#dunno why i feel that way about a 10 year old show

[scripturiends]

and when i finally get around to watching ep 34 onwards of house of anubis tomorrow it’s over for all of you

[bmpmp3]

lemme tell you im starting to get a little sick of when im complaining about when a show or movie is writing a major female character with not as much depth as her male cohorts or she's written oddly plot device-like for a main character and people always tell me "oh but it's intentional, we're seeing her through the eyes of the male main character and he has a crush on her so he doesnt see her flaws" because like

FIRST of all yeah i get it but its hard to write that trope interestingly to me at this point without a lot of work put into subversion so intentionality doesnt make it any less boring

SECONDLY half the time people say this about ensemble cast stuff and like why is the random dude suddenly designated as the most perspective of all perspective characters when it comes to this specific woman. why dont we get to see the other characters perspectives on her too?

AND THIRDLY do people view women they have crushes on as bland plot devices without lives of their own enough irl that this is so universal in writing? isnt the point of having a crush wanting to hang out and know more about your crush, know about their likes and dislikes and all that. am i missing something here

[aztarion]

Give me some fun facts about Soledad rn or I’ll do something…dunno what yet…

im sorry i took so long getting to this T_T thank you for asking!!! this went off-road many times with me overthinking it i just couldn't save it but hopefully it's still readable, i tried to do a mix of character and meta while not repeating anything from prev asks and then it kind of morphed into a weird bio lmao

her full name is Solona ‘Sol’ ‘Soledad’ Castillo; born 1/11/72 and raised in soledad, california, until her parents moved to sierra vista, arizona. died embraced 1/11/98, so forever 26 (and chronologically a fresh 48 during the events of Night Road).

by that time in 2020 her mom and dad have both passed and her older brother is 52; he runs their dad’s mechanical repair workshop there. she absolutely still does the sad little drive-by late at night every couple of months if she's in the area on a job (surgical mask on and hood up of course). i hc that julian, while keeping an occasional spying eye on her during the 10 yr absence, also looks out for her brother and sends business his way unbeknown to her lol

she ended up 3/3 fully blood bonded to julian in the beginning while they worked for the cam, and julian was 2/3 bonded to her. his “wasn't it romantic?” comment -- yeah literally too romantic, get back to work and feed the big underground nosferatu both of you 😤 i like that headcanon personally as another reason why he would cut contact so suddenly with sol when they were in a relationship — to break the bond on both sides; he could obsess strictly over 2100X and her desires would be completely her own again

another headcanon i'm sorry... after the diablerie of aila and the intense guilt that came with the act, plus julian (her sire) abandoning her and essentially straining and forcing their bond to fade, she gains the bulimia derangement. i paired that with the siren predator type lmfao. so very um dramatic all around when shes having a bad night. she restricts to bagged blood for like ten years working as a courier and just resigns herself to being perpetually dour and unsatisfied. i like to write her easygoing and much more lively when she's with julian during their work for the local camarilla, like the reality of her new condition hasn’t really sank in because omg julian's sooo fun and woah this world is crazy but at least julian's here he's gonna change everything or something (she believed in his vision and ideals even if she didn't fully grasp the scope at that time -- like she was on board at least. bless her she had 2 intelligence). she then becomes very muted pre-night road while the bond fades and the uglier, lonelier facets of being a vampire surface; having to pull together an independent undead existence for herself, trying to control her beast while feeding exclusively on bagged blood as job payment, then a little more tearing at the seams upon arriving in tucson during night road (resentment, guilt, anger, desire, longing, hunger for something that won't have a plastic aftertaste, all rushing back and blurring together at once; not so good a grasp on those when she’s been keeping herself numb and isolated and constantly on the move for a decade). behind everything she is desperate for connection

she has a good control on her beast thanks to that (monastic? lmao) decade (and high willpower/composure/resolve), until returning to tucson and stirring aila’s presence; the strange link to lettow, julian showing up, old memories and feelings that aren't even always her own now gathering on this very carefully crafted veneer like plaque. also suddenly having a ghoul and her own assets to worry about kind of freaks her out due to her own existential uncertainty and not really trusting herself. not even really knowing who she is. and she really likes elena right off the bat; she usually puts herself in more danger as to not risk her ghoul in the exact situations one would find themselves needing a damn ghoul in — she is literally the worst kindred ever in terms of priorities and self-preservation

speaking of her beast, it's very much that of a scorpion or snake… yes blunt-object-to-the-back-of-the-head-symbolism with some of her tattoos 😭 she stays lowkey, tries not to put herself under circumstances that would provoke or overly strain it, can keep it in check relatively well due to avid practice being a loner control freak, but when it snaps it's like an inland taipan. actually one of my fav moments playing with her in night road: so she chooses to continue feeding on blood bags in tucson, but when she finally had the opportunity to indulge with her predator type and a live target in dallas, she fucking got a critical success and killed them T_T this was after impulsively kissing julian back at the apartment d'espine allows you to stay at while in the area too. real in-character off-the-rails moment rip

i mentioned before but under the composed exterior she tries to present, she intensely seeks connection to something or someone. unfortunately the way she sees it: lettow is drawn to her because of the remnants of aila lingering within her -- also she literally ate his girlfriend, she's still not ok with that even if he forgives her because of course i gave my vampire oc morals and a guilty conscience (meanwhile cobie is eating people whole like twice a day); julian has no issue using her for whatever despite his affections, and elena is literally blood bonded to her, which sol is constantly thinking about elena's feelings and best interests — its a little bit of a sore spot for past reasons...

she gets on well with dove and begrudgingly really likes carlos (they absolutely cuss eachother out in very aggressive spanish one minute but he will pass her the roach the next) and she simped so bad for invidia caul — i think sol’s type is just a combo of super intelligence + willingness to engage in unethical experimentation lmfao. she's like omg noooo i don't understand wtf you're saying and that's sexy to me also your actions make me feel bad and are very ‘end-justifies-the-kind-of-morally-bankrupt-means’ but i cannot deny if they work out the ‘end’ would be really beneficial to kine and kindred... woe… hashtag conflicted and a little turned on. but she's very drawn to people who are idealistic or driven in an inherent ‘i want to help then i'll have purpose’ way. also the thrill. omg im just psychoanalysing her at this point sorry. this bitch would easily be indoctrinated into a cult is what it all boils down to + the extreme loyalty means she'd probably end up the cult leader's right-hand arm man his everything his confidant his best friend his silly rabbit 🤦‍♀️

also a follower in the streets but more of a leader in the sheets who said that

ok random stuff... she has those brown eyes that when she was human would glare almost red-orange when caught in straight sunlight; super deep chestnut, it only comes through under certain fluorescents these nights

very thick long hair; naturally has a kink/wave to it, quickly prone to returning to that state even when straightened, esp in the southwest's heat. usually loose when in tucson or dressing up, or braided ponytail on the road/job which i am so afraid to draw

nails are sharp like mini claws unless she’s specifically clipped them after rousing. they extend obscenely when she pops protean. i need to draw her fangs but they’re feline/kittenish: weirdly long and thin like staple punches, and again when she pops protean they extend like a snakes

her character color scheme runs warm-dark: black, brown, ochre, sienna, umber, burnt orange, deep shades of red, and maybe some random olive. style-wise it’s a mixed bag of practical minimalist and sleek; street and active wear, the occasional gold-ruby-emerald or leopard print dolce & gabbana-esque gaudy accent. very feminine on top; skin tight, low cut, corseted or cropped, paired with something oversized; men’s beaten-soft leather jackets, vintage driving jackets, or blazers. pants go either way: form fitting or baggy and belted depending on whatever silhouette she wants to cut. think of like the swaggiest 70s cuban drug lord/80s gangster restyled on 90s supermodel Naomi Campbell or something. with formal-wear i really like her in off-shoulder stuff. i try to draw her tattoos more in art bc it makes her more fun to look at but as a courier she wears driving gloves and long pants/boots to cover them up, and baseball caps or large sunglasses (yes at night. loser) to keep herself mostly unidentifiable

THANK YOU FOR ASKING ABOUT MY BLORBO!!!! :'3

prev info/asks jic: 0 , 1 , 2

[chaifootsteps]

been watching that video someone sent in before while eating dinner (the "hazbin hotel sucks and that makes me sad video") and i honest to god have no complaints about it so far, aside from the begining disclaimer.

like im sorry, but its so fucking infuriating to hear SO many reviews say, "i wont talk about the drama outside the show," followed by, 9 times out of 10, a section completely dedicated to angel dust and how badly the execution of his story was butchered. "this feels written by the perspective of someone who thinks it's cool to be gay and abused," "angels suffering feels prolonged", etc.

like, yeah, i dunno man. couldnt possibly understand why they fucked that part of the story up so bad. why dont you ask the guy that storyboarded posion, has drawn angel being horribly raped and hypnotized, influenced the actual masquerade episodes dialogue with his fucked up fan comic, changed his name to tony when he started doing sex work, and admitted to never going through any of the trauma angel has? why not ask viv, who lied about raph being sexually assaulted (or, was telling the truth, and used his recent assault as a way to shield herself from critique,) who infamously doesnt research her characters designs or backgrounds, and called her rapist character "bubbles coded" and "a stupid mean girl" on twitter?

i just have to wonder, why? if youve already had to put a disclaimer that you dont intend to harass anyone for your disagreeing opinions on this stupid ass show, then why not acknowledge whos fault it is for this happening? why protect them? why not, i dunno, let two 30 year olds be held accountable for using millions of dollars to make a completely unnecessary rape music video? its not like anyone else is going to. you might as well use your platform to say something different besides, "poison and masquerade is really uncomfortable and gross. i will not discuss why this is. i will instead discuss the content itself only and intelligently put into words why i feel this way," for the 50th time on youtube.

Gotta agree with you on this one. If anyone ever makes a video critiquing HH that pulls no punches, please link me to it.

[honeysuckleharringtons]

"Love and Pumpkin War" ~ S. Harrington

Summary: Steve and Reader have themselves a little pumpkin carving competition and it takes a much different turn than expected. All's fair in love and pumpkin carving, right?

Pairing: Steve Harrington x GN!Reader

Word Count: 1,102

Content Warning: mild sexual humor, mild swearing, food talk sorta (lots of pumpkin references), pumpkin guts are mentioned approximately 145294629452946 times, lmk if i missed anything!

Extra Notes: i also hate the summary yay! 😀

Originally Written: 10/26/2023

honeysuckleharringtons masterlist can be found here!

halloweek masterlist can be found here!

"Okay, how'd I do?" Steve asked, showing off his newly carved pumpkin.

You nearly dropped your knife in exasperation. "How are you already finished?" you grumbled, a sense of defeat coming over you.

He started to say something, then snickered at himself. You raised an eyebrow at him as if to ask, What's so funny?

"I almost said, 'When I do something, I do it hard and fast,' but I don't think that's exactly how I should say it," he laughed, resulting in you tossing a couple of pumpkin seeds at his head.

"Never mind how fast you are," you said sarcastically, "How are you already finished when I've barely scraped all the insides out of mine?"

"Dunno. But seriously, how'd I do?" he asked, holding up his pumpkin.

The pumpkin was supposed to be a regular Jack-O-Lantern, save for heart shaped eyes instead of triangles. Steve claimed the heart eyes would send off the right signal to any 'hot chicks' passing by his house, which gained him a sarcastic laugh from you. However, the hearts came out closer to ovals, the smile was almost perfectly horizontal, and he'd forgotten to give it a nose.

Still, in the spirit of wanting to win, you told him, "It looks pretty good, Steve."

"Why do I get the feeling you're lying to me?" he asked, hands on his hips. Of course, you were lying, but he didn't have to know that.

Soon enough, you were finished with your own carving, showing off your creation to the brunette across from you. Yours was a perfectly carved moon, surrounded by dainty little stars. Sure, you'd used a stencil while Steve was busy at work on his own pumpkin, but he didn't have to know that either.

"How the hell did yours come out perfect and mine looks like a five-year-old did it?" Steve complained.

A smug smile tugged at the corners of your lips. "I'll take my five dollars now."

His mouth flew open in shock. In one swift motion, he was tossing a handful of pumpkin guts, as he'd been calling them, directly at you. "I know you cheated somehow!"

In rebuttal, you were tossing pumpkin goo in his direction, a loud smack! sounding through the room as it hit his hard chest. You knew his mother would kill you both when she came home to see her kitchen covered in orange gunk, but neither of you seemed to care.

Seeds and slime flew back and forth like bullets on a battlefield, squeals and laughs filling the air as the two of you chased each other around the kitchen. At one point, you'd pretended to go one way just so you could sneak around him and dump a handful of pumpkin seeds and goo right into his hair, earning you a loud noise of aggravation from the man.

You'd gotten a bit carried away, almost forgetting about the gunk that now covered the floor. In an instant, your foot was slipping in a small pile of pumpkin, and you braced yourself for contact with the floor. But a loud smack against the floor never came, and instead, Steve's hand was wrapping around your wrist and pulling you back up.

You swore a jolt of electricity shot through you at his touch, his fingertips wrapped almost too tightly around your skin as he held you up. Laughter ceased from both of you, being replaced instead by heavy breaths and deep eye contact. It never really occurred to you just how pretty his eyes were. Sure, he was your best friend and you'd looked into his eyes countless times. But you'd never stopped to admire the tiny swirls of green mixed in with the deep brown that colored Steve's irises.

Butterflies floated around in your tummy as he still held your wrist, a look of concern prominent in his features. Steve might as well have been staring a hole straight through you, his eyes filled with worry from your slipping.

As if he could hear your thoughts, Steve was stuttering some form of inquiry about your current state as he looked over you. "A-Are you okay?" he managed, still not having released your arm from his grip.

You nodded, though between the seriousness swirling in his eyes and his electric touch on your skin, you were feeling quite the opposite of okay.

You'd never really thought about Steve like this. Having a crush on him was strictly off the table, considering you definitely weren't his type. And you certainly didn't want to cross any boundaries and ruin your nearly lifelong friendship with him. But when you stopped to consider all the little glances he'd shot your way in high school, all the little acts of kindness he'd done for you over the years, it was hard not to consider the idea of having crushes on each other.

As if once again reading your thoughts, he was finally removing his hand from your wrist, his finger moving up to a lock of loose hair and sliding it behind your ear. His look of worry had changed to one you couldn't quite recognize. But when his lips landed on yours, you recognized the look as one of want, a craving for you.

His kiss sent little jolts shooting through your veins, the scent of pumpkin and cologne filling your senses as you kissed him back. The butterflies from before had returned, dancing and floating around in your belly at the way he tasted, the way he felt.

Embarrassment heated up his cheeks as he pulled away, his face turning cherry red as he realized what he'd done. "I'm sorry," he apologized, suddenly looking anywhere but at you.

This time, your fingers shot out and wrapped around his wrist, catching him before he had the chance to run away. "Don't be. I didn't mind it."

His brows furrowed at your words. "You didn't?"

You shook your head, leaning up to place a soft kiss on his cheek. "Between you and me, I kinda liked it."

A smirk came to his lips as he glanced around the room, taking in the sight of the mess you both had made. "Just between you and me," he paused, lips coming close to your mouth, though never making contact. Unbeknownst to you, he'd reached around you and grabbed a certain piece of paper, before holding it up in front of you. "I knew about the stencil."

This time, his lips were met with a big scoop of pumpkin guts. And so the battle continued on, the Harrington kitchen being filled with kisses and slime.

-> taglist: @dungeons-are-too-cold @ducky-died-inside @awkotaco24 @liberhoe @princesseddie @aftermidnightwriting @manuosorioh @esoltis280

[goose-duck]

🥧 Class Trip 🥧

~~~~~~

Maxley?? Fanfic oneshot thingy, idk, I'm sick and felt inspired. I say "maxley??" Bc it's Max and Bradley for sure but I dunno if it'll come off as romantic or not I actually have no idea what I'm writing...why am doing this when I'm sick? Oh well, enjoy ✨

~~~~~~

Our class is going on a trip today, I can't tell if I'm excited or not. We're going to a museum which isn't particularly entertaining...especially given its the one I'm employed at, but anything's better than class I suppose? I don't know why the professor decided to take us on a trip, he's usually so...uh...how do I describe him? Lame? Boring? Old? Decrepit? I should stop...before my inside thoughts become outside thoughts...though im sure everyone else is thinking the same thing. Maybe it's because it's the end of the year and he just kinda gave up? I don't know...why am I even still thinking about this?

I'm sitting where I usually sit with Bobby and PJ. We're waiting for the rest of the class...or at least most of the class, to show up so we can leave. Bobby and PJ are talking but I'm not overly interested. I started being friends with Bradley a few weeks ago...its been good...but it started off really weird. We don't talk much but there's less animosity between us now and we occasionally make light conversation. Bradley also sits with us now so that's cool I guess?? He's on the other side of me, my left side, the side of my dominant hand. Makes it difficult to write sometimes because we'll bump elbows. He's also here, he was here before everyone else, as always.

I lay my head on the table and look at him, admiring his sharp jawline and beautiful blue eyes...what..? Nevermind, he's got a nice face, it's not weird at all to think that. Right? Right! I'm not...uh...feeling things...at all. Totally normal thoughts and feelings here. I look down at the desk, silently judging myself before looking up at him again, meeting his eyes. Bradley's giving me a strange look, probably because I have my head on the table after having been so excited a few minutes ago. I'm just bored of waiting for the rest of the class. He gives me a soft smirk before rolling his eyes and going on his phone. I just continue with what I was doing.

I finally decide to say something, I say it every morning to him, "good morning, Brad." I say. He normal says good morning back but today he just looked at me before pulling out a bag of cough drops and popping one in his mouth. Ah, his throat must be sore. "You sick, Brad?" I question. He nods at me. I giggle a little, our professor's name is also Brad, it's funny, kinda.

Eventually most of the class shows up and we all start on our way to the museum. It's close enough to walk to but we have to walk down a steep hill which we all know will be miserable on the walk back up. It's a hot sunny day, 25°c, and it's only the morning. Bobby and PJ and ahead of me and Bradley by a little bit on our walk. I think Bradley is walking slower than usual because he's sick, he'd normally be out walking me and I'd have to run after him. On the walk down me and him share a few words and joke around a bit. We come to a crosswalk and a few people jaywalk instead of using the crosswalk, not a big deal but Bobby makes a joke about it being illegal before soon following suit and also not using the crosswalk.

A little further on our walk and we're on a flat spot before the next hill we have to go down. Somehow me and Bradley ended up in front of Bobby and PJ, I guess we were walking quicker than I thought. Bobby walks up to Bradley holding out a $10 bill, "Hey, Brad?" He says laughing a little. "What, Bobby?" Bradley responds, his voice sounding hoarse from his cold. "I'll give you $10 to carry me the rest of the way." Bobby suggest, holding the bill more out to Bradley. Bradley laughs, taking the money and stops walking to Bobby can get on his back. Me and PJ stop walking too to watch this. Bobby hops up on Bradley's back and Bradley let's out a huff, walking a little ways before dropping Bobby and giving him his money back. "You're heavier than you look!" Bradley says sounding a little more tired than before, "how much do you weigh!?" He quickly adds on. Bobby tells him he doesn't keep track then retorts my asking Bradley how much he weights. Apparently Bradley weighs 220 lbs...double the amount I weigh, literally, I weigh 120. Bradley then says, "fuck, you're probably heavier than I am, Bobby, no wonder you're so hard to carry!" Bobby gets offended but doesn't deny it. I laugh a little, as we all continue walking.

Eventually we get to the museum, it's a historical museum full of old artifacts from the native people of the area. I got my job here three years ago, I got in on account of being indigenous myself. They wanted indigenous people to work here with these artifacts rather than the people who colonized our land. Fair enough, and it got me a job that pays more than minimum wage, so, win for me.

When we get inside my boss introduces herself and tells us all what we'll be doing. A scavenger hunt. I already know where everything is as I helped set it up, but I don't say anything, I'll be the secret weapon to whoever decides to work with me as we're told to get into teams of two. Bobby and PJ group up and so does everyone else, leaving me and Bradley, which I'm not opposed to. My boss gives everyone their clipboards giving me a look when she got to me and Bradley. "Why'd she look at you like that?" Bradley inquires. I giggle a little, signalling him to come a little closer so I can whisper to him, "I work here." I whisper into his ear. He gives a look, "ah, how convenient, so we'll get this done in no time?" I give him a snide look, "nope, if you were a cute girl maybe I would have, but you're Bradley Uppercrust iii, I'm sure you can do this without my help." I joke, making it clear I'm not letting him use me as an advantage. Bradley sighs, rolls his eyes, then gets started on the scavenger hunt.

While Bradley does the scavenger hunt I go find some of my coworkers and chat with them. Mostly just talking about how school's been for everyone. Some found university easy, others said it was miserable, one said she didn't have the money to continue. I felt bad for her, but there's not much I can do right now. Bradley gives the clip board with the scavenger hunt sheet to our teacher, Mr. Bradley, then walks over to our group to join in on the conversation until we get told we have to go back to campus.

About an hour later Mr. Bradley calls us all to meet at the front of the building, telling us it's time to go back now. A student asks who got done the hunt first, Mr. Bradley says it was Bradley. Huh, looks like he didn't need my help after all. Good for him. A few students groan and glare at Bradley but I give him a high five. "Good job, dude! Told ya you didn't need my help!" Bradley smiles at me in response to that, ruffling my hair and giving me a thumbs up. His throat must be hurting again, poor guy. Being sick is miserable. Sick on a trip where you have to walk everywhere? Even worse.

The first part of the walk back is fine, but it's definitely a lot hotter out now. I have Bradley check his phone, it's 31°c. Holy fuck...we're gonna die on the big hill just before the school.

Once we get to that hill Bradley gives me a worried look putting his hand on my back. I'd been breathing quite heavily, I didn't find it strange, I'm used to it, it's always like this for me, anemia kicking my ass at all times of the day. I look pale and I'm sweaty and can barely think, but I know I just have to make it back to class and sit down and get a drink. Bradley doesn't seem to think I'll make it though as I stumble around the sidewalk almost falling a few times. Bradley's hold on my tightens a bit when I almost fall into an oncoming vehicle. "You sound like you're dying.." Bradley says saying stressed. I laugh before coughing a little, finding it humourous that he's sick yet I'm the one having such a hard time. Bradley offers to carry me the rest of the way but I'm too prideful to let him, telling him I can make it on my own.

Once we get to the top of the hill there's a bunch of little kids and a few adults, I recognize them from the nearby daycare center. They're adorable, this one in a pink bucket hat waves at me and Bradley so I wave back. Bradley also gives the child a small wave before pulling me along so we actually make it to the school rather than me just being distracted with the adorable children. I'd never want kids of my own, but if a friend of mine had kid's I wouldn't mind babysitting for them.

Once we get into the foyer of the school Bradley quickly tries to pull me over to a vending machine and buy me a bottle of water. While he's doing that one of my friends walk by and asks what me and Bradley were up to, point out how we both look a mess. I can't get my words out because I'm still breathing heavily from the walk so I just wave and give a thumbs up. I'm sure that'll be a satisfactory answer, right?

Bradley comes back over to me with the bottle of water, opening it for me and shoving it up to my mouth. I guess he doesn't trust me to do it myself...do I really look like I'm in that bad of shape right now? Maybe I should just take the water. I drink the water Bradley is holding up to my mouth until I swat his hand away a little so I don't drown. He pulls the bottle of water away from my lips, allowing me to breathe and screwing the lid back onto the bottle. He then hands me the water and puts a hand on my back before pushing me along back to the lecture hall so we can sit down. I give him a nod as a thanks and he smiles and nods back.

[magickfromscratch]

You can't research or imagine your way to empathy.

Recently, I was discussing lycanthropy with magicky friends. Ok, no, wait, hold on, this is going somewhere, and it's not as Loony Toons as you might imagine.

We were discussing the universal natural phenomenon of shape changing. As children we grow. As old people we begin to fall apart. We go through puberty. We acquire injuries and disabilities.

On that topic, I discussed what aging was like. "I imagined many times what it would like to grow old, but actually going through it isn't at all like what I imagined."

I thought I'd be cool with it. I had a positive attitude about it. I never thought less of people who showed their age.

But it's distressing to watch your body change. You don't look like you remember looking. During peaks of aging, where you age a lot in a short period of time (which is how aging works, and it usually happens every 10-15 years after you turn 30), it's disconcerting.

Knowing that people age, imagining aging, is inferior to first-hand experience. Whatever you imagine it might be like to turn into a wolf? It probably won't be like that.

And this came up for me again when I talked today to the nurse practitioner who checks in with me about my ADHD meds.

I was mentioning about the neurospicy clumping effect. If you go most of your life with untreated ADHD, you will one day look around and recognize that almost everyone you are close to exists somewhere in the AuDHD hypercube.

"That seems unlikely," he said. "Only 6% of people have ADHD."

Bro, tell you you're cishet and neurotypical without telling me! Less than 10% of people are queer, and yet that describes most people I hang out with on a reg.

But also something-something not knowing about paradoxical effects of certain drugs.

He's devoted his life to psychiatry, and understanding people's brains. He's assuredly tried to imagine what ADHD is like. But he's never experienced it.

And I thought... how often do we assume that we know what another person's experiences are like, because we imagine it.

When people who've never struggled with their weight imagine that struggle, they can't do it.

When people who've never experienced systemic racism imagine what that's like, they're gonna fall short.

To attain empathy, we can't just use our imaginations, or read about certain struggles in a book written by sociologists or clinicians. We need to listen to the lived experiences of people, and we have to trust them to accurately report what it looks like, feels like.

This is why representation produced by the represented groups is so important. This is why we need Black literature, Trans literature, Jewish literature, Muslim literature, Gay literature, in libraries. This is why book burning is so destructive to society.

I dunno. I think I knew all this before, but it all connected as a galaxy brain moment for me, and I thought I'd share.

[littlegoblininyourshoe]

My opinion on SOME Noah ships :) (Please request some you want me to rate. In the ask box on my account.)

SPOILERS FOR TOTAL DRAMA PRESENTS THE RIDONCULOUS RACE!!!

Mickey x Noah

Yes, this exists. In concept, it's really cute. In execution, it's not good. I think this would be a cute ship... if Mickey wasn't 16 years old and Noah wasn't an adult. Maybe a one-sided crush on Mickey's end? With Noah saving him and giving him the ring in the "Hawaiian Honeyruin" episode, but, the crush soon falls apart when he finds out Noah is an adult. Anyways, the concept is cute. I just don't like shipping adults and children together, personally.

2/10 (2 points for idea.)

Noah x Emma

YIPPPEEE! Oh, they are so adorable together. Yes, I didn't really like how cringe Noah was before they got together or the broken plot point. But I get it, man's was in love, and they are SO cute together. They are perfect for one another, and I am also a sucker for canon ships aswell. Not much to say about this, just look at them :)).

9/10 (Removed a point for the cringe parts.)

Lindsay x Noah

AAAAAWWWW! They seem so cute together, I am a Lyler shipper (Lindsay x Tyler), but I am also a Lindsay x Noah shipper (dunno the ship name)! I just think they would be adorable together. Smart guy who doesn't care about fashion at all x dumb girl who is all about fashion. They are just perfect. It's so silly, and I feel like they would be friends outside of the show because even though Noah thinks Lindsay is a complete moron that sometimes frustrates him, he also finds it endearing in a way. Also, they are both my most favorite characters, so yeah.

8/10 (Just because I do like Lyler even more.)

Noah x Owen

If you look at my posts, you can tell my opinion on this ship... I ABSOLUTELY HATE IT- (/j)

In all seriousness, yeah, I adore this ship. I love best friend ships (aka, Friends to Lovers), and they are just silly together. They are so different that it's a very pleasant surprise that they became friends. Noah does have a tendency to be a bit mean to Owen (especially in Ridonculous Race, when he barely helps at all during the broken ark. I hate that ark so much, man.) But they are still quite cute together.

9/10 (Removed one for Noah being mean.)

Cody x Noah

I don't personally ship it, but there's nothing wrong if you do. It's perfectly harmless and apparently was supposed to be canon before it was changed. I see the two as friends, though. Not much to say, pretty harmless ship.

6/10

Noah x Alejandro

I, again, don't personally ship this, I am more of a fan of Alejandro x Heather, and I like them better as enemies or even rival friends. Nothing is particularly wrong with this ship, and I understand why you would ship it, but I dont.

7/10 (Added a point because "Alejandro" by Lady Gaga started playing when writing my opinion.)

[theleatherdragon]

Sorry for the ramblin

Welp, I guess it's time for another dumb journal from me. I've been really dealing with a lot of things and changes these last couple years and I think I'm finally starting to realize my life is shifting.

It's hard to like, I dunno, but when you've been online for 20 years it's kind of wild. For me, I guess it felt like I had to keep doing the same things and the same ideas and be the same person, but that's impossible.

My brain cannot words right now lmao

Anyhoot, I guess what I'm trying to say is that I really need to just change and not be scared to change. The things I did 10 years ago, I don't have to keep forcing myself to do them just to appease others. I've let my art suffer so much trying to do what I think people want me to do between raffles and fanart and all sorts of things, challenges, etc.

This past month has been the worst month of my entire life, I literally thought I was gonna die a couple times because of how my body reacted to medicines and stuff. Still don't know what's wrong with me, thyroid stuff, but I think it really kick started my mind into looking back at things.

Like, why did I miss out on so many things because I tried to do projects I had no time for? Then, when I didn't do them in the time I wanted, I guilt tripped myself over and over and put on even more new projects in hopes that I'd do those instead.

I am rambling lmao I don't even care though. I guess I just want to get it all out there, to whoever, why you're reading this who knows. Life is funny that way, ain't it?

But yeah, I just need to start actually letting go of things and move on to new things. I'm tired of trying to pretend I'm into the Skylanders fandom this much. Like, I love the charaters and I love the memories, but this current state of the fandom is so toxic and it really shows. I don't want to be so involved anymore. I'm tired of running my AskSkylandersCynder blog, if you can even call it running anymore. I made that thing 10 years ago and the last 4 years I just don't have any interest, even though I force myself to. It really was the best thing I did at that time but I just need to let it be.

All those challenges and Inktobers and other things, I tried to force myself to do those for other people, not for myself. I just need to stop doing this man, I miss just drawing just because. I guess from the constant moving around in life and being around terrible people irl made me want to hold on to the ideas that I'm helping others online with my art when it probably didn't even do anything.

I'm just tired. And I'm done being tired, I dunno what this second wind is that I got this month but I'm not gonna lose it this time.

I'm still into all my fandoms and stuff of course, and I'm still going to make art for other people. Don't even get my started on Art Fight lmao you better believe I'm aiming for 100 pictures this year. But I'm done forcing myself to feel like I HAVE to do these things. No more to do lists, no more holding onto old projects, no more trying to keep up with things that should have just ended by now.

I just wanna live my life man, I just wanna draw. I never cared about the numbers, hell I've had pageviews and stats adblocked for years now, I really don't care about those. What I care about is making people happy by drawing their characters and drawing their favorite characters. I don't want to be famous, I don't wanna be tied down, I just wanna draw. And I wanna see your art too. I love all the characters and concepts and just ugh I love it, I don't know why.

I wanna be what I wanna be.

I'm definitely done rambling now. Usually I feel bad about it but I just don't care anymore. I'm gonna go work on art now lmao I hope you guys are all doing awesome, and maybe you can figure out life too. Edit: I had some more thinking after posting this while cleaning the house. I also realized that this mindset I put on myself is what made me get so distant from people too. I got too overwhelmed at trying to keep up with so many things that it made me essentially start time travelling where I didn't even consider things existed until they were in front of my face. I've lost touch with so many people out of shame between not remembering and going "tomorrow, for sure." I want to change that too. I shouldn't have let a few bad people ruin everything for me. I got scared of commenting on art because of a few people that didn't deserve my time, lashing out at me for not saying what they wanted to hear. I also got scared of just not fitting in. I have so many compliments and things I wanted to tell people for years but I was just too scared to and I hate that. I'm going to start being more social again with that. I feel like that made me look stuck up or something, I dunno. I'm just so afraid of hurting people about anything when in reality I bet it doesn't even bother them at all. Like how messed up did I have to become that me giving someone a compliment terrifies me into thinking I might ruin their day lmao help

[tylerxm]

'' Home '' (Narcos)

pair: steve murphy • javier peña (narcos)

genre: fic, lgbtq+

audience: teen

contains: fruity ppl, steve murphy out of the shower, serious but steady javier peña, fluff, obscene language, mention/use of alcohol, mention of drugs, mentions of connie and olivia, flirty peña, slight angst?, dumbass steve, no one confesses shit, so fucking cheesy, peña talking spanish, persecution, MARVEL MENTIONED.

word count: 3.6k

enjoy! ;)

It had been a long, really long years for Steve.

Steve had moved to Texas after finishing off Escobar like almost 4 years ago, what he didn't know was that his former (and only) best friend lived in his same building, he discovered it a few weeks ago when both of they had met at the entrance of the building. They greeted each other, hugged, and Peña invited him to a coffee. Steve must have admitted that he missed him a lot, too much, but he wouldn't say it to his face. Not yet, at least.

The thing, Javier had left the DEA and they had won. At least, that's what we all thought. The Texan updated the American, telling him about the things that happened since he arrived in Texas until now. All that was the same day they met again, and they had a long night of alcohol, coffee, food and chisme. Steve felt like home. He really did.

Peña the night before today had suggested that Steve should move into his apartment since it had two rooms. Steve happily accepted, the rent was shared between them.

Steve found a somewhat mediocre but well-paying job 10 km from his house, it was an office job as a secretary in a appliance company. He didn't work on weekends.

Compared to Peña, he had found work as a librarian, but he was 'unemployed' at the moment so he couldn't do much...

They were having something to eat on a terrace, each one asking each other about something or other about life and health, until the topic of love came up to life.

──── So, what about Connie? How's Olivia? ──── Peña took a sip of his non-alcoholic beer in case he had to drive at any moment, raising one of his eyebrows curiously.

Steve just showed a shy and clear smile, taking a bite of a mixed sandwich that he was carrying between his fingers.

──── Dunno, we broke up a while ago. It was before we could catch Escobar, way before. All I know is that Olivia's almost 5 years old and I get to see her next month. ──── The blonde's blue eyes lit up slightly. For some reason, that made Peña's heart warm.

──── I didn't know you broke up. I'm sorry. But at least you get to see her. I haven't seen Olivia for a while. ──── He remembered the time he had to take care of her when she was 2 years old, he did felt like she was a miracle. He seemed to have this face of hating little children, but he actually had a certain charisma with them.

──── It's okay dude. Sometimes in life you achieve things and other times you lose them. I got through it. ──── Steve smirked slightly while taking another bite of his sandwich. Peña felt a confusing but yet warm emotion when he saw Steve smile or laugh. Since when was his smile so fucking pretty and charming?

Peña carefully bit into his sandwich, not looking at Steve.

──── So what about you? Are you into anyone at all? ──── Steve asked.

The Texan opened his eyes in surprise as he almost choked on that piece of food he had previously chewed. He stifled a sigh after coughing for a while, even Steve got scared. Why the hell had he reacted like that? If the answer was simple enough, he believed.

──── N-Nope. I'm an old bachelor, and I haven't been with prostitutes either. ──── He coughed again while laughing and hiding his true feelings and thoughts that not even himself recognized.

Steve couldn't help it and laughed at Peña's obvious but confusing nerves. Peña looked away with a very slight blush, somewhat embarrassed by what had happened.

──── But, being honest. I think I do like someone. I'm not sure. ──── Peña admitted, smiling sadly, taking another sip of his beer. Steve seemed curious.

──── Well, then spit it out Peña. ────

Javi's nerves increased as he tried to compose himself, thinking of how to send him a hint. What are you? Fucking fifteen?

──── Well, h-...She's blonde. Like- ugh. I don't even know how to start. ──── Peña sighed deeply when he felt the stranger's oceanic eyes on him, closing his eyes to begin.

──── She is beautiful. I could say that I feel really lucky to have her. I've known her for a few years, but I feel like I've known her for a lifetime. She is blonde, yes, but she is not a blonde like it stands out a lot, it's a honey blonde, I feel like it would smell like cologne and lavender. just like her. She is tall, and when she smiles small but noticeable dimples form. And she has these blue eyes that when I look at them, it seems that I am reflecting in them and I see waves breaking in the port, a calm and beautiful sea, just like her. ──── Peña cleared his throat, now finally looking at Murphy who was apparently really attentive, even surprised. Surprised by Javi's passion.

──── Wow. That was-. Wow. I'd wish someone would tell those things about me. ──── Steve complained jokingly.

──── Yeah, haha. The thing is that there's no woman. ──── Javier admitted the last thing in a whisper, averting his gaze, praying that Steve hadn't heard him. He looked at him curiously.

──── Nothing. Just forget it. ──── The one with brown hair left the money on the table to give Steve the signal to go. ──── I'll tell you the plan on the way. ────

A totally unknown person had called Peña about an issue, more about the issue of drug traffickers and the already executed Cali Cartel. Despite no longer being in the DEA, he wanted to settle things to get away from all that stuff. He still possessed his gun.

Steve was in the driver's seat because Pena had said he would be back in a few minutes, so he didn't bother getting out or moving the car. The engine resonated while still running, since he had turned on the heating since it was starting to get cold.

He took a drag on his half-filled cigarette, now sighing, letting the smoke leave his system. He looked up at the sky, which had beautiful colors like shades of orange, pink and red. The sun was going to set soon and they were 30 kilometers away from home, the trip was going to be a bit long.

Steve was thoughtful, but not even he knew why. He was thinking about Peña, thinking about how he had gotten there, what he would have been through if he had never met him, and where he would be if it wasn't because of him. I was really grateful to have a best friend like him. So attentive, willing, ambitious, attractive, desirable and handsome-

BANG!

──── What the fuck? ──── The American turned to look out the window next to the passenger seat. Shouts and insults in Spanish could be heard on the other side of the opaque fence. More shots were seen, that made his breathing stop for a moment fearing the worst.

But, his knot disappeared when he saw Peña jump the pole with the gun in hand, running as he headed to the car.

──── We gotta go dude! ──── He said agitatedly into the distance as he ran and frowned. Murphy was very confused. And worried.

──── What? What's going on? Are you hurt? Why there where so many shots? Wh- ──── The oldest was interrupted by Peña, who before getting into the car he shouted.

──── Floor it, Murphy! ────

And finally that scream brought him back to reality in a few seconds. He released the handbrake, backed up quickly to take a run, and floored it. They immediately left along the road, skidding as they heard more bullets almost going through the car.

Peña quickly came out of the window and shot the two cars behind them, leaving them without wheels and mobility. Peña put the rest of his body inside, sighing deeply with his eyes wide open. They both remembered the old times.

──── Virgen Santa. ──── Peña said in a sigh, trying to calm down.

──── What the fuck just happened, Javier? ────

Oh right. Shit.

──── Uhm. Remember when I told you about that mysterious guy calling me for leaving this all behind? Well- things went out wrong. At least they're not really big, they're like just 20 people. We're okay. ──── Peña smiled slightly, leaving his hands under his neck. He closed his eyes, calm.

Steve took that relaxation away from Javi as he turned the car into the emergency corridor. He looked at Peña after putting on the handbrake. The sun reflected his face in a spectacular way, that made Peña a little nervous, feeling fluttered.

──── "We're okay"? Javier, we've could died. We're not that young anymore, and we aren't in the DEA anymore to be so carefree and sure of the problems we get into or create. I came here to get away from everything, and live in peace. But it seems that you just want to lead me to your misery. ──── His blue eyes penetrated Peña's gaze, whose eyes were wide open.

He opened his mouth wanting to explain everything but not being able to say even "I". Peña looked with regret at Murphy, who deep down felt bad and bitter for scolding Peña, but he was right. The Texan's heart became smaller as if it was squeezed hard.

──── I-I'm sorry. ──── He stuttered with ellipses in between, not knowing what else to say. It was the first time he was like this in front of someone.

The American just released the handbrake and got back on the road. He never looked at Peña again, but he looked at Murphy the entire time. They didn't even speak the rest of the trip. Peña felt his throat way too tight like to talk now.

It was 6 PM. It'd gotten dark and the atmosphere in the apartment was tense and heavy. Kinda.

It was cold, very cold. Javi was watching a movie in the living room while he was covered with a soft passion red blanket, it only covered his legs. And the heating didn't work properly.

Meanwhile, Steve was in the shower splashing himself with hot water. The Texan had left food on the counter just in case, while he ate some dry cereals, which were his favorite snacks.

The bathroom door opened.

Steve had a towel tied around his waist, still somewhat wet across his torso, back and hair. He approached Peña and sat next to him watching the movie for a few seconds. It was his favourite movie.

──── This is my favourite movie. ──── He broke the ice as he spoke with a neutral face, settling down.

──── Dr. Strange? I've seen it like, 5 times now. Didn't know you were into Marvel. ──── Peña commented as he went back to chewing on his snacks, now feeling somewhat calmer seeing that Steve was talking to him again. How odd.

Steve looked at the bowl of cereal, grabbed a handful and put it in his mouth. Peña smirked.

──── I've been into Marvel for a while. Didn't know you were into Marvel. That's funny. ──── He also smirked.

Peña stopped looking at the screen while Steve was attentive despite having seen the movie about 17 times. Peña sighed deeply, putting the bowl of cereal aside.

──── I'm sorry about- ────

──── Save it. ────

Steve interrupted Javier with a small smile on his lips, without showing his teeth. He looked carefully at the stranger, taking his eyes off the television. The half Colombian got slightly nervous.

──── I'm not mad at you, I'm the one who should be saying sorry. I said awful things and I'm sorry. We're both here to forget things and that's how's gonna stay. But if you need help, count on me. ──── Javi's heart began to race rapidly again. To hide his nervousness, he laughed and gave Steve a light push on the shoulder. The American snorted a laugh.

──── You're being so cheesy about it. Ew. ──── Peña replied "bitterly", now laughing again.

──── Yeah, it was too soft, even for me. Sorry dude. ──── Steve raised his shoulders with a smile on his lips, that smile that Peña loved so much, the smile that illuminated his worst days.

──── Nunca pares de sonreír. ──── Peña said in his native language as he closed his eyes and leaned his back against the back of the sofa. Steve got a little closer to him so he could snuggle under the blanket starting to getting cold. He should definitely get some clothes on.

──── The hell did you say? I just understood 'smile' and 'stop'. Do you want me to stop smiling or sum'? ──── He raised an eyebrow curiously as he asked "hurt", not removing that smile of his from his face.

──── I said that you should never stop smiling. ─── Peña answered, now hearing a laugh from his partner. That made his smile bigger, and his stomach get butterflies.

──── Now who's the cheesy one? ──── Murphy teased.

──── Oh fuck off. ──── Peña laughed at him again, getting kinda fluttered cause of that statement.

Now he wasn't cold. He was warm. He was next to the person who'd made him feel warm every single time he'd see him. His home.

[terraliensvent]

Definitely agree with you about the lore plot holes and what their focusing on,, like sure the new stuff is cool but there’s so much already existing species stuff that have been here since it’s inception without an explanation…

Synthetic and edible terras are apparently man made so does that mean humans live on Terrah?

What even is a terralien and why are they the way they are?

There’s so many great opportunities for world building that would be many talented world building writers dream to work with but we don’t really get anything..

Also a lot of places in my explanation I was intentionally vague because there IS nothing to specify

Why did Lydia’s attempts to contact her parents not work? I dunno.

How did the planetary terras get separated from the rest of the species? Who the hell knows.

I get the lore is incomplete but like I feel like these may or may not have a good chance of being explored because it seems they aren’t willing to back track and work on the lore of things said previously..

And definitely the worst part is how the lore is found out. I 100% agree with your point about saving the silly codes and puzzles for less important lore like… I get they’re trying to do the whole web ARG thing but it just doesn’t work when everything is so vague… like imagine if the gravity falls ARG was like this😭

Like the show just info dumps a bunch of seemingly random shit and the ARG has all the important shit you actually need to know… but since gravity falls is actually competent you don’t even need to know they HAVE an ARG site to understand the show

All in all this just goes to show like how many people have been saying, how half-baked the lore is rn..

Also noticed people in the terra uprising server found my synopsis of the lore very informative and accurate so uh thanks and glad I could help! :]

post related

youre right, the plot holes here really distract from the "narrative," and again they really should have focused on GENERAL species lore first because now theres the chance things will need to be retconned once they actually do come up with the species lore

the web arg aspect of it can be done well, but not for major parts of lore. tell me about your world and species UPFRONT, dont make me dig around in the files just to find out what the hell a terra even is. save the puzzles and games for minor lore, like personality info about the NPCs. thats a fun way to engage the community while also not taking away from the experience of members who dont know/cant figure out the puzzles. the gravity falls comparison is also really good here, since you can watch the show without engaging with any of the ARG aspects and still have a fully formed narrative, a 10 year old watching the show for the first time can understand the world and events perfectly fine without digging through reddit to read backwards codes. this just reminds me of those people who will give important story details OUTSIDE of the story, like jk rowling tweeting dumbledore is gay, or vivziepop giving important details to the hierarchy of her world in podcasts.

its just another example of how terra staff's priorities are really out of whack, you release yet ANOTHER new subtype when your design approvals are still a mess, you make lore for the new subtype BEFORE the lore of the actual species, and you dont fully deliver on either front because theres next to no actual info on the design guidelines of the planetary subtype and there are really weird restrictions (like only being able to have circular planets) attributed to "lore," then we find this lore out and its got major plotholes and still doesnt explain why the planetary subspecies is only allowed to have planets in the visor and not other celestial bodies

in my ideal world, i think the planetary subspecies could operate the same as the fossil subspecies, where theres a "sub-subspecies" for planets, one for stars, one for galaxies, etc. etc. and then you can have your cake and eat it too. you can make your lore around the "planet" sub-subspecies while also not imposing weird and illogical design restrictions. and of course, this would all be done AFTER the general species lore is completed (and given in an EASILY ACCESSIBLE page on the website none of this ARG bs) because really that should have been done a year ago.

[callieponders]

NGL sometimes I look at the crew's tweets about him needing to stop being in anger mode 24/7 and reintegrate into society, and I wonder: are we supposed to expect him to work through that by himself? Do we expect great emotional regulation and self-awareness from an elementary schooler in an abusive household? He absolutely shouldn't be redirecting his anger at the people around him (note: Hazel. she didn't deserve that ire at all and doesn't owe him any patience about it), but I can't help looking at him and thinking that he needs, like. I dunno. A therapist. An adult. Someone or something that's actually guaranteed to help him out a little. The adults present in the show... didn't seem very interested in doing that, despite seeming to know what his actual core issue was? Maddening. Anyway

(disclaimer before anything i say. i just need yall to know this show could be the worst thing ive ever seen and id still hope the best for the crew bc its their job and people need to eat alright. that being said i do enjoy the show, please dont take this as me saying they need to NEVER WORK AGAIN ala nostalgia critic style or something)

that wording is so funny though, reintegrate into society... the boy is a small child not someone coming out of prison

but seriously this is exactly the type of stuff im thinking, i dont really go on twitter much anymore because i dislike it so i wasnt aware of the things the crew said (and dont envy them because oh man this was a divisive finale it seems). i dont expect an episode like "dev goes to therapy" and the wacky adventures of him going to therapy or something, but im really hoping in s2 they have peri held more accountable for majorly screwing up here and trying to do right by dev with another chance given to him.

the frustrating thing is i cant blame people defending the choices because some people are genuinely really bad at voicing their opinion/critique, especially because it feels like a lot of people arent having the balls to actually point out peri, even cosmo and (frankly the worse one of the two bc she was so much harder on dev) wanda are a bigger blame for the situation with dev. of course people are gonna assume people are putting the responsibility on hazel, id also be defensive about that because thats a ridiculous thing to expect, but like nah its clear its not her responsibility. she is also 10 and has a world outside of dev, and dev SHOULD be held accountable for his actions in regards to lashing out at others around him when hes upset. the fact hes given more critique than the adults around him that are meant to guide him and help him is the bigger issue than that alone.

on that same note, hazel should also be held accountable for the same things, like saying devs problems werent that deep and having wanda, a FAIRY GODPARENT, basically agree??? also when she was like "oh friends work things out" i didnt hear no apology for not hearing dev out or at least for leaving him in the dark on if theyre friends or not. and the thing is i dont expect her to do that on her own, because shes 10, but theyre fictional 10 year olds who will have more maturity than most real kids either way, so like... yknow?

additionally its kind of a double standard either way, if you dont expect hazel to act mature, why on gods green earth would you expect DEV to??? and hazel, compared to dev, has people to guide her the right way and people that are patient with her, meanwhile dev doesnt get that, the most hes ever gotten is hazel and THATS NOT HAZELS JOB!!! im not saying the writers are claiming it is, its just that its frustrating that the writing has ended up with her feeling like the only person who really gives a damn yknow

[voidsentprinces]

Think Bethesda's bugs of the past were charming and viewed as wonderful because they were growing up in the era where games looked like someone stuck one of those eye puzzles to the side of a granite mountain and models looks like someone had a vague recollection of what a dog or a person looked like but could only manifest them using cave moss and overtly watery 8 year old paint on models of soap and toothpicks. But as game graphics improved and the coding and development got more streamline and we began to expect better and more from Bethesda and they kept just delivering the same buggy messes they were. It became clear that no they were just bad and their job and like a department forgotten about in a merger being rediscovered by management 5 years later. People just started to wise up and wonder why that department was even there any more. I mean, we all remember Tom. He helped repair the office printer one time when we were three person team working out of an abandoned college dorm when we were starting up. But now that you're thinking back on it Tom was drunk that day and he didn't really help he just kicked it a few times and rattled something lose enough that it actually got free. And like, he was funny exactly one time. But now Tom shows up at the Office Christmas party every few years and tries to sell you on that moment that was kind of funny but over time has gotten dull and repeative. What I am saying is, Skyrim was hype but it was also hitting at the right time and the Bethesda glitches were funny then cause of the way internet was hooked into the lolrandom humor of the era. Like yeah, I am sure we all got a kick out of a dragon randomly falling dead from the sky on top of the cheese vendor. Or how giant attacks send you flying into the sky box. But like...that was over 10 years ago, it feels like a well polished game with only minor hiccups and bugs doesn't seem like a high bar anymore. It seems actually pretty damn standard to ask for that. And Bethesda is just like, "Skyrim...again...and Starfield...which is Space Skyrim...again..." I can feel the eyerolling.

I dunno where I am going with this but...like the next installment of Dragon Age. I don't think we should hold our breath on Elder Scrolls 6 to show its publisher putting its best foot forward.

[storiesofstratos]

Chapter 10: Daniel in Danger

Not every secret can stay hidden...

Leah Nguyen is an OC created by my good friend Shima, who was gracious enough to allow me to include her in the story! Please go give Shima some love <3 Leah is from @elganac and Shima is on twitter @/ShimaVT

The ground gave way under my feet suddenly. Scrambling in a moment of panic, I found myself unable to catch the ledge, tumbling down the side of the cliff. I only managed to survive by the skin of my teeth, my hands finding purchase on a root jutting out from the cliffside. It was steep enough that if I hadn’t caught myself, I would’ve been a goner for sure. “Shit, oh shit,” were all the words I could think to say in that moment, seeing my friends look on in absolute horror as they saw me tumbling to what was almost certainly my death.

“Shit, Daniel,” Jack called out to me as he looked over the edge, “Dude are you okay?”

“Oh, yeah! Just fine,” I shouted back, “In fact, the view’s pretty nice down here, why don’t you come join me?”

“NOW IS NOT THE TIME,” Nico screeched at both of us, full blown panic on her face, “Oh my god oh my god, what do we do? Do we have a rope? No, we don’t, god, I knew we shouldn’t have traveled so far from camp! Now Daniel’s gonna die and we can’t do anything about it!”

“I’m not gonna die Nico, I’ll be fine!”

“Nothing about you says fine right now! Hang on, I’m gonna get the teacher, just wait right here!”

“Trust me, it’s not like I can go anywhere-” Wait. Of course, that’s it! “Hang on Nico, table that teacher thing for now!”

“Excuse me?? Dude, this is not the time to try and show off!”

“No, no, seriously! I have an idea… but, I need you both to trust me. Promise, you will not freak out.”

“Freak out? I’m already freaking out,” Nico’s panic was palpable. Hell, she was almost making me nervous! “What are you just gonna fuckin sprout wings or somethin??”

“JUST PROMISE!”

Nico was about to open her mouth again, but Jack placed a hand in front of it, giving her a look. “We promise.. Do whatever you gotta do..”

Okay.. Easy now Rowe, no need to panic. With where I was at now, the angle should be just right to… yes, okay, good. Just two solid leaps, and I should be back on stable ground. “Just like I practiced,” I whispered to myself.

Get the feeling back in the legs. Feet firm against the wall. Focus… and-

I let go.

Despite Nico’s sudden scream, I maintain that focus. Feel the pressure build under my feet, and-

THOOM.

Suddenly I’m in the air. Everything is dead silent after that thunderous boom of my kickoff, and it’s just me, and the wind. I landed on a nearby cliff, about twenty feet up from where I was, on the opposite end of the ravine. Good.

I crouched down, feeling that pressure build up again. I let loose-

KRACK

The ground cracks underneath my feet as I leap into the air, clearing not only the gap across to my friends, but making it up another thirty or so feet, landing squarely next to them, brushing myself off.

Their mouths are agape, slack-jawed, staring at me as they get their first look at my abilities that I’d tried so hard to hide from everyone, for all these years. That super strength I’d been blessed with at birth, finally coming out in front of anyone.

Jack was the first to speak up, “So.. since when the hell can you do that?”

“Uh… since… I dunno, since forever? I was… born with these powers, Jack.”

“BORN with them? Bro, I’ve known you since we were like, six, and you didn’t think to bring up the fact that you’re a fuckin superhero?”

“I try not to bring attention to it. I don’t wanna be treated differently because of my powers.”

“Hang on,” Nico piped up, “But you play baseball. You could be the top player if you’ve got super strength. You’re not even in the top ten.”

“I hold back. Like I said, I try not to draw attention to them, so.. I hold back. Like, a lot. I mean, I had thought about, maybe senior year, giving it a little extra in baseball, really make this school remember me, y’know? But, for now, I just use plain old normal strength.”

“So.. how strong is super strong to you, exactly?” Nico seemed more curious than Jack. But, I owed them some answers, I suppose.

“Uh… I never really measured the extent of it, but I know I can lift two of those old cars in the junkard with one hand.. My top running speed measures out at about fifty miles an hour… what else… oh, and I can heal super fast. Nasty cuts last a couple hours… broken bones, maybe a day at most. Never been too keen to measure how far that one goes. Getting hurt sucks.”

“So, back in eighth grade when you broke your arm and wore a cast all that time?”

I shrug, “Fake. Had to keep up appearances.”

They looked like they were about to ask about a thousand more questions before we heard a twig snap behind us. My head whipped around to see the source. Shit, who else could have possibly… oh no.

There she was. Leah Nguyen…With her beautiful brown eyes and her- no, wait, focus Rowe! How long has she been there? How much did she see? Her mouth was just as wide open as Jack and Nico’s… don’t tell me she saw-

Nico turned to Jack, “Grab her.”

Jack nodded, walking toward Leah with a weirdly menacing gait.

“Wait, hold on-” Leah tried to protest, but it was too late. Jack had grabbed her, covering her mouth with his hand before Nico and him dragged her away to somewhere more remote.

“Wait, guys!” I called out to them, “Why the hell are you two being so damn ominous?” I followed, making sure they weren’t about to do something really stupid. That was my department.

[jowritesfanfiction]

Thank you to @bg-sparrow for tagging me!!!

1. How many works do you have on AO3?

I got 15. (insert the It Ain't Much but it's Honest Work meme)

2. What's your total AO3 word count?

Somehow I have 66,591 words? It's not a lot, but I don't really focus on word count when I write.

3. What fandoms do you write for?

I mainly write for Back to the Future, but sometimes I have been possessed to write about Shakespeare plays (i'm being haunted by Billy Shakes himself)

4. What are your top 5 fics by kudos?

Julius Caesar (The Gayer Version of the Play) - Shakespeare

Rebel With a Cause - Back to the Future

The 10 Years of Penelope - The Odyssey (this was out of spite)

Tender Roses - Shakespeare

Marty’s Road Test - Back to the Future

5. Do you respond to comments? Why or why not?

I try to as much as I can. I really like engaging with the fandom and I know that I like talking to other fic authors about their works. But sometimes it stresses me out or I just forget…

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

Definitely Chapter 1 of Catch the Winds of Destiny. Poor George and Lorraine. They’re so miserable. It made me sad writing it.  

Although, my chapter about Einstein in Doc's Dogs was also angsty.  

7. What's the fic you wrote with the happiest ending?

Ooooo. A lot of my stories are fluff and end happy, but I think what makes a story have a happy ending is one that shows characters at their worst and still ends happy somehow. So, by that logic, Chapter Three of Catch the Winds of Destiny has the happiest ending.

But if we’re just going based on pure happiness at the end, not just being hopeful, then it’s gotta be Rebel With a Cause. 

8. Do you get hate on fics?

No, thankfully. All the commenters I get are very sweet and lovely and honestly encourage me to keep going. 

9. Do you write smut? If so, what kind?

Absolutely not. It doesn't appeal to me as a writer or as a reader.

10. Do you write crossovers? What's the craziest one you've written?

I actually forgot I wrote this, but I wrote one (1) crossover fic for The Mummy and Jungle Cruise called New Friends. 

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

Not to my knowledge.

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

I have no idea, but it would honestly be really cool if that happened--as long as I have knowledge that it happened.

13. Have you ever co-written a fic before?

No. It sounds really fun, though. I just have a really weird writing schedule (aka: I get bursts of writing inspiration and then a week later I cannot write at all) and I feel like that might mess with things??? I dunno.

14. What's your all-time favourite ship?

Lorraine/George MY BELOVEDS. Oh my goodness do not even get me started. They are so adorable when they finally get their crap together and aren’t miserable. A close second is Marty/Jennifer. And because no one can stop me, Doc & Marty is my favorite platonic ship (their friendship is everything to me).

15. What's a WIP you want to finish, but doubt you ever will?

Real talk? My current WIP, Someday We'll Find It. I don’t doubt that I won’t finish it, per se, but I am scared I’ll lose interest in finishing it. I’ve gotten into a new hyperfixation and usually that means my old one (Back to the Future) will get pushed outta the way and I don’t think about it as much. I’ve been trying really hard to balance both of them, so I’m praying I can still finish it. 

16. What are your writing strengths?

I would say dialogue. It’s what comes to me naturally when I start writing. When I go to revise the story, I don’t have to add or delete too much dialogue. I think most of my stories tend to be driven by dialogue and that’s what most people comment about in my fics. I feel like I am better at showing who a character is through dialogue than other things.

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

Prose. I struggle so much with how much to write. Is it too much that it’s distracting? Is it too little and no one can get immersed in the story? I also tend to go on tangents with little stories that I have to figure out if it benefits or hurts the story in any way.

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

I’ve never done it before. If I were to do it, I would probably have the character speak in the language and work on making sure any dialogue tags and responses from other characters help a reader who only speaks English understand what is being said without having to Google translate it.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

Warrior Cats. In elementary school, my friend and I would pass a folded up piece of paper. One of us would draw our OC saying/doing something and then the other would respond. There was nothing pre-planned, we just made it up as we went. We actually finished one and I got my dad to photocopy it so my friend and I could have it saved digitally and they could print it off.

20. Favourite fic you've ever written?

How could you do this to me???? I love so many of them for so many reasons. I love all my fics!!! (okay that’s a lie. But shhhh). I can’t pick one for my favorite of All Time, so I’ll pick one that’s special to me at the moment:I Fell For You. It was so self-indulgent and I loved trying to figure out how George would respond to the situation in the original Twin Pines timeline. 

I'll tag @measuresderepo and anyone else who wants to join. (I'm so serious. If I haven't tagged you and you wanna do it, DO IT. Even if we have never interacted or anything. Go off)

[myadalastdon]

CHRISTMAS PRESENT

evan peters X female reader

reader’s name- clover

2.1k words

"Ciara can you turn on a Christmas movie or something. What is this?" I ask my 8 year old daughter ciara.

"Sssh mom!" She shushed me. She was stuffing her face with popcorn.

"Okay that's enough. What are you watching? And if you don't tell me. You're going to bed early."I asked her sternly.

"Fine. I'm watching american horror story. Mommy please don't make me turn it off." She begs me.

"Okay fine. Please don't stuff your mouth with popcorn. You could choke." I said sternly.

"Ciara have you decided on what you want for your birthday?" My mom asks her. Her birthday is on Christmas Eve.

"Yeah evan peters. That's what i want!"

Mom looks at me and i shrug. "Mom she even wrote that on her christmas list."

"Honey. Who is that?" Mom sat on the couch next to ciara.

"Nana he's a actor. He's also my boyfriend." Ciara tells her. I let out a laugh.

"Well honey. He's a man. You can't get that for Christmas. Why don't you get more barbie dolls." Mom suggested.

"Nana. Can you go upstairs and watch family feud. You're bothering me." Ciara said with her eyes on the tv. Mom eyes widened. "I know she didn't."

"Cici you have one hour. When that goes off go get ready for bed." I said walking into the kitchen. Mom followed behind me.

"That little girl is something serious. I can't believe she actually told me to go watch family feud. I was actually watching hallmark." Mom said making me laugh.

"Well she's a bit sassy. I wonder where she gets that from." I say, pouring me a glass of wine.

"You. Growing up you were a brat. I guess little cici picked up your traits." Mom chuckles.

"Yeah i guess." I said shrugging my shoulders.

"So have you found anyone yet?" Mom changes the subject. "What do you mean?"

"A man. It's been years. Everything since your divorce you haven't been out. I'm worried about you dear." Mom says with worry.

"Ma i'm fine. I'm too busy. I have ciara. I don't need a man." I assured. She waves me off. "Clover honey. I see you everyday. You mope around. Especially when cici goes over to her friends house. You need to start dating again."

"Dating? Mom i'm not doing that. I'm perfectly fine single. Plus i'm not risking getting my heart broken again. That would be tragic." I said dramatically.

"Stop with the dramatics child. My only christmas wish is for my loving daughter to get a man." Mom says grabbing a tin pan full of sugar cookies.

Is my mom right?

And i do not mope around. I just do my job and take care of my daughter.

She is right. I haven't had any fun lately. There is no excuse. Because she could watch ciara or ciara could go to her friends house.

I guess i do need someone.

But the question is how will my daughter feel about that someone?

I don't think ciara wants me to have a boyfriend. She's always up under me or my mom.

"Cici." I called her name as i walked out of the kitchen.

"Yes mommy!" She answers with our cat ginger in her arms.

"How would you feel if mommy had a boyfriend?" I ask her, while sitting on the arm of the couch.

"I dunno. I would feel happy. Because you need a boyfriend. Wait mommy do you have a boyfriend?" She says as her eyes widen.

"No baby. I just wanted to ask you." I chuckle. I checked my apple watch. It was 10:30pm.

"It's time for you to get ready for bed." I reminded her. She lets out a groan. "But mommy. It's the weekend."

"I know that. You still have to get some beauty sleep. We have to go christmas shopping tomorrow." I tell her.

"Can i please watch tv for one more hour?" She begs.

"Yes. But turn it off at 12:00. I'll check on you. Don't try to watch too much of American show."

"Mommy it's american horror story!" She corrects me. "I already knew that missy." I kissed her

cheek.

"I LOVE YOU MOMMY!" She shouts as she ran up the stairs.

"I LOVE YOU TOO CICI." I shouted back.

What am i gonna do with this child?

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐃𝐀𝐘

It was the afternoon and we were on our way to the mall. "Ciara can you please leave your phone in the car. I know it's going to be an distraction."

"Mommy noooooo. I have to finish watching american horror story. I'm on season 2." She whined.

"I'm seriously ciara. Give it here." I said with my hand out. She sucks her teeth. Then put her phone in my hand. I slid her phone in my louis vuitton purse.

"Aren't you getting sophie and isabella something?" I asked her. "Yeah. Can i get them a build a bear?"

"Yeah sure. Come on. You know how the mall is around this time of the year." I tell her. I unbuckled my seatbelt.

I hopped out of the car. So did ciara. "Do you have your hat on properly?"

"Yes mommy. I have everything on properly." She says, rolling her eyes.

"Don't you want something under the tree this year?" I said cutting my eyes at her. She quickly nodded her head 'yes'.

"That's what I thought cici." I laughed. I pressed the lock button on my key pad.

"I hope we bump into evan peters." She crosses her fingers together.

"What's so special about evan peters. He must be the world's gorgeous man or something?" I said jokingly.

"Yes mommy. You are correct. He's also my boyfriend. If i see him. I'm going to give him the biggest hug ever!" She cheered.

"Why can't i get the biggest hug?" I pouted. She wraps her arms around me and pull me into a hug.  "Mommy you'll always be the first one to get a hug. Always and forever."

"I love you stinky." I said hugging her.

"I love you more mommy." Ciara says against my trench coat.

"Come on. Let's go to the food court. I know you're hungry." I said grabbing her hand.

"Yep! Let's go eat chickfila i want some nuggets." She says rubbing her stomach.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

"Mommy this is boring!" Ciara complained. As i picked out some more outfits for her.

"Give me a minute sweetie." My eyes scanned a pair of ugg boots. We were shopping in dillards. They had a good sale. I couldn't miss it.

"I'm definitely getting these. And their only 90 dollars. Definitely a deal." I said dropping the box in the shopping cart.

"Ugh. I'm ready to go home. This is so boring." Ciara pouted. I sent her a look. She quickly fixed her face.

"Can i watch tv on your phone then?" She convinced me. I pulled her phone out of my purse. "Put your headphones in and don't be loud okay?"

"Yes ma'am!" She says. Ciara is so spoiled. It's my fault though. I spoil her too much. That's what i'm supposed to do though.

Whatever she wants, she definitely gets. I don't know about evan peters though.

"Hey cici!" I tap her shoulder, catching her attention. "Uh yes mommy?"

"Does evan peters have any social medias?"

"Nope mommy." She shook her head 'no'. "Not even tik tok?"

"No mommy. He's an private man. He doesn't have time for social media." She says. I started laughing. I paid for everything. Ciara and i had so many bags. This is ridiculous. But it's worth it.

"Mommy are we going home now?" Ciara asked. We walked out of dillards.

"Yes stinky. We are going home." I said breathlessly.

"OH MY GOD!" Ciara dropped her bags. I panicked a little. She ran over to a stranger. Letting out a squeal. I'm pretty sure the whole mall heard her.

Embarrassed. I let out a sigh and approached ciara. She was freaking out.

"Ciara what are you doing. That is a stranger. What did i tell you abo━." Ciara had cut me off. "MOMMY ITS EVAN PETERS!"

"Oh my god." I slapped my forehead. This is who she cries about everyday.

"Excuse me. I'm so sorry about my daughter." I apologized to him. He looks up at me. Wait a damn minute now. I thought ciara was being dramatic. HE IS FINE AS HELL.

"It's fine. She's cute." He laughs. No because he is actually handsome. His hair was curly and messy. His eyes were brown and beautiful.

"Mommy take our picture." Ciara says snapping me out my thoughts.

Ciara gave me her phone. Evan and her posed. I snapped the picture. "Thanks mommy! Oh evan I didn't introduce you to my mommy. Her name is clover and she is the most beautiful woman in the whole wide world!"

"Hey nice to meet you clover. That's a unique name." Evan shakes my hand. God his hands are so soft. "Same to you evan. My daughter loves you. It was a nice pleasure meeting you."

"Aw thank you. Your daughter is a character. I love her." He laughed. "But it was nice meeting you guys to. Merry Christmas to you guys."

"Merry Christmas to you." I said softly.

"I'm definitely setting this picture as my lock screen." Ciara says to herself.

"Stinky lets go home." I said laughing.

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

"Nana me and mommy. Saw evan peters at the mall. Look i took a picture with him." Ciara tells my mom.

"Jesus. That young man is handsome. He wasn't with anyone? I sure could have him."

"Mom ew. You're 55. Please don't ever say anything like that again." My face turned in disgust.

"Mommy i saw how he was looking at you. Maybe evan likes you." Ciara cooed.

"No cici. He's a stranger. He was probably looking at someone else." I said waving her off.

"Mommy likes him too." Ciara snickered.

"Yeah whatever. He definitely isn't my type." I said rolling my eyes playfully. "Cici. I guess you got your first Christmas gift. Evan peters."

"Yep! My boyfriend!" She says happily.

"Shit! We need more tape." I cursed. Ciara had her hand out.

Fuck!

I totally forgot about the pact we made when she was 5. That if i would say a curse word i had to put 5 dollars in the curse jar.

"Let me grab my purse." I groaned. I grabbed my purse, pulling my wallet out. I opened my wallet grabbing 5 dollars.

"Here. You better put in the jar and not in your pocket young lady." I gave her the five dollars.

"Hey guys. I'm going to run to the store. To grab some tape. Do you guys want anything back?"

"Yeah can we get some vanilla ice cream and strawberry pop tarts!" Ciara yells.

"Okay. Cici behave with nana now. And don't eat too much cookies." I said throwing my bubble coat on.

"I won't mommy!"

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

I was at the grocery store. I did come in here for tape. But that turned out into getting more stuff. Tonight was a girls night for everyone in the house. And i'm so glad ciara isn't whining about that american horror story show.

She's so obsessed with that show. I need to watch it at this point.

Rubbing my eyes, I reached for the vanilla ice cream. It was on the top shelf. I'm too short.

"Here. Let me help you." A deep voice said behind me. Jesus he scared me.

"Thank you." I said rubbing my eyes again. I'm so sleepy. The stranger turned around.

It's evan peters.

"So we meet again." He smirks. I laughed. "Yep that's crazy." He gives me the ice cream.

"What are you doing out this late?"

"Girls night." I told him. He nods his head. "What about you? Why are you out this late?"

"I have the munchies." He chuckles.

I know what you could munch on.

"Clover right?" He says. How does he remember my name.

"Yes?" I look up at him innocently. "I like you. We should hang out some time." He says catching me off guard.

He likes me?

We just met like some hours ago.

"Uh yeah i guess." I said shrugging my shoulders.

"Can i have your number?" He asks nicely.

"Yeah sure. Let me see your phone." He gives me his phone. And i lock my number in his phone.

"Thank you. I'll see you around."

He winks at me.

What a coincidence.

"He definitely is the one." I mumble to myself. I watched him as he walks away down the aisle.