#hopefully things are spelled correctly

[flamingredanon]

Lizzy Lizzy Lizzy! How are you? I’ve come to stop by and ask how you’re doing?

Also do you have any other things on the roseright Lucha Libre au? 👉👈

(I value your friendship, but also I’m a wee bit hooked on the idea)

I am doing well on this Monday afternoon.

As for things about the Roseright Lucha Libre AU...

I was thinking of Right having an ox like theme with his outfit (based off the whole THSC data mine stuff that may or may not be legit)

Reginald used to be a big time rudo back in the day, maybe something related to snakes or birds for his attire. Age crept up on his body so he decides to be Right's manager.

Once Ellie and Right hit it off, they occasionally dabble in tag team shenanigans (maybe with matching outfits depending on if they are playing tecnico or rudo), though they still love facing off against each other in the ring for fun as well.

Burt and Charles are the announcers for whatever Lucha programming this might be (can't think of a name for this)

And one completely unhinged thing, Galeforce is basically a tecnico Hulk Hogan with a Lucha mask (and not a horrible person that Hulk is in real life) who vows to take on any rudos that crosses his path. He is also pushing seventy and refuses to hang up his boots.

[soup-scope]

does anyone know any good audio rp accounts 💔💔

i’ve stopped listening for awhile and i need smth to yank me back in💔💔

(i fr binged all do zsaku’s stuff and i feel DEPRIVED 💔💔)

[ajortga]

affection deprived

pairing: jenna ortega x fem reader

authors note: i do not like this but hopefully you do, please send more requests

word count: 1.5k+

-

based off this request!

-

where r asks emma to hold jenna's hand to see if she notices and the second emma held jennas hand she immediately knew it wasnt r's hand

-🥝

It was another filming day. You come in at least 4 times a week, rather if it’s to run a scene over, hair and makeup, a chemistry read or checking on costumes. 

As you get on set, you grab a coffee (that always manages to go untouched and goes cold) while playing a thumb war with your best friend, Emma Myers.

“Do they have strawberries today?” You ask while having your tongue slightly stuck out in concentration. “I don’t know where they get them from, but they’re always so perfectly sweet.”

Emma giggles, trapping your thumb as you squeal. “Gotcha! 1..2.. I think they do, I saw watermelons too if I remember correctly. 3… 4..”

You giggle, huffing when she wins the match. “At least those will make my day. Hey, your hands are so soft.” You begin playing with her hands, admiring how squishy they are.

“Thanks, babycakes,” the blonde jokes, holding your hand as you both swing back and forth while walking through set.

If anything, holding hands makes you think of Jenna. You haven’t been cuddly with her at the moment. You think it’s because she’s so caught up in work and how you always seem to hold her hand, that she doesn���t notice when you’re not. It’s like everywhere you go she automatically thinks her hands are intertwined with your warm ones.

“Hey, Emma. I wanted to ask you something,” you say, glancing into the distance as you see your girlfriend unaware of your presence far away, talking to one of the directors.

“What is it? You need me to help you with something?”

You nod, tearing your eyes away from the ones that weren’t looking at you to the ones that were. “You think you could help me out in trying to cast some spell on Jenna to make her realize that I miss her touches?”

“Oh yes.” The blonde says, making a small ‘pshhhh’ sound as she takes out her invisible wand. “Jenna Marie Ortega, I command you to snap out of your acting character and recognize your girlfriend’s needs!” She says, swaying up and down.

Your eyes roll, watching her be silly and take the opportunity to snap a photo. “Uh huh. I don’t know.. Okay. Jenna and I used to do this thing where I’d sneak under the table and cling onto her hand. It’s just been something that we’ve done ever since.”

In your relationship, you were the sucker for the people who knew you inside and out. Jenna was just that person. She’d rub your knuckles gently in a circle with her thumb whenever you grew nervous, always came home from her other film projects with something you’d like. 

Obviously she still does, you’ve just been feeling like you’ve had the lack of affection. “Which makes you grumpy,” Emma would say. You would sulk before filming a scene and Jenna would’ve noticed if hadn’t a distraction popped up. It was almost like you could see the small puzzles in her head would begin to turn then be interrupted. 

“So.. How is me holding your girlfriend’s hand going to do anything?”

“Hopefully it makes her notice how AFFECTION DEPRIVED I AM!” You almost yell. If she really thought Emma’s hand was really yours, you think you’d break up with her. (You would never be the one to break up first.)

-

It was Friday night. Some would say it was the night to party all night long. 

They were true.

Almost every Friday the Wednesday cast would gather at someone’s house, preferably Georgie’s because he had a trampoline and some dope snacks. You didn’t want to admit that when you and Jenna first saw how many good snacks he had, you slammed them into your bag. Jenna brought an extra tote bag smashed under the things in her backpack to push all the snacks in there the next time you went to Georgie’s house.

You stare down at your hand, chatter filling the room as everyone talks while eating. You wonder if it’s any special. You’re not sure why it matters so much to you. It's just like every other hand, right?

No one knows you better than Jenna, maybe you should just be straightforward with her and the lack of affection you’ve been feeling lately. 

“Ems?” You holler, looking around. You find her on the couch across from your girlfriend, in a deep conversation with each other.

And when Jenna turns to you with those sweet brown eyes, you feel like the happy giddy feeling in your chest. The feeling that lingered when you had a silly, puppy loved crush on the girl for the first time. You were a bundle of nerves, squeaking whenever you talked to her, cheeks flushing easily. 

And she was yours. Except that feeling just popped up again. Your eyes dart the room, opening your mouth to say something, then shutting it. Instead, you give an awkward wave and run out.

Jenna gave you a smile, eyebrows furrowing as she watched you dash out.

“I think my baby is scared of me.”

Emma rolls her eyes, looking at you go, “An affection deprived baby.”

-

“Okay Agent Double Two x Five thousand and Sixty Two, it’s time.” You whisper, you and the blonde eyeing the target in front of you.

Like two partners in crime.

“Roger that.”

Emma crawls under the table and you almost break your facade, a silly smile threatening to plaster on your lips as you see her bump her head on accident. You can see Jenna, talking to Hunter as she brings her drink to her lips. 

You look away, looking down at Emma’s current journey.

As she keeps talking, Emma counts the hands to be able to reach the right one. She approaches the brunette, where her hands are against her lap, and lightly taps it. A stupid grin forms on your face when you see your girlfriend’s face contort into confusion.

Jenna processes what’s going on as her hands roam around. She lightly catches the hand and feels it. Assuming it was you, she intertwined her hand with yours.

It doesn’t take 10 seconds before she feels like something is out of place. The hand is soft, but it’s too soft. Yours is just the perfect amount of soft. She rubs her thumb over the person’s knuckles and the pattern isn’t familiar.

She immediately tugs her hand away and looks under the table to see a goofy Emma Myers looking back.

“Emma? What the hell are you doing under there?”

“I was actually looking for my ball that I dropped.” Emma backs herself up, shoving her hand into her pocket and bringing up a neon green ball with a smiley face. “Oh wow! It was here all along! Thanks!” 

The blonde crawls out as the other girl blinks and watches her walk off. Something about realizing it wasn’t you made Jenna feel disappointed. She hasn’t held your hand whenever you nudged it while walking down the streets together. She’d brush it off thinking that you did it by accident. 

The events of the endless hours of filming caught up to her, she had been neglecting you with her lack of affection. All the signs were in front of her, yet she didn’t notice.

She excuses herself and looks around for you, peeking her head into the living room to see you scrolling through your phone.

“Hey, cutie. I missed you.” The brunette says softly, catching your attention as she squeezes next to you. You don’t respond, making grabby arms. She almost feels how twitchy you are as you cling onto her, her fingers thread through your hair, hoping she can make you feel a little better.

Your hands touch something soft and you feel hers nudging into yours. The perfect amount of softness. She didn’t realize how much she missed your touch until you’re curled up to her like a koala.

“I’m sorry I’ve been neglecting your affection needs. I just feel like filming messes with my surroundings. I would never do it on purpose, okay?”

God you missed her. You missed her cuddles. You missed her hugs. You missed-

“Y/N.”

“You swear?”

“I’ll swear on.. I don’t know!”

She wraps her arms around you tightly, lifting you up on her lap as she presses her lips to your cheek. "I want you to tell me whenever you feel this way, okay? I can’t survive knowing that I let you feel a certain way you don’t like and I don’t even notice.”

“Okay. I will, I’m sorry. I didn’t want you to think that I’m too affectionate.”

“Never.”

A small grin comes upon your lips, “Now can you teach me how to distinguish people’s hands?”

For the rest of the night, Jenna lets her scent comfort you, your hand laced in hers for almost the rest of the party. When you see Emma, you give her a goofy smile and a thumbs up. She grins and does a two finger salute.

Let’s just say that all the days after, you were woken up with kisses and hugs, and definitely a bit too spoiled on set with a showered affectionate girlfriend. She even tied your shoes. Maybe it was too much, but you didn’t want anything less. Too much made you feel like the happiest girl in the world.

[scarlethexelove]

I’d love to see a Wanda x Reader fic where Wanda is practicing a new duplication spell, and she asks reader to help spot any differences between her and her new “clone”. The game turns flirty and then cue a Wanda/Reader/Wanda threeway :)

Seeing Double

Pairing: Wanda Maximoff x Reader

Word Count: 3569

Warnings: Smut, Spell gone wrong (Or oh so right), Strap-on (R receiving), Oral on Strap-on (Wanda receiving), light bondage (Only a split second), Enchanted Straps, Cum filled Straps, Dom!Wanda, Sub!Reader, Two Wanda's, Anal, Double Penetration, Plugs, Anal fingering, Mommy Kink, Mistress Kink, Slight selfcest (Just making out), Squirting, A bit of Cock warming

A/n: I was so excited to write this. Hopefully it doesn't get too confusing with the double Wanda's. I tried my best to tell who was who when doing anything. Thank you for the request and I really hope you like it.

NO ONE IS PERMITTED TO STEAL, COPY, OR REBLOG MY WORK AS THEIR OWN

“Wands?” You call out as you open the door to the study. Wanda likes to use it to practice her magic. You would normally never disturb her while doing so, but she has been in there awhile and you just wanted to make sure she was ok and to bring her something to eat and drink. She warns you that it is dangerous and she would never want to hurt you. So you normally stay away like she said but your nerves got the best of you so you made your way inside. 

The tray clatters to the ground. The cup of tea shattering on impact. Your stunned, mouth hanging agape. There in front of you is your girlfriend and also your girlfriend. You rub your eyes thinking something is wrong with you but when you blink there are still two Wanda’s standing in front of you. “I- What? Why are there two of you?” You stammer out. 

Both Wanda’s stare at you in a bit of shock. They never expect you to come in here and to see this. It’s like watching a mirror as both of them gain their composure at the same exact time. Their expressions are the same as they soften, seeing you and the fact that you had dropped what seems to be food and water for them, albeit there is only supposed to be one of them. 

“Detka a spell didn’t go quite as planned.” One of them speaks. “I didn’t mean to copy myself; it was an unexpected result of a spell.” The other one finishes. Which causes a different confusion now. “Which one of you is the real Wanda?” You question looking between them. They share a look that you don’t quite understand until the first one speaks. “Well we both are real Milaya. But since you're here now why don’t you try and figure out which one of us cast the spell.” The second one purrs in your ear with the last part. Both of them circling you like prey. You gulp both women making you squirm with their intense gaze. It doesn’t take much for your girlfriend to make you squirm like this but now that there are two of them it’s even easier. You nod your head at their words when you grow confident enough to look up into their eyes. 

The first thing you try doing is asking questions to both of them, but both of them answer all the questions correctly. You're getting frustrated with asking questions to the women. You feel as if you're a bad girlfriend for not being able to tell but the one is pretty much a carbon copy of your girlfriend. So you moved to a different tactic but you’re not so sure if it was the worst idea or the best idea you have ever had in your life. Both women are standing in front of you naked. You wanted to see if there were any differences such as marks or scars but both of them were the same. But now your mind is wondering.

You let out a noise of frustration and upset, almost sounding like a whine as you stand behind one of them. You haven’t noticed the swirl of red in their eyes as they have followed you. You're taken by surprise when the Wanda in front of you whirls around and grabs your waist tightly. You let out a gasp looking up at her. “Mommy.” You whimper. There is a proud smirk on her face. “Good girl.” She purrs, you can feel a gush of arousal at the praise. “But that pretty little head of yours has been very loud and very naughty. We have been listening to you for a while now. Do you want to be our pretty little slut? For Mommy and her duplicate to use you.” Her eyes darken as your eyes grow with surprise and need. You let out a whimper as you nod. 

Another body presses against you from behind. You can feel her hardened nipples in your back as her lips meet your neck sucking harsh red and purple marks on your skin. “You're such a dirty girl. Wanting to be used by us.” The second one mumbles nipping at your skin. “Fuck Wanda you should have made two of us a long time ago if it was going to turn her on this much.” She lets out a hum continuing to attack your neck leaving marks behind. Another whine escaping your lips as your head drops back onto her shoulder giving her more access. 

But as quickly as they started they both pulled away from you. “Whyyyy?” You whine, your mind already feeling fuzzy and needy for both the women from their touches. “Patience detka. I want you to go and sit on the couch.” Your Wanda demands. You obediently and quickly head over to the couch sitting down. “How about to keep things simple you can call me Mistress.” The other Wanda states. You nod. “Yes Mistress.” They both smile at how obedient you’re being. “Such a good girl we have. So pretty and obedient.” The second Wanda says. With a wave of her hand you feel the cold air on your skin. Your nipples are pebbling at the cool air now surrounding your body. 

“Mommy? Mistress?” You want them so badly to touch you already. “Patience. Do you want a punishment?” Your Wanda speaks. “No Mommy.” You shake your head and look down. You don’t hear anything for a second so you look back up and that is when you see it. The other Wanda gripping your Wanda’s hips kissing her harshly. The two are making out holding onto one another which is turning you on even more. Wanting nothing more than to be touched by them but you don’t want a punishment so you swallow the whimper threatening to escape. Your body squirms as your thighs become coated in your arousal. You're rubbing your legs together in any hopes of relief. But that is ripped away from you quickly. Red tendrils wrap around your ankles forcing them apart. Biting your tongue not to make a noise. You catch both women's eyes glancing over at you as they continue their actions. 

You're fighting everything inside of you that tells you to plead and beg for them to touch you. Your squirm in your seat as your arousal begins to soak the cushion under you. A small whimper that you weren’t able to hold back escapes your lips. Both women pull away and their eyes land on you. You quickly look down not wanting to meet their gaze. “I-I’m sorry.” You stutter out. 

A finger hooks under your chin. You hadn’t even noticed that they had crossed the room joining you both standing looking down upon you. Gently she pulls you to look up at her. The green in her eyes is barely visible as the blacks of her eyes overtake them with desire. “Tell Mommy what you want detka.” Her voice low, sending another wave of arousal. You try so desperately to close your legs forgetting the binds keeping them apart. “Want Mommy and Mistress to touch me.” Your voice barely above a whisper as both women chuckle. “I am touching you Milaya” You let out a  whine before a rush of words. “Please Mommy want you to fuck me. Want you and Mistress to fuck me till I can’t walk. Use me however you please. Just please fuck me.” 

Your Wanda is leaning down, lips hovering just out of reach. “I love it when you beg.” Her lips crash into yours, as your hands move to her waist gripping onto her. She asserts her dominance quickly as you open your mouth to let her in. Her tongue is searching for yours. You can feel Wanda’s need in the hungry way that she is kissing you. Still gripping your chin, keeping you exactly how she wants you. 

You're so caught up in the kiss you don’t even notice the magic swirling around until you feel a weight on your thigh and one that has slapped against your arm. You pull back quickly panting as you look down slightly. There around your Wanda’s hips is a red large strap with ample girth. A gasp leaving your lips at the sheer size of it. You quickly look beside you and see the other Wanda sitting there. You hadn’t noticed her even sitting at all. She is adorning an identical strap to your Wanda. 

In your shocked state the other Wanda’s hand snakes between your thighs swiping through your wet folds. “Fuck you’re so wet Kotenok.” She groans. “M-Mistress.” You whimper. Your Wanda sits down next to you and turns your face back to her and attacks your lips. The other Wanda plunges two of her fingers into your heat. Your moaning in your Wanda’s mouth as the other fucks her fingers into you. Your Wanda’s hands moving to your breast pinching and twisting your hardened peaks. Swallowing all the noises that escape your pretty little mouth. 

It doesn’t take long to have you on edge. Your walls clenching desperately around the other Wanda’s fingers, your hands gripping anywhere on your Wanda that you can, digging your nails in harshly to her skin. It all stops on a dime. Both women pull away from you causing you to let out another whine in frustration. Your wall quivering asking for their release. 

“Hands and knees Kotenok.” The other Wanda says. They both move to give you room as you scramble to get on your hands and knees. Your Wanda is positioned in front of you sitting up on her knees, the strap mer inches from your lips. The other Wanda is behind you and you can already feel her shuffling closer to you. She swipes the tip through your folds causing you both to moan. As your mouth opens to moan you Wanda shoving her cock into your throat causing her to let out a moan. You know now that both straps are enchanted and can feel everything. You can’t help but let out a moan at that which causes your Wanda to moan again. Feeling the vibrations from your throat on her cock.

“Mommy is going to use your throat while Mistress takes you from behind. You like that little whore?” You do your best to nod with her strap bobbing in and out of your mouth. “Fuck! This pussy is always so good.” The second Wanda says sinking further into you the stretch is slightly painful but oh so delicious. “Maybe Mistress will use this other pretty little hole back here.” Her hands spread your cheeks admiring as you clench. You try to speak but all that can be heard is gurgles as Wanda slowly fucks your mouth. The women don’t need to hear what you say and they don’t even need to read your mind, all they have to do is read your body's reactions. “By the way you're clenching I’m betting you want me to use this tight hole.” A finger presses against your ass and all you can do is whimper and press back.

“If I had known all it would take for me to be able to take that little ass of yours was to have two of me I would have done this a long time ago. I’ve been dying to sink my strap deep in your ass detka.” You look up at your Wanda tears in your eyes as she smiles down at you. But you’re caught off guard when she thrusts hard into your throat causing you to gag and for the tears to start spilling down your cheeks. Her hand cups your face as she wipes the tears. “So pretty when you cry for me. Such a good girl taking my strap down your throat.” She punctuates each word with a thrust of her hips. This sends your body back onto the other Wanda’s cock. Her lubed finger slipped into your ass, you don’t even remember her getting any lube but then you realize that she has magic just the same. Already feeling so full with just one finger you don’t know how you will take any more. 

The women start on a brutal pace of fucking your throat and pussy. As the other Wanda fucks into your pussy it pushes your further onto your Wanda’s strap causing you to gag. As she thrusts forward it sends you back further on the other strap while the other Wanda is still slowly fingering your ass. All that can be hard in the room is the sounds of moans, your gaging, and the wet sounds of your pussy. 

The finger in your ass is removed before feeling a cold metal pressing against your tight ring. The coldness makes your jumps slightly but neither of them seem to care as the other Wanda starts to press a metal plug into your ass. You let out a whine as it presses in stretching further than you have ever gone. The women taking pity on you and slowing down to take their time. The other Wanda uses her other hand to gently caress your hips. “Shhh it will feel so good when it’s all in.” She tells you as she slowly works it in. Your Wanda pulls back to give you a chance to breathe as it sinks in. You let out a groan when you feel it pop into place the slight fullness, a new and exciting feeling. 

“You like that detka?” Your Wanda asks you. You look up at her and see a gentle smile on her face still having concern for your pleasure. “Y-Yes Mommy.” You give her a small smile back. Once they both know that you are ok they quickly flip the switch back. Your Wanda shoving you so far down on her cock making you gag as your nose pressed against her stomach. The other Wanda pressing on the plug as she jackhammers her hips into you. Your Wanda holds you there as you keep getting presses further into her. Their moans bouncing off the walls of the room. Tears are steadily streaming down your face as they fuck into you roughly. 

Right now they are chasing their own pleasure you can feel their hips stuttering as they both fuck into you. The other Wanda has a harsh grip on your hips as she thrust hard and deep each time. Your Wanda has pulled you back slightly so she can fuck your throat enjoying as she watches the tears roll down your cheeks. Their moans turn you on, causing your thoughts to only be of giving them pleasure. Your walls are clenching tightly around the other Wanda signaling that you are all close to your impending orgasms. If it was even possible they seemed to have picked up their pace. The other Wanda hits your spongy wall perfectly with each thrust. You want to tell them you are close but they already know. 

“Fuck. Cum with us Kotenok.” The other Wanda moans. “Got a nice surprise for you detka.” You Wanda adds. Her hips jerked as you felt a warm sticky liquid sliding down your throat. You moan around her doing your best to swallow. The other Wanda’s load fills your pussy as your walls clamp hard around her as you cum with her. Your cum coating her cock as she continues to thrust, riding you both through your highs. Your Wanda is still lightly thrusting, filling your throat with her white sticky substance. As all of you come down your Wanda pulls out of your mouth and gently kisses your lips. The other Wanda staying buried inside of you. “So good.” You mumble causing both women to smile. “You didn’t think we were done with you yet, did you detka?” Your Wanda says as the other pulls back and thrust hard into you again. 

You have lost count of how many orgasms you have had now. They weren’t kidding about making sure you can’t walk. They have had you in all different positions as they fuck and fill you. Your body is weak and exhausted as you're now hovering over the other Wanda's cock. She is tugging on the plug as she removes it from your ass causing you to whimper. “One more detka. Hmm be a good girl for Mommy and Mistress.” Your Wanda smiles in front of you. Your brain is too fuzzy to fight it so you nod. “Okay Mommy.”

The other Wanda is laying back on the couch as they both help guide you onto her strap. She presses it against your ass as you start to sink down. Your eyes widened, your brain hadn’t put together that this is what they were going to do. “Mommy.” You whimper. “Shhh detka you can take. Be a good girl like we said.” She kisses you to distract you. Your body is being guided down on the strap as it slowly fills your ass up. Wanda swallows your sounds the further you sink down. She pulls away when you're fully seated on the other Wanda’s lap. “Fuck so fucking tight.” The other Wanda moans grinding into your ass which causes you to moan. 

Your Wanda moves and positions herself in front of you. The other Wanda leaning you back presenting your leaky abused cunt to your Wanda. She groans as the cum leaks from you but as much as she wants to taste you it will have to wait for another time. She positions her cock at your entrance slamming her cock into you in one swift motion. “Ahhhh fuck Mommy.” You cry out. The other Wanda is kissing and whispering praises in your ear as you adjust to fullness. They both wait for you to adjust before they start. Your Wanda circling your clit lightly to help your body relax more. 

Once they have given you time and they notice your hips grinding they start to slowly thrust into you. Your Wanda keeps her fingers on your clit as their paces pick up. They are now both pounding into you hard. With each thrust of their hips and filling you perfectly to the brim has you gasping for air. You're so full and the pleasure is becoming overwhelming as they stretch you to your max. They have both turned to praising you as they continue to fuck and fill you. Giving you gentle kisses all over your body helps to keep you grounded. “S-so full.” You’re able to mumble out. The women picked up their paces if that was even possible. 

You're all so sensitive already that it doesn’t take long for your orgasms to build. You're already teetering on the edge as your Wanda starts to pinch your engorged bundle of nerves. All of your moans are bouncing off the walls. Your whole body is shaking with pleasure as more tears run down your face. All that can come out of your mouth is incoherent words along with moans. “Fuck I’m going to cum.” The other Wanda says under you. You nod along as they continue to use your body. “Cum then.” Your Wanda moans above both of you. 

White hot sticky liquid fills both your holes as both Wanda’s cum hard. Your walls are able to clench around both of them as you cum harder than you ever have before. Squirting all over your Wanda’s lower abdomen while some gushes down onto the other Wanda below you. You see stars as your eyes roll back into your head. Your body goes rigid before relaxing completely between the women. They slowly fuck you through all of your orgasms before coming to a hault. 

You're so thankful that Wanda had bought the larger couch as they both rotate you on your side staying inside of you. You nuzzle into your Wanda’s neck exhaustion taking over your body. They want to give your body a chance to recover a little before pulling out completely so they both stay inside you not wanting to hurt you. They both are whispering praises into your ear gently kissing you and making sure you know that they love you and you did so good in such a vulnerable state that you are in. 

“You did so good for us, Milaya.” Your Wanda kisses your head. “Such a good girl” The other Wanda says, kissing your shoulder. Your eyes close as your body starts to get heavy between them. You want to ask questions like how long does the spell last and could it ever happen again? But your too exhausted and your throat is pretty raw from the throat fucking and all the moaning so you opt to ask later. Right now you will enjoy the comfort from the two women. They know they need to clean you up but they can see you need time to recover a bit before they can move you. So they give you some time to rest. Taking some time to admire all the marks that they left behind on your skin.

This isn’t what you expected today to come to when you stepped into that room but you are so glad that you did. Both Wanda’s thinking the same thing as they hold you closer to them. This was the best spell gone wrong that has ever happened and both of them communicating that it will happen again. 

[hipsdofangirl]

i like this one

phlebotomist! minghao x reader

summary: another blood-drawing session, hopefully your hot amazing doting professional boyfriend doesn’t lash out on his juniors again.

genre: semi (not really) hurt-comfort, established relationship, fluff, non-idol

major warnings: brief mentions about bad outcomes of blood-draws, blood but contained, use of needles, slight innuendos but nothing explicit

minor notes: minghao doesn’t appear till halfway, some medical terminology and some not cause i forgot what each thing is called, everyone does the procedure correctly but i may miss steps, some inappropriate worker-patient interactions, not proofread

wc: 2k

“just to let you know, i have very tricky veins,” you warn.

the phlebotomist who welcomed you chuckles quietly, snatching gloves from the box near your right arm. you observe them as they snap on their gloves.

the phlebotomist comments, “don’t worry, i’ve been doing this for a while so you should be in safe hands. needles don’t make you sick do they?”

you quickly shake your head. “no, well at first yes but i’ve conquered my fears over them recently.”

they smile. “that’s good! now place your arm on here.” they lower down an arm rest on the chair you are sitting at.

you brace yourself. for the past couple times, the phlebotomist always had trouble finding your veins, ending up with you near-fainting or presenting you with a hematoma that covered your arm. you exhale, ready for that possible pain.

the phlebotomist flicks their eyes to you. you only present them with a fleeting smile.

they inform you, “this is going to be uncomfortable for a bit.” they wrap the blue rubber around your arm and tie it, the texture grating against your skin and sitting uncomfortably on your bicep. you only smile in response.

once secured they move on to the crook of your elbow, maneuvering their pointer finger and pressing down on bits of skin where blue lines are visible; they press down 5 times, spots centimeters away from each other.

“i like this one,” they state. you exhale again but quieter, hoping the procedure would go smoothly. the phlebotomist prepares their equipment is about to insert the needle; you turn your head away, freezing your body to be still, and inhale.

the needle goes in smoothly; you glance back at the phlebotomist.

after a couple minutes the phlebotomist gets antsy, the tube was only halfway filled. they slowly move the needle out.

they toss it away. “this one is not as fast as i hoped, but it should do. now for your other tests.” that’s right—you had 2 more tubes to go. you groan to yourself and tilt your head back: luckily no dizzy spells or pain yet. they quickly grab a cotton ball and tape to plaster it.

the phlebotomist looks at your hands and presses down, starting with your right. nothing to note. they press down on your left—also nothing to note. they sigh and gather themselves back. they take off the band you subtly forgot was there.

“how about you go the bathroom and run your hands under warm water,” they request. your eyes narrow, never hearing this task before. “i’ll call you back when you should be good.”

you push up the arm rest and saunter over to the connected bathroom. you turn on the hot water, wincing when you placed both hands under. you lean your body on top of the sink—head drooping in mental exhaustion. of course it wouldn’t go easy. if only they had listened to you.

after 5 minutes of listening to your inner monologue to pass the time, you are called back. hand now beating red, you sit back down. the phlebotomist doesn’t fully smile as the arm rest sits back down.

after going through the steps again, they insert the needle next to a knuckle in your right hand. nothing comes out. they take it out and mutter to themselves as they plaster on another cotton ball.

“do you mind if i try one last time?” they ask. you admire their persistence but dread the question.

“sure.” you know no one can come save you now.

they attempt the pit of your right arm again, taking off the tape, and as expected, nothing.

they roll their eyes, throwing away the sharps before walking to the main area. you slightly slip down in your chair and close your eyes—still no terrible symptoms you suppose. how long has it been though?

the phlebotomist comes back into view and releases you. no way they are going to send you home now, right? your hands are still hot to the touch.

“you are going to be transferred to another chair, if you are okay with getting poked more?” they state.

“anything to just get it done; i can keep going,” you reply.

another figure positions itself in the doorway.

“alright. just follow me, please,” the figure with the senior phlebotomist badge states.

the junior informs him, “personally, i like the one inside of their arm.”

the senior scrutinizes you. “i like this one as well.”

you smile, blush creeping upwards on your face. you meet your boyfriend, minghao’s, eyes. he fidgets, hand trapped under his other palm; you can tell he is struggling not to swallow you up in a hug.

eagerly, you push up the arm rest again and trot towards him. out of the corner of your eye, you notice the earlier phlebotomist slouch with a grumpy look.

minghao notes when you are beside him and slowly begins to walk over to the lab window.

once it is only you two, he remarks, “how come you didn’t ask to see me?” you glance down to his lips to see the lower one slightly more pronounced than the upper.

“i tried to subtly suggest it,” you defend.

he interjects, “you should have just outright stated it.” you sigh, nonchalantly bumping your shoulder with his right arm. he sighs himself, noticing you aren’t looking at him anymore, and he can’t help but not take his eyes off you. “i know you have a hard time speaking up in these professional situations, but it would be better for me—you to get the help comfortably that you need.”

you snort, “the terms ‘hospitals’ and ‘comfortable’ don’t seem to fit in the same sentence to me.”

his eyes crinkle. “maybe not, but still. you should not be in pain when it can be avoided.”

you rub the inside of your elbow, remembering one of a previous phlebotomist’s attempts at fishing. minghao glances around, then places his palm on the center of your back, thumb rubbing circles.

suddenly, he slightly grips your shirt with the tips of his fingers, causing you both to stop. at the little window stands one of the lab techs and friend.

“vernon, what’s the minimum amount needed for their tests?” minghao releases his grip and walks up to the window, placing the rack of vacutainers assigned to you. vernon turns around and picks one up—gloves on.

“ahh, i know it’s 3 mL for the cbc count but i’m not sure about the other,” he peers down at the other tube, placing the one in his hand back on the rack carefully. like he is breaking out of a trance, he stands upright. “oh, hi yn.” he waves.

you smirk at his constant demeanor. “hi vernon,” you respond in a singing-tone.

vernon takes a step towards the computer and not-so-subtlety flicks his eyes between you two. you switch your attention to minghao to see him scanning your face; you provide him a gentle smile and another shoulder bump.

minghao only observes you, his eyes clouded with thoughts regarding you. “we’ll do the lowest amount required for you, and don’t worry, i’ll set you up.”

those bland words made your stomach flip—you don’t know if it’s from the semi-blood loss or needle punctures or your cute yet serious boyfriend showing his minute care. even before you got together, you fell in love with the precise care he gave to everyone regardless, you pondered what he did for those he cherished; now you knew, only now you see one side of him, the professional side that can’t help but let cracks of adoration slip through his eyes.

vernon bobs his head—probably listening to music through one ear to pass the time.

minghao graces your knuckles and slides past you, leaving his hand behind him, gesturing for you to follow. “meet me in my room, vernon.” with a slight pep in your step, you trail behind him, tapping his outstretched fingertips so he pulls them back to his side.

once you both are at his designated station. he pats the back and monitors you as you position yourself in the chair; once you are settled, he steps closer and you feel yourself be slightly lifted.

minghao washes his hands in the nearby sink—with lukewarm water—as vernon knocks on the door frame to announce his presence. he turns off the faucet with his wrist and side steps to let vernon set down the rack.

“have a good day, yn,” vernon announces, reaching out his bare wrist to you, sandwiched between his gloves and coat. startled that he is already leaving, you stretch out your own wrist and bump him. you meet minghao’s peeping gaze and notice a smile hiding from the outside, adorning his face.

minghao snaps on the gloves and finally notices. “how are your hands still red?” he grumbles.

you laugh. “they did keep me in the bathroom for a while.”

his grumbles rumble his chest. “so stupid. why didn’t they call me in.”

you tilt your head at him, mockingly; he notes your expression with narrowed eyes. he focuses back to the tourniquet. “i know, i know,” he surrenders, shoulders loosening.

placing the rack directly beside you, he feebly grasps your left wrist and faces it down, wiping it with a sterile wipe. your hands still red (how long did they leave you in there?), he tenderly pressed down between your knuckles before settling next to the ring finger.

the senior phlebotomist peeks into your eyes and glances down, taking the needle connected with the tube. he also notices your right hand twitching in anticipation.

quietly, he utters, “do you want to help me out again?” you glimpse back at him and nod with a faint sound.

he grins, positioning the needle. “ready?” he whispers. you inhale sharply and look away, yet your eyes flick back to his concentrated face. “3, 2, 1.”

he inserts the needle. with a quick pulse of pain, you turn back at him.

he doesn’t look at you but acknowledges, “you’re doing great for me.” your cheeks faintly blush at the familiar words he probably didn’t mean to come out that way; this moment surprisingly intimate as the only thing grounding this moment are the patterns of breaths colliding from the two of you.

you peer down to see blood zooming through the into the lavender top. it amazes you—the difference between the two and how quickly your blood can race.

he carefully pulls the needle a bit towards him. he peeks at your expression and you notice it. “are you ready?” you hum in response.

he pushes the lavender top tube towards you, and you clasp it in your right hand; with both of your strength, the vacutainer tube is separated from the drawing tube. he positions it into the rack and grabs the next one; he places it into your hand, and when your hand tightens around it, he pumps the drawing tube into the top. soon, blood begins to flow again into the red-topped tube.

you scan minghao’s face and giggle softly when you notice his little nose scrunch. he huffs air, feeling your gaze directed on him and slightly relaxes. soon after, you both remove the tube and he places it back on the rack. he removes the needle and grabs a cotton ball; with no words spoken, you move your free fingers on top of his and he slides out, plucking the tape to place on top as you swipe your fingers back.

a succinct kiss to the side of your lips reminds you where you are—ironically. you blink rapidly and pout at him. minghao giggles and saunters away, throwing the sharps into the bin.

he walks back, just out of reach, and lowers your chair; he rips off his gloves and tosses them away.

you stand up, stretching out your back. minghao gingerly snatches your right arm to survey your previous sites.

he purses his lips. “no doubt these are going to bruise. hopefully not too bad though.” he meets your gaze, his voice turning into a murmur for you, “tonight, let me know if you are in any pain, okay?”

you nod—you now notice you do it a lot; you wonder if minghao knows he is part of the reason you lose your ability to speak.

you grin. “you’ll be able to tell anyways.”

he gives you a look and steps back, a breathy chuckle rasping from him. “that’s true. but if you want a treat you’re going to have to use your words.”

a/n: a lot of warnings this time…does it turn away readers? should i just include the major warnings? also this might be too personal, but idc it’s sweet and everyone needs a comfort during medical procedures.

and yes everything here did basically happen to me 😭 not fun. except minghao obv that’s how i banged this one out fast please dont expect lol

can’t you tell i’m a stem/healthcare major 😛

tags: @jcxbliss

[neunhofferart]

Howdy, Heidi! You said that some fans picked up things that were done on accident… Were there more scenes like that? Also, were there scenes that you guys made on purpose but fans didn’t pick up / were aware of them? In shipping terms (hihi) and in general terms. Thanks!

I think in every type of media you will inevitably see versions of 'authorial' intent vs audience interpretation that overlap and differ from each other in many ways. (Authorial intent in quotes because in collaborative mediums like film and animation every single person on the pipeline who touches the work probably has a slightly different personal interpretation they're contributing to the final work, even under someone like a showrunner or a director).

Humans are smart and it's in our nature to look for connections and find explainations to questions, so most of the time if someone is putting something down, someone is going to pick it up, so to speak, and a lot of things ARE on purpose.

But this same phenomenon can also lead to us seeing connections in places that even the 'authors' might not have originally thought of while creating the work, and I think that can be pretty neat actually! I don't necessarily think reading alternate interpretations of works is wrong-- it can be very healthy to explore multiple reads of a narrative or a character/character dynamic. On Chaos Theory there were definitely times when we were like 'fans are probably gonna ship this even if it's not the text' haha. Sometimes fans latch onto headcanons you really have no control over. Sometimes things were animated slightly differently from how they were conceived (which is also a natural part of things).

But yes, sometimes I have seen a few other things that were interpreted in slightly different ways from how they were directed or written verbally, but I'm personally of the opinion that it's more fun to leave some things visual and open to a little interpretation rather than beating the words over the audience's head and having the characters constantly announcing 'I'm feeling this because of this!' And going 'this is the only way to interpret the show and the characters and if you don't you're wrong!'

It's usually not a huge deal. I think even as we were working sometimes I'd make connections to myself that weren't necessarily spelled out to us and go 'oh, this is a throughline for this character actually!'

Like for example- if I remember correctly, the original direction behind how Kenji reacted to Ben's apparent death was that it was supposed to the first time he'd ever seen someone he really KNEW seemingly die right front of him, and being unable to do anything about it deeply affected him. Ben is a very important turning point in his character development regardless of which way you read it.

And I think this is actually something that just continued to stack onto his character throughout both shows whenever any of his friends lives are seriously in danger. In Camp when he's still unable to do anything but comfort Sammy while she's poisoned, to deciding it's too dangerous not to trade Wu's laptop for Brooklynn, to eventually throwing himself between the spinosaurus his dad is about to kill Darius with and choosing his friends over his own father and being willing to die with/for them... and then in Chaos Theory it kind of reboots all over again with Brooklynn dying and then his dad dying right in front of him, and his complex of not wanting to be useless and trying to do whatever he can at the expense of even himself to keep the loved ones he has left safe is kicked into overdrive.

I think there are a lot of things like that where the intent is not always verbally spelled out, but the more important thing is that it's still (hopefully) making you feel something.

[vinylfoxbooks]

July 11 - Essential | @jegulus-microfic | wc: 2121

Part 7 of Medium!James AU

Previous Part | First Part

“It’s essential that you only stir thrice clockwise after adding the moonstone.” Regulus says, watching James take down the instruction in a way that their brain can comprehend it, “Otherwise the moonstone won’t react and your entire potion will be useless. Nothing will happen.”

“Including an explosion.” James hums, writing down that note, “So if it doesn’t work, I probably messed up the moonstone stir. If it explodes…”

“Tough luck.” Regulus hums, “Now, after that, you should add your beetle eyes. Don’t stir afterwards, just place them evenly apart in the cauldron.” He waits until James stops writing, “After about five minutes, the potion should turn a deep purple colour and smell of peppermint. Then you’ve done it correctly.”

James writes down the result, nodding and humming once they’ve pulled their quill away, “Alright, I think I got it. Now I just have to… do it.”

“It’s alright.” Regulus shakes his head, “I don’t mind helping you, and I know that you struggle with it.” 

“Which is where you struggle.” Regulus notes, “Hopefully with your own notes, you’ll be able to do it better. I’ll test you on this and the venom antidote before you do it in class.”

“Thank you so much, Reggie.” James breathes, “You don’t understand how much this helps me. I just… I don’t know why I get things so mixed up.” 

James nods and is silent for a moment, just watching the ink on their book dry before closing it, “I’m going to be doing a spiritual banishing spell to hopefully help with the spirit that’s been harassing me.”

“Still the one from the other day?”

They nod, “He keeps showing up and won’t talk to me. Cleansing isn’t working so I’m hoping that making a proper banishing spell will help. Would you want me to teach you how to make one?”

“Is it similar to what we do in our classes?”

“Not really,” James shakes their head, “It’s much more simple and I think it has more effect on the afterlife and divinity than what we learn here. Hogwarts teaches practical magic, not spiritual magic.”

“It fascinates me that you practice two different magic systems.”

“That’s what happens when your family marries muggles that practice pagan witchcraft.” James winks, gathering their stuff and standing up, “You get two different magic systems and the ability to see ghosts.” 

Regulus smiles, putting his own things in his bag then standing up while slinging it over his shoulder, “Lead the way then.” James hums and starts taking Regulus up to the Gryffindor tower and into their dorm. 

There’s no one else in there when the two arrive and James makes quick work of walking over to the desk and conjuring some boxes. Opening the boxes, they reveal two of them are full of small vials filled with things with little initials on top, one is full of candles, and one has several small crystals, and the final one has empty vials. They also pull a leather-bound book out of somewhere and opens it with an impressive display of wandless magic, making it flick to a certain page. James smiles and turns to him, “Come on. Our first thing that we want to do is pick jars. A lot of this is the same as what we learn in our classes, but a bit more intimate and cautious, I guess.” 

Regulus hums and steps towards them, “Will any of these jars work?”

James gestures to the box, “Of course, but I always like to look in the box and pick the one that calls to me. There will be one or two that your eye keeps going back to, even if it looks the same as all the others, grab that one.” They hum and their eyes flit around the small glass vials for a while before they reach and grab one from one of the corners. Regulus does the same, though it takes him a lot longer for him to find one that ‘calls to him,’ which James explains is normal for someone not as attuned to doing things like that. 

James reaches forward and grabs an incense stick from the bowl of salt they’ve got sitting on their desk and Regulus takes the opportunity to ask, “Is that why Sirius complains about you taking too long to grab crystals when you do potions?”

“Mhm,” they light the incense stick with their wand before sticking it in the jar and waving it around, then doing it to the outside, “I believe that even the type of magic that you’re used to is more powerful if you’re more attuned to the ingredients you’re using. So picking what crystal sticks out to you or is calling to you. Take this,” they hand him the incense, “And do what I did, put it in the jar and get it smoky, then move the incense stick around it while thinking of positive things, keep your energy high and focus on the feeling of protection. You can say affirmations outloud or just think of it.” Regulus does so, thinking about how the feeling of James’ arm pressed against his own makes him feel warm inside, and the way that they’re smiling at him while he does this. 

“Alright, that’s good.” James smiles, taking the stick from him and brushing their fingers together, then ashing it in the salt again, “Now, we’re going to be doing basically the same thing for all the ingredients.” They start picking up some of the filled vials and pulling them out, bringing out two small spoons as well, “I’m going to tell you what each of this ingredient is doing for our spell and you’ll ask it to do their jobs as you put them in your vial. I’ll say it outloud so you can hear what it sounds like. Just follow my lead and think what I say, or you can say it out loud. We’ll do this with every ingredient.” 

“You keep calling it a spell, what do you mean? Aren’t spells verbal?”

James hums, their fingers brushing over the cork tops of the jars, “Yes and no. Witchcraft like this depends more on intuition and your energies, it relies more on the world than our magic does. What we’re making is called a spell jar.” They shrug, “It’s kind of hard to explain. But the witchcraft that you’re used to is more… physical, while this is more mental and spiritual.”

“I suppose that tracks.”

They hand one of the spoons to Regulus and open a jar, “This is cinnamon, it’s going to give us blessing and protection.” They take a spoonful of the cinnamon and pour it into their vial, telling the cinnamon what it’s to do. Regulus does the same, though he keeps his demand internal. James guides him through the rest of the ingredients--Comfrey for binding, juniper for defense, mugwort to avert danger, myrrh as an offering to the afterlife, sandalwood for clarity, black salt from their salt bowl for absorbing negative energy, blue lace agate to dispel fear, smoky quartz to ward off negativity, and amethyst for spiritual protection--at one point explaining that they only put their ingredients in alphabetically, not for any particular reason. 

“Now that everything is in there. We’re going to close the vial and…” They take out one of the half-burnt black candles from the candle box, lighting it with their wand, “Seal it with this wax. Black candles are used to banish and absorb negative energy.”

“It’s insane to me that some of these ingredients have such different uses between the magic I’m used to and this witchcraft.” Regulus hums, “I can only figure why you have such a hard time doing potions when you’ve been doing this for longer.” 

James nods, “It does get a bit… confusing. And I never need to stir these. Plus, they’re not strict. If I spill something or forget an ingredient or put too much of one, it doesn’t matter all that much. Potions is so demanding.” They take up the black candle and slowly drip the wax over the cork and some of the glass, ensuring that it’s sealed, telling the black candle what they want it to do for the spell. Then they hand it off to Regulus and he does the same thing. When he’s done, James takes the candle from him and blows it out, letting it sit out for a while before starting to clean up the vials and vanishing the boxes, “Now, you can put this anywhere near where you usually are or a common place for your energy. I’m going to be putting this on my nightstand near where I put my glasses at night. I also carry some in my bag.”

“Would my bookshelf work?”

After a couple seconds, James nods, “Yeah, that would actually be a really good spot for it. Your books hold a lot of your energy, and I imagine you spend a lot of time there. Oh! I wanted to give you something else!” They rush over to their nightstand and dig around it for a while before pulling out a ring. It’s of an amethyst wrapped in wire, “Here. I figured that your favourite way of wearing this would be in a ring. It’s blessed by my spirit guide and can help with anxiety, spiritual protection, and it’s a calming crystal. Which you probably know but…”

“Also, did you say spirit guide?”

Regulus takes the ring gingerly and puts it on, “It fits perfectly, thank you. How did you know?”

James flushes, “You left your ring here the other day when you were talking to Sirius so I wrapped it based on the size of the ring…”

“Yeah, it’s my grandpa.” They hum, “A spirit guide is something that’s watching over you, an ancestor, an angel, a deity, a ghost. They’re here to help you and guide you, after I learned that my grandpa was dead, I learned that he was my spirit guide. He breaks my jewelry to communicate with me.”

“He breaks your jewelry?”

They nod, gesturing to their earrings and necklaces tucked under their shirts, “The charm will break off, the lobster claw will stop working, the balls of my earrings will come undone. He messes with my earrings and I have to figure out why he wants to warn me or what he’s trying to say. That’s why I made you a ring, if it breaks there might be something wrong.”

“I’ll… I’ll keep that in mind.”

James frowns, “I’m not weirding you out with all of this, am I?”

“No!” Regulus starts, maybe a bit loud, “No, sorry. It’s just that I'm getting a lot of information at once. Do you know if there are any books that I can look for to understand a bit better?”

The older laughs, “Of course you want to read about it. I’ll owl my mom and ask her for a list of the books that she taught me with and some recommendations for you. I’ll get back to you after that.” 

“Thank you, James.” Regulus offers them a soft smile, looking down at the ring, “For teaching me this, for trusting me to talk to me about your witchcraft and spirit-seeing abilities, for… for showing me a bit of your world.”

And because he’s looking down, he doesn’t see the way that James’ cheeks go bright red, “It’s… it’s no problem. Thank you for humoring me and not… not thinking that I’m looney.”

“Oh I still think you’re looney, just-” He clears his throat, “Just not over your beliefs.” He takes one of James’ hands with his own that has the gifted ring, finally looking up at them. 

James looks back, makes direct eye contact with him and their smile… it’s so gentle, soft… dare Regulus say loving.

“What are you two doing in here?” Sirius asks, pushing the door open and making both of them jump. He’s got a grin on his face like he knows exactly what he interrupted--what did he interrupt?--but he moves around the room like nothing was happening between the two.

“I was teaching Regulus a spell and giving him the ring I made him.” James explains, their smile making their way back onto their face--but is it different than the smile they gave Regulus or is he seeing things?--as they pull away from his body. 

Regulus leaves soon after that when Sirius kicks him out of the dorm because he wants ‘James time’ and James sends him an apologetic look. When he gets back to his dorm, he places the now-filled vial on his bookshelf next to his favourite books and leaves the ring on his bedside table.

Next Part

[havendance]

I did fall prey to the urge to realisten to Memory (skipping to after Miles gets kicked out) and I’m struck by just how well Bujold wrote General Harouche (hopefully that’s spelled correctly) because he is very much in the suspicious position from the start between the fact that he clearly didn’t do anything about the call, not letting Miles in to see Illyan, and the whole position thing, but also she is constantly counterbalancing the way he’s suspicious with elements of reasonable suspicion, reasonable hesitance, and these seemingly earnest moments of shared goals he has with Miles. On a revisit, I still find myself wanting to believe the best of him, even knowing the truth.

[ctrl-alt-em]

Communication is Key

AO3

Robin

I am Morven Hellwain. You have carried my spirit in your body for the last two months. As I am sure you have not figured out, when you lose consciousness, I gain control of our shared vessel. I need you to sleep as frequently as possible. Additionally, avoid bodily harm. I do not appreciate having to cast Cure Wounds when I wake.

Dear Morven Hellwain

Are you the reason for all the strange happenings? Did you explode the wolves? Lug says you killed that monster in the bunk house.

I go to sleep every night. I guess it is every other night? I don’t think I can sleep more than that and still help.

Thank you for healing my leg. Happen says he did not aim for me. His sprites played a mean prank.

From Robin Oatcake

Robin

I cannot fathom how you think you, the village idiot, can be of any help. The only way you can help is by ensuring I am in control as much of the time as possible.

As for your initial questions, yes, I am. I cannot imagine anything of note occurring in your proximity without my influence. I am not directly responsible for the wolves’ destruction; the recent unpredictable outcomes of spells is to blame. You need not concern yourself with magic.

Dear Morven Hellwain

I was not the village idiot. That was Young Man Dan. I was the spit-turner before I lost my job seven weeks ago.

I can be a great help! I helped save Lug from those men. I even injured one! And I was the one that got help when that man turned into a monster. Happen said I did a good job. I even helped us meet our friends and join our adventuring party. You are just upset that I can help just as much as you. I understand that. I was jealous of Tilly the spitturn dog too at first.

From Robin Oatcake

Robin

From the other's accounts of the confrontation with the mob, it does not sound like you played a needed role. It is no show of strength or skill to hit a blinded, maimed man with stale bread. As for the combat at Folkmoot, others surely would have heard and come to our aid, supposing I did not defeat the abomination before their arrival. You did nothing a dog would not be capable of. A dog likely would have been of greater help and less of liability.

Robin

You will get us both killed if you disregard my advice. Your 'help' is not needed nor wanted, I assure you.

To Morven Hellwain

I was thinking about back home, all the weird things people kept telling me. Leslie, the head cook, was cross with me. She said I missed work twice and that I insulted her in the market. I had no idea what she was talking about. I assumed she mistook me for someone else and I tried to tell her so. She said I was lying and fired me! It occurred to me that she might not have been lying. Was it you she saw? Are you the reason I lost my job?

From Robin Oatcake

Robin

Of all the things you could waste my time with, you chose this? Your 'job' is hardly worth the ink we are wasting writing about it. I will acknowledge that I was in control of our body several times before our departure. I did lose my patience with several of the dimwitted residents of the village so I very well may have offended the head 'cook'. I would not consider the loss of any great consequence. If anything, it is beneficial. Your 'occupation' would have delayed your departure for Folkmoot. You may thank me for my help in your next note. Hopefully, the writing will tire you.

To Morven

And what about my house? Did you tell the apothecary she could give it to her goat? If you wanted to run me out of my village so bad, you could have written to me earlier.

From Robin

Robin

If I recall correctly, and I do, the old hag asked me, "How I am supposed to keep a roof over my goat's head if you don't pay?" To that, I said, "Give the fucking goat my roof. I don't care." And I continue to not care. Your hovel was little more than a goat's shelter anyway.

I have spoken with Happen and he is aware of a root that induces a harmless sleep state. I have procured some. It is in the outer pouch of our bag.

To Morven

It is not our bag. It is my bag. And I don't need anything to help me sleep. A long day of traveling with my friends does that enough. Seeing as I have no work or home to return to, I will be with them for the foreseeable future regardless of our mission.

If you want to be helpful, Morven, you will tell me how to use magic myself and how I get you out of me.

From Robin

Robin

You cannot use magic. It would require innate talent or years of study, neither of which you have. Unless such fantasies lull you into a slumber, do not concern yourself with such endeavors.

I am looking into potential methods to separate us. However, until magic has been returned to its original state and I gather more information on what caused my spirit to enter your body in the first place, no significant progress can be made. You need not be involved.

To Morven

How can I not get involved when I already am? You’re in my head! You walk around in my body half the time! I should be the only one in my body!

And how do you know I don’t have inate innate talent? Maybe I just haven’t had need to use it.

From Robin

Robin

Knock yourself out as soon as you see this. Lug, Cressida, and Willowfine have been captured by a group of zealots and I need to go save their skins.

To Morven

No need to worry. Me and Happen did it ourselves. You should have seen how far Lug hit this one guy with his hammer once we got him out.

From Robin

Robin

That is not what I told you to do. You will get us both killed.

Willowfine said she saw you use magic. I can only assume you located a scroll and stumbled your way into using it correctly.

To Morven

You were wrong, Morven. I do have a talent for magic, no scroll needed, whatever those are. Mine is not as pretty or orderly as yours but I can cast spells. Cressida thinks that might be why you didn’t have trouble casting in my body.

You may thank me for my help in your next note. I will not ask you to knock yourself out because I have manners.

From Robin

Robin

I have spoken with Cressida and Willowfine regarding your spelling casting. As must I detest to acknowledge it, I suppose it makes sense. Either my spirit brought my magic potential with it or my spirit was attracted to your magic potential. I do believe the first one is the more likely of the two. It still stands that between the two of us, I am the more proficient and thus should handle any and all confrontations.

To Morven

Willowfine says we should try to come to a compromise. She said our attempts to screw with each other and limit the other’s time awake is annoying.

How about a deal? If I find myself in situations that I cannot handle, I will find a way to allow you to take control if you agree to cease trying to stay awake for days on end. If the group stops to sleep, you sleep and let me take control.

From Robin

Robin

After much strong arming from the others, I agree to your terms.

Robin

Why am I not surprised you have Wild Magic? Of all sorcerous origins, you draw power from the most unruly and unpredictable.

With that said, I request that you cast something that will offer you improved defense or evasion when in a confrontation. You cannot rely on Acid Splash only.

- Morven

[wanderingmind867]

Bruno Premiani (hopefully i spelled that correctly) is just as good an artist here as he is with the Doom Patrol. His Robin is really cute, and I love how he renders everyone. Props to the colourist, too. I love that rich, bright blue on Batman. And I find it funny how Aquaman seems far more formal with Aqualad, as compared to Batman and The Flash. "Young men shouldn't dispute with their elders?" What an... archaic way to put things. (The Brave and The Bold #54):

[adventuresinpyjamas]

feeling insane today so far, insane

Day 14/28

122

to do

put some clothes away

FOOTNOTE QUOTES AT THE VERY LEAST!!!! ugh

BIBLIOGRAPHY i mean literally it is just starting, this thing is due in five days

edit and write more

finish transcribing quotes (directly and spelled correctly)

go for a walk / run if I can

see AC hopefully ??

director's interview!!!

Duo

1/2 next lessons

0/7 spoken exercises

0/4 perfect lessons

Forest

0/25 mins any tree

0/2 any tree

0/70 mins Maple (locked... i see their ploy again)

Again, I have timetabled the first part of the day (and I am so keeeeen for my interview!! wish me luck, I'd love to direct TAM).

Should probably make a meds checklist or something because ughhhhhhhh i forgot again, at least I remembered my anti-depressants but like I need to do work so I need the ADHD stuff too

[pinkestlittlebutterfly]

Chapter 136 is out and while it’s generally smart to wait for a translation to say anything Deep about it I’m just Not Going To Do That and simply put a disclaimer right here at the beginning of my ramblings to tell all of you that everything I say might be incorrect and to please take it with a grain of salt. 

Anyways among the many, many things this chapter reveals I want to talk about Lily’s preferences regarding Puccini’s operas. 

Again provided that my wonky attempts at understanding didn’t fail me, in these panels Lily tells Misono about how Mikage used to take him to see Puccini’s operas, and how, allegedly, Mikage liked “Madama Butterfly”, but Lily preferred “Turandot”. Strike Tanaka loves their literary references, of course, and I love talking about Lily, so let’s take a look at those works. 

Summarised very shortly, “Madama Butterfly” is the tale of Ciocio-san, referred to as Butterfly, married to an American at a young age, who desires her for her beauty. When he abandons her for three years, she holds onto her love for him, until he returns with his new, American wife, which prompts her to kill herself in despair. “Turandot”, on the other hand, tells of the cruel, cold-hearted princess of the same name, who swore an oath to only marry a man who solved her three riddles and have those who fail beheaded. Over the course of her story she is challenged by a young prince who answers her riddles but ultimately places his life in her hands, until she eventually falls in love with him. 

Both of these stories are much more complex than that, of course, but summarising them properly would go way beyond how long I wanted this post to be and I will just recommend you check them out if you haven’t yet. The point I want to make is that both “Madama Butterfly” and “Turandot” are, at their core, stories about love: Butterfly believes in love with her whole heart but finds hers empty and worthless, while Turandot rejects love until she sees it at its most strong and gives in to it, granting her a happy end. Love is misery and grief to Butterfly, but salvation to Turandot. 

In chapter 136, Lily also talks about love when Misono calls him out on how he is not being very true to his name “All of Love”, suggesting that despite his stance of “everyone is born to be loved” back in volume four, he never really believed in love in the first place and only ever stood for loveless lust. 

That is, again, assuming I read this part correctly. 

But Lily prefers “Turandot” to “Madama Butterfly”, he prefers the story of a love so warm and true it melts the princess’ ice heart to that which – at least with how he presents himself in this chapter – should be much closer to how he feels about it all. And it might just be mentioned in a throwaway line, but I think it was placed in this chapter on purpose. I think that Lily, like most of us, likes stories that are not about how he thinks the world is, but how he wishes it to be – Lily wants to believe in a love like that Turandot experienced, even as he tries to deny it. 

This is also not the first time that “Turandot” is brought up. “Turandot” is the name of the spell Lily is using to keep himself and Misono trapped on the chess board; the first technique that Misono developed upon becoming Lily’s Eve. In a way, the princess Turandot becomes reminiscent of how Lily positions himself in the game the two of them are playing – a cold-hearted creature, unyielding to love, and cruel in how he rejects it. 

But I think there’s a little Butterfly in him as well.

We don’t know a lot about Lily’s backstory yet, and I am really mostly speculating at this point, but as it’s been with Kuro and Ildio and Hugh, to become a Servamp one’s body must be primed by sin. Like Butterfly, I think Lily has been the victim of loveless lust once – it’s just that he didn’t get the luxury of dying. He became Turandot, somewhere along the way, and how it happened is (hopefully) for the coming chapters to reveal. 

Turandot found love to soften her heart in the end, and I think Lily will be able to do the same. He already has a prince to challenge him, after all. I don’t think he’s being all that honest with Misono, I think he’s trying to rile him up, to inspire hate and rejection, but Misono has grown strong and smart enough to figure him out. And I honestly can’t wait to see it. 

[kindestegg]

Analyzing all the differences in the storyboards posted by Yasmin Khudari and the final product! - Part 1: No Collector Edition

Hello everyone!! Today I bring you a different kind of meta post than usual... I'm sure some of you are already aware that Yasmin Khudari who worked on The Owl House has posted quite a lot of storyboards for episodes in season 2B and For the Future as well. I will reblog this post with the link to her site later (as if I believe correctly the issue with posts with external links on them getting shadowbanned still is not fixed).

But for now! Under the cut, I will point out every difference between the storyboards and the final cut and what this could mean! There's a lot of exciting stuff to go through, so much so in fact that I will have to cut this post in half to showcase the Collector related storyboards elsewhere because there is just! So much ground to cover! And the 30 image limit would burst!!! (I know this because I've literally tried.)

(A small side note... I have elected to sometimes to not show picture evidence of things changing because we do have a 30 images limit here and I want to hopefully talk about all the changes!)

Starting with Season 2 Episode 12, Elsewhere and Elsewhen, we have this cute little scene of Lilith cutting some branches out of the way while Luz follows her and does a little twirl. I imagine this was just cut because it wasn't very necessary, but it is cute as hell.

In the final episode, they cut directly to the scene where Lilith is looking at her book showing the Pools of Time entry.

Another subtle difference likely cut for time, Lilith originally would sniff the seaweed brought by her palisman that ended up on Luz's head. In the final episode, this little action is absent.

Something that was not cut but rather added this time! In the storyboards, Lilith only goes "Eh?" when she thinks she failed in finding the time pools, whereas in the final episode, she goes into her whole spiel about how she "triple checked all her calculations, her equipment is first rate". It's possible that while the moments seen before were cut, this was added instead.

There is also another slight divergence in dialogue. In the final episode, Lilith's monologue goes: "Maybe the blood was too dry? Is it not algae blooming season?" Whereas here Lilith wonders if the map was outdated or if the oak was a bit more of a pine before wondering if it's not algae blooming season.

And finally, there is a moment that was also cut from the finale episode where Luz is wowed by the discovery of the prehistoric Boiling Isles, but finds out she can't breathe in there. This would explain why in the final episode she is heard coughing before pulling her head back out.

I do think it's a shame this was cut as it would better explain why she was coughing and would be a neat little nod to the fact the air would have been different in that era of time.

Next, we have another set of boards for Elsewhere and Elsewhen, this time showcasing Luz and Lilith traveling with Philip to the head. I'm excited to get to this one because this has some juicy changes I want to discuss.

And our first change already shows exactly what I mean: there is no mention of The Collector in these boards. Instead, both Luz and Philip are seeking something called "The Song of Stars".

And equally, Luz doesn't refer to it as a "he" who can tell them how to clear the mist, but rather just something that can grant them power.

Is it possible that at the point in time these boards were getting done, the Collector was not yet meant to be a character? Maybe the Song of Stars was rather some kind of powerful spell, something that would grant Philip a power similar to the draining spell.

Smaller detail but just something I thought was cute: In the original boards, Luz did not say "snap snap snap" out loud, so I'm glad that was added in the final cut. It's cute!

But you know what did not make the cut? Philip being a suck up to flatter Luz and Luz being absolutely adorable about it. He calls her crab language "beautiful" and says both her and Lilith are very brave and that they're like warrior princesses, which sure makes Luz happy. Oh, if only her happiness could've lasted.

A blush and happy tears!! My god girl!! I am so sorry your idol turned out to be a douche! You deserved to have kept that happiness!!!

I do have some theories as to why this was cut. Could have been reworked for time, or could have been that they didn't think people may get the reference (this reads like a Xena Warrior Princess one to me at least), or even that it might seem odd for him to have that concept...

I do think the blush here is interesting, we have seen characters in the show blush in contexts that aren't romantic such as when they are embarrassed, looking up to someone or think something is cute. So this isn't too odd, Luz is meeting what at the current time is a big idol for her and he is saying very nice things to her, which would understandably get a strong reaction.

Minor change: Luz goes "what!" in the original storyboards before asking if Philip uses glyphs too. Again, very minor change, but! Cute!!!

Interesting change here: In the original boards, Philip does not comment that it took years for him to find the glyphs and that it was almost as if the world wanted to hide them from him.

Instead, he comments he "didn't realize there was one for light as well".

This is REALLY interesting to me, because it also makes me wonder if the subtle theme of it being ambiguous whether the Titan's consciousness lingered and somehow hid the glyphs from Philip or if he was just that disrespectful and stubborn towards the B.I culture and wildlife that the only way he could rationalize his hardship was through the world being against him... was way less present in an earlier draft of the story.

He also does not comment "a warrior and a scholar, truly impressive" at Luz after she tells him she also found a glyph in a snowflake, just being quiet instead. I think that part may have been added to make more thematic sense with Lilith having a small quiet moment of looking weirded out by Philip's flattery right after.

Another minor detail: Luz also blushes in this storyboard when gushing over teaching Philip the light glyph, but this is absent in the final cut. I wonder if this was done so people wouldn't get the wrong idea, or, rather, if "my idol is so cool" gushing would be considered to be something that wouldn't be worth blushing over.

Another instance of The Collector being replaced by The Song of Stars. I find it funny in a silly way that it's in all caps, makes me think of how RPG games will write important key items or boss characters in all caps.

And that's all for the differences in this episode! But before we move onto the next, I wanted to talk a bit more about the Song of Stars because this all just... fascinates me? Coupled with that one storyboard we have seen from The Owl Beast nightmare that showed what seemed to be three figures instead of one, I wonder if back then they were toying with the idea of the celestial magic opposing earthly magic from the titans and the collectors as a species being the reason why titans are gone, but they didn't think to actually have a collector as a character back then, only have them as some distant threat and adding to the lore. The song of stars could have been some kind of powerful spell or weapon left by then way back when, perhaps even what killed the titans.

Maybe we will know once the series ends and we can ask all about the cut storylines that ended up being discarded in favor of the current one. I certainly want to know!

For, Them's The Breaks, Kid, now, we have one minor dialogue change. Eda adds a "honestly", when she says she thought there'd be more (to her misdeeds). Maybe they took it out because she WASN'T being honest? LMAO.

This is an interesting cut line: In the storyboards, before saying she'll be separated from Lilith, Eda says her parents "will kill her". While we know this is classic Eda hyperbole, I think this is interesting because to me it may have been cut due to the fact that this could be seen as odd when her parents have been shown previously to be pretty understanding... or maybe there is more to the Clawthornes than we think of.

I'm definitely not saying Dell and Gwen would be abusive, fucking hell no, but Gwendolyn has at the very least been pretty overbearing on Eda at times, and has made Lilith feel left out, presumably even before the curse if Lilith's desperation to stand out above Eda is anything to go by. Maybe, even without meaning to, Eda and Lilith's parents were pretty strict about getting them a good enough education and nudging them to join the Emperor's Coven. I mean... where do you wonder their aspiration to it came from?

Or, again, I'm just looking too much into this and this line was cut precisely because this wouldn't reflect Dell and Gwen well.

Small detail, in the storyboards, Eda said "I'll do anything to make up for this" instead of just "I'll do anything". I think it's possible they cut this because it made more sense to imply she'd do anything to stay rather than "make up for" things she wasn't truly sorry for.

More small details! Faust doesn't say "no child is beyond redemption", but rather "no one". This is interesting to me because it would imply Bump's life philosophy extends to adults as well, and in my opinion nods to the goodness in his heart.

Also! In the storyboards Eda doesn't laugh nervously, just raises her hand at Bump.

"IFWOT" also used to not have its name be said in the storyboards when Faust explained it to Eda and Bump, instead he simply called it a "special training program for gifted students of the Isles". I think this was more of a change to let us know of the name really, and it's possible they didn't have the name when it was boarded.

And finally, Faust was I guess supposed to laugh offscreen when he walked away, but this is absent from the final episode. I guess they either thought he might not be the type or they just forgot to add it, after all it would require someone to remember to record the line and add an offscreen sound effect.

Another set of boards for the same episode also shows Lilith and Eda in their studying together.

For starters, instead of Lilith saying "Trials for the Emperor's Coven are just around the corner", she says "The Emperor's Coven will be here *any* day" in the storyboards, which to be fair isn't a big difference, specially since the storyboards afterwards continue the same way with Eda pointing out seven months isn't any day/just around the corner.

Also something interesting, when giving Eda her question, Lilith specifies a potency the Leadfoot potion would have. Does this imply that potions can be mixed with varying potency, making some purposefully weaker or purposefully stronger? Maybe as a way to create balance?

Also it is barely a real difference, but I thought it'd be criminal to not let you all know Lilith is described to be "slightly envious" in the storyboards when stating that Eda is correct lol

She also had EEE on her dialogue before saying "imagine us both getting" on the storyboards which I'm sad didn't make it in!

Also there was no dialogue for Lilith pointing to the clock in the original storyboards! I'm guessing they added "look we're gonna be late" as a way to clarify what pointing anxiously at a clock meant lol

The storyboards then cut to way later in the episode, with Raine having transferred to Hexside and Eda meeting them in the cafeteria. Another slight dialogue change is Raine used to simply say their parents were surprisingly cool about it, rather than they hated the cold on the knee like they do in the final product.

It is very faint, but there is also a cut frame of Eda blushing at Raine while smiling here. Very cute!

Raine also used to take a sip while saying "give me the rundown of this place" while cutting that sentence in the middle and going "blegh" because of the taste, rather than in the final cut where they say the full sentence and then take a sip.

I think this may have been cut simply because it made the pacing of the dialogue way too awkward.

And finally, Raine used to laugh at Eda commenting on how much she liked the apple blood, which I think is just cute.

Next up, Labyrinth Runners! We have three different sets of storyboards for this one to get through!

First of all! After Bump takes a fighting stance, the coven scouts look at each other and shrug, which was cut in the final version. Guess they'd usually not think much of Bump huh...

Another set of storyboards shows us a pretty different look at the scene where Adrian has Gus held inside the gym: First of all, for some reason this set of boards is missing all of Adrian's dialogue, which makes it hard for us to infer just how much changed about that from the storyboards to the final cut, but we can see a glimpse of a different storyline with Gus' one line in all this:

"I'll never join your coven"... does that mean, originally, Adrian would try to force Gus to join the illusion coven, and Gus was resisting because he probably figured out by now getting coven sigils is bad news? But then again, I can imagine this was cut and quickly reworked into something a little less convoluted and more straightforward: Gus wouldn't know yet just how bad joining a coven is and about the draining spell, and Gus DOES specialize in illusion, so it could look odd that he is resisting this much.

There's another set of boards of when Hunter wakes up at the infirmary, and sadly this one is also missing dialogue. But we can still infer some differences!

First of all, after Skara tells him it's not an illusion and he is in the healing homeroom, Hunter opens his mouth briefly, maybe speaking words of relief or just sighing in relief really.

Also minor thing: it's a bit hard to tell with how these storyboards are with missing chunks, but it seems like Willow would have walked up to Hunter to defend him without him having to have brought up Gus' breathing exercise.

And for the last board in this, uhm, I don't... think this was meant to make it into the final cut but. LOL. LMAO.

Moving onto King's Tide!

Originally, we would've seen Luz use her safe fall spell when dodging Belos' attacks!

Also, instead of saying that it took him years to figure that (combining glyphs) out, Belos instead says it took him years to "harness their strength"... and he does NOT say anything about it being almost as if the titan was hiding it from him. Hmmm. Perhaps, more fuel to the fire of the theory that back then, there was no subtle implication of either the titan's consciousness lingering or Belos attributing his own disdain and lack of care to the titan?

This also curiously alters the next bit of dialogue: he still says "though you're still decades away from beating me", just earlier. And soon after, he says "that was almost impressiv-" getting cut out when Luz sends fire out at him. Not gonna lie, I almost wish this was kept because I like the idea of Belos getting cocky and immediately getting blasted, unable to finish his sentence. But oh well!

Speaking of dialogue differences!

Here, Philip says "And I'm giving you a chance to be saved, Luz. To go home!" instead of "And despite our differences, I want to help you, Luz. I can send you home." I consider this more or less the same, really, but it is an interesting change. He leans more on the saving aspect here.

And there is a pretty big cut scene also with how Luz responds to "I don't want to see another human life destroyed by this place".

Here, she snaps that he's the one destroying things, and wonders what it is all for, and then asks "what do you think they DID to you?"

Only after this, in the storyboards, does she go on to her "you're such a hypocrite" lines.

To me, this is a bit of a shame for having been cut out, because I feel like it brings up a good point about how Philip self justifies his wrongdoings by believing that the Boiling Isles residents are all inherently bad by the way they simply are, and that this divergence he cannot understand could somehow justify the drastic violent measures he takes.

I think it could have been this was cut for time, or maybe the crew thought this addition would be a bit confusing for some audiences to understand the implications it is trying to set up. It IS indicative of a bigger exploration of Philip's psyche after all.

Another incredibly interesting change: in the storyboards, Luz used to not have the petrification spell continue crawling up her, and is able to shake it off okay. I imagine they changed this to maybe make the situation look more dire and up the stakes a little, otherwise the scene might be too stale and anticlimactic with just Luz being able to keep talking and not having time ticking down on her life.

She also shuffles to her feet and is able to stand up while facing him, while in the final episode she can't get up due to the petrification spell still crawling up on her. Not gonna lie, I almost wish we did get this one, because the way she controls the situation with Philip here kind of feels more satisfying like this, while in the final product, you're busy going "shit shit shit LUZ OH NO".

She also used to cry a lot more on the boards when begging for the deal... I wonder if they added the petrification continuing really to just hammer home the desperation and make her crying have a "reason", though uh... hot take, I think she has reason enough to cry considering the Draining Spell threatening to kill everyone.

Also! Belos used to "chuckle" as the boards call for it when he was about to shake Luz's hand, but he doesn't do so in the final cut.

And finally for this batch: there's a small cut moment of Belos saying "you" with pained effort at Luz after she fucking booms him and gets the sigil on him, and she fucking STARES back with the most ominous badass look. I'm kind of sad that didn't make it in. Yeah it's minor but I like every time it's very clear Luz is being a thorn on his side and he is actually really fucking bothered by it actually.

Next batch of storyboards for this ep shows the fight with Belos on the bridge! First difference I can think of is that Luz was supposed to say "Philip" very quietly before getting jumpscared by him showing up behind her. It may have been cut similarly just because of them not getting audio for it or something or it not being necessary.

Bigger dialogue change: Instead of saying "we don't belong here", Belos says "I wanted to save you", which adds more fuel to the fire that they used to put a lot more emphasis on Philip's psychology of seeing himself as the one who gets to decide who is saved and seeing himself as a savior and martyr, and also someone done wrong by the demon realm.

I can't really know for sure why this was reworked and why more emphasis was put on rather Philip seeking to relate to Luz in their humanity. A lot of these boards seem to put even more emphasis on them as foils, standing up as equals against each other, and I do kind of lament we lost that? I mean, don't get me wrong, I can totally see that STILL lingers in the final product, but it feels way stronger in these.

By the way, if you're wondering, Luz does not say "I'm nothing like you" here either, it just cuts right onto Willow grabbing Belos with vines.

Also! When the gang shows up, they used to have no dialogue about how they're here to help and all, just cutting to Luz saying "you guys!!" (in the final product, she says "You guys are literally the coolest"). I do like the final product more, it's cute and adds more I think.

This one deserves to get shown: there's a cut little moment after Amity covers Luz where they look at each other and blush and it is! So cute! Why did it not make it in!! WHAT! Just because it "isn't the time to be gay"? Bullshit! Yuri time is all the time!

But for something that wasn't in the boards but made it in! Hunter protecting Willow was added in the final product!

And that is it for King's Tide... and so I ask that you tune in next time for when I analyze the For the Future boards!! I am VERY excited to get through those, specially because even between the roughs and cleans for a scene, there's so many little differences!!! And I want to talk about it ALL!!

[eternalchiyo]

Everlasting Spark ~MANIAC 04~

“Yui?”

Chiyo turned around in surprise. The other girl had a look of worry plastered on her face.

“Chiyo-san, are you alright? You’re not hurt, are you?”

She hurried over to her and looked her all over, seemingly searching for any wounds or other signs of mistreatment. Chiyo hoped Yui would not notice the red mark on her neck, but her hopes were in vain. The other girl must have become an expert on Vampire bites, because her eyes immediately glued onto Chiyo’s neck.

“Did Ruki-kun do this to you?” she asked.

Chiyo’s hand reached up to cover the marks on instinct, not that it would help, now that Yui had already noticed them anyway. Her face looked even more worried now.

“Yes… well, it’s complicated. But yes.”

“Are you sure you want to keep staying there? This really seems like a bad idea when he is forcing himself onto you,” Yui said.

Chiyo tried to calm the girl down by putting her hands onto her shoulders.

“He’s not… technically forcing himself onto me,” she said. “It’s just… it’s a necessary thing if I want to go back home to the demon world.”

Yui didn’t really understand, but Chiyo couldn’t fault her. If she remembered correctly, Reiji had only found out that the Mukami were here because of Eve. Because of Yui. There was nothing regarding Lilith back then. But then why did they not seem to be making any moves regarding Eve? She never noticed them talking about her either. Unless they did it in complete secrecy, which she was ready to believe.

If her guess was correct, then Yui should also be going through some sort of transformation by now. Chiyo wasn’t sure what exactly it was necessary for, Ruki had only called it a plan by the King for creating a new species. The need for this was beyond Chiyo’s comprehension. Vampires were good enough already, weren’t they? Nevertheless, she decided to ask.

“Say, Yui, have you been feeling any different lately? Any weak spells or similar things?”

Yui frowned and seemed lost in thought.

“Well, I did have a bit of heart pain lately, but otherwise I think I am fine?”

Chiyo nodded.

“But speaking of, Ayato-kun seemed really out of it for a while. He is usually very possessive but for a while he acted as if everyone was out to steal me away or something. Shuu-san has also been very irritable lately…”

Chiyo’s eyes widened at that.

“Shuu is?”

Yui nodded.

“Ever since you left, he has been in a foul mood. He’s attending even less classes and he keeps fighting with Reiji-san. Honestly, I am a little bit scared and worried about him,” she said.

Chiyo’s heart sank at what she heard from the other girl. Even in her absence she caused him pain. Maybe that was her destiny no matter what.

“Do you think it’s because of me…?” she asked.

“I don’t know,” Yui said, “but I think part of it might be. I feel like he misses you.”

Chiyo let out a bitter laugh. If that was the case, he really should stop and get his priorities straight. She wondered what he must be thinking of her now. He already had called her a whore, so it couldn’t really get that much worse from here on out anyway.

“So, you’re not coming back?” Yui asked.

Chiyo shook her head.

“No, not for now anyway.” If she could trust Ruki, he would be helping get her back to her real home. That was a big If. Hopefully she wouldn’t have to return to the other mansion anytime soon.

“I hope you will find what you’re searching for, Chiyo-san. But let me know if I can help you; it’s been a bit sad not having anybody to talk to back home…”

Chiyo let out a sad sigh. Now that made her feel really bad. She felt as if she had abandoned everybody, and it was kind of true.

The first bell chimed, reminding the students that classes were going to start soon. Yui turned her head up towards the sound.

“Ah, looks like classes are about to start, can we talk again soon?” she asked.

“Yeah,” Chiyo nodded. “I will let you know if something comes up.”

They exchanged their goodbyes and Chiyo made her way to the classroom. She hoped Shuu wouldn’t be there. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. He was there, arms sprawled out on the table with his face down as usual. Chiyo swallowed hard; how was she supposed to survive this? It had been hard sitting next to him already, but after hearing from Yui how irritable he had been and that she was most likely the cause of it, she couldn’t deny her nervousness.

As if he sensed her discomfort, he suddenly looked up at her. She couldn’t make out what the look he gave her meant, but she knew it wasn’t anything good. Still, what choice did she have other than sitting down in her seat? Well, she could hide probably, but she would most likely get in trouble. So, she made her way towards her seat slowly.

“Chiyo.”

She turned her head towards the voice.

“What are you doing? Sit down,” Ruki indicated for her to sit down in the seat next to him.

She looked between her old seat and her new seat, slightly confused. She also caught Shuu frowning at the other Vampire.

“Do not worry about it, I took care of it already,” Ruki said.

She tried to retort something but ended up sitting down in the seat next to Ruki after all. Unfortunately, it was more to the front of the class, leaving her susceptible to the daggers Shuu shot at her with his eyes.

Lessons seemed to never end that night. She was unable to skip the classes because Ruki forbade it and made it a habit of not letting her wander off alone easily. It felt very confining. Not to mention that she really could not care less about hearing about human history in the 1940s again.

When the school day was nearing its end, she had managed to slip away while Ruki’s attention was directed somewhere else for a minute. She really couldn’t bear being figuratively shackled to him. She wasn’t sure exactly why he needed to surveil her like this since she already stayed with him on her own accord, so she wouldn’t try to run from him, even though now she technically was. That was his own fault though. One should never cage a pretty bird if one didn’t want it to break free at some point.

Unsure of where exactly to go, she roamed the hallway for a bit, before her feet dragged her to the music room. Chiyo pursed her lips wondering whether she should enter or not. It had been ages since she had played some music, and it usually helped her relax and sort out her thoughts, there was no harm in indulging in a little hobby every once in a while, right? She pushed the heavy door and entered.

The music room had a beautiful piano, of course it couldn’t compare to the one she had left behind in her own home, but it was still a very elegant instrument.

She opened the fallboard and let her fingers glide along the smooth ivory keys. It really had been a while.

She sat down and played the first thing that came to mind: Claire de Lune by Debussy. It was one of her favorite pieces; the starting pace so peaceful but melancholic. A piece she used to play so often she could play it flawlessly. Her fingers slid effortlessly across the keys; she really had missed this.

How long has it been that she had done something for her own enjoyment? Too long. All she had been occupied with was this stupid plan the King was apparently devising. That and mending her own heart after she had to see Shuu day in and day out. Being with the Mukami family did not really help her either, as Ruki made her feel just as confused.

She sighed as she played the last few notes of the piece, leaving her alone in the room together with her own confusing thoughts.

Suddenly the door clicked, and she spun her head around. Someone was coming in; she just hoped it wasn’t Ruki.

“Ah…”

“Shuu—”

No doubt he had come to check out who it was that played one of his favorite pieces. Unfortunately, it had to be her.

She jumped up from the seat, unsure what to do now. Should she try and talk to him? She wasn’t sure. What would they even talk about? The last time they interacted was when they kissed in his room. After that she had left the mansion in a hurry. Leaving him behind. Again.

“I’m sorry, I’m going to leave—”

She was about to run out of the room when he took another step inside and blocked her only way out with his stupid, broad shoulders.

Shuu didn’t say anything and just crossed his arms in front of his chest, pinning her down with a cold stare.

“What are you doing? Let me out of here,” she said, her patience wearing thin.

“Why? So you can go back to that other guy and have your blood sucked by him like the whore you are? You want him that bad?”

Chiyo drew back at the accusation. Could he see the bitemark from all the way over there? She frowned at him.

“I have no idea what you are talking about,” she lied.

Shuu scoffed.

“Didn’t think you were stupid enough to try and fool me…” he said, “you reek of that bastard. No doubt he has left his scent everywhere across your body.”

“’Everywhere’ is a bit—" she stopped herself.

“So you admit it?”

Chiyo groaned.

Shuu took a step towards her, and she drew back on instinct.

“Where?” he simply asked.

“That’s none of your business,” she frowned at him.

His eyes narrowed and before she could even comprehend what was happening, he had trapped her against one of the desks, a knife pressed against her neck.

“I suggest you answer me truthfully, if you don’t want me to cut up your pretty face with this knife,” he said, his voice dark, low and threatening against her ear.

Chiyo swallowed. Intimate moments of them in his bed flashed before her eyes. Moments where he had also pressed a knife onto her skin, cutting it sensually and licking the blood off her afterwards. But he had never threatened her with one like this!

Yui was right when she said he was irritated. In this state he was completely unpredictable, and she firmly believed he was capable of slitting her throat in a fit of rage, even if he for now was still pressing it with the blunt side towards her flesh.

“On my neck…” she said as calmly as she could.

He scoffed again. “Of course…”

His knife moved away from her throat, letting her breathe a little. However, he moved it towards her clothes instead, tearing through the delicate fabric of the red ribbon and severing the top buttons of her blouse, making them fall onto the floor with a plastic clank, revealing her neck to him completely.

“What are you—”

“Shut up. I don’t want to hear your voice right now.”

Chiyo pressed her lips into a thin line and looked away. This felt too shameful for her, she didn’t want to see what he was doing. Didn’t want him to look at the evidence of what had been happening the last few days.

He scrutinized the pale neck, his gaze virtually burning into her skin before his fingertips gently grazed along the fresh bitemarks. The girl shut her eyes tightly and bit her lip to prevent herself from letting out any embarrassing sounds.

“These look heinous,” Shuu muttered, “mine would look better on you, don’t you think?”

Chiyo needed a moment to get herself out of the daze, but she eventually responded:

“Why? Both would mean nothing, wouldn’t they?”

He frowned at her, but his gaze seemed softer than before. She could hardly hide her surprise.

Suddenly he pushed her back, forcing her to sit on the desk if she didn’t want to lose her balance. His face buried in the crook of her neck, and she could feel the cold wetness of his tongue that was traveling along the bitemarks Ruki had left there initially. An involuntary gasp left her lips.

“You’re way too easy to excite…” he said and bit into her neck quite unceremoniously.

His fangs tore through the flesh, reopening the old wound that her body had worked hard on healing.

“No, stop—” she pleaded but Shuu didn’t listen.

Instead, he pressed himself closer, forcing her to spread her legs and make room for him. His fangs buried themselves deeper into her flesh as if to make sure there was no trace left of Ruki after he was done. Completely erasing any evidence of a previous bite. What was most curious about this though, was that it didn’t hurt like it did last time. Chiyo could have sworn that this bite was pleading and needy.

But that couldn’t be it, right?

She was unable to stop the moan that formed inside of her from escaping. It was amplified by the echo of the music room and caused Shuu to groan against her neck, his fangs still buried deep within her flesh. Her legs wrapped around him – an old habit – bringing his body closer, pressing it against her lower parts. Shuu removed his fangs from her neck and lapped up the excess blood that somehow made it out. She could feel him kiss and suck behind her ear – one of her favorite spots – it never failed to make her knees weak. He caught the lobe of her ear between his teeth, biting down on it and Chiyo wondered how she could have ever thought that she preferred Ruki’s kisses on her neck. This was way better.

She hated how much she liked it.

Shuu moved to the other side of her neck, trailing down wet kisses, leaving a burning sensation in their wake, until he reached the spot he was searching for and sank his fangs into it as well.

“Ah!” she cried out and grabbed the fabric of his blazer, her fingernails digging into his back. She couldn’t stop her own hips from moving upwards, rubbing against his body in a desperate attempt to create some friction.

Shuu’s own hand traveled towards her leg, sliding up the flesh of her thigh until it reached the hem of her skirt, ready to rip apart the tights she was wearing underneath.

She was about to throw away her last shred of dignity and beg him for more, but she snapped out of her daze by the sound of approaching footsteps in the hallway.

“Someone’s coming!” she said panicked, trying to detach herself from Shuu.

“Then I suggest you shut up, so that they don’t hear us. Unless you want to be on display for everyone in this shameful state of yours. I wouldn’t be surprised to find out you’re into that sort of perverted thing,” he said against her ear.

“I’m not, come on let go—”

A clicking noise could be heard from outside the door and seconds later it opened, revealing a teacher that was doing their rounds at the end of the day.

“Kids, what in the world are you still doing here at this hour?” he sounded annoyed.

Chiyo took the opportunity to push Shuu away and grab her ribbon off the floor.

“Get out of here, the school is closing for tonight!”

The girl glanced back at Shuu who was still standing at the desk she was previously sitting on before she ran out of the classroom. In the background she could faintly hear the teacher complain about ‘kids these days’ who had ‘no sense of manners anymore’.

She couldn’t care less about what some human thought about her, but she couldn’t stop the pounding in her chest. God, she would kill for the ability to just teleport away!

This was bad! She almost let him have his way with her again. After that time in the forest, she didn’t want him to touch her that way anymore, at least in her head that was what she had decided.

“Stupid body!” she cursed under her breath.

Only when she reached the school’s main entrance was she able to take a regular breath again. The schoolyard was empty when she looked around and Ruki and the others had probably gone home for the night as well. Would she be able to find her way back to the manor on her own? Looks like she had to now.

“Damn it…” she sighed.

“Looking for something, guineapig?”

Her head jerked towards the familiar voice.

“Ruki, I—”

“Do not bother…” he said and looked at her torn clothes, “I can smell him on you.”

Chiyo’s hand grabbed the blouse tighter, trying to cover up her chest.

“But—”

“I said do not bother. We will talk about this once we arrive home.”

Without waiting for her response, he started walking towards the gates. If she wanted to sleep in a bed today, she had to follow him. With a sigh she quickly started running to catch up with him, the impending dread of a punishment looming over her.

[creature-wizard]

What is the difference between witchcraft and magic? It feels there is the difference, If I understand correctly.

So like, there's two main definitions of "witchcraft" that are important here.

The first definition is older definition of someone who works malefic magic against people, particularly members of their community. Before the modern witchcraft movement, this is generally what a witch was understood to be. (And still is, depending on where you go.)

Now I want to make it clear, there were always people we'd regard as magical practitioners around, but most of them weren't called witches. Other terms were more often used for this. Folk practitioners didn't (and still don't) necessarily call what they're doing magic, either.

The second definition basically covers what's going on in the modern witchcraft movement, which is what pretty much everybody who calls themself a witch these days is a part of. The modern witchcraft movement was influenced by the witch cult hypothesis, which proposed that the early modern witch hunts were actually targeting members of a pagan religion that had survived underground since Europe's Christianization. The witchcraft movement of the 20th century was largely an effort to revive what many people thought was a suppressed religion. Only the thing was, there was no suppressed religion like this. The witch hunts were a moral panic, and the stories of women flying off in the night to kiss the Devil's backside or whatever were pure conspiracy theory.

But if the modern witchcraft movement has one thing going for it, it's flexibility. Since it's more focused on practice than belief, it hasn't been too difficult for many people to ditch the pseudohistory and keep doing their thing. (The ones who believe in the witch cult hypothesis tend to be younger people who aren't well educated, and full-on conspiracy theorists.)

Today, the modern witchcraft movement is influenced and informed by a lot of things, from ancient paganism to folk magic traditions to modern occultism, and basically everybody agrees that being a witch has something to do with doing magic. Now, what counts as "magic" depends on who you ask.

Some practices considered to be witchcraft include:

Folk charms and modern spells inspired by folk charms

Ritual magic, or at least certain forms of it

Astral travel

Tarot reading

Astrology

Pendulum divination

This is an incomplete list, of course. And again, what is and isn't witchcraft depends on who you ask. (I met one witch who believed that astrology was essential for practicing witchcraft, and another witch who believed that astrology had nothing to do with witchcraft whatsoever.)

So yeah, hopefully this answers your question, anon!

[gonzoclock]

Hello! I've been in an HP fanfic mood, and one of those always includes reading thru your fics. I love your writing, and once you're ready to get back to it I seriously cannot wait for more Werewolf Weasleys. Hope that you've been enjoying what you're working on lately!

I do have a question about Regulus Black and the What the Hell - when Voldemort shows up, is it something Luna did with the horcruxes that gave him physical form again? I feel like I never catch how he's suddenly there and am not sure if it's a 'make your own assumptions on how here' or if I simply miss a key line.

Thank you! Hopefully one of these days I'll get back into that werewolf mood haha.

It's definitely not one of those things spelled out all the way in text, if I'm remembering correctly I have maybe one line in there? But basically what happened is Luna didn't destroy any of the horcruxes, she just took the soul pieces from the items/Harry and released them into the wild. Once all the soul pieces are free, they're able to come together and this manifests as a physical form. Mostly just because 'magic' but I think there's some precedence for that sort of thing (looking at you, the end of Chamber of Secrets). Anyways you for sure didn't miss anything, it's just one of those things I didn't flesh out all the way for the sake of the narrative.