#like actively decaying. just a lil bit

[asharaks]

new baby:3 (he is sick in the head) (and also in the body)

[banj0possum]

What if i want to bite them (all characters), like. Its love bites <3 like not hard enough to bleed hut enough to leave a mark for a while. Like i love them so much i just cant help it! I would kiss the bite marks after in hopes to make them not hurt as much <3

-🩷

Darling Gives Them Love Bites <333

My OCs x GN! Reader

Heres a short post from an old request as a little snack before the yan gang!!

CW: biting ofc, nsfw jumpscares sprinkled in, tooth decaying fluff

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

Adrian is a bit confused and weirded out at first, like why are you biting thats gross youre gross wait why are you stopping you have to bite his other shoulder or else its not symmetrical and itll feel weird come back !!

he needs to get used to it gradually, but once it gets to the point you leave marks on his skin, he's asking for a lil bite every time you two say goodbye so he can have a memento of you

he cums in his pants if you lick the bite oh my god please do it again he begs of you

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

Brandon thinks it's a game and bites you back, picking you up and throwing you up in the air. You activated some kind of trigger in him that made him go full excited golden retriever.

He bites you back, kissing the area over and over again as revenge

He probably bites more than you to be honest, he's always wanted to bite but held back in case you were uncomfy with it, but now that he knows you're cool with it he's going ham.

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

Valeth is cooing over you, little duckling bites!! so cute!!!

He praises your bite marks, pointing out the parts that hurt saying things like "If you tried, you could definitely break skin! Good job my duckling!"

Thinks your little teeth are cute, especially your canines, he loves comparing it to his tusks.

He allows, no, encourages to let you nibble on his hand or arm

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

The horde doesnt let you, kisses are ok, but biting ? no no no

not because they dont like it, they just dont want you putting your mouth on their literally rotten skin

plus they associate biting with eat so thats a bit of a problem

but my oh my they love kisses, give them a bit and maybe just maybe theyd let you nibble a little bit.

dont let them do it back to you especially ribs, they have super sharp teeth that can break bone if they wanted

but like you might be into that so idk man

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

Wolfie thinks youre being aggressive before you assure him its how you express love, then he starts to do it back or lick you.

It's more of him casually putting a part of your body in his mouth protectively, he doesnt wanna hurt his mate ;-;

he still prefers licks and cuddles tho, anything that involves cuddles are ok for him!!

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

Doriks cummin buckets im sorry

are you marking him as yours ? please do it some more please! maybe on his ear? arm? dick? chest?

hes all yours !!!

he offers to bite you back, itll eventually turn into very intense sex that ends with the both of you covered head to toe in bite marks

he wants round 2

use it as a reward and hes doing whatever you ask with the speed of a sports car

appears right next to you, neck exposed, waiting eagerly for another bite

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

kalva is confused but laughs and bites you back, its a little painful because of the beak but he tries his best to be gentle.

he sees it as you trying to preen him and swoons over your 'attempt'

he preens you in order to teach how its really done! its mostly just an excuse to love on you <3

hes very ticklish so expect a flurry of giddly hoots and chirps from him whenever you nibble on him

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

jasper is crying sobbing rolling on the floor rn

BITE HIM ON THE BECK PLEASE BITE HIM ON THE N-

he wants to roleplay with you being a vampire and him being your mortal soulmate

lil guy a bit freaky like that <3

moans so loud when you bite him, he has to apologize

euheheh eghghhh hes so crazy for you and your love bites

doesn't wanna bite back because skin on teeth is not a good sensation for him, but he'll cover your face in kisses to return the favor

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

The vampires are cooing, swooning, absolutely simping for you

our little mortal is biting us so cute soc ute!!!!

get ready for never ending teasing and kissing

they point out the marks you leave and talk about how much better it would be if you were a vampire like them!

they fake terror over your bites, oh nooo a cute little human is biting me !! so so spooky !!

please let them bite you back

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

Baron is short circuiting

ohmy oh oh my oh yomhyo-

thank you.

he has to process what just happened for a bit

tries to forget about it but he cant help but want another one when he gets a glimpse of your teeth when you talk or smile at him

stays up and imagines your mouth all over his skin leaving teeth marks everywhere

stayed up that night pumping his cock when he remembers you biting your lip that one time

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

Caspian makes a big deal out of it

hes literally morticia in the addams family movie

last night you were unhinged, you were like some desperate howling demon, you frightened me

do it again

no please were are you going do it again!!!

"misbehaves" so you can bite him again as punishment

oops! i splashed you with water! you might have to bite me again~

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

Hallow is yanking his fabric back and scolds you, what if you choked? he'd be worried sick!

gets you a chew fidget instead

doesnt quite understand love bites

please explain to him why eating him means you love him

maybe its because you think hes delicious? awwee thank you! youre delicious too i suppose !

coos over you as he holds you close, thank you for the bite honeypie!!

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

Ashvan is squealing over how cute it was!!

blushes whenever you do, like very very flustered, his eyes might be covered by soft fur but you can almost see the redness on his face

his ears flatten as he tries to calm his frantically wagging tail

he gets much shyer whenever you smile at him or when you bite into your food during meals

he has to timidly ask for another bite with his index fingers touching together

please give him more biteys!!

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

Axel tells you to bite harder

try it! hes tough! lets see how strong that jaw of yours is!

*frantically hiding his growing erection*

calls you little kitten or..rat

teases you by poking at your mouth with his finger to get you to bite

he loves it, he thinks its the cutest thing whenever you do it, especially when youre just subconsciously nibbling on him as if he was a chew toy

he makes sure his hands are always washed for you, no more touching dirty stuff carelessly, he gotta take care of himself for you!!

⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅⋅•⋅

King Alistair is pushing you away and coldly telling you no, but once you two are alone in your shared chambers, away from prying eyes, he softly tells you to continue

of course he loves you, he wants you to be free to express yourself, but please dont do it when people are watching

he has a reputation to uphold! not because he's shy and insecure about showing pda in public or anything...

bites back, definitely bites back!! out of all the ocs i think he bites the most next to Brandon

loves playing predator and prey whenever you two are fooling around together, if he ever leaves marks, hes kissing them softly to let you know he means no harm, he just got a bit carried away because youre just so sweet~!

if you leave marks, hes covering it up in his clothes, but occasionally he heads to he mirror, pulls away the fabric covering your lovebite, and smiles

argaragrgagrggrgargagrg

[satuwn]

i have decided to randomly infodump about my lab rats as a way to motivate myself to: 1) revamp existing characters old refs and 2) DRAW THE GD REFERENCES OF THE REST OF THE BITCHES (this will probably take me ages still. alas), more rambly details abt the story and characters under the cut

the main characters: Dr. Kitty Whisker and her twin sibling Happy(tbd), Dr. Brainworms, Gummi (comic relief character mostly), Prof. Fuzzybottom(tbd) and Prof. Snakebite (previously known as prof. pinky, i need to redesign him more heavily)

the side characters (these guys may have side stories of their own but theyre mostly just an excuse for me to design more weird lab rats): Prof. Smartypants - ref to be finished, ferret with a brain of a human, she is my 'authors blatant self insert' into my own story lol; Fishsticks (drawn, a dissected mouse/frog stitched together), (the rest of these dont have names yet) a rat/chick hybrid with funy lil chicken legs, a rat/gator/shark hybrid she is punk and goth and she Bites, a mouse/cat dna mix with a surprisingly tragic backstory that im still working out, more tba

each lab rat represents usually an amalgamation of different experiments as the lab they are in is 'cheap' with their test subjects and likes to Repurpose old, usually failed experiments and do other stuff to them! honestly even if theyre a success they still end up getting experimented on more lol but they are still unimportant enough and the lab big enough where they can hide themselves away and have their own space w/o being actively searched for. ofc the world of the setting is based on our own reality but way more Hyperreal, i dont aim to represent logical feats of science bc a lot of these guys would defs be revolutionary (and impossible) irl lol. i will briefly run down what each main character is a result of but ideally id like to go into more detail when i actually. make the story more visual in whatever format i decide to do (probably experimental and non linear snippets, i dont think im smart enough for a full comic)

Dr. Kitty and Happy are twins! they were the result of an experiment where the scientists were testing if one species of rodent could gestate a different species of rodent just thru a little genetic modification. and that was Happy! he is actually a bunny born from a rat mother and with all rat siblings (one of them being Kitty) hes a bit smaller in stature than a usual bunny being more rat sized but other than that just a bnuuy! further experiments on them was how well skin grafting would work between different yet similar species. it worked for Kitty (hence the bunny ear) but not so much for Happy... both of them had separate experiments done on them also, altho Kitty was more rebellious of the two earning her the shock collar. Happy also had experiments on his fur to make it color changing like a chameleon, as well as some experiments to his eye (tbd)

Dr. Brainworms is actually a sapient amoeba/bacteria type thing, attached to a host body(that happens to be a hairless rat), this host body is her most compatible one as she Can overtake and control other bodies but they start to decay pretty quickly. her history is something she herself is trying to find out as her host body is its own mystery.. is she just an amoeba that gainted sentience? is her mind really her own? was this body maybe always hers? who knows!

Gummi is a jelly belly gummy rat candy brought to life, pretty self explanatory... but shes got a few mysteries of her own! like, why was she even created, for what purpose, i mean who could even do such advanced science anyway to bring an inorganic candy to life, and Why does she keep talking abt a scientist with green gloves when there arent any scientists like that around?

Prof. Fuzzybottom is a rabbit! she used to be just used for breeding new test subjects which left her pretty traumatized not being able to keep any of her children, she became infertile from the stress so she was repurposed for other experiments, like trying to turn her fur to naturally be an unnatural color, and to be more synthetic like faux fur (aka a living plush) she was also blind so they replaced her eyes with a plushy sleeping mask that actually has LEDs inside that are hooked up to her brain to see if they could restore vision thru cybernetics. in her original iteration she was even supposed to be half rat half bunny buut i felt it too much, might still reuse the idea tho! tbh i just wanted a bunny with cute rat hands :3

Prof. Snakebite is not even a lab rat originally, he was simply a pinky rat used to feed the lab snakes, but due to freak circumstances he was actually still alive and after being bitten by a venomous snake, the stress hormones in his little body make him develop rapidly especially in brain power. as he was still very tiny and fragile, he wasnt the best subject to experiment on, but he was fitted with a brain chip originally just to read and analyze his brain development as he was much more advanced in mind than in body (of an almost newborn). after escaping he would upgrade his brain chip to help him utilize more brain power but also lessen the burden on his tiny body that could not handle the strain. he and prof. fuzzybottom are always hanging around each other, fuzzy very often babying him or just helping him out by carrying him and helping him reach places or handle objects, while he begrudgingly tolerates her as she is useful to his needs. also cant admit he appreciates her actually awww

the rest of the side characters are pretty self explanatory, theyre mostly just various animal hybrids and crossbreeds and splices! smh only the main characters get cool powers and shit -_- aside from Prof. Smartypants, after having a ferrets body fitted with a human mind(who doesnt remember the human part almost at all. its just the advanced intellect from it) tries to figure out the weird body dysmorphia with Science Potions aka chemisty. but thats mostly just to give another one of my sonas shapeshifting ablities (go figure) so yah if u read this so far Waow o_o Thank U and also Pls Send me asks abt this. if u want <3 can be questions or just ur thoughts ig!! id love feedback pleas please plea

[sharp-silver4795]

Laws to Humanity

These are a bunch of “Laws” I made for my lil CP story(?) that is kept by… every demon that has a will to live.

The Laws are constructed in a way that they are more like promises to humanity. For the most part, they were intended to be only applicable to demons since, when the laws were made, humans cared too much about one another to do such things. But, now, not so much. The punishment on Earth is consistent to the laws, but the afterlife varies.

The Punishments are consistent both in Xenos, Delta, and Hydra for Demons/ Shades/Shadows that do it while in their afterlife. On Earth, they are still the same, it's just that they have more to go through afterwards.

In a nutshell:

Abuse

Unnecessary torture/mutilation

Human Sacrifice

Dropping your word/misleading people for personal gain

Letting someone harm themselves without trying to help them whatsoever

Being a bad parent/guardian

SA/R@₽3

Terminology is weird for this:

To Finish a law = to do the thing that it describes

To create a law (4 and 6 only) = to make the situation that is described

To commit a law (1 and 3 only) = to actively engage in what is described

After death, depending on which law they break, humans will usually end up in either Xenos or Delta.

Here are their destinations:

Those who finish laws I, II, VI, and VII go to the Delta.

Those who create laws IV and/or finish law V go to Xenos.

Those who commit law III go to Pesthis.

I’ve touched on it briefly before, but there is a 4th destination after death (in this lil story bout Hydra and such). It’s called Pesthis (the personification of waste and decay in Greek mythology).

It is simply a wasteland where souls lay waiting for the day that The Unnamed Entity (the deer) would pick them up to have their soul vanquished. No one knows what happens to them afterwards neither does anyone want to.

People, Shades/Shadows, and Demons alike can all end up here. But it’s a bit different.

I might go into more detail about the after death punishments, but idk- lmk what you think 🤔

Divider Creds: Sister-Lucifer

[ratgingi]

worst girl ever moment . i love her so much (slings her at the wall like a splatball)

an oc ive had since like. 2019. who i just dialtownified. lil bit of info on her under cut

she's a townie who can only be found three times in game (1. during ch1 where you can go to her apartment and knock on her door. she will answer and instantly freak out, screaming and crying that the 'angel of death' found where she lives and will promptly slam the door in your face and lock it. this will also prompt jackson to interact with you if you havent already gone to his apartment. | 2. in kara's ch1, she is one of three townies who approaches kara toward the end of the date and asks for pictures. shes also the one who spots gingi after the eggs are laid and freaks out about it which prompts the ending interaction with kara. | 3. in cora's ch2, she appears in the gas station. typegingi encourages cora to attempt flirting with her and when she realizes whats going on she laughs it off and insists they try it on someone better ["You seem lovely, but you really shouldn't waste your efforts here! I'm like, the absolute worst."] and when cora turns back to typegingi for assistance, she notices them, freaks out, and runs out of the building)

she was originally supposed to have a ladder for a head to play on the superstition of walking under one being bad luck but it was decided the effort to put an actual ladder on her was too much and she got a stepstool instead

while she adores bright colors and cute aesthetics she has a morbid curiosity about death and decay, and is terrified of her own mortality. as such she actively avoids places she thinks shes most likely to die at (namely the morgue, the cinema, the woods, the casino, the funfair, and town hall), but will go to them if accompanied by a friend

she tends to act a little dumb but is actually pretty smart, though she has a habit of only busting out intelligence if she notices she might be put in danger otherwise

she Adores flowers, and works at a little florists shop in downtown with another oc of mine :-)

[hereforyourdispleasure]

A list of things (slightly behind the scenes) that Darian has done whilst being here. Or at least the ones I can remember. Because he needs to be constantly doing stuff otherwise he dies:

-broke into personal records/file room literally the day after he joined Tumblr

-planned out several murder plots from the moment Five and Az met (for Az obviously)

-had to be part of a testing of an immune system decaying drug as part of punishment for the Lila's daughter briefcase incident, which is why he felt sick for like a week after it (actually had this one sorted with Reg's mod)

-generally figured out who JM was after asking around a bit, half thought it was some eccentric Sherlock Holmes fan, didn't point it out because he just liked talking to him

-set off alarms of high security buildings for shits and giggles on multiple nights out

-went to a conspiracy theorist convention only to get trapped in an active lockdown because one of them was threatening to bomb the place

-that one time he fucking doxxed himself, knowing he was being actively hunted by quite a few people he pissed off over the years, only to have everyone that showed up killed

-rejoined the Reality Project as part of an agreement with Handler Liraz to ensure the Commission wouldn't suddenly show up to make everything worse and that they had some form of protection

-got hunted down and forced to stay in the bunkers because of this after going against the demand to participate in the Avatar experiment (which he then learned the details of how horrific it was through asking Lils how avatars worked), the very Being that was to be assigned to him being part of those hunting him down, which ultimately failed because of the amount of other beings that were on his side

-experimented with the extent of effects reality beings can have on people, while dealing with being hunted

-formed business alliances and bonds with the TVA after the situation with Rags, and meeting Averagebuildman

-has asked his younger selves to distract people multiple times, most notably when 17 was talking to both Jimbo and Eurus, trying to piss them off or trigger them, after they'd joked about doing something to Five

-tortured (what was thought to be) music note anon

-got promoted suddenly, then continued to piss off Reg and drugged Madigan when finding out Commission coffee was drugged

-killed Handler Liraz w/ Madigan after figuring out Dani's death was part of a plan by og Handler

-sniped Handler and momentarily Alec

-basically killed and replaced any higher ups that didn't agree with his cause, killing them himself, through others, and specifically via K

-lowkey infiltrated meetings, the majority of departments, projects, etc, just to have his influence and presence almost everywhere in some way

-technically died twice in one week, one of them being basically all planned out, purely depending on the soul anchor line items he gave his friends

[grandaddy-of-all-liars]

Hello my’ mellows, today I will be telling you about Ren and Stimpy characters that I don’t think get enough attention.

Mr Horse

No one talks about him and it weirds me out. he’s not only a FANTASTIC critic but also a snazzy dresser, I mean have you seen that suit he was wearing in Ren Seeks Help? He also was in the army so it’s clear he’s very strong. And to top it all off he’s a very handsome, and I’m surprised that not many people haven’t fell heads over heels over him.

Muddy the Mudskipper

This one is a little more understandable since he didn’t have much of a role in the series, but I still thinks he deserves a mention. KILLER theme song, and cares for his friend enough to take him to a mental asylum to get help (I’m referring to Ren Needs Help). Also is a Hollywood big shot so that’s pretty cool.

The headless boy from APC

I know I briefly already mentioned him in the comment section on your last post, but I feel like I should mention him here too. Some how can operate just fine without a head which is very impressive. Had a kinda cute moment with Stimpy when they were building that house (well chimney I mean). Despite seeming to lose everything and living in a hole he still tried to have as much fun as he possibly can. Overall this character is just wholesome in general and I wish we could see more of him.

Ren’s Mom from APC

This one is gonna be a bit biased since I have a bit of a crush on her, I mean she’s practically a girl version of Ren that fact alone is enough for my lesbian brain go “ME WANT GIANT CHIHUAHUA WIFE” which is a weird thought to have since she’s not a giant, anyway enough of what ever this is let’s get on with the real reasons. She’s very beautiful, but deserves a much better marriage. A lovable psychopath just like her son (this is based off of speculation).

I hope you enjoyed my little TED talk and let me know if you think I missed any (which I probably did). Well bye for now!

i enjoyed reading EVERY word of this thank you so much for sharing your two cents! super ask, thank you for helping me not terminally hyperfix on Ren 0_o

also [chihuahua wife panic], sdhchfhczrf how did I fail to appreciate such a catch that is his mom, I cried when I saw this 💔

ok so we concur:

dapper Mr Horse🔺️

Muddy (the tune is on mental repeat now)🔺️

Headless Boy 🔺️(when hes embarassed and crosses his feet and hangs his lil larynx in shame 🥺)

Ren's stone cold fox Mom🔺️ (does she have a name? confession: i had a kind of awakening when her skirt lifted to reveal the garters 👀)

Submitting for your approval:

Wilbur Cobb - the shit he says plus he's like actively decaying idk why it makes me hysterical. he's completely batshit but kinda sharp still, i mean, pro tip: 'if you call everything crap you're never wrong'

Chuck - i think i actually like him more as a character foil for Ren bc he eggs him on to the point we get to see another side of Ren's pathos, and i like to imagine Ren was once secretly in love with him

Jasper - ok maybe i'm too narrowly focusing on the brotherhood of the dog here, the canine antics are so much fun. wish he were a recurring cameo

Eggyolkeo - please don't hate me for this >.< inanity is my lover and this character is just so hokey and ridiculous i can't not celebrate him. when he performs on stage and Elvis-struts in his cape and gargled into the mic i lost it. plus seeing the boys being all parental is just so darn cute, despite the poor ending

well thank you so much for having me on the show, i had a lot of fun here tonight :) seriously thank you for the stellar topic!!!! i'm sorry it took me forever to reply please feel welcome to send more, i should be getting my life back from work a bit soooooon

[idontblushsrry]

How the Jujutsu Kaisen Characters Smell

A/N: Absolutely no one asked for this but I have thoughts and now yall have to hear them. Btw gonna put a keep reading because I’m trying to cover as many jjk characters as possible so it’s gonna get long.

Warnings: Spoilers if you’ve only seen the anime or haven’t read the manga up to the Shibuya Arc (relatively minor but you’ve been warned)

Itadori

He’s nowhere near the best smelling but his scent isn’t awful 

He sweats a lot so he takes showers a minimum of 2x a day

Overall his smell isn’t that bad, he just smells like outside 

5/10 points for effort but he always smells like he just got done rolling around in grass

Fushiguro

Fushiguro smells like the suave ocean breeze body wash with an undertone of pen ink 

His smell is very nice, it’s not the most remarkable but it’s not stinky

Middle school Megumi was definitely a hot mess that smelled solely of axe body spray and other middle schoolers he beat up (Tsumiki tried her best but there was only so much he’d compromise on)

After he started attending the Tokyo school, Maki threw out his axe and made Gojo buy him actual cologne/scented body wash

7/10 smells like a friend (points reduced because he used to use 3 in 1 body wash)

Kugisaki

Kugisaki is very much clean

She keeps up a beauty regimen and doesn’t play when it comes to upkeeping it

She has this light floral scent because of that; it varies between cucumbers and roses

Her body wash is also consistent with the smell of her beauty products

One thing about Kugisaki’s smell is that it does change completely depending on what products she’s using

Although, if she were to be completely clean with no scented products, she’d have a smell that’s a little bit metallic because of the nails and a little pumpkin-y

10/10 points because she sets the standard

Gojo

Smells like the inside of a guys car

He smells like bergamot and cedarwood mixed with a hint of leather

Overall he smells nice and it’s frustrating because his scent lingers. It’s so distinct that even when he’s gone, his scent will stay behind just to taunt you

9/10 minus one point for being Gojo

Maki

She’s very particular about hygiene 

It mainly stems from 1) her upbringing and 2) the level of cleanliness needed to clean all the weapons she uses regularly

She smells of metal polish, lavender with a hint of patchouli, and a slight undertone of rust

10/10 overall very strong scent but it’s so uniquely her that it’s calming 

Inumaki

This makes no sense but I feel like Inumaki smells like the sandwich part of a deli

Specifically that fresh baked bread and sliced lettuce smell

It can be a bit nostalgic at times especially because the smell in general occurs in a lot of places 

10/10 because bread smells good

Panda

It’s canon that Panda smells like the sun but we can get more specific

Panda does smell like the sun but I think he smells like a freshly cleaned room with the curtains open

The smell is like air freshener mixed with the sun

The air fresheners he smells the most like are: morning and dew, wood, pine, pet odor eliminator

10/10 no explanation needed

Yuta

Smells like teen spirit

Pre-jujutsu high (and before he was sent away to Africa); Yuta smelled like deodorant

He smelled like wayyy too much old spice, it was pretty bad

Post trip to Africa (idk which country he went to), Yuta smells of shea butter, frankincense, and charred wood

8/10 the crimes of pre jujutsu high Yuta will not be easily forgiven

Nanami

He smells like the blue Ralph Polo Lauren cologne

No I will not take criticism

He also smells a bit like the wrinkle spray people use when ironing clothes

10/10 we been knew that Nanami looks good, smells good, and dresses good

I don’t even like that cologne but for him...

Shoko

Love Shoko but her smell isn’t the most pleasant

Literally smells like cigarettes and alcohol with the sterile smell of cleaner to top it off

She’s an icon but her smell can be overwhelming at the best of times and suffocating at the worst

5/10 some people might like it but it is not for me

Utahime

Her scent is very foresty, either pine or spruce, with an undertone of gree tea

Her scent is a bit muted too so you can only really smell it if she’s really close or if you’re hugging her

It’s not a bad scent though, it’s the type that immediately sets you on ease

10/10 smells like a warm hug

Mechamaru(spoilers)

He’s a robot what’d you expect???

Jkjk Pre-Shibuya he smells really sterile and clean due to his condition

His robots obviously smell like metal and wiring

Post-Shibuya arc(or yk during technically): He smells kind of like nothing

There's the slightest smell of sparks from his cursed technique and the hint of mojito’s smell lingering, but otherwise he smells like absolutely nothing

6/10 the lack of smell is a bit off putting

Miwa

I can’t explain but I feel like Miwa smells like banana and vanilla

Like Mai and Momo tricked her and she ended up actually liking the smell

6/10 not the worst but not the best

Mai

Mai smells really heavily of metal and gunpowder

Obviously brcause of her cursed technique but she ever expected it to stck to her like it does

She doesn’t make any active effort to change it though because she thinks it makes her seem cool and mysterious

4/10 because while it DOES make her seem cool and mysterious, she scares locals

Momo

She definitely uses bath and body works perfume (tempted to say she uses the glittery versions but alas)

She loves using all the candles, lotions, and perfumes because of how girly they make her feel; has a collection that’s probably on a rotater

Definitely uses sweet pea above all

Tries to get Mai to try some of her fragrances but she has a 30/70 chance of getting her to agree

7/10 another scent that’s not for me

Todo

He has a really intense cleaning regimen and is never caught lackin in the smell department

He gets all the more embarrassed when Yuuji smells stinky next to him and will always make Yuuji shower if thr boy stinks

Other than that, he smelled of an ocean-y cologne before Takada-chan released her perfume collection

Now all he talks about is how he smells like the perfect husband for Takada

Takada’s perfume is really light a floral (along the lines of rose + vanilla) and if Todo runs out, he tries to steal it from Momo’s collection

9/10 minus a point for being a simp

Noritoshi

Smells really clean except for when he’s using his cursed technique

On average, Noritoshi smells like the clean linen spray/ clean laundry

When he uses his technique, he smells like blood and when he uses his technique to “dope”, he smells like sweat

Usually he smells like clean laundry though, he’s very picky about how he smells and hates the smell he gets from using his technique

10/10 for keeping clean

Naoya

If you think this man washes his ass...

Sorry but he’s a little too busy being a misogynist 

Naoya saw the term gooch grease and was like “wow someone gets it!”

-400/10 I’m sick of talking about the ways this man smells like a popped neck pimple

Mahito

Only person that smells worse than Naoya

If Naoya smells like a popped neck pimple, Mahito smells like a literal sewer

He smells like sewage, garbage, rot and decay, melted plastic,etc.

Not only does Mojito’s body stink, his breath stinks, hair stinks, just everything stinks

Jogo and Hanami can’t tell since they don’t have noses but everytime Geto gets a whiff, he dies a little inside

-21982913293237932392379319210391090320323019/10 GET BACK. GET BACK. GET BACK.

Sukuna

Pre-death; he smelled like blood 9 times out of 10 

The other 10% of times he smelled like incense or jasmine but you’d never smell it for long

Post-death; stinky funky and rotten

I’m sorry but 1) he’s a mass murder who literally sits atop a mountain of skulls 2) he’s technically dead and only exists thriugh his fingers

If you think that man smells like anything other than rot and grave wax...

-2/10 be glad he got a higher score than Mahito

Choso

I love Choso with every ounce of my being 

That being said, he smells like a scab

Scabs don’t even have smells but somehow he smells like one 

Alright I’m done slandering him

3/10 because I didn’t have the heart to give him anything lower

Geto(spoilers)

Pre-Gojo angst: Geto was the best smelling sorcerer in the world

He was very meticulous about his grooming routine and showed Gojo how to care for himself w/o the aid of servants

A king of self care and personal grooming 10/10

Post-Gojo angst: Geto really stopped caring about his appearance

He’d keep clean to set a good example for his kids, but he didn’t really see the value of looking decent

Probably says “I refuse to use the technology of monkeys”

Even though Mahito smells worse, Geto does still hang around Mahito and that’s gonna rub off

2/10 take a shower man, sea water doesn’t count as cleaning yourself

Junpei

Junpei smells like dandelions/picked grass and cigarettes

Cigarettes are obviously because his mom smokes them so frequently the smell sticks to him

The dandelions/ picked grass smell is because Junpei spends a lot of time outside 

Out of boredom or a need to keep his negative thoughts at bay, Junpei started picking at the grass

I do think he eventually started weaving flower crowns made of dandelions and strips of grass

6/10 because I feel bad for him

Toji

This man...

As much as I’d like to pretend he smells good, he has a drooling worm hanging off him and  probably owns like one outfit

That being said, he’s not as stinky as Naoya or Mahito (or even Sukuna), because he does clean himself when he has the chance

It’s just that he spends his money so quickly that he kinda forgets sometimes

Although he usually has no problem finding some woman who’d be more than willing to put him up in a hotel room

His smell is musky but it’s not funky

He smells like a guy right before they start to get stinky, it’s a delicate balance

4/10 he’s a lil funky but it kinda feeds his image

[newmusickarl]

Album & EP Recommendations

Album of the Week: Grapefruit Season by James Vincent McMorrow

“I’m trying to be less prepared” stated Irish singer-songwriter James Vincent McMorrow this past week at his Rough Trade Nottingham In-Store show. This was mentioned in the context of McMorrow telling the audience of his decision to “wing it” for his first gig back post-COVID lockdown, rather than intensely rehearsing as he would previously. It turns out this new laidback outlook on life has been key to McMorrow coping better with the anxiety he has dealt with his whole life, but also to unlocking the songs that are to be found on his fifth album, Grapefruit Season.

During the Nottingham show to which I was lucky enough to attend, McMorrow made a point to say that this new album, his first in four years, is the one for which he is most proud, as he felt it was him being as open, honest and care-free as possible with his audience of listeners. This is evident almost immediately on second track Gone, which feels like the tone-setter for the rest of the album, centred on a striking refrain of “I give less f*cks than I used to, still give a lot of f*cks.” Discussing the track with Broadway World last year, McMorrow said:

“Gone is about the disintegration of relationships. In my case, the disintegration of my relationship with myself. No song or lyric I’ve ever written has come as close to this one at capturing how I feel about life - how I hear it, my fear of it, my obsession with it, my belligerent belief that I can control it, my quiet acknowledgment in the middle of the night that I will never control a single thing. And there’s nothing wrong with any of it. There’s absolute beauty in embracing the chaos and the decay.”

This freedom and “embracing the chaos” attitude have clearly helped McMorrow to hit a new creative peak, with many of the tracks on this new collection some of the very best he’s written to date. From the soulful guitar grooves of Planes In The Sky, the string-tinged piano ballad Poison To You and the infectious downbeat pop melody of Hollywood & Vine, McMorrow is constantly found in fine form. However, arguably the album’s finest moment comes in the form of Headlights, a gloriously produced, synth-driven track, which also features some wonderful gospel-like vocals and bluesy guitars towards the back end of the track. It’s quite dazzling, much like almost every track here.

James Vincent McMorrow has always been an immensely talented songwriter, but thanks to his moment of personal enlightenment he is sounding better than ever on this latest album. With unfiltered, sincere lyrics and inventive sonic explorations, Grapefruit Season makes for quite the audio journey.

Listen here

Montero by Lil Nas X

Rapper-singer Lil Nas X seems to cause controversy through simply being unapologetically himself and as a result, his debut album Montero has been one of the most hotly anticipated pop albums of 2021.

Having burst onto the scene with his breakout single Old Town Road, Lil Nas X has since delivered several massive singles in the build-up to this debut, with each one accompanied by a cinematic or visually extravagant music video. The reaction to these by some narrow-minded folk has been that of shock and outrage, with people seemingly appalled and astounded by Nas X’s openness with his own sexuality. Off the back of the bold, tongue-in-cheek video for the title track, some even suggested the singer was actively promoting Satanism through his work. This is all of course nonsense and if they were to listen to his debut album with an open mind, they would find that Lil Nas X is just a pop star that is willing to be refreshingly honest and candid about who he is and what he wants from life.

Both introspective and confessional, Nas X proves across every track on this record that he’s not only capable of writing great pop music, but he’s also not in the least bit afraid of showing his vulnerability to the listener either. This can be seen on recent single Sun Goes Down, where Nas X offers insight to his struggles growing up and fitting in, conflicted by his complexion, his homosexuality, and finding himself lonely and isolated as a result. There are several quite tender moments like this, including the brilliant guitar-driven rock ballad Life After Salem, however they are evenly balanced out with more upbeat moments like horn-backed single Industry Baby. There’s also some pitch-perfect collaborations to be found here with Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus and, most notably, Elton John, all lending their talents at appropriate moments.

However arguably the strongest moment comes when Nas X dips his toe into some pop punk for the album’s sort-of centrepiece, Lost In The Citadel. With some stylish production, heartfelt lyrics and a killer mix of guitars and synths, it’s just a mightily well-crafted pop song.

Overall, this is a star-making first outing for Nas X, who was already well on his way to global success before this record had even landed. However now he is well on his way and importantly with this debut, he has shown he is not just a flash in the pan but a truly great popstar in the making.

Listen here

Silence by Alexis Taylor

And finally this week, Hot Chip frontman Alexis Taylor released his quite stunning fourth solo album, Silence, a record that comes from the other end of the spectrum to that of his electronic outfit. Built entirely around Alexis’ soulful vocals, a piano and some well-placed, understated string arrangements, there is no dance to be found here but rather a beautiful collection of ambient ballads.

The pick of these is the title track itself as well as Violence, the latter of which offers one of the most haunting tracks I’ve heard all year. Ending quite unceremoniously with the gentle crashing of the Wollongong Waves, if you need something peaceful and reflective this week then I can’t recommend this album enough.

Listen here

Tracks of the Week

Let’s Get The Party Started by Tom Morello & Bring Me The Horizon

Kicking off the singles front this week is a rock collaboration of gargantuan proportions as Tom Morello of Rage Against The Machine teams up with Sheffield metal behemoths, Bring Me The Horizon. Built on goliath-sized riffs and an anthemic chorus, this one is a straight up rock banger that will have you moshing out in no time.

Listen here

U&ME by Alt-J

Elsewhere, Leeds-based trio Alt-J marked their return this week with the first single from their upcoming fourth album, The Dream, which is due to drop early next year. My initial thoughts are that this track feels a lot like more of the same, with Joe Newman’s quirky vocals backdropped by some folky harmonies and guitar melodies. It is not a dramatic comeback or shift in style, but fans of their sound will no doubt still enjoy this one.

Listen here

Hall of Mirrors by Let’s Eat Grandma

Also making their comeback this week are the brilliant duo of Rosa Walton and Jenny Hollingworth, otherwise known as Let’s Eat Grandma. Hall of Mirrors is their first new music since their phenomenal 2018 sophomore album I’m All Ears, and sees the duo shift away from their experimental electronica over to the dreamy synth-pop melodies that they first started introducing on that wonderful second album.

Listen here

Godsend by Sundara Karma

Also returning with new music this week are Reading-based indie outfit Sundara Karma, who continue with the pop experimentation they started on last year’s Kill Me EP. With a heartbreaking chorus and some soaring instrumentation, it’s a comeback that’s both immensely moving but also quite triumphant.

Listen here

Earthlings by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis have also announced a new B-Sides & Rarities album this week. Due for release in October, it pulls together all their best lost gems from 2006 to 2020, including this stunning off-cut from Ghosteen that features gentle tribal chanting over some truly transcendent synths.

Listen here

FAKE by Lola Young

Singer-songwriter Lola Young continues to be one of my favourite discoveries of the year so far, with this new single seeing her channel the late-great Amy Winehouse for this soulful and bluesy ballad. If you’ve not heard Lola sing yet, just check this one out and I guarantee you’ll be blown away.

Listen here

I’m Sorry by Josef Salvat

Australian singer-songwriter Josef Salvat also released his brilliant new single I’m Sorry this week, a pulsating synth-driven track with a wonderful neon-glow and 80s-style pop shimmer.

Listen here

Set You Free by Kyla La Grange

And finally this week, Kyla La Grange made her long-awaited return to the music world, releasing this absolutely amazing and completely unique cover of the N-Trance classic, Set You Free. Also comes accompanied with a typically artistic and colourful video from La Grange, which you should find the time to check out.

Listen here

[lunarapocolypse]

Shigaraki Week: Day 4

*chanting* Big brother Jin big brother Jin big brother Jin big brother Jin-

This is extremely late, but I’m determined to finish this week no matter how late!  Sorry though xD

Balloon/Gloves?/AU

@shigarakiweek

“Shut up…” The boy mumbled, to no one in particular. Jin sighed as he slumped through the streets, no one bothering to give him a second glance. Why would they? Aside from the scar on his forehead,  which was currently hidden by a maroon hoodie, he didn’t stand out amongst the crowd. Just another lost soul, just another highschool dropout slumping through the crowd.

“Shut up!” He said, a bit louder this time. He got a few stares, but no one said anything. They all walked away. Why did they always walk away? No one ever asked if he was okay. No one cared about the boy who had lost it all.

“I really need to get a mask.” He said, sighing. “Would that even help? It might just make it worse!” the other voice spoke. Jin gulped, rushing into an alley. He didn’t want to break out, not in the middle of a crowd. The hoodie on his head was helping him keep it in, but it wasn’t enough.

“Shut up.”

“But I don’t wanna! You shut up!”

“It hurts..make it stop…”

“No, it’s fine! Completely fine, what are you talking about?”

“No!”

“Yes!” 

Jin pulled the hoodie down tighter, screaming as he managed to calm himself down. Okay, the hoodie clearly wasn’t helping as much as it did before. Was this getting worse? That wasn’t good. None of this was good. But then. What was good? Did good even exist? He groaned, knowing that he made no sense. 

“Um…”

Jin turned around immediately, eyes widening at the sight of a small child. He looked around 5, with dull red eyes and dirty gray  hair. The boy shivered.

“I didn’t know you were here lil guy.” He said, bending down a little. “Sorry ‘bout that, I talk to myself ofte-” He cut himself off seeing blood on the boy’s face.

“Kid? What happened to you?” 

The boy only blinked. His face was pale, like a ghost. It was dry and covered in scratches, not to mention both dried and fresh blood.He looked like one of those creepy children from a horror movie, but Jin didn’t care at the moment. He’d seen enough horror in his life not to be scared of this. Plus, he was too concerned about the boy.

“Kid?”

“...know…”

“Know? Sorry, I can’t hear what you’re saying.”

“...I dunno.” The boy mumbled, most likely answering Jin’s question of what happened to him. Did he not remember? 

“Okay...do you know where your family is?”

“...no.”

“So you’re alone?”

“...yes.” The quiet, raspy voice whispered. Jin was concerned about how a child’s voice could be so raspy. It was unusual. Then again, finding  a creepy looking little boy with an unknown background might be unusual as well.

“How old are you?” The boy held up five fingers. Five, okay he was right. 

What was he supposed to do now? He couldn’t just leave him, of course not. If Jin were to walk away, who else would help? A hero? Would a hero even find him? He didn’t want to take any chances. He could go to the police, but then they’d want to know about him  too. Jin wasn’t exactly the most...legal person. Let’s put it at that. Would it be possible to drop the kid off and go? The heroes...they’d take care of him, right? Make sure he was okay and all?

“The heroes are bullshit, they’ll fail him like they failed us.”  He thought aloud. For once, his other side seemed to agree, The heroes didn’t do anything before, what would make this one kid so special to them? 

“Bullshit.” The kid said. Jin’s eyes widened in a panic.

“Fuck, did I say that out loud?” Not helping Jin, not helping.

“Fuck?” The kid spoke, tilting his head confused. Jin made an x with his arms, rapidly shaking his head no.

“Wait no! Those are bad words, you shouldn’t say them!” Great, he had only a few minutes with this kid and already taught him two curse words. Nice going. 

“Bad words?” The kid tilted his head.

“Yes, very bad words! I shouldn’t have said them, that’s my fault. I’m a bad example, please don’t take after me.” He exclaimed.  The boy giggled.

“You’re funny.” He said, through soft laughter. Jin smiled at him, heart warming up at the little giggles. It looked almost scary, coming from the mouth of what looked like an enlarged haunted doll, but he found it endearing.

 “I’ll take that as a compliment. How dare you? I’m not funny at all!” Jin groaned, as the boy tilted his head. 

“Sorry kiddo, that happens a lot. What’s your name? ” The kid furrowed his eyebrows as if he was thinking really hard. Like he couldn’t remember his own name.

“...Tenko.” He finally said. “It’s Tenko.” Tenko, huh? That was an unusual name. 

“Tenko? Okay, I’m Jin. Nice to meet you, lil buddy.” He held out a hand towards him. Tenko tilted his head, tapping the middle of Jin’s palm with his pinky. Jin laughed. 

“It’s supposed to be a handshake, but I’ll take that.” The boy giggled as Jin reached down to ruffle his hair. It was greasy, as to be expected.

“How long have you been out here?” Tenko shook his head slightly. 

“Don’t know. More than a day.” Jin suspected that, seeing how he looked. 

“Well, let’s get you cleaned up, okay?” He could figure out what to do about this later. Right now he needed a bath. He picked Tenko up, noticing how the boy clenched his fist and pressed them against his chest. Jin sighed, walking to the shitty apartment he called home. 

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

“You really like bubbles, huh?” Jin chuckled, as he washed the other’s hair. Tenko nodded, making a bubble beard.

“They’re pretty and they feel nice. They smell nice too.” He murmured, splashing in the bath. Jin nodded with a soft smile. That was the longest he’d heard him speak, consecutively.

“Yeah, I think so too! No, bubbles are the worst!” 

“Don’t listen to the deeper voice, kay? He’s wrong. No, I’m not, take that back! Shut up!” Tenko giggled at the little exchange.

Jin wondered how long he had actually been out there, his hair was so dirty. It looked dark gray before, but after rinsing it out Jin could see it was white, with a light bluish tint. And he had multiple wounds that he treated earlier. Poor child. Something about the kid reminded Jin of himself, he was so alone. No one reached out to help him.

He eventually finished washing his hair, drying it with a towel and helping Tenko into clean clothes. He was lucky he kept all of his old stuff from when he was younger. It was still big on the boy, since he was so small. Now, to think about what to do.

 He couldn’t possibly raise a kid on his own, what was he thinking? Hell yeah, he could! Tenko was free to stay as long as he liked. But would he be able to take good care of him? He was only 16, and a dropout at that.  Of course he would, he was good with kids. No he wasn’t! He barely had any interactions with them. And he was already broke, how could he afford for a tiny human? Not to mention he wasn’t the best example with his not so legal activity. What? He never did anything illegal in his life! Yes he did! Jin took on a lot of odd jobs. Jobs he didn’t want Tenko to know of. But what else could he do? Take him to the police? Yeah, actually. No way, they’d treat him like garbage! An unidentified kid with what seemed like amnesia, what could they do for him? Put him in foster care? The foster care system is trash! Did he really want Tenko going from home to home like that? He’s a sweet kid, there’s no way he wouldn’t get adopted at some point. He was adorable. He looks like a horror movie character. I mean, he couldn’t deny that entirely, but the kid was still cute! Like an opossum. Opossums are cute. They’re nasty. No they aren’t! How dare-

His thoughts were interrupted by a tap on the back of his hand. Tenko was giving him a concerned look.

“...ling…kay?”

“What was that, kiddo? Sorry, I couldn’t hear ya.”

“...You were mumbling, are you okay?” He asked, quietly. Jin blinked.

“Ah sorry, I didn’t realize. M’ alright, don’t worry about me.” He replied, ruffling the other’s hair. Tenko let out a small giggle. Maybe this would be okay. He still wasn’t sure what to do, maybe he’d take him to the police tomorrow? Yeah, that sounded good. He could at least get the kid a proper meal and some rest before taking him there. This would be okay.

It’s strange how the second you think that, the situation flips.

Jin didn’t take the kid’s quirk into account, he was too worried about the kid himself. He realized that was a big mistake as Tenko grabbed the towel to dry his hair more. Within seconds, it decayed.  Decayed. Just crumbled into gray dust, laying beside his feet. Jin watched, too shocked to say anything, as Tenko’s smile morphed into a horrified expression. He only snapped back to reality when the other let out a bloodcurdling  shriek. 

“Tenko-” He cut himself off, seeing cracks begin to form in the ground. What? Destruction...it had to do with his quirk for sure.

Tears started to fall down Tenko’s face as his breathing increased. The poor kid was shaking so much it looked like he would fall over.

“I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean...Hana…Mon…” He murmured in between sobs. Tenko scratched his neck. It itched. It itched so much.  The cracks spread, as Jin snapped back to his sentences. 

“Tenko, hey, it’s okay.” He muttered, trying to get closer to the boy without getting hurt himself. He winced, seeing the bleeding scars forming on the kid’s neck.

“Mom…” The boy mumbled, tearing at the skin on his neck. 

“Hey, Tenko! It’s okay, just breathe. It’ll be okay.” Jin said, gently taking his wrists away from his neck. He crouched down, to be at level with him. The boy continued to sob.

“Hey, it’s gonna be alright. Breathe, okay? In and out. Deep breaths.” Jin took deep breaths as well, to demonstrate. Tenko nodded lighty, copying him as he calmed down. The cracks in the ground seemed to slowly come to a stop.

How did that happen? Was it touch based, since he touched the towel? He touched Jin’s hand earlier, even if it was one finger...was a certain amount of fingers needed? And if that was the case, why did the floor start to crack? Maybe it gets worse depending on his emotional state? Did that even make sense? Of course it did! Jin decided to go with that then. So a certain number of fingers? Hm…

He looked down to see Tenko sniffling. The violent sobbing had ended, but he looked so scared it pained Jin’s heart.

“Gone…”

“What was that, buddy?” Tenko shook a little.

“Grandma, Grandpa...Father...Gone.” His arms struggled a little against Jin’s hands, as if he was trying to break free to scratch his neck again.

“Turned to dust.”

Dust? Dust, just like the towel?

Wait that means he…

Jin gulped, trying not to think of it. It couldn’t have been the kid’s fault, after all. It was probably an accident, poor thing. It definitely explained why he was in an alley alone. He was glad he at least knew the other’s quirk, he had to be careful. 

Wait, what would happen if he took him to the police now? Sure, he was five, but he killed his entire family...they wouldn’t hurt him, right? Of course they wouldn't! He's five for god’s sake, they have to have at least a lil bit of decency! The system is messed up. True, but to do anything to such a small child… It was inhumane. Of course it is! So maybe they wouldn’t. They aren’t going to do anything big obviously, but they might hold him somewhat responsible. They can’t! They don’t care. They should! But they don’t. Maybe they will? Don’t try to justify those jerks! 

“I’m not justifying them!” He yelled. He blinked, seeing Tenko flinch from the sudden noise.

“Wait, Tenko, I didn’t mean to...I’m sorry.” He said, sighing. He looked at the kid who only nodded. 

“Here, let me bandage your neck. It’s bleeding, those could get infected.” Tenko nodded slightly, watching the other take out the bandages and medicine again.

As he treated his wounds, Jin had an idea. “Hey hold your hand out for a second.” Tenko tilted his head but did as he said. Jin wrapped his pinky and index finger with bandages, smiling as he tied it. 

“Ta da! You can now touch things without your quirk being effective.” Tenko blinked, reaching slowly to touch a bar of soap on the counter. Nothing happened. Jin chuckled at the sudden sparkle in his eyes.

“Gimme your other hand, I need to do it on both.” Tenko happily obliged, humming a tune he could barely recall as Jin finished with his hands. It was weird how his mood changed so quickly, but Jin chose to ignore it. At least he was feeling better.

“Okay buddy, look, I...I’m going to have to take you to the police station. They’ll...they’ll help you okay?” Jin didn't mind getting a few years in juvie if he had to, the kid needed to be okay. He was  attached already dammit.

Tenko’s eyes widened. “Y-you’re leaving?” His voice quivered in a way that made Jin just want to hug him.

“No no no, I mean technically yes, but I’m taking you where they’ll help you-” He cut himself off seeing Tenko’s eyes start to water again. How dare he make him cry! How dare anyone make him cry!  Well what was he supposed to do? Comfort him, duh! Fucking dipshit. Jin gulped, slowly putting an arm around him.

“Don’t leave…stay...please...” He whimpered. Jin never knew how weak he was to puppy dog eyes until that moment.

Goshdarnit.

“Okay, okay, I won’t leave. I’ll stay.” He said, smoothing his fluffy hair. “I’m here.” Tenko pouted a little.

“You won’t leave me?”

“Of course I won’t!” Jin said, hugging him. That caused the little one to smile.

“Thank you…”

“You’re welcome kiddo.” Jin picked him up, sighing as he took him out of the bathroom.

“Everyone watched.” The boy began. Jin raised an eyebrow at him. “No one...no one helped me. They all said a hero would come help. You helped. Thank you. Thank you for not leaving.” He mumbled, wrapping his arms around Jin’s neck. Jin felt anger creep up his neck, how could anyone just ignore a small child covered in blood? 

“...I wanted to be a hero.” He spoke, in such a quiet voice Jin might’ve not heard it.

“Hm?”

“I wanted to be a hero. But I can’t. I’m too weak, and I look like a villain.”

“Who said that?” Jin asked.

“Kids at school. They picked on me all the time. Said my scars made me look like a villain.” He huffed, pouting. Jin thought it was adorable, although he was mad at the kids for picking on him. How could anyone be mean to this little angel?

“No one just looks like a villain. Look here.” Jin pointed to his own scar, running down the middle of his forehead.

“See? I have scars too! It’s okay to have scars, it doesn’t make you any less heroic. And for the record, I don’t think you’re weak. You’re actually super strong to be able to handle so much!” Tenko’s eyes went wide, sparkling like rubies.

“Really?” There was so much excitement in his voice. So much hope.

“Of course! I think you’ll make an awesome hero, Tenko.” Jin replied. Suddenly, he got an idea.

“Hey, want to go to the store with me? I want to show you something.” Tenko’s eyes burned with curiosity but he nodded. 

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

“Tenko, it’s winter. If you get ice cream, you’ll be even colder.” The small boy pouted.

“It looks so good...”

“No.”

Jin winced as Tenko gave him those goshdarn puppy eyes. 

“Tenko...okay, maybe not ice cream, but I’ll get you a cinnamon roll.”  That’s cannibalism! Shut up. “That’s good, right?” 

Tenko’s eyes lit up as he nodded.

“Alright, alright, I’ll get you one on the way back. We’re going somewhere after all.” He said, chuckling as he pulled the boy along, past the ice cream shop. Tenko was wary of holding his hand at first, but the bandages were taking effect. Jin hadn’t decayed yet.

He walked into the store, as Tenko gaped at everything in it. The scarlet eyes boy looked up, everything was so big around him. He tried to peek over the counter as Jin talked to the clerk. She was filling a balloon. A balloon? Was that why they were here? Tenko looked at Jin, pouting slightly. Why were they getting a balloon?

The store clerk giggled. “Aw, is that your little brother? He’s so cute!” Jin blinked, before smiling sheepishly.

“Y-yeah. He is.” Jin wasn’t sure if he agreed that Tenko was his brother, or that he was cute. He decided on both.

They walked out of the store, Jin holding a plain white balloon and a sharpie. They walked until they reached a small area of flat land, not too far from the store.

“When I was little, m’ mum said if you wrote your wish on a balloon and sent it into the sky it’d come true.” he whispered. 

“You want to be a hero right? Let’s write it on this balloon, and you can send it into the sky. That way it’ll come true for sure!” Tenko nodded eagerly, magma eyes glowing.

Jin steadied the other’s hand, helping him trace out the letters. Tenko didn’t know how to write entirely, but that was okay. Jin could help him.

He put the string in Tenko’s grasp, after the words “I want to be a hero” were written. 

“Now, just say it mentally and let go. It’ll fly to the heavens, and the angels will grant your wish.” Tenko nodded, bowing his head as if he were praying. Then, he gently let go of the balloon, letting it fly into the vast blue sky. They stared after it, until it was out of sight.

“Don't worry, you’ll get your wish, I’m sure of it.” Jin said, picking Tenko up.

“Are you a hero?” That question snapped him out of his thoughts.

“...what?”

“Are you a hero?” Tenko repeated, eyes lighting up a little. “They said a hero would help. You helped.” Jin sighed.

“No, I’m not a hero. Not even close to it. Sorry to disappoint you, kid.” He said.

“You’re a hero to me.” Jin raised an eyebrow.

“What do you mean?”

“Heroes...heroes help people. You helped me. That makes you a hero!” Tenko said, eyes shining with childish innocence. It made Jin laugh.

“You think so?”

“Mhm! You’re  a hero, like All Might! You’re the best hero!” Jin laughed again, ruffling his hair.

“I’ll take that as a compliment. Thanks, kiddo.” Jin smiled softly, holding the boy as he looked out the window.

“Hey, Tenko?”

“Mm?”

“By that logic, you’re a hero too.” Ruby eyes sparked in confusion.

“Huh???”

“You are!”

“How???”

“You helped me.”

“How???”

“Hm, you just did.” Jin laughed again. How long had it been since he’d laughed this much?

“C’mon let’s go get your cinnamon roll. There’s a bakery nearby.”

They weren’t so different, were they? Two boys, abandoned by society. Two boys everyone ignored. Two boys that everyone said the heroes would help. 

Two boys that were going to help each other, despite their scars. Despite it all.

Bonus because I want more fluff:

“Nii-chan! Nii-chan, nii-chan!” A scratchy voice squeaked. Jin looked up from the floor, only to be tackled by a ball of pure energy.

“Tenko, that was dangerous! I could’ve dropped my coffee! Tenko, there’s my little boy!” he reprimanded, yet cheered. But he couldn't stay mad as the teen let out a lighthearted laugh.

“I only do it because I know you’ll always catch me. Anyways, guess what?” Jin could tell exactly what it was from the smug look on his brother’s face, but he chose to play along.

“Hm, what is it?” Tenko broke out into a large grin.

“I got into UA!”

“Really? Congrats, I’m so proud of you! Hell yeah! What place did you get? If it’s in the top five then Giran owes me 5k yen!” He exclaimed, putting his coffee down as he lifted the boy up and spun him around. Tenko was extremely light, despite his age. 

“Hey hey, put me down!” He squawked, flailing like a magikarp as Jin spun him a few times. He finally put the boy down, chuckling at the grumpy expression on his face.

“Alright, alright. Still, I’m proud of you Ten. Good job.” He let a face splitting grin cross his face, one that many people saw as creepy. But to Jin, it was just the smile of his amazing lil bro.

“Hah, just wait until I show Touya, Shu, and Himi! And Touya’s dad. He said, I couldn’t do it, huh? Think again, bitch!” He shouted, giggling.

“Now, what did I say about swearing?” Tenko rolled his eyes.

“But you do it all the time!”

“That’s my other personality, so technically it doesn’t count. Yeah, what he fucking said!” 

Tenko sighed, laughing a little. “Whatever. Anyways, wanna celebrate? We can invite the others too!”

“Of course! I don’t know, did you finish your chores? Don’t mind me, I’m letting you take a day off today. What!?! Shut up, he deserves it. I hate that you’re right, or rather that I’m right…”

“Good, because I completely forgot to do them.” He laughed. “Looks like the balloon wish did come true though! I’m going to be the best hero someday, and when I do, I’ll help people just like you helped me. I’ll also make a lot of money, so you can take it easy!” Jin took several part time jobs in order to make enough money for both of them. But Tenko was determined to do his best, so his big brother could sit back and relax. 

“Alright, alright. C’mon, I made ohagi. We can figure out how we’re going to celebrate after we eat.” Tenko nodded, pausing before running to the table.

“Last one there is a rotten egg!”

“Hey that’s not fair, you got a head start! Get back here you little shit!”

Yeah, they would be okay.

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

                                    In loving memory of Jin Bubaigawara

[sparrowsabre7]

Ok, guess it's Higgs murder time. Ah not yet, final connection first. It definitely is quite haunting being in a more urban environment, there's a real smell of death and decay as opposed to the vibrancy of life seen in the greener landscapes. The large dam wall or whatever it is creates an imposing presence too.

Oh what the fuck, giant jellyfish of death. Swell. Well this is horrid. At least a single shot from the rifle seems to see them off and not attract others if they land in my path . Oh goddammit, my climbing anchor is destroyed, gonna be fall damage city I guess. Plenty of cryptobiotes around though thanks to all the piss mushrooms (which is a thing I only recently learned about).

Wow just slicing my way through the regular BTs right now, here's some classic zingers you can feel free to use:

Mind if I cut in?

Would you like to hear the benefits of going cordless?

Do you fancy a slice?

Feel free to leave of your own a-cord.

Slice to see you, to see you slice.

I'm cutting you out. Of life.

Anyway, shoved in the activation key. I do wonder how much longer the game would be if you didn't skip ANY cutscenes. Like the delivery of the package, Sam showering, peeing, pooing, adding something to the Chiral network. It's the same each time but given the frequency it all adds up.

Chiral network complete! I feel like there could have been a bit more fanfare instead of being told "your done now go to your room".

More beach time, wearing clothes this time though Amelie is dressed as Higgs but also is giant. She also says "I am the extinction entity" with a joker grin and violent camera shake zoom and the screen going red as though that's some big reveal like it hasn't been a) theorised for a good hour now and b) she already outright told me at distro.

Now my room is in panic mode so I guess it finally is Higgs murder time.

Just gonna check my mail first though.

Deadman goes full Para Medic on me in an email about films and how My Fair Lady might be about London Bridge and about a living sacrifice built in the foundation which seems like the heaviest foreshadowing ever. Wondering if Amelie can only exist on the beach and essentially stays dead to keep the UCA going or some shit. He also name drops Shape of Water which is funny.

Ok, out we go and ho lee fuck, that's a big BT. This dude is "make my monster grow" size. Higgs is here being all weird and monologuing. I still don't really get why he wants to destroy the world... hopefully he'll explain in his inevitable death monologue.

Amelie is stuck in the chest of the BT like Rita Repulsa from the 2017 Power Rangers movie so unclear how I'm meant to save her. Oh, Higgs just ported her out of the BT. That makes things easier. Hmm he stuck his mask on her and now she's talking creepy. Like... is the mask magic? Is it a truth serum, I really don't get it. It's also electric and stuff just.. anyway, she's saying she will soon emerge all beaches into a single shore which will cause an extinction event.

"Surely you've figured it out by now." I haven't actually, please mansplain for me, Higgs. Amelie is the source of DOOMS, the nightmares and visions of the future - ok, I had sort of had that in my head as one of the options given that Bridget's baby may have been a BT and Amelie said she was born on the beach - oh, and that was the end of the explanation... I was hoping for a little more specificity.

Ok, boss fight now and Amelie is back in the BT but so is Higgs so betting he's the weak point. Ok, seems to be going well, normal firearms work better on Higgs than the BT stuff which, as with normal BTs, is actually quite pathetic damage wise. Glad I made the grenade launcher and rocket launcher to take with me, though already running low.

Damn,switched to shoulder which is more awkward, I guess I'll have to rely on BT weapons. Thanks to all the creepy player mannequins.

BOOM BABY! Big boi is down. Oh ma , all that chiralium just disappearing into the ether...

Ah you prick you're still alive... oh sick, Lou is using the odradek to deflect Higgs' shots. NO! You fucking shit head! You shot at Lou. This is bad, I don't k ow if BBs can survive without their lil jar thing. Oh and after what I said last post about the licking, maybe Higgs is a pervert after all since he's slung Amelie over his shoulder but is unnecessarily holding her by the ass.

Ah shit, now Sam's dying and Higgs says he's going to see me on the beach... ok, so I've repatriated... how do I get to the beach?

Maybe by sleeping? I could get to Amelie in dreams. Nope, that's not the way. Do I... kill myself?

Will have to pause it there as I hear the kittens have woken up.

Obligatory kitten tax:

[kaeveeoh]

i want your opinion on this, do you think this plataform is decaying everyday a lil bit? idk i just dont see nearly half as much original content as i used to see, lots of graphics makers stoped and i felt that some fandoms got reduced to a few gif makers and artists, which the later are more active on other sites anyway, and idk it makes me sad when i remember how full this site was of creative people :c

I mean yeah, probably!  Unless Tumblr makes the right changes and understands the audience, I can see it fading off (not for good, I think it will still be a populated platform).  I’m probs not the best to ask since I personally have fallen off Tumblr these past few years even though I was SO INTO IT back then making animated manga graphics like every week TG would release a new chapter (pretty sure when I publish this ask all my followers are gonna be like who dis LOL).  I know a crap ton of people left and went to Twitter and Insta when Yahoo! banned NSFW content here.. not sure what it’s like now under new owners.  

I feel like for a lot of us, or maybe just me, making gifs and graphics of anime all the time just burnt us out and we found it easier to just tweet about it instead and so moved on.  Notes and reblogs became less meaningful to me and graphics became a burden.  I definitely cannot make graphics as much as I used to since I work full-time, and I’m sure as more and more users get older, the same will happen unless they have the means to produce their own creative content to post (fanart, merch, fanfics, etc.)

I do miss what it was like a few years ago with all the cool and new graphics and gifs, but as you said, it doesnt feel the same anymore except for a handful of people who still make content.  I’m not sure Tumblr will pick up again but it’s not like it’s dead!  Enjoy the people you follow here and also enjoy them elsewhere on other social platforms.  Theres always creative content out there you can enjoy!

[makeste]

BnHA Chapter 234: Tomura Flashbacks and Giganto ex Machia

Previously on BnHA: Re-Destro lost his temper and hulked the fuck out and started breaking off Tomura’s fingers like a goddamn Kit-Kat bar. Elsewhere, (1) Twice cloned Toga in order to give her a blood transfusion, unaware that Skeptic was heading their way; (2) Spinner’s quirk of being a Gecko Man was revealed and he attempted to wall-crawl his way over to Hanabata only to be assailed by a bunch of redshirts fired up by Hanabata’s Trumpet quirk; (3) Dabi continued to battle Snoopy Sno-Cone Machine offscreen (I assume); (4) Compress was also probably doing something but who can be sure; (5) Giran was running off to safety with one of the clone Twices, and finally, (6) Gigantomachia Goron-rolled his way towards the action while Slidin’ Go stood there nervously, probably sensing that his number is coming up on the great cosmic roulette wheel. All of this happened two whole weeks ago because the manga was on break last week! But it’s finally back now, so leeeEET’S geeet ready to rrrruuuuUUUUUUUUMMMMMBLE.

Today on BnHA: RD continues to get handsy with Tomura until Tomura starts to disintegrate one of RD’s own fingers to see how he likes it. He does not, in fact, like it, so he flings Tomura away and starts thinking all of these shocked antagonist thoughts about how Tomura is stronger than he expected and his powers are ~awakening~ and blah blah blah. Meanwhile Tomura hops back onto the Flashback Train to Feels City and recalls how AFO gave him his family’s severed hands to make sure he stayed good and pissed!! And he also remembers more about his sister and how much she loved him! And his mom and grandparents who were also super nice and are now fucking dead and it’s a lot! Horikoshi is pretty fucking ruthless! Anyway so RD decides he’d better go all out and wrap this up, but before he can deliver a killing blow, Gigantomachia finally makes his entrance. At the same moment, Tomura finally remembers “everything” (?? ???!?!?), which, holy fucking shit you guys.

(All comments are my unspoiled reactions from my initial readthrough of the chapter. I did a quick edit for grammar and clarity immediately afterward, and added one or two ETAs in the process, but aside from that there are no changes.)

okay so let’s see what gruesome things are in store for our intrepid villains this week

“destroyed memories” oh? come again? you don’t say?? fancy that?? goodness me???

so is this referring to Tomura? or Dabi? if it’s referring to Re-Destro or one of his gang, I swear to god...! nobody cares about your memories RD. you’re a jerk and you suck

lol what the

aww. is this a “real” in-universe children’s book, is that what this is. did all the lil U.A. dumplings read this when they were small. and was there also a similar book called “don’t judge people by their lack of quirks” and if so why did no one read it to lil baby Kacchan hmm

anyway now we’re cutting right back to this unpleasant image! and not only that, but in the two weeks we’ve been gone things have even escalated!

we’re up to two hands being grabbed now! um. he’s really going to need at least one of those? probably?? please don’t Overhaul my deranged villain son fffff

reminder that Tomura needs to touch something with all five fingers in order for his quirk to activate (or he did before at least), so even though he still has... two...? fingers remaining on his left hand, that hand is still effectively useless as far as quirking goes. so if he suffers even the smallest amount of damage to his right hand as well, it’s basically all over for him. unless he actually was using his quirk with his feet in the previous chapter. I’m assuming not because he presumably would have decayed his way all the way down to the center of the earth if that was the case. I think @khorale mentioned this in a comment on my last recap, but yeah, seeing as the ground’s not disintegrating underneath him, it’s safe to say it’s Hands Only here

anyway I got so caught up in being calmly horrified over the current situation that I didn’t even read the dialogue. so RD’s saying that superpowers are linked to personality, and so that “don’t judge people by their quirks” stuff is in fact bullshit

um, source? are you a psychologist? in general I try to take things with a grain of salt when they’re said by pieces of shit, so yeah

fffffffff noooooo Tomura’s face sob Horikoshi you bastard

he looks so freaking young here. okay, shit. I’m starting to think I need to make plans to unwind after I finish reading this chapter. maybe get an Enya playlist in the works. diffuse some essential oils. find some cute baby animal videos

but on the plus side, it’s looking ever more likely that his are indeed the Destroyed Memories in question omg. so I will continue to get hype while also feeling very guilty and stressed

you guys I’m actually really glad RD is feeling like he has the upper hand now, because he’s starting to waste some valuable time monologuing, and with every second he babbles on, Machia is getting closer and closer to whooping some ass

so he’s asking Tomura what he’s trying to create

and well, actually, he’s not really that far off

I mean. does it count as nothing if he wants to destroy the whole world? one could argue that would be “creating” a new world in which everyone is fucking dead. idk. I might have to give RD this one; his whole point of “quirks are linked to personality and you have a quirk that destroys everything you touch so you probably just want to destroy shit” is holding up surprisingly well to scrutiny thus far

yeah so now he’s yelling “YOU ONLY LUST FOR DESTRUCTION! AM I WRONG?!” and nope. but even a broken clock, twice a day, etc.

oh shit OH FUCKING --

um, okay, (1) NO IT’S NOT, SHE WAS A LITTLE GIRL, NONE OF YOUR HANDS BELONGED TO A CHILD YOU GULLIBLE RUBE

and (2) MY FUCKING FEELS. why am I even surprised. what the fuck. I knew more angst was coming and yet it still...

just, god. okay fine Horikoshi I’m a glutton for punishment, please continue then

HAHA SOB IT’S A WHOLE FUCKING FLASHBACK OKAY SURE LAY IT ON ME!!

this really is the wildest shit though you guys. I still can’t get over it. “hello little boy I’m sorry your family is dead but don’t worry I’m adopting you and here are all of their severed hands. with little plugs on the end too or some shit. just, you know. souvenir”

I can’t fucking believe AFO played this so straight. maybe that’s why it worked. it was just so fucking out there that Tenko wound up buying it hook line and sinker. “hmm, seems a bit shady, but then again why else would a strange man I met only yesterday just randomly up and give me a dozen severed hands”

I don’t know if any of this shit is important, but it’s probably good practice to just post every mysterious thing that AFO says

yes you really did a great job healing this guy’s wounded fucking heart, Dr. Phil

oh wow, never fucking mind, even

I see, so that wasn’t meant to be a reassuring “in time you’ll get over it” speech; it was meant to be a cautionary “you’d better surround yourself with reminders of your terrible pain at all times or else you might actually stop feeling fucking miserable and WE CAN’T FUCKING HAVE THAT” speech. holy shit

I’m seriously having trouble wrapping my mind around just how terrible this is. like, it’s nearly impossible to fathom that level of cruelty. this is a four(?)-year-old child. he tracked him down, gave him a quirk that would kill his family*, sat back and watched it happen, and then let him stew in the horror of it all alone until he finally swooped in and claimed him and then raised him with the express purpose of keeping him sad and scared and angry and depressed at all times, all so he would eventually grow up and, with any luck, murder the man that his grandmother thought of as a son!

(*this is just conjecture right now, admittedly, but until I’m proven wrong I’m basically operating under the assumption that it’s true)

just. “fucked up” doesn’t even begin to describe it. god

anyways, let’s continue to read more about young Tenko’s extreme emotional abuse at the hands of the final villain I guess

OMG HANA

okay so I can’t remember where we left off on this last time, but a bunch of people said they suspected that the young Tenko wanted to be a hero when he was a little boy, and that’s why he was always clashing with his dad, because his dad’s own experience with heroes was pretty sour on account of the whole his-mom-gave-him-up-when-he-was-little-and-then-later-died-horribly thing

so yeah, I assume that’s what Hana is referring to here with the whole “I just tell Dad...” bit. so they both wanted to be heroes! how perfectly fucking tragic! great!

Tomuraaaaaa

KEEP IT UP TOMURA YOU CAN DO IT!! YOU CAN REMEMBER! YOU’RE DOING GREAT. aside from the whole “this really big man is killing you slowly” thing

yeah, this whole deal

but aside from that. doing great

!!

OOOOOOOOOH SHIT, THIS MUMMIFIED LITTLE PUNK’S STILL GOT SOME FIGHT LEFT IN HIM YOU GUYS

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

he got him to fling him away! YESSSS TAKE THAT YOU ASSHOLE. FOOL HIM ONCE, FUCKING OUCH, BUT FOOL HIM TWICE, AND LET’S SEE HOW YOU FUCKING LIKE IT YOU BIG WAD

so now Re-Destro is belatedly realizing that Tomura is going through a very weird leveling-up process and taking advantage of the fact that he’s temporarily become the main character of the series and thus possesses all of the narrative powers that come with that venerable distinction

...that he’s the main character? yes

anyways lol there’s some real good crazyface action going on here guys

did Horikoshi take the extra time just so he could devote a little longer to nailing down panels like this because if yes, A+++

SDSKJSODIFHOIESJ

it’s mom!! wow!!

DSLKFAJSLDK ARE WE GETTING BACKSTORY ON THE FUCKING SCARS OMFG I CAN’T THIS IS TOO MUCH

SOB YOU GUYS I’M CAUGHT UP IN THIS WEIRD CROSS BETWEEN BEING HYPED AF AND ALSO CRACKING THE FUCK UP NOW THOUGH, BECAUSE:

ALL OF THIS WAS SO FUCKING BADASS, AND THEN THAT LAST FUCKING PANEL, THOUGH. LMAO WELL HE’S ON THE BRINK OF SOMETHING, BUT WHO CAN EVEN FUCKING SAY WHAT

ANYWAY HE’S ZOOMING TOWARDS RD AND RD’S THINKING “HE’S FAST!” AND YEAH, BITCH, YOU SCARED??

WHAT ARE YOU THE PRESIDENT OF HIS FANCLUB NOW OR WHAT

you guys this is the most I’ve ever liked Re-Destro. there’s something about evil nemesis characters being begrudgingly impressed by their enemies that just pleases me, idk

LJSDFIJWEOF

WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO HIS FACE HE LOOKS LIKE ONE OF THE SCARY TREES FROM SNOW WHITE

OH SHIT YOU GUYS WE’RE BREAKING OUT THE TROPES

so do we get 100% when he goes up against Machia, then? smdh, fucking power levels. well I guess Deku technically uses them too. but still, it’s not something we see in this series too often aside from that

holy shit you guys

honestly, I guess this should be really intimidating or whatever, but all I can think is that it’s about time this guy finally started taking this “pitiable gang of thugs” seriously. even if that does mean Tomura is probably about to fucking die, barring some Giganto ex Machia. that guy really needs to get a move on

oh hey

[RAISES EYEBROW AT GIGANTOMACHIA AND JABS FINGER TOWARDS WRISTWATCH] cut it a little closer next time why don’t you??

(ETA: also I didn’t notice all of Tomura’s other hands being flung away from him by the impact, but whoa. so now he’s just got the Papa Hand left in his pocket, along with whichever hand is grabbing the back of his head. and that’s it. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that his dad is the only remaining family member whose face we still haven’t seen yet. some big reveal coming up with that soon, I bet.)

oh and also guys here’s some more flashbacks. this time with loving grandparents. because Horikoshi just really wants to make sure our emotions are good and churned about

okay guys, Tenko’s very dead flashback!grandma and grandpa telling him not to cry and giving him yummy food so he won’t be sad is pretty much close to the limits of what I can take, angst-wise. I don’t know why this is hitting me so hard! this is hardly my first anime flashback! I should be a pro at this by this point, the fuck is wrong with me

but on the other hand, I think a big part of it is that I’m not just sad about Tomura’s past, but also angry. because none of this is just coincidence; all of it is actually stuff that was done to him very deliberately, and the worst part is he doesn’t even realize it. and so in addition to the usual rush of protective feelings, there’s also this sense of outrage about it all too. and I think that’s the harder part to deal with. here I am, a grown adult, getting really mad over the staggering cruelty of what was done to this fictional character when he was a child. it’s possible there’s some real-life anger and frustration over certain real-life horrific cruelties and injustices that may be bleeding over into this, idk. just, the world is a fucked up place, and my emotional support manga is currently being less than supportive and it’s a struggle sob

anyways sorry about that. meanwhile while I was having a mini breakdown, possibly the most pivotal character development in Tomura’s history was happening and HOLY SHIT THOUGH WAIT UP GUYS

sdfkdsfjwoilkkj BOY!!!!!!!

SOB HOW ARE THERE ONLY TWO PAGES LEFT I’M GONNA CRY THIS CHAPTER WENT BY SO FAST

-- HORIKOSHI WHY ARE YOU CUTTING AWAY FROM THE FLASHBACK OH MY GOD I’M GONNA!!!

FUCK ME, THIS IS WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR SO IMPATIENTLY, SO OF COURSE HORIKOSHI JUST HAD TO FINALLY MAKE IT HAPPEN RIGHT WHEN I WOULD HAVE GIVEN ANYTHING TO NOT CUT AWAY FROM THAT SCENE WE WERE JUST ON. THIS SADISTIC SON OF A...

...hee. but it’s hard to stay mad, though

... :)

:D :D :D

lol what. recall, if you may, that you guys are the ones who basically forced them to come down to your mountain city and kick your asses you dickasaurs

HAHAHAHAHAAA

SDLFKJLSDKFJ AND ALSO OH NOOOOOOOO

OH MY FUCKING GOD. AND THAT’S IT. THAT’S THE FUCKING CHAPTER. WHYYYYY

EAT IT YOU PRICKS, I HOPE GIGANTOMACHIA FLATTENS YOU ALL INTO NEXT WEEK

Tomura looks so freaking sad, you guys. he’s just standing there completely still and he looks like he’s just completely destroyed emotionally

and he said he remembered everything!?! so what the shit am I supposed to do, Horikoshi?? my boy is just standing there with seven fucking fingers and one shoe and so caught up in his sad reverie that he’s seemingly oblivious to the fact that the long-awaited cavalry has finally arrived. kid is maybe 2-3 chapters away from finally triumphing over this bald Disney tree man who talks too much. and not only that, but he’s more than likely going to finally win Gigantomachia’s loyalty in the process. which in turn means he’ll have access to Ujiko and all of his resources

so in short, this boy is minutes away from becoming one of the deadliest and most powerful forces on earth... and I’m pretty sure that right now, at this moment, none of that matters to him one iota

you guys. so what does this mean for future developments?? I’m really going to need him to define “everything” ASAP, for starters. that’s a very vague statement, and its implications could mean the difference between us just having a sadder-than-usual Tomura from this point out, or a Tomura that’s sad but also realizing for the first time that there’s a lot about his past that doesn’t quite add up, or hell, even a Tomura that’s actually out for fucking vengeance against AFO. that last one seems like too big of a jump to happen right away, but dare I at least hope for the second option though? god that would just be the icing on the cake for this fucking perfect arc

now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to go do some yoga or chant some mantras or something holy shit. this fucking manga

[juicy-cookie]

Through The Valley - Chapter 14

AO3 Link: http://archiveofourown.org/works/10075958/chapters/26444541

Tags: @rickdixonandthefandomlifeposts @embracetheapocalypsewithme @kinkozan @lupienne @theblack-wolf @lovingzombiechaos @dragonracer @miiraal

Pairing: Negan X OFC

Chapter Summary: People getting handsy

Word Count: 4011

“Morning George.”

“Good Morning Miss Lilly.” The older man shuffled up the hallway with his mop. “Have a good day!”

“You, too!” Lilly called back and ran down the stairs and into the cafeteria. Greeting some early eaters, she walked up to the lieutenant’s table, where Seth and Laura had already started their breakfast.

“Morning guys.”

“Mhh,” Seth grunted, not even looking up from the papers in front of him. Lilly didn’t mind. Seth was a combination of ‘Not a fucking morning person’ and ‘Master procrastinator always trying to finish his shit when it’s almost too late’.

“Morning Lil.”

“Morning Laura. What’s for breakfast?”

“Eggs with deer jerky and those fresh cucumbers.”

“We still have jerky?”

“Yeah, not much, though. Do you think you can go out again soon?”

“Sure. I can try. Gotta keep all you gluttonous savages well fed.”

“Are we talking seven sins? Because we can totally contribute.” Jax and Connor had come up behind Lilly to join them for breakfast.

“If y’all could wait with the dick talk until lunch, I’d appreciate it,” Seth grumbled from his end of the table.

Lilly grinned before a wave of sadness hit her. Her thoughts had automatically strayed to Negan and how he would have loved to join in this particular kind of conversation. But their leader had been keeping his distance lately. Lilly should have been happy that he was making it easier for her to keep him off her mind. As it were, though, she missed him terribly.

She got herself a plate of food and joined her friends again, listening half-heartedly to their conversations. Her mind was in the penthouse and by the end of their meal she was angry with herself for being unable to keep Negan out of her head.

After breakfast, the group disbanded with Lilly and Jax migrating to a picnic table outside while everyone else started to get busy with their assigned jobs. Lilly sighed a breath of relief, from both the fresh air and the prospect of having a conversation with her closest friend.

“Day off?” Lilly asked. She and Jax sat down opposite each other on the benches.

“Yep. Gotta wait for Andrei to get back here so we can make another tour of the outposts.”

“Good. I missed your stupid face.”

“Aww. So much love in one morning, I can barely breathe.”

“Everything good between you and Connor, then?”

“We actually talked about moving in together.” Jax grinned and blushed. Lilly almost squealed. “He already spends all of his time at my place, so we thought… why hog a room someone else could use?”

“Hmm, yeah. Very practical,” Lilly smirked. A seat cushion hit her square in the face.

“Enough about my love life. What about yours?”

Lilly placed the cushion on the table in front of her and laid her head on her arms. “You know I don’t have one.”

“Well that’s not exactly true, is it? You could get some if you wanted to. I’m sure Andrei would be up for it.”

“But I don’t want to get some.”

“You used to be way more relaxed about just fucking someone for fun.”

“And when was that, Jax?” Lilly looked up scowling. “Remember when I used to be like that after Brian? Going out almost every night, getting shit-faced drunk. You even held an intervention.”

“I’m not saying you should do that again. I just think you should have a bit of fun. Find a distraction. Stop all this moping.”

“I’m not moping…”

“You were moping just ten minutes ago during breakfast. I know your moping face.”

“You’re a moping face.”

They looked at each other for a moment and then chuckled.

“I suppose you have a point…”

“Thank you,” he declared with a triumphant smile.

“The greenhouse project was a good distraction. Going hunting used to be great to get my mind off things, but being alone with my thoughts turned out to be quite counterproductive. I thought I was over the whole thing.”

“Pretty sure Negan wouldn’t appreciate you calling him a ‘thing’.”

“Keep your voice down!” she hissed and glanced around the courtyard.

“Oh come on, it’s not like no one already knows about you and him.”

“There is no ‘me and him’. And Sherry and Valerie hate me enough as it is. I swear I’m going to burst into flames one of these days from the way they look at me. I just want things to calm down.”

“Fuck them. What are they going to do? Throw their bras at you?”

Lilly giggled before getting serious again. “I know you like to ridicule them, but at least Sherry does have some kind of influence here. And I don’t just mean over Negan, but Dwight, too.”

“Well fuck Dwight, too. It’s pathetic the way he stills hangs on her tit.”

Lilly raised an eyebrow. “Oh, so you think he’s moping?”

“That’s different. Dude should have more self-respect.”

“He still loves her, he can’t help it. You can’t just turn off your feelings for someone.” She looked down and started fiddling with a loose string on the cushion.

Jax sighed. “It’s just your luck that you fall in love with one of the most unavailable men. And in the fucking apocalypse, too.” Lilly’s eyebrows knit together. “What? You’re gonna deny it?”

“Love is a bit of a strong word. Especially when it comes to him.”

“Why? Because he’s the King Dick Motherfucker around here? Is there some kind of rule I’m not aware of that you’re not allowed to feel that way for him?”

“It’s complicated.”

“No, it’s not. In fact, I’m pretty sure the feeling is mutual.”

She looked up at him. “Bullshit. He’s happy with his wives.”

“See, I know for a fact that this, at least, is not true. Apparently, Valerie has been bitching to Connor that Negan has been ignoring them all for quite some time now.”

“Ugh, will you please stop participating in the stupid fucking gossip?”

“And I already told you that he has at least considered ditching them.”

“Oh, you wanna talk about your little heart-to-heart with Negan in the garage again?”

“No thanks,” he grimaced, “I’m still recovering from the last verbal castration. What I’m trying to tell you is, all signs point towards him having feelings for you.”

“Elementary, my dear Watson! Why are you even championing Negan so much? A man with a harem, a potty mouth and a penchant for objectophilia. Wouldn’t you want a nice, good man as a potential brother-in-law?”

“There are no more nice and good men, Lilly. At least with Negan I know that he’ll keep you safe. Besides, who else would put up with your annoying ass?” He winked at her.

“Not him, apparently. He told me that he’s done chasing me.”

“And was that before or after he tried to kiss you?” Lilly sighed and kept fiddling with the cushion. Jax put his hand over hers. “Listen, you should go do something. All this sitting around in between runs, doing nothing but brooding… it’s not good for you.”

“Yeah…” She got up. “You’re right. I’m gonna go patrol the fence for a while.”

“I thought more along the lines of yoga, or reading a book, but… okay. Oh and come over to my place tonight. We’ll have a drink, or two. Or three. Play some cards. I’ll tell Laura and Seth, too.”

“Okay,” Lilly smiled, “Thank you, Jax.”

“You know I’m always here for you, right? And if you need some more one-on-one time, just say the word. Connor won’t mind if I kick him out for a couple of hours.”

“I know. I’ll see you later.”

She ran upstairs to get her bow from her room and back down to start walking along the perimeter of Sanctuary. Lilly made sure to carefully examine every segment of the fence to look for holes. She watched the undead to see if any of them got free, or too decayed. At the greenhouses, she made a quick stop to look inside and talk to the gardening crew before resuming her walk.

When she was almost back at where she had started, she noticed that some of the barbed wire on top of the fence had become rusty. Lilly looked up and thought about telling Carson, to make sure it would be replaced, when she heard someone approaching. She glanced sideways and her heart beat faster. Apparently, the reason for her taking a walk around Sanctuary had had the same idea. She figured he would pass her without a word and she kept her eyes stubbornly on the fence, but he stopped next to her, his leather jacket brushing her arm. They stood like this for a while in silence.

“What the fuck are we looking at?”

“The fence. The barbed wire up there needs to be replaced.”

“Oh… thought you’d seen a funny shaped cloud. Giant flying dick in the sky or something.”

Lilly tried her best to keep it in, but it was no use. She snorted with laughter for what felt like the first time in weeks. When she had calmed down, she looked up at him and saw him smiling down at her. Their eyes met and his face changed to an almost sad look. Lilly turned her head back to the fence. The walkers on the other side had become active at the noise she had made. She watched them squirm and groan when she felt his hand slip into hers. Their fingers intertwined. His thumb stroked over her skin. Lilly kept her eyes on the undead, a lump forming in her throat and she let go of him to take a step back.

“I uhm… I gotta go find Carson. Tell him about the fence.”

“Sure. Yeah. I’ll see you around.”

She gave him another half-smile and walked around the corner to go back inside through the side entrance. Her path was blocked by someone.

“Oh sorry, didn’t see you there Sherry.” The other woman merely looked at her, her face unreadable. “Uhhh… do you mind? I gotta go find Carson.”

Sherry’s face split into a radiant smile. It made Lilly uneasy, but at least Sherry stepped to the side to let her pass.

“Of course. Have a nice day, Lilly.”

“Yeah. You too.” Lilly frowned. She walked up the hallway and turned around again before rounding the corner that led to the cafeteria. Sherry was still watching her. Lilly shrugged and continued her search for Carson.

That night in Jax’s room, Lilly successfully shut up the thoughts in her head with the help of her friends and a bottle of Jack Daniels.

“You know what you guys? I wanna thank you all for not making me feel like a fifth wheel. You’re all pretty awesome.” Lilly’s words were already a little slurred, but she got her message across. Even Seth broke out into an exaggerated “Awwwww.”

“You gotta bring a date next time, Lil,” Connor called over from the table where he, Jax and Seth were playing poker, “We could do some couple’s shit, like brunch or a wine tasting.”

“Or rent a cabin and do karaoke,” Seth added sarcastically.

“How about a big orgy? I mean, our options are kinda limited nowadays.” Lilly laughed at the shocked faces that came with her suggestion.

“I think you’ve been spending a little too much time with our leader.” Connor wiggled his eyebrows over his glass of whiskey.

“No, she hasn’t. Shut up Connor!” Laura was always very protective of Lilly. They put their heads back together to continue their whispered conversation on Jax’s bed.

“It all comes down to the wives, doesn’t it? I mean, you’d be game if it wasn’t for them, right?”

“At this point? Fuck yeah. And you know what, and I really need you to keep this between the two of us…”

“Of course, Lil.”

“...but I’m drunk enough tonight to just get it over with and fuck him. Just… walk into his room and climb that big, muscly, hard…”

“Okay, okay, I got the message…” Laura interrupted her with a look of thinly veiled disgust.

“What? You can’t deny he’s attractive.”

“Not really my type. I mean… he’s got an OK face, I guess. Needs some tattoos, though.”

“On his face?”

Laura giggled, a sound that stood in stark contrast to her tough looks. “You’re too drunk, Lil.”

“No, I’m not!”

“You’re right. Here, have some more.” She poured Lilly another glass. “I know you’re talking out of your ass, by the way. If you just wanted to fuck him, you would have done so ages ago.”

“Let me keep lying to myself, okay? That way it’s easier to lie to others, too. Including him.”

“You know what, though… if he’s not willing to get rid of those bitches, he’s not worth your time.”

“Don’t call them that.” Lilly frowned into her drink. “By the way, I ran into Sherry today. She was acting so weird.”

“Isn’t that kind of her default? On no, wait, default is bitchy. Can you believe that she went into the kitchen this week and demanded they add more meat to the wives’ plates from now on?”

“Oh shit, that reminds me… I gotta go hunting tomorrow.” Lilly climbed off the bed to the protests of everyone in the room. “Hey, you can either have drunk and tired me for a couple more hours, or some juicy meat tomorrow night…”

“I know I’m already gonna get some juicy meat tonight,” Jax piped up and grinned at Connor.

“Aaaaand, that’s my cue. See you guys tomorrow.” Lilly bade them all goodnight and staggered to her room, congratulating herself on not getting lost in the courtyard, or in the many halls of the Sanctuary.

Grateful for the numbing buzz the whiskey had caused, she quickly got into bed to take advantage of the drunken tiredness and hopefully get a couple of hours of sleep.

It was still the middle of the night when she woke up again. Her first thought was that she had had a nightmare. Her heart was racing and cold sweat broke out on her entire body.

Lilly opened her eyes with her mind wide awake and her body trying to catch up as fast as it could. Her stomach felt like she had just downed a glass of ice cold water. Looking around frantically, she slipped her hand underneath her pillow to reach for her knife. All she found were the wrinkles in her sheets. A shadow slipped into her periphery and suddenly, someone was on top of her and Lilly hissed from the sharp pain on her neck. She immediately calmed the violent movements that had been her first instinctual reaction.

“That’s right bitch, you better calm the fuck down before I slit your throat,” a woman’s voice snarled.

Lilly tried to adjust her eyes to the darkness by concentrating on the lighter spots on her attacker’s form. Lots of exposed skin, long hair. The legs straddling Lilly were naked. She heard the sound of leather creaking with every one of the woman’s breaths. A wife? But not Sherry, nor Amber.

“Listen, I don’t have anything of value. I don’t know who you are. Please, just let me go and leave. No one will know about this.”

“Oh, but you’ve got something of value. Your pretty face. Once it’s gone, he won’t look at you again.”

The pain left Lilly’s neck and went to her cheek right next to her ear. Her left hand shot up and slapped the intruder’s arm out of the way, while her right fist sunk into her stomach. The woman’s body doubled over. She used the moment to fumble for the knife, barely registering slicing her palm open when she tried to pry open the hand holding the weapon. Lilly threw another punch into the darkness, not even knowing where it went. A grunt of pain and the woman’s fingers opened just enough for Lilly to pull out the knife. She stabbed the blade into a patch of pale skin. A scream of pain and Lilly threw off her attacker. She scrambled over her bed to her nightstand and switched the camping light on.

Valerie was lying on the crumpled, bloody mess that was Lilly’s bed, holding her right shoulder. She was wailing and cursing.

“You killed me you fucking bitch,” Valerie cried and looked up at Lilly.

“Calm down, you’re not dying.” But Lilly felt the first prickling stabs of panic travelling up her spine. The realization of what had just happened hit her with full force, now that the immediate threat to her life was gone. She heard the door behind her fly open and spun around, knife at the ready.

“Holy shit! What happened?” Laura stared wide-eyed at the scene before her.

“Lilly tried to kill me. She stabbed me,” Valerie whimpered from the bed.

“You tried to mutilate my face. You attacked me,” Lilly yelled.

“Give me the knife, Lil. Let’s just calm down, okay?” Laura held out her hand and Lilly handed over her knife. Behind Laura, Dwight and Seth burst into the room, their sleepy faces contorting in shock when they saw the scene in and around Lilly’s bed.

“Oh shit…”

“What the fuck?”

“We heard screaming. Shit Lil, you’re bleeding.”

Lilly didn’t even register who was talking. She sat down between her bed and her nightstand, her back to the wall, her knees pulled up to her chest, her face in her hands.

“Laura, stay with her. I’ll take Val to Fisher.”

“And I’ll go get Negan.”

The room went silent. Lilly heard a cupboard door opening and closing and then someone sat down in front of her. Gentle fingers tried to pry away her hands from her face.

“Come on Lilly. Let me have a look at you.” Laura rummaged in the first aid kit and came back with some gauze and a bottle of iodine. Lilly stared at her palms. Blood was seeping out from the cut on her left hand. Her whole body started to shake violently.

“I didn’t want to hurt her. She tried to cut my face. I didn’t…”

“Okay. It’s okay Lilly. Looks like she didn’t just try.” Laura dabbed the gauze on the wound right next to Lilly’s ear. The resulting burning was a welcomed sensation. “Those cuts look nasty. I think you need stitches.”

Lilly looked up at Laura. Her face was pale and full of concern.

“What’s going to happen now?”

“I don’t know, Lil. We have to wait for Negan. For what it’s worth, I believe you. I know you would never hurt anyone just out of nowhere.” Laura continued cleaning Lilly’s wounds. She wrapped a bandage around Lilly’s hand, but she couldn’t do anything for the cut on her face for now.

Laura had just put a blanket around Lilly, when they heard heavy footsteps barreling up the hallway. Lilly couldn’t bring herself to look up when they stopped in her doorway. She was back to watching her palms and the dark red spot blossoming on the white bandage.

“Valerie attacked her. She was just defending herself.”

“Get the fuck out Laura.”

“But…”

A moment of silence. A different, lighter set of footsteps leaving the room and closing the door. A heavy sigh and then the sound of someone sitting down on the bed next to where Lilly was crouching.

“Will she be okay?” Lilly whispered and started dabbing her index finger into the red spot on her bandage. A large hand closed around hers to keep her from messing with her wound.

“She’ll live.” The hand pulled away again. “I need you to tell me exactly what happened in here. Every tiny fucking detail.”

“I woke up because someone was in my room,” Lilly started, her voice hollow in her own ears. “I went for my knife. I had forgotten that I had lost it. Then she was on top of me. Held a knife to my throat. It’s mine, isn’t it? The knife?” Lilly looked up for the first time. Negan held her knife in his hand. It was coated in blood, both hers and and Valerie’s. Her eyes found Negan’s. His brows were furrowed, but he kept silent, waiting for her to continue. Lilly looked back down at her knees. “I told her to just leave. That no one would find out. She started to cut my face. Said she’d take it away so he… you... wouldn’t look at me anymore.” She glanced back at Negan. He rested his elbow on his leg and pinched his nose. “I punched her. Was able to take the knife from her. I just wanted to get away from her. I didn’t… I stabbed her, but I didn’t want to kill her.”

Lilly fell silent. She waited for Negan to say something. When she heard nothing for a while, she looked back up at him. He sat motionless with his head hung low, staring at the knife in his hands.

“Negan…”

“You hurt a wife, Lilly.” He still didn’t move.

“I didn’t mean to…”

“But you did.”

“I was defending myself.” Lilly couldn’t believe that she had to justify her actions. The numbness she had felt since Laura had showed up dissipated to be replaced by anger and confusion.

“That’s not the story she’s telling.” He started to twirl the butterfly knife. Open. Close. Open. Close. “She says she found your knife and wanted to give it back to you. Says you attacked her out of nowhere.”

“She wanted to give me my knife back?” Lilly jumped up to stand over Negan. “At three o’clock in the fucking morning?”

“That’s what she’s saying.”

“Look at me Negan!” He slowly raised his head as if it took him a huge effort to do so. When his eyes fell on the cut on her neck and then the one still bleeding on the side of her face, he grimaced. “You believe her?”

“It’s not about who I believe, Lil. You stabbed one of my wives. You know the fucking rules. You know what happens to those who touch them.”

A wave of panic washed over Lilly. “You can’t be serious. Negan, she attacked me.”

“It doesn’t fucking matter.” He got up and walked to the window, his back to her. “When they agree to become my wife, I make a fucking promise to protect them. And you all know that no one is allowed to lay a hand on them whether it is to fuck them, or to hurt them. Those are the fucking rules, Lilly.”

“Negan, please...”

“You want me to make a fucking exception for you? Tell my men that the rules don’t apply to you? Wanna explain to Dwight why he gets punished and you don’t?”

“So now what? You’re going to finish what Valerie started and destroy my face with your iron?”

He sighed and hung his head again. Lilly wished that he would turn around. She was trapped in a nightmare and she knew if he would just look at her, see what Valerie did to her, he would come to his senses and she could wake up.

“I ca… I won’t hurt you. But you need to go.”

“No! No, Negan, please, don’t do that to me.” Her eyes filled with tears.

You need to go, Lilly. I don’t ever want to see you in Alexandria again.

“You can’t stay at Sanctuary. You will go to an outpost.”

“Please Negan! This is my home.”

Alexandria is my home, Rick.

Not anymore.

“Not anymore, Lilly. You have until morning to pack up your shit, but you’re not allowed to leave this room. I’ll send Fisher to look at those cuts.” He walked to the door while Lilly collapsed onto her bed, sobbing. Negan stopped in the doorway for a moment, his hand on the wall. He turned his head a little as if he wanted to look at her and say something. A moment later, he was gone.

[edibleflowerseu]

SOUNDS

The Microphones / Don’t Wake Me Up (1999) [K]

“You swam further out into the ocean I climbed higher in the tree At the top it started bending I swayed down to you in the sea When I saw you I called out your name And I let go and fell into the water”

...

Been on a Phil Elverum bender. Absorbing in truth and in earnest each album by the Microphones, exploring secrets within. Lots of feelings but can't explain em. Don't Wake Me Up isn't the best one but it's still very fun, and I've been hanging out with it a lot lately. Bringing it to the beach, putting back forties, just jamming out and thinking about our feelings together.

Dear Nora / Mountain Rock (2004) [Magic Marker]

“Coloring this natural bliss, however, is terror. The songs of Mountain Rock were penned in response to George W. Bush’s election, 9/11, and the early days of the Iraq War. A sensation of impending dread floats through them.” (---)

___

“I know it's gonna be a strange time Well it can't possibly be any stranger Than the present 'Cause now it is said there's a change And I sense the change in me”

...

An extension of my Phil Elverum kick. Think they're friends or on the same label or were at some point? He namedropped lead singer's Katy Davidson's post-Dear Nora project which I can't remember the name of rn on his Twitter.

Anyway, this album is a neat fun pleasing lil treat for the ears and soul. It sits somewhere between a standard 70s folk album and whatever genre Angel Olsen and Waxahatchee are in; throws in some lo fi indie rock too. The band was active between 1999 and 2008 so that makes sense time wise, stuck between pre-hipster corruption Portland lo-fi and blog-hype post-post-indie. When grunge waned in the Northwest and the quiet introspection of indie folk and indie-pop took its place. In terms of lyrics, it feels like a mix between the Microphones and the Moldy Peaches. Lots of stuff about nature but lots of stuff about friends and crushes and straightforward “you're the best dudes that I know” type stuff. Very good, songs are very short which is nice and kinda a bummer too. We want more time w/ Dear Nora's Mountain Rock!! Come on !!!!

(In terms of this album being tinged w/ dread in post-9/11 Bush America I legit didn't even sense that, probably because the world is way worse rn and I was drawn more to the simple lyrics about buds than anything about how the world is gonna be destroyed, which I already knew when I was like 7 years old).

Kyle Bobby Dunn / Kyle Bobby Dunn & the Infinite Sadness (2014) [Students of Decay]

“It's easy to take an artist like Kyle Bobby Dunn for granted; he’s made music for 12 years, and it’s all been ambient drone. Despite his consistency, Dunn's latest release is an especially notable release in its catalog, especially in how it's more focused, more laser-like in the way it hits its marks.” (---)

...

Didn't actually listen to this cause it would cost money I don't have. But I peeped three long-ass tracks off this 3-LP album on Students of Decay, who I did a little blurb about a few weeks ago. Was reading a book and it made the book better.

This dude has been active like 15 years now. Droning guitar type shit, u know how Students of Decay rolls I told u the other week. U payin attention to me right.

Marvin Gaye / What’s Going On? (1971) [Motown]

“Mercy mercy me Things ain't what they used to be”

...

The album that brought forth Gaye's legendary auteur period, where he could largely do whatever he wanted. Hilariously enough, found out that his producer heard the title track off this album and called it “the worst thing I've ever heard in my life.” He pushed back against Gaye's insistence on moving beyond a hypersexual pop-singer until Gaye straight up stopped making music for Motown. Starved for hits from him, they gave him more creative control. And so it began.

Tbh tho, while I love “Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)” some other tracks run a bit too cheesy for me to be into. “Save the Children” and so forth. But its fun to get yourself in that cheesy zone and be a weird gooey guy. Ya know.

Wolves in the Throne Room / Celestial Lineage (2011) [Southern Lord]

“Despite being relative latecomers to the game, and even though they're fucking with the template more than purists would like, Celestial Lineage feels like the contemporary American scene's defining statement after San Francisco group Weakling's seminal 2000 offering Dead As Dreams. Since their early days, Wolves have grown assured, but haven't overstepped. The sound is enormous, but remains organic (at times, you can almost hear leaves rustling). It's true black metal creating its own rules, and a testament to the band that it can tweak something this much and still sound like it's sticking to the script.” (---)

...

Ok real talk don't know shit about Wolves in the Throne Room. This is their like third or fourth release but thought it was their first? This band has become a punch line in metal circles similar to Deafheaven or Liturgy, as just pretentious hipster kids sullying the genre with their dumb stupid shit. Black metal is famously purist, oftentimes holding less ambitious, by-the-book bands and albums in higher esteem than anything that pushes the genre forward. The American scene seems heavy tied to the same Northwest sense of awesome humbling nature. Agalloch is from Portland, I think. Others are from San Francisco like Weakling or Leviathan. Other shit exists too, I'm sure.

Too sleepy!! and underfed!! to write about this tbh. Maybe I'll get a book watch a documentary or some shit. Anyway I like listening to p much all black metal so that's what I'm gonna keep on doing.

Hafdis Bjarnadottir / Sounds of Iceland: Field Recordings (2015) [Gruenrekorder]

"This recording takes you on a round trip of Iceland. The aural journey starts westward from the island’s south in the cold, early spring. After a side trip into the West Fjords, our route traverses the north of the country at the height of summer, followed by an excursion into the interior highlands before a short stop in the East Fjords. As the sound trip nears its geographical starting point, autumn and winter make their appearance before the journey comes full circle. “The recordings do not feature any human-derived sounds.“ (---)

...

Nature was the first indie rock artist.

Other shit:

Pretty much every other Microphones album (still waiting to crack into the Mount Eerie catalog)

Omar Souleyman / Wenu Wenu

Ô Paon / Fleuve

Eric's Trip / Love Tara

Neil Cicierega / Mouth Moods

Slime Girls