#but I wanted dramatic lighting to make the symbolism obvious....

[otwdfanfic]

Gustav was suddenly in motion, sweeping curls of parchment and wood shavings from his workbench. “It’s beyond the bounds of these charts,” he explained, glancing at her map, then pausing to take another look. “Gods, who drew this? A mainland cartographer?” His tone was incredulous as he lifted the delicate paper by one corner. “The scale is ridiculous and it’s practically falling apart… wait, is this Hiccup’s scrappy old map?” “He charted the whole Archipelago with Toothless,” she huffed defensively, swatting his hand. “Don’t tear it.” He let the map fall to the table. “I know, I was there. Or around. But really, Freckles, this is too lousy to use. I’ll give you a better one.”

— Into the Polar Night, chapter 5: Bite the Hand

[larphis]

My overtly dramatic but realistic prediction for the OFMD S2 pearl necklace:

After Stede and Ed make up, their freshly reestablished bond is (understandbly so) very fragile because Ed still carries a lot of the hurt from that night on the beach with him.

Stede, seeing how horribly he hurt the man that he loves, decides to come up with a plan and tells Ed that the crew and him will do some “lame robbery” to earn some money back and that Ed should just stay in the cabin because it wouldn’t excite him anyways and he should better use that time to rest and to get some energy back.

In reality Stede drags the crew into a fancy jewlery store and asks them for help to pick out something fancy because of Ed’s love for fine things.

The crew being absolutely done (because let’s be real “picking out apology jewlery for your captain’s boyfriend who left you out to die” really wasn’t part of the job description) just points at all kinds of stuff in hopes of going back to the ship as soon as possible.

However, Stede - being the extra person he is - feels like nothing is good enough for his beloved until he sees the pearl necklace and his eyes light up.

The crew looks very sceptical and asks their captain if he is sure that that is really something that Edward, Blackbeard, would like; but Stede is 100% convinced (“It’s perfect”).

So they steal the necklace (“I am sorry gentlemen, I wish I could pay you for your services but I’m doing this in the name of love!”) and head back to the ship.

When Stede arrives, Edward is already standing on deck and skeptically but curiously comes up to see what they gathered from the “lame robbery” - Izzy is right by his side and looks as pissed as ever.

While the crew already prepares to be thrown of the ship a second time, Stede hides the necklace behind his back and starts with a speech that probably goes something like:

“Ed, I know how much I’ve hurt you but I wanted you to know that I am so thankful to have been given a second chance by you and that I really don’t take any of this for granted.

And to honor that, I, with the help of the crew, picked out this fine piece of jewlery to remind you of the fact that you are worthy of beautiful things and how much I really meant it when I told you that I loved you”

Edward very slowly takes the pearl necklace out of Stede’s hands and looks at it with an unreadable expression - which in turn makes Izzy grin with pride:

“You are such a miserable creature, Bonnet. Did you really think that you could make someone like Blackbeard, the most cruel pirate to have ever lived, forgive you by gifting him a woman’s necklace?!”

“I love it”

“Exactly! He- WHAT?!”

Ed’s eyes are watery and still focused on the necklace as he quietly repeats himself:

“I love it”, he says, hesitates, but then walks up to Stede and kisses him on the cheek, “thank you” he adds and starts blushing.

(“Most cruel pirate to have ever lived” repeats Black Pete meanwhile under his breath with an obvious eyeroll, which earns him an elbow from Lucius)

Stede finally feels the tension leave his body and manages to shyly reply “no, thank you” with a smile that mirrors Ed’s.

Izzy only manages to hiss “I’m too old for this shit” as he turns on his heel and walks off.

But Ed honored the symbol of their renewed love and never went anywhere without the necklace again.

[izzysillyhandsy]

A cool death - Ed's theatrical, performative suicide

"You know, I thought I'd have a cooler death than this. Something like being eaten, eaten by a tiger, or massaged to death by mermaids, or… belly-flopping into a volcano."

It seems I'm not done analysing The Scene from S2E2. It is a wonderful scene, perfect for rewatching - the music, the lighting, the double meaning of the things being said and the things unsaid, and the way it almost feels unreal, artificial and staged.

This is Ed's arranged suicide and he is playing by his rules, expecting Izzy to go along with it (as per usual). And at first, Izzy responds to it.

It is obvious to everyone that Ed is a highly dramatic person who loves the fantastical, symbolism and storytelling; he has a rich imagination and loves to perform. With Izzy, this is more hidden (especially in S1) but in S2 it becomes clearer and clearer that, in that regard, he is not that different from Ed. Both of them creating Blackbeard (their greatest fuckery) is only one example. The Kraken and the Shark is another.

For almost their whole lives, Ed and Izzy have been performing, creating theatrical illusions of their preferred realities to keep them safe, in charge and help maintain a certain lifestyle. But these illusions also helped in covering up their weaknesses (Ed can't kill, Ed can be unstable, Izzy loves Ed far too much, they're incapable of letting the other go, etc).

So is it any wonder that Ed, at his lowest point and just wanting everything to be over with, views his own suicide as a form of fuckery? He needs someone to kill him (the no killing rule extends even to himself) and so he arranges reality in a way to make that happen.

And for Blackbeard, it can never be an ordinary, boring, basic death. His death has to be cool and pretty intense.

Luckily, he has just the right person for the job - the master of real, sincere intensity: Izzy, who would do anything for him, who'd play along and follow him right into the fantasy, who has been with him for so long that he'd just get it.

And Ed makes it completely clear from the start - "I had a dream about you last night. I dreamt that you killed me." - this is about Ed and how Ed wants to die, dreamt up to the last detail. He holds Izzy's gaze. "It was good for me." - please do this last thing for me. He softly touches Izzy's (ungloved) right hand while standing up and getting into position - "I was standing. Just like this."

Izzy, probably half delirious from bloodloss and pain, follows Ed's every move with rapt attention.

So, how does Ed arrange his death? How does he imagine his last ever fuckery, his last shared fantasy with Izzy?

The execution of a mythical creature

Ed positions himself very carefully, at a good distance to Izzy and between Izzy and the stairs leading up to the door, with rays of sunlight coming from above.

From Izzy's POV, Ed must look like an angel ascending to heaven. Ed's posture and especially the way he holds his arms - almost a crucifixion pose - add to the impression. The sunlight frames him like a halo.

Contrary to the beginning of the scene, Ed turns his back to his executioner and calmly closes his eyes. He stands tall, proud and beautiful, accepting his fate with grace.

Perfect, beautiful and untouchable

Ed might be at his most beautiful and sublime in this scene. He is calm, dignified and regal. Izzy isn't granted the same status.

While Ed is a statue of perfection, Izzy lies on a filthy bed below him, drenched in his blood and god knows what else.

He's sweaty, his hair sticks to his face and his clothes are rumpled (and Izzy is normally so well groomed). His leather vest and even his omnipresent right glove are missing, as well as half a leg. He's so weak, he probably wouldn't even be able to sit up properly.

Also, in stark contrast to Ed, Izzy is almost hysterical. He's laughing maniacally, his face is contorted, and he's wildly emotional.

Ed is above it all, tragically beautiful and serene.

Surrendering to his fate

Ed almost projects the image of a hero or a revolutionary being executed by an evil henchman. He's Ed here - not the Kraken or even Blackbeard. His fate is decided by Izzy, Blackbeard's first mate. I think in Ed's mind, it is fitting that the man who "egged Ed on" to stay in his Blackbeard persona finally kills him when he can't do it anymore.

When Stede left him, Ed returned to Izzy without any plan what to do next. When Izzy kind of decided for him (at least that what Ed tells himself I think) Ed realized that he couldn't be what Izzy wanted him to be any more. He escalated the Blackbeard fuckery to become essentially Izzy's worst fear and nightmare.

Now, at the end of it all, he's back to being Edward, Edward who just wanted to be himself. And the man who had controlled him for decades gets to execute him. One last time, Ed is at the mercy of Izzy.

It is a compelling fantasy.

And Izzy finally, finally decides to stop playing.

At the beginning, Izzy seems entranced, a little hopeful, nostalgic and maybe even elated (even if everythings fucked to hell, at least this Ed wants to share with him). But as soon as Ed gets into position and expects Izzy to act executioner to his theatrical, arranged suicide - he just can't do it anymore.

Izzy could never kill Ed in any circumstances, but this must have been like a slap in the face (or, to be as dramatic as Ed, a dagger through the heart).

Izzy destroys the fantasy by essentially treating Ed like a little kid - "Ooh, you scared, Eddie?" and "Clean up your own fuckin' mess". He's not playing the part Ed chose for him, this is not who he is.

Izzy is not Ed's executioner. He is not a maniacal puppetmaster. He's not a higher power and Ed's not at his mercy. Ed is not a perfect, untouchable mystical creature and Izzy is not a hysterical wretch.

When Ed leaves (slightly disappointed, but not surprised, maybe even grudgingly approving), Izzy kills himself. Without any fuckery, theatricality and without an audience.

With his trusted scene partner gone, Ed immediately abandons his dignified hero fantasy. He throws himself into his next fuckery - the deranged killer. I'm quite sure that one wasn't as meticulously planned.

But when Izzy inexplicably comes back, the tables have turned. Izzy, who has finally taken control over his part in their shared destiny, appears on deck in the midst of lightning strikes and thunder. Now it's Izzy who is calm, dignified and untouchable - a mythical creature himself. Back from the dead, indestructible, disarming Ed with an impossible shot.

And Ed? Ed is visibly impressed. God I love those two. For the last time, Izzy is giving Ed what he wants, but on his own terms.

Finally, the crew kill Ed in the most dramatic way possible, in the middle of a fucking storm, on a ship doomed to sink with every soul on board.

Ed and Izzy can be proud - this was the most impressive fuckery of their lives.

[munsonsreputation]

y’all are never gonna hear me shut the fuck up about this…but this is screaming 1989 is it NOT?!

I might be delusional but I am delusional for a REASON! this is clearly 1989 coded in some odd yet very obvious way…just bear with me here

1989 is the next re-record that might come before this year ends or possible early next year! in the karma music video there are multiple Easter eggs that hint to 1989tv but specifically the last scene….

she brings coffee to her supposed “partner” and the coffee has a design in which the clock strikes 12.

Since the announcement of Midnights, the clock has been a symbol throughout Taylor’s career — the variants of Midnights, the different editions (3am, till dawn, ect.), even the opening visual to the eras tour.

could this possibly be another tease for the clock to be used to announce 1989tv and the possible music video we could be getting??!

in the song “you are in love” she sings “coffee at midnight” and this is obviously the scene at the end of the karma music video!

while the song is loosely based off Jack Antonoff and his then partner Lena Dunham — the song is basically about two people who fall in love and it gushes about the simple and mundane life between the lovers while also acknowledging the moment they fall in love.

now I’m not saying Joe and Taylor are together or dating, but I am saying there is a possibility he could be staring in the “You Are In Love” (Taylor’s Version) Music Video!

1989 is an iconic era in itself and we were gifted with some of the most amazing, memorable, dramatic, and fun music videos (bad blood, ootw, wildest dreams, style, shake it off, blank space, and new romantics)

but what makes “You Are In Love” different is the domesticity of love and how it seems to not be so chaotic. in the song she expresses literally the different moments in which she and her partner fall in love through just living in each others lives in day to day scenarios.

EXAMPLES:

One look, dark room. Meant just for you. Time moved too fast. You play it back

Small talk, he drives. Coffee at midnight

Morning, his place. Burnt toast, Sunday. You keep his shirt. He keeps his word

You two are dancing in a snow globe, 'round and 'round

in the final scene of the karma music video we see that everything fades into the cup of coffee and ends up being served to her lover. this is symbolism in which I think means that her past with other partners seems to just fade away now that’s she’s with him because… SHES IN LOVE! HES IN LOVE! THEY ARE IN LOVE!

to receive a music video for this song specifically would mean so much to the 1989 era considering the fact that during this time Taylor was under scrutiny for her love life. we saw that depicted in blank space, a satire song she wrote based off what tabloids thought of her and her love life.

“You Are In Love” clearly talks about the softness in which her and her partner have in private. That while they may fight and argue, they talk it out nonetheless and make it work for them.

“He keeps his word

And for once, you let go

Of your fears and your ghosts

One step, not much

But it said enough

You kiss on sidewalks

You fight and you talk”

the whole point of “you are in love” is to express the highs and lows of a relationship outside of the opinions of everyone else, specifically the media.

“You can hear it in the silence

You can feel it on the way home

You can see it with the lights out”

in the lines above, it clearly has parallels to other Taylor songs in which she talks about fame and how it constantly follows her wherever she goes — an issue she has wanted to avoid when it comes to her love life. but in these lines it talks about when her and her partner are alone — just them by themselves together. they are in love and they can feel it even when no one is watching.

and where is no one watching?

in this scene where she brings him the coffee!!!! this is the dark room meant just for them! their shoulder brush as she sits down beside him! this is either his place or hers — THEIRS!

This was just a GLIMPSE of domesticity when it come to romantic love — but I’m assuming when we ✨hopefully ✨ get the mv we will see more of it! see the two of them just spending time together in a home, like in Lover mv!!!!

Now you’re probably thinking where does Joe Keery fit in all of this?! I HAVE ADHD AND I GOT OFF TOPIC IM SORRY!

we all know Taylor worked with Sadie for the atw 10 min version short film! in her actors on actors interview she discusses writing past Taylor in the film with Sadie in mind Bcs she saw her in stranger things and realized she wasn’t a romantic lead and would be perfect for the role! (Time stamp: 6:12)

knowing this information and that Taylor has definitely watching stranger things, could she possible be writing the “You Are In Love” music video with Joe Keery in mind?

Joe Keery hasn’t stared as a romantic lead in any movies / tv shows. in stranger things he only played Nancy’s love interest for 1 season before becoming the beloved babysitter we all know today. In Free Guy, while his character does crush on Jodie Comer, he isn’t necessarily the “romantic lead,” that part belongs to Ryan Reynolds. Then in Spree he plays a fucking murderer so yeah….

I’m thinking that Taylor really loved Joe’s performance in ST and possibly saw his other projects and wanted to see him in a larger role (romance wise). I personally think he would be perfect as a character in the “you are in love” music video or possibly short film!

Steve Harrington had a redemption arc but I don’t think we’ll be seeing him GRT back together w/ nance in s5 + the ending of Free Guy is left open so we really don’t know if his character and Jodie Comer’s stay together.

I know I’m probably sounding crazy or delusional but this is just a loosely based theory on what I see and know from the pics and Easter eggs! Taylor street style as of late has been giving 1989 and we all know how she also drop hints with clothing and what not so this is just a fun little thing I put together

this is just a theory so please don’t come at my neck….LOL! I know I sound delulu, but this is just all in fun and good nature as a fan of Taylor and Joe!

Let me know your thoughts and possible other Taylor and Joe collab theories! 🙈🫶🏽✨

[grimmmviewing]

S1E9: “Of Mouse And Man”—A (Watched 2/29/24)

“It’s people’s lives falling apart—What’s left when the good times are over. It’s the death of dreams.” – Hank, doing his best True Detective impression, describing a junk shop

My feelings about this episode of Grimm evolved very much like how they did for “Game Ogre,” with a sense that it just got better over the course of the runtime. The difference is that “Of Mouse And Man” has noticeably fewer issues that ultimately undermine its more interesting aspects for me. Further, while “Game Ogre” has noteworthy elements that mostly work within the full context of the series—and this episode does have some of those too—“Of Mouse And Man” also tells its own more complete and compelling fairy tale story using the fantasy and procedural elements, similar to “Bears Will Be Bears” and “Let Down Your Hair,” which is what pushes it even higher.

It starts with just some competent little bits of execution, like the tense opening scene with its orange and sickly green lighting, which is a sort of signature color scheme for the series. There’s a shot from inside the dumpster where the body du jour is… dumped that has the lid closing at night and then, without an obvious cut, opening again on daylight and a garbage truck.

Hints of mouse-ish-ness in an episode about mouse people are also seeded consistently throughout: Both the Marty and Natalie roles feel like they were cast looking for actors with a somewhat mouse-like appearance, and the Natalie character’s last name is even “Haver” “straw,” but she’s not actually a Wesen and is a symbolic rather than literal mouse. There’s an exchange between Nick and Juliette at one point where he calls raccoons “rodents,” which Juliette argues is untrue and says “We’re all mammals here.” As a second body is being dragged to a second dumpster, we see a sign on said dumpster literally depicting a mouse. During the climactic engagement with Marty at his junk shop, there’s a large doorway that looks very much like a giant traditional mouse hole, with the ragged edges along the wall as if it were chewed.

When Marty is really finally feeling himself and he takes Natalie out to dinner, he says, “You got to think bigger, Natalie. The only thing that’s holding you back is you,” which is fun dramatic irony since he’s obviously talking about himself too (or even primarily).

The choice to have each of Marty’s victims briefly turn into his father is a fun visual twist that starts so subtly that I wasn’t even sure what I was seeing. I noticed that the first victim’s face looked different at one point in the opening, but then I thought it must have just been some quirk of the lighting or something when the corpse looked normal later. It becomes more obvious and prominent as the episode goes on, culminating in Marty seeing that same face on every man at the restaurant where his final breakdown begins. This scene ends up being genuinely unsettling in a way the show’s fleeting horror elements often aren’t. It doesn’t feel like an original concept, but the way it builds all episode is very nice and works well. That Marty ultimately becomes abusive toward Natalie—a woman he wanted to save from domestic violence initially—and then sees himself as his father in the junk shop mirrors during his standoff with Nick and Hank just makes for such a satisfyingly complete-feeling arc.

“I know who you are,” Nick says to a felled Marty, by which he means a Wesen, but Marty is too far gone to understand and takes it more generally, tragically: “Oh, no, you don’t. Nobody does. Nobody knows me.”

“At least I know who you are,” Juliette says to Nick as well at the end. Which is more dramatic irony, perhaps in more than one way at once, since A) she’s doesn’t, actually, and B) it echoes that earlier line that we heard but she didn’t.

It’s just all really good! The domestic violence is described but not depicted, which makes this not as queasy (in maybe a bad way) as it could have been. And there are still other fun details or elements as well, like a chatty landlord character and especially like Juliette doing her own little investigation into who’s spying on her house and Monroe ending up in a surprise B/C plot that ultimately affirms his own agency as well—that he will continue working with Nick because he wants to and not because he’s been pressed into it. If there’s a negative in there somewhere, they probably could have explicitly connected Juliette’s extreme vigilance and desire to protect herself and Nick back to Oleg Stark attacking them in their home in the previous episode to make this feel more powerfully like character development for her.

[maiji]

I'll request a reading if you're still doing them! why not. for my little guy Hana. what is he afraid of with regards to... his own history? 🤔 numbers.. 11 and 23. and if you're not still doing readings.. i hope you have a great day regardless!

I am absolutely delighted to do a reading for Hana from the webcomic Kings of Sorts! Hana seems like such a sweetie but from his very first appearance it's clear there's so much more to him than meets the eye. I'm nowhere near caught up on webcomic so this will be interesting, to see whether any patterns/interpretations we pull out manage to touch on anything that readers can already experience, or whether it just veers off into another direction of far-off general speculation. So if there somehow manage to be spoilers in this reading, I'm sorry, I had no idea either. lol

#11 was The Whip (which, by the way, is actually the eleventh card in Lenormand as well, interestingly enough), and #23 was The House. This combination actually made me gasp in light of the question. Kind of an "oh! / ohhh??" gasp. I think there's a lot of potential in terms of delving deeply into creative writing inspiration or character analysis!

The Whip is a card associated with many things that can cause pain: conflict, violence, shame, anger. And The House has already come up before, so we know it's used to represent a lot of things that seem like the exact opposite of The Whip - warmth, stability, things that make you feel cozy and happy and comfortable. But it's also associated with private matters. In other words, the exterior facade presented to the world may be brightness and cheer but there may be something much darker happening behind closed doors. I am reminded of when we first meet Hana in his home, and the scene where he talks about wanting to be able to help the people in his community in some way, any way...

In short, looking for a connection between the two cards that could be a cause for fear in Hana's history seems like we have a plethora of options. If we're being super dark - was there past punishment and suffering that separated him from things he considered home or family? Did they hurt, or were they caused by, people he would consider family? And whips are also things used to control - there's a lot of symbolism for a whip as not only a weapon and instrument of torture, but also a stereotype of a tool used to manage things seen as dangerous, wild and/or "other", like some kind of beast tamer. It has a lot of cruelty associated with it.

We don't have to go down the path of only super dark places, by the way. The Whip doesn't have to be interpreted in an extreme fashion - though I suppose with creative writing/inspiration we can often feel like that's an obvious or exciting and dramatic route to go down. It can also represent an argument, a physical activity (an injury?), something much less overtly traumatic but still play a major role in a core memory/event. Also, this Whip has flags added to it for greater control and sound effects - there's a sense that it can be for show, engineered as part of a performance.

I hope this was helpful! Thank you for the opportunity to read for Hana. Please don't be too mean to him!

---

Thanks for requesting a limited time free reading to celebrate the new edition of the Fortune Lenormand oracle/art deck!

Want to dive deeper?

Fortune Lenormand oracle/art deck - there's a free downloadable overview of card meanings!

humangray.com/lenormand - more info and resources/links!

(Note: these readings are being done with my old card deck from the original printing. There's not much difference with the new edition available in the link above - the biggest one is that the new edition has a custom box ooh ahh!)

[whothef]

8 reasons why everybody should be obsessed with The Lighthouse (2019) :

(WARNING : Spoilers, blood)

_____________________________________________

1. The AMAZING cinematography

The decision to film it in full black and white, even though it is said to be just to fit in better with the time period, I also provides an aesthetic complementary to the themes of the film, making those much more present and dramatic, darker, gloomier and more depressing and violent. It also emphasizes the darkness-light dicotomy and it's metaphor to enlightenment and knowledge (light, which is desirable but dangerous at the same time) versus the unknown (darkness, something everyone wants to escape from due to its terrifying nature).

The 1.19:1 aspect ratio resembles the isolation and claustrophobia the two men must feel, stuck together on this island, unable to get away from each other. The box appearing frame can even resemble the island, trapped on both sides by the dark sea.

The montage also makes a fantastic work, as they dive in paranoia in the last part of the film.

_____________________________________________

2. Gay lighthouse keepers.

_____________________________________________

3. The very obvious references to greek mythology.

Ephraim Winslow being Prometheus, the Titan who provided the humanity the secret of fire (representative of humanity's curiosity and triumph over nature > Winslow's curiosity and obsession for the light), and who was punished by Zeus for that matter by chaining him to a rock for all eternity (he is isolated in an island, for all eternity) and by having his liver eaten by an eagle every day (eaten alive by seagulls).

And when Winslow looks into the light, he's thematically seeing everything - the truth, hidden from him the whole time. Like any human, Winslow cannot handle this eternal knowledge and is delivered to his death so that the truth can remain hidden.

The movie announces with this methaphor a classic Lovecraftian message about how men are not meant to know everything.

_____________________________________________

4. Farts.

_____________________________________________

5. Its critique of capitalism.

The story of The Lighthouse can be interpreted as one of class stratification. It goes about discussing class stratification when you have two characters so far removed from what we think of as civilization. The film is ultimately asking us, what is a civilization, when you strip away as much of it as possible? A civilization is a set of relations, in this case one at its utmost limits: one solely between two people. As such, the entire movie we see a microcosmic civilization, made up of two people, and within it a stringent hierarchy and a divide of have and have not, of power and powerlessness, of authority and obedience, of knowledge and ignorance.

Ephraim does all the work, but is denied the light by Wake, who covets it for himself. Indeed, Ephraim's labor is what specifically allows Wake to bathe in the light and never have to labor. Ephraim's connection with Prometheus is interesting because of what it symbolizes: it's not just fire, but the fire itself is a metaphor for forbidden knowledge, knowledge that unlocks the ability to master nature and to carve a separate space out of the natural world. The lighthouse, to this extent, is an emblem of civilization inside a vast expanse of wilderness (the sea). Its light is the light of civilization, and it symbolizes all of its comforts and protections, but also its hierarchical organization, and the separation of the privileges of power from those whose labor provides it.

The Lighthouse is also a literal ivory tower, ivory tower's being symbolically linked to great learning, as well as great comfort, removed from the daily toil of lesser men. This is reinforced by the positions of the two men on the island: Ephraim is down low, in the muck and grime. He is associated with base places and the dirt, constantly lugging black coal, extracted from far off mines, whereas Wake is constantly above him, in the top of the lighthouse, a literal ivory tower, bathed in light and performing essentially no labor, but enjoying the benefits of the labor of those who serve him.

Wake, to reinforce the symbolism of the ivory tower, is also a holy man. The first words we really hear out of him in the film are a prayer to the sea and its god. Also, the book kept by Wake is not just a journal or log. It is a holy book, and inside it is divine law and a record of sins.

Any Marxist critic will tell you that Marx was fantastically ambivalent on the subject of religion. It was both an "opium of the people," one of the few things that could provide the working masses a sense of hope in hopeless times, as well as a useful mechanism of control by the ruling classes.

Perhaps a little too on the nose, Ephraim is sustained by the pursuit of his wages, his one goal and the one thing that can enable him to escape from his past. And Wake uses that against him, like the head of a church holding the threat of excommunication over those beneath him. To add to the connection, Ephraim also confesses his sin to Wake, as one might confess to a priest.

Ultimately, the film depicts a doomed class rebellion, because rather than destroy the lighthouse and the hierarchy it symbolizes, Ephraim instead tries to usurp it for himself and he is destroyed in the attempt.

_____________________________________________

6. Silly men doing silly things.

_____________________________________________

7. The film's treatment of the nebulous line between sex and death.

When Ephraim Winslow reaches the forbidden light, does he experience pain or pleasure? Or maybe he experiences both? Where does the line between these two concepts exist? Sex and death, love and violence, ... what's the difference?

That strange duality has fascinated many thinkers, including Georges Bataille, whose book Erotism: Death and Sensuality outlines the odd relationship between these two aspects of human experience.

According to Bataille, we are, from the very beginning, individuals existing in a state of discontinuity from those around us, that is, a state of isolation and loneliness. Death jerks us out of a tenacious obsession with the lastingness of our discontinuous being. That is, it literally destroys our sense of a singular, separate self. In doing so, it actually affirms our "continuity of being". Or, as literary scholar Nidesh Lawtoo puts it: in death, we go from "separate beings to a common ontological ground of 'Being."

Because we both desire that continuity and fear our inevitable death, we search for continuity elsewhere, specifically, in eroticism. As Bataille put it, "the whole business of eroticism is to destroy the self-contained character of the participators as they are in their normal lives", ie to destroy our discontinuity by uniting intimately with another. In this way, both eroticism and death are about recovering our lost continuity, overcoming our profound sense of separation.

This idea feels very present in The Lighthouse, most apparently when Winslow finally sees the alluring lantern, which has already been thoroughly sexualized. This moment feels in line with Bataille's definition of "the sacred" in that it seems to cause Winslow both divine ecstasy and extreme horror, a phenomenon we also see in Winslow's earlier mastuabautory adventure in the shed, which ends with him on his knees in pain.

According to Bataille, the experience of the erotic, that is, the tearing down of your usual self containment, is rupturous - eroticism is often violent. The link between violence and erotics manifests in the many brawls between Winslow and Wake, when they could just as easily be about to make love as they are about to kill one another, not being able to distinguish between love and violence. Fittingly for this moment, Bataille opined that "Extreme seductiveness is at the boundary of horror", which we certainly see in Winslow's frightened reaction to Wake's embrace.

More subtly, there's the ongoing motif of a post-coital cigarette first seen when Winslow lights up after masturbating to the half-woman half-fish fantasy. Of course, the post-coital cigarette is coyly being repurposed for both sexual and violent encounters - Winslow describes wanting a cigarette after watching, letting, and/or causing his boss to die.

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8. The last, and the most important one: SpongeBob SquarePants paralelisms.

Winslow is Squidward and Wake is Mr Krabs.

[myaoiboy]

So i was thinking abt your post on light symbolism in Mgsv and i was wondering if you could talk more on the meaning of the blue lighting? In Peacewalker the red=bad and yellow=good is obvious but what are the examples of blue meaning uncertainty other than in the scene of Ocelot confessing? Is it exclusive to V? i can't find the post rn but i thought it was really interesting!!

Okay so there's a lot of ways i can go about this but I'm also going to be extremely upfront and say that mgs1-4+PW are slightly harder to get good quality screenshots of, and I see fewer recordings of them so I fully admit to having a less-than-perfect memory of them.

V is also easier to pick scenes from because it does the most "WTF, where is that weird-colored lens flare even coming from?" cinematic stuff. The other games have more direct integration into scenes and even the narrative.

The most explicit case of blue as dishonesty/unreliable narrator/dramatic irony/facade cracking/whatever you want to call it, is in the MGS4 novel. I don't really know that it's canon as much as a canon-enhancer, like an art book would be. I know that Kojima has said that Itoh got the spirit of what he was going for more than anyone else, so I'm willing to abide by his interpretation of the snake family (snamily?) geneticist surrounded by blue roses:

tl;dr: the blue of the blue roses is what makes them unnatural. Beautiful, but manmade. Snake is also genetically engineered, manmade, "unnatural," and at times considers himself less than human because of it.

This is sort of the explicit culmination of something that's been going on since MGS1, where the whole map is basically this weird, unnatural, unsettling blue color.

Which, for me, even playing the shadow moses smash level when I was younger felt ~weird~ due to the color and lighting. When I got around to playing MGS, the feeling was definitely still there.

I'll even offer grey fox as an example because he and Snake are basically the same color in their concept art, and Snake's definitely blue in-game. Making him this red-and-blue, murdery-but-something's-up figure...

Was it intentional? Honestly, I don't know. I lean towards assuming it was a palette limitation for hardware/performance that happened to play nice thematically. Add in the fact that straight-up black tends to look bad graphically for the same reason that it works well in actual stealth situations and...yeah, using a lot of blue makes sense. No reason that a medium's "limitations" shouldn't be considered just as meaningful and integral as its benefits though.

Maybe the weakest example I have is in 3, where Volgin's lightning turns the whole torture room blue (or at least, as blue as it can get with that piss filer)

Everyone in this room is fucking over everyone else in this room in impossible to comprehend ways. We've walked in on 5D chess that is only about to be made clear at the end of this cutscene, but the only person in this room loyal to Volgin is Volgin.

Consider:

She feels bad for Snake. Kinda obvious I suppose, but she's also planning to triple cross him. I mean, technically at this point she's probably still planning to kill him. Either way, She's definitely planning to fuck over Volgin and either you or the Chinese Philosophers.

The Boss is being The Boss and not telling ANYONE wtf is going on, (also planning to fuck over Volgin)

And THIS WHORE is over here clutching his fucking LOCKET OF YOUR HAIR (read: the bullet he fucked up with while fighting you that he wears around his neck)

...plus he was actually supposed to be fucking over Volgin in the first place as your contact before Eva got in the way. ...which she also does at the end when she cock blocks him ANYWAYS.

Then we get this lovely little quote that I've been thinking about since playing the game. Something about this feels like it's implying that the color of his eyes are unnatural or make him seem dishonest. Ironic, given the current company.

In Peace Walker specifically it's easy to tell when colors are being used for effect, since there's only really three used in the whole game, red, blue, and gold. Blue is used a lot for grief in this game, as it it's a game that deals heavily with the topic. Like, say, in Strangelove's first cutscene, where she's challenging BB to kill her.

And a moment after that we get one of the brightest pops of blue in the game! There aren't very many of them, most of the blues are dull, like on Strangelove's glasses here. But in this scene, not only are Snake's eyes blue, he also has blue highlights on his face. It really brings the two of them together in their grief over the same woman.

Strangelove also refers to the Boss AI as "[her] morpho," the kind of butterfly that BB references in PW.

Not so coincidentally, this is *also* the kind of butterfly that appears at the end of the Paz questline, which disappears in a flash of blue light, in this sort of combined grieving-and-unreality scene that I think makes blue throughout the series so beautiful.

It's not just one thing, it's many things that are intimately woven together. I guess you could more accurately say that it's mental/emotional hurt and old wounds where red is more physical/immediate hurt?

That's not to say that every single time someone is grieving or lying or is dishonest or is something they don't appear to be that they'll be ringed in blue or anything, but rather that it's something to watch for because there's often a sort of color confirmation. Same as how the snakes don't tend to wear red even when they do a lot of killing

I'm also very much still working out the symbolism of blue in the games honestly. These are mostly my working theories but if anyone has anything else to add I'm all ears!

Sorry that this is kind of short, I had covid this week and am still kind of playing catch-up a bit but I at least wanted to get some really obvious (to me) cases out there.

[levbolton]

As funny as it sounds, the chapter two of Hikaru ga Shinda Natsu has strong duality vibes. 

this post is kind of messy so please excuse me beforehand

This discussion about the difference between different dragonflies is rather obvious, because they look pretty much the same, but they’re entirely different species (you’ve caught that, didn’t you?)

In many cultures these insects represent overall growth, one’s transformation through maturity. They can symbolize going past self-created illusions that limit our growth and ability to change, as the site I linked says. 

Which leads to that reference to Emil Sinclair from Demian (by Herman Hesse) as ‘Hikaru’ mentioned. I want to make an entirely different post about Demian and HGSN because I think it deserves it. In short Demian is coming of age story about growing up and finding yourself, that part is easy to understand, but it’s quite philosophical and that isn’t as easy to explain (thus me not making the post yet).

Update 26 July 2023: the original post is from 1st January 2023, so here I am 7 months later to tell you that it is not Demian that’s referenced, but Das Nachtpfauenauge, still by Herman Hesse. Everything I wrote here was before any official version would be out, so I might be wrong to mirror Demian, however, some aspects are still similar (maybe because both the manga and Demian are coming of age stories).

Almost everything is expressed through concepts of religion,the mc going from seeing the world split in two (the bright world and the world that’s perverted) to Abraxas that’s the god of both good and bad at the same time, just as the scanlator said, the main theme of the book is duality. And just like that site I’ve linked, Emil grows past those self-created illusions he had as a child. It’s very obvious if you read the book, my mind is a bit burnt out so i hope you get what i mean.

*something I also wanted to point out is that the dragonfly makes its first appearance (and probably there aren’t any after chapter 2, i didn’t skim through every chapter before writing this sorry) at the end of the first chapter when he “accepts” ‘Hikaru’

and the way I can see this is Yoshiki’s (or maybe Hikaru’s?) start of maturity journey with the “help” of ‘Hikaru’. There’s something in me that would rather think it’s about Yoshiki’s growth rather than ‘Hikaru’ (despite Moku saying they want to focus on the feelings of the one who has been substituted) after reading Demian. 

and then my question on this chapter is, why did Moku choose to draw ‘Hikaru’ like this in these panels? Yeah the lightening of the golden hour probably (i can visualise it clearly), but why did they choose to represent it like this? half of ‘Hikaru’s face being shaded, half in light, you see the duality in this, right? 

After revising this post, it makes me think of Demian again... (i’m sorry this is so messy). Emil Sinclair is the main character, and then there’s this other character named Max Demian whose looks are rather often described as both young and old at the same time. So you can see this in Hikaru, his face is both lit by the sun and in complete darkness. Not to mention the switch between the text box fill, white and black, yeah it’s for dramatic effect, but isn’t this maybe another hint to the book? 

Even the cicadas have a meaning of being born anew, yeah they’re the sound of summer and Moku said they use it for the creepy effect but it’s interesting to see all the background details point towards one route.

My hypothesis for now, as of when the first 14 chapters are out, is that, this story will try to focus on the growth of Yoshiki, to learn about himself, to accept himself. Yeah i bet that you can see clearly that he liked Hikaru, but moku did not intend it like that from Yoshiki’s point of view, they said it repeatedly with the word “bromance”. Put yourself in Yoshiki’s place of a youth in a traditional small village with strong traditions, so i think that Yoshiki’s growth will also focus on him accepting these feelings and letting go of this grief. The whole plot? I have no idea, I trust moku’s story telling and creativity that this series will be very impactful as these 14 chapters have already been. 

All i can say for sure it’s that the manga covers represent the sky, and moku said they want the sky to turn into a gradient (did they like that heritage tumblr post?), so at some point there will be complete darkness and i’m not sure if we will reach dawn though...

[adonis-koo]

Star Struck

| 1 |

↳ Summary: You’re a creature of habit, you plan everything from each hour to each day, so you can imagine the chaos which ensues after you discover a random guy leaking black goo in a ditch- who just so happens to be an alien.

↳ Pairing: Jungkook/Reader

↳ Genre: lowkey strangers to lovers, alien!jungkook, fluff, smut,

Word Count: 12k

Tags: before anyone asks, yes tentacles are involved because I’m a proud monster fucker, jungkook has separation anxiety from Mc :(, he’s immediately whipped, and he can’t speak any human language at first oops, he like,,,tries it for a second before MC goes 🏃‍♀️ this is unedited and for that im sorry bc yikes

___ | Next

In many cases, you could recall how you got into situations. For instance, when you were late to your mid morning lecture, you had zero excuses- not that the professor cared at all when you walked in with a bag of mcdonalds and a venti latte from starbucks. But the principle of the situation remained the same, you knew your actions would cause you to be late. You understood the consequences of your actions. 

The same could not be said for when you took in the curious male who didn’t understand a word you said.

“What do you mean you just- picked him up off the side of a fucking ditch!” Jimin flailed his hands as you twisted around to face you, the male was examining his hands as if he had never seen them before, not paying either of you any mind. 

You held up your hands as you replied, “I did!” You shouted back, immediately gaining the males attention as his eyes flashed between you and Jimin, “He was just…! Laying there! I don’t fucking know! What was I supposed to do? Leave him, look he’s hurt.” You pointed out the obvious wounds he sported. 

“...He’s bleeding black goo Y/n! Have you never seen a horror movie before oh my god!” Jimin grabbed his head as his voice became dramatic and peril, “You’re practically number one on his kill list! He’s probably here to abduct us and- and butt probe us or some shit!” 

You raised your brows defensively as you crossed your arms, “Look at him!” You pointed a finger at the male making him flinch a little, leaning a little away from you where he sat as his expression shifted, looking as if he was a kicked puppy at your tone, “Does that look like a butt probing alien to you shit face?” 

“Maybe!” Jimin snapped back, “He ain’t human that’s for fucking sure! Just…!” Jimin flailed his hands, “Just look at him!” 

You groaned as you rubbed your face, you knew it looked bad! You hadn’t meant to stumble across a body when you went out for your morning walk which you had been trying to do in an effort to be more mindful and healthy, but it seemed to only lead you to stressing the fuck out. 

You turned to look at the male, he looked anything but alien, well- for the most part. His eyes looked up at you almost glossy like, they were big and doe like, his lips plush and his hair dusted his eyes yet almost looked like a raven blue. 

He looked human, mostly. The part that threw you off was, for one the black goo that trickled down his skin- maybe if you were a photography major you’d scream how aesthetic it was and just take a picture before leaving him to die, but unfortunately this wasn’t the case and here you were. 

The other part of him was, well....the bits that glowed. You would’ve honestly mistook him for a horrible Avatar cosplayer that had a little too much last night had it not been for the black goo, the strip of glow emitted from his body all the way from his hands up his arms, and you assumed back to his shoulders as well. 

Most might have considered it tattoo’s and maybe you could pass it off as such if it weren’t for the constant soft hue purple, it shifted between blue occasionally but remained purple for most of the duration you had spent with him. 

“What the hell are you even gonna tell Seokjin!” Jimin grabbed his head as he began to pace, “He totally won’t let this- this thing stay with us!” 

You glared as you stomped over to the male who straightened a little, the marks on his skin suddenly tinging red as you turned to face Jimin, “Seokjin can shut the fuck up! And so can you! For all we know he’s just into special effects and can’t speak English you xenophobic fuck!” 

“I’m Korean you whore!” Jimin dramatically shouted as he walked across the apartment, for what reason? You weren’t sure other than to make a point and raise his voice, “I know Asian when I see it and that’s not it! I’m headed for class and when I get back he better be back in his fucking UFO.” 

You rolled your eyes as you kneeled down to look at the male, the marks had flared back to it’s constant state of purple once more as he blinked, “I’m sorry about him,” You apologized sheepishly, “He ah...he’s an asshole,” The male only tilted his head a little, “I’m...Y/n.” You felt a bit dumb talking to him. 

You didn’t want to assume he couldn’t understand you but...well...He just seemed so, curious, innocent even. His eyes peered around at his surroundings as if he had never seen them before. Not as if he hadn’t been in your home but, as if he had never sat on a bed, his body would bounce a little as if testing the springs only to find out they’d bounce and his eyes would light up. 

He had been playing with the light switch on the wall of the apartment when you first got home, he didn’t seem to understand you necessarily but he responded well to the tone of voice because when you told him to stop he seemed to understand. 

He had tried to speak a few times, but...Well, Jimin may have had a point, it didn’t sound like any Asian dialect, at all. It didn’t even sound like any language you had even heard of...Even if he looked like some sort of Asian ethnicity, which you supposed was the strangest part about this. He looked human, but he didn’t sound human. 

He spoke in a sort of throaty tongue that seemed frantic at first, but he must have quickly realized you couldn’t understand him and had opted to mute ever since, “What’s your name?” You asked, only to sigh in response as he blinked unsuspecting of whatever you had said. 

Sitting down in front of him you sighed, “Okay nevermind, we’ll figure out a name to give you meanwhile- hmmm, let’s get those fixed up yeah?” You stood up, noticing he wasn’t doing the same, leaning down you went to grab his hand. 

The marks on his arms suddenly lit in a deep maroon red as he jumped back making you screech- whatever thought of you assuming he was human went out the window at the sudden burst of...of....tentacles pushing out of his back and pulling in front of him like some sort of shield. 

“Woah! Woah holy shit, oh my god!” You flailed at the sight of his narrowed eyes and his defensive stance as you held out your hands in sign of peace, “I’m not going to hurt you! I- I just want to fix your wounds okay!” You fumbled out the words, “I’m your friend, yeah?” 

His eyes squinted a little further as he glanced between your hands and your hand, tentacles like you had seen- no you weren’t gonna go there- they looked almost- No. You weren’t gonna say it, you weren’t even gonna think it. They were almost glass like, but looked as soft as silk, probably deadly and something you shouldn’t touch. 

They restricted a little and much to your surprise he parted his lips as he slowly spoke, “...Friend…” As if testing the word on his lips. You raised your brows in surprise, if this man was an alien then...he was a really quick learner. 

You nodded rapidly as you spoke,” Yes! Yes! I’m a friend! Friend’s don’t hurt each other. Just...let me…” You slowly approached him, trying not to watch the four tentacles that emerged from his back keep your attention away from his face, the markings on his arms glowed a dimmer red, as if his initial reaction calmed down, slowly it melted back into a soft purple hue as his eyes carefully watched you grab his hand as you repeated, “Friend.” You gave it a little squeeze, his brows furrowing as he looked at his much larger hand encasing yours, to your face before back to your hand which held his. 

“Friend.” He echoed back tilting his head a little before his eyes suddenly lit up in understanding, nodding frantically he replied, “Friend!” His expression of anger was like the night to the day of his smile, which was bright and almost childlike, as if he suddenly realized what the term friend meant, “Friend!” He squeezed your hand back causing you to squeak at the immense strength he had, the symbol that curved on his hand suddenly shifted to a dark grey as his eyes quickly became worried.

“Friend?” His voice gentler this time as he stood up, practically towering over you as he peered down as if you were a little puppy, concerned he had hurt you. 

“I’m okay!” You nodded, feeling your voice a pitch higher and your face felt hot despite knowing full and damn well you were not going to fuck this alien, yet you had definitely watched too much hentai in your life to at least not let the thought cross your mind once. He was good looking, by human definition anyways, “Lets um...let’s just get you into the living room.” 

Curiously he followed you before you had him sit on the couch, he gave a little bounce to the cushion as his brows furrowed before his lower lip jutted into a pout- obviously realizing this surface wasn’t bouncy….How could an alien be in your house, who nearly killed you with the tentacles from his back….look like this...

You briefly wondered this question as you frowned, grabbing the first aid kit before sitting back down beside him, his marks suddenly glowing purple as his eyes curiously watched you pull out a rubbing alcohol wipe, you paused as you looked at his big doe eyes that looked at you so innocently...If he reacted violently to his hand being held you knew damn well this was going to be a bitch to convince him you weren’t trying to kill him…

“Look…” Your voice drew his eyes to yours as he focused on your words, “This is gonna...hurt...a lot okay…?” You offered a semi awkward half smile, gesturing to your own bicep where it was bleeding on him before gesturing to him, “Pain…” You nodded a little, making him nod, his eyes darting to his own before back to you but you could tell by the look in his eyes he had no idea what you meant.

“Pain.” You pinched his skin making him jolt, his eyes darting between your small fingers and you as he frowned, marks mixing with purple and red, “Pain…?” He mumbled, rubbing a hand on his head, suddenly he began speaking in his tongue, his voice deeper and throater then when he repeated anything in english. 

Maybe talking to himself, he wasn’t looking at you as he sighed, “Pain.” He spoke more firmly as he looked at you, seemingly a little lost, you held up the wipe as you gave a defeated smile, “Pain.” You nodded, knowing he would definitely understand what the word meant once you got this over with. 

To say he reacted violently, was a very poor understatement. 

His marks were lit up a bright red and his tentacles had emerged from his back once and he practically flew to the other end of the couch in defense as he howled in pain as he examined the large wound on his bicep, “Friend!” He cried out in anger, eyes glaring at you and tentacles covering his body as if he was a wounded animal. 

He had ended up destroying a few knick knacks around the house, a chair and a few photo frames while you attempted to chase after him in effort to clean his wound while he ran away like a puppy avoiding a bath. Obviously he knew you weren’t dangerous enough to try and hurt but...it seemed his pain tolerance was...extremely low. 

Eventually you had gotten him to behave and sit down, as he glared at the floor, marks glowing yellow as you felt him wince and jolt with every dab of the wipe, “Friend.” he mumbled with gritted teeth before he spoke in his native tongue, something you assumed was probably not so nice at you. 

“The feeling is mutual pal.” You muttered, not knowing what he said but knowing, deep in your heart, your feelings were most definitely the same to one another. He did little to resist your touch afterwards, eyes furrowing as he watched you carefully bandage his wound, occasionally he’d poke- not at the wound but the bandage, his fingers would pinch the material and he’d cock his head as if examining it. 

“Have…” You frowned a little as you tilted your head, gaining his attention, “Have you never been to Earth?” You were going to be extremely upset if you woke up in twelve hours and Jimin told you that you were on an extreme LSD trip and you just imagined a really hot alien in your head. 

His eyes lit up in the same way they had earlier, “Earth?” He raised his brows, lips parting before he suddenly looked around again, “Earth!?” He suddenly cried out as he stood up, looking around before going to the window and peaking out of the blinds, “Earth…” He suddenly spoke in his native tongue once more as he ran a hand through his hair before turning to face you, “....Human…?” He had said something else you couldn’t understand besides the singular word. 

“Yes…?” You nodded making him almost whine as he grabbed his head, as if in disappointment, you offered a weak smile. You supposed if you were an alien that had seen galaxies beyond imagination you’d be pretty disappointed at seeing Earth too. 

He sighed as he frowned, looking around the apartment before straightening back up as he looked at you, pointing to himself as he spoke, “JK.” 

You blinked a few times, unresponsive as you frowned, “What…?” Your face scrunched as he bounced a little, repeating the two letters once more as he pointed to himself somewhat harsher, your brows raising before your lips parted, “Oh…! You’re JK! That’s your name?” You gave a smile as you nodded.

His smile was like a child as his fists curled up as he nodded rapidly, not understanding a word you said but it looked as if you understood, “Y/n.” You slowly prounicated your name as you pointed at yourself. 

JK had attempted to say your name, multiple times actually, but his brows pinched in frustration, having a hard time with it, but oddly enough it was quite endearing to watch him repeatedly try and say your name, even after you have found yourself on your phone, typing in the nearest place to eat while trying to figure out how to break it to Seokjin that an alien would be boarding with you guys for awhile.

What else were you supposed to do…? Call the police? You looked at JK with a frown, he seemed oddly innocent and you’d feel guilty doing that to him, his brows pinched as he fumbled over your name once again as he puffed a breath in frustration, the marks on his arms glowing a deep hue of light orange. 

“JK.” His gaze snapped to yours as he tilted his head, you offered a dull smile as you spoke carefully, “Eat?” You pointed to your mouth before stomach, JK rubbed his head briefly mirroring you as he rubbed his stomach a little confused. You hummed as you searched around before finding a leftover candybar on the coffee table, “Eat.” You pointed at it before taking a bite. 

“Eat.” JK had an easy time saying that word with a nod before he suddenly seemed excited, bouncing his spot as he nodded wildly, “Eat! Y/n…!” His nose suddenly scrunched at messing up your name again. 

His attention was brought back to you at the sound of you giggling at how cute he really was for someone that nearly killed you twice within the last hour, “Yeah, it’s almost dinner time, we should get something to eat, I’m starved and Seokjin banned me from the kitchen.” You gestured to him to follow you as he cocked his head, not understanding a word you were saying. 

You pulled one of Seokjin’s hoodies from his laundry basket as he handed it to JK who frowned, looking at his own clothes before back at you, as if silently asking why he needed to change. No nevermind the fact he glowed like a fucking lava lamp, “Hide.” You pointed at his arms as he frowned, looking down at them. 

“Hide!” You emphasized as you pointed towards your own arm then to his before it suddenly clicked as he nodded, sighing as he spoke in his own tongue the throat sound of something like mild disappointment and you could understand, but it was necessary. 

JK all of a sudden pulled the shirt over his head nearly making you scream, the sight of compact muscles and tan skin that almost had an iridescent sheen glowed, your body suddenly feeling extremely warm as JK fumbled a little confused. 

He frowned as he tilted his head, why were you covering your eyes? He looked down at himself before back at you, was....was he not supposed to change right here? He pulled the sweatshirt over his head, saying something that made you pick up in relief to see he was changed. 

You grabbed your chest as you groaned, “Don’t do that again.” You were in too much a dry patch and desperation to be alone with an alien that had tentacles and a face like that. 

Now with his marks being covered you just needed something for his hands...You frowned a little before something occurred to you, going over to Jimin’s gym bag you grabbed the finger clothes he always used to lift barbells with. 

His fault he was a pussy that didn’t want to get callouses. 

You handed them to Jk as he tilted his head, first examining the fabric before he slipped them on, looking at them as he snorted as if amused before saying something that sounded an awful lot like he enjoyed wearing these. 

“Eat, now.” He perked up at your words as you nodded and he excitedly followed you as you grabbed your bag and phone before exiting the apartment building. JK was beyond fascination, looking around as if he had never seen anything like this place, even going so far as to wonder off a few times, immediately making you hold his hand once more to keep him next to you. 

Other people also stared at him, but mainly because he was acting weird, you shoved him a little and he seemed to understand to stop. 

But he still took a few peaks before his feet halted, making you nearly yanked back as he stopped, his lips parted and his eyes were all big and doe like in awe as he stared out over the sunset, speaking once more and you frowned. You wished you could at least pick up a few words of his own language, JK was honestly impressive in picking up so much in so little time. 

You smiled a little at how fond he appeared to be looking out over the sunset before you tugged his hand which was still in yours, he looked down at you before pointing towards the sun as you nodded, “Yeah it’s pretty, but let’s go eat, I’m starving.” 

“Pretty.” He repeated before looking back out over the sun as he repeated the word again as you tugged him along. Entering the Panda Express it was nearly empty given it was six o’clock already and the dinner rush had left but that was good, you weren’t sure you could control JK in this type of environment. 

JK only observed you as you ordered for the both of you, watch the mouth watering food slide down the servers before you paid for your meal, leading you both to sit the back of the store where glass paneling was up for JK to keep looking at the sunset as you set his box in front of him. 

Fried rice and orange chicken was never a bad combo for the first time eater. JK observed you as you held up your fork, plowing into your food as you sighed in contentment before a noise of amusement escaped you at the sight of JK pinching his brows as he struggled with holding his fork. 

His eyes darting to you as his lips parted a whine escaping him as he messed up your name again making you laugh even harder, you waved a hand before you set down your fork, leaning over the table as you spoke, “Okay fine, fine, no need to get so pouty. Here, you just...place them like this.” You fixed his long thick fingers that fumbled a little before they properly gripped the fork. 

“Okay? Like this.” You held up your own before scooping up a pile of rice with it, Jk mirrored you, puffing a breath in slight frustration at the sight of the rice falling from his fork a little, “If you’re mad about this I guess it’s a good thing i didn’t get us chopsticks.” You snorted as JK focused on his food. 

You watched in curiosity as he took his first bite, his brows furrowing for a moment and his held tilting as if he was heavily focused on how it felt in his mouth before his brows shot up and almost immediately began scooping more food into his mouth like he was a fucking starved man held captive. You were surprised at how fast he was devouring his food but you only smiled softly as you began eating as well, enjoying the rest of your meal in silence. 

JK had even ate the rest of your food once you were finished, you just sat there in your seat, your knee hiked up towards your chest while you ran a hand through your hair absentmindedly while watching him devour the rest of the food. 

“Good?” You called out, JK’s eyes finally leaving your box of food, rice sticking to his upper lip making you smile a little as he rapidly nodded, looking like he was drunk off fried rice and orange chicken, probably not even paying attention to what you said. 

By the time JK was finished he slumped in his seat, stretching out as a yawn escaped his lips, his eyes closing briefly before he sighed, looking out over the glass paneling as if something troubled him before his eyes darted back to your figure and back to the window.

You wished you could speak fluently in whatever language he spoke so you could ask what he was thinking about, once all of the innocence had melted off his expression in those child-like moments of glee, he was left like this, as if he was tired and maybe even lonely. 

How did he even get here? And did he need to get back? To where he was originally going? You thought back to his disappointment when he realized he was on Earth, and if you could stretch for a reach, you’d say he obviously had another location in mind before...whatever happened. 

“Hey,” you called out, drawing his attention as he raised his brows, “Home.” 

He tilted his head as he echoed the word, “Home?” You stood up as you nodded with a small smile, knowing damn well you wouldn’t be able to avoid Seokjin forever. 

JK stood up mirroring you before you guided him to where you threw your boxes away and he had even helped clean up the table before you both exited the shop, it was now dark out and the walk home was quiet as ever. But you enjoyed it, his company at least, you didn’t really have a lot of friends outside Jimin and Seokjin, who were your best friends since middle school and you all now split rent on an apartment close to campus. 

You opened the door, peeping in as JK stood there mildly confused, Jimin and Seokjin sat on the couch watching a movie much to your disappointment, opening the door fully you pressed a finger to your lips at JK as he tilted his head before you quietly shut the door. Grabbing his hand as you gently tugged it along. 

“Where in the absolute fuck do you think you’re taking him you horny fool?” 

God dammit. 

You grabbed your head with a groan as JK frowned, almost immediately concerned as he looked around, Seokjin stood up with his arms crossed, “He told me all about the goo monster here.” 

“He’s not a monster!” You screeched making Seokjin snort as he raised a brow, “...He’s an alien.” 

“Wearing MY sweatshirt!? That’s balenciaga!” Seokjin cried out, pointing an accusing finger at JK who looked a little concerned, looking at Seokjin then at you who he shuffled a little behind like a puppy with a tail between his legs. 

You felt an immediate wave of protection come over you at the sight of the action as you stood in front of him, despite him towering over you, “Would you stop! I’ll get him clothes tomorrow! Just leave him alone, okay, he’s hurt, he doesn't know anything about Earth and he just…!” 

“He’s not a dog Y/n!” You pressed your lips together as you looked away from Seokjin who glared at you pointedly, “We don’t know what this thing is or his intentions.” 

It was difficult to imagine JK’s intentions being anything but good when he was delighted at finding out your bed was bouncy, or the take of friend rice and orange chicken, or his excitement at the sunset, “He isn’t here to kill us! I can promise you that...just!” You squeezed your fists as you sighed, “Just trust me, okay? He’ll stay in my room and i’ll get everything he needs.” 

“Until what!?” Seokjin shouted at the lunacy of your words and you understood, it wasn’t everyday someone stumbled across an unconscious alien in a ditch, “Until what Y/n!?” 

“Until he’s able to speak enough English for us to know what the fuck he’s doing here, hell if I know Seok!?” You raised your arms, you...you hadn’t thought about his words yet, admittedly, “He just needs somewhere to stay until he understands more about Earth and how it works here okay? Listen…” You shuffled in your spot as you sighed, “The moment he poses a threat….i’ll deal with it okay? We can call the police or whatever and report it, but he’s been docile the whole time…” Okay that was a stretched truth but what they didn’t know wouldn’t kill them. 

“Jesus christ,” Seokjin groaned as he collapsed back on the couch as he sighed, “...Fine, just make him use Jimin’s sweatpants.” 

“Hey! I didn’t consent to this!” Jimin whined who had been admittedly just sitting back and enjoying the fight between you both as he almost always did, serves the hoe right. 

You said no more not wanting to push things further as you grabbed JK’s hand once more guiding him down the hallway as you pushed the door to your room open, his eyes lit up a little at the familiar sight, hurriedly he went to the bed as he bounced on his as he laid down, burying into your blankets and pillows with a content sigh as if he had been aching to lay down all day. 

You felt a little bad at the sight knowing you should’ve probably let him rest sooner, choosing to sit down on the floor you opened up your laptop before you began working on the paper that was due by tomorrow afternoon that you had chosen to ignore since you had came across JK this morning. 

By the time it was late night JK had been in a deep sleep, obviously deducing that humans weren’t that dangerous of a species to keep himself awake over. You yawned yourself as you shut your laptop, rubbing your eyes before you looked at your bed, frowning as you sighed. Grabbing the pillow that had fallen off the side of the bed as you laid on the ground. You had slept in worst places before. 

You sighed in contentment as you rolled over on the nice soft surface, warmth filling you and sleep had been particularly forgiving to you last night. Man what had been so forgiving today to let you sleep this good?

The memories of yesterday had filtered to your mind too quickly making your eyes snap open, you had fell asleep on the floor how did you get in bed!? You searched frantically for the puppy like alien who was absent from where he had been collapsed here last night.

Fuck this better have not been that bad LSD trip! It would have you fucked for months that Jimin would really let you believe there was a hot alien guy you made up in your head. You quickly padded down the hallway almost frantically before your eyes were met with three heads of hair on the couch. 

“Die! Die!” Your mouth moved multiple times but you couldn’t form a single coherent sentence at the sound of JK’s nose wrinkling and buttons being mashed as the three boys were sitting with controllers in hand. 

“Which one of you fuckheads taught him that word!?” You growled finally, knowing JK was your age and probably even hundreds of years old depending on how his species aged and he understood the concept of killing but shit! You didn’t like hearing him say it like that when he seemed so naive and innocent about everything else on Earth. 

Seokjin and Jimin both whipped around sheepishly at the same time before they started immediately blaming one another as you gritted your teeth. You would’ve continued to glare at them both if it not been for JK’s cheeriful voice, he had immediately perked at the sound of before hurrying over, “Y/n!” His pronunciation had gotten better and it was difficult to not smile at the triumph in his voice as if knowing he had improved before stating your name again, “Game…!” He pointed at the TV before his controller. 

You nodded, “I can see that…so I guess he’s suddenly not a threat anymore?” You sneered at both of your bestfriends, JK frowned a little as he looked between you three, obviously confused as to what was going on. 

Seokjin looked mild, pretending as if he hadn’t heard what you said, prideful bitch, “He’s okay. Better at Jimin in Overwatch if you can believe it, maybe I’ll just let him be my duo instead.” 

“Hey fuck off!” Jimin glared at him, brushing his shoulder in somewhat offense before he spoke, “He is good though, wouldn’t stop saying your name this morning though.” 

“He couldn’t say it yesterday,” You explained before turning to JK again, offering him a weak smile, “Play.” You pointed at the TV in encouragement, who were you to tell the man what to do? You just rolled out of bed and needed something to eat before you interacted anymore with those two idiots. 

JK looked excited as he ran back over to the couch before he spoke, “Play! Y/n play!” Your lips parted at the way he strung the two words together so easily, he was catching onto the language...fast...like extremely fast. His species was obviously intellect enough that this was a skill of theirs, or so you assumed for him at least. 

“No play. Eat.” You pointed at yourself before the tiny kitchen as you walked away hearing a noise that sounded like a whine from him. 

“Hey you're making breakfast for all of us right?” Jimin called out, making you glare him down and if lazerbeams could shoot from your eyes he’d be a pile of ash, he held out his arms as he spoke, “Damn fine, so much for sharing is caring in this household huh.” 

You rubbed your eyes ignoring him as you yawned, immediately making a cup of coffee before turning to the fridge only to jump at the tall boy standing in front of you peering down wide eyed and curious, “Eat.” He said singularly before he offered the world's cutest smile that you couldn’t begrudge as easily as you could Jimin. 

Fuck! He was asking you to cook for him and he had a cute almost bunny-like smile and he looked so endured and hoping you would make him something as good as Panda Express, which there was no way you could but jesus you were willing to try. 

“Breakfast,” You pronounced slowly, knowing this was a bit of a harder word for him as he tilted his head and repeated ‘Eat’ once more before you shook your head, “Eat, breakfast.” You tapped the clock on the stove that ticked away, showing it was ten in the morning. 

JK only rubbed his head in confusion before shrugging, he sat patiently in the stool at the counter as he happily watched you cook away. You didn’t make anything too fancy, just breakfast sandwiches for you both before you set his plate down in front of him, a happy smile on his face as his nose crinkled. 

Not even hesitating before he dug into the meal which you had purposely made him two given how big of an appetite the man had, something akin to pride swelled in your chest though at the sight of JK nearly devouring the sandwiches happily, Jimin stepped into the kitchen looking offended as he sputtered, “Oh so you’ll make breakfast for the hoe that can hardly speak but you won’t for your best friend, I see how it is. Is it because you know I won’t fuck you and he probably will?” 

“Shut up!” You hissed immediately, unable to even enjoy your own food because of your head ass best friend who only smiled viciously at how flustered you were. JK was naively munching on his food not understanding a single word either of you were saying and not caring either when his face was stuffed with food. 

 Seokjin entered the kitchen making himself something to eat as well, “Hey, are you guys going to that party tonight at Beta Tau?” He tilted his head as your nose immediately wrinkled, you used to do frat parties back when you were a freshman but since then you just couldn’t keep the high pace anymore or the sleazy guys. 

“I’m going!” Jimin called out, before tapping his chin as he looked towards JK before you, “Hey, we should bring JK along, give him some good socialization!” 

“Uh no, that’s a horrible idea,” You shook your head immediately, “And I never said I was going either, and if I don’t go he’s definitely not going.” JK tilted his head in curiosity, knowing his name had been brought up before he between you both. 

“Boo you whore,” Jimin tossed a piece of bagel at you as you dodged it, his nose wrinkling as he pointed his butterknife at you, “You’ve just been nursing your wounds ever since Mark dumped you. You know it’ll be good for you and him.” 

“I am not nursing wounds!” You hissed out, feeling like a black rain cloud was piling over your head as you crossed your arms, “And it is a bad idea, JK hardly knows anything about Earth, taking him to a frat party is like tossing a baby into the ocean.” 

“Umm all I hear is bullshit babe,” Jimin scoffed as he rolled his eyes, “Besides, a little party never hurt anyone, it’s our job to show off what Humans are capable of after all.”

“At a frat party…?” You frowned as you sighed. 

“He’s not a baby Y/n,” Seokjin frowned as he looked between you both, “Just because he can’t speak english and he’s unfamiliar with how we live doesn’t mean he isn’t intelligent, i’m sure they have parties where he’s from. If this is about Mark that’s kinda selfish to hold him back.” 

You weren’t…! You weren’t babying him! And this wasn’t about Mark! You just…! You weren’t in the mood to see him, especially attached to Lisa, who you had already thought was hot as it was but instead of going for you she went for your boyfriend and now they were together, 

It had been a pretty big blow to your ego. 

“Fuck fine! We can go what the fuck ever. I have to go get him clothes today though if you don’t want him bumming off you guys though.” Jungkook was still wearing his clothes from yesterday and he didn’t look the least bit concerned though he watched you guys curiously. 

Jimin pumps his fists in victory as he shoved the bagel in his mouth, “You guys do that then, it’ll be a good bonding session, anyways I have a lecture I’m already late for peace.” He threw up a peace sign before quickly exiting as you huffed, you thought it was weird he was here at 10am on a friday morning. 

“Bond?” JK perked up looking at you in excitement as your brows furrowed a little, how could he pick up random words so fast? Jesus, he’d be enrolling in college just to see what it was about within the weeks if he didn’t chill out. 

“Something like that,” You muttered, “Finish your food though,” You gestured to his sandwich before you picked up your own taking a bite, “I need a shower first but afterwards we can go out and get you some new clothes.” 

JK frowned as he looked down at his clothes once more, obviously slowly beginning to understand you more and more as his lips jutted a little, clearly he liked his clothing he was wearing. 

Maybe they just didn’t change clothes where he was from? It was difficult to say, regardless you shook your head finishing up before you went to your room. JK followed you around like a lost puppy as he had finished eating before you. 

You had paused at the door to the bathroom as you frowned, JK looking as if he’d totally come in if you’d let him, “Go play.” You pointed towards the living room where Seokjin had resumed Overwatch. 

JK frowned as he looked between the living room and you, “Bond.” He pointed at you making your pupils widen a little, what was that supposed to mean? He shuffled a little more, nearly chest to chest with you as you craned your head to look at him, jesus he had to be 6’3 in the average pool of 5’9 men, “Bond.” He said more firmly. 

“No.” You shook your head, your smile became awkward and your body movement became flustered, what was he talking about, “You are gonna go play with Seokjin.” You pressed a hand on his chest, pushing him back a little, his lips quivering a little and hurt in his eyes as he looked down at your face as if in search, “And I’m gonna go shower.” 

You couldn’t stand to look at it any longer before you quickly shut the door, locking it as you groaned, pressing your back against the door. Why did he have to look at you like that…?

“JK! Stop wandering off,” You lowered your voice a little as you tugged him along, your hand in his again as he had been exploring the store, “We’re here for clothes,” You held up the hanger you had in your hands as he frowned. He had been moping ever since you wouldn’t let him shower with you this morning. 

Or whatever his intention was. Regardless it didn’t change the fact that he needed clothes and despite being poor you were willing to throw out some money for him, but only because he was so cute. 

“Come on, let’s go to the dressing rooms, my arms are getting tired.” You tugged JK along who only pouted, obviously wanting to explore more than get things, but this was kind of a necessity. You gently pushed him into the dressing room, handing him the clothes as he frowned, his eyes looking down at the clothes then at you. 

Sighing you groaned, stepping into the small room with him before shutting the door, it wasn’t too cramped but you were uncomfortably close with him, “Okay….umm you obviously don’t understand the concept of trying on clothes so…” You flailed a little before tugging on his sweatshirt, he frowned before his eyes brightened a little. 

Understanding the message he pulled the sweatshirt over his head, your face immediately heating as you tried to not ogle his sculpted body which was muscular but slim, his shoulders broad but it suited his delicate small waist. 

You now had a good view of the marks that ran up his arms, they curved into a crescent at his hands and ran all the way along his arms, up his shoulders before curving to his back. You had changed his bandages this morning after you got out of the shower and admittedly they had healed a lot faster then you had assumed they would. 

 Whatever thoughts about his wounds however left your head as you nearly squeaked at the sight of tentacles immediately protruding from his back. Four to be exact, they were of a clear substance for the most part until your eyes followed further to their base where you noticed it matched the glow of his marks. 

A subtle pink and JK’s eyes a little bashful as he mumbled, “Bond…” His tentacles stretched forward a little as if in search for you before you squirmed towards the wall, trying your best to not let your horniness get the best of you in this situation. 

“U-ummm if you’re asking me to marry you the answer is gonna be no.” You held out the shirt in front of you to act as a semi shield to his advancement. Despite the language and cultural barrier JK seemed to understand your rejection as his lips quivered, his eyes dimming as he lowered them in acceptance. 

The tentacles immediately retracting back into his back as delicately took the hanger from you, fumbling to get it off and wow, way to make you feel like a dick. He wouldn’t even look at you as you sighed, relaxing a little as you grabbed the hanger pulling it off for him, “I’m gonna just let you do your business in here if you understand.” 

You exited as you grabbed your face, why did you feel so bad for rejecting him? You groaned as you leaned against the wall opposite of his room. Probably because you didn’t fully understand what he was trying to do if you could just speak the same language, and understand why he was here, maybe you wouldn’t have felt so bad. 

Seokjin kept saying he wasn’t a baby but...he was just so clueless as to how Earth worked, you couldn’t help it....You sighed as you rubbed your face, you just wished things could be easier. You had an afternoon lecture you needed to go to and you weren’t sure how JK would fair on his own and it admittedly gave you anxiety just thinking about it. 

He was curious by nature and you wouldn’t have a doubt he’d get bored easily just stuffed in your little apartment. JK opened the door to the dressing room, his gaze still cast on the ground as he handed the stuff back to you and you could only assume they all fit. You made sure they did because they were all at least two sizes too big for him but hey, they had to be comfy at least. 

Neither of you spoke as you paid for his things, holding the bags as you began walking back home, you didn’t like how quiet it was between you both and JK didn’t wander off not once as he let out what sounded like a sad sigh, his eyes looking up towards the sky as he mumbled something in his own language before back towards the ground. 

You felt like you kicked a puppy. 

You set his things down on the table as you looked towards the clock, you needed to get ready for class and honestly, you were gonna treat yourself to some starbucks after all this crap, “JK,” He peered up at you a little before his gaze became downcast, not looking at you but you knew he was listening, “I have to go to class…” You pointed to yourself, “You...need to stay...home.” You worded it carefully, his lips trembling now and you weren’t sure if he was going to cry or not, “I’ll be back!” You rushed, hurrying to the couch where he sat as you grabbed a remote. 

Pulling up Netflix as you shuffled around, deciding to put on a documentary for him on the ocean to keep him busy, maybe his language would improve meanwhile or...or he’d learn something, hell if you knew. 

JK frowned, sighing as he lowered his gaze in acceptance, reaching out you sighed, grabbing his face to make him look at you, “I’ll be back.” You spoke, your thumbs tethering over his skin which felt so soft and subtle, almost even more soft than any other person you had ever met, the glow of the TV made that iridescent tone reflect just a little. 

He really was the prettiest thing you had ever set your eyes on. 

He said nothing before you gave his face a little squeeze before letting him go, pressing play on the TV as he turned to watch, his expression slowly melted from sadness to that curious expression as he tilted his head, a purple glow from the crescents on his hands as he watched in fascination. 

You smiled a little before you grabbed your bags and slowly closed the door. You’d just hope he could figure out how to use the remote if he wanted to watch something else. 

Class was slow and you couldn’t help but wonder what JK was doing the whole time much to your frustration, you needed to focus on taking notes as midterms were coming up and you would absolutely fail if you didn’t pay attention. 

The whole class dragged on for two hours and in order to try and do damage control for your lack of attention you ended up going to the library to study more and make flashcards as you had originally planned before your life fell apart due to an alien binging on netflix back at home. 

You eventually got a peace of mind when you pushed your earbuds in and put on music to help you focus. Proud of your work you leaned back in your chair as you sighed in contentment before your eyes finally landed on your phone, not thinking much before your eyes nearly popped out of your head. It was almost seven in the afternoon! Fuck! You’d be leaving within the hour to get to the frat. 

Shoving all of your shit back into your bag you hurriedly zipped up before running out of the library, fumbling the whole way home before you entered the house in a rush. Much to your surprise though Seokjin and Jimin were already ready and JK looked happy to be around them both. 

What you didn’t expect for what you had bought him to look so good, he was wearing a fitted shirt and jeans, Jimin must’ve let him borrow his leather jacket and those fingerless clothes adorned his hands, “Hey hold still!” Seokjin spoke as he kept combing his hair, obviously styling it up, “I should’ve gone into cosmetology for being this good at turning trash to gold.” 

“Not everyone wants to look like Tinky Winky on steroids Seok.” You called out as you plopped your bag down in the ‘study corner’ which you and Jimin invented as a way to justify your laziness and Seokjin had said you both were on thin ice but he’d allow it because he also was lazy. 

Seokjin whipped around, those bratz lips of his parting in offense as you shrugged, holding up your hands, not about to apologize for the healthy dose of truth he needed at least once a day. 

“Y/n!” JK cried out, immediately running over to you making Seokjin groan as he grabbed your shoulders, frantically checking over you as if making sure you weren’t hurt. You frowned as you looked down at yourself. 

“I think he was worried about you.” Jimin was licking a drumstick at the moment while sitting on the handle of the couch, “He wouldn’t stop saying your name when I first got in and he looked like a scared puppy. Had to convince him that it was not a good idea to go look for you like he first suggested.” 

“Suggested?” You frowned as you looked back up at the tall boy who immediately cupped your face making you squirm a little, perhaps startled and a little touch starved, “Umm I told you I’d be back…” Not surprised he didn’t understand you but still. 

You gently grabbed his wrists, tugging them away from your face as you smiled awkwardly, trying to not think about the fact that this man looked even hotter then before, if that was even possible, “I need to go get dressed.” 

“Nope, nu uh, I’m not finished with you.” JK was yanked back with a whine as Seokjin grabbed him by the collar as he had attempted to follow you, much to your relief because you didn’t need another episode of earlier today. 

You didn’t take too long to get dressed, choosing to stay casual as you typically would given you didn’t plan of staying long and hey, if all hell broke lose maybe you’d get yourself and JK mcdonalds on the way back. 

Pulling the flannel over your shoulders you stepped out of your room, Jimin incessantly jingling his keys as he spoke, “You took too long, we’re gonna be late!” 

“You’re late everywhere we go you whore.” You rolled your eyes, grabbing JK’s hand as you all left the apartment, he still seemed a bit confused as to where you all were going but had no complaints as you both sat together in the back of the car which he inspected.

Pressing the button on top of the ceiling only to immediately squint with a whine at the light, you pressed it again turning it off as you looked at him, “Stop touching things.” He pouted a little, choosing to grab your hand as he mumbled something in his own language. 

The ride was short and you couldn’t stop dreading what might possibly happen at the party, one scared with JK and it was over, the police would get involved and they would take him off to some lab where he could get tested and poked and prodded and the idea was upsetting to think about. JK hadn’t been here for more then a day and somehow you decided taking him to a party was a good idea? 

You crumpled in your seat, looking outside the window as you watched the party rage on in the house. Of course you wanted to avoid your ex but that wasn’t your main worry for the night. Opening the door you stepped out, JK quickly following after you as you called out, “JK...stay with me okay?” 

He nodded though you weren’t quite sure if he understood, regardless he seemed happy enough to hold your hand as the three of you entered, the music was blaring and the crowd was big tonight given it was a friday and everyone could cut loose. Not the wildest you had seen but certainly not the smallest. You looked at JK in concern but much to your surprise he only looked around in curiosity as he nodded, “Party?” He asked as he raised his brows. 

You nodded, “Yeah, it’s a party.” You called back over the music, looking around for somewhere a little more quiet but Jimin cut in, grabbing JK’s arm, “Hey, we’re playing beerpong and I need to know if he has good aim.” 

JK was immediately tugged from you as you glared at Jimin his smile cheeky, “Chill, he’ll be fine, looks like he’s used to this kind of scene. Maybe he’s a space fuckboy. We’ll watch him go relax.” JK looked back at you mildly concerned but you gave him a reassuring smile as you nodded, despite not fully agreeing with it. 

Could JK even drink? You felt stressed but then again you did pour rubbing alcohol all over a wound that could have reacted like acid to him, you supposed if he knew something was dangerous he would avoid it, or so you could only hope. 

“Bitch! Why haven’t you been answering my messages!?” You jumped at the sight of the blond looking ready to mow you over, Solar’s heels clicked against the ground as she nearly ran for blood at the sight of you. 

Cowering a little your lips twisted into a sheepish smile, your best friend glaring down at you and a pout adorning her lips, you hadn’t meant to ignore her texts the whole day but other things had obviously taken precedent. Should you tell her? 

“It better be for a good reason.” She pointed at you accusingly before you made your way to the buildable table set out with drinks on it, purposely avoiding the jungle juice you knew for a fact probably had that shitty bang energy in as you grabbed a bottle of benchmark, sure it was cheap and tasted like shit but didn’t that sum up your whole personality?

“Well…” You took a breath, your expression contorting a little as you looked up at Solar who waiting expectantly, why the fuck not? If anyone could keep a secret it was her- hence her promise to Kim Jenny in 5th grade that she wouldn’t tell you that she liked the same boy and ended up helping her ask him out. 

Which you only found out about last year in a drunk truth or dare session and you marked your own words that the next time you saw Jenny you'd slap her across the face. Which you ended up not, instead you were still drunk and ended up crying with her because her dog had died earlier that day. 

Still, the principle remained, Solar would keep it a secret. Taking a long chug of the mixed drink a warm burn settled in your throat, “I discovered an alien and- he has tentacles that literally fucking explode from his back.” 

Solar nearly snorted out her drink as she began laughing, “Girl you watch too much hentai. Seriously, what’s up?” Her laughing died down before an uncomfortable silence sat between you both, your lips quivered only a little as you looked up at her, her expression immediately dropping, “You’re joking…” 

“I wish I was Sol…” You took another long drink. 

“You’re joking!” She shouted, her lips dropping, “Okay no, tell me everything! Where is it? What does it look like? You better not be pranking me right now…!” 

You waved a hand, walking as she quickly followed as you recalled the events of how you found JK and what had ensued in the last 24 hours before you paused at the beerpong table, pointing at JK. Your face warm at the sight of a cocky smirk on his face, obviously his team winning as he landed yet another shot assuming by the sound of the other teams groan. 

“That...Y/n…” She turned to you deflating a little at the sight of him, obviously hoping for something a little more...alien like, “You’re such an ass!” 

“He is! You just can’t see the shitty avatar cosplay beneath all the clothes! He does have tentacles again, by the way...I am not crazy!” You grabbed your chest in offense, “You wanna know what I’ve been doing the last 24 hours, there it is! Trying to figure out what to do with an alien that keeps trying to bone me.” 

“Bone you?” Solar raised her brows before she scoffed a little, her brows raised as she took a sip from her cup, “Thought being a monster fucker was always your thing?” You shoved her a little, making her snort in amusement, again, if you could just figure out what his motive was and...maybe have a decent conversation, “Let's say he is an alien...not that I believe you but let's say he is...what are you gonna do about it? I mean really….?” 

You rubbed your head as you frowned, “Well...I don’t know.” you confessed with an awkward expression as she sighed, “I just…! I’m assuming he probably has his own plan…! But generally I’m hoping as he learned english- which is extremely fast by the way- that he’ll eventually tell us what happened and where to go from here I mean…” 

You frowned a little, something sad stirring inside you, there was nothing holding JK back from just leaving you all one night when he’s found what he needs, or figures out where to go or...whatever it is he’s doing here, “If he even stays here long enough…” 

Solar hummed before tapping her cheek, “That’s it, I’m playing against him, he hasn’t missed a single shot.” You tried to call out to her but it was useless, when Solar was determined, nothing would stop her.

You sighed as you turned away, feeling too much anxiety from watching JK to try and come in further especially if he caught sight of you. JK surprisingly enough seemed as though he had fun a lot of the night, you had stayed curled up in a corner on your phone most of the time brooding while nursing your drink which had admittedly helped you relax a little. 

Eventually though, good times always come to an end, this being no exception, “Hey babe, long time no see?” You stared down at your phone, scrolling through instagram as you ignored the sound of Mark’s voice, “Awwh c’mon, don’t ignore me.” 

You inhaled sharply, closing your eyes before you put away your phone, looking up at him as you raised a brow trying to ignore your heart racing just a hair, “Can I help you?” You asked, trying to act as if this totally wasn’t freaking you the fuck out. 

“You sure can,” Mark flirted, sending you that wink that was the very reason you had spun out in the first place with this guy and god you couldn’t deny his flirty nature always got the best of you, “Me and Lisa were hoping for a third in bed tonight and I thought, what girl would be better than my main girl.” 

He smiled, delicately holding your chin with a proud look and for a half a second you had forgotten how much of a bitch he was, that was until your mind lingered on the word ‘main girl’ to which your lips curled slowly, “...Main girl?” You scoffed immediately slapping his hand away as you shouted, “Main girl!? Since when was I the main girl!?” You watched Mark groan as you shook your head, “Uh no! You came up to me! You don’t get to act like this and you were the one that left me in the first place, why don’t you go back to your main girl!” 

“God you’re so over emotional-” You didn’t even let the little gaslighting fuck finish before you splashed him with your drink, a scoff escaping him as he raised his brows, “Are you fucking serious Y/n?” 

“Yeah, fuck you.” You shoved him before walking out of the kitchen, what a piece of shit! How dare he act all put out when he was the one that approached you, in a total douchebag way at that! You weren’t sure where everybody had went and at this point it was almost ten o’clock and you didn’t care! You just wanted to take a warm shower and go to bed!

You stepped down the stairs of the frat house and into the cool night as as you heaved a breath, scoffing as you rolled your eyes, this was exactly why you hated going to frat parties at Beta Tau now because you almost always ended up in an argument with Mark. 

Stupid little fuck. You muttered it to yourself as you wrapped the flannel around you, your eyes warily finding that of a drunk elderly man who definitely appeared in his forties, alone and his eyes immediately finding your lone figure. 

You kept your eyes on your phone as you slowly approached in hopes of walking past him, you hated parties, you hated going out at night, you hated the fact that you let yourself get so heated in the moment, “Well aren’t you just looking pretty tonight sweetheart.” You sighed in exasperation at the sound of his voice calling out to you.

“Thanks.” You offered dryly, not even attempting to smile because you knew it would just sound like that much more of an invitation to him and yet, even your singular dry word was enough of  a green light to him. 

A hand suddenly wrapped around your upperarm yanking you over as you squeaked out, “How about I take you back to my place? Show you a good time yeah?” He reeked of beer and your nose wrinkled as your expression twisted and your hands trembled. 

“Sir- I..I really need to get home…” You mumbled, not wanting to provoke him but your fear was getting the better of you by the second as you tried to keep yourself from panicking. You’ve never gone out tonight and you should’ve stood your ground regardless of who went were. 

His hands squeezed on your arms eliciting a noise of pain from you and you couldn’t even look at the guy as he growled, “Or I could go home with you sweetheart, or better yet. Why don’t we go over here…! Ow you bitch!” You had smashed his foot with your own but it wasn’t enough for him to let go of you. 

Instead his grip only got tighter making you cry out in pain as your eyes stung with tears, wishing he could just let you go...Within seconds though the man was nearly ripped away from you and a larger figure had wedged between you both, “Leave.” It was a one word command that was clear and demanding from JK, you couldn’t see his face and you weren’t sure you wanted too. 

JK was shoved back from the guy and taking this as an offense, you nearly jumped back at the sight of tentacles bursting from his back, your eyes bulging at the sight, not a single rip in his clothes as if they were transparent yet a lightening of bright fiery ran streaked through him. Your lips nearly dropped though because they obviously weren’t too transparent as JK used them to slam the guy into a wall with enough force to drive him unconscious. 

“JK! Hey! Woah holy shit!” You grabbed your head, JK whipped around, anger still evident on his face but his concern had taken over as he called out your name, what he hadn’t expected as for you to drag him into the alleyway. 

Tentacles still gracefully flowing behind him as if they were underwater, your eyes darting everywhere and anywhere for anyone to have possibly seen and yet…! “Don’t you ever do that again!” You hissed, grabbing your head in stress, if anyone saw that…! Anyone it was over! “Someone could’ve see you!” 

JK might not have fully understood what you said, but he could understand a few words here and there and your tone of voice, his expression darkening and his lips twitching in anger and disagreement, “Hurt!” He growled back pointing at you. 

“I don’t care if I got hurt!” You cried out, running your hands through your hair, anxiety shot through your veins, “You can’t do that!” You pointed at his tentacles, “You aren't human! Humans can’t do that!”

“Hurt!” He growled even louder, now grabbing your forearms in demand, firm enough that you couldn’t pull away but gentle enough that it didn’t hurt, “Y/n hurt!” He emphasized as best he could, his nose wrinkling in frustration as he spoke, “Protect!” It was spoken a little word but you understood overall what he meant. 

“Yes you can protect me that’s fine! But you have to act human!” You pointed at yourself, shaking his arm away before forcefully rolling up his sleeve, the marks which were burning red, “Human!” You snapped as you pointed at your own bare arm compared to his, “Not human!” You pointed to JK’s, “You can’t be that careless!” 

You were just lucky that the guy was drunk and hopefully wouldn’t remember any of this, JK’s lips twitched as if he still didn’t agree with you, snapping something back in his own tongue as he roughly shoved his sleeve back down before he went on what sounded like a long rant, the tentacles retracting into his back once more as he threw his arms up and you stepped back a little. 

You had never heard him so...vocal...or angry before...Which you had brought on yourself, you understood he thought it was the right thing to do and it would’ve been fine had he not decided to get his four other tendons involved. You above anything else, didn’t want JK to be taken from you. JK kept going though in his tongue, directly all of his- what sounded like unpleasant words at you as you crossed your arms, looking at the ground with gritted teeth and ignoring the way your eyes were attempting to blur in tears. 

Even if you couldn’t understand him you were positive you didn’t like or agree with whatever he was saying. You fixed your flannel that had been ruffled from the man as you sniffled harshly, trying to ignore the wet warm tears that began trickling down your face. JK had paused from his rant before frowning, watching the liquid trickling down your face as you closed your eyes. 

Puffing a breath he sighed, figuring it wasn’t any use in trying to talk to you anyways, Orion tongue was beyond ancient to human civilization which is why he hadn’t bothered trying to say any sort of phrases in his own language. 

JK couldn’t stand seeing you like this, from what he observed on- if he assumed he was correct- the TV, humans often depicted this as sadness. Unable to stand this gesture JK did what he had watched, wrapping his arms around you in a form of human affection as he set his chin on top of your head, wetness staining his shirt and he held a silent victorious moment at your reciprocation to his affection. Trying to bond with you had been such a pain in the ass with the language barrier and you almost always looked uncomfortable any time he tried to initiate a bonding session. 

True the locations might have been inappropriate but he was excited, he wanted to find a mate and soon, after all that was part of the original plan, even if it wasn’t supposed to be on earth. You had mumbled something he couldn’t quite figure out until you had mentioned the word Home, as in the place you slept. JK nodded, assuming that was where you had intended on going in the first place. 

He had caught sight of you leaving the house extremely upset and he wanted to tag along in hope that maybe with some alone time at the house, you’d both finally be able to properly bond, he could feel his scaling warm a bit and he could even spot a tint of pink from beneath his gloves much to his embarrassment. 

Knowing this was a human affection JK kept his arm wrapped around you as you both walked home, your hands on your eyes as you sniffled a little and you hadn’t spoken the entire walk back making him a little sad. Your voice was soft and pleasant on his ears which often picked up too many odd and miscellaneous sounds. 

Pulling off your flannel you sighed, muttering something that he leaned in a little to focus on understanding, knowing it sounded something like an apology. JK only offered a small smile, “Friend?” He spoke softly, he liked that word, it was the first one you had taught him after all. 

You nodded, looking severely tired as you repeated the word back before padding to your room to get changed, little by little JK understood more and more about humanity on Earth which wasn’t exactly new, but rather...a bit archaic by Orionia’s standards.

JK had made sure to go into the room with the odd looking boat to change into clothes, knowing it always elicited an odd reaction from you whenever he changed in front of you. Getting into something more comfortable he could appreciate the human need for comfort. 

Feeling a bit timid he peeped into your room where you laid on your bed, looking half asleep but you gestured him in much to his excitement, understanding bonding wouldn’t likely happen now that you were too tired but he appreciated your company, you made things much easier for his stay on Earth. 

Pulling out your lap held device JK tilted his head, oh…! This was like the mainboard back on the ship, just a smaller version of it, a computer? But a lap verison? He furrowed his brows a little, the name on the tip of his tongue as his nose wrinkled. Much to his delight though you typed up the same place where he had been watching educational videos earlier today. 

He only hoped you’d stay this time, he had been extremely worried the Arbitrator's had found you, your friends however had said multiple times you were just at ‘Class’ whatever that was. And they seemed calm enough and if they knew your routine then...he had no reason to assume they were conspiring with the enemy. 

Much to his happiness you laid back down as you stretched out before curling up, your eyes closing as he clicked onto the video of the ocean, as he had learned Earth held quite the exotic lifeform in the sea. 

It was nearing 11:30 which you had pointed at the clock earlier today except now it was dark out, JK could only deduce there was certain names for eating at certain times of the day, he tapped on his chin, scrolling down the assortment of human entertainment. Wanting something to figure out how to win your affection to be his mate. A loud piercing screech nearly jolted him out of bed, holding his head as he frantically looked towards you before feeling relief fill him. If you couldn’t hear this then…! 

He fumbled as he hurried to the window, pushing through the blinds as he peered out, seeing a large flare being shot up into the sky in a deep hue of blue and purple, that acted as something he saw on a video. A firework, if he remembered correctly. JK perked up, Taehyung and Namjoon must be okay, this was what…? At least ten miles south, in human terms? He remembered that much from the academy. 

JK nearly ran out the door before he paused, his eyes looking over your sleeping figure he...he couldn't just leave you here...and…! He perked up, “Y/n!” He called out, jostling you awake as you rolled over with a groan, “Y/n! Home!” He spoke determined, if he could get you to go with him then he could explain everything. 

“What? JK seriously? This better be important.” You groaned as your eyes tiredly cracked opened at the sight of doe eyes looking at you urgently, he nearly ripping you out of bed with a squeak, “Home!” He spoke as he brought your shoes to you before pointing out the window, “Home!” 

...Oh...oh god, this was going to be a long night, wasn’t it…? 

[fuckmeupjackson]

The Cool Significance of Will Byers's Birthday in Terms of Astrology

Will's birthday is about fire, water, beginnings, endings, and the in-betweens. Stick with me on this one if you're interested lol...

Will's birthday as of now is canonically March 22nd.  Side Note - This is around the Spring Equinox, the beginning of spring (which is March 20th or 21st depending on where you are). 

It is also the second astrological day of the Aries season on the Zodiac wheel. 

This is cool because Aries, which is a fire sign, marks the BEGINNING of the ENTIRE zodiac wheel as the first sign. In astrology Aries is described as embodying the essence of initiation, sparks, ignition, spontaneity, strength, courage and action. 

However, March 22nd is very close to the pisces season since it is two days after the Pisces season ends.  Pisces is the END of the zodiac wheel.  It is the last sign, as opposed to the first sign Aries, but because this is a circular cycle like the calendar year, Pisces and Aries are right next to each other. Many astrologers would consider March 22nd the CUSP between Pisces and Aries (although some would only consider March 20th or 21st the technical cusp dates). I talk about the significance of this below this image from Britannica.

So knowing that Will is on the cusp and therefore is connected to both of these signs, let's talk about Pisces traits as well.

Pisces is very different from Aries in most ways, they're almost opposites despite being right next to each other.  Pisces, a water sign, is known for its connection to the mystic and spiritual world, its all-encompassing and universal essence.  It is associated with sensitivity, emotions, wisdom, empathy, passiveness, compassion, and art (pisces tend to be said to be good artists).  Aries is often referred to as the symbolically "youngest" of the zodiac, fresh and inspired, with masculine energy, and pisces the "oldest" with feminine energy.  According to astrology, Will being born on the cusp means that he would likely take characteristics from both these signs, but at heart he will be an Aries. 

I just find that interesting.  Also, they are represented by fire and water, which is cool because water is known to be THE connection to the upside down, and the void that El goes into is dark, watery, and looks like outer space (pisces is associated with space/the universe). Whereas Fire is the thing that DEFEATS the upside down creatures, and there have been some connections between Will and fire, the most obvious one being that Will the Wise, his DnD character, has fire powers.  He is also associated with light.  There are several times when the light very obviously is shining on him in an intentionally dramatic way. 

Also since he's the cusp, it's almost like the place between the upside down and the real world... caught in between slides of a viewfinder, if you will. Caught between the beginning and the end, the ancient and the new, between the wise/old and the young/innocent/naive. Just interesting...

Also thinking of the quote "beginning of the end"... hmmm...

---

(((I also find it interesting that he's so close to being a Pisces. I don't know how much thought the writers put into this or even if this is all a coincidence. But I feel like according to astrology it would make more sense for him to be a Pisces given his very passive and selfless personality and his connection to the supernatural and art, like that's literally a textbook pisces for you. But no, he's born with the sign of the strong-headed, strong-willed, courageous, certain, action-taking, direct, blunt, confident Aries. It shows that despite his passive personality, he ULTIMATELY is a courageous being who never backs down, the essence of Aries. Also, he's so close to being a water sign, but by a few switches perhaps of fate, he ended up being born a couple days later with a fire sign, the first-born sign of the wheel... this shows in the end, maybe he will find his inner fire or use fire powers in some way. The world wants him to succumb to the upside down, let the water engulf and suffocate him, but he will still choose fire, choose to fight.)))

Just thought I'd put this here for anyone who was interested.

I'll probably make a post in the future about beginnings/endings and their significance in stranger things, but not for a while lol. Will's birthday is just one piece of many...

[midgardianweasley]

Who needs it?

Natasha Romanoff x fem!reader

Summary: Exam season is always a difficult time, thankfully when Y/N is feeling the weight of it, her girlfriend is there for her.

Word count: 1.3k

Warnings: just the joys of exam stress:)

message/ask if you’d like to be added to the taglist! <33

A/N: finally got a fic out after weeks 😫 not proofread at all, sorry for any mistakes<33

As you stormed into your shared bedroom, the door smacked against the wall, making your girlfriend lurch forward as she no longer relaxed comfortably against the headboard, but now watched as you pace the room with obvious frustration.

Wringing your hands together with heavy footsteps, you walked back and forth angrily, not entirely focusing on the fact Natasha was staring at your frantic figure, your mind too cloudy to think of anything other than the numbers and symbols that littered your notebooks in the next room.

You had spent hours hunched over in your seat trying to make sense of the questions in your textbook and desperately attempting to remember the formulas for each sum, though with each question, you felt more and more hopeless.

You hate Math.

“You okay Detka?” Natasha asked carefully, not wanting to agitate you further than what you already were.

You stopped abruptly, hands dragging down your face as you looked toward the redhead, immediately making eye contact and seeing the concern in her features. A part of you felt guilty for intruding on her when she was relaxing, but you needed a break from the headache.

“Well.” Your hands fell to your hips as you tried your best at pulling a smile. “I could say yes.”

“You’d be lying.”

“I’d totally be lying.”

Before she could make a move, you dragged your feet to the side of the bed, intending to sit down, but as you sat, you had leant back too far, resulting in you completely collapsing, arms spread out either side of you and hair going off in all manner of different directions.

You could hear your girlfriend try to stifle a laugh at your mishap, clearly finding hilarity in your struggle. In response, you turned to glare at her, greeted with the sight of her keeping her lips from showing a smile which made her look like her lips didn’t exist as they tucked into her mouth.

“I’m in pain.” You mumbled, not lacking any dramatics.

“How are you in pain, my love?” Her brows furrowed, distracting herself from the replay of you falling on the bed that was running through her head.

“My head hurts, my back hurts, my brain hurts, it’s all just pain.”

“Let me guess, you’ve been studying?”

“Math! of all things! That's my next exam, so it’s unavoidable.” You let out a long sigh, the light on the ceiling felt like it was 10x brighter today, causing you to use your arm to cover your eyes hoping that the pounding in your head would cease.

A few minutes passed and it was silence, blissful silence. You’d felt the bed move, but hadn’t taken much notice, purely focusing on the relief your back felt while lying on the mattress, the smell of the candles Natasha had lit a while ago so it completely filled the room with the scent of vanilla.

You suddenly felt a weight on top of you, trapping you between them and the bed. Begrudgingly taking your arm away from your face, your sight is just vibrant red hair dangling in front of your eyes, a pair of emerald green eyes and plump red lips looking back at you.

Her thighs rest either side of your legs, her hands pressed against the bed on both sides of your head as they held her up so she was leaning over you.

“Hi.” She smirked

“Hello.” You grumbled, refusing to break eye contact.

“Cheer up buttercup, you’ve only got four days left.”

“Four days left to try and find one single reason as to why I need to learn pythagoras! trig! Or algebra! I’m not going to be a mathematician Nat and i doubt i’ll ever look at a triangle and think ‘hey, i wonder what those angles are, let’s figure it out’”

“You never know! You might learn to love it.” She gave you a playful wink, watching in amusement as your jaw fell slightly and you gave her a look of total disbelief.

“Learn to love it? There’s more of a chance of us breaking up.”

“That’s never happening.”

“Exactly my point.” You smiled, tapping her nose with a ‘boop’

She rolled her eyes, unable to wipe the smile on her face. “You’re lucky you’re cute.”

“Lucky enough for a kiss from my beautiful girlfriend who I love so much?”

“hm. I'm sure we can work something out.” She muttered before placing a hand on your cheek and leaning down to give you a gentle kiss, your body noticeably relaxed at the contact. You swore she had a secret talent for calming you, most, if not all, distress you were feeling earlier had evaporated, Almost as though it had never been there in the first place.

Though you were enjoying your moment with Natasha, she pulled away, leaving you with a couple of pecks before sitting up entirely, you tried to lean up as she was moving backwards, but she’d moved too fast for you to catch her lips again, instead you had to watch as she held a proud smirk.

With a tap of your thighs, she observed your pout, obviously upset with her breaking away from the kiss, but she ignored it as she spoke up again.

“Right, up we get, c’mon.”

“Where are we going?”

“Back through to the next room, dummy, you’re going to finish your studying.” She shuffled off of the bed, standing up and holding a hand out to pull you up with her, but she stood empty handed.

You shook your head “Now that’s just cruel. I'm not going.” You folded your arms in protest, still laying on the bed and sporting a pout.

“Is it cruel if I tell you that with every correct answer, you get a kiss?”

The words had you sitting bolt upright straight away, ears tuning in to what she was saying, similar to a meerkat standing to attention of its surroundings.

“you mean it?”

“I do”

“But, what about your time, your book?”

“You’re my girl, I can read anytime, but you need me now and you’re more important than any book.”

The words made you feel like the Grinch, when his heart grew 3x the size. One sentence and you were putty in her hands.

Taking her outstretched hand, you let her lead you back to the table where highlighters were scattered everywhere, pages upon pages were crumpled up into tight balls and thrown onto the floor, you’re almost certain you can see a snapped pencil down there too

“I got a little stressed, I'm sorry.”

“Don’t be, we all feel overwhelmed sometimes, but I'm here to help, okay? you’ll pass the exam, i know it.”

“You really think so?”

“I do. you’re smart, you just need to have faith in yourself, alright?”

“Yeah, yeah okay, I can do this.”

“There she is!” She pinched your cheek, both of you looking at the other with nothing but love before you both sat down at the table. You let out a breath you feel like you’ve been holding for hours, determined to get this right. You had to. You wanted those kisses.

And to pass the exam, obviously.

“So, where do we begin?”

______________________

It took a long time, days of stress, frustration, reassurance and kisses. a lot of kisses. But you walked into that exam with your head held high, wanting to feel confident in yourself. And that’s exactly how you walked out of there too, remembering what Natasha had said to you.

She won’t let you say it, nor will she believe it herself, but you truly believe she’s the reason you passed that exam. You couldn’t have done it without her, similar to a lot of other things in your life, and for sticking by you, you’ll always be grateful.

You may not need maths, but you’ll always need Natasha Romanoff.

taglist: @natashas-favourite-knives @wandaromanova @eilarch @natashaswifey @lostandsearching @pottahishotasf @d14n4ol @xxromanoffxx @007giu @marvelwomenslut

[ghostlyheart]

I cannot stop thinking about @kityana's very insightful post about a potential subplot that involves conflict between Laszlo and Nadja. I'm really curious to see if it will actually happen or not and I wanted to add one more piece of evidence that might point towards it.

(Edit: everything is under the cut for scrolling ease and also because I was. Clearly very wrong about this so it's not even relevant anymore aksjsk)

I'm absolutely obsessed with the costumes in this show (in a very amateur way, not as someone who has experience studying fashion or costume design) and how they can be such a great way to tell us about the characters.

Laszlo and Nadja's costumes always always Always complement each other. They use similar silhouettes, patterns, etc. A lot of the time, the fabric of Nadja's skirt is the same exact fabric used for Laszlo's waistcoat. There are tons of little details that pull their outfits together (see below: matching neckwear, the gold lace on Nadja's cuffs matching the same lace on Laszlo's capes in their "going out" outfits, etc.) I imagine that their clothing was intentionally made in sets, literally cut from the same cloth.

Even when their outfits don't match exactly in terms of materials or accessories, they're still drawing from the same color palette that creates the general impression that their looks were purposefully coordinated.

This design choice is very intentional. Here's a quote from an interview with costume designer Amanda Neale:

"Laszlo always had to match Nadja in appearance. Nadja dictates their style and Laszlo follows. Their combined style is not a copycat situation but a nod to the fact they have been together for hundreds of years and that their style has fused together over time."

Neale makes it clear that Laszlo's looks are a reflection of Nadja. Their coordination is a symbol of their compatibility. Its a visual language unique to them refined over centuries of experience together. It's a clear indication that they're on the same page. Except...

I don’t think they’re matching at all in season 3 episode 2. This might be a bit of a stretch but bear with me. Nadja has this super structured, frilly, dramatic look going on. There’s tons of layers and textures. The shoulder pads specifically (plus her "working woman" comment from s3e1) remind me a lot of 80s power suits. I think this makes a lot of sense. All these layers and the wide shoulders of the dress means she takes up more space and is more imposing. This is her “I mean business” outfit. It’s her first day of official council duty and she’s out for blood.

Laszlo, on the other hand... structure is the exact opposite of what he’s going for. Disheveled is literally the only way I can think of to describe it. His silhouette scruffier and more relaxed than usual. I honestly think the jacket might be a bit oversized (but I’m not sure about that). He usually wears his neckwear pulled tighter, sometimes right below his chin, but this necktie-thingy is hanging really loosely.

Seeing them next to each other emphasizes the difference (I hope). Their silhouettes are completely different, I don't see any matching fabrics. It's hard to tell because of the lighting but I think his vest is embroidered and the white ornamental design she has is printed directly onto the fabric. Nadja might be rewearing the beaded skirt we can see in "The Trial" (though I'm not sure, again this show is really dark skjssh) which doesn't match the pattern on Laszlo's waistcoat either. Besides the obvious black in both their outfits, I don't see any color coordination. That burnt orange necktie actually really stands out in contrast to her all black and white ensemble and only serves and emphasize the difference between them (although it could be meant to correspond with the bronze-ish buttons her dress has).

Even if this isn't indicative of some larger conflict between them, I think it works really well as an extra layer of communication for what's going on with these characters. We know Nadja is super thrilled at the idea of holding power, while Laszlo actively dislikes it and goes out of his way to avoid having any responsibility. Nadja's outfit represents her passion and how seriously (well, as serious as she can be) she's taking on her new role, while Laszlo's perfectly reflects his "idgaf" attitude. Their outfits are clashing because for the first time in a while, they're out of sync.

Writing this also made me go back and look at episode 1. Lo and behold, they change outfits for the scene where they decide Guillermo's fate, AKA Right After the talking head segment where we see how differently they feel about joining the Council. That vest Laszlo is wearing has a specific matching dress for Nadja (we see them worn together in Brain Scramblies) and she's not wearing it!!

So yeah, I think this is on purpose (although I could be horribly wrong bc I'm the furthest thing from an expert) and I'm going to be keeping on eye out for it as the season progresses!!

[mmikmmik2]

Simon is painting a miniature figure in the same scene where he tells Lake that they and Alan Dracula are subhuman and only have value when they are useful to real people like Simon. He also puts the finishing touches on a soldier miniature in the super-meaningful, foreshadowing-rich opening sequence of The Musical Car, before swiveling to survey his rigidly organized miniatures workshop with satisfaction, implying that process gets him into the right mindset for a raid. (Everything before and after that moment is clearly a pre-raid ritual, like kids or Grace or Simon prepping their gear or touching up their appearances, so it would make no storytelling sense if this is something Simon coincidentally happened to be doing this one time – I’m certain it’s supposed to be his habit.) The symbolism of miniature soldiers and battlefields, and the context of when Simon is shown to interact with them, link this hobby to his desire to belittle and subjugate others, and perceive himself as a high-ranking (eventually highest ranking) member of a pseudo-military hierarchy.

Simon: She’s not acting like she should! The Cat: And how exactly should she be acting? She’s not one of your miniatures, Simon.

The parallels to Grace’s dancing feel obvious to me. Look at the clumsy little toy soldier from his childhood.

It seems, uh, unlikely that we’re supposed to conclude that little babby Simon chasing after Samantha in his socks and sandals was always as eager to dehumanize and dominate real people as Simon the grown man became. Just like Grace’s dancing was originally about a lonely and neglected child who wanted to be loved, I think Simon’s miniatures were originally about a confused and scared child who wanted something in his life that he could understand and control. And both of their very normal and harmless childhood emotional needs became warped over time into toxic drives to manipulate or subjugate the people around them.

In The Origami Car, Simon succumbs to his worst impulses. His best friend is brokenhearted and distraught, and he ignores her pain to trap her in her own memories so he can explain to her what her own life means and make her get back in line with Apex ideology. To make her act like she “should”. This happens in a car that is literally a miniature landscape filled with miniature people. And when Grace won’t give in, Simon warps the tape so that he towers over her. He has symbolically turned her into one of his miniatures.

This is further emphasized in The New Apex. Simon originally wanted the spotlight denizen because “I’m building a diorama for my soldiers! I need a big light to emulate dawn before the Battle of Esmoroth.” Now he forces them to provide dramatic lighting for his confrontation with Grace.

His attempt to commit premeditated murder is just another miniature battlefield. The ideas of control and superiority, and the metaphor of other people as little toy soldiers that Simon can arrange however he likes, have become more and more prominent in his psyche until he became the worst version of himself.

[bruce-wayne-lovebot]

For What I Should Have Done • TwoBats

MINORS DNI

Summary: “Maybe when you tell your friends, you can tell them what you saw in me, and not how I turned out to be.” ~ Goodbye, My Danish Sweetheart by Mitski.

Unrequited love that had it’s chance but slowly dwindled out is difficult. Seeing someone you would have done anything for point a gun at you, with zero recognition in their eyes is arguably worse.

A small collection of moments where one half of TwoBats was thinking of the other.

Word Count: 1 625

TW: Mentions of Death, Depression, Canon Typical Violence, Guns, Internalized Homophobia(maybe?), Societal pressure

AN: This is an au, it doesn’t really follow the comics or movies exactly!

Age: Forty-Eight

Two-Face had aimed his gun towards Batman’s chest, the symbol marking a near-perfect bullseye.

Sometime Bruce felt as if he was getting too old for this. His bones would crack as he got up in the morning, alerting him to the fact he may need a Batman replacement sooner rather than later. He would never truly quit, he was here to save people. This scene was one that has been rehearsed and played out thousands of times, almost always to the same extent.

Dent reaches into his pocket, pulling out a scarred coin. They both know this is rigged. A coin is never perfectly fifty/fifty. The question is; how will Harvey rig the odds?

Bruce doesn’t move, awaiting the toss of the coin.

~~~

Age: Twenty-One

It was loud, not that it particularly bothered Bruce, but it would interfere with his plans. He didn’t want to scream at anyone to talk to them, he came out to be seen as a “normal” partying college student. If someone were to get a video of Bruce screaming at anyone, it would hurt his public persona.

Despite him being popular, or at least a well-known name, he was invited by his roommate to this party. It was in a house not too far from the campus, and was not built to hold as many people as were invited.

His roommate was a nice guy. Harvey Dent; Tall, Smart, funny, and handsome. Bruce didn’t want to admit that he may have feelings for him. He had plans for what he both wanted and needed to do in the future, he wasn’t sure if dating was even in the cards.

Having a partner would most likely benefit Bruce, at least to the public it would. He was suppose to be having the best time of his life, meeting new people that would be his friends for years to come instead he was trying to cram every ounce of a stereotypical life well lived before his life would turn to what he had always planned. He was going to avenge those who were wronged. College in Gotham was a show, something he would perfect in the upcoming years.

“You having a good time?” A girl that didn’t seem to be beside Bruce a few seconds ago spoke up. She was absolutely stunning. Perhaps there was something about Bruce, falling for anyone with a five mile radius.

Bruce quickly tunes back into reality, smiling as if he’s been having the time of his life. “Yeah. You?”

She adverts his eyes from his. “It’s fine. I’ve never been one for parties like these.”

Bruce nods, curious but not going to question it. “I’m not sure if we’ve met before. My name is Bruce.”

“Talia. Are you a friend of the host’s?”

“No, I came here with a friend of mine.” He nods towards Harvey, who was currently dancing with a girl in the living room.

Talia looks from Harvey back to Bruce. “I’m guessing this an extrovert and introvert friendship?”

“Are you psychology student?”

“Biochemistry.”

“So close.” Bruce jokes. “Biochemistry. That’s so impressive.”

Talia nods, smiling at Bruce. It felt as if she was looking into his soul, tearing away layers of secrets. “What are you planning on doing?”

He tries to advert his gaze without making it seem dramatic or obvious. She probably was only asking about his degree and what he was doing with it. Friendly conversation.

“Business. I’m going to continue what my ancestors started.” He meant for it to be light and airy but it seemed to come out as a verbal equivalent of the Kubrick stare. “Working on making Gotham better, you know, fancier hospitals.” He offers, hoping to save his own ass.

~~~

Age: Twenty-Nine

“Have you heard about the Batman problem?” Harvey decides to sit on top of one of the balconies of Wayne manor. He reaches into his jacket pocket, pulling out a pack of cigarettes and a lighter with a smiley face on it. He offers the open pack to Bruce, which the other man denies.

Bruce places his hands to the left of Harvey, leaning backwards. “Yeah.” Bruce stretches out for a moment before leaning on the balcony, he would truly be talking about anything but this. “What do you think about it?”

Harvey shrugs lightly, placing the cigarette in his mouth before lighting it. “As the future District Attorney of Gotham,” Harvey starts, deepening his voice. “I think we…” He stops as quickly as he started, not sure what to actually do about the Batman. “He causes so much property damage. I feel like he only makes the crime rates go up.”

Bruce solemnly nods, acting as if Harvey’s disapproval meant nothing to him. Bruce knew he was doing the right thing, that the people of Gotham needed him. “I can’t imagine the police could deal with some of the people the Batman does. Like, um-“ Bruce feigns ignorance. “The-“ Bruce waves his hand over his face, ‘trying’ to conjure the words he wanted to say. “The fear guy.”

“Scarecrow.” Harvey nods, exhaling his cigarette smoke. “Have you ever seen him around before the Batman showed up?” He leans closer to Bruce, not facing him. “I think Arkham should take him in next time he brings in his regulars.”

Bruce nods once again. Harvey hating the Batman shouldn’t affect him at all, he was just some costumed freak.

“Maybe it’s some shitty performance art that I don’t understand.”

Bruce chuckles, a sharp exhale leaving his nose. “You think the Batman is a theatre kid?”

“I don’t know. Your guess on who he is is as good as mine.”

~~~

Age: Thirty-Six

Harvey’s office was a complete mess. Half of it was due to his own design, and the other half was due to god knows what. On top of his desk was a piece of folded paper, standing on his desk in a triangle shape. Facing the door was an accurate drawing of the King of Hearts in red pen, there were messy doodles on top of it, one of which had the king sticking his tongue out as if he was dead. It was disturbing to see out of nowhere but Harvey was somewhat used to seeing shit like that.

Back when he was a D.A., the Batman would leave notes (when he was feeling social) to tell Harvey he took some case files and he'd give them back soon enough.

Now it was most likely from another one of Batman’s Rogues, which meant either they were looking for something or trying to “send a message”. It pissed Dent off to no end.

When he opened the card he was met with a photo of one of Two-Face’s henchmen, the person oblivious to their photo being taken. In their hand was a planner that belonged to Harvey. There was no “to” or “from” but looking over the details of the photo, it seems like it was sent by the Joker.

Motherfucker-

Dent checks through his desk, looking for said agenda in the photo. Would the Joker lie to him? Of fucking course. Dent would like to say he can trust The Joker as far as he could throw him, but that would suggest Harvey trusts Joker to some degree.

The drawers of the desk revealed the truth; Harvey’s agenda was stolen. Perhaps he should have hidden it somewhere better, it wasn’t like he had anything too important in there. The fact Joker was taking his men was the problem. They could spill any plan of Dent’s they wanted.

Two-Face kicked the desk in front of him, as if a meaningless act of violence would be able to solve anything. The sudden jolt of the table caused items to fall off Harvey’s desk, including photos and useless nicknacks from when he used to be the D.A. and would collect frivolous stuff.

One of the photos that fell from his was of his ex-wife, Gilda. Perhaps it was stupid for him to keep her photo there, but Harvey wouldn’t let Two-Face remove it. She was gorgeous in it, like a model straight out of the sixties. She was staring straight at the camera, perhaps laughing at something Harvey said. He could remember taking it, it was during their fifth date. He can’t remember the joke that made her laugh but seeing her smile was good enough.

Upon picking it up, Dent looked over the photo again. The glass was broken on the photo, distorting Gilda’s face. He placed it down gently on his desk, avoiding spreading more glass everywhere.

Other tchotchkes were kept safe. There were old New Jersey and American flags stuck in what looked to be like a rubber bouncy ball cut in half, from Harvey’s desk back when he was the District Attorney for Gotham. Beside it was a lockbox that was covered in dust, there were a few spots where the dust was disrupted but was just replaced again. It has been years since he opened it last, and it would most likely never be opened. Beside it was another photo, this time of Bruce Wayne and Harvey celebrating their graduation from college; their arms were around each other, smiling so much they could have worried about their faces freezing like that. Harvey would have said that joy that would exist in Gotham again, that everyone should have a story like that, but well, this desk wasn’t allowed to belong to someone with a mindset like that. No, this desk was meant for those who didn’t care to think about the small things, only saw it as a means to an end.

There was a theory that Dent had heard about, the Butterfly effect. He wasn’t one to sit around and mope about his past, but he often wondered what his moment was. What happened to lead up to the events with Sal Marroni. Something ages ago lead to Harvey becoming what he wanted to stop. That’s what fate was. If he were to question why him it would lead to questions about how his coin works.

[naancypants]

1x13 “The Whisper Box” analysis

“I am stuck in a dream of my perfect life” 

This is one of the first things Nancy says after realizing she is in an alternate reality, confirming for the audience that what we’re seeing is essentially, in Nancy’s mind, what would be a perfect world. If she could take the life she currently has and turn it into what she considers her perfect reality - this is how everything would look.

That established, let’s dive in.

The first and most obvious difference is that Kate Drew is still alive and cancer-free. What I find fascinating is that in Nancy’s ideal reality, her mom does still have a cancer scare - but what makes this so great for our heroine is how it draws upon the most earth-shattering event of her life and alters the ending. It’s much more poignant for her this way, because instead of eliminating a negative situation altogether, this scenario rectifies it, vicariously allowing Nancy to relish in the flood of relief she always wanted.

This universe sheds some light not only on Nancy's emotional attachment to Kate, but also her attachment to Kate’s death. Ever since she lost her mom there was a dark cloud over her life. Nancy’s key to escaping this head trip of hers (and moving forward from her grief) was to say a final goodbye to her mother - something she never got to do in real life - and this, in an ironic and bittersweet fashion, grants Nancy closure and peace. She had to let go of her heart to find her way home.

Carson is only painted in a positive light here, because at this point in the show she has finally arrived at a good place with her dad. She feels grateful for that and would not change anything about him or their relationship.

We learn that in this universe she doesn’t even know Nick yet, let alone have a romantic history with him; they do, however, still exhibit their prior pattern of experiencing and acting on their chemistry. This is not a surprise given Nancy’s emotional state in real life. Nick was the one to initiate their break-up, so while he still cares deeply for Nancy, Nancy is the one who was blindsided/rocked the hardest by their split. The show makes it clear she isn’t over Nick at this point in the timeline, so it’s not surprising that being with him is part of her ideal reality. Their never having met in the beginning is symbolic of Nancy’s desire to start over with him. She has a lot of regret regarding how she handled things with Nick and would love a clean slate to conduct a do-over.

Another notable point - in the real world, Nancy has recently caught Nick and George together in some 👀 moments. Given that she still has feelings for Nick, it makes sense that his fast-tracked bonding with George might bother her on some level. Hence, in her perfect life, Nick and George have already dated and ended things on a sour note. One less thing for Nancy to worry about.

In Nancy’s perfect life, George is more open and affectionate. I find this super sweet. By now Nancy has really come to value George’s friendship and she simply wishes that George wasn’t so weighed down with stress and emotional walls. Therefore this version of George is happy, carefree, and fully comfortable in her own skin - they also appear to be much closer in terms of friendship.

I’d like to reiterate now that Nancy’s perfect world is first and foremost founded on her reality. With that in mind, rather than changing all the details of Bess’s life to grant her something more favorable than living out of a van, she simply wishes for her friend to make the most of the situation. In this universe we see Bess living it up, embracing her unusual lifestyle for everything that it is, and also having become a social media star. Here she is positively glowing. Nancy’s greatest wish for Bess is to be happy, thriving, and free from anxiety.

On multiple occasions in this episode it’s mentioned that Ace is pretty much the same. This show in its earlier stages often treated Ace as the ‘comic relief’, so a very shallow reading of this episode could dismiss these as throwaway lines; but given Nancy’s psychological revelations regarding literally everyone else, I truly don’t believe his role would be so trivial. Therefore, without getting TOO dramatic or shippy about it 😜, I think what we can take from this is that there’s genuinely nothing about Ace that Nancy wishes were any different. From where she’s standing, he seems content with who he is and has become an important part of her inner circle (per 1x08, she considers him her friend). I think that Ace is still maybe a bit of a background player for her at this point (remember this is pre-library scene), but he’s such a steady and dependable one that there’s nothing about him she would want to change.

Ryan Hudson is a charitable man who is doing The Most for Horseshoe Bay, using his power and influence only for good. This is the man Nancy wishes Ryan was, instead of the one who’s made countless destructive decisions and caused far more harm than good. Plus, a smaller detail, but Ryan’s hair is much more natural and un-moussed in this reality because he is unconcerned with upholding a certain image per his family name (and, if we expand our thinking here, this version of Ryan may have cut ties with his family completely). Ryan is more comfortable with himself here, as there is no overhanging sense of guilt re: Lucy Sable or even Tiffany.

Lucy is still present via the ghost under the sheet, taking the form of Hannah Gruen and dropping Nancy the clues she needs to further her investigation. Nancy’s connection with Lucy is far too strong to be broken by any universe - but since both Kate Drew AND Tiffany Hudson are alive in this timeline, it’s unlikely that Nancy would know much at all about Lucy Sable. Therefore she doesn’t make any physical appearances.

It says a lot about Nancy at her core that so much of her ‘perfect life’ is about everyone around her being happier, healthier. And based on Nancy’s surprise at the idea that “you all like me” in this universe, it appears that she does still struggle with some of the anxiety her mother said she had. Of COURSE her friends like her, but it tells us a little something about Nancy’s inner world and psychology. I think that detail is a GREAT take on the Nancy Drew character. It makes her a little more vulnerable without removing any of her courage, her boldness, or her strength.