#just thought I should boost this again for no particular reason :)

[sleepywyrldbuilder]

Gregory Edgeworth: Investigations (114695 words) by SleepyWyrldBuilder Chapters: 17/22 Fandom: 逆転裁判 | Gyakuten Saiban | Ace Attorney Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Mitsurugi Reiji | Miles Edgeworth & Mitsurugi Shin | Gregory Edgeworth, Mitsurugi Shin | Gregory Edgeworth & Shigaraki Tateyuki | Raymond Shields, Badou Ittetsu | Tyrell Badd & Mitsurugi Shin | Gregory Edgeworth, Karuma Gou | Manfred von Karma & Mitsurugi Shin | Gregory Edgeworth Characters: Mitsurugi Shin | Gregory Edgeworth, Karuma Gou | Manfred von Karma, Shigaraki Tateyuki | Raymond Shields, Badou Ittetsu | Tyrell Badd, Ichijou Kurou | Byrne Faraday, Otome Itami | Bonnie Young, Ichiyanagi Bansai | Blaise Debeste, Original Characters, Shirase Wataru | Rip Lacer, Ganto Kaiji | Damon Gant Additional Tags: Most of the OCs are parents/related to existing characters, Totally new characters are pretty limited, All still have pun names don't worry, Before DL-6, We know nothing about most of these characters so technically not OOC, But they are now basically my OCs, Case Fic, Composed of three cases, Fix-It of Sorts, No betas we die like the character I am ressurecting, Limited Divine Intervention, It's just at the start don't worry, self aware humour, Like Gregory Edgeworth sees a breakdown and goes "That's Odd" and moves on with his life., Constructive Criticism Welcome Summary: That night there was a small shift in the cosmos. A single droplet, dropped from some unseen arbiter of fate above. The channellers of Khura’in would attribute it to the Holy Mother. Scientists at the newly founded Cosmos Space Center would attribute it to cosmic radiation. A coroner awaiting a response would attribute it to nerves. A judge committing a crime would attribute it to a feeling of guilt. Though regardless if he knows it, it's up to Gregory Edgeworth to see if it'll be the key to saving his life.

[ninainthetardis]

Given that it's completely beyond me how a character like Jason Grace can be hated by so many people within the fandom, I've decided to try and figure this absurd bullshit out. It turns out it's not just an unnecessary desire to boost Percy by diminishing Jason's character. A thing that I hate, because I think that diminishing/bashing some characters to appreciate others is quite the opposite of validation, as I believe a character can only be truly defined by their own actions/words/personality and hence, should be appreciated for those aspects, not by unnecessary/non sensical comparisons with other characters.

So I'm currently rereading HoH, and I've just noticed that, basically, all the Jason haters simply use Piper's words about him and take them for granted. Which speaks volumes and is also one of the reasons why I've never liked them together.

And no, it's not that "she knows him better than anyone else" because that is bullshit. She never even bothered to really get to know him. All she wanted was to make that Mist induced fairytale their reality, mainly because she thought he was hot, and strong and cool, and liked the Mist version of Jason. A version that was not even real. She knew that, yet she was constantly making comparisons between that and reality, and whining about it. And this in particular would be even fair if she wasn't the one out of the two of them who was completely obsessed with getting together for real in the first place, despite knowing he might have someone waiting for him at Camp Jupiter. A thing Jason constantly thought about in TLH.

We don't get to see how they really start their relationship. All we are shown is Piper threatening Drew - and by association anyone else in cabin 10 - and saying that "Jason was hers even if he didn't know it yet" (seriously, what would you think if their roles were reversed?).

But somehow, they got together later on. We don't know what made Jason change his mind about them. Piper gave a tantrum every time he mentioned Reyna (even when he was just talking about information that was useful for their quest and hence, you know, saving the world). And then we even get the "boys are so stupid" line when it's actually Piper who is being unreasonable here, letting her own insecurities put their mission to save the world at risk. Insecurities that are legit and prove she is aware that she pushed things between her and Jason when she should have just realised the damn memories she had were fake and let go. And that's on her, not on Jason. She was pushing from the very beginning. He was holding back because he wasn't sure it was the right thing to do, considering he didn't remember anything.

Again, think about all this as if their roles were reversed. Doesn't look good, uh?

Piper also knew she was potentially putting an end to something that could be meaningful for Jason, yet she kept pushing anyway despite being pretty clear that she was just obsessed with the idea of him/having him as a boyfriend.

And then she just went and blamed Hera, saying she forced them together because of the Mist thing. Bfr.

She wanted that from the very beginning and during all the time they have been together. Her povs were almost all about that, for most of the time.

She never truly took into account Jason's feelings, or the difficulties he was going through due to his memory loss, completely disregarded his trauma and his insecurities, and she even influenced his thoughts and emotions with her powers because she was scared of his past life. As if him being in a vulnerable position when she did all she could to get together with him wasn't bad enough without her use of her charmspeaking abilities. And she admitted multiple times of using it on him and the other demigods on the Argo II, deliberately and unintentionally. Even Jason, in his own pov, suspected she used her powers on him, making her the only thing he could think of whenever he mentioned Reyna. This isn't normal. This isn't romantic. "He supposed it was not the worst sort of revenge". Boy, you shouldn't even be blamed for having a pre Piper life at all!!!

So yeah, she didn't know him. How could she, when he didn't even know himself?

It's also the way she describes him: boring, distant, rules centred, closed off, always serious. She even compares him to Percy, and their relationship to Percy and Annabeth's. A weird way to describe the guy you claim to love. A weird way to prove your love to someone, complaining about him "being distant" when you know damn well he's trying so hard to retrieve his memories. A way bigger, existential deal to cope with than romantic drama, don't you think? Hadn't she pushed so hard, I'm not sure he would have started their relationship at all.

Anyway, we then move back to Jason's pov and he claims that he doesn't like rules, that they actually annoy him, that he's always tried to change things a Camp Jupiter but had to take it slow due to the Romans' attachment to tradition, that he always does the opposite of what he is told/suggested (except, clearly, when it come to be summoned for a quest). And he claims all that on the basis of the few memories he got back. And he makes jokes, too. He has sarcastic comebacks, too. THIS IS THE REAL JASON, these are the elements that need to be taken into account when trying to figure out who he truly is, not Piper's biased perception of him. And people would know those things, if they had actually read his povs.

Also, I don't think that reading the rest of the books (ToA) will change my mind about any of this. Honestly, it is too much to get past to. And I don't even want to do that. I think it can only get worse, from the few things I know about ToA.

[accio-lo-ki]

Hii would you have any percabeth fic recs?? I'm just deprived 😭😭

Oh I have a LOT. If you’re as insane about this ship as I am, you’ve probably read all of them but I’m still going to list them down anyway. So, in no particular order:

Whiny Little Pitch by petersgwen - this fic literally made me scream multiple times. everything by this author is chef’s kiss btw. Sports au like no other + exes to lovers

Apartment 305 by waddled - a literal serotonin boost monster of a fic that i’m sure most already know about . i love percy and annabeth’s relationship here, and their characterization. It’s got college romance, olympic athlete Percy, and pipabeth bffism at its finest.

Five Times Percy Jackson Cheated at School by lammermoorian - man this one I reread a lot. I just love it so much. Academic!Percy, domestic percabeth, and just a whole lot of charm

Honesty and Promise Me by Darkmagyk, lammermoorian - never thought I would enjoy punk!annabeth until this fic. it has unexpected pregnancy but it’s so well done! fwb to lovers!

For Real This Time by captainjackson, timelesslords - anything written by this pair is a must-read, but this is one of their best! roman!percy and divorced annabeth! the premise is so interesting and the setting even more so.

Murkiest Intentions by inkncoffee - i feel like this fic shows my age, but when i tell you it’s a classic! jurassic world au (it sounds crazy but it’s so good) i’ve been rereading this since high school and it still holds up

Would it really kill you (if we kissed) by greenconverses - i mean, who hasn’t read this and all the author’s works? but it’s a classic in the fandom and it’s a classic for a reason

The Old Guard au by ananbeth, blackjacktheboss - this series is so well-written with such a solid worldbuilding you have to binge it this instant go

Love me, won’t you by ananbeth, blackjacktheboss - modern romeo and juliet with greece as a backdrop? sign me tf up

the sun stands by petersgwen- if you want pain this is it this fic is pain in fanfiction form

That crosses the white sea by husborth - another well-written masterpiece with percabeth in college

Voice on the radio by PastyPirate - another fandom classic! this one has me giggling kicking my feet everytime i reread it. soulmate au! musician!percy! and friendship bracelets!

The Heart is a Muscle by thebackupkid - I feel like this one is so underrated, but it’s so good and so interesting and distinct! it’s got magic and adventure and fantasy! the worldbuilding again is so good!

Impossible Year by bananannabeth - another pain in fiction form. but this time it has a breakup trope, which destroys me so much I always need years before i want to reread this again. but it’s a masterpiece and you should experience it at least once in your life!!

Game, Set, Match by ananbeth, blackjacktheboss - if there’s a classic percabeth sports au, it’s this. and it has fwb too and it’s just too iconic

Stucco Hearts by ananbeth, writergirl8 - another fandom classic, but this time it’s a soulmate au! this is so so interesting and one of my favorite soulmate aus ever. the worldbuilding is so interesting. another case of it’s a classic for a reason!

Puck It by bipercabeth, jasonmclean - hockey au + friends w benefits. again, another fandom classic. unfortunately i think this was discontinued by the authors but it’s still too good not to read!

Broken glass, no reflection by ananbeth, flyingcrowbar - another (potentially) discontinued fic that I still think about now. it’s a pacific rim au and it’s so. goddamn. good. read it now !!

kiss me once cause you know i had a good night by herecomesthepun - this one is pure comedic fluff and if you need a serotonin boost you have to read it. workplace romance with a twist !

slow motion double vision in a rose blush by herecomesthepun - ooh this one is a high school fwb secret relationship au with a punk percy and a student council president annabeth so basically it’s a classic

and they were roommates by bipercabeth - friends to lovers + college percabeth like no other. another fandom classic

Never Shall We Die by captainjackson, timelesslords - this pirate au series is INSANE it’s crazy good the worldbuilding is amazing it makes me feral actually

Wreck my plan, that’s my man by seaweedbraens - everything by this author is so good they’re a fandom icon but this one in particular i think about daily (tho it’s ongoing)

How to Seduce an Earl by sinfulindulgence - this is hella spicy but it’s also so addicting? i blame bridgerton (this author does so much stuff w this vibe that u should check out too! i liked Revenge of the Duchess as well)

Night at the Museum by lammermoorian - it’s so niche and crazy and camp but also angsty and fluffy and you need to read it right this second ! i LOVE this one

faster than a hairpin trigger by medeaa - this one is the quintessential percabeth fwb college au TO ME. unfortunately it’s (potentially) discontinued, but it’s still one of my favorites.

watch me fall at your feet by maydayparade8123 - this is a really well-written friends to lovers fic that realt explored how confusing it is to fall in love with your best friend like,, it’s a classic but also it’s so real !! this author is a fandom icon but i think they deleted / orphaned their accounts on ff.net and ao3

spellbound by writergirl8 - this is the percabeth hogwarts au. i dont make the rules.

home is where i want to be (but i guess i’m already there) by percivaljackson - fake dating + holidays! this is so well-written!

‘tis the damn season by captainjackson - regency au at its finest!!

-

This is way too long already lmao i dont have the time to list down everything (i have 700+ percabeth fanfics downloaded on my ibooks app 😭) but these are the ones that i can recall at this time !! Happy reading!

[undead-cypress]

More p3r livebloggin/shitpost thoughts. Sorry for the crunchy pictures, literally I'm just too fried to import pics from my PS4.

Because I'm the way that I am, I noticed the paintings hung in the Hierophant/Lovers boss shadow building are real paintings. One on the left is a crop of Liberty Leading the People by Eugene Delacroix, and on the right is Le Cyclops by Odilon Redon. IDK why they picked these paintings because. Why would a painting of the French Revolution be in this kind of hotel but I have some theories?

The hotel they're in is pointed out to have a French title and modeled after French design, for some reason. Les Champs de Fleurs is pointed out in the game meaning a field of flowers. Now -

Liberty Leading the People is a painting about the July revolution that overthrew the French monarchy. The boss event is in July but there's more -

Le Cyclops is about the play(s) about Polyphemus (the cyclops from the Odyssey that Odysseus blinds and tricks) and his love of the sea nymph Galatea, and the drama that ensues. There's many versions of the play but in classic fashion most of them don't end well, with Galatea rejecting him in favor of someone else, and Polyphemus killing them both. This painting in particular is basically Polyphemus creeping on Galatea as she sleeps on a hill of flowers.

I THINK these paintings are meant to represent the reverse hierophant and lovers. Overthrowing of the corrupt hierarchy, and rejection of choice. Also French.

There's one more painting but I have NO IDEA what painting it is

So many paintings have winged babies in them I can't go through them all 😭

Oh yeah linguistics bonus - the boss event takes place on 7/7, aka Tanabata. Some might know it as Japanese Valentine's day. Story goes Orihime and Hikoboshi, lovers separated by duty and the milky way, can meet during this festival as a flock of magpies make them a bridge over the milky way. Milky way, in Japanese is Amanogawa 天の川, literally "river of heaven". An older version is also sometimes used, ginka 銀河, derived from Chinese meaning "silver river". And here is where we get the name of Shirakawa Blvd. 白川...... White River Blvd.

I THINK that's why they named the hotel Champs de Fleurs. The classic Greek mythology of heaven is Elysium, basically a field of flowers in the sky. Kinda as the companion to the river in the sky. Not to mention it's a reference to the famous French street Champs Élysées, literally "Elysian Fields"

Imagine me standing in front of a conspiracy wall covered with red string. That's me all the time with p3

Ok back to shitposting

This is the most emotion I've seen the Mc make all game so far 😂 7 meals back to back will do that to ya. Name I picked was Dank Hour, so I guess it kinda fits. Munchies will do that

Those are her hooves!!

OH MY GOD. HOLY SHIT HANG ON

These puppets are massive

Gameplay thoughts -

- I miss the fatigue mechanic ok. Now there's NOTHING stopping me from spending five hours in Tartarus getting massively over leveled. Also miss it thematically and an excuse to go drink Edogawa's potions for courage boosts

- RIP shuffle time. The new one is good with the variety of cards but man make them fly around again that was fun

- Tartarus looks good. I was skeptical of how they're gonna make a randomly generated dungeon look good on current consoles but. It looks really good and plays well. And I love the added bonus bosses.

- I do miss being able to actually stealth around with different weapons and hunting rare shadows with a bow though. The unstable formations in p3p around half and new moons were also something I wish they incorporated, but maybe it'll come up later? Because the new Tartarus environment would be perfect for some stealth mechanics.

- I don't know if this is because I'm p3 Georg and an outlier that should not be counted but I'm playing on merciless and it's SO EASY???? I'm almost to August and I've ONLY died three times. I'm playing with a 3 people party as a debuff because it's too easy otherwise.

- ailments kinda work different than they used to and I still haven't figured out... What they really do yet. Distress used to guarantee criticals, now I'm not sure what it does???

- the theurgies are broken as hell wtf. This is too much power. I was really hoping they'd bring P2/dds style fusion spells back

General thoughts:

- they still haven't invented weather yet lmao rain was invented in 2011 I see

- Pleasantly surprised by the added cutscenes and hangout events in the dorm. They're actually pretty thoughtful and reflects on the character growth throughout the game instead of just ill humored filler (cough p4 cough). They really nailed it this time.

- Aigis trying to talk to plants and bugs and the meaning of lifeeeee 😭

- the club is simultaneous hilarious and terrifying in the way that they didn't animate the dancers. I get why, but it's so funny. It's just a room of statues with blank faces. At least there's more than five people there

- there's two poster of the Foo Fighters in the station outskirts. Why them specifically? Also if the movies at the theatre have hidden meanings I WILL find them.

- Mitsuru just stands like she's posing for the camera all the time and her idle AND angry animation being a hair flip is so funny. Hello. Flips hair. Come to the command room after dinner we have new mission. Flips hair. I'm going to execute Mr Ekoda for his despicable inaction. Flips hair

- Idk where else to put this but that scene on the roof with the watermelon hits different when you know a watermelon that size in Japan is, depending on the season and economy, at least $50. Junpei really splurged there to cheer up Ken 🥺. That entire scene was great. Why DON'T we watch Akihiko punch the melon open, what an inspired suggestion

- speaking of fruit, if you look at the care package Akihiko got from his parents there are mangoes in there. Mangoes that size and color are like $30 each.

- the dorm. Could be modeled better. Idk if it's the lighting or the textures but... It looks unfinished.

- they kept the little overworld icon that travels between locations to not go over the bridge even though it'd be a shorter route. Nice. There is an instance where it does use the bridge, when you first go to the police station and Junpei is following you around. Also very nice touch. Whichever dev is responsible for this detail I see and appreciate your work 🫡

- was not expecting even the NPCs to be fully voice acted. They're all so charming!

- at the beginning of the game it tells you to put your things away in the closet. Highlighted. But we can't open or interact with the closet in any way??? Why was closet highlighted??? Did the game do that just to call us gay??

- and also where's my silly outfit???? Everyone has gotten butler and maid outfits except the mc. Where's my goofy outfit I want one too.... Where's the clown outfit from the dancing game.... Where's the maid outfit.... Once my pc arrives I'll absolutely be installing the emo mod. Let my besties reveal their true 2009 forms

[igotanidea]

Shitstorm: Jason Todd x stripper!reader

Yes I know the picture does not fit here perfectly, go ahead and judge me :D

part 1 : Backyard

***

The pack of cigarettes flew her way in a perfect arc. Y/N was quick enough to catch it and only then took a look around to check whether it was some higher power being generous after a hell of a night. Spoiler alert : it wasn’t.

„Hm. It’s you.” she smirked looking at the familiar black-haired boy standing on the bottom of the stairs to the club.

„I always pay my debts sunshine.” Jason smiled mischievously.

‘Great. That makes us even and we can gladly forget about each other.”

For no particular reason he was making her nervous, be it on purpose or accidentally. And it was weird. All things considered, she was the girl who was undressing for half-drunk, aroused men in a club. Having eyes and interest on her should be nothing special given the specific of her profession, and yet Jason’s attitude was-- different.

As cliche as that sounded.

Just to calm her nerves she reached one cigarette and lighted it up, letting the addiction take control of her thoughts and making them just a bit clearer. It was nice and peaceful and for a moment she forgot about this annoying piece of muscles still standing down there with his hands in pockets.

„What?” she hissed

„Charming as usual.’

‘We only talked once.”

„Twice.”

„This is not talking.”

„Last time I checked exchanging words were count as conversation.”

„Smart ass” she muttered wondering about the best way to walk past him. Currently it was a bit impossible because his tall muscled frame was blocking her only way out.

„Is that all you have to say?”

„Did you lost your brother again, little boy? Maybe I should go check inside for someone interesting.”

„Come on, I can tell you’re eyeing me like I’m your next client. I’m not so little and you know it” he grinned not even bothering to play coy. Completely unlike last time.

„Seen better.” she shrugged not giving him any satisfaction nor boosting his ego.

„You sure? Thought you were a stripper not a hooker?”

‘How do you know nothing changed since last time?”

‘Did it?” this time his tone was a bit more serious as he looked at her. He didn’t want it to be true. As pathetic as it sounded he needed this girl to keep her sharp mind and even sharper tongue. He had some business that needed to be taken care of. Concerning that last villain he’s been chasing. With no success.

But.

Now he might have leverage.

Before she could make a move, as agile as a cat he slid to the top of the stairs, taking a spot next to her leaning on the door. She rolled her eyes trying to shove him away, but it only caused him to laugh.

„Why are you here again?”

„Business.”

„That’s vague.”

„Got your interest though.”

„If you’re looking for some fun and changed so much since the last time you run away from the crowd, may I remind you there are plenty girls inside. I can even recommend one or two who would love to have their hands on you. I have no idea why do you always keep destroying my work breaks.”

„I was hoping that couple from last week would be here.”

„They broke up.” she chuckled

„Oh, really, who would have thought?” Jason chuckled back „they seemed close.”

‘You have no idea.” she instinctively passed him the pack of cigarettes

‘Is that an invitation to further talk?” his eyebrows raised but being a chain smoker he could not refuse

„It’s an invitation to shut your mouth. For a guy, you do talk freaking lot.”

„Told you I got business to discuss.”

„And I told you --”

„I’m serious y/n.” he looked at her with a mix of annoyance, desperation and honesty.

„I’m at work.” she turned her head away from those pretty green eyes.

„Didn’t notice. Besides, you got ten minutes of break left.”

„So now you’re stalking me and know my schedule?”

‘Sure.” Jason shrugged „I also know where you live.”

„Bullshit!” she she blew smoke straight into his face „if you knew you would wait for me there, cutting my any way out. And yet, you’re here. In the dodgy neighbourhood, in a seedy strip club.”

„Aren’t you ever scared your attitude would get you in trouble?”

„You have no idea, pretty boy. Talked my way out of most of them. Got scars to prove it.” she pulled her skimpy top off slightly showing him some scars on the side and belly. „So you better not mess with me.”

If only she knew she has been talking to the Red Hood all this time.

Unless, which was actually very probable, it wouldn’t have any effect on her.

For a moment both of them went quiet. Thinking about the strangeness of the situation they found themselves in. In a different timeline they would never met let alone start becoming... something. What that something was, was still to be defined (or not), but for some indescribable reason that little bantering was becoming quite enjoyable.

Finally as her break was coming to the end she threw the cigarette on the ground extinguishing it with a shoe.

„What’s the business? And if you can’t describe it in three sentences max I swear I’ll stop listening and throw you down the stairs.”

„Deal!” Jason laughed and shook her outstretched hand „I need a pair of sharp eyes, a fast working brain and a cute face to watch someone for me.”

‘Ok. I wear lenses, my brain goes off sometimes making me do reckless things and I my face is far from cute when I get angry. Do I still qualify?” she raised an eyebrow suddenly uncharacteristically animated at the proposition. A magnet for trouble that girl was.

„Trust me sunshine, you’ll the perfect candidate for the position.”

And just like that she became some sort of spy. Or- was about to become, cause her little adventure was only about to start.

Did Jason have regrets and guilts about dragging her into the Red Hood and the Bats’ shit? Yes. Maybe a little. But still, he didn’t know her well enough to get actually worried even if something were to happen to her.

Brutal approach, but absolutely necessary in the line of work. You get some you loose some and the casualties were an integral part of his life.

Do not get attached. EVER.

And she didn’t need to know about his other identity and his whole plan. Just the parts that were important from her point of view. Observing the villain, getting close to him using her professional skills. Be some sort of double agent.

Just work. Nothing more nothing less.

And that little stinging in his chest was only the effect of some earlier shooting that happened this week leaving him slightly injured.

Nothing more.

Definitely no regret from just throwing her into the middle of the shitstorm.

***

Spoiler alert: Y/N was not stupid.

And knew where to dig to find the information needed to the full picture of the situation.

She didn’t do shitstorm.

[drdemonprince]

autistic anon here again, thanks for fielding my question, you're a real one for not all toxic positivity on it. i guess i should've formulated things better, because i didn't mean to imply being completely wrapped up in decision paralysis to the point of doing nothing. that's a mental hurdle i've cleared a long time ago, so shit gets done. i have a few emails sitting in my inbox of fundraisers i helped with that closed out, and it;s making me emotional just thinking about it.

there's a weird disconnect between knowing that you're just one person (and that's something i actually like, i'm no-one special, that's a very freeing thought), and fully feeling it. because somewhere there's always a nagging worry i could do more. as true as it is, reminding yourself you're doing what you can feels like a convenient self-soothing lie when you're in the pit of a bad night. probably the calvinist whispering poisons in your ear. (being afraid of falling in the trap of slacktivism or just reposting everything as a signal boost and patting myself on the back for a job well done, amongst them. which is BS, but knowing isn't believing.)

i mentioned the autistic part for a reason, because community is something i've never quite experienced and only understand in the abstract. like those fundraisers i helped with many, many other people, that's a community effort and i'm proud i could contribute my little bit. translating that to in-person efforts has been a big ??? though. it's not very parseable or approachable to me.

i hadn't quite grokked this as all being part of shame, i have your book sitting here and have read it a while, probably should reread it.

Hey, thanks for writing back! I hear from people of all levels of engagement, from having never done anything to like dedicated black bloc hard core mother fuckers so it's hard to gauge from a single message what someone's particular situation is.

It sounds like you are already doing a ton, choosing actions to take, following through on them, reflecting on the impact of your tactics, and then regrouping to do more and to try things differently where you can. Yet you still feel like shit sometimes and as if you're not doing enough. What to do about those feelings?

Well. Consider those feelings aren't a problem you have to fix. They're just a thing that will happen. Because of cultural conditioning and endless exposure to alarming messages and imagery online they're just gonna come up. Those feelings can just exist while you keep doing the damn thing.

You've already got your behavior on lock. You're doing what you can and not succumbing to choice paralysis. You're hopefully not burning yourself out. It doesn't sound like anything needs to change, maybe other than you not consuming too much online bullshit that's making you feel even more guilty needlessly.

You say: "there's a weird disconnect between knowing that you're just one person (and that's something i actually like, i'm no-one special, that's a very freeing thought), and fully feeling it."

Yeah, you might not ever fully feel it. As long as you keep acting like it's true, you're good imo.

i feel like the most evil selfish unlovable human being alive most days. it doesn't really matter that i do. it sucks, but that's just a fact of how my life has been. i can keep picking myself up and doing what i have decided is right for me to do anyway. i do what i can to avoid triggers that make that feeling worse, so that it doesn't become a barrier to action, but otherwise i just... keep on living, with terrible emotions and terrible thoughts. and i focus on my actions.

As for the community piece, I hear you, it's really fucking hard. I think it's very humbling work that is so worth doing though. Often it involves showing up to the work that a group is doing and living with the fact that you won't know what the fuck is going on and looking inept for a while. it's a necessary distress tolerance building exercise, getting more comfortable with just being there and rearranging the chairs and setting up the food and feeling like a dumbass who has nothing to contribute.

being able to sit with those feelings and keep showing up and not having an ego about it is enough to earn a lot of trust and foster deeper connections, I find. so many people fail to be able to even do that in most organizing/activist/volunteering spaces. I understand it feels mortifying but it is another one of those situations of getting over oneself in a way that's ultimately so freeing and beautiful. when you can accept that people want you around even if you never have anything to say and do nothing but bring paper cups and take out the trash. it's a real object lesson in how not being all that important can be a wonderful thing and make it possible for us to find love and acceptance.

[butteronpancakes]

Thoughts on Blade's recent characterisation

(Crossposting from reddit because I love my tumblrinas)

Does anyone else feel Blade, and by extension Yingxing, had inconsistent writing 1.4? I'm wondering if I had just read his character wrong to begin with due to my personal biases and was hoping someone could clarify some aspects of Jing Liu's companion quest that confused me such as:

1) Mara 

Blade's mara feels like some convenient plot device. I was under the impression it flared up when confronting anything that conjures up painful memories such as his meetings with Dan Heng. Kafka even specifically told him in her companion quest to avoid seeing familiar faces again. Yet, he was somehow keeping himself together up until the peak of the battle with JL? Which leads me onto my next point.

2) Blade and Jing Liu

There is a huge tonal disparity between his voice line about JL and how he interacted with her in the CQ. The 1.4 trailer gave me the impression he was going to throw hands but he just kinda asked her to try killing him again. Which is fair, it reinforces his ultimate goal of wanting to die and feeds into JL being a harbinger of karmatic debt that shaped his identity as a vengeful weapon. I have nothing against this but it makes the previous voice line about her feel needlessly aggressive and out of place. 

3) Yingxing and Baiheng 

This is admittedly more of a personal gripe but I feel they should have established his relationship with Baiheng a lot more. It's obvious BH was extremely dear to him given that, according to JL, the entire sedition (which is a subject with its own share of differing narratives) was an attempt to resurrect her. 

I actually really like how this reinforces that Baiheng was the glue of the HCQ and that it makes sense as it was her that gave YX the confidence boost he needed as a child. 

However, at the same time I feel conflicted because it completely destroys the entire point of Yingxing's character? YX took pride in being a short-life species that was able to surpass the XZ natives through his hard work and passion, forgetting to even sleep or eat. He was so driven on avenging the family the abundance took from him at such a young age despite facing prejudice from the other craftsmen. He literally never shuts up about it, 

"In fact... I also have lots of work to do, and won't live very long unlike the celestials on the Xianzhou. "

"I'm a short-life species, you think two hours isn't enough? It will be done"

This line in particular speaks for itself,

"I'd rather leave this world in a blaze than live until the end of time. I will let all of the Xianzhou know that a brief moment of my life is worth more than their long meaningless live."

The reason why Blade's story is so tragic is because he was robbed of this and thereby, everything that made him Yingxing. 

Now I get it, that must have meant that he loved Baiheng so much to completely turn around all his values on living one's limited existence to the fullest and being against the abundance to use the flesh of an emanator on her. Grief changes you, one's personal philosophies may not necessarily apply to other people, BH was already notorious for escaping near death situations, he probably had it in his head he will die first out of the Quintet, and he and DF were proud, arrogant jackasses who thought they could actually pull their Full Metal Alchemist arc off.

But you see how there are some fairly subjective assumptions needed to be made here in order to justify such a drastic shift in YX's characterisation that was consistently built up since the beginning? It also doesn't help that this quote can either come across as him respecting the situation or sounding bitter about it. 

"Yes, none of us are special! Each of us has only one life, sacrificing for this, dying for that... it's all our own choices. Just like how she chose to save you and Jing Liu... just like how she chose to let more people live on!"

I understand it on paper but I feel there was loss potential and not much concrete in-game content to drive home the emotional impact. Blade barely mentions Baiheng in his character stories aside from the vague "beloved", there are no voice lines, mirage echoes or any other readings aside from the Zhuming one prior to 1.4. Heck, that one closed beta content about her was removed and they only kept the lore about DF (at the risk of sounding like some annoying shipper, they established DF and YX being partners-in-crime so much to the point it is more convincing that he assisted mostly out of loyalty to DF) . I get it that Baiheng isn't explicitly stated to have any present counterparts (even though BH = Bailu theory is super implied at this point) but that didn't stop JL from having her dead centre on her phone case.

Also for those entertaining the possibility that YX mostly did it to go along with DF's ulterior motive of creating a new HE and/or uprooting the Ambrosial Arbor, the bracer lore implies that YX was the one who originally brought up the idea of supposedly resurrecting BH.

"This person (DF) who stubbornly adhered to their plans with the unnamed (YX)"

I'm not saying at all this approach was bad or any logic leaps had to be made (it's honestly pretty straightforward) but it felt like the rug was pulled from underneath for those who were invested in YX/Blade as a character. I've also seen the argument that YX's arrogance was repeatedly mentioned, so it's no surprise he had a wack moral compass, but didn't that conceited behaviour also stem from his virgin XZ natives vs chad short-lived outlander mentality?

I've said this before but the narrative told in JL's CQ is good in a vacuum but it made some of the previously established lore come across as contradictory, hence all these theories about JL being a unreliable narrator and conspiracies about writers intentionally messing up the HCQ lore.

I'm not sure, is what I'm saying making sense or did I just make up an oc in my head?

TDLR; It felt like they were changing around previously established aspects of his character for JL's companion quest and the parts that did make sense lacked context that it being the sole reason to throw away all the foundation themes YX embodies just rubs the wrong way.

[razorblade180]

Group Gift

Countless of Aether’s friends gather in the Teapot as the man himself stands in front of the house. Nobody had to wonder why as it was painfully clear to notice three columns of steam that came from three separate hot spring locations across the realm.

Aether:Can anyone guess what I’ve done?

Everyone:….

Klee and Yoi:You made a hot spring!

Aether:Thanks you two. You get first dibs.

Everyone:Aether you’re so cool!

Aether:I don’t need an ego boost! I just wanted participation! Anyways, everyone has be doing a good and I personally wanted to do this for awhile. Finally found the time!

Keqing:*silent judgement*

Aether:Don’t do that.

Keqing:I’m just wondering how this got into your head.

Miko:Yes, do tell.

Aether:I found a blueprint and thought, “this could be nice.” That’s all.

Rosaria:Doubt.

Aether:You doubt everything. Now then, let me explain why I have three. One at the bottom near the beach is for the boys. Middle elevation near the main house is for our ladies, and the one up on the hill is special circumstances.

Kaeya:*inhales*

Aether:Let me explain. Shush! It is indeed a coed bath, but primarily for when people are incredibly filthy. Let’s say Razor and Lisa get done exploring and Razor fell in mud or was reckless. He’s gonna need Lisa’s help to make sure he’s cleared properly.

Razor:I clean myself fine.

Lisa:Did you wash behind your ears today?

Razor:Sigh…. *looks down*

Albedo:I see. So in situations where perhaps a certain someone accidentally sets off my lab experiment with an explosion and we get covered in ash��

Klee:I didn’t mean to!

Aether:Exactly! A perfect use of that! You get dibs as well.

Itto:Okay, but feel a little unfair that us guys gotta hike to the bottom and back up? How’d that happen!?

Kaeya:You didn’t really think he’d make a system where our elevations would be above our distinguished ladies, did you?

Itto:Umm, what’s wrong with that? I’m sure they’d like the beach.

Kaeya:….You’re a good and earnest man, Itto.

Tighnari:I assume you have a reason for the third one to be the highest?

Aether:*claps hands together* Klee, Qiqi, Yaoyao, and Diona. I need you to cover your ears tightly and humm your favorite songs until I say stop.

Kids:Understood! *covers ears* hmmm hmm hmmm~

Aether:Listen up you heathen.

Everyone:(So it did cross his mind…)

Aether:I do not care what kind of romantic label you want to put on your individual relationship with whoever you’re with. If you want to “relax” together, use the coed. I already have to clean it more often than the other two. And to answer Tighnari, it’s because it’s very easy to tell when it’s in use and spot ahead of time who’s making their way there. For example, let’s say after a particular messy day you want to go up there but notice a certain Sister and Knight….

Rosaria and Kaeya: Wha-

Aether:At this point you should have in your mind the potential reasons for their journey. Granted, I’ve put dividers in that spring, but use your common sense, like waiting for an appropriate time. Are we clear?

Everyone:Crystal.

Aether:Now I need to hear that again from who this really applies to. Yae…

Yae:And what exactly are you implying? *crosses arms*

Aether:…

Gorou:Say it.

Yae:…I will follow the rules.

Aether:Venti?

Venti:I wouldn’t dream ruining your hospitality.

Kazuha:Same goes for me.

Lisa:I’ll play nice~

Aether:Not very convincing with that specific tone but I’ll hold you to it. *looks at kids and gives a thumbs up* Alright everyone, I’ve stolen enough of your time. Now if you excuse me…I’m tired and making this took a while.

Aether casually leaves towards the coed bath to use it. Before anyone could have further discussion about this wonderful new addition, Amber also casually started walking up the trail. She looked at them, waved with a smile, then continued on about her business and catching up with Aether.

Grown up:(SHE ISN’T EVEN TRYING TO HIDE IT!)

Aether:*red* Ma’am, what are you doing. I’m actually filthy.

Amber:I know. I’ll help with your back.

Aether:…I can’t tell if that’s your excuse or for intent so bravo I guess. But…people are staring.

Amber:*holds hand*☺️

Aether:*flustered* (Maybe I should’ve announced this to everyone separately.)

[jacksgreysays]

I'm going to 1) boost this absolutely fantastic webtoon because i love it so much and i really would love to see other people interact with it and 2) so it makes sense for it to be on this particular blog, do a little brainstorm for what kind of fanfic i would theoretically write for it

And ao3 is down right now anyway, so you may as well, lol

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD READ MY IN-LAWS ARE OBSESSED WITH ME:

Season 1 just finished (75 chapters total) with Season 2 scheduled for next year (presuming translation time) so if you're worried about starting something that isn't complete or, conversely, jumping in to something that is dead in the water, do not worry this webtoon will take care of you

I consume a lot of garbage media so trust me in knowing what is and isn't garbage. Yes the title is weird and also it initially looks like a cheesy vampire harlequin but trust me it's not.

It's got everything I love and, hopefully, if you're reading this post you love some of these things too: time travel, political ramifications for things, DRAMA, beautiful fashions, the slowest of slowest burns of yearning, supernatural mystery revolving around a blood curse, a female lead who is more concerned about SURVIVAL and VENGEANCE and BUSINESS than romance (but also the romance is very cute eventually, emphasis on the eventually)

The art in general is stunning (again, kudos to the fashion) and the story telling in the visual medium is absolutely heartbreaking. Slight spoilers, but there's a part where it gets into the ML's PTSD from being at war and the way it's portrayed is absolutely devastating. Actually a lot of the FL's anxieties and self doubts are also portrayed wonderfully in this medium. It's THOUGHTFUL in its usage of imagery. There's also a fun recurring bit where every time the FL is framed weirdly in the shot it's because the ML is right next to her right off screen being devastatingly handsome

The side characters are great. The titular in-laws are fantastic. I weep thinking about the residence manager who is so bad at his job and openly cries about having to do work. Celphius would be my son if he weren't so enamored by having Pereshati as his mom instead.

All of the characters are SMART. Or, at least, they're logical. I never ask "why are they doing this?" because everyone is acting rationally for what information/abilities/biases they do have. And yes, the biases are important also (because god knows I hate the villains but they are, unfortunately, rational in their cruelty).

They're also proactive about things? Like, very often protagonists are just reacting to the next awful thing thrown their way, but both the FL and ML are taking steps to achieve their goals even if a lot of it is off-screen.

Please. I beseech thee, read the first ten chapters at least, if you've gotten this far in this post, just read the first ten chapters.

Anyway, so as to at least maintain the thinnest veneer of this being a writing post, the theoretical fanfic I'd write for this series is under the cut and does contain SPOILERS:

It would appear, at first, like a straightforward AU, beginning with the characters at the age they are in the canon. So ~early/mid-20s(?) ish?

But, just straight up, Therdeo is not the grand duke and Pereshati is an imperial secretary(?/scholar?). But Therdeo is probably head of the knights of the grand dukedom, so he has to be in the capitol for ~reasons~ especially since he's probably still the "hero" of the war.

The fic appears to be a straight forward meet-cute romance between elite knight, third son of the Lapileons and imperial secretary, only daughter of the Zahardt countdom. The levels are not exactly equal, but it's a lot more evened out than in canon. Maybe there's still a "please pretend to marry me so I don't get trapped in an engagement with the 4th princess" but her vibes are SO RANK I don't even want to deal with that :/

So now why does it only APPEAR to be a straight forward meet-cute romance?

Double time travel.

Well, possibly quintuple time travel depending on how deep into it we get, but basically: Pereshati and the four Lapileon in-laws who are older than her (Therdeo, Saoirse, Phineas, Gloria) all travel back to the first time someone died from Gen's blood being sold (not Islette's) which is at least several years, if not over a decade from the canon start time.

Maybe the Lapileons coordinate with each other about this, but regardless, since it's from Pereshati's view she wouldn't get to see that.

On her side what changes is: unfortunately, I don't think she can save her mother. But maybe she can prevent her father from re-marrying and emphasize cherishing the family they already have (ie, each other and her uncle+his family). And because she does now have so much experience running a household and is, you know, a fully educated grown adult in a child's body, when she goes to the academy she does EXTREMELY well. Like. Imperial Scholar well.

And, yes, she is her father's heir. But he's healthy and not married to someone who will kill him, so she sort of has the freedom to have this imperial scholar job for a while until he decides he wants to retire and have her take over, etc.

So she's working in the capitol, and Therdeo's also in the capitol.

Or maybe she works at the academy as a teacher now?

If Celphius didn't still exist, I would cry. But maybe his father is still alive and that's why Therdeo isn't the grand duke. Or even if Celphius' dad is dead (RIP) then Saoirse's family is definitely still alive and so SHE'S the grand duke(/duchess) and Celphius has an older cousin that he has to be VERY CAREFUL WITH.

Regardless, at the very least. Saoirse's son goes to the academy. Maybe the meet cute is, now that Celphius is old enough, he ALSO gets to go to the academy. And as a Good Uncle (This Time) Therdeo will be there to support him and also bring him to the Academy and be an extra set of eyes for whichever of his older siblings is the grand duke and anyway he meets Pereshati and they are both trying to hide the fact that they know each other because of time travel while also falling in love(?)

Maybe.

I just really liked the idea of re-leveling their respective statuses so they can stand on more equal footing when they meet T_T

ANYWAY PLEASE READ IT. I KNOW AO3 IS DOWN NOW ANYWAY, SO YOU MAY AS WELL

[hay1ock]

Another week, another took-a-long-time-to-process-so-now-going-to-ramble Only Friends post. I have no idea where I want to start as there were so many entanglements, emotions, moments for the characters, both separately and together.

Firstly, once again, got to praise the show for looking good. Loved some of the shots, one particular one was the continuous shot of Sand following Ray into his den/music room, and also Nick and Boston beneath those antlers - was as if Nick was being consumed by a beast (how very Hannibal lol)

So, thoughts on the characters and relationships. I guess we’ll start with Top and Mew as they kicked the episode off.

Top - honestly, I’m so conflicted over him. One minute I’m like, okay I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt and the next I’m all hell no, shoo *waves him away*. He certainly earned some ‘bodacious side-eyes’ this week.

1. His glance at Boston after asking Mew to be his boyfriend. He looked so smug.

2. The way he ‘claimed’ Mew in front of Ray saying they had a date and taking his hand. Does he already feel threatened by Ray?

3. The way he spoke to Ray when Cheum hurt her ankle. (I’m not a doctor but I didn’t see Ray’s idea to raise a swollen ankle as a bad thing. He clearly wasn’t looking to hurt his friend). It just felt like Top was exerting dominance again. BUT maybe with the backstory we saw he now needs to control situations and jumped in without watching his tone.

4. Him and Boston in the shower (obviously lol)👀. I couldn’t get a read what he was thinking. He said stop but then let Boston get right back to it. His expression bounced around from into it to annoyed to… I don’t know what. BUT that isn’t the way to get into Mew’s good books lol.

Then on the other hand we have the backstory and his fear of sleeping alone. He seemed genuine about his past and can certainly see his sleeping around rooted in that. In episode 1, he could have just left, maybe even still had time to find someone else if it was just sex he wanted, but he asked to stay over, even if just to cuddle and sleep beside Mew. So until I’m shown otherwise I believe him. Curious if he’s abusing the sleeping tablets though (based on bits they showed in both trailers).

Mew - just because he’s a glasses wearing virgin doesn’t mean he’s naive, I mean… have you seen his friends? Lol. I do think he’s ticking things off a little too easily, but Top does make his heart tremble so there are feelings there already and he’s maybe looking for reasons for Top to meet his list. It no way excuses the Top and Boston encounter, but I do wonder how far Mew will push his No Sex rule with Top and this whole reset and then his cookie kiss teasing and if that’ll blow up in his face? (I see you car in the preview). But like I get it. If Top cares for him he should be willing to wait until Mew is ready, build trust and get to know each other properly. Plus you know, Top has his hand and a healthy imagination, he’ll be fine lol.

Boston - or rather…BOSTON! I love him but hate him lol. Bold move with Top in the shower. I’m not really sure why he’s so bothered. Like seriously how good was the sex? Has he caught feelings? Or is it just about one-upping Mew, is there more to their ‘friendship’? Jealousy? A one-sided rivalry of some kind? The fact he’s looking to use Ray and Mew’s friendship to get Top is a scummy move. And then there’s his relationship with Nick.

After Ray, Nick is my second precious, please-protect-him-from-everything-as-well-as-himself baby. He looked so tiny with his knees up to his chest, and soft and vulnerable lying in bed for the photos. Boston has made it clear-ish what their status is so Nick should be aware falling for him is a fruitless endeavour. BUT. The ish is because like Nick I’m getting mixed signals when he’s calling him his favourite, calling him cute, giving him little kisses and confidence boosts. The first sex scene between them this episode is more how I view Boston, flipping Nick over, pushing him down, no need to see his face. He just wants sex, not a connection with Nick. Argh, Nick’s attached and it’s gonna hurt. God, everybody’s so messy lol.

And then we’re round to my best boy, Ray. God I love seeing Khaotung like this. Anyway, yes he’s a danger to himself and others when drunk, not saying he’s an angel, but as Mew said he can’t be stopped, not unless he’s ready to admit he has a problem and get help. Struggling characters speak to me lol.

I loved his scene with Mew near the start. Sure he’s jealous, probably more so when drunk, but this episode he came across as supportive. Worried but supportive nonetheless. He’s probably met some Top’s before so is rightly concerned about Mew jumping in when their might be someone nice down the line (and I’m convinced he wasn’t talking about himself here - there’s no way he sees himself as anywhere near good enough for Mew). I felt like his glances at Top both by the pool and then the outdoor activity were, yes there’s still some jealousy but also as if they were out of concern/viewing how Top is acting - to me, he seemed surprised/wary at Top coming over as controlling and jumping in about the date and taking hold of Mew, and then at the activities it felt like he was observing/considering the genuineness of Top’s calls of support (vs Boston’s done with them eye roll).

There was a lot of stuff brought up for Ray this episode. Him and Sand was just amazing. From following Sand as what probably started out as a nice distraction, to hiring him as a drinking buddy, to genuinely bonding and smiling, to, well, that last sequence - god dang he was oozing with charm and his lustful gaze and… Why does smoking always look so hot? It really isn’t but damn does it look all cinematic and sexy. But yeah, it was great not to have to listen to him throw up this week. The flashback to his mum though. It seemed she died with a drink in her hand. Whether it was straight up from the alcohol, or maybe it caused other health problems? Was it just alcohol or was she washing down pills or something? Did she drunkenly fall and hit her head? *squints at the blurry scene* It’s certainly a trauma that is part of why he drinks, exacerbated by his loneliness and now the fear of losing Mew and that friendship as him and Top get closer. I’m also scared Ray is drinking himself stupid as a way to follow her.

Sand. The goodest boy (shhh pretend he’s not selling moonshine). I loved him so much when he tried to cheer Ray up after asking questions about his mum’s death. It was clear Ray was upset and down and it was lovely seeing him make Ray smile. Also, the way he was staring at Ray in these scenes. Gah. He’s so interested in him. I found it funny him turning away the girl, when Ray had suggested the three of them hang out. At least he got Ray looking very pleased with himself when it was just the two of them. There’s not much else to dive into with him at the moment. That talk to the camera thing at the end. Boy already looks like he knows he fucked up. Playing with fire indeed. Nothing else to say right… okay maybe one thing. Tattoo *kicks feet*

Random things.

1. Cheum and April. Wasn’t much of them but they were cute.

2. Sorry Top but that dive into the water. I kind of like it in that it shows he isn’t perfect. And apparently this isn’t Baywatch lol.

3. Tattoo.

4. I wonder if there was more than that one shot of Nick that Boston took? Hoping there’s nothing that can be used against Nick in the future.

5. TaTtOo.

6. The way Sand broke the kiss by pulling Ray away *melts*

7. Sand and Nick becoming roomies. They can bitch about their emotionally unavailable men over some plum wine lol. Wonder if Boston and Ray will end up there at the same time?

8. Ray’s face when Mew said Top had ticked the get along with friends box on his list.

9. Fluffy haired Ray at the outdoor activities.

10. TATTOO.

11. I kinda wanna go to a laser quest again. Like, are they still a thing? Time to relive my youth lol.

12. Took me a minute but realised those ‘talk to the camera’ interviews reminded me of the first episode of Queer As Folk (at least the UK version) where they had a similar thing. Vince was my baby. What do you mean I have a thing for guys who have a crush on their best friend? Lol

13. I can’t help it. I’m sorry. BUT Ray in that black fluffy cardigan outfit. It was his episode, at least for me.

14. Ray’s little face when he put him mum’s record on. Everybody shush. I love him okay.

15. I know you probably didn’t want him in your bed again since the reset, but Mew, cuddling on the couch did not look comfy.

16. So, if Nick works at a family business I shall switch my guess at Papang being something to do with uni and his course.

17. Title, where you at.

18. Ohhhhh. Yo and unnamed dude (please be called Lo) are together.

And I’ll shut up now. We’re down to hours until the next episode. Exciting.

[radioactive-earthshine]

Heya! Same Anon here that asked about Jenni's age. Thank you for answering and I also wonder about Bart’s age now. I see 15 too more than 14 but that's also impossible right? He's been consistently stated to be in Junior high and ughhghm you can't be 15 and in Junior high unless you got held back. 15 is when you should be at least in 9th grade. What's with these writers and impossible scenarios?

Impulse #83 Bart buddy you have no idea.

Hi again!

This is one of those situations that depends on where you live and what schools you went to growing up if this looks strange to you or not. But it is NOT impossible.

The fact is Bart can be anywhere from 11-15 and still be a junior high student in America depending on the school he is going to and how it is set up.

In America, a common setup for junior high is grades 7 and 8 ranging from ages 12-14. This is how my junior high was set up and almost everyone I talk to shares this two grade experience. I assume this is how your experience was/is and that's why Bart being 15 while still being in middle school looks off.

There are other options for junior high.

Junior high can also span grades 7,8 and 9 ranging from ages 12-15. A lot of other places in the world have this particular set up for their middle school. The 3 grade system is what Manchester Junior High likely is adopting and where Bart fits as being 15 and still a middle schooler.

In most scenarios grade 9 (ages 14-15) is a high school freshmen and Bart could move to any school that has a 4 grade term and enroll automatically without any issues.

There are middle schools that start at grade 6 and go through grade 8 encompassing ages 11-14. My supervisor's daughter actually is going to one of these schools right now and it has always been like this since the school was built in the 1980s. This is not relevant to Bart's situation but I thought I would mention it just to demonstrate the variation and that middle school/junior high is not just grades 7 and 8.

Regardless of the fact that Bart can still be in junior high while 15 exists there are other in-comic events that make it impossible for him to have consistently been in junior high while as Impulse.

The most notable one being when Matthew Stuart/Bedlam wakes up from a two year coma after Bart, Kon and Tim defeated him in their first team-up.

Impulse #85

Matthew could not have been in a two year coma that started when Bart was 14/15 and remained the same age at the end of it (well he could he's a speedster but that's not the point). Bart would have had to have been 16/17 around this time, but he was very much still in the 14-15 range by the end of his own series when this story took place.

We even see the later comics state he is 14 instead of 15 contradicting issue #2 and other instances placing Bart at 15. So it is likely the final writer for Impulse (Dezago) believed that when Bart first showed up he was around 12. Which is not inaccurate as he was! Bart was actually physically 12 but then was sped aged an ambiguous age that they settled on being 15. Dezago could have not realized he had an age boost or he just didn't care.

Even if Bart WAS 14 when his comics began, the math doesn't add up either way.

Impulse #82 lol I did that trick too.

Impulse #2

So it's just one of those things you just have to deal with being a comics fan. It's not impossible for him to be a middle schooler in the slightest but it is impossible that he remained in the same grade throughout all that time.

This is one of those reasons WHY writers are discouraged from using FIRM ages because it messes things up eventually when writers are eventually switched around.

Is Bart 14? Is he 15? Is he 19? 2? Even he doesn't fucking know.

[unknownjpegs]

question

“Can I ask you something that might be problematic and possibly slightly offensive?”

Lark finishes pulling up his sweats, peering at her from under messy fringe. His face is still cutely flushed, and she has to look away when he scrubs a hand over the slick bottom half. He looks entirely too fucking pleased with himself in the first place, and she won’t give him the additional ego boost of her embarrassment. 

“I don’t think I’ve ever heard you warn someone you’re about to be rude.”

“Shut up,” she says, sitting up on her elbows. “I’m trying to be thoughtful.”

“Kinda weird.” Lark teases. He crawls up the end of the bed, briefly trapping her between arms and legs — knowing what that does to her, for sure, and as amused by the reaction as her really shitty attempts to hide it. At the last moment, right before their lips touch, he drops himself off to the side. Not quite out of touching distance but enough that she would have to close it. Matilda pouts and stays put.

“Yeah, sorry. I gained a new sense of morality through my time in a paramilitary organization and it just really geared me towards social good.” She widens her eyes innocently. “I’m trying to use my voice in ways that benefit the marginalized.” 

“You joking about it doesn’t make it less fucked.” Lark points out. He gathers a stack of CDs off the little table by his bed. “But yeah, go for it.”

She sits up a little, drawing knees to her chest. “Do people, like, give you shit?”

He glances at her, mouth quirked. “Plenty. Do you want to be more specific?”

She nudges him. “You know what I mean.”

Lark’s turn to make big, innocent eyes. “Because I’m special?”

“I’m serious.”

“I’m serious too.” He pouts and leans in again, doing that steady, flustering stare. “You don’t think I’m special, Til?” 

Now Matilda shoves him. He goes dramatically legs up, jostling them both on the tiny frame and forcing her to either fall against him or to the ground. 

“Do they bother you or what?”

Lark regards her for a moment in his stoic, internal way. She’s used to being stared at. It isn’t even the first time he’s watched her like this, as much as he probably wants to believe he’d been sneaky. But he has a particular way of looking at her. Cliche, but — he looks through her. Not any romanticized breaking of walls or shattering of defenses. Just like they’re not even there to begin with. 

Then he puts aside the CD insert and shuffles forward, legs caging hers, and cups her cheek. So, so fucking gently. 

It’s not that she isn’t used to it — he’s plenty capable of softness, of being slow. That had been one of the things she tried to be aware; just because he was here, the situation, the place…well. She’s seen soft things from most of them. It was hard to compartmentalize people into her dangerous or evil or avoid! categories.

She blushes for this kiss, because she can’t imagine putting him in those categories anymore. Can’t imagine that she had in the first place. The kiss isn’t anything different than the warm palm on her face. Soft and gentle — chaste. Up until recently, they haven’t done much of chaste.

I want to, though. We should do more of this. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy spending time with you like this. Doing nothing. Hanging out. 

And it’s sad to admit to herself, but the thought rushes in after all the rest: she just isn’t sure if she’s slept with someone she likes, does nothing with. There’s always been a date or event or reason to be together, no just because. Sometimes, she ends up at Lark’s quarters the end of a shift because she wants to be there. Be around him. Sometimes, his fingers or face end up between her legs because she makes him laugh, or says she likes a song he’s put on, or she shares a story, or —

Because he wants to.

She shivers as their mouths move, each touch together needier and more messy than the last. Kissing him is an easy thing to get lost in. Lark leans her back with a hand between her shoulders, and the goosebumps up her bare arms and shoulders are warmed flat just as quick as they sprung up. His bed isn’t comfortable — mattress thin, sheets scratchier than she’s used to — but nestled between him and it, she can’t be cold. 

When he pulls away, Matilda takes a second to herself. Eyes closed. One, two breaths. In and out, slow and gentle. The rush of anxiety ebbs a little, but she’s not ready to look at him in case it wants to rush back. When she first got here, started this job, she’d been scared out of her mind. She still is, sometimes, but less than usual — somehow, that’s just as terrifying. 

Lark settles on top of her, compressing some of the air from her chest. Distantly she wonders if it’s purposeful, to make her take another slow breath; hopes not, because that means he knows she needs one, which means he must have some idea of her feelings, which means he’s seeing her—

Except when she opens her eyes, its just his dark, sleek crown of hair. Less sleek because her hands have just been in it. He rests his cheek on her shoulder,  head tilted away but fingers cupping high on her ribs. He’s reading the CD insert again. Lyrics to the song, backstory about the album. She looks there too, but not at the words; how, to hold it, his wrist angles in a way that makes a tendon pop. How, the the cowlick on the back of his head, there’s a little spot of blond she swiped bleach through when she was fixing her own color. How a little curve of ink slips around his shoulder, beneath the hem of his shirt. Matilda touches her fingers there, then tilts her head. 

It frightens her that he understands that tiny movement means look at me. That he does. 

“What did I do?”

“You’re just cute, sometimes.” Lark laughs. He brushes his mouth over her collarbone through her t-shirt. “Why? Want me to stop?”

She blinks at him, the heat intensifying on her cheeks. His eyes trace her face, no doubt aware of the same because he grins. 

“Okay, actually. My turn.”

She makes a curious noise, hands loose behind his neck. He moves to  hover above her. 

“To ask a maybe problematic, slightly offensive question?” 

“Could I even stop you,” she deadpans, trying for an entirely flat affect and failing miserably when he squeezes her side to get a squirming laugh. 

“You can try,” he purrs suggestively, and cuts off with a laugh when she shoves his face instead. “Alright, alright. Sorry your highness, I’ll be serious.”

And he isn’t one of the people that needs convincing to be serious. Lark doesn’t have the height or build for intimidation, but he manages it. He just has that aura about him, this unassuming glint of steeliness people are usually smart enough to avoid. Matilda has seen his best friend, and plenty of other soldiers with bruises but not fresh off a job— from each other. She has never once seen Lark in that state. Never that much of a mess. Because people knew better. When it mattered, he was serious.

She wonders what part of her question makes him need to be coaxed towards it.

“Does it make you uncomfortable?”

They both pause when she speaks. He’d been joking, but it’s true — Matilda knows exactly how she comes off, how she communicates. She cares very little for other peoples’ comfort. 

Lark makes a haughty, breathy sort of noise. “Some brainless fucking losers talking shit that I hear constantly? Nah, I don’t care.”

“No, that I asked at all.” she presses, not really sure why. Maybe because she notices that little furrow between his eyebrows. Lark doesn’t lose his temper often, but he has certain tells. And she doesn’t know why she wants to see him angry. “You don’t talk about it.”

“Is it required?”

Matilda fights a grin at his tone. “I mean—“

“If you’re asking because someone’s giving you shit, at least tell me.” Lark winds his wrist in a circle. “I know you have hang ups about getting help.”

Because it feels more normal, then. Fighting with a boy—

“Are you going to ask your question?”

Lark folds the CD pamphlet slowly, tucking it back beneath plastic prongs, snaps it shut, puts it carefully back into place on the rest of the stack. Then he turns towards Matilda — not how he had been, sitting forward and head turned to the side. Or on top of her, just facing away.

Now, he gently pulls her closer. Matilda goes. Allows herself to be moved, situated. Until she’s sat in his lap, their faces inches away. She gets that twist of unease again, of anxiety. She imagines asking him what she really means, outright: do you want me to take care of it, like you do for me? That’s what scares her. The possessiveness underneath, the thing between the lines that makes her wonder where they would be, if they weren’t here. For now, she’s thinking of him as hers. For now. 

“Til, you are in your head tonight. My question was going to be if you wanted to stay a little longer,” he slides a hand up her shirt, around her waist. The drag of nails on her spine, down the small of her back, makes her twitch forward. “But if you’re going to fall asleep…”

He seems unaware that he’s speaking mostly to her chest. 

Matilda would tease him about that, but she has a feeling she’d only invite one of those smug grins that she has a hard time denying. So instead, she tucks fingers under his chin so he’ll be at least eye level, and asks what she really, really wants to ask.

“Are you fucking other people, Elias?”

Now, his whole face scrunches. Pretty, sever brows furrowed and lips parted before they’re overtaken in a sneer. 

“What is your problem? I just got done telling you —“

She thinks: we would fight like this, out there. Over nothing.

[blackcatxmagic]

Nicholas looked more than just 'alright,' and Copper had just been giving him a hard time. But maybe he should have told the man the truth. "Alright, fine," he conceded, "you look hot as hell." While Copper doubted that Nicholas's ego needed even the slightest of boosts, this was just the truth. And it wasn't like the man wasn't above teasing Copper back judging by his reaction to the compliment about his scent. Playfully pushing the older man in the shoulder, Copper laughed. "One thing you're definitely not lacking is confidence," he mused, or was it arrogance. Either way, it was turning Copper on whether he liked it or not.

Of course Nicholas had to get another little dig in about his shop, but this time it didn't bother Copper as much. He had decided that the man might think he was better, but that didn't make it true, and it wasn't like he was trying to make this thing between them anymore than what it was: something casual. "Come on, you know it's the best tea shop in Cardinal Hill," Copper retorted, a grin on his face because The Twilight Cauldron was in fact the only tea shop in Cardinal Hill. "And don't tell me you didn't enjoy the tea this morning," he added with a smirk.

They were getting closer to Breaking Glass now, but Copper paused when he heard Nicholas's next remark. "Wait, really?" he asked the other man, walking again beside him now. "This isn't a thing you normally do?" Copper had no delusions that this made him special in Nick's eyes, but it was still a surprise that the man was making an exception for him. "Any particular reason why?" Copper asked. Maybe Nicholas thought he was too good for most guys, but then again he probably felt that way about Copper too. They had reached the bar now, and Copper opened the door for Nicholas, not in an act of chivalry or something but simply because he'd reached the door first. "Don't forget, you're buying the first round," Copper reminded the man with a grin. "But I guess I'll buy the second as long as you behave."

When he heard the word 'alright' being used in relation to his own outfit Nicholas avoided making a comment back. He wasn't the type who needed validation so much, especially from somebody like Copper. Though he would have definitely appreciated some kinder and more truthful words, but c'est la vie.

He certainly did appreciate the comment about his scent though. A comment he was used to, but never grew tired of hearing. Looking down at himself, almost in a mocking way of how Copper did it, he tilted his head up "Yeah I do." he mimicked the man. His smirk growing wider.

He nodded in agreement with the other man. In response to both the fact this town had fuck all in terms of drinking spots, and that the last time they went Breaking Glass it did turn out well. He walked along with Copper, listening to him speak. Laughing a little loudly at his words "Fine establishments." he teased, grin remaining on his lips.

"If I'm completely honest with you" He paused, honesty being a fair rarity when it came to Nick, so this could be a real surprise. "It's been quite a while since I went for a drink with anybody." He said, almost proudly. Putting it down to how busy he had been with work, but there was more to it than that.

[books-and-catears]

Hi! I was wondering if you could write some headcanons on how the brothers would react to the alternate timeline MC (the one killed by belphie, rip) haunting the house of lamentation? I just think some angst would be neato. Keep up the good work! I love your writing <3

Oh how much I love this concept. With all the ghost MCs I've been writing this fits in perfectly. How I love writing angst hehehe thank you for this wonderful ask

Thank you so much for your kindness. I hope I can do this justice :')

It has been months since you've been gone. Your body buried in the human world, and yet your soul still felt like it was lingering.

They could see you - a glimpse here, a whisper there and your presence everywhere. Almost as if you just walked past them into your room, and lay curled up in bed with Satan's new books or Levi's new manga. Only you weren't.

The bumps in your bed were just pillows and blankets. The extra chair stood out like a sore thumb. They would so often call you and then feel stupid for expecting a response. Except you had started answering back now.

Lucifer could often hear paper rustling in his sleep. And when he woke up he found the paper work was done more than he remembered doing.

He found his favourite tea brewing whenever he was too tired. And it tasted exactly how you used to make it.

At first he thought it was some sort of sickening joke from his brothers so he threatened to punish them if they didn't come clean. But it was none of them.

Then...MC? Did you come back somehow?

He went into a secret frenzy, looking for you everywhere. Sometimes when the house was empty, he screamed out your name, he could hear your voice softly calling back from your room.

Soon those soft vague sounds became his only comfort - he became super strict about silence in the house. He refused to have any other tea than the one he found magically brewing. He'd always kiss the cups before drinking from them, and his eyes would sting with unshed tears.

___________________________________________

Mammon might be scared of ghosts. But not you. Never you. Especially when he could feel your weight in his arms whenever he missed you too much.

Maybe the sensation was more vivid, since he was the last one to hold you alive. He could also see you. A faint shadow that walked beside and waved to him whenever he was in your room.

And though the shadow had no face, he could tell it was smiling. He felt calm around it. Like you never left. He denied your death the most and now there was reason to.

He barely left the house and most of the time he just stayed in your room. That's where he had most memories with you. Sometimes he found coins and Grimm strewn around your bed, as if you'd left it there for him. He took them and stored them away, never to spend them.

He was overjoyed when he saw your shadow in his room. He started talking to it like it was you, pressing his lips against the walls where you appeared and watching your shadow reaching up to touch his shadow, holding it tight. In those moments he swore he could feel your arms around him again. And on those nights, his pillows would be drenched with his agony.

___________________________________________

Leviathan first noticed it when he saw that Player 2 was always logged in, in all of his games. Even the ones that came months after you were longer there.

And while player two didn't actively play, he found boost items in his game inventory that he didn't achieve himself. You used to hunt down boost items to help with his battles and he protected you during the fights.

He starts getting even more into gaming, to the point where he forgets to go out for meals. Mammon and Satan have to drag him out to eat. He often just sits there talking to himself as if you're still there.

Then one day, in the group texts of the game, he sees you text. Player 2: 'Go get him Levi! I got your back; we have a lot of ammo!" He forgot the game altogether desperately typing back a message.

You don't text as often as he would like, but he's always waiting for whatever you say. It's easily the best part of his day. If he fell asleep in front of the screen, he would wake up covered with a blanket and good morning message on screen. His brothers claim to never have gone inside so he knows it's you. He cries into the blanket you covered him with cause he misses you.

___________________________________________

Satan came to feel your presence in the strangest way. There was a particular cat that you were attached to. That cat started finding ways to sneak inside the house, in the library or Satan's room, holding small books in its mouth.

When Satan opened them up, he found petals of your favourite flowers tucked away in some particular pages. It resembled the way you marked your favorite chapters using colored bits of paper or bookmarks.

He figured out a way to talk to you. He made something that resembled an Ouija board and left a little cat shaped button on it. He tried it out in your room, and it worked. You were talking back. Not whole sentences but broken phrases and words. So he used yes and no questions from then onwards.

He often found new books in his room, a hint that you wanted him to read them. While reading, he could swear he felt your head rest on his shoulder as if trying to read with him. He also left books in your room to read. Though he missed your touch and your voice, the fact that you still talk to him gave him so much joy. He often kisses the books he gives you, hoping they reach your fingers and litters the pages with tear stains in hopes you'd see them and come back.

___________________________________________

Asmodeus screamed the first time he saw you behind him in the mirror. You were transculent, barely visible. But it was you and your distinct smile and wave of the hand, leaning against his bathroom wall, long streaks of dried blood near your neck. He could even smell you - your scent like flowers, firewood and old books.

He tries to talk to you, even tries to hold you but you're just an image. A reflection that reflects nothing but empty space. You don't seem to talk but you nod or shake your head in reply. He presses himself into the mirror as if trying to hug you tight.

But lately he hears whispers, very faint and barely there but he hears them. Always calling him somewhere where there is a mirror. Cause that's the only place he can see you. If you thought he was obsessed with mirrors then, you should see him now.

He almost covered his whole room up with mirrors so he could see you from all angles, making you feel as alive as he possibly could. He screams your name into his pillows. Maybe you would respond if he was louder?

___________________________________________

Beelzebub often passed by you room, all covered now, just like Lilith's. The door was always kept open but he didn't dare enter. But one day, a strong gust of wind blew it wide open as if urging him to enter. So he did.

On the bed he found some fresh treats placed right in the middle of your bed. It was the treats he loved to eat together with you. How did they even get here?

He sat on the bed and absent mindedly started eating. When he ate, he could hear your laughter and you talking - a surge of memories flooding his senses. And when he was done, he could swear he felt your fingers wiping his mouth.

Eversince then he refused to eat anywhere except your room and his brothers had to drag him to the table during breakfast and dinner. But whenever a new bakery or restaurant opened, he would bring all the food back only to eat it in your room. And he would smile, listening to saying how delicious the food is. He would often clutch at his chest and cry, missing the way you used to hold him whenever he was sad. Won't you come hold him now, MC?

___________________________________________

Belphegor couldn't feel a thing. The only way he knew you were still here was when he brothers acted strangely. He'd ask them of course, but they'd never reply to him. He was the reason MC was gone. Why would MC show themself to him?

So he observed his brothers, always cautious for every little thing that was out of place. He'd caught all his brothers crying at some point or the other. Especially in your room. So he'd curl up in your room to spend the night in there hoping to feel you like his brothers. Only he never did, and Mammon and Satan would scream and drag him out the next morning.

None of the brothers would let him inside of their own rooms either. They couldn't save you when it mattered. So now it was their way of protecting whatever essence was left of you.

Feeling dejected and guilty he went and locked himself inside his old attic. He rested his against the bars that locked him in. Isn't this where he first met you, MC? Sigh. You'd been nothing but kind to him so why did he-

"Belphie.." Then he heard it. For the first time in forever, he heard your voice again. Soft and kind - just like before. He looked up and through the bars, he saw the most familiar sight. You smiling at him through the bars, your fingers wrapped around yours. And just like that he broke down. He started howling in pain, as he tried to reach you, but his fingers slipped right through you. "I'm sorry I'm sorry come back please come back!" He cried as you disappeared into thin air again.

My Masterlist .

[primus-why]

JAZZWAVE ANGST TIME

Oh hey hello it's like 3:30AM but I need to jot this down.

So, alright. Once again, for plot reasons, the Autobots and Decepticons have brokered a tentative peace between them. As they work to rebuild Cybertron, they test the waters with actually getting to know folks from the opposite faction. It's something that needs to be handled delicately, and no one knows this better than Jazz and his old Spec Ops team.

Oh, who was he kidding. They still play their part, hanging in the shadows and passing along info. Business as usual. Only, the intel is a lot less juicy these days-- however, that doesn't put any of Jazz's suspicions to rest.

On more than one occasion, his team has had a run-in with Soundwave's crew, no doubt pulling the same stunt. Jazz knows the cassette player wants a lasting peace as much as he does, but they all know trust is earned. And old habits die hard.

It takes a long time for him to reach the point where he decides to just bite the bullet. The best way to get a feel for Soundwave and his intentions? Approach him out in the open, directly. He may not be able to trust everything the other mech does or says, but it should get him a foothold. It's got to be a better starting place than continuing to dance circles around the issues like they have been. Besides, no one could say he didn't give the guy a chance, not with them meeting publicly.

They pick neutral settings. Parks, cafes, prominent construction sites, and natural landmarks that survived the war. Jazz advises the old team to do the same-- pick a former Decepticon or two, and play nice. Make a friend. Figure out what they know and what their intentions are.

Admittedly, Soundwave is a tough nut to crack. Jazz had anticipated as much from the former Communications Officer, but what he hadn't expected was how well they get along. Like, genuinely get along...

It's weird. But after a while, Jazz finds himself looking forward to hanging out with Soundwave and touching base. Speaking of, he hasn't touched base with his old team in a while, but then again they haven't felt the need to call anything to his attention either. Maybe... things really are just this good?

Then some fancy soiree happens. Some kind of ball to celebrate unity yadda yadda. Really it's just some pomp and circumstance to distract from the hardships of rebuilding, and Jazz can't argue against a morale boost. It's also the official social debut of Optimus as Prime and Megatron as his Lord High Protector. It's kind if a big deal.

Naturally Jazz's attention seeks out familiar face-- Blaster, Mirage, Hound, Bumblebee-- and it's good to see them having fun. He spots Soundwave too, although he looks a little tense. Not too surprising, Jazz knows the mech doesn't really care for large gatherings. Then he sees Soundwave step out onto the balcony, and he decides to follow.

They chat for a bit, acknowledging how the edge of everyone's field is frayed with nerves about the peace. They're all asking themselves: what if there's a chance this doesn't last? And you don't need to read minds to pick up on that. Soundwave in particular is a bit torn up about his loyalty to former Decepticons, as some have alienated him now that he is no longer their superior officer. He admits to being worried that he's accepted the peace too readily, missing something that might have fallen through the cracks during rebuilding... he doesn't want to let anyone down, not after they'd fought so hard to get here. Jazz can absolutely relate.

To ease some of their stress, Jazz decides to grab them some high grade. He imagines they'll probably knock back a few cubes, find a quiet corner to keep up their chat, and then... well, he'll improvise on the spot, depending where things go. He can hardly believe they're friends-- yes, actually friends-- but he'd be lying if he said he hadn't thought about the possibility of...

... wait. Who's that with Soundwave on the balcony?

... Blaster???

Jazz watches from across the room, holding two cubes, as Blaster chats up Soundwave.

They seemed... cozy.

Jazz feels... stupid. Duh. Of course Blaster and Soundwave would connect during peacetime. They're both cassette carriers, after all, and probably have way more in common...

... then Blaster leans in to kiss Soundwave-- when had he opened his facemask?-- and Jazz's lines run cold.

Oh.

Ah. Yup.

This... makes sense. It's fine.

Totally fine.

Jazz and Soundwave... they have a good thing going. Just as-is.

While those two are practically made for each other.

So let's just squash those errant fantasies before they get too out of hand. No need to rock the boat here. Jazz and Soundwave will just stay friends. He's happy with that.

... or at least he will be after he drinks these two cubes. Probably. Actually scratch that, let's drink the cubes and not think about it at all. Yeah, that's the way to go.

So Jazz ends up essentially excusing himself without actually talking to Soundwave and they don't see each other for the rest of the night.

The angst? Jazz leaves the couple for some alone time because he thinks they have the potential to be something serious. But in reality, Blaster is just in it for the job. It's not personal, it's just business. Honestly making advances towards someone to pry more info out of them is a move pulled straight put of Jazz's playbook-- Blaster assumes that he'd be proud...!

Soundwave has hooked up with Blaster a few times, but more so out of a need to feel a connection with someone, anyone, even though he's been starting to think there's someone in particular he'd like to connect with... 👀

[blu-joons]

You’re A Guest On I-Land ~ Enhypen Reaction

Heeseung:

The moment his eyes watched you walk onto the set as they were introduced to guest judge for the week, his heart dropped. As soon as the scene was cut, he walked across to you. “Why didn’t you tell me?” He frantically asked.

“Because that would ruin the surprise,” you pointed out to him.

“I can’t believe you didn’t say anything,” he groaned, “how did you keep this a secret?”

“With a great deal of difficulty,” you laughed, admiring the shock on his face. “I don’t want to be accused of favouritism.”

His eyes widened, as his smile grew. “But if you had to pick, then you’d say that I was the one who was your favourite, wouldn’t you?”

“As a judge, I have to remain impartial,” you teased, poking against his shoulder. “You’ve got to impress me just like everyone else, otherwise you won’t be my favourite.”

He stared across at you, “but you already know how talented I am, so that should make your decision a lot easier. I’m going to make sure that I impress you.”

“There’s plenty of other people who want to impress me too,” you continued to tease him, “don’t think I’ll let you off on this one.”

“You’re really mean as a judge!”

Jay:

As you heard him groan as he tried to run through DNA yet again, you knew you were left with no other choice but to step in. “Why did you guys give us such a hard song?” He frowned, “why couldn’t you give me an easy one?”

“Because I know you can do this song justice and smash it,” you smiled.

“I’ve not got it right once,” he mumbled, “right now, I just feel like I’m going to fail.”

“Why don’t we go through the bit you’re struggling on together?” You suggested, trying to pick his mood up just a little bit.

The colour soon reappeared in his eyes, “aren’t you going to get into trouble for helping me? Do the others all get this treatment?”

“Before anything else, I’m a coach, not your girlfriend,” you reminded him, “if anyone wants my help then I’ll offer it, don’t start causing trouble for the two of us.”

His head nodded instantly, “for the sake of my ego though can we just pretend that I’m the only one that’s getting all of this from you? I don’t want the others to.”

“If it’ll make you feel better,” you chuckled, “then I’m definitely not helping anyone else, and you’re the only one who I’m supporting.”

“That makes me feel a lot better.”

Jake:

Your eyes fell on him as soon as you walked down to take your seat as they were introduced to the guest judge for the show. “What are you doing here?” You noticed Jake mouth across to you, standing behind the other trainees.

“Y/N, welcome to I-Land,” Namkoong smiled before you had the chance to respond.

“Thank you,” you quickly responded, “I’m excited to be here and see all of you guys perform.”

“They’ve been working hard this week,” Namkoong added, “are you looking for anything particular in our trainees?”

Your head nodded, making sure that Jake was listening to you. “I want someone who’s going to catch my eye and give me the performance that I need.”

“And have you seen our trainees perform before?” He continued to quiz, unaware of Jake sighing in relief when your head shook in response.

You were determined to keep it all a secret, “I haven’t. But that makes me more excited to see how just how talented you all are.”

“I’m sure none of them will let you down, having a superstar like you here is a boost that they all probably need,” he spoke, closing off the chat.

“I’ve got high expectations, so don’t let me down.”

Sunghoon:

You showed Sunghoon the move yet again in Fake Love for him to perfect, pressing your hands together as he got it spot on. “Finally!” He called out, throwing his head back and letting go of a huge sigh of relief.

“I told you that you’d get it,” you smiled, turning the music off.

“They make it look so easy,” he chuckled loudly, “how did you manage to get it so quickly?”

“There’s a reason that I’m here as a dance mentor,” you teased him, “because I’m the one that can teach you the things you struggle with.”

He walked across to you, draping his arm over your shoulders. “What would I do if I didn’t have you hear to constantly whip me into shape?”

“Probably a dance mentor who has no interest in helping you,” you laughed, “it’s one less thing for you to worry about now, you can focus back on the performance.”

His head nodded, remembering the routine he had to perfect in just a couple of days. “I just have to make sure I don’t mess it up on the night when we perform.”

“I’m sure you won’t, just have a bit of confidence in yourself,” you assured him, “and I’ll be there to support you anyway.”

“As long as your eyes are on me.”

Sunoo:

When Sunoo took you around to meet the rest of the trainees, you were pretty sure that all of them had clocked onto something between you both. “Y/N works where I train,” he repeatedly tried to tell them all.

“The two of you look close though,” Heeseung muttered to you both.

“We’re not really,” Sunoo lied, “but it’s nice for her to have a familiar face with her.”

“Are you just trying to get into her good books, so you get good feedback,” Sunghoon teased, “I’ve seen reality shows before do this.”

Sunoo’s head shook, smiling back at you. “She’s spent enough years with me to know how talented I am, I don’t need to do anything else.”

“I’ve heard good things about all of you,” you spoke up, “but having seen Sunoo perform before, I’m expecting that all of you can match him for talent?”

All of their heads shook, “we’re doing this fairly. You don’t need to worry about that, but just make sure you know that we’re definitely better than he is.”

“We’ll find out when I see you guys perform in a couple of days,” you told them, “just make sure that you do things right.”

“We’ll be better than Sunoo, you wait and see.”

Jungwon:

Your heart sunk as Jungwon fluffed up his lines to the theme song yet again, noticing how quickly all of the other boys stared across at him. “Let’s go from the top,” you spoke up, trying to stop them staring across at him.

“This was song by IU, we have to do it justice,” a trainee called out.

“It’s the same mistake constantly being made,” you heard another yell, “just let him go.”

“That’s enough,” you spoke up, unable to sit back and listen to them talk so poorly about Jungwon. “You’ve all made mistakes.”

“But he makes them constantly,” a voice spoke to you from the back of the group, “how are you always letting him get away with messing it all up?”

Your head shook at the group, “if you want me to be tougher on all of you, I can. But this is not how a group is supposed to be, so take a break.”

As the group dispersed, Jungwon made his way down to you. “You don’t need to defend me like that, I know I’m making mistakes.”

“I’m defending you as a mentor,” you quickly assured him, “but also because I can’t sit back and listen to them treat you as they are, it’s unfair on you.”

“Just, be careful, and thank you for having my back.”

Ni-ki:

You turned back as the studio door opened and Riki walked in, noticing you and Jay running through a piece of choreography again and again. “What are you doing here?” You smiled, encouraging him to join you both.

“I just thought I’d see what you were working on,” he smirked.

“Just some practice,” you nonchalantly replied, “he needed some help, so I gave it to him.”

“Yeah, I’m sure he needed your help,” you heard him mutter under his breath, encouraging Jay to head off and take five minutes.

Once he was out of the room, you glared across at him. “Are you going to tell me what all of that was about? I’m only doing my job.”

“I know,” he frowned, looking away from you. “I get that it’s your job to help us all, but it still doesn’t sit right that you’re helping the others and I just have to stand back.”

You reached your hand out for him to take, “you can’t create a scene, as much as you may want to. I’ve told you that we need to be professional about this.”

“I am professional,” he spoke through gritted teeth, “but that doesn’t mean it makes me comfortable to see others dance with you.”

“It’s not for much longer now before the show’s done.”

---

Masterlist