#i wasn't sure what ships you liked so i just included everything

[sirfrogsworth]

Mom's Antiques Auction

I wasn't sure if I should post this or not, but we are trying to auction off a lot of my mom's antiques. This particular auction isn't being held at my house, so I figured it was safe to post here.

The auction will be live until 2/13/24 with a "soft close" starting at 7pm Central. That's when items will be sold a few at a time as people place their final bids. It's just like a live auction without a fast talking fella in a cowboy hat. If you try to bid at the last second, that extends the time by 60 seconds so someone else can try to outbid. It's actually kind of exciting to watch.

If you are in the St. Louis area, you can pick up items at the auction place the day after the auction ends. If you miss the pickup window you forfeit the item. Auction rules are no joke.

Otherwise, they can do shipping but I don't know if they do anything outside the US. You can check out the shipping info and call for more details.

This auction is actually for multiple estates. So not all of these items belonged to my mom. Her stuff is from Lot 406 to 660 and in the furniture section at the end from Lot 978 to 999. The link above should take you to the start of her collection (page 17).

There are some really cool uranium glass items—including this knife.

I had no idea that was in the display cabinet. I might have kept it if I had known, but I'm hoping people will think it is super cool and it will go for a good price.

I know that website looks like it is from the 90s, but everything is legit. We already did one auction and it went very well and everyone got what they paid for.

On a personal note, it was surreal watching them remove everything that had surrounded me for all of my life. I know it was too much for me to maintain and take care of, but nearly every one of these antiques has a memory attached to it. Most of the items will go to the auction fandom—which I had no idea existed. Pro auction people sell to hobbyists. Big auctions turn into little auctions. It's like an auction feedback loop where each auction hobbyist thinks they can flip the item for a little more money. They even have little auction meetups to show off things they got for a steal because one auction person didn't know the value of something. It's quite competitive and they like telling auction stories (whether you are interested or not).

All that is to say, I know not everything is going to a home where someone will take over custodianship of the cool things my mom collected. But it would be neat if some folks outside the auction fandom got some of her precious wares.

Hopefully with the money raised I can restore my emergency fund, which lasted all of a month after the last auction due to a busted battery and leaky-ass tires. Also, there will probably be a few more auctions after this as my mom collected antiques for nearly 40 years.

Speaking of asses, this golfing piggy bank game does not work very well (I could never get the coin in the hole), but I only ever saw it displayed from the other side and never realize all the junk in that trunk.

[crusty-chronicles]

A Mistake (Ging x Gon's Mom)

Chapter One: The Before

Synopsis: There was only ever one thing Ging regretted in his life, and that was what happened with you. You didn't think you had it in yourself to forgive what he did. Yet despite it all, you always end up finding your way back to each other.

It wasn't well known you'd ever had a husband. Just like it wasn't well known he'd ever had a wife. Only people in your closet circle knew about it. And even then, fewer knew you had a kid with him. It wasn't your doing, God no. If things had gone your way, your family wouldn't have been broken up. But as fate would have it, things were always complicated when it came to Ging.

—------------------------------

The two of you had grown up on Whale Island together. You were the only other kid besides Mito around. Yet despite that, you and Ging were never really friends. In fact, to most it looked like you hated each other. To a certain extent, you did.

Ging was standoff-ish, even as a kid. He never wanted you or Mito to hang around him. Often shooing the two of you away. His dismissive attitude sparking your hostility towards him. If he'd climb a mountain, you'd climb it in half the time. If he caught a monster in a lake, you'd catch two. 

Ging noticed your attempts to one up him, striving to get under your skin just a little more. If you discovered a new plant on the island, he'd undermine it with an even bigger discovery. If you made friends with some of the crew from a visiting ship, he'd connect with the captain.

Everything you two did was to spite the other. 

But somehow you'd ended up together anyway. 

—-------------------------------

W H A L E  I S L A N D: J U S T  B E F O R E        G O N ‘ S  A R R I V A L

Another letter had come in. Just in time for Gon’s 12th birthday. It was signed with your signature. Mito eyed it with dread. A sinking feeling in her stomach. Sooner or later, she'd have to give them to him. She promised you, after all. But what if he decided he didn't want her as his mom anymore? Wanting instead to chase after you like his father. How would he react knowing his real mother wanted to see him all this time?

With a heavy sigh, she stored it away with the others. The sound of knocking quickly catching her attention. And when she saw it was Gon on the other side, her worries temporarily melted away. He'd brought a friend this time. ‘They’ll probably be out the whole day,’ she thought with a fond smile.

With that in mind, she quickly put both boys to work. Making sure they were all cleaned up before letting them explore the island. Yet something unexpected had happened. Gon presented her with his own hunter license. The very same her cousin had gotten. The type you'd gotten.

She tried not to let her dismay show. Playfully bending the license, though she knew it was practically indestructible. A part of her still hoping it would tear. These things had taken enough of her family. She returned it back at Gon’s protests. Laughing at his pouty expression. 

One very reminiscent of yours.

Both boys left soon after they ate. All the while, Mito was eyeing the drawer she put your letters in. She knew it was time. Gon was an official pro hunter. There was nothing stopping her now from giving those letters, and yet… Yet she was still stalling. 

She was stalling on giving out a few things. Ging's included. She tried to get rid of Ging’s box. Tried everything to destroy it. And when she couldn't, she gave up. But she never tried to get rid of your letters. Never anything that was yours. 

It was getting late. The sun had barely finished setting. She decided she'd bring some food to the two boys. They must've been hungry being out for so long. 

It must have been a natural talent in the family. To always be able to find the person they were searching for. You and Ging would always find her when she would hide away. And he'd always go out of his way to find you when you didn't want to be found. Here Mito was some decades later, somehow knowing just where Gon ended up.

The two boys were near the edge of a cliff. A small fire burning to keep them warm. She went to take a step forward, stopping when she heard one of them talk. 

“You never told me what your mom does.” 

She could hear Gon let out a heavy sigh. Unknowing his mother had fallen into the exact same occupation as him. 

“It's hard to ask about my dad, but asking about my mom's even harder,” he responded.

As much as Mito resented Ging, she loved you. She would have answered a thousand questions about you.

“It's just that since Aunt Mito raised me all by herself, it feels weird y’know? Like it's wrong or something.” Gon continued.

He was ashamed to ask about you? She never wanted him to be scared to ask her anything. Especially if it was about you.

“When I was little, Aunt Mito told me that both my parents died in a traffic accident. She thought if I learned my dad was alive and a hunter, that I might end up just like he did. So…”

“She didn't know how right she was, huh?” His friend commented.

“When I found out about my dad, I dunno? I guess I kind of decided that if he was still alive somewhere, my mom must've been the one who died.”

Wrong. You were perfectly fine. And maybe a small part of her regretted telling that lie. But how could she possibly explain what happened? Tell him his dad had lost custody of him on purpose during court? That it was his fault his own mother couldn't get to see him? 

“Ever since then, I've thought of Aunt Mito as my mom. The only one I've got.”

She didn't know she was crying until her tears dripped down. 

“So there's nothing for me to ask. And I don't need to.”

Such a beautiful moment she was blessed with, and yet… it was tainted by guilt. 

You'd wanted Gon.

You never wanted to give him up.

You tried to get him back.

It wasn't fair.

Not to you.

All she could think of was how badly Ging had fucked up.

She made a decision the next day. To finally tell him the truth about everything. And if he still didn't want to learn about you after, then truly she'd done everything she could. The only one to blame would be her idiot cousin.

She started off with the easier stuff. Things she knew Gon wanted answers to. That wouldn't hold as much weight to recount. Everything pertaining to Ging. That stupid box he left which she had no idea how to open. Stories of their childhood. How she was always chasing after him. How she yelled and fussed after him, only for him to essentially brush her off. How as much as she resented Ging for leaving, couldn't help but feel like things fell apart as soon as he was gone.

She left it at that for a while. Giving Gon time to process everything while she psyched herself up to talk about you. He'd gone back to his room with his friend, and Mito found herself back at the drawer that contained your letters. Twelve of them perfectly sealed and unopened. Her hands were shaking as she picked them up. 

—----------------------------------

The two boys sat excitedly around the tape recorder, triumphant smiles at finally getting that damn box open. And as the tape started to play, Gon could feel his heart stop. Was that really what his dad sounded like? After all this time, it was Ging talking to him. Despite his crude words, Gon was brimming with fire. Wanting more than ever to find him now. 

“About your mother-”

He shut off the tape just as Mito entered. She was clutching something close to her chest. A regretful expression on her face.

“What are those?” He questioned.

“I told you everything I knew about your father. It's only fair I tell you everything about your mother, too.” She explained.

And before Gon could protest, she finally handed over your letters.

“I don't even know where to begin, but make no mistake, she never wanted to give you up.”

He looked up at her in shock.

“My mom's alive?”

Maybe it wouldn't have been enough by itself to make him care. But the letters in his hand and the way Mito spoke about you did. 

“I promised her I would give these to you. She sent one for every birthday. I think that if you ever wrote her back, she'd waste no time responding.” It was said with a bittersweet smile.

If she'd given them sooner, you probably would have.

Gon opened the first letter, he and his friend skimming over the text.

To Gon, 

Happy First Birthday!!!! (Or well, second, but I'll write that one after this.) I'm your mom, and although you can't read yet, let me tell you a little about myself. For starters, I'm a hunter. Just like your clown of a father and maybe someday you. No pressure, I'll be proud of you no matter what you become. Anyways- I’m an underwater ruins hunter. I study civilizations lost to the sea, recover sunken vessels, and occasionally discover some pretty gnarly sea creatures. (Unwillingly if I might add.) I was born on Whale Island and spent most of my childhood there. When I was twelve, I left to take my own hunter exam. Now for the elephant in the room…. I'm obviously not there with you. I wish I could be. But I trust Mito will raise you well. For now, I'll be writing you every year. You don't have to respond, but just know I love you very much.

Your Mom, Y/n.

He didn't know what to expect. Surely not for you to be the complete opposite of Ging. You wanted to see him? You didn't expect him to be a hunter? You encouraged him to reach out to you?

With every letter he read, he became more fascinated. Your words were gentle, often telling him to chase his own dreams. Sometimes you'd write about what you did. Things you discovered and what you hoped to find next time. He thought he'd be okay without knowing anything about you. Perhaps Mito being the one to bring it up changed that.

“My mom was a hunter too, huh? But she seems so different from Ging,” he commented, looking up when he finished the last letter.

Mito let out a drained sigh before speaking. 

“I don't know exactly what happened between them, but I do know your dad did something to stop your mom from seeing you.”

A curse, she thinks you called it. 

“She asked me to take care of you. I would have done it anyway, but something about her trusting me…”

She remembers hearing a knock at the door. Opening it only to see your broken expression. She wanted to be mad at you. Not only had you gone and gotten knocked up, you did it with Ging of all people. The man who she wanted nothing to do with at the moment. That wasn't what sparked this feeling of betrayal. This hurt. You didn't even bother to tell her anything.

You'd been absent from her life for at least two years. You used to visit every few months. And you never hid things from her. But this? A relationship with her stupid cousin and a two year old kid? She wanted to slam the door in your face. Then the feeling disappeared at the sight of you crying.

“Please,” you sobbed. The only person who'd ever made you cry was Ging.

“Please take care of my boy!”

She knew it wasn't your idea to give him up. Not when Ging left the boy without looking back, and you were right in front of her pleading to take him in.

“Raise him like he's your own. I … I wish more than anything things were different. But I can't fix it this time. So please, please love him. Make sure he grows big and strong. Teach him right from wrong-”

“I promise.” She cut off. Her own eyes tearing up as she watched you fall apart.

“My first memory of your dad was his back. My first with your mom was of her face. Smiling so sweetly at me,” Mito started.

“She was my best friend, and I loved her like a sister. She was always butting heads with Ging. Your dad thought she was a pain, and your mom thought he was a jerk. To anybody with eyes it looked like they hated each other. Even I was convinced.”

She could see both boys listening intently. Waiting for her to continue.

“But despite all their petty arguments, they really did care about each other. There was this one time…”

—-------------------------------

W H A L E  I S L A N D :  2 1  Y E A R S  A G O

You didn't know how many times you'd found her like this. Hysterically crying her eyes out because she'd lost sight of Ging. But you did know you were sick and tired of him leaving her to fend for herself. He didn't have a shred of sympathy for anyone but himself. You'd put him in his place one day. For now…

“Ging left you again, huh?” You asked.

Mito looked up at you tearfully. Little hiccups escaping her from her place on the ground.

“Yeah.”

You crouched down to swipe the tears off her face. Flashing a soft smile and offering up your hand.

“Well who needs him? C'mon, let's have our own adventure.”

She took your hand without hesitation, letting you pull her up and clinging tightly to your arm. She could always count on you to make her feel better. A smile of her own making its way to her face as you pulled her along. 

“Where are we gonna go?” She questioned.

“Mmmm. Oh, I know! But I can't tell you.” You put a finger to your lips. Eyes filled with amusement watching Mito pout.

“Why not!” She gave a small stamp of her foot.

Deciding you wouldn't tease her further, you responded truthfully.

“Cuz, it'll be a surprise.”

Something special for her. So maybe the person she wanted to spend time with could care less about her. That didn't matter now that you were here. You were absolutely right. She didn't need him.

You led her deeper into the forest. Stopping just short of a clearing with what had to be the prettiest flowers she's ever seen. Blues and reds sprouting from every which way. A small pond in the center with frogs sitting by the edge. Her eyes widened in awe at the sight. 

“How did you find this place?” She asked.

You plopped down on the grass. Laying back and spreading out your limbs.

“Well, you discover something new everyday if you look hard enough.”

You gestured for her to join you. And without fail she did. Laying contently besides you while looking up at the clouds. Her senses flooded by the sweet smell of flowers. You stayed like that for a while. Basking in the serenity of the clearing. An idea came to you then. You nudged her shoulder lightly.

“Hey…Let's come back here tomorrow and have a picnic.”

“Really!?!”

You laughed at her excited tone.

“Yeah! I'm getting better at cooking. How about I bring the food, and you bring the blanket?”

You looked over to see her beaming at you. Your bright grin matching hers.

“Sounds good to me. If I tried to bring any snacks, Ging would find them and eat them.” 

You sat up at that. Raising your fist to the sky with a shake.

“That jerkface. I'd give him a wallop if he tried that.” 

She sat up with you, not bothering to hide her giggles when she spoke.

“Are you gonna give him one today?”

“For making you cry? I'll give him two!”

Your conversation was soon interrupted by a loud growl. The two of you froze. You turned your head to see a foxbear stalking forward. Instinctively you stood in front of Mito. Trying your best to figure out a way to make a break for it. The girl behind you still on the floor unmoving.

It took another step forward. Teeth bared in warning. You could outrun it, you were sure you could. But Mito couldn't. And if you carried her, you wouldn't be fast enough. You had to get its attention long enough for her to escape. It lunged forward before you got a chance to speak.

You’d grabbed Mito and rolled as fast as you could out of the way. The foxbear slamming its head on a tree. You grabbed the younger girl by her shoulders.

“Mito, get out of here! I'll distract it!” 

She seemed to snap out of her fear for just a brief moment. Looking fast between you and the animal that regained its bearings.

“I can't leave you!” She cried.

You didn't have any time to argue, so you said something you hoped would get her moving.

“Then go get Ging! Hurry!”

You shoved her before she could argue. Watching as she broke out into a sprint. You let out a sigh of relief. It was gone as soon as it came, feeling the looming presence behind you.

Mito ran as fast as she could through the forest. Shouting for Ging as loud as she could. Once again crying hysterically the longer she looked. She bumped into something hard. Falling backwards and looking up to see what it was.

“I thought you gave up for the day? Well, whaddya want?” 

She sobbed harder at the sight of Ging. Doing her best to speak coherently through her tears. But all he could make out was ‘Y/n’ and ‘Help.’

He rolled his eyes at the mention of your name. Cutting off Mito from her panicked rambling.

“Look, whatever happened to Y/n is her problem. Besides, she's always running her mouth about how much better she is than me. She can deal with it herself.”

Right at that moment your scream reverberated through the forest. For the first time since Mito could remember, Ging went pale. His eyes widening as the blood in his veins froze. Then all at once he started running. Sprinting as fast as he could in the direction of your cry.

Mito did her best to follow after him. She'd never known Ging to be scared. And she never would have known if it weren't for the slight tremble in his hand as he aimed his fishing pole. His body stuttering upon seeing your crumpled up form. The foxbear looking up at him with a growl.

He ran to the side opposite of you, using the tip of his fishing pole to smack the back of its head. He signaled for Mito to grab you. Continuing his onslaught as the foxbear grew more frustrated. It made a lunge for him. Ging dodged at the last second and made a run towards you and Mito. Picking up both of you and sprinting back towards the village.

Your body felt light, and he tried not to notice the limpness of it. He tried to ignore the warmth seeping into his clothes. The houses were barely in sight when he started shouting for a doctor. For anyone to help.

And he internally cursed you. Just what the hell did you get yourself into. You were gonna die. You couldn't die. You were supposed to be here. For him. 

It wasn't long before you were taken in by a doctor. You were rushed in for surgery. The medical professionals stopping both Ging and Mito from entering the room. So they waited outside instead.

Mito eyed him from her peripheral. His shirt was soaked with your blood. She half expected him to yell at her for your condition. For being reckless. He was oddly quiet instead. She also thought he would have left by now, thinking you were the healer’s problem. But he was right outside your room.

The hospital wasn't really one. Not like Whale Island had much technology to begin with. It was a five room house with basic first aid. An old man with some medical experience and a few helpers. Still, it was better than nothing. The doctor came out after a few hours. The two of them looked at him expectantly.

“She lost too much blood. It's a gamble if she'll pull through. But as of right now, it doesn't seem likely. You two should go home and get some rest.”

With no other choice they left. Or rather, Mito left and Ging said he'd be right behind her. She didn't expect to see him the next day in your room, having cracked open the door silently.

He stood by the side of your bed. Watching the rise and fall of your chest unmoving. His hand clasped in yours.

She was sure what he said next wasn't for another soul to hear.

"If you die…I'll never forgive you.”

His hand tightening ever so slightly around yours.

“So get better. Don't be a wimp and just bleed out."

He didn't bring it up. Not even to rub it in when you made a full recovery. In fact, it was as if that moment of softness never happened.

—---------------------------

P R E S E N T

“So they still fought after that?” Gon questioned. 

He thought his dad would have been a little nicer to you after that. Seems he was wrong.

“Ooh yeah. A lot. I never told your mom about that either. So naturally they continued on as usual. That didn't mean she didn't have her own soft spot for him as well.”

—--------------------------

W H A L E  I S L A N D :  2 1  Y E A R S  A G O

Another day, another spat with you and Ging at each other's throats. He tried to walk away at first, not in the mood to be scolded right now. But you followed persistently behind him. 

“You can't just disappear for a day! Everybody was worried about you!” You shouted.

Everyone huh? He shot you a glare over his shoulder.

“Even you?”

He watched smugly as your cheeks puffed out in irritation.

“Oh yes. Totally worried and not at all annoyed by your reckless behavior! Can't you stop being stupid for one minute.”

His amusement disappearing at your insult. He turned around to face you.

“Then why are you here? Quit nagging me and just go away!”

“It's not like I found you first on purpose! You think I like wasting my time!”

His head started to hurt. Maybe staying in that cave overnight had been a bad idea. Not like he'd ever admit it, and surely not to you of all people. You'd never let him live it down.

“Funny. Considering your entire life is a waste of time!” He taunted.

“Real original. At least I'm not the one who doesn't know what a shower is!”

But the longer Ging continued to argue with you, the worse he started to feel. The ache in his head became a ruthless pounding. His vision going in and out. He doubted an animal bite was the cause. He must've been exposed to something.

“Another thing- hey. Are you okay?” Your tone immediately shifting upon seeing him struggle to stand.

You reached to put a hand on his forehead. He quickly slapped it away. Trying to create space between you two.

“M fine. Maybe if you shut up for once…. World wouldn't…be.. spinning.” 

He collapsed onto the ground. The last thing he heard was your concerned cry.

“GING!”

You rushed over to his side, panicking at his rapid breathing. You quickly hauled him over your shoulder and ran back towards the village. They stared at you in shock as you hauled around the unconscious boy.

You'd brought him to the same doctor you'd been at. And like you, the chance of recovery was slim. They didn't know what he'd been exposed to. You did your best to recall where you'd found him. Listing off whatever you thought would help. With nothing to do but wait, they'd sent him home on bed rest.

Mito would check up on him everyday. Surprisingly, you joined her. She'd never seen you so downcast. Especially over Ging. If anything, she expected you to brag about how you were right. How Ging was stupid enough to somehow get infected by a new sickness. Not you being the one to give him his medicine. (His own dad having been gone for some time now.)

He hadn't been getting better the past few days. And as she silently opened his bedroom door, she couldn't help but freeze in her tracks. 

Ging's hand was clasped tightly between yours. You were looking down at him with a frustrated expression.

"You're pathetic if you let this sickness win. Aren't you supposed to be strong?”

She was sure she wasn't supposed to be hearing this. But you didn't seem to notice her.

“Then beat this thing and get better! If you die…I'll hate you forever."

And when he made a miraculous recovery, you didn't bother bringing it up either.

—---------------------------------

P R E S E N T

She continued sharing stories about you and Ging. It felt like a weight was lifted off her shoulders. With every new fact about you, Gon’s eyes brightened. There was still a part of her that was worried he'd start chasing after you next. That he'd stop thinking of her as his mother. She knew it was selfish, but she'd raised him all on her own.

“I'd like to meet her one day. But she wouldn't be able to replace you.” Gon admitted.

She had nothing to fear after all.

—-----------------------------------

You don't know why you were thinking about him. About your childhood. You supposed the setting had something to do with it. You were currently traveling on a boat to get to your next sighting. Then you'd spend about a week doing dives. Truly you loved the sea. You could never get enough of it as a kid. Wanting more than anything to leave that island to explore it.

For so long you'd only ever stare across the horizon. You'd pick up whatever washed ashore and observe it. Try to figure out where it came from or what it was. You were able to spread your wings as a hunter. 

A damn shame the man who encouraged you to do it was a dickhead.

—---------------------------

W H A L E  I S L A N D :  2 1  Y E A R S  A G O

You remembered hearing the announcement and not believing it. Ging's dad was gone, lost somewhere out at sea. They weren't close, but it affected him all the same. You saw the way his eyes widened in disbelief. The way his hands clenched as people offered their condolences. How he started distancing himself from everybody. 

He'd go into the forest and wouldn't come out for days. You knew he wasn't taking care of himself. Seeing his disheveled appearance and sunken in cheeks. You don't know why you felt bad for him. All you two did was yell at each other. But you just couldn't stand to see him so dejected. 

Maybe it was because you could relate to him to some extent. You'd lost both of your parents when you were four. And although every family friend offered to take you in, you opted to stay by yourself in your home. The last thing you'd wanted was to be pitied.

You had a feeling Ging was similar. Too proud to accept any help or admit he needed it. He wouldn't want your sympathy. But you at least wanted him to eat. To stop neglecting his health. 

It wasn't hard to find him. Somehow you always managed to do it. He was slumped over up against a tree. You don't think you've ever seen him so…so upset. You approached him slowly, watching the way his head shot up at the sound of your footsteps.

“You've been roughing it up like a caveman for days. Don't you think it's time to go back home?” You asked.

He took note of the softness of your voice. You've never spoken to him like that before. 

“I'm fine.” He brushed off.

‘You don't look like it,’ you wanted to say. But you didn't want to push him. So instead you'd said-

“Well if you're going to be stubborn. Here.”

You extended out the basket you'd brought. A pleasant smell emitting from it. You could see the cogs turn in his head as he tried to figure out what was in there.

“Don’t go getting the wrong idea. I had leftovers is all,” you justified. 

He snapped out of whatever daze he was in and turned his head away.

“I'm not hungry.”

You frowned at his words. You always hated how stubborn he could be. Two could play at that game. 

“You look like garbage. You know you can't lie to me. And if you're gonna stay up here, at least feed yourself.”

The thought occurred to you that maybe he came up here because he didn't want anyone to see him grieve. 

“Or if you don't want anyone to see you, you could crash at my place.” You added.

Your hospitality didn't sit right with him. You of all people were being nice. Why? Because you felt bad? You were the last person he wanted to be pitied by. 

“Are you gonna tell me you're sorry too? That you're here if I need somebody to talk to? How you can't possibly imagine what I'm going through?” Frustration evident in his tone.

“I'm not-” You tired to argue, but everything had been too much for him.

“Well save it.” He snapped, eyes boring into yours. 

“I don't need your damn help and I don't need your sympathy. But you can never leave me alone, can you?”

You two were no strangers to arguing. But something about this one felt different. It felt more heated. More weighted. The venom of his words making you tremble.

“You're just an annoying thorn in my side that I can't get rid of. I hate you. I hate your voice. I hate the way you look. The way that you walk. I hate everything you stand for.”

He didn't know why he was so angry at you. But he couldn't stop. 

“Make yourself useful for once and get the hell away from me!”

You stood silently taking it. Nails pressing hard into your palms. For a second he thought you would cry. Instead you'd dropped the basket you were holding. Voice eerily quiet as you finally spoke.

“I can't wait until I get off this island. I'll have the pleasure of never seeing you again.”

You left after that, leaving him once again in silence. He thought he would've felt better after you were gone. He didn't. For some reason, he couldn't shake the look on your face. The hurt. You'd never let anything he said get to you before. So why this time?

He shook his head to rid the thought. But he just couldn't escape you. The smell of the food you'd brought wafted tantalizingly in his face. He could feel a small pang of hunger in his stomach. 

Damn you and your persistence.

The more he tried to ignore it, the more prominent his hunger became. Inevitably, he gave into the rumbling of his stomach. Not wanting to admit he was somewhat thankful you'd left the basket. Or that you'd been right. He froze when he saw what was inside it.

These were all his favorite foods. Packaged with care and enough to last him for the day. You didn't have leftovers, you'd actually gone out of your way to cook for him. A twinge of guilt coursed through him. 

He'd been awful to you, and yet you still made sure he was taken care of. Hadn't you lost both of your parents too? More than anyone, you probably did know what he was going through. But you didn't want it to seem like some charity case, so you tried to play it off instead.

And he'd thrown it back in your face.

Man, he really owed you one, didn't he?

Just like that his grief, his frustration was gone. In its place the want to make things right with you. So he spent the whole night trying to figure out how to make it up to you. You loved the shoreline, so he started there. Picking up things he thought you would like. Fossilized parts of starfishes, a few janky shells, pieces of coral. He overheard you talking about sand dollars once, so he found a few of those too. Maybe he'd even catch you a new pet. Everything he collected placed haphazardly into your basket.

He knocked on your door first thing in the morning. It was still early enough that nobody would see him give it to you. Why did it matter if people saw him?

He half debated just leaving the basket at your door. But he decided against it, figuring you'd just think it was Mito who left it. The silence stretched out before him. You sure were taking your time, weren't you? He knocked again.

He felt like an idiot standing out here. People would see him at this rate. How humiliating it was to apologize to you. He twisted your doorknob next, surprised to see it unlocked. He'd scold you for that later. For now, he let himself in. 

“Hey, you awake yet?” He asked softly.

Once again he was greeted by silence. He decided to just get it over with. No point in stalling.

“Look, maybe I went too far yesterday. I don't…I don't hate you…And uh- thank you for the food.” He quickly added.

Silence. He walked further into your home. Face burning a bright red. You were really gonna make him say it, weren't you? 

“You're really that mad, huh? Fine. I didn't mean to snap at you, okay?!? I don't even care about my dad that much. He's never here. Not like you. So just come out already!” 

And when you still didn't respond, his heart dropped. Something wasn't right. You'd never skip out on a chance to tease him. Something on your table caught his eye. A note. It shouldn't have shocked him to see it addressed to Mito. Though he never should have expected you to write him anything in the first place. 

‘I'm gonna be out for a while, so don't panic when you can't find me. I'll be fine. Take care until then.’

Okay. So he'd just have to wait until you came back. No big deal. He could wait here for you.

You didn't come back.

You'd been gone the whole day. Mito came by to see you. And when he showed her the note, she tried to wait for you too. But when it got dark out, she started crying. She always did when something happened to you. She loved you like family. It wasn't like you to be gone for so long. Still, he wanted to give you the benefit of the doubt.

By the third day, the entire island was searching for you. No stone left unturned, every nook and cranny you could possibly fit into was searched. There was no sign of you.

You left.

He was sure you did.

You always talked about getting off the island. Then there was what you said before you walked away from him. That you couldn't wait to leave. He asked all the crew members by the dock if they'd seen you. He checked every shore he could find at least twice. Asked if any boats had left recently. No luck. You'd made sure there was no trace of you.

How was he supposed to explain to everyone it was his fault you were gone?

He was scouting on the edge of a cliff when he saw something. A stone skipping in the water below. He tried not to get his hopes up. Tried to stop the pounding of his heart as he made his way down. Hugging the base of the mountain while scooting a few inches at a time. Finally, there was an opening. He never would have seen it if it weren't for the rock you tossed.

You hadn't seen him yet. Holding yet another small rock and throwing it across the surface of the water. You looked…fine. A canister of water by your side with a small fire going. He had no reason to be worried about you. 

You knew he was there. Even without seeing him you knew. You weren't mad at him, per se, but you were hurt. You could tell he was just lashing out. Taking everything negative and aiming it at you because it was easier that way. That didn't excuse what he said. It didn't mean you wanted to see him. Or anyone for that matter. 

You wanted to be alone for a while. Just to collect your thoughts. But since he was here, you couldn't help but be snippy with him. He had no right to bother you when he'd been so cruel earlier. 

“I thought you wanted me to leave you alone?” Sarcasm dripping from your tone. 

He stood shocked at your words. Regaining his composure only to scold you right after.

“Don't start with me! You've been missing for three days! What the hell is wrong with you!?!”

Had you been more observant, you would have noticed the worry in his voice. 

“Me? Says the idiot who leaves for weeks at a time! You can't get after me for doing the exact same as you!”

“Like hell I can't! The entire island’s been in a frenzy since you left!”

“Well you found me! Now go away!”

He was getting nowhere with you. So he tried someone who could.

“Mito thought you were hurt or worse!”

At that you went quiet. A guilty expression crossing your face. He knew you loved her just as much as she loved you. He took your silence as a sign to continue. 

“Look, when I do it, it's expected! When you do it, it's like her entire world ended. Damnit, you have people who care about you!” He cared about you.

“And you don't!?!” You snapped.

It was like his brain short-circuited at that moment. You cared about him? Was everything he had been feeling what you'd felt too? Worried about how the other was doing. If they were okay. 

“Why are you here Ging?” You asked.

You sounded drained. He couldn't blame you. He'd felt drained too.

“It should be obvious shouldn't it?” He rebuttaled. 

But as always you saw right through him.

“No. Why are you here?”

He didn't know how to answer you, so he didn't. You curled into yourself at his silence.

“I don't want to see you right now.” You said quietly.

He sat down next to you stubbornly.

“Too bad. I'm not leaving until I take you with me.”

You scooted away from him.

“Then we're stuck here because I'm never going anywhere with you again.”

You let out a scoff, directing your attention to the fire in front of you. It was an awkward sort of silence that filled the cave. You didn't want to speak to him, and he didn't know what to say. He looked at you from the corner of his eye. He had no idea how to fix this. He was never the best with people. He knew how to get on your nerves. Not how to soothe them.

So he sat there for an hour or two, trying to formulate a sentence in his head. He eventually gave up. Maybe being honest would help. And if it didn't, then you two would be stuck down here a long time.

“It was off putting, you know?” He started.

“Hmm?” You gave a small hum, still refusing to look at him.

“To have you be nice to me.”

He could see the way your hands clenched. Okay so maybe those weren't the right words.

“Well, it'll never happen again.”

Definitely not the right words.

“Not like that. Ugh!” He tried to diffuse. Face starting to burn with embarrassment. And when you finally turned to stare at him, it only worsened.

“Like what then?”

He took a second to collect his thoughts. Letting out a heavy sigh before speaking.

“I don't want to be the boy who was pitied.”

Your face scrunched up at his words.

“Who's father died so everybody better step on eggshells around him. All the ‘sorries’ and ‘we’re here's.’ I can't stand any of it.” He confessed.

You had a feeling that was the case. It was why you tried to be subtle about your kindness. Look how far that got you.

“Then for you to show up with food, to offer me your place to stay…It didn't feel like you. It felt like everyone else.”

At last, your features softened.

“I just don't want you to change. You don't tell me what I want to hear. So having you care about me just felt off.”

He turned his head towards you when he was finished. He was surprised to see you move closer to him. You didn't look mad anymore. You were trying to figure out how to respond.

“I just…” 

And he waited for you. Just as you'd waited for him.

“You're so strong, you know? So stubborn and determined. I thought nothing could shake you.”

You thought that highly of him, huh? It had him feeling a little worse for what he said to you.

“Seeing you so dejected….It was hard. You're always full of energy. The boy who can never resist a challenge. The sulking kid who sits in one place? That's not Ging Freecs.”

You met his gaze with a small smile.

“I don't want you to change either. And I know you didn't mean all that stuff. You don't have to say you're sorry.”

A feeling of relief washed over him. He decided he hated it when you were mad. Really mad at him. The silence was more comfortable this time. The tension in the cave not as thick. He'd almost say it was nice.

“I thought you'd run off the island. I don't know why, but it scared me. The thought of you not being here anymore.” He admitted.

You gave a playful nudge to his shoulder.

“I would have loved to see the look on your face.”

And once again he was embarrassed. He'd never tell you he was worried. He'd rather have his eyes gouged out than admit that.

“What look? The look of relief.” He taunted, but you only laughed the remark off.

He pouted and turned away from you. Through your giggles you could tell he was flustered. You knew he didn't like being vulnerable. Hell it was a miracle he'd told you as much as he did. You decided to humor him a bit.

“I was scared too. I thought you'd kill yourself up there. That's why I brought you food in the first place.” You explained.

He was grateful you'd somewhat changed the subject. Taking attention off him for a moment. But something in the atmosphere changed. Your amused expression was replaced by something more somber.

“I'm gonna leave this island eventually. I don't wanna be stuck here all my life.”

Eventually. Not yet. It was comforting to hear. He nodded at you to continue, sharing in your sentiment.

“There's something I want to do. Something I want to find.”

“What is it?” He asked.

“You're gonna laugh if I tell you.”

“Promise I won't.” Because truthfully, he wanted to be here with you. A part of him beaming at the fact you were telling him something personal.

“You know about the legend of Atlantis right? The lost sunken city? I'm gonna find it. Or a city like it. Most myths are based in some truth, right? At the very least I can discover lost pieces of civilizations.” 

You spoke excitedly, but when you met his gaze, you shied away. Preparing for him to poke fun at you.

Had it been coming from anyone else, he would have thought they were crazy. But something about it being you made him believe it. It made him want to root for you. Before he could say as much, you continued. This time with more determination.

“In two years, I can take the hunter exam. I'll be able to get the funds I need for dives. Maybe grants for research. I'll be able to start my life. But…I know people will probably think I'm crazy. I'll be underestimated for being so young. It'll be hard.”

He could see you were on the fence about it. Wanting to chase your dreams, but at the same time worried about what everybody else would think. He doesn't think he's ever seen you self-conscious before. You were always so sure with everything you did.

“If anyone can do it, it's you.” He encouraged.

Your eyes widened. Then all at once you beamed at him. 

“So you think I should go for it?” You asked hopefully. 

“Yeah. Besides, I'll be the one to leave first. If I'm going after what I want, why shouldn't you?” 

You were temporarily shocked hearing he'd wanted to be a hunter too. Then again it was Ging. He was always chasing something new. He fit the role perfectly.

“And what is it that you want?” You asked.

He couldn't believe what he was about to tell you. Something he'd never confided in anyone about before. He supposed it was only fair since you did it first.

“There are these ruins. I want to restore them. Well, not quite. I want to find out what's inside them. Nobody's been able to get in there before. Something about it being too dangerous and the ruins themselves being too fragile. I'll start up a nonprofit to get things going. It won't be easy either. But it's what I want.”

He looked at you with an unshakable resolve. The same one reflected in your eyes.

“Then you better make sure to get it.” You said.

He remembered what you said the day he snapped at you. Asking him to go back to the village. Back home. After being away for so long, no thanks to his own behavior and worry for you, he wanted nothing more. He stood up and offered his hand to you.

“I'm ready to go home now.” He prompted.

You smiled and took his hand.

“Then let's get going.”

You got back to the village by nighttime. Staring up at the stars as you made your way to your house. Ging followed right behind you. When you got there, you offered for him to come inside. Initially, he accepted your offer. That was until you found your basket on the table.

“What's this?” You asked.

Ging actively avoided your gaze while you looked through the contents of the basket.

“Mito thought you were sick and made you a basket.” He quickly lied. Face burning a bright red. 

You raised a brow at his flustered expression. 

“Well tell Mito I said thank you.” You already knew it was him who left it.

“I will.”

He went to leave, trying to escape what'd made him so embarrassed. And just before he opened the door, he hesitated.

“Don't ever do that again.” He lectured one last time. 

You gave a roll of your eyes.

“I didn't need you to find me. I was perfectly fine. And besides, I left a note.”

“Just don't do it, okay!?!”

Eventually the time came when he was supposed to leave for his hunter exam. He of course rubbed it in how he got to become one first. Very much enjoying how it got under your skin.

“Being a year older than me doesn't make you better! You know damn well I'd ace it on my first try!”

“Sucks to suck. It doesn't change the fact I'll be a hunter before you. Maybe I'll even get a head start on your search.” He teased.

“Don’t you dare! I'll kick your ass!”

“Oooh. I'm so scared. How's it feel to be in second place?”

“I hope you fail and have to take it next year with me! Then I hope you fail again!”

Your angry expression disappearing when he started staring point blank at you. It felt like he was observing you. You fidgeted under his gaze.

“What? Is there something on my face?”

At that, he continued his way towards the boat that would take him to the exam site. He flashed you a cheeky smirk over his shoulder before speaking once more.

“You're such a nag. You know, no man's ever gonna wanna marry you if you keep at it?”

You could feel your face burn. Chasing persistently at him while yelling.

“Oh yeah? Well you're a lazy bum! No woman's gonna wanna put up with you and clean up after your messes!”

“Psh! I could bag any woman I wanted.”

“Bag this!”

You put him in a headlock. Grip unrelenting as he pleaded for you to let go. Ultimately giving up and letting you rough him up. It'd be the last time he'd see you for a long while. He could feel it.

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

P R E S E N T:  S O M E W H E R E  O N  T H E A Z I A N  C O N T I N E N T

Gon didn't know what he was expecting, he should have figured it wouldn't be that easy to find Ging. Still he couldn't help but feel disappointed his father had sent him on another chase. On the bright side, he'd been able to meet Kite again. The man who'd inspired him to become a hunter in the first place.

It was a hectic reunion to say the least. And after a small scuffle with some ants, the three of them situated themselves around a fire. The conversation centered on Ging for a bit. What he was like, how Kite met him, small things that only piqued Gon’s interest more.

“Do you want me to tell you where Ging is right now?” Kite asked.

Gon knew he was testing him. Already knowing what he'd say without hesitation. He was sure of it now. He was right where he was meant to be. Ging had his reason for sending him here, and he'd do his best to see it through.

"No thanks. I'll find him myself.”

Kite seemed content with his response.

"That's a good answer.”

Gon’s determined look reminded him of someone. He just couldn't put his finger on it at the moment. Yet as the conversation continued, the image became clearer. It wasn't until Gon asked about you did he realize it.

“Do you know anything about my mom?”

That's right. He had your unwavering optimism and determination. He should've known from the start it was you. He may have looked like Ging, but his mannerisms were yours. It really should have clicked he was your son too. 

“Yeah, I know your mom. She's one of my closest friends.”

The way Gon’s eyes lit up, it was definitely you.

“Really!?! What's she like?”

He let out a small laugh at the boy’s enthusiasm. Oh where to start with you. There were so many things to say. More than he could about Ging because unlike him, you two had actually kept in frequent touch with each other. He knew the general vicinity Ging was in, but he knew the exact hotel you were staying at. That was one way to put it.

“She's the complete opposite of your father, for starters. Your dad struggles socially most of the time and he's extremely stubborn. He doesn't give up until he gets exactly what he wants. Your mom makes friends just about everywhere she goes. She compromises a lot when it comes to what she's looking for. But she'll always manage to find a way to get it anyways.”

Gon noticed his tone was a lot softer when he talked about you. Very similar to the way Mito reminisced about your shared childhood. 

“She's always going out of her way for others. I remember the first time I met her…”

—---------------------------------

S O M E W H E R E : 1 6 Y E A R S A G O

The situation wasn't ideal. The two of them needed a place to stay for the moment, and for whatever reason Ging led them here. A small house just outside of York New. 

Normally they'd take their chances with the elements, but the impending blizzard changed their plans. There was no way in hell they would be able to withstand it. Ging seemed pretty adamant about coming here, too. An almost excited look in his eye when the opportunity presented itself. 

When you heard knocking on your door, you couldn't have expected who'd be on the other side. Opening it up and staring dumbfounded. A sixteen year old Ging stood with a ten year old kid in the cold. 

“It’s been what? Four years? Nice to see you again,” he greeted.

“Die.” You quickly slammed the door in his face. 

Now from what Ging had been telling Kite, you were his friend. He said you would greet him with wide arms or something. Be more than willing to open your home. Clearly he'd been misled. 

“Wh-hey! It's freezing out here! Have a heart will ya! At least take in the kid!” Ging pleaded through the door. 

And his motives may or may not have been selfish. Staying here for a night would give him the opportunity to dump Kite off at your place. But you didn't need to know that.

“Stop trying to guilt trip me!” He heard you faintly through the door.

“One night? C'mon. All the hotels are booked up. Look I'll even pay you.”

You looked out through the peephole just in time to see him wave a five dollar bill. And just when you were about to shoo him away once and for all, you saw the little boy shiver. Clutching his arms tightly to himself to keep warm. 

Damnit. 

You hastily unlocked the door. A hand on your hip while you moved to let them in.

“You better clean up after yourselves. Got it?”

Ging gave a salute.

“Yes ma'am. Let's go.” He gestured for Kite to follow him.

The kid followed behind him obediently. Hanging up his coat and looking at your home in awe. Ging leaned down to whisper something in his ear. He gave a small nod when he finished, walking further into your home to explore. Perhaps if you'd been a little closer you would have heard Ging say-

“Told you she'd let us in. Now don't go causing trouble. She's scary when she's mad.”

You let the duo situate themselves in your kitchen. You eyed the smaller boy with curiosity. He'd been dead silent since he walked in. Looking everywhere but you. He seemed to curl in on himself, as if to look smaller. Nerves perhaps. 

“So who's poor kid did you abduct?” You questioned. 

Ging gave a roll of his eyes before answering.

“I didn't abduct him. He just started following me around. I figured it wouldn't hurt to keep him as a student.”

“You? A teacher? That poor boy.” 

“Hey! He's coming along nicely. He's already got the basics down. It's only a matter of time before I teach him nen.” He defended, crossing his arms at your jab.

You scoffed and continued on with cooking. You could see Ging enter your peripheral, a cheeky smirk on his face.

“Speaking of, how's yours coming along?” He asked.

“Like I'd ever tell you my ability. It's humiliating enough you recovered those ruins first.”

You knew those words were a mistake the second they left your mouth. Watching as he beamed before a smug expression replaced it. He used an arm to lean on your counter.

“So you were keeping up with me? If I didn't know better, I'd say you had a crush.” And to your horror, he wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

“Ha! Don't delude yourself. My department covers ruins too. It'd be weird if I didn't hear about it.”

He'd deny the slight disappointment at your words. 

“Besides, how'd you know where I lived?” You continued.

“I asked around.” He said matter of factly. And as he realized what he said, his face flushed.

“Stalker much. If I didn't know any better, I’d say you had a crush on me.” You mimicked.

“Tch. It's not like that! I just…”

“Just what?”

He internally cursed you out for throwing his taunt back in his face.

“We'll probably be colleagues one day, so it helps to know where you are,” he justified. 

You didn't believe him, but still you decided to give him a break.

“Sure. Now, go get cleaned up. Leave your clothes to thaw out. I'm sure I have something that'll fit you.”

“And him.” He gestured to Kite behind himself.

“Oh he can definitely fit in my clothes. Poor thing is so scrawny.”

You walked over to the smaller boy. Kite froze when you cupped his cheeks. Cooing softly at him. Your movements very much exaggerated.

“He's been starving you, hasn't he? C'mon, let's take care of you. It couldn't be easy living with such a brute.”

“Hey!” Ging called out.

You guided Kite to sit at the dining table. He didn't really trust you. And your overly friendly tone didn't help. But as soon as Ging left, he could tell it was for show. You smiled a little more genuinely at him.

“Hope you like soup, because that's what we're working with. Luckily, I should have enough for all of us.”

You didn't know whether to take his silence as a good thing or not. Who knows what Ging told him. Probably that you were a witch who'd put him in the oven.

“I don't bite, you know?”

He eyed you with a shy expression. 

“I've got plenty of food, so you can eat to your heart's content. And don't worry about the dishes. I'll make Ging do them. It's the least he can do for showing up unannounced.” You tried to sway, yet he stayed quiet. Although you noticed he started fidgeting under your gaze.

“Not much of a talker huh? That's fine. If you need anything just let me know.”

The difference between you and Ging was night and day. Your presence was warm and inviting. You didn't try to pry into his personal life or poke fun of him. Serving him a bowl of whatever you'd been cooking with an encouraging smile. 

He took his first spoonful. It was the first time you'd seen him show emotion since he'd been here. Eyes lighting up as he eagerly downed the entire bowl. You did your best to stifle your laughter, pouring him another serving when he was finished.

“You can sleep in my room, if you want.” You offered.

He momentarily looked up from his food. He was weighing the option in his head when Ging came out from your bathroom.

“And where am I gonna sleep?”

Your soft expression shifting into an annoyed one. Looking away from Kite to address him.

“The couch.”

“What!?! Shouldn't the host take the couch?” Ging argued.

“You should be glad I'm letting you stay in the first place. I get the spare room. My house, my rules.”

He huffed something under his breath. You gave a glare and pointed towards the sink.

“Dish duty. Go.”

“I haven't eaten had a chance to eat yet!” He complained.

“Well eat and then do them. I'm not your damn mother."

“No but you'll be a hag in a few years.” He mumbled.

“What did you say?!?”

“Nothing!”

He'd never seen his mentor so compliant. There was hardly any pushback before he was scrubbing the dishes. Ging liked to march to the beat of his own drum. So to see him do whatever you told him, it was shocking. Maybe he didn't want to piss you off. Though he had a feeling it was something else entirely.

Kite followed you to your room. You urged him forward, grabbing a few comforters and pillows from a closet. How long had it been since he slept in a bed? Too long. He practically sunk into the mattress. Smiling contently as he spread out. 

“Getting comfortable?” You asked.

“Mhm.”

“I got you some extra blankets just in case. Here, let me set things up for you.”

He watched mutely as you organized the pillows you'd brought in. Reaching over the side of the bed to swipe a small stuffed bear. You put a finger to your lips.

“Don't tell Ging. I kept this from home. If he found out he'd be a jerk about it.”

It'd been a gift from Mito when you were little kids. You couldn't take a lot with you when you left Whale Island. But you’d wanted some reminder of home. No matter how small it was.

Kite nodded in understanding. Knowing just as well as you how insufferable Ging could be. You were in the doorway when he stopped you. Building up his confidence to speak at last.

“Kite.”

His voice was quiet. Quiet enough that you weren't even sure you heard it.

“Huh?”

“My name is Kite.” He wanted to say thank you, but the words died on his tongue. You smiled brightly at him anyways.

“Well it's nice to meet you Kite. If you need anything, I'm here.”

He could see now why Ging chose this place. Why he chose you. Kite decided he liked you after all.

And while he slept soundly through the night, a certain ruins hunter found that he couldn't. Tossing and turning before getting up to use the restroom. He opened up the door and stopped in his tracks. 

You were snoring away inside the tub. His eyes softened at the sight. You'd taken care of them before yourself. It was just like you to be so stupid. So selfless. 

You never had a spare bedroom to begin with.

—--------------------------------

P R E S E N T

“I didn't find out until a few days later what happened.” Kite continued on.

“And when I did, Ging told me not to bring it up to her.”

“Why not?” Gon questioned.

“He said she didn't do it to be thanked, but because she could. And if she wanted to make a big deal out of it, she would've.”

“I get it.” Killua said.

“If you're friends, then there's no reason to be thanking each other. It goes without saying to help when the other person needs it.” He explained.

“I still don't really get it. Isn't it nice to show appreciation?” 

At the very least, Gon figured his father would have tried to do something nice for you in return.

“Think of it like this: I didn't ask you to come after me when Illumi showed up, but you did it anyways.”

“Well it was the right thing to do.” He said as if it were a matter of fact.

One thing was for sure, he was definitely your kid.

The sound of footsteps quickly caught their attention. Eyes trained to where the noise was coming from. They could see a figure emerge from the underbrush. A woman.

“I thought I'd find you out here. Not that I couldn't sense you, buuuut still.” You greeted the silver haired hunter, not yet noticing the two boys. 

“Hey.” He offered you a wave.

And while he was perfectly calm, he could sense the shock from the boy in green. The disbelief. 

“I figured I'd stop by to see how you were doing. I've got some spare time before my next job.” You explained.

As you came closer, you finally took in your surroundings. The grin wiped off your face when your eyes landed on Gon. You could feel your heart start to race. Stepping back instinctively and pointing at him.

“What's that?” You asked Kite. 

“I think you know.” He responded.

You shook your head rapidly. There was no way. Your nen was still intact so it couldn't be him. Unless…

“No. No I don't. I'm just. Hallucinating! That's it! Oxygen deprivation is finally kicking in!” Your attempts to find any excuse not going unnoticed.

“Why is your mom freaking out so much? I thought she'd be happy to see you.” Killua whispered to the boy in green.

Though he didn't respond. Still in shock to finally see one of his parents. He watched as you continued to panic. His own nerves in complete overdrive.

“Ha, this has gotta be a prank right?” You continued to question the silver haired hunter. But everything came to a head at one singular word.

“Mom?”

Oh shit.

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

AN: They could never make me hate you Ging 😞😞😞. Anyways, this'll probably be a three to four part mini-series. I underestimated how much I had to write. We will now return to our regularly scheduled program, i.e. Moon and Sun. Thank y'all for your patience!!!

[fancyfade]

Massive comic bookbinding progress post.

Making a massive bookbinding post with my progress and what resources and steps I use. I do not claim to be an expert and recommend if you want to get into bookbinding yourself you look into any linked tutorials (or find some yourself), because they are made by people with much more experience.

So. When I just got into bookbinding, I was following an instructables tutorial for (link) most of the book. the sewing part, I was following this (link) tutorial. The cover tutorial (instructables) wasn't great for what I currently do, and I changed a lot looking back on it, but it had the bonus of suggesting cheap materials (Cardboard for covers, elmer's glue for spine, any spare fabric for bookcloth) that helped lower the barrier to entry and let me decide if I wanted to buy nicer stuff.

This is the first book I ever bound, using the instructables tutorial.

It's not the prettiest construction wise, but I can still hold it and read it which is at least successful for a first book (tho I did test on comics I didn't care as much about, in case I messed up).

I did a couple more books like this, one being Blue Beetle: Graduation Day (in Spanish) and the other being Artemis: Requiem, and another being Knight Terrors.

Artemis Requiem I think was the last

Next, I found and started using Dave the Designer's tutorial (link) and also got some materials actually targeted at bookbinding. I got bookbinding needles and thread (much thicker and stronger, it's easier to pull the threat through and it feels stronger) and davey board -- though since then I have tried chipboard which is muuuuuuuuuuuuch cheaper and works just as well unless you have a giant comic. Sometimes you have to lay weights on chipboard after gluing it to make sure it doesn't bend though, it likes bending when it is wet a lot.

I did a ton of books in this period. I was mostly interested in making books that had good construction and were good for protecting the comics I sewed together and felt structurally sound. I did not care at all about what the covers looked like, and just wrote titles on them with sharpie. I used mostly linen cloth, buckram cloth, or occasionally spent money on book cloth

After this, my friend linked me this (link) youtube tutorial. It does not get into sewing, because the goal of that person's tutorial is not how to sew but how to rebind paperbacks as hardbacks with fancy covers. The main focus for what I watched is on covers. They use a cricut, I got the cheapest I could find (Joy xtra, not maker or any of the big kinds). It still is expensive (like 150 dollars), and in the linked playlist the youtuber includes how you can decorate without a cricut, though that does leave less freedom for what you can choose... UNLESS you are an artist already!

Shortly before I got the cricut, I did Eric Luke's WW Run

This was when I was getting frustrated I couldn't make the books look pretty on the outside, so I drew a sketch in pencil and colored in with paint pens i had bought for action figure modding (tho im sure any type of sharpies would work).

Anyway, after that I started using the Cricuts for covers. This is the first one:

i messed up on the heat transfer vinyl stuff, so I had to repaint some parts with yellow paint. I haven't had these issues since I started using the bookcloth materials recommended by the cricut youtuber I linked earlier, which are also generally cheaper per unit than where I was getting bookcloth earlier (but shipping is expensive)

Now I do almost all my bookcovers with cricut because once you have the machine it's reasonably priced, the vinyl is pretty cheap, and it's easier on my spoons than hand drawing everything and lets you customize a lot

Lately, I've been trying to make my sewing/construction technique better, and I've been watching videos from DAS bookbinding (link). I tried to do my most recent Huntress comic with the rounded + backed spine with shoulders, not sure that I succeeded, but that's definitely on me because in the tutorial where he explains how to do it without the official material he's like "You should try this with proper equipment first, this is just for binders who took a course and could do the shouldering in a bookbinding course and want to try it on their own without having to buy the proper equipment" and. I have never done a real bookbinding course or used the proper equipment.

Hope this was informative/fun if you made it through!

[adventuringblind]

is oscar the only driver you do autistic!reader for? if not can I request lando x daniel x autistic!reader.

any situation is fine I don't mind 😊

My love, my life, and nerodivergent partners in crime

Daniel Riccairdo x reader x Lando Norris

Genre: angsty fluff (I think)

Summarry: How Daniel managed to keep two nerdiverdent young adults in line... nobody will ever know

Warnings: Lando is ADHD coded, and you can't change my mind (and he's dyslexic anyway), AGE GAP, Max loves to tease

Notes: I am officially only taking requests for poly reader inserts at this time. Also, do Lando and Daniel have a ship name?!?! I need this information for my masterlist, please, and thanks.

Masterlist

Everyone always wondered why Daniel Ricciardo trailed behind Lando Norris and his girlfriend by three steps. People have theorized its because he's thirdwheeling. Some say the pair doesn't pay attention to him.

The real reason, though? It's his way of showing he cares in the paddock.

Max teases him about it all the time and is the only one who gets away with it. The two younger are, however, a chaotic mess. They can not make it from one place to another without something happening. So Daniel trails behind them a few steps to make sure they make it to their destination.

It's certainly wasn't an ideal way to get together. Especially because Daniel is older than both by more than is socially acceptable by most.

Ironically, none of them were together when Daniel started at McLaren. An Australian who smiles a lot, a Brit who is loose lipped, and a shy little psychologist who hates talking until you get her on driver brains and how they work. What could possibly go wrong?

She started work at McLaren the year before Daniel. Something in the strategy department. She watches and listens and somehow can predict what the drivers are going to do, what they need to perform, and how their opponents might respond. Lando says it's a superpower. Daniel says she's autistic and watches how people behave for a living (she agrees with him).

The three of them got along better than anyone wants to admit. The world saw then as awkward and dysfunctional. Which wasn't a lie, but it's also just their combinations of personalities.

Daniel picked up on it first. The stolen glances and blushed cheeks. Then, drunk confessions happen. Neither of the younger two like drinking. Which is ridiculous, in Daniel's opinion. Or maybe it was ridiculous because he's the one who drunkenly confesses to the pair while they attempt to get him back to his room.

Supposedly, Max was there and heard everything. Daniel denies this relentlessly.

Lando picked up on the confession, confronted him about it, and then awkwardly kissed him on his tip toes (he was shorter then).

The biggest hurdle was the female. The one who studies people. The one who can predict what Daniel is going to have for lunch on Friday at two because he likes to eat later.

She's clueless.

Lando tries to tell her. Daniel attempts sober. She doesn't get it.

The two have to put it in the form of a business meeting and tell her until she gets it. That seems to work as they end up going on a date post confession.

If he's being honest, half the time love them is really just making sure they are getting along with the world. Not people, the environments they end up in (which often includes the people).

So Daniel walks three steps behind them. The people tease on socials. They edit him in tiktoks. But he could care less.

He loves his two nerodivergent partners. He loves their little quirks and they way they see the world. So Daniel determines he's okay being behind them. Because he loves them and wants nothing more than to watch out for his partners in crime.

[felassan]

GamesRadar: "It felt like we needed to do something": How Varric Tethras went from nearly being left out of Dragon Age: The Veilguard to becoming a foundational character

Interview | Exploring the role of Varric Tethras in Dragon Age: The Veilguard with BioWare's creative director, John Epler

Excerpts under cut due to spoilers.

John Epler: "Varric is such a fan favorite, and has been part of Dragon Age since Dragon Age 2 – it felt like we needed to do something. At the end of the game, it's very clear that a chapter of Dragon Age is being closed, even as a new one is being started, and having Varric involved in the ending and that final beat in the way that he was felt right to us."

""While it may have "felt right" for Varric to be in Dragon Age: The Veilguard and factor into its ending in this way, says Epler, it took some time for the team to come to that conclusion. With such a long development cycle, the loveable dwarf wasn't even part of the story at one stage. "It's interesting, because in some of our earliest versions of what we wanted to do for Dragon Age 4, Varric was not actually involved. Varric was doing his own thing as the Viscount of Kirkwall," Epler says. "But I think especially as we got to the version of Dragon Age: The Veilguard that shipped, it felt very strange to have a story about Solas not also include Varric. For us, having them [Solas and Varric] exist in contrast throughout the story - obviously, with Varric being something existing entirely in Rook's mind - provides different ways of looking at the core theme, which is regret." As Epler explains, Varric is "not someone who does a good job of confronting his regret", whether that be in Inquisition when it comes to his love interest and crossbow namesake, Bianca, or with his brother in DA2. Rook, on the other hand, is forced to confront them, while Solas's regrets "drive everything he does." He's a character that "refuses to be happy, refuses to feel joy, because he feels it'd be a betrayal of his people, of what he's done". But as Epler adds, having Varric "be the kind of linchpin" around which all the regrets hinge "felt powerful". Varric may not be good at confronting his own regrets, but his death and role eventually pushes Rook to face theirs, and in turn, you can try to help Solas get past his own if you so choose.""

"Without a mark on your hand like the Inquisitor in Dragon Age: Inquisition, or an army you can bring together like the Grey Warden in Dragon Age: Origins, Rook is "just a person with a team", as Epler puts it, so you have to make sure that they're as ready as possible to face what's to come. [...] Epler says Varric felt like a natural character to juxtapose Solas. Acting kind of like "the angel and the devil on your shoulder", Solas - while not actually a devil - is the one who's more focused on the mission and goal of stopping the gods, while Varric constantly reminds you that your team matters and you need to take care of them first and foremost. The decision to kill Varric early on was partly fueled by a worry that people would find Solas "a little too sympathetic in his goals". From past experience, Epler says the team saw a lot of that with The Trespasser DLC, where many really wanted to help Solas and believed he was right. But he is going to end the world, after all, and once you realize the twist about Tethras' true fate, Varric serves to demonstrate that "Solas will sacrifice almost anyone or anything in pursuit of what he sees as the greater good." But even if he is willing to go to extreme lengths, Solas does still regret what happens to his old friend. In fact, Epler explains that he even finds it comforting to think that Varric is still out there in some form. "Varric's a complex character," says Epler. "He runs away from his problems, he likes to shade the truth, even to the people that he's working with. The Varric that you see, the Varric that Rook experiences, [are] the best parts of Varric that Rook remembers. It's just this mentor figure that's always there for them. And I think even Solas finds some comfort in knowing that there's still a piece of him out there, even though he knows that it's manipulation, it's not the real Varric."

""DA2 starts with a character death about 45 minutes in, when your siblings dies. And the feedback we got, which was very fair feedback is, 'okay, but I don't care, because I've known this person for like, 45 minutes'. So having Varric die at the beginning, originally that was it. He was going to die, and it was going to be this big, shocking moment," Epler says. "But part of the problem with making a game 10 years after the last one, and needing to make it so existing players – but also new players – can get in and feel a lot of the same things, is you can't bank on two games worth of built up memories, built up attachment, to make the death land. For a lot of players it would have been like, 'okay, but I've only known this guy for 45 minutes. So why do we care?'" In order to still have the death at the beginning of the game, the team eventually landed on the idea of his not-so-real presence in the Lighthouse in order to give players more time with Varric. "And that's the beauty of game development," Epler adds, "something that you start off with as a way to solve a problem actually becomes so core to the identity game.""

"Varric Tethras was originally brought to life by Mary Kirby, a veteran developer who has worked on the Dragon Age series for many years at BioWare. Sadly, she was part of the layoffs last year, but as Epler fondly highlights, Kirby wrote the vast majority of the conversations you have with Varric. "She was one of the first people we told 'Hey, so we're talking about killing Varric, you're okay with this, right?' Because at that time, she wasn't even on the project," Epler says. "But Mary was fantastic to work with, she and I worked [together in the past]. I was Varric's cinematic designer for Inquisition and for DA2. There are a couple of things that came up towards the end of the project that I had an opportunity to write. And it was lovely to remind myself how Mary had always written Varric, and how that character came together.""

[source]

[exitvelocities]

2023-2024 cdramas year in review

i'm borrowing this idea from thai bl tumblr, but with less fun categories because i'm tired. i'm including shows from this year and last year since i mainly watched a mixture of the two in 2024.

tagging whoever wants to do it!

overall favorite show (2024): fangs of fortune it's gorgeous, i love the characters, and it's got one of the most shippable poly casts i've seen in basically ever.

overall favorite show (2023): mysterious lotus casebook i actually did watch this one last year and i liked it, but it wasn't until i rewatched it again in 2024 that i lost my mind over it.

favorite character: di feisheng from mysterious lotus casebook my love my darling my heart. i adore him with every fiber of my being. i honestly never really noticed xiao shunyao too much before this but he's sure got my attention now.

favorite character runner up: pei sijing from fangs of fortune sorry, you can't give me a badass kuudere archer and expect me to NOT be absolutely nuts about her. cheng xiao has also improved SO much from her early days acting and i think it's super neat that they incorporated her dancing background into her fight scenes.

favorite ship: dihua from mysterious lotus casebook see above about losing my mind. it's got everything i love in a ship: history, tension, longing, being totally obsessed with one another. i've written so much this year and most of it is for them.

favorite ship runner up: jingxiao from fangs of fortune GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS i love them and they love each other. i love how flirty wx is with psj and how sincere and open psj is with wx.

favorite canon ship: song mo/dou zhao in blossom this is still airing so i hope they don't fuck it up, but it's such a refreshing dynamic. they're really partners, and he's so gone for her.

favorite canon ship runner up: gu jiusi/li yuru in destined i'm not really a fan of straight romance dramas but the strongest arc of this show is undoubtedly the first one, where they unwillingly get married and slowly fall in love. bjt is particularly charming in this role and song yi is lovely per usual.

favorite fl: dou zhao in blossom i love that she's careful and meticulous but not omnipotent. she's working at changing what she can but she's not a miracle worker. she feels warm and human and fallible in the best way. also mzy is gorgeous and i love her, fuck the haters.

favorite fl runner up: xue fangfei in the double she's batshit overpowered and it's still contrived in some instances but wu jinyan sells it enough that i just eat it up hahah.

favorite ml: li lianhua in mysterious lotus casebook his burnt out gifted kid ass is captivating. he has so many complex layers; it's a role that really gives cheng yi a chance to stretch his muscles and i think he did a great job.

favorite ml runner up: pu yiyong in oh no! here comes trouble he's a dumbass delinquent with a hereditary power to see spirits and release them, what's not to love.

favorite female supporting role: yang ying in a journey to love one of the best character arcs i've seen in a long, long time. i love her journey and where she ends up and i hope she gets everything she ever wants. iconic role for helan dou imo.

favorite female supporting role runner up: feng baobao in am nobody she doesn't understand human interaction and she loves knives and is good at them. she was made for me.

favorite male supporting role: yu shishan in journey to love breakout role for fang yilun, suave playboy with a heart of gold, faithful brother in arms. i adore him.

favorite male supporting role runner up: wang ye in i am nobody lazy, lowkey, and the best in the world. a good look for hmh also.

favorite antagonist: shen yurong from the double what a thoroughly unhinged man. i particularly loved the middle section of the show and the back and forth between him and xff. i wanted him to take a different path, but he couldn't.

favorite antagonist runner up: li lun from fangs of fortune oh my beautiful, bitter, lovelorn tree demon. he's like catnip for me.

favorite antagonist honorable mention: gong shangjue from my journey to you so intense, so brooding, so murderous.

bonus 2023 thai show section

favorite overall show: moonlight chicken i just really loved this show. i like both gemfourth and earthmix and while i did not enjoy the bit of firstkhao pandering at the end, i thought it was a generally thoughtful exploration of human foibles.

favorite cast: my school president they're adorable and i love them. this is overall such a fun, feel good show with great music. tinngun are wonderful and so are the secondary couples. special shoutout to babygirl por's outfits.

most ridiculous sex scene: bed friend you know the one.

biggest disappointment: only friends i still haven't finished it. i'm just not invested in anything or anyone. i think part of it is that i don't really love the cast, out side of neo and mark. i do like first and khao but not really together, sadly.

[writingoddess1125]

HI I LOVE UR EVERYTHING AND PAPA BUGGY WAS SO CUTE AND IF YOU CAN DO ONE WHERE HE HAS BABY FEVER PLEASE 🙏🙏 I'M ON MY KNEES 🙏🙏 (I love ur work it's so cute and sad, funny)

Lucky Winner to get Part 2!!

Fever pt. 2

Buggy x Femreader + Buggy Twins

Also PSA everyone Wrap it before you tap it!

Support me on Ko-Fi ☕️

Check out the rest of the Old Men series

"YOURE PREGNANT!!"

Buggy shouted in total joy, Jumping around the room as his body looked almost like an accordion at his odd movements- you sitting there in total shock.

You'd expected that the twins would be your first and last, not that you would accidently get pregnant again especially by the same idiot who had done it by accident the first time.

Your hands went over your face as the reality of 9 months of this set in- For Fuck sakes... You could t help but giggle and hug Buggy there in the doctors office, Both happy and in total shock by this all.

After this things moved all too quickly it seemed. Of course you two told the boys who had been both excited and apprehensive- Like most kids worried the new baby would replace them or take the father they just gained from them, which had to be explained wasn't the case and you and Buggy created a gameplan to help the biys adjust. Then came the crew, who decided to have a 3 day celebration and get absolutely shit faced- Buggy included.

Why you were indeed happy, incredibly happy infant you knew what was about to come. HORRIBLE PREGNANCY SYMPTOMS! WONDERFUL-

Your first trimester was filled with morning sickness, Poor Buggy being as kind as possible as he helped clean you up and find foods that wouldn't make you puke your guts out. The twins even doing their part to find nice teas and things that smelled nice for you to also not throw up.

During this time Buggy bought so much stuff- Most likely boosting the economy of the village single handedly as he had the nursery built in the cabin and on the ship, You and the boys having a fun few weeks decorating both areas.

By your second trimester the hormones kicked in horribly, that and cramps. However that's when something magical happened as well-

Buggy and you were laying on the bed, both of you quite exhausted. Buggy was tired from dealing with the twins all day while you were tired from the baby and fatigue that was hitting you like a fleet. Since the start of your second trimester when your baby bump had become far more noticable Buggy always has his hand somewhere on your stomach rubbing the growing bump.

"I need to find a better way of tiring them out..." Buggy grumbled, You nodding in agreement leaned against the man and truthfully you both without single damns. Buggy in some pink boxers while you leaned against his naked chest in a large shirt rolled up over your stomach and underwear.

"They are still worried- Maybe take them out sailing or something? I'm sure they would enjoy tha- Oof!" You yelp as a sudden jolt hit you, clearly aimed right under Buggys palm which make both of you jump in surprise.

"What the hell was that?" He questioned as he pulled his palm away from you quickly and looked at your stomach. You shifting and rubbing the exposed skin smiling at him.

"They kicked, ive been feeling 'em move but not kick yet. Here I'm sure they will give you another little kick" You say calmly. Buggy sitting infront of you quickly and placing his palms back on your skin, You shifting his palms to the perfect spot before another jolt ran through you and Buggy giggled like a child at this.

"Thats so weird feeling!"

His eyes sparkled at this as he sat infront of you rubbing your stomach and feeling his child move under his palm and occasionally kick. It was a truly precious moment for the both of you.

As for the final trimester... Pregnancy was never too kind to anyone- Especially you. It wasn't with the twins and it sure wasn't now-

Leaned against the counter you glared hard at Buggy- 60 damn days you're ass! Try 8 fucking months trapped in this God forsaken cabin with your mentally unstable partner, two 12 year old boys and your bladder being utterly destroyed by little feet.

Oh and of course- THE GOD DAMN CREW THAY DECIDED THAT THEY WANTED TO STAY WITH THEIR FEARLESS CAPTIAN TILL THE 'VACATION' WAS OVER!

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Buggy questioned feeling the heat of your glare on his skin.

"I-..." You wanted to start Biting his head off but truthfully he had done nothing, you figured you were just emotional to the max at this point and the cramping didn't help.

"...I'm in pain-" You admit with a sigh, Buggy setting down his drink and walking to you calmly as he looked you over like he could spot your pain.

"Your stomach looks different" He said calmly, You shooting him a warning look.

"No shit it looks-" Buggy shook his head to stop you, "No its lower I mean, I think it's best we call the doctor" He said calmly, A shot of embrassment going through you at this point. Buggy truly had been giving it his all and learned from the doctor. With a chick trip from the Doctor and Midwife they confirmed you were in labor and got you set up to give birth in the cabin, The twins being taken to the Big Top with Cabaji while they waited for their siblings arrival.

"How are you feeling?" Buggy asked, Gently rubbing your back as you smiled.

"Not to bad actually- I'm glad you're here with me.." You say softly as another contraction shot through you.

At first it was fine- You'd been through this before. So it should be shorter and less painful this time around- Yeah No. You went from fine to screaming in pain very very quickly. Buggy sitting next to you trying to comfort you and get you through it- However the last thing you wanted was him there..

Which landed Buggy outside the house awkwardly, his crew also seated on different patches of grass as they flinched at every cry and scream that echoed out from the house and into the silent garden outside. You had kicked out Buggy 20 minutes ago, clearly just in too much pain to handle him at the moment and the doctor recommending him to try to return in 30 minutes. Which he did.

Truthfully he handled it like a champ once back in, holding your hand despite feeling like you were crushing it into dust and wiping the sweat and tears from your eyes. After a seven exhausting painful hours a shrill cry cut through the air as you slacked onto the bed. The doctor happily placing a little girl on your chest, now tears of joy running down your cheeks.

The doctors starting to clean her up as you admired her, looking to Buggy who was also crying.

You held the little girl in your arms, seeing her pink little face she had your facial features and (Y/H/C) hair like you but a bright rounded cherry nose/cheeks and ocean blue eyes. She was the most beautiful thing you'd ever seen. You saw Buggy stare in only awe as he felt tears hit his cheeks and he smiled.

"Shes.. shes.."

Your hand reached forward, Buggy thinking it was to caress his cheek or something gentle but instead you grabbed his neck in a iron grip- He squeaking in surprise as you pull him close.

"Buggy- This is the last... do you understand? Cause if the words 'I want another child' come from your lips ever again I am going to cut your dick off and throw it into the deepest part of the ocean. Do. You. Understand. Me" You said in the softest and kindest voice Buggy had ever heard, fear going through his system as he could tell you were dead serious.. maybe it was the lack of oxygen going to his brain or still the euphoria of the moment but he swore he saw literal hell flame in yours eyes.

"Clear- Crystal Clear" He wheezed, you releasing him so he could scoop up his daughter. He genuinely looked giddy at this point as he cuddled her close to his chest, you saw the anxiety just below the surface of his face as he stared at his daughter more her nose-

"Shes beautiful" You say softly staring at her from Buggy's arms.

"I won't let her go through what I did- I want her to feel special and perfect" He admitted, your eyes softening at his vulnerability as he kissed his daughters cheek.

"Im sure they will kn- Oof!- Fuck" You hissed in pain and flinched. The doctor peaked under the blanket quickly and called over the midwife who did a quick check. You wincing in pain as Buggy stared at you panicking and holding the now fussing newborn.

"(Y/N)?!" He said softly as another groan of pain left you. The midwife and doctor conversing quickly before beginning to prepare once again.

"It seems you're still in labor- Looks like another baby" He said proudly, Your eyes widening as you look at Buggy like you were prepared to kill him. The clowns face as white as snow making his face paint look dark at the realization of 2 sets of twins kicked in.

"Holy shit-"

"GOD FUCKING DAMN IT!!" You yelled as Buggy kept his daughter and rushed out quickly to show off his daughter and avoid your wrath of damning you to another set of twins.

Eventually he would return with your guys daughter and sat through another broken hand created by your labor. That night another little girl was brought in this world, the little girls being 8 hours apart and identical to her sister.

It was later decided after you had properly been cleaned up and not ready to murder Buggy their names. Buggy coming up with the names Ali and Ari respectively for his daughters.

Tag List-

@alastorhazbin @yuriwk

[thydungeongal]

Okay, so we know that Gygax was a misogynist and fascist. I read the forum posts with the infamous "nits make lice", and yes, it's a description of in-universe attitude, but he then went on a pretty fash rant about an eye for an eye being just and pacifism being "slave morality", so I don't see reason in figuring out his specific kind of bigotry.

Arneson was also a fascist. Guy who wrote Tekumel was so as well.

Were any of founders of hobby not racists and misogynists? Tunnels and Trolls looks promising, because there is a woman who was always a player but is credited in all editions for her contributions, so I hope misogyny is not foundational of hobby, even for generic fantasy games. But also one of spells sounds as a very bad taste racist joke (mind control spell was called "yassa massa" until 5th edition included), and I remember that in his space rpg from 1976 there was an illustration that was a very bad taste caricature of Israel-Palestine conflict (spaceship with crew dressed in stereotypical Arab clothing is being chased by ship in the shape of Star of David, I don't remember what did speech bubble say).

But what about the rest? Do you know how normal were contents of early editions of RuneQuest and other games that are considered foundational? Classic Traveller looks fine, but only because it doesn't feature any topics where racism or misogyny could be obvious, so I am not sure. Was there like, a sensible amount of women early in the hobby? I know there were some from reading old ass magazines that occasionally published materials written by women. But do you know more about it?

Not gonna lie, this is just me feeling guilty and bad because of one article that takes a pretty gender essentialist outlook on everything, but thinking that I enjoy something "fundamentally male" is Not Nice, girl

First edition RuneQuest is refreshingly lacking in a lot of the casual racism and misogyny of its time, and Greg Stafford was genuinely interested in culture and mythology. It's not perfect by any means but I think RuneQuest does treat the cultures he takes influence from with a lot of respect.

Traveller is funny because first edition Traveller has a whole bit about "we default to using he/him pronouns for characters but that does not mean that they have to be men, by Jove!" which is a huge dub for the he/him lesbians.

As for whether there were a lot of women in the early days of the hobby, I don't know. But I know that Iron Crown Enterprises (creators of Rolemaster) had at least some women in their employ, some of them credited as playtesters (in addition to the charmingly eighties attribution of "and various other young dudes and dudettes).

But ultimately, screw Gygax and his gender essentialist ideas. There have been lots of women in the space since its inception and while the roots of the hobby may have been male-dominated the very fact that so many women have flocked into RPGs is all the evidence you need that this is not a hobby that necessitates a male brain whatever the fuck that means. Gygax may have managed to catch lightning in a bottle with D&D but that doesn't mean we have to give him the final word on everything RPG-related forever. Also because he said a lot of other really dumb shit besides the "RPGs are for the male brain," so like he wasn't the esoteric genius people sometimes try to paint him as.

[wizashcs]

Hi pookie

Ill give you a good start on this bc Im so happy you write these ahain💗

Can I get some ideal date headcanons with Zoro, Nami and Robin? Like what is their dream date would look like with their s/o. Sfw/nsfw is fine too~

Thank you for always supporting me, my dearest!! Of course, I'll give you everything you want.

One Piece Headcanons - What is their dream date with their s/o like, with a little spice~

Zoro

This man is such a loser when it comes to dates, because if he's in love, I'm sure he doesn't know what to do exactly. I think he's relying on his partner more in the planning of dates, since he's fine as long as you're happy. (But choose an activity that he likes or at least doesn't hate, because then he wouldn't get grumpy.)

His ideal date is just you, him, and a beer for each one of you. You'd just find yourselves a nice little nowhere, without the sharp noises of your crew members, and just talk. Maybe he'd even get a little more open about his old stories when he was a pirate hunter, or he'd even talk about his days in training, when he was just a boy. He'd also listen to you talk, secretly being glad that he gets to know the little things about you. (He would be so surprising sometimes, when he'd just randomly give something to you that you've mentioned him years ago. You'd be so emotional about it, while he denies the fact that he remembered at all. No need for him to be called a sweet loverboy, you know.)

Nsfw part:

Since you two have found a little privacy, the swordsman would probably get cheesy enough to pull you onto his lap, listening to you like that, then, after a while, he'd start to run his fingers under your shirt while he's behind your back. When you ask him "What are you doing, Zoro?" - he'd simply reply: "Nothing, continue." You decide to join his game, by trying to ignore his touches on your bare stomach and chest. Needless to say, Zoro would take this as a challenge, and will do everthing to make you lose. You can feel him getting hard on your bottom, his chest touches your back, his mouth is sucking on the side of your neck, leaving blood red hickeys on you, marking you as his once again. Meanwhile, he'd play with your nipple with one hand, and tries to untie your bottom clothes with the other. You two will not get out of there without breaking a sweat, that's for sure.

Nami

(s/o is afab)

Nami likes money, but also likes spending money, especially when you're with her to do that. You two would decide to have an all-day date, including some shopping, and then in the evening a hot bath together, undisturbed. When you guys are out there shopping, she'd insist to buy some new clothes for each one of you, and believe me, she hypes you so much when you put on a new set of clothes. "Baby, this was literally made for you. You look stunning." Even if you're insecure about it, she'd buy it for you. Who knows, maybe one day you'll change your mind. (She will be working on changing your mind very hard.)

When you came back home with your stuff, you two decide to have a bath together. I'm sure she have planned all this, so she'd buy scented candles and colorful bathbombs for your lazy night together. You sit in the tub first, so Nami could sit between your legs, pressing her back against your bare chest, leaning her head to your collarbones. At first, you'd just enjoy the bathbomb's gentle tangerine scent, and the blinking lights of the candles you lit, with the ship's easy rocking. Silence, at last.

Nsfw part:

The feeling of Nami's red hair tickling your skin, she's caressing your leg with her nails gently, from knee to thigh. It would drive you crazy. She always drives you crazy. "Nami, you're doing this again..." You breathe out softly. It seems your scolding wasn't very impactful with that pleased moan. She'd turn her head to you, and smile playfully. "Doing what?" She answered with brattiness in her voice. You both know where'd that lead to. The door is locked, so who could stop you two? Nami turns over to you with her body as well, and you'd pull her into a passionate kiss. She'd hug your neck with one of her hands, and with the other, she'd start to wander down across your chest, then your stomach, slowly down there, on your heated spot. She would begin drawing circles around your clit, and after a little while, her middle finger would find your slippery entrance under the water, carefully but also confidently pushing her way into you. You moan and run your fingers through her orange tufts, making her sigh a little. "It's been so long... You won't escape me now." She'd say just before she'd lean back hungrily to the mouth she was longing for.

Robin

Robin would appreciate cozy dates, where you two would visit a nearby library, finding some goods to read together back on the ship, in her room. You'd choose something easy, a short romance novel for the night, instead of an archaeological science book. (I mean, she would really like that, and I'm sure she would read from those to you as well, but no way that's an easy subject.)

When you came back from the library with the book you chose together, you decide to settle into Robin's bedroom. She would open a nice bottle of wine for the two of you, and you could begin your cozy, reading night. You'd read the chapters aloud, and when you reached the end of a chapter, you would take turns. To be honest, you both love hearing eachother read. There's something of a passion, an art about reading to someone. Robin's words flow into your mind like a river, wishing the chapter would never end, because that would mean she'd stop speaking on her gentle voice, and you'd have to take turn. "I could listen to your voice all day." You said, when Robin finished her part. The woman smiled gently, almost shy. "I could read you all day."

Nsfw part:

So you persuaded her to read the rest of the chapters by herself... She sat on a sofa all this time, but as the time passed, you two found yourselves laying on her bed, cuddling. Robin held the book between her two summoned hands, while you rested your head on her chest, snuggling up the her tall, slim shaped body. She held you in her own arms, while she was reading the last chapter of the book. You'd stroke her arm that held you, and then, from a sudden thought, you'd put your hand on her lower stomach, starting to caress her with your nails tenderly. Her stomach jumped a little each time when you touched her, but she managed to keep her words flow the same as before. You became pretty amazed, seeing her being able to resist for so long, even after you began to do the same to her inner thighs, and eventually reached her womanhood as well. Yep, she'd read the last chapter until the last page's last word, while you literally finger her. "You are an unbelievable one." She says, and just after she put the book on her nightstand, she'd turn to you and pull you closer with all four of her hands. "Now... Let's see how long you can ignore my touches, my love."

[miwiheroes]

Hi welcome to miwiheroes <3

*australian accent* 'Ello this is Eli, president of miwiheroes club and I realised I never made an intro post, also this is a little masterpost where you can find all the analysis/ byler rambling posts without having to scrolls through my account :D

I'm 19 years old

At university for psychology

he/him

I may look like an aggressively straight man but no one knows i'm actually hyperfixated on shipping two queer guys from a sci-fi netflix show

I'm a capricorn, infp, bisexual and trans ftm

my hyperfixations right now include byler, severance (on appletv+), and dan & phil <3

i'm from england

my spotify is 'figflower' and: Here are my byler playlists!!

i never used to write analysis on film but thx byler tumblr because i've been missing out

if you were wondering, my favourite characters from stranger things are (in this order): will, mike, hopper and el <3 okay see ya

MY ANALYSES:

(i will update these as i make them. my more massive analyses are highlighted in blue)

This theoretical model of relationships + ST couples

Purposeful music choices and music titles

Will's understanding of Mike makes the audience root for Byler

Mike and Will and El cannot be replaced by a different gender - they are tied to a queer narrative w/ @stranger-feathers

All my Airport Scene Analyses

Mike has to be wrong about needing to love El

Elmike breakup vs Byler fight contrast

Phonegate canon or not canon? analysis

Colourgate is completely canon

Mike's bedroom detailed analysis

Will is not getting a new love interest in S5

How Mike treats El's letters vs. Will's art

Season 3 ending scene full analysis

Mike's conversation with El in the grocery store is queer coded

Byler parallels with other canon ships

Answering a mileven ask part 2: electric boogaloo

Answering a mileven ask part 1

Mike's self-sabotaging avoidance to incriminate himself

Silly queer coding jokes

The M&M Scene

Mike Wheeler's Promise

Will's 'I'm not gonna fall in love' is a bigger proof than you think

Confirmation that Mike jumping into the quarry was about Will

Milkvan's conflict, Byler, and the concept of understanding

Byler and the insane amount of Closet Imagery

Season 1 Mike is extremely queer-coded

The most important 'Will Voice' scene

What if Mike's gay from the beginning of S5 like Will in S4?

You're not delusional: What I noticed when I wasn't a byler

Thinking about the monologue…

Mike is clearly thinking about Will in the Snow Ball scene

Light is symbolic for truth = byler endgame

MY FICS:

My AO3 Account: miwiheroes

vibrant days (caution to the breeze) - 15,204 words

Mike and Will's relationship has been secret for 2 months. Neither of them want to bring it up, but things build and build until it becomes more of a burden than just a little mutual understanding. Will's growing up (and getting drunk) and it's impossible for Mike to stay in the same place forever, with words always on the tip of his tongue.

aka mike and will are hiding their relationship and avoid talking about hard subjects

is my timing that flawed? - 14,621 words

In the aftermath of a harrowing escape from the Upside Down, Mike and Will grapple with physical and emotional wounds. Faced with Will's new plan and doubt of what's real and what's not, Mike must confront reality and something that he had never been able to truly control.

aka wound cleaning fic + a devastating cliffhanger + Will not knowing what's real and what's not

it's rotten work (not to me. not if it's you) - 15,919 words

Ten years after everything, and Will hasn't been able to shake a debilitating fear of anything medical-related. So when the only option and smart thing to do is get a blood test from the hospital, Mike is sure to take the time to be there for him.

aka will needs a blood test but has a phobia of needles and mike takes time off work to support him

what you really want - 46,456 words

aka a s5 speculatory mike wheeler-centric fic about his internalised homophobia and a lot of moments where he's not so clever about his feelings with will

our hearts were singing - 13,724 words (incomplete)

aka karen invites mike and will over for christmas, but mike still hasn't told his whole family about his relationship, even after a year of them definitely not-so-platonically living together. maybe it's time.

you can't help but become the sun - 16,267 words

aka mike offers to be will's reference, they talk about mike's self-esteem issues, and more shenanigans with paint ensue

MY BYLER EDIT COMP ON YOUTUBE

Have fun! And if you don't ship byler ur allowed to interact but if you want to hate on it, please don't interact! I'll just delete any hate because I personally think there is no space for homophobia or negativity on my page.

You'll also find 0 byler doubt here. I don't want to worry people. So ily <3

[maritessa]

I wanted to make a "Would you love me if I was a worm" series for Twst but I got lazy so I'll just post the dialogue. If artists wanna try to draw this, go ahead but please tag me cause I wanna see.

Ships included:

MalleKei (Malleus x Cater)

SilKali (Silver x Kalim)

IdiAzu (Idia x Azul)

JamiFloi (Jamil x Floyd)

AceRid (Ace x Riddle)

Apple Juice (Epel x Deuce)

LeoJami (Leona x Jamil)

Lilia x Trein (help me give them a ship name)

Mallekei

Cater : Would you love me if I was a worm

Malleus: ??? I can just turn you back —

Cater: No, no no! It's about the principle! SO WOULD YOU LOVE ME???

Malleus: ... Sure???

SilKali

Silver: Apparently, Cater asked Lord Malleus about becoming a worm the other day

Silver: Is it a phenomenon that's been happening as of late?

Kalim: *got pulled by Scarabia students*

Students: Housewarden! We need some advice!

Silver: We have to be careful, Kalim *turns around and Kalim is gone*

Silver: Kalim? *Looks on the ground and sees a worm*

Silver: KALIM?! how could this happen

*Picks up worm and puts him in his handkerchief*

Silver: For now, let's make sure you don't get stepped on

Silver: I'll help you get back to your usual self, Kalim! Even if you're a worm, you're my precious friend!

*Kalim in the background*: I'm glad everything's sorted out then!

Silver: Yes, I'm glad I can still understand you even though you're a worm, Kalim....

Kalim: Eh? I'm right here tho?

Silver: Huh?

Kalim: Is your pet worm named Kalim?

Silver: No, actually— well, I'm glad you're safe.

Board game club

Azul: During the Housewarden meeting, Malleus and Kalim were talking about worms for some reason.

Idia: Yeah, it's a meme dude

Azul: Meme?

Idia: Ye, like you ask your significant other *ahem*

Idia: "Would you still love me even if I was a worm?"

Azul: No, I would not. First of all, when we agreed to this relationship, I agreed to it under the premise that we are both intellectual beings who are capable of doing things on their own. Secondly, I'd like to point out that being a worm would mean that you would have a completely different lifestyle, trait, quality of life —

Idia: .... I wasn't genuinely asking, bro. Why are you so serious about this lol

Azul: Shut up!

Basketball Club

Floyd: Jamil!!!!!

Jamil: ?

Floyd: Look at me I'm a worm!

*Does the worm dance move*

Jamil: Yeah, cool. (Why is he talking to me?)

Floyd: Do you love me now?

Jamil: Huh?

Ace: Lolol you're getting it wrong

AceRid

Ace: Housewarden! I finished feeding the flamingos

Riddle: Thank you, Ace.

Ace doesn't leave

Riddle: Is there anything else?

Ace: Hey, Housewarden. If I become a worm, would you still look out for me?

Riddle: Of course.

Riddle: However, you must be underestimating me. As queen, I'd protect you so you won't become a worm in the first place.

Ace: Y-yes, of course. I'm sorry for even considering it.

Apple Juice:

Epel: I got some apples from my hometown, Deuce.

Deuce: Thanks Epel.

Epel: Don't worry, I washed the apples so there won't be any worms.

Deuce: Worms have the luxury of always eating these apples, huh... I wish I was a worm

Epel: Pffft, I'll have to bring you more apples then

LeoJami

Jamil: (what's up with everyone and worms lately)

Leona: ... *Staring at Jamil*

Jamil: ... (why's he staring at me)

Leona: *pushes the vegetables on his plate away from him*

*Vegetables land on Jamil's side*

Jamil: (Why is he giving me vegetables?)

Jamil: I won't turn into a worm so no need for these!

Leona: Huh? What are you talking about

Jamil: (So it wasn't that after all)

Lilia Trein

Trein: it seems like the children are all talking about this "worm" phenomenon

Lilia: Yes, yes. Even my boys seemed excited over it

Trein: I wonder what the whole fuss is about. It's impossible for someone to just become a worm.

Lilia: Well, well. We aren't sure about that now, are we Trein?

Trein: ? Huh

Lilia: I'm just saying you never know what could happen *shrug*

Trein: ....

Lilia: I'll still come visit you like this even if you become a worm though *disappears*

[midnight-black2]

UAAHHSHWHEBW FINALLY SOMEONE WRITING FOR DOM READER😭

anyway can u write anything about Kai please 🥹 (I always thought he would be a perfect sub lol)

-𝘹𝘰𝘹𝘰

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐅𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐒

pairing : kai (from voyagers) x reader

synopsis : kai needs to be put in his place, and who better to do it than you?

disclaimers : sub!kai, dom!reader, degradation, handjob, masochist!kai (only a little), mean!reader, kinda fast pace (sorry)

note : i had to watch voyagers to make this, but it was so worth it because like why is kai so fine?? like he's an asshole, but a hot one. anyways, hope you like this !

kai had been acting like an ass-kissing, cock-sucking dickwad ever since richard died.

for some context, he sucked up to zach, the person you hated most out of the entire crew. he would laugh at all of zach's rather rude jokes, they would walk through the ship halls together, standing tall with unnecessary pride as if they were God or something. you weren't quite sure what was happening, but you knew it had to do with the blue.

kai was a smart, sweet boy. but that was before. he would cross his legs at the table, speak with manners, he would even service others at times, especially you. whether it was making a plate for you (he seemed to always know what you wanted to eat), or carrying heavy things for you. but that was before. all of it was before. before everyone stopped taking the blue. before richard died. before you all needed a new group leader.

it all went to shit.

every single little thing. there was no in between, you either followed all the rules, or broke all of them. you believed in balance, it was the only thing that keeps people sane, yet there was none. you had been going crazy for weeks. with all of the noise, the ferocity, the smell of sweat and sex, everything was so overbearing, and nobody did anything about it. so when kai got hit in the head as a result of a fight and there was a meeting called over it, you were fed up. blue got rid of the emotions, and now that there wasn't any blue, and the emotions were getting in the way of everything.

"i for one don't know if there is an alien," the girl spoke. you didn't know her name, all you knew was that she was constantly doing the right thing. she was a little boring, but you didn't hate her or anything. her eyes were lowered, not daring to look zach or christopher in the eye.

"who cares what you don't know," zach spoke, annoyedly. you clenched your jaw, couldn't he just let the girl speak?

"if we repair the damage we can watch the surveillance video and-" she was cut off by zach.

"shut your fat, puss-filled face," you scoffed. how low, even for him. you saw the way kai snickered, you felt like slapping the two of them then and there. you pinched kai's right thigh, giving him a look of warning. he looked over to you, he gulped, yet rolled his eyes anyway.

"i have a right to talk," she responded, finally looking zach in the eye.

"you talk enough as it is, you bloated wheezing blister," he countered, with a smirk. everyone started laughing, including kai. you felt your blood boil. she was only trying to make a point.

"zach, she can talk," christopher interfered.

"you shut up too," zach muttered. he went on, and it escalated. it almost ended in the same way the fight ended last time. it was all a blur--everyone split up. kai and half of the others followed behind zach. you had it with him. you gripped his arm harshly. you pulled him down the hall, luckily no one noticed the two of you leave.

"y/n," kai called, brows furrowed, he was a bit angry. "y/n, what are you doing?"

"shut up," you ordered, through gritted teeth. he quickly complied, his breath hitched. you went inside an empty sleeping quarter, shutting and locking the door.

"you've been such a fucking brat lately, kai,"

"y-you can't do anything about it," he replied, stuttering, voice shaky. he knew damn well you could. you had this odd sort of control over him he couldn't quite understand. with the snap of your fingers he would be on his knees, consciously or not.

"yeah? watch me," you challenged. you crossed your arms over your chest, your patience was growing thin. "strip."

"w-what?" he was shaking slightly, eyes flickering between your eyes and your lips.

"you heard me, strip." he listened. it seemed an ounce of obedience was still left in him--only for you, though. he started with his shirt, pulling it over his head. he was lean, toned. you couldn't help but stare, you would've smirked if you weren't so frustrated. he felt your eyes, they were gaping burning holes all over into his body.

he slowly unbuttoned his pants, pulling them down, leaving him in only his boxers. you walk over to him, and grip his raging hard-on.

"all you do anymore is think with your stupid cock," you spit out, looking him right in the eye. he let out a soft whimper. you swiftly backed him up against the nearest wall. you were surely manhandling him, but who was he to tell you not to? you pulled down his boxers, and they sat at his feet. he breathing picked up.

it was embarrassing, to say the least. he was naked and you were completely clothed. he felt so vulnerable, but it was even more embarrassing that he liked it. your hand wrapped around his cock, you squeezed quite harshly. you had forgotten how big he was, probably a good 8.5" when hard.

"fuck, y/n," kai groaned. did it hurt? yes. did it only enhance his pleasure? also yes.

"seriously kai? you get in a fight over a girl. you get hit in the head with a metal rod, yet you're over here whimpering like a bitch when i simply squeeze your dick? a little pathetic," you utter, a brow arched.

"please," he let out, subconsciously. he cursed himself internally, he knew you would only be harsher on him now.

"please what, kai? please fucking what? i don't feel like giving you shit. you take what i give you," you responded. you brought your fingers to his mouth, thumb prodding at his lips. "open."

he did as he was told, and allowed your fingers to explore his mouth. you pushed them as deep as they'd go before he gagged softly. he shut his eyes. as humiliated as he felt, your fingers were quite warm. you took them out, and he sort of disliked the absence of you digging around in his mouth. god, he thought he was so weird.

your hand returned to his cock, wrapping around it and pumping up and down quickly, without warning. he cried out, gripping your shoulder.

"goodness, look at you. wish someone would walk in right now. hear the way you moan and whine weakly. they'd figure out so quickly you're not quite as high and mighty as you make yourself out to be," you chuckle, looking at him writhe. although he was taller than you, it still felt as though he were underneath you.

"s-shit, y/n," he moaned, hips bucking. your free hand gripped his waist, keeping it pinned to the wall.

"stay still." you instructed, your hand on his cock speeding up a bit. kai's knees buckled, he felt his mind was mush, he was shaky and all thoughts of you consumed him.

"fuck y/n, i think im gonna cum," kai warned, opening his eyes to take a peek at you. he couldn't handle it. the way you looked so angry, so ready to snap him in half. if he kept looking at you, he would surely cum right that second.

"already? that's a little sad, don't you think?" you teased, hand on his waist making its way up his chest. you pinch his left nipple harshly, and he whimpers once again.

"oh my god," he moans. you could feel his entire body shaking and jolting with every move you made. "can i?"

"cum? i don't know. why should i even let you?" you asked, only wanting to hear him beg.

"please. fuck, please let me cum. i need to i really need to. i'm sorry! i'll-ill keep my mouth shut when you want me to," kai pleaded. you, at last, gave in.

"go ahead, cum," you said. he let go with a loud moan, anyone directly outside the door could probably hear. you moved to the side just in time so his mess wouldn't touch you.

"o-oh, fuck," he panted, sliding down the wall, sitting on the floor. you kneeled, your hand placed on his cheek.

"you learn your lesson?" you asked, smirking complacently.

"maybe." you rolled your eyes at his response, but couldn't help the smile that followed.

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒 © 𝐤𝐲𝐚-𝐢𝐬-𝐤𝐨𝐨𝐥

𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐲? 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐦𝐲 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞

[piko-rose]

It wasn't until the Knuckles Series trailer when I realized how much I love Sonic and Knuckles' dynamic.

Honestly, I'm just excited to see these two interact. I know the show's probably not gonna focus more on these two and more on Knuckles and Wade, but them interacting is something I NEED.

Especially since this is after Sonic 2 and they've become (brothers) friends after their confrontation and after Sonic finds out that what Knuckles been through as a child is the same as what Sonic himself went through.

I just wanted to talk about Sonic and Knuckles' growth in their friendship and in themselves and how it makes me feel at the moment because their relationship and brotherhood is gonna drive me crazy and I need to tell EVERYTHING.

Everything will be under the cut since it's gonna be one hell of a ramble post. (btw if you tag this as ship I'll sell your kneecaps to the dark web)

At the beginning of the movie, Sonic suddenly got a visit from his worst enemy that he thought was banished to the dreaded Mushroom hellscape. He didn't expect him to bring any company, however.

An Echidna. The same species who nearly took Sonic's life and took Longclaw's.

Sonic only knew these Echidna best from the day where he lost everything. He couldn't save Longclaw in time from the Echidna tribe. He did blame himself, but deep down he was also mad at the Echidna.

So it was understandable that Sonic wouldn't be so pleased to see an Echidna in his house.

It's one thing if Robotnik came back, but a random Echidna who swore to destroy Sonic at any cost? Sonic ain't having none of that.

The Echidna took away something dear to him once, he won't let it happen again.

There's just one problem: Knuckles is WAY too strong for Sonic. He may have the speed, but he didn't have the punches like Knuckles.

Clearly it was quite a terrifying moment for Sonic. He couldn't fight back against the Echidna and he even knew about Longclaw.

From his POV, it was all shocking. Of course later on in the movie, he finds out that the Owls and Echidna were at war for the longest time over the Master Emerald.

So it's no wonder that Knuckles is after Sonic, who was raised by Longclaw.

So the fact that Sonic and Knuckles thought they were both bad guys is actually pretty messed up, since the Owls were the bad guys to the Echidna as well, so Knuckles thought that Sonic was the bad guy too.

MAN-

And after learning more about the Master Emerald, it was Sonic (and Tails') mission to make sure the Emerald is safe and make sure Robotnik BUT ESPECIALLY KNUCKLES don't get their hands on it.

Everything about Knuckles is a mystery to Sonic. He doesn't know a lot about him. All he knows is that he's after a giant gemstone full of ultimate power.

The power to turn thoughts into reality.

And since Sonic knows that Echidna only want power to themselves and other selfish needs, at least according to him, he knew Knuckles has to be stopped. Robotnik included, but now there is a new threat.

A threat Sonic wished would never come back to his life.

Meanwhile with Knuckles himself...

Knuckles never really thought about sticking around with Robotnik. He only needed his help to find the hedgehog. But after overhearing about ultimate power, Robotnik insists to join Knuckles on his journey.

Knuckles doesn't know a lot about Robotnik and was a first skeptical, but he seemed to be trustworthy. If he wanted to help Knuckles restore power to his people, then he would have to believe that maybe forming an alliance with this man won't be so bad.

After all,

When was the last time Knuckles had a friend? When was the last time Knuckles trusted someone? When was the last time someone liked him, or looked after him?

After what happened to his people?

The closest family member he had was his father, who he and his tribe never came back after their battle. Knuckles was left there, waiting for them to come back.

It eventually dawned on him that they'll never come back.

For the longest time, he went off on his own to find this hedgehog, for vengeance. And to find the Master Emerald in time before he does. (I think he believed he was searching for the Emerald as well.)

Throughout his journey in the galaxy, he came across some trouble along the way. Some scavengers straight up take him away and put him in a Rise of the TMNT ass arena. (You know the one I'm talking about. 😉)

Apparently word goes around about how Echidna are, and Knuckles didn't like this at all. (He won against the beast in case you're curious.)

He did gain some assistance on helping him find the hedgehog, but he wouldn't call them his friends. They are only there to help him without a choice after all.

What caught his and the scavengers' attention was the energy surge that spread through the galaxy from this planet invested with mushrooms.

The first thing he finds is this bald man with weird clothes and a blue quill that looked awfully familiar. This man knows where the hedgehog is and where to find him.

For a while, Knuckles been on his adventure alone after loosing his family. He thought he was better off alone on his journey, but after meeting Robotnik, he never knew that he would befriend this man.

He seems to be smart and makes all kinds of machines, and even has a goat milker. (The king of Bi Men, Agent Stone) If Robotnik can help him find the hedgehog, and the Master Emerald, then Knuckles is fine with being friends with this man.

He never had a friend before, he only had a father. A friend sounds nice. Who wouldn't be friends with Robotnik?

Sonic and Knuckles' view of each other shifted slightly during this scene, in Siberia.

Knuckles is tired of Sonic messing around, saying that he knows nothing about him. All Sonic knows is that his tribe is most famous for ruining his life. (Ouch)

Knuckles didn't take that kindly, stating that he lost everything because of you. His people, his father.

The reason why Knuckles' journey is important to him right now, was his father's last words to him:

"Your moment to honor our tribe will come, but it was not this moment."

Hmmm... That's sound really familiar...

Wait a minute...

WAIT A MINUTE...

"There will come a time where your powers will be needed... But you don't choose that moment. That moment chooses you."

Tom Wachowski said that. Sonic's father.

Those words were similar to what Knuckles' father told him... before he died.

Sonic really didn't know Knuckles. At all.

Yes, what Knuckles is doing is pretty bad. He still assume that Knuckles is gonna use the Emerald for something awful.

But after hearing Knuckles' story on what happened to his people and his father... After what happened to all those Echidna and Longclaw... After figuring out that him and Knuckles' trauma share similarities... After figuring out that they both lost something so important to them...

Sonic just felt... devastated. (The second image even looked like he's on the verge of tears finding out this information. 🥺)

He had zero clue Knuckles went through all that, and just trash talked his tribe right there. Hearing his story just... broke his heart.

He, too, lost everything that day. They both lost everything that day.

Knuckles didn't have to hunt down Sonic because of all that but he did, because since he was technically on the Owl's side, Sonic was also "responsible" for the demise of his tribe.

Knowing that Knuckles believes this just hurts Sonic more. To make things worse, Tails attacked at the wrong time, giving Knuckles the belief that Sonic was tricking him.

At this point of the fight, I believe Sonic doesn't want to fight this guy. Yes, he's on Robotnik's side, but he wished he wasn't.

He knows Robotnik and Knuckles doesn't. Robotnik might mess with the Echidna and just make things worse for him. If he is his ally, the first one he had maybe, then it won't be pretty if Robotnik does something stupid.

Unfortunately, that's exactly what happens next.

The next time they meet was in the Labyrinth, right where the Master Emerald is. Knuckles is done with Sonic's crap, and Sonic is going to stop him.

Sonic really didn't wanted to fight him anymore, and just wanted him and Robotnik to leave the Master Emerald...

But he's not given much choice.

A big fight broke off between two powerful critters over the Emerald, meanwhile Robotnik sneaks off to get the Master Emerald into his grasp.

Thankfully, before things got messy, Sonic pointed out that Robotnik was stealing the Emerald, and this infuriates Knuckles.

This man. This deceiving man, wished to join his side to take out the hedgehog just to take the Emerald for himself.

Robotnik himself even mocked at the fact that Knuckles believed that he and Robotnik were friends. The first friend he ever had, and he straight up betrayed him.

And just like that, he takes the Emerald and leaves. (or Chaos Controlled I think...?)

The place begins to flood and Knuckles gets trapped underwater. Sonic, not okay with the fact he has to go in the water, AGAIN, jumps in anyways to save him.

He cannot let this guy drown. He went through too much crap and he can't let this happen to him. He doesn't care that they fought, he wanted to save him.

Eventually he did, but...

Sonic couldn't swim. He tried to reach out for Knuckles who was getting further and further away from him. He nearly drowned but at the right moment, Knuckles came back down to save him.

They both have a moment together on the beach, throwing sand at each other. XD

Knuckles was confused on why Sonic saved him, despite the fact he tried to destroy him. He says that being a hero isn't about taking care of yourself, instead it's about taking responsibility for other people. Words from his own father.

While Tails was on his way to save Sonic, Knuckles mentions how he and Sonic lost everything and wonders how despite that and failing, how did he kept going?

Simple. He found a new family. New friends. And he can too.

Learning about Knuckles' childhood, and knowing what he been through, and witnessing Robotnik's betrayal to him, it's clear that he need to do something for Knuckles.

He knows that Knuckles isn't the bad guy, he was just used for Robotnik's deeds. Knuckles only wanted what was best for him and his people.

But Sonic knows now what Knuckles really needs.

A family.

Knuckles lost his and so did Sonic. He doesn't want Knuckles to be alone again. He's been alone for too long just like Sonic. He offers Knuckles to join him on his adventure.

But he also wanted him to join his family.

Knuckles is quite surprised about the offer. It's understandable.

All they've been doing whenever they meet is fight, but after learning about themselves, after a small quiet talk with each other, Sonic just...

Smiles and offers his hand. He doesn't want him to be alone anymore.

Knuckles just looks at him. It look liked he was unsure about the offer for a split second. But he's thinking about it, as Sonic smiled at him.

After everything they've done to each other, Sonic is willing to help him out and give him everything he truly needed without even knowing what he truly needed.

Sonic, according to Knuckles, is a strange hedgehog, but has a heart of gold. He seems to be strong too after all this time. He lost everything, but he never gave up. Not even once, even when things get tough.

He gained a new family because of that.

Knuckles respects that. Mentally anyway.

It will take some time to process and adjust everything, but if what Sonic's saying is true, about not being alone anymore...

Then Knuckles believes him.

After taking the offer, a lot happened afterwards.

Him and Sonic and Tails fight against a giant Eggman Mech.

He gave Robotnik a taste of his medicine and retrieve the Master Emerald before him and Tails fall to the ground.

He and Tails witnessed Tom, Maddie and Sonic getting crushed by Robotnik, before seeing that Sonic absorbed the power of the Emeralds.

Tries to protect Tom and Maddie from a possible corrupted Sonic, but then gets slapped by a chili dog.

He and his newfound friends made a vow to protect the Master Emerald.

And plays baseball for the first time with his friends and goes out for victory ice cream.

It's safe to say that Sonic and Knuckles' friendship means a lot to me than I thought. With the Knuckles series coming out, I am excited to see what will happen between them.

It's clear that it will be just older and younger brother shenanigans and I am all here for it.

I love their dynamic a lot, but now I'm a little obsessed with them at the moment. Their origins and their differences and how they grew together is really special to me.

I love Sonic and Tails' dynamic but Sonic and Knuckles' is something I never really thought of a lot until now.

Every time I watch Sonic 2, I just feel so happy for Knuckles now that he's got friends and family who love him and look out for him.

In fact, after watching Sonic 2 for the first time, almost two years ago, I loved Knuckles a lot. I used to think he was a fine character. I enjoy his character, but after watching the movie, he became one of my top 10 favorite characters.

I love him so much and I cannot wait to see more of my favorite version of Knuckles, and more of Sonic and Knuckles' interactions.

[idea-less-author]

I'm rewatching Doctor Who, and first of all, I forgot how much I not only loved this show but also Rose Tyler as a whole. Also nine needs more love. Anyway, I just finished episode 1×6 Dalek, and all I could think was how interesting it would have been if the Dalek survived and joined the time traveling duo. Walk with me a second.

We all known the Daleks, what they're like, what they are, what they've done, what they're capable of. But, this Dalek has spared 2 human lives. It's just kinda meandering with Rose questioning everything. It just wants freedom, but what does that mean really? The Doctor comes in and threatens it, sees that it's changed due to Rose's DNA, and is feeling something other than hate for the first time in it's existence. It's no longer a true Dalek, but it's still alone. It asks Rose for it's final orders. And, what if, she says no. And doesn't change her mind.

This is the first time the Dalek has ever felt the full spectrum of emotions. Of course it's over whelmed. It's neever felt anything more then maybe anger and hatred and now there are so many new things to feel.

Grief for what it once was and for all it once knew, fear of all of the unknown ahead, I'm sure some guilt for not only what it has done, but for even allowing itself to be changed in the first place. It gained human emotions for the very first time, moments after finding out that it was alone, and after being tortured for who knows how long. It's standing with the being that ended the time war by massacring both of their people, and the woman who' s DNA changed you so fundamentally that you know longer know what you even are. You're feeling sunlight for the very first time. That does not sound like a being that should be making life changing/ending decisions at that moment.

So, what if Rose refuses to give that final order. She recognizes all of the above. She's a lover, she's compassionate, she's emotionally intelegent. She doesn't like the suffering of anyone, including her enemies, but death would not be her first answer. It hasn't been before, it wasn't after, so why this time?

No, what if instead Rose chose to be kind to the Dalek by being a bit crule, and refusing it's request to die. Instead she convinces the Doctor to bring him aboard the ship. She picks the Dalek up, right out of the exoskelton, and not only gives the Dalek, it's first ever physical contact, but a new home. (I understand that the Dalek is squid-like and slimey but honestly I don't know how much Rose would care about that when trying to show compassion. Hell she tried to show compassion by carressing the Dalek earlier in this very episode.)

Nine would not be thrilled with these developments. You want to bring one of the creatures that helped end his people, terrorized the Universe, and is the reason that his alone, onto HIS Tardis? Are you mad? And they would bicker a bit. Shouting would happen, and the Dalek might even be on the Doctor's side. But I think in the end Rose would look at Nine with her big doe eyes, passionate about life in the way that she always is, and he would cave. He would be upset and cross (with himself mostly), but he would let Rose bring it onto his ship. I mean the Dalek has changed, and let's be real, he's the reason the Daleks alone, as well as himself. He had his reasons, but do they even matter at this moment? With this Dalek?

Now the next episode does take place near immediately after this one on station 5 and whatever, but even with the Dalek I think that the adventure with what's his name (I can't be bothered to look it up atm but you know the guy) can go much of the same as it did. The Dalek get's let on the Tardis recovering from it's ordeal, rethinking everything, and what the implications for it are now that everything is different. I think all of the Canon episodes for this season are much of the same too, just add a couple of new adventures showing the Dalek what life can be now with a full sectrum of emtions. And because it got these emotions from Rose, probably a shit-ton of compassion. I also think that it would start to build itself a new mechsuit, or whatever you want to call it. But this time, it has more uses then just death, destruction, and conquering.

The Dalek and the Doctor would have a whole frenemies thing. The Doctor doesn't trust the Dalek because it's a Dalek, and the Dalek knows that the Doctor should be it's number one enemy. But, they are cohabitating. And Rose wants things to work out, so they try to not be hostile. But every now and again, they find themselves... talking. Specfically when the Dalek is working on it's new suit, the Doctor will, help? Tbh it starts out with him being extreamly suspicious of the Dalek and wanting to keep an eye on it. Which leads to helping, segestions, being a sound board. And if I'm being honest, if it were a someone other than Nine I would say that this would be the time he notices what's happening and go and skulk around for a it before the cycle happens again, but I honestly think Nine would notice, and just continue on. Get to know the Dalek. Trust in Rose. At some point I do think that the Dalek chooses a name for itself, at Roses prompting. No idea what, but just another way that the Dalek changes and differenciates itself from the rest.

Now while this is all happening, they are still going on the rest of the adventures in the season. Jack joins the T.A.R.D.I.S. team. I think he'd kinda love a Dalek that's no longer a Dalek, who wants to live life, and maybe do some good for once. He joins the building sesions. Rose is there, it started off as her chaperoning The Doctor and The Dalek, but it just became hanging out and providing commentary fairly quickly. They're all having a grand time. It's strange, but it's theirs. Then Station 5 part 2 happens. The Doctor, Jack, and Rose get yoinked into their respective game shows. Rose gets disitegrated. Their Dalek and the T.A.R.D.I.S. are found and The Doctor and Jack are mourning. Their Dalek knows something is off. They figure out that the Daleks are back. They go to the Emperor.

Now I can't quite decide if Our Dalek would even be tempted by the emperor or not. Maybe at first? but It's changed so much. The Emperor likely wants nothing to do with It anyway because It's no longer a True DalekTM. And Our Dalek has changed so much. SEEN so much. Has been cared for by Rose Tyler, which we all know is a life chaging experience.

Once again I'm not entirely sure how the fight against the Daleks end for Their Dalek. It gets sent with Rose to protect her while everyone else fights and dies against the Daleks. It help Rose get back. Or It stays behind with Jack and The Doctor, completly fine with sacrificing it's life to save humanity as long as Rose is safe. If we go that route there are several ways you can go from there. It dies fighting what it once had been a hero. It dies, and comes back like Jack. In that case I think that It would continue on with Jack as a companion. Or maybe It goes It's own seperate way from Jack after resuraction. It lives, no need to be resurected. It could continue on with The Doctor and Rose. It could be left behind with Jack. It could stay behind with Jack. It could decide to go separate ways from the Doctor and Rose (I don't think Ten would be as tolerant of Our Dalek and It would sense that, so It goes on it's own adventures. Or maybe it goes and finds Jack after The Doctor becomes Ten.) Idk So many ways that it could go and I like a lot of them. I think bringing It back like Jack and letting them Travel together is my favorite.

I was just overtaken with this idea and had to share. I have no idea if this had been done broe, I'm sure it has, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯. I just started rewatching and it's over taken me. I'd love to hear other people's thoughts.

[givehimthemedicine]

lumax as a premature relationship

first: I don't mean any of this like "the show shouldn't have done it". what I mean is that with lumax, ST is telling the story of a relationship whose flaw (if it can be summarized into just one) is that it happened too soon.

probably out of comparison to milkvan, and the delay of canon byler, lumax gets lauded as the wholesome ship based on true friendship that slowly blossomed into romance. but that's not accurate. Lucas is a good friend to Max, but Max isn't to Lucas, and it certainly wasn't slow.

even platonic lumax should've been a slow simmer but was a speed run

the newly-introduced Max has high walls, which suggests anyone who wants to get close to her will have to take a slow approach. but then before you know it, Lucas is just kinda. in there.

yes, it takes him most of the season to earn Max's trust, which sounds long, but isn't. the first time Lucas and Max ever spoke was Halloween, Wednesday. the arcade I think is Saturday, and the junkyard is the day after that? so she broaches the darkest subject in her life... 4 days after meeting him. with like. zero prompting. "that fog looks cool! btw my parents are divorced and..."

Max's walls are only so high because of how badly she wants to let someone in, so it's understandable that the right person could get in relatively fast. I have no problem with that trope. sucker, in fact. but opening up here was CRAZY for someone with huge trust issues:

you have to be careful who you confide in about abuse because if your confidant mishandles it so that your abuser finds out you told, things could get MUCH worse. she simply doesn't know Lucas well enough to know he won't accidentally put her in more danger (which actually he already did: by following her out of the arcade after she said not to, and again by showing up at her house).

this talk was moments before Max saw a demodog, meaning she's gone along with the supernatural story without any evidence. I'm not criticizing that; she's a kid who likes fantasy, wants friends really bad, and isn't above playing make-believe in order to be included. what bothers me is she confided in Lucas about her abuse BEFORE seeing a shred of proof this entire outing wasn't the elaborate prank she feared it was. in the infinitely more realistic scenario that these boys are just messing with her, and will ditch her after they've had their laugh, this could so easily have led to a much darker situation at home.

the timing of that conversation was so objectively, stupidly unsafe that I'd call it bad writing if it was an isolated incident. but, self-preservation instincts so terrible they can sometimes be better explained as elf-sabotage - that's just classic Max.

romantic lumax seemed kind of forced because as a new kid in town, all Max wanted was friendship

the snow ball is about a month after everything else. Max and Lucas don't seem to be a couple yet. it doesn't even look like they're dates. so to kiss him suddenly felt like another jump way ahead. he sure looked surprised.

I guess a month is a while when you're 13, but the romantic aspect felt rushed to me because the whole season is full of indications that Max only wanted friendship. and that's made super clear by her constant focus on group friendship. her dialogue throughout 2 is consistently group-oriented.

her behavior is too: as of Halloween, Max has Lucas and Dustin in her pocket. if she's crushing on Lucas, or enjoys attention from boys in general, why on earth would she go out on such a limb seeking Mike's acceptance after she already has what she wants?

because that's not what she wants most. she wants to belong to the whole group, like she keeps saying. (I'm going to ramble much more about this theme in another post soon)

Max continues to prioritize friendship / group activities even after lumax becomes a thing

a few examples:

lumax's idea of "romantic time" can include their friends, in contrast to milkvan prioritizing alone time.

Max (and Lucas) drop 1 on 1 time (washing out his eyes is a scene that's an easy kiss opportunity for your standard tv teen couple) in favor of a long trek in the sun to build a radio tower so Dustin can talk to a girl she doesn't believe exists. Max and Lucas do skip off together, but again in contrast to El and Mike who leave early to make out, they only leave because it's time to go home.

^that's the same Max who tagged along and earnestly participated in armoring up a junked schoolbus to fight monsters without any proof.

despite downsizing for trailer living, she kept the Michael Myers mask in memory of the first night she felt like a part of the party.

unlike others who yell for their loved one from the UD, Max calls out for Lucas and Dustin.

her life-saving montage includes many platonic as well as romantic moments.

alright killjoy, if Max only wanted friendship, how's it make sense that SHE initiated all the romantic stuff?

ST is not a universe where grabbing someone's hand in a tense moment is necessarily an indicator of romance. Dustin said he could feel "the electricity" when Lucas and Max held hands on the bus, but then, Dustin also ships stobin.

the kiss, I could actually come closest to calling a writing misstep because.. it wasn't written. it feels forced because it was, as a last-minute unscripted thing - not because the Duffers decided it fit Max's characterization, but purely because they thought it was funny how uncomfortable Sadie was with filming her first kiss. <- this interview is actually so gross.

but, that kiss is canon regardless of how I feel about bts lore, and it fits and it works in the sense that this is the story of a flawed relationship. Max initiated it despite not being ready for it, simply because she thought she was.

Max's childhood fears about bad relationships have made her overeager to prove a good relationship can exist. so the first time a boy is actually kind to her, she's like OH SEE LOVE IS REAL I DONT HAVE TO GROW UP TO BE MY MOM LET'S GOOOO and hurls herself into something she's not mature enough to realize she's too immature to execute well.

if that kiss was so misguided, how's it still Max's happiest memory?

there's no conflict there.

she grew up around terrible relationships and probably feared she was destined for the same, so to find a nice boy like Lucas must have given her such incredible relief and hope. in her young mind, that dance was her happily ever after. you never forget how good a moment like that felt, regardless of how well reality lived up to it.

that said. can I point out that reality hasn't lived up to it?

Max choosing the moment lumax began, as opposed to any moment from the year-and-change of its actual contents... might be less good the more you think about it. like. she doesn't describe this as her favorite memory. she says it's the time she was happiest. in other words, she hasn't been as happy before or since.

that kiss marked lumax's moment of greatest potential, which I think is what made Max so happy. not the relationship she's actually gotten so far.

mmkay and then what do I do about the fact Max STILL wants to date Lucas?

once again, Max is the one who makes things overtly romantic by doodling a picture of them holding hands. but as you may know from my recent lumax diatribe, I don't see how the ship is seaworthy at present.

so the top layer of my interpretation is that Max is still operating under the same ideas that caused her to kiss Lucas in the first place. she's not thinking about how it'll work; she just wants. this is fast-forward Max again. it's a similar moment of hope to the snow ball kiss. romance with Lucas once again looks like her lifeline out of an awful situation.

the layer underneath that is less fluffy:

Max might've accepted this invite in as much an "I might die tonight so it won't hurt to make some lighthearted plans for the future, he did just save my life so why hurt his feelings for no reason" way as anything else. I don't mean her affection is fake. she just might consider the movie date a pipe dream.

consider that her attic monologue happens only a couple minutes after the doodle, and shows that her suicidal ideations are barely behind her. like, the wanting-to-die part is just bait at this point I think, but the deserving-to-die sentiment still feels fresh and sincere.

consider that Max so recently scolded Lucas for assuring her things would work out because that's "never true" in her life... and now here she is drawing a doodle of things working out.

sure, this could be a girl who's thinking "yes!!! ✅ Attending Event! I genuinely expect to be alive, deserving of love, and in the mood for romance this Friday!" but to me, it honestly seems more like a girl thinking "God, I wish."

btw the doodle would've been perfect as the advent of romantic lumax, imo

if lumax had grown slowly out of a healthy mutual friendship, Max really could be ready right here.

imagine: s2, Max earns her place in the party, but to grow especially close friends with Lucas takes a year; the bus talk happens in s3. we can tell their friendship is starting to want to become more. depression interferes in s4. but their bond helps pierce the fog, and they protect each other from Vecna/Jason.

you hit me with the movie doodle after THAT buildup? adorable, precious, showstopping. at that point, that date could've been their happily ever after. <- this is what people think it is already!

lumax is one of many flawed relationships (and that's okay)

another sign that lumax is supposed to be flawed is its place in the larger pattern of flawed relationships: parallels with other characters and ships.

Max and El in particular share a similar stumble into their relationships: both bond with the first boy to treat them with kindness, and throw themselves into a relationship that actually costs them the friendship they should've had with that boy.

and all the party relationships illustrate different friendship/romance progressions:

lumax is the story of a romance that should've been a friendship first/also and isn't going to succeed til it gets this right

byler will be the story of a romance that was a friendship first and will succeed by remaining one also (or so the themes and patterns suggest)

mileven is the story of a romance that should've been a friendship instead.

literally all of ST's relationships, including the endgame romances, have flaws that are intentional and meant to be explored. in fact that's like... most of what the show is. and most fans can readily admit that about all of them, until they get to lumax, which they think is uniquely meant to be perfect and is flawed only in its writing. this view strips lumax from its broader context and ignores many lessons it's there to teach us about ST's overarching themes.

understand: my aim in pointing out lumax's flaws is not to persuade anyone to enjoy it less or stop shipping it!

flaws don't mean you aren't allowed to like a thing. if anything, it makes them way more interesting to discuss, and more compelling to root for/against. we don't have to pretend our characters are perfect in order to enjoy, ship, and learn from them.

more on all this coming soon in another post exploring different types of love in the Max plot!

[sistersorrow]

Finished Harrow the Ninth a couple hours ago

I'm not a reviewing type, so I'm just gonna include a bunch of things that made me have reactions and other miscellaneous things about my experience with the book

I don't care what Gideon says, the waters may be choppy, but the Harrow x Ianthe ship ain't sunk yet

TV Tropes is a godsend for me, cause it wasn't until I read the Foreshadowing page that I remembered a bunch of details I'd completely forgot about

I didn't bother to actually google how you pronounce Ianthe until 300 pages into the second book

People sold Gideon the Ninth as "lesbian necromancers in space" but Harrow the Ninth is the one where Harrow and Ianthe are both down horrendous

I had a vague inkling that The Locked Tomb was set in our future just because there were nine houses on nine planets and the Ninth House sounded like Pluto, but I did not expect this to be all but confirmed through a 10,000 year old immortal necromancer referencing the "It's for church honey" Facebook post and God himself mentioning None Pizza Left Beef

This does not however explain not 10,000 year old Gideon referencing Llamas in Hats

No one is allowed to say they Fucked Nasty Style anymore unless it involved cutting off your partner's arm and replacing it with a necromanticly animated bone one

The author confirmed on Reddit that partway through writing that scene she realised how sexually charged it felt and ran with it

My pronouns are She/ cause I'll never be Her (toxic immortal lich wife Ianthe, who killed a man and ate his soul to attain unlimited power and get her face on posters)

The author has stated that Ianthe is a very intentional Draco in Leather Pants character with the core differences being that she's a woman and as a sense of humour, which is why she is in fact Best Girl

I was left wondering if I'd imagined all the memes being referenced cause TV Tropes didn't make mention of a single one, so I checked the Locked Tomb subreddit to make sure I had not performed The Work on myself

If there are any Homestuck references, I didn't notice, cause I have expunged most of my knowledge of it

Dad jokes are the pinnacle of all humour

The Emperor is really bad at gaslighting

Harrow may have died with the last thing she ever saw being a nudie mag that doesn't exist, which is just hilarious

Ianthe did everything wrong, and that's why she's the best

Reading this book has reminded me I'm very bad at picking up on foreshadowing, hence scrolling through TV Tropes right after finishing the book

That threesome is the most uncomfortable I've been in weeks, which makes it good writing

I'm probably gonna read the short stories next then start Nona the Ninth sometime next week