#i get we're excited that they're confirmed of course it's nice to know

[flamedork]

these interviewers are asking the wrong questions. we already knew we were getting versions of the carriage and mirror scenes. ASK WHETHER WRITER COLIN IS CONFIRMED. ASK WHETHER PEN AND DANBURY ARE BESTIES. ASK ABOUT LADYS DANBURY ADN BRIDGERTON'S MEDDLING. ASK IF COLIN AND FRAN ARE BESTIES. ASK IF COLIN AND KATE ARE BESTIES. ASK ABOUT KATE'S INTRO TO THE BRIDGERTON FAM DYNAMIC. ASK ABOUT COLIN VS LADY FEATHERINGTON. ASK ABOUT THE ROMCOM CHAOS PLS I'M BEGGINGGGGG ASK ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE.

[marvel-starwarsfangirl]

Episode 9 "The Harbinger" Review

Ah Jennifer, Jennifer, Jennifer... you love to watch us get all worked up don't you? But in all seriousness, I really enjoyed this episode. It's so beautifully animated and scored. I need the Kiners to drop the OST asap because man was the music stunning. (This episode also further proves that Echo clearly was the braincell of the group and I'm cackling).

As always, spoilers below:

BEHOLD! THE RETURN OF OUR QUEEN VENTRESS! I loved how she was utilized. I was surprised to see her actually be there on Pabu, but it makes sense since Fennec told her to find them. However, I am wondering how she did find Pabu. My guess is that Ventress was given Hunter's photo and meditated with it until she felt his presence... somewhere. Or she knew a guy who knew a guy who knew Phee. Everything from Ventress' design to voice acting was perfection. The animators really popped off with her Dark Disciple look. But, how did she survive? Nightsister magic? There's probably some explanation, but it'll be left ambiguous for reasons.

Her relationship with Omega was very well done. She's changed so much since her first appearance in CW. I liked the balance between her ability to still kick butt while also being a good person at heart as shown with Omega. She doesn't kill the Batch even though they got defensive (and I understand why they did). The scene where she calms the giant kraken-like creature was so so good. It's a nice way of showing how Ventress has found the light with the Force. Her line about being on a side of her own was also good and pretty much sums up her character perfectly. She's neither dark nor light, she's just right.

It's also obvious from the title that she's the harbinger. Harbingers are people that herald the approach of someone or danger. For the Batch, she's a harbinger of doom. That doesn't mean she herself brings the danger, but she tells them that their time is up. Repeatedly, she tells the Batch that they aren't safe even on Pabu. Which means that Pabu is gonna go down next week *cue sad yaying*. Even the lighting this episode signified doom. Pabu is shrouded in fog and the only light we see is from a sunset, indicating the end of the Batch's peace and safety.

Speaking of the Batch, they really do share one braincell and even then, it's usually with Echo. It's so awesome to see them work together again in combat. And we got to hear their theme again!! It was so triumphant and such a great moment! I know we'll hear it again, but this was such a good moment. I love that most of their moments were them just watching out for Omega. I know we all joke about the Jango Fett Mandalorian dad genes, but it's so true. Hunter, Wrecker, and Crosshair love their sister so much. Every time Cross was like "we're not handing her over," I got excited. Omega aside, the smaller moments like Wrecker teasing Crosshair or Wrecker mimicking his brothers were gold.

My favorite moment with the three was when Crosshair threw Hunter and Wrecker's weapons to them. The music went hard and the camaraderie between them is so heartfelt. These brothers will always have each others' backs. (Also, this is the first time we hear Cross call Tech by his name. Tech is still with them, even if it's in their hearts).

And of course there's our sweet bean, Omega. Next week will definitely be about her conflicted over the possibility of being Force Sensitive. It breaks my heart to see her so lost and confused. The Batch can try and help, but they're so out of their depth. I honestly think Omega will go back to Tantiss simply to see if she is capable of using the Force. There are so many questions about her identity. Why was she created? Why is she so important? I know a lot of people now think that she will off with Ventress in the finale if we do get a confirmation that she is force sensitive. Honestly, I hope she stays with her brothers. If they kill the Batch off, then I can see the Ventress end working, but I really hope that's not the case.

I wonder how the Empire will find Pabu. They could get really lucky, find a bounty hunter to track them, or even have a brainwashed Tech. I know the theory about Cross having a tracker or something was popular, but if that was true, then the Empire would've already descended upon them. Maybe Palpatine finds them through the Force; that I would believe. Either way, it will be very angsty and Pabu is doomed. But what do you guys think?

Anyways, that's all I have for now. Let's all prepare mentally for next week. Our little family is gonna need all the therapy and support they can get.

[astoryofsuchwoe]

MWAHAHAHHA IT TURNS OUT IT DOESNT TAKE A DAY WHEN MY BRAIN IS CRAZY. a very silly goofy drabble for the amazing and lovely @kyokills !! kanakyoi will always be famous <3 dividers by @/cafekitsune!!

".. This is the stupidest idea-"

"Shut up!! It'll work! We already got the others to agree to it anyway!"

Shu let out a sigh, rubbing his forehead while he stared at the menace (Amia) beside him, who was currently ducking behind a wall with a pair of binoculars.

"Honestly, I still don't know why I asked you of all people-"

"Umm, because I'm literally the best??"

"Debatable."

Amia huffs, before their gaze flickers to the side. She gasps, excitedly grabbing Shu's arm and shaking it, much to his chagrin.

"Look!! They're here!"

A look over confirms that Kanata and Kyoi had arrived at the same time, just as they planned. While the pair wished they could listen in, they settled for watching.

"Kyoi?"

Upon hearing his name, Kyoi flinched, looking up from his phone. He willed himself not to blush, as unsuccessful as the attempt was, as he shot him a smile.

"Ah, Kanata!"

They glanced back and forth, a hint of confusion crossing over their features.

"Uhh.. Where are the others?"

Kanata shrugged, offering an easy smile.

"They told me they got 'busy'.. I guess it'll have to be just us."

Kyoi's eyes widened, and his heart rate picked up immeasurably.

Alone? Like a...date??

He quickly shook his head of the thought, letting out a nervous giggle.

"Ah, is that so...Well, let's get inside!"

Kanata nodded, and he offered Kyoi a hand. Kyoi flushed before taking his hand, and the two walked into the aquarium.

The da- Hang out was going well. The two of them were having a blast, going into different exhibits of the aquarium, and gaping in awe of all the different fish.

Kanata had "joked" about hopping into the water, and Kyoi had to drag him away from any open pools. But other than that, it was going smoothly.

Of course, there were the small moments; like the way their hands brushed as they walked side by side, or the way Kyoi couldn't stop staring at Kanata as he pressed his hand to the glass of the tanks, or the way Kanata smiled as Kyoi excitedly grabbed shark plushies for them both (they matched, but neither brought attention to it).

As the two were checking out, the cashier smiled, scanning the two plushies and winking.

"Aww, how cute! A wonderful memento for the couple."

Kyoi's face immediately turned red, and he spluttered in denial.

"Ah, we're not-"

"Yes, they are good gifts for a 'date', right?"

Kanata's words made Kyoi freeze, and they turned their head so fast they almost got whiplash. Their eyes widened, speechless as Kanata and the cashier kept talking.

He was so speechless, in fact, that Kanata had to drag him out of the store hand in hand (which totally didn't make him freak out even more).

By the time they could finally speak, Kanata was holding both of their hands, a smile on his lips.

"Are you 'okay'?-"

"Date??"

Kanata blinked once, twice, before a blush spread over his face as well.

Holy shit.

"Ah, I mean, Shu told me to ask you 'out' on a 'date' and I thought this was one-"

"Yes!"

Kyoi stammered, before clearing his throat again.

"Um- I mean- I- Yes- I- I'd like this to be a date if you want-"

Kanata seemed to relax at that, the same serene smile slipping onto his lips as he squeezed their hands in his.

"Then it's a 'date.'"

Kyoi smiled, and tried not to squeal as Kanata pulled him into a hug. Kyoi seemed to melt in his arms, a lovestruck smile on his lips as he hugged him back.

This was nice.

"YES!!"

The couple quickly broke their hug at the familiar voice, eyes going wide as they looked over to find Amia and Shu sitting suspiciously close to where they were.

Shu sighed in annoyance, swatting at Amia's arm and causing her to gasp dramatically in response.

"You ruined the moment."

"Well excuse me for being excited for them-"

The two immediately began to bicker, and Kyoi found themself smiling at the nonsensical display.

He brought his gaze back to Kanata to find him gazing at him already, and failed to fight back the big grin on his face.

They could get used to this.

[mqnkeyves]

𝓘𝓷𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓭𝓾𝓬𝓽𝓲𝓸𝓷: 𝓜𝔂 𝓢𝓽𝓻𝓪𝓷𝓰𝓮 𝓕𝓻𝓲𝓮𝓷𝓭 𝓐𝓷𝓭 𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝓖𝓻𝓸𝓾𝓹...

REWRITTEN

Chrt/ 0t8(mainly Felix), Y/n

Genre: thriller/horror

Plot: You're just like the others, going to your basic university, and of course, you love the popular stray kids, but even then, you have a strange feeling about them and avoid them like a virus. Your suspicions would never be confirmed true. Until one day, life takes a particular path...

《Masterlist》

"Trending news! The infamous K-pop band Stray Kids, made of Bang Chan, Lee Minho, Seo Changbin, Hwang Hyunjin, Han Jisung, Lee Felix, Kim Seungmin, Yang Jeongin have all been recently sent over fire for suspicious behavior"

We know that ever since we came here, everything has been strange.

"Their families recently sent them to Serrena Juniper University, a private school that educates music, psychology, human responsibilities, and more. A school that was made in 2009 by Ru Ahmaria. Their management said that they will be living in the dorms of the university"

We know it would've been better if we never went to this school.

"Many students are freaking out about this upcoming event, an example is this tweet from a student at Serrena Juniper "IM FREAKING OUT RN TGE STRAY KIDS IS GOING TO SERRENAAAAA" This is only one of the many tweets excited for the coming Stray Kids"

So many people died.. if only we could fix everything as fast as possible.

"But do not worry, their company said Stray Kids will still be dropping music! Or as we call it absolute bangers, but enough about the good news, let's talk about the drama that started this change in the first place."

We're trying to protect you guys. We apologize its taken long.

"Stray Kids have been accused of suspicious behavior and activities! Their were photos taken of Lee Minho and Hwang Hyunjin carrying heavy black bags, fans are concerned because those bags aren't designer bags, their heavily strapped duffle bags. Many fans are concerned and have suspicions that Stray Kids of hiding something mysterious an example is post "I used to be a fan of Stray kids but after these pictures I stopped. They obviously have something dangerous in those bags, and if you still support Stray Kids, please block me." But not all fans have this response. Others don't have an issue with the pictures and joke about it "Bro their hiding Chan's laptop."

What do we mean by all this?

"What are my opinions on this situation? Well, I think that fans have nothing to worry about. They could be carrying equipment for videos- "Oh, like helping staff?"- "Yeah! Like helping staff and stuff, their probably really busy, and they can't give off a friendly vibe right now."

Well..

The Stray Kids coming to attend and live at Serrena Juniper was really the topic of the school for months. Well, it still is, but now that they're here, it calmed down a little bit. Felix is your self-proclaimed 'seat-buddy.' The reason he calls himself this is because we sit next to each other... in almost every single class, but you aren't complaining. Felix is nice, a joy to be around even, but whenever you take a liking to someone popular, your brain decides to have a very uneasy feeling.

Originally, you thought it was you being nervous because Felix is popular, and in the boy band you love so much, but even when you thought it would go away after a couple of weeks, it stayed for months. It wasn't only Felix. It was all the boys. At first, when the boys recognized you, your heart was pounding against your chest out of excitement, but after a few months, you thought would get used to it.

"Seat-buddy!" Felix calls out to you, "Me and Jeongin are going to the arcade. Do you wanna come? " Ah, the youngest of the group Jeongin. You didn't sit next to him, but you did have him in some of your classes. Luckily, not in most classes as Felix, even so, Jeongin wasn't that quiet, but he wasn't that loud either. Sometimes, he was talkative and energetic, but he didn't really disrupt class. He was mainly seen talking and joking around with the boys in the class, or just straight up with Stray kids.

"I'm sorry, but I have to study because I have a test coming up in two days... sorry. " You give him an apologetic smile. Maybe you would've gone if there wasn't a test, but you doubt that a lot. Felix quickly holds both your hands with his tightly, "One day you gotta come, okay? The boys have been talking about you!" Felix eyes gaze into yours, holding your hands close to his chest."Excuse me..? They- they have..?" You question Felix's statement.

You have short conversations with Chan, you rarely talk to Minho and you dont have any classes with him, you only have one class with Changbin and majority of the time he's late or just straight up misses class, even he was in class other people were crowding him, Like Changbin you only share one class with Hyunjin and people are crowding him but it's the only time you see him you never see him in the halls or with the boys, you don't talk to Han purely because you don't know how to start a conversation and you don't want to make him uncomfortable, Seungmin is always talking to someone or studying so you don't want to disturb him, Jeongin is just... Jeongin.

You just cannot see why you would have any relevance or even be a topic of the boys when you don't even talk to the majority of them, "Felix have you been talking about me to the boys?" A smile slowly spreads on your face while Felix's face changes into a flustered one, "You caught me! Yeah, I have, but i said only good ones, I promise!" Felix giggled. You wanted to say something eles until his phone starts ringing, now he gives the apologetic smile before fumbling in his bag for his phone, "Felixxx, where are you? I'm standing in front of the arcade!" Jeongin could be heard from his phone. An embarrassed look was plastered on Felix's face when he glanced at you "Sorry Innie, I'm on my way right now." You took that chance to leave."That's my cue! See you later." Felix waved goodbye, and you both went your separate ways.

You let go of the breath you were holding for a while now, your stomach turning qnd heart pounding, you sight and cover your face. You knew better than to go with the arcade with Felix and Jeongin. The others will obviously show up at some point while you two are hanging out with each other and you just cannot handle that, especially Chan the leader of the group, if anyone from Stray Kids took the medal for being the strangest in Y/n's eyes, what better than the leader of the group!

Chan was the biggest one who gave you the "Be Panicked and calm at the same time" attitude, maybe because of the of the fact he is the leader his vibe is naturally commanding and heavy, but besides him having short conversations about your day nothing really happened between you and him and you were grateful, if there's a problem with him, than really there's a problem with whole of stray kids and you would past out if that happened.

Now that it's the end of the day, your thoughts start to wonder to the boys, "What do they talk about daily?" When ever you glance at them or their table, your mind wonders, they look like a dream, they always laughing and smiling surrounded by others all the time, they even look like they fit each other like puzzle pieces.

If it weren't for Felix, they probably wouldn't even know you existed, and you would never talk to them. "Hell, Felix, you're cornering me between your group and a lava pit." You thought but instead of focusing on them anymore, you decided to focus on the upcoming test, Felix is really sweet but you don't think you can handle anymore of this feeling anymore, maybe you were jealous that would explain everything but you never felt anything like this before.. yeah if there's someone popular you obviously would feel really nervous but it never went into jealousy, you dont think you have any sort of malice towards them, but it's gotten to the point you feel sick and have to stay in for classes, you cant escape that buring feeling in your chest.

maybe it was a part of you seeking something?

Do you mean im unconsciously searching for something?

Yeah, maybe your body is looking for answers?

About what?

I want to know.

What am I looking for?

You'll find the answer pretty soon..

Okay. Maybe you're going a little crazy, and you have a burning headache. Maybe it is all jealously taking over, making you stray away from people you enjoy... right?

[ryttu3k]

A full day in Rivington! In retrospect this is somewhat a lot of stuff to occur in one day.

Into town, and straight away, an encounter with a hungry kiddo who hasn't seen her Mum since the tenday before. Tae conjures some food for her (getting approval from Astarion and Lae'zel), and the grateful girl runs off.

A fascinating moment with a creep who wants some refugee squatters out of his place. I fumbled the first encounter and it got kinda awkward, so I restarted and sent everyone off to the side while I worked out how to handle it, only to notice that not everyone was in the group. Namely, Jaheira was in a conversation... with the guy I was trying to avoid having a conversation with, having apparently taken it upon herself to confront the guy??

(Accompanied by Karlach, who definitely has a lowkey crush.)

She's so cool *heart-eyes*

Anyway. Finding out there's explosives tucked in toys intended for refugees. Nice guy. We'll be finding those later.

Talked to a blacksmith, turned out he was a shapeshifted Chosen of Bhaal. As you do. Go away Orin you're creepy!!

Astarion has a new outfit :)

Met Exxvikyap. Would die for Exxvikyap.

Shadowheart gets a new hairstyle! Love the new colour. May have downloaded a mod for the style~ You'll see that next time!

Discussion on Orin. The generally accepted view is that she wants us paranoid and off-balance.

A sweet conversation with Wyll. He really loves Baldur's Gate ;_; "We're nearing the city. Are you excited to return? Reluctant? A little of both?" "Baldur's Gate is where I first raised a glass in toast at the tender age of fourteen - and got so tipsy from wine, I puked in Dillard Portyr's bushes. It's where the Flaming Fist chased me after I'd stolen a peach from a cart in the Wide. I got a good chewing out over it too. It's where my father taught me to hold a rapier, to read the books of law... to know right from wrong... It's been seven years since I left. It's no paradise - but it's home, and it's worth saving."

(Also confirms he's currently 24, since he was exiled when he was seventeen. That is a baby. That 'tender age of fourteen' was only ten years earlier.)

Halsin reveals he's been in contact with Thaniel and Oliver in his dreams. Sometimes they're one person, sometimes two. Better for playing :)

A new mission - work out what foul fiend has been killing courier pigeons. Must be a truly evil creature. Pensive emoji.

Investigated the Open Hand Temple, the one dedicated to Ilmater (promptly got a plotbunny for it, but never mind). There's been two murders, with the priest's death blamed on the other victim, a refugee. Okay, that takes a bit of precedence over some missing pigeons. We investigate, kill some zombies, then find these hidden tunnels... lots of corpses... some murderous doppelgangers... a clown torso... a murder weapon... a letter from Orin... thanks Orin.

On the roof, a much more pleasant mystery solved! It's Tara!!

Astarion is like, "I support Tara's rights and especially support Tara's wrongs."

Apparently Gale wants to take Tae home for some home cooking and maybe to meet his mother. Platonically, right? ...Platonically, right??

Met a ghoul who said our brain smells like "PISS and IRON. NO. LIKE." Rude :( No circus for us, and Karlach was so excited too...

Found an extremely mean lady being mean to both her apprentice and the courier place's dogs. Apparently this is where Scratch is from? Yeah, he is not going back. I'm sorry I scared you, Scratch ;_;

Anyway we Intimidate her away, leaving a relieved kiddo, a reassured Scratch, and some happy dogs. ngl I would have been 100% down for killing her if I had botched any of those rolls.

Had an encounter with a Sharran.

Of course it's called the House of Grief, of course it is.

Ventured into a refugee camp. There was an interesting background exchange between Karlach and Astarion, here:

Karlach: "Nice to be in a crowd of normal people for once." Astarion: "Really? I prefer my company extraordinary." Karlach: "Aww, thanks." Astarion: "Don't thank me, thank Gortash." Karlach: "Excuse you. I didn't need that prick to make me who I am." Astarion: "You're right, of course. Forgive me." Karlach: "All good, fangs."

First, 'fangs' is cute. Second, I suspect he may have genuinely realised she was hurt and his apology was a real one? Hmm.

Meeting with the tieflings. Bex and Danis' reunion was very cute <3

Found a barn with stuff for the refugees. Being honest (and passing a persuasion check) works to convince Manip Nestor that, yeah, there's something dangerous in there, and we're able to find teddy bears packed with explosives. Time to go confront Arfur!

We get some information, and a pass to Gortash's coronation. Very useful! On the other hand, he tried to murder refugee children, so...

(You only get 1 exp for killing him. OTOH it's more a moral thing, isn't it?)

Another group of refugees? Nope. Gur, actually!

It actually goes amicably. The Gur want Astarion to enter Cazador's palace, where we're going anyway, and find their kids. Astarion wearily points out that Cazador is ruthless, and the kids are likely dead. But revenge? He can manage that.

Nearby, we find a newly-transformed newborn mind flayer. The Emperor encourages us to kill it and harvest its brain, and Tae does - not for its tasty brainmeats, but because an Absolute-controlled mind flayer desperate for brains in a town full of desperate refugees is not a good idea.

And with that little murder committed, it's time for the circus!

Tae gets volunteered by the clown. This is their "wtfFUCKINGHELP" look.

Jaheira pls.

Anyway clown turns out to be a doppelganger, there are other Absolutists in the crew, they set a couple of other beasts on us, all turns into a fight. Only one audience member dies, at least.

Audience member: "I always knew I'd die at a circus."

We meet Lucretious, the circus's ringmaster (and necromancer), who asks us to work out what happened to the actual Dribbles. You know, that probably explains the severed clown torso we found earlier...

Time to check out other circus shenanigans! A mummy selling makeup kits... a djinn who is pretty relieved Dribbles is dead... a dryad offering a romance test.

Heck yeah we're in.

I do like the height difference.

Of course, the dryad isn't quite who she says she is, either. Dangit, Orin!!

It's been a long day. Back to camp, only to find letters from Arabella and Volo, saying they've set out, but will absolutely see us later. Looking forward to it!

Spending time with Best Boy <3

Arabella might have left, but another kiddo has arrived - Yenna, the hungry girl from earlier! She can't find her Mum, and asks if she can stay for a little while. Of course!

<3

Of course, what's a long rest without some screaming horror, this time in the form of an apparition of Vlaakith? She cajoles Lae'zel into joining her, returning to the Astral Prism to slay Orpheus, and, in turn, becoming her right hand - a position not held since the very first Vlaakith. Lae'zel... decides actually, no, she would rather see the githyanki free from the tyrant queen. She'll cower at Vlaakith's feet no more.

Lots of positivity from the others!

Jaheira: "We just played host to an undying queen - and us without our fine silverware. Lae'zel has courage, turning her back on a lifetime's belief. As for us - best we stay out of interplanar politics, I think. Orpheus is on his own. But - should great Vlaakith come to settle a score with Lae'zel, well. I might be convinced to kill her. Undying or not, she was very loud."

Karlach: "Damn. It can't have been easy for Le'zel to stand up to Vlaakith like that. But there's nothing that woman can't do."

Astarion: "So, Lae'zel's finally seen the light and turned on her mistress. It took a little time, but she got there. Though it's not over yet. Masters rarely let their slaves go without a fight."

Halsin: "So, it seems that Vlaakith is Lae'zel's queen no longer. That took no small amount of backbone."

Gale: "Glad to see I'm not the only one on the wrong side of an omnipotent authority figure. Lae'zel did well to break free of Vlaakith's manipulations. Though I doubt Vlaakith will let such insubordination go unpunished."

Shadowheart: "I didn't think I'd live to see the day when Lae'zel turned her back on Vlaakith, but all things considered… good for her."

Wyll: "Vlaakith's a fearsome one. The sort it's hard to say 'no' to. But Lae'zel said it anyway, to her immense credit. She's choosing truth, she's choosing freedom - for her, for Orpheus, for the githyanki people. I wish I knew a good githyanki cheer to celebrate the occasion, but the only gith phrases I've picked up are the sweary sort."

Tae and Lae'zel have a heart-to-heart. Lae'zel is sure she's done the right thing - so why does she feel so bitter? Tae uses their insight, and recognises that her bitterness is born from grief - the grief of throwing away your entire culture, history, and intended future. She feels adrift, not knowing where to go next. She can stand with Orpheus, but that kind of future is... so uncertain. She feels lost, but also relieved that there are people who still see her.

"But in truth, she didn't take everything. I have what I have gathered for myself. I'm moored to a new regent, a new land, and new allies. Vlaakith cannot unmake she who no longer exists."

Good for her :)

Next time - a dream, and onwards to northern Rivington!

[cryptid-killjoy]

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A Bellerose Christmas

The Belleroses would no doubt make their way to Paris for Christmas this year. It was a must. Bastien was tunnel visioned on Paris for all things recently whether it be their vow renewal later in the year or needing to see the giant tree he took ornaments off of during their first trip. He had to make sure Notre Dame's big window still had all the same colors as Maddy's ring in person now that it was open again. There were things like this he needed to do in person less his mind never settles. He'd want to stay in view of the tower like the first time too.

He'd make sure they had a nice dinner on the balcony for Christmas. The eve wouldn't go without a train around a small tree gotten for their room again either. Bastien needed the nostalgia. He needed to feel he was making progress again after a few setbacks. This time around they had their little girl. He and Maddy were good. He was hoping for a good year.

Gifts

Besides what was already mentioned for Frank and Delta before leaving for Paris. Bastien will have sent gifts to a few others besides the ones he wrapped for his family. Please note even if the gifts seem like they might have been costly he paid nothing for any of them. He picked them out of the hoards he's been gathering up from Feral's empty stores and homes. Clopin's will have come from a head shop.

Clopin - Reaper lighter with a note From The Fire Bug

Family - He got a nutcracker car that he was determined to be a part of their Christmas train.

And Bells. He'd wrap Maddy and Frankie a bell and have one for himself too. Plus, a Polar Express ticket. He found them in a gift shop. He tossed out the cartoon jargon and kept the tickets and the bells and gave those to them. He was super excited about them because he could hear them. Somewhere in his head he just knew Maddy could hear them too. He'd be on the edge of his seat saying, "Ring it. Ring it." Just waiting. Of course, she'd hear it since it's a real bell. But in his mind, it was fact. It was enough. It didn't matter that she couldn't see the gargoyles or anything else. She believed. Maddy hearing the Polar Express bells was magic in Bastien's mind. More confirmation of how beautiful her soul was. He'd be all, "I knew it. I knew it. I knew it." He'd get a hole puncher and punch She Believes in one, Paris in another, and He Believes in the other. Paris was on Frankie's. Then after he punched the his and her tickets, he switched them. He'd say, "I want to keep yours. You can keep mine. I believe in you too. I don't care if they're nontransferable. We're married. It doesn't count." He'd keep that in his wallet. It was far more important than a credit card. She Believes on a golden ticket. He'd get caught pulling it out and staring at it many times throughout the trip and after.

For Frankie - Don't have an image for it, but he finds an oversized Santa costume for kids. The oversizedness of it makes it appear more like a cloak than a coat so, he calls it her Christmas Reaper Suit.

He will be going out in day face a lot during the Paris trip. I can see him wanting to take Frankie to Disney again. They won't be able to go on rides with a child like this and do much. But since it's holiday time Disney is set up with plenty of festive non-ride fun things to just point at and stare. Lots of sweets and goodies parade. There's always a holiday party at night at Disney during Christmas. They pass out cookies and have a big show. He'll put earphones on her for the fireworks and put one of those kid-leashes on her just in case there's an invisible moment. He wasn't taking chances on losing his kid in a place like that.

For Maddy especially - He'd have found a sun and moon necklace in one of the abandoned malls. He liked this one because the sun seemed bigger than the moon and usually the moon shows more on jewelry like that.

He would stick a secret Waldo in their Christmas Tree. He'd have taped it to a pickle ornament which he didn't know was a thing until he read it on the internet. But, since he read people play a game about finding the pickle ornament it reminded him of Waldo so he put their first pickle on the tree with a teeny Waldo together.

Note he would wear a Santa hat at night when it was time to put the presents under the tree. Picture it's lovely bushiness sticking out from under in red joy.

And you best believe Hugo was dressed as Mrs. Clause with a bonnet and glasses but clumsy and tangled in colored lights. Victor would look more like Scrooge and Laverne Bob Cratchit attire with the chains and top hat. She kept saying, "3 ghosts were going to haunt him but don't worry they have an in with Christmas Future. Thank goodness our boy married in with Chef Maddy."

[melodyplucked]

he has no doubt, as he kisses their little girl's sweet face, that nini's right.    ❝    she's going to be an amazing big sister, aren't you loly girl?    ❞    he beams. this was absolutely perfect- and the perfect timing, in many ways.    ❝    yeah- i'm glad it happened now…    ❞    as much as they've been waiting for this moment for what's started to feel endless, trying to have another baby... her telling him at his last olympics feels incredibly fitting, especially after their getting confirmation of her pregnancy with lola at their last one together.    ❝    it really is perfect, isn't it? i was just excited to get to share this olympics with lola- and now... it'll always be connected to this sweet little one too.    ❞    his eyes are so wide and soft as he gazes into nini's eyes. he's glad that there's no mic close- that they can keep this conversation between the two of them, but- the fact there will undoubtedly be pictures of their moment is sort of nice too. that this could be framed or put into a scrapbook later on.    ❝    i'm so happy, my love… and i'm really glad everything was okay. that you didn't panic or worry too much. i guess- a mom just knows, hmm?    ❞    he grins, smiling so bright as she kisses his cheek, before turning his head to kiss her softly on the lips too. he can't help it, what with the amazing news.

he chuckles at her words, but passes her lola, since he does, admittedly need to go handle the press now. as much as he'd rather just- be with nini and lola the rest of the night.    ❝    okay, baby. i'll go. but seriously- this is definitely the best part of this olympics for me.    ❞   while he's proud of this last competitive skate. of the fact they've almost certainly just secured one last gold... his wife having another baby after they've been trying for so long now is something he'd trade everything else for.    ❝    one last time…    ❞    he nods.    ❝    and a brand new start for us… in so many ways...    ❞    she sighs and he gives her one last peck on the lips. they're always saying 'just one more'.    ❝    yeah, no champagne tonight. but we're definitely going to celebrate. we have so, so much to celebrate.    ❞    they'll probably wait to share the news, but- knowing now feels so good. and as he goes to talk to the reporters, the smile on his face is absolute delight, but not for the reason they'll think. he's proud of what he and charlotte had done- of course, but- that's not even close to why he's so happy.

being    in    his    arms    is    the    most    amazing    feeling.    especially    when    they're    all    wrapped    up    together    in    a    sweet    hug,    her    little    family    all    together    in    one    place.    they    were    very    rarely    apart    for    more    than    a    few    hours,    but    today    had    felt    so    long.    she'd    been    keeping    lola    busy    with    toys    and    snacks,    and    making    sure    she    got    in    a    good    nap    so    she    could    celebrate     too,    but    it    had    felt    like    forever    being    away    from    ricky.    she    had    hoped    she    could    see    him    practice    one    last    time    before    the    competition,    but    lola    had    slept    right    through    practice.    ❝    she's    gonna    have    to    share    with    the    new    baby,    now,    too.    that's    probably    going    to    take    some    getting    used    to.    she'll    be    such    a    good    big    sister,    though.    ❞    nini    has    no    doubt    that    lola    will    be    incredible    with    the    baby.    she's    always    been    so    good    with    moo,    so    gentle    with    their    sweet    kitty,    so    she    knew    their    daughter    would    be    just    as    sweet    with    a    baby.    

❝    i    almost    can't    believe    it.    we've    been    trying    for    so    long,    i    was    starting    to    wonder    if    it    was    going    to    happen.    but    this    timing    is    so    incredible.    if    we    have    another    baby    after    this    one,    i    won't    get    to    tell    you    at    the    olympics,    so    i'm    glad    i    could    for    this    little    babe.    ❞    she    says,    the    most    serene    expression    on    her    face.    she    was    ecstatic    at    the    way    things    had    worked    out    for    them.    ❝    i    wasn't    worried    about    it    when    they    said    it.    i    just...    felt    it    in    my    gut    that    things    were    going    to    be    fine.    there    was    no    panic    or    anything.    ❞    she    says,    lifting    up    on    tiptoes    to    kiss    him    on    the    cheek.    

❝    hey,    hey,    hey,    you    need    to    take    your    victory    lap    and    let    them    all    congratulate    you    on    a    perfect    final    skate.    that's    important,    too.    we    have    all    night    to    celebrate.    i    do    agree,    though,    this    is    definitely    the    best    news    of    the    day.    our    little    family    is    getting    bigger.    ❞    she    says,    beaming    as    she    takes    lola    from    him    and    settles    her    on    her    hip.    ❝    let's    go    watch    daddy    talk    to    the    nice    reporters,    okay?    we'll    be    watching    you    on    the    monitors,    babe.    ❞    she    tells    him,    arms    wrapped    around    lola    as    she    gets    snuggled    up    against    nini.    

❝    you've    made    all    my    wildest    dreams    come    true,    ricky.    thank    you    for    giving    me    this    sweet    little    girl,    and    for    the    little    one    that'll    be    joining    us    in    a    few    months.    i'm    so    glad    that    i    could    be    here    to    support    you    one    last    time.    ❞    she    leans    into    the    kiss,    eyes    slipping    closed    for    a    second    as    she    enjoys    the    moment,    and    then    pulls    away    with    a    dramatic    sigh.    ❝    i'll    see    you    for    scores    and    then    we'll    celebrate    your    gold    and    our    baby.    guess    i    won't    be    celebrating    with    the    champagne    the    committee    sent    to    the    hotel    room,    huh?    ❞    she    asks    with    a    laugh,    but    she's    never    been    so    happy    to    turn    down    champagne    in    her    life.

[hawksugarbaby]

Hawks x reader- snowed in

Fluff

The snow piled up around the door like Icing sugar decorating a cake and the windows frosted over with frozen icicles dangling from the ledge, threatening to pierce the soft snow. "It's so cold Kei" you ran your hands up and down your cold arms layered in goosebumps and pressed your glacial feet against his calves making him jolt forward "JESUS CHRIST!" he shouted wiggling away from your feet making you giggle.

"I'll put the heating on and close the curtains? That might help" he shrugged sending a crimson feather to do the work for him "mhm, you mean your wings will do it for you" you smile softly curling into his side and he grinned putting his arm on your head "you make a wonderful armrest" the bedsheets crinkled and shifted with your feet that kicked his shin jokingly "ouch, i'm in agony" he said casually without any indication he was in pain (because he wasn't) and you pouted angrily turning your head away from him which made his arm fall onto the bed "aw i'm sorry princess, you make a wonderful girlfriend too!" he kissed the back of your neck wrapping his arms around you and rolling you on top of him. "I love you~" he sang, drawing out the love and you dropped your annoyed expression, A bright smile etched on your face instead. "I love you too!"

Keigo wrapped his wings around you blanketing you in crimson feathers that kept the heat as close to you as possible. "Your pretty kei." you said bluntly, keeping your (e/c) eyes on his ruby pools "thank you baby so are you" you said kissing the tip of your nose making your face scrunch up and your eye's crinkle at the corners in a smile. Your legs tangled together and your arms were going numb, crushed between you and your boyfriends chard chest from the lack of options on where to put them.

"Your wings are so warm" you muttered nuzzling into his chest like a big cat, the thumping of his heart was steady and soothing and you matched your breathing to his without reasoning "are they? I never knew that" he sighed placing one hand against your head stroking your hair softly. "Yeah they're like a whole ass radiator connected to you" you said and he hummed in response. "A whole ass radiator?" he repeated teasingly and you snickered "a whole ass radiator" the confirmation made the two of you laugh slightly and keigo peeked out the window, the blinding white blurred from the frozen glass but as if waiting for it a frozen stalagmite fell from the ledge impaling the snow quickly. "Thank god we're not standing under those right now" keigo mumbled and closed the curtain again.

"I wish we could build a snowman or something" you sighed, leaning your head up again and wiggling to find comfort "yeah me too we could have- ow okay you just kneed me in the dick and I do not appreciate that" he wheezed his face burning red and eyes streaming tears "oh my god i'm so sorry I didn't even realise" you gasped kissing his face over and over as if it would alleviate some of the pain, you wiped the tears running down his face with your sleeve and buried your face in his chest. "y'could kiss it better" he teased earning a slap in the chest "KEIGO!" his chest vibrated and he squirmed.

"that feels fucking weird. Don't shout at my lungs what did they do to you?" he turned his face away like a dramatic character from a Shakespeare play and you rolled your eyes "I dunno but your still breathing so they have that to apologize for" keigo's mouth fell open in shock and his eye's rounded in amusement "i'm hurt" "no your not you liar" "I am truly in pain, I don't think I can go on" he clutched his shirt and said "just know I always loved you" then sank his head onto the pillow heavily his tongue lolling outside of his mouth.

You wailed loudly and dropped the back of your hand to your forehead "whyy! My one and only love, I'm sorry I never should have treated you so cruelly" your dramatization made the blonde laugh and you gasped "HE'S ALIVE!" the volume of your shouting was enough to have the neighbors bang on the wall in annoyance "SORRY MY BOYFRIEND WAS FUCKING DYING!" you shouted through the wall and rolled your eyes sinking back into keigo's chest and turning to your cheek rested against him instead. "Rude" you tutted and Keigo nodded in agreement, knocking his head against the headboard that banged against the wall annoying the neighbors further.

"Keigo I have a question" you lead the conversation and keigo panicked, what if you proposed, what if you asked him to propose, what if you wanted a dog, what if you wanted kids, what if you wanted food, oh god what if you wanted takeaway! With the snow building up to the letterbox he didn't imagine you would manage to get any takeaway to the house right now. Please don't want takeaway. "Do you like this house?" okay it's not takeaway "I think i'm content here but I wouldn't mind something new" he admit scratching the back of his neck and looking at the wall behind him "not a fan of the neighbors either" he stuck his tongue out and you chuckled drumming your fingers against his forearm.

"so I was wondering if you maybe, at some point it doesn't have to be now, and you don't have to make a decision right now but-" "spit it out princess, your stalling" he smiled stroking your cheek gently with his thumb and you sighed mumbling something under your breath earning a glower from your boyfriend. "Would you wanna move in with me? Eventually, If you want, you don't have to but I think it would be nice" you lowered your voice at the end.

Keigo laughed and kissed the top of your head "yeah I think that would be nice" he agreed and you grinned, a giddy feeling developing in your head and you wiggled in excitement. "If you keep wiggling your gonna create a problem you'll have to deal with" he smirked and you immediately stopped moving "I take back the proposition you can stay here with your horny ass." you tapped him on the nose sitting up and moving so you were straddling his stomach.

His wings couldn't wrap around you as well when you were sitting up so he dragged a blanket over your shoulders and tucked his wings back underneath him. "Could we get a bigger house? Maybe one with a nursery..." you trailed off. Fuck. there was the kid's question he was afraid of. Keigo figured he should ask the all important question soon, you had been dating for 4 years but keigo had never been so committed to a relationship before, maybe it was the abandonment issues or how his job filled up his life but you were special you were different. Maybe it was time for this conversation then.

"You want kids with me?" he asked in disbelief sitting himself up and sitting against the headboard analyzing you carefully like a trap "of course I want kids with you. Not right now but in the future i'd like kids" keigo had never come to terms with the idea of someone wanting to spend their life with him but as the snow fell caging you in he suddenly didn't mind more days like this. Talking and cuddling for the rest of time would be amazing but kids were scary to him, he wanted to be better than his father and he wanted to be there for his kids, pick them up from school and help them with homework but would his work get in the way?

"Kei I know you had an awful childhood, and I understand why you might feel... cautious about the idea of having children, but you are the only person I would even ever consider worthy of dating me never mind raising our kids" you comforted, kissing him softly placing your hand on his and squeezing tightly. "I just don't know if i'd ever be a good dad, i'm barely a good person, I literally just about function as a human" his eyes darted around the room for something to focus on but they kept landing on you. You were what he should focus on right now. "Baby you would be an amazing dad, a busy one yes, but an incredible one! And sure you're a little dysfunctional but so am I! Your an amazing person and I love you okay and if you don't want kids right now that's okay, we have all the time in the world-" "-we have until menopause" "we have until menopause"

He sighed and swallowed thickly "okay." he said curtly, nodding away to himself and pulling you in for a hug wrapped up by his wings. "Okay?" you raised your eyebrows and tilted your hand rubbing your cold hands up his back "I'd like kids eventually. But not right now I think I wanna marry you first" he sighed brushing your hair behind your ear and pulling you into a tight hug and crossing his fluffy wings behind you "y-you wanna marry m-me?" you stuttered and he laughed "of course I wanna marry you I just don't know your ring size yet and I didn't know if you want to marry me" he kissed your forehead and you smiled softly "of course I wanna marry you!" you exclaim wrapping your arms around him and barraging him with kisses across the bridge of his nose. "I'm glad because I wanna marry you too"

You lay there for a while longer just talking, it didn't matter what you talked about, you made a conversation out of it. "Can we PLEASE get a cat" you whined giving him your biggest puppy dog eyes but he remained stoic "we're not getting a fucking cat they just try to pull my feathers out and it's really annoying" he shook his head raising his palms to the sky "but they grow baack" you wiggled your arms and he chuckled and pet you on the head "i'm sorry baby it just really hurts and I don't wanna deal with that every day" he apologized and you sighed knowing you wouldn't get your way "what about a puppy then" "babyy"

You snuggled once again into his chest, filled with joy at the prospect of marrying keigo. "The snow isn't clearing up" keigo sighed knowing there wasn't much in his fridge right now "I don't have much to eat but I don't think I could get groceries right now" he tapped his chin and you popped your head up "to the kitchen we shall go and imma make the best damn meal we've ever had" you challenged yourself and keigo smirked "I could have you for dinner" he nuzzled into your neck and chuckled and you tutted tapping him on the head "Sorry baby you aren't a big enough portion size for me" you quickly jumped up dragging the blanket behind you like a cape and disappearing around the corner like the phantom of the opera. "My dignity" he lamented and strolled behind you.

You opened the fridge and immediately shut it again "you have chicken" "yep" "and only chicken" "yep" you smirked to himself and you sighed pinching the bridge of your nose and opening the fridge again and digging for something that resembled a meal. Eventually you had a chicken breast, a couple strips of prosciutto, various cheeses, flour, various spices, basil leaves, butter and olive oil. "Put a pan on with olive oil and butter will you love" you pulled out a chopping board and got to work butterflying the chicken breast "yes chef!"

You stuffed the chicken breast and basil and wrapped it back up in the prosciutto keeping it sealed together. "is the pan warm?" you asked, eating a handful of grated cheddar in the meantime and he nodded holding his hands over the pan for heat "OW okay rude" he pulled his hand off when freckles of oil jumped up and burned his hands. "Silly" you put the chicken in the pan and you jumped at the sizzling whirling behind hawks who folded his wings around you "it's okay baby don't worry" he said going full protection mode.

You served the meal and garnished it with basil and cheese skipping back to bed to eat the meal together. "Y'know this does look better than any KFC I've ever eaten" he praised and wrapped his wing around you turning on the tv that you only really needed for background noise as you usually talked over it anyway. "Hey kei" "yeah baby?" "I hope it snows like this all the time"

[epitomees]

What are your favorite ships on here (feel free to tag?)

Do you ship someone's muses on your dash?

Questions for the mun

What are your favorite ships on here (feel free to tag?)

@fatexbound - Literally, you are the major cause for my Shumako brainrot. I cannot stop thinking about how well Akira and Makoto get along, tease each other, learn more about themselves, and have developed since they got together. Their chemistry is off the charts and I cannot express through words alone how much I adore your Akira. I can't forget Yu and Chie either! They're just starting and I'm so excited to see what kind of romantic relationship those two develop, and of course...the eventual Naoto and Yu ship we're building up to as well! :3

@chibitantei - Liz, I'm astounded how much you made me crave for rare-pair ships. I would never have guessed how interesting and dynamic Chie/Naoto can be together considering they are EXTREME polar opposites. I'm looking forward to exploring what's in store with these girls like their 3AM hot pocket shenanigans or trying to make their own food together. Also, I can't leave out the potential Yu/Naoto and Yosuke/Naoto we have planned to come. Again, stop making me crave for more rare-pairs!!

@maskuerade - Good GOD, you and your Akira make me so weepy!! I'm going to crush you with so much angst and hurt/comfort in the future!! I know we just got started with Akira/Makoto's relationship and screamed about them A LOT over Discord, but I cannot begin to tell you how excited I am to see their relationship blossom. How much they crave for each other's attention and affection, how much they'd go out of their way to protect and keep each other safe, like THEY'RE SO ROMANTIC AND I GET SO GIDDY ABOUT THEM!!

@rebelli0us-mask - The chaotic duo!! I have to say, I'm having so much fun with Dia's and Makoto's flirty interactions and Dia's consistent teasing too. Dia is a spontaneous ball of energy which is the COMPLETE OPPOSITE of Makoto's orderly stature and personality. I love how she's loosened up since getting together with him, and embracing more of an inner feral side she tends to keep hidden. Their chemistry is just...so natural and feels like a real-life relationship. I adore those two and hold them close to me. <3

@electricea - I know we briefly touched on it, but I'm still interested and very excited to see a relationship blossom between Ryuji and Makoto. They have a very similar dynamic in some ways while there are various differences between them as well. I'm so so ready to see these two begin crushing on each other!

@crossxskulled - YOU AND YOUR VULGAR BOY ARE GOING TO TREAT MAKOTO LIKE THE DAMN QUEEN SHE IS!!! God damn, I know we've hinted at things in some previous threads but man oh man, I'm so FREAKING PUMPED to have Ryuji be Makoto's encouragement and make her see the fun of life, while Makoto helps Ryuji in several other ways. They're going to be so SO dynamic, and by GOD I can't wait to write this power, battle couple in action!

I know there's still some ships I have in the works with others, but these are the major ones that are working towards being confirmed/already are confirmed for this blog. My apologies if I missed anyone!

Do you ship someone's muses on your dash?

@maskuerade and @detectivcprince - I adore their Akechi/Akira ship a lot. It's more refreshing than a lot of the Akeshu I tend to see on Twitter or elsewhere online. There's so much support behind the characters, there's build-up that I've seen happen where they try extending that help to the other, and...I really enjoy seeing the domestic aspect of their lives together. It's always a nice read when I see them answer a thread.

@chibitantei and @fatexbound - Your Naoto/Yosuke and Naoto/Yu. Those are goals for the ships we have planned!

[intonightcity]

"Don't know why we're keeping him like this. Especially when you went down there showing your face." Does she really think nobody is gonna find out? He's fucking famous. Besides if he saw her face whose to say this won't come back on him. Even if she found him on a deep web site, he chose to keep his identity anonymous. Continuing to wear a mask even in the presence of his cohort there's nothing to see here. Nothing to remember. Yet this is more high profile than he expected. The oddest part is she didn't bat an eye about his stipulations.

She might be listening to him but in reality her focus is on cooking. Homemade dough. Homemade sauce. All fresh vegetable ingredients. A multitude of colors in green and yellow peppers, bright red tomatoes and scallions chopped expertly now with a large kitchen knife. The sharp steel sliced down atop her cutting board. Crunching against its surface created a distinct sound she quite enjoyed. That enjoyment is not fully taking over even with how excited she is to cook this dinner. Interruptions always bring down her mood.

Tilting her head towards him she huffed slowly, showing signs of irritation for once today. "I should be far angrier than I am," the blonde spoke calmly, sighing as she did so. Almost as if their entire situation is not an entire abduction in play. Very much like a Hollywood movie. Those same movies she loves oh so much. Her life was always meant to be in lights. She hoped. She prayed. How she wanted to expand horizons and reach up to those starry skies. It never really went anywhere. None of them ever do. Try and try. Put hearts in everything. Always denied. Always declined. Auditions fail and aspiring starlets fade into stardust. They sink into pits of despair colored with thoughts of harm and ending all their dreams. Luckily she avoided such fates that dreams make. The sad silent stars who lost their way long before their light dimmed. Accidental overdoses. Life taken by conscious choice. No. No, she found something better. She knows it will get better because she found someone who loves what she loves. Real stars. True cinema magic.

"Hey," he cut into her daydreams. They always do. "Are you listening?"

She turned, knife still clutched tightly, fingers bending against the black wooden handle. "I'm making homemade lasagna." Her answer is not what he expected of course. What else did he want to hear? "It's his favorite you know."

"Yeah. Sure it is." With a scoff, he held up his hands. Still wearing gloves. Still caked in dirt and evidence. "Look. I'm gonna go for right now. I gotta get shit done. Cleared. This isn't exactly the best place to hide him you know."

"It's the perfect place." A little laugh comes with her argument. "Don't you read anything? Surely you know something about Landon. Obviously not as much as I do since we have a special connection. But this is Rodeo Drive. He loves Rodeo Drive. He talks about it all the time." Waving her butcher knife around spelled it out with emphasis. "It's a thing in his docs you know. Even the ones not about films. I think the only one he doesn't mention it in is the Lost Tribe one. About the cannibals in Costa Rica." She watched them as she spoke. Waiting for a confirmation. As if they saw it or not. Apparently they didn't because he just stared with green eyes behind a mask. They're not good eyes. They're not soulful brown. Chestnut galaxies swirled in caramel. Nobody has eyes like Landon Wynter. "He caught Yellow Fever filming that. I was so worried. Thankfully he's stronger than that." Turning back to her chopping board, she sighed. "Do what you must but remember. Next time you rough house with him I won't be so nice."

"Nobody is gonna willingly go with someone. He's lucky he got knocked out when he did. But go do your weird dinner. I'm sure he'll be into it." It was snide and dismissive. As long as this goes according to plan it'll be a piece of cake.

She chose to watch him leave. Her expression refused to carry any ounce of sparkle when speaking of Landon's work. Now it was replaced with a cool annoyance, blue eyes skimming across the kitchen until they were gone. "…be my, be my baby," she sang softly, stabbing the knife down into the cutting board with force. "Be my only baby…" @txnnesseehoney // prev

[alexistudies]

my first six months at purdue by @alexistudies

introduction/background

my first 6 months at purdue have been some of the most academically challenging months of my life since early in my undergraduate studies. if you're wondering why i am at purdue, it's because i am doing a post-baccalaureate research program. think of a master's program but 1) without the degree, 2) only one year long, and 3) fully funded - meaning courses & fees are covered and i get a decent paycheck every month. i chose to pursue this route instead of a master's program because i wanted to have a smooth transition from my undergrad discipline to this, and to confirm that pursuing biomedical engineering is truly something i want to do. moreover, all my master's program offers provided little to no funding so this also made the most financial sense.

research: what type of research i do + why its been an uphill battle

the lab i decided to join focuses on neural engineering using electrophysiology in mice to investigate ways of creating artificial sensation for neural prosthesis, while also looking at things like sensory encoding and deep brain stimulation for neurodevelopmental disorder treatment. because our work is in vivo, this means we learn how to do neurosurgeries of implanting electrodes in mice, then stimulation and recording while they're awake (and sometimes asleep depending on the project). this has been challenging to say the least because the surgeries require a lot of skill, tactfulness, and patience. plus, animals are unpredictable.

i joined my lab in july, started getting trained on the surgeries in august and began practicing in september. these surgeries require a certain level of skill and technique that i just haven't acquired yet, but we're trying! due to my struggles of surgeries being unsuccessful, some mice dying, etc... i haven't collected any data yet. however, i can tell that after winter break, i should be able to restart surgeries and collect data .. which would be GREAT since i'm presenting at a conference in February (probably)

grad school

despite the struggles with actual experiments and such, this has been great preparation for graduate school becauuuse we all know graduate school is a marathon and not a sprint. i was successful in submitting all my PhD and fellowship applications and i can't wait to see how things turn out. i've already had 1 interview event, and i've been notified of 3 others. things are looking up.

outside of the literal applications, i have taken 2 light graduate level classes on sci-comm and using citation management software. recently switched from mendeley to zotero and i can't say i'm mad about it. additionally, i'll be taking a more meaty course in the spring called Neural Systems. i'm looking forward to it content wise, i'm just hoping i can handle the coursework on top of interviews and research obligations. my planner will be my savior.

highlights

living on my own! super exciting and enlightening. very freeing. oh and seeing snow REALLY fall for the first time!

finding some cool coffee shops around campus

experiencing a campus with a lot of school pride and culture... you can't beat that. my undergrad institution was a commuter school catering to a different population, so that vibe wasn't present. this is a nice 180

presenting at ABRCMS

other struggles

rebuilding a support group here. i have my partner, my lab, and 1 or 2 friends but i'm really hoping to meet more people next semester. this will be crucial if i decide to stay here for my PhD

not having a car. whew its rough but we're making moves to get a vehicle soon. no later than August 2023

solid 7/10 if you ask me, but lets check back in after winter is over lol

[alpona]

Geats episode 10 liveblog:

After a break, we begin with a fresh new game, new arc. The 'scheme' arc.

Before I begin watching,

-I'm excited to see the new arc, we'll have some new characters, and given the format, new opening lineup as well.

Haven't been paying attention to episode names, but they're quite cool! We finished the encounter arc, and now the scheme arc starts!

-Will keiwa return?

Now, let's begin:

- Tsumuri is doing the recap this time... And recording on her tablet? Wow, nice idea you took from Keiwa! Lol

- DGP staff as family, yup. By the way... How far does his wish of 'DGP staff' extend, we're only going to see Tsumuri and concierge -san for now, but does other unseen members, plus punkjack gets technically included......?

- yes we do have new disposable characters in opening lineup. But wait... Michinaga is there, but Neon isn't? Hmmm?

- since everyone involved here retains their memory, Ace's wish basically turned out as playing pretend family with DGP staff like a lonely kid.... Sigh..

- but here's the true objective, it'll give Ace more opportunity to closely investigate DGP huhuhu!

- And here's our first important question of the day! How are players selected? I've been curious too.

-Heh, careful examination. Their criterias are sus as well.

If defeating Jamato monsters were their main goal, they'd select people who at least have some fighting experience, not be super random like grandpa's and people with zero fighting ability....

- Ace-kun's previous wishes!! And woah woah woah, his first wish was to participate in every game?

So this way Ace is garunteed to have chances even if he loses a game. Also gets to prevent anyone's catastrophic wish being granted, also *getting lost in 105th theory and questions*

- his other wish of living without having to work is THE wishful life though 😄.

- And he definitely didn't just win 4 times only, right? We're only seeing a few cards here.

- Pfff.. Ace on super troll mode 🤣 Ace-sama's autograph! (a Tumblr user literally predicted this scene!)

However, we do get another confirmation from this funny scene - previous wishes indeed gets carried over to the next reset world.

- The little moment of Ace falling behind a few steps and quickly catching upto Tsumuri, a slight crack to his cool demeanor, I'm loving such small details in this show.

- Keiwa-kun!!! Okay, I can stop being suspicious about disqualified rider's fate, they did went back to normal lives... For now at least.

- Keiwa's personality may seem totally different, but you know what, it's actually not that strange. He's on his depressed state, he is kinda emotionally vulnerable and Can lose hope, as we've seen in episode 1. Makes sense. Unless there's more to it of course.

- But picking sushi over tanuki soba?? 😵‍💫 Now that's a plot twist I did not see coming!!

- oh right, punkjack. Going in to rig the game huh.

- Haha, now there's a wild character who can even annoy Ace!

- But is Tsumuri aware of the punkjack invasion?

- Ace is absolutely dumbfounded for once! Woah, his reaction is SO keiwa-like, I mistook this voice as keiwa's in the preview!

- disposable character's talk time. I almost gave Azuma-kun's reaction too.

- Aha, important question no 2! Is this punkjack the same as before? That little expression of yours spoke 'yes', even if you deny so hard, Hareruya Win-san.

The name's also something, if it's even his actual name.

- Oh hello timefire-san, I mean Neon's father. And we have another new character join the suspicious list.

- But they can add more players after a round? okay.

- oh wow, the new girl's already dead, way too disposable. I didn't even get her name or rider name. She's *reads back* letter? Ok whatever, sayonara.

- Neon's cool entrance! And Beat buckle debut! Not gonna pretend to see this for the first time, I've been seeing pics beat Nago, and Na-go's default form is very funky, so cool, love the design.

Well, now we have 2 guitar yeilding players. Just drop everything and give us a concert now! 😁

- however, Beat buckle's debut was so... Unceremonious, off screen, compared to some other main buckles....hmm

- Neon dropping everyone's honorifics, lol

- *gasp* Ace actually spelt out his goal!!! But of course, wrapped it with his signature 'can you believe me'.

- and the parallel between Ace and Neon, one trying to run away, another trying to find his mother... Ah... the feels

*Staring off into the sunset just like the characters*

- We already knew why you put punkjack in the game, game master-san. What should I even call this guy...

This is the 'scheme' of the scheme arc?

Is it because you're evil or you think Ace is a threat?

.... These review-ish things are becoming longer and longer each week, and I'm actually skipping many things. Geats is just that Good and intriguing!!

[supermoviemaniac]

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT MOVIE SPOILERS...

Don't worry, there's no spoilers in this post - just a rant about people's insatiable need to spoil things.

If you're reading this, it's probably because you're a fellow movie enthusiast. Entertainment by any means has the ability to bring people together. We can anticipate and experience things, then discuss and share said experiences. Sometimes we have to wait an agonizing amount of time - often seemingly forever... but when it finally arrives, we're happy we waited, and most often than not, it's usually worth waiting for too.

As a kid, spoilers were never really a risk I encountered, partly due to the internet being not as, let's just say, socially collosal and expansive as it is today. I was able to enjoy movies, games, TV shows and comics from start to finish and get surprised along the way. The duration between a piece of media being announced/confirmed, and the time it took for it to release and be ingested was never a spoiler minefield, partly because such a minefield didn't exist.

Flashforward to present day, and we all have the same social media apps installed. We use these apps to discover content and stay updated with friends and family, though for some reason, in the last few years, all I seem to encounter on a daily basis are just spoilers for things I care about. The argument could be made that the algorithms are attempting to tailor content to me for convenience. I'm not denying that this is a beneficial system in theory, but when I'm forced to see spoilers against my will purley due to it relating to something I'm interested in, it gets a little annoying.

Another argument could be made that I don't have to use these apps, which is certainly true, but I shouldn't have to deprive myself of near-infinite entertainment that I do care about, just because a portion of people/organisations make it their mission to recklessly splurge out exclusive content for the sake of views.

These spoilers range from rakishly explicit images, to implicit news headlines trying their hardest to be allusive, though fail to realise most people aren't stupid and will probably know what a cryptic headline is implying, without needing to read the actual article. I've seen screenshots from upcoming movies that I would've rather not seen, I've seen people posting pictures of merch and figurines for things before we've even seen a trailer. Yes, merch/toys aren't always accurate, but they still give you a good idea of what's in store.

I miss being able to just sit and wait for a trailer, enjoy the hell out of it, wait in anticipation for the movie to release, and then just be able to f**king enjoy it when it's out! Now, everyday just feels like I have to dodge spoilers no matter what I'm doing. If I get a whiff of a spoiler, I have to double down on my vigilance to ensure it remains unspoilt. I have to make sure that remains the case right up until release day, and then let out a sigh of relief when I finally rest my cheeks on the cinema seat. If you're excited about something, why the hell has it become an obstacle course to make sure that remains the case?

I understand that some people are okay with spoilers, and I understand that some outlets try to share spoilers with some sort of security attached, for people that don't want to inadvertently see things, which I definitely appreciate... but to some degree, you have to acknowledge that there is nothing stopping a fellow reader taking that spoilery information and passing it along without the same degree of care.

Posting spoilers is easy content. It comes with an element of exclusively that is bound to pull in a larger audience, but I dislike this severely. If you have encountered a spoiler deliberately or accidentally, it is your responsibility to make sure others aren't forced to learn about them. If everyone else around you is posting spoilers for views, don't worry, it doesn't suddenly make you uncool for not taking part. If anything, I find it admirable if you're making the conscious effort not to participate in sharing spoilers.

At the end of the day, seeing spoilers isn't life or death, and in the grand scheme of things, this issue seems petty, but when you're passionate about something, you want to be able to enjoy it properly. If you bought a new book, you'd be annoyed if the person next to you skips to the last page and bellows out the ending. If you're queuing up to watch the final of a football tournament, you'd be annoyed if a time traveller teleported in front of you and spoiled the outcome. The irony of these over the top examples is that we're actually encountering this for movies/shows, however they're in the form of mundane social media posts.

This issue is just getting worse by the day, and I imagine every new movie that's set to release will just breed more and more spoiler content. I think there needs to be greater consequences for the initial leakers, and more of a deterrent for the people/outlets that are itching to share them. I'm not a tech whiz of any kind, but why can't we have something similar to an AdBlocker which censors potential spoilers? Silly, I know - ideally though, it would be nice to not have to suggest desperate ideas to avoid things I don't want to see. These are first world problems for sure, and I'm not denying that in the slightest, but it still sucks. It shouldn't have to be like this. Why is there such a need to declare you know something before other people? I honestly don't remember the last piece of content I experienced that hadn't had an aspect of it spoilt. I watch the trailers, featurettes and interviews as it's the quantity the content makers want me to see prior to the movie. I look at the poster because they want me to visualise what's in store. It should stop there. This is what we should discuss, speculate on and get hyped about and nothing more.

What are everyone else's opinions?

[musicals-n-cartoons]

Elsewhere and Elsewhen Reaction

You know what could be fun? If I give my reaction to the newest Owl House episode. I meant to do the last one actually, but I procrastinated. Oh well. On to the show!

Pre-episode thoughts

It's definitely a time travel episode. Or at least a "going to a representation of the past" episode, which is really the same thing. It's not like anyone cared about the Assassin's Creed metaplot.

Episode thoughts

Nice to see Luz hitting the books, I love how studious she is.

Ooh, a party! Is it Lilith's birthday? Oh, it's to celebrate her new job at the museum. Neat! And is that Steve hanging out there? I guess Hooty wants someone from her old workplace, but damn.

So Lilith got a former mentor now, ooh!

No theme song? We're getting a long one this week.

Luz wishes that she can go back in time to ask Philip how to build a portal, and then realizes the obvious.

So, no time magic, but there is an urban legend that "time pools" can do the trick. Eda and Lilith use to look for them when they were kids. Adorable!

So Luz is straight-up calling Lilith her aunt now. Damned, Luz is basically having "divorced parents fighting for custody" energy without her two moms ever needing to be married.

So a device that needs a lot more power than Lilith had, where would Luz get something like that... of course, the Titan's blood! But Luz, you only got so much. Are you sure you want to spend it?

Ha, Luz's getting tired after pulling an all-nighter, while Lilith remains super excited. I feel ya Luz.

Aww, Babysbrough! That's so cute! And Luz impersonates a... "crab maiden"?

Oldest barnacles on her head? How many barnacles did Lilith put on her head before?

Man, the Deadwardian Era is shockingly civilized. Did something happen between now and Belos' reign? Cause it is not looking so savage now.

Eda, meanwhile, is trying to avoid meeting her father. She tries to sneak off disguised as Lilith (not that anyone was buying it), only to get caught by her father. Who's sweet enough to just let her go if she wants to.

There are inside the Skull! Turns out it is sacred ground?

Ooo, Lilith is picking bad vibes from Philip. Philip is Belos confirm?

Yup, he turned out to be evil, what a surprise.

Luz tames a dino!

A confrontation with Philip, but he refuses to give any information up. And it turns out the Collector got nothing to do with the portal? Luz got a cute way of peacing out.

At least Lilith gets to study Deadwellin balusters from a practitioner.

Eda is talking with her father finally! And damn, Eda destroyed Dell's ability to do his job. His hands are trembling! I can see where you are coming from Eda, but he already wants to meet you, and avoiding him for 20 years is kind of hurting him even more, so...

Ah, he's working to restore the population of an endangered specie, Dell's a man after my own heart.

Gasp, Philip is Belos! The theorists were right! So, the liquid body was caused by glyphs on his skin, huh? I wonder what purpose they served, and how palismens were able to stop him from dying. And what does he need the collector for? The collector got a lot of moon symbolism, so they're probably connected to the whole moon thing coming in a month.

Neat trick, having Belos voice overlapping with Philip's one.

Reaction to other reactions

lol at everybody saying that Philip/Belos is basically just an English colonizer. I mean, he really is. That's basically canon.

15,000 recent notes, with the 2nd trending tag. A comically large amount of notes.

OMG FLORA D'ESPLORA WAS DORA THE EXPLORER HOW DID I MISS THAT. That's amazing.

I like the theory that the reason that Philip took much longer than Luz to learn the glyphs is that the Boiling Isles judged him unworthy and was literally hiding it from him.

The dino Luz befriends is a stonesleeper, the same creature whose lung was needed for the grimwalker recipe.

Why are some people saying that Lilith is what made Philip hate witches? People don't become bigots just because someone punched them.

I worried about the moon symbolism that Amity is wearing. What connection does the Collector have with her?

Prediction for future episodes

The next one is... another sports episode? And the description doesn't mention Luz or Eda. Judging from the promo, I am going to guess that Hunter's mission is going to crash into Willow's story and that Luz is going to have a b-plot with Eda.

[lokiondisneyplus]

Director Kate Herron calls from her childhood bedroom. She's staying at her parents' home in Southeast London for the summer, having spent the past year apart due to the pandemic and directing her latest series, Marvel's Loki. "It's so surreal seeing the show go out," she says over Zoom, "and being in the room that I was last in as a teenager."

Loki's first three episodes have seen the God of Mischief (Tom Hiddleston) team up with Agent Mobius (Owen Wilson) and the all-powerful Time Variance Authority to track down a fugitive Variant of himself: A female Loki that goes by Sylvie (Sophia Di Martino) who's set on blowing up the Sacred Timeline and, with it, the MCU as we know it.

"My dad, bless him, he was never into Marvel before, but now he's obsessed with it," she says. "When I got the job, he started watching his way through the films, and he's got all these different YouTubers that he now watches for theories, and he tries to get spoilers out of me. He's like, 'What does it mean?!' and I'm like, 'Dad, I can't tell you!' It's very sweet, but very funny."

Now, with three episodes left of the season, she's bracing for their first family viewing experience. "I might not be able to, though. I might be like, 'You have to watch it by yourselves and then we can talk!'" she laughs. "Wait to hear the Loki theme and be like, 'Oh, I can go downstairs now.'"

In the meantime, Herron fielded all of ET's midseason questions about making Loki's bisexuality canon in the MCU, flexing more of his magic than ever before and why Sylvie isn't really Lady Loki or the Enchantress.

We are halfway through the season. Outside your parents, how has the reaction felt so far?

It's been amazing. We had these big ideas in it -- like, about free will and good and evil -- and wanting to [know that] if we're going back in with Loki because he's so beloved, that it's going to be a good story for that character, but some fresh terrain. I think the response has been pretty joyous and it's just so fun seeing what people are liking, what people's theories are. I couldn't be more happy, to be honest.

Being someone who appears pretty online and active on social media, how deep are you going into reading what people say and diving into those theories and all that?

I definitely read a lot of them -- I don't comment on them -- but I used to love Lost and Game of Thrones, and I was on Reddit, commenting, like, "Ooh, maybe it means this or means this," and I think that's the fun thing with our show, right? Our fans are so smart and it's fun seeing what they're getting right and what's not right but is very interesting. The Easter eggs they dig up are always amazing to me. Some of them we put in there, and I'm like, "Well, let's see..." and I'm like, "Oh, they found it!" So, it's really fun tracking it online. It's very weird directing something where you know every frame will be [screen]grabbed by some fans because they're looking for stuff.

I loved your tweet about why it was important for you to confirm that Loki is bisexual in the show. Not really reveal -- because he's bisexual in the comics -- but make that canon. Talk to me about having those conversations with Marvel.

I think it was something very important to everyone. And I felt like, OK, how can we acknowledge this? We have aspects of the story that are there, so how do we build this into the story so it feels earned in the moment? I didn't want it to feel like we were just wedging something in, but we had this beautiful scene where these two characters are being really raw and really honest about who they are, and I was like, "Well, it is a part of who he is and who they are." For me, talking with Michael [Waldron] and Bisha [K. Ali], it just felt like it was the right moment for that line. This episode is really beautiful for me, because it's these two characters getting to know each other, so in that sense, it felt like the right place for that conversation to happen. And I thought it was done really beautifully by the writers.

Obviously, like I've said, it's very personal to me, and I said it was a small step in some ways -- because obviously, he's just talking about it -- but in the bigger scale of things, I'm like, oh no, it's massive actually. If I saw that when I was 10, it would be really big for me. It's been really nice getting comments from people online. Some people were like, "It helped me actually talk about how I feel to my family and helped me come out." And I thought, "Well, if it helped one person do that, then it's worth it."

This is the MCU's first lead character who is openly queer. Did you know that? Were you aware of how big a milestone this would be?

Yeah. Well, in some senses, yes, and in some senses you're never sure, right? Because [Marvel is] so secretive about all their other projects. [Laughs] For me, I was like, I'm telling Loki's story, it's a part of who they are and I just want to acknowledge it. It's canon in the comics and if we can make it canon in the films, that would be amazing. When I came on board, I was like, if there's a way to do this, it would mean a lot to me and, I'm sure, a lot of people. But it was very welcomed, and I think we're all very proud of how we did that.

This may be getting into spoiler territory that you aren't able to talk about, but acknowledging one's sexuality is one important part of representation, seeing it play out through relationships is another. Can we expect to see any further exploration of what it means for Loki to be bisexual in this show?

I'm trying to think how to answer your question. [Laughs] I would say in our story, this is how we acknowledge it. But I hope that that paves the way for deeper exploration.

We're halfway through the season. What were your biggest goals in these first three episodes?

I think the biggest one was obviously, the Loki we're with in this story is on a completely different path, so it was tracking his character in the sense that he basically sees this amazing arc that the other Loki had gone on across the MCU movies, he sees that he reconciles with his brother, but that wasn't him in that moment. He's watching a different version of himself. But seeing that moment and seeing that he has room for growth and change is really interesting with our Loki, because he's in a very different headspace. So, it was tracking, what's familiar about this character from the Loki that we've seen over the last 10 years go from villain to antihero? And what is going to be completely different and completely different sides to this character that we get to now dig our teeth into? That was something really important to me and to Tom and the writing team, and it was really fun unpacking that and what his identity means.

The other challenges, honestly, were just setting up the TVA, because it's outside of time and space and giving that a grounding and a reality and making that feel like a whole new exciting corner of the MCU. That was a big responsibility, and I was really excited by that. And then you have the bigger arc of the story, but you also knowing it's going out weekly on TV. So, how are we going to track this week by week. Where are we leaving the characters and what are we leaving for the audience? Something we always thought about was we knew there'd be discussion week to week, so it was like, "Where are we going to give them certain bits of information across the show?" We wanted to provoke conversation and discussion about even just things like free will, you know?

I will say about the TVA, I'm basically a human Miss Minutes stan account. I think she's the baddest bitch in the MCU. I watch every Miss Minutes fancam that pops up on my Twitter feed.

She's incredible! What I love about it is that she's in our first episode and she actually used to come out of the presentation that Loki watches -- she came out on the screen -- but it was too crazy. We were like, "OK, we can't do that in the first episode. We'll do it in the second episode!" But what I love about her is that we're seeing the TVA through Loki's eyes and it's, like, the status quo, right? And if our status quo is a Southern-talking, Roger Rabbit-style clock, the show is going to probably get quite weird. I think that's what I love about her. And obviously, Tara [Strong] is awesome. Yeah, Miss Minutes is a lot of fun.

You talked about exploring who Loki is and could be. He's always had an arsenal of powers, but in this series, you really get to explore and define what his power set is. What were those conversations like?

That was something else, coming in, I was so excited about. We have six hours of him, let's see some more magic. Because across the comics, he's super powerful, and for example, in the last episode, that's what was so exciting to me about that, the oner at the end of episode 3 was that I've seen a lot of oners but I haven't seen one with magic. So, I was like, let's put loads of magic in there! We get Loki using his telekinesis and his magic blasts and then also Sylvie, as well, and her powers.

For me, it was exciting getting to bring those in in a way that pushed the story forwards. Because I get it, when he first lands in the TVA, they can't use magic, so I know if I was watching, I'd be like, "What? No magic?!" But I think that's the fun thing is, we still have three episodes to go and also it was fun to put him on Lamentis and see him using his powers in different ways. It was definitely something important to me and the team, was to get to show a little bit more of him. But across the films, you can only do so much. Now we have six hours, so it felt like, of course we have to delve into that more.

I don't know if you saw this on Twitter, one of my favorite reactions to episode 3 was someone tweeted a screenshot of Sylvie screaming and her hands glowing and wrote, "she did the meme!!"

[Laughs] That's great!

We've now officially met Sylvie, and we're starting to piece together that this may be sort of a hybrid character of Lady Loki and Sylvie Lushton, the Enchantress. Are you able to confirm that you pulled from both to create your Sylvie? Or is that something that's to be further revealed?

I would say there's more to be delved into. One thing I would say is, like, she's different to the comics. Like, she's a unique character, but obviously, there's things that have been pulled from. I think for her character, she's on the run and she's called Sylvie and she's dyed her hair. The blonde that we associate with Sylvie is played in that sense, but it makes sense for her character within our story. But I would say deeper than that, yeah, there's more to be revealed about her character to comes.

The main thing I would say is: Lady Loki in the comics is a very different character to our character, obviously. I love that character and I think she's got a very different journey. But our Sylvie is a female Loki, in that sense -- because in episode 1 and 2, they know it's a Loki they're tracking -- but I think that's part of the discussion. It's almost like Loki -- as in Tom Loki -- he's like, "Wait, how much of my life have you got? Who are you?" And I think that's the real question is, who is she? So, we will discuss that as the show goes on. Why does she not like being called Loki? What's her past? Where did she come from?

Tom and Sophia have such great chemistry, but how challenging was it for you and Michael and Sophia and the writers to create a character that essentially has to match up with our Loki, who's had however many films to become the fan-favorite character that he is?

It starts in the writing. Because she's a unique creation, and that was exciting and I was intrigued where they were pulling from with the comics. I was like, OK, that's cool. Beyond that, I think it's casting it. Sophia is an incredible actor. I've worked with her before. She has this fire in her and she brings this amazing vulnerability to all her characters, but she's also, like, so funny. It's just, so many of these things she always brings, I was like, they're so Loki. So, I was like, "We've got to get her to read!" And we were just all blown away by her read of it.

She definitely can hold her own. That's the other thing, as well. I know her, and I was like, she will hold her own. I know she will. Because she's going against Tom's Loki and that's such the fun thing about them. Even just on the train, where it's the end of the world and Loki's solution is, "I'm going to have a party and I'm going to have a drink. I'm going to have a lovely time." And her solution is, "I'm not going to have a glass of champagne, thanks. I'm going to focus on the mission of getting off the moon." Those little differences is what's quite fun about them to me. How are they different, and how are they the same?

Was there something you got to do as a director in these first three episodes that you had never done before that you were especially excited or nervous or both to tackle?

I suppose so much of the show, right? Because I've done a lot of drama and a lot of comedy, but they were like, "Here you go! Here's the reins to this massive, genre-driven piece where you have to set up a new corner of the MCU and you're going to have this beloved character." There was a lot to carry. But I'd say in terms of something I was excited about, only because Kevin Feige was teasing me, when we filmed the big oner at the end of episode 3, I was really inspired in the writing, because it sounded like you were really with the characters. I love doing long takes anyway and I remember thinking, "Oh man, this sequence feels like the one that we should do as this oner," because I want the audience to feel like they're with Sylvie and Loki in this moment, and it's also a moment where you finally start to see an apocalypse and it feels more real, because you're seeing the horror and the terror that's going along with that.

For me, that was exciting, but the really cheesy bit that made me so excited is they had these foam rocks that fell on people, but it felt like real movie magic to me. I was so obsessed with the rocks. I was like, "Oh my god. This is like real, big Hollywood filmmaking." And I remember Kevin Feige was like, "You can take a rock home, if you want," and I was like, "Oh my god!" So I have this rock. It's in bubble wrap now, and I'm going to unpack it when I move into my place. But that's probably honestly the most excited I've ever been. [Laughs] I was just so excited by the rocks. Oh, and also, I remember when we were at Roxxcart and Tom gets thrown into those robo dogs, I was obsessed with the robo dogs. He was like, "I think this is the happiest I've ever seen you." So, those are my favorite moments on set. The foam rocks and the robo dogs.

Somebody's going to come into your flat in the future and there's going to be a shelf with just a rock and a robotic dog on it.

Mhmm! And I'll be like, "Yeah, guys, I did something." [Laughs] They'll be like, "What is this...?" But the foam rocks are genuinely amazing, because they look like real, heavy rocks, but they're so light. I was so fascinated with them. I was so excited. I made a lot of low budget stuff before this, so it was a big deal to me.

My favorite part of the first three episodes is the Kate Berlant cameo. How did that come to be?

Basically, I love comedy and my producer, Kevin Wright, does as well, and we were trying to think of people that could be fun. We've got Josh [Fadem] in episode 1, and that was a miracle. I just spoke to her about the part and was like, "This is a very small role, but if you're interested, you're very talented and you're so funny." And she was like, "You know what? That sounds really fun. Renaissance faire? Yeah, I'll come do it." So, it was very kind of her to come down and do that for us. She's so funny, man. She's so funny.

Do you let her riff at all?

We did. We have a lot of alts and a lot of very extended bits of her talking to the Minutemen. I think there's one where she talks about a bird show at the faire. She's so funny. I was very flattered and grateful that she did that for us.

I'm going to start the #ReleaseTheKateBerlantCut campaign. I want a whole episode of her alts. Or she can be the new Stan Lee and cameo in every MCU project. Before I let you go, if you had to choose one word to tease these upcoming three episodes, what is that word?

Hmm. I thought of one word, but then I'm like, it's spoiler-y, so I can't say that. [Laughs] Oh, one word. Exciting? I have to say "exciting," because I can't say the other one I wanted to say!

[justice4harwin]

Light's Corruption- Chapter IV

Pairing: The DarklingxAlina

Summary:With few friends at the Little Palace, Alina must work to win the favour of her fellow grisha and their commander, who makes her feel light headed every time she sees him.

After training in Os Alta for two years, the king grows tired of waiting and demands the Sun Summoner joins a western post near the Fjerdan border along with the rest of The Second Army to test her abilities.

Something happens. Suddenly, Alina wants blood to run down the rivers and those who stand in her and The Darkling’s way will be blinded by her light and swallowed by his shadows.

It won’t be pretty

Rating: 18+

Click here for chapter 3

Tags are in the comment section. If you dont wanna be there or wanna be added please let me know 😊

Anyways, I hope you like this one. I'm really excited over a particular scene 😏😏

Chapter 4: golden butterfly, black rose

Alina woke up with a new purpose: to observe and listen.

She hastily threw the blankets and sheets off of her and put on her kefta as she realized she might be late for breakfast.

Running down the stairs, hair a mess, the Sun Summoner smiled and greeted everyone on her path.

Some replied. Others just stared oddly.

She entered the hall to find that, as usual, Marie and Nadia had left a seat empty between them. Alina gingerly took it.

"Good morning!"

They gave her smiles as they reciprocated the greeting.

"You're in a good mood today." Nadia noticed, taking her spoon.

"I slept like a baby." she lied. She hadn't gotten that much sleep -Genya must've gotten even less- but she felt good that day.

Just the day before, she had been able to summon on her own for the first time, and she had to stay positive if she wanted to accomplish her new mission.

She engaged more in the chatter with the grisha women that day, venturing so far as to reply with questions of her own to get to know them better.

"I didn't know you had a brother, Nadia." she said, genuinely surprised as they made their way to Botkin's stables.

The woman nodded with a half-annoyed, half-endearing smile.

"He's grisha too. A few years younger, so he's still at school. His name's Adrik."

"Is he a Squaller too?" 

Nadia confirmed that he was, because of course, the little rat had to copy everything about his older sister.

Alina laughed at that.

"The little girl seems very happy for someone who's about to get into a fight?" were the words with which Botkin received her.

Alina fought back the need to recoil. The only time she had won so far had been against Zoya, …if one could consider that a win given what happened right after.

"Maybe I'll be lucky today." she beamed at him.

Botkin seemed almost surprised.

"Positivity is fine, little girl, but you need to focus during a fight. But first." he clapped his hands twice, immediately getting all the attention. "Run around the lake. Twice. The last one to get back here will help the stable hands for the rest of the day."

Alina really ran like never before that day.

Her side hurt, and she almost felt like she wasn't getting enough air; but after the first half, her legs didn't burn so much anymore, and she felt almost as good as she did when walking.

"Damn, Starkov." she turned her head to see that Michail, a heartrender with a hard-shaped face and kind, green eyes, was easily keeping up with her. "When did you get this fast?"

"Practice." she said, a little breathless but feeling nice with the cold air slapping against her face. "Besides, I really don't wanna end up in the stables."

He laughed at that.

"That makes two of us. I hate those animals."

Alina frowned. She just didn't wanna clean up their shit, but other than that, she could find nothing wrong with horses.

"Why?"

"Those long faces," he said, gesturing over his own. "they're scary."

"You're scared of horses?!" she asked, disbelieving. 

"Why don't you yell it a little louder?" he asked, looking around at the disperse group, but he was smirking. They weren't at the front, but they weren't slagging at the back either.

"Sorry." she leaned in. "I'll keep your secret if you help me not to be the last."

"I don't think you need my help," he laughed. "but sure."

She got knocked down on her ass by a short Inferni woman with dark blonde hair, but Alina laughed it off, hiding her embarrassment, and stretched out a hand. The Inferni rose an eyebrow and then helped her up.

"Thanks." she told her, dusting off the back of her kefta.

"For kicking your ass?"

"Hey, I think I did learn a thing or two." she winked. "Next time I'll be ready."

"Oh, so you want a rematch?" the woman asked, amused, as she crossed her arms over her chest. 

"If you're up for it." Alina shrugged.

"Deal." they shook hands. "But it'll have to wait until we're done with him." she said, nodding towards Botkin, who was busy making rounds, watching the others. "I'm Natasha, by the way."

"Alina."

"Oh, I know. Everyone knows." she smiled once more before retreating to a small group of Inferni that had reunited by a corner.

As she passed by the lake in her usual route to Baghra's hut, Alina got startled by the damage she had done to the perfectly green grass. Gardeners were still at work getting rid of the black mass she had left in her path, going so far as to dig into the earth. They saw her passing and glanced up, some frightened, others definitely not amused.

"I am so sorry." she whispered frantically, before hurrying her steps.

"Don't let the heat out!" was all the greeting she got from the ancient woman.

Alina closed the door and hurried to the chair that awaited her. She was smiling.

"I don't think that will be a problem." she said, proud of herself.

She scoffed. "So I have heard. Show me." she said, hitting her in the arm with her cane.

"Ouch!"

With a nasty frown, Alina placed her palms in front of the others and called the light that she had rejected for so long. So eager to answer, her power rushed through and out of her, and she was almost puzzled by its intensity. She focused on keeping the orb small.

"Uh. Well, it took you long enough."

"A 'Congratulations' would be nice."

She got hit again. Her light wavered and then solidified again.

"Congratulations? What? Do you want a parade thrown in your honour as well? For what? Doing what you were supposed to do your entire life? Shut up and expand the orb. Make it encompass the entire place."

With deep breaths, both to concentrate and control her anger, Alina steadily expanded her light, making it fill the hut.

"Bend it to its shape."

Carefully, she tried to do as she was told.

"You were right, about being held back." she uttered as she tried to shape her light to blend in with the walls.

"I know." the woman said, petulant. "Now call it back and repeat until there is no effort to it."

Alina tried, and tried again, but as eager as her power was to explode, her body was eager for a long, long nap. There had been so much repression, so much denial for so many years, that it was as if the light wanted to just explode out of her body and consume it all.

It scared her a little, but she focused.

The Darkling had told her she was magnificent, Alina remembered, and he had made it sound like she was capable of anything.

The way his grey eyes shone with such intensity, like he wanted to engulf her into his arms and have her all to his own, the way in which his hand felt against hers, or how just even being next to him made her want to lean into and over him like a lazy, overly clingy cat. 

She'd lay on top of him all day if she could.

Alina wondered what would've happened if Genya hadn't arrived at the moment she did. Would The Darkling had kissed her? What would his lips taste like? How would his beard feel against her skin? Just exactly how good was he with his tongue?

Alina blushed. The light flickered, as if excited at the mere idea of the man.

She had kissed a few people before, but him, there was something about him that told her that if he should kiss her only once, she'd spend the rest of her life running after the very same sensation and more.

"Dreaming about your dark prince again?"

She looked at Baghra.

"What?" looking around, she noticed that her light had expanded farther than the hut and she was glowing.

Alina snapped her hands, and everything was dark again. Her fingers tingled with power, her eyelids closed with exhaustion.

"I-I wasn't-" she blinked rapidly, trying to adjust to the new environment.

"Stupid, stupid girl. You need to focus on your task."

"I'd concentrate better if I wasn't being hit every five min-OUCH!"

"Do not make excuses with me. You are lazy, easily distracted, you do not know what you are getting yourse-"

"You know, for someone who's supposed to be such a great teacher, I've still got to see some actual teaching." Alina snapped. "All you do is yell at me, hit me and belittle me; yet one conversation with The General I can finally summon." the brunette spat, each word more angrier than the previous one. "So don't try to blame me for your shortcomings."

Baghra was silent, nostrils flaring. When it looked like she might raise her cane and hit Alina right in the head with it, she opened her thin lips instead:

"Out." she uttered, almost inaudible. "Out! And do not come back!"

"Gladly!"

Alina stood up and marched for the door, her steps almost as loud as the insults the old woman was throwing after her.

"Stupid girl! Unconscious! Just another pawn of his! You never learn! Lazy! Stupid! Blind!"

 It was a good thing the old crone couldn't see the tears of frustration and shame in her eyes.

She was on her way back to the Little Palace, trying to decide if she should bathe or go to the library first.

Baghra’s words still rang in her head.

Maybe, if she was quick, really quick with her bath,...but then again, she was getting too used to such a luxury, that once in there it was quite difficult to leave unless the water turned cold.

But if she went to the library, she’d be there until the words blurred and her eyes burned.

On the other hand, there were other grisha in the library, and she couldn’t afford to walk in there smelling like-

"Alina?"

General Kirigan's smooth voice had her turning on her heels, hand still massaging the spot on her arm Baghra's cane had so harshly landed. She had managed to hold back the tears, but the woman's word still stung.

"Moi Soverennyi." She greeted but forgot to bow.

He looked at her arm.

"How was your lesson?"

"I spent months with her and nothing; five minutes with you and I can summon." She basically spat, still bitter at Baghra's harsh words. "I think that speaks for itself."

He smiled, almost.

"Give the old woman some credit. She is good at what she does."

"Terrorizing isn't teaching." she replied, and then, with her head high, added: "She didn't get me to summon."

"No." The Darkling agreed, taking a step towards her. All engulfed in his black cloak, he almost seemed to float. "You did it. It was all you." He said it with such reverence that her breath became shallow.

She didn't look away from his eyes. The storms swirling in there were magnetic. There was so much going on in there at the moment, yet it all sped up through those grey orbs so fast she couldn't make sense of it.

"Why don't you teach me?" The words slipped from her tongue before she could think better of it.

He rose an eyebrow, taking another predatory step towards her.

"I serve the King. I run an entire army. I do not have the time to train everyone personally, nor would I want anyone to think they are favoured above others." 

He was so close to her now, she had to crane her neck to look up.

"You once said there was no one else like us; who could be a better teacher?"

In truth, she also wanted to see him more often. Glimpses as he passed through the Little Palace or left Os Alta, and the occasional conversation weren't enough for her.

"You flatter me, Miss Starkov."

"I only state my opinion." she took a step, shortening the distance, like he was a magnet calling for her.

Mirth shone in his eyes. It made her smile. 

"I will be going away for a few weeks." At this, her smile fell, and his formed as he tilted her chin up with his gloved fingers.

Alina stared up into his eyes, dark with something.

"I'll miss you." She whispered, foolishly, without thought. 

"Will you?" He asked, almost perplexed for a moment.

She found herself nodding.

"I know we don't get much chance to talk, but I like talking to you." She confessed, a knot in her throat. "You understand all,...this." she flickered her fingers and a tiny orb of light formed above her hand.

His eyes followed suit, almost fascinated, like he still couldn't quite believe her power was real. And when he looked at her, it was like he couldn't believe she was real.

His hand rose and shadows swallowed her light. Alina watched them dance, entranced by his power, and noticed it taking shape.

"For you." The Darkling said, handing her a black rose, from the base of its steam to the very last petal. "To remember me by while I am gone."

Disbelieving, she reached out and gasped as she touched the shadow. There was a little bit of gold in there, her own power hidden within, shimmering weakly here and there.

"I don't have anything to give you." She said, lamenting.

He leaned down, his beard rough against her soft cheek.

"Trust me, Alina," he whispered, her name on his lips against her ear making her tremble. "I could not forget you if I tried."

There was the whisper of a kiss against her cheek that seemed to linger for the longest moment, …and then he was leaving, cloak flipping behind him as he left the sun Summoner holding onto a small piece of shadow and a piece of her heart gone with him.

Click here for chapter Five