#judging you for making that assessment; knowing you'll make it anyway and he just has to live with it

[ahsoka-in-a-hood]

*pouring myself a glass of wine* so basically-

Just because star wars the franchise tends to focus on the jedi, because it started there, doesn't mean they are the be-and-end-all arbiters of everything force related, and they definitely are not in-universe. There are plenty of force traditions referenced here and there, such as the nightwitches, the Guardians of Whills, the Lasat, that one place Mace and Jar Jar went to, whatever Jynn and her mother had going on,..... just a few we know about

the only other force tradition the jedi have conflict with are the sith. the space nazis, those ones. the ones trying to kill them. Got no problem with any one else on that.

It's not the first time I've seen the idea that "the jedi should have been spreading their teachings across the galaxy" and honestly it weirds me out because sometimes it goes into 'but why aren't they proselytizing? they should proselytize?' territory, which is weird because I instinctively view that as a positive trait.

Yeah it's true, 'jedi-ism' is not a religion of the people. It's just some monks who made it their whole life. Luckily you don't need to do anything jedi for salvation and you don't need jedi-ism in your life to be good or go to heaven /okay that probably crosses a line into religion stuff but. it is interesting how the impetus to help people takes shape in accordance to what you are taught people need.

not that the jedi don't teach. teaching is foundational to them, it's how their society is structured. And while we mostly see them deal with bullshit like wars, we do get the occasional insight into what that's like, with for example Yoda and the clones in tcws1e1 where he teaches them Force Stuff or in one of The Mandalorian episodes where Ahsoka guest lectures on political theory at the academy or *insert any number of instances they are shown offering guidance to the hero of the week*. Most of that teaching is not about how to use the Force! It's usually more directly relevant to the situation tbh.

Ultimately, I do just see the jedi through the lens of a religious minority that was targeted for genocide. We were first introduced to the jedi as a few scattered genocide survivors and one guy connected to them by heritage who decided to keep that tradition alive. That's completely fundamental to how I perceive them and I'm just basically never going to see eye to eye with anyone who's starting point is that you have to break all the eggs to make the perfect omelette. I've been here for two years and my tolerance for any smug satisfaction at the bad murdered elders being erased to make way for the better models has reached the bottom of the barrel. I know they are fictional but also like, fuck that. You can't actually divorce your 'objective' assessment of the culture from their fate within the narrative, especially not it you're just trotting out in-universe imperial propaganda. If you want to play judge and jury of a fictional culture without the stench of fictional genocide, you'll have to find another show.

Somehow, this does not extend to any jedi survivors who are coping with the annihilation of their people, even though they are fictional, unlike the fans. If Ahsoka's got beef, that's fine. She got burned on every side. There's definitely nothing smug about her pov. She's entitled to her opinion. (and let's be honest, there's more than just philosophy at play here.) I say that even though I know Filoni. Mostly because cognitive dissonance has kicked in I guess. (i can watson a doylist line if I want to)

It's not so much that I think every single thing the prequel jedi did was objectively correct all the time at all times, rather that a) people are allowed to have traditions, including ones that don't make sense to you, and b) people don't actually have to be saints to earn the right to exist without genocide so anyway, c) are they objectively correct is not the lens through which I am interested in reading them and d) i forgot what d was but I'll come back to it

It's also not that I think they should never change or adapt. Their world has changed, adaptation is natural, and you can't stop the change anymore than you can stop the suns from burning out. I just get annoyed at how it gets framed sometimes.

but on the question of who and how they train as jedi specifically, that feels particularly cruel somehow, because we watched them change. we watched them adapt. And it was because Yoda and Obi Wan came home and found all their children cut to pieces. Of course they could not raise Luke and Leia as jedi in the traditional way immediately after that, while they were both hunted. They couldn't. That's not... something to be triumphant about, that's heartbreaking.

this latest show comes on the heels of the mandalorian, where we see a force sensitive child being hunted for years on end and used by his hunters for experiments, and on the heels of another show where there is an entire underground railroad for rescuing those children from an empire that means them harm. This danger to force sensitive people, particularly children, is most acute during the imperial era, but still exists before that- think, for example, of Hondo talking of selling Ahsoka because 'young jedi are valuable (particularly the females)', or that one place where they hunted captured young force sensitive children for sport-

the above point combined with: the actual depiction of 'jedi recruitment' actually being primarily parents contacting the temple about their visibly force sensitive children. Ahsoka's whole village saw her tame that tiger. Shmi started lobbying for Anakin's jedi education as soon as she realized who was at her table. Those babies in tcw who were floating their toys and their parents were making up their minds.

Just. All in all, making this about how wrong they were to dedicate 15 years to teach those kids instead of... any adult who showed up at their door? I guess? Just feels off. There's nothing wrong about an adult convert without the midicholorian count. Just the celebration of that concept as the jedi finally learning the error of their ways (through suitable application of genocide, i guess).

look i lost the plot multiple bullet points ago and this is all the result of me looking at blogs that I did not expect to annoy me.

Alright I was fully onboard with the universal force sensitivity discourse about half an hour ago but now it's officially taking a direction I do not entirely like

[zmediaoutlet]

Hi, kind of a random ask… but I’ve been thinking about how Jensen has been pegged as the soft pretty boy on TV shows, and therefore is put in situations women are usually put in because of his type of good looks. Ie: dark angel. And him saying on a podcast that when he joined that show the cast and crew knew he was being brought in to be “window dressing.” of course this is not every roll he’s been in, but there are… nuances… I’ll just leave this here, bye!

You're right to say it, anon, and I appreciate you dropping this and running. The strange affect of the creature that is Jensen Ackles On Camera is like 87% of why spn fandom created the omegaverse -- it's why people can't stop arguing about bi!Dean -- it's why it's interesting for me to talk about Deanna -- it's why the FHoW gets so alarmingly intense -- it's why my whole tag #dean as object exists -- it's why I've started using another tag, #ceci n'est pas un actor, a la the Treachery of Images, because there just is something about the quality of a filmed Jensen Ackles. Everyone's favorite spn critic Sheila Whatsit writes about this at length but anyone with eyes can see it. Also why so much professional criticism/reviews feel free to talk about his looks so baldly, in language that would get them hit with misogynist accusations if he were really Jensenina.

Dude radiates this vibe that he can be done unto, that he's for looking at, and it is just truly five-alarm AH! when the camera treats him that way. Extremely distinct from how the camera treats Sam. Which also makes me feel some kinda way. (Especially when that can be drawn out in his own awareness of that effect, either with Dean or with fic-Jensen who I do try to keep as distinct as possible from real life Jensen who I hope never googles himself. Talk about the treachery of images, oof.)

[sandsorghum]

JK Characters Reacting to Starboi3 feat. Doja Cat's Song "Dick" [Crack/Smutty Humour]

^In case you've been dwelling under a boulder and haven't heard it

Today we have: Geto, Yuji, Gojo, Maki, Nanami, Megumi

"Come hear, there's this new song I think you'll like!"

Reaction within the first 60s

"This is very bass forward, isn't it...and forward forward."

After listening through

So, ya offerin'? *smirks*

Play it again?

Not really his thing, but you'll observe him tapping his foot to it if it ever comes on the radio (what kind of public broadcast service are you listening to that would play this, Geto??)

Reaction within the first 60s

Is slightly startled and flustered by the explicit nature of it, but gets into the beat, bobbing his head to the rhythm

After listening through

"I like it! Um, I mean the tune mainly!"

Play it again?

He would, but only with headphones in!

Reaction within the first 60s

"Aww shit this my jam! Y/n you're just discovering this? Where have you been!" (He's already heard it before, including a bass boosted one hour loop version)

After listening through

He literally has it all memorized and keeps yelling out "Dick!" with increasing volume and aggression to make you embarrassed in public. But when you just one-up him and shout"R.I.P THAT PUSSY!" louder he laughs and chants the rest of the song with you, earning you two many affronted stares from strangers.

Play it again?

Nabbed your phone and changed his contact to Goja Cat and customised the ringtone to his own terribly rapped version of it. You've never picked up his call so fast, the first time it happened you yelled "SATORU YOU BITCH YOU HAVE NO FLOW." You didn't know you were on speaker. Or that he was in a meeting with Principal Yaga and Gakuganji.

Reaction within the first 60s

Makes a face after the first "Dick!" and her stare at you gets increasingly judgmental with every subsequent one.

After listening through

"I'll admit it's catchy, but I thought you had better taste in music than this y/n."

Play it again?

Secretly has it on her Spotify Work Out mix, but made that playlist private so you don't find out!

Reaction within the first 60s

You see his brows twitch after the first word, but his expression becomes increasingly passive as the song goes on (or it strives to be, at least. You can tell what he's really thinking. It's probably Disdain) Loses the tiniest, tiniest soupçon of respect for you.

After listening through

"Y/n, is this really your type of music?"

"Yea, sometimes!" You flash a grin at him.

"...I see."

"She's a great artiste isn't she?" Nanami clears his throat, taking a moment to carefully contemplate the construction of his response. When he next speaks, it's in the most neutral tone you've ever heard from him (which is saying something, for Nanami.)

"I would have to experience the rest of Ms...Doja Cat was it? Ms Doja's oeuvre before making an assessment on that."

You giggle straight in Nanami's face, "Kento, you can just say you're judging me, y'know."

"I never would, on such a superficial basis," he says firmly, but there's something about the way the corner of his mouth is set that makes you laugh harder.

Play it again?

N e v e r.

Not if Nanami has an option anyway - but maybe he'll learn some fresh appreciation for it.You're blasting it in his kitchen one night when he told you he'd be back late so the house would feel less empty. You don't hear him unlock the front door, or his hurried footsteps as he pads over to tell you to turn it down for crying out loud, what if the neighbours hear? But then he's halted in his tracks at the entrance, mesmerised by the sway of your hips as you groove to the beat, elbows flecked with suds as you do the dishes, completely oblivious.

And hey, if he discovers this newfound appreciation for the song while you just so happened to be wearing your snuggest pair of booty shorts, well that's simply a coincidence, right?

You're only alerted to his presence midway through belting Doja Cat's verse when you're started by a strangled, swallowed sound he made. Whipping around, your face is already scarlet before you register Nanami's smirk, or how he's sauntering over to you with slow, deliberate steps. He pins you first with his gaze, then his hands, caging you in with your hips pressed against the sink, while he rubs small circles against your skin, fingers dipping beneath the waistband of those skimpy shorts.

Before you can sputter an excuse or apology, Nanami grips your chin between thumb and forefinger and mutters the most unexpected command ever: "Alexa, play Freak by Doja Cat." So, Nanami had gotten around to the rest of her repertoire after all

Reaction within the first 60s

Stiffens after hearing the first word, looking puzzled. He must have misheard - did the singer really just say - oh, they did, yep. And now they were repeating it...a lot. You can't help the grin as you watch the tips of Megumi's ears tinge pink, just as you'd predicted (or hoped). He doesn't even finish the song and tugs out the earbuds before the second chorus, but you insist and force him to listen to the rest of it, much to Megumi's chagrin.

After listening through

"Y/n, why did you think I would enjoy this song?" "Eh? What do you mean? You're a red-blooded guy who's sexually active-" "Y/n! L-let's listen to something else, please."

Play it again?

I-it's not his fault, he swears. It just keeps appearing in his Tiktok feed and now it's stuck in his head. And only cause Nobara keeps sending him those dumb videos so his algorithm's messed up ok?It's not like he would include it in any of his playlists...right?

[Sexual themes beneath the cut]

The two of you are having a heavier than normal make out session in his dorm, Megumi's top already ridden up more than halfway above his abs. Your hand drifts over the denim of his tightened jeans, searching for the zipper and Megumi bucks reflexively into the warmth of your palm, earning you a breathy moan. Between your combined pants and the rustle of his sheets, you can barely pick up anything coming over the speakers from the Let's Make This Night Last Forever Spotify mix that you curated together.

But then you hear a very distinct, familiar electronic twang and drum beat, followed by the singer shouting well, the thing your fingers had been questing for. It's obvious Megumi recognises it too by how he freezes up and absolutely refuses to meet your quizzical gaze.

"I didn't put this on the playlist," you giggle.

"I-I didn't add it either!" Megumi mutters, a shade too defensively.

"Hmm, you sure?" You hum, your hand resuming its original intentions.

Megumi groans, stuttering. "I s-swear, I don't remember..."

You apply a little more pressure to what was conveniently the subject of the song, massaging Megumi through the material of his clothes. "So which is it, darling," you purr, "You added it, and forgot you did?"

"N-nngh, y/n, baby - it's embarrassing, let's just ch-change it-"

"Not a chance," you smirk, pulling your prize out of your boyfriend's pants. You slither to your knees and elbows; time to find out what all the fuss and inspiration behind this song was about.

"Hey 'Gumi," you whisper sweetly, glancing up at him from where your head is nestled between his thighs.

"Y-yeah?" he answers shakily, you feel the tremors in his fingers as they card through your hair, gathering it in a loose ponytail.

"About those Tiktoks which use this song...you're familiar with that one challenge, right?"

The full flush racing down Megumi's neck (and much lower, as you'll later discover) tells you everything you need to know. But it's really the way his eyes darken and smolder, together with the fist tightening against your scalp, that indicates Megumi's more than game to nail you this challenge.

[minetteskvareninova]

Hey, put those poor nits where you picked them from, will ya? Anyway, thank you very much for demonstrating the difference between reasonable and valid by providing us with arguments that are also invalid, but this time also unreasonable.

"unless your standard of proof must be a written law condoning fratricide and kinslaying which would be impossible in Westeros" - I don't really understand this argument, do you mean like, the law is impossible to enforce on a reigning monarch? Which, okay, fair, but that still doesn't make preemptive kinslaying an ESTABLISHED PRACTICE that one of the greatest monarchs gave his descendants a blank check on, like in the Ottoman Empire.

I thought the Jeyne was supposed to be an argument for what Rhaenyra might do to Aegon if she sees him as a threat to his rule??? But my mistake for thinking you'll keep to the ENTIRE POINT OF THIS DEBATE.

*sigh* Yes, Rhaenyra's position is precarious, both because of her gender and the illegitimacy of her children (well, kinda, sorta, they are in this weird position where they are legally legitimate, but on the basis of biological parentage they do not possess and which they maintain by their parents' gaslighting of the entire country). Methinks that would make her all the more fearful of any signs of dissent from Aegon, innit? Methinks Alicent could, perhaps, try to make it clear she is on her side and not go against her??? If Alicent wanted to, she absolutely could've participated in the charade and publically maintain the facade that Laenor is the biological father of his children. But she didn't. Now, I don't want to sound like I am judging her, but also let's not pretend she had no choice here but to do what she did.

Let's be clear here. In episode 6 Alicent isn't acting on any "public image" that Rhaenyra is "projecting". Her main arguments are a) her dad said so; b) she doesn't trust Rhaenyra because of their falling out. Before episode 7, Rhaenyra isn't trying to project a threatening image - and again, when she finally does in episodes 8-10, Alicent clearly doesn't believe it enough to not at least try her hand at offering her peace... AFTER she usurped her throne! And yes, the position of the Greens is strong, or else their peace conditions wouldn't be so bold, but Rhaenyra still could fight if she chose to. Hell, if Daemon truly had that much influence on her, and if she truly was as bloodthirsty, she absolutely would. But it's not even that he doesn't and she isn't - it's that ALICENT clearly doesn't believe it. That's why she tried to appeal to her emotions with the book page and the "common motherhood" thing (which is a stupid argument and I don't remember her making it, but dunno, she might've). Because even after everything you just called her out for, Rhaenyra still regained Alicent's trust once she expended a modicum of effort on it. And that's what I'm getting at here. Alicent isn't a perfectly rational actor acting on the nigh certainty that Rhaenyra's ascencion will spell her children's doom (as Hürrem does). Alicent is, at best, trying to assess the likelihood Rhaenyra will turn out to be a Maegor-level tyrant purely based on vibes, and her vibe check is broken by Otto.

Oh yes, her beloved father who only ever wanted what's best for her, that is marrying an old man she finds physically repulsive, and the horrible, reckless Rhaenyra, who *reads smudged handwriting* had premarital sex that one time and lied about it in order to not get into trouble. To Alicent. Who absolutely had every reason to know such crucial information that most definitely has effect on her own life. Okay, that's the final straw for me - this post was written by Otto.

The one positive thing I can say is that Süleyman II. is an unexpected Ottoman history deep cut, so full respect to a true nerd. Where did you get that quote? Care for some book recommendations?

I finally realized why it always rubs me the wrong way when people compare Alicent to Hürrem: despite multiple genuine similarities between the two, people often use it to imply things about Alicent (and Rhaenyra) that are just plain untrue. Notably, Hürrem has legitimate reasons to worry about her sons' lives, while Alicent... Just doesn't. I am sorry, she really fucking doesn't.

First off, let's make something very clear - recent history of their worlds is very much on Hürrem's side, while with Alicent, it's a lot less clear. Notably, while the oldest members of the Ottoman dynasty, when the empire was just really just a small emirate in Anatolia, were able to peacefully coexist with their brothers and other male relatives that could challenge their power, as the empire grew, so did the propensity of potential candidates for the throne to fight over it. By the time Süleyman I. became the sultan, fratricide was very much an established practice. Ottoman succession laws were rather murky, and at the time the show takes place, the good old "to the strongest" principle was in place when it comes to deciding which prince was to become the next ruler. There was some sense that the oldest has more right to the throne than his brothers - hence Mustafa being considered the strongest candidate, along with his general popularity among the janissaries - but Selim I. did win the throne from his older brother, so it was hardly set in stone.

Then there's Westeros, which is a lot more complicated. Sure, you did have Maegor I. usurping and murdering two of his nephews, where the third was only saved by going into hiding, but notably that was only after the oldest one rose in open rebellion towards him. Now, Aegon the Uncrowned wasn't really in the wrong there, considering Maegor had at that point already burned the Starry Sept and generally showed himself to be the absolute worst. Aegon was fully within his rights to be worried about the fate of himself, his own family and the whole country. But it's worth noting, because even the most tyrannical king Westeros had up to that point didn't just shank his nephews completely unprovoked (as was at the time the show was set already an established practice for the Ottomans). Hell, Maegor previously fully supported the reign of his older brother, apparently for no other reason than because of affection between them. Even after they had a falling out because of Maegor's bigamy, Maegor went into exile rather than directly challenge his brother's rule.

Then we have Viserys I., whose claim was also contentious, but after it was cemented trough legalistic means, noone ever went directly against him. It's worth noting that Rhaenyra's claim too was established trough legalistic means (her father's decree) and just like Viserys' claim, it also went against the common practice of Westerosi succession. Admittedly, Rhaenyra's claim was much less stable, mostly because of her gender, but still. In addition, there is absolutely no indication that Rhaenyra would ever go the Maegor route if her throne wasn't usurped; admittedly, she would've kept a close watch on her brothers (and they might be in danger if there is ever an unrelated crisis during Rhaenyra's death - possibly, maybe), but that's far from the "certain death" scenario Alicent presents to Aegon the Trashy. And considering the alternative is a civil war, which also endangers the lives of her children... Yeah, keeping your head down and trying to appear as faithful as possible to Rhaenyra suddenly seems like a pretty viable option, doesn't it?

But that would mean Alicent has to firmly go against her manipulative father and place her trust in Rhaenyra just after she lied to her about *gasp* having premarital sex, and she just isn't emotionally ready for that.

Look, I am not saying Alicent doesn't have good character-driven reasons to be horribly, horribly wrong. But she is. By God is she wrong. Superficially, hers and Hürrem's situation are similar. But one of them is probably right, while the other is just wrong. And that makes all the difference.

[the-coffee-story]

Rise of the Forest God

Chapter 17 - Professor Tally Winchester

Winchester Hall was a beautiful, dark Victorian mansion á lá Addams Family that rested proudly upon the tallest hill around. The windows, grey with age and dust were tall and skinny and a rusted iron gate, with weathered carvings now indistinguishable rested half swallowed by dirt and uncut blades of long dry grass. The whole thing blended rather well with the crawling forest behind it.

The team was waiting by the gate, curious and giddy with half-numbed nervousness.

"Well, now I'm definitely interested," Walther commented, peeking through the towering, rusted gate. "This looks like it's haunted by at least three ghosts who died a horrible death. They never found the heads."

October laughed.

"Seriously October, imagine the Addams Family's mansion, now scale it down a little."

He raised an eyebrow. "Can't wait for Morticia to pop out."

"Well, Morticia was definitely not on the phone," Violet noted.

Suddenly, the carved, dark-oak door that rested comfortably in the centre of the home's front opened, and a young man peeked out, adjusting his glasses as he took a moment to assess the situation. After a few moments passed, he noticed the team waiting by the gate, waved to wordlessly grab their attention, and quickly scuttled over.

Tally Winchester was a medium-heighted, slender and bald individual with large, wildly blue eyes behind thick glasses and a countless amount of scattered silver piercings dotted in and around his earlobe. Despite the fact that it was it had just dawned early spring, his skin was sunburnt and tanned, as if he spent most of his days somewhere lost outside. He walked with a noticable limp, and Walther didn't need to wait long for an explanation, when a prosthetic briefly appeared between his worn brown converse sneakers and faded jeans.

"Hi!" He flashed a toothy smiled at the group and opened the gate. "Great to see you, I'm Professor Tally Winchester!" He shook everyone's hands as they trickled past. The sleeves of his petrol flannel were rolled up, revealing a rather out-of-place, faded tattoo of a crawling lizard and a bunch of old scars. "You can call me Tally though."

Violet held out her hand. "Hi, I'm Violet, we talked on the phone."

"Great to meet you all!" He grinned. "Are you coming inside?"

***

"Before anyone asks, I inherited the house," Tally explained while leading them upstairs. "It's rotten and I hate it and the bills are a naked horror but I doubt I can find anything that has more capacities for a library." He opened a door. "Intrate, everyone."

"Remarkable," Doc commented.

Remarkable was indeed an understatemt. The room they'd entered was a library- with a beautiful brick fireplace and huge windows that let in the sparse afternoon sun, bookshelves brushed against the webbed ceiling and sunk into every wall. The floor was carpeted, through incredibly uncomfortable to walk on, and the furniture antique. One wall was plastered with photographs and notes.

"Nice," Walther mumbled, taking the second to once again soak in their surroundings.

Tally grinned, idly brushing aside pages and old notes compromised of incomprehensible scribbles and drawings. His teeth were somewhat crooked. "I didn't replace any of the furniture, but I did sell a chunk of the old books. There was just no space for mine." He closed the door behind them. "So anyway, you wanted to know about the cult?"

"There's been a bunch of murders in Forest Lane that were eerily similar to what it did, so yeah." Thasfield shrugged his broad shoulders. "We suspect the cult might be involved."

"Oh, I heard about that on the news!" Tally sorted the files on the table until he found what he was looking for. Then he looked up. His face was serious now. "At this point I'd like to admit I have a slightly selfish motivation in this."

"What is it?", Violet asked.

"You see..." Tally leaned against the table. "For context, I'm a history professor, but my focus is on cryptids and modern legends. Historical context, potential explanations, yada yada. A few years ago I stumbled across the legend of the Forest God."

Walther's face lit up. "Oh, I remember that story, my parents used to tell it to me when I was a kid! This one guy got lost in the woods, was found dead and after his funeral his reanimated corpse came home and his wife who loved him very, very much-" They side-eyed Violet and Coffee, who in turn glared back. "-couldn't accept that maybe it's not exactly normal that your husband's corpse is vibing around, then after a while he started killing people, then he killed her and then the neighbours buried him in an iron casket in the woods so he would stop randomly murdering people. Right?"

"You summed it up." Tally nodded.

"But who believes in that?!" Violet frowned. "I mean... it's just a legend, right? Somebody finally snapped, had a rough week or something, and people straight up believe his bullshit?"

"He came back from the dead and started murdering people, Violet," Doc commented.

She shrugged dismissively. "We've all been there."

"I don't want to meet you after a bad week," Tally remarked with mild discomfort, absentmindedly flipping through pages of notes and nonsense. "The existence of the man who allegedly became the Forest God is proven. His name was Eustace Wyndham and if you ask me he had rabies and some things were added for drama. But that's not even relevant, because the cult came almost a hundred years later." He slid around the table and opened another scattered file. "1969 they started to worship the Forest God. At first it was nothing special, you know, just the average college student nonsense." He held up an old photograph, subtle wonder in his eyes as he stared into it, before handing it to Walther. "Here, you can take a look at this! That's the entire cult. The guy in purple with the long hair is one of the founders. The other founder left in 1970 after getting a bad feeling about the whole thing. I caught him for an interview five years ago. Lovely guy, sadly died of cancer shortly after. It's a shame. You can pass the photo around! Notice how they're all wearing cow parsley wreaths. That was the flower associated with the Forest God and the flower scattered all over their murder victim's body, or rather what was left of it."

"All the victims had cow parsley in their mouth," Doc realized, dragging a hand up to rest in his soft ginger curls, staring blankly into the distance, thinking.

Tally nodded hastily. "Exactly! And now please look at what I found on my windowsill this morning!"

He limped over to the tallboy, half relying on the nearby furniture for support. Leaning down and throwing open a drawer, after a short while of sifting through papers and photographs, he took out something else. Then he held it up.

It was a wreath of cow parsley.

"That's....not good," Walther murmured after a long moment of stunned silence.

Tally nodded, twirling the flowers between his thumb and forefinger. "You get it. You know..." He leaned heavily against a dusty, worn table and heaved a small sigh. "When Wilhelm called me at first I was very sceptical of it all. I'm not a group project person, if you know what I mean. But this is just the tip of the ice berg and I have a feeling that I might be next, so I decided to work with you." He shrugged his shoulders.

While he'd been talking, Coffee had been furiously typing. He handed Tally his phone and Tally read it out loud.

" 'How about we use you as a bait?' Um... Can you...can you please explain what exactly you mean? That doesn't sound particularly safe-!"

He handed Coffee's phone back to him, paranoid he might accidentally drop it, and the detective started typing an answer, this time with significantly more determination.

Hear me out. So my idea was basically that tonight we let the killer come, but were going to be prepared. In other words, we gather a big group that's going to protect you, and we're going to arrest the murderer once he's here. What do you think?

Tally hesitated for a short moment and chewed his lip, opening his mouth to reply, then closing it again.. "I mean... I guess you have a point, sooner or later he's going to get me either way."

"I mean, let's be real, you can't run forever," Thasfield said, leaning forwards. "Even if you move, it's still going to take a while, and judging by what we know you're being pretty actively stalked, so it's quite possible he'll just follow you and then you'll be killed by a Forest God in a hotel room in Central Graytown. Which probably makes for an interesting plotline in a noir film, but we're talking real life here and I highly doubt you're so keen on landing in the morgue anytime soon. Although the Doctor is an expert at autopsies."

Doc smirked.

".........yeah," Tally admitted. He sat down on the table and scratched the back of his head. "Yeah, that sounds...icky but realistic." He closed his eyes took a deep breath. "Alright. Who's gonna be on this team?"

Doc's phone's rang loudly to shake up their newfound confidence, and he excused himself, stepping back into the dusty hallway to take the call.

"I mean, most of us for starters," Violet said. "But I was also thinking of grabbing Gary Fox and Wilhelm. Strength in number, you know?"

Doc eventually came back to the group. His weathered face was stricken with subtle anxiety. "Bad news."

"What is it?", Walther asked.

"Alice found her mailman by the stables."

Walther frowned. "Okay, and what's so special about that?"

"His left arm was by the stables. The rest of him was scattered across the field."

"Dear God, is he okay?"

"He's okay, but he's dead." Doc turned to Tally, lowering his voice just enough. "Can we settle on tonight?"

Tally nodded. His sunburnt face had notably paled, turning his skin a somewhat pasty yellow. "Sure. What time are y'all coming?"

"Is five o'clock alright with you?"

Tally shrugged his shoulders. "Sure."

[taeguboi]

So Far Away PART 09

Okay, so idk if anyone wanted me to continue with this series but this chapter was like half finished from last year haha and part 08 was posted last July lmao so I thought I might as well finish part 09 and post it during my slight comeback this Easter hols... I really think this might be more of a filler part again and it’s possibly what I was intending back when I opened the document but I guess we’ll never know for sure *sigh* 

01 / 02 / 03 / 04 / 05 / 06 / 07 / 08 <<< previous chapters

Masterlist

“Hey, Yoongi!” Namjoon greets as Yoongi walks towards the seat at which Namjoon is sat.

“Yeah, hey dude… why were you pointing just then?” Yoongi questions, looking back towards the doorway uncertainly. “Have I got something on my face?”

“Oh! No-n-n-no, I… I was just talking to Taehyung here and you just happened to be walking in as I mentioned your name, and he couldn’t quite remem--”

“Ah yes, Taehyung… I don’t believe we got properly acquainted after last night’s little drama… And wouldn’t it be a shame if all I gathered about you is that ‘You’re a fucking idiot, Taehyung’?”

Taehyung lets out a small chuckle at Yoongi’s comment as he invites him to take a seat at the bar. “Come sit and you'll… probably find out that's true” Taehyung jests, patting at the stool next to himself.

“Um, could we perhaps sit by the window there where there's more room?” Yoongi enquires.

“Yeah, sure, of course” Namjoon replies, gathering his things.

“It's just that I not long ago got a text from Hoseok… he seems really worked up about…”

“Uh, I think I'll leave you guys to it then…” Taehyung says with a low nervous tone.

“Nah, don't be silly Taehyung; chill with us for a bit” Yoongi tells the younger.

“It's not that… I just… I don't think that guy likes me…”

“Hey, you weren't to know about…”

“Look it just fucked everything up for me and I don't need to be constantly reminded of it…”

“Sorry, I don't understand…” Yoongi interrupts. “...It seems things worked out just fine for you… You didn't get smacked in the face at least, anyways… Actually, it seems you got off pretty lightly, only being called an idiot...”

Namjoon chips in “Not only that, but, just to catch you up Yoongs, he and Jimin…”

“Alright, no details, thanks” Yoongi tells Namjoon as the three take a seat at the window booth of the cafe, with Namjoon gesturing for Taehyung to take a seat first, which the younger reluctantly does.

“Oh crap, now I can't leave…” Taehyung realizes as he sits down, blocked off by Namjoon sitting next to him.

“My point. I'm sick of tension today. This will be sorted.” Namjoon demands.

“Hoseok isn't such a bad guy Taehyung, honestly” Yoongi adds. “His head’s just a bit all over the place lately…”

“Fine, I'll stay, but if he doesn't return my politeness again, you have to let me leave…”

Namjoon nods in agreement as the three boys spot Jimin and Hoseok heading their way.

“Hey guys!” Jimin greets.

Yoongi leans forward to Taehyung “Just talk to him for a bit” he encourages. “I think you’ll find that he’s actually quite a cool guy” he smiles fondly, leaning back to set up his work.

“Uh, I'm gonna grab a bite to eat… Anyone want anything?” asks Hoseok.

“Yeah, sure… I'll come up with you” Jimin offers.

“No” Taehyung asserts, reaching across the table to halt Jimin from leaving. “I'll go with. What do you want Chim?”

“Seriously, what is with the nicknames today?” groans Hoseok, causing Taehyung to fill with some dread because that was obviously some aim at him, right?

“I'll just have whatever Hoseok’s having” Jimin replies.

“Alrighty” Taehyung nods as he climbs over the back of the booth to get out of his seat without moving Namjoon.

“Taehyung!” exclaims Seokjin from the counter.

“Sorry” he apologizes, walking over to Hoseok who is already heading to the bar to order.

As Hoseok orders for himself and Jimin, there remains tension between Taehyung and Hoseok that the former now intends on ridding.

“Please don't hate me” is all Taehyung can utter to the guy, unexpectant of any resolve… He guesses he would have felt a similar kind of way had Jimin not shown up at his door last night and instead chose to hook up with a stranger.

“I don't know what to think,” Hoseok truthfully replies. “I guess I've been feeling rather… possessive lately about something that's not really mine to keep…”

“I completely understand, man… I mean, I can’t say I’ve been through the exact same thing, but I guess with the way I’ve been around Jimin for the past few-- Ugh, everything is happening all so quickly, I… You have to know it meant nothing to me, and I'm certain he felt the same way about it.”

“Save it, yeah?” Hoseok huffs, unintentionally coming across more aggressive than he wanted to. “Sorry. What I mean is… you're not someone I want or need to be arguing with. I don't think this is a conversation we need to have, either… I can't handle it right now, or anything about Jeon… that” he admits, resting his head in his palms.

“It might not be ideal but, if you ever need to talk about it, or anything at all… it's the least I can do” Taehyung offers, daring to place a friendly hand on Hoseok’s shoulder to get him to look up again.

“I get it now” Hoseok says, lifting his head, and Taehyung thinks he sees something that could be named a smile. He nonetheless removes the hand from the guy’s shoulder, you know, just incase.

“Huh?” asks Taehyung, confused.

“You and Jimin.... you're simple people…”

“Pardon?” Taehyung chuckles, pretending to be extremely offended.

“As in, not complicated… Sure, it seems it took both of you a while to confess or whatever, but…”

“Woah, slow down there… this literally happened this morning”

“Just… keep him. I feel like it's my duty to tell you… I'm sick of no longer being the one people look to for guidance and happiness or whatever… So it starts now, right? And I could really use a new friend right now… Yoongi must be bored as shit with the shenanigans, Namjoon seems to low key want me to move out… Seokjin seems to view life through rose tinted windows…”

“And Jimin?” Taehyung enquires.

“I don’t know… We’ve never been all that close, truth be told. He’s Jeongguk’s friend, primarily…”

“You guys seem pretty tight to me…”

“Only because they fell out; I can’t trust him, or anyone yet. Anything he finds out from me will just be told to Guk when they make it up again…”

“Well… can’t you perhaps just… be Jeongguk’s friend too?” Taehyung unknowingly asks.

“That’s the thing; I guess I don’t know how to be…”

“I’m sure that’s not--”

“Oh, but it is; we’ve either always hated each other with a passion or messed around with each other… there’s never been an in between, not really.”

“Maybe that’s your answer right there. You don’t know how to be friends with him, so you’re scared because you don’t know what to do the next time you see him.”

Hoseok pauses and judging by the thoughtful expression on his face followed by a small light in his eyes, it seems to Taehyung that maybe Hoseok isn’t all he thought him to be. From recounts of events and descriptions from both Jeongguk and Jimin, he guess he expected for Hoseok to just snap at him and tell him to shut the fuck up.

“I think we can get along just fine.”

*

“Have you calmed down this morning, tiger?” Namjoon jests at Jimin as he slides across the booth, allowing for the boy to sit next to him.

“I’m still recovering from a killer hangover… please don’t remind me of that just yet; I feel terrible” Jimin pleads, hanging his head in shame not only about hitting Jeongguk but also the fact he has a hangover.

“I thought Park Jimin never got hangovers…” comments Yoongi with a smug expression, remembering how it was only the other day that Jimin was bragging how he had never gotten a hangover in his life.

“Yeah, yeah, leave it Yoongs... “ replies Jimin, trying to be as polite as possible, hesitating to ask something on his mind. It seems he won’t need to speak a word though as Yoongi proceeds with the conversation.

“Fine, I’ll shut up about that… But man, you and Guk… What’s going on there?”

“We haven’t spoken since… that.”

“You probably should. Just sayin’” Yoongi suggests.

“I know, it’s just…”

“Please. For the sake of a mate” Yoongi begs, kind of. “I can barely put up with one housemate being miserable… I mean, of course, they’re both miserable because of each other, so I guess it’s unlikely I’m going to get any one of them to improve their mood, but… Well, from experience, Jeon can always at least perk up with his best friend around, and that’ll still be you Jimin… Even if you did smack him one.”

“Again. I feel terrible!” Jimin exclaims, wondering whether Yoongi is enjoying this to any extent. Nah, that’s a stupid idea, Jimin supposes. He’d hate it too if he had to live with Jeongguk and Hoseok, as much as he does have regard for the former.

***

The afternoon passes, albeit slowly and eventually arrives the evening, but Hoseok’s day is only just beginning after regretting that little stunt earlier of skiving from class to wallow in his own pity. The dim lights of the dance studio come on as Hoseok carelessly slings his bag into a corner of the room, thankful that there’s no chance of bumping into him here.

Fortunately for either of the boys, Hoseok and Jeongguk pursue the same interest but in different places, so thankfully, there’s never been an incident of finding themselves alone in the studio and ruining the memories there with… well, you know. This is Hoseok’s escape place, as unglamorous as the room might appear with it’s worn out floorboards and light odour of hard work in the air from all the classes that have taken place throughout the day. He proceeds to dance, with great attempt to focus solely on his upcoming assessment and make up for the time he missed during the day.

Though Hoseok often comes here in his spare time to get away from something, what that may be - usually Jeongguk related, of course, - his mind never fails to wander. Oh, how much simpler life was when feelings didn’t get in the way! Every weekend used to be a new adventure, clubbing at either an up and coming club either in or out of town, or at a regular place he felt was due a visit to catch up with some acquaintances.

This morning could have started just fine. He’d done exactly that, exactly what he used to do. Go out, pull a stranger, wake up relaxed, kick them out, life is good and the day goes on… But that child just had to arrive back this morning from whatever the fuck he’d been doing and…

“Who am I kidding?... I’m just as much of a child as he is” Hoseok thinks to himself, ceasing to dance as he takes a good look at himself in the studio mirror.

“Hoseok?” a voice questions at the door.

The boy turns to see who is speaking, and dread fills him when he sees no one other than his dance tutor whose class he was supposed to attend today. Pushing himself away from the railing at the mirror, he tries to answer in a fluster.

“Uh… Hello…”

“Was there something more important than my class today?” questions the lady.

“I-I-I…” Hoseok stutters, unsure of whether to answer truthfully or with a lie.

“Where were you today?”

“Okay, I skived, but I promise it won’t happen again…” he explains.

“Hmm, it better not” she hums sceptically. “And this is rather unusual behaviour for you Hoseok; you’re always one of my most enthusiastic and talented students.”

“Uh, thank you miss…” he sighs breathlessly.

“Look, I’ll understand if something’s going on, but don’t let it happen again if you don’t have a good reason!”

“I won’t miss!”

“Indeed! Now try not to be too long this evening Hoseok. We’re closing at 7 tonight.”

“Understood.”

As the tutor exits, Hoseok returns to facing his own reflection. It’s as if the conversation he’s just had with his displeased tutor has given him a deeper insight to himself - actually, that’s exactly what it’s done. In this moment sweeps a huge realization; he’s been letting his drive to acheive his ambition slip from getting too caught up in all the personal life issues.

Think about it!; Last week, you almost fainted in a class from the sleepless night before worrying about Jeongguk; a day before that, he left early because of a stupid text from him; the week before that he was almost late from sleeping in again!... Come to think of it, Hoseok had never been late for a class before that one time many months ago when he had to sneak out of Jeon’s bedroom to continue to keep up the secret of the two of them sleeping together, back when it was a secret.

And this Taehyung guy that apparently Jimin is now dating was right; Hoseok and Jeongguk never learned how to just be friends. It would make home life a lot more pleasant... and the advice was coming from a guy who had literally practised what he preached. Sure, maybe the other guys had become annoyed with how much Jimin liked to talk about his new neighbour and friend from what he’d been told, but from where Hoseok stands, whose life is simpler at the moment? His, or the boy next door to Jimin who knew how to take things step by logical step?

“You can’t do this anymore. Move on.”

Part 10 here