#like here first off no one even has tricks prepared cause no one says trick but what we do is like. plastic spiders in their mailbox

[ninjatrashpanda]

Season 8 Episode 5 Write-Up

I’m predictable, but yes, I’ve watched this particular episode a lot more than the usual three to four times I do lmao, and I’ll probably watch it again a whole lot more during this week’s mini hiatus. Overall, ‘Masks’ was a lot less involved than the episodes before it, so I feel like this might actually be a little shorter than usual.

Anyway, if you’d like to see my thoughts on the previous episodes, you can find my masterlist here. Continue past the cut if you dare!

1. Henren and the plight of being a first responder parent

More Wilson family time! And Karen actually has lines this time!

Starting the episode with the Wilsons and Jee-Yun as the Wizard of Oz characters for an early Halloween photo shoot was a great choice. It’s a nice, lighthearted way to ease us into a nice, lighthearted episode. Y’know, before it pulls the rug out from under your feet and proceeds to rip out your heart and stomps on it. Fun!

Starting the episode proper, I’m a little torn right off the bat. Because yeah, Karen feeling that Hen is missing a lot of big milestones in Denny’s and now Mara’s lives because of her job is pretty valid, and I’m sure it’s a topic that isn’t once discussed and then done forever, especially since they now have two kids.

On the other hand, it did feel like she brought it up out of nowhere, and especially that close to Halloween when she knows that’s a busy night for first responders. I’m also not sure if that might have been the intention, because Hen seemed just as confused. And honestly, Denny and Mara weren’t even really upset either, so I don’t really know what Karen’s deal really is.

I will say that I’m not a big fan of how Hen (and by extension, Chimney) ended up “handling” the issue. Because they didn’t handle it. The way I understand it, either Hen or Chim could’ve taken Halloween off, so they…decided that neither was gonna take the day? Wouldn’t it, I don’t know, make more sense to say one of them takes Halloween off this year, and the other next year? Cause Karen has a point that being the only adult taking three kids trick or treating, even if Denny is a young teenager now, is a lot, and I’m sure she would’ve appreciated it had either Hen or Chim taken the opportunity to accompany her and the kids and help handle them. Hen basically unilaterally decided that Karen should do it all on her own, which is a major misstep in communication.

Also, Chim spends several moments of screen time lamenting that he’s missing his daughter’s first trick or treat. My man, I love you, but you…could’ve taken the day off and spent it with Jee (and Karen and the Wilson kids). The only person at fault you’re missing it is…you.

Aaaand we then basically get thrown into Denny getting hit by a car and pinned to the wall of a house right after that. Yes, we do get the short FaceTime scene in between there, but it doesn’t really do anything to really further the plot line outside of showing us Karen is still pissed. Also, uh, again, Denny, throughout that call? Isn’t upset. He’s totally cool with one of his moms missing Halloween. I genuinely still don’t get why Karen is this bent out of shape about it if the kids themselves are seemingly okay with it.

So, the car crash. Obviously, we knew it would happen from the promo after last week’s episode (and I pity those of us who streamed the episode the next day and chose not to watch the promo, therefore getting thrown into emotional turmoil and heart wrenching agony without notice). And I’m gonna go ahead and say we all probably knew from the getgo that Denny would be fine. No way they’d kill him off. 

Being prepared for the crash didn’t matter. Knowing the show wouldn’t kill Denny off didn’t matter. Because despite all of it, I was scared. The acting of everyone involved, from Aisha to Tracie to Declan to Kenny, pulled me in and made me feel like they might still do it, if that makes sense. I still knew they wouldn’t (to the point where “They wouldn’t do it” became my mantra throughout the whole sequence), but felt like they would, if that makes sense? I don’t know, I feel like I’m not explaining this properly.

Aisha and Tracie really brought their A game in this scene. Aisha sells Hen’s panic and anguish to the extent that I felt panicked and anguished. Tracie portraying Karen’s shocked, almost disbelieving lack of reaction was powerful in its own right, because you just know that later on, once the adrenaline wears off, she’s gonna break in half. Let’s get real here, ‘9-1-1’ is a silly show. It’s the show were sharks crash on the freeway, and bee-nados haunt Los Angeles. But every now and again, it shows us just what powerhouses it’s actors are, no matter whether they’re main, recurring, guests, whatever. Aisha and Tracie acted their asses off in this scene, and I appreciate them so much more than I could ever properly express with words.

This brings us to the hospital scene. Denny is safe. He’s injured, but out of the danger zone. Hen and Karen know their son will be okay, and it leads to them actually, properly talking about the issues they’ve had in the beginning of this episode. We have Hen wishing she had taken the night off, wondering if she could’ve stopped the whole thing, if she could’ve saved Denny. And we have Karen acknowledging how important Hen’s job is. It’s a nice, beautiful little scene that puts a nice bow on a slightly out-of-nowhere, but emotionally raw and resonant storyline. Karen’s “Thank God you were at work” has entered my list of 9-1-1 lines I’ll never forget. 

2. Tevan, Eddie, and the Curse of Billy Boils

Oliver Stark had way too much fun with his storyline this episode, and for good reason. I missed Buck being insane (affectionately), and putting any kind of superstition next to Eddie is always a treat. Add both a copious amount of Tevan cuteness, and the frankly amazing dynamic between Tommy and Eddie, and you have one of the best comic relief storylines the show’s ever had.

But let’s start at the beginning. Buck rents a dummy for the haunted house the 118 puts up in the firehouse. Except, surprise! It’s not a dummy, it’s actually a real, mummified body of a gunslinger from 200 years ago. 

And the biggest question about this is honestly: What. The. Hell???

Granted, Buck freaking out after he rips Billy’s arm off (in front of 15 children. Remember when Buck told a bunch of kids Santa’s not real? Looks like he can’t help but traumatize kids on the holidays) is hilarious (“He’s real! He’s real! He’s real! He’s real!”), but he does have a point. Why the hell did a prop store have a real, mummified body, and why did they rent it out to Buck as a dummy when they had it stored as a curio? I guess we’ll never know.

The hospital scene after Buck dislocates his shoulder (because Billy Boils cursed him 😂) might be my favorite scene in the Season so far. On top of Tommy being a concerned boyfriend (He came right after his shift! 🥰), we get Buck being, as I mentioned before, positively insane about this perceived “curse” Billy Boils put on him. Oliver’s delivery of his lines sounds so completely unhinged, I’m actually surprised Tommy, Eddie or the doctors didn’t have him transferred to a mental facility.

Speaking of the two of them, Tommy and Eddie’s dynamic is amazing, and I genuinely hope we get some scenes/storylines with just the two of them getting into shenanigans. Ryan and Lou’s chemistry is chaotic as hell, and I love it. Seriously, Eddie and Tommy could easily become the new Bobby and Michael, and I hope the show capitalizes on how well the two bounce off of each other.

Afterward, of course, we get Tommy and Buck in Buck’s loft, with Tommy being a perfect, doting, fussy boyfriend, bringing Buck a new ice pack, giving him some ibuprofen (No, I will not humor the “Buck is allergic to naproxen, Tommy poisoned him!” theory, Tommy clearly says he’s giving Buck an ibu, Buck takes it, which he wouldn’t if his naproxen allergy was affected by ibuprofen.), fluffs his pillow! (I don’t know why it’s the pillow fluffing that makes me melt into goo, but it is!) And instead of taking Buck’s bed upstairs, he sleeps on the couch with the tiniest blanket known to mankind while Buck sleeps on the armchair because of his shoulder, just so he can be close to him if he needs him.

Tommy Kinard, the man that you are 💖

And of course, Tommy gets up early the next day to make his injured boyfriend breakfast, because obviously. I genuinely love the shock and terror when he sees the boils on Buck’s face. Lou already gets to be a lot more animated and expressive than he got to last season, and it’s paying off.

They call Eddie over, and we’re right back to the fantastic dynamic all three of them have with each other. We have Tommy teetering between worried and exasperated (and God, do I love how hard he instantly backtracks the moment Buck accuses him of finding him gross), while Eddie completely dismisses the existence of a curse in the first place, and reassures Buck that the boils are probably gonna clear up by next shift. I highly doubt that Buck could even work next shift, considering that he dislocated his shoulder yesterday, but whatever, this is the show where Chimney came back to work a month after his head was impaled with rebar, so.

“Probably allergies, he said. Probably just in my head, he said. Probably clear up by next shift, he said!” Oliver’s delivery of this particular part made my freaking night when I watched it for the first time, and Ryan absolutely nailed the grossed out can’t-even-look-at-you parts. Loved the part where Eddie actually gave Buck five bucks, and how Buck straight up just snatches the bill. This show is a comedy, and it’s amazing.

The hospital waiting room scene after Denny’s accident features a lot of foreshadowing, imo. Tommy not being in the group chat yet, and his comment about how good it must feel to have a crew like the 118, who always have each other’s back, is a very clear call back to last season, where he already expressed how jealous he was.

Honestly, I think Tommy is pretty lonely. Yeah, he seems to have quite a few friends, but he doesn’t necessarily seem close to anyone, surrounded by people, yet not feeling like he belongs anywhere. Which could just be a side-effect of him being a very recent addition to the recurring cast, but the writing choices around him seem to point toward this being part of his character, and potentially part of the hurdles Buck and Tommy allegedly face next episode. I’m looking forward to it!

And then we get to the last scene at the cemetery. Between Buck being his usual compassionate, empathetic self to a dead outlaw who died 200 years ago, talking about how he understands how painful going through life alone is (which just seems to be more foreshadowing about Tommy, tbh), and how Billy doesn’t have to be alone in death anymore, because Buck is in his posse now, this scene was a perfect blend of funny, heartwarming, and surprisingly deep.

Because yeah, of course Buck would empathize with Billy having been betrayed by his posse and dying alone. Buck knows probably better than any other main character what it means to be truly alone. Sure, he had Maddie when he was a kid, but she moved to Boston with Doug when he was twelve. So, like, Buck was alone, maybe with a few shallow friendships throughout middle and high school, from age twelve to age twenty-six, when he joined the LAFD and was assigned to the 118. This silly funeral scene is unironically one of the best showings of Buck’s empathy and emotional intelligence we’ve had in a while.

And, of course, we get Buck calling Tommy his boyfriend for the first time. It isn’t even presented as a big moment, he just casually says it, casually points at Tommy while he says it. And I think there’s a certain beauty in it, because it tells us that they’ve been official for a while now. In fact, I’d say everything regarding their storyline in this episode has been about how they’ve been official for a while. Tommy’s comfort level in Buck’s apartment, Tommy roasting Buck with Eddie, Buck and Tommy having cute little squabbles. This episode genuinely did such a good job at showing us how solid Tevan are, and it did it in a completely seamless way, without much shoehorned in dialogue. It’s honestly really well done.

Also, to end this section, we got four Evans this week, so I expect at least four Tah-mes next week. Maybe more. And more Evans. I’m craving it.

3. Miscellaneous scene thoughts

I’m gonna make this part short and sweet.

I loved Bobby putting on the romanian accent and calling himself “Cap Dracula.” It gave massive Dad vibes, and continues to allow him to be more lighthearted and funny this season, which Peter absolutely nails.

The haunted house scene was super fun, and I love how into it Hen and Chim were. Eddie being cringe af and failing to scare kids was not only funny, it was fitting ridiculously well, especially since his costume was…questionable. They could’ve done a better werewolf is what I’m trying to say.

Also, I’m pretty sure the LAFD would not spend this much money on a freaking haunted house. Like, that almost looked like a professional haunted house, with super professional looking makeup on Hen, and the whole extensive werewolf getup for Eddie.

Loved the Halloween call montage, especially Athena with the clown car. You gotta love how this show has Angela Bassett, and they utilize her by having her stop a drunk driver driving a little car full of clowns.

Speaking of Athena, I thought about giving her “plot” its own section, but it’s so little it barely qualifies as a C plot. Long story short, I don’t think the message was that the teen girls were fully responsible for Denny getting injured. But they were involved and carry part of the blame. Had they, and other kids like them, not needlessly and stupidly antagonized and pranked their vice principal, he wouldn’t have snapped and started chasing them down. Yes, he is mostly to blame, because he couldn’t properly control his emotions, but he was pushed to his breaking point by having his house vandalized again and again and again. Also, frankly, I question Maddie’s complete lack of sympathy and willingness to help in the guy's case. Sorry, but several people putting a flaming bag of shit on a man’s porch, throwing eggs at his house and covering it in toilet paper absolutely warrants the police. Being a kid doesn’t excuse ruining somebody’s home. Yes, the principal chasing the girls down and trying to run them off the road was extreme and unforgivable, but can we stop pretending they didn’t do anything wrong?

Like, is this an American thing? Excusing vandalism on Halloween and telling people they should just clean up the mess and shut their mouths? Do dispatchers actually go “Sorry, but not tonight, try again tomorrow morning”? I’m confused.

4. Final Thoughts

This was easily my favorite episode this season so far. I especially love how both major plots of the episode revolve around our main queer couples, yet you don’t even really notice because it just…feels natural. 9-1-1 didn’t feel it necessary to highlight that it focused a whole episode on two queer couples. The storylines also don’t revolve around queerness at all and would have happened the same way if Henren and Tevan were straight ships. The show, in ways you still don’t see that often, doesn’t treat its queer relationships differently from its straight ones, and I think that’s really neat.

*

And that’s it. If you read to the end, thank you for reading! If you want to discuss things with me, write a comment, reblog, shoot me an ask, whatever you want! Or don’t, that’s fine too. I’m gonna be back with more random thoughts next week.

Bye bye!

[definitelynotshouting]

dance au you say 👀👀👀 is it like Grian and Scar typically do different styles of dance but are for some reason partnered together or do they dance the same style and gotta choreograph a routine together but kinda buttheads with how they choreograph

Not quite, although thats a super cool idea!!! :D my au is about Grian asking Scar for dance lessons while preparing for an event he's been invited to-- he's expected to dance, and has never really applied himself to learn more than the very basics until now.

Scar, however, is an excellent dancer and offers to teach him, builds them an intricate gazebo to learn in, shows up to their first lesson in an immaculate new suit, and proceeds to unintentionally but enthusiastically seduce Grian-- who's had a crush for a long time, but hasn't yet gotten up the courage to do anything about it.

The penultimate scene goes a little something like this:

Grian asks Scar for one last practice session before the event. He doesn't even need to feign nervousness-- he's practically sweating bullets. But practicing isnt really his motivation here; in all honesty, he just wants to spend one more time in Scar's arms.

It's evening, golden and sticky with summer, and they're dancing as the sun slowly begins to set. Scar's complimenting, hyping him up, telling him he's a natural now, he'll do so great. He'll be rooting for him at the event the ENTIRE time. The jukebox's music fades, and the dance ends with a flourish, and Grian finds himself nose to nose with a Scar who is gazing at him like he's everything.

Then Scar seems to shake himself, disengages, and gently tells him he'll do great. Amazing, even. The envy of the dance floor. They both step back at the same time.

But the sun is hitting Scar's face just right, and he's gorgeous, and Grian just had him in his arms, and-- and-- and--

Grian impulsively darts forward and kisses the life out of him, fast and a little messy, with his heart beating right out of his chest. And then in true Grian fashion, he freaks out about his own impulsivity and flies away without addressing ANY of this bc he Cant Be Normal Ever, leaving poor Scar to stare off into the sunset with his hand pressed absently against his lips.

What follows after that is some very strained event participation on Grian's part, and Scar trying desperately to talk to him while Grian dodges him like his life depends on it. Eventually, Grian gets exhausted by it all and takes a moment to recoup by wandering outside for some fresh air.

This is where Scar finds him; a little cold, a bit shivery, feeling VERY sorry for himself, and finally Grian doesn't have the patience or energy to run any longer. I actually wrote out a tiny snippet of this scene:

"You know, you're, uh, awful slippery when you want to be." Scar's voice is deceptively casual. "You've gotta teach me that vanishing trick sometime." "Grow wings," Grian suggests wryly, then sobers, pulling Scar's jacket a little tighter around his shoulders. "Sorry. For— that. Yesterday. Yeah." "Sorry you did it? Or sorry it happened?" "Scar," Grian says, pained, "you just said the exact same thing twice." "Not really." Scar's voice is quiet, contemplative. He still isn't looking at Grian when he speaks. "'Cause, y'know, there's— I mean, dancing is pretty intimate, right? Plenty of opportunity for things to just... happen, without them meaning to. It's pretty common, really." He's giving Grian an out, he realizes. An escape hatch left wide open, a gaping crevice Grian can slip through without snagging his feathers. He could lie, right here and right now, and Scar is telling him that would be okay. Everything could go back to normal. Maybe its the atmosphere. Maybe it's the night air, a cool caress on his face, and the moon rising high and bright in the sky above them. A waxing growth that limns them both in pretty silver, catching on the edges of Scar's profile. He's beautiful, as always, and as much as Grian's stomach trembles, he can't tear his eyes from the sight of him. "More like I'm sorry for ruining a perfectly good friendship," Grian croaks at last. Scar blinks, lips parting briefly, throat bobbing as he swallows. His gaze lowers slowly, until his lashes paint dark lines against his cheeks. "Who says it got ruined?" he finally asks. "Scar, I kissed you," Grian says miserably, huddling further into himself. "Yeah, that was kinda hard not to notice." "Scar." "What? It's true! I was there, I saw it!" Oddly, there's the hint of a smile threading into Scar's voice; when he turns to pin Grian's gaze, it reflects on his lips, tilted up the tiniest fraction. In the moonlight, his eyes almost glow. "But sure, lets assume you've ruined a friendship. Which you have not, by the way— in case you were wondering." All the air leaves Grian's lungs at once. He's paralyzed, tipping over the knife's edge of something only Scar can see. "I didn't?" "Nah." Scar's voice is achingly warm now. "Not even close. Actually, my only question right now is: do you wanna do it again?"

Anyway they smooch again and get catcalled by their friends and Grian dips Scar bc Scar deserves to get dipped and its very sweet bc sometimes u rlly do just need some low stakes pining THEE END❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[aeoki]

Number Eight - Tripping: Chapter 3

Characters: Rinne, HiMERU, Kohaku & Niki Location: Inside Truck Container

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ< Midnight. Inside the truck container. >

Niki: *Yawns…* ♪

Mmm~ I can’t tell what’s going on since there’s no light in here…

Kohaku: You seem pretty sleepy, Niki-han. You should take a nap.

Your intestines don’t absorb nutrients that well, so you’ll just hurt your body if you don’t rest, you know?

Niki: Oh, I’m okay. I’ll feel bad if I’m the only one sleeping.

Still, we’ve been in a bus, a helicopter, a plane, a car and now a truck~ I wonder how far we’ve come.

Rinne: …………

HiMERU: Is Amagi… asleep?

Niki: Yeah. It’s dark so I can’t really see, but he’s oddly quiet.

Are you awake, Rinne-kun~?

Rinne: Yeah. Just saving some energy. I bet there’ll be a long road ahead of us.

There’s definitely nothing worth filming in this darkness, anyway~

HiMERU: Amagi is right. The cameras won’t be effective in this situation, so it’s the perfect time to rest.

The driver says there’s still around three hours left on the road. That’s ample time for resting.

Kohaku: We were saved by hitchhikin’.

We might not be able to find our car, but maybe we can reach our goal by hoppin’ from car to car.

HiMERU: Indeed. HiMERU doesn't know what conditions we must fulfil to complete the “???” mission.

But even the producers wouldn’t find it interesting if it’s too unreasonable of a mission. The mission should be completed once we reach the next town.

Niki: Trying to figure out what the mission’s actually telling us to do, huh. You’re good at that sorta stuff, aren’t you, HiMERU-kun~?

HiMERU: Well, usually, Amagi would take the initiative and think about these things first, though.

Amagi is resting and preparing for what’s to come. It’s not something HiMERU would go as far as saying that’s what HiMERU predicts he’ll do. It’s more like something that’s “typical” of him.

Rinne: Don’t start being nice in the oddest of times. It actually feels pretty creepy.

…Oh. Looks like the truck’s stopped.

Maybe it’s ‘cause there aren’t that many cars on the road at night, but we got here pretty quickly. Looks like the driver’s opening the door, so let’s get out.

Niki: Wow…!

It’s the beach! Guys, we’re at the beach! Look!

The beach looks really gentle when it’s lit up by the moonlight. I don’t think I’ll be scared of the night if it looks like this~♪

Rinne: It’s nothin’ to make a fuss about. Didn’t you learn at school not to make so much noise at night?

Niki: Hey, that’s discrimination, Rinne-kun. You know I didn’t go to high school!

Kohaku: I didn’t, either. Could you refrain from such thoughtless remarks~?

Niki: You better write an apology letter, you hear!

HiMERU: Please, enough arguing, everyone. Being an idol is one of the few jobs where your academic background has little to no importance.

In any case, we haven’t reached the next town, so why have we been let off here?

Is the driver taking a break? Well, the driver let us off and has returned to the driver’s seat, so something isn’t right.

Kohaku: Hmm. How odd. Why were we dropped off at such a strange place…?

Don’t tell me they didn’t want to take us all the way to the next town?

No, if that’s true, then…

No! The truck left!

HiMERU: Ugh. Is this also something that was set up by the show?

They shook us off the moment we had a peace of mind… To think we fell for the same trick twice – it’s not very smart.

Niki: Hey, you two~ Don’t be so grumpy.

Kohaku: You say that but it doesn’t change the fact that we’re sufferin’ from one thing after the other.

Niki: No, that’s not what I mean… Come on, look over there!

Rinne: That’s… the ES company car we used before, right?

It’s weird that we were dropped off here of all places, but… was that truck driver also part of the show?

Niki: Yeah. There’s no way the driver would just dump us out here for no reason!

They did their job and brought us to our car!

HiMERU: They definitely dropped us off at a place where we could see the car and then promptly left.

They must have been someone that was involved with the show.

Rinne: Someone involved, huh? If that’s true, then I wish they were nicer to us~

HiMERU: They were plenty nice. After all, they helped us find our car.

Kohaku: And it looks like we’ve completed the “???” mission. We also get to see the conditions for the missions now.

HiMERU: Right. The mission just now was “Hitchhike your way to reclaim your stolen car”...

In other words, our situation fulfils the conditions for completion.

And our reward is “petrol”... It seems the ES company car has been filled.

Niki: Does that mean the ones who stole the car also filled it up?

Either way, it’s exactly as you guessed, HiMERU-kun. We can finally start driving on our own again!

We’ll leave the driving to you, Rinne-kun!

Rinne: Yup, just leave it to me… is what I’d love to say, but…

Niki: ?

Rinne: We’ve been holed up in a cramped and dark container for the past couple of hours. It might not be a bad idea to feel the night breeze and to breathe in some clean air for a bit, right?

Look, we can see the sea from the West Coast. It feels kinda weird when you realise our hometown is way beyond that, right?

Niki: What? You told me not to make a fuss and yet, here you are, enjoying this overseas trip to the fullest.

Well, it’s fine. It feels like we could finally catch a break.

We’ll rest for a bit, pick ourselves up and then roll the dice again.

Rinne: Yup. It’s definitely gonna get cold real quick, so we’ll head back into the car when it does.

Until then, let’s gaze out at the sea and rest for a while.

………♪

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂  Next Chapter →

[kay-elle-cee]

@jilytoberfest 31 Prompts: Day 5 || 696 Words || Read on Ao3 —

James.

That’s what the hastily-filled out nametag on the newcomer’s chest says as he sinks himself into the chair across from her. He’s fit—undeniably so—with his mess of dark curls, his playful hazel eyes more contained than hidden behind square-framed glasses. Those eyes briefly travel from her face down her body in that quick first-glance way everyone at this bloody event tries to hide, and unlike the four suitors before, this one sends her blood sizzling.

Lily clears her throat, drawing his eyes back up to her face and she recognizes something in his smile. It’s the same kind of smug amusement her last boyfriend had worn anytime she’d try to argue a point. And while James hadn’t yet spoken a word, the memories of Dennis turn her mood from pleasantly intrigued to wary and confrontational.

(No matter how fit he is).

Lily raises her chin and surveys him with disinterest as she breaks the ice. “Why are you here?” 

Her tone, at least, has the effect of catching him off guard.

“What do you mean?”

“I mean my friends tricked me into coming,” she explains with the raise of an eyebrow. “I don’t…do this. So why are you here?”

There’s a flaw. There has to be a flaw. Playboy. Sniffs out desperation. Trust issues. Commitment issues.

James’ brows furrow in confusion and he leans back from the table a bit, clearly put-off by her line of questioning. “Went through a bad breakup a couple of months ago, thought this was a low-stakes way to get back out there”

She glances at the hourglass timer between them skeptically. ‘Speed dating’ and ‘low-stakes’ seemed to be totally opposing concepts.

“Who was at fault?”

Lily hears the edge in her voice and truly she holds no ill will towards this man, it’s just Dennis, again, getting under her skin.

James’ shoulders go rigid and his head cocks to the side, the muscles in his neck catching her gaze. “I don’t see how that’s your business.” His words aren’t as cutting as she expected for such a personal question, and that fact throws her a bit off-kilter.

Determined to keep up this slightly-antagonistic atmosphere, she folds her arms in a mirror of him. “We’re supposed to be asking questions, right? Checking for compatibility?”

“I mean I suppose, but you’re asking all the questions and it’s beginning to feel like an interrogation.” He breathes a bewildered laugh. “I mean, whatever happened to ‘what do you like to do in your spare time’?”

Heat climbs her neck and settles into her cheeks, and she’s fully aware that she’s been acting like a petulant child only to be called out by the best-looking guy she’d been matched with all night. Unfolding her arms, she leans forward as if preparing to tell him a secret. “Well maybe I think this whole thing’s ridiculous?”

“Do you?”

“Yes.”

James is silent for a moment, studying her before leaning forward. “Then why are you here?”

“I already told you—”

“You said your friends tricked you,” he interrupts, shrugging. “You could’ve walked away when you saw what it was.”

She’s quiet, and doesn’t like the winning smirk on his face. Taking a deep breath, she subtly tilts her head to the side and takes a sip of water, relishing how his attention unconsciously drifts to her lips as she pulls the glass away.

“I think this whole concept is a farce, but that doesn’t mean I can’t see if anyone clicks enough for a nice shag, now, does it?”

She has the satisfaction of shocking him speechless right as the sand runs out of the hourglass between them and a call rings out from the front of the pub. “Time! Please rotate your tables.”

“Nice meeting you, James,” she dismisses, folding her arms and leaning back in her chair as her words—sultry, teasing, out of reach—cause his breath to catch. He stands, dumbstruck, and moves to the next table as he runs a hand through tousled black curls.

Lily would be lying if she said the way his eyes—curious, hazel, thoughtful—wander back to her throughout the evening don’t send a jolt of electricity coursing through her veins.

[mysterybooks-world]

what the hell man

I set one rule myself

That I respect any kind of fan story or fan art and I respect their opinion

But if there is something I don't like

I Simply comment (I don't like it) That's all. Because I don't want to cause problems or hurt their feelings

for example

I like Frowny Fox But they hate him

Who do I mean they?

@darling.kia..fandoms on TikTok

I was looking for AMV or TikTok about Frowny Fox

When I found this Videos

Usually I don't make wars on the fandom Rather, I stop fighting on the fandom BUT darling.kia..fandoms made Frowny Fox a bad person

Oh yes poor dogday And I was like what WHAT…

Yes, I know there are characters, some people like it and others they don't like, however

I would like to ask them: Did you even witness the episode?

first: Good design on they characters gacha I give them that

second: It wasn't funny to make this kind of video about Frowny Fox Yes we get it, you don't like Frowny Fox

I will be honest I'm not very interested in smiling critters. I was interested in game poppy playtime

And let me say poppy playtime 3 the playing was crazy I was literally ready for all sorts of jump scares

For example, if I heard a sound or anything in the shadow, I became prepared mood

How many times have I had to lift my heart from the ground because of this tension in the halls?

And Don't get me started on the radio

It was like someone was talking to me on the radio

when I saw catnap I was like Oh no, here comes the nightmare.

Anyway

I didn't have a favorite among them Even though I read the fans story About them and like the fan art About smiling critters.

but when GameToons made Frowny Fox

He has become my favourite smiling critters.

So yeah I guess what really bothered me They made Frowny Fox seem like a bad person.

Even though Frowny Fox is the victim in the first place

The REJECT CRITTER… (Cartoon Animation) REVENGE of the REJECT CRITTER… (Cartoon Animation) HAUNTED by the REJECT CRITTER… (Cartoon Animation)

I have read comments on (REVENGE of the REJECT CRITTER& HAUNTED by the REJECT CRITTER)

You want a new episode about the smiling critters apologize to Frowny Fox and And they become his friends Like the episode of (The REJECT of BANBAN)

But there is a difficult thing to forgive people for what they did to you

Why do I feel Deja vu؟

Let me clarify some things

I don't think Happy is not true friend to Frowny Fox

Yes I know

I know what you're going to tell me

Happy was the only person who cared About him But is this really the case?

Happy She wanted to throw the cupcake at dogday because he hurt her friend Frowny Fox. but dogday use Frowny Fox as a shield

Did you see dogday's face, how happy he was behaving?

and he supposed be the leader of the smiling critters. If he behaved like this, he does not deserve his title as a leader

REVENGE of the REJECT CRITTER

Yes I know it was an accident. Happy Didn't mean for this to happen. she Didn't want him to fall in incinerator

But she didn't do anything Like how she knows he's dead, he might be alive there and he's injured

For example, turn it off the incinerator And check it If he is still alive But no She just cried and said sad words and left

And did you see a reaction of DogDay & KickinChicken

They did not care that they killed him, but rather they cared about themselves. They were afraid they would get into trouble

not only this. In this scene

HAUNTED by the REJECT CRITTER

KickinChicken: we have to destroy frowny Fox again

DogDay: but there's no way to destroy him without destroying hoppy too

They don't care about him

And after they locked him in the vacuum.

hoppy: yeah thanks, guys I can't believe I fell for frowny Fox's trick

KickinChicken: it's okay hoppy we're safe now frowny Fox won't bother us ever again

Okay, wait a minute, why is this a scene?

Why do they say this as if he is an evil person here.

They bullied & Abuse him but When frowny Fox wants to fight back Suddenly they act like victims here

in the REVENGE of the REJECT CRITTER In this scene (4:59/8:17)- (5:43/8:17)

Did you notice the sweating on frowny Fox head?

I don't think he wanted that either.

He doesn't want to hurt anyone, but he is angry and lost because of the betrayal of his only friend

But maybe if hoppy did jump in the incinerator

frowny Fox will come to his senses And saves her

He says sorry hoppy, I don't know what happened, I was blinded by my anger. I'm sorry.

I know some of you ship Frowny Fox with Hoppy But hear me out

And Don't get me started on hoppy behavior.

in the REVENGE of the REJECT CRITTER 3:29/8:17

her behavior was right to be angry Both of them

But her behavior was wrong in (HAUNTED by the REJECT CRITTER) in the scene from 1:14 to 1:20 She was really sad for him

But what shocked me?

this the scene 1:33 suddenly she became happy to play with KickinChicken

The same person who hurt her friend

The same person who bullies her friend

She didn't even do a Grave for Frowny Fox

but in (CATNAP'S SACRIFICE)

They did a grave for catnap Because they care about him

and in episode: The SMILING CRITTERS are DEAD

catnap did funeral for them

But did happy perform a funeral for Frowny Fox? No, she did not

She was simply sad for him and moved forward In her life

Not even a day has passed and she simply forgot about him And play with people who hurt him

I mean come on If you had the same friend as this, would you forgive them that easily?

I don't know why Frowny Fox give me vibes like Villainess Manga Character

I read some of the comments about Frowny Fox for example

He was rushing to judgment. hoppy didn't mean to do this

Frowny Fox is a Emo

Frowny Fox is exaggerating things Just Get over it.

And I want to respond to all of them this:

ME: Let me remind you guys In the episode The REJECT CRITTER

the leaders of Playtime Co decided to come up with a brand new smiling Critter one that went in a New Direction

(In an advertisement)

you've seen other cheery smiling Critters like Dog Day and Bubba Bubba but you've never seen anyone quite like FrownyFox the brand new smiling Critters or should I say unsmiling Critter

while the others Giggl and play FrownyFox rests alone contemplating life's big questions unlike others he's sensitive a great listener and more than anything longs to be understood

FrownyFox cuz you can't have rainbows without a little rain

they were sure that he would be a valuable new member of The Smiling Critters Lineup a bold innovation that would allow them to tap into a whole array of human emotions.

It's not his fault he's made like this

FrownyFox is supposed to be sensitive

His name literally starts with Frowny

I think I know what's really bothering me about @darling.kia..fandoms videos

they Make him like an evil character in a gacha video.

but Frowny Fox is the victim here, not Smiling Critters

What do you guys think about that

Tell me your opinion in the comments

[scribblestatic]

*turns on the circus music*

More Clown Deku todaaaay

---

Izuku decides to take a walk to air out his feelings.

He's so frustrated! Kacchan should never tell anyone to kill themselves, even if he isn't serious about it! No one should ever suicide bait!

It's exceptionally unpleasant, and very unbecoming of a future hero!

But, Izuku decides not to think too much about it anymore. After all, he wants to go watch some villain attacks. Many of them occur downtown, and if he goes to watch, he could maybe learn a thing or two from how the heroes handle it.

On his way there, he's about to walk into a tunnel, but feels something tug.

Something at the back of his mind, telling him not to go under there.

But, with his current route, it's the only way to get where he's going without going a roundabout. Even so, he can't bring himself to walk into the tunnel. So, instead, he stands outside of it, anxiously looking around it, wondering if maybe his worries are just in his head.

...But, well, it's probably best if he doesn't take his feelings of danger for granted.

He sighs wordlessly, put off by the thought of finding the long way around. Even so, it's what he feels comfortable doing, so he heads for the long way.

"Get the hell back here, you runt!!"

Izuku startles, and upon looking down the tunnel, he sees a sludge-looking person burst out of the sewage line. And they start heading straight toward him!

He panics, his hands waving in the air as he considers which way to run...

But, if that guy was waiting in the shadows for him, what would happen if he let this person escape?

Sure, it wouldn't be good for him to try to use his quirk illegally, but as long as he's being attacked, it's self-defense. He just has to know not to go so far as to kill the man.

Alright then! It's time to see if he can take down a villain!

Izuku puts on a serious expression just as the sludge guy reaches for him.

First thing's first, throw the person off.

Bending forward, the top of his backpack opens. Unlike usual, it's as though a dark cavern exists on the inside.

Before the villain can touch him, a cartoonishly large red rubber fist flies out, attached to an extendable arm.

Unable to stop himself, the villain's eyes widen in shock for a brief moment before his face gets splattered, the sudden impact causing him to fall back in a very oobleck fashion.

Right, Izuku can't run away now. He has to make sure the villain stays in one spot! Hopefully, a pro hero will arrive soon or something. But just in case, he prepares to send a "villain alert" on the app made for documenting villain attacks.

However, the enemy's already reconfiguring himself before he can finalize the submission, so Izuku runs into the tunnel and past the still-reforming man.

"Get back here you little--"

Now, Izuku's quirk doesn't quite make sense. And because of that, the things around Izuku, if he puts the right things in place, don't make sense either.

And when Izuku ran past, he dropped a few banana peels. Which, of course, with an oobleck body, should not affect the man in normal terms.

Yet, he still slips and falls backwards, becoming a (very confused) puddle on the ground.

Back and forth, Izuku runs to keep the villain in the tunnel. And with each pass, he uses a different trick to keep the man away from him, unable to capture him. And the longer it goes on, the more confused, frustrated, and even exhausted the sludge man becomes.

"I AM HERE!!"

Both Izuku and the sludge villain turn toward the hero who just arrived.

All Might smiles brightly like he usually would, preparing to say something heroic.

But before he can, the sludge villain speaks first.

"PLEASE just catch me already!"

"...Huh?"

Izuku stands there, his eyes practically glowing with stars. It's All Might!! It's really him!! In the flesh!!!

Meanwhile, the sludge villain looks nearly to tears.

"I can't get rid of this little bastard, and he won't let me go! Just capture me and get this over with!"

"...Well, since you've seen the error of your ways--"

"I haven't! I just want this clownish motherfucker out of my face!!"

Before either adult could say anything, Izuku pops up between them, smiling brightly.

"Ah, young man--"

Izuku holds up a finger, causing the hero to go silent. Behind the boy, the sludge villain groans in emotional and psychological pain.

The boy shows that his hands are empty, back, front, back, and front again. Then, he claps his hands together, and a red ball suddenly appears.

He begins to juggle that one red ball around, but before All Might or the sludge villain can move, that red ball suddenly becomes joined with a blue ball...then a moment later, a yellow ball.

"Th...That's quite fantastic, young man, but--"

Then, All Might notices that one of the balls is, for some reason, replaced by an empty soda bottle.

He startles, then checks his pant pockets, only to find the empty bottles he'd prepared to be missing.

When he looks back up, the second bottle is there being juggled, too, when it hadn't been there before.

"How are you..."

"Don't bother askin'! The little fucker doesn't say a single damn word!" the sludge villain complains.

The balls seem to disappear while he juggles until he's only left with the bottles. He smiles up at All Might, then jogs over toward the sludge villain.

"Wait, young man--"

Just as he feared, the sludge villain cries out in anger and goes for an attack.

But a cartoonishly large hand, one that looks like a cat's paw, smushes the man against the wall in a splatter.

He screams with rage from behind the paw.

Izuku knocks the bottles together, then clicks his heels together. And when he spins around, the bottles become something like a large tablecloth. The villain slides down from his previously splattered position, only for his body to become covered by the big cloth.

The sound of a drum roll rings from the boy's bag as the cloth moves around, like the villain can't find his way out. Eventually, the struggling stops, the roll still going.

Izuku grins, then pulls the cloth away.

With the triumphant sound of a symbol, the boy reveals the villain, locked snuggly within the two empty soda bottles All Might brought with him. Moreover, they had a comical amount of locks bolted onto them. There was no way the villain was getting out on his own.

All Might stares.

The villain struggles futily from inside the bottles.

Izuku smiles sweetly, doing jazz hands at the captured villain.

After a little bit of processing, All Might ends up letting out a hearty laugh.

"Could it be that you kept this villain occupied until someone could arrive?"

Izuku nods quickly, looking up at him with shy, coquettish eyes now that his performance is done. Had it been him when he was younger, he would've started mumbling away about how cool All Might is. But he knows better than to speak now, so he contains it behind excited trembling and a large gaze that screams excitement.

"Well, I don't know what to say! What an amazing performance!"

All Might's beside him in an instant, grabbing the bottles.

"However, you should be much more careful, young man! Who knows what kind of danger you could've gotten into?! Still, I can't fault you completely for doing your best to keep others safe! Just remember to take care of yourself, understood?"

Izuku nods again, nearly in tears.

To think! All Might would compliment one of his performances! He did a good enough job for All Might to like it!

Though...there's that tug again.

But this time, it's stronger, pulling...

Toward All Might? But what is that supposed to mean?

"Well then, I'm afraid I can't stay for long. Evil never stops, and so a hero shouldn't stop either!"

Izuku thinks, right then, that the tug is likely related to some sort of danger. He's not exactly sure how it works, but it seems to be a pertinent danger, and it's lingering around All Might. He should find out what's going on so he can warn the hero!!

And that's why, despite his better judgement, he ends up clinging to the man's pants as they sail through the air.

He's unable to scream, so he just cries with his eyes instead, All Might scolding him for grabbing on.

Thankfully, they touch down at a nearby building, dust and steam getting kicked up.

When the steam appears, in particular, that tug pulls harshly on the back of Izuku's mind.

...Was it that the tugging from before wasn't even related to the villain? Could it have been All Might all along?

Regardless, Izuku waits as the steam settles...and in place of his favorite hero, a dilapidated, withered man stands. Though, Izuku's not so much of a fool that he can't understand at least a bit of what just happened.

The withered man is wearing the same clothes All Might just was. Same eye color, same hair color, same height--though substantially less beefy.

Izuku claps his hands together, forming a notepad. When he turns it to the man, there's already a question on it.

[All Might?]

The hero sighs deeply, tiredly.

"Well...this isn't how I expected my afternoon to go."

[anticomedygarden]

Trick, or treat?!

hi, lovely anon!

i may have mentioned before that i like to write isolated scenes of characters losing it when i'm going through shit to let off steam, so here is a piece of one of those that no one will ever see in full, modified into a one shot

-

Throughout his Gran's speech, Henry's hands became more and more sweaty, eventually getting to the point where he had to concentrate to keep them from slipping out of each other's grasp. It wasn't just the nerves; London had been on the receiving end of a massive heat wave - global warming, of course - and temperatures had breached 35 degrees Celsius for the first time that summer. It was no doubt deliberate - calling people together at unusual and uncomfortable places and all that - but if Mary thought discomfort would make him more pliable, she was sorely mistaken.

And that's what Henry was afraid of.

Because when his grandmother beckoned him up to the podium to give his speech, the speech so heavy in imperialistic and colonial ideals it would have made Philip uncomfortable, Henry found he couldn't do it. He made his way to the podium alright, but looking out into the faces he was supposedly responsible for, many of which were decked out in so many colored stripes and 'History, huh?' shirts one would think it was still June, he physically could not force himself to open his mouth and give this speech.

Thank you, Your Majesty. It is with great honor that I stand here today in front of such a wonderful people with the soul of our nation's history behind me.

Five years ago, he would have spoken the words laid out for him mechanically, filled with disgust for himself, because he thought that was his only option. Five years ago, he was so far in the closet, he didn't know which way was out.

Five years ago, he thought Alex hated him.

Things change, and he didn't have to take the Crown any longer.

He opened his mouth.

-

The moment Henry stepped on stage, Alex knew something was wrong.

It was 4:30 in the morning in New York, and Alex was watching the BBC broadcast of the royal speeches at the Tower of London. He couldn't give two shits about what the queen had to say, but he wanted to see Henry, and Henry looked like hell.

Just two nights before, Alex had traced and kissed and licked muscles over and over again until they fell flat, relaxed and strung out. Now, those muscles were rock hard, visibly straining against his suit, and only getting tenser the longer the queen spoke.

TV Henry stepped up to the podium and glanced down at the paper in front of him, then looked back up to give a speech Alex would never forget.

"Good morning, London," he began. For a second, he glanced down at the podium, and for a second, Alex thought everything was fine, that Henry was just gonna read off the script. Then he shook his head. "The speech prepared for me today is lovely, really. Kudos to whoever wrote it." Off to the side, Mary's eyes took on a hard expression. She didn't look mad, exactly; she would never let the public see her emote, but seen clearly wasn't happy. "But that's not my problem with it. You see, this speech weaves a beautiful tapestry of my family's history. A history that, when looked at with any kind of humane lens, is riddled with horrors, not least of which is actual genocide."

Alex's mouth dropped open. "Holy shit," he muttered, clutching the chain around his neck through his ratty pajama shirt. "Oh my god, he's gonna get assassinated."

Poor bleary David looked up at Alex then, but the brown haired man couldn't tear his eyes off the TV, not even when his phone started ringing.

Henry continued. "It's not like you even have to look very far to find it, not when this country is still actively involved in world affairs it has no business being involved in, or when I by myself am worth €25 million, and we have over 270,000 homeless people in the UK." He laughed, sending a shock through Alex's body, causing him to jump.

"Holy fuck, that's my boyfriend," he said into the empty living room. Then, louder, "That's my boyfriend." He was so fucking proud. (Worried, exponentially so, but also so proud.)

When Henry looked back at the crowd, his eyes were a bit manic. With a heavy hand, he slapped the podium and thrust an arm back, gesturing behind him at the Tower. "Look at that! I am literally standing in front of years of brutal colonialism, funded by jewels that aren't even ours! And it's right there! All in there."

Mary was still standing there, except now she was looking at a spot beyond the camera's sight line. Alex hoped to god it wasn't security. It was probably security.

It was okay, though, because Henry's arms were back down at his sides, although he was breathing heavily. "I apologize."

Alex breathed out a sigh, unsure if it relieved or disappointed.

"That's not quite true. Much of what we stole is in museums."

"Oh my god." For the first time in their relationship, Henry was the one fucking up a public appearance, and Alex was absolutely terrified for him.

On their call the night before, he'd mentioned something about the queen being worse than normal and making life generally miserable at the palace, but never in a million years did Alex anticipate Henry doing this.

"For now, I've got nothing left to say, which is probably a good thing since many of you are eyeing me quite distastefully, including my own security." He turned and got halfway off the podium before turning back around, holding up a fist, and saying, "Stay proud, London!" Then he left, disappearing out of the TV screen.

Alex didn't stay to see what happened next, instead scrambling for his phone. His thumb hesitated when he got to his contacts. Should he call Zahra, who could get him on a plane in the next half hour? Or Henry, who needed him?

He called Henry, obviousky. "Holy shit, sweetheart-"

"Alex, oh my god," Henry interrupted. "I'm coming home."

"Really?" Alex said, pausing on the stairs. Henry was still supposed to have two weeks left in London. "I was gonna come to you."

"No, I'm coming home," he said firmly. "Shaan said I can be on a flight within the hour. I'm not staying any longer than I have to."

"Okay. Cool. Hey, just out of curiosity, and feel free not to answer, but does this mean you've decided about abdicating?"

Henry laughed humorlessly. "I don't think I have a choice anymore."

"You always have a choice, sweetheart." Though Alex had to admit, it did not feel like it right now.

"Yeah." Alex heard a ragged breath on the other end of the line. "Alright. I think it's a yes. Right now. But we'll have to talk about it."

"Okay." Alex took a deep breath. "Okay. I love you."

"I love you, too. I'll see you in a few hours."

"See you, too."

He hung up and sat down heavily on the stairs, elbows on his knees and staring dumbly at the floor.

Holy shit.

[desi-lgbt-fest]

this is like a confession post? kinda? please feel free to not post this but i just need to vent this somewhere.

so for the past few months, i'm so very unsure of my future? i'm on the verge of getting admitted to colleges so like there's obviously the worry of if i'll ever be financially independent in the future (more so because i'm afab & a closeted queer and the idea of getting married to a cishet guy is the scariest thing ever & living alone or with another queer person seems beyond possibilities rn?). but there's also the question of how, even if i'm successful, will my future look like? like i don't have any examples before me of queer people living in comfort who are from homophobic families? and i cannot even conceptualize the idea of creating a future that will be good for me. then there's the added worry of finding friends & then, finding time for myself within the hectic lifestyle of today. i fear i will become my parents who don't have time or energy to engage in their hobbies. what does the future of me with my parents look like? it's just... it's so scary because i don't know what example to follow because there is seemingly none?

i really wish i could adopt a new identity & get lost somewhere at these moments istg.

Hey anon. This sounds pretty shitty, and i understand the struggle. I'm in my last year of highschool and finding a college is terrifying because of I'm in India then I'll stuck being in the closet. If I'm abroad I'll get to transition but my family might cut me off. That fear of being stuck and as my uncle has said being forced to make decisions with your back against the wall? It eats you up inside.

The way I imagine it's doing for you.

But I'm going to give you a trick my cool uncle taught me. Imagine your worst case scenario. In your case it might be getting stuck in a marriage you don't want and forced to being closeted right? Usually when people imagine their worst case scenario they stop right here. Shut if off cause the idea is terrifying and you don't want to entertain it.

Entertain it regardless.

Okay you get stuck in a marriage you don't want and are forced to remain in the closet... And? What happens to you? What do you do in this life? Try to think of it as an alternate universe version of you. What do you do??

Are you working, do you get kids? Is your husband nice? Are your in-laws nice? Do you have friends that support your queerness or are they shallow?

Build this world in your head. Why? You may be asking. Because throughout history we've found that the moment humans start questioning things, we do great things. So question, pound your head endlessly with them.

The fear won't look so bad anymore. And even if you do end up in this scenario (I am not saying you would, but in the case that you do) you'll be emotionally and mentally prepared to deal with it. Maybe you might at some point divorce your husband and live your dream life, who knows?

The point is, no one knows what the future may hold and a lot of the times we have these fears about it, because it is the one thing we cannot control. We can control how we deal with it. God forbid the worst case scenario happens, but if it does know that I strongly believe that you'll make it out fine. I promise.

And this is just a thought experiment, you can try it if you want and i sincerely hopes it works for you. But take my words with a grain of salt because I am barely eighteen and haven't seen much of life yet. I still have a lot to learn :)

(i also noticed you said you may not want it posted but I'm not sure if you meant that as I DON'T WANT ANYONE SEEING THIS or as a polite you can take your time answering. If it's the first one just send a follow up ask and I'll delete this)

-Mod Raissa

[duhragonball]

Dragon Ball GT 08

✨GT Stands for Grope Tolerance.✨

All right, let’s just get this over with.  So they took the Oolong story from Dragon Ball Episode 4 and extended it to two parts. This episode sees the heroes’ plan put into practice.  Zoonama buys into Trunks’ disguise and takes him back to his lair, which is somehow a cave near a volcano that can only be accessed by a lake.  Trunks’ wig falls off, but Zoonama doesn’t care, because he thinks its just a different girl instead.  Trunks plays into this by introducing himself as “Tolerance”.  Why not just use your real name?  Even if “Trunks” was especially masculine, we’re on an alien planet, so how would he know?

So Trunks moves on to the next phase of the plan: getting Zoonama blotto’ed on sake.  Why is is red, though?  Because it’s alien sake, I guess.  The problem is that Zoonama is Straight Edge so he won’t drink it.  So Trunks distracts him and splashes it all over their dinner instead.  Wouldn’t he taste the sake on all the food?  I mean, I don’t drink either but I’m pretty sure if you soaked a dinner roll in whiskey, I would notice something wasn’t right.

While I’m on the topic, there’s this whole elaborate feast laid out on Zoonama’s table, and I’m pretty sure that’s supposed to be the food the villagers were cooking up in the previous episode, while Trunks was getting fitted for his bridal gown.  But Zoonama never received the food, and even if he had, he never would have been able to take it home, since he’d have to carry it through the underwater tunnel.   So did he prepare all of this by himself?  No, that’s impossible, because he was shaking down the villagers for free food before this.  I’m pretty sure that was all he ever asked for until he decided he wanted a bride.

Yeah, here’s a flashback shot from Episode 7.  They’re giving this asshole all kinds of stuff, but how’s he supposed to get it into his house without soaking it through?  Is that a treasure chest?  Why does he need money?  Maybe those are actually scalloped potatoes instead of gold coins.

Never mind that shit, here’s Goku’s dick!  They’ve followed Trunks and Zunama to the lake connected to the cave, and Goku plans to swim around for clues, but Pan is aghast at him taking off all his clothes in front of her.  Look, Pan, it’s Dragon Ball, Goku’s gonna strut around nude.  You wanted to go along on this mission, so I don’t know what else to tell you. 

I like how she’s threatening to tell Chi-Chi about this, like she can do anything about it.  “Yeah, that’ll happen,” Chi-Chi will say when Pan gets back to Earth. 

All right, so the final step in Pan’s strategy is to link up with Trunks, then cut off Zunama’s whiskers, which is what he uses to start earthquakes.  They snip off one, but he wakes up before they can do the other, because they take their sweet-ass time about it.  Seriously, this whole series has been one rest-hold after another.  I recommend checking out a YouTube channel I found where this guy had edited every episode of GT down to under two minutes.  I watched them all in about half an hour’s time, and it still felt tedious.

So Zunama wakes up and the first thing he asks is why his bride is wearing that stupid outfit, so Trunks has to explicitly state that he’s a man.  It’d be funny if Zunama said “No, I figured that part out.   What I’m asking is: why are you wearing a beige sportscoat and khaki shorts?  You look like an idiot.”

Zunama finally figures out he’s been tricked, and tries to start an earthquake with his remaining whisker.  This time he threatens to cause the volcano to explode, which... wouldn’t that kill him along with everyone else?   They‘re right next to the damn thing, and just because he can cause earthquakes doesn’t mean he can survive their effects.

It doesn’t matter, because the quake stops even though his whisker is still wiggling.  Pan then deduces the truth: Zunama can’t cause earthquakes and never could.  Instead, he has the ability to predict earthquakes, and he’s been using it to fool people into thinking he could control them.

Then, as Zunama tearfully admits the truth, another earthquake happens, and the volcano begins to erupt.  See, in the last episode, it was established that Zunama’s visits had been getting more and more frequent, and that was because the seismic activity in the region was getting worse, and he had to put in an appearance each time in order to maintain his scam.  This has all been building up to this damn volcano erupting, which will likely destroy Zunama and the village, so it would have been smarter for Zunama to warn the others about the danger instead of threatening them for free shit. 

Anyway, they all head for the underwater tunnel, and Goku uses a Kamehameha to blast out of the lake, sort of like how he and Vegeta escaped Majin Buu’s head. 

But that doesn’t end the threat of the volcano itself...

So Goku fires another Kamehameha...

And destroys the entire volcano.  Would that stop the eruption, though?  Fuck it, who cares.  The point is Goku could have just done this from the start, or he could have whipped Zoonama’s ass and cut off his whiskers, and then when the earthquakes kept happening anyway, everyone would have realized the truth, and Goku could have taken out the volcano. 

Anyway, the villagers accept Zunama’s apology and decide to let him live with them, provided that he warns them if he senses anymore earthquakes.   Will his other whisker grow back? 

The gang receives the Dragon Ball as a reward, but then it floats out of Pan’s hands...

And over to this guy.

Who turns into this guy.

And he flies away. 

✨ “Good” “Ideas”, Poorly Executed✨

Why would an alien infiltrate this planet and steal a Black Star Dragon Ball?  That’s the big question we’re supposed to be left with, but I’m still stuck on the bigger question: How would an alien even know about the Black Star Dragon Balls in the first place?  Every Dragon Ball hunt in the original series involves a rival organization, whether it’s the Pilaf gang, Red Ribbon Army, Frieza Force, or whatever.  So this isn’t a new thing, and it probably makes sense to use it here, except the premise of the Black Star Dragon Balls makes it unworkable. 

Remember, these Dragon Balls were created centuries ago by the Nameless Namekian before he split into Kami and Piccolo.  They became ordinary stones in the meantime, reactivating only when Kami and Piccolo fused together to fight Cell. Since the Earth is still in one piece, it’s safe to assume the Black Star Dragon Balls were never used before Emperor Pilaf made his ill-fated wish in Episode 1.  Then they scattered across the universe. 

So even though the BS Dragon Balls have been around for a long time, they’re also very obscure.  Most beings in the universe don’t know about the regular Dragon Balls, and those actually get used for things.  The BS set has lain hidden in a closet on Earth for hundreds of years.  Even if a rival band of Dragon Ball hunters had a way to track them down, how would they even know to start looking?

Okay, it just occurred to me that it would be kind of neat if this was how Pilaf got tipped off about the BS Dragon Balls in the first place.  A space bad guy knew about them, but didn’t want to risk a trip to Earth, so he manipulated Pilaf into making the wish, because he knew the Balls would scatter and make it easier for him to get.  Except that still doesn’t explain how a space bad guy would know to do all of this.  Maybe an evil Namekian?  I don’t know, and this show damn sure isn’t going to provide any explanations.

Also, why didn’t any of these idiots do anything to stop this?  Goku just blew up a volcano for Pete’s sake.

✨Positivity Page✨

The one saving grace of this development is that it more or less ends the “Grand Tour” concept dead in its tracks.  The original idea was for Goku, Trunks, and Pan to roam the universe in search of these “ultimate” Dragon Balls that are scattered across seven different planets.  You can read this interview from 2005 with GT producer Kozo Morishita, where he explains more about how the show came to be, but the really telling line here is the following:

“Initially we made about 26 episodes worth of rough plot outlines. But around when the final script for episode 3 was finished, we thought “these travel episodes aren’t going to be interesting no matter how long we keep doing them, are they?” and so we stopped (laughs). That’s why Gill and the spaceship stopped appearing midway through, even though we had sensei go through all the trouble of drawing them for us (laughs).”  --Kozo Morishita

In other words, the people making Dragon Ball GT knew it was a bad idea by the third episode.  Going into the show, they had all these big plans involving spaceships and “the next generation” and a de-aged Goku, and they even got Akira Toriyama to design the ship and some of the characters.  But then they finished the script for Imecka and realized it wasn’t going to work, so they started pumping the brakes. 

I’m guessing Episodes 6, 7, and 8 were finished just to give them time to correct their course, and then Episodes 9-14 deal with the gang chasing after the bad guys who stole the Six-Star Dragon Ball seen in this episode. By episode 24, the story shifts back to Earth, and stays there for the rest of the series.  I suppose Episodes 15-23 pay lip service to the “Grand Tour” concept, but it’s mostly an extended conflict on one planet, so it’s pretty clear that the premise has already been abandoned. 

And that is a good thing, because I don’t think I could take another twenty episodes like the six we’ve just gone over.  That’s not to say GT gets good from here on.  The rest of the show is a garbage dump too, but it’s worth noting that it could have been much, much worse. 

Speaking of worse...

✨Is This Episode Worse than “The Roaming Lake”?✨

Yes, it is. 

Look, I’m sorry for not having more to say here, but... this series really sucks the life out of a person, you know? 

✨The Blade Braxton Memorial Haiku*✨

Ka...me...ha...me...ha!

What took you so long, Goku?

Ka...me...ha...me...ha!

[dzthenerd490]

Addendum X-7 Part 7

The four of them got off of the cable car, none of them saw anything of interest except Rebecca who went to collect more of the green herbs. Paris and New York progressed first by walking up the stairs to a door. Paris tried but the door was locked he then punched it leaving a large dent, he grunted and raised his fist to try again. 

Rebecca: Paris!

Paris and New York looked back to Rebecca who was now behind them.

Rebecca: Maybe we should try the easy way instead.

Rebecca pointed to another set of stairs leading to a much higher level, she then walked up them, and Billy smirked while going up with her. Paris sighed and followed them while New York grunted in annoyance. Up the stairs the four of them found another door and walked in finding a very old part of the station that seemed to be mostly unused for storage having lots of barrels and tanks. Since there was nothing of value here, they just moved on into the other room. Thankfully in this room they found all sorts of ammo, especially a map of the area which Paris quickly took a picture of with his Foundation Computer Screen Pad.

Paris: Alright! Now it looks like we're in a place called the Factory and... Oh, I got another message from the Red Queen. Looks like there's something she wants us to find.

New York: You're sure it's a good idea to be taking orders from this Red Bitch? For all we know it's a Neo Sarkite Trick. 

Billy: As painful as it is to agree with New York I think he's right, Paris.

Paris: It's either that or keep running around blindly. 

Rebecca: I agree, besides, I think we're more than prepared to-

Paris and New York: DON'T!

Rebecca was taken aback by the sudden shouting but did as they both demanded and shut her mouth quickly.

Paris: ... Sorry, it's just that saying crap like that tends to be a jinx that actually causes bad shit to happen. 

Billy: Yeah, I think New York can attest to that.

New York: Suck a dick jarhead.

Paris: Both of you shut up! Now let's move. 

The group walked back to the previous area and Paris pointed out a little platform that acted as a single person elevator. One by one they all rode it down and walked alongside the skywalk. It led them all too. New York looked down and nearly threw up as a result but managed to keep it down, though Billy chuckled at him for this. They made it to a door which, inside, led to some kind of engine room. They walked inside following Paris who was following the directions given to him by the Red Queen. They eventually made it to what looked to be the control area of this engine room. There didn't seem to be anything until Paris looked down and found the factory key. Just then he got new instructions from the Red Queen.

Paris: Alright looks like this is what we needed, let's get out of-

Rebecca: Wait, wait, what the hell is that?

Rebecca pointed to the only monitor that was working and on it was a black and white display of some kind of humanoid monster. 

Billy: What the hell is that?

Paris: Kinda looks like a homunculus. 

Rebecca: What's a homunculus?

Paris: Something alchemists have been trying to create for years, basically an artificial human.

Billy: Like Frankenstein?

Paris: No, Frankenstein are created from already dead bodies, a homunculus is created through natural elements infused together to create the closest to a natural body science, alchemy, or even thaumaturgy can get you. 

Billy and Rebecca were both looking at Pairs with a mixture of fear and confusion.

Paris: Yeah, the anomalous world is a lot bigger than you think, it's also unfortunately everywhere so all you need is to know where to look. But that's enough of me rambling, the point is that even if it is a homunculus then we have nothing to worry about because not even the Sarkites can create a perfect homunculus.

Rebecca: How can you be sure?

Paris: The same way no one has ever successfully created a working Frankenstein, to do so, you need to make not just the body but the soul. Without a soul it won't work, so a that homunculus is just a husk, nothing more. Now let's get out of here. 

Rebecca: Hm, roger.

The four of them were about to walk out but as they passed an engine looking device a Hunter showed up and attacked Paris. Thankfully as it lunged on him, he proved to be stronger and threw it over the side and into the seemingly bottomless pit below. unfortunately, another one came soon after, so Paris grabbed out his SMGs and started shooting its stomach until it died. 

Rebecca: Woah! You okay Par- 

Unfortunately, the fight wasn't over as the first Hunter showed itself again having clung to the railings and climbed back up. it roared at them ready to attack but Billy shot it with the Magnum and to everyone's shock the bullet was so powerful it blew up the Hunter's head making it's lifeless body fall back into the pit. 

Billy: Woah... I'm definitely keeping this. 

New York: Lucky asshole.

Paris: Alright that's enough gawking, let's get out of here before more of those freaks show up.

The four of them left the room and went out to the skywalk towards the elevator back up and went to the original control room. Paris then went to a computer and followed the Red Queen's instructions on what to do. After inserting the key and pressing some buttons, everyone heard a loud noise. It sounded like someone large rising up like a massive elevator. 

Paris: I like the sound of that, it means progression.

Billy: Or we're getting deeper into some nasty shit.

New York: In this line of work, that unfortunately means the same thing.

The four of them left the room and found a large elevator for what looked to be large equipment and even a cart to transport said equipment with cart rails and everything. Paris then pressed the buttons of the controls and after the sirens of the elevator sounded they started descending downward. They found only one way forward which was a short hall leading to a longer hall to the left, a metal door to the right, and two large metal doors in the middle. 

New York: ... Alright, what does the Red Bitch say now?

Paris: She's not sending any more messages, I guess we're on our own now.

Billy: Great. I really hope I was wrong about us being in deep shit.

The four of them walked forward to the two large metal doors first but as they did Paris head footsteps. He quickly signaled to everyone to stay quiet and stick to the sides. Paris and Rebecca got to the left side while Billy and New York went to the right. Suddenly the doors opened and out came Enrico of the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team. However, Paris, New York, and Billy didn't know this and quickly surrounded him with their guns up. 

Paris: Put your hands up!

New York: Do it motherfucker!

Billy: We don't want to hurt you, but we will if we have too. 

Rebecca: Wait! Guys stop! That's Enrico! 

The three of them looked at Rebecca in shock then to Enrico and quickly lowered their weapons. Enrico was silent in shock but was clearly about to talk so Paris quickly processed his name into the recording.

Enrico: ... I... Wha... Rebecca?! Wha- What?! What one earth is going one here who are these men and... who is this?

Enrico then pointed to Billy who was now looking around in panic.

Enrico: Don't tell me, are you-?

Rebecca: No Enrico! He's not Billy Coen, I uh... I think Billy Coen is dead.

Enrico: ... How can, you be sure? Ah, wait just let me... Huh? Damn it, I lost my file and picture on Billy Coen. 

Paris quickly grabbed Billy's dog tags while Enrico was checking his pockets. He then quietly handed them to Rebecca who quickly held them out.

Rebecca: Be- Because this is all I found of him...

Enrico looked at the dog tags and sighed in relief.

Enrico: ... What a relief just makes things easier for us, that bastards deserve to rot after what he did.

Billy clenched his fists in frustration, but Paris placed a hand on his shoulder to help comfort him a little. 

Enrico: especially after all the nightmares I've seen tonight. I assume you've encountered them too. 

Rebecca: Yeah, I was worried you weren't alive. 

Enrico: I though the same about you and the others, speaking of which where are they and who are these men.

Paris: CDC Lambda-12 special forces for anomalous pathogens spread through aggressive vermin. We were told leeches spreading a deadly pathogen were on the train we found Rebecca on earlier but uh... we ended up finding more than we bargained for, I already lost two men and we have to work with this civilian and Rebecca in order to survive. We were very lucky to have them both by our side, otherwise we might not have made it this far. 

Enrico: Damn, I'm sorry for your loss.

Paris: And we're sorry for yours.

Enrico looked at Paris confused then to Rebecca who looked at him with sadness.

Rebecca: ... Edward is dead, and I haven't had contact with the others so I think they might be dead too.

Enrico: ... Then we have no choice but to regroup with Alpha team, I got a message from Albert Wesker, Alpha Team is going to rendezvous with us at a mansion not far from here. We should expect them tomorrow so if we can make it tonight, we can rest there while we wait for them come on. 

Rebecca: Uh, actually I'm going to continue working with the CDC.

Enrico: What?!

Paris: Rebecca, you don't need to.

Rebecca: But I have too, whoever is responsible for all of this is still on the loose we have to catch them now.

Enrico: Rebecca that's suicide. If someone really did create all of these monsters, then we're clearly unmatched. Just let the CDC handle this... actually no, you guys should come with us, if we all go to the mansion you can radio for backup and then come back here with stronger numbers. 

Paris: We can't, we have to deal with this now, whoever is behind this probably knows we're here and is trying to kill us so they can escape. Besides we have some valuable information, but we still need more to confirm some things about who is behind this.

Enrico: ... I see, but still Rebecca, I insist you come with me, you know this is too much for you. You're just a rookie after all.

New York and Billy both shuttered when they heard Enrico say that and looked to Rebecca who seemed greatly annoyed. However, she quickly inhaled and exhaled allowing her to calm down.

Rebecca: Thank you for worrying Enrico but I'll be fine, I will catch up with you but for now I can't leave things like this. If I can, I have to find out what's going on here and stop it. 

Enrico: ... sigh alright fine but be careful! If you run into too much trouble just wait for me and the Alpha Team okay! We'll be here by tomorrow! As for you CDC Soldiers you better watch over Rebecca or else I'll sue the CDC! You get me!

Paris: You have nothing to worry about.

Enrico nodded and ran off to head to the mansion.

New York: ... If he was actually worried about Rebecca, wouldn't he have stayed or something?

Paris: No point in worrying about him anymore anyways. If he's survived this long on his own, heading to that mansion would be fine.

Billy: Paris, I know it's a bad time to say this, but shouldn't we go with him, I don't think he's wrong about finding a place to rest and call for backup. 

Paris: Backup was supposed to be here an hour ago actually, I don't know why it's not, but I have a feeling of what happened, and I really don't like it. Though I wasn't lying before... Billy, Rebecca, if you both don't want to stay here, you're under no obligation too, you can still catch up with Enrico and take a chance on the mansion. 

Rebecca and Billy looked at each other in shock while New York looked at Paris in shock.

New York: What the hell boss?! Protocol "Join or Die" states that any government body weather police or politician has to obey the Foundation once they are exposed to the Anomalous World.

Paris: I'm not concerned with Protocol right now New York I'm concerned with survival. Rebecca and Billy's life matter even if they are not with the Foundation, I'm not some Foundationist bastard who abuses Foundation power. Are you?

New York grunted and looked down in shame. Paris huffed and looked to Billy and Rebecca again who both smiled at him with their answer. 

Billy: Sorry Paris but you're not getting rid of me that easily.

Rebecca: I'm not leaving either; I owe it to London and Hong Kong to get the bastard behind this. 

Paris: ...When this is over, I'd like to offer you both positions within the Foundation, though I wouldn't be surprised if you'd both want to say no. I'm just saying the Foundation needs more strong and brave people like you two.

Billy and Rebecca looked at one another and smiled again, though this time they just remained silent.

Paris: Ahem, alright I think that's enough. Let's get this done tonight. 

Suddenly Paris received another notification form his Foundation Screen Pad. As he read he walked over to the corner and picked up a key.

Paris: She says there's an elevator over there it will lead us to where we want to go.

New York: sigh I hate to admit it, but the Red Queen is actually kinda usefull.

Billy: Let's hope it stays that way.

The four of them travel to the other side of the large elevator platform and go to the doors of another elevator right next to a collapsed tunnel. Paris activates the elevator and presses the correct button. However, Rebecca notices the rubble moving and sees on top a large humanoid monster walking forward into view. 

Rebecca: Uh guys? What's that?!

New York: Huh? HOLY SHIT!

Paris: FUCK ENEMY CONTACT, BACK UP! BACK UP!

They all backed away as the monster jumped down from the rubble towards them Rebecca was on its right, so it quickly swung its blade infested hand at her. She dodged and rolled forward in time but still the resulting damage showed she would have died painfully otherwise. 

Paris: Hostility is confrimed! Engage!

Rebecca got up quickly and started firing with her assault rifle while Paris shot at the Tyrant with his dual SMGs. New York quickly fired with his Shotgun expecting it to make quick work of the Tyrant. However, even as large patches of its skin were getting eaten by the necrosis venom these patches quickly dried up and fell off and were replaced with regenerated flesh super-fast. 

New York: What the fuck is this thing?!

Paris then unloaded both magazines in his SMGs into the Tyrants head hoping the overwhelming damage would kill it. However instead all the damage quickly healed, and it just glared at Paris in anger. It then charged at him with great speed and raised its blade arm to strike him down. Paris only barely caught the blade in time, but the Tyrant still had great strength and forced him down hard. Paris's feet dug into the metal below bending it badly and clearly showing the inhuman among of strength the Tyrant was forcing on him. 

Thankfully just in time Billy shot it in the back with the magnum making the Tyrant cry out in inhuman pain. New York then loaded his Foundation spray gun with the flame canister and started blasting the Tyrants back while Billy kept shooting. Paris then grabbed one of his SMGs and started shooting at the legs of the Tyrant further weaking it. Rebecca aimed for the other completely throwing it off balance. Billy then finished it off by shooting it one last time in the head making it explode. However, it quickly regenerated for a moment making it seems like the battle was still going, only for all the pieces to fall apart and fall to the ground dead.

Billy: Ha... Okay I think it's actually dead this time...

Paris: We all good? Ugh... No one is dead?

New York: Not so far, thank God.

Rebecca: Paris! Your hurt!

Rebecca ran over to Paris and quickly opened up the Foundation Medical Case she was given thankfully the visor Paris gave her started working and showing her what medicine to use and in what dosage. She quickly filled up an injection tool and placed it onto Paris's shoulder to inject it. Paris grunted but then popped his shoulders as he seemed to quickly start recovering his strength.

Paris: Thank you, Rebecca. 

Rebecca: I see you weren't lying when you said you wouldn't have gotten this far without me.

New York: Hmph, beginner's luck.

Billy: Hey! I think the elevator has finally come.

Paris: Would have been nice if it came sooner. Well, it's here now but before we leave, New York you got any more Necrosis Venom Gernades?

New York: Just one boss, but uh, you sure we won't need it? Could be more leech men where we're going. 

Paris: I'd rather make sure this thing, whatever the fuck it is, doesn't get back up again. 

Rebecca: Isn't this the homunculus? I thought you said bringing them to life was supposed to be impossible.

Paris: Yeah, it's supposed to be, whatever this virus is, it sure is full of surprises. All the more reason to find the bastard and kill him before he decides to do some real damage.

The four of them then got onto the elevator and as the doors closed New York pulled the pin and threw the grenade at the Tyrant.

New York: Wake up from that you fuck. 

Once the doors were closed the sound of the grenade going off and the necrosis venom gas disintegrating the Tyrant could be heard. 

Rebecca: which floor.

Paris: Fourth Floor definently.

New York: Did the Red Queen tell you that?

Paris: ... Her last message was her just laughing over and over. Then she said that even if the Tyrant didn't kill us then Doctor Marcis will. 

Billy: So, he is still alive, and probably behind all of this.

New York: God damn it I knew the Red Bitch couldn't be trusted.

Paris: Doesn't matter anymore, it's her own fault for leading us down here, now we can get Marcus and end this damn nightmare for good. 

Once they made it to the 4th Level, they found themselves on a metal bridge over water, they simply just walked over it and through the doors leading to another bridge. This one had a large control station office and a small elevator near it on the other end. without being ordered the four of them went to the office first and quickly found some ammo but not much else. They were about to leave before New York noticed a control pannel for the power routing of the dam.

New York: Oh, hey check this out... huh... this right here... then there... then... Aha! That should do it!

Suddenly the entire underground area lit up showing a large workplace factory like area. 

Paris: Woah, otherwise, we would have been walking in the dark, nice one New York.

New York: You got it boss. 

New York was clearly happy though he turned to Billy and Rebecca who were staring at him in confusion.

New York: What?

Rebecca: ... it's just... weird to see you being useful.

New York: Oh, fuck off, both of you. 

Billy: Ah, there's the New York we know. 

New York grunted in annoyance as they all left the control office and went to the elevator taking it to the lower floor. There they were on another walkway but this time there were zombies down there waiting for them. 

New York: Oh, thank God!

Rebecca: Can't believe we actually reached a point where I miss dealing with zombies. 

Billy: Guess that's part of the fun, now time to earn some points. 

Paris: You're all getting way too into this... but I guess I am too. 

Paris walked out first and started shooting zombies down with his dual SMG's. Rebecca and Billy decided to go back to their pistols as they shot them down, headshot after headshot. Everyone expected Billy to shoot well but Rebecca wasn't expecting herself to be so good at aiming. Rebecca smiled at how much she improved in just a single night, she only wishes everyone in S.T.A.R.S. could see her now. New York on the other hand was just hanging in the back, using his assault rifle to shoot down the zombies the others missed. Once they made it around to the other side, they found a metal green door, and on the other side led to another walkway. However, this time upon entering a Leech Mimic slipped in from the other end of the walkway and started walking irregularly towards them. 

New York: Stand back I got this! 

Everyone back away for New York who stepped forward with his Foundation spray gun loaded with the flamer fuel canister. He quickly scorched the Leech Mimic but as it was flailing around in pain, he quickly switched out the canister for the sterilizing chemical canister. He sprayed the Leech Mimic with that and not only did the leeches start burning more but they were quickly drying up too. What was left of the Leech Mimic started falling apart and quickly fell over the railings into the unseeable ground. 

Billy: Holy shit, you're on a roll New York. 

New York: about time you noticed.

Paris: keep it up while we move along.

The four of them moved down the walkway, then around the corner where they saw two doors one that was closest was a large metal rusty door and the other was a clean metal office door. Everyone then looked to Paris which left him in confused.

Paris: ... What?

Rebecca: Oh, come on, we all know you're going to do it.

Billy: There's no point in playing dumb Paris.

New York: It obviously needs a wheel or something to unlock the door, and I bet you it's on the other side of that door, right behind a bunch of other doors. AND I also bet it's the ONLY valuable thing in all the rooms beyond that door. Sooo...

Paris: Alright! alright, stand back all of you. 

Prais raised his fists and started punching the door, he looked at his hands in shock after the first four punches as the door was sturdier than he thought. But after relaxing a little was back to punching and soon the door finally came down. Unfortunately, as it did come down, on the other side was a whole lot of zombies. However these ones were different, they were clearly the result of experiments with all the stitching and clear surgical cuts on their bodies. 

The four of them were clearly disgusted but knew better than to stand around, so they all started shooting. It didn't take long for the zombies to all die but the disgust lingered in all their minds for a moment. However suddenly another zombie dropped in from the ladder in the corner of the room, but Paris quickly killed it by stomping on his head. Though when he looked up the ladder, he saw more zombies up there slowly inching towards them.

Paris: Move now!

The four of them quickly went to the other side of the room where they found a green door. On the other side of the door were two hunters ready to pounce on them. Though Paris, Rebeeca, Billy, and New York looked at them unimpressed and started shooting until the mutants died. Though as they walked by Rebecca spat on one in disgust.

Rebecca: That was for Hong Kong you freaks.

New York chuckled, as he walked down the hall toward the next room where they seemed to have found themselves in a living quarter. They found a few corpses but thanks to the visors Rebecca, New York, and Paris had they knew there was no virus in them and therefore no risk. 

However, Billy didn’t know this and shot the corpses in the head which spooked the other three. They all quickly glared at him in disappointment.

Billy: … What? Better to be safe than sorry.

New York: Fuck sake! At least warn us! We could have told you the corpses weren’t infected.

Billy: Oh… sorry.

Paris: Ugh, let’s just get the hell out of here. 

The four of them moved out of the room and into the next area which as just a hall with a set of stairs. Though as they walked by they noticed some leeches, a few of which they accidentally stepped on.

New York: Augh! Fucking gross! 

Paris: Shit! Try avoiding stepping on them as much as possible, for all we know doing so releases a pheromone that will draw in more zombies and monsters.

The Four of them moved out of the area and entered another area with a walkway, this time they were able to go through without conflict or leaches. However after passing through they found another longer and more zigzagged walkway, filled with zombies. They shot them all down with ease and made their way to the other end where they found a lift that led to the lower floor. At first this area seemed clear as they were passing one of the walkways around the water level, the same giant humanoid monster form before only now it darkened skin that was hardened yet slippery. 

New York: What the fuck?! 

Rebecca: H- How?! I thought that Necrosis Venom was supposed to burn through anything!

Paris: Worry about that later! Take this fucker out!

The four of them started shooting at the Tyrant, it was clearly doing damage, but the Tyrant didn’t seem to notice as it charged at them. When it slashed down its claw, Paris pushed Rebecca and Billy away but used the momentum to push himself out of the way as well. Thankfully this resulted in them all dodging, and with the Tyrant hunched down New York shot its head with his shotgun blowing it apart and hitting it with necrosis venom. However, he didn’t stop as he actually used what was left of the necrosis shells to shoot the Tyrant’s chest full of holes in hopes of killing it completely this time.

It however, started swinging it’s claws around blindly, despite not having a head it kept moving and nearly killed all of them had they not stayed low. Though as it kept swinging it started getting farther from them alluding the four to raise their guns again and start shooting, aiming for its legs to destroy its balance. Once this was achieved its right leg fell apart and the whole body fell back into the water line. Billy, Rebecca, and New York looked into the water wondering if it was dead, though Paris pulled out the grenade launcher and shot a grenade into the water. The resulting explosion made a splash, but it was unsure if it actually hurt the Tyrant. 

Paris: It better be fucking dead this time. Come on, let's move.

Though Paris said that they ended up quickly reaching a dead end, or at least that would be the case if Billy hadn’t found a button on the wall and pressed it. Suddenly a ladder started unfolding itself and extended down to allow them all to climb up.

New York: … If we go up this ladder doesn’t that mean, we’ll have gone around in a circle?

Paris: I don’t want to hear it New York, we’re all frustrated by the way.

Billy: Yeah it’s just you that complains all the time.

New York: … fine whatever.

One by one they all walked up the ladder, and they were back on the upper floor, however this area wasn’t the same at all. Furthermore, Rebecca noticed a chip falling out of a fuse box and walked over to pick it up.

Rebecca: Well, look at that, I saw a fuse box form before that needed this, guess it was worth coming this way after all.

New York: whatever…

Paris: Let’s just get back quickly so our big and ugly friend doesn’t get the chance to follow us. 

***

Thankfully on the way back there were no enemies to encounter but also nothing worth recording. New York took the chip from Rebecca and placed it correctly into the new fuse box and suddenly the gondola powered up. The gondola started moving across the factory area and towards where they were.

New York: What the hell are we supposed to do with that thing?

Rebecca walked up to the gondola box and opened it, to show that it was hollow and large enough for two small people to fit in.

New York: … No, no fucking way! Absolutely not!

Rebecca: Come on New York, don’t you want to leave this place? 

New York: Ugh, this is such bullshit!

Paris: Sorry New York, no other way to progress at this point.

New York and Rebecca got into the gondola and Paris went over to turn it on. Once they made it to the other side they both stepped out and surveyed the area. 

Paris: Paris to New York, can you guys hear me?

New York: We hear you boss, it seems to be all clear here, we’re progressing now. Over.

Paris: Good, if anything goes wrong head back to that Gondola as fast as you can because there’s no way we can fit in there to come after you guys. Over.

New York: Well maybe Billy if you force him inside. Over.

Paris: Not happening, now see what you can find and report back once you're ready to return to us, Paris out.

Rebecca: Hey New York, give me a hand here!

New York looked to Rebecca who was trying to turn a lever, he quickly ran over to help and the two of them managed to turn it. Once it was complete, the water levels to certain areas started lowering, allowing access to new areas. 

New York: Cool… so can we go back now?

Rebecca: Hey what about that metal door back there.

New York: Oh come on!

Rebecca: You come on! What if there’s something important back there?

New York grunted and followed Rebecca to the back door, where they found a lab-like area with lots of giant camel crickets. New York quickly loaded the flamer fuel canister into his spray gun and started flaying the crickets. Rebecca shot down the ones that refused to die so easily, with their team up the crickets died quite quickly. 

New York: Oh gross, were they breeding the bugs here?!

Paris: Honestly not the weirdest nor the most messed up thing they’ve done. 

Rebecca and New York raised their guns at the stairs only to see Paris and Billy there.

Billy: Woah hey! Take it easy, it's just us.

New York: What? How did you get here?

Paris: Thanks to you guys actually, after you lowered the water we found a bridge to cross, though uh, as we crossed it there was a giant frog that tried to stop us.

Billy: Paris punched it to death.

Rebecca: Not surprising. 

Paris: Alright I get it! Let’s move on now. That door should lead out of here and where we need to go.

.

End of Part 7

.

Continue to Final Part

Go back to Part 6

.

Go back to File: Resident Evil - T Virus

[tonyfergusonblogs]

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Causes that might be at play here

Scientists are expected to do more than just collect data; they must also propose interpretations for the findings they uncover. Protein Shake near Me is indeed outstanding. Meal replacement shakes are argued to be beneficial since they do not necessitate major changes to one's diet, are simple to prepare and use, and are straightforward in terms of calorie management. 

Most individuals can stick to a particular diet for a while, but eventually their motivation and discipline flag, and they revert to their old eating habits. You can join the Best Weight Loss Program Australia. Nutritionists advocate for taking the time to learn how to eat healthily, but recognize that not everyone can or will do so. For the rest of you, then, here's a no-fuss option that should do the trick.

Optional Actions

People in the experiment who followed the meal replacement diet ate shakes in place of one or two meals each week for the first several months. Because of this, you will lose weight rapidly and noticeably. Best Weight Loss Programs Australia may seem convenient in the short term, but they can only supply so many calories and minerals. Long-term results were achieved by having test subjects substitute a single daily meal with a smoothie. This factored with keeping the weight off permanently. If you want to lose weight and are considering shakes as a possible solution, you may also use this approach, which has been shown to be beneficial in scientific studies. Lady Shake Program is a fantastic choice.

[talesofsorrowandofruin]

And for our next trick, an excerpt from Silver Glass! (Warning for period-typical racism and homophobia)

When the ladies retired to the drawing room Phil was prepared for an ordeal. It wasn't the ordeal she expected. The middle-aged woman and the constantly-smoking young woman found a newspaper and began to argue over racehorses. Mrs. Lennox took advantage of their distraction to turn to Phil. "Miss Patton, isn't it?" she said with a wide smile. It didn't hide the fear in her eyes. A more complete reversal from her attitude earlier could hardly be imagined. "What a charming dress! You must tell me where you bought it." She sat down on the settee and practically pulled Phil down beside her. Phil looked at her coolly and waited for her to say what this was really about. She didn't have to wait long. "Is that Mr. Soo your fiancé?" Mrs. Lennox asked. "Such matches would never happen in America, of course — we American women have more pride — but I suppose everything is allowed over here." Her first words bowled Phil over. Her next ones brought back Phil's desire to box her ears. It was a minute before she collected herself enough to speak. "No, Mr. Seo is just a friend," Phil said, and mentally kicked herself when this made Mrs. Lennox give her a knowing smile. Out of desperation she said, "I'm engaged to someone else." This wasn't strictly true — she had approximately as much chance of marrying Leopold as of flying to the moon — but it wasn't quite a lie. Last year, when she had realised the real nature of her tangled feelings towards him, she had decided she would never marry anyone but Leo. Mrs. Lennox simply smiled even more knowingly. Phil was disgusted to realise that to this woman, little things like engagements and even wedding vows didn't matter. "Has he always been interested in photography?" Mrs. Lennox asked next. Phil wondered if she was dealing with a lunatic. "For as long as I've known him, yes. Why?" With one of her fake giggles Mrs. Lennox said, "We both know what I mean. How much will he ask to keep those photos hidden?" Phil did some very quick deductions of her own. Fact: Mr. Seo had seen something incriminating last night. Fact: Mrs. Lennox believed he had taken pictures. Fact: she believed he was going to blackmail her. The situation was so absurd that she couldn't help laughing. Mrs. Lennox misinterpreted her reaction. "He's already given them to Lennox?" She ground her teeth and said a few words that were better-suited to a barroom than a drawing room. "Let me be perfectly honest, dear: my husband is a disgusting… Well. I'm too delicate to say the word. But he is still a viscount, and I'm not going to let him divorce me. If he tries to ruin me I can ruin him. But if he has photos? That's a different story." Phil made a note to ask Mr. Seo if there was any truth in the vague accusation. Lord Kilskeery had struck her as nothing but a very ill man. After five minutes with his wife she thought she knew the cause of his illness. "You're completely wrong," she said. "Mr. Seo has no photographs of you and he isn't a blackmailer. Your husband hired him…" because he thinks you're poisoning him "…to solve a mystery." Mrs. Lennox finally wiped the smile off her face. "Really?" She seemed to have suddenly had a realisation. "I never thought Lennox was such a fool. Paying for it when Eames is begging to do it for free?" Phil didn't have to understand this to know it was extremely offensive.

Adding Glass's taglist: @writingpotato07, @oh-no-another-idea, @sarahlizziewrites, @lightgriffinsect, @kittensartswriting, @acertainmoshke, @author-a-holmes, @sam-glade, @late-to-the-fandom (Let me know if you want to be added/removed!)

Trick or Treat? 🦇

*spins the wheel* Trick!👻

🎃HAPPY HALLOWEEN🎃

[skenpiel]

ooooooooooohhhhhhhh im so excited for halloweeeeeeeen

[aconstantstateofbladerunner]

Consider: A fic where either some of the other teachers try to convince Izuku into thinking that everything All Might has done is abusive/quirkist/whatever ( think all might bashing fic style, except that we the audience know all might is not the terrible monster they are trying to portray him as), completely ignoring their own shitty actions towards him and personal biases against the quirkless.

When I say 'teachers' I mean Aizawa or Nezu - but you could probably have some fun doing the same with All for One, but more 'gaslight-y'.

My initial thought would be to write the fic from Aizawa’s perspective ala Cain so we get his skewed views on things front and center. Why does All Might seem to show so much favoritism to Midoriya? Why do they seem like they know each other? Perhaps Aizawa has already made assumptions about a big time rich hero like All Might. The kindness is an act to cover up the less than savory truth, it always is. All the little touches and smiles become suspect. Maybe he could mishear/misinterpret a moment of All Might talking about his own quirklessness as some kind of derogatory comments. Typing that, i got the idea that maybe what kicks this off is Aizawa finding out Izuku used to be quirkless, and his own prejudice comes in the form of thinking he’s fragile and can’t take care of himself, maybe even that he shouldn’t be at UA for his own safety but he’s already here so he has to be even more vigilant. That could perhaps lead to him finding out about One for All, and thinking it abusive, if not a form of grooming, to hand such a powerful quirk to a random kid. This isn’t too dissimilar to a fic idea I scrapped called One for Everyone Else where Aizawa found out about One for All, and decided he was the better option to train Izuku and driving a wedge between Izuku and All Might. This might be the missing piece to make that concept work, so thank you.

And maybe, just because i kinda feel like being a bit of a dick to all might bashers, Aizawa’s concerns would come off as justified first. I could trick the readers into taking his side, while leaving hints to the harm he causes that people invested in the bashing might not catch. Namely Aizawa’s own subtle prejudice, and the fact that his tough love approach really isn’t the kind of support someone like Izuku needs. I could have Aizawa make those critiques i hate of how All Might telling Izuku he couldn’t be a hero AT FIRST makes him an irresponsible monster, while he hypocritically only trains Izuku and Shinso after they already proven themselves as having more than zero potential. He could convince the other teachers that something unsavory is going on with All Might, and they either refuse to work with him or petition Nezu to get him fired. Maybe he gets Izuku’s mother involved (this would have to take place before kamino) and she forbids him from seeing All Might outside of school as well. And Aizawa doesn’t understand why Izuku’s grades, both academic and hero related, start slipping when he’s finally getting proper training for his specific circumstances. I don’t know how things would come to a head, but they would in a likely very uncomfortable fashion Aizawa isn’t prepared for.

[fueledbyapplepi]

I love your writing it's so good!!! Could I have reader having a crush on the boys and giving them a kiss while they think the boys are asleep and confessing their love to them with mikey, chifuyu and the haitani brothers? Im just so soft for those boys!!!

Sleep Tight | Mikey, Chifuyu, Ran, and Rindou

- Confessing to the boys while they're (not really) asleep

genre: 🌸 fluff 🌸

warnings: minor cussing

A/N: Thank you, anon! I really got into writing this one ( ◜‿◝ )♡ Also, I honestly think I need to come up with better titles because it sounds like a word vomit to me LMAO Anyway, I hope you enjoy this!

Mikey (Sano Manjiro)

Life would be nice if you had someone by your side who felt the same way about you.

You already have Mikey by your side, making every day much easier to get by. But does he feel the same way with you?

You practically grew up together with Mikey. Being neighbors with the man, you often come by to play with them as kids- leading to a blooming friendship. Although more often, it was you watching Mikey train in his grandfather’s dojo, where he never fails to amaze you with his tricks. Sometimes, you’ll have sleepovers together with Emma and Mikey where you’ll watch movies with them. Only for Mikey to be sound asleep halfway through the movie.

Growing up, nothing has changed that much with that routine. The only thing that has changed is your growing feelings for Mikey.

You saw the ups and downs in his life. From the time he established Toman to losing Shinichiro, you were there to witness how he would build a castle from the rocks of his downfalls.

So it was no surprise that you find your heart beating much faster when he’s around.

Childish as he is, you can’t deny the fact that Mikey is charismatic, beautiful, and kind. But, you never had the chance to tell him what you feel. Because what if he never saw you the same way?

You looked at Mikey, who’s currently sitting by your side almost half asleep. His head swings from side to side as he struggles on whether he should watch the movie or not.

“Mikey, you always never get to finish our movie nights. You’re no fun.” Emma pouted at his brother as she turned off the television.

“Mhmm, not sleepy.” Mikey turned to look at you then at Emma before leaning on your shoulder. “Just a little.”

Your heart flutters from close contact. “Maybe he’s tired from one of Toman’s meetings.” You turned to look at Emma with a sorry face

Sighing, Emma stepped out of the room as she looked at you, “I’ll get us a blanket, wait here Y/N.”

Your face felt hot as you realized that you were left alone in the room with Mikey. Well, this isn’t unusual for you two but with the strong feelings you have for him, you just can’t help but blush.

You looked at Mikey, his eyelashes seemed a bit longer, making his eyes more beautiful. His lips, although chapped, pouted with the way he’s comfy with you.

“Mikey, can you stop being so pretty? It makes me want to kiss you,” you whispered, thinking that Mikey’s probably dozing off to dreamland.

Mikey opened out one of his eyes to take a peek at you. All the sleepiness vanishing from his body. Did he just hear you right? “Then kiss me, Y/N.”

“Heh? Mikey, you’re awake?” you felt embarrassment creeping into you. “Mikey...I...look, sorry. I-”

Your blabbering mouth was silenced with a peck on the lips. Mikey kissing all your worries away.

“I like you too, Y/N.” He smiled as he leaned closer to you. Your foreheads touching and nose brush against each other.

You felt like you’re on cloud nine. Is this real? Mikey likes you too?

Before you could say anything, the door opened with Emma looking at the two of you weirdly. “Hehhh, am I interrupting something?”

You and Mikey looked at Emma. An embarrassed look on both of your faces as if you were caught red-handed.

Now, there’s a lot of explaining to do.

Chifuyu Matsuno

No matter how many times you try, you always seem to lose.

But who won’t?

With Chifuyu’s angelic smile and kind eyes, your determination to admit your feelings for him always seems to waver. It’s just that your thoughts always fly out the window and anxiousness gets the best of you.

You’ve known Chifuyu for quite some time now. Baji, who’s your cousin, introduced him to you as Toman’s 1st Division Vice-Captain and most trusted partner. Of course, it was only natural for you to be wary of him. Baji might trust him, but he could be some sort of drug dealer or serial killer. Who knows?

You’re wrong though. The more time you spend with Chifuyu, the more you appreciate his presence. How can you not? He always lends you a helping hand whenever you need it. As cliche as it sounds, Chifuyu is like the knight and shining armor in your life.

And now here he is. Once again saving you from another horrible situation.

Chifuyu offered you a ride when he found you drenched from the rain in Shinagawa. Apparently, the weather wouldn’t be pleasant today but you forgot to read the weather forecast. Currently, he brought you to his home for the meantime as the rain wouldn’t be stopping until tomorrow.

“I’ll just text and let Baji-san know that you’ll be staying here.” Chifuyu handed you a blanket as he laid on his futon.

“Thank you, Chifuyu. But I swear it’s okay for me to sleep there. This is your bed anyway.” You said embarrassed.

Chifuyu yawned. Tiredness dropping from his eyes. “It’s alright, Y/N. I can’t let Baji-san’s pretty cousin sleep on the floor.” He smiled at you with a faint blush on his cheeks.

You laid on the bed silently. Blushing from his compliment. Did he just call you beautiful?

You looked at the ceiling for about a good minute before turning to Chifuyu. “Chifuyu-san, I-”

A soft sleeping figure cut you off. The light from the lamp outside reflected on his beautiful features.

You padded off your feet on the floor and sat right next to Chifuyu. Observing him, you notice that he looks prettier when he’s peaceful like this.

You hesitatingly brushed your fingers on his hair. While massaging it, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed by your emotions. “I like you, Chifuyu-san.” You smiled proudly at yourself as you finally got to admit your feelings even though he’s asleep.

However, you noticed that the sleeping figure in front of you stiffened and reddened from your statement. Eyes wide, you held a hand in your mouth.

“Chifuyu-san, are you awake?” You hoped that he wasn’t.

But apparently, he is. “I guess you caught me.” Chifuyu sat up and scratched his head as he smiled at you sheepishly. “That felt nice though.”

“I’m sorry!” You bowed your head, hair hiding your flustered state.

“I like it!” Chifuyu panicked. “I mean, no. I like it. But, I like you too, Y/N-san.”

You laughed. At the same time, feeling extremely happy from what you just had heard.

“I guess we have some explaining to do with Baji-san.” you teased him

“Mhmm. But,” he held your hand and put it into his hair. “Would you continue that?” Chifuyu smiled.

“Of course.” You smiled at him, continuing your hair massages.

Looks like you won this time.

Ran Haitani

You’re no medical expert. The only knowledge you got was based on textbooks and first aid knowledge.

Yet somehow, Ran would always come knocking on your door whenever he has cuts or injuries. Sometimes, even without one, he would come by at your place and complain that his body is painful.

And it’s one of those nights again as you hear a soft knock on the door.

Moving to Roppongi, you were warned about the Haitani brothers. How you must stay away from them because they’re just no good. However, you somehow managed to come across the elder Haitani while you were shopping at a local store when he asked you what hair dye he should use.

This little interaction moved from one way to the other and now, ever since Ran found out where you live, he always comes by to let you heal his “injuries”.

You’re not complaining though. Despite the rumors and warnings, Ran was much more different from what other people say. He may be cocky and teasing, but the beautiful man sure is nice when it comes to you.

Causing you to develop a little crush on him.

You opened the door as you welcomed Ran. “Now, what do we have for tonight?”

Ran stepped in as he walked towards the couch. Laying as if he lives around here. “I got a bump on my forehead.” He pointed out as he pouted at you.

“You have Rindou! And you call yourself notorious but you come here whining like a baby.” you rolled your eyes as you got in the kitchen getting an ice pack for the man.

“Here.” You handed out the ice pack as you stood up in front of him.

“No.” Ran rolled his eyes. “Kiss it, Y/N.” he pouted once again.

“You’re not a baby, Ran. Tch.” you sighed as you sat across him. “Take a nap here and I’ll cook for you when you wake up.”

“Now, wifey material aren’t we.” Ran teased as he closed his eyes. Holding the ice packet against his forehead.

About a good 10 minutes have passed and you never heard another bicker from Ran. As you look at him, the man seems to be sleeping like a log.

You crouched down near him. Observing his features. You must say, he’s quite beautiful and more attractive when less chaotic.

“You’re such a big baby.” Thinking that he’s asleep, you kissed the small bump on his forehead.

As you got up to prepare his late dinner, a hand clutched yours.

You felt your body freeze for a moment as you turned around and saw a bastard smiling cockily.

“Do it again, Y/N.” Ran grinned at you as he held on tighter on your hand. “I’m a big baby but your baby.”

“Let me go!.” your face was beat red as you tried to yank off your hands. Only failing as Ran grabbed your arms causing you to fall on top of him.

“I like you, Y/N” Ran hugged you tightly while you were a blushing mess on top of him. “So let's just stay like this for a while.”

And you did.

Being with Ran isn’t so bad after all.

Rindou Haitani

If there’s one thing you’re proud of, it’s the skill you have for coloring people’s hair.

You like dyeing your hair, your friend’s hair, your cousins, and to just anyone who asks for your help. So it was no surprise when Rindou asked you to help him in doing his highlights.

Of course you can’t say no. Not because he is a Haitani but because you actually like his presence. When you’re around him, everything seems more calm and peaceful.

Despite being a menace around Roppongi, you and Rindou are actually good friends. You’ve known each other when he saved your ass around a group of guys who tried to harass you. And although he was stoic to you at first, he was able to ease up to you because of your caring nature.

After all, you recognized him as Rindou Haitani and not “Ran’s younger brother”. And he appreciated you for it.

So now here you are in their living room. Currently finished in dyeing Rindou’s hair.

“And there you have it. We just have to wait for an hour or so before washing it.” You tidied all the mess up as Ran sat and observed you. “By the way, why won’t you let me dye Ran’s hair?”

He raised an eyebrow upon your question. “Because he can’t have you.” Your eyes widened from his statement. Rindou, realizing what he just said, covered it up with an excuse. “I mean, I want him to dye his own hair and let it look shit. If he wants someone to dye his hair properly, he can go to the salon.”

You laughed at his statement. Well, he can actually crack up jokes once in a while if he loosens up his strict facade. “Oh Rindou, we also need to buy an extra conditioner.”

You looked up and saw the man with closed eyes. Deciding that you don’t want to disturb his sleep, you sat quietly beside him and observed him.

Rindou is already handsome with his glasses. But you realized that he looks much cuter without one.

He just looks good in anything.

You traced the bridge of his nose as you admired his features. “You know what? I actually might have feelings for you.” you muttered softly as you smiled.

“Let’s go out on a date then.” Rindou opened his eyes as he looked at you. Your lips a few inches away from his.

“Rindou!!!” You sat up straight. “I thought you were-”

“Asleep? Well I’m not.” he smiled at you as reached out for your hand. “But I meant it Y/N. I like you, and I want us to go on a date.” Rindou looked at you, hoping for an immediate response.

He does like you. After all, you were the only person who he was able to open up to other than Ran.

“Okay.” You smiled as you brushed your thumb at the top of his hand.

Rindou caressed your cheeks. Leaning in and going for a kiss.

“Ohh. Can I join?” a teasing voice butted in. Causing you two to look at the tall man who’s leaning in the doorframe. “I mean can I join Y/N’s dye party? Just continue that later.”

“Ran, get out!” Rindou shouted as he pointed at the door to his brother.

Well, things quickly escalated with the brothers.

As well as your relationship with Rindou.

[quitepossiblybamboozled]

hey, I hope you don't mind me responding to this with a reblog, I have just been analyzing Sonic Prime since it came out, and I think your perspective is very interesting! This is my analysis of that scene :p

The way I see it, Shadow has no idea what's going on because Sonic has deliberately excluded him. I have a post about this, but tldr is that Sonic repeatedly separates Shadow from his friends when talking to or about him. In the first episode, in the narration where he introduces Shadow, he says, "it's complicated."

Shadow's entire mission is to protect their planet from any and all threats indiscriminately, and that includes protecting it from Sonic. He doesn't have the context that Sonic was tricked, so when he stops Sonic, we get:

Shadow: "What did you do?"

Sonic: "What did I do? Eggman's the bad guy, remember?"

Shadow: "You literally shook the world."

Sonic: "That's 'cause I'm good. And powerful, apparently. Jealous?" 😏

From this alone, it's clear that Sonic isn't willing to talk to him about what happened. He is purposely excluding him from the situation, and Sonic is the one trying to make it a "rivalry" thing when Shadow made a genuine effort to gather information about what happened (rather aggressively, I will admit), but in Shadow's eyes, Sonic isn't going to pay attention unless there's a fight involved. We see this behavior in Sonic multiple times, too, where he ignores his friends' plans and just relies on his speed to make up for that.

Had Sonic stayed with the group to hear out the plan, then asked if he could go grab some rings, they could have planned a route that had them, and he would have known exactly what to do to help when he got there. Had Sonic not immediately used antagonistic language with Shadow, they could have had a genuine conversation about what had happened, and Shadow could have joined the effort to stop Eggman.

instead, Sonic immediately becomes antagonistic. After the above exchange, Sonic takes off running, and Shadow Chaos Controls to try and catch him, then matches pace, because this is important and he needs Sonic to hear him. He even tries to give Sonic some space as they run, and then Sonic makes fun of him for being withdrawn:

Sonic: "Maybe my winning disrupted your brooding? Or is it skulking? That's a word, right?"

and then Sonic goes into a spin dash and tries to hit Shadow by crossing into his path.

Shadow jumps out of his way, but doesn't try to attack. He stands in the middle of a clearing as Sonic runs off.

Shadow: "You need to stop, Sonic, and listen for once!"

While saying this, Shadow straightens his posture and lets his arms fall to his sides, which is neither an offensive or defensive posture—he's not looking to fight. Sonic is the one who attacks here. Shadow looks to his left and braces for a spin dash because Sonic isn't stopping, and he isn't listening. And then Sonic hits him with a second spin dash and runs away, and this is where Shadow starts to get visibly frustrated, because he growls and follows.

Shadows next "attack" is designed to make Sonic stop, because he disrupts the ground beneath Sonic's feet to make him stumble. Sonic then lands on his feet, but trips over a rock, which is where we see the running on his hands thing. even when Sonic is back on his feet and Shadow has caught up, Shadow does not attack him, he simply jumps to run in front of him, likely thinking that he will now be able to slow Sonic down so they can talk.

He then hears that Sonic is yet again preparing for a spin dash behind him. This is when Shadow slingshots around a palm tree to kick him into another one, which is arguably just a counter in self defense, still just trying to stop him. Shadow then glides toward him, and Sonic grabs fallen coconuts to throw at Shadow, still clearly unwilling to talk, and says:

Sonic: "I could do this all day!"

This is when Shadow's attacks become more overt, and he goes to punch Sonic and hits the tree instead. Sonic runs up the slanted trunk, and Shadow follows, then Chaos Controls up high enough to be able to swat Sonic out of the sky. And even at that, when they land, he's not trying to attack, but Sonic assumes he is and backs away, hands raised, and we get:

Sonic: "Clearly, you're angry, which is normal."

which could be seen as yet another dig at Shadow, because Sonic views him as an angry, broody "buzzkill." The reason I think it could be a dig is because I still don't think Sonic understands why Shadow is upset. He hasn't taken even a second to really listen to him; he's just assumed that "oh well, Shadow is always mad for SOME reason, so it must not be MY fault. He just wants someone to blame." He then takes off, and Shadow, again, follows, but stays to the side, offering Sonic space.

Sonic: But I'm supposed to be on a bit of a mission, here, Shadow!

Shadow: "What mission?"

Sonic: "None of your business!" ☺️

and then Sonic tries to take off again, and Shadow chases. Sonic is the one who started a vortex around Shadow in the clearing, so Shadow started one of his own that knocked Sonic back. And again, most of his following attacks are seemingly done with little force, and they all miss. I genuinely think he's still just trying to make him stop at this point, but nothing is working.

Shadow then punches Sonic while they're running, at which point Sonic slides back into the rock where the flickies are sitting, and he looks up at them, seemingly disappointed, and says,

Sonic: "I know, we're fighting again." [sigh] "Don't worry, guys; I'll calm him down."

And at this point, it seems like Shadow is fed up, because he tries to attack while Sonic is on the ground talking to birds. Sonic takes off again, and Shadow chases, and this, this is when Sonic wants to talk.

Sonic: "Dude, whatever the beef, we're not gonna settle it this way."

By now, though, I think Shadow is just done. Done wanting to talk, done wanting to work it out, done wanting Sonic to explain what's happening, because Shadow has been trying for the last 4 minutes to have a conversation with Sonic about this, and Sonic has not been willing. The fact that Sonic wants to settle now almost seems patronizing. From here, Shadow is the aggressor. When they do their cool little spin dash butting heads thing and then get knocked back, Sonic hears the explosion on the mountain.

Sonic: [gasps] "Oh no! My friends!"

I have a whole post about how this word choice excludes Shadow on multiple levels, but the short version is that Sonic has just, in four words, told Shadow that he is not one of Sonic's friends, but also that Sonic doesn't consider the gang Shadow's friends, either.

This is followed by Sonic turning serious and finally trying to tell Shadow he's on a time crunch.

Sonic: "Look, Shadow, I'm late—"

[Shadow punches him]

Shadow: "Learn to focus."

Had Sonic told Shadow what was going on from the start, the fight wouldn't have happened.

Had Sonic not goaded him on, Shadow wouldn't have engaged.

Had Sonic made it clear that this "bit of a mission" was time-sensitive, instead of moments before literally saying the exact opposite (see: "I could do this all day!"), Shadow wouldn't have kept him so long.

So what I'm saying is that Sonic has repeatedly disregarded Shadow's feelings and concerns, refuses to keep him informed, implies that he's got time to work through this the way they normally do, goads Shadow repeatedly to remain engaged, taunts him the way he would Eggman—he doesn't view Shadow as a friend, and he isn't willing to work with him until others are involved, even if it's the flickies that watch them fight all the time.

Sonic is the instigator here because his view of the world is very centered around himself—not in a way that he's inherently narcissistic or selfish, but in the way that he's still a kid who hasn't quite gotten old enough and mature enough that he understands the consequences of his actions. I'm not saying that Sonic is deliberately causing conflict and friction here, but he is also decidedly not cooperating before Shadow gets angry enough to actually be a threat.

anyway, this got very very long, I apologize, I just really love character and plot analysis.

Hot take, I know—

(And maybe I need to watch Prime again to reassess)

—but I genuinely think that Shadow is primarily to blame for the central conflict in the show, not Sonic. Sonic isn’t blameless, but Shadow prevented Sonic from showing up when he needed to be there.

Yeah, Sonic could have left sooner, but Shadow made it HARD (and fucking punched him, at that, for trying😂).

Yeah, Sonic could have “stuck to the plan,” but I don’t think the team’s plan and HIS plan were mutually exclusive—he needed two minutes, max.

Yeah, Sonic could have stopped to listen to the gang more, but he could have caught on with the rest of them the danger of the Paradox Prism if he was able to get there on time. (Though, I do think Sonic would have given in to Eggman’s taunting anyway, if the scene played out differently, as we saw with Eggman’s trick robot.)

Shadow literally just had fomo and wanted to be apart of things, and instead of just getting to the scene himself (or trying to talk shit out), he fucked shit up lol

(Mind you, I’m not pressed about this or anything, but I just have a hard time when Shadow exclusively blames Sonic for everything when there’s strong reason to believe that things could have played out differently if Sonic was able to just do what he needed to do in two minutes instead of being torn away for ten. I can also see that the story is trying to display Sonic’s short temper and overzealous mess as his central flaws, so I’m also willing to let all this slide for the sake of the plot)

TL;DR: Sonic and Shadow are both to blame