#i’m a c*t anti through and through

[buddiesronance]

will forever hate the writers for making spencer kiss the person who mentally ab*sed him 😐

[deus-ex-mona]

mfw my self rbs stopped showing up in my notification things

[dreamerinthemoonlight]

Genshin as Boyfriend HCs: Part One (Kaeya, Xiao, Thoma)

Fuck it. I think if I work on my original project any longer I’m going to scream bloody murder. I am realizing that a post apocalyptic (taking the world population down to a couple million level apocalypse) story that doesn’t take place in the chaos/murder/destruction/warlords/shit just hit the fan time period is incredibly difficult. Especially since I’m generally anti-shortcut. How do I solve being overwhelmed? Fluffy Head canons. Because the Genshin guys live rent fee in my brainpan. Let’s see... Kaeya, Xiao, and Thoma. Please be kind on Xiao and Thoma. I don’t know Xiao very well and have only written for each of them once

GN reader

Fluff under the cut

Kaeya

I know we head canon Kaeya as a huge tease--which he is, ain’t gonna lie--but I think he’d be crazy sweet

High up on the level of most observant boyfriends ever. Wait... That’s most every one on my “Genshin character’s I will write for” list hehe

But no, seriously, he pays attention and even though he’s a tease, he’d definitely know where to draw the line

Also as charming as he is, I bet it backfires sometimes

I bet he picked you up for a date early on in your relationship and cuz he’s charming as fuck, he gave you roses

One problem, I don’t think he’s the most experienced with relationships. It’s the whole secrets thing, ya know.

SO I can see him being super excited, but hiding it really, really well

Until he gave you those roses I mentioned. Roses made using his vision. Roses that melted in your hands because he was so excited and wanted to impress you so much he didn’t think it all the way through

Any passerby died laughing. You just give him a look like “really, Kaeya? Really?” 

Though there’s a chance you both start laughing, because Kaeya just isn’t the kind to take that hard. He’s embarrassed, but he laughs.

You like to bring this up every now and then just to get a reaction out of him (It’s fucking hilarious)

After that he’s a bit more successful

Still extremely sweet and supportive despite his charm

PDA is definitely a thing, unless you’re super uncomfortable with it--which he will pick up

In private, he’s always touching you. Tucking a strand of hair behind your ear, brushing shoulders, he just likes the physical contact

Xiao

Xiao and dating

That’s a hard one. I mean, he makes me seem like a successful extrovert which I am not

I think you two would be a very private couple, in large part because he is a very introverted private person

But you respect this and don’t push him too hard

Dates often consist of hanging out on a rooftop or somewhere else quiet

I think the two of you do a lot of hand holding or linking pinkies, things that are subtle, but soft and meaningful all the same. 

The fact that he’s willing to do so, and eventually seeks it out makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside

Speaking of dates

He definitely went to Zhongli for advice and followed that advice to the T

You two had a very traditional Liyue style date. Which you enjoyed. You appreciated that he put in so much effort and went so far despite his introversion and discomfort around people---it really makes you want to go the extra mile too On a side note, someone please update Zhongli on dating practices. I know he’s aware of what goes on in Liyue, but I can’t see him being totally up to date. 

After that you do a lot of the planning, making sure to take both of your preferences into account, which he appreciates

Despite his introversion and strong boundaries, which take time to get through, he’s always there for you and ever so slowly he starts to let you be there for him

Thoma

This guy is what you call on top of it

Of the three I think he’s the only one who really hits his stride from the get go

He managed to take you on a date even you didn’t think you would want

Flowers, dinner, nice sunsets, it’s no wonder he’s so well regarded by Ayato and Ayaka

On a day to day basis, the guy is busy, but he still makes time for you whenever he can

He’s definitely the kind to randomly sweep, mop, and just take care of extra chores around the house while you’re off on some sort of adventure, not just because he wants to support you but because he really enjoys cleaning. And it’s not like you’re going to complain

On his days off you’re definitely his first choice for company

Definitely take you to see the cats outside of Inazuma City

It’s a very domestic relationship

There’s not a ton of PDA, because he is a figure so strongly associated with the Kamisato Clan, but he really does like to hold hands, ruffle your hair, little stuff like that

At home, after a day of cleaning and serving Ayato and Ayaka, he’s happy to sit and cuddle with you, talking or not talking

And if you fall asleep on him, he’ll definitely let you stay there for a bit, watching the play of dreams on your face he’s smitten before picking you up and tucking you in bed. 

He actually likes it when this happens because it means you trust him enough to completely let your guard down

Actually, he’s done the same to you a few times. After a long day he’ll fall asleep on you, though carrying to bed is more like dragging a rock because he’s tall

After the first time you decided that you’d either wake him up and move him of just leave him and fall asleep too

It’s just all so domestic

[bucky-barnes-diaries]

That Walk

Pairing || TFATWS!Bucky x Female!Reader

Summary || That walk. That goddamn walk of his that’s laced with [s]ex and confidence. Fuck, you can’t get enough of it.

Word Count || 524

Contents & Warnings || Smut, Fluff — [N]SFW, 18+ Only, Minors DNI, [e]xplicit content/language, [h]orny thoughts, alluding to [s]exual activities.

Authors Note || My submission for the One-Word Drabble @the-slumberparty My word is “walk”. A little bit of a different style of fic than I usually do, but I enjoyed it! Apologies for no readmore function on this. The gifs above just screws up the text below.

TFATWS!Bucky Masterlist

You and your boyfriend Bucky planned to meet up in the park today for some coffee, cakes, and adventure.

You were waiting for him on a bench amongst the busy crowd—wearing a summer dress. The sun [k]issed your exposed [s]kin—making you feel warm and relaxed.

That was until you spotted him—and that relaxed exposure turned into need and fantasies.

Oh. My God! That walk. That goddamn walk of his.

The way he walked was Godlike. The kind that had [p]anties and [u]nderwear drop within a mile radius.

Your heart started racing, your mouth [s]alivating, and your [s]kin ignited in delicious tingles as you examined all of him.

Power, confidence, and [d]ominance were evident in his posture, in his every stride, as he walked, trying to locate you.

His arms swung back and forth with each step he took—so much ease in them. His fists balled up at his sides.

His [c]hest was puffed out, and his shoulders were broad as he swayed with each move he took.

His groin tightened against his jeans with each foot he took forward—no secret that he was absolutely packing in those pants.

His mouth remained in a thin line. His eyes narrowed as he searched around for you. His expression made him look rugged and [h]ard—so [s]exy beyond belief.

You had to stifle a whimper as you felt the ache and need in your [p]ussy—[t]hrobbing, [b]egging, yearning for his riveting [t]ouch—[t]ongue, fingers, and [c]ock.

If people weren’t around, you would have snaked your hand into your [p]anties and played with yourself.

As soon as he spotted you, the contrast between his demeanor before and now was massive. The man that previously exuded [s]ex and [s]in turned into a boy seeing his crush for the first time—mannerisms softening, and his face beamed bright with love and joy.

“Hi, doll!” He cheered.

As he walked over, you got up to your feet, [l]egs unsteady as you were still spellbound by his magic.

He hummed as he towered over you and cupped your cheek, leaning down to [k]iss the other before pressing a captivating one to your [l]ips. He lingered there for a moment, making you dizzier, before pulling away.

Your face was stunned—[l]ips slightly parted, and eyebrows shot up. And he noticed, furrowing his eyebrows.

“What is it, doll?”

“I-I… yo-your walk.”

“My what?”

“Your walk… fuck, it’s so [s]exy,” you breathe out.

“Is that so?”

His previous hold on you—soft and endearing—turned into a [r]ousing and demanding one. He palmed your [a]ss and pulled your flush into his broad [t]orso, ignoring the [d]irty looks from the strangers.

He leaned his head down, brushing his [l]ips against your ear. His warm breath fanned the sensitive [s]kin of your neck, making goosebumps erupt all over you. You purred in approval of his intoxicating [t]ouch.

“Fuck this date then,” he hummed, making you shiver, “let’s go home, and I’ll walk for you like that there, [n]aked.”

Oh God…

Thank you for reading 🖤 Feedback through a comment is highly appreciated! Or let me know through an anonymous ask if that feels more comfortable. As well as a reblog to share my work with other people!

Follow @bucky-barnes-diaries-library and turn on notifications to never miss out on my writing!

Apologies for the [ ] on some words! I’m testing it out to see if I can evade getting a Label put on this.

[thebellearchives]

hello ^_^

can you write something for solomon saying this to mc? 13."When you laugh like that, it just - you're so beautiful, you know that?" for mc who is insecure about their teeth ♡

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐑𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐒

~ solomon ; obey me

✧˚ · . S Y N O P S I S : your insecurities may nag at the back of your head before going on your first date with your magic teacher, but turns out you won’t have to worry about it at all

‧₊˚ c o n t e n t s : gn!mc, fluff

‧₊˚ a / n : the way i wish this would happen to me 🥲 thank you for requesting anon hope you like it ! 🥰

prompt list

You checked yourself in the mirror for the millionth time in the last fifteen minutes. The nerves were eating away your insides, and your hands would constantly flutter around your face to make sure you were perfect for the night. A sigh left your lips in an attempt to calmn down, staring at your own reflection in the mirror. You tried to smile to yourself, but immediately regretted it. You just looked… so weird. But you shook your head once again and picked up your things. It’s okay, it’s fine, as long as you smiled without showing your teeth you could make it through the night.

Making your way towards the House of Lamentation’s entrance, you happened to run into Lucifer.

“MC?” he seemed surprised when his eyes met you “where are you going?”

“I’m going out with Solomon, remember?”

He frowned in confusion, blinking a couple of times and inspecting your pretty and thought out outfit.

“For… sorcery class, I assumed.”

Suddenly the doorbell rang, you finally let out al the air you had been holding from the moment Lucifer had stopped in front of you.

“Give Beel my dinner! And don’t wait up for me, okay?” quickly you made your way past him, staring at the floor.

“Wait-”

“I also heard Belphie and Satan were having an Anti-Lucifer League meeting so you might wanna check that out?”

Lucifer sighed loudly, he closed his eyes and pressed the bridge of his nose between his thumb and index.

“Fine, but don’t come home after-”

“Bye!”

You opened the door and hurried outside as quickly as you could. When you closed it right behind you, you were met with with the sight of your magic teacher standing in front of you, his lovely and shiny eyes raising up to meet yours.

“MC” he smiled.

Oh god. He was wearing a nice, black button up shirt, the cuffs were rolled up and the first button undone. Nice dress up trousers and fancy black shoes. His white hair was still a bit damp, and you could faintly perceive the smell of cologne and shampoo. The butterflies inside of you almost clogged up your throat and your blood rushed to tint your cheeks with a soft pink colour.

“Solomon” a soft smile appeared on your lips.

“You’re ready?”

“Yes, let’s go”

Solomon offered you his hand and you took it without hesitation. That was the start of the most wonderful date you had ever been in your life. The sorcerer had picked up the perfect restaurant with the perfect food, there wasn’t any awkward silences or stupid small talk, just smooth sailing conversations, flirty comments here and there that would make your heart flutter in your chest and charming smiles that would leave you melting on your seat. You found yourself getting lost in those silvery eyes of his, in that ring of copper arround his pupils, while he told you about that time Simeon had asked his phone to fold laundry when he heard you could ask anything to the virtual assistant. The story had made you laugh, and as he went on telling you about funny occurrences that happened daily in Purgatory Hall you couldn’t stop laughing.

“That’s ridiculous” you cleaned up the tears from you eyes with the back of your hand after you had calmed down “but still I can promise you it’s not half as chaotic as the days in the House of Lamentation”

“Yeah, I bet” resting his chin on his hand, his gaze rested lovingly on you, a cute smile on his lips.

“What’s up?” you chuckled, he didn’t seem to want to say anything else.

“When you smile, when you laugh like that, it’s just… you're so beautiful, you know that?”

Your eyes went wide. It was true, you had been laughing all night with no regard of your grin, and yet… did Solomon just say he liked your smile? Had he just called you beautiful?

A sweet feeling of comfort made it’s home in your chest, your face became flushed once again. If the one person you were head over heels for liked your smile, then did you really have anything to be afraid of for the rest of the night? He liked you just the way you were, insecurities and all.

“Thank you Sol, you’re really so sweet” a smile brightened your face.

[ateezscupid]

Hello is it ok if I can please request idol!hongjoong x idol trainee! Reader who for their audition does antifragile and just completely has hongjoong mesmerized with the way their body moves while dancing

﹟𝗛𝗜𝗦 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗘 ⋆ 𝗄.𝗁𝗃 𝗑 𝗀𝗇!𝗋𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋

𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗭 𝗠𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 / 𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧

plot - you auditioned as a trainee for kq ent., and practiced your dancing in front of hongjoong, not knowing you'd have him falling head over heels for you.

warn - fluff, that's it!

w/c - n/a

𝗧𝗔𝗚S - @felixs-voice-makes-me-wanna @starillusion13 @mingitheskzstan

“okay, next!” yelled a staff member from the room. it was your turn to dance in front of hongjoong; to prove you were kq material and to prove you had the talent to become a kpop idol.

to be completely honest, you were scared out of your mind. there was no way you were going to be accepted. it was a bad mindset to have but you couldn’t think of anything else, you were terrified. dancing in front of your idol, dancing in front of the man you’ve looked up to even before his group debuted.

you stumble to your feet and brush yourself off before you stepped inside. standing in the room as well was hongjoong, yunho, san, and a few of kq’s staff members. you didn’t know you were going to be dancing in front of this many people, but you had to push through.

“introduce yourself, then tell us what dance you’ll be doing.” yunho said with crossed arms against his chest.

it almost felt like you were dreaming seeing them in person. no makeup on, no flashy outfits, just sweats and a t-shirt with bare faces and baseball caps. you felt like you were going to collapse when yunho spoke to you. he was much bulkier in person than how he looked on your phone. his shoulders were more broad and — in general, he looked like a giant compared to you.

it wasn’t any different with san either. he was shorter than yunho, obviously, but he was still bulkier than you imagined. you almost felt a little nervous having to dance in front of him. the choi san. the man who’s dancing is top tier, you could never reach his level. though, your plan wasn’t to reach his level, but it didn’t matter. all in all, you were nervous and afraid to dance.

then came hongjoong. he was so much prettier with his bare face, and in real life, you felt like you were staring at a porcelain doll. his pretty eyes, pretty lips, just in general his pretty face could’ve brought tears to your eyes. he wasn’t as bulky as the others, but he was still somehow bigger and taller than you, which was a shocker since he was the shortest out of the bunch. the way he sat in the corner, eyes appearing at the very edge of his baseball hat as he looked at you, you wanted to pounce on him right there and then.

but, stay focused. this was a once in a lifetime moment and you weren’t possibly going to give it up or ruin it because you were too mesmerized by the members. you cleared your throat and took a deep breath. your nervousness was visible.

“i’m y/n l/n, and i’m—i-i’m gonna perform anti-fragile by lesserafim.” your hands were behind you as you rocked back and forth slightly. picking a kpop song to dance to at an audition might not have been the smartest idea, but it was the only dance you knew you had down to the bone.

“alright,” yunho nods and walks back to the bench san and hongjoong were sitting on. “show us what you got.”

you nodded to the man, your eyes wandering to hongjoong again before you stood in the middle of the room waiting for the music the play. one of the staff members moves to the back of the room and starts typing away at a computer, looking up anti fragile and beginning to play it.

you started dancing, trying your absolute hardest to hit every move but not be too sharp with your movements. the hardest part of it all was to not dance ahead of the song. you tried your very hardest to stay on beat, not trying to be too fast and not trying to be delayed. you hadn’t realized how much you had focused since it seemed like light work. and the cherry on top was your facial expressions.

hongjoong tilts his head at the sight of you. the way your body moved along with the music made him feel a bit lightheaded. you weren’t stiff at all, you had every move down, and your facial expressions only made things better. you were so expressive and energetic, he loved it.

“they’re pretty good,” joong whispered to san who was closely observing your dance. though there wasn’t a visible expression on his face, it’s clear he liked your dance.

“do you think they’ll be accepted? i think they should.”

“well, this is only the dance portion of the audition,” yunho cleared his throat. “they still have to do the vocal and rapping bit. luckily, they’re already good at dancing so they have a leg up in the competition.”

“i like them.” san nods slowly. “they’re movements are sharp, but not so sharp to the point they’re stiff. and they’re still pretty fluid.”

“okay, mr. dance teacher.” yunho rolls his eyes. hongjoong still couldn’t take his eyes off of you. if the others said you weren’t going to be accepted, he was going to try his hardest to change their mind. the way your body moved caught his attention, and he was sure that’s what you wanted since you winked at him while dancing.

the second the song ended, the three of them stood up clapping and cheering. clearly it was a joke and they weren’t being serious, but they did enjoy your dancing. they all sat back down and started talking amongst each other, mumbling things you couldn’t understand. they made a few glances at you but didn’t say anything to you directly.

“we’ll update you tomorrow if there’s any new information.” a staff member spoke from the back of the room. “you can exit through the door on your right!”

you nod quickly and gather whatever you brought with you inside the dance studio and move toward the door, opening it and walking out. once the door was shut, you dropped your things and slid down a wall, kicking your feet and giggling uncontrollably. you just danced in front of ateez, or 3/8 of ateez, but still. you just danced in front of the choi san, the jeong yunho, and the kim hongjoong. your heart was beating so fast you were having a hard time breathing for a second. you could’ve passed out on the floor right there and then just from excitement.

“if you’re gonna get excited, don’t forget to breathe.” a voice rung from beside you. turning your head, you saw it was hongjoong. right now would’ve been your cue to pass out, but you didn’t want him to think you were a weirdo.

“i-i—right, um, i can still breathe!” you chuckle softly and scramble to your feet. “um, thank you—i mean you’re welcome! wait—no, i meant thank you. thank you.”

“no, thank you. i haven’t had someone come in and dance like that in a while. you were pretty good.” he crossed his arms, his tattoo appearing just below his rolled up sleeve. “in my opinion, you have a really high chance at being accepted. not just because you were really good, but because i’m gonna tell them to choose you.”

“you’regonnawhat?” you spoke so fast you almost choked on nothing. hongjoong telling the staff himself that he wanted you to be picked? it all felt like a dream.

“you’re cute,” he chuckles. “i want you to be accepted, i see a lot of potential in you.”

“o-oh, well, thank you! uh, sorry if im being awkward, it’s a little… unreal how im talking to you right now like you’re a normal person. not that you’re not a normal person because you are! you’re just famous! n-not saying you being famous doesn’t make you normal but—”

“shh, stop rambling.” he shut you up immediately. “i get it, no need try and explain yourself. just know you’re a really good dancer and you have a lot of potential.”

“…thank you.” you nod your head quickly.

“also, uh, are you free after this? or do you think you’ll be free? you seem pretty cool and i wanna get to know you.”

was hongjoong asking you out on a date? no, he couldn’t have been. maybe he was just—just… oh god, he was asking you on a date. there wasn’t any other way around it either, you knew he was asking you on a date. you thought saying yes would make you seem desperate, but it was kim hongjoong? anyone would be desperate for him.

“i, uh, yeah i am! but, i don’t know how you’re gonna get to know me since i’m pretty sure everyone knows you. we can’t really go out without you being recognized. and if someone catches you coming to my house, it’ll cause a scandal.”

“i can wear a disguise? and we don’t have to go to an area that’s busy. i can rent out a cafe space if we need to.” he smiled.

“oh, okay…” you clear your throat and pick your things up. “i wouldn’t mind going out…”

“cool. what’s your number?” he pulls his phone out from his pocket and you—nervously—tell him your number. you stuttered the entire time you spoke but he still got your number, and even texted you to make sure it was the right one.

“see you then!” he smiled and walked back into the room, leaving you shaking and in complete shock.

“s-see you..”

[thewickedlorchqueen]

Lily really thinks her works are unique to the world of fanfiction, but the fact is, it's the same shit with a different name.

People hated Niva when she was called Darth Amarosa. And they hated her when she was called Ebony Dark'ness Dementia Raven Way.

Or Ronan Beelzub.

Or Jenna Silverblade

Or Rose Potter.

Or Sonichu.

Or... shit, you get the point.

Lily's MCs are the same obnoxious Mary Sues that have plagued the Fandom space for decades, and the only reason she's gotten less roasting for it is because Max Landis shit in the punch bowl and made Mary Sue a dirty word.

See the thing is I love Mary sues, fanfiction camp is peak and they can be super fun.

However Lilys works aren’t fun, they aren’t the wholesome uwu stories she thinks they are. There fanfictions written by a white suburban college kid that identifies as an anti. And hasn’t developed her writing skills since middle school.

Someone else said it better than me but she just skips to the parts she wants to write and skips the middle that developed the characters and what people enjoy. How am I suppose to ship Amarosa and Rey when I don’t have any reason to believe Amarosa has any interest in Rey outside of her looks (They have scenes talking but Amarosa seems drawn and crushing on Rey since day one) how am I suppose to believe c!Mikaila and c!Lily are truly in love when they aren’t even shown on a date? Keira and Iris have this strong bond when we do t even get to see them be friends?

Outside of the super intamate scenes they have no connection. I mean is it really hard to say they like going on walks or to the movies? Playing games (I mean think about how cute it would be if Iris and Keira always played Mario and Luigi during Mario kart. Laurisa would be princess peach, or Keira plays as Rosalina, Keira as daisy and Laurisa as Peach (some people ship them)little things)

I don’t mean this bad but when Iris was shot I didn’t even care. I knew she was going to make it and I’m all honesty the angst fell through because the relationships were bland. I mean Lily couldn’t do a scene with Iris learning she’s becoming an aunt.

Tdlr: Mary sues are fine because they’re fun, Lilys ocs are just boring attempts at Sis-con in disguise.

[highladyofterrasen7]

People who are going on my suicide note- sjm edition

Please note that this is satire and I’m not going to kill myself

Also, it’s the entire alphabet

A. People who hate rhys for how many houses he has

B. People who undermine what Mor went through (especially the Eris part)

C. People who praise Nesta for how she acted in acotar, acofas, and the beginning of acosf primarily

D. People who say it’s misogynistic to dislike Elain

E. People who came up with the “gwyn is a lightsinger” theory bc they realised their favourite ship is sinking.

F. Anyone who talks bad about my girl Feyre

G. People who say Cassian is abusive

H. People who say Rhys drugged and sa’d feyre utm

I. Anyone who says anything good about tampon

J. Quinlar deniers

K. People who say Danika was a terrible friend

L. Anyone who says Aedion’s reaction for the aelin-Lysandra secret wasn’t justified

M. People who in the same breath as attack rhys and cassian for keeping the mating bond a secret will praise aelin for doing the same

N. People who say Dorian isn’t the best tog man

O. Full and 100% chaol stans

P. That one person that said rowaelin aren’t allowed to dislike Lorcan and wrote a whole paragraph about it

Q. People who think acosf was the best book in the series

R. People who dislike acofas

S. Anyone who says anything bad about Sam

T. Anyone who is anti inner circle

U. People who ship lucien and tampon

V. People who attack fanartists for depicting utm rhys as pale when he’s literally described as pale

W. People who say manorian shouldn’t get a novella

X. Those weird people with their Eris and Nyx things

Y. People who say feyre is boring now (bc she had a baby)

Z. Anyone who uses there every breath to attack and find plot holes in sjms work (if you don’t like it, don’t read it) get a life

These are very me-specific opinions

Lmk which ones you strongly agree with

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Rebecca Crosby at Popular Information:

In recent months, major companies have publicly announced that they are abandoning their diversity efforts. In at least two cases, companies were pressured into taking action by right-wing extremist and conspiracy theorist Robby Starbuck. He has succeeded in influencing corporate behavior through his social media account despite embracing racist conspiracy theories, anti-LGBTQ bigotry, and other fringe views. Following his recent successes, Starbuck has promised that he is just getting started.

Starbuck, a filmmaker who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2022, initially targeted Tractor Supply, a publicly traded agricultural supply company. At the beginning of June, he announced to his 520,000 followers on X that “[i]t’s time to expose Tractor Supply.” Starbuck’s post, with a video accompanying it, alleged that the company provides “LGBTQIA+ training for employees” and funds “pride/drag events.” Starbuck also attacked the company for displaying “Pride month decorations in the office,” creating a “DEI [diversity, equality, and inclusion] Council,” and engaging in “DEI hiring practices.”  [...]

In late June, Tractor Supply announced that all roles pertaining to DEI would be eliminated, that all corporate DEI goals would be retired, and that it would no longer sponsor any “nonbusiness activities” such as pride events. The company also stated that it would no longer be submitting data to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the most prominent LGBTQ rights organization in the United States, for its Corporate Equality Index.  [...]

On July 10, Starbuck promoted the racist great replacement theory on X. “There’s no sugarcoating it,” Starbuck wrote. “Democrats want illegal immigrants to vote. It’s why they let them in.” The great replacement theory is the claim that Democrats are trying to “replace” white Americans with immigrants. The theory is baseless, but has proved popular among white supremacists, and has motivated multiple mass shootings. Starbuck acknowledges that he is promoting the great replacement theory, but argues that it is not actually racist. “You can’t call replacement theory racist when it’s literally out in the open now. I’m Latino and I’m telling you that the left in the west is trying to replace existing citizens (mostly white) with migrants from 3rd world countries,” Starbuck posted on X in February.

Starbuck also promoted wild claims about the purported dangers of the COVID-19 vaccine. In October 2023, following the death of actor Matthew Perry after years of struggling with drug addiction, Starbuck suggested Perry's death was actually caused by the COVID-19 vaccine. Perry was, according to Starbuck, “a big supporter of the COVID vaccines.” Starbuck called for an investigation of the COVID-19 vaccine “as a potential cause of any cardiac issues.” Starbuck has also shown support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine non-profit, Children’s Health Defense, calling it “fantastic” and saying it does “great work.”

Starbuck has also promoted "chemtrails," a conspiracy theory that "governments or other parties are engaged in a secret program to add toxic chemicals to the atmosphere," which he claims are part of a government effort to control the weather. In April, Starbuck wrote that major flooding in Dubai was not caused by “climate change” but was instead caused by “the use of weather modification” and “[c]loud seeding where chemicals are sprayed in clouds to create rain.” In response to the post, an X user commented, “Colloquially known as ‘chemtrails,’’’ to which Starbuck responded, “Correct.” According to scientists, “there is no evidence for the existence of chemtrails.” (While the UAE has attempted to use geoengineering to increase rainfall, it was not a contributing factor to the floods, according to experts.)

[...]

Starbuck was able to successfully pressure Tractor Supply without prompting any real scrutiny about his own extremist beliefs. Starbuck then repeated the process with farm equipment company Deere & Co., posting dozens of times about the company's diversity policies. On July 9, Starbuck criticized the company’s “LGBTQ & race based identity groups,” “total commitment to DEI policies,” and policy asking employees to list their “preferred pronouns.” Shortly after Starbuck began posting, the company announced it would be eliminating some of its diversity initiatives. Starbuck celebrated the partial win, but argued that the company should go further and eliminate all corporate diversity efforts.  Starbuck is now going after his next target. On July 23, Starbuck called for a boycott of Harley-Davidson on X, citing the company's hosting "LGBTQ+ events at the corporate office" and facilitating "LGBTQ+ & race based" affinity groups. Starbuck appears to be demanding that corporations not engage in any acknowledgment of LGBTQ employees or customers.  In an interview, Starbuck said “he and his researchers have identified 20 companies that could be ripe for a similar boycott.” Starbuck said that he “definitely proved a model” that involves targeting companies that appeal to a conservative clientele. In a post on X, Starbuck wrote, “DEI is poison and we won’t rest until the public knows how companies have strayed from American values.” 

[...]

Starbuck’s anti-LGBTQ extremism

Earlier this year, Starbuck released a documentary called The War on Children. The documentary, which he created with his wife Landon Starbuck, centers around the idea that the LGBTQ movement is a sophisticated effort by the government, social media companies, and the medical community to corrupt and sexualize children. While promoting a trailer for the documentary, Starbuck said that the “war on children” is being waged by left-wing activists that “will stop at nothing to indoctrinate them, sexualize them, guilt them and punish them until they submit to their woke religion.”

Right-wing outrage farmer and anti-LGBTQ+ zealot Robby Starbuck is leading campaigns to remove Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and LGBTQ+ protections at several conservative-coded businesses like Tractor Supply Co. and John Deere, and Starbuck was successful at two of those companies so far.

Starbuck has not only pushed anti-LGBTQ+ extremism, but also COVID vaccine conspiracism, racist “great replacement” theory, and others.

[tamelee]

Hello! What do you think of SNS shippers who make it very clear they only ship either Sasunaru or Narusasu? I’ve mostly seen Sasunaru shippers putting stuff in their bio like "Sasunaru 🔄❌" or "Sasunaru only, Narusasu DNI" and I find it pretty sad. If the only thing you like/ think about in Sasuke and Naruto’s relationship is the sexual aspect of their relationship… Then I don’t think you even like the pairing.

It just feels like the pairing is a way for them to self insert into a character, because they make an obsession of this top/bottom stuff… it’s just ridiculous to me. And sometimes it honestly sound… fetishizing of gay people.

Like, how does one favorite sexual’s position change the way they act with others? How does it could impact the way they are?

Hi! 💕

Ah, I understand what you mean, but I would approach this a little bit differently though. The issues that you bring up are included in that excruciatingly exhausting t/b-discourse and addressing these requires a lot of patience that I don’t even have, nor the energy. And then there’s this whole thing about what SNS even means when differentiated through an order in names in such a picky way, and why. Which, in the context of canon/headcanon, the story/fanwork, won’t even bring the same answer nor do people even agree in the first place. I’ve seen the most insane takes about it where pretty much an equal amount agrees and disagrees. (Hence the length of the discourse I guess.) Using SN/NS (in tags for example) done by very large groups of different people, isn’t always to indicate the same things as a (strict) t/b-preference (and I’m using the word ‘preference’ very lightly here) or a character dynamic- (for which there are endless different types, isn’t always mutual in literature and isn’t determined by just this one thing but relies on context)- aren’t the same.

So anyway, it really isn’t worth it :’)  

In conclusion about the approach though, your conjecture didn’t really specify why you think there is a positive correlation between ‘SN/NS’ and the sexual aspect/’t/b’, but this basically has your ask state that ‘because A is true, B is also true (and therefore C, D, etc- as well)’ "so now, what do you think of it?". That makes it very hard to answer without unloading it in the first place, dykwim?

So, I’m left to assume that you either really think that is the case (which it isn’t always), or you may mean the obsessive behavior that you’re referring to specifically, that then results in the other things. The ‘anti-ing’ of ‘the other’, creating unnecessary oppositions, harassing and dogpiling creators, policing tags, etc- It’s a different approach because one says the cause is simply a ‘preference’ one may have on its own and the other faults the behavior first that possibly can come with such a preference. I’m pointing it out only because I think it’s an important distinction to make as that (the latter) is a (relatively) small number of people in the end, but frankly, aside from tag-policing (even on my sfw art)- they are none of my business ┐(´ー｀)┌

[sissa-arrows]

Happy Independence Day to my beloved Algeria.

Allah yarham chouhada.

Translation of the testimony of a man who lived through that day as a child.

“July 5th 1962: The independence of Algeria. What can I say: the joy in the streets, people colonized for 132 years gaining back their freedom… I was a kid of the Casbah, I was 12 back then. The moment was crazy and filled with euphoria. The French of Algeria (colonizers) had started to leave in May and they were leaving faster now. For them it was “A coffin or a suitcase”(1). They didn’t see it any other way. Bab El Oued, Michelet street and Isly street(2) were emptied of their residents. During the last days, they were panicking. The “yes” had gotten 99,72% to the referendum of July 1st, the first loyal voting process in 132 years(3).

For at least 10 days, Algiers wasn’t a city anymore but an endless party. Women were not talking anymore we only heard their zagharit(4) all day long. Children were children again. The older ones too. There was a sort of happy anarchy. It was a permanent happiness, an event I will never forget even if I was to lose my mind. After the constant persecutions, the constant fear and nightmares, it was like a divine revelation and a new birth.

They (the French colonizers) called us Muslims, Arabs, savages(5) but never Algerians. The Arabs who were barbaric, lazy and filled with excessive pride. The contempt from the Europeans and the humiliations made the Algerian into a bad guy, a rebel, a revolutionary filled with the desire for freedom and justice.

Being able to live without that fear, imagining that we were able to move freely, screaming our joy without having to justify ourselves it was something unheard of, it was almost unbelievable. They forbade us to be Algerians, strangers in our own land, us the b****, t**** d* f******, r*****, c********, s*****, b*********, (6) subhumans, on that day everything was allowed everything seemed possible.”

[…]

“The biggest joy was the return of my two brothers. They came back home alive and safe, in a free country after having be jailed in Serkadji and condemned to the death penalty.

During their absence, weapons and money was hidden under my parents’ bed. I always had a gun hidden in my school bag.

[…]

With armed friends we went in the European neighborhood, on the cars’ hoods, screaming happily “Tahia El Djazair” (long live to Algeria).

I actually hurt myself falling from a truck in Lyre street. July 5th 1962 will stay for me an unforgettable party. The historical festive atmosphere, cemented in my memory. Even with my mouth filled with blood and two broken tooth.”

Notes:

1: There a myth that the colonizers were threatened. There was some well deserved threats toward the ones who fought against the independence. The other ones were allowed to stay ONLY if they took the Algerian citizenship and considered Algerians as their equals. But they refused and left. They saw staying in Algeria with indigenous Algerians being equal to them as death.

2: The places named here were famous for having a very important population of colonizers. And like all colonizers they were very violent.

3: At the end of the war and to try to calm down the French colonizers a referendum for the independence of Algeria was organized. It was the first and only time all Algerians (actual Algerians) were allowed to vote and their vote were equal to white people’s vote.

4: He uses the word “Indigenes” which means indigenous or native but the French didn’t use it as a way to acknowledge we were indigenous to the land unlike them they used it a synonym for savage so that’s how I’m translating it.

5: zagharit are happy ululation we make during moments of happiness and joy (talking for Algeria specifically other SWANA countries do it for other reasons too).

6: Those are all anti Algerian slurs… when I say that France hates us. Who the fuck has that many slurs for ONE group of people only?! And they are not all on the list…

[truckreincarnation]

‘Neath Dark Waters || The Final Hours [1/3]

Getting walloped in the face with rocks aside (easily taken care of with a quick healing spell), it seemed like the discussion was reaching an endpoint. Even if… even if Esmée was as compelling a diplomat as ever, reaching out to her directly, even if Yuliya denounced their justice, there was something burning in Manami’s core that wouldn’t let her listen, even if she could hear it. She couldn't let Harriet reach her heart now, whether she wanted to or otherwise. Not yet. Not yet.

“I’m still not convinced there’s anything to negotiate.” She turns to face everyone, anyone else who isn’t Germain. “My role is to facilitate my King’s will. He wants the place gone, so I want it gone. Simple as!!”

Back to Germain. Eyes narrowed.

“But you. You take away my ink, you steal my kill… I might have lost connection with my Domain in this ritual, but I think we can spare a little time before the big finale. And I’m going to get what I want out of this, too!”

While the words drip like venom from her fangs, there’s a curious disjoint to it. The slight echoey lilt to her voice, the reverb itself, almost sounds ecstatic.

"I h»¶Të you... I h»¶Vê you so much...!! For that, you’re gonna have to stand in for your dumbass boss one more time. Do it for me!”

Germain raises a hand defensively over their chest, only stammering out a string of incoherent, confused chirping sounds. Their eyes are wide with fright, ears drawn back, flat against their head. Pettiwhisker’s back arches, as they let out a hateful snarl at Manami.

“Run!”

Germain bolts - crouching low as their digitigrade legs launch them with a surprising show of force, leaping out and away from the summoning circle. 

In the blink of an eye, Manami’s taken to the air, keeping her gravity cannon trained squarely on Germain.

“No! You don’t get to run away, not this time! You’re going to have to show more conviction than that if you want me to believe this is worth my time!! Give me something to work with here!”

She snarls, ‘pupils’ narrowed to pinpricks.

“R-Really? Are you s-serious right now?” Regaining some of their composure, Germain’s voice sounded downright indignant. “Th-That’s what you’re upset about? F-Fucking… kill-stealing?” 

Germain jumps again, perching themself on the back of Francis’s chair. Momentarily, they stop to hiss at Manami, before they leap again, away from the intensifying metallic crackling of her weapon. Manami’s gun, hissing in return. 

“The k-king is d-dead! Who c-cares how? You g-got what you want, your m-mission is com- yeeOOOWR.”

Their exasperated voice devolved into a panicked, squawking yowl as their feet never connected with the ground, held aloft by a bright blue beam of energy.

“My mission…? My mission? You think just getting to point B from point A is good enough, even if you let me say I did it?! Come on, you of all people should know better than that! What’s the point if that’s all this amounted to?!”

She keeps them held there in the anti-gravity field, shaking them a little bit for emphasis as she stares daggers through them. They flail wildly, struggling against the gravity field as their claws slash at open air.

“We d-don’t need to - urgh - why are we f-fighting?”

“Why wouldn’t we? That’s what we’ve always done, but I’ve been holding back for a looong time. Even if I get credit here, that doesn’t mean I got to play the actual game-- FUCK!”

Pettiwhisker - now in their full-sized battle form - rams into Manami, knocking the air out of her chest as her grip on the gun weakens. Her extra set of hands scramble into position to keep from dropping it, and while it doesn’t slip out of her grasp, the field around Germain dissipates. Her look of shock splits into a toothy grin, and her toothy grin splits off in a flicker of static. A mimic wouldn’t have the benefit of speed, but it could keep Pettiwhisker occupied long enough for her to make a dash for the Lynchpin themself.

And so she does, at a breakneck pace. She’s on them in double time, claws digging into their undershirt as she hoists them up physically, staring them dead in the eyes. That creepy, wide smile hasn’t left her face.

Germain has a pained, almost fearful look to them, as they hold tightly to Manami’s arm - for their own support, rather than to push her off. Their eyes wide, searching for some meaning in Manami’s expression - fixated on that frightful smile. 

“You think standing around here talking is an appropriate way to kick off the endgame? After sitting on your claws this whole time, you’ll only raise them against Calum?” The distortion around her hands almost appears to be spreading to Germain.

“... Appropriate?” They struggle, more out of obligation than anything, against her grip. “S-Stop treating this like it’s a g-game! These are p-peoples’ lives!”

All that gets from Manami is a brief, quizzical look, followed by more laughter.

“After all this time here, you still don’t get it? We’re all just players in this second game of life! If you’ve got some kind of problem with that, maybe you should actually try to stop me…? A hero’s supposed to give the antagonist a good fight!”

To punctuate her statement, she musters all her strength and takes off with Germain in tow, whirling around at freakish speeds to slam them against the husk of the great tree. It’s forceful enough to splinter the bark with a resounding crack. Germain’s body twists in pain from the impact. A quick, forceful cough lets out some blood. They grip Manami more tightly, their breaths coming out in slow ragged gasps as understanding finally dawns on them.

“... Oh.”

Germains hands lowered from their grip on Manami, hanging limply at their side. Their head sinks as their expression goes… empty. No more fear or frustration. Quiet acceptance. Manami’s distortion continued to spread, a corrupting influence that Germain no longer bothered to stop. Their hair hangs over their eyes, which casts a dark shadow over their face. With their pallid complexion, it was easy to see them for the corpse they were.

Manami leers down at their limp form, almost disappointed.

“Right. I forgot. You aren’t a hero anymore… That’s too bad. I was hoping you’d show me what you’re really capable of, but if you’re going to be so dull and boring about this, maybe I should stop wasting my time! I’ve got better things to do, anyways.”

The glimmering reflection of the lake catches her eye from their current vantage point.

“Take some time to cool off and think about it, maybe. You know where I’ll be if you ever change your mind…!”

Without another word, she swings around, beelining straight for the surface of the water. At the last moment, she pivots back upwards, hurling them in without a second thought and dodging the consequent splash with a stutter courtesy of her Domain. She lands at the water’s edge so quickly and forcefully that she leaves long claw-mark trails in the soft terrain, brushing herself off absentmindedly.

“... Sheesh! That was kind of a wash.”

She turns her back on the water.

“Oh well~! At least it’s done now…”

[alanlechuszaauthor]

Sheena Had Faith In Being A Pop Punk Rocker - Can Pop Punk Be Positive? A Discursive Reading

Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, Fandom, https://hero.fandom.com/wiki/Sheena,_Queen_of_the_Jungle

The Ramones, “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker” (official video), Rocket To Russia,1977.

It’s that season, Comic-Con.  I continue to get email advertisements seeking my attendance to this iconic subcultural event.  I’m not even a fan of comics, fantasy, or other relations within this cultural sphere.  Yet, my limited attention to these items does not prevent the Comic-Con publicist from sending me warm emails inviting me to join the festivities.  Not that I could ever see myself attending such an event, but, in contrast, what these emails did do was make me think about how alternative Comic-Con started, and yet how popular it has become.  With Comic-Con’s punky subcultural origins I was drawn to recount origins of another punky subculture, punk rock.  Thinking through punk rock’s dramatic history my thoughts gravitated toward a specific branch of punk rock - pop punk.  This minor mental detour led me to question, “can pop punk be positive?"

Nebens, Richard. Comic-Con, July 20, 2023. https://thedirect.com/article/comic-con-2023-schedule-when-time-movie-tv-gaming-panels  

Punk, as a cultural expression, has the stereotypes of being anti-social, rebellious, often aggressive and a negative discursive agent for a subcultural identity.  But are these the only signifiers of punk that apply?  Is punk really that limited?  Is it possible for punk to be influenced by, and contain a positive faith-centered objective?  It may be a surprise to some that the answer to each of these rhetorical questions is a dynamic, “yes.”  Following this dialectic agenda, I had to listen – again – to the godfathers of punk, The Ramones.  Who better to serve as a megaphone for punk – at the origins of the punk culture, than a band who established themselves at the epicenter of punk and have gone on to be synonymous with the term itself, “punk rock”.  Fast, short songs, the model uniform (black leather jackets, cut-up jeans, black t-shirts), and song titles that had the hooks built right-in.  Yes, The Ramones clearly cast the definition of what punk was in the 1970s and through to this day (c. 2023).

The Ramones, IMdB. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0708506/

The founding image and voice of the band, Joey Ramone, had some interesting views about pop and surf music during the dawning days of the punk movement. Joey Ramon’s deep infatuation with surf music and bubblegum pop of the 1960s led to aid in the creation of punk anthems that still ring loud and surprisingly clear today.  But were these elements and inspirations too easily overlooked by music journalists, pop musicologists, and fans alike?  Again, the answer to these rhetorical questions comes as a surprised, “yes.”  Taking that absent lead, set in motion by Joey Ramone, I began to wonder, research, and listen to the prophetic 1977 song, Sheena is a Punk Rocker.  This central track to the 1977 Rocket To Russia record, is the kernel of how a punk song was to be formed, produced, expressed.  Simple lyrics, short verses, no extra guitar solos, and a hypnotic hook, Sheena started as a punk troupe, but found itself embedded within the hallowed halls of punk history.  Given all this context, how does this track, Sheena, outline or draw attention to faith in punk?  That’s where the fun begins.

Sheena Is A Punk Rocker, cover, 1977. https://www.discogs.com/fr/release/3307050-Ramones-Shes-The-One-Sheena-Is-A-Punk-Rocker/image/SW1hZ2U6NzIyODQ1Mw==

In 1937/1938, Sheena, Queen of the Jungle, a fictional comic character who is a female counterpoint to Tarzan, King of the Jungle, makes her global debut.  Equipped with abilities to weave various weapons and enduring the untamed jungle landscapes of Africa, Sheena caught the attention of young comic fans at the time (and had a resurgence in 2007). 

Unbeknownst to comic and rock fans alike in the late 1960s/early 1970s, this hypersexualized feminine character was to become the main character in the Ramones song, Sheena is a Punk Rocker.  Joey Ramone’s interest in the comic led him to contemplate what Sheena might consider about punk rock.  In Joey Ramone’s opinion, Sheena would be a fan, hence the birth of the song title and forthcoming iconic track.    Signifying with the developing aesthetics of punk, laced with the sounds of surf and bubblegum pop at the time, The Ramones recorded the song, Sheena, which they coined as the first surf/pop punk song.  It’s this positive punk action which rebels against the negative image of punk’s youthful years.  It was Joey Ramone himself who said, in a 1988 interview that The Ramones were always a positive band (Harris 1988).

A GQ article in 2020 notes that, “The Ramones took positive[ity]…to a whole new level (Jones 2020)”.  Jone’s article continues that The Ramones, “were too postmodern [when they first arrived on the punk scene]…but then at the time the world appeared to be crying out for postmodernism, especially in the music world (Jones 2020)”.  To further exemplify this point, Bono – of U2 fame – notes that U2 was formed around the “idea of friendship and shared spirit.. [t]hat was a preposterous notion before the Ramones (Jones 2020)”.  Following this trajectory, it is not a far stretch to see how the origins of a faith-based pop punk vernacular could be developed and progress going forward following the undercurrent lead The Ramones did and did not speak of nor draw attention.

Positive punk bands - those aligned with a faith-based centrist value - contextualize their faith within the socio-pop linguistics of pop punk c. 1980/90s California/West Coast surf/pop style.  This activation does not reduce the intrinsic faith of the bands, nor their use of punk as a signifier, but rather provides a fruitful platform through which these bands communicate, articulate, produce, develop, and expand the core of their faith. 

This pop faith-based punk genre obfuscates the otherwise noted “positive punk” genre which musicologist have recognized as being the forerunner of the goth, emo, and shoegazer genres (NME 1983).  Avoiding the pitfalls of a negative punk image, that has become a social stereotype in witness to a general essentialist viewpoint of punk being an anti-social, operating outside assumed cultural norms and in objection to being labeled or reduced to a status quo.  The pop punk direction is self-explanatory, “a subgenre of punk utilizing pop culture icons and signifiers.”  This conversive angle embraced by pop punk bands allows for the investment of faith within an expressive discourse operating and communicating beyond assumed negative signifiers of punk.  A voice in faith, a sound in pop punk, a directive positive agency for audience recognition become the outliners for faith-based punk.  There is no shame, no veiled rhetoric, no metaphorical twist or turns for positive faith-based punk bands to express their faith.  The fluidity and dynamics of the punk expressive vernacular are fully and creatively embraced.  The socio-linguistic realities of punk are re-presented through a positive lens to display – on a growing contemporary platform – the necessity for such faith-based punk sounds to help draw attention to current issues facing younger audiences and their balance of social pressures with core faith values.

Faith-based punk bands continue to outsell other “authentic” or “pure” punk bands and genres (2023).  Electing not to be limited to the acceptance from the scripted stereotypes of the punk genre, faith-based punk situates itself in a counter antisocial perspective - functioning outside perceived historic punk norms.  This methodology allows faith-based punk groups to operate freely of the punk industry mechanics, focus on positive actions to issues facing their audiences, and fortify their own faith through the binary agency of punk vernacular and core faith expression.   Founding bands such as Squad Five-O, Slick Shoes, Dogwood and Pocket Change helped pave the road for other bands such as Relient K, FM Static, Flatfoot 56 and This Providence, to speak toward, encourage, and develop a punk expressive situated in faith, positive action for their communities, and location of contemporary culture.

Relevant, 1 September, 2022 https://relevantmagazine.com/culture/music/just-25-songs-from-christian-bands-that-are-still-pretty-great/

Joey Ramone turns out to be more than just the noted “godfather of punk (Jones 2020)”.  He was a prophetic when it came to the direction of positive punk.  It may appear complicated to see how, back in 1976/1977 that a punk band from the alternative outsider music scene in New York would steer the course of where punk was to go in the coming decades.  Yet, by relying upon his belief in being different, Joey Ramones and his fellow bandmates were able to see beyond their personal/political differences and define a clear path that would eventually lead the future of faith-based punk bands to see how possible it is to remain dedicated to their beliefs, appropriate pop punk signifiers and re-present a punk dialectic centered upon positive image, identity, and faith. 

As stated earlier, most musicologist and journalist see the trajectory of the positive punk genre as a subgenre of the punk cannon, a predecessor to other subgenres of punk that bridge together fringe rock expressions.  This review is not entirely incorrect, but does avoid other popular directions for punk, that are not subservient to any sonic hierarchy.  Yes, positive faith-based punk brings attention to a side of punk that may look like an oxymoron, but is more commercially successful, thriving for a global audience, and secure within its own sounding sphere of influence built on faith, positive image, and The Ramones “be yourself” model.

Alan Lechusza

alanlechusza.com

alanlechuszaauthor.com

[justapitcherofwater]

oh boy oh boy analyses time :DDD

So I think I’m just gonna start with this; I think c!Badboyhalo may just be the most interesting villain I’ve ever encountered.

And he is definitely a villain, they make it abundantly clear that he is some sort of villain on the dream smp (at the very least he is a local menace with generally selfish intentions). He hardly ever gives anything without gaining something in return, he has all the aspirations for power and control and chaos, heck, that was the reason for the badlands in the first place, that was probably the reason why he originally followed the egg (before the thing with skeppy), because it promised all those things to him! A lot of his actions and motivations could actually be compared to c!Dream if it wasn’t for one small yet incredibly significant detail.

c!Badboyhalo is very very empathetic and compassionate.

Empathy is not a common villain trait. At all. In the slightest. It's actually usually associated with the hero, and seen as a weakness by the villain, and the only times you ever really see empathy in a villain is when the villain is using their empathy to manipulate and generally hurt the people around them, and you practically never see a villain who is in any way compassionate. “You care too much!” In many narratives is used as an insult and is framed by the villain as a fatal flaw, until our main character and all the friends they made along the way come together to defeat the bad guy using teamwork and determination, and it turns out it wasn’t a fatal flaw at all, it was their greatest strength. 

I think this is what makes c!bbh such a weird character. He wants power, he wants to create chaos and discord among others for his own benefit and he would probably succeed if he didnt keep fucking himself over with his own empathy. He is literally the definition of “you care too much”, because he does, he cares way too much for his own good and it keeps getting him hurt. He knew that the egg was manipulating and brainwashing him, and yet he still went back to it off his own accord when it took Skeppy so that he could be with him. He knew that he would get in trouble if he let Dream escape from the prison, it was his job to keep him in the prison, but he also knew that Dream was getting tortured, that he was suffering and that there was little to nothing that he could do about it. So he let him go. He gave the blueprints to Ranboo for the same reason he let Dream escape. Because he felt bad for him. Because he wanted to help and not let Dream suffer but there was little else he could do (even saying outright in one stream “I thought it was the right thing to do,”).

And where did all of this get him? Did it further his goals of monopoly? Did it gain him more power, or followers, or allies? No. He pushed away and hurt all of his friends. He accidentally killed Skeppy. The Eggpire fell. The Badlands fell along with it. Dream got out, and now he’s going back to terrorizing the smp. Because of this, Sam threatened to kill Ranboo to try and make him come back, and subsequently went through with it when it didn’t work, which would, indirectly, be Bad’s fault. He lost his job. He lost everything. As of currently in the Dream smp, c!Badboyhalo is a complete wreck of paranoia and using unhealthy coping mechanisms in a poor attempt to deal with his extensive trauma. 

He really is a tragic character, because every single time he tried to do something for other people it blew up in his face.

It really puts that “You care too much” view that a lot of villains have in media into perspective, because as we can see through c!bbh, for them it would be a fatal flaw. You can’t be compassionate and still succeed as a villain, or, you can, but it’s damn near impossible. Most villains that even have any empathy or compassion either gain it over the course of the story, or they already have it and they end up being closer to anti-heros than villains. In either situation the villain usually ends up turning to good and joining the heroes. You can’t have empathy as a villain, it's not sustainable, it’s not productive, and it will lead to ruin. c!Badboyhalo’s intention in those moments was to help, but due to his goals and plenty of his actions being conflicting, it ended up with everybody getting hurt.

I mean, I’m sure it wasn’t all because of his empathy, he’s not exactly the brightest bulb in the box, and that factor certainly didn’t help, but my point still stands.

[artistfingers]

There’s one ~silver lining~ of my iPad being broken: I’ve had loads of time to think about my many half-formed undercover phantom au ideas! Since I have no idea when or what will make it to comic form, here’s the lowdown…. AKA, everything that’s been rattling around my brain recently :P

For context: Danny, Sam and Tucker have never met, and nobody knows Danny is Phantom. When Vlad’s newest bit of tech gets Danny stuck in ghost mode (with the rest of his powers on the fritz to boot), he meets Tucker and Sam—who instantly see through his disguise and lend a helping hand. (Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4!!)

So. After that, Danny—no, Phantom—becomes friends with them. It’s exciting! He was invisible at school even before the ghost powers; he was pretty isolated and lonely and being Phantom for the last year hasn’t exactly been a social boon. Kid’s lonely, ok?

But now… two human friends? Who’re his age & share his interests? It’s like a dream come true! If only they weren’t exclusively friends with his ghost self… and if only they didn’t wanna be so involved in his dangerous ghost hunting things…Uhhh. Hm. Could be a problem.

Danny angsts about the danger he’s putting his new friends in, and about not being able to befriend them as a human. He plays with the idea of telling them Everything but that’s… risky to say the least. He’s only known them a few weeks! ugh….!! it’s too much. maybe he should just throw the towel in.

Buuut Sam & Tucker don’t take no for an answer. Especially after they rescue him a third time.

Thus… Phantom friendship shenanigans!!

Sam filched some parts from the Fentonworks Lab when Phantom took them there, and later convinced Tucker to help her build a custom mini ectogun in case of emergency. They didn’t tell Phantom.

Danny is really sentimental about that DP hat he wore when he first met Sam & Tucker. He wore it as Phantom for a while but it got singed in a fight. He still wears it when he hangs out with Tucker & Sam but otherwise keeps it squirreled away for Sentimental Reasons.

“So Phantom, how old are you?” “I’m 15.” “15 now? Or 15 when you died?” “Yes.”

Tucker has a bunch of awful 90s button up shirts, and gives one to Phantom

They aren’t able to convince Sam to wear one too, but they sure do try.

Phantom won’t tell them when he died, so once he starts wearing 90s shirts they start using terrible 90s slang with him

“I am NOT from the 90s!!! They didn’t even SAY that then!!!” “methinks the lady doth protest too much…..home slice” “NOOO!!!”

“Phantom I have an extremely important question. Like, life or death. SHIT is on the LINE here. Are you listening?? I really need to know…. Do ghosts play video games”

The answer may surprise you (no it won’t)

Sam is completely convinced they can ACTUALLY get a good working guess of when Phantom lived and died based on the fact he liked Nasty Burger when he was alive, since NB’s a regional chain with a not-so-distant past. Tucker meanwhile thinks Phantom probably has a good reason for keeping them at arm’s length—but regardless of method, they can agree: they want to break down Phantom’s walls.

The next arc is less “Undercover Phantom” and more “Undercover Fenton” because the juxtaposition of him having to do hidden identities squared (squared again) is too good for me to pass up. It boils down to this: during a ghost attack at school, Danny finds himself stuck being “protected” by Sam and Tucker.

Sam and Tucker take their new jobs as Phantom’s ghost hunting companions too seriously to let this skinny stranger they just met run TOWARDS the danger. WHY does he keep trying to run TOWARDS the danger

NO YOU CANNOT GO TO THE BATHROOM THE SCHOOL IS ON G H O S T L O C K D O W N

Sam pulls out her ectogun.

Danny: WHERE DID YOU GET THAT?!

Sam does not tell him.

“Wait, your last name’s Fenton? Like Fentonworks Fenton?” “No, the other Fenton.” “Oh… well, that’s too bad…” “YES LIKE FENTONWORKS FENTON”

Sam is initially wary of Danny because of his parents’ super strong anti-ecto views. Danny is clueless as to why she isn’t very friendly to him-as-a-human when she’s great with him-as-a-ghost. but she warms up after he helps resolve the ghost issue in a way that shows he doesn’t subscribe to his parents’ views.

afterwards you get this excellent situation where Danny is now friends with Sam and Tucker as Phantom and as Fenton, and they’re not connecting the dots as quickly as they did when it was just “that’s Phantom wearing a hoodie and a cap with his own logo on it”.

the potential here? *chefs kiss* here’s a few things but honestly? the possibilities are limitless

Danny pretending to not have a cell phone because he already gave them his number as Phantom

Tucker: *dials Phantom*

Danny, standing directly next to him: *frantically attempting to silence his phone*

Sam & Tucker try to introduce Danny and Phantom. Danny has to make excuses to avoid this happening in both forms.

Danny takes Sam & Tucker down to the Fentonworks Lab to get them some real equipment. Sam & Tucker pretend (very badly) that they’ve never been there before

Rooftop chill sessions as Phantom, late night teenage hijinks as Fenton, plus school AND fighting ghosts does not do any favors for Danny’s sleep deprivation. Tucker introduces him to caffeine pills with… mixed results.

Tucker and Sam teach Phantom some sign language. Later Danny slips up and uses it casually with them as Fenton

…. And many other silly mixups that I’ve yet to think of because I live for that shit

Sam & Tucker have theories about the Fenton-Phantom connection and they’re all wrong but somehow also plausible and that freaks Danny out just a little bit if he ever overhears them

Ultimately, I see this AU having a final arc where a New Situation occurs in which Danny-as-Phantom has to—once again—pretend to be human. This time, he’s with Sam & Tucker as Phantom from the get go, and can’t disappear or transform, even if being Phantom is extremely dangerous at that moment. Somehow this scenario would lead to the Fenton-is-Phantom (or, in this case, Phantom-is-Fenton) reveal…. But the details still escape me :P

so in short………… I really like hidden identities

[curatoroffiction]

MC Who Loves Cyphers/Coding

I just remembered this thing a friend and I used to do back and forth, and now I have an MC concept. Okay, so, my buddy and I used to do this thing where we’d send each other coded messages back and forth. At first, it started with us learning Morse Code, at which we very quickly realized we could force the other person to decypher messages like “Ur a bitch” which was so funny to us, that we started upping the anti. Over time, we started using new codes to trip each other up, not telling the other person what codes we used. It had to be something the other person could find/study if they were clever enough, but outside of those parameters, it was mostly free-game.

Eventually, we started nesting the cyphers. Which means, taking the already cyphered message and running it through another cypher. This would result in paragraphs upon paragraphs, even upwards of pages of text that would amount to a message like “You’re the bitchiest bitch of all of the land and I bet you took too long figuring out this message. Fight me.” So I’m imagining an MC who, one day, decides to bring up cyphers to another character. They explain them, and show them how they work, and they send them a cypher message for them to decode. Only, it’s an insult and the MC is grinning like an idiot. Over time, this back and forth escalates between MC and the character, and they reach a point where they are sending pages upon pages of coded messages back and forth. Where coding comes into this, is that I’m learning coding (C++ and C#) and I was thinking back on this time period, and I wish I had a ‘fight buddy’ to fight through coding programs and stuff. Someone who we could go back and forth, having to analyze each other’s codes, compile them, and then go back and forth between the code and the program to decypher the messages, which would amount to insults. It’s a really great system. I’ve been told it’s akin to having a rival relationship, but super nerdy. Lmfaoooo I imagine this MC would get along really well with characters who’re book nerds/coding/programming/game design nerds? These would be your characters who’re obsessed with machines and programming stuff, or characters who love a challenge of unraveling something by their own wit and grit. When I fought my buddy, I’d go out and get help from other friends who were  well-versed in cyphers, so I also imagine this MC going and roping other characters into this little game and it just becomes a very fun back and forth, only the characters who get roped in don’t realize that they’re putting all of this work in to decypher an insult. Hahahahaha “I DID IT, I FIGURED IT OUT, THEY’RE USING A MODIFIED VIGENÈRE CYPHER!” “Ooh, what’s coming through??” “Y O U A R E A M E G A B I T C- What the fuck are we decyphering” “Oh I’m writing a rebuttal as we speak.” “We’ve been spending an hour on this” “Yeah, and now they’re gonna spend two decyphering our insult.” --- I just imagine this MC sitting with a group of folks, chatting away, and one of the characters just walks up and drops a stack of papers in front of them and silently throws a white glove in their face and walks away. MC, now looking through the papers, realizing they’re looking at code, just going “No.. no... NO.. NO I HAVE TO TRANSCRIPT THIS, YOU BITCH!?” and all the characters around them being confused like “What is happening right now” I love when tormenting people is a love language.