#because apparently you can't just be disappointed when people are monsters. you have to try to excuse them? or something

[arttsuka]

I totally agree with this, some fans do take it too far and refuse to hold abusers accountable (especially when the abusers are male and the victims female. Sexism you see).

But at the same time I think that the majority of people who consider themselves fans don't really care about the creator as much as they do about the creation.

It's like watching a bunch of movies with an actor, and you like their acting, so you start considering yourself a fan but do nothing else to 'interact' otherwise. You'd still end up being disappointed when you learn that they're not a good person in their personal life.

People blame parasocial relationships, even if that describes only part of the 'problem'. By pretending everyone was like that takes away from fans who were there just for the fandoms, not Neil himself.

There's no real way of knowing a celebrity, not really, aside from what they might post on social media and say on interviews. Of course people would be tricked into thinking that they know, even partially, about the celebrity's personality, given the clues they've given to the public eye.

The whole existence of celebrities is thriving off of parasocial relationships and, in our day and age, everyone can become a mini celebrity (I'd argue that the classic definition of a celebrity is dying in favor of more 'publicly available' ones, like tiktokers).

Extreme fans will always exist, but to assume everyone is like that is just wrong and takes away from the gravity of the situation, the horror of 'people supported them' even if said people were nothing but everyday humans who just liked Coraline and watched it a few too many times as kids. It's easier to blame all fans than just the few who are in the wrong (and some people need to acknowledge that not everyone is in the wrong)

People need to stop blaming 'parasocial relationships' when it's revealed to the public that a famous person has done something controversial (or even a crime) and the public is upset. 'I can't believe xxx did that!' doesn't always mean that the person who said it has a parasocial relationship with xxx. Usually it's just our faith in humanity, we want to believe that everyone has some basic human decency (especially someone we might admire) and it's only natural to be disappointed when we learn they're a bad person.

[runabout-river]

Hi! I have a question, I hope I can explain myself: how would you describe Gojo on a moral level? I see the majority of the fandom (jjk in general, not just the shipping ones) considers him a good person, but I'd argue he's more on the grey side...and not a light grey. See, I can't really wrap my head around the way he blatantly ignores the fact the Suguru was completely fucked up, to the point that in chap 236 he wishes Suguru was with him before fighting Sukuna and imagining him (adult Suguro, the fucked up one) together with the same students he tried to kill in jjk0. How on earth? If I'm not mistaken Gojo never really says "yeah, Suguru was my friend but he used to be completely different, this is not the Suguru I used to be friends with". He never says Suguru was wrong. He just misses him, even though he was surrounded by people who liked him. At least Shoko clearly doesn't feel any affection towards Suguru. And let's not talk about the way he doesn't really seem concerned about the future of his students in chap 236. What do you think? Just to clarify: I do like Gojo. But I don't share the sentiment of the rest of the fandom: he's not a good person. I guess Nanami was right

I understand what you mean. Gojo is definitely gray in some aspects of his character, he sees himself as a god e.g. (which is also true to a degree) and he can't form good relationships with others because of it.

On a meta perspective, Gojo also occupies a character role that only villains have: the overpowered person who also likes being powerful and likes fighting. Normally, when a protagonist or otherwise good character is overpowered, they also end up as some sort of pacifist or their powers have significant drawbacks. This video essay discusses that aspect of Gojo's character.

Between him and Geto, on one side, I see the current USamerican and Christian-inspired culture or zeitgeist, where bad people have to be condemned and shunned in any way possible play a little into Westerners being perplexed why Gojo doesn't condemn Geto at all.

Except he does condemn Geto, which is why he put his fingers up in front of KFC with the intention to kill him. Later in JJK0 he does exactly that. If there hadn't been any condemnation, Gojo wouldn't have done either of those things. He just doesn't express his condemnation verbally. His words are what he expresses his sorrows and regrets with.

For chapter 236, look who he's surrounded by: Toge, Yuta and Maki, the students he wanted to kill in JJK 0. What Gojo says here and wanted to be true isn't Evil Geto to be magically an ally even though he's still wanting to kill monkeys. Maki and Yuta would definitely not be in the same panel otherwise.

Gojo is saying here, that he wanted Geto by his side while Geto still had the freedom to go another path in his life, just one where he didn't become a murderer and genocidal fascist. Like, Geto could still:

Be disappointed in his own moral code

Be disillusioned by the JJ society

Leave the school because he didn't see a point in staying

Try something else to help the sorcerers defeat curses

The only thing that should've been different in this fantasy, was that Geto didn't go on a killing spree and killed his parents on top. Geto shouldn't have become a monster like that and Gojo would've accepted any other changes or decisions from him. That's why Gojo imagines him in his monk outfit.

That Gojo apparently doesn't care much about his students... I didn't like that either but he simply has faith in them but he also had the same faith when he got boxed sooooo... I believe that he's going to come though.

[starcwrld]

TITLE ⊱┊ December 1st, 2017 FEATURING ⊱┊ Kim Hana, Jung Minji, Kwon Soyi, Hinata Kiyoko, Owari Ichika, Bae Kiwoo (CEO), mention of Chaeyeon. WARNINGS ⊱┊ mention of suicide, mentions of drinking, violence, manipulation (pls lmk if i missed anything !!) WC ⊱┊ 1.7 K NOTES ⊱┊ hiii this is my first piece ! this is more of a prologue to the whole events so the mentions of Chaeyeon might not make too much sense. Feedback is always welcome!

 Soyi's eyes are glued to the wooden desk in front of her. The other girl's eyes are in a never-ending loop of glancing at her before glancing over at the man pacing around nervously, and the loop repeats. Slight bouts of annoyance come in and out of her system, but she knows there is no valid reason for her of all people to be so pissed off right now. 

It's a little over a month before their debut date. Everything is already being finalized; some photoshoots have been done, and others booked, the album is getting wrapped up, and all sorts of preparations are being made to ensure a successful debut. No wonder their eyes keep fidgeting around her, giving her what she thinks is a look of 'what the hell are you doing?' She's going to ruin it all for them. She's going to ruin Kiwoo's dreams and goals. He's invested time, money, lessons, and everything in between just to get them to this point, and she's about to throw it all away because she's a dumbass

It makes her sick that she's playing the bad guy, the part she does not deserve. She hates herself for getting involved with Chaeyeon and her ring because this only reminds her of her life back in LA. The life she tried to end many times and then when she's given a second shot a life, she's only throwing it down the drain once again.

Chaeyeon was a violent drunk. And she was too far gone when she started throwing punches at a girl that she claimed 'looked at her the wrong way.' Soyi watched in horror, her mouth agape as she heard a pencil-like crack that belonged to the girl's nose. In all her years of living with the various amounts of trouble she had caused, she'd never touched someone in that manner. Looking back now, Soyi finds it almost comical that Chaeyeon was even that pissed off about something like that. If anything, she could have been seeing shit from the damage that the years of alcohol have done to her brain. 

Arguably worse is the fact that Soyi is now covering for a monster, therefore lumping her in with the same category of evil. Chaeyeon didn't care that Soyi was trying to bargain with her, she didn't care when Chaeyeon was slamming Soyi's knuckles against a concrete wall to create her alibi, nor did she care when she gave Soyi a black eye to further that said proof. Apparently, all hell would break loose if someone pressed charges against her, but none of that mattered if Soyi was facing the consequences aimed at her instead. She did as told, though, and is still doing as told despite the foul taste in her mouth. Then, she did as told like a dog. It made her sick and sicker that the next day, she was practically wagging her tail at the sight of Chaeyeon. 

"Soyi." Kiwoo finally says, and she hadn't even known he had moved to sit in the chair directly across from her. She makes eye contact to acknowledge him, but does not say a word. 

  "It's almost a month before debut…I can't keep covering your scandals like this. It doesn't look good on you or me for covering this shit up for you. You can only hide things for so long from the public.." He scolds. Soyi cowers down, starkly contrasting from the girl she was the night before and only moments prior. She hates the feeling of disappointment that the girls are casting down on her. She would never want to disappoint them. 

Soyi wants nothing more than to open her big mouth and tell Hana every little detail of what happened last night. She wants to scream it out to the world to help her. She loves Chaeyeon, but Soyi doesn't know if she can handle her lifestyle. She loves her, but she doesn't want to be her. 

Ichika raises her hand, and Soyi wants to grab it and slam it down. The thought rushes her mind, but she quickly calms it down. Kiwoo nods in her direction, and Ichika stares at him with big, wide eyes. 

"Are you gonna kick her out?" Ichika asks the question that has been in the back of all their minds. Kiwoo only purses his lips and hangs his head low, and Soyi squeezes her eyes shut. At the same time, she braces herself for the inevitable news that she has to pack her bags and return home. 

"No…but if anything like this happens again, before or after debut, I will most likely kick you out." His tone is harsh and part of Soyi feels hurt and wants to bite back. But the rational side of her knows that she deserves this. It's her fault that she's in this predicament. 

"I invested too much to throw it away right now. I invested too much into covering up your past and little problems, and I won't let it go to waste. Soyi, if this debut is unsuccessful, you will be the first to go." Kiwoo's words are a cruel reminder that he's only her boss and nothing more. She has looked up to him for guidance before and has felt joy for the small gestures he would do for her, gestures that only a father would do. But no matter how much she tries to see a father in him, she will constantly be reminded that he's her boss. Nothing more. It stings, his words sting so bad she wills herself to not be defiant and leave the room right now and stir up more trouble to hurt him as he has hurt her. It's irrational another voice tells her, it's your fault and yours only. 

He stands up and excuses himself, not bidding them any of them a goodbye. His face was red with anger when he left, so none dared to comment about his swift exit. 

"So who did it?" Hana speaks up first and Soyi gives her a look of utter bewilderment that almost looks comical. 

"What do you mean who did it?" Soyi's voice is hoarse, cracked, and broken, so when she finally hears it, there's a fear that maybe she won't sing the same again. 

"You mean to sit here and tell me a 5'3 girl, weighing 115 pounds, is going to be capable of breaking a girl's nose and sending her to the hospital?" Hana confirms, sarcasm deeply entangled In her tone. 

"Anyone can break a nose."

"Not someone who tucks their thumb in when they punch—"

  "I don't do that anymore and I'll have you know I've won many school fights." She argues back, her demeanor childish as ever despite her grown age. Probably because she's never grown up.

"Yeah, and when do you ever pick on someone your size or bigger?" Hana continues the argument while the other girls remain silent and let the two argue it out. 

"She wasn't my size. So I could have won." Her eyebrows are pulled together tightly while she holds Hana's gaze. 

"Soyi. We saw the girl you would not have beaten her. Not unless you stuck your ass in a gym for at least a few months." Hana continues giving her that condescending look, which she hates. Maybe she will pick a fight with her and swing right at her. Let her help.

"I told you it was me." 

"Whoever you're going out with every night is clearly not putting you in any safe situations." Hana leans back in her chair with her arms crossed. 

"Stop treating me like a kid. I'm not a kid anymore." She grumbles, her voice aching from all the strain of this argument. Ichika and Minji stifle laughter at the statement. 

"You’re acting like one. That;s something a kid would say. You’re 20. grow up." Soyi doesn't respond to that. She wills herself not to fight. Hana doesn't deserve it, she never would. Let her help.

"So, I think you should really be honest here," Ichika advises while she blows a bubble of her minty gum. 

"And what do you know? You're just going by whatever she says." Soyi snaps, but Ichika doesn't flinch.

"Well, Hana has always been right, so if she doesn't think you did this then she's probably right. If she thinks you did, then she wouldn't take your side. Remember that one time you got into an argument with that one trainee—"

"I don't wanna hear about that right now." Soyi cuts her off, her face contorting in disgust from the awful memory that leaves a bitter taste in her mouth. 

"Then let's skip this conversation and go straight to what we are going to do about this," Kiyoko interjects before Ichika can respond. Ichika is too sweet to bite back, but Soyi wouldn't let up regardless. 

"We? This is my problem, not yours." Soyi scoffs, crossing her arms tightly.

"Well, it is our problem if it could affect our group's image. Who's this girl you're going out with every day?" Minji adds her piece.

"A friend. What does it matter?" 

"Well, you leave every night with a group and come back in trouble or drunk." Minji continues, but Soyi is swift to respond.

"Why are you interrogating me? My business is my business." 

"Stop being a brat Soyi." Hana rolls her eyes. Soyi uncrosses her arms in embarrassment and stops tapping her foot restlessly against the floor when she realizes she really is only a child, throwing a temper tantrum. Ichika snickers and the noise pulls her out of her thoughts. 

“What?”

"Nothing." Ichika hums happily, blowing another bubble of gum. 

"Is this really the time to be laughing?" Kiyoko looks bored at what they all agree is an incoming argument. 

"'M not laughing!" Ichika argues with a grin on her face. Punch her. 

"Do you have brain damage or something?" Ichika only laughs more at Soyi's remark. Punch her. 

"Stop laughing!" Soyi's voice comes out more as a whine, and Ichika only laughs harder. Punch her. 

But then Soyi breaks into huffs of laughter because, realistically, her anger is so unserious that, for whatever reason, Ichika is laughing; she should never be getting this worked up.  "C'mon, let's just go home." Minji rolls her eyes with a fond smile gracing her lips. She slings her bag over her shoulder, and all the girls get up with an eruption of noise breaking out. Soyi quickly rushes over to Ichika and playfully shoves her, which only leads the girls to push each other outside with grumbles of annoyance. Calm down, it's okay now. The voice says, and it sounds awfully like Hana's.

[dzthenerd490]

Addendum X-28 part 1

Agent Cortez was only supposed to be in Japan for a short while, apparently the GOC was increasing its activity in the country and the higher ups didn't like it, so they send agents in like him to see what was up. He wasn't a part of any major operations though, he was on civilian surveillance, ensuring the veil of secrecy was maintained while the others did the real work. Originally that did bother him a lot but now he was mainly glad he didn't have to do the hard and often horrific shit they had to do. So even if it was a layman's job at least it was easy and nonlife threatening at all. Or at least that's what was supposed to happen. 

Suddenly an earthquake hit the entire city and not long after, anomalous creatures started bursting through the ground and eating people. They were big but not necessarily large enough to be considered LSA's more like giants. Though that didn't deny how deadly they were, Cortez got out his Foundation pistol and shot a few only for the bullets to bounce off or for them to barely break the skin. The monsters were tough and unfortunately fast, so he couldn't do anything else but keep firing while running, hoping for the best. 

Finally, things calmed down when he made it to a parking garage, there he made sure to hold the fort while directing other survivors in. Though he didn't have much luck as a majority of the survivors he did find just ended up getting eaten by monsters that passed by. Cortez then stopped trying to flag survivors in as it was seeing more and more hopeless. The worst part is that he wasn't even receiving an update on what was going on. Though the unfortunate easy explanation for that was that this was happening all over the world, meaning the Foundation would be too busy to help him or any of the other agents within Japan. 

"Augh! I think we'll be safe in here! Get a grip doormat!" However, to Cortez shock two local school kids did show up, one looked to be a ruffian and the other was a short kid that looked to the be the victim of bullying. Cortez sighed, but it was better than nothing thought he couldn't be sure that they weren't secretly GoI members or anomalous humanoids. He raised his pistol and pointed it at them as he revealed himself. 

"Hey! Keep still and put your hands up!" Both boys quickly raised their hands in fear and confusion though the blond one seemed to hesitate more. 

"What the hell? Where did a tourist get a gun?"

"Keep your hands up! Do it or I'll shoot!"

"Hey Mexican! You really think you can get away with shooting someone in Japan? Guess that's all you Mexicans know how-" Cortez shot dangerously close to the kid's foot making him back off in fear.

"First of all, I am not Mexican I am Latinx. Second of all, you need to show some goddamn respect for your elders, boy!" The blonde kid was obviously scared, but he still felt like he had the high ground, so he faced Cortez with a cocky smile. 

"Why don't you suck my dick you foreigner?" Cortez just glared at the ruffian in disappointment.

"How about I do you one better?" Cortez then kicked the ruffian in the balls making him fall to the ground and crouch in pain. The other boy backed up in fear to which Cortez lowered his gun and gently raised his hand. 

"Hey, hey! It's okay kid, I'm not going to hurt you. That jackass was bullying you right? I just hit him because he was being a ruffian, you don't have to worry about me doing the same to you." The boy still seemed fearful but calmed down a little though he kept his distance from Agent Cortez. Cortez understood this and kept his distance as well though he tensed up again when he saw two shadows approaching them. He quickly raised his pistol and ran over to face them.

"Freeze put your hands up!" It turned out to be another two kids who thankfully complied this time. 

"Oh... Sorry about those kids, you can't be too careful with those things outside."

"Woah, what's a foreigner doing with a gun?"

"Hey! Don't call me that, Call me Mr. Cortez or just Cortez, okay?"

"Uh, yes sorry Cortez-San."

"... Good enough."

"Ah! Is he okay?" Cortez then turned back to the ruffian who was still on the ground but slowly getting up albeit in pain. 

"Ugh, yeah don't waste your time with that jackass, he's a ruffian through and through."

"Gah! Screw you, you dirty Mexican! Once the JSDF gets here their going to arrest you and your cartel buddies!"  Cortez knew at this point that kicking the kid did nothing, so he just ignored him from here on out. However, Cortez did raise his gun again because a monster was currently standing behind the two new kids. 

"Ugh, what's that smell?"

"It's horrible!"

"Kids. run now."

"What?" Everyone turned to the parking lot entrance to see one of the ogre-like monsters with blade arms and a hundred eyes. 

"RUN NOW!" All the kids did as Cortez said while he fired on the monster, making sure to aim for the eyes. He managed to damage a few eyes, but he quickly ran out of ammo, despite shooting seven eyes the other hundred or so still looked at him in anger and thus the monster charged forward. 

"KEEP RUNNING!" Cortez caught up with the kids and they all ran around the corner in hopes of slowing down the monster a little. This turned out to be a great idea as a car being driven by an already dead man hit the monster just as it was about to come around the corner as well. 

"Alright! Let's keep running, the more distance we have from that thing the better!"

"I- I live nearby! My- My house is only 10 minutes from he- here!"

"Alright, nice one kid! We'll go to your house for now, better than nothing right?"

***

Thankfully it didn't take them long to make it to the apartment complex, once they were inside the short kid suddenly stopped.

"Alright kid, so where is your apartment." The short kid stood in a door at the front of the four of them. Though instead of opening the door he just remained silent for a short while which started leaving everyone with concern. 

"... uh kid?"

"Come on, doormat! Take us to your house!"

"Hey! Back off, ruffian! Come on kid what's wrong."

"Hahaha... hahaha!"

"Uh... Kid?"

"I never had anything good in my life... I've been waiting for this day... For the world to change... for everyone who bullied or ignored me to die... AND NOW IT HAPPENED! EVEYRONE BUT NE DIED! GOD HAS GIVEN DIVINE PUNISHMENT!" The short kid then turned around and smiled saditicly at all four of them.

"The bullies, the ones who ignored me, even filthy foreigners! You're all going to die so I can be free!"

"You little prick!" Before Agent Cortez could do anything, Tadokoro kicked him down the hall making him hit the wall of another hall within the apartment complex. 

"So what, Doormat? I'm also going to die for your divine retribution?"

"You just realized? Your next! LOOK!" the kid pointed to the left but there wasn't anything there, but when Tadokoro looked back the kid was gone. Tadokoro and the other three ran after him but by the time they caught up he was already in his apartment and locked the door.

"Shit the idiot locked the door."

"Now what do we do."

"Okay, relax kids, let me see if I can't break into one of these apartments and find us some supplies at least." However, before any of them could even move they heard something large crawling all around and getting louder with disgusting gargling noises. 

"Wait... doesn't that sound like-?"

"This is the fourth floor... it couldn't be..."

"Kids get away from the railing!" Suddenly one of the blades belonging to the monster form before rose up and latched onto the railing. Then the monster raised its head and opened its disgusting mouth, ready to attack. It would have succeeded if the centipede monster hadn't shown up and grabbed it. 

"What the hell?! I've never seen that thing before!"

"Is- Isn't that the monster from the school?"

"Shit it's huge!"

"Quick to the elevator!"

"What?! No kid! The elevator shouldn't be used during emergencies!"

"Shut up dirty Mexican!" Cortez growled in anger as he ran after the three kids, thankfully Nao ran towards the stairs. He was glad she was smart but that he was still going to have to drag the other two away from the elevator. 

"Wait watch out!" Tadokoro and Akira stopped and not a moment too soon as they were seconds form jumping into the centipede monsters' mouth. Horrifically it opened its mouth to show several human bodies still being digested. Cortez shot its insides making it scream in pain as he grabbed the two and followed Nao down the stairs. 

The entire way down was chaos as they had to constantly avoid getting grabbed by the hundreds of hands of the centipede monster. Finally, they got down but once there were out of the apartment complex, they were able to see the full scale of the massive centipede monster. Thankfully it was distracted by the blade armed monster and trying to find food within the apartments, so it didn't notice them. However, it did notice the short kid within his apartment and ate his body while throwing out his disfigured head. 

"Fuck! Okay kids, come on while that freak is distracted!" 

***

They ran for what seemed to be hours until finally coming across a suburban district which seemed to be abandoned of both humans and monsters. 

"Ha... ha... okay I think we lost them for now... catch your breath and then we can get moving again." Akira and Noa nodded while Tadokoro just grunted at Cortez for taking charge. Cortez grunted at the ruffian, if we ever need a distraction, I'll be sure to use that racist prick as bait. However, his train of though was interrupted when Akira walked up to him and bowed. 

"Thank you, Cortez-san for saving me back there. I would be dead if it wasn't for you and Noa." Cortez then looked back at Noa, and she blushed upon hearing him say that. Cortez smiled to his and stood up straight after catching his breath. 

"Just call me Cortez kid, and it's no problem really, it's a part of my job to keep civilians safe form unseen dangers."

"Huh? Are you with the JSDF?"

"Ah, I actually don't know what that is. You see I actually am a foreigner, but I'm meant to investigate a potential danger in this area. Then this whole shit show happened so naturally all I can do is keep you kids safe and hope for the best form there."

"Huh... well thank you. I'm Akira Takashiro."

"Ah! And I'm Nao Shirasaki, thank you Cortez." Akira then looked back at Tadokoro in disappointment, who of which, remained silent. 

"Hey, shouldn't you at least thank him, Tadokoro? He's the only one trying to save us."

"Oh yeah, and he's been doing such a good Job... fucking Mexican." Cortez then got up and kicked Tadokoro on the sides making him fall to the ground.

"I already told you I'm not fucking Mexican! You call me that or dirty foreigner again I will not hesitate to let those monsters eat you!" Tadokoro glared at Cortez seemingly still not getting what he was saying but kept his mouth shut out of fear. 

"Wha- what is this?"

"Huh?" Cortez and Nao walked over to Akira's side and saw he was watching the TV of one of the homes. Through the broken window they could see it was showing the news of a dog attacking a couple. 

"What the hell?! Why isn't this being broadcasted everywhere! How could they not be talking about the monsters."

"Could it be that they are somehow unaware of it?" Cortez started sweating in fear, he knew exactly why they weren't broadcasting this. Though it was both a good thing and a bad thing. It was good because it wasn't all over the world like he feared. However, it was also a bad thing as he was not made aware of it, meaning that some other organization managed to suppress the anomalous attack. To do such a good job meant they were a powerful enemy of the ACPA or worse the Global Occult Coalition themselves. If that was the case these kids and everyone within the affected areas were as good as dead. The Global Occult Coalition did have ways of suppressing people's memories but when it came to large scale operations like this, they normally either evacuated or executed on mass. 

Cortez managed to calm himself down quickly, panicking would only make the situation much worse. He looked back to the kids and saw they were trying their phones for signal, though judging by their faces there was no luck, as to be expected. Cortez sighed, there wasn't going to be any backup and even if there was, they were either going to ignore civilians or kill them all to suppress the truth. As such, he needed to get the kids somewhere secured and safe, quickly.

"Hey kids, you know this area better than me, got any locations in mind that are secure like a blast shelter for earthquakes?"

"Uh... Cortez! Can we go to the Tachikawa train station!"

"Huh? The train station? Why?"

"Please my friend Miku might be there!"

"Pfft who gives a shit about your friends." Cortez then glared at Tadokora making him back off in fear. Finally, the ruffian learned to keep his mouth shut, took him long enough, Cortez thought to himself.  

"Look Akira the situation is dire; I think it would be wise if we watch out for ourselves first. Besides, considering when this all happened, I really doubt your friend is actually there."

"Please! I have to try to find her!" Cortez just took a step back and sighed as this weighted heavy on his heart, he really did want to help Akira as he seemed like a good kid, but the boy was asking for the impossible right now. 

"Cortez, it would be a good idea to listen to Akira." Cortez and Akira then looked to Nao who entered the conversation.

"If survivors are going to gather anywhere it would be there and the one Akira is referring to is actually very close. Wouldn't it be good to find more people, possibly the JSDF as well."

"Hm... Alright, fine but you guys do realize it's going to be a long walk and most likely we are going to have to hide form one or more monsters on the way there."

"Tch, god damn it."

"Hey ruffian! If you don't like it then go ahead and try surviving on your own." Tadokoro grunted in anger but said nothing else as he turned the other way in frustration. He hated them all, but he couldn't deny that not being in a group right now was a bad idea. However, before anything else, he looked up and saw another centipede monster crawling over the roofs and heading right towards them. 

"Holy shit the monsters are back!"

"Huh? Oh fuck! Run you brats, run!" The four of them ran as fast as possible, Cortez reloaded his pistol and shot at the inside of its mouth hoping to scare it off. It screeched in pain but persisted in chasing them. Cortez saved his remaining ammo and just ran with the kids hoping to eventually shape off the monster. Thankfully Akira led them into an alleyway that was too small for the monster to follow them. However, the monster quickly crawled on the roof and tried to block them off from the other end. Thankfully Akira led them to another path in the alleyway away from the monster. 

Unfortunately, it quickly used its body to crush the houses and quickly surround them again. Though to their surprise it didn't attack right away, instead it raised the upper half of its body in the air and released a loud and monstrous screech in the air. As it did this in the distance other monsters of the exact same breed were seen doing the same thing. There were so many that it was obvious this area was their territory now. 

"Kyaaa!" Unfortunately, things only got worse as Nao was dragged by the monster so that it could eat her. Cortez got up and was about to shot at the monster's hands, but Akira beat him to the punch by beating it with a pipe. Cortez was shocked but quickly started firing when Akira got Nao out of there to keep the arms from reaching out in retaliation. However, that wasn't enough as it lowered its head towards them and opened its mouth. Cortez got in front of the kids and unloaded his clip at the monsters hoping to hit the eye, but it was block but all its mouth tentacles. The monster just punched him into the wall where he landed next to the kids and dropped his gun. 

Cortez closed his eyes and braced to be torn to pieces as the monster advanced. Though as he kept his eyes closed, he realized a considerable amount of time had passed yet nothing happened. He opened them only to see the monster just staying still and not advancing on them at all. Actually, he looked at its eye and saw it moving around at incredible speeds and seemingly changing color slightly while doing so. He swore he heard something whispered in his ears, but it seemed to be a backwards recording. Then suddenly, the monster just left, it didn't growl or do anything else to them it just left. 

"What the hell? What was that all about?"

"So, it just left? It already destroyed so much I thought we were going to die next."

"Ha! Got your gun!" Cortez, Akira, Nao then turned to Tadokoro who pointed the pistol he found at Cortez. Akira and Nao were rightfully scared while Cortez just looked at him in disappointment. 

"Hahaha! Now you're my bitch you dirty Mexican! Now we go where I say we go, you get me?! Oh, and Nao, you're going to have to stay close to me okay, a pretty girl like you needs a strong guy like me. No one is stronger than the guy who has the gun after all!" Cortez just walked up to Tadokoro with his expression not changing while Tadokoro pointed the gun at him in anger.

"Hey! Stop moving you dirty Mexican! I'll shoot you I swear."

"Do it then, let's see what happens."

"Dumbass foreigner, just because my country knows peace unlike yours doesn't mean I don't know how to use a gun!" Tadokoro pulled the trigger, but nothing happened, it was like something was preventing him from taking the shot. Cortez then grabbed the gun and slapped Tadokoro across the face.

"The safety was on you idiot; you can't shoot with the safety on. Besides, didn't I already tell you I'm not a Mexican. I'm Latinx you idiot. How many times do I have to say that before you get it through your thick skill."

"Tch, just shut up you damn Mexican." Cortez then slapped Tadokoro twice in the face making his cheeks puff up. He actually let out a tear due to the overwhelming pain. 

"I said stop calling me that!"

"Gyah! Okay, okay just stop hitting me you crazy foreigner!" 

"IT'S CORTEZ"

"Right Cortez sorry!" Cortez sighed and turned around to face Nao and Akira again.

"You two, okay?"

"Uh, yeah, if it's not too much to ask-"

"Yeah, yeah, train station. Geez kid, you must really care for your friend."

"Yes, I... I have to find her." Akira noticed the particular word "her", he sighed and rolled his eyes. 

"Ugh, okay I get it, now come on." Akira was about to follow but Nao stopped him by gently grabbing his hand.

"Thank you for saving me, Takashiro." Akira blushed like an idiot and scratched the back of his head while trying to play it off as no big deal. The entire time Cortez and Tadokoro watched in disappointment.

"Hey lovebirds, just get rid of the broken pipe and come on already."

"Ah! Right!" Akira threw the pipe behind him and ran to catch up, but Nao didn't follow instead she seemed shocked by something. 

"Hey, haven't you all noticed? Isn't it strange?"

"Huh? What is?"

"The pipe didn't make a sound when it fell."

"I... wait your right."

"Hey come on! Lets just go to the station aready!"

"Hold your horses we need to figure out why."

"Why what?! It's a stupid pipe who cares?" Cortez ignored Tadokoro and waved the dust away while walking forward though as he did, he felt an abnormal breeze and quickly stopped. 

"Kids, all of you back up now."

"What why?"

"Just do it." They did back up and so did Cortez, finally the smoke all cleared up and in front of them was a large crater. It was so large it swallowed up several apartment complexes and was so deep it was pitch black inside. When Cortez got closer to look in he felt like he heard something whispering but couldn't make out what it was. He quickly backed up as it was probably an audio based Cognito Hazard. 

"A hole?! Why is there such a large hole?!" Akira remained silent while Nao shouted in confusion and fear. Tadokoro on the other hand started laughing.

"Hahaha! It all makes sense now! A meteorite fell! That's where all these monsters came from... They're aliens! We've lost the city all of humanity has been lost!" Cortez knew that wasn't true, if they really were aliens then they couldn't have reached earth. the Global Occult Coalition, the SCP Foundation, or even the Eight Wings of Mekhane could have stop them with their space divisions. Though if they really were aliens that meant their space forces were already lost, or maybe they had exhausted a large among of resources to blast all the meteorites and even then, this one managed to slip through. 

"God damn it there's just not enough information."

"Haha, I don't even have the strength to walk" Cortez looked to Tadokoro and saw him defeated and sitting on the floor. Cortez sighed but decided to leave him alone, he was a ruffian with horrible bigotry but he was still a kid so he just left him alone. Though as Cortez turned his gaze to Akira and Nao, he noticed that Akira had already gotten up and started walking away. 

"Tadokoro, if you think this is the end, then keep sitting. Let's go Shirasaki, I need to find Miku no matter what." Nao looked at Cortez and Tadakoro but quickly followed Akira. Cortez sighed but smiled in relief and followed the kids as they would need his protection. Tadokoro quickly followed out of fear. 

.

End of Part 1

Part 2

.

Go back to SCP-ADH

[seamistgale]

*digs my lost tags up from the ether* uhhh… what did i have in my drafts….?

Dangerous and equally Volatile bf Dan with his Positive Exposure boyfriend who has Experience with Anger Issues like you wouldn't imagine.

He lets Dick most of the moral heavy-lifting decisions instead of defaulting to violence now, bc the Sudden and Unexpected, but Not Unpleasant Codependance has a chokehold on his emotions and need for positive reinforcement. It's nice not to have to worry about things he doesn't get anymore, yk? Who cares if a couple of cities get leveled? Not him, that's who. Dick would though. He'd be so angry. Dan can deal with angry Nightwing-- he can't quite deal with a disappointed, anguished Dick that's angry at himself up because 'maybe i didnt help you when you needed me' Grayson. It's like Jazz crying for him. because of him. It hurts.

Babs thinks it isn't healthy, and has said so and tried to reason with Dick bc you have to see this can end up terribly, right? Given their history, this situation in particular sounds familiar (Dick butting his head where people don't ask him to.) and they've been here more times than she wants to keep count of.

Dick knows he has his bf on a bit of a 'hey tell me whenever u got The Urges babe' leash, but counters that it's helping?? He might be fumbling a bit in the dark on how to phrase things in a way that a) Appeal to Dan's sense of feelings-driven logic thing he has going on, b) Doesn't come up as manipulative because the intent isnt to, to restrict but help his bf redirect all those extreme impulses into good things. bc he believes in him. He's already used to being a good chunk of the hero community's morale booster, and he'd like to say his own moral compass is usually pretty accurate. With Dan he can roughhouse a little bit. just a little. Apparently playfighting is healthy, and by god does he still have some good old flare ups on that suppressed anger he keeps under wraps a goos 80% of the time.

Meanwhile, Dan lets his bf try to be sneaky, it's funny to let him think this whole 'I can fix him' rabbit hole. It would make him angry usually, but Dick's so sincere about caring for him its just… nice bc it reminds him of the family that got taken away from him amusing instead. yeah, that. He goes along with these silly exercises and gets some dates out of it. Oh hey, is that a hobby he actually enjoys? huh, he thought he wasn't capable of those anymore, but whatever. He's pretending, alright? He knows he's a monster, and you can't just un-fuck a ghost, or something. They're all violent in some way or another, that's how they all are. He mentions as much to Jazz with a shrug, because well, its true.

Jazz, making use of her hard-won professionalism, keeps her lips sealed this time. She prods a little, keeps count, and watches as the two prowl around each other like a couple of cats learning to live together. She thinks they're good for each other; sure, codependency isn't something anything rometely positive on any other health professional standard, but this is a halfa ghost made out of two people, and a vigilante that protects the (second, now?) most crime-infested city in order somehow.

Dan CAN change, he just doesn't want to think about it, won't admit it. It's good that he's letting someone else help with things he can't; with his issues around people leaving him, pushing people away via anger, and control issues surrounding himself, it's a miracle he hears Dick out let alone allow him to sway his decisions. He trusts Dick to help. From her perch, Dan's whipped; but she won't be the one to say it, because she knows he's stubborn enough to try to prove her wrong. Jazz isn't going to put ideas in Dan very talented hands for self-destruction and be a homewrecker.

And Dick…? Jazz doesn't know him as well, and assuming is a pitfall, but she also kinda has to judge him a bit, she's dating one of her baby brothers after all. He sounds like he also has issues dealing with control, but on the other way around; it's not malicious trying to gain control of your life, but whenever that extends to others, people tend to fall on the tin balancing line between trying to be helpful and being overbearing. Dan giving Dick agency over some of his decisions probably soothes that sort of compulsive urges too. They keep each other from being a worse version of themselves, at least-- and on the better end (which is the one she hopes for) they'll probably keep developing routines that keep uplifting each other.

Danny would love to stop being Jazz's soundboard about Dan's love life with (the first robin!!! whoa!!) this Totally Random cop that didn't get the ACAB memo. He's SO ready to make popcorn for the inevitable day Vlad finds out his sort-of son is dating Brucie Wayne's son though; those two get along like oil and water.

(funny prompt)

Dick: Were you serious about becoming the final boss?

Dan: Ha ha. Do you think I'd go along with a sweet deal planned by someone else?

Dick: I don't think you did...

(Not sure if I really understood this prompt, but I had fun lol)

Dan: I would kill for you, Dick. I would tear apart this world and gift it to you on a silver plate with a necklace made of stars and a ring of sunlight. Whatever you want, it’s yours 😊

Dick: … okay. So could I ask you to not take over the world?

Dan: No ☺️ Make a list of who you want to save, I’ll spare those people, but that’s it.

Dick:

Dick: *flattered, horny, and very, very afraid*

[findafight]

I have an extremely stupid thought: Addams!Steve. His parents are horrified at his normalness. Everybody in the family tries to come up with ways to make him enjoy pain, even a little. They are all devastated that his interests are basketball and popularity. Usually, he isn't even cruel on purpose! His parents do their best to support him in his interests (this is why their house is so horribly decorated) and leave every time they feel the need to Be Weird or visit the family. When the Upside Down happens, they are overjoyed. Finally, a truly Addams pastime! But he doesn't seem to be having a lot of fun? Is he just trying to fit in their family? They don't want him to change for them, they just want him happy! His parents end up leaving him alone longer so he doesn't feel pressured to share the delightful portal to Hell (or keep getting involved if it stops being fun) and check in on him from time to time. He looks so delightfully beat up every time! What fun! Let's give him space. If he wants to battle hellmonsters, they definetely aren't gonna stop him! Even if it's a bit strange that he hasn't chosen one as a pet yet. Oh, no, is he secretely having a bad time? Does he not enjoy the hell portal? Look Steve we support your normal lifestyle! Do you want a job? A normal, horri- we mean, it's-totally-cool-if-you-want-one job? We won't think less of you if you do!

Steve for his part is very grateful that his family are so supportive of him, even if he's still trying to find a way to ask them for help with the Upside Down stuff without 1) secretely disappointing them and 2) his family making the situation worse on purpose. He knows they wouldn't mean to! But if he asks his mother to shut down a portal to a nightmare dimension full of flesh-eating monsters without even letting her keep one as a pet he might just make her cry, and that's unconscionable.

He's also under the impression that he knows the difference between people-normal and Addams-normal, but he still gets tripped up from time to time. Dustin keeping Dart as a pet? Duh, super normal, didn't even think about it until everyone started berating Dustin. What do you mean Jonathan and I aren't friends? We loved the same girl (who chose him), clearly we are Friends For Life.

(He'll never admit that Eddie is the first thing in his life that felt Right to every part of him. Sweet as pie the way he likes it even if his family is baffled by the preference, with a Deeply Weird appearence and demeanor that remind him of the best parts of home)

Yes yes Oh my god your mind.....

In S1 when Steve says his parents are away because dad has business and his mom went with him because she doesn't trust him it's not that his dad's adulterous it's because his mom didn't trust his dad not to, like, go grave robbing without her, (such a romantic date in the moonlight and it would be a shame to do it all alone, she knows he can't resist it though...)and they knew Steve wasn't particularly About That and also don't want him around for date night, and they don't want to do Weird Shit (their normal) in Hawkins because they don't want to have a reputation that would harm their darling normie son, AND he needed to stay in school at least for sports.

They return and he's like so I fought a demon creature from another dimension and got my shit rock by Jonathan who is now my best friend... (Because I doubt an Addams cares about NDAs within the family) and his parents are delighted! A portal to a hell dimension! Steven! You'll have to invite us along next time, and bring that nice young woman who is even MORE normal than you-oh she pointed a gun at you? Magnificent she'll fit right in! But they notice he's even more wound up than before and his mother, sister to Gomez Addams (hence the Harrington name), goes to her brother and bemoans the development.

"a hell dimension! In our own backyard, Gomez! We should all be rejoicing on our luck! But poor Steven only seems stressed. Apparently a girl died in our pool and instead of inviting her to haunt us he just feels guilty. I don't know what to do... However, the nail studded bat--complete with blood splatter, it's marvelous, you really must see it--is a welcome addition to the decor in the main room that we may be able to relax the highly attuned 'normal' look and expand from the basement."

And the next year, Dustin gets Steve to look for Dart and he's like "wait it's a baby demogorgon? Oh man my cousins would be sooo jealous. It ate your cat? Ah. I see. Eating a family member is certainly frowned upon." And Dustin is like. Why aren't you mad that it's a demogorgon u weirdo. What the hell. And Steve realizes that maybe weird carnivorous pets is an Addams Thing. In his defense Dustin got one. He'll have to tell his mom that it tends to eat other pets and isn't advisable.

Afterwards everyone is so proud! Steve helped defend some children who seem very keen on arson, which an Addams can relate to, and he always wears a broken nose so well. It is unfortunate that that Nancy girl broke his heart, but all's fair in love and war, and an Addams can bounce back! And what a tale, to have a girlfriend run away with you best friend! Worthy of a revenge plot, hmm Steve? Oh? No? You just what to cuddle and watch sad movies? Well. Alright then.

Perhaps a summer job, at that new mall will help. That is what normal people do, right? And Steve is so keen on normality that his parents can't refuse. They go on vacation, the last week of June, and tell him to just consider poisoning some of the icecream. Just a little! A bit of botulism or ecoli is good for a community! Keeps everyone on their toes.

They cannot believe they missed it AGAIN! Horrible luck, missing all the fun in their hometown. But, Steve seems to be bouncing back, (and his mother and father were both relieved and disappointed that the Russians who dared torture their sweet little pastel son and his friend were blown up before they could get a taste of Addams retribution) he's got a dear friend he works with and is overly attached too (excellent! His parents are so happy he's got someone he's mildly Weird with) and he happily drives the little arsonists around. (Steve's parents don't really meet the kids but know about them, are pleased as punch they all seem like little Addams-Harringtons Steve's taken under his wing. After all, arson, pet monster adopting, car thieving, and spycraft are all delightful pastimes for today's Youth)

But spring break of '86 rolls around and they return to their son in hospital besides another boy, who was apparently accused of serial murder, and discover that the hell dimension is gone for good (and, really, how can the senior Harrington-Addams' have such terrible luck! Missing all the fun once again, and to be told it's all over forever, well. At least their Steve was involved.) They kiss his cheeks and ask if they can get him anything, if his little arsonists are alright. They chat, telling him how little cousin Wednesday is doing and that his uncle Gomez was so thrilled to hear about the flesh monster last year and sends his love.

Eddie is there watching and once they leave he's like Steve....what is going on with your parents. Steve just shrugs.

Slowly, he falls for Eddie, sweet as pie and funny, with just the right amount of...well, freakishness, to settle that place in Steve's heart that's all Addams. Once they get to the stage where Steve introduces him to his parents as his boyfriend, he isn't even nervous about Eddie fitting in. He knows he will even if they live Steve's silly little picket fence and six nugget dream.

Steve's father is delighted by the development. "A murderer in the family!" He yells, which Eddie must interpret as some form of outrage or disgust instead of the delight it is.

He waves his hands in front of him "I didn't actually do it! All charges dropped!"

Steve's father Pat's his back in a consolatory way, "yes, yes. What a shame that is. We can't win them all. But! The reputation persists! And that is what matters. Oh, Priscilla! Gomez and Morticia will be besides themselves with envy!"

Eddie, who wore his most provocative and "fuck society and the man" outfit, on Steve's request which he assumed was to piss of his parents but...really doesn't seem to be the case now... Is. Baffled.

Steve's mother adds "indeed! You'll fit in so well with the rest of the family, dear, no need to worry that you're only an accused murderer. At least without prison time you are free to go where you wish and reap the benefits of a dastardly reputation!"

"I can't believe you didn't introduce us to your boy earlier, Steven. Look at him! Addams-Harrington material already. He even fought in the hell dimension with you!"

"you know about that?"

"of course, what's an NDA to family? We've been trying to join in the fun since the beginning." Says Steve's mother. "We've had such dreadful timing, though. And I'm still terribly annoyed that I wasn't able to give those Russians a torture session of their own!"

Eddie is...well. He doesn't actually know what's going on other than Steve's parents seem to like him? So. A win? He's calling it a win.

[astro-rain]

delicate; b.barnes

chapter eight - “hovel, sweet hovel”

delicate masterlist

word count: 2k

synopsis: bucky and y/n arrive the shelter and take a look at what it has to offer.

pairings: bucky barnes x fem!reader

[A/N]: what would you like to see happen next? let me know! (p.s. this is what i pictured the shelter/hovel to look like)

"I think this is it," Bucky said, looking forward at the structure in front of them.

"That's the 'shelter?'" Y/N huffed, hopelessly annoyed.

They had been walking and jogging on and off for forty-five minutes straight. Her feet killed.

"We're... gonna die."

"We are not gonna die, Y/N."

"Look at it! That is a hovel!"

"Well, inside's better than outside," Bucky retorted. "At least no one will see us if we're in there. It looks abandoned, they'll assume it actually is.”

She sighed and followed behind Bucky into the shelter. It was a one story stone structure that looked so old and weathered. It... looked like a shed. An old ass stone shed. She briefly wondered if Wakanda had a storm season because she was almost certain this thing wouldn't withstand it.

The door let out an anticipated squeak, and she was just as disappointed to see the inside as she was the outside. Bucky put the bags down and rubbed the back of his neck.

"Yeah... this... isn't great..."

It was just as small as it seemed. And empty. Mostly. There were a few withered shelves with dusty pots and bowls, and an even more withered attempt at a table. There was what looked like a furnace in one corner with old, rotted wood in it. The wooden floor creaked under their steps.

The whole place felt like a ghost: desolate, ancient, and lonely. Except for one peculiar thing...

"Bucky?" she beckoned.

"Hm?"

(Y/N) hadn't noticed it when she first entered, but in the middle of the table sat a small, shiny, black panther figurine. It posed on all fours, looking ferociously up at her. It looked so out of place in contrast of the eternal layer of dust on everything else.

"What is this?" she asked reaching for the one thing that didn't match.

When her hand wrapped around it, energy surged into her skin. It felt almost... alive.

"(Y/N) what-" Bucky was cut off by a sound that startled them both.

In the corner across from the furnace, a section of the floor starting moving. Wood on wood on stone was not a good sound. Nonetheless, in mere seconds, there was an opening, and if (Y/N) leaned forward, she could see stairs!

Both of them remained still, feet planted on the creaky floor. They immediately looked at each other.

"What did you do?"

"I'm... not sure. I think I opened it."

(Y/N) smirked.

"What?" Bucky asked, confusion clearly evident in his tone.

"I should've known," (Y/N) shook her head. "Shuri wouldn't have led us here unless there was something more."

She held the panther figurine as she walked towards the opening.

"Wait," he grabbed her arm. "We don't know that Shuri knew that was here. What if it's a trap?"

"A trap from who? I don't think anyone knows we're here except Shuri."

"I don't know. J-Just let me go first."

"Alright. After you, oh wise one," she acquiesced, voice sarcastic but endearing all the same.

Bucky tried to suppress a chuckle. "Smartass. You're the wise one."

She tried to go down the stairs, letting him go first, but apparently that wasn't enough.

"Wait, just let me go look around and I'll holler when it's all good."

"Holler? Who says holler?"

"Me. Wait here."

"Fine," she made a show of pointedly plopping down on the top step, still and waiting as he requested.

It only took about ten seconds.

"Woah..." his voice came from far away.

"What is it?!" (Y/N) leaned forward.

"You were right! Come down, you gotta see this!"

She wasted no time... and standing beside Bucky, her jaw dropped.

"Holy..."

Beneath the ground was a significantly larger, way more modernized, and highly advanced survival shelter. All equipped with smaller versions of a table, chairs, and cabinets, along with a compact freezer and miniature stove, a chest, a closet, and two sets of bunk beds. Everything was clean and looked in optimal condition. There was even a rug.

"Shuri definitely didn’t leave you with nothing," Bucky commented, still taking it all in.

"-us with nothing," she corrected, retreating back up to the shed to get the bags.

-

Later in the day, (Y/N) got a handle on the panther key and how to use it to open and close the entryway to the bunker. Once she figured it out, she kept it closed, ensuring their concealment and maximizing their safety.

Bucky had found his way into the closet, listing off the contents to (Y/N) who sat on the floor, back up against one of the bunk bed legs. She was exhausted. Her body had been assaulted by adrenaline and strenuous mortal-danger-physical-activity. Bucky seemed to be fine, though. Curse that super soldier serum. His energy was always so high.

"...oh, and here's the bedding stuff. I don't know what this is, though."

(Y/N) lethargically leaned her head over to get a good view of the closet.

She chuckled. "That's a space heater...Oh! And next to it - that's a portable AC. Makes sense. I doubt they could get electric or plumbing out here."

And her head rolled back to center, eyes closing, body exhausted.

Bucky seemed to notice. "Hey, if you're tired, I can make the beds...or at least yours if you wanna sleep now."

(Y/N) stretched her legs straight out in front of her. "No, that's okay."

She wasn't about to force her one armed friend to make a bed for her. That's just rude. Especially after he carried those bags. She felt bad; she wished she had done more.

"Nah, I don't mind. It's not like I got anything else to do," he insisted, bringing the bedding over.

(Y/N) stood, body internally complaining in aching protest. She didn't really have the energy to expertly persuade him.

"Buck, it's fine." Her voice was faint.

He didn't even stop to hesitate, seemingly determined on the task. She thought it better to just give up and let him do his thing since he was so set on it. However, the sheet was fitted and there were pillow cases, not really one-arm friendly assets. He was struggling... very clearly. (Y/N) felt even worse.

He started moving quicker, frustration jerking his arm in quick, irritated bursts as he was trying to get the sheet to stay. There was still no success.

She stepped forward gently. "Bucky..."

"Damn it!" he hissed, slamming his hand on the bed frame before forcefully standing up. His hand went to his forehead, rubbing his eyes in disappointment.

(Y/N) was a statue. She had never seen him mad before; she had no idea what to do. Don't get her wrong, she wasn't scared, she just wasn't sure what to say.

"Can't fuckin' do anything," he muttered under his breath.

She finally moved forward. "Hey, forget the bedding, it doesn't matter-"

"Yes it does," he turned. "We're hiding from a collapsed regime and I can't even make a damn bed. Plus you've done so much for me, I just wanted to help with something. I just wanted to be able to do something."

Oh. Suddenly, his anger was gone. It was replaced with a miserable helplessness. It made her chest tight; she needed to fix this.

"Buck, you don't owe me anything. I'm here because I wanted to help, not because I was expecting anything in return. And I don't know what you've been paying attention to, but I watched you carry the majority of those - heavy - bags the entire way here while simultaneously figuring out the way to the shelter while my brain was momentarily smooth. You were the voice of reason in that chaos we just escaped from, and it's a damn good thing you were so calm because I don't know if I could have handled the panic of the both of us."

"You could've," he murmured. "And I wasn't calm, I'm just used to this. I was trained for situations like this."

No, she wasn't going to lose to deflection.

"Regardless, you were a huge help. Seriously."

He still didn't look convinced.

"In fact, I feel more safe here with you than I would with Shuri and the Queen. You're like a super soldier body guard."

A look washed over his face that (Y/N) couldn't quite place. He looked at her quizzically, like he was trying to figure something out.

"You... feel safer with me?"

"That's what I said, yes."

"You're not like... worried about..."

"The Winter Soldier? No."

He sighed. "How can you be so sure? You have no idea if or when I might... you know."

"We are literally the only people here, and I don't plan on saying the trigger words. So unless you plan on saying them, I don't really think we have anything to worry about. And, even if you did 'you know,' you could definitely get away with it and no one would find the body."

He turned bright red. "What?!"

"I'm kidding! Sorry. But Bucky, you've been doing so well with me and Shuri, and honestly the Hydra programming might not even be there anymore."

"But we don't know for sure!"

"Bucky..." she pleaded, turning her head slightly as to say what is this about?

"I can't trust my own mind," he sighed looking at the floor. "I just don't wanna do anything bad. It's just - weird that you don't seem to be worried at all."

"Why is that?"

"Everyone sees me as a monster."

The room was dead silent. He wasn't looking at her, but if (Y/N) looked at him any harder, she was sure she'd burn a hole through his head. How could anyone see this man as a monster? Logically, she understood what other people saw. But personally, she couldn’t find it in her to perceive him like that. It just didn’t work. All she could find was gentleness, compassion, and sincerity.

"I can't see you as something you're not," she said, whisper soft. "I don't care if you hands are 'scarred from murder' or however you said it a few sessions ago. I trust them entirely."

He finally looked up at her, his face filled with something she couldn't quite place. It looked a bit like disbelief and then it changed into relief and then something else entirely. A slow smile crept up on his lips.

"...hand."

"What?"

"My hand. Singular. Not hands."

A deep, deep smile - to match the one on Bucky - grew on her face just before the pair started cracking up ridiculously. Perhaps this was an odd way of releasing the tension, fear, frustration, and exhaustion of the day. Nevertheless, laughter was cathartic. It was so cathartic that eventually (Y/N) could hardly catch her breath and Bucky's stomach hurt. This went on for several minutes.

In time, they both calmed down. She didn't remember when exactly it happened, but they were both sitting on the floor now. They sat in between the two bunk beds, facing one another, each back leaning against a respective bedpost.

The atmosphere was different now, but not in a bad way. It felt like 2 a.m. at a sleepover, when the conversations get drowsily deep, with slow voices and honest confessions. It was heavy eyelids and low inhibitions.

A fresh wave of exhaustion washed over her. She let her head fall slack against the bedpost, resting.

"Bucky, what were sleepovers like in the forties?" she asked softly, eyes closing ever so delicately. 

"Well," he started, getting into a story of his past with Steve and the couch cushions.

And that's how she fell asleep. Sitting on the floor, leaning against a bunk bed, and listening to his voice fade out into the background of her consciousness.

If only she knew how she would wake up: laying comfortably on one of the beds, with one blanket on top of her and another below her because he couldn't get the sheet to cooperate. With the pillowcase carefully draped atop the pillow instead of enveloping it because that's what one hand would allow. With the bed next to her being slept in with no blanket because he used his as the replacement for the sheet he couldn’t get to cooperate.

[not-that-n]

Seven trumpets, seven seals and a sky ripped apart, those were the signals of the inevitable end. As armies of demons began pouring out of the wound on reality, with the goal to destroy everything under the now read sky, they find an indifferent mankind. The generals go to the great cities in search of spoils and to taste the fear of the populace, but instead find that most of them already surrendered to their fate, while of course when attacked they ran, most humans never were proactive in their defense of their world, usually deciding the spend the rest of their short days with their loved ones.

The seven headed monster and it's master on top were roaming the remains of a broken city, whose only legacy would be the ashes left behind, the whore took a long sip of her cup, bored to death of humanity's insistence to not fight them, only stopping when she sees a young adult in an alleyway, just resting and apparently trying to heal his wound. The harbinger of the end approaches the man and ask in a tone so deep and full of a bored bloodlust that it immediately catched the civilian's surprised, even then, he did not run.

" You, remnant of a yet to die kind, heed my question and heed it well unless you desire to meet a death most painful "

" you - ? What ? " - answered the man in a tone full of confusion, this whole day had been bizarre, like a nightmare he couldn't wake up from, but even then he never expected a beast to speak to him and in a language he understood no less, his word were unable to leave his stunned mouth, so the monster spoke again.

" Child of man, what happened to your kind's ambition? Once you tried conquering the heavens, you wanted to outsmart and outpower divine forces outside of your pitiful understanding, your kind, made of dust, wanted to consume everything all around them, and yet what I find is a people that only desire to return to dust. Answer me, mortal, for all my knowledge hasn't brought me closer to this answer I seek " - the young man detected genuine confusion on the creature's bizarre voice, a curiosity that felt saddened almost, maybe because of the monster's expectation for a great brawl were each side would demonstrate their hunger for battle, or maybe it was a genuine sadness for the fall of mankind's ambition.

" why the question ? You monsters have done nothing except destroy everything for no reason, then why are you asking this? " - he barely managed to find the bravery to ask.

Under most circumstances, the seven headed beast would not tolerate a man, a wounded and weak at that, to reply back. She was the greatest of all creation, to bring the mortal world to an end, to return it to dust, and such a divine labor should be regarded with immediate and absolutely respect and obedience but, because of the particular circumstances, the great destroyer would allow such disrespect, at least temporarily.

" even since the dawn of creation I have waited for this feast, I didn't expect the will of mankind's flesh to leave their body so suddenly, I am your greatest foe yet but you do not rise to my challenge, I am disappointed in your kind, son of man, is it grief? Is it rage? Why does the flame of man's ambition not shine in this time of strife "

" well ... " - said the man, thinking his answer - " I honestly don't know. It's just... Everything I guess. What could we do against you? The police protect no one but themselves and the military is functionally useless, there's no place for shelter and most of the good ones are hoarded by thugs. So, really, what were we civilians supposed to do ? "

The man looks up to the red, broken skies, to the shattered streets, to the dead city, reminiscing of a time that no longer is - " and this was inevitable, right ? Either climate change or a nuclear war would have caused the same, things us normal people can't really stop. Sure, we can try to, but when has that worked ? "

the man breathes in for a while, before continuing - " and most people were taken by the first assault of yours, I never really had any friends or family but seeing just everything I knew, even people like my neighbors that I never really talked to, be gone in a second just... " - he makes a brief pause - " just shattered my will to fight, I imagine most felt the same "

" child of man " - the unholy beast plainly says - " our predictions were of a great war that would rage on until all the stars in the night sky dimmed and died, that everyone of your kind would fight to the last, we have small numbers compared to you and our army is disorganized and weak willed, we thought that this was going to be the fight for the right of existence for both of our kind. We doubted that victory was possible, for your ambition, your anger, your stubbornness was too great for us to face, but fate is a cruel mistress that ties our hand so we had to act even when consumed by doubt "

The beast points at the still raging fire, points at the cold ash falling from the heavens, points at the lakes of blood and at the ruins of a once great building - " we thought that all of this was a monument to struggle, that you would fight for every single inch of land until the last man fell. But now, we realized something, this was but a monument to conformity, of sloth, and I thought that this was a war were both sides held the same ground, the same strength, and that when dawn first comes the result of this struggle could go to either way, but now ... " - the beast stops for a second, before screaming a warcry in anger and stabbing the young adult in front of her - " now I realized we are your punishment, for omission is still a sin and through your blind hopelessness, your core became rotten and unsalvageable "

And that made the last verses of humanity, before burning on a fire that could have been extinguished and when the last of the ashes fell, it was already to late.

Turns out most of the humanity in Modern Era is so nihilistic that even most evil supernatural entitites such as demons are now horrified by them

[ninetails-tales]

Yandere! Red velvet Irene and seulgi as monsters

Pairings:- yandere! monster irene x gender neutral reader,yandere! Seulgi monster x gender neutral reader

Warnings ⚠️:- manipulation, compelling, yandere themes

Disclaimer:- The characters and scenarios mentioned are solely fiction and for entertainment .

A/N :- Happy Halloween!🎃 this was inspired by the song monster of irene and seulgi, the monster characteristics are created by me and not based on the original monsters as we know them from stories,I hope you enjoy~thankyou for reading!

Irene

• Irene is the monster living in your closet,ever since you first moved in your new house .

• For Irene,you seemed like a child . since monsters are way more older then mortals so she never bothered much with you .

• According to her,humans were stupid and the weakest species to ever exist and Monsters were way more superior and better then humans . So to her,you were like dirt under her shoe

• But the longer Irene watched you even she couldn't deny her attraction towards you,it doesn't makes any sense to her,really because she only started noticing you from her boredom

• In her entire monster life,Irene has never been in a relationship or have a friendship or "fell in love" with someone,she thinks of herself much better then that .

• That being said, irene has way too much pride to admit the fact that she might have any sorts of feelings for you . So she stops watching you stalking altogether .

• Sooner she becomes restless and desperate so she starts watching you again and this time,she realises that you are not even that special,far from perfect and nothing compared to her but she can make you perfect,yes and she will make you fit her ideal,she will make you worthy and the very best .

• That's how you first meet her,she approaches you in her human form obviously and you instantly like her which had irene reviled . Now she didn't have to use her powers on you .

• Irene is very controlling,she will tell what hobbies you should have and what activities you should do . since it had to make you perfect .

• She is strict too like one of those mothers who wants their child to be No.1 in everything, she expects a lot from you and don't try to be a disappointment for she will punish you by not allowing you to talk to your friends .

• She hates your family and friends,in her mind all they are doing is corrupting you and having a bad influence on you . Actually she won't admit she's jealous of them (way to prideful) she wishes she could kill them all but knows you won't obey her anymore if she did .

• Over the time, it become overbearing for you with irene constantly Trying to control your life and to protect you from the "dangerous world" . You decide that it was for the best to end things with her .

• And that's when you see her True form . Irene was so mad at The prospect of you leaving her . She accidentally slipped into her true monstrous form .

• It was too late,you saw her and you were scared for life, you wanted to run from her but you couldn't feel your body and before you knew it,you blacked out .

• Irene was opposed to use her powers on you,she didn't wanted to hurt you,she till loved you but she had no choice this time and it was for the best for though now you can't leave her . And she Thought it wouldn't hurt you more if she used her powers a little more on you .

• So you wake up with all your memories wiped away expect the ones you share with irene and just like irene wanted, you obeyed her every command blindly . You had no idea that you were Trapped . for irene is a monster making you think only about her ,like she thinks only about you .

"I will steal your heart and dominate it in a scary way ,don't you dare run from me"

Seulgi

• Seulgi hated her life and most importantly she hated being a monster

• You see, our little monster here is a hopeless Romantic,seulgi wants to find love,get married and live happily ever after with the person she loves . She also wants this person to accept her true monstrous form . Who she really is

• Seulgi could date other monsters but A whole lot of the monster community does not believes in the human dating system or share same views regarding courting and marriage like seulgi .

• That's why seulgi preferred humans over her own species . But unfortunately for her, the humans,she tends to date apparently do not share the same feeling . Since they all run away once seulgi reveals her true self .

• Seulgi then, has to use her powers to make them forget everything . Can't risk people finding her kind now .

• Seulgi is the monster living under people's bed . She likes to feel the warmth of the person's body asleep on top of the bed,it gives her the feeling of being with someone.

• The humans living in her place were going to move out soon . Seulgi hoped she was not the reason but the truth is,she was . She may or may not have caused some ruckus to get some little attention but she obviously scared them instead .

• Seulgi had lost count of how many people she scared away from her place . So this time seulgi would keep her distance from who ever were to move in .

• That's how you moved in,you were a paranormal investigator and your new job was to investigate this house which people claimed to be haunted.

• Seulgi, as she promised herself . kept her distance from you . But she couldn't help her growing curiosity . She knew of your occupation and that's what intrigued her most about you

• The other monsters and creatures of night had warned her about paranormal investigators . But you seemed harmless to her, from the day you stepped in this house, you have not done anything to cause her potential harm

• Unlike some humans who have called exorcists to get rid of her but of course it never worked since she was a monster and not a ghost . But you hadn't done anything like that, surely that meant something, that you were different no?

• Seulgi decided to introduce herself to you . You were startled but not surprised since you did feel a presence in the house . It didn't try to hurt you so you never did anything either .

• You expected some ghost or maybe a poltergeist not some beautiful women with the cutest smile excitedly introducing herself .

• You find out she's a monster, you ought to be afraid rather you were amazed . You had no idea of monsters exiting!

• That night, you and seulgi talked for hours, seulgi told you all about monsters . She was hesitant first but your curious eyes and excitement seemed very genuine to her . This was the first time for seulgi to have a conversation about her kind with a human .

• You talked for so long,you both fell asleep together on the same bed . Atleast you were asleep . Monsters didn't need sleep so seulgi was wide awake,watching you sleep .

• Upclose, you looked angelic to her, she realized, she was in love with you ,you were the one for her, her true love

• With that in mind, she laid beside you and closed her eyes . She was sleeping with you for the first time . Not under you like the past nights she's been sleeping under your bed . Seulgi loved this feeling of being with someone and she was sure you will love her too . She'll make sure of it, after all this is why her powers exist .

"I'll dance and play when you're paralyzed in your sleep As I cast a spell over your body"

Thank you for reading~

[casiavium]

Hello👋 I go by Cherry, you can also call me Max or Sky because honestly I don't answer to my own name. I ramble a lot

BYF:

-I am an adult. When I joined these fandoms I was not. Your interests don't magically disappear when you turn 18

-I'm lesbian, so if your first thought when you see that is :/ you're not welcome here! Lesbian is not a dirty word and it does not inherently mean terf or biphobic. Check your own community before demonizing another. I'm also genderfluid (sort of a girl-nonbinary-agender spectrum) so if you think that cancels it out same thing! I am not afraid of coming off as a mean fucking dyke I am tired of this shit

-I swear a lot

-suggestive content sometimes (nsft, nsft-ish, and nsft mention are the tags to block)

-no offense but I really don't care about mutuals status. Unless we're actually friends, if you post stuff I'm not interested in/move onto a different fandom I'm not following ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ call me boring but I don't like cluttering my dash with stuff I know nothing about. Please don't take it personally if I unfollow you, I follow like 50 people max and it's still a lot for me

-I ship ghiralink. Saying this now because it's apparently a big thing

My version of Sky Link is >18 because the game starts with him graduating school and becoming a knight, I started the game as a 17 1/2 yr old about to graduate high school and beat it the day before I went to college so I'm hella projecting onto it, like you're supposed to with a blank player character. Most of the stuff I make is post canon, the events of the game taking 6+ months. If you have a problem with Ghiralink you should also have a problem with Midlink, Shadlink, Miphlink, Sidlink, Revalink, Zelimpa (or their x Zelda counterparts) and countless other Zelda ships with nonhuman characters and/or a lack of canon age/consistent age equivalency before trying to claim the moral high ground. If you don't like it you don't like it, stop pretending anyone who does is a monster

This is my main blog, it doesn't have a theme, but I post/reblog

-Legend of Zelda (mostly Skyward Sword Ghirahim/Ghiralink )

-general internet culture

-fan art

-fanfic

-original artwork

-Update of shame: Star Wars

My stuff is tagged cherryskyart/writing/etc because I usually split posting it between here and my skyward sword sideblog

I'm not really into these fandoms anymore so if you're following me for that you'll be disappointed

-Harry Potter (do not talk to me about anything Harry Potter. I do not want it in my life anymore. Even anti-HP stuff I just Do Not Want to deal with anything related to it)

-Percy Jackson

-Doctor Who

-Breath of the Wild/Age of Calamity (anything not skyward sword, tbh)

-Lord of the Flies

(if that list wasn't a red flag)

I also use @skyview-temple-spring (Skyward Sword) and @hylimpa (WLW in LoZ). See the linktree in my bio for usernames on other sites

Please ask if you want me to tag any content (I tag most generally triggering things but if there's something else that's not one of the main ones let me know, it's no big deal. Anon is on)

I don't really have a DNI, I block first ask questions later and don't offer second chances anymore ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ if you think it was a mistake, log out and send me an ask on anon, I won't post it and call you out or anything

Here's my block criteria anyway. I like reading people's DNI lol

Reposting is fine just credit me and don't use shipping tags unless it's said so in the main post

adding something about reposting my artwork. If you get harassed about it, please delete the post and block the user, do not engage with them!! For any post really, as likes and views are not worth your mental health, but I feel bad because I've not had many problems and this is twice now someone has reposted something of mine and they're the ones that took the fall for it. I have many people blocked already (Tumblr and Instagram, still working on Twitter) that wouldn't see it to begin with, but you may not! If they can't yell at the source they'll take it out on you, and even if you do try arguing often times they'll switch up their argument and keep it going once they realize you're right.

I don't have a problem with tagging my art as your kin/id or whatever. Maybe don't use "me" because that comes off as you made it. I'm uncomfortable with my art being tagged as your "fictional other", husband, or wife.

**DO NOT TAG ANYTHING I POST AS LINKED UNIVERSE OR GHIRAFI**

[velveetacrackncheese]

I remember you talking about Angel a little bit ago and how you didn't think he was as bad as everybody else was saying. What makes him appeal to you, I can't really get behind him in all honesty.

So I keep getting asks regarding to clarify my stance on Angel, and while I don’t mind this despite getting asks about it even now from HH fans and non-fans alike, receiving charitable and uncharitable asks and takes simultaneously from both, I might as well answer because I’m getting a bit tired of it. Not on here that often and every time there’s a new ask regarding it and I don’t understand why people want my take on this, despite me having already given one, or the clarification. That being said, my mind has changed a bit on the subject, and I kind of wanna give a small analysis on Angel and how I feel about him now, so here we are.

 Firstly, the debate surrounding Angel Dust is off-putting to me because while I seemingly see both sentiments, I also feel as though they’re both simultaneously wrong. The positions are usually “Angel Dust represents a harmful stereotype that contributes to our marginalization and is a literal walking sex joke and nothing else.” and “Angel Dust is a hooker. A sex worker, prostitute. He’s supposed to be in hell. He’s supposed to be bad and awful. Moron” and really, I dislike both of these takes for rather similar reasons. Reason being is that I feel that it’s addressing the wrong thing here, which is the characterization of Angel, and not really what the over-arching narrative and well, show itself has to say about Angel, and I also feel that the issue here isn’t homophobia as much as it involves vilifying sex work potentially.

My issue with the first take is that obviously, we’ve barely scratched the surface with this character. I will say that the way he was introduced in the pilot was left to be desired. Not that he was offensive or meant to be a major middle finger to the gay community, but simply because we typically see big, larger, main traits of a character in a pilot. In Angel, we primarily see him embodying those things that many of the “HH hate crowd” disliked about him. Upon first introduction, he genuinely does come off as a stereotype, something that was written solely for the purpose of being “the gay” and nothing else admittedly. While said analysis is probably inaccurate, I don’t blame anyone for initially feeling that way, and coming to their own conclusions. Recognize that everybody’s opinion on Angel is all pretty much based on first impressions, because we only have so much to say about him at the moment. There isn’t even a show. It’s the pilot. Things even now can still change greatly. However, Angel in the show, being a prostitute, and a sex worker, seem very much rooted in his character primarily because many of his own personal struggles also lie in the fact that he’s someone who’s also victim to sexual assault, exploitation, which obviously has connections to his occupation. We can say that many of his actions are rooted in not only his job, and experiences, but also the mask he wears to hide his pain. I feel like to simply look at that and say “Fuck Angel Dust, he’s harmful.” is simultaneously neglecting a silent minority in the gay community that genuinely deals with the hardships of sex work in real life. You don’t see that type of humanity brought to the forefront in regards to gay sex workers in media. They’re usually there to be mocked at, and while you could say Angel comes off that way initially, additional context in the comics and Addict suggests otherwise. He’s not Alastor. He doesn’t have all these special abilities aside from being able to manifest guns and bombs, and probably shoot webs out of his anus or something. Angel is in pain, and in a situation where he feels stuck. He feels like he’s on a leash and only copes in the way he knows how, that being hedonistic actions and such. As to what the general narrative and world of Hazbin might have to say? We don’t know, and that could vary. We don’t have a conclusion as to what the world of Hazbin has to say about Angel, and whether or not he needs to be “redeemed” which is an issue I take on its own. I will get into that shortly.

I take issue with the second take for similar reasons as previously stated, but it has less to do with the analysis coming from the people who say this sort of thing, and more about what it reveals about the people saying “He’s a prostitute. He’s supposed to be in hell. He’s baaaaad.” Because it shows a type of reactionary sentiment that justifies the villainizing of sex workers, and also goes to show that they probably appreciate Angel’s character for the same reason those who despise Angel, are critical of. They find him funny potentially because in their mind, Angel is something to be mocked. Because he’s a “freak” in the sense that he’s this awful, slutty monster, seemingly missing the intentions behind writing Angel the way he is, as a way of potentially showing a sign of sympathy towards the livelihoods of real life sex workers. Instead these people probably don’t think too highly of people who work in that industry and view them as a circus act, the same way they might view Angel as the funny token gay man, and it shows that people appreciate this character for very different reasons. Not to mention, this take is not a very good defense. Does someone being in hell necessarily necessitate them to be “offensive?” A very non-offensive, non-confrontational, seemingly polite person could be the most awful person when the optics of civility are stripped away... Like a politician.

However, I end up pondering about what the narrative itself has to say about Angel needing to be redeemed. Because of the pilot’s highlight on his hypersexual manner, I end up asking myself what he needs to be redeemed from. His sex work and sexual nature certainly doesn’t make him a bad person. His violence probably does, but there’s so much emphasis on the sexual side of him and not the “gangster” side of him, and suggesting that people who are exploited by the industry they work in need to be “redeemed” almost insinuates like they’re doing something wrong. As if it potentially shares the same reactionary sentiment about sex workers that those who view Angel as a laughing stock do. Now, if “redemption” is a euphemism for “rehabilitation” then I would view this differently. However, in the pilot, the term “rehabilitation” and “redemption” are both used, seemingly interchangeably, despite both of these terms having different meanings. In terms of Hazbin, since we’re in hell, which is based on the Christian mythos (most likely also inspired by other cultural interpretations of a bad afterlife) “redemption” here is probably referring to the absolving of sins and what have you, although we don’t really know what Hazbin’s criteria for being worthy of Hell is, and said criteria is also never questioned. We just know that everybody there in hell is supposed to be bad as the latter say, and that’s that. They’re all “sinful”, all worthy of being considered bad people despite some clearly not being so... awful. Vaggie isn’t so awful. She’s a bit angry, but for a good reason. Why is she in hell with literal murderers, homophobes, gangsters, etc? Of course we don’t know much about her yet, but she seems substantially more innocent than say Alastor, who’s a literal serial killer. But according to fans, she’s in hell. So she’s bad. Bad people go to hell, and hell is where the bad people reside in, and all are in need of rehabilitation or “redemption” in order to achieve/attain heaven. (obligatory jojo reference heehee) Issue being that what’s good and bad is subjective, and despite nobody being morally perfect, they’re just in this place together with no real chance of redemption, while being told by the dominant structure and culture in hell that nobody really even wants to be “redeemed”, despite nobody wanting to be there, and probably housing some regret, only to be chained down by a culture of doubt, and many of these inhabitants probably not even really needing to be “redeemed.” There are people who are there for probably very irrational reasons, like stealing some stuff from a grocery store or something. Hell, even if someone is a murderer, what if they murdered in self-defense? Or trying to protect their family? Are they, a sinner, in need of being absolved, and to confess their sin of wanting to survive? Many “sinners” are probably people who come from unfortunate circumstances, and are forced to adapt to certain conditions that force them to do things that are considered “sinful.”

Of course, this is all very assumptive. For all we know, Hazbin could very well go into detail about this type of thing, and I’d be all for it. I feel like a lot of the former critique I’ve mentioned would be cleared away and people would be able to actually make a formed opinion on characters like Angel instead of the typical surface level takes I usually see. I’d be highly disappointed if the writers of Hazbin didn’t go down this route and question the very nature of this Heaven and Hell dichotomy and the moral code and structure presented. I have to clarify though. I’m not “behind” Angel. I acknowledge his character and how he’s written, and honestly thought the way he was shown initially was sub-par, and still believe that. My irritation revolves around fans and non-fans alike thinking they have a finalized idea of what Angel is, when they don’t, and then you have Youtubers making videos pretending it’s flawless while making statements about how stereotypes are apparently not harmful at all while making the assumption that every harsh criticism is a result of people wanting to ALL destroy Vivienne’s career when that’s just as reductive as saying that Viv is evil for shit she did years ago.

Aside from this, there’s still other things about Hazbin too. Vaggie even now I still can’t really see how she’s in anyway offensive or purposely off-putting. She’s angry because she has to react to a world who wants to take advantage of her, and her girlfriend. I’d be pissed too. She isn’t angry because she’s written to be the angry latina (despite Viv’s dumb tweet about “I’M A FIERY LATINA TOO WEE”). Alastor is a subject of discussion too because of the whole voodoo thing despite him passing as very, very caucasian and white, while also claims of cultural appropriation due to the certain iconography used when Alastor exhibits his power while playing into that “spooky voodoo” stereotype. I don’t have much to say on this because I’m simply not that familiar the religious practice aside from it having origins in Western Africa, and the Caribbean. Some say Alastor is biracial but that isn’t confirmed I don’t think. Some people say Hazbin is bad because of a Jeffery Dahmer joke, and saying that Katie Killjoy is proof of homophobia despite her being pointed out as an actual piece of shit with zero standards.

It’s all crazy. I look forward to what the Hazbin crew do with Hazbin, Helluva Boss, and especially Zoophobia. My mind is still open.

[braindeadskeletons]

Hello!! Can I have a matchup please?? It seems like every time I ask someone for one, something happens in which they can't 😂😂 but that's fine lol,, I'm a cisgender bicurious female of which the curious part is aimed towards males! The only men I've ever liked are fictional smh,, my friends tend to think I'm bubbly and very open, and they relate me to the colours orange or yellow! I'm also British and I have a love for horror movies and psychology. I would go on but,, happy writing!! Love ya

I'm a very naturally femine person in appearance. My room is full of pastel colours, mainly pinks and purples, alongside plushies and lots of duck ornaments! Since my favourite animal is a duck (fuck geese they scare the shit out of me). Despite this, a lot of people don't expect this? Apparently I seem like the kind of person to have a much simpler or perhaps darker room. So I usually tend to shock people when they see what my room looks like lol. I love unique fashion! Stuff you see on cat walks - christmas themed dress, teacup shaped t-shirt, whatever! You name it, I've probably seen something like it! Because of this, I also have a love for weird decorations. My kitchen is flamingo themed, my bathroom is winter themed (yes, I have a santa clause toilet), and my office is fulled to the brim with 90s and 80s memorabilia. Stuff you wouldn't find nowadays without some digging!! I'm currently in college taking an accounting degree, also alongside business. After that, I also wish to take a literature course to help with my fanfiction writing (perhaps I could eventually write a novel? I don't know haha) Crude humour is the key for me to be happy. As much as silly humour and stuff is great, say something vaguely offensive and I'll crack up! As long as it's not meant to be taken genuinely, then I'll find it funny. Although I have to be close to the person for me to actually start laughing at stuff like that

Hey there! I'm so sorry this was a wait! I basically had some stuff come up and it delayed my work a lot. Plus the added time from the added information you gave me, which I thank you for by the way <3 I had a lot of fun writing this! I hope it doesn’t disappoint lol. Instead of delaying this further let's just get right into the matchup, shall we?

I match you with Undertale Papyrus!

This might've been a little too obvious huh? I just couldn't help it, you two seemed like such a natural pair! I try not to go with matches that are too obvious but sometimes you just have to go with it.

The first thing that naturally attracted Papyrus to you was how open and bubbly you are! He can relate a lot to that himself and seeing how much of a natural you are while interacting with others just convinced him further that he just had to talk to the pretty lady! Of course, the moment you two start talking you both hit it off. It’s kind of physically impossible for anybody to hate Papyrus or for Papyrus to hate anybody. You know those fanfics on AO3 that are slow burn, friends to lovers, 140+ chapters? That’s what this is. There is no better way to put your relationship before you both are dating. Papyrus means well, and by god is he a good person, but he’s a bit of an airhead when it comes to romantic attraction. You could literally tell him that you want to marry him and have ten monster/human hybrid children and he’d still be like ‘BUT,,,AS FRIENDS,,,?’ You’ll need to wait for him to understand his feelings himself. It’ll hit him at one of the dumbest times possible. For example:

----------

You: geese are just,,,,kinda,,,,horrible

Papyrus:

You: fuck geese

Papyrus: 

You:

You: Papyrus are y-

Papyrus:  I THINK I’M IN LOVE WITH YOU???

----------

Yup. Just like that. No warning, no proper build-up, nothing could have predicted this. It’s just silly moments between the two of you that make him so smitten. Like you’re such??? A dork??? How could he not fall in love with you?? It’ll be a huge smack in the face for him that he’s fallen in love with you. Probably it’ll be the same for you if you’re the type of person who is oblivious with love. If not, then it was horribly obvious he likes you and you were simply waiting for him to say something first. The blushing, constantly trying to impress you, his lovestruck gazes at you when you laugh at his antics, etc. The signs were all here if you’re able to spot them. Now that Papyrus is aware of the fact that he likes you he isn’t going to let this opportunity pass by. Time for the dating manual!

This part is actually going to be the worst. Yes, the hard work and effort are absolutely precious and you’re very flattered he’s trying to “court” you as he puts it but it’s going to be overwhelming. Unless you’re fully on board with flowers being left at your door, love letters, great “acts of love”, serenading you with a not so great voice, randomly inviting you out to “friend dates” that are actually regular dates in disguise, complimenting you every waking moment, and more you might want to stop him and just tell him you like him too. Once you tell him you feel the same way,  prepare for the most wholesome hugs and kisses from the big goober. Fully expect to wake up the next day and everybody already knows you’re his date-mate. Papyrus is going to tell everybody and their great grandmas that he landed himself with the greatest human ever. 

So you mentioned that your kitchen is flamingo themed? Uh,,,don’t get used to it. Not that Papyrus would ever openly try and change your home, he loves your decorating! He doesn’t really understand how people wouldn’t expect you to have such an adorable home! He has named all the duck ornaments, become well acquainted with your stuffed animals and the real animals, is slightly afraid of the Santa Claus toilet because Santa is the evil man sans told him about, etc, etc. But we all know how he gets in the kitchen. If you care about the wellbeing of your flamingo decorations maybe move them somewhere else? Papyrus swears that he won’t set fire to your home but we both know how that goes for everybody involved.

----------

Papyrus: HUMAN

You: Yeah?

Papyrus: HOW ATTACHED WERE YOU TO THE FLAMINGO DECOR

You:

Papyrus:

You:

Papyrus:

You: Hun, I love you

You: but if you fucked up the flamingo decorations I swear to god-

----------

This is a regular conversation you two need to have. Somebody, please stop him.

He really really loves your sense of fashion! Since the two of you have been dating, he’s actually gotten into it a bit himself. Papyrus tries not to invade your privacy but one time he stumbled into your office and saw all of your memorabilia dedicated to the 90s and 80s and immediately fell in love with the aesthetic. It’s all he could talk about for weeks and god knows he isn’t stopping anytime soon. Try introducing him to some more fashion! Papyrus probably won’t get enough of all of it. Watch him show up to your home dressed like the whole circus.

When Papyrus hears of how you’re studying right now, he’s going to go on a little bit of a rant about how he knows plenty of stuff about school! Not really. He just thinks he does because he has his face in a shrub at Toriel’s school. This isn’t to downplay his intelligence of course but monster education and human education have a lot of differences. When it comes to accounting Papyrus isn’t exactly going to understand anything, but he will be very supportive! He may not understand much about accounting but he surprisingly knows a lot about business?? Yeah, it’s a little strange but I guess you shouldn’t be that shocked. Papyrus is supposedly the ‘mascot of monsters’ and he’s also friends with the monster ambassador. To say the least, he’s surrounded by a lot of really important people. If you’d like, he’ll even take you to meet a couple higher-ups! Whatever he can do to support you he will.

As for your love for writing, Papyrus would probably have to redirect you to Alphys. Don’t take this the wrong way, it’s just that the humans on the surface have been a little…intense...for Papyrus and Sans. He’d like to take a break from any sort of writing for a long long time.

Onto the final section! Date nights! Which for Papyrus might as well be every night. His idea of an ideal date would probably be something extremely outlandish, but he knows humans can’t handle a lot of the stuff he can so he tones it down. Making dinner and watching a movie is good enough, right? Papyrus knows you love horror movies in particular. This poor guy is trying his very best. Please be patient with him. He wants to prove that he can protect you and be the bigger monster but he’ll end up clinging to you the whole time and maybe even crying?? Just a little. As a treat. 

Yeah, so go gentle on the horror movies. Poor guy is gonna pass out.

His main goal during the date will be to make you smile at every possible turn. You’re in luck with the crude humor! Now you may be thinking ‘but Papyrus isn’t crude, he’s such a sweetheart!’ and you’re not wrong really. Most of the stuff he says is entirely on accident or he’s just genuinely oblivious to the implications of what he just said. If anything that only makes it all the more hilarious to witness. If Papyrus catches himself with what he said he’ll try apologizing profusely only to be met with your adorable smiling face. He may not get what’s so funny but seeing how your smile reaches your eyes makes whatever he just said worth it.

[justanotherlifeff]

Levi Ackerman × reader

Genre: Angst, Hurt/comfort, Fluff, matured themes, slowburn

Warning: There's mentions and descriptions of underage rape and suicidal themes and self harm.

Levi POV

The M.P expected us to turn Eren in after the failed operation but Erwin apparently had a plan. I woke up and went to the dining hall to find (Y/N) making tea. Just two cups for today. She avoided looking at me. Her eyes were puffy which meant she cried to sleep. I never thought the death of our comrades would make her cry. She didn't seem like someone who would cry about what happened in the past that easily. I didn't want to judge her though because even if I didn't see her get too close to anyone from the team, she still must have cared. 

"Rough night?" I asked her as she set down a cup of tea and some biscuits in front of me. "Yeah. A bit" she answered and took a sip of her own tea. There was an awkward silence between us as I didnt know what to say to her. "I wish I died instead. Things would've been better that way" she murmured again and took a biscuit from the plate. "Don't say that. What happened has happened. We can't change anything and I'm glad that you're alive. You're a big asset to the team" I replied. I knew I was bad at giving condolences to people but this probably was the worst I've ever done. 

"You aren't glad captain. Wouldn't you have preferred it if Petra was alive instead? After all, you were supposed to get married to her. I... I could've saved her you know. But I didn't because I had some personal issues with her. I wasted that one second of advantage that I had over the female titan just because I didn't know which would've been the right decision. The one I made was clearly wrong, by general ethics and also because it caused a lot more trouble for you and uncle Erwin. The most horrible thing about it is that I… I felt relieved that she's out of my way. I regret the fact that my decision made someone lose their child and someone lose their… loved one. What I did is a punishable offence and I would gladly accept my punishment." she said looking down at the table. 

I sighed at that. Of Course she had something to do with this. Someone with her level of skills could've easily gotten out of that situation. 

"(Y/N), I will be blunt with you. What you did was selfish, irresponsible and immature. I won't go on with the ethics here because I personally killed people who had a problem with me back in the underground. However, (Y/N), we are not underground now. We are up here where ethics have value. I personally made some very immature mistakes during my first expedition too, trying to kill Erwin. That got the two people I ever gave a damn about killed. I won't report this to the higher ups because I tried to kill a comrade on my first expedition too due to my selfish whims. However, (Y/N), if anything like this happens again, I won't hesitate to report to Erwin. I care about my comrades and you will have to take responsibility for such actions. The titans are already out to kill us during the expeditions and killing each other won't help humanity or your goals. I won't ask you to be ashamed of what you did. You made the decision and you are owning it. However, I am not proud of what you did. I expected you to be able to keep your personal feelings out of your job. By the way what do you mean by that deal about marriage? Petra had a crush on me but the feeling wasn't mutual. I wish I transferred her to another squad but I can't change anything now. Petra and I weren't supposed to get married. She just ranted about it to her father I suppose so that he could convince me." I said to her in a monotone voice, wondering if that thing about marriage that Petra probably bragged to (Y/N) about made (Y/N) make such a bad decision while her eyes widened.

 "But I saw you two kissing... " she started when I interjected "she just confessed her feelings to me then and kissed me out of nowhere and you opened the door before I could process the whole information and push her off me." I explained. "But she told me you are dating her..." she started again and I interjected again to say "She was bluffing" this time annoyed because she just isn't getting the message. "But why.." she started again and I stopped her again to say, "because I like someone else you idiot! ". 

At this point, she looked like someone punched her in the gut as a flash of regret glinted in her eyes. It passed in mere seconds before she looked surprised at me and asked, "Heichou, don't mind me asking but are you gay? And is that Eren?" The look on my face probably made her understand how ridiculous that theory is. Why did she even assume that? "Sorry for assuming. But if you're not gay, it must be Hanji.." she muttered and I could see a speck of sadness in her eyes. Does that mean she likes me too? 

"Why would I even like that titan loving shitty glasses? She's like a sister." I told her in my monotone voice. "Oh! So, is it someone I know?" she asked me. "You do know that I'm your superior right brat? You shouldn't be asking questions like this." I told her. "You told me that I can trust you. Doesn't that mean you should trust me too? And these trust businesses kinda make us friends right? Since we are trusting each other about things that are personal? And I thought friends talk to each other about stuff like who they are interested in." she told me with a straight face but her voice betrayed her. She was nervous. 

"What's in it for you?" I asked her. She can't know I'm interested in her. "Just curious. I'm not great at making friends and since I happened to make a friend by myself, I just thought I'll try to make a conversation. Sorry for bothering you captain." she muttered, without looking at me. "Look, it's best if you don't know. I like someone I'm not supposed to. If this gets out, both her and my reputation will be on the line." I explained to her with a serious tone. It was the truth. After a pause, she said, "I happen to be in a similar situation" with a smile. She really should smile more often.

(Y/N) POV

I felt like a complete idiot. Of Course Petra lied. It was all sinking in now. I got someone killed because I was a selfish piece of crap. And to add to my guiltiness, she wasn't even with Levi heichou. How could I do this to her? To her parents? "Why the hell are you still alive! Such a burden... Just get out of my house and die somewhere will you?!" I remember a voice shouting at me, a memory of my childhood, a memory from the underground that never left me. Was I becoming like her? That woman who sold me off to that brothel? Was I becoming like my biological mother? That woman broke every promise she ever made to me. Could I live with myself if I became like that? 

I decided not to think more of it because I probably would never be able to look in the mirror and tolerate myself. With that, I stopped thinking about it and just as heichou mentioned that he liked someone, I blurted out that I am in a similar situation without giving it a second thought.

Who was he talking about? That day after looking at Petra kiss heichou, I came to the conclusion that I have feelings for Levi heichou and I don't regret Petra's death because her absence made my insecurities go away. I felt like I'm a monster for thinking that way and cried quite a bit thinking how disappointed my parents could have been, how disappointed everyone would've been in general as I thought about it last night. I also thought that heichou just lost his fiancee and I definitely didn't have a chance because he probably would be too devastated to be with other women.

 Now that I knew the truth, I felt plain guilt, however, as there was the slightest possibility that the girl heichou likes could be me, I didn't have any intention to let go of this chance. "I'll tell you who I like if you tell me about you. That way no one can double cross each other." I said to him. "I don't feel comfortable about telling you who she is." heichou stated, not looking at me. I could see him blushing. It was a sight to see. 

"We could play a game of 5 questions. We will ask each other 5 questions and both can answer as yes or no. Is that okay?" I proposed. I personally always hated this game that Eren and my fellow members of the 104 trainee corps made up but at that moment, I couldn't think of any other way to get heichou to open my mouth. "Isn't that a children’s game?" heichou asked me, raising an eyebrow. "Well, yes but we don't exactly have things to do right now so why not kill time doing this?" I reasoned. "Yeah I guess we do have some time to kill.." he answered, sounding a bit unsure. 

"Do I know her?" I asked. "Yes. And is it a man?" he answered and asked.

 "Yes. Is she from the 104 training Corps?" I answered and asked again.

 "Yes. Do I know him?" he answered and asked.

 "Yes. Was she in the top 10 recruitments?" I answered and asked. A blush formed on my face. So he was into someone from our training Corps.. 

He looked away and said, "Yes. Is he from the 104 trainee Corps?" The tension between us increased.

 "No. Was she in the top 3?" I asked not looking at him. If he says yes, it's either me or Mikasa. 

"Yes. Does he happen to be a squad leader?" he asked. His body was tense and he averted his eyes from mine. I did the same since I was too nervous.

 "Yes. Was she in the first position?" I almost whispered. I was speechless. I never thought that slightest hope could become something so big. 

"Yes. Is he the captain of the survey corps?" he asked while running a hand in his hair. His face looked serious. He was interested in me. 

"Yes'' I whispered. I was so shocked that I didn't know how to react. I should've felt happy but in reality, I felt terrified. I knew why I felt that way. It's because the reality sunk into me. The world was a cruel place. Bad things happened whenever I believed in people. I wasn't ready to lose him. I didn't know if I ever could be ready for that. He looked at me with wide eyes. I could see the fear in them. He was scared too and I understood why he felt that way. He was right. This was impossible.

Levi POV

Did we just confess to each other? What the hell am I doing? This isn't like me at all. I seriously agreed to play this stupid game those cadets made up just to know who she had feelings for? I knew that if it wasn't me, I would make their life in the survey corps much more hellish than it already is. Now that I know that it's me, it bothered me that I would have to break her heart. 

However, this girl made me make all sorts of bad decisions and I couldn’t even hate her for it. I looked straight at her eyes. She was blushing and her eyes were as terrified and sad as mine. This wouldn't work and she understood it. I was glad that she understood the issue because explaining this would be a big problem. 

The silence was broken by Eren. "Hey (Y/N), you made breakfast?" he asked her cheerfully. (Y/N) muttered a "No" with her usual monotone voice. Eren didn't notice the tention in the room because of how stupid he is as he sat down beside (Y/N). "They are late.." I broke the silence.

 "I can't believe that good-for- nothing Erwin.. Making me wait. The MPs are going to get here first. Most likely.. He's having some trouble taking a shit." I stated which made Eren laugh while (Y/N) remained stoic. She probably still was processing everything. I took another sip of the tea and placed it on the saucer. 

"Heichou, you're pretty talkative today," Eren pointed out nervously. Of Course I was. I confessed to (Y/N) a while back and the situation just got more complicated. I was talking so much because there was too much on my mind. "Don't be stupid. I've always been talkative" I answered instead. 

"Eren" (Y/N) called out, her face looked like it had aged suddenly. I knew that she was about to talk about her contribution to the death of my squad to Eren. She seemed more worried about the squad's death.

 "I could've saved Petra and that would've saved Oluo but I didn't because of my own personal issues. I was wrong to do that. My priorities shouldn't be greater than anyone's life. I need to know if you can forgive me after hearing this." she told him, her voice monotone. 

"(Y/N)... I can't forgive you for the decision you made but, I made a wrong choice too. That was what got you in that situation. It all started from me. Back then, if only I hadn't made the wrong choice things might have been different. Even you were injured..." Eren stated, looking at me at the end.

 "I told you two. No one knows how things will turn out. Stop blaming yourselves for this. It's just how the situation was." I answered, shutting them up. The last thing the survey corps needed right now were soldiers that had regrets. Just then Erwin and the others arrived.

(Y/N) POV

Armin came to a conclusion that Annie could be the female titan. The plan was, when the military police would come to escort us, Eren, Armin and Mikasa would sneak out. They would take Annie to the abandoned underground city in stohess district and fight her there with some other survey corps soldiers and with Eren's titan powers. I was supposed to be with Levi Heichou and Uncle Erwin. Both of us were injured and we weren't allowed to participate in the fight. 

Everything was going according to the plan until there was a lightning and a gust of smoke. We knew the plan had failed. Commander Nile looked surprised and was talking to Uncle Erwin. I looked at Levi heichou. He was staring at the smoke. Suddenly he looked at me and said, "seems like plan A failed. We need to go somewhere safe until the fight is over. Go tell Erwin to make his conversation quick and get moving". " Yes heichou" I replied and went to Uncle Erwin. My mind was still stuck to the conversation we had this morning. Heichou was right. It was impossible. But... If I couldn't have the one I love, I couldn't reach my goal of happiness. In that case, what's the point of being alive?

To be continued... 

Taglist: @kingtamakimurder @realityisoftendisapointing

[fillorian-pocketwatch]

The Makings and Fate of Quentin Coldwater: What Were the Writers Thinking?

Trigger warnings: Quentin Coldwater, seasons 4 and (briefly) 5, mentions of suicide/suicidal ideation, outdated ideas about the purity of women.

General warnings: Spoilers for the show and the books.

Buckle up, darlings, and my apologies in advance: this is a rough ride, and I don’t recommend reading it if you aren’t in the right headspace for it right now.

I hope that those who do read it might drop some LGBTQIA+ positive book/tv recommendations in the comments as a pick-me-up for others. I will add some myself if I can think of some good ones.

So as it turns out, I ran into something entirely by accident: the inspiration behind the character of Quentin Coldwater.

I knew that Eliot and his "will-they-or-won't-they" dynamic with Quentin in the Magicians books were both borrowed from Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited (Grossman has said so himself)--

but I didn't realize there was an actual preexisting character Grossman borrowed from for Q:

Quentin Compson, from The Sound and the Fury.

This explains so much for me. So much.

I ran across information about the character the other day while doing something completely unrelated (looking up some other book if I recall correctly), and when I saw the similarity of the two names and then learned about the first Quentin’s fate, I thought, could this be LG’s inspiration?

Further research revealed that yes, Lev has said as much in articles. And even if he hadn’t, the fact that he has written extensively *about* TSatF online makes it a relatively easy conclusion to draw.

While the two Quentins aren't actually much alike (at least on the surface; I haven't read TSatF yet, just in-depth summaries/analyses of it)--other than the fact that they are both mentally ill over-achiever college students, are preoccupied with the idea of another world (the world as they each wish it was), and constantly associated with symbolic clocks and watches--Quentin Compson's fate explains everything for me in terms of how to understand Quentin Coldwater's series-four fate.

Quentin Compson ultimately kills himself in the famous classic novel; he does so by drowning after jumping off the Anderson Memorial Bridge in Boston, Massachusetts. Today there is a plaque there to commemorate the character:

In the Faulkner novel, Quentin associates the smell of honeysuckle with his obsessions over his sister’s purity--an ideal he comes to feel let down by after she loses her virginity and then seems to lose herself further in the company of men he feels are unsuitable.

I can’t help but make a parallel with the “drowned garden” of season 4, episode 12.

Quentin makes the following speech in the drowned garden, and as far as I’m concerned, it’s the closest thing we get to a suicide note:

You know the worst part of getting exactly what you want? When it's not good enough. Then what do you do? If this can't make me happy, then what would? Fillory was supposed to mean something. I was supposed to mean something here. But it's all... it's just... it's random. It's so random that the only way to save my friends is to yell at a fucking plant! Honestly, fuck Fillory for being so disappointing. You know what, maybe I was better off just believing that it was fiction. The idea of Fillory is what saved my life! [laughs.] This promise... that... people like me... [weeping] People like me... Can somehow... Find an escape. There has gotta be some power in that. Shouldn't loving the idea of Fillory be enough?

But the idea of Fillory is not enough, in the end, because the idea of happiness is also not enough. And by the end of his time on the show, that’s all Quentin has: the trappings of happiness (or at least the ones available to him, the ones he thinks might get him there), without the actual emotion.

Maybe he realizes, in the drowned garden, that he is at the end of his rope. Maybe that is where he decides to give up.

That, in my opinion, is why he begins to seem so shut down: it isn’t uncommon for people to distance themselves emotionally as a precursor to suicide (hence Jason being accused of “refusing to act” toward the end of S4).

I think it’s also why he doesn’t stop to wait and see how Eliot is after Margo strikes the Monster with the axes: he has given up on the idea that the things he thinks will make him happy actually will, or that happiness is actually attainable for him in the first place.

Quentin Coldwater drowns not in the fading of honeysuckle; for him it’s peaches and plums. In any case, he is definitely in over his head, and the water that spills out of the mirrors after his death feels like an homage to that literal drowning of his predecessor.

The TM writers found ways, as the show progressed, to tie the books back in to the show; the way they did it, however, was often roundabout to say the least. Their takes on how different plot points should occur, or be interpreted from book to screen, were usually close to abstract. They did do it, in many ways, but theirs was far from a faithful adaptation.

It fits, therefore, that they would tie The Sound and the Fury into S4 the way that it appears they did.

It also tells me something about how blame for their decision can be distributed, because either the showrunners:

a.) really did their research re: Compson and put together that this was the character that inspired Lev

or, as is much more likely, they:

b.) discussed it all with Lev himself--or LG was the one to broach the subject to see what sort of take they could spin.

Whatever the lead-in to the decision, I think three things combined to give them the idea for Q’s fate:

1. Quentin Compson;

2. Alice’s description, in the third book, of watching an old god kill herself to make way for a new world (which was when Umber and Ember emerged);

3. The following lines from The Magician’s Land: “The truly sad thing was that Ember actually wanted to do it. Quentin saw that too: He had come here intending to drown Himself, the way the god before Him had, but He couldn’t quite manage it. He was brave enough to want to, but not brave enough to do it. He was trying to find the courage, longing for the courage to come to Him, but it wouldn’t, and while He waited for it, ashamed and alone and terrified, the whole cosmos was coming crashing down around Him.

Quentin wondered if he would have been brave enough. He would never know. But if Ember couldn’t sacrifice himself, Quentin would have to do it for Him.”

So, it appears, the group of writers (LG included, however actively) apparently decided to take Quentin’s thought from book three and put him in exactly that position: make the choice, or fail to make the choice.

But the need for him to make that choice was never horribly convincing. They were very mistaken if they thought it was. And no matter what, it was ultimately a horrible, damaging idea. It hurt the audience, and it killed the show. The only sacrifice that was made was made in the name of ego and “clever writing” that the writers thought was edgy and risky in some desirable way.

[Quote from vulture.com]

It's not so deep.

What they did, ultimately, was borrow from more than one outdated work, and use those as excuses to do the wrong things re: mental illness and LGBTQIA+ representation:

Evelyn Waugh’s characters fail, once again, to live their lives and desires freely and openly (What a waste to rehash the long-denied dynamic from Brideshead Revisited only to deny it again);

Quentin Compson’s legacy of suicide and hopelessness lives on (and this is made all the more offensive when you learn that Compson’s suicide was based largely on ideas of spoiled purity which were solely the burden of women to uphold).

They took what could have been made right and beautiful and instead used their story to perpetuate the same sad old traditions of queerbaiting and Burying the Gays.

Tragedy is not more profound than happiness (just ask Quentin Coldwater). I'd argue that to make something really beautiful, you need to mend what's broken.

The world is a broken place. It's easy to break things here.

The worst thing they did to Q, by far, was to use the beautiful concept of minor mending against him like it was the fuse on a stick of dynamite: the thing he’d spent his whole life seeking--his specific field, his special skill in the actual real world of magic--was what he used to kill himself. He killed himself by *fixing something.* We need no further evidence that Q had given up hope.

What a terrible message, and what a slap in the face to viewers who put their trust in this atrocious writing.

And they did nothing to redeem themselves after the fact, either. If anything, they made it even worse, somehow:

Eliot, by the end of the show, has even less than he started with.

Eliot, apparently, is us: left without Q, stripped of the comfort of a world we thought we knew. Utterly let down by the writers who had the power to make things different.

I hate to end this on such a terrible note. So let me just say that if you were let down by the show, and you miss Q, you’re far from alone! I see you, and I hear you, and I share your pain.

TM got it all wrong. But I have faith that others will get it right.

And no matter what, in the last book, Quentin lives, and has nothing but a whole world of possibility open up before him.

[go-diane-winchester]

I had a dream 5 years ago, when I had no issues with Misha.  Too bad his stupid ass destiel fans wont allow something like this to happen.  Neither would he, because who is going to troll his dumb fans if he is busy contributing to the SPN canon.

There are some parts of this dream that I forgot.  There are some that don't make sense, but duh! its a dream.  I am writing it like a story so its wont be boring.  I am going to embellish harmless bits and pieces here and there, so its not bland.  

My dream starts in a motel room.  The old kind from the pre-bunker era.  I miss the motel rooms.  Sam is channel surfing, with a remote in his hand whilst reclining in an arm chair, and Dean is lying on his bed, reading a magazine.  I am very surprised because I seldom see fuddy duddy Sam actually watching TV.  He is usually squinting at a lap top screen.  They look seriously chilled out and I am happy about that.  There is a knock on the door. 

Dean:  [hollering] We don't need anything, thanks.

Cas:  Its me, Dean.  Open the door.

Dean and Sam look at each other surprised.  I was surprised too.  Why isn't he flying in uninvited, like he usually does?  Sam opens the door and finds a very busted up Cas.  He is missing his trench coat, his suit jacket and shoes.  He has a swollen eye, bust lip and blood running down one nostril. 

The brothers help him into the room and make him sit.  Sam runs for a glass of water.  It is only when I woke up and relayed this story to my cousin gleefully, that I realized that Sam wouldn't need to give an angel water.  But its a dream so just go with it.  Dean is assuming, as I am, that a monster attacked Cas.

Dean:  What did this to you?

Cas:  Youth.  Around 15 years old. 

Dean and Sam stare and him and then at each other. 

Sam:  Children beat you up? 

Cas:  Yes, and stole my possessions. 

Sam:  Kids beat you up and stole your stuff...how did they manage to do that?  And why didn't you stop them?

Cas:  There were five of them.  And they had bicycles.  But the time I got up of the ground, they were gone.  They pedaled very fast...  I lost my grace. 

Dean:  Again?  Dude you are clumsiest angel in the garrison.  Why don't you sew it to the inside of your underwear so you won’t lose it. 

Sam:  How did you lose your grace?

Cas:  It’s a long story and not important right now.  I need your help. 

Sam:  Sure man.  What do you need? 

Cas:  Some people are trying to resurrect an ancient demon.  They made it their god.  Humans cant fight this thing.  Only warrior angels can put it to sleep...using their grace.  We did it before. 

Dean:  But you don't have your grace.  Why don't you ask one of your brothers to do the job. 

Cas:  Because, they hate me.  None of my brothers wants to talk to me.  I betrayed them, remember?  They said that the next time they seem me, they will kill me.  Only the cherubs are on talking terms with me.  I hitched a ride with one of them to get here.  The cherubs are weak.  They cant fight, otherwise I would have given the job to them. 

Dean:  So you have a monster that we can't kill.  You can’t either.  Your brothers don't want to see your face.  So what kind of help can we give you?

Cas:  You have to teach me how to procreate. 

Dean and Sam:  HUH!

Cas:  I am still an angel.  I have power.  It’s this power that is making this vessel move.  My energy source is switched off. 

Dean:  Like a battery pack?

Cas:  Yes, like a battery pack.  So I need a new one. 

Dean [grinning]:  And sex does that for you?  [Sam puts on his bitchface]

Cas:  No, but a child will.  My child will have my grace.  I can harness it to put this creature to sleep.

Sam: [disapprovingly] And what about the kid after that.

Cas:  There are plenty of single mothers in the world.  I know this sounds manipulative.  But this half angel child will be strong and won’t need me.  But right now, the world needs it.  Will you help me?

Dean: [horrified] You want the birds and the bees talk?  Oh, please say no.

Sam:  I'm going to get pizza.  You go ahead, Dean.

Sam rushes out of the room, living a pissed off Dean to glare at his retreating form. 

Cas:  I am not stupid.  I know how everything works.  [Dean sighs with relieve]  I need to know how to get a female to procreate with me. 

Dean blinks at him, and eventually smiles a mischievous smile. 

Dean:  Oh, that part's easy.  Just ask very politely ''Excuse me, mam.  Would you like to make a baby with me?''  If she says yes, good.  If not, keep asking every female you meet.  One is bound to say yes.

I remember thinking 'Dean, you rascal!'. 

Cas [squinting his eyes at Dean]: That works? 

Dean:  Oh sure.  Just get cleaned up first. 

Dean dresses Cas in white Bermuda shorts, a loud red and parrot Hawaiian shirt and a white fedora adorned with an oversized feather.  If this was an actual episode, there would be a reason he would have those items of clothing, but since it’s my dream, I got nuthin'.  I remember feeling mortified but Dean looks red because he is trying so hard not to laugh. 

Cas steps outside and Dean wishes him good luck.  As Cas is walking down the corridor, one of the doors open, and a lady steps out of her room, wearing a beige peignoir set.  She lights a cigarette.  Cas walks up to her, smiling. 

Cas:  Good evening, Mam.  You are looking very lovely.  Would you like to make a baby with me?

I remember feeling second hand embarrassment.  The lady looks at Cas's grinning face, with wide shocked eyes.  Who could blame her?  Then she shrugs.

The lady:  Sure!

She escorts him into her room. 

We cut back to Sam hitting Dean with a rolled up magazine.  Dean is laughing despite the abuse. 

Dean:  If you want things done right, do them yourself.  Nobody told you to leave me on the lurch. 

Sam:  What if someone beats him up, you jerk? 

Cas:  That never happened.  It went well.  Thanks Dean. 

Sam:  You just appeared.  You have power! 

Cas:  Yes, I can fly now and I repaired my vessel.

Sam:  What did you do?

Cas:  I did exactly was Dean told me to do.  I, very politely, asked a lady if she would like to make a baby with me.  She said yes. 

Sam:  It worked? 

Cas:  As you can see, yes it did. 

Sam and Dean stare at each other slack jawed. 

Sam:  I guess, some women are just desperate to become mothers. 

Dean nods sagely at him. 

Some time goes by.  The brothers are in another motel sitting at the dining table and Cas appears, dressed in his trench coat.  Don’t ask where it came from. 

Cas:  I need your help.  My child is in danger.

Sam and Dean are shocked.

Sam:  What happened?

Cas:  I don't know.  But he is in an enclosed place.  He can’t get out.  And he's scared. 

Sam and Dean look at each other, trying to hide their smiles.

Sam:  That enclosed place is his mother's womb.  It’s only been a month.  He is going to be in that enclosed place for a long time.  Then he will be born.  Don't worry.

Cas:  That is how it works for humans.  This child is half angel.  Things are different with us.

Dean:  Are you sure?

Cas:  I can sense him.  He communicates with me.  I know he is in danger.  Please.  I need your help. 

Sam:  Sure Cas.  What do you want us to do?

Cas:  When I fly, I lose touch with him.  If I am riding in your car, it will be slower and I will be able to locate him. 

Dean:  That's it?  Fine.  Lets go. 

Baby pulls up next to a cave mouth, in the desert.  The guys go into the cave.  Cas goes to the back of the cave and points at the ground.

Cas:  He's here. 

Dean and Sam are suddenly very serious.  The boys get shovels and start digging, as Cas stands to the side, staring earnestly at them.  Suddenly, Sam drops his shovel and walks away.  Dean follows him.

Dean:  Sam? What’s wrong?

Sam:  Dean, I’m freaking out.

Dean:  Sammy, calm down.  Tell me why you’re freaking out. 

Sam:  Dean, do you realize what we are doing?  We are digging up a baby’s grave.  I have never seen a dead baby before. 

Dean [realization on his face]  I haven’t either.  Oh shit….You know what.  I’ll handle it.  Don’t worry.  Sit this one out.

Sam:  Dean, I’m sorry.

Dean:  Sammy, it’s ok.  Don’t feel guilty.  Stay here.  I will tell you to come closer if I’m sure that whatever we dig up won’t damage you more than you already are. 

Dean goes back, and flings Sam’s shovel into Cas’s hand.  They start digging.  Finally, one of the shovel hits something.  The hole was damn deep and Dean immediately scrambles out of the grave and runs to Sam’s side.  Whatever needs to be seen, let Cas see it.  Dean cant stomach the thought of seeing a dead baby.  Sam looks away and Dean stares gingerly as Cas climbs out of the grave and pulls out a big pine box, with sigils etched into it.  There is a large chain around the box, with a huge lpadlock fastened.  Cas breaks the chain and padlock with his bare hands, and flips the lid open.  He stoops and pulls out a kid of about a year and half, with long shaggy brown hair.  Dean [and Sam too apparently] go close to take a look. The kid looks fast asleep.   

Dean:  Is he….?

Cas:  He’s fine.  Let’s get him out of here.

They are relieved but when they turn to leave, they freeze.  There is someone standing at the entrance.  Dean and Sam pull out their guns.

Dean:  Who are you?  What do you want?

The mysterious person steps forward.  It’s Meg.

Meg:  Well, I wanted to stop you, but obviously I am late. 

Dean:  Stop us from doing what?

Meg:  Digging up the box, you idiot.  I went through all the effort of making the box as protective as possible and burying it as deep as possible, but if anyone can go looking for unnecessary trouble, it’s you three jinxes. 

Cas looks at her disappointed. 

Cas:  Oh no. 

Meg:  Oh yes. 

Cas:  How could you be so stupid?

Meg:  Because I loved you.  And the curiosity was killing me.  And I was trying to be helpful.  What, with your broken battery pack and all.  If I were you, just bury him before he wakes up.  I am petrified of him.  Let that clue you in on how dangerous he can be. 

She disappears.  Dean looks at Cas confused.  Then realization hits him.

Dean:  That is why that dumb pick-up line worked.  The woman was possessed by Meg. 

Sam:  What do we do now? 

Dean:  Bury it.

Sam:  What!?

Dean:  You heard her.  Bury it before it wakes up. 

Cas:  There has to be another way.

Dean:  Another way?  Like what?  How are angel-demon hybrids usually dealt with. 

Sam [after realizing Cas doesn’t have an answer]:  Cas, is this kid the first of his kind?

Cas:  Yes.

Sam:  Oh shit. 

Dean:  You have to kill it. 

Sam:  Dean!

Dean:  Sam I know this sounds cruel.  But nobody on earth has dealt with this type of creature before.  Meg is afraid of it.  What if this thing wakes up –

Cas:  Then I will deal with it. 

Dean:  Cas don’t be stupid. 

Cas:  Put yourself in my shoes. 

Dean:  This is not right.  This creature could kill you. 

Sam [To Cas, pointedly]:  Its ok , Cas.  I understand. 

Dean [To Sam]:  Do you?

Sam:  Yes!  You don’t have to like it Dean.  I can understand your concerns.  But it’s his kid.  Have a heart. 

Dean:  Screw the two of you.  I am not going to clean up this mess.  This is all on you two.  I want no part of this. 

And then Dean disappears.  No, that was not a special plot point.  That was my dream growing crazy stupid.  Suddenly there is a four poster brass bed in the cave.  Cas lays the little boy on the bed and lays down next to him.  Sam stands over them.

Sam:  He’s freaked out.  That’s why he’s behaving like that.  But don’t worry Cas.  I will stand by your side.  I will support you. 

Cas: [with a weak smile] That’s mean a lot to me, right now. 

And then Sam disappears.  And then my dream must have shifted to something else or my sleep just broke.  I don’t remember. 

The End

[monstrous-beauty]

Monstrous Beauty Text Posts

Jake: What (and i cannot stress this enough) the fuck/ sure. blame the guy who's a huge idiot who causes a lot problems, again/ Me in jail: so are you guys familiar with the cell block tango/ Apparently "the vibes are off" isn't a just excuse to leave work early/ what, from the bottom of my heart, the fuck/ what doesn't kill doesn't kill you/ yesterday at target the cashier said "your receipt is the bag* and I responded with "you too" so I've been dealing with that for the past 18 hours but I'm slowly coming to terms with it which is cool/ *enters my own password* i'm in/ due to personal reasons I will be cheating death/ *gets down on one knee* *gets down on the other* *doesn't get up ever*/ Not to be dramatic but if I don't get my life together I will die/ I have pure intentions, bitch! you can't kill me/ cop: can you describe the guy who stabbed you me: yeah he was not very friendly

Storm: Which is messier my life or my hair/ "I am unknowable" I say as I overshare my biggest childhood trauma's in the first conversation with someone/ I love laying the FUCK down and sleeping/ me: [vibrating slightly because I had too much caffeine] everything in the world is my fault/ my only goal in life is to destroy the space-time continuum/ i am a huge fan of space, both outer and personal/ Yeah sex is great but have you looked at common English words and then followed their systematic time changes back through Old English and Proto-Germanic all to the way to their Proto-Indo-European roots, whispered one of those roots out loud, and been overwhelmed by a sense of Lovecraftian insignificance as it dawns on you that you just reached back across scores of centuries and spoke a word older than civilization itself?/ but i don't have a hyperfixation i'll die

Adrienne: im so tired of this life. i want to be a roomba. i want knives taped to me. i want to be set loose./ are my prophetic visions a joke to you/ There has been a lady inside my head screaming for the past 10 years and u think taking a bath and doing yoga will stop her? U are wrong. She is a very mad lady and she will not be silenced/ Cranky because you haven't had any prophetic dreams to aid you on your quest aren't you/ i wish it was 1600 so i cood spelle words howe everr my harte destyred/ me: *hangs out with little kids and tries to teach them self love and feminist ideas*/ Pros and cons of wearing all black pros: hot as hell cons: hot as hell/ If someone points at your black clothes and asks you who's funeral it is, a look around the room and casual "haven't decided yet" is a good response

Solais: mentally i'm at least 5"11. physically? don't worry about it/ don't call yourself edgy unless you talk to dead people and have daddy issues/ im a simple gal. people raise their voices at me, i cry for an hour/ once i figure out how to hold a conversation it's frienship for you bitches/ me: *is tiny* me: (;'._.');/ no homo bro *thinks about you* thinks about you* *thinks about you* *thinks about you* *thinks about you* *thinks about you* *thinks about you*/ Listen man I'm just trying to wear soft sweaters and read my books and love myself/ i was put on this earth to eat bagels and be gay/ actually Ratatouille is the dish's name, you're thinking of Ratatouille's monster. im what the kids call

attention seeking/ me gay? why yes thank you for noticing/ on all levels except physical, i am a little heart shaped candy that says "i'm all yours!"/ nothing is awkward or cheesy if you don't give a fuck. i'm on this earth to have a good time. not to be cool./ i aspire to be one of those people who is known for always smelling good and treating people kindly/ big heart energy/ me @ you: >> this is my protecting women and girls knife/ doing violence tonight so watch out if you're weak to attacks/ why did my last two braincells have to be a sad one and a stupid one/ goes to the kitchen holds a knife in my hand for a while. puts it back. goes back to my room

Mal: these hands rated e for everyone/ forgive me father for I have sinned in all the coolest and most glamorous ways possible/ "I expected better from you" well that was your fault lmao i got nothing to do with that/ im beautiful im delicious i literally cannot die i want 200 dollars/ friendly reminder that i literally cannot die, and id love to see any of you fuckers try to take me down/ Slutty in theory but not in practice/ I just wannna be vaguely unsettling, not even scary or creepy, I just want people to look at me and feel like there's something A Little Bit Wrong but they don't know what when they tell the story of the slighty cryptid being to their friends later/ Hmmm gay rights but only for me i think? The rest of you are on your own/ i say i'm gay a lot for someone who is technically bisexual/ occupation: the family disappointment/ [steps on my emotions and grinds them under my heel] anyways/ i am evil and not straight/ me: breathes parents: I AM SICK AND TIRED OF YOUR ATTITUDE/ you ever listen to your dad talk and be like "why are you like this?"/ dont you hate when you wake up and you're awake/ oh god...oh fuck...*yearns*/ Due to personal reasons I'll be going feral/ Quitting school to become a plant who wants to join me we can make a forest/ Anyways! *climbs out of the scattered and ruined debris of my feelings*/ so what if i love you. shut up/ i ask myself 48 times a day "am I being dramatic? Is this #toomuch?" the answer is always yes of course/ *lawyer voice* eat a dick, your honor/ I may seem like an asshole but deep down I'm good person and even deeper down I'm a bigger asshole/ in my defense, i was left unattended