#i giffed a different scene first but i'm having trouble with one of the gifs so you're getting this one first lol

[scarletwinterxx]

I choose you and me religiously - joshua hong imagine

istg every love song i hear, he's the only one i can think of. i'm in my joshua brain rot era and i'm loving every second of it😭😭

for my other joshua fics, check them here

if you want, u can buy me coffee(totally optional but any donation is very much appreciated!) thank you🥺💛

All works are copyrighted ©scarletwinterxx 2024 . Do not repost, re-write without the permission of author.

(gif not mine, credits to rightful owner)

"This is so not fair"

"What?" your boyfriend blinks back at you with his doe eyes, knowing full well what this does to you

"You can't use that every time you're trying to win, Josh" you grumble, hitting him playfully with a pillow. He blocks it with his arm, laughing at your annoyed but cute expression, clearly he's having more fun than you.

There are so many things Joshua does that makes your knees go weak. The moment you met him you knew you were in deep deep trouble. It was hard not to get swayed while staring in his eyes when they say so much.

Even before, you can never keep eye contact with him because if you do you'd end up a blushing mess. His eyes confessed to you first, and you stared right back getting lost along side him.

Your relationship with him is like those cliche movies and cute scenes in books you only dreamt of happening to you, then along came him and made those into reality.

Like how can you not think he's the cutest human ever when he made a beaded bracelet with his number on it and gave it to you because he was too shy and too much of a gentleman to ask, how he held pinkies with you on your first date while walking around the park, or how he giggled (yes, this man straight up giggled) the first time you kissed.

Every thing he does is an arrow shot straight to your heart. He might not be aware of it but he got you on the palm of his hand. You can't even argue with him because the moment you see his sad eyes and pouty lips, you're already waiving the white flag.

You thought it would be scary for someone to have this much power over you, but not Joshua. He's honest, gentle and kind through and through. In a world of boys, he really is the gentleman.

He never did anything to make you feel uncomfortable or angry or upset, sure there are little arguments here and there but he will never let a day end without making sure you two are okay.

Most often you would say he's too kind for this world, all you get is a shake of his head and a smile. It's just who is he is. Not a single mean bone in his body. You would fight the world for him, always his number one defender and he loves that about you.

Why would he care if the world was mean to him when he got you on his side?

That's all that matters to him anyways.

"Do you ever get angry?" you ask

"Of course, I do" he answer with a chuckle, prompting you to raise your brow at him

"I've never seen you angry, is that a bad sign? They say you should see your partner angry to see that side of them or whatnot"

"I just never find any reason to be. I feel upset, I do. But then I resolve it. It takes too much energy to be angry, life's too short for that don't you think"

"Okay but like what if someone insults you?" you prod

"Do they know me?" he asks back "Just hypothetically"

"But like what's the scenario" "Oh come on, indulge me for a moment will you" you say, getting annoyed at your boyfriend but he just laughs. You always look cute when he annoys you, wishing he could keep you in his pocket all the time.

"Okay let's change it then, let's say we're walking out at night and someone says something about me-" "Well that's different, darling. They won't even finish the sentence, I'm already walking up to them" he cuts you off, even though it's just a made up scenario he already feels a bit mad at the thought of someone disrespecting you

"And what? Fight them?"

He doesn't say anything for a while, staring back at you like he's making you read his mind. Then he pulls you by the arm until you're cuddled against him.

"They can hurt me any way they want, I can handle that. But you, I'd lose my mind if anything happens to you. I can't even imagine it, it's making me mad"

Looking up at him, you see the change in his expression "Oh love, I didn't mean to upset you. Sorry" you mumble, smoothing the crease in between his brows

"No need to be sorry, it's the truth. I treat you with nothing but love and respect, I can't have some stranger treat you any less"

Your lips immediately form a pout when you hear his words. Your sweet sweet boy.

"You really love me huh" you whisper

He looks down at you, his expression quickly changes when he sees your cheeks squished against his chest and the cute pout on your lips. Like a little cute dumpling.

Leaning down to give your cheek a few pecks, "A little bit more than how much you love me"

You laugh at that, you never doubted your feelings about him. You know you love him so much, every single cell in your body knows that. "Sounds impossble"

"Oh you disagree? Lovely, we can sit here all day and talk about all the things I love about you. I can go on and on and on"

"Okay okay fine I get it, I thought you don't like arguing" you tease him

"I like arguing with you like this because I know I'll win"

"Okay Mr. Confident"

"I'm only telling the truth. Look me in the eyes and tell me I'm wrong" this time he's he one teasing, knowing full well you're weak for his stare

"Not fair, you can look at me and I'd say yes to anything"

"Anything?"

You pinch his side, earning a yelp and a laugh from your boyfriend. Then he hugs you again, holding your hand his time so you don't get any ideas.

"Want to know something? I feel the same, the moment you looked at me I knew I was going to be yours for the rest of this lifetime" he whispers

He tucks your hair behind your ears to see you eyes more, leaning down again to give your nose a peck "You had me the moment we met"

You smile at him before stretching your head to meet your lips with his, feeling him smile during the kiss. You don't say anything, you just let him feel all the emotions that are too big for any word in any language.

Exchanging I love you's through kisses.

[misculenica]

Expressions + Mannerisms (part 2)

By semi-popular demand, another analysis of Solas and his expressions :)

For all you fanfiction writers and solavellans!

I would like to state, for the record, a lot of what I say/have said is purely my own personal interpretations and understandings, and by no means should you take my word as gospel here. This is just some fun :)

I stated in a previous post (I shall call 'Part 1' for simplicity) how Solas has 2 expressions; his 'in the moment' expressions, in which his true feelings are on display, and his 'in character' expressions, in which he's very much putting on a persona.

If you're in solavellan hell, have some hyperfixation-tendencies and/or unresolved feelings towards a specific fictional character (like myself), you'll probably be able to tell the difference between these 2 expressive states of his.

Allow me to elaborate ;)

Solas, In the Moment "when he's honest/caught off-guard/not 'in character'"

Solas clearly has trouble with lying; he's rather terrible at it. I would go so far as to say he only ever lies to you once in the entire game (lying outright, I mean); and it is after the Winter Palace;

"You miss court intrigue... When were you at court?"

"Oh. Well, never... Directly, of course." <- big stuttering liar.

He can't lie worth a damn, but he's by no means honest; he's manipulative, deceptive and sly. I believe I heard someone describe him once as having a 'malicious compliance with/towards the truth'.

I believe his expressions, as well as mannerisms, follow this mentality.

I'll show you several images/scenes in which I believe Solas is being honest/showing himself without his guard up. (And in 2. Solas, In Character, I will show you the contrast).

This one will be hard to show without gifs (which I'm clueless on how to create, forgive me);

A. He blinks a lot, very a-rhythmic.

B. He gets this look about him, and I don't know how to describe it, beyond "'scuse me?" (the long face gets longer, shrug)

Genuinely surprised:

C. He looks very deep in thought/far away - and sad (this man needs some therapy) this is the face he makes when he knows no-one can see him (I'll make a part 3 going into these comparatives of 'you can see me'/'you can't see me');

No ones looking, it's okay (it's not, but whatever) face :

D. He just looks sad when he's being quiet/honest/not putting on some bravado/persona. (You know how 'resting bitch face' is a thing? This man has a resting depressed face, and i think it has to do with the tragedy - he practically embodies philosophical pessimism)

Acceptance/I don't see a way forward/I need a break face:

E. He has the softest look about him when he's touched/shown affection (yes these are all from the dream-kiss scene) (bless my poor solavellan heart)

Yes, I like to be held, please kiss me on my face face:

F. Smug face... He has a smug face (to be fair, this is literally him revealing he has complete control over when you're awake/asleep... and much more, given the context of Tevinter Nights - idk this face always creeped me out actually XD like i knoooow this guy could fuck me up if he wanted)

"It's my world, you're all just living in it" face:

G. He fidgets a lot when it's just him, or he's talking to you honestly. Like he always has to be doing something with his hands. (I noticed he doesn't do it when he's in groups, or with others) - not a facial expression but I thought it was interesting behaviour. In fact, his movements in general increase a lot - he fidgeted, he sways, he wobbles, he gestures, moves his head a lot. (Just watch all of his personal quest, you'll see what I mean). (He also does this when you first meet him, but I chalk it up to he's just super excited that you're not dead and finally you can fix his mess - since he was 100% sure you'd be dead and he was ready to bolt with his 'i didn't say it was a good plan' plan)

At the risk of just listing typically behaviour in people with certain emotions, I'll move on to his 'in character' part.

2. Solas, In Character.

A. He blinks rhythmically, every like... 5/6 seconds?? (yeah, I know... I do have a hobby besides this stuff i swear XD i just like this egg). It's soothing, like a heartbeat. The blinking just always stood out to me with his character, idk.

B. He smiles a lot, but I can't tell if I know who he is and what he's doing, and that's clouding my vision, but it feels very much like a job interview kind of smile. Like, every split second it falters just a bit.

This man just doesn't want to smile (though, I suppose this is early in game when he's very much 'these aren't people' 'oh i have to pretend really hard rn'

C. He stands pretty damn still and stiff - if he's doing this i'm 99% sure he's being manipulative with you, sometimes the only movements he has in a scene is him blinking, perhaps glancing sideways. - think just before the journey to skyhold when he gives you a talk about the orb and how you need to prove yourself - he's in 110% manipulative mode

The trouble with Solas is, he doesn't have many tells - but the ones he does have are big. And, without delving into scenes as they stand, I'd have a hard time expressing this.

But I will leave you with my favourite expression-transition in the entire game.

How he goes from optimism/pride when standing beside Inky, to when the figure passes him, his expression becomes so serious/foreboding. I love it so much.

And I once again want to mention how much I just adore the little details of animation, from eye movement, skin twitches, or full on bodily movement. - especially for a character I adore. It's beautiful to look at, especially as someone who studied animation (absolutely wasted degree on me, I swear) and gets very attached to fictional characters (particularly ones as complicated as the dread egg).

In future parts, provided I get flycam to work on my pc - I'll be able to go through scenes of the egg to give him a bit more of an in-depth view (with gifs and whatnot, can you imagine?).

[animehouse-moe]

Skip and Loafer Episode 6: Drizzling and Flickering

Well, six episodes in and we've finally got our first proper conflict in the story. I'm not at all disappointed or anything that we're this far in and getting it, rather I feel like it's a really great spot to place it. Talks of love and relationships, becoming aware of the social aspect of high school, the stress of exams looming on the horizon. It's a really great point to break things down and take a look at how things need to change.

And change they do. We start with Fumi gushing about having a crush at school, which completely catches Mitsumi off guard. It's a really simple thing, but having these characters at different stages in their social and romantic lives at high school is really great, and goes to show that different people progress at different paces. Both sides of the conversation are really cute though, and are a nice and fluffy way to get into the episode.

Moving forward, the comedy of the episode wastes no time rearing its head, and continues to land rather well. Whether it's visual effects to add to a character's demeanor, or an entirely delusional dream skit, it gets done what it sets out to do: get a laugh out of viewers.

Coming back to reality though, I really love how much the rest of the school is forcing Mitsumi to become aware of Shima Kun. She prefers him as the guy that reminds her of her family's dog, not the popular child movie actor that one in three girls has confessed to. It's really great seeing how they use pieces like this play into Mitsumi's comparative lack of social awareness. They're slowly but surely whittling away at that innocence and lack of understanding, and shaping her into a Tokyo high school student. Of course, more to come on that later.

And now we arrive at the main event: Shima and Mitsumi's spat. By all means, it's a very trivial little argument between the pair, but it really feels as dramatic and tense as a high schooler would think it is. There's a really great balance to that end, in that the argument is just the right amount of dramatic without stretching itself too thin. There's not a huge amount of yelling or animosity towards one another or anything either. It's just, both Shima and Mitsumi have been tense lately, and struggling in their own ways. Mitsumi had the catalyst of people spreading rumors about Shima that put her on edge, and Shima was still harboring feelings about that first time he met Mitsumi. Together it creates a pot that finally boils over, and it's a really well done piece.

Also, my goodness, the layouts for this scene were absolutely stellar. The lighting was gloom and gray, the angles always made sure to make use of height, and the layouts are constantly aware of space and use that to depict how close Mitsumi and Shima are, and how distant/separate they become during the conversation. The closeups/single character focuses are only used to separate the pairs when they end up on opposite ends of the conversation. When Mitsumi's talking about how important school and exams and stuff are, she's standing up while Shima sits down, or we're seeing a close up of her face. Similarly, when Shima bites back at Mitsumi, or when he's soaking up/disagreeing with what she says, we'll get only him in frame.

Even things like the blocking of the characters, it fits perfectly. Mitsumi is the one that's always turning to face Shima, while he stays neutral and faces forward. Such a simple piece that speaks to their approach to people, as Mitsumi always engages and is directly interested in them, while Shima can be cold and indifferent in most cases.

And just look at this gif, I was shocked when I realized it. They went through the trouble of animating shadows of Shima and Mitsumi on the desks. Such a small detail, but it adds a comparative world of information and feel to the cut.

In addition to that, P.A Works has been working some real magic with their 3D art. If you look hard enough you'll see it for sure, but as a supplemental piece it's amazingly well blended with the rest of the 2D work.

Anyways, back to the story. I really like how both characters work through the little dispute. Mitsumi still doesn't really have any strong friendships or anything at school, so she's left to her own devices in dealing with it and in turn overthinks (though in a good direction) because of it.

Shima on the other hand has a far more expressive stance, as he wanders through his mind in the presence of an old friend. It's also the first time we really see Shima express, let alone confront his feelings on things, and they do a really good job of continuing that air of indifference while approaching that subject. If I had to explain it, they nailed it in it being like there's a fly buzzing around Shima almost. It's not something driving him crazy, but he's forced to be aware of it and wants to, well, deal with it. Also, it's a little detail, but I like the little playful back and forth between him and his friend to start things off. His friend jokingly finds it funny that Shima is expressing emotions, which Shima doesn't take all that kindly to because opening up just to get laughed at isn't really a great feeling.

Both mull it over, both make it slightly awkward at school, and both want to come to terms/apologize over it. Pretty textbook high school drama, if you ask me (which I think is a good thing). Before that though, I really loved this piece between Mitsumi and Egashira. They've already grown close as Egashira's dropped that facade of hostility, but I love that she's kept her character. Still snarky and sorta "above" Mitsumi, but open to helping her out and being a good friend.

And now we arrive at the big moment in the episode: the apology. It's well worded and the perfect amount of awkward and earnest, from how Mitsumi approaches Shima right up until they laugh it off together.

Though first, this cut of Mitsumi dashing down the hallway to catch up to Shima. Really great work and I love how they're willing to shake things up for bigger moments. There's also really meaningful work put into how it looks in motion. They're incredibly aware of the 3D space they're working in, and all all sorts of subtle effects to heighten the viewer's awareness and feel of that space.

Anyways, back on topic. Like I said, awkward and earnest, Mitsumi really puts her charm on display once more to coax Shima out of his shell. It's a really great and warm moment that brings the two undeniably closer, and allows Shima to well and truly make a new friend.

Also, it took me until the end of the episode to realize that the rain was all about Shim and Mitsumi. It symbolized the struggles and lows of their friendship, and it was only once they worked through those that the sun began to poke out and shine down on them.

Though the episode effectively ends here, I still have so much I wish I could talk about, but I'll leave it as footnotes.

The overall use of space and static camera angles that puts a focus on character acting

The use of closeups and focus on body parts to convey emotion rather than facial expressions (Shima adheres to this rule the whole season basically, which I think is great)

How, even though Mitsumi is sort of deluding herself to her crush on Shima, she brings forward the point that boys and girls can be really great friends without any sort of romantic context

How each of Mitsumi's friends provides support in a different way (the go-getter Egashira, the comforting and warm Mursahige, and the awkward yet thoughtful Kurume)

So yeah, once more Skip and Loafer provides a world of expertise and understanding, edited down and shaped into an episode that's super easy to digest but leaves you full of messages and sentiments, with a hearty helping of heartwarming moments.

[aprillikesthings]

I ONLY HAVE FOUR EPISODES LEFT oh god oh god I'm full of adrenaline ngl

okay

s5 ep10 return to the fright zone

before we start I just want you to know I posted another short fic, it's explicit, thank you

Also Saer made the pattern for the ears and tail of my Catra cosplay :D :D :D

okay

I'm so weirdly antsy and anxious about this

So this is why, last episode, I had trouble recognizing this as the spot where Glimmer and Catra had fought ages ago. The way Netossa was standing in front of it made it look TINY. With Sea Hawk and Swift Wind standing there right in front of the entrance it's clearer to me.

Netossa is explaining everyone's weakness, and I'm lol'ing because the illustrations in the notebook are so obviously Nate's art style

(I also roll my ankle sometimes, that hurts like A MOTHERFUCKER)

those drawings are so fucking cute help i can't

"whoa whoa whoa, that's like, really personal compared to fire" lolol

yeah this is just for my "accidentally inappropriate screenshots" collection

every possible screenshot I could take of this is perfection AHAHAHAHA

anyway roll intro

Scorpia apparently wreaked havoc on some town and then went back to the Fright Zone.

Perfuma: bc it's her home Catra: that pile of fucking trash isn't anyone's HOME Perfuma: okay but she could probably resist Horde Prime's programming

oof

but also: true

Anyway Catra points out: the chip is the important thing, not WHO is chipped

omg

Catra: "The only reason Adora, y'know....saved me or whatever....is that the chip got damaged first!"

look at how smug she is

Perfuma: "I know all about how you treated Scorpia back in the Horde!" Catra:

yeah that's not nice to think about huh

(I talk about finding Mean!Catra hot but the scenes where she's just viciously cruel to Scorpia are just...not. They're hard to watch.)

Perfuma: "Things are different now! Scorpia knows the kindness of a true friend."

bb has some regrets

(bb has a LOT of regrets)

look at poor Melog ;_;

Bow's dads haven't responded to Bow since they got back, shit. Glimmer offers to teleport them there to check on them.

I can't help thinking of the moment in Nate's fic where Adora runs into the bunk room to get some clothes for Catra and these two are cuddling and are startled, and Adora apparently just smirks at them before leaving the room again lol

Anyway, everyone else is off to see if they can save Scorpia

They use Melog to sneak into the Fright Zone

Man I wish it wasn't a pain in the ass to gif this stuff, because their faces are so good, but:

Adora: "It's weird, isn't it? Being back. So many memories here." Catra: "Most of them bad."

Catra: "Hey, I bet I can still beat you to the forge." Adora: "Uh, yeah, because you always cheat!"

look at them *sobs*

But yeah there's still destroyed stuff all over the place

"before we were taken by Horde Prime." LOL

Perfuma just starts shouting Scorpia's name to everyone else's horror, but electricity starts sparking everywhere before something blows up

and there she is!

Perfuma is still convinced Scorpia won't hurt her...and is v v wrong, and Adora has to tackle her out of the way

oh god

Catra starts apologizing but Scorpia just zaps her and she goes flying

Adora's "Catraaaa!" is very satisfying

She transforms to She-Ra in record time to keep a big chunk of machinery (that Scorpia threw) from crushing her.

Netossa: "Pretty sure she can tell it's us." Perfuma: "Yes, but I mean, it's Catra. Can we really blame her?"

LOLOL

Back at the library, Bow's dads are nowhere to be seen

There's a great line of Bow saying "They can't protect themselves! They're dads!"

PFFT they find a note left specifically for Bow. It has a dad-joke-level pun.

How smart is Melog? Is it like having a cat that can talk? Or is it like, A Person. Because Melog is clearly fine playing the role of Therapy Cat Who Can Also Make Things Invisible. But Catra and Melog are clearly having a conversation where Melog has some things to say!

One of Catra's ears twitches. It's so cute. Help.

OH SHIT (there's water aggressively leaking from nearby pipes)

wait wrong cartoon XD

but I'm glad I was able to find that exact gif because:

yeah

Adora in general is a Golden Retriever Girlfriend but this is so funny

"We don't throw tanks at our friends!" I mean she's got a point, they don't want to actually hurt Scorpia

Spinerella shows up and Netossa runs to chase after her

PFFT LOL

YAY

Anyway the Dads say they found something that might help things. I think I know what. Oh god.

Catra and Mermista get in a fight, and Catra realizes she can't just slash the chip out of Mermista because it's clearly like, putting tendrils/connections into the rest of her body. The moment of hesitation means Mermista gets the upper hand, and Catra barely escapes (riding on Melog!)

She-Ra and Perfuma are still trying to deal with Scorpia, and She-Ra gets banged into a wall and is just Adora again. She looks confused and unhappy about it.

Perfuma: "What happened to She-Ra?"

they end up running into Hordak's little throne room and OH SHIT FUCK

see this is why I made myself stop reading the synopses I forgot

Scorpia ties up Perfuma and Adora's hands with electrical cable things

Adora: well you still can't have She-Ra

Horde Prime: "Not anymore. My little brother's research has given me everything I need to know. The technology of this planet is familiar to me. Ancient, crude, outdated. It will be child's play to bypass its defenses and take the weapon at its heart for myself, with...or without you."

shit

y'know it's been a while since a random line in this show made me think of a song

and...oh no the lyrics kind of work for Catradora, in any case the vibes definitely do, and now I'm hella distracted, FUCK

🎵My hands are tied My body bruised, she got me with Nothing to win and Nothing left to lose And you give yourself away And you give yourself away And you give And you give And you give yourself away With or without you With or without you, oh I can't live With or without you🎶

*resentfully adds it to my spop rewatch spotify playlist*

(it's still a really great song tho, just saying)

OKAY back to Bow's dads

George: "We unearthed an ancient secret, long forgotten. A rebellion from the time of the First Ones, fighting against a powerful tyrant, just like we are. Watch. Eternia."

Anyway they bring up a huge globe kind of map thing?

Lance: "But then we remembered that message on your tracker pad and how it used coded language based on the star formations of the distant past."

George: "Friend of..."

"Mara wasn't alone!"

Hologram: "There is one recording available. Would you like to review?" Lance: "Play it." Serenia: "This is our last transmission. If anyone's hearing this, you need to listen."

AND I'VE HIT THE IMAGE LIMIT I'm surprised it took this long lol lemme reblob

[tuiyla]

May I ask for a tutorial if it is not going to cause you too much trouble on the first gif of this amazing set of yours? <3 I just couldn’t find a tutorial on making multiple gifs in one 💕💌

Hey friend! Of course it's no trouble. So if I understand correctly you're asking about the layout and having all four scenes in one gif?

For reference, the gif in question:

What I'm going to describe applies to the other three similar gifs in the set as well just a different layout.

The most important tool we'll be using is Clipping Mask - it will enable us to essentially size our scenes and all the adjustment layers. First, we need the layout itself. My inspiration/template for this gif was this wonderful set, so I basically just created rectangles the same sizes as the gifs on there. Once I do that, I have my base:

This is what hiding under that very gif above. Once you know what scenes you'd like to use, you place the layers(/in my case Smart Object) on top and right click -> Create Clipping Mask. What you'll notice is that your scene and any and all layers within the clipping only go as far as your base, the rectangle does. This saves you from having to cut around the edges manually of having to Layer Mask everything.

In the Layers tab, we now look like this:

This works when you're not working on timeline like I am, too, in which case if you don't have a Smart Objects all the frames are just clipped to the base.

You make sure that all your gifs are the same length/adjust your work area and that is it, really. Once you clipped all the scenes you get a gif:

I hope that answers your question, please let me know if there's anything else I should go in-depth with. After this, it's colouring and adding text as desired. This adjustment-less gif really shows how badly lit season 1 is compared to season 1 lol.

It looks kinda weird but I wanted to demonstrate what a huge difference even a huge adjustment layers do (and colouring was a big part of this set):

[pan-magi]

Another time for me to go into anime and manga differences, woop. This one is more technical in how some things cannot be simply adapted because different mediums. Somewhere out in the interwebs (outside tumblr) I saw someone claim that adaptations have to be 1:1 to be good and this is also a semi-refutation of that.

I go kind of in lecture mode I'm sorry ><. I try to keep the tone relatively informal so I hope it isn't too boring of the read.

Here is the manga panel in question:

(From when Aladdin and Alibaba are in Amon's dungeon and witness the slime reforming and regenerating. The text here is "A slime appeared (x3)." I believe in the official English release the translation is slightly different with "Here, a slime. There a slime. Everywhere a slime." I do think that one is slightly funnier which is important to this.)

(If any aversion to slime or gooey things this isn't the post for you. It's my whole example. Also some with Aladdin almost being eaten at my example at the end.)

You may be thinking what's the big deal with this simple panel? The anime has the encounter be basically the same. You are correct. However, the presentation is very different.

What I find funny about the panel is the repetition of the slime going splat and the accompanying text reinforcing it. It is so simple and so effective. The scene is basically like "oh, look, there's one here. And another one here. Oh no, they're coming together. We're in trouble." The delivery works best with a graphic novel medium as compared to an animated one.

The crux, in my opinion, is the emphasis the text and narration give. If Aladdin and Alibaba voiced the line out loud it would have been out of place and out of character for both of them. Neither are type to have stream of consciousness observations spoken out loud, which the above emphasis will be if given to a character.

Without the text emphasis, the scene doesn't really convey a joke. It's more of a standard action scene. That's fine. A way to attempt to add it in the anime is to linger on the slime an extra moment to draw attention to the uh oh funny.

Here is the equivalent in the anime:

The first column I set to a 150ms; the second is slowed to 200ms. The slightly slower one can add some foreboding. The meaning is not clear though and up to the audiences interpretation on why the camera chooses to linger on the shot, as it were. If someone watching does not get the visual joke and frame the whole thing falls flat. That is a failure to the action end of the scene that demands a quick pace.

What's the big deal for a straightforward joke? That is about it, really. I chose it because it has the clearest distinction in being a 1:1 scene and conveying two different tones due to the simple medium difference. I do not think the anime is weaker. The scene in movement lends itself to be more action oriented. Thus, that's the focus. If it tried a literal translation of that visual joke it would have fallen flat and ruined it.

The anime does still have the comedic (also horrifying) framing that is allowed to be translated more literally. See example two:

&

The above gif is set to 2 seconds per frame. I don't know what the timing is for the anime. I was lazy to check, eep. The important part is the jump cut makes it funny and makes it work so well. In my opinion at least.

That's a wrap~ Sorry for being a bit dry and lecture mode. Magi does a decent job and that means letting the show breathe as an adaption. I wanted to take the opportunity to be a bit of a nerd about it. haha. Thanks for reading.

[maximaxstreasurebox]

BSD Untold Origins: Anime VS Novel (5)

One of the most important parts of Ranpo's character development....... oh boy- This whole post is just writing down the next *checks book* 10 PAGES literally, and I'm not intent to skip anything. Get your popcorn everyone! Put the text in text-to-speech if must lol- The reason I'm about to make my hands suffer from typing bcuz the whole scene hits very differently with Fukuzawa's internal dialogues added on top of Ranpo's world view. I'm sorry it's not really an 'analysis', I just really want to share the reading experience(??) :')

Pages; from 123 to 133 Word count: 2906

Season 4 and light novel spoilers! (literally)

Gifs © @the-chikyuu-times

Episode 1 (Part 1) - (Part 2) - (Part 3)

Episode 2 (Part 4) - (Part 6 soon)

They walked over to a few square seats in the lobby away from the crowd. Ranpo was sitting, albeit sulking, while Fukuzawa was standing right in front of him. Ranpo was fidgeting with his sleeves, so upset he couldn't sit still. Fukuzawa watched him without saying a word. Before long, five minutes of unchanging silence had passed.

"Okay," muttered Ranpo as if he couldn't take the silence any longer. "Get it over with. Give me your lecture. I've been chewed out like this by tons of people at my past jobs, so I know it's coming. I know what you're going to say, too." "You're surprisingly self-aware," noted Fukuzawa, his voice low. "I'm gonna be scolded because I did something wrong, right? If so, then it'd actually make me feel a little better. It's an easy concept to grasp." "...You're right."

Fukuzawa pondered. He wasn't a person who could teach something to this kid. He had always avoided giving guidance to others his entire life. This was the first time he ever regretted that. Fukuzawa had to tell him something. This teenager was at the edge of the cliff, leaning forward. "Tell me about your parents." Fukuzawa made sure to select his words wisely. "Did they say anything about your gift?" "My 'gift'?" Ranpo furrowed his brow. "I wouldn't be having trouble finding a job right now if I had a gift." "Then... Did they say anything to you about your future?" "Uh... My father always said, 'One day, you're going to surpass your mother and me, and you're going to win the admiration of all those around you. But now's not that time. Stay humble and keep your silence. Always be modest. Just quietly observe and don't hurt others with what you discover.' ...Or something like that. I don't really know what he meant, though."

I figured. Fukuzawa quietly nodded. So his father knew, after all. He understood that Ranpo possessed an extraordinary gift. He knew his son had the special ability to observe, remember, and uncover the truth in the blink of an eye. That was why he sealed it away. He didn't want Ranpo to go astray, to ever hurt others and make the world his enemy. His father wanted Ranpo to learn virtue and what's right just like an ordinary person until he had grown up with good judgment and knowledge. He was protecting him, creating a transparent cocoon to protect his extraordinary gift from this strange world. Ranpo's parents raised him like an ordinary child. What an astounding deed that must have been. How difficult it must have been to convince him that the world he saw was normal and nothing he knew was anything other than common sense. But Ranpo's parents did that with their extraordinary minds. What was such a feat, of not extraordinary love? But long before Ranpo had fully matured - far before Ranpo was ready for the world - they departed this life. An immature yet gifted larva was stripped of his cocoon and abandoned.

(im sorry to interrupt but did he just compared Ranpo to an insect? xD)

The palm of Fukuzawa's clenched fists began to sweat. No matter how strong his opponent was, he never experienced fear like this. The larva was without shelter. He was only moments away from being crushed by the outside world. If Fukuzawa didn't use just the right amount of force, then the damage would be irreparable. While hesitant, Fukuzawa finally spoke up. "You... have a gift. A gift to observe and deduce. Nobody has ever figured out my last job. Nobody knew who really killed the president of that company other than you. You're special, Ranpo, and if you so desire, you will become a greater mind than even your parents." "As if." Ranpo immediately shot down the claim. "My parents were amazing. There's no surpassing them to reach the top because they were the top. Neither of them ever told me once that I had a gift, and I believe them." He was stubborn. The protective wall his parents created was thick. That wall protected Ranpo from the world of ordinary people who would fear and fail to understand him, yes, but it was also what rendered him unable to step into the outside world.

"During the play, you were able to guess who the killer was," Fukuzawa continued. "And at that point in the performance, you were probably the only one in the audience who had. I myself didn't know until I finished the script." "Huh?" Ranpo gave a distinctly inquiring look. "Don't lie to me. If I figured it out, surely an adult would have no problem." This discussion was going in circles. He didn't understand others because he didn't think he was special. He didn't think he was special because he didn't understand others, which only confirmed what his parents had told him. It was unyielding logic that fed off each other, and the only way to break through was to shine light on something completely new. Something different. A new factor that Ranpo hadn't even thought of.

"Tell me this." Fukuzawa persevered. "Have you ever thought the people around you were stupid? That they were a bunch of fools who didn't understand a thing?" "..." Ranpo sent Fukuzawa a skeptical glance, and a few moments went by before he answered. "...I have." "That's it. Believe in that feeling. You have a gift, but everyone else is a fool, including me. The reason why you're all alone is because of your talents. Utilize them. There's nothing you can't do." "Don't think you can control me with a few compliments." Ranpo slightly averted his gaze. "My mother told me to never look down on others. Besides, why would only I be special? There are so many people in the city, so why would I be the only special one?" "That's because..." I'm almost there. I can't allow myself to mess up now. The time for decision was near. Fukuzawa wasn't an eloquent speaker. He wasn't someone who could manipulate others with his words. There was only one card left up his sleeve that he could play. Sincerity.

"You were right," admitted Fukuzawa. "I used to carry a sword at my waist. From an early age, I trained at a government-run school of martial arts. I was one of the five greatest swordsmen in the government, known as Goken. I truly thought my sword was for the peace and welfare of the nation... And I killed for that belief." Fukuzawa stared off into the distance. Ranpo carefully observed his expressions. "Assassinations were extremely simple. I had an overwhelming advantage, and not even once had I ever struggled in battle. It started to frighten me when I noticed I was looking forward to my next mission. I no longer knew if I was killing for the country or killing for the enjoyment of it. That was when I decided to permanently lay down my sword."

Fukuzawa remained calm as he spoke. Why am I telling him this? Why am I telling this kid something I've never told anyone before? But the words continuously crawled out of the depths of his heart and poured out of his mouth. "Power must be kept in check. Power that cannot be controlled must be discarded. If you refuse to acknowledge your gift, you are not different from the bloodthirsty man I used to be. You must recognize your talents, especially now that your parents are gone." Fukuzawa yearned to speak more eloquently. He didn't need the ability to fire up an entire crowd, or even the sort of inane flattery that could rouse the populace. All he wanted was to be able to tell a little white lie so that this kid could see the simple truth.

"I get what you're saying, but..." Ranpo scowled hard at Fukuzawa while remaining seated. "But - then tell me. What am I? What were my parents telling me? Make me understand why I'm here - why I'm like this. If you can do that, then I'll believe you." Ranpo was no longer sulking. Instead, he was honestly looking for an answer - something he'd never done before. And Fukuzawa was the only one who could give it to him. "The intermission is about to end. Please return to your seats." The announcement played over the intercom. The few people around started to walk away and head back to their seats, and Ranpo was already looking toward the small crowd. Fukuzawa didn't have much time. If he let his chance go by, Ranpo would probably never seek answers again. "That's because..." Fukuzawa paused midsentence. Anything. Anything would do. He just needed to say something. He had already used the ace up his sleeve: sincerity. He wasn't good at persuading others or speaking eloquently, either. He was even worse at lying. Just then... Fukuzawa suddenly caught sight of the script rolled up in Ranpo's hand. The troupe had given it to him, but he hadn't made it past the first paragraph before getting bored. As if by reflex, Fukuzawa said:

(you're a wizard,harry-)

"Because you're a skill user." Ranpo seemed perplexed. "...What?" "A skill user," repeated Fukuzawa. Even he still wasn't exactly sure what he was saying. "The reason you're special is because you're a skill user. You skill awakened when your parents died. That's... that's precisely it." "A skill user...? Why?" Ranpo's eyes darted about in abject confusion. This was essentially the first time Fukuzawa had experienced something like this in his life. More precisely - he had never spoken so impulsively. "It's all because of your skill. You can see the truth with nothing more than a simple glance. They spoke about it in the play, right? There are people in this world who possess supernatural abilities. And skills don't always make the possessor happy. Yours is the reason why you're in pain and why everyone seems like a monster." "...???" Ranpo was at a loss. He blinked in silent confusion. "You have to control your skill."

Fukuzawa gave thanks to his daily training. He had no idea what he was saying, but his heart was racing, and cold sweat dripped from his palms. Nevertheless, his expression was completely still. It was as if he were reading the newspaper just as he always did. Any hesitation in a fight with real swords could lead to death. The enemy must never get the chance to observe your eyes and predict your next move. That was why Fukuzawa was naturally able to keep a straight face, even if he was feeling anguished or terrified. Put it simply, Fukuzawa was playing cool. "You are a skill user, therefore you're special. To prove that, I'll teach you how to control that skill. You'll be able to freely utilize it with the help of a certain item. And with that item, you will learn how to control this skill that brings you such pain." "...?? A 'certain item'? Like what...?" Leaning forward, Ranpo tilted his head to the side. I haven't thought that far yet. Fukuzawa's eyes wandered around the room in search of a hint. Anything will do. Is there nothing here? There has to be something that can make Ranpo focus. Something... His hand lightly brushed against his pocket. That's it. "This." Fukuzawa whipped something out of his pocket.

"What the...? Glasses?" "It was a gift given to me by a well-known noble in Kyoto." I lied. It was dead stock from the neighborhood general store. "When you wear these, your skill be activated, and you will be able to immediately see the truth. On the other hand, when you're not wearing them, you will no longer care about how foolish those around you are. Here, they're yours." "...Okay..." Ranpo accepted the black-framed glasses as if he had no idea what was going on. "These look like ordinary cheap glasses to me..." He's got that right. "Of course they would, since you didn't even know that skills existed until earlier today." Fukuzawa quietly took in a deep breath. "Uh-huh... So do I put them on?" Ranpo unfolded the temples, then lowered his head and started to put on the glasses when⎯

"Haaah!" ⎯Fukuzawa let out a battle cry, and Ranpo immediately lost consciousness. It was an energy blast, as before, but the scale and directionality were different this time. It was a chi attack normally used in life-and-death battles, but Fukuzawa had utilized it to knock Ranpo out. Even a highly trained martial artist's head would go blank and lose control of their body in the face of such an attack, so a teenager like Ranpo stood no chance. Ranpo was unconscious while still holding the glasses to his face. He collapsed into his chair, and the impact caused the glasses to completely latch around his ears. "...Ah..." A few seconds went by before he regained consciousness. Ranpo stared up at the ceiling, blinking. "Behold. The world is a new place," Fukuzawa said, welcoming him. "Huh...? What just happened...? These are keeping my skill in check...? I don't feel any different, though... Do I...? Do I not...? My head feels kind of funny..."

(im sorry but KJHGDFSVBFJDDGUSHUIF-)

"The glasses have accepted you," claimed Fukuzawa with a profound note in his voice. He wore the expression of an enlightened being living atop a sacred mountain. Deep down, however, he was taken aback by just how outlandish his claim was. "Use these to control your skill. From now on, you are skilled detective Ranpo Edogawa. Use your skill to uncover the truth. Destroy evil hidden in darkness. You can do that, for you are the greatest detective in the world." "I, uh... 'G-greatest detective in the world'?" "Yes. The greatest detective in the world," repeated Fukuzawa as if he were imprinting that thought on a newly born chick's mind. "Isn't it all clear now? The world isn't a frightening place. Everyone else isn't a monster. They're just stupider than you." Ranpo caught his breath. He traced his finger around the glasses' frames as he pondered. "But... No, could it be? So back then, and then, and that time... Everyone was just stupid? They just didn't know any better?"

"Exactly. Listen, Ranpo. The world is full of fools. They don't know how to look at things. They're babies who can't even hold up their own heads yet. Nobody bears any ill will toward you. Do you think babies hate others? Do you think they would try to confuse someone to trick them?" "...No," muttered Ranpo with his head hanging low. "So that one time... And that other time... All the pain I've suffered... But when you put it that way... I see..." Hunched over with a downcast gaze, Ranpo slightly lifted up his head. It was as if he were slowly breaking out of his cocoon. "I see... So that's why. Nobody hates me." "Nobody hates you."

Ranpo suddenly hopped to his feet. His beaming smile stretched from ear to ear. You could practically hear the light bulb go off in his head. "Ha-ha-ha... Ha-ha-ha-ha! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! It all makes sense! So everyone is just a big baby! Well, of course they are! The world isn't a disgusting place! Not at all! It's just a simple, stupid place!" Ranpo laughed in glee. He stood up straight, virtually radiating with a powerful glow like the morning sun. His expression was brighter than Fukuzawa had ever seen before. Ranpo was overjoyed with his rebirth. Then he declared, "Looks like I've gotta protect these stupid toddlers myself!" Ranpo swiftly turned around and looked at Fukuzawa. "Go back to the theater without me, old guy! I've got something I need to do. I can probably still prevent the murder from happening!"

"...What?" "The killer is going to do what he said he would! That much is crystal clear! So I'm gonna use that to my advantage! Now go! I need you right next to the stage!" Ranpo steadily pushed Fukuzawa forward from behind. Fukuzawa had no idea what was going on. His stream-of-consciousness fib somehow got Ranpo to understand he was gifted a moment ago, but now it felt as if he was far past that. What was going on? The killer was about to strike? "Wait? But if we do that-" "Trust me! Just go!" Ranpo was pushing Fukuzawa even harder now. Losing the initiative, Fukuzawa was slowly pushed into the hall, unable to even fight back. But...if the killer really was about to make a move, wouldn't it be dangerous to leave Ranpo alone?

Just then, the chime signaling the curtain's rise rang. "I can already see it - the enemy's target, their plan! I can see it all! I'll be just fine. Go on ahead. I want you to keep an eye on the audience!" Fukuzawa hesitated. It was wonderful that Ranpo was motivated, but if what he said was true, then that would mean there was a killer lurking in the theater. There was no way trying to thwart the enemy's plan wouldn't be dangerous. He looked at Ranpo's expression. It was strong; it was the face of someone who overcame. He'd overcome colossal walls and broken through the chains that shackled him. That would make this his first job as a new man. Fukuzawa had to trust him. To do anything else would be disrespectful. "All right. Be careful," Fukuzawa said with a nod. "I will!" exclaimed Ranpo, his voice projecting far and wide.

"After all, I'm the one who protects the foolish! I'm the greatest detective in the world!"

[littleragondin]

Thai BL Favorite List

I have been tagged by @troubled-mind thank you so much!

Credit to @thatgirl4815 for the original.

Favorite Thai BL:

Until We Meet Again. I have seen my fair share of BL now, especially Thai, but somehow, I always come back to this one. I think it just packs up SO many things I love. Soulmates, sure, but also great friendships, two very different romantic dynamics I both really enjoy, tragedy but with the hope and reassurance that things actually do get better, and maybe most of all incredible family and siblings’ history and relationships. I love the story, the way it’s told and the time it takes to weave itself, I love the characters and the cast, how it looks and the music. I have seen it a few times now and it still has the same grip on my heart than when I first watched it week after week when it came out.

Favorite Pairing:

While I don’t really like the concept of fixed pairing (let actors mix up! Surprise me! Make me fall in love with improbable pairs!), I’d lie if I say there are no actor duo I really enjoy seeing together so. I will say that I am very fond of and happy to get to see JamFilm again and will 100% track whatever they do together after that if it ever happens.

And there is something I find especially adorable in JoongDunk, I have to say (don’t ask me to explain, just cute).

Most underrated actor:

I pondered over that one for a long time, as there are many actors I’d love to see more recognized and all. But I will go with Big Thanakorn. I greatly enjoyed him in everything I have seen him in, and at this point I really would like a nice main role for him (where he f i n a l l y get the goddamn boy please and thank you).

(*whispers* also please look at him)

Favorite Character:

Just… just one? Do you also want me to pick a single child to save? CRUEL. PITILESS. (ಡ‸ಡ)

Okay, okay, OKAY. Probably the hardest one of the whole bunch because my heart is huge and houses many m a n y characters whom I love dearly. But I think if I had to pick only one, I would go with In Chatpokin from UWMA. He is so bright and so brave, he loves so much and so sincerely, and he is so tragically young. He's flawed, in the way humans and young people are, but he's just.. he feels like someone I would also love in real life, and I do think he is fantastic as a character. So, yeah, I'd pick In.

 Favorite Side Character:

Once again after long deliberation etc etc... I will go with Rit from Triage. I was so incredibly invested in his survival and happiness it was borderline ridiculous. He was sweet and tragic and deserved so much better than the cards he had been handed at the start! I could have handled any end where he was doing ok that's how much i loved him (tho to be fair all the secondary characters in that show were great). Could not find a gif so have a still for him!

Favorite Scene in a BL:

That one is subject to change as often as the weather because I am a fickle beast, but brain provided the 'morning after' scene from Ghost Host, Ghost House. The quiet normalcy of it, the way they laugh and smile at each other, I really adored that scene.

Favorite Line in a BL:

I have a terrible memory and I can't really remember a lot of exact lines from the BL I have seen. EXCEPT I actually know a lot of lines from "To Sir, With Love" which must means something (it means i have khun chai brain rot, mainly) so that's where my pick will come from. And I think, both because of what it says about the character and his struggles and desires, and the way it is delivered (which always breaks my heart) it has to be:

"So my mother had to keep the secret that I like men. If everyone knows, the Song family will be ruined because of me. I don’t want to be the head of the association. I never wanted to. I just want to be me."

(not the scene I'm quoting but the emotion is The SameTM)

Most Anticipated BL (and why):

Right now I think it has to be a tie between I Feel You Linger in the Air (time travel! Costume drama! Pain! Women in love! Also excited to see more of Nonkul whose cameo in “Oh No! Here Comes Trouble” I really enjoyed)

and The Whisperer (horror! Fluke with long hair! Murder and mystery! Blood! Horror again! Did I mention Fluke with long hair?!).

Healthiest Relationship in BL:

We are getting more and more of those, aren't we? Making the choice more difficult but for once, a nice problem to have I'd say. I have seen some excellent choices but I think I will go with all the relationships in Secret Crush on You. Intouch and Daisy are OBVIOUS in how respectful and adorable they are, SkyJao make an excellent show of being respectful of your partner's desires and boundaries as well as the importance of being open about your vulnerability, and even TohNueah ok? Yes, yes they both are SUPER weird and borderline (to straight up) creepy BUT they learn to talk it out and to compromise so they can harmonize their weirdness into something that is respectful of the other. I'll pick the rainbow babies.

Most Toxic Relationship in BL:

I mean, I saw TT so … But ignoring this one, my mind immediately went to Mork/Pi from FUTS. As much as I wanted to like it, I just think that between the manipulation and the way it always follow the 'Mork insists it's best and Pi yields despite his objections and discomfort' formula, this is a recipe for disaster. (also I love Pi SO DAMN MUCH and I just want to pluck him out of there)

Guilty Pleasure Series:

I try to not feel guilty about things I enjoy, especially not on there. But if it's something I would not necessarily recommend when I want to look like I have refined tastes... I'd pick Rakdiao I think. It's a sitcom with all the genre imply from the humor to the taped laughs and over played reactions but I loved it! It's super silly and the characters are a bit cartoonish, but it's pretty and fun and when it picks up the relationship between Rak and Diao is actually really nice. And there are some genuine moments of really well acted emotions that I love replaying (Rak's realization that he loved Diao? ART)

Most Underrated Series:

So many of them! I’m so happy to see “He’s Coming to Me” second rising because it’s deserved, I do hope Suar’s success in La Pluie will lead people to give “You’re My Sky” a chance (because it’s great and so so SO pretty), and I hope people will watch “To Sir, with love” for more JamFilm post Laws of Attraction. But for this one I will pick two other shows (I know I know) that I feel deserve to have more people give it a chance (and that will feed into my ‘a sad story is not a bad story’ agenda).

First is “The Miracle of Teddy Bear”. It took me some time before I started this one because the echo I heard about it were so negative it kind of turned me off. And I think it’s a tragedy! Not only because I loved it (which I obviously did), but also because it has an extremely talented cast, it had so much to say about so many important things, while being very honest all along about the story it was telling. I think it’s underappreciated mostly because people wanted another story told (I know some people said the ending came out of nowhere and like… I could not disagree harder! It was the natural conclusion to that story!) and because I think Nut is an incredibly misunderstood character (I loved him beyond words, and he made me think so much of when @bengiyo said “y’all don’t like gay men when we’re not pretty, funny, sexy, or entertaining” because yes, most of the time he really is none of those things, he’s hurt and angry and he has ugly reactions and MAN I felt SO much for him). I mean sure, be aware that it’s not just a fluffy comedy before you get into it, and it has its flaws too, but I think it told a beautiful story that had a lot of heart in it – and for that it does deserve more chance, and if you were toying with the idea of watching this one, consider this your sign to actually try it!  

Second, I will say “Something in My Room”. I really enjoyed that one, not only because I have a soft spot for ghosts (tho if you follow me, you know I do), but because I thought it had a pretty solid story in there, and once again it’s a story that stayed true to what it was telling. It’s necessary to watch the uncut version (the cut one is apparently taking off huge plot-central moments), but I think it deserved more attention than it got. The cast is really good once again, it has a lot of fantastic and complex female characters, I think Nut Supanut was an absolute DELIGHT in this one (with an adorable smile), and while it sometimes wavers a little on some of the things it touches upon, generally speaking it was a solid little show (I especially liked the theater show, and everything with Big’s character alien metaphor). (also it has Big in glasses and that HAS to count for something)

+BONUS

Favorite Setting/Location:

Look, listen, listen. Give me an aquarium, ok? You can NEVER go wrong with an aquarium, there is something about the light in those either it’s blue, green, or slightly purple, about the overwhelming immensity of all that water while you’re safe behind the glass, about the pretty fishes… I do adore an aquarium. Peak romance peak colors peak location.

I know most everyone has done it, and I may tag people who already answered (if so please forgive me) but maybe @petrichoraline @benkaaoi, @silverquillsideas @nonkul and @heretherebedork if you felt like it?

[vidavalor]

I love your thoughts @dalliancekay. I hope you don't mind but I read the "I'm not sure we have, have we?" line a bit differently and thought I might share a different interpretation of that moment, if that's ok with you?

I see Aziraphale's response as actually saying that Crowley is his lot, not Heaven.

Crowley and Aziraphale are shown to use lot, well, a lot lol, in different scenes when talking about Heaven and Hell and, when they do so, they use it in a kind of combination of its "your people" and "your obligations" definitions. Your lot is the group of people with whom you identify but it also can be defined as the obligations-- and, sometimes, the burdens-- that you've been tasked with to handle in life, right?

When Crowley and Aziraphale use lot and they're talking about Heaven or Hell, it comes with a tone illustrating how the team they've been saddled with that they're supposed to be on is a gigantic pain in the ass and a complete burden on their existence. That's when they're talking about Heaven and Hell, though...

Along the way, they have sometimes been using lot in an affectionate way with one another. When they do, it is as a way of saying that, in reality, there's such a thing as the two of them and that they've chosen to be each other's people.

There's a bit of English dialect diction that lets them play with this in a funny way as well, which is the tendency of some English people to say "you lot" where, technically, they should be saying: "your lot."

Crowley and Aziraphale use that at times to put a kind of invisible comma in the sentence that can turn lot into a term of endearment, as in this scene below, which sounds, at first pass, as if it is only just how is written in the gif text...

...but is really also:

"That's the trouble with you, lot. You tend to [take care of] sea things in black and white."

(There's relevance to 'black & white' as well but I don't want to deviate too much here because I'm already going on a bit...)

So, when Crowley, after observing Muriel, says: "I don't know how you lot have managed to stay in charge all this time", he means it just as it sounds in that case. There's no wordplay happening there on his end, unlike in 1941 in the above scene, which is literally them wording at each other for the entire scene. Aziraphale, though, is the one responding with a different definition of lot:

"I'm not sure we have, have we?"

Aziraphale's response to Crowley aligning him with the angels is to remind Crowley that he is Aziraphale's lot. Heaven is undoubtedly in charge of the whole Heaven/Hell system-- which is to what Crowley was referring-- but when Aziraphale replies saying that he and his lot are not in charge, the implication is that they aren't because his lot is Crowley.

I think it's actually pretty romantic. 💞

@thavron Also, just to clarify as I might be incorrectly reading what you wrote but my idea is that Satan and The Metatron are two, separate people-- the kind of Co-Big Bads of the show-- and that the character people think is The Metatron in The Final 15 is really Satan, who has taken on the appearance of The Metatron. The Metatron knows what Satan is up to because they're working together, Job-minisode-style, on this one.

Satan has to take on the appearance of The Metatron as that's the only person with the power to offer Aziraphale the Supreme Archangel job but there is no real job offer-- the job offer is the temptation. To take it is to fall. It's not the power in its own right that Aziraphale wants-- it's power to keep Crowley safe from, ironically, Satan himself. It's the one thing he'd risk his soul for so The Metatron who can offer him that is how Satan chooses to appear to him when he shows up to tempt him.

Why is our angel also kind of reluctant to be called good?

The little 'ehhh' incline of his head... We never saw what kind of assignments Aziraphale was given (and shared with Crowley) I hope they were nicer than 'bearing witness' to a Flood and a Crucifixion.

Perhaps he wasn't sure doing his job was really something he could call 'good' for himself. And maybe after the non-Armageddon he didn't want to be seen as doing good just cos he's supposed to, given he's a literal angel. So he sees this as selfish, not really good, good, since he got something out of the interaction.

Ugh, I want to speak to Aziraphale, anyone has his number? Email?

He's not too proud to be associated with them, is he?

They way Crowley looks at him here ... 'Angel? This one? What did he do this time? Anyway, my angel, hands off' I hope he's thinking. Anyways, I woke up and chose to think about how Aziraphale just wants to be Aziraphale, not an angel.

So all those takes that think he wants nothing more than turn Crowley back into an angel too can take a hike.

It's always about safety for Az when it comes to Crowley. Besides, he knows well that his demon has a good heart. He always knew.

[djarin]

Hi!! I just found your coloring tutorial and as a beginner gifmaker it's a game changer! So awesome thank you! In the tutorial you said something about how order layer matters—could you maybe touch upon that in a bit more detail? If it's not too much trouble! Do you have a rule or something you would recommend to do/never do when it comes to the order of adjustment layers? Thank you!

[in reference to this colouring tutorial]

hi! i'm so glad it's been helpful for you so far!! <3 i don't mind answering questions and helping out, it's no trouble at all! :)

i wouldn't necessarily say there's something you should never do when it comes to the order of the layers because each gif and scene is different, but i can definitely elaborate more! i’ll use this gif to show you what i mean:

i won’t explain step by step because i essentially just followed the same steps in my tutorial, but i’ll show you the adjustment layers i have for this gif:

(you should read these layers from bottom to top — that’s the order i made them in).

now if you look, i have the curves (first dropper + third dropper) above the colouring layers. for a regular, non-vibrant colouring set, they’re usually right above my brightness/contrast layer / underneath the colouring layers. 

i find that for my colourful sets, having the curves above the colouring layers creates a better look. like i said in my original tutorial, think of colouring as manipulating the overall tone of the gif with colour balance, hue/saturation, and channel mixer, before adjusting the colours with the selective colour layers. often, if you create your curves layers before your colouring layers, it gives you less shades and colours to work with. i’ll show you what i mean.

here’s how the gif looks without any adjustment layers:

GIF 1. my gif with brightness/contrast, colour balance, and channel mixer (NO CURVES, because this would be created ABOVE of the colouring layers):

GIF 2. my gif with brightness/contrast, curves (1st and 3rd droppers), colour balance, and channel mixer (AKA curves UNDERNEATH the colouring layers):

if you look at GIF 2, the wall to the left of tony is whiter. this will impact your colouring when you add your colouring adjustment layers because it no longer falls under the “cyans” category, but the “whites” (for selective colour). i’ll show you how my gifs look with all the colouring layers now.

GIF A. how it looks if i create curves AFTER the colouring layers (AKA ON TOP):

GIF B. how it looks if i create curves BEFORE the colouring layers (AKA UNDERNEATH):

with the curves underneath the colouring layers:

the wall on the left is white, not purple.

tony’s face is redder in GIF B than GIF A (i’d probably take some of that out with a selective colouring layer).

certain parts of the gif are darker (i.e. the creases in his suit) — there’s more contrast.

now, this might just be preference (everyone colours differently and that’s okay!), but i prefer GIF A just because i think it has a more cohesive purple appearance (this is something i personally go for in a colouring set like this one.)

this isn’t to say that GIF A is necessarily better than GIF B; i just want to show you how the order of the layers can matter! the two curves layers being above vs underneath the colouring layers can impact the overall appearance of the gif. 

the same concept applies to other adjustment layers too, not just curves! this is how the gif looks if i move my channel mixer and colour balance ABOVE all of the other layers (with curves on top of the selective colour layers):

with this change, the gif has a much more pastel/soft purple look. 

essentially, you can change the order of your layers and see what you like best for each gif! this is what i meant by “layer order matters.” re-ordering your layers will usually change the appearance of your gif because each new adjustment layer you create will work upon the layers you’ve previously created (that’s why in my colouring tutorial, i say you should create multiple selective colouring layers to achieve a vibrant look — five layers will create a much more vibrant look when compared to one layer). 

i hope this makes sense!!! please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions and i can try my best to help out! :)  

[randomshyperson]

Left Behind - Chapter 8 - Fine Line

Gif was made by my friend @abimess

Summary: The one where you lived in the apartment under the Maximoff family in Sokovia, or, your journey as a Sokovian civilian to Avenger.

Warnings: (+16) Violence, fighting, cursing, civil war environments, abuse of power, assault, torture, underage kissing, psychological torture, substance use, mention of assault/fighting of children, smut, kissing, teasing, insinuation of sexual and moral harassment, verbal offenses.

Words: 4.183K

A/N> I have no idea. Good reading.

All Works Masterlist || Read on AO3 || Series Masterlist

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Chapter 8 - Fine Line

As soon as the jet landed on the compound, things started to change.

Nick Fury was waiting for the Avengers at the entrance, and you exchanged a look with Natasha as you walked alongside everyone.

"I would like the twins to attend this meeting." Nick asks as soon as Steve leads the team into the office. You sit down next to Bucky on the couch in the common room, and he looks at you, as if wondering if you were going to contradict the other man, but you are looking at the Maximoffs.

Wanda and Pietro nod in understanding, and you try to give a reassuring smile when the girl looks at you, but it doesn't seem to help much as she just looks away and walks inside with her brother.

"What do you think they're talking about?" You ask a few minutes after you and Bucky are left alone. The winter soldier sighs lightly.

"Ultron, of course." He says. "Nick will want to know everything the twins have on him since they were working together. And I think some legal questions about them being here, like we did with you."

"Do you think they will want to become Avengers?" You ask a moment later, twiddling your fingers anxiously. Bucky gives a little smile.

"Depends on how much Tony talks."

You laugh, leaning back against the armchair.

"Maybe that will take a while, wanna eat something?" Bucky asks next, and you glance at the meeting room door before muttering, "Sure."

You and Bucky stand up toward the kitchen counter and he reaches into the cupboards, pulling out some ingredients as you prop your elbow on the counter.

"I'm going to make my secret recipe." He comments with a smile, taking two plates and placing them on the wood. "Grab some cheese for us?"

"Sure." You reply as you walk over to the refrigerator.

For the next few minutes, you watch Bucky prepare what resembles a cheese sandwich, but which he calls the Barnes secret recipe, but which is only different about the tomato and the fact that he heats the bread with oregano.

"Are you sure about that?" You ask as you watch him put on even more oregano. Bucky laughs lightly and then closes the bread, handing you one piece and taking the other.

"Come on, tell me what you think." He asks and you grimace uncertainly still biting into it. It is surprisingly good tasting, but deciding to tease him, you don't smile and the man looks at you wide-eyed.

"Dammit, pal, I don't think that turned out so good." You start and he takes a quick bite of the sandwich, and realizing you were joking, he nudges you lightly as he chews, making you laugh.

"Idiot." He grumbles but ends up laughing too.

You are in the middle of laughing when the meeting ends. Distracted by the interaction, you don't see the Avengers leaving the room, much less notice the way Wanda quickly catches the scene of you and Bucky laughing, and misinterprets it all.

"Barnes' secret recipe? Do you still have any for me?" Steve asks as he approaches, and you look at the Avengers who have entered the kitchen, scanning around for Wanda, but she is looking at the floor.

"I'll make one for you." Bucky says as the captain sits down on one of the stools. "Are you going to tell us what happened in there?"

Steve smiles, propping his elbow on the potty.

"For the current time, you guys are looking at the new two members of the Avengers." He counters and you widen your eyes, looking immediately at the twins. Pietro matches your excitement, but all you get from Wanda is a quick, almost annoyed look.

You leave your unfinished sandwich on your plate, and thank Bucky before walking over to the twins.

"Can we talk?" You ask them half-heartedly.

"Of c-

"Are you sure you're not busy?" Wanda interrupts her brother halfway through, crossing her arms. You frown in confusion, but Natasha approaches you.

"Why don't you show them the compound, Y/N?" She suggests with a smile. "They're going to be your door-mates too."

"Okay." You agree and exchange a look with Pietro before waving the direction where they should follow you.

It takes a few minutes to show them around, but you ensured that if they ever got lost, all they had to do was call out "Jarvis" who was already restored to the compound, plus there were maps in every corridor.

And then you led them to the hallway of rooms, and Pietro was the first door.

"I guess that's you." You say, and Pietro takes out the magnetic key he must have gotten from Fury in the briefing room to open the door.

You let the twins in first, and then follow them with your hands in your pockets, smiling at the impressed hiss Pietro gives.

"I know, it's fancy." You comment and he gives a short laugh, looking around.

"I never thought I'd be under the same roof as Tony Stark." He speaks and you bite the inside of your cheek, looking away to the floor.

"Yeah, me neither."

Have a moment of silence as they look around until Wanda, who is standing with her arms crossed and beside her brother, looks at you.

"Did you talk to him?" She asks. "About... Sokovia?"

You sigh lightly.

"I kind of did." You say. "Tony is... difficult. There' s not much to say about it if you ask me. I learned about how he had no idea that Stark Industries bankrolled the war, because he was busy spending his own fortune."

"Great guy." Pietro mutters and you give a weak little smile.

"Yeah, I know." You continue. "I'm sorry about that. I know you guys always wanted to find him and make him pay, but he didn't even know about the whole thing."

You shift the weight of your feet, and then sigh. "I know that doesn't change anything, but he apologized. And then he made me a suit, and let me stay here."

"You're right, it doesn't change or fix anything." Wanda retorts, but her gaze softens, "But, it's a start."

"And now we promise to help defeat Ultron." Pietro adds and you shake your head.

"What did Nick Fury say to convince you guys?" You ask with mild amusement and Pietro laughs, exchanging a quick glance with his sister.

"Your name." Wanda replies and you stop laughing because you feel your heart race, and your face heat up at the intensity of her gaze. Pietro seems to find the whole interaction amusing.

"W-what?"

"It doesn't matter. Can I see my room now?" Wanda asks quickly, already walking away to leave. You exchange a quick glance with Pietro, who just shrugs and then follows Wanda down the hall.

"Is this the one?" she asks as she stops next door and you shake your head.

"No, I'm in the middle." You clarify. "Yours is next."

She gives a smile as she looks at your door.

"I've never been in a room that was yours."

"That's because I've never had a room of my own before." You comment with a chuckle. "Wanna take a look?"

Wanda glances at you and then nods. You move closer to open the door, and try to ignore the way your heart races and your hands tremble because Wanda doesn't move aside and you have to lean in to open the lock.

She walks in as soon as the door opens, and you follow her in silence, trying not to look so affected.

"I think I just have the stuff the Avengers gave me here." You explain as you watch Wanda look around. "Not that I had anything in Sokovia."

Most of the rooms in the tower had a pattern of furnishings, and colors. As they became more comfortable, the team members would add their own personality to the room. In the short time you stayed with them, the most you had were sweaters with the team logo all over the place, or training shoes. There were also, however, drawings. And Wanda noticed.

"What are these?" She asks as she reaches for the small notebook on the armchair. You ran your hand through your hair shyly.

"A hobbie, I guess." You count with a smile. "It's new, it's...therapeutic, I think that's the word."

Wanda looks at you curiously.

"Since I've been here, I've had some trouble getting relaxed." You explain and Wanda frowns slightly. "So Bucky suggested finding a hobby of some sort."

"Who is Bucky?"

"The guy with the metal arm." You say and continue talking, not noticing the way Wanda squeezes the sketchbook a little too hard. "Since we've been through similar experiences, he figured that what his therapist taught him would probably help me too. He cooks, and I draw."

"Got it." Wanda murmurs, shifting her gaze to the notebook again. She opens it and looks at the pages carefully, smiling at some of the drawings. "When you say, similar experiences, what do you mean?"

You hesitate. Wanda doesn't know all about it. Everything you went through to get there. You wonder if you would like her to know.

"Maybe that's something for another time." You say as you look away and she looks upset.

"You used to tell me everything."

"Maybe there are things you don't need to know."

Wanda stares at you with her jaw locked. You look back, not sure what it is exactly that you're trying to hide.

You give in, with a soft sigh. You have waited so long to see them, only to have this strange nervous tension between you two.

Running a hand through your hair, you gesture to Wanda to return your notebook.

"Let me take you to your room..."

"No need, next door right? I'll be fine." She interrupts angrily, tossing the notebook into your hand.

"Wanda..."

But she's out of the room before you're done. You take a deep breath, staring at the notebook in your hands. Wanda never got to see the drawings you made of her.

Figuring that you should give them time to settle into their rooms, and take a shower after a mission like that, you return the notebook to your desk and decide to do the same.

With luck, you will be able to talk properly to each other in no time.

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Wanda and Pietro joining the team, seemed to have been the essential advantage for the Avengers to be ahead of Ultron.

Once you were back in the common room, Natasha handed you a mug of coffee while making a joke about Tony bragging about deciphering Ultron's entire plan, and you just laughed when she commented that it was easy to decipher when the twins had already shared the key information.

"We're going to Korea early tomorrow morning." She counters. "I think Steve wants to know if you're still going to be a part of it."

"Why wouldn't I?" You ask confused and she raises an eyebrow.

"You found your friends." She retorts and you sigh.

"Oh, yeah." You say. "B-but I can still help. I...I still want to"

"Is this about Ultron manipulating your friends?"

"Maybe."

Natasha laughs lightly.

"Well, the captain is in the conference room organizing everything." She says.

"I think he will be pleased to know that you are not heading off to Sokovia."

"Yet." You retort with a smile making Nat laugh as you take the coffee mug back.

When you arrived at the conference room, Steve was distracted by some paperwork, and you knocked on the door before entering.

"Hey, kiddo." He said as he turned his head to look at you quickly before returning his attention to the papers. "Everything okay?"

"Sure, Steve." You replied approaching, deciding to stay on your feet. "I wanted to let you know that I can still help."

Steve looks at you with a mixture of surprise and amazement.

"I thought..."

"Yeah, I know what I said before."You interrupt with an almost embarrassed smile. "But I want to help. I don't know what Ultron is planning, and I thought this was not my fight. But then..."

"It affected your friends." He concludes and you nod. Steve sighs and leans on the table, crossing his arms as he looks at you. "You know, I think I should give you a speech about how being a hero is about helping everyone, not just the people who matter to you."

You laugh humorlessly, looking away. You were going to contradict, but Steve quickly adds.

"I'm not going to do that." He says. "I won't because you grew up in a war that wasn't yours, with no one to fight for you. So you three were the only heroes you ever knew."

"We weren't heroes, Steve." You retort with a sigh. "We were just orphans trying to survive."

"My point is, I'm in no position to lecture you." He clarifies and you cross your arms, waiting for him to finish. "Your motive for fighting is nobody's business but your own. What matters is that you will be helping."

"Thanks, Cap." You grumble and Steve smiles.

He grabs a clipboard, and starts telling you about them finding out that Ultron had intention to create a better body made of Vibranium, and how they would be going to Korea to stop that and get the scepter back with the stone.

He is in the middle of the sentence about putting you on the support team when you can hear his heartbeat.

The sudden noise startles you and you frown in confusion.

"Everything okay?" He asks as he notices your expression, before you can say anything, your head starts to spin.

It's not just his heartbeat, but all the blood circulating in his veins that can be heard next. You suddenly find it hard to breathe, and just as you notice Steve's full molecular presence, you're able to know Natasha is in the next room, hear Tony chew in the basement, or feel Clint scratch his back.

It is oppressive and overwhelming and you stumble back in despair.

"W-what's happening?" You ask trying to breathe normally.

"Hey kid, breath, are you okay?" Steve asks worried, approaching you with his hands raised.

His heartbeat accelerates because he's scared for you and you gasp, covering your ears because you feel your head is going to explode.

"Please stop it." You ask in desperation, feeling your eyes fill with tears with all that information at once. "It's too much. please..."

"Tell me what's wrong." He asks but you just sit on the floor, burying your heads in your knees, and covering your ears as you try to breathe. "I'll get help."

Even after he leaves, you can feel his presence in the other rooms.

And it gets considerably worse when all the Avengers are around you, worried and asking what's wrong. Their heartbeats feels like it's going to pop your eardrums, and you want to scream.

"Hey Y/N, I need you to focus on my voice." It was Bruce, kneeling in front of you. "It's your powers increasing, remember how we talked about that? Try to focus on me."

"I can't. " You cry. "Please Bruce, it's too much. Tell them to be quiet."

"This will help." He says and you feel a sting in your thigh.

Little by little, the sounds become muffled, until they disappear. You get a taste of iron in your mouth, and you look up to see the whole team looking at you with concern, and Bruce in front of you, giving you a short smile.

"I'm sorry." You mumble awkwardly, feeling exhausted.

"Do not worry kid." Bruce says. "Can you stand?"

"I think so."

Bruce helps you anyway, one hand around your waist while your arm rests around his shoulders.

"I think you'd better lie down for a while." He says and then you are walking. "Guys, let's give her some space, alright?"

Bruce asks the team and they stop following you two. Bruce takes you to his room, and helps you to bed.

"Here we go." He murmurs as soon as you lie down completely. "How do you feel?"

"Exhausted." You respond weakly, feeling your eyes grow heavy. "Thanks for help."

"Any time." He says. "Rest kid, we have a lot to talk about when you wake up."

You want to tell him you'd like to know what's going on now, but you're falling asleep right away.

You don't know Wanda is standing at your door with a pounding heart.

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Waking up is surprisingly unpainful.

You expected at least a headache, but your powers do the job right.

"Good Morning." Bruce greets you as soon as he notices you fidgeting with the sheets. You frown.

"Morning? How long was I gone?"

"Thirty-eight hours and twelve minutes." He responds by placing the tablet he was holding on the table beside him. You widen your eyes in surprise, sitting up quickly. "Hey, take it easy."

"B-but the mission..."

"Do not worry about it." He says as he approaches your bed, sitting next to you at knee level. Bruce assesses you quickly and then sighs. "Are you feeling something? Any dizziness?"

"No." You say. "Where are the others?"

"The twins also went to Korea if that's what you want to know." He responds while looking away to fiddle with his jacket. He takes out a small lantern and holds it close to your eyes, examining something in them as he mutters to himself.

"What was wrong with me?" You ask as soon as he puts the object away. He adjusts his glasses.

"Don't talk like that." He asks. "There's nothing wrong with you."

"I was out for two days, doc." You retort with irony and he gives a short laugh.

"Yes, because you were exhausted." He says. "Don't worry about it, it's not a bad sign."

You mutter, crossing your arms. Bruce clears his throat as he reaches for the tablet on the table and then hands it to you.

"I did some analysis while you were sleeping." He says, and you stare at the graphics without understanding much. "They are good news."

"What did you inject in me back there?" You ask then, handing the tablet back to him.

"An alternative to Hydra Serum." He clarifies. "Without the obeying part, just the controlling of your abilities."

"Thanks, I guess." You mumble. Bruce locks the tablet before looking at you again.

"I'll ask Bucky to cook you something to eat, and then we'll go to the lab." He warns you. "We have some things to talk about."

"Whatever you say, doc."

//-//-////-//-////-//-////-//-//

After eating, and thanking Bucky for the favor, you returned to the lab.

Bruce set up a kind of glass room that made you frown.

"I have a cell now?" You joked and he grimaced.

"It's not a cell." He retorted. "It's a training room."

"It looks like a cell."

"It is not."

"But it looks like."

Bruce sighed and you giggled, crossing your arms as you look at the glass in front of you. He walked over to open the door through the holographic lock and you took a closer look.

"Why did I get a training cell?"

"Your training room is special." He says entering the glass box. You follow him, and as soon as he enters, you notice that the glass muffles all outside noise. When the door closes behind you, you can only hear Bruce. "I needed something that could block out everything else when your powers awaken again."

"But I don't have super hearing, Banner." You retort. "I don't understand why an anti-noise room is the best option."

"That's not what it's for."

You tap the glass with your fingers while Bruce fiddles with the tablet. And then the glass gains a new layer of protection, which glows golden before becoming practically invisible.

"Cool." You whisper and then turn to him again. "But what is it for?"

"Well, as I said earlier, I did other tests on your blood." He counts. "By my calculations, and from your little scene two days ago, you're going to be showing an immediate growth in your healing abilities over the next few days."

"Okay..."

"Shield tries to classify the enhanced humans as best as possible, and after working with Maria, we put you in some of those categories." He counts and with a flick of his fingers, a hologram comes out of the tablet into the air in front of him.

It was your file, and lots of texts and some photographs that you thought were images from your time in Hydra. Those were Shield's files on you.

"Of course we'll just have to wait for it to happen, but you're already classified as an enhanced beta level with biotherapeutic skills."

You looked around the files, surprised about the pics of your young self that Shield managed to recover. Even images from your childhood.

"For now, you've only demonstrated cell regeneration and close-range healing manipulation."

He narrates. "And two days ago, you had a small episode."

"I could hear everyone's heartbeats." You clarified still looking at the files. "I felt them in the next room."

"I understand." Bruce grumbles as he writes something down on his tablet. "This is called biomolecular detection. Depending on how you evolve, you might be able to detect injured people meters away."

You frown in surprise. Bruce is thoughtful.

"Not only detecting the injured, but also being able to tell exactly where the wounds are." He says. "It's impressive."

"You forgot the part where I couldn't breathe and I curled up on the floor like a scared child." You mock.

"That's what this room is for." He retorts with a smile. "You need to learn to handle your powers in a controlled environment."

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"It's better than putting you in the middle of the fight, I'm sure of that."

You sigh, crossing your arms.

"What else does Shield have on me?"

"You want to look at childhood pictures, don't you?"

You laugh, shrugging.

"Obviously."

After showing your files, Bruce also explained how the room was designed to block, at a molecular level, your ability to sense other people outside the room.

Since the team wasn't in the tower for the next few days until the end of the mission in Korea, Bruce and Bucky would help you practice with your powers.

And as soon as the serum Bruce developed started to wear off, you felt your powers come back with a vengeance.

"I need you to focus on my voice until we get to the lab." Bucky asked worried as he found you on your knees at the living room floor, hands over your ears. You muttered weakly, feeling him help you to your feet as you heard the air rush in and out of his lungs. He started humming a song, and you whimpered, trying to concentrate, but everything was overwhelmingly noisy.

It seemed to take forever, but then everything went quiet next.

You look up to realize that Bucky has left you in the room, and then close the door.

"Thank you, buddy." You say, adjusting your balance by leaning against the glass.

"Don't worry." He says giving you a gentle smile. "Do you feel better?"

"Fuck, yes." You grumble as you quickly wipe your tears. Bucky watches you carefully.

You sit on the floor, closing your eyes. It takes Bruce a few minutes to get to the lab, but when he does, he looks worried.

"Sorry for taking so long, I was all the way downstairs." He clarifies as he approaches the glass. "How do you feel?"

"It happened again." You count. "But as soon as I got in here everything was quiet."

"Well the room works, that's great." He says and you laugh weakly. "I think we can start your training then."

"But who will train her?" Bucky asks confused.

"I thought you could do that." Bruce retorts and Bucky looks at him in surprise.

"What? I thought you were going to do it."

"I don't know how to train anyone, I'm just a doctor." Bruce argues.

"Well I'm a sergeant who was brainwashed for eighty years, I'm not the teacher type."

"But you're a still a sergeant..."

"I was never a drill Sergeant..."

"Jeez." You grunt humorously, clearing your throat to stop the argument. "I have an idea, as clearly none of you are in the mood to train me, I suggest Bruce give me some more of the special serum until Natasha or Steve get back."

"We can do that." Bruce agrees. "I'll get the serum. Hopefully you'll learn to control this soon."

"I hope so, doc."

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Tag list> @imapotatao / @aimezvousbrahms/ @ensorcellme/ @helloalycia || @mionemymind / @abimess / @stephanieromanoff / @yourtaletotell / @tomy5girls / @justagaypanicking / @thegayw1tch / @idek-5 // @myperfectlovepoem // @helloalycia // @ENSORCELLME // @AIMEZVOUSBRAHMS // @drpepperobsessed // @sighsam // @olsensnpm // @sxfwap // @table57 // @madamevirgo // @causeitswhatjesuswouldfreakingdo // @emptysince18x // @xastrydx || @yuhloversxx || @ymzki-haruki || @wouldirunofftheworldsomeday || @lostandsearching || @lezzzbehonesthere || @musicinourlips || @chaekhan || @diaryoflife

[juanabaloo]

First Kill! Here's my live (ish) blog of E02 "First Blood."

(LOL at the cherry jars getting knocked over in E01. metaphor much?)

whoa, i thought the end of E01 was a dream (and also didn't want to spoil it). glad they established that Juliette bit first. that tracks.

funny that Juliette's parents can't tell. i like that they can't just look at her and know. which reminds me...

the way both families treat J and C, kinda feels like how toxic masculinity / the patriarchy treats boys for when they get their first fuck. gross!

but that leads to good funnies like J's mom being glad she came in late.

glad they had that moment where Cal is running away from the party and is like "oh shit the cops." that felt realistic to me. (the short story has a similar short mention.) also fuck cops. ACAB

twins are always trouble (Oliver is Elinor - J's sister's - twin, who is dead? locked up somewhere??)

glad Ben (J's gay best friend) has screentime. he needs more.

paralyzing blood and Elinor's mind control shit are good ways to make the fight more even. between the 2 families.

J's dad (Sebastian) is so nice, what a good vampire dad. awwww

i feel like J and C are both so blatantly obvious. "wait what were you doing in the pantry?" also who goes to get their physics book? LOL. and the biggest one of all, who goes to the roof but not to make-out?

Elinor is such a bitch and i like it

we learn Cal's ex / friend is named Tess

MVP to the moms, i LOVE the scene with them in the principal's office. I KNEW Cal's mom (Talia) knew about J's mom (Margot). That delicious bitchy fake niceness. Course it would be 1000% better with southern accents but oh well. (And I get that Talia as a newcomer prob wouldn't have a southern accent but still.)

(although honestly in the gif above Talia's excitement / fake enthusiasm for meeting with Margot seems a little queer. maybe she is just excited for the hunt?)

(I'm going to try to get over my personal thing against the height difference.)

and the cutest J and C ("caliette" is apparently the hashtag?) moment of E02:

[maysbanks]

she moves in her own way. (jj maybank)

due to the ASTOUNDING response to my first jj fic which i have to say a huuuge thank you to everyone that liked, commented & reblogged, it honestly means the absolute world !! i couldn't wait much longer to start writing for my boy again, i have so many fic ideas and cannot wait to get them out to y'all. this one is shorter than the last, & the title is inspired from the song 'she moves in her own way' by the kooks (lol) but isn't necessarily based off of it, it's just something that i wrote up quickly bc i was in my feels™️ . also i feel very unoriginal with the whole plot and aspect of this but im gonna post it anyway bc i love jj lmao. anyway hope u enjoy !

warnings: swearing, underage drinking, drug use, violence, jj with a gun™️

summary: reader walks the fine line between either pogue or kook, though technically a kook, she ignores all social standings of the obx and jj maybank cannot stop himself from getting caught up in her whirlwind.

( gif isn’t mine! please let me know if it’s yours so i can credit you. )

Everyone seemed to have a different perspective of you, unsurprisingly. You weren't really much of a social butterfly, you kept yourself to yourself, really. Nobody in the Outer Banks knew much about you at all, other than what they had come up with in their heads. And while you tried your best to stay in the shadows, that only seemed to make you stand out more.

You were known for being the best of both worlds - not really a Pogue, but not really a Kook either. While your social status and family wealth suggested you to be a Kook, your free spirit and reckless behaviour fitted you better towards the Pogue style. If anyone were to ask you, you told them you were neither.

Why should a name define you anyway? You thought it was all bullshit, the stupid territorial arguments and the snide comments from both sides. You thought it was ridiculous, you weren't living in The Outsiders, for fuck sake.

You moved in your own way, simple as that. You wouldn't let anyone tell you what to do, where you can't or shouldn't be, it was a free country you'd say, middle finger salute ready to aim towards anyone who dared cross you. You were an enigma, wild and careless, unforgiving and unforgettable. You didn't necessarily like the attention, but you got it. And you knew it, and you played on it, too.

You had used your irresistible charm more than enough times to bail JJ Maybank out of trouble, despite your parents' protest. They didn't have a problem with the Pogues, persay, how could they when your dad been one half of his life before meeting your mom and marrying into the rich lifestyle; they just had a problem with JJ, as many of the parents on the island did. He was an unstoppable force to be reckoned with, weed smoking, knuckles constantly torn, skin bruised, quick wit, sarcastic humour, daddy issues, you know the type. Kids loved him, parents hated him.

You were friends with JJ, you supposed. You spent your time with him talking about your days and smoking a joint, meaningful conversations turning into joking and general tomfoolery within seconds. With JJ, you were simply unapologetically you, and JJ never judged you. He never made you choose a side, seemingly content with the fact that you were a little bit of everything, though there was times when he teased you relentlessly about the Kook life, but that was just JJ.

And despite the social differences, him being a Pogue through and through, you technically a Kook, you were drawn to each other pretty easily. Not that you hung out all the time, but you loved every second when you did, usually joined by his group of best friends - John B, Pope, and Kiara. With Kiara a Kook herself but drawn more to the lifestyle of the Pogue's, she understood you more than anyone. You'd bonded a lot, and with each of them too.

JJ loved that you fitted in with them, like a missing puzzle piece. So perfectly, it shook him to its core. The pair of you were close, but he had no idea where he stood with you, like most people never when it came to you. You were like a rollercoaster, taking people for the most exciting ride of their lives that lasted a full three or so minutes before they returned back to solid ground. You'd given JJ a ride a number of times on your non-existent metaphorical rollercoaster, and he'd returned for another ride time and time again. You couldn't say no to that damned boy.

It was a blessing and a curse, the unspoken relationship you shared. A blessing because JJ was the best thing that happened to you, and a curse because that was your downfall. You never got attached to people, never given yourself the chance. But then JJ Maybank had come along, blonde hair and blue eyes, split lip and sharpened teeth, words cunning. You saw him as a challenge at first, the name Kook Princess haunting you as he spoke them, stood in front of you at the keg upon your first real meeting. He'd held a drink out towards you, smirk perfect on his pink lips.

You'd attended over a hundred kegger's in your lifetime, the Pogue parties more inviting than those of the Kook's. You danced and talked to anyone that came across your path, whether it be unknowing Tourons, unjudging Pogues, or unforgiving Kooks, you drew them all in. You didn't fit in with any of them, JJ had realised. You really did move in your own way, he thought. He liked that, he'd decided. And hey, you were pretty cute too.

On that particular night, he'd spoken to you directly for the first time in a long time. "Would the Kook Princess like a drink?" He'd asked, holding the red cup out towards you. You'd eyed the offended object, and subsequently him, too. He smirked at the attention. You had rolled your eyes.

"Don't call me that," you'd said simply, but taking the cup from his hands regardless. You took a sip, relieved to discover that he hadn't tampered with it in any way. You were still considered a Kook to most people, after all. You could never be too careful. "Thanks, Maybank."

And he'd blinked at you, lips suddenly raising to a sly smile as he shrugged, dimples winking at you as they appeared in his cheeks. "Anytime," and he'd spoken your name back to you and you couldn't get enough of the way it sounded coming from his mouth, and you realised hey, this guy is pretty cute, and the rest, as they, is history.

You were in the midst of another infamous Pogue kegger at the current, months after your first introduction to JJ Maybank and his friends, and you stood off to the side, listening to JJ intently as he ranted about the events of the day he'd endured. Starting from finding a Grady White sunken in the marsh, "A fucking Grady Marsh, they're like 500 G's man!", to discovering that the boat belonged to Scooter Grubbs, who had coincidentally been found dead that same day, to getting chased by two guys with a gun, to the finding of the motel key from the wreck and breaking in that same motel room, finding a safe full of money and a gun of all things, to their best attempt at laying low which, unsurprisingly, resulted in the kegger in the first place.

JJ was wild in his recite of the events, hands gesturing every which way as you watched him with your lips curled into your mouth, resisting a smile at his antics. When he finished he retelling, you raised an eyebrow and chuckled dryly. "So, complete and utter boring day for you, huh?"

JJ chuckled along with you, shaking his head as if he was still in disbelief from everything that had happened in the past twenty four hours. "Man, it was crazy," he muttered. He looked at you then, eyes sincere. "I wish you were there with us. It was like something straight from a movie, I'm telling you. I feel like such a badass with that gun."

Your secret joy at his confession of that he wished you were was short lived, as the last of his words sunk in and you felt dread build in the pit of your stomach. You stared at him, him so excited that he hadn't even realised your face had dropped, before you reached out and grabbed his arm, effectively halting his movements and stopping the hurried flow of words that were leaving his mouth.

"JJ," you said carefully, eyes trained on his as he stared, clueless. "Please tell me you did not take that gun from the safe."

Your heart dropped as you saw him falter, his lips helplessly moving but no words coming out. He held a hand up, as if to hush you, though you hadn't started to speak again, and then his hand had dropped just as quick as it was raised, his teeth biting down on his chapped lip as the realisation dawned on you.

"JJ Fucking Maybank," you spat, hands slapping gently at his arms, because you could never really hurt him, you just wanted him to know you were pissed. "Do you realise how fucking careless that is? How much trouble you could get into, if anyone knew you had a gun-" your voice trailed off, your eyes closing as you exhaled. "JJ, please tell me you don't have it on you right now."

His lack of reply was the only answer you needed, and your stomach churned as you stepped back from his figure, suddenly feeling sick. He followed you, though, not letting you get too far as he took your arms in his hands and tried to drag you closer to him once more. You shook your head, arms slipping from his hold as you glared at him fiercely.

"That's so fucking stupid, JJ. You could get into serious trouble with this, trouble I won't be able to get you out of." You warned, because you knew it was true. Your charm and looks could get him out of some trouble to its extent, but it was more so your parents wealth and status that got the both of you out of shit when you managed to get into it, and you also knew your parents would literally throw a fit if you got involved in something like this - carrying a gun was no joking matter. You stepped back once more, hand finding its way to your forehead. "And from a crime scene, no less. Fucking hell."

JJ licked his lips, standing back roughly as you watched, his jaw clenching. "Well I'm not asking for your help here, Princess," he taunted, the nickname sending a wave of annoyance through you. JJ knew it would. "It's not like I ask you to help me, you're just there. Thinking I need help, like I'm some fucking charity case, a fucking doll you picked up from the thrift store that was gonna be thrown out the next day."

You tried to protest, but JJ didn't give you the chance. "I don't need your help all the fucking time. I don't need your pity. I get that you won't understand because why would you? You're a Kook, you get everything you want handed to you on a silver platter. And you can argue and fight me about it all you want, but I know you know it's true."

He sighed heavily, hands running down his face in a sign of defeat. You watched him all the while, thankful that you had ventured off the outskirts of the party so that hopefully nobody had heard JJ shouting at you, your heart wrenching as his blue eyes settled on you. "I'm sorry, JJ," you said finally. You refused to cry, though the desire to at the sight of him being so mad at you tore you apart. "I'm just trying to look out for you. With the gun thing, with everything that I help you with. And I know I'm a Kook, and I know that my parents could afford to buy half of this fucking island if they pleased, but that doesn't define me. I care, okay? And I know I care a lot more than a lot of people in your life."

It was probably a low blow, and you knew it. But JJ took it in, let the words sink into his brain where they stayed there, his fists clenching at his sides. You crossed your arms over your chest, defeated.

"I'm gonna go back to the party," you whispered. "I'll see you around, I guess." You eyed his pockets, unsure of where exactly he held the gun. "Be careful, okay."

And even when you were angry with him, you still tried to make sure he was okay, that he stayed safe. There was multiple occasions you'd showed up unannounced, simply asking how his day was, if he okay, if he had eaten that day, stayed hydrated. At first the attention startled him, he'd never really had anyone look out for him in that aspect, and yet there you were, like an angel sent from the gods themselves, smiling down at him.

You cared, he realised. You cared so much that sometimes he couldn't take it, because he didn't know how. The most family he'd ever gotten close to having in his life was the Pogues, after losing his mother and subsequently losing his father too as he turned into the monster that he was, cold and distant, fists always poised ready for an imaginary fight, and he knew that someday the Pogues would even slip through his fingers. He couldn't let that happen with you. He wouldn't.

He'd started off in your direction, truly, he had. But then John B was grabbing him and averting his attention to him, and he focused on his friend, promising only a minute of his time. You were in his sights, stood a bit away, and he recognised the couple you were talking to as Sarah Cameron and Topper Thorton, Kooks through and through. He held his distaste back, and even held a drink out to offer to Sarah as she and Topper made their way past where he and John B were standing. Big fucking mistake, he realised quickly.

It had all happened in a blur of events, each little bit leading to big finale - as he watched his best friend being held down in the water, powerless to Topper who kneeled over him, hands forcing John B to stay put in the sea. Sarah was screaming at Topper, Pope was holding JJ back with all his might, Kie beside them as she screamed along with Sarah to let John B go. And there you were, suddenly beside JJ, gripping his arm tightly as you took in the sight with a horrified glare. JJ didn't even hesitate; the gun had been pulled from his shorts and was directed at Topper's head in the blink of an eye.

The fury in his veins was red hot and ugly, tearing through every part of him like a vice. This was the Pogues land, their side of the island, and yet the Kooks still thought they could get away with anything and everything - including, apparently, attempting to drown his best friend.

"Your move, broski," JJ uttered through clenched teeth. He could hear the screams of the crowd behind him, and he pulled the gun away from Topper's head and into the direction of the sky, firing two shots towards it as the crowd of people quickly dispersed, screeches sounding from all over. "Now everybody needs to get the fuck off our side of the island!"

He was shoved to the side as Sarah rushed to her boyfriend, telling him he was fucking crazy or something like that, he wasn't really listening. The shots rang in his ears, and the adrenaline of the moment soured through him. Kie and Pope were screaming at him, he could hear their voices distantly. His blue eyes were unfocused for a second, before they looked up, and there you were.

Sent from the gods themselves, once again. You looked vibrant, so insanely alive, lips red and cheeks flushed, eyes bright. You let out a shaky breath as you watched him. JJ clenched his jaw.

"He was going to drown John B," he thought he'd said, but he wasn't sure. He didn't really know what to keep track of at that moment, Kie and Pope's obvious disapproval at him literally doing the one thing they swore not to do, Sarah and Topper stumbling away from the scene in the distance, John B getting up and muttering something along the lines of he wasn't going to drown me, or you, simply staring at him.

Before he knew what he was doing, JJ had made his way towards you. The gun was still held in his hands, and you swallowed thickly as you eyed it. "You should put that away," you muttered. JJ seemed confused, before he caught on to what you meant and he shoved the gun back to the spot of in between his shorts and his hip. "You literally did the one thing I said not to, you tool."

JJ cracked a smile, small and uncertain as he gazed at you. You stepped closer to him, eyes glancing over his shoulder. "You really pissed them off," you said, meaning his friends.

JJ shrugged, because he didn't care about their opinion, he cared about yours. And if you hated him now, hated the fact that he was just some dirty Pogue who held guns against people's heads now, apparently. "I don't care about what they think," he spoke softly. You looked at him confused. "I care about what you think."

You smiled softly, shrugging one shoulder. "Topper was going to drown John B," you replied, matter of fact. "If you hadn't stepped in when you did, who knew what could have happened. Nothing could have stopped him." You bit your lip, hand reaching out and touching his face gently, thumb soothing over the worried line between his brows. "You did the right thing, J. A fucking crazy and stupid thing, potientally dangerous, but the right thing nonetheless."

"Yeah, that's kind of my go-to, if you haven't already noticed," JJ smiled, tongue running over his bottom lip. You rolled your eyes, though playful. "Look, I'm sorry about before, okay. I was a dick. I know you care, but sometimes that's what scares me."

Your eyebrows furrowed, a confused expression on your face as your hand dropped from his face to intertwine with his own hand, his gaze suddenly becoming fixed on your linked hands, his other absentmindedly playing with your fingers that held his hand.

"It's like, you're this untouchable thing. I mean, you don't belong to anyone, you refuse to go by anything other than your name, and you're like this perfect mix between Pogue and Kook even if you do hate it and everyone knows who are you and they make these stories up about you, like that's how popular you are," JJ chuckled. "And then you hang out with me, you look past all the dirty Pogue shit, see me for who I am, and you care. And you care so god dammed much that it fucking terrifies me because nobody's ever cared that much before about me, so why should you?"

His hand left yours to remove the hat from sitting atop his hair and then run his hand through the blonde locks. You could see his tongue running along the outsides of his bottom teeth, the action causing a bump beneath his skin. He looked nervous than you had ever seen him before, and you'd both gotten into enough nerve-wracking situations together to compare. You sighed as your hands reached for his face, gripping his cheeks and forcing his eyes to gaze down at yours.

"JJ Maybank," you started, grinning softly. "You listen to me while I tell you that you deserve the fucking world and more. All this shit that you're going through, all the crap you deal with on a daily basis, you carry it so well that nobody would even know. You fight through each day and I don't even know how you manage it half the time. I admire you so much, J. And I can't help but care about you, even if you don't want me to. I care about you so much, that you wanna know a secret? It scares me too."

JJ gazed down at you lovingly, his forehead moving to rest against yours. You welcomed the embrace, his arms wrapping around your waist and squeezing you gently, as if reassuring himself that you were actually there.

"JJ," you whispered as you were stood in silence for a precise minute, neither of you daring to break the silence until you had. His blue eyes stared into yours, awaiting the next part of your speech. You swallowed your nerves down, figuring fuck it. "I'm so in love with you."

He grinned, his head swooping down before you knew it and his lips pressing against yours in a heated embrace that sent a sensation of butterflies to fly wildly in your stomach, bashing against your ribcage and taking your breath away. Shivers flew up your spine, and every hair on your body stood on edge as the kiss grew heavier, tongues brushing and teeth clattering, bodies pressed against each other as much as they could manage.

When JJ's lips left yours, you almost whined. JJ grinned cheekily, hands digging into your hips. "I love you," he breathed against the skin of your neck as he buried his head there, lips tickling the flesh. "I can't believe you just macked on me while I have a gun in my pocket."

You rolled your eyes and tugged gently on his hair, spurring a laugh from him as you shoved him away and grinned despite yourself. "Do not remind me, please," you warned him, allowing him to pull you into his side as you made your way down the beach. "I still can't believe you took that thing."

"I knew it'd come in handy though," he grinned, pulling you closer with the arm thrown over your shoulder. You wrapped yours around his waist, face squished in his chest as you shook your head.

"You're an idiot, Maybank."

[fangirlings-things]

"Our brothers are idiots" 

You had your eyes sat on Elliott and Luther who on the couch, laughed hard at anything. You had been out to get some food and in your arrival, met that scene that made you instantly cross your arms over your chest. 

Beside you, Diego had a frown on his face as he nodded in agreement to that sentence. There was no doubt left that both of them were idiots. But still, it was funny to see them laughing out loud, like no one in there had done in a long while. 

"At least they're having fun" he said and shrugged, taking a careful step back as Luther threw his head back in laughter for something Elliott had just whispered to him. "Now, this is getting scary" 

That made you chuckle. "I understand the desire for fun, I just wish they didn't have to get on nitrogen for it" when Elliott showed Luther the middle finger and they both laughed hard again, you smiled a little and turned around to leave the room going towards the kitchen.

Diego watched as you started to put some plates at the table, placing the food you had brought in the middle of it. He watched the way your hair fell around your shoulders, how your smart eyes went here and there in the fraction of a second. Those things made him smile and he knew he was in trouble, like he had known from the very first time he saw you. 

Unlike your brother, you did not think they were aliens. Honestly, you had treated them always as normal people, guests on your house. You believed that they were from a different time and in their powers, but never thought them to be anything but human like yourself. Your skepticism was one of the first things he had liked about you. 

"(Y/N), can I talk to you?" Diego called out from the living room while he started to walk towards the kitchen, taking a deep breath for courage for what he was just about to say. He had to. 

"We stan Diego, go!" Elliott raised his arms in the air in excitement, his eyes widened because of the nitrogen, which made him look pretty crazy. 

"Team Diego" Luther said as if he was trying to be supportive, but then he and Elliott laughed at the expression on his features and forgot about him again. Gladly. 

"I will never let Luther forget that" Diego told you when he got in the kitchen, going to help you with the glasses. He was sure you had listened to what your brothers had said. 

"Please don't, it's always fun to make Elliott remember what he did and said while on nitrogen" you smiled at the thought and that smile almost made him drop all the glasses to the floor. Well, almost. Thankfully he had been raised to deal with the amazing, imprevisible and in that case, beautiful unexpected. "He gets as red as a tomato" 

"So" you started when the table was completely sat, only then bringing it up. "what did you want to talk about?" 

A part of Diego, the insecure one, made him feel slightly disappointed for you not having forgotten completely about it and moved forward without nothing being said. But the other part of him, the confident, told him that that was his chance. 

He had to say and he had to say it there, otherwise he would never forgive himself. 

"Iwantyoutocomewithustothefuture" 

"I'm sorry, what?" you frowned and took a few steps on his direction, obviously trying to understand that incomprehensible rush of words that had just got out of his mouth. 

Diego took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment. "I want you to come to the future with us" he repeated and then opened his dark eyes again, one at a time. He saw the shocked expression on your face and continued. "With me"

"That is...." you began, your mouth slightly dropped. "insane"

"Look I know it's a lot to take in, but I really want you to come. I..." Diego paused, trying to take out the most important words. 

I fell for you. 

I want you to come because I wanna be with you. 

I think I love you. 

"Diego" you breathed out, and he knew you had understood even though the words had not been said. "I... what about Elliott? I can't..."

"He can come to" he instantly said, moving his hands in exasperation as he spoke. "I am sure he would love all the technology and stuff we have on 2019"

Silence filled the kitchen for a while, as you took in the meaning of those words. "Why me? I am just... well, just me" you saw the confused expression on his face and sighted. "Why not that girl from the nuthouse? Why not Kennedy, you want to save him so bad!" 

Diego placed his hands on his waist, thinking about answers to those questions. "Well, the girl from the nuthouse was lying to me, to us all in fact. I am not going anywhere with her. And about Kennedy, I can't just take a President out of his time line and drop him in the future"

"So I am the third option" you smiled sadly. 

"No, that's not what I meant!" you motioned to walk out, but he stepped in your way. "Hey" he placed his hand under your chin and gently made you look up into his eyes. "I am asking you because I want you to come. I don't want to leave you behind" 

You searched his face for any sign that he could be joking, but there weren't any. He was being sincere and that warmed your heart in a different, incredible way. 

"I hope Elliott likes the idea of seeing some future technology" you said, a smile curling your lips up. 

"We will make him get interested" Diego raised his eyebrows and both of you chuckled.

He passed his arms around your waist and hugged you, and in that moment he had no doubt he had done the right thing when literally, inviting you to have a future with him. 

• ───━━━━─ ● ─━━━━─── •

gif credit: @mrpascals

[whateverthedragonswant]

Hey so, I was just wondering, with all the metas you write, how do you start writing one? What is the process like? I've always been curious about it, but I never really know where to start ^_^" Also, if you don't really know how to answer, that's okay! Was just curious haha

Hi, Nonnie! Actually, I have to be honest, I'm not really sure how I started either lol. I think my very first meta-type post was on SPN and about Destiel. I think it was related to the reunion scene between Dean and Cas in 14x03? I'm not 100% sure, though.

Idk if there's really a process tbh. I feel like I'm still very green in the meta process but I kind of look at it this way: I just talk about what I want to talk about. Sometimes, it's just a short little thing I think of and I'm like "okay, I want to talk about this quickly" or sometimes it's longer than that (usually this one lol) and I spend hours poring every thought I have into it and showing what I really want to get across.

And because my brain is constantly like:

It's very easy for me to always lean towards the second option LOL. Especially when I have things like this in my google docs (which is slightly embarrassing to show you this but this is how I keep track of everything I want to talk about in meta posts):

Combined with the way this site works, it basically enables me to:

which really then becomes:

LOL. In all seriousness though, I don't think there's any one way to write meta. I think it's just meant to be analysis, your own personal analysis or interpretation of an event or character or story. So for example, if you want to talk about Destiel and maybe why you feel Dean loved Cas back though he didn't answer that question the narrative posed before the show ended, talk about it and say why you think that. Or if you feel that Dany was never meant to go dark in GoT, then talk about it and why you think that. Or if you think Buck and Eddie will get together in 911 as endgame or why you wish Harry Potter had ended differently or if Rick will come back for the final season of The Walking Dead or whatever it is that you're passionate about.

I kind of look at my own personal meta like little research papers (and kind of treat it as such). I like to make my case, make it as strong and solid as I possibly can with enough supporting evidence (omg I sound like Dateline or something lol, sorry!), and then just go full throttle.

I also like to throw visuals in when I can (whether that be gifs that other amazing people have made available to the site to be used or video links like from YouTube or more recently screenshots). I despise the new 10 images only per post limit on Tumblr's new beta posting but I try to keep my thoughts within that cap. I like to change formats every once in a while. I'm a very big bullet-point list aficionado and if this site allowed me to, I would have all kinds of sub-bullet point lists in each and every post if I could (which it's probably better the site doesn't let me lol). I like to use italics and bold to stress certain points or to indicate a difference/change in topic within the post. I put tags that are absolutely relevant to the topic and what meta it is, for example "destiel meta". I sometimes have very lengthy/stocky paragraphs but I do try to break them up as often as I can. I just know from my own personal reading experience that if it's not broken up, no matter how fantastic the point being made is, my eyes need that break every now and then or I tend to either get distracted or feel the need for a break which makes it harder for me to come back to. (I'm currently going thru this with this freaking amazing Jon Snow meta someone sent me a few weeks ago to look at, I'm halfway through and just blown away by the depth of analysis this person has put into this post but I'm having trouble making time to go back and finish it). So I try to keep that in mind as much as possible when posting.

That's just my personal process, I guess if you could call it that, but I think if you want to write meta, you should just do whatever feels natural to you. Sometimes looking at other meta and how others format/post theirs can be helpful, too. You can find meta on any topic in the tags and you will see all different formats and all kinds of postings. =)

I hope I've been able to answer your question, Nonnie, and I hope it helps. I look forward to reading your meta. ;-) (if you want to tag me or send me the link, please do so!)

Hope you have a great rest of your week! <3

[jaskierskisses]

I Know Each Corner From You (Part 1)

Geraskier Bath Scene Meta

Geraskier Meta. 1x04 meta. The Witcher (Netflix)

Hello my friends! I'm here again with another meta from this series of analysis about the show.

This time we are going to talk about episode 1x04 in two pieces, because is a large one...

Jaskier Knows Geralt Very Well

At the beginning of the episode 1x04, we have Jaskier asking a man about Geralt's last work. And is very interesting how he explains his excitement to the poor guy that's talking about his horrible experience...

Gif credit @vsnom

This is actually talking us about how much Jaskier knows Geralt. He already had written a lot of songs about his adventures, women knows about Geralt's scars thanks to Jaskier's songs. The Witcher is very popular thanks to him. He also knows even with the fateful end of the story, his friend is just fine.

Jaskier pays a lot of attention to each word coming from Geralt

Let's jump to the bath scene, I'm aware I came late into this fandom and there's a lot of bath scene good meta, I will just point some details I found in this delightful and very well maintained scene.

First of all, we have Jaskier throwing water over Geralt's head. Is like a kind of baptism or purification, if we think Geralt's lack of self love, or self image of a monster, as I said in my first meta. And Jaskier making this kind of .. purification, and immediately after that calling himself as the best friend the white will could have, is an attempt to reach Geralt's soul, and clean it: 'You deserve to be loved, you deserve to have friends, to have me.'

But Geralt reject that terminology, mostly he is rejecting to have friend, to have Jaskier as a friend, why? For the same reason he can't allow himself this kind of weakness. So Jaskier is not his friend.

But the bard knows him well, he knows why he is saying these things, playing the rock role.

And he dissemble his speech.

Gif credit @beautiful-paradise

So Jaskier strikes here, snapping at him the intimacy that requires such action. He is showing Geralt they're in that level of intimacy, friends or maybe more than that, Geralt's face is priceless, the gay panic.

Another intimate gesture that, coming from anyone else would ended with a punch in the face, maybe, is Jaskier taking off the beer from Geralt's hands... And not just that, but the pat in the shoulder, Geralt hora rigid and bows his head, clenching his fist, holding back his uncomfortable feelings. He is not use to this kind of approaches with such fresh and nonchalantly air. But Jaskier has that effect on him. Jaskier is showing him, again, the level of intimacy they share. Even is Geralt denies it. Is there. All over the bath scene.

Let the bard heal you Geralt!

After this, Geralt shows his discomfort, by rejecting Jaskier free way to love people, he mentions Jaskier's sausage, as a disrespectful way to show him he repels that kind of life... And Jaskier reaction is this...

Gif credit @amethysthollis

Jaskier is like... "Mmmh... Interesting... Is he jealous?"

Because why to mention something like that? Is not Geralt's problem is Jaskier runs into every person he finds attractive and falls in love easily. In fact... Is just Jaskier's problem...

And this reminds me that book scene in the Sword of Destiny in which they share a bed and Jaskier asks Geralt Why he was mad at him about courting ladies, then he let a "At last...?"

Like a suggestive and unanswered question... At last... You are jealous...

Is because Jaskier has another intentions with Geralt, not just being his friend, but maybe something else, that he is so attentive to each word coming out from the Witcher. Trying to read the hidden intentions. So... Every little hint of possible feeling towards him, the bard will evaluate carefully.

Because Geralt is so stingy with the details... (The words) Jaskier needs to read the subtext of the few he says.

From now on, Jaskier seducing attitude goes more blatant. His movements and dialogues will try to decipher if Geralt has maybe some jealousy, or of there's something more than friendship there.

He will say something that demonstrates he knows Geralt very well...

"You never get involve, except that you do that all the time..."

When Jaskier throws this, Geralt swings his head to see him, surprised by the accurate diagnosis. And that observation would explain why the white wolf doesn't want to call Jaskier his friend.

Then... And again trying to get some hint of jealousy... He starts talking about the persons he had courted and why he got in trouble because of that...

The whole scene Jaskier moves around like a graceful gazelle. At some point when he mentions why he needs Geralt's help, the bard is hanging clothes by the bathtub side, and he turns his body and head to watch the Witcher in such a suggestive and seductively way, showing us his seductive intentions, and paying attention to Geralt reaction to that, because the first time he was giving him the back, but now he can see the white wolf face, and check if he gets jealous or not. And what he sees, is absolutely priceless. Geralt is mad at him.

"Oh yes! That face!" The bard shouts kind of amused, playing around... That's the face he was expecting. Maybe he concluded that his seduction adventures with other people... Gets Geralt really mad... And that's a very delicious discover for the bard.

And yet, here we are

The climax of the intimate scene is reached when Jaskier, after testing waters with Geralt, tries to decipher what he really desire, what pleases the Witcher. So he starts with a empathic dialogue, talking about Geralt's different condition as a Witcher. His almost eternal existence and old age. He knows each man desires something in his heart. The white wolf isn't different. And Jaskier is curious because maybe, he could offer that to him.

The sincerity of his intentions maybe could be pass as unnoticed, but to Geralt, Is purely try to answer to one question he had never made to himself. What do you want for yourself?

Gifset credit @randomlyrj

Jaskier will always be the light at the end of the dark tunnel , he represents the hopes, so he is aiming maybe for Geralt's retirement, and maybe, he could join him? We know his intentions were honest, because in episode 1x06 he will propose the Witcher to ran away with him to the coast.

Even if Geralt never had to answer that, he closes again, he shows that wall he put surrounding him. The tough witcher wants nothing. Is a lie he keeps saying to himself, for the same reason he feels.inside a monster, he thinks he doesn't deserve a good ending.

Jaskier crushes against that wall, he really wanted another different answer from Geralt. Disappointment, watching at his nails... (Okay please @mrsaquaman187 you have to help here too with the body language of this scene, please) but I see disappointment at first, and then, "Oh hell, I will go to the point anyway!" Face... And he shoots this now classic quote...

Look how he walks forward, pouting, seductively again, laying down, his eyes fixed on Geralt. Focused on him. Because this scene was all about Geralt's words, and Geralt's reactions, and Geralt needs, and Geralt's desires.

This makes those words flirty, Jaskier is flirting with Geralt here, because his whole body is focused with seduction on Geralt. Because the bard wants to be clear here. He wants Geralt.

Even if Geralt doesn't want himself, he wants him.

Geralt avoids Jaskier gaze when he says I NEED NO ONE. Because that's something sad... But then he locks his eyes with the bard's, to make it clear that THE LAST THING HE WANTS

IS SOMEONE NEEDING HIM. Like... Breaking every little hopes in Jaskier. Saying to him, don't get close to me. Don't need me. I don't want to need you. Back off Bard! (As he yelled at him at the beginning of the episode).

But Jaskier insist... And goes wild...

This quote is an asseveration to the observation Jaskier made before... You don't get involve except you do it all the time.

And yet... Here we are.

Geralt says things that he doesn't really feel. Is the opposite.

And Geralt gets uncomfortable again, he detects Jaskier intentions, he feels awkward, and he wants to ran away from there. Some gay panic, trying to change subject asking for his clothes.

To Conclude

The bath scene was full of intimacy. Focused entirely in Geralt, Jaskier tried to get inside the Witcher's head and true desires.

Jaskier is very insightful, so he knows Geralt, Each corner of him, and he investigate with clinical eye each word the white wolf says.

Showing a couple of foreshadows, will open the door to Ciri and Yennefer, two characters that will be part of Geralt's intimate circle.

Hope you like this meta, see you in the next one!

Tagging @agusvedder @mrsaquaman187 @mylastwish @spnsmile @jawnlockwinchester

If you want to be added to this list, just let me know.

If you want to read my previous metas From the Witcher, here you have the links:

1x01

1x02 (1)

1x02 (2)

1x03

Buenos Aires, April 15th 2020 9:15 PM