#it seems so fun but also I question whether I am capable of it

[inkovert]

I want to write something fun and silly that doesn't really matter and that I don't care about carefully crafting with logical plot or well-thought out character arcs or perfectly worded sentences.

I want to write like nobody's watching

[dissapointu]

“Dancing into Their Hearts”

Jayce and Viktor with a Dancer Reader

Jayce

Jayce is utterly mesmerized the first time he sees you dance. Whether it’s a graceful solo or a lively performance with others, he can’t take his eyes off you.

“Wow,” he breathes, leaning against the nearest surface, his hammer forgotten in his hand. “How do you even move like that?”

He’s the type to hype you up constantly, clapping the loudest when you finish and throwing in a whistle for good measure. If you’re practicing, he’s right there, watching in awe. “You make it look so easy, but I know it takes so much skill. You’re incredible.”

Jayce tries to dance with you—key word: tries. He’s a little clumsy but earnest, doing his best to keep up with your rhythm. “Okay, don’t laugh, but can you teach me? I promise I’ll stop stepping on your toes… eventually.”

He’s a sucker for the way dancing lights you up. If you’ve had a rough day, he’ll encourage you to put on your favorite music and dance it out, sitting back and admiring the joy that radiates from you. “That’s it. That’s the smile I wanted to see.”

Jayce is also incredibly impressed by the strength and agility your dancing requires. “I didn’t realize how much work it takes. You’re like… an artist and an athlete all rolled into one.” He’ll offer to help with stretches or hold your hand during a difficult routine, always ready to cheer you on.

Viktor

Viktor is initially quiet about his admiration, but you catch the way his golden-brown eyes linger when you dance. He watches every movement, taking in the grace and precision you bring to each step.

“That was… breathtaking,” he says softly after your performance, his voice tinged with awe. “You make it seem as though gravity doesn’t apply to you.”

He’s fascinated by the mechanics behind your movements and loves asking you questions about how you train. “Is it muscle memory, or do you focus on every step as you perform? How do you maintain such balance?” His curiosity is endless, but it’s always laced with admiration.

Viktor isn’t much of a dancer himself, but he loves being a part of your creative process. He’ll suggest music that matches your style or help you brainstorm new routines. “This piece… it has a certain rhythm. Perhaps you could experiment with it?”

Despite his reserved nature, Viktor surprises you by showing up to every performance he can. He claps softly but sincerely, his smile warm. “You’re extraordinary,” he says afterward, holding your hand. “I don’t think I’ll ever tire of watching you.”

If you’re working on a particularly challenging routine, Viktor is quick to offer support. “Take your time,” he says, handing you water or adjusting the music for you. “Even brilliance needs rest.”

He’s also struck by the physicality of your dancing. If you ever express insecurity about your appearance, Viktor is quick to reassure you. “Your body isn’t just beautiful—it’s strong, disciplined, and capable of creating art. That’s something to be proud of.”

Together (bounus) 💜💜

When Jayce and Viktor are both present, their reactions to your dancing create a delightful contrast. Jayce is the loud, enthusiastic cheerleader, while Viktor quietly marvels at your skill.

Jayce will nudge Viktor with a grin. “See that spin? That was insane!” Viktor nods, his gaze still fixed on you. “Yes, quite. It’s as if they’re defying physics entirely.”

If the three of you are spending time together, Jayce might coax Viktor into trying to dance with you. “C’mon, it’s fun! Just follow their lead.” Viktor will reluctantly take your hand, his movements stiff but endearing. “I am not built for this,” he mutters, but the soft smile on his face suggests he’s enjoying himself.

They both admire your passion and dedication, finding inspiration in the way you bring life to every performance. Jayce might say, “You know, your dancing kind of reminds me why I started inventing—to create something that makes people feel alive.” Viktor, meanwhile, would add, “And to remind us that beauty and precision can coexist so harmoniously.”

Whether it’s in the spotlight or during an impromptu practice session, Jayce and Viktor are always there to support and admire you, each in their own unique way.

[simonalkenmayer]

this is so random but I dunno, you seem wise. If you don’t have any response or advice, then that’s quite alright, it’s not like this is your responsibility.

I’m in a dilemma where I am so attracted to this girl(I say girl not woman because we’re both teenagers) but I don’t know if I could have any kind of intimate relationship with her that wouldn’t be me using her. As in, even if she consented, I think she might just be too vulnerable and I’m not.

Because I believe that that wouldn’t be right, because I don’t think it would be ethical, I’ve decided I shouldn’t proposition her. But how should I move forward with these feelings? They’ve been hard to cope with. She’s so cute and I’m just someone that feels emotions intensely. How should I let go and just be friends with her?

Don’t worry, I’ll also consult a therapist about it soon.

Thank you.

Wisdom? Ha. I am not so stupid as to claim wisdom. Perspective? Age? Those I will claim.

Here is my reply.

Why do you have the right to decide what she is allowed to experience? That’s very self-centered, don’t you think? Doesn’t seem like you actually have a high opinion of her, if you think somehow you’re entitled to determine whether or not she is “being used”. Seems as if you think you’re smarter/more capable/more knowledgeable, and speak of her as if she’s fragile or weak, compared to your machinations or whatnot. No idea what sex you are, but that’s the kind of thing men tend to do to women that vexes them most.

My reply sounds harsh to you? Well, good, because hopefully it will show you how silly the above situation is.

It is perfectly fine to ask someone if they’d prefer to have only a physical relationship, with extra features to that, friendship and so forth, to be added as desired. There isn’t one type of relationship. There are many. And you can build one that suits you both. You could have a conversation about your mutual thoughts and make a decision together instead of deciding you ought to choose for her.

Don’t decide things for her, because that tells her you don’t respect her agency.

Or…could it be you’re making that choice so that you never have to face actually walking up to the girl and telling her how much you admire her. Terrifying, but one of the only experiences humans seem to feel with any intensity. Don’t deprive yourself of that emotional rollercoaster. I hear it’s one of humanity’s chief delights.

If she has a vulnerability you can see, then simply don’t exploit it, but instead make her aware of it and strengthen her. That, my friend is the active form of “love” such as humans feel it. By helping her tackle those things that make her vulnerable without exploiting them, you prove you are the sort who truly does have what it takes to be a safe place for her.

Do yourself a favor. Tell her you like her and end the debate. If she says no, you move on. Because now the question is moot. If she’s interested, well then you get the fun of establishing your boundaries and deciding what sort of relationship would be equitable. With her input, since she is a thinking feeling person and not an object.

Humans waste so much time agonizing rather than just solving. To hell with fear or nerves. Just do the thing and enjoy the next phase of existence.

I advise forthright honesty in all things. Yes it can make you vulnerable to others, but it’s also something that can provide you with incredible strength further down the road. being vulnerable with someone shows them you trust them and is the basis of a relationship.

Do the thing. Then agonize, if such is required.

[yourpalmickeymouse]

Mickey helllo!! ☀️ how long has it been since I was here the last time? (The last time I asked you was… months ago haha!) I’ve been busy with my life and well, let’s just say a lot has happened to me! 😄

Okay enough about me, I wanna ask you something, it’s actually have to do about well. Your height (if that’s okay for me to ask!),

Do you get tired of being small? I can feel not many people would take you seriously for your size or would make fun of you height for laughs… (is it also a genetic thing in your family where your relatives are also the same height as you?)

But to me, I don’t think you’re small at all. Physically yes but I know deep down you have a big heart that would never stop trying to help the people they care and cherish the most! :D (that’s all I got Mickey, it’s great to be back here once again! I’ll be sure to stop by again pal!)☀️

Hiya Sunny,

It's swell to hear back from you again. It has been quite a while, hasn't it? Though to be honest, I've also been pretty busy with all these crooks runnin' around Mouseton. Sometimes it feels like they're tryin' to break a world record on the most amount of crime they can commit within a couple of months. It's real annoyin'.

As for your question... ha... I was wonderin' when this would pop up. Don't worry 'bout askin'. I love answerin' 'em all. 😊

When it comes to my height, I guess I could see why someone would see it as a flaw. To be honest, the world I live in doesn't always seem to have people of my height in mind. Outside of havin' a heck of a time gettin' a car where I can reach the pedals, I have to bring my own stool whenever I go to the market since whatever I want is always, always, on the highest shelves. It's real annoyin' at times. But there are benefits too. If anythin' I think it offers me a bit of unique perspective that not a lot of people get. Sometimes I feel like I can be a bit more agile and fit into places most others can't. Also if I can't find something I like in the men's section of the clothing store I can always go to the kid's section and find somethin' there, ha ha. The clothes are usually cooler there anyway.😉

I think with the right mindset, you can do anything no matter what size you are.

As for where it comes from, it's definitely genetic but also very random. My Uncle Jeremy is short like me and yet my sister and Aunt Melinda are tall. I guess it would seem only the men in my family seem to be short, but based on past family reunions, that doesn't always hold up. To be honest it seems to vary wildly in mice in general. Even Minnie's family can be all over the place. It kinda makes me wonder if there's a size fairy that goes around to all the baby mice, randomly decidin' whether to make them short or tall🧚. Ha ha, Wouldn't that be funny? Maybe I should see if they can make a last-minute change.

Though seriously, as I said before, my height doesn't really bother me. Or at least it doesn't now. I'd like to say that it hasn't caused me any problems outside of high shelves... but that would be a lie. As you mentioned, I've definitely been ridiculed or not taken seriously for my height sometimes. I feel like I'm constantly havin' to prove myself and show that I'm more than capable of doin' what someone a little taller can.

Sometimes there's an advantage in people's underestimatin' ya, at least when I'm fightin' bad guys. But when I was younger and had lower confidence, it would really get to me. I remember readin' or hearin' somwhere 'bout how you could grow real tall if you eat a bunch of yams. So I used my allowance to buy a ton of yams and started eatin' 'em all in one sittin'. Of course, it didn't work and all I got was really sick. But after a nice talk with my sister and my aunt, I learned that nothin' was wrong with my size and I'm fine just the way I am. A bit cliché, but a much-needed message I still keep close to my heart.

Talkin' 'bout hearts, I appreciate you sayin' I have a big one. I definitely do try my best when it comes to carin' about others and makin' the world a better place. And ya know what, I think that's what really matters. We can't pick our own size, but we can pick the size of the positive impact we make on the world.

Thanks a bunch for the questions. I hope to see ya real soon.

- M.M.

[dramatic-dolphin]

Your post about self-victimization made me want to hop on a flight to Budapest so I could shake your hand in person. I've also never been able to relate to online stories from women who express such hyper-vigilance about being out on dates or going anywhere alone at night.

(Part of this could be because I am Big and Tall, comparable in size to some men, and I've actually witnessed men double-take or back up when they realize I'm capable of looking them right in the eyes while they're speaking.)

As for your later point about the U.S. potentially being more dangerous or unsafe than Hungary as far as walking around at night...I'm not sure how to answer that. Safety is a subjective quality, not objective. In the U.S. specifically, the question of whether a neighborhood is safe often disguises other questions like "Are there Black people in this neighborhood?" or "Are there homeless people sitting on the sidewalks?" People generally aren't asking about the number of streetlights or cracks in the pavement (or at least not usually).

I'm not invalidating the experiences of women who feel unsafe walking alone at night or anything like that. It's good to exercise caution! But prolonged hyper-vigilance can take a really sharp turn into bigotry if left unchallenged.

haha thanks, i got some not very nice anons which was fun to wake up to, so this made me feel good :)

and HONESTLY. again, i'm from hungary and i'm very used to people not just saying the quiet part out loud but straight up thinking it shouldn't be quiet at all. people will openly say that the "unsafe" areas are the areas with lots of romani people. so this is always on my mind when i see people talk about feeling unsafe in a certain area, around some people. is it really a deep and correct instinct telling you there is something "wrong" and "creepy" about that man looking at you, or is it something else? i don't think it's possible to fully divorce this from racism, not when "we need to protect our [white] women from black men" was always such a cornerstone of racist sentiment.

like there's logical precautions and there's hypervigilance. you have to find a reasonable balance, and these just. don't seem reasonable to me.

[amysubmits]

My gf wants to be punished by me. She really perks up when I give her an admonishing look, or talk sternly to her. She seems to find my authority and discipline hot.

I do enjoy the idea of punishing her, but more as a sadist. Like, I want to make her suffer — but not because she did anything wrong, but simply because I can. To me, it shows her submission and the power she eagerly gives me, and I find that incredibly hot.

The problem is, I don’t really feel comfortable punishing her for specific transgressions. I think it’s because I don’t feel comfortable with giving her rules. She’s an incredibly capable person who doesn’t need rules enforced in order to function well; she’s up at dawn, punctual, studious, etc. Whereas, I’m actually the one who struggles with things like being on time, being clean, eating regularly… So punishing her for minor transgressions like being late, or sleeping in, or whatever, feels incredibly hypocritical! (Also, it would be so rare. And usually she has good reasons, too, bc she doesn’t fuck up by accident.) I just don’t see how I could ever have the right to expect her to endure a punishment, when she is so good and I am not.

I am also extremely cautious about introducing punishment for more serious things like if she actually “failed” me or hurt me in some way. (Eg. Say she forgot our anniversary, or started an argument and felt bad about that, or was rude / disrespectful to me.) These are more serious issues than a broken arbitrary rule (eg. “Address me by a title” or “Kneel when you enter the room” etc.). In that case, it’s a complex issue; I’d want to press pause, discuss and understand — not jump into kinky sex / punishment stuff. Not to mention, these issues are shared issues; it’s rare that it’s one person’s fault, so it feels weird to me to punish only one person. (And I don’t want punishment for myself; it would probably feel really triggering.)

Plus, she already feels horrible! She is incredibly perfectionistic, and especially in major transgressions, her internal narrative is more like, “I fucked up and failed you.” It feels needless to dwell on it — I want her to be able to make mistakes and know that she’s safe; that “I’m sorry” is enough; to not beat herself up about it. I worry that punishing would draw extra attention to the issue, and make her feel even worse / like it really IS all her fault.

Finally, I guess there is a distinction between punishment and “punishment,” and a lot of this consideration goes out the window if she’s only after the fun, hot kind. That’s worth discussing with her. But even in the fun “punishment” scene, I don’t really know what to punish her for, because we don’t have rules and she’s so good that she doesn’t really need them. I don’t even know what rules she would have, or how to come up with them! (The internet only recommends punishments, but I’ve found relatively little about how to make rules, both serious and fun ones, or the logic behind what is healthy or not.) Btw we’re not in a 24/7 dynamic or anything, we just do bedroom stuff.

Sorry for the long ask; I tried to edit it down but I have so many questions and need help. Thank you!

Hello :)

It sounds like you're pretty solid in your understanding of what you are and aren't comfortable with. It doesn't sound like punishing her for 'serious' infractions, big or small, is something you're open to. And that's totally valid. It sounds like you aren't certain if she's specifically after the serious type or the sexy kind. If she was after the serious kind, she may not like your boundaries, but it sounds like you know what yours are. If you haven't already, I'd explain this all to her similar to how you explained it to me, so that she has a full understanding of where you are coming from. And then whether or not she had initially intended for them to be 'serious' or not, I think these types of interests always link back to our sexuality in some way or another, even if it's kind of indirect. So, I'd wonder if you could find ways within "play" or "scenes" that could let her get to see you be pseudo-stern with her, and that could let you engage your sadistic side. To avoid risking her actually feeling guilty, maybe the 'rules' or 'infractions' would have to be things that are outside of her normal behavior. For example, if you use Sir during scenes and would worry that creating a rule of 'you must always end statements to me with yes sir or no sir during scenes' might make her actually feel guilty if she forgets - then maybe make up rules that are just things that could not possibly be accidental or guilt related, and would just exist as an invitation to play. As a doofy example, you make a ruler that is "No calling me Mr/Ms/Mrs. Babboon" which she has never called you and never (normally) would, so then if she does call you that, it's a really clear invitation to "punish" her. Of course, this is just if this type of play would be within both of your boundaries, but it kinda sounded to me like it probably would be. Perhaps you guys can brainstorm other ways to play with the kinks you have while avoiding those boundaries you have and also avoiding her guilt/perfectionism triggers.

Good luck to you guys. :)

[laurelnose]

Forgive my desperate urgency but you are The Person whose opinion I must have on this topic-- I don't know very much about D&D and especially not about dragonborn, I am only in the BG3 fandom for Vibes, but this came up as of course it did because I'm me--

DO DRAGONBORN HAVE GIZZARDS

please we must discuss this

A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION DESERVING OF SERIOUS CONTEMPLATION

So dragonborn are descended directly from chromatic/metallic/gem dragons in some way (the exact way is a point of theological contention). The difference between those three dragon types is, to the best of my limited knowledge, not germane to the discussion. I will consider dragons as a single category.

Dragons are definitely not reptiles. They are warm-blooded and they act like cats. I do not actually think the cat thing is relevant to them being reptiles or not, Forgotten Realms wiki, but thank you anyways. So they are not like crocodiles, but are they like birds? Probably not. Although they did evolve from proto-dragon species which were among the few survivors of the cataclysm that killed the dinosaurs. Much like birds! (Or maybe they were created by the gods. Whatever. I’m not getting into a Faerûnian creationism debate. Anyways, in this context only, por qué no los dos.)

Dragons are preferentially carnivorous, but functionally omnivorous, with an emphasis on the omni. They can eat and digest just about anything, including inorganic materials. This ability is because of their “innate elemental nature”, which kind of makes me think dragons don’t really have digestive systems as we know them. They’re more like great primordial engines. I think this precludes gizzards in the dragons themselves — how would they get stones in their gizzards if their digestive system can break down stone? What would they even use them for? So if dragonborn have gizzards, they did not get them from the dragons.

Dragonborn do not seem to usually be capable of regularly digesting rocks, so if they swallow inorganic matter it should stay where it’s put. Baby dragonborn are born toothless and are fed by a lactating parent (dragonborn → monotremes??) until they grow teeth, and then are graduated through soft foods up to regular food (consisting of much more meat than your average humanoid). They are capable of digesting non-meat foods, but it doesn’t look like they have the dentition to chew non-meat foods. Which is why birds of just about all diets have gizzards — they don’t got no teeth! I’m going to go with either dragonborn have trouble eating vegetarian meals, as they have no grinding molars, or they do have gizzards. Courtesy of whatever primeval force or deity created them, maybe.

I also considered whether, if dragonborn are normally gizzardless, the Dark Urge specifically might have been created with special dietary capabilities, but you don’t need a gizzard for, say, osteophagy. (Notably, the only primarily osteophagous bird, the bearded vulture, has lost its gizzard.) And I feel like the other things animals use gizzards to digest are not quite On Theme, as it were. However, they might possibly, like bearded vultures, have a hardened, partially keratinized digestive lining for dramatic osteophagy (involving sharp broken-off pieces of bones).

On a different hand, dragonborn manifest draconic abilities at different levels, ranging from different or multiple breath weapons, dragonfear, or abilities from Bahamut or Tiamat. I wonder if some dragonborn, maybe those with particularly strong breath weapons (since the breath weapons are formed from elemental energy produced by dragons’ unique diets), might also manifest the ability to Just Eat Fucking Rocks. Not a glamorous ability! But very fun I think! Possibly more fun for dragonborn which do not natively have gizzards, as having a sort of elemental furnace in their belly instead of a stomach would then enable them to more comfortably eat food like salads.

On another totally different hand, polymorphed dragons (or not polymorphed, if you’re not a coward) are supposed to be able to hybridize with most of the humanoids, producing children that may take after either or both parents, and aarakocra and kenku are Right There. I mean, not in BG3, but, y’know. Half-dragons and dragonborn are different, but still interesting.

Also, dragons in the Forgotten Realms taste like turkey. I don’t know what you can do with this information but I feel like you would enjoy knowing it

[thegratefulsouth]

TBOC thoughts feelings questions reelings

This is kind of a placeholder post before I do my rewatch of DD S1, gathering things to look out for. I'm trying to find my thoughts! The things I'm missing. Little bit on Isabelle.

The most recent trailer. I know there are differing opinions over whether it is Carol or Isabelle asking Daryl to tell her a story.

All my thoughts are hinged on not really knowing what does and what does not have a deeper meaning or connection to Caryl (the boats), which is distracting, so I'm going to ignore that and just delve in.

"Tell me a story."

My thoughts go straight to Carol in Alexandria, and her reasoning that, "these people are children, and children like stories."

And Isabelle is infantile within her manipulation. She's perfectly capable of looking after herself, in the way Carol learned to. Isabelle doesn't seem to want to do that though? Not when Daryl's around. Gotta rewatch.

This is at a time when Daryl's mind is still buzzing with Carol saying, "You never have to worry about me, Daryl."

Leading into TBOC, I don't have any concerns about Caryl's feelings for each other or their loyalty. But I am prepping for an emotional journey with a Nun who recklessly lies, who could potentially feel threatened, who could not necessarily cause harm, but could maybe not intervene if it was needed. All in order to benefit herself, what she wants, despite how this might affect someone she seems to care about. That's what I see! It could be interesting. Or it could all just be a hinge. Like all the boats. I really wanted the boats to mean something.

Further referencing stories, Daryl says to Isabelle (in 1x06), "This has always been the story, ever since I washed ashore here." Cementing that his motivation to return home has never wavered.

The family thing? The promise? Home?

The promise is another hinge. Daryl knows something is up with Carol. "You sure you're ok?" She misses you, Daryl. You're not there. She needs you!

"I'll be back in about a week, I promise."

This promise is mostly used to propel Daryl's story, like he needs to return because he made a promise. (Not just because he wants to go home). There are other promises being made around this, to get to the nest, anything related to the ultimate goal of Daryl fulfilling his own promise to Carol (his happy ending).

This promise carries more weight than, "it's not like we're never gonna see each other again." It's in the same vein as, "I wish you were coming with me." In their radio call, the line cuts out, so there's no way of knowing how they might have said goodbye to each other.

So, what I think, and stay with me, is that everytime Daryl talks about the promise he made, he's just basically saying that he loves Carol. No, this is going to make my rewatch so fun, let me have this! I can't remember so much of this show I swear.

I mentioned in my DD overall thoughts, that some things are too painful to say (eg, Carol's name over Connie's in the name drop, IMHO). It's easier for Daryl to say that he made a promise, or that he has family back home, and also, nothing with unsaid looks, than it is for him to say that he left the love of his life, and he promised (loves) her, and he needs her.

"He is the the only family I have left."

This is a tying thread for me, this family thing.

Daryl says, "I got family waiting for me back home."

I have 3 points:

1. Carol is trying to convince someone to help her get to Daryl? She's trying to make her case as convincing as possible, really sell that thing with butter and icing.

2. There may be others at the Commonwealth Carol could consider family. Like who though? Ezekiel and Jerry are friends, but family is under the skin. Family was that core group. The kids aren't going to provide her with that companionship she longs for. I'm not sure on the timeline if Rick and Michonne are back yet. But my point is, Carol's happy ending is not going home to an empty apartment, she doesn't want to be alone, she tells Daryl he never needs to worry about her, with the commitment of someone who made dinner plans when they were feeling social and energetic, and now she's home in her pyjamas, and Daryl hears straight through it.

3. When Carol dreams, she dreams of Daryl and Henry. I think it's reasonable to suggest that in her mind, the notion of a nuclear family springs, and in that, Daryl is really the only family she has left. This is the empty apartment thing again, but I like having 3 points. It makes sense to me. She is his home, she is his promise, she is his family. And he is hers.

There is annoyingly a fair bit of discussion about maybe Daryl realising that he actually belongs where he doesn't belong, and that his home is somewhere else, like in France, away from his family. This is irritating because Daryl completely ignores this line of thought, instead of just shutting it down. But, also, Daryl completely ignores this line of thought, and the only thing he says of that notion, to Isabelle, at the nest, is:

"I kinda like it here. Yeah. It kind of grows on you. Feels like home."

But he says this as he's getting ready to leave Isabelle, and more significantly, Laurent, in this place, which feels homey. He's reassuring himself that he's doing the right thing by these new clingy folk who like to pull at his saviour complex heartstrings. Daryl is happy, his boat is coming in. He spends a significant amount of time staring out the window during this scene, where I'm wondering if the ocean is? It's an island right. Where the boats sometimes are? Cause the boat is his path home. The point is, he's not entirely present in this moment. Not with Isabelle and her wound.

And the very last thing he says on the matter is, "And this place feels like home to you, and I truly hope it is for both of you. But I have my own home to get back to."

Lastly, I love Caryl. I already have more than I need from this beautiful pair. But these characters deserve to be happy. They want what they want, I tell you.

[sweetfirebird]

OKAY so I don't know when the trend started and I do not object to the trend, but having read several of the "magic exists alongside regency/19th century/late Victorian/Edwardian/just post WWI" m/m romances they all... every single one that I've read (which is obviously not all of them) has kept the existing historical time period biases and prejudices and laws in place, whether or not the magic is known.

And I am sure there are a multitude of reasons for this: it's easier, for one, for the author to not have to add a new level of worldbuilding to a romance novel that the rest of the world unfortunately will not take seriously. It adds a level of drama. It shuts up the people concerned with "historical accuracy." It can be done really well, in really painful but good ways. And so on.

But I read another one of these yesterday, and it's from a few years ago so trends might have changed since then. But I read it and I thought a couple of things that I've thought before about the current adult fantasy/romantasy thing but this was a more explicit and direct thought.

That maybe, just maybe, a lot of this is also because of Harry Potter, and the generation of people who grew up with it and are now writing, or the people who read it as young adults and are now writing, or the people who want to emulate a popular thing, are constructing their stories this way without really thinking about it. Or trying to do something new with it.

--Not that people are required to do something new with every trope out there. But you'd think I'd find a few books where the status quo was different, is all I am saying.

Anyway, it occurred to me after I finished this one that if this book had started out originally--even if only in the author's mind--as HP fanfiction, I could see it. And then I thought, oh, is that maybe the reason (or part of the reason) that so many people in m/m romance are writing worlds with magic but in which the people with magic have not altered the course of world history in any way, even when capable of doing so?

And it's a fine, fun trope but every book? Every single one leaves classism, racism, and homophobia of the time intact and the magic world seems unconcerned with that. Or, they could even make it *worse* because of magical interference. It's not like people with magic would be any less dickish than everyone else. But it's the lack of questioning that bugs me when I read them.

(And also like a lot of trends in media, starts to get fairly predictable, but predictable is part of what people like about romance, so that's whatever.)

I never read HP besides the first book, but I did used to read HP AUs (because they were everywhere) and to me, they just read like original fiction with fun gimmicky magic shit, and that's what I think I was feeling again when reading these.

No judgment, obviously. Just something that was bugging me and now I think it will better because I've named the beastie.

[dastardlydumb]

redesigning Viktor

how to go about it? as i'm drawing up body shapes and silhouettes to use in a fun little attempt at redesigning a character such as viktor the machine herald with a more modern take or just a bit of a character update in general. at first i thought perhaps giving him a bad posture would be a good idea to use to accentuate the fact he carries a giant hand laser on his shoulder and give him a bit more of a feral vibe by essentially stretching him out like you see with most tech priests from warhammer since that's his original inspiration. but then i start to think it might go against his personality and character to be seen as something with a bad posture. plus if you were to put him besides singed their character silluhette would be far too similar which wouldn't be ideal in a character lineup.

so then a more tall and regal yet a bit inhuman stretching of the character seems a better choice. and i think it'll be what i end up landing on were it not for Jhin who could be seen similarly even with the weird pauldron on the side. but Jhin is very lanky and thin so if i give Viktor a bit more of a buff with his chest armor it shouldn't be a problem in a character line up.

then there's the question of whether or not to keep his hood on or off. if he has it on he sorta runs the risk of looking to similar to other hooded caped character which mostly include Ashe Xayah who both have feminine figure so maybe he won't run that risk too much. giving him a hood would arguably make him seem more shepherd or herald like befitting his title. the spiky mess of hair can just be underneath it the same way he hides his unaugmented parts of himself with a shawl/cape.

having his pauldron jut out and be kinda flat would separate him from getting confused with jhin who has a very tall upright pauldron. i am aware that their pauldrons are on the opposites sides but that hardly matters in terms of confusing their silhouettes.

arguably his claw is his most distinguishing feature if you were to put him in a character line up. tho making that work for him in terms of aesthetically pleasing character designs could prove to be difficult. but it's one of those curve balls you just have to roll with and try and see what works and what doesn't.

he's a spellcaster/scientist with a staff and with that comes the opportunity to display his aesthetic and personality through the object with which he does all his zappy science magic stuff. i'd say that keeping the wires but making them a bit more visible and overall giving the staff the appearance of some sort of container for the hexcore is a good idea unless i was to decide that the hexcore/his ult ability "chaos storm" actually remains in his chest and he just throws it out whenever he uses the ability like in his battlecast skin model. either way, i think the staff should look almost like a lightning rod with a container for the crystal or hexcore at the head of the staff. you could also implement some aesthetic choices of his cane from arcane into the design but i'm currently focusing on his league design. otherwise i'd say it would be a great idea to almost show signs of it being capable of somehow collapsing into a crutch or a cane with the push of a button on it somewhere, or just having it be able to double as a crutch.

i would like to incorporate more bronze or design choices that ties him together to his creation blitzcrank. it would only make sense that they would look similar to show Viktors style in engineering and making their lore connection a bit more recognisable despite their design differences. blitzcrank is very friendshaped but i think that generally making viktors armor somehow more angular and a bit more like scraps of metal welded together would accomplish this.

Viktor is a scientist who looks like a mage, or to use his original concept title he is a "hexmage" and in the league universe that's almost the same as saying he's an artificial mage made through or powered by hextech. but more so than that he is a leader type of character, in fact most of his the skinlines that he's in, he has to fill the role of villainous leader. admittedly in his league lore its a role he has very little interest in, aside from maybe using it as an opportunity to educate people. but it's a role league seems very intent on him filling somehow. And with that being the case then it's the most natural choice to give him a design the exudes some sort of power and authority or perhaps even charisma that people from zaun would see and think yeah i wanna follow that guy into a revolution.

with all that and a bit more in mind it's easy to see how difficult it is to actually redesign this guy. but fortunately his design is so very old that quite literally anything would be a step up from his current messy design (which i still find adorable in its own right but by god please this man needs an update)

[syncrovoid-presents]

There is something quite fascinating about the concept of living in a house that is also alive in it's own right (yes this is about Home from Welcome Home).

(I will use it/its pronouns for Home, as Wally does in one audio clip)

From the new update we now know that Home is not just alive, but is capable of full conversations and even plays games with the rest of the Neighbourhood (and no one says it is strange that this occurs, they do this a lot)! Barnaby has a conversation with Home, proving that it can speak to more than just Wally.

And that is fascinating, because it means that Home truly is the 9th neighbour of Welcome Home, just one that isn't ""alive"" enough to get it's own About page. It shares it with Wally. It shares a lot with Wally, and it is funny because it seems like Home may be more opinionated than Wally, they are not empty!

And not haunted, and have not grown, and have not evolved past their original purpose. Home seems more comfortable with the rest of the neighbourhood than Wally does, and it almost makes me wonder if Wally is supposed to be living in it.

The town of Welcome Home is also called Home, though the other houses aren't alive like Home is. I wonder if it is called that because it was Home's Home originally and it was named after it?

I'm unsure how to put it, but between Wally and Home Wally seems to have the personality you'd expect a house to have. While we do not know if Wally genuinely doesn't understand many concepts or whether he is acting as a stand in to ask the questions young children may have, it is still curious that he's had to be taught so much (though he is an eager learner! That is so fun!)

Like you would expect a house to not understand sleep, or be taught how to laugh, not know how to stand up if it falls, etc etc. Home also seems to be better at taking part in conversations than Wally, which is unusual for a House.

(Side note: I am only saying Home is better than Wally at continuing conversations in terms of, would you expect a house to know much about conversations? Personally I think Wally is quite charming in how he speaks, his voice is easy to understand and his words are articulate and clear. He might take time, but not always. He is just choosing his words, and that could mean he wants to make sure he says the right things to convey what he means.)

It is curious, that is all I wish to say! The theory that Home may be experiencing the world through Wally is an interesting one, one that I do not believe nor disbelieve, but the concept is interesting! Wally has no origin other than he lives in Home, so who knows if Home created Wally as a sort of external avatar for learning and experiencing? Or maybe Wally is just quirky haha

I might talk about it more later, but it is interesting that Wally shows less signs of struggling to put his words together when talking on the phone in the hidden phone recording audio. Like he is more at ease speaking to ""us"" rather than his neighbours. Very curious! So much to uncover!

[walkawaytall]

Let’s try this again for the fandom asks because I asked you for non-existent numbers the first time. 🤷🏻‍♀️ T, U, V?

Haha...I'm glad you popped back in with letters! :D

T - Do you have any hard and fast headcanons that you will die defending?

Yeah, I don't care what the Star Wars databank or any other official material says: I think the first half of the The Empire Strikes Back makes way more sense if Han and Leia had been involved romantically in some way or at least were heading very obviously in that direction and were both on the same page, something happened -- whether it was the infamous Ord Mantell trip that we all like to write about or just Leia and/or Han shutting down because of Baggage™ and miscommunication or some weird third thing -- and they called it off all before the movie starts up. Their actions and reactions on Hoth are not those of two people who've been griping at and about each other for three years straight; they're the actions and reactions of two wounded and angry people who still seem weirdly comfortable with being in each other's personal space and working together. I'm not saying it's what the filmmakers intended, but I am saying it makes way more sense than the official "first kiss happened leaving Hoth" story.

I won't die on this hill because I do recognize my own bias as a woman with ADHD, but I do think Leia Organa is written, however unintentionally, as someone who has ADHD.

On an entirely related note, I have grown basically convinced that Leia was not supposed to melt Han out of carbonite when she did. The entire rescue plan is bonkers and makes virtually no sense unless Luke can suddenly see every aspect of the future in HD, but her timing makes even less sense to me. Once again, I don't really think it was the filmmakers intention, but I do think it makes more sense if there was some other part of the plan that she circumvented because impulsivity.

Oh, and this isn't something I have any need to die defending -- it's more just cutesy fun than anything -- but "the Organas have a family snowball fight at least once every winter even after Leia's in the Senate" is a thing that keeps popping up in my writing, so I guess this is a minor headcanon of mine.

U - Three favorite characters from three different fandoms, and why they’re your favorites.

Leia Organa - I don't know, she was I think the first fictional character who I wanted to be like. She's strong and smart and capable and also somewhat witty, and those are attributes I admire.

Anne Shirley (are the Anne books considered part of a fandom?) - I just really like all the Anne books? Anne is smart and funny and relatable. She has faults but she is both well-meaning and generally kind. These books are just really special to me, especially Anne's House of Dreams and I really, really like how Anne both grows as a character as she ages while remaining truly herself.

Remus Lupin - I dunno, I just love Lupin a lot. He's one of the more responsible adults at Hogwarts, seems exceedingly kind to his students, and he carries around chocolate. What's not to love?

V - Which character do you relate to most?

I mean, if we're talking Star Wars, I do relate to Leia some. Not in everything, but...I mean, at the very least, she seems to compensate for not knowing what to do by making sarcastic jokes, and if I'm not making jokes during a stressful/distressing situation...well, it's because I learned that there's a time and place for everything and some people aren't appreciative of that sort of coping mechanism, but I'm still thinking them.

Thanks for the questions!

fandom asks

[anarcho-commeownism]

Don’t worry; it seems no one cares either. Why does no one respond to my messages?

I’m not asking for a financial donation; all I want is for you to ask about me, my family, and our situation. It’s been a long time since you left us without a voice or news, as if we no longer exist. Have you assumed that we are dead? Every time I look around, I feel the loneliness, as if we’ve vanished from this world.

All I hope for is a word from you, a sign that someone cares. Even if it’s just a question, it would be the hope I need to keep going. I wish you would think of us and remember that we are still here, struggling to survive. I need you in this moment; please don’t ignore my plea.

I don't think that I alone am capable of comforting you in this regard, as I'm only one person in a sea of many loud voices. But I want you to know that I do care, and I still see you. I am extremely poor and unemployed due to disability, but I still harass my elected officials here in the States to make them feel empathy to their fellow humans. I truly wish I could help you in a more substantial way, but I'll try my best.

You aren't alone. Millions of people across the world still care about you and the people around you. It's horrible and disgusting what western nations are doing—whether they're outright ignoring the genocide or actively participating in it. They don't see your humanity, they don't feel warmth in their hearts to see your children happy, they only know hate and violence. But I promise you that they do not represent the majority. They may be loud, but oftentimes the kindest voices are the quietest and most numerous. Remember that. It has kept me going through some of my own darkest times.

This may seem like a silly suggestion, especially since I have no perspective on what it's like to live through a genocide, only my own struggles through poverty, but I recommend reading books whenever you can. I'm sure much of your time is taken up by simply surviving, but reading a book is an amazing way to keep your mind healthy and relaxed. I know books may be hard to come by, but this website: https://libgen.is/, has many books to download for free, both fictional and nonfictional in many different languages. If you are fluent enough in English, there are near endless options, but I did check and there are over 700 books just in the fiction section that are labeled as Arabic. You may even be able to find some books written for younger children that you can read aloud to your siblings.

I also read about your journey, and I see your brother has a persistent cough—if you haven't already done so, drinking warm water may help him, as well as inhaling steam from boiling pots. This is more of a long shot, but if you happen to have access to turmeric or ginger, both of those can be made into a tea that can soothe coughing. I have no idea what the availability of things like that are to you, especially considering how restricted food and water access is, but it's the best I can offer as someone who often cannot afford cold medicine.

Please don't feel like you're alone in this. My heart goes out to you and your family, and despite my inability to truly help you in any significant way.

For your siblings, here's a fun science fact they may enjoy: Did you know that sharks can lose up to 100 teeth per day, and some sharks can shed as many as 50,000 teeth in their lifetime?

To my followers: please donate to Hani's family, read his family's story, and send him some kind words.

[acid-by-thomas]

Inspiration is a tricky thing.

When you have this thing you appreciate in some way - whether it's in love, hate, confusion, any emotion at all, really - and you have some imagination in your toolbox, it's a fairly natural inclination to use your creativity to turn it into something new to enjoy. A pretty roundabout way of showing your appreciation for something, but that's just part of the creative process, I suppose - I think we all encounter some sort of spark, even in the simplest, mundane experiences of life, that begs to be kindled into something new and wonderful.

But I wonder sometimes where recycling or remixing something begins and where outright apeing it ends.

Or even if there's much of a distinction to worry about at all, really.

I've been worrying a little too much about distinctions like that, recently.

Take my own work, for instance. I don't think I'm held down much artistically speaking by a personal style. I have things that definitely appeal to me more, and I particularly like to play around with whatever medium I'm currently in, but I don't feel restricted to a single medium or genre in particular. Now, is that a plus on my part? Or am I too broad in my style to really be particularly distinct? Or is that sliding scale of specific style just another tool that can be to my benefit or my detriment either way?

Am I too uninhibited in my inspiration, perhaps? I feel I'm more than capable of turning it into my own thing, but I still like to wear it on my sleeve rather openly. Maybe I should take one idea I like and focus solely on reworking it into something without adding any other idea on top? How the hell would that work? Is it still putting stuff on top if I ostensibly pull it completely from the ether?

What's the line on apeing an idea, anyways? We hold originality and copyright in high regard, but there are plenty of artists out there that prove you can be successful and deeply original while also sampling wholecloth from other artists or just stapling a mustache on the Mona Lisa yes I'm looking at you Duchamp you beautiful bastard

They say people who get into creative work do so because they have great taste, but is "taste" something more tangible than echoing stuff you love? Hell, I just echoed somebody right there - that was a Zen Pencils comic I like, and they were apeing Ira Glass for that comic.

I aped the font I used for my title, I aped the ape I used in the title, I "aped" the art software I used to make it and the blog website on which this is being typed...

Shit, man.

Should I do more of this from scratch? How would I even start?

So many questions and not enough answers.

But maybe that's just because I know a lot of those questions are redundant. It's fun sometimes to just type about little redundancies like that, I suppose.

Perhaps part of why I'm asking these is that it almost seems too easy now to make the stuff I love. But I think that's okay. I'm thankful someone, somewhere out there put together and maintained these softwares that allow me to share my own appreciation for this wonderful world.

And maybe I'll do more of this stuff from scratch eventually, but either way I'm glad I'm loosening up on that detrimental pride in doing everything "by myself" and actually doing stuff at all. I feel like part of the reason it's taken me so long to even get on this blog is that I felt some obligation to code one on my own, but the truth is if you try to be completely "au naturale" and not use the tools in front of you for fear of coming off unoriginal, you'll be kneecapping yourself.

And frankly, in that regard, I'd rather be an ape than a chicken.

[sukirichi]

Hello! Can you write one about Nanami where the reader is oblivious and they're really close to Gojo so he gets jealous often. Sometimes Gojo does things purposely to annoy him and one day he just lost his composure and accidentally admitted his feelings for you.

I hope u accept if you're not too busy. Thank you!!!

— a little push

— sometimes all nanami needs is a little push.

nanami kento x fem! reader

thank you for the request anon! i’m not sure if reader is oblivious enough but i hope you like it! there’s some thick pining here hur hur, i hope you like it! i never knew i needed an easily flustered and awkward nanami in my life also this is unedited as usual

check my bio for masterlist and my milestone event! (◕ᴗ◕✿)

“Do you mind?”

Nanami sighs, silently praying to the heavens you wouldn’t hear the way his heart is absolutely panicking and beating wildly right now. You’d randomly pushed him inside the teachers’ office the moment he got back to the institute at work, and now he’s doomed to hide his feelings while you look up at him with wide, innocent eyes, a shaky yet excited grin painted on your face.

“Sorry, sorry,” you wave your hands in front of you, although he can tell you’re not apologetic at all. Nanami clears his throat when you step backwards to give him space, unsure if he’s happy or sad about the distance. “I was just really excited to see you back.”

Your carefree, lighthearted voice, along with that little jump in your toes combined with your statement – you’re basically asking Nanami to shrivel up already.

The stoic man remains composed, though, only shifting to adjust his tie while he stares down at you. You’re still somewhat bouncing on your feet, teeth biting your lip – a habit you had when you want to say something but contemplating whether you should. Tilting away to hide the slight flush in his cheeks, Nanami sighs again, pretending to be tired.

The last thing he wants to admit that even though he is exhausted from work, is that you’d never bother him. In fact, having you bombard him like this makes him feel like he didn’t deal with special grade curse by himself all alone just an hour ago.

“If there’s something you want to say, I suggest you get it over with. I don’t want to stay overtime and wait until the blindfolded creep comes around.”

You giggle at his insult, hiding behind your cupped palms. Crap, Nanami looks away and focuses on the birds outside instead, suddenly finding them so interesting despite never paying attention to them before. Maybe that was the curse of crushes – it had people acting differently and in complete contrast with their behavior.

“About that,” you begin almost shyly now, and Nanami practically bursts when he sees you tapping both of your pointer fingers together, gaze tilted away from him.

It makes him wonder you’re nearly on the same skill to Gojo, yet still somehow look like a small, innocent being that makes him want to protect you from everything – even if you were more than capable of handling things yourself. Well, Nanami concludes to himself, maybe you’re really just that paradoxical that it makes sense why he can never think straight around you. Maybe he’s really not supposed to understand the complexity of his feelings when you were a phenomena to begin with already.

“You see…Satoru asked me out.”

Nanami stiffens at your statement for a split second before his head whips to you so fast. You’re observant – of course you are, you’re a jujutsu sorcerer – and you easily pick up in his sudden change of demeanor. Your brow raises at his abrupt reaction, to which Nanami conceals by flexing his neck and rolling his shoulders back.

“I am simply tired from work,” he haf-lies, “So, Satoru asked you out? Will you say yes?”

His words and tone are monotonous, almost bored even, but deep inside he’s so close to beating the crap out of his co-worker. Well, not really, Nanami isn’t a man of violence, but he’s jealous. Of course he is – he’s liked you ever since Principal Yaga hired you.

He’s never told Satoru about his little crush on you. He would be stupid to do such; Satoru would tease him to no end and maybe even be as childish to go as far as pushing him to you. Typical elementary shit, Nanami cringes to himself, watching as you look down at your feet with a pout. Now that confused him. He isn’t sure what your body language means at all, but patient as ever, Nanami only waits.

“Well,” you scratch your forehead, “I’m really flattered. I want to say yes because Satoru is a nice guy—”

“He is not. I do not respect him.”

You roll your eyes at the way his eyes darkens, “—but also I’m not sure if I should. I mean, Satoru doesn’t really date, you know? He’ll be with like one girl and be with another the next week. I just don’t want to…like, fall for that, I guess. Not that I won’t, because he’s totally not my type—”

“It’s just a yes or no,” Nanami cuts you off, his words coming out a lot harsher than he intends it to be. It’s not that he’s annoyed at your rambling, he actually finds it so adorable when you get so lost in your train of thoughts that your mind just travels from one place to another, and seeing how your eyes just leave farther from reality is something he’s always find such an attractive quirk, but not now – not when his infuriating co-worker is intending to mess with your feelings. “Do you want to go or not? Yes or no? It’s as simple as that.”

You blink back at him in surprise, mouth opening and closing like a fish. Sometimes it’s hard to remember that Nanami was a no-bullshit man who hit things right on the head, a huge contrast to your happy-go-lucky self, but he’s right.

It is that simple – and you’re complicating things all over again.

When you give him an answer, Nanami has to muster all his energy to not deflate. He’s tired – but now his exhaustion and even the heartbreak comes crashing down all over him that he’s immediately weighed down and overwhelmed – so much so that all he wants is to go home.

“Yes, I want to go.”

It’s his day off.

Like everything else in his life, Nanami plans everything down to the last minute of his day. His day off consisted of him having the privilege to sleep in until 8am, then breakfast with coffee from that great café a five minute walk away from his apartment, then he’ll be reading books in his study for two hours. Comes after that is lunch, and he’ll brows through some TV shows, pick up his clothes from the dry cleaning, get that special limited edition dinner of his favorite sushi, read books again and call it a day.

Simple, peaceful, no hassle – it’s the perfect day to relax.

Except it isn’t.

Because it’s your day off too, and you’re out on a date with Satoru. He still remembers how happy you looked then upon accepting the white haired man’s invitation, your nimble fingers wrapped around his sleeve as you shyly asked him to come with you.

He doesn’t know why you had to bring him, but he doesn’t question it, nonetheless. Nanami wants to see how Satoru would react, if there could be any indication from the man behind his blindfold that he had ill intentions. Oddly enough, there didn’t seem to be any. Satoru only beamed and deflated into a chibi, enthusiastically nodding along with you while you planned your date together.

Nanami took it upon himself to leave.

With a silent scoff, Nanami placed his dinner down on the counter. Because it’s his day off – and mostly because he doesn’t feel like himself – Nanami went out to buy the limited edition sushi wearing a white shirt and some gray sweatpants, too forlorn and a little jealous to even bother dressing up.

It’s stupid, really. He’s been looking forward for this sushi for a long, long time, but now that he’s had it, he can���t even enjoy the taste. His mind keeps going back to you.

Were you having fun with Satoru? Were you enjoying your time? Was Satoru treating you well? What was Satoru’s intentions when it came with you? The last time Nanami checked, you and him got along really well and you’re mostly the one who whacks the taller man in the head upside down when he’s being stupid, almost like two peas in a pod, except you were the smarter one. He’d been so sure you’re nothing but friends and yet…it all lead to this.

Nanami pushes his sushi away. They no longer taste like anything, the texture like dried paper on his mouth. He wipes his lips with a napkin, staring longingly at well…nothing. His walls were plain and empty, and suddenly, Nanami can’t help but compare himself to Gojo.

You both planned to go to the local carnival. There’d be lots of foods and even parlor shops, ferris wheel rides and photo booths to create memories. Of course you and Satoru would go there; both of you enjoyed loud, bustling crowds, claiming there was something amazing about basking in the “lives of humans when ignorant of curses” while Nanami prefers his peace and silence.

Had you gone out on a date with him instead, Nanami can’t guarantee he’ll be any fun. He most definitely wouldn’t ask you to go to a carnival with him either. It was loud, cramped, crowded, and it’s too chaotic for him to ever enjoy your presence and enjoy it alone.

Nanami closes the sushi box, turns on the TV and lets is play on the background, a wet towel above his eyes to relax his tired eyes.

He hopes you’re having fun. He hopes Satoru is treating you well. Nanami just ignores the slight pain in his chest when he thinks of you, laughing and touching anyone but him, and he could picture it already. You’ve always been so open and welcoming to everyone, he knows you’ll have fun today, too.

That’s one of the things he finds most endearing about you – that your smile never fades and you never forget about the simple, little things in life to focus on to keep your sanity after facing curse after curse.

He’s fine, he tells himself. Satoru may be annoying, but he knows you could have fun with him, and you deserved to be happy more than anyone else.

Nanami is about to fall asleep on his couch when his phone vibrates on the coffee tables. Groaning, he flicks off the towel to his shoulders, grumbling about how Principal Yaga better be respecting his day off, but the last thing he expects to see is your contact name flashing on the screen. In the contact photo, you’re winking with a peace sign held above your head.

You look so utterly adorable Nanami just wants to kiss you. He remembers this photo was taken when Yuuji got bored and asked to play games on his phone. Upon finding that there was none – of course there was none – the strawberry-haired student opted for taking pictures of everyone instead. There’s one with Nobara growling, Megumi sipping his boba-tea with dead eyes as if he’s so done with the world, more than twenty pictures of Satoru flexing his muscles and posing like an idiot, and then there’s yours.

Nanami remembers staring at his phone for a solid minute, his gallery actually blessed with your face in it. The sun shines behind you on that photo and you’re absolutely shining. He thinks that’s when he truly fell in love.

And it just so happened the love of his life is calling, making his heart skip a beat because shouldn’t you be with Gojo? Why were you calling him? Did something wrong happen?

Nanami doesn’t waste another second before swiping the green icon, already standing up from the couch as he grabs his jacket. He had this weird inkling something is wrong, why else would you call him?

His theories are proven true when your voice comes out shaky. “H-hello?”

“Good evening,” he greets stiffly, brows furrowed as he listens in on the way you seem to be shuffling around. “Is there something wrong?”

“I, uhm,” he hears you sniffle through the other line, “Yeah, I guess there is…Satoru just texted he can’t come because Principal Yaga suddenly sent him to a mission overseas…and then I just realized that Satoru’s been summoned by the elders and he’s just refusing to show up, so now they cornered him, I guess… anyways, I’m talking too much and I don’t want to be a bother, but would you maybe…like to hang out with me?”

Nanami’s hand freezes on the doorknob. “Hang out…professionally?”

He immediately wants to smack himself in the forehead for that. Out of all things he could’ve said, he just had to utter something unintelligent. He hears you snicker in the background and Nanami’s ears redden. 

He quickly regains his composure with a clear of his throat, suddenly remembering that Satoru’s ditched you, so now you’re asking him instead. It kind of feels like he’s just a replacement, but Nanami buries this feeling down before it consumes him, wondering if he’s already regretting changing into better clothes because he actually agreed to go to a carnival with you.

Upon hearing your happy, “Okay! I’ll wait for you then!”, Nanami realizes that he doesn’t actually mind. Especially not with you.

The carnival is loud.

Nanami dreads the moment he steps out of his car, his body swallowed by the bustling crowd and defeaning music of banging drums and clashing instruments. There’s a hundred scents everywhere – smoke, fish, glazed apples – he doesn’t know where to begin or how to focus.

He nearly turns back to his hair, about to shoot you a text that maybe this is beyond him after all. His head begins to spin when he’s only pushed deeper into the crowd, people bumping into him with every single second and it’s so suffocating. It doesn’t make sense to him how anyone could possibly go on a date like this and enjoy it. He knows for sure this chaos won’t let him enjoy his date’s presence because he’s too busy trying to get away from it all.

Nanami staggers for a bit when a strong hand tugs him to the side. Soon, he finds himself pressed flush against you in a tight corner, your hips warm on his. “Hi,” you breathe out airily, lashes fanning and fluttering in that same manner that always made his heart do complete flips.

“Hello,” he greets back with a small bow out of faux respect, but really, he’s just keeping his head down because you look so beautiful in that moment he doesn’t even know where to look. You’re warm and soft next to his hard and stiff muscles, the scent of roses and vanilla mixing in with the street smoke and Nanami’s head grows dizzy, his hand around yours tightening for comfort. “Y/N…I do not prefer this crowd. Can I take you back home instead? You must be tired – I’ll prepare dinner for you.”

Nanami blinks back in surprise when he sees you nod, a slight grimace on your face, and you practically bury your face in his bicep as you groan, “It’s too noisy for me too. Let’s just hang out at your place.”

So you end up in his immaculately clean apartment, admiring and staring at the boring furniture. Nanami changes into more comfortable clothes and whips out something to cook, not wanting to feed you measly take out when you’re probably famished. He watches with side glances as you pick up a photo of him with his parents when he was younger, cooing and giggling at the baby version of him.

“Nanamin, you’re so cute!”

Nanami scoffs and turns back to the heated water in the bowl, arms hard as they cross against his chest covered with an apron. “Please do not call me cute. I am anything but.”

“No, you’re really cute,” you insist, but after seeing Nanami’s flustered frown, you eventually give up and give the poor man a break. Later, you wobble next to him, watching with curious eyes and a small smile as he adds the vegetables into the soup, moving expertly as he diced up the onions to the side. The sheer focus and attention on his daily tasks makes him falter, and he suddenly finds it so hard to function now.

“Why are you staring at me? Is there something so interesting about slicing up onions?”

“No, not really,” you say absentmindedly, the slight plop of the ingredients echoing. “It’s just – I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this way. Domestic, I mean, but it looks good on you,” you nod to yourself, and Nanami finds himself struggling to act as if your presence wasn’t making him go crazy while he proceeds to cook. “In fact, everything looks good on you, and I find you really interesting!”

“Y-you do?”

“Yes, of course!”

“Why?”

“I don’t know,” you shrug, assisting him silently with mixing the bowl even when he didn’t ask you to. Unaware that he’s now focused on you, watching you cook with him with you pressed up against his side, almost as if it’s right where you belong, Nanami feels the same with you. You also look good being this domestic with him, and he suddenly blurts out, “Would you like to stay with me? Like this?”

Your eyes slide over his in a slow fashion, slow enough that his brain hotwires at the fear maybe he’s said something wrong. But Nanami immediately swallows it down, huffing and turning away from you with that stoic expression again. “Forgive me. That was weird—”

“Why would it be weird?” you laughed to yourself before bumping your hips with his, “You’re the one who invited me here. Of course I want to stay.”

That’s…that’s not what he means.

Nanami is left staring openly at you while you help him set the table and you proceed to talk about how you didn’t really want to go to the carnival but Satoru insisted you’d have fun, so you went anyway even if you’d much prefer to be somewhere else. He’s barely listening, too distracted by the way your lips move and how you swing the house slippers on your big toe, your legs crossed on top of another and your figure slightly hunched across from him.

You look so comfortable and welcomed in his home that it puts him at ease too, not worried that he has to impress you anything because it’s you, and Nanami could actually be vulnerable enough to laugh with you over a bowl of vegetable soup.

It’s fine, he lies to himself again, it’s fine that you don’t know he likes you even if he tends to slip and be obvious sometimes. Because at least you’re with him in that moment, and he lies to himself again that it’s fine, that maybe next time he’ll tell you, but he doesn’t worry about. How could he worry about it when you’re snorting so loud over a lame joke he said that rice nearly came out your nose, and he’s so drunk over the sound of your bubbly laughter that something flutters deep within his belly?

When you help him wash the dishes and bask in the silence instead, comfortable over the lack of words and nothing but the sound of his faucet running and the slight rubbing of towels against dishes heard in the background, Nanami is unsure whether he’s glad that Satoru ditched you on your first date.

It doesn’t stop there.

Nanami only keeps falling in love with you more. He’s been doing a good job of keeping his feelings to himself because the last thing he wants is to have you stay away from him, but Satoru was really getting on his nerves.

He’s just come back from exorcising a curse when he sees you and Satoru play-wrestling in the field with the other students. Megumi is grumbling to himself in the corner, Yuuji is laughing and cheering on you to tackle down his sensei who’s currently going down in high-pitched laughter, Toge pumping his fists and screaming, “Salmon, salmon!”

It’s a chaotic sight – one that he usually doesn’t mind – until you finally pin Satoru down on the ground, your ass above his crotch. Satoru’s hands then come up to squeeze your ass and hips under the false pretense he’s struggling to push you off him, but Nanami knows better.

“Give up already!” you tease the other sorcerer who’s still wriggling underneath you, and Nanami sees it before it happens.

Satoru’s legs bend beneath you and he tries to pin you under him in quick movements, but Nanami is faster, his reflexes taking over. Before he realizes what he’s doing, Nanami tugs you and pulls you forward until you collide on his chest. He’s breathing hard, eyes narrowed at the arrogant smirk painted on Satoru’s features. Meanwhile, you’ve softened in Nanami’s grip, hands fisting his shirt that has him hardening up out of sheer protectiveness.

“Oh, Nanamin!” Satoru beams while wiping the dirt on his hands across his uniform, “Glad to see you here. You wanna join training too?”

“This is hardly training,” he retorts with a clenched jaw, “You’re harassing and disrespecting your fellow sorcerer because you can never keep your dirty hands to yourself,” before Satoru could defend himself, he’s already all over you, his hand tilting your chin side to side to check for any injuries. “Are you hurt anywhere? Did this bastard do anything else?”

“No, not really—”

“Why do you care so much, Nanamin?” Satoru teases, and the students all huddle to watch the commotion. Everyone can feel the tension rising, and Nanami only stiffens up further when he feels you lean closer to his warmth almost absentmindedly. “She and I were just playing around, no hard feelings, no foul play. We’re just having fun, right, Y/N?”

“She is not someone you can just have fun with, Satoru. You’ve already crossed the line when you ditched her on your first date, and you didn’t even bother texting or calling back when I drove her home. It’s disrespectful, and she deserves better than that.”

“Nanami—”

“I was busy,” Satoru sighs dramatically, “And if she deserves better than me, then who would it be? I can take care her of her, you know, she and I have been besties for like what, a year now? I’ll be good to her,” he smirks, and Nanami wants nothing more than to punch him square in the jaw. “Besides, it’s not like she’s dating anyone else. She’s single and ready to mingle—”

“Maybe she is, but I’m not,” Nanami deadpans, his harsh tone shocking everyone.

“Wh-what do you mean?” you squeak under him, and Nanami falls silent. He’s never thought of confessing to you, especially not this way, and Nobara is biting Yuuji’s jacket behind them to muffle her squeals. Panda is clapping his hands and whispers oh, here we go, followed by Toge’s salmon salmon.

It dawns on him now that everyone knows he likes you after all, and now that he’s confronted with the situation, he can’t run away from it. Not that Nanami plans on running away, for he is a man and his pride doesn’t allow him to evade situations like this.

He just wishes it could’ve gone out better.

“Forgive me if this makes you uncomfortable,” Nanami releases his grip on you, loosening his tie that makes him feel like he’s choking both on air and his words. Through his cool stature, he’s actually sweating inside his clothes, and it doesn’t help you’re patient with him too, head tilted to the side curiously and so horribly cutely he might combust. “But I have always been, and I still am, utterly in love with you.”

Nobara and Yuuji no longer hold back as they scream to themselves, the former slapping the latter in his back while Megumi only shakes his head, muttering “about time,” under his breath. Maki snickers to herself and Satoru is stunned, but it’s nothing compared to the way you shrink under his gaze for a moment.

He believes you’re going to run away from him because of his blatant confession; it wasn’t romantic at all, and the kids are still screaming too loudly for him to form coherent thoughts.

Nanami begins to form a deep bow, ready to apologize wholeheartedly and to politely ask you to forget this if you wish – he would respect your decision. But just as his gaze met the ground, he’s thrown off balance as you jump on him, soft glossy lips crashing into his.

The screams and cheers of everyone are suddenly drowned out when he feels your lips molding onto his, and he can feel you smiling happily, giggling while his hands tentatively run down your hips to hold you close. It’s unprofessional, displeasing, and downright horrendous to be kissing someone during work hours while the students are watching, especially because his clothes are crumpled from your eager touch and you’re on top of his chest, but Nanami absolutely doesn’t give a single fuck because he’s kissing you back fervently.

It’s what he’s always wanted – you’re the one he’s always wanted, and now that he has you in his hold, he’s not easily letting you go.

“See? I told you guys,” Satoru proudly puffs his chest up in the background, “All Nanamin needs is a little push.”

[tyrannuspitch]

well, sort of, but even among twins, one sibling has to be born first. (two babies at once wouldn't fit.) it's just that twins have age gaps of minutes, where other siblings have age gaps of months or years.

which kind of creates a problem for primogeniture - normally, we measure age by the day you're born on, so two people born on the same day are considered "exactly the same age". with twins, one of them is technically, slightly older - but does it count if it's less than a day? asgard doesn't necessarily have any established rules to deal with this situation.

(of course, loki's adopted, so thor and loki can't actually be twins. even if they are roughly the same age, their real age gap is more likely to be days or weeks than minutes. loki could even actually be the elder! but that's all a secret. if odin is presenting them as twins, then he still needs to justify the succession to his sons and to the public within this particular legal muddle.)

also - thor being heir to the throne is... a little ambiguous? he definitely is by the time he's an adult, but in the brief snatch of childhood we see, odin says something that might imply it wasn't always decided: "only one of you [he doesn't say which] can inherit the throne, but both of you were born to be kings." and in the same scene, thor seems to assume that he will inherit the throne, while loki assumes that he's competing with thor.

loki also implies several times that thor is inheriting the throne because odin thinks thor is more capable and/or deserving of it, rather than because of inherent birthright: "it all makes sense now, why you favoured thor - because you couldn't have a frost giant sitting on the throne of asgard" + "to prove to father that i am the worthy son".

of course, loki isn't the most reliable source, and i don't think odin ever genuinely considered letting loki inherit. but i think it's at least possible that either odin deliberating implied that thor and loki were competing to be chosen as heir (for various manipulation/control reasons), or that odin accidentally implied that loki was a candidate while trying to covertly prepare him for the idea of ruling jotunheim. (or even a bit of both.)

and i think loki's outrage over thor being considered "worthier" of the throne makes more sense this way! he frames this as a rigged competition, as if odin has tricked him, rather than as, like... the natural order. you would think that if it had always been clearly and openly stated that thor would inherit because he was older and this wasn't going to change, loki would rail against the unfairness of that standard... but he doesn't ever mention age. instead, he keeps saying that thor was odin's favourite.

i'm not actually 100% committed to the fake twin reading, i just think it's a fun idea to play with. but the weirdness created by there technically being an age gap, but only one so small that no-one's sure whether it does or should mean anything, so that the question could hang unanswered for years, is part of what's so fun about it :D

the fun thing about reading thor and loki as fake twins is that. everywhere in fanon absolutely everywhere people have them going big brother little brother my younger brother odin's eldest frigga's tiny litle baby etc etc it's so established so presumed but not once. not ONCE in canon do they actually say anything more than. thor was born first