming 4Kids shows identical to those seen in the 4Kids TV September demo disc (which I will hopefully review some time in the future.) Before we move on, though there's one little thing I want to point out about the box art. You can't see it in the photos I've provided, but the ice monster on the cover is far more pixelated than Kirby, if you look closely at it, so it appears to me that they lifted it right out of the episode and placed it on the cover. I guess that's just what happens when no official art of a character exists for your graphic designers to use...

Now that we have that one out of the way, let's talk about the stars of today's episode, which actually turned out to have much more historical value than most of the other stuff in my collection. So say hello to the Winx Club Magazine Premiere Issue, The Castle (2005)

This is a very special addition to my collection not only because it's part of what I consider to be 4Kids' absolute peak year, but since the book was presumably printed in January of 2005, it means this was one of the first pieces of of merchandise to feature the now-famous 4Kids TV logo. Heck it might have even been printed before then. As for the book itself, it's quite cute as it features everything an 8-11 year old girl wanting to be a hip and trendy 2000s teenager could want, and contains surprisingly few ads for Winx Club merch. And even more adorable, is the publisher's attempts to fit that description using words like "slammin'" in sentences. I call it a magazine, but it's really more dedicated to the comic included, "The Castle," which I would have read, but I needed to get some sleep the day I read it, so I skimmed the book's numerous activities, instead. But for those still interested, the comic is a retelling of Bloom's enrollment in Alfea, with original art that's pretty accurate to the actual show. But the book's real allure is the activities. Like the free trading card you'll see in the photo above. It even comes with a full-page description of what a trading card game is, making reference to YuGiOh in the process, which I thought was funny since 4Kids owned that, and also because it heavily implies that only boys play YuGiOh when the show itself has many female duelists. After that, you have a faux interview with Bloom taken from the perspective of a fellow Alfea Student. What I remember most clearly about that, is that Bloom says she listens to top 40's, which made me think "man, she's got some trash music taste," even though I, myself have said on multiple occasions off of tumblr that I listen to basically everything. Also included on the magazine are a paper fortune-telling toy, a best friend diary which includes a "secret crush" slot to fill in, a page for writing down predictions about the reader's future, and even a personality test which assigns your traits to a type of flower, as suggested by Flora on the page. The funny thing about this is that one question asks for the reader's favorite kind of movie, and one of the options is "anime everything," which I thought was funny since anime was just starting to get big at that time in America, and the online anime community was just starting to grow. Finally, on the last page, probably the most creative of all, is a step-by-step slumber party plan by Musa, which details inviting everyone over, having them show up dressed as their favorite popstar (like Brittany Spears, for example) and bring their favorite CD from said popstar, then taking turns playing them and talking about them. It sounds quite fun, and it made me smile imagining all the little kids who tried this. That's exactly what I think is awesome about children's entertainment: it makes them happy and builds their imagination. So that's the Winx Club Magazine, a really good buy, but I must admit they used the same art of the girls more than once on a few occasions, and also wrote in a plot hole in the interview with Bloom, where she says she discovered her powers as a child, but in the show she unlocks them at her current age when saving Stella from the first monsters of the series. So it may have a couple flukes, but still quite enjoyable.

And last, but never least, it's time for Kirby Right Back at Ya: Kirby Comes to Dream Land (2002)

This one is also historically significant for two reasons. One is that it was the very first release of one of the more famous non-Pokémon/YuGiOh shows 4Kids had to offer, but it also played a part in promoting the very launch of the Fox Box, as you'll see on the box art. This disc may only have the first three episodes of the show, but it super makes up for it with a plethora of special features, more than any of the DVDs I currently own, and that they strangely enough don't tell you about on the box. And speaking of the box, though you might not see it, the episode descriptions on the back are written entirely in comic sans. Yeah, it's clear to see 4Kids wasn't quite as sharp as they would be in the next few years... and the DVD menus are also written entirely in this font. But that doesn't take away from the outstanding value. much like the Fright to the Finish DVD, this one's special features are split between two menus. For this one, there's "More Kirby" and "Added Attractions," which is the far superior one, but more on that in a minute. The More Kirby menu features a character gallary telling you about the main cast, set to music from the show. Then there's "Kirbyoke," which is there to teach the kids the words to the theme song. And finally, we have a preview for the next DVD in the series, which at that point hadn't a proper name, so Mike Pollock's voice just refers to it as "Kirby Right Back at Ya Volume 2." Then, in the "Added Attractions" menu, we have a promo for Cubix - Robots for Everyone's first DVD release, a short promo for the newly-launched FoxBox.TV website, and the star of this review by far, "What's Inside The Fox Box?!" This incredible 14 minute long promo (which you can find on Youtube, by the way,) previews every single show in the Fox Box's initial lineup as a way of hyping up the network for it's September 2002 launch. Well, kind of... You see, 4Kids made multi-minute promos for their own productions, complete with plot synopses by Mike Pollock and others and theme songs for the shows. Meanwhile, Stargate Infinity, a third-party show, only got a promo featuring still images of the main cast, a paper-thin explanation of the plot and no opening, all clocking in at under a minute. So, yeah, pretty lame move on 4Kids part, but at least we get to see HD footage of 4Kids lost Ultraman Tiga dub. Ultimately, it's a really fun promo from 4Kids' very beginnings as a dedicated children's entertainment company, even though it uses some uncut clips of guns in Fighting Foodons since the dub wasn't finished at that point. One last thing to point out: the promo for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (which hadn't even started production at the time,) features an unused theme song demo for the series which also made it's way onto the illusive Fox Box CD. So there you have it, one of the DVDs that started it all. Thanks for reading about it, as well as my other items this week. I will be back with more next week, so hang in there, and I'll see you all next time. Take care!

[leftnipsdoodles]

Re: Riven, on one hand I do agree that "female = deceit" is tired, but also she's probably the freshest form that shit has taken in a while. She doesn't have "secret sexy human form", no sexy lobby attendant voice and her seduction is 100% non sexual. Her one and only form we see is a huge dragon that eats people and builds cool houses. If every seductor type was like Riven, the world be a better place.

(i ranted, im sorry. i do agree with you, i just digressed a lot lmfao)

i mean she DID show up as mara with the biggest case of hartman hips in all of destiny. esp when the devs know that fanboys wanna bang her

but i still definitely agree with you. the fact that she even speaks to you in asher’s voice, who’s like, the last person most ppl would think of as ‘seducing’, is pretty cool lmao and her design is just awesome. bungie has always been 1st place when it comes to alien designs tbh, especially gender-wise (this is the point where we side eye mass effect)

still tho it made me think abt how ive never heard of a male character who had the words ‘seduction’ assossiated with him when it wasn’t explicitly sexual (not that there’s many male characters who are shown to do that to the extent that female characters do either).

it reminds me of the sirens in the oedipus story, who in the original text were never described in an alluring way, but to this day, the translations describe them with sexualized words (there was a rly interesting post abt it. basically things like replacing sth like ‘the words from their mouths’ with ‘the words from their lips’ and stuff. subtle changes to make them sound ‘sexier’)

at the end of the day, what actually bothers me abt destiny isnt rly what the devs are doing, but how the (male) fans run with it. bungie goes out of its way to give us cool-ass female alien designs: female cabal look like the males but have big-ass tusks, female fallen look the same as the males but can be bigger, vex are genderless robots, the hive have a gender spectrum that’s not only fluid but also so alien that you cant rly call any of them male or female in our sense of the word.

what do (male) fans do? draw all of them as big-tittied 99% humanoid waifus.

and it’s the same with the wlw/mlm stuff. everyone is quick to recognize mara’s bisexuality, while completely ignoring shaxx’ canon sexuality (bi or probably more accurately pan). marcus ren and enoch bast in the lore are talked abt the way that some wlw couples are talked abt, and yet ppl never mention it (im not talking tumblr btw). every other female character is confirmed to be not straight while male characters (aside from devrim) are only ever hinted to be, if at all. hell, we had entire lore books bringing up mara/sjur again and again, yet uldren/jolyon, which gets just as much set-up and very similiar interactions, is never confirmed, even when the author himself said he imagined them to be an item (either that or uldren being asexual, which could be a different victory, but since this is seth ‘i took pirate queen mara and made her into my personal waifu who does everything i find hot’ dickinson we’re talking abt here, i feel like the asexual thing is more of a cop out for him to not have to think abt two dudes touching dicks)

destiny is one of the most relaxing games for someone who isn’t a cis straight white man (yadda yadda sjw rhetoric. im just calling a spade a spade here). there’s tons of lgbtqa characters, female characters who are written just as good (and bad) as the male ones (mara dont interact) and there’s never a question abt gender/sexuality/race making someone more or less suited for a task. it’s great.

but sometimes i feel like those ‘small’ decisions, like having wlw be so much more present than mlm, or making the ‘seductive’ monster female, or making the most powerful/desirable person an eternally 19 year old big titty emo girl, is like having one foot in being progressive and another in ‘im scared to alienate them straight male gamers’/’im a straight male gamer myself who has his own biases’

im not saying im gonna call bungie and yell at them to check themselves and change things to my liking. all im saying is that i’ll keep noticing those things and have my opinions on them, while also recognizing all that this game does.

anyway. y’all still here? lmao