#earl-of-221b

[angstandhappiness]

READ IT, ABSOLUTELY DIVINE

@sketching-shark : #hey besties you should all totally read this#definitely one of the better fanfics that i've come across#earl-of-221b#also dang now i'm imagining some aftermath to all of this that involves sun wukong taunting erlang shen#about for as much as the war god might look down on him & his fellow yaoguai#his nephew begged to become the monkey king's tudi#after fiercely rejecting yang jian and everything he had come to stand for

#new gods yang jian#erlang shen#chen xiang#the magic lotus lantern#this is going to be so tragic and so funny all at once <3#also i’m really hoping that they still keep in the part about chen xiang running away from erlang shen & studying under sun wukong#world’s oldest 25-year-old loses custody battle to a monkey grandpa#but yeah erlang shen with lotus lantern as an extension of his story is so fascinationg#because you have an uber powerful deity so dedicated to the cause that he inflicts the same trauma on his sister and nephew#that was inflicted on him by order of his uncle#and then his nephew basically does the exact same thing he did#like aaaaaaa PLEASE make yang jian aware of narrative & familial repetition & respond to it

@sketching-shark oh my god. You should……you should read my fanfiction from 2017 - How the Black Sheep Breathe.

[swissmissficrecs]

A-Z Johnlock Tropes

This time it's all the tropes in my favorite fics! Limited to one fic per author, and I tried to include other authors than on my A-Z classics list.

A lternate Universe(s) - A Vintage Exceptionally to Your Liking by EmmyAngua (95K, E): A love story across alternate dimensions.

B DSM - Shames and Praises by s0mmerspr0ssen (51K, E): D/s AU with Dom!John / sub!Sherlock.

C rossover - More Things Than Are Dreamt Of by 1electricpirate (37K, M-E): HP crossover with Wizard!John / Muggle!Sherlock.

D omesticity - Where Else Would I Be? by cwb (34K, E): Retirement in Sussex with flashbacks.

E stablished Relationship - Breakable Not Broken by MissDavis (227K, E): Dealing with permanent injury together.

F uture - Software Malfunction by tiger_in_the_flightdeck (16K, E): Sherlock is a Companion android with a malfunction.

G en - The Green Blade by verityburns (72K, T): Serial killer casefic.

H istorical - The Beast of Baskerville by Mildredandbobbin (74K, E): 15th Century/fairy tale AU.

I llness - On Pins and Needles by 7PercentSolution, J_Baillier (588K, G-E): Sherlock contracts Guillain-Barré syndrome.

J ealousy - White Knight by DiscordantWords (69K, M): Sherlock fakes a relationship with Janine, to John's distress.

K idfic - Intentions by KeelieThompson1 (216K, G-M): Sherlock discovers he is the father of 10-year-old John.

L ongfic - Sketchy by serpentynka (876K, E): Johnlock and Mycroft/OMC slow-burn casefic(s).

M agical Realism - Shatter the Darkness (Let the Light In) by MojoFlower (109K, E): Sherlock is a djinn.

N SFW - The Great Sex Olympics of 221B by XistentialAngst (58K, E): Sherlock and John compete to see who's better at sex.

O megaverse - The Illusion of Control by starrysummernights (253K, E): Alpha!Sherlock / Omega!Johnwith mpreg.

P arentlock - The James Holmes Chronicles by prettyvk (338K, T-E): Sherlock and John raise Moriarty's son.

Q ueer Representation - The Adventure of the Consulting Woman by DancingGrimm (56K, E): Trans character assists in a case.

R etirement - Through the Clouds by Mazarin221b (20K, E): Sherlock and John retire to Sussex.

S oulmates - Colors by Quesarasara (140K, E): When you meet your soulmate, you finally see the world in color.

T eenlock - The Frost is All Over by Chryse (148K, E): 19th-century AU, Sherlock is an Earl's son and John is a commoner.

U ndercover - Corpus Hominis by mycapeisplaid (47K, E): Posing as a couple at a spa retreat.

V ampires - Bleed Me Out by antietamfalls (87K, E): Vampire!Sherlock with whump, hurt/comfort, and fluff.

W hump - All the Best and Brightest Creatures by wordstrings (188K, E): Moriarty is back and out for blood.

X enomorphism - Names for the Galaxy by evadne (191K, E): 22nd-century Alien!Sherlock.

Y enta* - May Your Heart Purr Like A Bumblebee by destinationtoast (14K, M): Harry helps Johnlock happen.

Z oomorphism** - The Horse and His Doctor by khorazir (128K, T): Vet!John and Horse!Sherlock.

*Used here to mean a female character playing matchmaker. Y-word tropes are hard, you guys!

**Not sure this is technically correct, but I'm using it here to mean fics in which a character has animal form. Z-word fanfic tropes are also hard and I already used zombies on my previous list!

[uovoc]

@earl-of-221b you were right the new Investiture of the Gods slapped actually. We walked in and I saw a bunch of guys in armor with swords and I was like "oh no it's gonna be one of those interminable war flicks" but then it was good. I was big crying at Ji Fa returning home and then it just ended. what the fuck. Also every scene with the God Squad was delightful.

[angstandhappiness]

COOL

“The Merciful God Erlang, The Great Sage Equaling Heaven: One is the Handsome Monkey King, the proud deceiver of his enemies; The other a true pillar, the unknown subduer. … The iron staff raced with flying dragons, The divine cudgel seemed like a dancing phoenix.”

-Journey to the West, Collinson Fair translation

(Lineart under the cut)

Keep reading

[relmint]

I was totally indifferent to Erlang Shen but you got me wanting to watch more media with him in it. All this time I've been sleeping on this deity and his family drama! :D

Wahh really? I'm glad my art made you more interested in him! I actually got interested in him coz of @ /antidotefortheawkward and @ / earl-of-221b. I just think Erlang Shen's rise to Heaven is very cool to think about and I freaking love thinking about the Yang siblings' relationship huhu

[turtlethon]

"Elementary, My Dear Turtle"

Season 7, Episode 13 First US Airdate: October 30, 1993

The Turtles head back in time and team up with Sherlock Holmes to stop his nemesis Moriarty from stealing the future.

"Elementary, My Dear Turtle" is the last episode in the “Vacation in Europe” side season of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. This is the final story in the series written by Dennis O’Flaherty.

April and the Turtles have returned to England today and join a group of tourists in listening to a historical lecture from a Beefeater, in what I assume is intended to be the Tower of London. Michaelangelo dozes off while standing, and after being scolded wanders away, expressing his disinterest in the subject. While the Beefeater returns to his spiel, Mikey manages to draw further attention to himself by launching into the air using a historical catapult.

Later, the Turtles regroup in the sewer beneath the Duke of Earl Hotel. Donatello takes receipt of a stack of pizzas from a bellboy whose design seems to stray from the show’s standard house style, the first of a few visual aberrations in this outing. As the team chows down, April reveals she’s off to Oxford to interview a noted historian. Raphael quips that they’ll see her again “at the end of the show”. Splinter then pops in to encourage the team to take a greater interest in historical events, telling them “The seeds of tomorrow are contained in the apple core of yesterday”.

Turning their attention to the TV, the team watch as newsreader “John Nose” informs viewers that Greenwich University is now host to the world’s most advanced atomic clock. Donatello is keen to see this for himself, and his team-mates agree to join him. The group sneak into the University’s observatory after hours, bypassing and disabling a laser beam security system. A whirlwind appears from within the atomic clock after Donatello picks it up; moments later, the Turtles find themselves in the same building, but the modern conveniences have all vanished, the surroundings looking more like something from a history exhibit. Before our heroes have a chance to make sense of this a bearded man in a top hat snatches the atomic clock from Donatello.

Michaelangelo attempts to stop the robber by hurling a turtle shell-shaped object at him that I assume was supposed to be his grappling hook. The man counters by lobbing a smoke bomb (drawn as a grenade), providing him with an opportunity to escape.

If the bellboy had an unconventional look, the guy who appears next is something else entirely: a 19th century night watchman who would be more at home in a Tintin book than he is here in Fred Wolf Turtles. The team inadvertently manage to scare the man away with their appearance before exiting the building.

The Turtles exit the building and pursue the thief, with Donatello colliding with a man with the weirdest head shape of any normal human to ever appear in the show. The stranger briefly gets into a fight with Donnie on the steps of the observatory before taking a tumble and injuring his ankle. Meanwhile the clock thief escapes in a horse-drawn carriage, giving his best regards to “Mr. Holmes” before making his exit. It’s at this point that the Turtles realise the man Donnie just clashed with is Sherlock Holmes, now being tended to by his friend Watson. After chewing out the Turtles for their antics, Watson reveals to the Turtles that they’re now in 1890; act one ends with the team realising they’ve been transported back in time, and have no means of getting back.

Act two opens with the Turtles, Holmes and Watson realising they’re all on the same side, and have a shared enemy in Professor Moriarty, the mystery man who snatched the atomic clock. Holmes invites the Turtles back to his residence at 221B Baker Street, and upon their arrival a shady man is seen spying on the group nearby.

Once inside, the Turtles watch as Watson tilts a bust of Sherlock’s head placed inside the window. Holmes explains that several attempts have been made on his life, and the bust is a decoy intended to fool any onlookers who might try to take a shot at him. The group are joined by Inspector Lestrade, who Mikey recognises from his appearance in the movie “Sherlock Holmes and the Spider Woman”. Lestrade explains to the Turtles that it’s believed Moriarty is stealing scientific equipment with a view to taking over the 20th Century. In the same evening that the Turtles arrived in the past, Moriarty used the power of a lightning storm to travel into the future, a time in which he determined the atomic clock would exist; As the Turtles agree to help Holmes in stopping Moriarty, an assailant takes a shot at the bust, as predicted.

The Turtles don disguises and take a train to Oxford, determining that as Moriarty was once a professor there, his hideout is likely nearby. In a staggeringly quick scene (literally four seconds), the team arrive at the station and spot some thugs, tracking them with a view to finding the criminal mastermind. It seems that the mystery men were supposed to have been on the roof of the train – something that was almost impossible to determine from the footage that made it to air unless you were paying exceptionally close attention. Leonardo spots their footprints, noting the soot present due to them being on top of the locomotive. Despite being warned off by a shot from an air gun, the Turtles continue to give chase, dropping into the sewers in search of Moriarty’s hideout.

Scrape marks on the ground point the Turtles in the direction of a wall that acts as a hidden door. Making their way inside, our heroes confront Moriarty, who explains that the atomic clock is the final component of his time machine: when his plan is complete, Sherlock Holmes will have been erased from history, leaving him free to rule the world. He pulls a lever, shutting off the lights; moments later, the Turtles find themselves standing above ground, in what appears to be their own time.

Exploring the city, the Turtles find a parade being held, the assembled crowd cheering for a car containing a victorious Moriarty. Act three opens with Michaelangelo noting that the team have wound up in “the wrong 1991” moments before Moriarty sends his personal army after our heroes. The team battle Moriarty’s troopers, losing a group of them under a crumbling archway before dropping into a nearby river, leading the remaining officers to assume this marks their demise. It takes more than a little water to finish off the Turtles, however, who re-emerge and are greeted by a familiar face: April, who soon grants them refuge.

Though this incarnation of April has never met the Turtles, she explains her willingness to protect them, on the basis that “anyone running from Moriarty’s troopers has to be a friend”. A sliding bookcase leads to a hidden passage; inside are Burne and Vernon, dressed in regal attires, who are both initially hostile until April confirms the Turtles are on their side. The group inform the Turtles that Moriarty keeps the time machine at the Imperial Science Museum, and so the assembled freedom fighters hatch a plan to strike back.

April guides the Turtles to the Science Museum via a secret underground passage. In another one of those utterly nonsensical moments that have been so prevalent throughout this side season, April is shocked as Leonardo whips out a katana, asking “is it an attack?!” for no apparent reason. Michaelangelo explains the noise  Leo heard was his own empty stomach, something that didn’t make it into the sound mix for the finished show, effectively removing the setup for the joke. April offers Mikey an apple, which he chows down on before passing the core back to her.

Donatello points out that if they’re successful, the reality they’re currently occupying and everyone in it will cease to exist. April takes this remarkably well, telling the Turtles that it’ll be worth it to stop Emperor Moriarty. Heading above ground, our heroes are confronted by a whip-wielding Moriarty and a group of his troopers. A battle unfolds, and in an indicator of how flaky this episode is, at least on my copy, even the familiar instrumental version of the Turtles theme sounds as if it’s malfunctioning as the video tracking also begins going off the rails. Donatello snatches the atomic clock from the time machine, another whirlwind sending the Turtles back to their own time. Moriarty has also made the journey, and makes another attempt to snatch the clock, being pinned down by the Turtles before he vanishes. A present-day version of the mutton-chopped night watchman from 1890 appears to confront the green teens, who toss him the atomic clock before leaving; notably his modern incarnation is slightly more fitting for the style of this show than the one from the past.

As predicted by Raphael, the Turtles meet up with April again in the concluding scene. After Leonardo makes a vague reference to their time-travelling journey, April is keen to cover a story she’s barely even been told transpired, reaching into her purse; instead of her tape recorder, she discovers an apple core. Splinter takes this as confirmation of his earlier remarks about the apple core of yesterday. As the Turtles inexplicably run away, Splinter suggests to April that perhaps they had too much time on their hands. A lousy joke to wrap up not only this episode, but this entire troubled story arc.

It’s one thing for the Turtles to encounter mythical figures like Merlin, but something else entirely for them to cross over with Sherlock Holmes, who having made his first appearance in 1887 is a relatively recent creation in the great scheme of things. This story perhaps doesn’t exploit such a crossover to its full potential, with Holmes and Watson only prominent in the second act, the Turtles handling the proceedings in the opening and closing thirds of the show. Leonardo becomes the de facto Holmes after the real one bows out, taking the lead in determining Moriarty’s plan. I’m sure keeping the Turtles the stars of the show helps in terms of maintaining the interests of the kids at home, but it does mean that we walk away with this story with a sense that the potential for a proper TMNT x Sherlock Holmes crossover remains untapped. Honestly, this entire side-season is running on fumes as we close things out and I doubt anyone was paying attention.

The most interesting aspect of this story from a continuity perspective is that it explicitly sets the Vacation in Europe season – or at least the end of it – in the year 1991. Keep in mind that this side season kicked off with the Turtles arriving in Paris on Bastille Day (in “Tower of Power”), but during their time in Austria we learned that it was winter, suggesting this vacation carried on for as long as six months or more. To the extent that all the stories in this arc could be considered canon, it seems entirely possible that the Turtles began their vacation in July 1990, sticking around into early 1991. Whatever the path is that the team took around the continent, it seems that it would need to be a convoluted one; no wonder they were away for so long. (Presumably while the Turtles were kicking back, the other assorted crime fighters of New York had to pick up the slack: Casey Jones, REX-1, Aunt Aggie, and perhaps Bugman, though technically these episodes take place prior to his introduction).

From all of this, a case could be made that if the events of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles take place in any specific frame of time, it’s 1989-91; though the show seemed to default to just being set in “year of initial broadcast”, remember that early adaptations of the cartoon episodes sometimes stated the series was set sometime in the near future, which could easily be a couple of years ahead of 1987. Going with this theory, seasons one through three would all take place over a year from June 1989 onwards (in line with April’s dialogue in “Hot Rodding Teenagers From Dimension X” establishing that the first season occurs in June), the Turtles taking their extended vacation in the summer of 1990 and returning at the beginning of 1991. Season four then unfolds through the early months of 1991. “Turtles And the Hare” and “Once Upon a Time Machine” must both take place in Easter ‘91, the year being explicitly referenced multiple times in the latter episode; the rest of seasons five and six would then take place throughout the remainder of the year, with “Super Irma” taking us up to Halloween 1991.

Or maybe nothing that happened in this whole European vacation endeavour, this strange, half-baked waste of time which seems to have limped its way on to our screens years after it was made, should be considered canon at all. Perhaps we should simply put all this mediocrity behind us and prepare for the real season seven, a further fourteen episodes that will conclude the classic era of the series, beginning with our next Turtlethon entry, “Night of the Dark Turtle”.

[uovoc]

I posted 3,382 times in 2022

That's 807 more posts than 2021!

493 posts created (15%)

2,889 posts reblogged (85%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

bane-of-technology

earl-of-221b

mareliini

tanoraqui

chimaerakitten

I tagged 3,374 of my posts in 2022

#moon knight - 387 posts

#matthew swift - 262 posts

#the sandman - 177 posts

#murderbot - 172 posts

#patter - 134 posts

#natsume's book of friends - 116 posts

#bee and puppycat - 104 posts

#the owl house - 98 posts

#mob psycho 100 - 82 posts

#tumblr - 71 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#which then raises all kinds of other questions like whether the body can keep going with just matthew or if it's being fueled by the angels

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Posted August 24, 2022

#4

The enmity Between Dream and Desire is so funny Dream dislikes Desire on a personal level but respects that they play an important role in the universe just like him whereas Desire wishes Dream would go die in a hole and does their utmost to make that happen

Posted August 29, 2022

#3

Every time a girl breaks up with Dream:

Dream: Desire I'm in my gallery. Desire it's me. Desire did you do this to me. You did didn't you. Desire pick up

Desire [totally did it]: Nope. you're just an asshole. bye.

Dream: Elder sister I'm in my gallery. Elder sister pick up. Be real with me here. Am I the asshole

Death: Dream my sweet brother. I love you so much. You were 100% the asshole

Posted August 31, 2022

#2

all right this one hit

Posted July 11, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

learning to cheerfully dislike other people is I think a critical component of getting along with people who don't like you. Like as soon as I got a solid grasp on the fact that there is a wide swath of humanity that gets on my nerves and that it's my problem, not theirs, it got easier to be around people I find annoying. Once that's settled, it's easy to flip the reasoning around and conclude that if someone doesn't like me, that's a quirk of their own strange and arbitrary tastes, not a judgment upon either of us as a person. You can't like everyone. Not everyone will like you. It's fine. It's not a personal attack in either direction. We can exchange cordial nods across the room and then go on with our lives

Posted October 21, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[dorkshadows]

Qi Hun (2020)

@earl-of-221b Here goes, my thoughts on live action Hikaru no Go! I’m on ep. 7 now. I’ve seen the anime in passing but I never really watched it- like, my memories of it feel like a fever dream, right next to that other anime about this kid that wanted to be the greatest chef in China. 

Qi Hun had no clue, no right, no obligation, to be as good as it was. And yet?? This is legit the best C-drama of 2020. Perfect chemistry in the cast. Good acting, great script, fantastic pacing, good music, found family character development. IDK how to describe it- it just has the exact opposite energy of a CW live action reboot show.

Chu Ying is my favorite character because of course he’d be. He’s out here bullying 9yos and crying over fucking board games, and I’m like “this ghost man is adorable, beautiful, amazing, I love him”

The child actors from the first 2 eps?? Acting prodigies! Especially tiny Shi Guang. When he held up the umbrella for Chu Ying, that moment has lived in my heart ever since

Actually, I could have watched 20 eps of tiny Shi Guang interacting with Chu Ying. Watching TV together, showing him the wonders of the modern world, how did the director know stuff like that catered to my taste specifically

Teenage Shi Guang and his pals are great too! They’re obviously pushing for Shi Guang/Yu Liang naruto/sasuke style lol and it works. I just really dug the platonic/general love everyone had for everyone

Went “Nie Huaisang!??????” .beyonce.jpg

I still don’t know any more about Wei Qi now than I did before going in asdfasdfasdf reminds me of a toy I had as a kid and probably still have- it was this box that unfolded into a chinese checker set on one side and a wei qi/go set on the other side. And it came with a double-sided board, one for western chess, one for xiang qi. all the pieces were magnetic. I just wanted to wax poetic about that toy because it was big brained.

I never took the anime seriously because... it was GO. But somehow the #DRAMA surrounding weiqi in the live action sends me every time. Every time someone’s like “you are unfit for Go! how dare you disrespect the game! Go is my life!” I’m like adfasdfasdf it was especially amazing when they were screaming that at second graders. And somehow it works??? Like, they’ve convinced me Go > soccer world cup. 

I was losing my mind over the Xiang Qi club bullies and their captain’s disdain for Go. Like, the whole setup was so galaxy-brained. I can only describe it as, “The captain of the chess team shoves the captain of the other chess team into a locker” ajdasdfasdf

I love this show. Maybe my opinion will change after all 36 eps, but so far, it’s been an uphill battle.

[laryna6]

an oddly specific laryna trope

character 1: oh no, terrifying worldbuilding realisation about something canon

character 2: yes, but, rational explanatory takedown of dumb shit that could be avoided in canon

character 1: oh, so, informed speculation of poorly developed point with potential

character 2: hm, yes, love and support delivered in a low key but obvious fashion

character 3: ding, the cookies are ready

I love this. 

[raven-moon33]

concept

In Journey to the West, nearly every time Sanzang gets captured by demons, it is due to him wholeheartedly believing the half-baked sob stories disguised demons give him while simultaneously ignoring Wukong’s warnings on what these demons really are. (Despite the fact it’s been proven time and again over the course of nearly two decades that Wukong has Sanzang’s back and no reason to lie about demons-in-disguise).

I think (and correct me if I’m wrong here) that it can generally be agreed that even the most gullible and stubborn amongst us would quickly grow to trust Wukong’s judgement on these things by the third or fourth could’ve-easily-been-avoided encounters with bloodthirsty demons.

Now, keeping this in mind, we must also remember that, in order to attain Buddhahood, Sanzang had to undergo 81 tribulations. In fact, many of the group’s misadventures were the direct results of celestial interference in order to ensure Sanzang faced the neccessary number of trials.

Taking both of these facts into account, I would now like to submit before the jury that a conversation along these lines likely occured between Sanzang and the Bodhisattva Guanyin either before or very early on in the journey:

(Guanyin)G: What’s that you’re packing?

(Sanzang)S: This? It’s my long staff. My elders have trained me in the art of self defense so I will be sufficiently prepared for any dangers I may encounter on the long journey ahead of me.

G: Oh, you won’t be needing that. I have arranged it so that you’ll be getting four powerful disciples who will protect you on your journey.

S: That’s very kind of you Bodhisattva, but shouldn’t I be able to defend myself in case I get captured by demons or rogues? I don’t want to be helpless after all.

G: Yeah, about that...You remember that the journey to enlightenment involves overcoming obstacles?

S: ...Yes...?

G: Well, in your case it’s going to take 81 life-or-death type trials, so it’ll make things easier if you just let things happen y’know? So no weapons or self defense for you mister.

S: That...that seems a tad...excessive...must I really undergo 81 trials involving such danger? Is that a prerequisite for all monks looking to become Buddhas?

G: Well no, typically you just have to relinquish all worldly attachments and strive to do good in all things to become a Buddha, but see, I’m looking to redeem a few spirits- your future disciples fyi- and one of them in particular is going to have to save you A LOT in order to redeem himself for his past crimes. :)

S: ??! And who have you chosen to be my disciples exactly??

And, in no particular order, a few more similar conversations/events throughout the journey west:

S: There’s no way in heck I’m eating this chick’s food. She’s clearly a demon and that rice is definitely poison. I better yell for Wukong before Wuneng chokes on his own saliva or Wujing and Bailong try her food-

G: (Speaking directly into his mind) No wait! This is a perfect opportunity!

S: For what??

G: For one of your trials! We have to squeeze a lot of them in, so might as well start early. And this one wasn’t even planned!

S: But Bodhisattva, I’m pretty sure she’s trying to eat me.

G: That’s the idea.

S: ...Are you really trying to help me or were we enemies in a past life?

G: Great just like that. Okay now tell him you want him gone and to never both you or your disciples again.

S: But he’s only trying to protect me!

G: Oh don’t worry, he’ll ‘convince’ you to let him stay. It’ll take at least two more times before he actually leaves.

S: Don’t we need him to stay on the journey??

G: Well of course we do silly! We’ll just give him a few days to realize how he misses you lot and once you, Wujing, and Bailong get captured or immobolized by a demon we’ll send Wuneng back to get him. Wukong learns the power of friendship and Wuneng gets knocked down a peg. Win-win!

S: Is this demon really powerful enough to capture the three of us and make Wuneng desperate enough to beg Wukong for help?

G: Oh not a chance. I’m talking about the other one up the road.

S: WHAT-

S: Oh yeah, random child tied to a tree, supposedly for days yet showing no sign of dehydration or bodily damage. That’s not suspicious or anything.

G: Now Sanzang-

S: I know, I know. 81 tribulations yadda yadda yadda.

G: Atta’ boy! Oh, before I forget, it might be hard tied up and stuff, but could you try to make sure Wukong doesn’t do too much damage to this one? I’m liking the looks of him and think I might want to make him my disciple.

S: ...why- I don’t- WHY ARE YOU LIKE THIS?

(Wukong)W: Master they’re demons! If you go with them they’ll eat you!

S: (Cringing internally) Now Wukong, how could you say this slander about such honest, hard-working souls?

(Wuneng/Pigsy)P: Yes yes, such kind souls! You should listen to Master, eldest brother. Never could such fine-featured ladies harbor any sinister intentions!

W: But Master they’re tricking you! 

S: (Internal pained sigh) Enough Wukong. I won’t listen to such stories. Go, get us fruit or rice before we leave for today’s travel.

W: But-

P: You heard Master! Go get some food for him!

S: Why do you do this Wuneng? I am THIS CLOSE to whacking you upside the head. This is difficult enough without you antagonizing him, so get your head out of your OH FOR THE LOVE OF BUDDHA QUIT DROOLING! JOURNEY OR NO JOURNEY I WILL SMACK YOU.

S: (Fighting the urge to bang his head into the nearest wall) Wukong how could this elderly woman possibly be a demon?

W: SHE HAS FANGS MASTER! FANGS!

S: She’s already explained about her family’s curse-

W: WHY DO YOU NEVER BELIEVE ME?!

S: Trust me Wukong, this hurts me WAY more than it hurts you.

S: They didn’t even tie the bonds properly. If I wiggle my wrists in a certain way I can probably get them off with no trouble-

G: No Sanzang stay where you are. Wukong’s going to be there soon. 

S: They are debating whether to bake or boil me and escape is literally RIGHT THERE-

G: But I have a thing planned! It’s going to be awesome!

S: (Screams in frustration)

S: (Tied up and hanging from the ceiling with his disciples in similar positions) (Deadpan) Oh wow. They turned out to be demons. Who could’ve possibly seen this coming?

G: Stop it! Do you want your disciples to catch on?

S: OH WELL NOW THAT YOU MENTION IT-

And such is our favorite monk’s life throughout the journey west. :)

BONUS:

(Wujing, Bailong, and Wuneng are currently captured by demons while Sanzang and Wukong are figuring out a plan to rescue them)

W: Master, my brothers’ lives are in danger. I know that you don’t trust me, but-

S: Alright you know what? No. That is it. I’m done with this.

W: Wh-

S: GUANYIN GET DOWN HERE!

W: ...Master, Guanyin is a holy Bodhisattva, you can’t just-

G: (Appears) Sanzang-

S: Oh no, don’t you ‘Sanzang’ me! I’ve been doing this for 13 Buddha-forsaken years! No more!

G: You know how much planning I’ve put into this?

S: I don’t care! I’m sick of playing the idiot!

G: But this was going to produce the perfect amount of angst and character development!

S: Angst?! CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT?! Are you serious?!

G: This story is going to become legend and be passed down for hundreds of generations, we might as well throw in some drama for the younger demographic!

S: YOU’RE PUTTING MY DISCIPLES THROUGH THIS FOR ENTERTAINMENT VALUE??

W: What are you-

S&G, in unison: NOT NOW WUKONG!

(Wukong sits quietly and watches the continuing argument in a mixture of growing confusion, amusement, and anger)

S: I DON’T HAVE TIME FOR THIS MY DISCIPLES ARE IN DANGER!

G: Is that any different than usual?

S: YES because my first disciple THINKS I DON’T TRUST HIM!!

W: Wait, you trust me?

S: Of course I do! I trust you with my life!

W: (With a gobsmacked expression) ...Oh.

S: (Distressed noises) (Gestures frantically at Wukong) Do you see Guanyin?! Do you see what I’ve done to him?!

G: (Relunctantly) Yes but, be that as it may-

S: No! We’re telling him! If you don’t want me to tell the others fine, but he at least deserves to know!

G: Sanzang we can’t just-

W: (Now a little less shell-shock at all the plot twists suddenly developing) Actually...(casually twirling staff with a sharp-toothed grin)...I think you’ll find you can tell me whatever it is you’re hiding. Wouldn’t want me to get bored of this argument and go looking for entertainment elsewhere- (significant glance heavensward) -would we?

G: (Nervous sweat) Well y-yes but your crown-

S: Which can now only be controlled by me. (Raises eyebrow and gives Guanyin a deadpan look) Correct?

G: ...

W: Wait, so you’ve really known right from the start when we’re dealing with a demon? Every single time?

S: It’s not as if any of them even TRIED to be halfway convincing. At least you’ll get into character; most of the demons we’ve encountered don’t even prepare their cover stories before they try fooling us! Quite frankly it’s insulting, even when I’m playing the idiot.

W: So when you take the pig’s word over mine...?

S: DON’T EVEN GET ME STARTED ON THAT TROUBLEMAKING LECHER-

When several days later (after Wukong has rescued the other disciples of course) they come across a beautiful young woman who’s been robbed by a group of bandits, Sanzang is at least able to take comfort in the quick look he shares with Wukong before they listen to her flimsy rambling tale. (And quietly laugh together in the moments they go unnoticed by the others over her very obvious tail).

[antidotefortheawkward-art]

HI!! Just want to say I adore your artwork, your ideas are so fresh and innovative and your colouring is vibrant and beautiful. I especially looooooove the Lotus Lantern comics you did, they're so hilarious- "But my Uncle is Erlang Shen!" *Banana goes squish* HAHAHAHAHA

!!!!! Oh gosh, thank you so much!!! :D

[hii-raeth]

@earl-of-221b heeft gereageerd op je bericht “I’m just not really feeling Fool’s Gold at the moment and kind of...”

I’m absolutely hanging on the edge of a cliff wondering when and if Anjou is going to meet Orochimaru

Like that exchange would be so charged, so emotional and intense. What does Anko think about Orochimaru? Does she still have the cursemark? Will Kakashi face the child kidnapper plaguing Konoha and face him head on? ( I remember that one filler arc with kakashi and young tenzo, and young kakashi freezing when facing orochi. We’ve never seen kakashi freeze like that. Ever. It was incredible.

Orochimaru is like one of the faces of using and abusing children for your own ends. I also wonder if Yamato/ tenzo will also get into contact with him. Or sasuke. All these people who have been taken as children and abused by the snake man

You're right, and those are definitely things I want to discuss in this story. There are so many characters who were hurt by this guy, he deserves to be brought to justice!

[mytigernacho]

The Butler and the Master

A Noblesse Fanfic.

Frankenstein glanced at the reservation list. Only one more reservation today, a party of two.

He checked the table setting and seating arrangements, satisfied with what he saw. The tableware was perfect placed, the silverware polished to perfection. He frowned slightly at the center piece, rearranging a few of the flowers before nodding his approval and retreating to the kitchen.

A few minutes later one of his coworkers informed him that his guests had arrived and, after collecting the menus, he retraced his steps back to the table.

His steps faltered ever so slightly as the two customers came into sight. They were both men.

It was a bit rare, but not unheard of, for men to visit the shop. Usually, though, they were accompanied by one or more women. And it was generally assumed that it had not been the man's idea to dine here. It was for this reason that, despite his own sexual orientation, he did not enjoy serving male customers.

In fact, the overall lack of male clientele was in large part why he had decided to work at a Butler Café in the first place.

For the most part, the Butler Café saw three types of female customers: shy and embarrassed, excited and talkative, or bold and flirtatious. Frankenstein excelled at making shy women feel at home, matching the enthusiasm of the easily excitable, and expertly returning the compliments and witty banter of the more flirtatious women.

Men, on the other hand, tended to either ignore him or make caustic comments when they thought he could not hear.

He had no patience for people like that.

Needless to say he was not looking forward to serving a table of exclusively men.

Not that he would let the customers know of his discomfort.

He walked confidently up to the side of the table and placed his arm across his waist, bowing slightly at the waist.

"Good evening, Masters," he said in perfect English as he laid the menus on the table. "My name is Frankenstein." He turned to the man of his right first. "May I pour you some tea?" He gestured elegantly to the traditional European teapot and tea cups that surrounded the center piece.

The man declined brashly, informing Frankenstein that he would pour the tea himself. Frankenstein nodded and smiled charmingly while inwardly scowling. Why would you come to a Butler Café just to serve yourself? Though now that he looked at him properly, it was possible he hadn't known it was a Butler Café. His long red hair and green eyes were distinctly Western, and Butler Cafes were certainly not common over there, if they existed at all. Perhaps he had made reservations without realizing what sort of Café they were, either because he lacked the language skills or simply because he did not know enough about this country's culture. It would explain why he had not only invited another man to accompany him, but also why he now appeared quite displeased with the whole arrangement.

Unless of course it had been his companion who had made the reservation.

He turned his attention to the man on his left, repeating his offer to pour the man a cup of tea. Almost before he could get the whole question out, the red-headed man interrupted.

"I will pour you some tea, Raizel." He smiled eagerly at his companion, completely ignoring Frankenstein.

Frankenstein kept his smile in place as he once again looked at the red-headed man, but he could feel his eyebrow twitching ever so slightly.

Well, it had certainly been this man who had made the reservations then. The reservation had been under the name 'Urokai Agvain,' not 'Raizel.' He couldn't help the small, vindictive voice in his head that cheered at the thought that this man was getting as little enjoyment out of the experience as Frankenstein.

Out of the corner of his eye he noticed the red-headed man's companion shake his head in a dignified manner.

Frankenstein looked at him, momentarily confused. The man stared back at him expectantly.

Oh? So this man wanted Frankenstein to pour him tea, and not the red-haired guy? Well at least this man understood the responsibility of a butler.

He gave the man a genuine smile, and the man returned it with a very small smile of his own. It was then that Frankenstein stopped to truly assess the man before him.

He was tall, likely near his own height, with hair the color of onyx that fell almost to his shoulders. His skin was very pale and completely unblemished, as if he had never spent a day in the sun in his life.

The man was unquestionably handsome. And Frankenstein was used to handsome. But nonetheless he stared into the man's eyes.

He had never seen anyone with eyes like his.

They were royal blue. Or at least they seemed that way on the surface. The longer Frankenstein stared the more colors he found. Midnight blue, sapphire blue, Persian blue, even sky blue. It was a sea of colors, and underneath was an even more fascinating sea of emotions. To the unobservant he would simply seem detached, but Frankenstein could see that there was so much more to him than that. His eyes spoke of great loneliness and small pleasures, perpetual dignity and occasional child-like wonder.

How was it possible for one man's eyes to be so expressive and yet so distant?

Their eyes only met for a second or two before the man – Raizel – broke the gaze, turning his head completely to look out the window.

Frankenstein blinked. What had he been doing?

Ah!

Frankenstein gathered himself and smiled widely at Raizel, seeing him glance in his direction, and hurried to comply with the man's wishes. He was a tad bit flustered at his lapse as a butler. He had never made a customer wait unduly for a request.

Though he had also never been so captivated by a customer's eyes before either.

A quiet 'tsk' brought Frankenstein back to reality and he looked over at Mr. Agvain with wide eyes. He had almost forgotten the man's existence. Really, this was all most unlike him.

Frankenstein cleared his throat, as if by clearing his throat he could also clear his mind.

He quickly arranged his expression into his normal smile.

"What may I get for you to eat this evening?" It was probably best to stick to his routine, otherwise he might continue making mistakes.

Mr. Agvain glanced briefly at the menu before pointing at one of the first items on the menu.

Frankenstein smiled and jotted it down on his notepad.

He turned toward Raizel, pen in hand, as he waited for him to speak.

Raizel stared wide-eyed at the menu, eyes moving rapidly from each picture to the next. Frankenstein smiled slightly. So Raizel enjoyed sweets? Well then Raizel, at least, was likely to enjoy the Butler Café. They had nothing but sweets.

He watched Raizel stare at the menu for another minute before a small frown appeared on his face. Was there nothing that he wanted? Perhaps he didn't like sweets and was trying, and failing, to find something more substantial.

"Is there something wrong Raizel? Should we go somewhere else?" Mr. Agvain's tone made it clear he was hoping for an affirmative response, but Raizel simply shook his head definitively.

And if Frankenstein hadn’t been watching the man so closely, he might have missed Raizel's eyes glancing quickly up to his before darting back down again.

Frankenstein froze for a moment. The man had looked so perplexed. But what was confusing about a menu? Did he not know what any of it was? Did he not know how to read the menu? Did he have a question about one of the items and wanted Frankenstein to help him? Frankenstein watched as an almost imperceptible crease appeared between Raizel's eyebrows.

Was it because….?

Frankenstein chuckled quietly, earning a curious glance from Raizel and, unknown to him, a death glare from Mr. Agvain.

"It is rather hard to decide, isn't it?" Raizel's frown deepened as he nodded solemnly.

So he had been right, Raizel was just trying to decide what to order.

"May I make a suggestion?" Raizel's eyes shot to his and after a moment he nodded slowly.

"There is a special item that we offer that is not on the menu. I can assure you it is quite sweet and very delicious. Normally we only offer it to long-time customers, but for you I'll make an exception." He flashed Raizel his most charming smile and was quite pleased (extremely pleased in fact) when he noticed a very faint dusting of pink on Raizel's cheeks.

"Hmph. How can you know it'll be delicious when you're just the butler?" Frankenstein turned slowly toward Mr. Agvain after his scathing question and smiled. Not his normal smile. This was the smile he used when someone broke or spilled something and made a mess. It was a smile that made the recipient's blood run cold.

"Because I'm the one who makes it," he responded darkly. Frankenstein's smile widened when he noticed that Mr. Agvain shrank back at his tone.

He then turned and spoke directly to Raizel, ignoring Mr. Agvain completely as he collected the menus. "I'll have your food out for you as soon as possible."

Raizel nodded to him as if nothing had just gone down between him and the man's companion.

                                                                               -O-

Frankenstein smiled slightly to himself as he gathered up his belongings and prepared to head home.

It had been a strange day for him. Normally he was the perfect butler. Precise, cordial, efficient, perceptive, and obedient.

Yet he had blatantly ignored and provoked the rude Mr. Agvain while doting on his companion, Raizel. He had surpassed himself on the quality and presentation of his special dessert for Raizel, and had been rewarded by wide eyes and a satisfied nod when he had asked if the dish was acceptable.

The man hadn't said a word the whole time he was here, and yet despite this (or perhaps because of it) Frankenstein was easily able to read the smallest changes in facial expressions and react accordingly.

He didn't normally expend so much effort purely for the sake of one first-time customer, but he did not regret it.

It was the first time he had felt like a true butler, not just butler at a Butler Café.

                                                                              -O-

"Hey Frankenstein, can you do me a big favor? I really don't want to serve this customer." His coworker Shinwoo had his palms pressed together in front of his face and his head slightly bowed.

Frankenstein glanced at him, confused. Not long after he had first started working here he had told his colleagues that he wouldn't mind taking difficult customers from them if they wanted. He had always enjoyed a challenge. To say nothing of the fact that he prided himself on the fact that he was an excellent butler who could handle any customer.

But this was the first time any of his coworkers had asked him so sincerely and desperately for help. Exactly how difficult was this customer?

"Well, I don't mind taking them off your hands, but why are you so adamant against serving this person?" Shinwoo was fairly competent himself, and rarely asked to be reassigned.

Shinwoo frowned. "Well, this is the second time this week he's showed up, and I served him last time. He comes by himself, which is kinda weird, but he's so rude! Not belligerent or anything, but he barely even glanced at me when I spoke to him, and he didn't say a single word the whole time! It was so awkward! And now he's here again and I just don't think I can deal with him again."

Oh, so it was a male customer? Frankenstein sighed a little, but told Shinwoo not to worry. He had already agreed anyway.

Shinwoo cheered and thanked him wholeheartedly before telling him the table number, and Frankenstein grabbed a menu and headed for the single-table with the difficult customer.

As he rounded the corner he stared at the table in the corner by a window, more than a little surprised.

It was Raizel.

Raizel was here, by himself, apparently for the second time this week.

Frankenstein approached him slowly, feeling a genuine, slightly incredulous smile start to form on his face. He never thought he'd see him again.

As he reached the side of the table Raizel turned away from the window and met his gaze.

Raizel smiled.

"Frankenstein."

Frankenstein breathed caught momentarily as Raizel spoke. It was the first word Frankenstein had ever heard him say, and it had been his name.

Frankenstein placed his arm across his waist and bowed deeply from the waist.

"Welcome back, Master. May I serve you some tea?"

                                                                    ------xxxxxxx------

A/N: This is dedicated to @earl-of-221b, who, in their Noblesse Icebreaker post (@spectralmelon) said they wanted more Franky and Rai fics. I've never really written a Franky/Rai fluff fic so I decided to give it a try when I saw their post. I hope you like >.<

I had a lot of fun with this fic. I wanted to keep Franky and Rai as in-character as possible, but I also wanted to make them both human (no supernatural stuff or anything) and my first thought was BUTLER CAFÉ!

So I did some research and loosely based this Café off of one in Tokyo called "Swallowtail," which looked very European-based, professional and elegant.

And yes, Urokai had asked Raizel out on a date, and no, it did not go well. Urokai was not Rai's type.

This fic is kinda cheesy, kinda cliché, very fluffy, and I enjoyed writing every word of it :)

[musicprincess1990]

Sherlolly trope duos: 2&15 please ☺️?

2: Bad day turned good; 15: Flatmates.  Taken from this list, prompts are closed for the time being.

Technically, this is a pairing I’ve done before, but since you’re one of my most devoted readers, I’m just gonna do it again. 😁 Read the first one here, and hope you like this second one too!

For some context, the setting is just after The Empty Hearse, and Tom is not in the picture. Nobody misses him. 😉

~*~

Quiet Strength

The door slammed with greater than usual force, the sound of which dragged Sherlock out of his mind palace, where he’d been sorting through and deleting files on his latest case.  Thunderous footsteps on the stairs soon followed, and he braced himself for a prospective client, or perhaps a former client who had been dissatisfied with the results of Sherlock’s efforts.  It certainly wouldn’t have been the first time.  But as the figure trudged into view, he was surprised to see…

“Molly?”

She ignored him, continuing up the next flight of stairs to her room.  Sherlock might have rolled his eyes at her theatrics and gone back into his mind palace, had he not caught a glimpse of her face just before she turned away from him.

She’d been crying.

For some reason, that bothered him.  He couldn’t account for it, which bothered him even more.  It wasn’t difficult to deduce that she’d had a rubbish day, perhaps an unpleasant interaction with one of her colleagues, or a challenging post-mortem with an uncertain cause of death.  There was also the possibility that it was related to her love life, or lack thereof.  As far as he could see, she hadn’t had any romantic paramours since the infamous “Jim from IT.”

Sherlock was relieved, to be honest.  Molly was more clear-headed, and more accommodating, when she had no dates or boyfriends.  Nevertheless, it always upset Molly, who wanted very much not to be alone.  He could understand that, and though he had no place for romance in his life, he admittedly did prefer to have people around him, especially at home.  It was why he’d offered her John’s old room in the first place.  221B was entirely too quiet with only himself and Mrs. Hudson, who was often gadding about with Mrs. Turner, or with this week’s lover, or simply insensible due to her “herbal soothers.”  He needed a companion, a friend, someone to fill the silence, and Molly was the only person besides John who fit the bill.  With John soon to be married, he was no longer an option.  So, he offered a key and a ridiculously low rent price, and she moved in a week later.

Three months had gone by since then, and his friendship with Molly had deepened. He had always trusted her, as he’d told her himself, but now he felt more confident in calling her his friend—a fact which he did not take for granted, as he had so few.

However, that did not explain why seeing her cry made him feel as though someone had kicked him in the ribs.

He didn’t like this feeling, and in spite of his attempts to relieve or ignore it, it persisted.  Well, there was only one thing to do: find out why Molly was upset, and help her to be not upset.  Not really his area, but the alternative was distraction and discomfort, and he was not about to give in to either of those.

Sherlock stood and made his way to the kitchen and put the kettle on, washing out a pair of cups while he waited for it to boil.  He smiled to himself as he imagined the look of complete shock that John would be wearing if he could see him.  Knowing Molly’s preferences, he prepared a simple herbal peppermint with sugar, and an earl grey for himself, then made his way upstairs with both cups.

Using his elbow, he knocked on the door.  “Molly?”  Silence.  Not entirely unexpected.  “I have tea,” he told her, and then he heard her soft footfalls inside the room.  He stepped back a bit, and she opened the door.  The rib-kick sensation doubled upon seeing she’d been crying even more.  Sherlock held out the peppermint, and she took it with a frown.

“Why are you giving me tea?” she asked, her voice timid and broken.

“Because you’re upset,” he answered.

Molly blinked slowly.  “Oh… well… thank you, that’s nice of you.”  She gave him the least convincing smile Sherlock had ever seen, then moved to close the door.

Thinking quickly, he placed his hand flat against it.  Her eyes flashed with confusion and anxiety, and he felt another imaginary kick to his ribs.  “I…” he hesitated, wondering why in God’s name his pulse was elevated.  Swallowing hard, he forced himself to continue, “I don’t like that you’re upset.”

Her expression softened, and she stared openly at him.  “You… don’t?”

Sherlock bristled.  “Of course not, Molly, did you honestly think I would?”

“NO!” she blurted out, then winced at her volume.  “Sorry, no, I just… I didn’t think you’d care one way or the other.”

That, he had to admit, stung quite a lot.  “I do care, Molly.  You’re my friend.”

Molly smiled again, this time sincerely.  “That’s good to hear.”

For a moment, they stood in awkward silence, neither of them quite sure how to proceed.  Finally, Sherlock asked tentatively, “Would you like to… talk?  About why you’re upset?”

After a few seconds’ hesitation, Molly nodded, and the two of them shuffled downstairs into the sitting room, he in his usual chair, she occupying the chair he’d always thought of as John’s.  It didn’t… bother him, precisely, seeing her sit there, but for some reason, it didn’t seem right to him.  Something to think about at a later date, he decided.

Molly took a sip of her tea before she spoke.  “I was called into a disciplinary meeting today.  Mike and his superiors finally cottoned onto the fact that I helped you face your death.  I don’t blame you,” she hurriedly went on, “and I don’t regret helping you, not in the least.  But it’s… it’s not good.  I’m on a forced leave of absence for the next two weeks while they determine the best course of action… and being sacked is not completely off the table.”

Sherlock went perfectly still, even held his breath.  Of all the possibilities he’d considered, that had not been among them.  The idea that Molly might face consequences for her actions hadn’t even crossed his mind, much to his shame and regret.  Worse still, she might lose her job, which she loved, and he would lose the only pathologist willing to work with him, the only one with any degree of competence.

No.

Without a word, Sherlock slid his phone out of his pocket and began typing out a text.

“What are you doing?” Molly asked, sounding both curious and wary.

“Texting Mycroft.  I’m sure he can use his influence to ensure your position is—”

“No, Sherlock, please don’t,” she shook her head, and he paused, staring at her in disbelief.  “I’m not afraid of facing the consequences.”

“Molly, it’s as good as done,” he insisted, then quickly finished his message and pressed send.  “There, it’s done.  You’ll probably still face some form of disciplinary action, but nothing drastic.”

“Sherlock—”

“You’re not losing your job, Molly,” he cut her off firmly.  “Not on my watch.  And it’s my fault you’re in this situation in the first place, so ensuring you keep your position is the very least I can do.”

Again, she shook her head.  “I told you, I don’t blame you.”

“I do,” he blurted out, surprising both of them.

They were stunned into silence, gaping at one another as the air around them seemed to hum with electricity.  Sherlock noted the subtle dilation of her pupils, and at the same time realized his own pulse had become elevated.  The electric current intensified, and Sherlock was on the verge of… something… taking some form of action, God only knew what… when his phone let out a chime, effectively shattering the strange and rather worrying moment.  He happily turned his attention to his phone, reading the response from Mycroft:

IT’S ALREADY DONE.  YOU’LL BE TAKING MUMMY TO THE THEATRE IN THREE WEEKS.

“There,” he gave a satisfied nod, rising to his feet as he pocketed his phone.  “I expect you’ll receive nothing more serious than a few months’ probation and observation, during which you will no doubt prove both your capabilities and professionalism.”  When his eyes finally landed on her face again, his chest constricted.  “You’re crying again, why are you crying?”

With a watery laugh, Molly wiped away her tears, then she stood and walked toward him. Time seemed to grind to a halt as she leaned in, placing a hand on his chest to steady herself, then reached up to press a feather-light kiss to his cheek.  A warm, tingling energy spread from the point of contact down each of his extremities, while his heart danced a samba beneath his ribs.  He was surrounded by the scent of vanilla and lemon soap and a trace of formaldehyde, and something else just underneath the more obvious aromas, something sweet and lovely and entirely Molly.

As he lingered within that moment, memorized her scent and the touch of her lips, he finally understood the feelings that had been plaguing him since he first saw her tears.  The pain of knowing she was upset, the buzzing energy surrounding them only minutes ago, and now the racing of his heart and the warmth of his skin as she touched him… they all pointed to one obvious conclusion.

He was attracted to Molly Hooper.

Shit.

Molly stepped away, perfectly oblivious to the turmoil raging inside his head.  She smiled bashfully, her eyes lowered, and Sherlock had to suppress a shiver at the loss of contact.  “Thank you, Sherlock.  I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”

He shook his head.  “This is me repaying you, Molly,” he insisted.  “And it is nowhere close to enough.”

“I’d do it again,” she said, her voice barely more than a whisper, but still resonant with the quiet strength he knew she possessed.  “Without question.”

The electric charge returned in full force as their eyes connected, and Sherlock began to question his resolve where sentiment was concerned.  Caring is not an advantage, his brother’s voice taunted from within his mind, and he immediately disregarded it.  What further proof could there be to refute that claim?  Here before him stood a woman who loved completely, unconditionally, and without restraint, and beneath her soft, slight, sometimes child-like exterior, she was a pillar of strength.

Sod it.

In an instance, Sherlock’s arms were at her waist and dragging her towards him. Molly scarcely had time to gasp and put her hands on his shoulders before his lips claimed hers.  Every sensation he’d felt thus far was amplified tenfold, and his hands curled into fists around the fabric of her jumper.  After the initial shock wore off, she relaxed in his arms, though her grip on him never loosened, as if he were the only thing that kept her standing.  Sherlock, acting purely on instinct, responded by hoisting her up, crushing her against him as he took advantage of the new angle and deepened the kiss.  Then Molly—his strong, brave, beautiful Molly—surprised him by wrapping her legs around his waist and raking her fingers through his hair.  He groaned against her lips, hungry and aching for more… but well aware that this wasn’t the time.

Slowly, with great reluctance, he ended the kiss, but unable to bear releasing her just yet, kept hold of her and touched his forehead to hers.  For a time, neither of them spoke, their laboured breaths the only sound.

Eventually, Molly broke the silence.  “Well… that was unexpected.”

“Quite,” he agreed.  She tensed, and his eyes shot to hers in concern.  “Molly?”

“Why did you kiss me?” she asked plainly.

“Because I wanted to.”

“Why?” she persisted.  “You’ve never… not once… and I just… why now?”

Sherlock shoved aside the flash of irritation at so many unfinished sentences, and answered her with a single word: “Sentiment.”  When her brow puckered with confusion, he went on, “I’ve dismissed it as a weakness for years… but thanks to you, I’ve realized that it’s anything but.  It’s strength.  And I am tired of fighting it.”

Her lips curved into a radiant smile, which soon turned mischievous.  “So… you fancy me?”

“Oh, for God’s sake,” he rolled his eyes, then silenced her giggles with his lips.

~*~

I live for Sherlock realizing he’s caught feelings for Molly and just going, SHIT. 🤣 Thanks so much for the prompt!

[ghostantine]

@earl-of-221b replied to your post: But will they use Bear McCreary's theme though?

It’s been years and I had no idea this was coming out until recently, thanks for bringing me the Constantine News

I thiiiink they announced this back in 2016 (I have a feeling but someone correct meif im wrong) but very vaguely and saying it’ll happen in 2018, probably, maybe. Last spring there was actually more serious news about it and Matt Ryan had hard time keeping quiet about it at Wales Comic Con.

Spring/Summer they said it’ll “adapt a well known and loved Hellblazer story”. Lot of people were obviously guessing Dangerous Habits. Week or so ago Matt revealed in an interview it’s gonna be All His Engines. In my opinion a VERY good choice. It’s one of the stand alone ‘spin off’ books and works lot better as an animation series. 

Last night when the trailer dropped I was glad to see they are actually taking the comic to heart and adapting it to the point. I was little wary of the animation style DC is using right now but with colouring and contrasts they manage to really capture the mood of the comic.

Always happy to bring all the news :’)

[uovoc]

earl-of-221b reblogged your video: some Legend of Hei theories/mythos, translated...

#first of all#xuanli is a WHAT??!!#a WHAT?!#then why do they call him 狗哥？#I can send you a link to the comic if you’d like but its raw in chinese#would that do?#罗小黑战记#legend of hei

A link to the comic would be great! Raws are fine, it probably hasn't been translated yet anyway