#gogo connections

[christine-ye]

RIP Kurumi and Nozomi

[chcrryade]

⠀if you can’t dance⠀╱⠀if you can’t sing⠀🍒

[gophergal]

Heres a random question: do you prefer tea or coffee?

Tea, 100%

I drink an unhealthy amount of tea, I think. I make a gallon of unsweetened tea every day and then I just drink that instead of water (the tap water where I live tastes gross) and I enjoy making a cup of hot tea in the mornings once the temp gets below 50°f.

I also really like herbal tea, not just black or green.

My favorite herbal teas are probably mint, camomile, and pine needle. The last one gets gross if you drink it cold though. It's like drinking floor cleaner. Still, if you can identify edible evergreen needles, I'd suggest you give it a go. It's a great source of vitamin c and has an almost floral taste when it's hot. Bonus points for the fact that pine trees are so common where I live, so I don't even need to hike to acquire my brewing needles

[totally-gogo-salt]

First Dragalia and now Priconne.

Why can't I have nice things?

[explodo-smash]

Katsuki as the Light & Izuku as the Dark- Love and Harmonious Totality in The New Era

This meta analysis’ purpose is to make the case for KT/DK existing as Light and Dark in each other’s stories respectively, and explain how this dichotomy challenges black & white thinking in the narrative. 

This meta analysis will also explore how this Light/Dark dichotomy lays the groundwork for why Katsuki/Izuku as a unit represent a “New Era" in the story.

[Can also be found on twitter]

Whether by Save to Win/Win to Save, or the fact they are osananajimi, the story frequently draws our attention back to Katsuki and Izuku’s complicated, influential and powerful bond. Despite all the changes they’ve gone through in MHA up until now, both individually and together, one thing has always remained constant: they are as symbolically connected as they are physically/mentally/emotionally.

We argue that one of the ways MHA’s narrative connects them symbolically as polar, balanced parts of a larger whole is through a sense of DUALITY. 

Furthermore, we argue that the use of contrasting Light/Dark motifs act as both visual and text metaphor to create this duality, with Katsuki representing Light and Izuku representing Dark.

It's important to note that by Light/Dark, we aren’t referring to their moral clarity, goodness or badness. Rather, we will explore Light/Dark as a metaphor that builds on themes in MHA while creating tension (contrast, conflict leading, fear and rejection) and harmony (balance, unity, love and acceptance).

Note: the Light and Dark comparisons/metaphors between Katsuki and Izuku used in MHA sometimes get lost in translation in the anime. Here are some examples….

For Izuku:

Izuku is often encased in shadows in Katsuki’s POV since the beginning.

The word used for quirk (kosei) meaning “personality”, with quirkless meaning “lack of personality”, evoking the absence of something

Character design leaning on “dark” shades (dark/filled in hair, eyes including dark pupils early in the series)

Izuku’s “Dark Hero” arc as it’s officially titled.

Izuku’s prototype/beta name “Yamikumo” meaning Dark Cloud and his personality type tending toward facades/anxiousness

Blackwhip being the OFA quirk that resonates with Izuku’s emotions (particularly his rage)

His recent “power up” moment in the current arc involving blackwhip is denoted by claws, fangs and black tendrils. This form is officially called “overlay” but Hori also calls it “carnage” in his head.

And for Katsuki:

Izuku’s description of Katsuki as someone bright and blinding, often bringing light into his eyes as an artistic consistency.

His quirk “explosion” emitting light, his move “stun grenade” literally a blinding flash of light.

Character design leaning on “light” shades (light hair, eyes aren’t filled in)

Prototype/beta ‘Gogo’ Katsuki’s light clothing and his personality type overall being bubbly and overprotective (toward Yamikumo).

Katsuki’s death chapter titled “Light Fades to Rain”, and his revival evoking that visual of a bright light.

His recent “power up” moment in the current arc is denoted by flashing lights and explosions all around his body - highlighted with laughter, and glee.

Katsuki and Izuku connect with all the various opposites attract concepts that draw on the Light/Dark duality (sun/moon, yang/yin) but the first mistake people make is approaching these concepts with black & white thinking in mind.

The meaning

The Light/Dark imagery/descriptions/metaphors with KT/DK exist as a set piece that subverts expectations by challenging binary/black & white interpretations.

Katsuki’s ‘light’ is confident and inspiring - but it can also be blinding, harsh, and overwhelming.

Izuku’s ��darkness’ is almost like a blanket. It’s comforting and sympathetic - but it can also be scary, unnerving, and mysterious.

Initially, Katsuki wanted to get away from the ‘darkness’. Izuku was like his shadow, following him relentlessly. He misinterpreted Izuku’s behavior as secrecy or deceit. 

Izuku dragged in as much ‘light’ as he could, by both observing Katsuki closely as well as refusing to part with the nickname ‘Kacchan’. His pursuit was a combination of hope for the future and a fascination for something he didn’t have (envy). 

Both of them have a capacity for unending love and selflessness, but also uncontrolled rage and violence.

The point of this contrast is for us as readers to highlight and dismantle the surface level perceptions of these characters in the same way Katsuki and Izuku progressively do for each other. 

Building on the themes 

In the same way Izuku always saw, and admired, Katsuki’s “light”, Katsuki could see, and feared, Izuku’s “darkness”. This contributed in building tension between the two, both literally and narratively. Where another story may have framed them as opposing forces, however, MHA frames them as dual forces. Where the source of tension for opposing forces may be fundamental differences, the tension between Katsuki and Izuku comes from a REJECTION of their fundamental parts. By extension, this became a rejection of their potential for harmony.

There’s enough evidence to suggest the defining concepts for prototype/beta Katsuki and Izuku(Yamikumo) weren’t entirely discarded, but rather modified and layered upon. One of the major differences was how prototype KT/DK got along, with one of the earliest scenes drafted for MHA being a scene where they fight together.

It’s ultimately a mistake to presume Izuku is purely a positive ray of sunshine just like it was a mistake to assume Katsuki was hiding a bitter and villainous darkness within him. It’s the neglect of their core that causes them to dig their heels in and become their worst selves: 

Katsuki as egotistical, harsh and tightly guarded with a tendency to lash out, against Izuku as obsessive, obstinate and habitually repressing his emotions.

Society shaped their “quirks” (their power, outward appearance) but time and relationships informed their “individuality” (their ideals, hopes, inner drives). 

Izuku's unwavering belief in Katsuki’s light was a tether that enabled Katsuki to embrace and flourish into it. Katsuki grew to understand the darkness in Izuku by confronting that which scared him. This allowed him to empathize with Izuku’s complex thoughts/feelings during a time where Izuku was at his worst (“Dark Hero” arc–onward) and dedicate himself to making sure Izuku didn’t carry the weight of the world and its burdens on his own. 

In other words, the inevitable payoff for KT/DK facing and dismantling the tension within themselves and between each other is the harmonizing of the dual/complementary themes they’ve been written to represent, which ultimately mirrors the main messages and questions posed by MHA.

‘The New Era’

As two major pillars of the story, Katsuki and Izuku are in many ways microcosm(s) of MHA society at large.

Katsuki and Izuku as complementary forces and not opposing ones seems obvious until it is put into practice. Some characters in the story and many readers in the audience alike have struggled with understanding their multifaceted nature and reconciling what they know of KT/DK from the outside with the seemingly contradictory information KT/DK have given us about themselves over time. Rather than a fluke, this contrast is an intentional writing choice evidenced by elements like their Light/Dark symbolism.

The lines at the main center of conflict in MHA - Heroes vs. Villains - has been long since blurred. In much the same way Heroes vs. Villains has complicated good vs. evil and challenges black&white thinking, KT/DK’s relationship as counterparts is representative of a greater duality that paints a clearer picture of MHA’s philosophies on the nature of heroism, societal progress, and the difficult process of inner growth. This picture is coming to a head with the story situating them as the beginning of “A New Era.” 

MHA understands people as collections of thoughts, feelings, experiences, abilities, ideals, hopes, drives, etc., and that contradictions and tension between them are inevitable.Through KT/DK, MHA has developed a beautiful narrative where strengthening oneself involves strengthening each other and broadening our understanding of who we are.

“There is a false saying: “How can someone who can’t save himself save others?” Supposing I have the key to your chains, why should your lock and my lock be the same?”

[idcbabyialreadylostmymind]

GoGo Dancer

Pairing- OPLA!Sanji x reader

Summary- After a hard day Sanji goes to see his favorite dancer.

Warnings- afab reader, oral (fem receiving), fingering, penetrative sex, orgasm denial (once), hints that this has happened before, hints that Sanji ignores reader 🙄 that should be it

a/n- if you hate it move on peace and love 🫰🏼

Sanji just couldn’t help himself, relishing in your beauty knowing the only reason you use it is to get money. Your hips moved along with the beat song as your body shined on stage demanding all eyes in you, no less.

Zeff had thrown him from the line for making an absolutely delectable dish that, in Zeefs own words; “A waste of good quality.” So after he was done bussing tables he came to his favorite bar to relieve some stress, to his favorite gogo dancer.

Your eyes scan the room, unable to miss Sanji’s predatory orbs starting you down as your threw your ass around hounds of men whistling up at you. After the song was over, and a minute past closing you left the stage. The men in the audience yell profanity after profanity and other drunken nonsense as you walk off stage. Once you were out of sight Sanji stood from his table quickly taking quick almost robotic steps to your dressing room.

He tightens his tie gripping the door knob and opens the door to find you waiting in front of the makeup vanity that illuminates your features. The ruby red lipstick enunciates your plum lips, mascara and eyeliner drawing attention to your gorgeous eyes, and a blush that adores your skin tone. Oh, how he couldn’t wait to ruin it.

He steps in completely, closing the door behind him. You stare at each other through the mirror. “So,” you begin. “What’d Zeff say this time?” You ask him, taking your styled hair down in the process. He ignores your passive aggression, “Same as always.” He replies toying with one of your golden nicknack probably gifted by a pirate or some such trying to seduce you with the promise of gold, love, pleasure. But Sanji knows the only thing you need for pleasure is right in the kitchen at Baratie.

He puts it down, sauntering over to you, grabbing hold to your neck, he makes you look up at him. You keep your face motionless. “Missed you.” He tipped his head to the side, blonde hair moving along with it. He pulled you a little by the throat, slouching a little as well. Your fingers lay nimbly on his hand making no attempt to move him though. Connecting your lips he kissed you passionately, lips dancing in wild motion, lipstick smearing on his and your mouth. He pulled away leaving you breathless.

The sides of your mouth tip up into a sly smile, “Sure ya’ did.” You reply, tapping your polished nails against his hand. “Want me to prove it to you?” His smirk is almost identical to yours, turning you around in your chair. He strokes your cheek moving a fly away from your face, he gets down on his knees, now at your level. He moves his finger down your skin, over the revealing outfit, across your hip and lap, hand massaging your inner thigh.

Subconsciously, you want to peel your thighs for him letting him do his magic. But, nonetheless he has to pay retribution. Being denied attention when he thinks he deserves it, a taste of his own medicine. “I know, I know.” He rubs your thigh, “I’ve been neglectful, I know it hurts your feelings, but let me prove it to you.” He repeats his earlier statement, truth be told Sanji did hold feelings for you, very strong feelings in fact.

You contemplate for a minute but it’s been a hot minute since you’ve had a really good orgasm, and Sanji makes you a weak woman with his looks and words of persuasion. Your legs spread for him, his smirk spreads into an appease smile. He grips one of your thighs, throwing it over his shoulder he pulls you by the hips closer to the edge of the chair.

You only had the small pearl white slacks that barely covered your bottom and panties to hide you from him. He slowly, excruciatingly slow that you could feel you arousal drip. He hooks two fingers between your underwear and leotard pulling them out of the way together. Once moved he stops eyeing your pretty pussy.

Your wetness glistened in the light, his mouth watered needing to taste you. Yanking you closer he looks you directly into the eyes as he suckles against your clit. Every never ending feeling electrical, licking strips up and down your aching cunt he could feel you mostien against his tongue.

Out of all the things Sanji has made or tried in his entire life he believes you are the most desirable, delicious, most succulent thing that this world has to offer.

He let go of one of the thighs he held down and he moved back to your clit mouth wrapping back around it. He brought two fingers to your awaiting hole, slipping both in and you suck him in greedily. He thrusted them in quickly and gently, his long fingers hitting every single sweet spot. The noises coming from you were unspeakable as his tongue moved gracefully against your flesh, your body felt like it could explode, your eyes scrunch closed, jaw tightening as you felt the coils of pleasure build, and build, and build. He knew you were close, so fucking close.

But, then he stopped.

Why’d he stop?

You open your eyes, frustration and annoyance painted all over it. Before you could say or complain he moves you from the chair, standing up straight kicking the chair out of the way. “What are you doin—“ you can’t even finish your sentence before he has pushed you harshly on the vanity, the few things decorating it falling to the floor. He held the side of your neck shutting you up with a rough kiss, he unbuttoned his slacks pushing them down along with his boxers.

Pushing you head against the mirror elongating the kiss, straining your lungs, he guides his cock to your begging cunt, sliding the tip over your pussy up and down, over and over again. Crying out for him to fuck you he finally slips his tip in. Teasingly he slides in at an antagonizing pace when you try to squirm or wiggle your hips he slams a strong hand down keeping you in place. Once he’s settled all the way in, tip kissing your cervix.

He pulls out almost all the way, his entire cock shining with your wet.

Thrusting back in swiftly he brings your hips down to meet him. A shocked but approving gasp comes from you as he continues to drill into you. Fucking up into you all while he makes your hips fuck him. Pleasure takes you in again, like overcoming waves in a black ocean. Pulling the thin fabric of the tight, white bra-like shirt from over your tits exposing your hardened nipples. Sanji grunts, cock twitching inside your pulsating walls that suck him in with every pull.

Pushing your legs apart farther his duck pushes deeper pulling a whole new sensation out of you. Legs wrapping around his waist bringing him closer, needing to feel his hot body in you. It felt as if you and Sanji held the same breath, the same heartbeat and you couldn't help but relish in it head tipping back as you tried to move your hips along with his merciless thrusts.

Your clit moved along his pelvis friction burning through you. He lets go of your lower body, cradling your face he pulls you into a passion filled kiss, thrust moving quicker, faster, tongues flicking togetherjn a ecstacy induced haze.

And just like that you explode.

Back arching into his chest. Gasping against his lips, thighs trying their best to stay open. Your lungs constrict, walls clamping down, it was nearly impossible for Sanji not to cum right then and there. Your nerves shake in pure, raw pleasure.

A few more sloppy thrust and Sanji couldn’t hold any longer letting go of his heavy load. His vision burned bright and his hold was surely bruising. He rode his climax down, he held you still for a moment, both of you catching your breath.

After you both had your clothes back on you gave him a quick kiss on the cheek before he headed out. It’s a repeat of both of you scared of rejection but too addicted to leave.

[hikaru-hoshina]

The Pretty Memories Milky Palette from Yes! Precure 5 GoGo! is now on preorder on Premium Bandai starting from today until November 12th and will be officially released on March 2025 for 7480 yen! Just like the toy from 2008 it plays the transformation of Milky Rose by pressing all the buttons with the included blush pen and her attack "Milky Rose Blizzard" by placing the pen on the top of it. It also has LEDs that light up a rose motif on the clear plastic when the transformation is playing. New lines by Milky Rose are added into the chatting mode and you can also play the ending theme of the series "Te to Te Tsunaide Heart wo Link!!" ("Connecting Our Hands Also Links Our Hearts!!").

[rachelbethhines]

PotP Ch 55 - Blizzards, Blackbirds, and Bargains: Part 1

Snow.

Varian hated snow.

It wasn't always such. In his youth, he had loved winter. Snow days were meant for play. He'd make hot cocoa, ice skate, pick frost berries, and build snow forts for snowball battles with the local kids. Once he invented a machine that helped carve ice sculptures... until it caught on fire and melted them all.

But that was before the amber.

Varian could tell that it was snowing before he ever even poked his head out from under the covers.

First, the cold morning air; unusually cold for San Fransokyo. Then there was the soft diffused light from the frosted window pane shining in his bedroom. There was also the quiet stillness; near unheard of in the big city. Finally there was the fiamiler fresh scent of ice. It lacked the undertones of fir and pine that he was used to, but he could still tell.

A look outside confirmed his worst fears.

Especially when Ruddiger came through the window and shook the white powdery stuff off his fur.

Varian groaned, kicked off the covers, and made his way to the kitchen.

----------------

"What are you hunting for?" Aunt Cass asked with a yawn.

"I guess we don't have any tripe, do we?" Varian asked in kind as he rummaged in the cupboards.

"Ummm... pretty sure we don't. Why do we need tripe?"

"It's snowing."  

Aunt Cass blinked, unsure of what the connection was. "Snowing?"

"I used to make tripe stew on snow days." Varian explained. "It's just easy and warms the castle up."

"Oh... well... we don't have any tripe, b-but we do have some bacon." She opened the fridge and started rummaging around. "Maybe we can improvise and make some bean and bacon soup instead? Start a new tradition, huh?"

She retrieved the bacon and smiled wide as she offered her suggestion to Varian.

Varian half-heartedly returned her smile and took the meat from her.

Aunt Cass frowned at his lack of enthusiasm.

She placed a hand on his shoulder, pausing him in his hunt for the beans. "Hey, I know sometimes you get homesick, and that's okay. Everything is different here, and it's a readjustment. But If you need anything you know you can talk to me."

Varian shook his head. "It's not that. "

Aunt Cass's brow furrowed in confusion, but rather than explain, Varian just said, "The bacon's a good idea. Tripe is too chewy anyway." and went back to digging around in the pantry.

----------------

Honey Lemon watched the pink puff balls on her boots bounce up and down as she gingerly stepped off the trolley. The railed carts were the only safe way to travel in this weather as most people in San Fansokyo didn’t own cars with snow tires, including Gogo, who stepped off of the trolley after her. They spotted Fred waving at them both from across the street as they walked over towards the Lucky Cat; very carefully, so as to not slip on any ice.

“Hey, glad you made it!” Tadashi greeted them, as he held a large snowball in his hand. He placed it on top of an even bigger snowball and he and Hiro both started patting extra snow along the seam where the two met.

“We’re building a snow sculpture of Baymax.” Fred explained as he joined them.

Just then Wasabi opened the door to the cafe. “I found the eyes!” He called out as he carried a small cardboard box. Baymax shuffled along behind him.

“What did you get?” Hiro asked him.

“Chocolate covered coffee beans!” He proclaimed as he pulled out a small container of the treats.

“Oooh, I want some!” Fred exclaimed and practically crawled over Wasabi to rummage in the box he held.

Honey Lemon laughed. “You better not eat all of Varian’s stash. He might be tearing the cafe apart looking for those later.” She gently warned.

“Where is Varian anyway?” Gogo asked.

Tadashi shrugged. “Upstairs. He’s been in the kitchen all morning with Aunt Cass.”

“I’ll go get him.” Honey Lemon offered and skipped inside.

Her glasses started fogging up as soon she entered the much warmer cafe. She paused to take them off and rubbed them clean on her matching pink sweater. This only got lint on them, so she wiped them on her jeans instead. Satisfied, she put them back on only to find Aunt Cass coming downstairs to greet her.

“Hi,” She sang out. “I’m glad you and Gogo made it here safe.”

“Hi Aunt Cass. Yeah, the roads weren’t too bad and the trolleys are still running. I thought I’d ask Varian to join us. Is he still upstairs?”

“He is, he’s in the kitchen, however...” Aunt Cass sighed as she poured herself a coffee. “I don’t know how much he’ll want to get out. He’s been pretty shut in all day. Buuuut, if anyone can encourage him to come outside, it’ll probably be you.”

She gave her a sweet smile before heading outside herself to check on the rest of the teens.

Honey Lemon watched her go with a frown. Varian must be in one of his moods again, and no one ever quite knew what to expect when Varian became gloomy. She also didn’t know what she could do that Aunt Cass probably hadn’t already tried.

Still, she took a deep breath and made her way up the stairs.

She found Varian in the upstairs kitchen just like everyone had said. He was sitting at the table reading a large leather bound tome, while a pot on the stove was boiling away. Honey Lemon recognized the book. It was the fantastical grimoire that held the secrets to the magical portal that would send him home. The thought of which filled her with dread, but best not to bring it up now.

“It smells good.” She said with a smile as she came up from behind him.

Varian looked up from the spellbook, startled by her voice, and turned to look at her. “Oh yeah, umm, Aunt Cass and I are making bean and bacon soup. Sorry, I didn’t know you were coming, or I would have made you a vegan option.”

“It’s okay, I can just pick around the bacon.” She shrugged as she lifted the lid off of the pot to look at the soup. “Beans sound like a good supper to me.”

“It’s chicken stock as the base.” Varian warned. “Here, I think we still have some dried beans. I’ll just make you a small pot of your own.”

“Oh, you don’t need to go to any trouble on my account.”

“What trouble?” He asked as he pulled out the bag of dried beans. “All you do is put it in a pot and let it boil for a while. Look to see if there’s any vegetable stock in the cabinet over there.”

Honey Lemon followed his suggestion and quickly found the container of stock next to the other broths. She poured some into another small pot, along with the beans, as Varian started raiding the spice cabinet.

“What do you want in it?” He asked. “Shallot, a bit of celery salt, oooh, how about some chili power for a little kick, huh?”

He gave her a Cheshire smile and waved the plastic shaker full of pepper at her.

She only shrugged in response. “Anything is good with me.”

Varian took this as permission to experiment and pulled out a whole bunch of spices. He happily went to work seasoning the small pot of what was quickly becoming vegan chili.

“What do you think we should have with our soup?” He asked. “Aunt Cass thinks we should just toast the leftover baguettes downstairs and make croutons, but I think we should make some fresh bread.”

“Why not both?” Honey Lemon awkwardly asked. She didn’t like being caught in the middle of any sort of disagreement, even a mild one like this.

“I like the way you think.” Varian agreed, and Honey Lemon felt relief wash over her. Varian didn’t seem to be in a bad mood at all. Perhaps what had bothered him earlier today had been forgotten, or maybe he had worked through it.

“Shall we go for a sourdough, or a dark rye... Oh hey, I’ve never made cornbread before. That’d be fun. Something new?” Varian gave her a wide smile and Honey Lemon returned it.

“I’m down for something new.” She agreed. However, as Varian started to gather up the ingredients she decided to press on with why she was here. “Speaking of fun. Everyone is outside building a snowman. You wanna join in?”

Varian paused in shifting the cornmeal and started to stare blankly at the opposite wall. Then he shook his head and went back to cooking.

“No, it’s alright. You go on ahead, and I’ll just keep fixing our dinner.”

“Well... dinner’s not for hours.” Honey Lemon nervously suggested. She could feel the change in Varian’s mood the way one would feel the temperature drop. “Why don’t you take a break and do this later?”

Varian paused in what he was doing and turned to face her with a cold frown.

“I.. don’t like snow,” He said carefully. “I would rather not.”

He then turned away from her and placed the mixing bowl on the stand mixture. “You can go on ahead though. Y'all have fun.”

He said this in a much lighter tone, but Honey Lemon couldn’t dismiss the sudden change in attitude. Especially not with the grimoire still lying there on the table.

“Is... is everything alright?” She asked.

“Yeah... yeah, everything is fine. Snow is... just not my thing.” He lied to her. “After all, it’s not that special when you get it regularly every winter.”

“Do... do you get a lot of snow in Corona?” She timidly asked as she placed her hands behind her back.

Varian finally turned to look at her, and he gave her the most peculiar stare; as if he was simultaneously seeing all of her, and through her at once, looking past her at some distant memory that she wasn’t privy to.

“We get far too much.” He said ominously, and Honey Lemon didn’t want to know what he meant by that.

She sighed, accepting defeat. “Well I thought I would just ask... promise me though... that you won’t stay cooped up in the kitchen at least. You’ll come down stairs for hot cocoa, right?”

Varian gave her a small, sad smile. “Alright, I promise.”

“Okay,” She nodded.”I’ll come and get you when we do that. Sounds good?”

“Yeah, I’ll see ya then. In the meantime I’ll fix the rest of dinner.”

Honey Lemon pursed her lips and gave a tight smile before awkwardly turning to leave. She did however turn back to look at Varian one final time before heading downstairs. His back was turned towards her now as he continued to make the cornbread. Her eye landed on the spellbook again, and for one brief moment she wished she could throw the thing in the trash.

----------------

The storm only got worse throughout the day. By the time lunch rolled around all the roads were completely closed, with announcements that the trolleys would soon stop running and shut down early for the day, and the news was advising people to stay at home.

Everyone agreed therefore to an impromptu sleepover in the living room.

Board games, movies, hot cocoa, and pillow forts with pillow fights helped to pass the time away.

Aunt Cass yawned as she finished handing out the last of the blankets. "Man, this snow day has worn me out. I'm heading to bed early. Just don't stay up too late. Good Night."

"Night Aunt Cass." The chorus of college kids rang out behind her.

"I'm with Aunt Cass," Wasabi yawned himself as he laid down on his makeshift pallet on the floor. "I'm pooped."

His beauty rest  was short-lived when Rudigger crawled up on his chest, circled around once, and then curled up to sleep.

Wasabi frowned before picking the wild creature up and putting him down on the floor. "Hey now. I am not a pillow"

He then readjusted his sleep mask and laid back down again, only for Ruddiger to ignore his warning and perch upon the scientist's chest once more.

Wasabi's ensuing battle with the raccoon for dominance was ignored by everyone.

"Well, I for one think we shouldn't end any good sleepover without ghost stories." Tadashi mischievously smiled as he flopped on the couch.

"Varian's got a good vampire story to tell." Hiro chimed in. "You know, that one you told during the camping trip."

Varian, who was already laying down on his own pallet on the floor, heaved a sigh. "I'm not really up for stories. I'm pretty tired as well."

Gogo frowned. "Hey, is everything alright? "

"Yeah, you've been pretty bummed out all day." Fred added bluntly.

"It... it's nothing." Varian insisted. "I'm just not a fan of the cold."

And with that he pulled the cover up higher and turned on his side. Everyone shared knowing looks as he pretended to sleep, but all thought it best not to press the matter.

"Well, I guess it's up to me then." Tadashi sighed as a knowing smile played on his lips. "How about the one about…”

----------------

Tadashi was midway through his ghost story when the power went out. 

Varian had only been half paying attention but his eyes snapped open and he bolted upright at the sudden darkness. 

He vaguely heard screaming, but he couldn't tell if it was just himself or the others. 

“Ha. ha. Very funny Tadashi.” Wasabi yelled into the darkness sarcastically. 

“It wasn't me.” The other boy protested. 

That's when Baymax’s chest lit up and produced a weather report. 

“The news is reporting temporary power outages across the city. Citizens are recommended to stay inside and keep warm while the electric company works on the lines. Power should be back shortly.” The robot helpfully informed. “In the meantime I will activate my built-in heater.”

Varian could see a few of the teens make their way over to the glowing automaton and snuggle up to it. Others wrapped their blankets around them tighter. 

All except Hiro, who had made his way over to him. 

“Hey, are you okay?” He asked in a low voice. 

Not low enough to Varian’s liking however, as he put on his usual front. “Yeah I'm fine.” 

“I didn't think Tadashi’s story was that scary.” Gogo added, commenting on everyone else's earlier screams. 

“Just because you're not afraid of anything Gogo..” Honey Lemon started but Fred interrupted her. 

“Nuh uh… She’s afraid of leprechauns, remember?” 

“Leprechauns?” Tadashi snorted. 

Gogo rolled her eyes. “It's from that stupid movie that came out when we were kids. I was five. Okay.” 

“Oh Unlucky Charms!” Tadashi nodded recognizing the film. “Okay, I can see why that would creep a kid out. Not me of course… but…” 

“Oh stop lying.” Hiro needled his brother. “I know what you're afraid of.” 

“Oh come on… no… not that.” Tadashi begged. 

“He’s weirded out by the Share Bears.” 

Tadashi groaned and literally everyone else burst out laughing. Everyone but Varian. 

“Bears can be scary.” 

“No he means the Share Bears.” Wasabi tried to explain. 

“It's a cartoon.” Honey Lemon added through her snickers. 

“Yeah, a cartoon for babies.” Fred chimed in. “Seriously bro?” 

“Hey, they're disturbing. Alright?” Tadashi defended himself. 

“How are teddy bears that teach kids manners 'disturbing’?” Gogo asked. 

“Because they don't teach anything. They brainwash people into being perfect little mindless drones with those heartfilled laser beams. I'm telling you guys, it's a messed up show. Also Hiro had one of those stuffed animals as a kid and it would not die. I'd bury it in the backyard and three months later it was back in the toy box singing ‘I love you very much’ in its high-pitched voice over and over again.” 

“So in other words, your parents found it outside and put new batteries in it.” Wasabi stated matter of factly. 

“That's just it,” Tadashi insisted. “There were no batteries in it. I checked!” 

“Ooooh… now that is creepy.” Fred whispered. 

Gogo rolled her eyes. "So we got leprechauns, share bears, " she pointed to Fred, "spiders," then to Wasabi, "heights," and lastly to Honey Lemon, "and hippos... for some reason."

"Hippos?" Varian couldn't help asking in spite of himself.

"Hippos are mean." Honey Lemon defended herself. "They bully all of the other animals. Even crocodiles are afraid of them!"

"Don't crocodiles eat hippos though?" Hiro asked.

"Actually adult hippopotamuses are extremely aggressive and most predators leave them alone." Baymax informed them.

"See!?" Honey Lemon shouted, validated. "And they have those big scary tusks and huge mouths, and they can trample you under their weight."

"So can elephants and you love those." Wasabi butt in.

"Yeah, but elephants are adorable." Honey Lemon countered, as if this was an obvious difference.

"Okay," Gogo rolled her eyes again, "So we know what everyone is afraid of, except for you Hiro."

"Me?" Hiro asked, and shrugged. "I don't know. I used to be scared of monsters under the bed when I was like three, but after you've faced what we've faced…. It's kind of hard to find normal things scary."

"What about abnormal things then?" Tadashi asked.

"I... I still have nightmares about the void sometimes." Hiro admitted. "I can face it, but like... it's just nothingness... endless... I won't lie... that's kind of terrifying."

"Many people find the unknown scary. It is a common fear." Baymax said comfortingly.

"But apparently it's not unknown." Fred said. "That Madame Canardist says she traveled through it to get here.” 

“So she says .” Gogo pointed out. “We've no reason to believe her.” 

“We don't really have any reason to disbelieve her either.” Tadashi shrugged. “I mean given everything we've seen so far.” 

“What do you think, Varian?” Wasabi asked. 

Everyone turned to resident portal expert among them, but Varian just sat there hugging his knees and staring at the floor. 

"I think... I'm afraid of failing."

Silence fell over the little group as Varian kept staring at his toes.

He seemed to be considering something before he looked up again, coming to a sort of decision.

"Where did you put Carnardist's scroll?" He asked.

"No." Tadashi said softly, but firmly. "We all agreed that we weren't going that route."

"But-"

"No 'buts'. You said it yourself. It's too dangerous. We'll use the portal."

"And what if I can't get it to work?" Varian sobbed.

"You will," Tadashi reassured, "and we'll go with you to rescue your dad."

For once, Varian didn't even bother to argue the second part. "You don't know that."

"You got it to work before." Hiro pointed out.

"If anyone can make it work you can, querido." Honey Lemon encouraged, wrapping him in a hug.

Varian didn't return it. "Exactly. What if no one can? What if we're just wasting time? What if he's... what if he's already d-"

Gogo sighed, and laid a hand on his shoulder, snapping him out of his panic.

"Hey... I believe in you. We'll keep Madam Carnardist's scroll as a backup, but until we know more about the void, we're going to focus on fixing the portal first."

"Just tell us what you need and we'll help." Wasabi added.

"Oh and Minimax has been running algorithms on that secret code in that Demanti guy's journal every night, just like you asked." Fred said.

Varian only frowned at them, in spite of their support.

"You don't understand." He whispered before suddenly standing up.

He briskly made his way to the stairs and everyone rushed to follow him.

Despite the darkness he ran down them two steps at a time and for a moment, everyone feared that he was going to rush out into the storm, but he stopped at the door.

He stood there staring out into the alleyway and the flurry of snowflakes. Everyone stood still on the stairs, afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing that might send him into a flight. Only for him to  forcefully slam the door. He turned back towards them, shaking as tears ran down his cheeks.

"I hate the snow." His voice cracked with this little admission before he slumped down onto the floor, his back to the door.

Tadashi broke from the group first. "Well I love it, especially if it keeps you from running away yet again."

He stood there in front of his adopted brother, his hands on his hips, as if waiting for an explanation. He had tried to keep his voice light and his manner half joking, but he couldn't fully rid the evident concern on his face. Finally he sighed and sat down next to him.

"Look, I know we don't understand." He said more softly. "And I know it's difficult for you to talk about it. Just.... What are we supposed to do? How can we help?"

Varin sniffled. "Nothing."

Tadashi shook his head and rung his hands. He looked back up the landing to his friends, completely lost.

"What if... what if we ran some experiments?" He slowly offered. "After school starts back. While you and Hiro work on the portal... maybe Baymax and I could study the scroll mor-"

"No!" Hiro half ran, half jumped down the stairs towards them. "No one is reading any freaky magic scrolls or going anywhere near the void."

Tadashi gave his little brother a pleading look, but was surprised to hear Varian speak up in agreement.

"Hiro's right. It was stupid of me to ask. Just... just forget it."

Hiro immediately looked regretful. "We can still work on the portal. You've proven that can be done safely."

Varian gave a long sigh.

"Sure." He said flatly.

Everyone exchanged worried glances. Unable to run away or fight, Varian now went back to his depressed state from earlier, and for some reason that seemed to be even worse.

It was Fred who spoke up first. "It worked the first time, before Momaksake showed up. Did you change the design of the portal any when you rebuilt it?"

Varian shook his head. "No... and I'm using the same focusing device. The amber should work. That's what I can't understand."

"What is the amber anyways?" Tadashi asked. "You said that you made it somehow."

Varian eyes darted away from his, and he wouldn't answer.

"Well, then do you have anything else that you could try?" Wasabi asked.

"No. Nothing else would have the same energy signature. Except... except for the rocks."

"Like Carnardist's paperweight?" Gogo asked. "She said it was made from those rocks."

"She won't let us use it though." Tadashi pointed out.

"Well maybe if we just explained-" Honey Lemon started but Varian interrupted.

"Guys.. just drop it!"

Everyone stared at him. That's when the lights came back on.

This seemed to signal something to Varian. He stood up and made his way back to the stairs. He stopped at the top of the landing.

"Maybe it's time to face the facts." He whispered. "I'm never going to see my Dad again, and it's my fault."

Gogo stepped forward. "Don't say that."

"Gogo, please. All this time I've been trying and trying to fix my mistakes and all I've done is either gone nowhere or made things worse."

"That's not true." Tadashi said, standing up himself, as if highlighting what good Varian had really done just by being there.

Varian looked back at him, lost. Tadashi wouldn't let him continue.

"I've already told you before. It's not your fault."

Varian's face hardened as he looked down on them.

"You weren't there."

His voice sounded colder than the freezing snow outside.

Tadashi made his way back up the stairs until they were face to face.

"In what way is it your fault? It's not like you hurt your dad. You didn't cause the rocks. You didn't start the war. It isn't your fault that the portal's not working."

Varian seemed to crumple in on himself as Tadashi continued.

"Tadashi, please..."

Tadashi ignored his pleas and held him by the shoulders. "Listen. I know. Okay? I know what it's like to blame yourself for bad things, to think about all the ways you could have changed time if you had just done something different, but sometimes accidents just happen and it's no one's fault."

Varian was openly crying now. Tadashi waited.

He was going to make Varian understand. That he didn't need to feel ashamed of his past. They were going to get through this as a family, just like they had always done.

Nothing prepared for the words that came next.

"But I did do all those things." Varian whispered.

"What?"

"I caused the accident..." He started to ramble as he pulled away from Tadshi's astonished grasp. "The rocks were destroying our home! I had to do something! Dad told me not to. B-but I didn't listen. Not till it was too late! We.. we were arguing in my lab, and I heard him shout and he pushed me out of the way... and... and... It's my fault!"

Everyone stood there in shock as the most pitiful wail broke from Varian's lips. "Oh God, why did I ever mix that formula?"

He broke down in tears and no one knew what to do. Then suddenly he gasped as if coming to a realization.

"What if he really is dead? What... what if I killed hi-?"

"Now none of that." That seemed to snap Wasabi out of his shock. He took three big strides and before Varian could react he found himself wrapped up in a big bear hug.

"None of that." Wasabi repeated; softer this time. "Your dad is alive, and we're going to rescue him. And... even if the worse has happened...it is still. not. your. fault."

He made sure to emphasize each word and only held onto him tighter.

"Of course not." Tadashi agreed, and joined in on the hug.

"An accident is still just an accident." Hiro explained as he too came forward.

"Your dad wouldn't blame you." Gogo added.

"We certainly don't." Honey Lemon said as she came up from behind.

"That's.. *hic*... the saddest... *sob*... origin story I've ever heard." Fred bawled before adding himself to the group hug.

"It is difficult sometimes to face our past." Baymax advised. "But remember that, even when you believe you've made a mistake, you are loved."

Now Varian was crying for a whole new reason. He was still loved. They saw his deepest fear and still cared. They still were promising to help his dad, the same as they had done months ago under the sequoia tree. And if they still had hope... maybe he could too.

----------------

Honey Lemon turned in her sleep and reached out to cuddle the nearest person, but her hands grasped nothing but the cold rug underneath.

Her brow furrowed as she barely consciously noticed something was amiss. She fell asleep surrounded by her friends. Someone should be there.... but who?

Her eyes snapped open with alarm. Varian!

She sat up quickly and tried to pierce the darkness as she scanned the living room.

Everyone else was still asleep but Varian's sleeping bag was definitely empty.

Honey Lemon tried not to panic. After all, he could have just decided that his own bed was more comfortable than the floor. But somehow Honey Lemon knew that not to be the case.

Varian, for all his pertinacity for running away, he genuinely hated being alone. Especially when he was upset.

She couldn't see him retreating to his room and willing isolating himself after what he had told everyone about his dad.

Slowly she stood up and tipped toed towards the kitchen. Maybe he woke up for a midnight snack?

She was surprised that her hunch was correct. Varian was indeed in the kitchen, but he wasn't eating.

He just stood there, silently, staring out of the window at the swiftly falling snow.

Unsure how best to approach him, Honey Lemon just quietly moved to stand beside him and watch the storm too.

"Sorry, I tried my best not to wake you." He whispered.

"It's okay." Honey whispered back, and then after a pause asked. "Did you have another nightmare?"

Varian's only answer was to sigh and hang his head, as if he was ashamed of such a thing.

Rather than asking if he wanted to talk about it, Honey Lemon decided on a new tactic. "C-cause I just had one. That's what woke me up actually."

This had the desired effect as Varian completely forgot about his own insecurities and reverted all of his concern onto her instead.

"What about?"

Honey thought quick. "That you had disappeared."

It was close enough to the truth that Varian didn't question it. Instead he gave a soft laugh and tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ear.

"Well I'm right here." He smiled.

Honey grabbed his hand with both hers as he caressed her cheek. He was still here and she couldn't have been happier for it. If only he would stay and never go back to that awful Corona.

Varian broke away from the embrace first, but he still held her hand as he led her to one of the kitchen chairs. He sat down, and without even thinking about it, Honey Lemon sat in his lap.

It felt so natural to just sit together in the quiet. Him holding her. She absentmindedly running her fingers through his hair.

She could have remained there all night to watch the sunrise, but then her eyes soon landed on the journal sitting on the table.

She reached out to pick it up. It was opened to a page about portals.

She gave him a pout and Varian pressed his lips together, unsure of what to say.

She shook her head, laid the book back down, and stood back up.

"Honey?"

Varian took off after her as she made her way down the stairs.

But rather than answer she forced a smile on her face.

"Do you want some hot cocoa?' She asked him with as cheerful a voice as she could manage, and without waiting for an answer, she went behind the counter and started to pull out the hot cocoa packet and mugs.

Varian stood frozen on the bottom of the landing, bewildered by Honey Lemon's sudden mood swings, not knowing how to proceed.

"Do you want marshmallows?" She asked.

"Yeeeah...?"

He inched slowly towards her as she pulled out the half and half; almost as if she was a deer in the forest that might bolt if he so much as breathed wrong.

"You know... I umm... about that nightmare I had?" He paused waiting for her reaction. She slowed in her moments but didn't look at him. He continued on. "Mine was about the black rocks again. I keep having them. It's sort of the same dream... only different each time and well, whenever I can't sleep I'd rather work on something then just sit there in the dark. S-so that's why I was studying Demantius journal."

"Okay."

Her reply was soft but curt and Varian didn't know how to respond to it.

"Here's your coco." She said with another forced smile and handed him the steaming mug. He took it and gave it a half hearted sip as she went to sit in front of the window.

The street lamp outside lit the swirling flurries with a soft warm glow. It was beautiful. It was deceptive. And it was cold.

His gaze landed back on the slender woman's silhouette, also bathed in that same warm light and every bit as frosty as the snow that fell.

He suppressed a sigh of frustration and took a seat next to her. They sat there, for who knows how many minutes, just looking at the storm.

“I know you don't want me going back to Corona.” He said, finally breaking the silence. 

Honey Lemon didn't respond. 

“B-but you do understand how important it is, right?” He pressed. “Now that I've told you everything?...You don't have to like it. I just need you to understand.” 

“I understand.” She whispered; not looking at him. 

“Do you? Do you really? Cause, it doesn't feel like it when you get mad at me for working on the portal.” 

She turned her head away from him, but didn't answer. He sighed and went back to nursing his cup of coco. The uncomfortable silence returned. 

"Did you know I had a sister?" She asked suddenly, and Varian turned to her in surprise.

"Umm... n-no. No I didn't." he stuttered.

"I've never met her."

She still wasn't looking at him as she stared at her toes.

"I don't even know her name."

She almost laughed at that. Almost. Like a breathless gasp that she nearly choked on.

"See... after dad moved out he got this job at a university. It was practically on the opposite side of the world. Anyways... I  hadn't heard from for awhile, so I contacted the collage and got his private office. Some girl answered the phone and when I asked to talk to 'Professor Hopken’, I heard her call out 'Daaad!' Phone call for you!' so I just hung up.” 

Varian didn't say anything. He sat there, with concern etched onto his face. Honey Lemon knew that look, but didn't turn to face him. She kept staring at her cup of coco that she had barely drunk out of. 

“I always thought that the reason he left was because he didn't want to be a dad. That he had to put his career on hold when he and mama had me. But I guess he just didn't want to be my dad.” 

“Don't say that.” 

Honey Lemon finally looked at him and gave him a sad smile. “I know. It's not me. It was never about me or my brother.” 

She let out a shaky breath. 

“Look, you're right. I don't understand. I never had a dad who cared. I can't even begin to imagine what you've gone through. But why do I have to understand? I'm not trying to stop you. I said I would help.” 

Varian let out a second sigh; one of defeat instead of frustration. 

“I know. I guess… I just feel guilty when I see you upset over it.” 

“Sorry.”

“No. No, don't be sorry. You didn't do anything wrong. I guess…I should be happy that you care so much?”

Honey Lemon snorted over his awkwardness. 

“Well, if I was planning on traveling to a dangerous alternate dimension to save someone, what would you do?” 

“Go with you.” 

“And if I told you ‘No. It's too dangerous.’ What then?” 

He conceded with a nod. 

“Okay. I get it.” 

“Sooo you'll let us help you?” 

“Define help.” 

“Like coming with you to Corona to save your dad?” 

Varian stifled a groan. “How?” 

“What do you mean ‘how’?” 

“I mean how will you being there help?” 

“Well for one we could fight off that nasty king if he showed up!” 

“It wouldn't be the king. It would be the king's guard and Rapunzel. You can't just bubble the princess like you do criminals.” 

“Why not?” 

“Magic.” He said seriously. 

Honey Lemon’s stomach dropped. Varian hated any association with magic. It only dawned on her just now why. He hated magic, because he had fought against magic. It wasn't fairy godmothers granting wishes to attend royals balls nor pixie dust that made people fly. Magic was something to be feared. Magic was a weapon. 

She took a deep breath, squared her shoulders, and looked him straight in the eye.

“And we have the power of science.” She said with far more confidence than she felt. 

Varian slowly broke out into a grin before snorting with laughter. 

“It wasn't that corny… was it?” 

“It was,” he snickered.

Honey Lemon pouted. 

“And it was glorious.” He added. Which made her feel a little better. 

“B-but I mean it. We could figure out some way to like.. I don't know… block her powers or something.” 

Varian swallowed down his giggles with another swig of coco, before gaining his composure. 

“I'll make you a deal.” He said, more seriously this time. “If you can find a way to dispel magic. You can come. ” 

Honey Lemon raised an eyebrow. “And if we can't?” 

“Then you stay behind to man the portal.” 

“I'm not sure if I like that deal.”

“Someone has to stay behind, so that whoever goes won't get stuck.” He reasoned. 

Honey Lemon saw the logic in that but wasn't ready to give up. 

“On one condition.” 

“Name it.” 

Honey Lemon bit her lip for a moment before jumping up and pulling Varian away from the table and his mug of coco. 

“We have a snowball fight.” 

“What!?” 

“We have a snowball fight.” She repeated as she opened the front door. Everything looked pale and gray in the early morning. “If you win, then I'll accept the terms of the deal. If I win, then we renegotiate.” 

She stood in the doorway, hands on her hips, looking at him expectantly. 

He however looked at her as if she was crazy. 

“I’m not going out in that .” He pointed behind her. 

“It's just snow. It won't hurt you.” 

“It's cold.” 

“We're both wearing sweaters.” 

She grabbed a couple of scarves and hats off the coat hanger next to the door and tossed some at him. 

“You could slip on the ice.” He protested, as she put on her boots.

“And it's not even fully light out yet.”

 She didn't hear him as she ran outside. 

“Fine, I'll renegotiate!” He yelled from the doorway; his hands up in the air in surrender, still clutching the hat and scarf. 

Honey Lemon paused, snow in hand. 

“You mean I can come with?” 

“I didn't say that.” 

Honey Lemon grabbed another handful of snow and started packing it on top of the previous handful. 

“Okay… okay.” 

She looked up to see him snag a handful of snow himself while still standing in the doorway. 

A short but fierce snowball fight began. Honey Lemon ran this way and that. Varian never left the doorway. Somehow they both manage to completely miss each other every time. 

Varian dogged another snowball as it smacked into the side of the doorframe, and then he scooped down to get more ammunition. 

He had to lean out far to grab more fresh snow, since had used up all that was in front of the door. 

Honey Lemon took aim, and then lowered her arm as she watched him struggle. 

“We can take a break if you want to get your shoes.” 

“No… it's fine… I got it.” He grunted as he nabbed a pitiful handful of powdery frost, before catching himself as he nearly fell face forward. 

He righted himself quickly and started quickly forming a ball before it melted in his hand. He stopped when he noticed that Honey was no longer throwing anything at him. 

“Do you really hate the snow that much?” She asked. 

“I… don't hate it.” He squirmed. “I just…” 

He trailed off, unable to articulate his complex history with the weather. When looked up again, she was standing in front of him. Her hands now empty. 

“I'm sorry. I just thought it would be fun.” 

“It was fun.” He insisted. “Really. I'm… I'm just bad at snowball fights.”

She threw her arms around his neck, and he dropped the last of the half melted snow. 

“Oh what are we going to do?” She moaned, her face inches from his own. 

“Uhhh…” His mind blanked. “I don't know.” He managed to mutter.

His head swam. She had given him hugs before but this felt different. He could feel her warm breath on his lips, contrasting with freezing air and he wanted to kiss her. Kiss her properly, on the mouth. Like he'd seen in movies and read in books. 

But would she let him?

He didn't get a chance to find out. 

“What are you doing holding the open like that? It's freezing out there.” 

Varian snapped his head around to see Aunt Cass and his brothers on the stairs. 

“Yeah and some of us are still trying to sleep.” Tadashi added, hugging himself to keep warm. 

“If you want to go outside that's fine, but try not to let all the warm air out with you.” Aunt Cass finished before turning to go back up stairs. 

“Why can't you two flirt like normal people?” Hiro sneered before following after. 

Both Varain and Honey Lemon turned beat red. 

She slowly untangled her arms from around his neck as Tadashi left as well, and he stepped aside to let her in. 

He was about to close the door too when a strong gust of wind blasted in his face. 

Honey Lemon squeaked and covered her head as something clambered against the side of the wall. 

Varian looked to see what had hit the side of the house. It was black and poking out of the snow. 

Ignoring his socks getting soaked through, he strode over to the object to pick it up. 

Its handle glinted in the soft light and his heart stopped. 

“What is it?” Honey asked, peering from the doorway. 

“It's a knife.” 

“A knife?” 

He pulled the dagger from its sheath to show her. Even the blade was polished black stone. 

“That's weird.” She commented. “Who leaves knives lying around?”

He looked at her with an unreadable expression on his face. 

“It's not from here.” He said. “It's from Corona.”

[broadwaydivastournament]

Movie Musical Divas Tournament: Round 3

Susan Sarandon (1946- ): Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) Janet Weiss

"okay okay I can only really think of the one movie musical within the time frame that she’s in. BUT she’s too hot for me to care about that and I hope you agree. I mean I’m sorry she does spend half of rocky horror walking around in a bra and underwear and nothing else and Susan Sarandon did get like pneumonia from being wet and cold for half of filming (rain scenes and no heat on set I think) for us to not say she’s hot enough in it for her to count for this" - anonymous

Eartha Kitt (1927-2008): New Faces (1954, Miss Kitt) | St Louis Blues (1958, Gogo Germaine)

"YES! Even though she faced bewildering amounts of Hollywood racism, the winner of the Hot & Vintage Movie Women Tournament DID manage to do a couple of movie musicals: New Faces, a fluffy backstage-hijinks thing in which she plays her classic chanteuse persona and is even addressed as "Miss Kitt", and St Louis Blues, a musical biopic in which she sings alongside a bunch of other jazz greats. Neither of the films is considered a masterpiece, but Eartha is as scorchingly hot as always, and demonstrates that she could have become a legend in movie musicals if the roles had been there for her. In short, vote for Eartha Kitt because (1) she has JUST ENOUGH credits to count as a movie musical diva, (2) think of all the other Eartha Kitt movie musicals we COULD have had if not for racism, and (3) she's Eartha Kitt, certifiably the hottest old movie woman. Please and thank you." - anonymous

This is Round 3 of the Movie Musical Divas tournament. Additional polls in this round may be found by searching #mmround3, or by clicking the link below. Add your propaganda and support by reblogging this post.

ADDITIONAL PROPAGANDA AND MEDIA UNDER CUT: ALL POLLS HERE

Susan Sarandon:

"Confirmed bisexual Susan Sarandon. Kept her ex-husband's name professionally. Incidentally, her ex Chris Sarandon remarried *the* Joanna Gleason, who also kept her first husband's name professionally. They did a podcast episode together about cooking and I think about these connections a lot." - anonymous

Photos and video submitted by: anonymous

Eartha Kitt:

Photos and video submitted by: anonymous

[rottmntsimp]

Do you mind telling why Donatello is your favorite?

(Feel free to ignore this ask if you want.)

— Gogo Anon.

Oooooh boy ok ok,

First of all, sarcastic, smart, wannabe emo theater kid- yes fucking please-

Second, the character development! Learning that his place in the Mad Dogz isn't solely reliant on his technical skills is just...so heart felt. As an someone who often feels like I don't bring much to the table, I often feel like deadweight, but seeing April and Donnie finally talk about his insecurities just sparked something within me.

He's someone I can heavily relate to, which brings to point three- kinning. Now, imagine if Donnie had ADHD alongside his autism, and is into film and art- yeah that's basically me! I often struggle with applying empathy and often go non-verbal when facing an especially strong emotion. This fandom helped me realize that this isn't odd or weird, and is in fact perfectly fine, and often those fics contain Donnie struggling with said problems, causing me to connect to him even more.

And finally, character design. The ROTTMNT team did such a good job with designing all the characters. They made him flashy yet practical, bold yet stealthy, embracing his inner theater kid to the fullest, and I love it.

These points can all be taken as platonically or as romantically you wish to view them, but ⚠SPOILER⚠ I am down bad...

Hope that helps :] <3

[pinkjacketorangetie]

Could you do a Goemon×Reader piece where the reader is cold and shivering? You could also do Jigen if you would rather/in addition to :)

warmth

goemon x reader, jigen x reader your man tries to keep you warm in the cold cw: lighters, smoking, mentions of drinking tags: established early relationship (jigen), pre-relationship (goemon) thanks for the request, anon. hope you enjoy <3 always happy to write for you!!

Goemon

He noticed you were shivering a while ago, but avoided addressing it. Not because he wanted to be rude, but the idea he had to help you crossed so many lines and would break so many boundaries. He was overly aware of your cold body next to his and watched as you wring your hands together. Goemon let out a long sigh, his breath being lifted into the winter air, and gently turned towards you.

"Can I help you?" He asked, almost curtly, but you knew what he meant. The connection you had was special. You had a degree in Goemon-ese.

"Yes, please," you whispered, looking up at him with snowflakes frozen to your lashes. Your face was read from the cold and he gently pulled his hands out of his pockets, cupping your cheeks in his palms. You leaned into his touch, letting out a sigh as he warmed you to your core.

"Listen to me, okay?" He spoke softly to you, the cold air almost sucking up the sounds he made.

You just nodded.

Goemon gave you a little smile, finally letting his inhibitions go. This was all to help you, and that was the most honorable intention, right? "I'm going to let go of your cheeks now."

His voice was as sweet as honey, but you still sighed defeatedly when his heated skin wasn't protecting yours anymore. You watched with a cocked eyebrow as he moved to untuck his hakama shirt, holding the panels out.

"Get in here." He instructed, trying to keep his face deadpanned.

You laughed as you began to tuck yourself into his torso. You snaked your arms around his waist, Goemon hissing softly as you planted your cold hands on his back. "Oh... sorry." You said as you began to pull them back.

"No, stay." He wrapped you up in his shirt, swaddling you to his chest and holding your arms still. Goemon looked down at you, gently thumbing through your hair as he began to sway as if he was rocking you like a baby. You shared a smile, your arms squeezing him a little tighter.

"Thank you, Gogo." You whispered. "You're very warm. I feel better already."

You felt a solid stroke across your head and down the back of your neck, flattening out your hair. You felt the ghost of a kiss press into top of your head. You felt his nose stay there for a moment longer and the silence that followed.

You laid your cheek flat against him, your temple subsequently resting on his collarbone, and closed your eyes. You felt him shiver, but you knew it wasn't because he was cold. You soaked in the moment with him, suddenly not minding that Lupin was taking longer with the escape route than expected.

Jigen

"Too bad we don't have any booze on this boat." Jigen grumbled, rubbing his hands together as he returned to his seat next to you.

"Why did we agree to do this?" You asked, resting your head on his shoulder. You were shivering at his side and Jigen cooed softly, turning to wrap his arms around you.

"Ohh... is my sweet baby cold?" He peppered kisses along your temples as he snaked his limbs around you. You never would have guessed that Jigen would experience an entire personality change after your first kiss, but it was a wonderful surprise.

"Of course I am," you pouted, but huddled in his chest nonetheless, "this blows."

Jigen couldn't help but chuckle, "I know, but at least we have a pretty view. In a few hours we'll be warm and cozy in a hotel room, just think of that, sweet thing." He placed a kiss on the shell of your ear, and you blushed from his affection.

Lupin had sent you two to scope out some museum in Italy for a few days, and he stayed behind in France to take care of some "loose ends", whatever that meant. The thought of a week alone with Jigen in Italy was the closest to heaven you had ever been, but the cold ten-hour ferry ride delayed the fun just a tiny bit.

"We have to more in Italy than that, you know," you sighed, turning your head and taking in the sights around you, "The stars do look pretty shining off the water."

"That's my girl," Jigen smiled and pulled you closer, if that was even possible. "Want a light?"

"I don't smoke," you looked up at him, disappointed he didn't remember.

"No, doll face," he leaned down and blew some warm air on your lips before kissing them, "We can huddle around our own little fire."

"Oh," you blushed, trying to stifle a giggle as Jigen held out and flicked on his lighter. You cupped your hands around it and leaned in, grateful for the momentary respite for your numbing hands. Jigen dipped a cigarette into the flame and lit it, laying his other hand over yours. He nudged his head a little closer together, giving you the smallest bit of room to hide your face beneath the brim of his hat. The heat that radiated off of his cheek mixed with the smell of his cologne. Just enough to make you swoon.

"Clever," you whispered, kissing the part of his lips that weren't focussed on holding a cigarette. "You're always my hero, Jigen."

"I'd do anything for you, you know that."

[moloko2000]

Dive into the heat at MACHO - Sydney’s most anticipated dance party on the Mardi Gras weekend party calendar.

Join us on Friday March 1st at Cult Nightclub for MACHO,' an explosion of beats and connections, featuring an epic lineup of international DJs (see the flyer above for full line up).

Groove to circuit and house music while mingling in our nightclub and bar area.

7 international DJs, Gogo Dancers, World class production and the hottest MACHOS from all around the world that will be in Sydney for Mardi Gras. You need to be there to believe it.

With every corner pulsating, every moment promises passion. Don't let the thrill slip away - see you there! 

EARLY BIRD AND FIRST RELEASE TICKETS HAVE BEEN SOLD OUT. ONLY A FEW SECOND RELEASE TICKETS LEFT.

Get yours now here: https://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/macho/160321 before they're all gone.

[bigfootbeat]

Nittaewo of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan folklore mentions the Nittaewo, a mysterious and intriguing concept. People believe that these fabled beings once resided in the deep forests of Sri Lanka, particularly in the eastern region. There are a few different ways to describe the Nittaewo, but in general, they are described as being humanoid creatures that are quite little and stand between three and four feet tall. They stand in stark contrast to their Bigfoot counterpart in North America which is huge. Reports stated that they had hair covering their bodies and used their strong claws to climb trees and hunt small creatures. Legends from the area assert that the Nittaewo were a primitive people that lacked the ability to communicate verbally or make use of tools. They lived in caverns and traveled in groups, conversing with one another through body language and noises. They were notorious for their aggressive attitude, and the indigenous Vedda people, who lived in the same woodlands, feared them not only because of their small stature but also because of their hostile nature. The connection between the Nittaewo and the Veddas was filled with tension, which resulted in stories of skirmishes and ultimately led to the demise of the Nittaewo.

One of the most well-known stories about the Nittaewo is that they met their end. According to legend, the Veddas decided to eradicate the Nittaewo after becoming fed up with their belligerent behavior and regular attacks. The Veddas imprisoned the Nittaewo in a cave, effectively sealing their fate with logs. It is believed that the Nittawo people became extinct over the course of time, leaving behind only myths and oral tales. Some people believe that the Nittaewo are nothing more than myths, while others wonder about the possible origins of these creatures. Numerous hypotheses suggest that the Nittaewo could have been a hominid species, potentially linked to Homo floresiensis, the Indonesian Hobbit people. It is believed that a small population of early humans, known as the Nittaewo, resided in Sri Lanka until relatively recently. This theory proposes that they continued to exist until relatively recently. However, there is currently no definitive archeological evidence to support this theory. This is the same narrative sometimes used to explain the Ebu Gogo in Indonesia.

Residents and researchers are still fascinated by the Nittaewo. In an effort to discover the reality that lies behind the mythology, numerous expeditions and investigations have been carried out, but, as of yet, no proof that can be considered conclusive has been discovered. It is a tribute to the rich tapestry of Sri Lankan mythology that the story of the Nittaewo continues to be an intriguing blend of myth and mystery. In contemporary times, the story of the Nittaewo serves as a cultural narrative that emphasizes the relationships that take place between people and the natural world. It reflects themes of survival, strife, and the unknown, and resonates with greater human experiences. In Sri Lanka's cultural heritage, the Nittaewo continue to be a fascinating feature, regardless of whether they are actual or imagined entities.

[arcadekitten]

Hi! I'm a new fan, but I just wanna say how I love that you draw different body types since sometimes artists use the same body type for their characters. So it was refreshing and really nice to see your characters! And so I don't waste a question, what inspired you to make Semiaquatic Circus? And what was the first character you made in that game?

Aw thank you, I'm happy you feel that way!! I hope I can get better at it too!♡

Semiaquatic Circus is actually really interesting! Pogo Gogo is technically the first character I designed for it, back when I just really wanted my own big scary clown lady.

After that, ideas of a circus crew for her and what I might do with it started popping into my head. I wanted to make some kind of circus game, but I wasn't sure the exact plot for it yet. It went through a lot of design changes actually as I bounced ideas around in my head trying to decide what I wanted it to be!

Some ideas included: -The character that would become Capella being a teenager instead -Connected to the above, the protagonist would not be Capella but rather a detective of sorts looking for a missing teenager -Also connected to the above, the character that would become Capella having a more run-down and "spiky" appearance as compared to the elegant one she holds now -Similar to the above BUT with Capella as an adult, a more explicit romance plot between Pogo x Capella (before I changed Capella's personality, made her protagonist, and decided actually everyone has to fall in love with Capella)

-Capella joining the circus to find someone else connected to the circus, etc

--

Of course I didn't end up going with any of these...for now. But it's possible one of these old ideas might lead to inspiration for a new game in the future!! And since you were asking I thought it would be fun to share!

[andrew-cunanan-true-crime-blog]

A person who knew Andrew personally shares his memories of him.

"I knew Andrew pretty well, Jeff Trail and Andrew’s mother Mary for a few years. I think most people don’t get how gregarious, often charming and overtly outgoing - almost raucous, he was. His laugh was legendary and distinctive - something few documentaries or fictionalized docudramas ever have portrayed. He was also almost strangely generous, he gifted me a portable CD player out of his trunk one night upon finding out it was my birthday and a very expensive architectural coffee table book for a housewarming gift (not signed, Damn!) both he and Jeff were at my housewarming party. He absolutely was a serial liar, but if you weren’t personally invested into whatever the lie was they mostly manifested themselves as quirky, amusing stories, “I can’t tell you how many parties in Rancho Sante Fe where Herb Ritts was attending with hot models I almost missed”... The thing was he was so damn smart that he would inject more than a few bits of accuracy or focused information about whatever the lie was that it always seemed at least, maybe plausible. Again, if you weren’t invested into whatever that lie was it was mostly no harm no foul. Predictably now, we did not know him by his real last name of Cunanan until the murders, he was DaSilva to us, of a Brazilian Jewish heritage lol. His wit, charm and intelligence took him up to a certain social level for a while, able to hold court with both gogo boys and PHD professors. I remember having a somewhat deep conversation about a contemporary English architect that few people not in the profession would know one night in a dance club, that was Andrew, he knew at least a little about EVERYTHING and sometimes much more. He was canny about picking and choosing tidbits of information that might prove beneficial or attractive in conversations with wealthy benefactors. He must have gained those 30 pounds fast because I saw him last in late March or early April and he wasn’t pudgy then. It was sad and shocking the turn of events, especially the brutal murder of his former good friend Jeff, a solid great guy, retired Naval officer, who was well liked and respected and I always enjoyed his humble, friendly midwestern personality. For more than a few days we were all pretty terrified he would come back here, if he did that to Jeff he could do that to anybody he knew. The whole thing is one of the weirdest connections to infamy I have ever experienced in my life. I remember on the morning of Versace’s murder completely joking with another guy who also knew him with an offhand comment that Andrew probably did it - this is when his whereabouts were still completely unknown - and how within a couple of hours it totally freaked us out when the news came out who the suspect was." T.Damon

[baileypie-writes]

~Ranking All Pink Cures in Pretty Cure~

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Disclaimer: These are all my opinions! If you don’t agree with them, that’s fine! Just don’t attack me or anything.

Also, I did include Cure Black, even though I personally don’t see her as pink. But there are no other black cures, so I grouped her in here.

‼️Warning: Spoilers for Yes! Precure 5(+GoGo and Otona Precure)‼️

~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~

~🎶18 - Cure Melody🎶~

(Suite Precure)

In very last place in Cure Melody. I’ve already talked about her in my “Cures I Hate” post, so I’ll simplify it here. I personally remember all the fights she and Cure Rhythm had to be started by her. She’s very rude to her as well. Also, I just don’t like her design. I don’t know why. I think it might be the hair.

~💕17 - Cure Lovely💕~

(Happiness Charge Precure)

I never got attached to Cure Lovely. She’s just a copy and paste of a lot of the previous pink cures. But not really, because at least they had personality. She has none. If you held a gun to my head and asked me to tell you one of her hobbies, I’d be dead.

~🍙16 - Cure Precious🍙~

(Delicious Party Precure)

Same as Cure Lovely. Just a copy and paste of previous pink cures. Her only personality trait is food, I think her catchphrase is dumb, and on top of that, she’s just very forgettable. What puts her higher than Lovely is her design. I think it’s really cute.

~📣15 - Cure Yell📣~

(Hugtto Precure)

I know that Yell is a lot of people’s favorite. But I just never connected with her. Like the ones below her, she’s just the basic pink personality. I also found her voice to be quite annoying at times. And don’t even get me started on her singing voice…

~🍑14 - Cure Peach🍑~

(Fresh Precure)

Cure Peach is alright. I think her personality is fine, and her design is cute. There’s nothing I dislike about her, but there are definitely better pink cures. That all.

~🌷13 - Cure Grace🌷~

(Healin’ Good Precure)

Same as the previous ones. Sort of a copy and paste, and pretty forgettable. But I’m currently rewatching Healin’ Good Precure, and she grew on me a bit. I don’t know what it is, but she’s just nice.

~💘12 - Cure Heart💘~

(Doki Doki Precure)

I like Cure Heart. She is similar to other pink cures, but she has a bit of her own special flavor. I love her design as well. And it’s nice to have a break from the super ditzy characters.

~🪄11 - Cure Miracle🪄~

(Maho Girls Precure)

While I’m not absolutely in love with Miracle, she was very entertaining to watch. I think she’s very funny. Her design is pretty good as well. That’s all I have to say.

~⭐️10 - Cure Star⭐️~

(Star Twinkle Precure)

Cure Star is definitely one of my favorite cure designs. I love her silly pigtails. Like Cure Heart, she’s similar to other pinks, but has her own little flare.

~🍰9 - Cure Whip🍰~

(KiraKira Precure A La Mode)

I have no idea how Whip made it so high. Her personality’s nothing special. I guess it has to be her design. I’m a sucker for dessert themes. Her creativity is a plus too.

~🌸8 - Cure Blossom🌸~

(Heartcatch Precure)

What can I say, she’s cool. Her design is really cute, her personality is pretty unique, and her friendship with Marine is adorable. I love her big glasses in her civilian form as well.

~💖7 - Cure Dream💖~

(Yes! Precure 5)

Cure Dream kind of set the mold for the pink characters. She’s a classic, and I love her. I also love her GoGo design. She’s so silly and fun to watch. The only thing that prevented her from being higher on this list is that she married her teacher…

~👑6 - Cure Flora👑~

(Go! Princess Precure)

Flora’s probably much higher on other people’s list. And I can see why. Flora’s great! She’s so lovable! Also, her solo in the second ending is so beautiful. It makes me ascend to God.

~🦴5 - Cure Wonderful🦴~

(Wonderful Precure)

I love Wonderful. For being the first leader cure to be an animal, she’s awesome. Her design is adorable too, and it really reflects her personality. The only thing I don’t like about her though, is that she can be too much sometimes. She also opens her big mouth a lot.

~🌺4 - Cure Bloom🌺~

(Futari wa Precure Splash Star)

You guys might be shocked to see her so high. And I kind of am too. I mean, her design is just so ugly. But I genuinely loved Splash Star so much, as well as Bloom. I know how similar she is to Cure Black, but I don’t really care. I just love her so much.

~🎀3 - Cure Happy🎀~

(Smile Precure)

I’m a bit biased with this one. I(unfortunately) watched Glitter Force as a kid, and so she’s basically engraved into my heart. I love her design and her personality, even though it’s nothing special. She’s just been with me the longest and has helped me through some tough times.

~☯️2 - Cure Black☯️~

(Futari wa Precure)

How many letters are in “Futari wa”??

If Cure Black was real, and she and I were the same age, I’m sure we’d be best friends. I love her personality so much, she’s so cool and funny. Not to mention, she’s one of the og cures. Every time she appears in the All Stars movies, I get so excited. She’s just awesome.

~🦋1 - Cure Butterfly🦋~

(Soaring Sky Precure)

Honestly, I still can’t believe she’s my favorite. I just feel like there are so many better cures. But somehow, she keeps making her way back up to first place. I just find her so lovable, and her design is so beautiful.(Marry me, Cure Butterfly)

That’s all! Let me know what you think of my ranking, and how you would rank them yourself!

~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~🎀~~~

~~baileypie-writes