#like i thought we Might get that as a dramatic mid-point! but no!

[solxamber]

And I Pick...

In which you choose the club that caught your eye

Part 1

After much contemplation you've finally decided to pick the:

Basketball Club

The basketball court was quiet for all of two seconds after you announced your decision.

Then Ace exploded.

"HA! I knew you’d pick us! I called it!" He was practically doing laps around the court, pointing at nothing in particular. "Ace Trappola: the ultimate recruiter, the club MVP, and now the guy who brought you on board! This is the best day of my life!"

"Eh, it’s about time," Floyd drawled, stretching lazily. "Took ya long enough to figure out where the fun is." His sharp-toothed grin widened. "Now we can play my version of full-contact basketball. Hehehe."

"Absolutely not," Jamil cut in, but Floyd wasn’t listening.

"Don’t worry," Floyd said, throwing an arm around your shoulders like you’d been lifelong teammates. "If you survive the first practice, you’ll survive all the practices. Probably."

Ace jogged back over, breathless but triumphant. "I told you we’re the best club! No boring rules, no endless laps like in Deuce's lame track team, and best of all—" He struck a dramatic pose, arms wide. "You get to hang out with me every day!"

"Please don’t make them quit on the first week," Jamil muttered, giving you a look that seemed to say, Are you sure about this?

"Quit? Nahhh!" Ace grinned. "They’re gonna thrive here. I’ll even teach them my signature moves—like my no-look, backwards, mid-air layup."

"You can’t even do that," Jamil said flatly.

"Not yet," Ace shot back. "But it’s the thought that counts."

Floyd leaned in closer, his grin somehow growing wider. "You better keep up, shrimpy. Otherwise, I might have to… spice things up a little."

"Spice things up?" you echoed, immediately suspicious.

"He means doing things like replacing the basketballs with watermelons," Jamil deadpanned.

Ace snorted. "Or throwing the ball at the hoop so hard it breaks the backboard. Oh wait, that actually happened. Twice."

"It was fun," Floyd said, completely unrepentant.

Jamil sighed like a man who’d aged a decade in the last five minutes. But then, to your surprise, he turned to you and offered a small, genuine smile. "Still… I’m glad you’re here. Welcome to the team."

The words were simple, but coming from Jamil, they felt like a warm endorsement.

Ace clapped his hands together, clearly ready to move things along. "Alright, enough talking! Let’s get you on the court and see what you’ve got!"

"Or we could start slow," Jamil suggested, but Ace was already dragging you toward the center of the court, Floyd trailing behind with a basketball under one arm.

"Don’t worry," Floyd said, tossing the ball up and catching it effortlessly. "If ya mess up, we’ll just laugh at ya a little. No big deal~."

"No one’s laughing at anyone," Jamil said firmly, already pinching the bridge of his nose.

Ace threw an arm around your shoulder, grinning from ear to ear. "Ignore him. We’re gonna have a blast! First practice starts now!"

You weren’t sure what you’d gotten yourself into, but judging by their enthusiasm (and Floyd’s maniacal laughter), you were in for one chaotic ride.

Track and Field Club

The moment you declared your allegiance to the track and field club, Deuce’s face lit up like someone had just told him he passed his midterms.

“You’re… really joining?” he asked, like he needed double confirmation. When you nodded, his grin widened, the kind that made him look both relieved and excited. “That’s awesome! Uh—welcome to the team! Seriously, it’s great to have you.” His usual earnestness shone through, and he scratched the back of his neck. “I mean, I’m still kind of learning the ropes, but we can figure things out together. It’s gonna be great!”

Jack, standing beside him, gave a firm nod of approval. “Good call. Track and field’s a solid choice. You’ll fit right in.” His tail wagged just enough to betray how happy he was, even if his tone stayed calm.

"Yeah!" Deuce agreed. “And, uh, don’t worry about keeping up or anything. It’s all about improving at your own pace. Right, Jack?”

“Sure,” Jack replied, glancing at you. Then he added, almost casually, “We’ll work on your stamina. You’re gonna need it.”

It took you a second to catch the faint glint in his eye, and then you remembered—oh no, the fridge comment. Jack had been disturbed ever since.

Deuce, oblivious to the subtext, chimed in, “Yeah, Jack’s great at that stuff! He’s got this crazy endurance. Like, he can run forever. I’m still working on it, but, uh, you’re in good hands!”

Jack’s tail swished again. “Just be ready to push yourself. But don’t worry—we’ve got your back.”

“Exactly!” Deuce said, his fists clenching like he was ready to run a marathon right there. “This is gonna be awesome. I mean, not that it wasn’t already great, but now it’s even better. Right, Jack?”

Jack gave a small, satisfied smile. “Right.”

As they led you toward the field, you couldn’t help but wonder what you’d just signed up for. One thing was certain, though—Jack’s still thinking about that fridge, and he will make sure it’s not an issue anymore.

Board Game Club

The moment you declared your allegiance to the board game club, Azul adjusted his glasses, looking smugly pleased with himself, like he'd just negotiated the deal of the century.

"An excellent decision," he said, his voice as smooth as the perfectly polished board games stacked behind him. "With your addition to our club, I foresee a new golden age of strategic victories."

Idia, sitting half-hidden behind a pile of unopened game boxes, choked on his energy drink. "W-Wait, you’re serious? They actually chose us?" His hair flared a brilliant shade of pink for a moment before he pulled his hoodie tighter around himself. "Th-this isn’t some prank, right? Like, I’m not gonna look up and see them bolting out the door laughing, right?"

"Nope," you replied with a grin. "I’m all in."

Ortho, ever the enthusiastic hype man, zipped into the room with his jet thrusters. "Welcome to the club! Now we have a full party for dungeon raids. This is amazing!"

Azul cleared his throat, waving a hand. "Ahem, while cooperative RPGs are certainly an option, I believe we should start with a game of strategy and wit to introduce them properly. Perhaps a round of Chess of Betrayal?"

Idia groaned, sinking further into his hoodie. "Ugh, that game takes, like, three hours. If you’re gonna scare them away, at least wait until they’re too deep in to quit. Why don’t we start with something easy, like Goblin King Gauntlet?"

Ortho clapped his hands. "Ooh, I love that one! It has a random trap mechanic! Let’s play that!"

Azul raised an eyebrow, his smile shark-like. "Trap mechanics are hardly a proper welcome. It would be far better to demonstrate the finer nuances of strategy, wouldn’t you agree?"

Idia muttered something about Azul turning everything into a power play, but you interrupted before they could spiral into a full-blown debate. "Honestly, I’m fine with anything. Just deal me in."

Azul’s smirk widened. "Very well, then. I shall prepare the game board. And don’t worry, I’ll make certain you’re fully equipped for our upcoming campaigns. You’ll find we offer more than just fun—we offer victory."

Idia peeked out from his hoodie, a small, hopeful smile creeping onto his face. "You’re not bad at this whole club thing. Maybe this won’t be so terrible."

As they started setting up the game, you felt an unexpected warmth. Sure, it was just a board game club, but there was something endearing about their chaotic enthusiasm.

Though one thing was clear—Azul would probably try to sell you game tokens at some point, and Idia would absolutely try to teach you how to min-max your dice rolls.

But hey, you were ready for it.

Film Studies Club

When you announced your decision to join the film studies club, Vil paused mid-sip of his herbal tea, one elegantly arched eyebrow rising. For a moment, he looked like he was considering whether he had heard you correctly. Then, with a practiced air of nonchalance, he set the teacup down.

"Hm. Acceptable," he said coolly, though his tone betrayed a slight uptick of satisfaction. "It’s rare to find someone with enough taste to appreciate the art of cinema. I suppose your presence will be… useful."

But the slight curl of his lips gave him away.

He stood, brushing imaginary dust from his coat, and gave you an appraising look. "We have much to discuss. If you’re serious about this, you’ll need to commit entirely—no half-measures, no excuses. The camera is unforgiving, and I have no intention of allowing this club to falter under subpar contributions."

You opened your mouth to respond, but he was already pacing, gesturing dramatically like the star of an avant-garde production. "Lighting, blocking, composition—they are all integral to creating art, not merely entertainment. I trust you won’t embarrass yourself, or me, for that matter."

Despite his words, you caught the faintest hint of pride in his gaze as he turned to face you fully. "And, if for some reason, acting isn’t your strength, there are other roles. Cinematography, set design, editing… Perhaps backstage work would suit you, should you fail the audition."

He didn’t say it to be harsh; this was Vil’s version of encouragement. And as he continued outlining the club’s vision—"a modern renaissance in storytelling"—you realized he was genuinely excited to have you there, even if he’d rather gargle poison than openly admit it.

Finally, he stopped and gave you a small, approving nod. "Welcome to the film studies club. Don’t make me regret this."

Translation: I’m glad you’re here.

Science Club

The moment you announced your decision to join the science club, Rook’s eyes lit up like you’d just declared him the ruler of the universe.

"Ah, mon ami! What a magnifique choice!" he exclaimed, sweeping you into a theatrical bow so deep you thought he might topple over. "You possess the soul of an explorer, a true seeker of knowledge! Together, we shall unlock the mysteries of nature and celebrate its beauty in all its forms!"

"Uh… don’t scare them off, Rook," Trey interjected, though he was smiling. He adjusted his apron, clearly relieved that you hadn’t bolted under Rook’s enthusiastic greeting. "We’re glad to have you. Really. It’s nice to have someone else around who won’t accidentally set the lab on fire."

You raised an eyebrow. "That’s a low bar."

Trey shrugged. "You’d be surprised how many fail to meet it."

Before you could respond, Rook was already spinning grand plans. "Imagine the adventures we will have! Scaling mountains, crafting elixirs, nurturing delicate blossoms—ah, the poetry of science!" He clasped his hands to his chest, radiating so much joy that you were worried he’d break into song.

Trey, ever the grounded one, sighed fondly. "What he means is: we do a little bit of everything. Growing plants, chemistry experiments, cooking—you’ll fit right in. Assuming Rook doesn’t scare you off first."

Rook turned to Trey with an exaggerated gasp, as if the very suggestion of him being overwhelming was the greatest insult he’d ever received. "Chevalier des Roses, how could you wound me so?" He turned back to you with a theatrical flourish. "Fear not! I shall be your guide, your companion, your—"

"Assistant," Trey cut in, giving you a knowing look. "We'll assist you. Don’t let him take over your projects."

You grinned, feeling oddly at home already. Between Rook’s boundless enthusiasm and Trey’s steadying presence, you realized the science club might just be the perfect balance of chaos and calm.

Pop Music Club

When you announced your decision to join the Pop Music Club, Lilia was the first to react. He shot up from his chair with a dramatic flourish, his cape—where did the cape come from?—billowing as if on cue.

"Ah, an excellent choice! Welcome to the most electrifying club in the entire school!" Lilia declared, his voice reverberating like an arena announcer. He played an imaginary riff on an air guitar, complete with sound effects that you were almost certain were magically amplified.

Kalim clapped his hands, beaming as brightly as the sun. "This is going to be so much fun! We can sing duets, make up dances, throw a party for every new song we write—oh! We should have a welcome party for you right now!" He was already halfway to grabbing balloons out of thin air before Cater stopped him.

"Easy there, Kalim," Cater said with a laugh, pulling out his phone to snap a picture. "We haven’t even started jamming yet! Gotta document this first—‘New Member Alert 🚨🎶! Welcome to the coolest club at NRC!’” He posed next to you, flipping through filters. "Ooh, should we do a pastel vibe or go all-out neon?"

"Why not both?" Lilia suggested, somehow holding a tambourine he hadn’t been holding two seconds ago. He shook it with gusto, the jingles creating an impromptu beat.

Kalim joined in instantly, dancing around the room with energy that could probably power a small city. "This is going to be amazing! Do you play any instruments? Can you sing? Or maybe you’ll write the songs? Wait, can you do all three?!"

Before you could answer, Lilia leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Don’t worry, even if you’re terrible, I can teach you. After all, I’ve had centuries of experience."

"Centuries of experience at what exactly?" you asked, though you weren’t entirely sure you wanted the answer.

"Everything," Lilia replied cryptically, shaking the tambourine once more for emphasis.

Cater gave you a wink. "Don’t let him intimidate you. He’s mostly harmless. Mostly."

As the chaos swirled around you, you realized joining the Pop Music Club was probably going to be as much about managing everyone’s energy as it was about making music.

But looking at their genuine excitement, you couldn’t help but feel you’d made the right choice. It was going to be loud, unpredictable, and—most importantly—a lot of fun.

Equestrian Club

When you chose the Equestrian Club, Riddle’s reaction was immediate and deeply Riddle. He straightened his posture, cleared his throat, and gave you a small but dignified nod, though his ears turned the faintest shade of pink.

“A wise decision,” he said primly, but his voice wavered just enough to give away his excitement. “The Equestrian Club values discipline and care, and I trust you will uphold those values. Welcome.” He paused, then added with uncharacteristic softness, “I’m glad you chose us.”

Sebek, on the other hand, reacted with his usual intensity, which was to say, very loudly.

“AS EXPECTED OF SOMEONE WITH DISCERNING TASTE!” Sebek bellowed, saluting for no discernible reason. “THE EQUESTRIAN CLUB IS A PLACE OF HONOR AND DILIGENCE. YOU HAVE MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE, AND I, SEBEK ZIGVOLT, SHALL PERSONALLY ENSURE YOU MEET OUR HIGH STANDARDS!”

“You’re going to scare the horses,” Silver muttered, patting a dozing mare who didn’t even flinch at Sebek’s volume. Clearly, she’d built up an immunity.

Silver turned to you with a sleepy but genuine smile. “Welcome. It’ll be nice having another person around who actually seems calm. I’ll show you the best places to ride, and we’ll make sure you’re comfortable with the horses.”

“And with the rules,” Riddle interjected, already retrieving a stack of laminated pages. “Equestrian care is not something to take lightly. You’ll need to memorize these guidelines to ensure both your safety and that of the horses.”

Sebek leaned over your shoulder to inspect the stack and immediately saluted again. “AN EXCELLENT INITIATIVE, HOUSEWARDEN ROSEHEARTS! I, TOO, WILL MEMORIZE THESE IN CASE THEY EVER REQUIRE REINFORCEMENT!”

“I think they’re fine,” Silver said. “We don’t need to make this harder than it needs to be.”

Riddle frowned. “Standards exist for a reason, Silver. Though I appreciate your enthusiasm, perhaps we can—Sebek, stop shouting—perhaps we can go over the basics first before overwhelming them.”

As Riddle and Sebek debated, Silver handed you a carrot to feed one of the horses. “Don’t worry,” he said, as the horse happily munched away. “It’s not as intense as it seems. Usually.”

You glanced at the stack of rules in Riddle’s hand and the fervent look in Sebek’s eyes. It was definitely going to be an adjustment. But seeing how genuinely happy they all were to have you—yes, even Sebek—you felt like this would be worth it.

Magift Club

When you announced your decision to join the Magift Club as their manager, the reaction was instantaneous and… surprisingly chaotic.

Ruggie let out a whoop, immediately dropping to the floor in a mock bow. "Ayo, everyone, bow to the boss! Finally, someone who can keep this circus in line!"

Leona, lounging on the sidelines, cracked open an eye and smirked. “’Bout time. Herbivores usually flake out, but I knew you were better than the rest.” He stretched lazily, like he’d personally orchestrated your decision. “Just keep the snacks coming, and we’ll get along fine.”

Epel looked between them and grinned, his enthusiasm much more grounded. “It’s great to have ya! With you around, maybe Leona will actually show up to warmups... or not just sleep through it.” He shot a pointed glance at their captain, who was, of course, ignoring him entirely.

“Eh,” Leona drawled, flicking his tail dismissively.

“You could work on that attitude,” you muttered, earning a low chuckle from him.

“See, I told you they’d fit right in!” Ruggie said, gesturing at you dramatically. “They’re already roasting him. This is gonna be great!”

Epel, suddenly inspired, added, “And they’ll keep Ruggie from stealing the fresh apple juice we get after games. That’s worth it alone.”

As the reality of your new role settled in, you felt a bit like a lion tamer walking into a den of mischievous cubs and one very lazy big cat. But their enthusiasm—expressed in their own peculiar ways—was endearing.

Ruggie threw an arm around your shoulder. “Alright, boss, first order of business: snacks! Let’s discuss our game day budget and whether I can convince you to sneak me a sandwich before practice.”

Leona snorted but didn’t argue, which you took as a sign of approval. Epel pumped his fist. “We’re gonna crush it this year!”

Maybe managing this bunch wouldn’t be so bad after all. If nothing else, it’d definitely be entertaining.

Mountain Lovers Club

When you joined Jade for a hike to "test the waters" of the Mountain Lovers Club, you had your doubts. You were prepared for a lot of things—maybe getting lost in the wilderness, maybe Jade pulling out his eerie cryptid knowledge, or maybe just a weirdly formal lecture about moss. What you weren’t prepared for was… actually enjoying yourself.

Jade led the way with an unhurried confidence, pointing out various wild plants, their uses, and fun facts about the environment. He wasn’t his usual enigmatic self, either. He seemed lighter, almost enthusiastic, as he described a tiny wildflower you would’ve missed entirely.

“This particular species only blooms during the autumn months,” he said, crouching to show you. “Quite fascinating how it adapts to the cooler temperatures, don’t you think?”

You nodded, trying not to stare too hard at how his face lit up when he spoke. Jade was… cute? When he wasn’t talking about mushrooms in a way that made you question your mortality, he was actually kind of charming.

By the time you reached a rocky outcrop with a gorgeous view of the campus, you realized you’d been smiling for most of the hike. Jade noticed too.

“It seems I’ve made a decent impression,” he said, turning toward you with a soft grin. “I’m pleased to see you enjoying yourself.”

“It’s… relaxing,” you admitted, surprising even yourself. “I didn’t think it’d be this fun.”

Jade tilted his head. “Does that mean you’d consider joining the Mountain Lovers Club?”

You hesitated for a moment, but as you looked at the breathtaking view and the rare, genuine smile on his face, the answer came easily. “Yeah. I’ll join.”

For a split second, Jade’s eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly schooled his expression into his usual composed smile. “Wonderful. I must say, I wasn’t expecting this outcome, but I’m glad. It’s not every day someone sees the beauty in what I love.”

There was an odd warmth in his voice that made your heart skip a beat. As he turned to lead the way back, he added, “Now that we’re a team, I look forward to our next adventure.”

Jade Leech was genuinely happy. And, you realized, so were you.

Gargoyle Research Society

When you told Malleus you were joining the Gargoyle Research Society, his reaction was almost imperceptible at first. A slight widening of his eyes, a pause as though he was waiting to see if you were serious, and then—pure, unfiltered delight.

"You have an interest in gargoyles?" he asked, his voice both surprised and reverent, as if you'd just confessed to enjoying a rare and ancient art form.

You nodded. "Yeah. I think they're fascinating. The designs, the history… They’re like stone guardians with stories etched into them."

For a moment, Malleus simply looked at you, his emerald eyes shimmering like the light of distant stars. Then, as if unable to contain his joy, he smiled—a soft, genuine expression that sent a wave of warmth through the chilly Ramshackle evening.

"This pleases me greatly," he said, his tone unusually light. “Not many share my appreciation for gargoyles. Often, I speak of them, and others… how do I put it? Pretend to listen.”

“Well, I’m definitely not pretending,” you said, grinning. “I’m in for real.”

Malleus clasped his hands together in what could only be described as regal excitement. "Then I must share something with you. Sometimes, I create gargoyles myself."

“You what?” you asked, laughing in delight.

“Yes,” he replied earnestly, his eyes alight. “Carving stone requires patience, but there is a certain satisfaction in breathing life into something lifeless. Well, not literal life, of course, but a soul of sorts.”

You couldn’t help but laugh again, the image of Malleus with a chisel and hammer popping into your head. “I never would have guessed. That’s… really cool.”

“I can show you some of my creations, if you’d like,” he offered, almost shyly.

“I’d love that,” you said, genuinely glad to have joined him. “I think I’m going to enjoy this club.”

The glow in his expression was impossible to miss. It wasn’t just that you had joined his club—it was that, for once, someone truly shared his passion. “And I am glad to have you,” he said softly.

In that moment, under the watchful eyes of the stone guardians scattered around campus, it felt like you had chosen exactly the right place.

Masterlist

tags: @techno-danger

[edda-grenade]

so i drew this uhhhh. 3 years ago??? and forgot about it CANNOT believe we're actually getting eldritch horror goat mom in da4 👏👏👏

bonus:

[darlingdaisyfarm]

Alrighty, beautiful human, I have a request for you if you have the time: I desperately need fluffy Ford. I need kisses and cuddling. The general story is up to you, but I NEED sweet, loving Stanford.

hello, sweetheart <333 thank you for requesting this because I also need sweet, loving Ford myself :,,) but I’m so sorry, about the cuddling part - I got carried away and missed it aghhh I hate myself :(((

ps - I’m absolutely in love with ur fics💗

tags: kind of awkward Ford, coffee date, autumn, forest, fluff, sfw

Leaves crunched underfoot as you and Ford wandered through the forest, the path framed by trees ablaze in shades of red, orange and gold. The air was crisp, carrying the earthy scent of damp moss and fallen leaves. Ford seemed to take it all in with a kind of wonder, like he was seeing the world with new eyes — which, honestly, wasn’t far from the truth. After so many years spent away from this dimension, you thought it was cute how he marveled at simple things like sunlight filtering through branches.

“Thirty years,” Stanford started. “thirty autumns I missed. I almost forgot the way the colors seem to breathe in this season." 

He reached up, fingers brushing a low-hanging branch laden with scarlet leaves, and you smiled at that. There was something so sweet about his awe, his joy, so obvious at moments like this.

“Guess you’re getting to be an Earth tourist now,” you teased gently. 

Ford chuckled, giving you a sidelong glance. “Ah, yes, perhaps. But I think I like this. . . rediscovery.” a small smile tugged at his lips. “some things are even better than I remember.”

The path opened to a clearing with a breathtaking view of the valley below, a sea of trees stretching into the distance, every shade of autumn imaginable. You stopped, a thought popping into your head as you took out your phone. “Hey, Ford,” you called, grinning. “take a picture of me?”

He looked at you, surprised, then down at the phone like you’d just handed him a puzzle box. “A picture?” he held the phone with both hands. “Of course, but. . . er, bear with me. These things were a bit. . . different last time I checked.���

You stifled a laugh, nodding as you struck a pose. “Just press that button,” you said, pointing at the screen. “It’ll be easy, I promise.”

Ford cleared his throat, focusing intently as he poked at the screen. "Alright. let me see. I just. . . press this here?"

But as he tried to get his bearings, he accidentally tapped the wrong icon. Suddenly, the camera flipped and his own face filled the screen — caught mid-frown, brow furrowed in confusion. He froze, staring at his reflection like it had personally betrayed him.

“Oh. . . uh. . .” his cheeks flushed as he looked between you and the screen, thoroughly bewildered. “It appears I’ve become the subject instead. Hold on. . . where did— no, this— ah, infernal contraption. . .” Ford mumbled, eyes squinting in concentration as he fumbled to switch it back.

You couldn’t help it — laughter bubbled out and you doubled over, nearly losing your balance. “Awww, Ford! you look so lost, it’s so cute!”

He looked up, flustered but laughing along with you. “Yes, well,” he grumbled, a crooked smile breaking through. “I can navigate alternate dimensions, but apparently, your ‘smartphone’ remains beyond my understanding. I think it’s mocking me.” with a sigh, he handed the phone back, an embarrassed grin still tugging at his lips. “Perhaps. . . perhaps I’ll leave the photographs to you, sweetheart.”

You took the phone from Ford’s hands, still chuckling as you swiped the screen to switch back to the camera. “Alright, here we go, Mr. Genius. Just try not to look too cute when you take my picture or I might just keep it as blackmail.” 

“Blackmail?” he feigned horror, eyes widening dramatically as he stepped back. “Sweetheart, you wound me! I thought we had an understanding! I’m an esteemed scientist, not a criminal mastermind!” 

You giggled and turned your back to him, posing with the beautiful autumn scenery as your backdrop. “Okay, now I’m ready!” 

Ford cleared his throat, trying to regain his composure as he positioned the camera. “Right, focus,” he told himself. “just like in my journals. You know, I could’ve cataloged the beauty of this moment scientifically, but no, I’m reduced to a photographer.” 

He pressed the button, and you could hear the faint click of the shutter. Turning to face him, you couldn't help but brighten at the awkward seriousness in his eyes. “You’re doing great! Now, maybe try a few more. I want options.”

“Options,” he repeated, still smiling, shaking his head in amusement. “Isn’t one good photo sufficient? the universe won’t implode if I don’t get a perfect shot.” 

“Yeah, but what if I want to look cute in a different way?” you teased, putting your hands on your hips.

With a smirk, Ford nodded. “Alright, what would you like? a ‘mysterious thinker’ look? of perhaps a ‘fierce scientist’ pose?” 

“Definitely the fierce scientist!” you exclaimed, throwing your head back dramatically. “I’ll pose like I just discovered a new dimension, just like my man.”

“Very well,” he said, a twinkle in his eye. “On the count of three. . . one, two—”

But before he could reach three, you struck a ridiculous pose, one hand on your hip and the other dramatically raised as if you were battling interdimensional forces. “take that, Bill Cipher!”

Ford burst out laughing, shaking his head. You were just too adorable in his eyes. “Sweetheart, I’m pretty sure Bill would be quaking in his. . . well, whatever he has in place of boots.”

He snapped the photo and you saw the corners of his mouth twitching, clearly trying to suppress his laughter. “Okay, now that was an excellent one. Hold on. . .” he leaned closer, inspecting the image as if it were a rare artifact. Ford seemed to have caught fire with the idea of photographing Bill's defeat.

“Let me see!” you leaned over, your shoulders brushing against his as you peered at the screen. 

“Oh, this is just splendid. You look so cute, darlin.” Ford leaned closer to examine the screen, fixing his glasses. 

Your heart fluttered at compliment and you nudged him playfully. “Now, you should get in the next one. I want a picture of us!”

He looked a bit apprehensive again, glancing at the phone like it might explode. “Are you sure? I mean, what if I fumble it again?” 

“Trust me, you’ll be fine!” you shot him an encouraging smile, and after a moment, he relented, taking the phone back.

“Alright, alright,” he said, adjusting his glasses as if preparing for a complex experiment. “just don’t move too much. I need to concentrate.”

You stood beside him, leaning into his side, feeling the warmth radiating from him. “Okay, how’s this?” you asked, flashing a big grin.

“Perfect, hold still.” he raised the phone, staring intently at the screen like it contained the answers to the universe. 

“Uh, Ford, i think you need to press the button now.”

He blinked, breaking out of his focus. “Right! the button!” he pressed it, and just as he did, his finger slipped, causing the phone to snap a picture of you both in the most ridiculous pose — your mouth still open mid-laugh and Ford’s expression a mix of shock and concentration.

You burst into laughter again as Ford stared at the photo, face turning a shade of crimson. “Well, that’s certainly not going to be framed,” he muttered, trying to suppress his smile.

“Oh come on, it’s adorable!” you pressed your cheek against his.

However, your laugh made the corners of his lips twitch upwards. “I suppose it has a certain charm to it,” he admitted, chuckling softly. 

You grinned, putting your hand on his arm. “Let’s take another, hun, but this time, we’ll get it right. Just be yourself, Ford. No need for dignity.” 

“One, two. . . three!” you both said at same time.

Click! 

As the image captured, you both broke into laughter, the sound echoing through the autumn trees. You couldn’t remember the last time you felt this free, this happy, sharing this moment with your couple. 

When Ford looked at the photo this time, a satisfied grin spread across his face. “Now that’s more like it,” he said, glancing at you with that spark of affection in his eyes.

As you admired the photos, a realisation suddenly struck you. “Wait!” you said excitedly, grabbing his arm before he could put the phone away.

Ford looked at you, curious. “Wait for what?”

“You’ve been gone thirty years, right? that means you haven’t tried my favourite coffee at that little café by the lake!” you could barely contain your enthusiasm, a wide genuine smile spreading across your face. “we have to go there right now!”

Ford raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a smile as he followed your lead. “Well, you know I can’t say no to my seasoned guide of modern luxuries.”

🍂🍂🍂

The café was a cozy little spot nestled on a quiet corner, with big windows that showcased the lake outside. The scent of freshly ground coffee beans, warm spices, and just a hint of something sugary, like caramel or maple syrup, filled your nostrils. You spotted a chalkboard behind the counter listing their seasonal drinks and pointed eagerly at one in particular.

“That’s it! The ‘Golden Harvest Latte.’ It’s a mix of espresso, steamed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and a swirl of caramel. It’s like autumn in a cup, I swear.”

Ford eyed the menu with interest. Well, considering his last ‘caffeine experience’ involved coffee brewed over a campfire in another dimension. . . he was open to something a bit more refined.

The barista greeted you with a smile. “Hey there! the usual?”

“Absolutely! and I have a new fan who needs to try it,” you said, motioning to Ford.

You turned to him, your eyes sparkling with happiness. “You won’t regret it! just wait until you taste it.”

And soon, the barista handed over two steaming cups topped with a dusting of cinnamon and an artful swirl of caramel. The scent hit you first, warm and sweet, making your mouth water. You handed Ford his cup, watching as he eyed the foam with curiosity.

He brought the cup to his lips and took a careful sip, eyebrows lifting as the flavors blossomed across his tongue. The richness of the espresso and a hint of spicy warmth from the cinnamon and nutmeg, all balanced by the buttery sweetness of the caramel.

“Wow,” he murmured, eyes widening. “yeah, this is delicious. I didn't know that a drink could have such a complex taste.”

You laughed, pleased by his reaction, and took a long, indulgent sip of your own. “Right? It’s like drinking a warm hug, this is my absolute favorite fall treat.”

Ford took another sip, clearly savouring it this time, his expression softening as he looked out the window at the golden leaves falling. “It’s funny,” he said quietly, “I’ve been to so many places, seen so many strange and alien things, but it’s these little, simple moments that feel the most surreal. Sitting here, with you, drinking coffee.”

You reached across the table, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. “Well, lucky for you, there are plenty of little things like this to rediscover. And I’ll be here to make sure you try them all.”

🍂🍂🍂

Stepping out of the café, the refreshing autumn air greeted you both, still tinged with the scent of cinnamon and coffee. Ford held the door for you, the smile never quite leaving his face as he watched you rummage in your bag for something. Finally, you pulled out your lipstick, a soft, rich shade that matched Ford’s turtleneck perfectly. 

“Would you look at that,” you said, holding it up beside his collar with a little grin. “I guess I’ve got a good eye.”

Ford chuckled, glancing between the color and his sweater. “It seems I’m unknowingly fashionable. I’ll take that as a compliment.” his eyes lingered on you as you applied the lipstick, your lips soft and inviting, the color blooming in a way that seemed to suit the season and Ford watched, clearly entranced.

“What?” you asked, raising an eyebrow as you capped the lipstick, noticing the way his gaze softened.

“Oh, nothing,” he replied, though his voice had a gentleness to it, he swallowed, shifting his stance slightly. “just appreciating the moment.”

You took a small step closer, lifting a hand to rest gently on his chest. Ford’s breath hitched, neither of you spoke, both letting the warmth build in the silence, the soft murmurs of the town around you fading away.

“I think you might need a little color yourself,” you whispered, your thumb grazing his cheek as you leaned in. His eyes closed as your lips met his, softly, tenderly and you smiled in a kiss. The warmth of his breath mingled with yours and you could still taste the coffee and caramel. Ford’s hands found their way to your waist, holding you.

The world seemed to blur, the only thing that held you back was the feeling of his lips against yours, soft and warm, as if they had been waiting for this. Ford’s fingers brushed against your back, pulling you closer, deepening the kiss with a mixture of gentleness and longing.

When you finally pulled back, his eyes fluttered open, looking at you with a softness you’d rarely seen. He reached up, brushing his thumb across your cheek, unable to take his eyes off you.

“What’s got you so captivated now?” you asked, a smirk creeping onto your face.

“Just realising how lucky i am.”

you noticed the gleam in his eyes, as if he had finally, after all these years, found his way home.

[redflagshipwriter]

Hot Ghouls in your Area ch 4 progress

(read other sections of this and more stories here)

Danny floated miserably through the stacks, pulling out books that looked remotely plausible. Maybe he needed help. Jazz would help him without laughing at him, right?

Sam and Tucker absolutely would not. They would think it was hilarious that he had so little game that the universe assigned him a boyfriend via Jeremy Waters. 

‘As if I could pull a guy who looks like that,’ Danny thought wryly, and then felt a little bad about himself in comparison. Jason was, uhhhh, physically blessed. He was tall and well proportioned and his hands- Danny fought down a shiver and resisted the urge to steal another look. Jason was out of sight anyway.

Well. He still hadn't seen Jason's face. Maybe he was ugly! You never know. Or maybe under the helmet it was totally smooth, no face. That would be neat. Danny paused mid motion to imagine that.

Haha. Sick, man.

That concept cheered him up a little as he grimly opened the first book and started skimming for likely words like marriage, spouse, and concubine. 

He didn’t bother reading anything in detail. He stuck a post it note on each page with a relevant term and then put the book in a pile to take back to his dorm. This wasn’t going to get solved in a day.

Ah, shit. Danny paused. This wasn’t going to get solved in a day. He bit his lip and looked off in the direction where Jason had disappeared to do his own research.

He truly didn’t have time to devote to this right now. He was not willing to drop his school life in order to solve a sudden problem. Jason was just going to have to cope with whatever timeline Danny could manage without setting his life on fire.

On the other hand, Jason was a human guy who probably had a life of his own at the biker bar/fight club. Whatever the hell required that kind of outfit probably kept him busy! So Danny couldn’t like, just leave him in the castle to chill.

“Not to mention the fact that he shouldn’t be able to live here very long anyways,” Danny muttered to himself.

That was troubling him. Frankly, Jason should have been intolerably uncomfortable in the ghost zone for this long without specialized protective equipment. It wasn’t meant for humans.

‘What did Jeremy do to this guy?’

Yikes. Did this mean… Did this mean Danny should have given that little cult thing more credit? But Jeremy was just such a doofus. He grimaced. Embarrassing. Why were his enemies so embarrassing? This shit didn’t happen to, like, Wonder Woman.

Danny buried himself back in the books to avoid the growing suspicion that Jason might have been uhhhh magically altered to make him an appropriate concubine to a dead king. That thought sucked! He didn’t like it. He really didn’t like the idea of bringing it up with Jason.

When he had what he thought was a good first round of research, Danny shelved the books he’d gotten out and went to find where his …

He whole-body flinched at the point where he needed to plug an appropriate noun into that sentence. 

“Jason?” Danny called, juggling books into a stack. “I think we should probably get you back to the re- the human world. Before something inexorable happens.”

A pause.

“I don’t think you know what that word means,” Jason said. A book shut. Danny headed towards the sound, phasing through shelves effortlessly. A spark of curiosity lit up at Jason’s voice. He sounded relaxed, even through the helmet’s filter. 

‘I want to hear his real voice. Bet it’s nice.’

Wait. What? Danny shook the thought away, discomforted. He plastered a wide grin on his face. “I don’t know any words,” he lied breezily. “I’m just ad libbing. Anyway!” He flopped dramatically down onto the big chair next to Jason’s, making sure to be extra physical to get a satisfying whumpf. “We really should go! I can get you to the human world, but, uh, I can’t promise to put you back where you came from.” He scratched at the back of his neck. “I think this is going to be a more than one day affair.”

Jason was watching him. There was nothing visible through his helmet, but Danny got the sense that he was tense, waiting for a threat. 

Which, what? Why would Jason feel threatened by-

Oh. Danny felt a knot in his stomach. Right. That made a lot of sense. He felt kinda sick. 

He didn’t let the feeling show through and barreled on speaking. “I don’t exactly have an easy way for you to contact me, but we probably need to stay in touch to fix this. Do you have any ideas?” 

The lie felt kind of gross. But he could hardly tell the guy; “I’m an engineering student in Gotham, you can just call my cell or come to the dorms.”

Jason seemed to relax at the cessation of control. “If you can stick around, yeah. I’ll get you a burner phone, exchange numbers. You’re not going to…” He trailed off. Danny felt a frown somehow. “You won’t have any signal here, actually. That won’t work.”

“I can make it work,” Danny assured him, hands up. “I mean, I can’t make it work here, or I would have offered to help with your tech. But I can pop in and out of the human world and check my messages.”

“That’ll work.” Jason’s helmet turned ever so slightly. “About the books…”

“You found something good?” Danny asked, impressed. “Yeah, awesome. Just be really careful with them, the librarian is a scary guy.”

Jason’s hand flexed over the closed book on his thigh. “I can take- how many can I take out?”

Danny scoffed. “I’m not your dad,” he said. “Whatever you can carry, man. You ready to go or do you need a minute?” He flipped back to his feet with a grunt. 

[randomfoggytiger]

React: A Late-Canon Reviler Gives the Revival a Try (Plus One, Forehead Sweat, Ghouli, Kitten, Rm9sbG93ZXJz, Familiar, Nothing Lasts Forever), Part VI

Part I (My Struggle I), Part II (Founder's Mutation), and Part III (Weremonster), Part IV (Home Again), Part V (Babylon), and Part VI (This.)

Had to cut down on my react posts because I didn't have the time, drive, or willpower to keep plowing through at the same rate.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

The usual complaints.

There are overly dramatic "DUUUUN" musical cues, scenes end too quickly, camera shots transition at odd times, and the cast can be too wooden or too emotionless in moments that desperately need something (Mitch Pileggi excepted. He nailed it.) David and Gillian trade off believability in their respective roles; and usually not in the same scene (unfortunately.) Scully is stuck with her 30-years-a-smoker voice; and Mulder magically finds every answer he could ever want from the Dark Web. (I don't think "the Dark Web" means what the writers think it means.)

However. The plots are tighter, the humor more effective, and the pacing (a tad) better constructed.

I wouldn't mind rewatching mid-S11 if it followed different characters in a different show. As it stands, nothing really hit the spot.

PLUS ONE

Mulder and Scully are but aren't but are together in S10 and S11. They also are in This but aren't in Plus One. What the script says they do versus what DD and GA portray them doing often clash.

Yeah, Mulder and Scully are already involved again in this episode. My theory: scoot-in-your-boot is a private in-joke they have. Backed up by: his twinkle and her quick "I'm scooting you out of here."

The siblings were like a Punch and Judy show, get it? (Chucky Poundstone? Punch? Ehhh? Also, Chuck like Chucky the doll. ...And also like the other Revival Chuck doll, Mr. Chuckleteeth.)

Plot problems:

A man who matched the profiles of recent, suicidal "sudden schizophrenia" victims was left, alone, in his cell while he screamed for help. That would not fly by 2015 standards. And if it did, there would be serious consequences or a serious attempt at a to cover-up (which the cops didn't attempt to do.)

Chucky Poundstone: Fight Club levels of overacting.

Mulder and Scully were constantly called hot not because the topic naturally bloomed in conversation but because it was relevant to the episode's theme.

Scully let Demon Judy get to her. Scully wouldn't have been bothered to be out of "child-bearing age" because Mulder might want kids with someone else (WHEN HAS MULDER EVER)-- she should've been bothered because she wasted their one shot at parenthood and "threw away" their son. Wrong track, wrong manipulation tactic. Like point 3, this was only brought up to serve the episode's theme, not because it was crafted to fit the characters.

A lot of Mulder and Scully's theories talked past each other or leaped from point to point without fully fleshing out the last one (i.e. Scully derailing their theories to insist that ghosts don't exist.)

Scully almost threw away the pills Judy gave her instead of, I don't know, testing them first.

Scully and Mulder didn't keep the lawyer under surveillance after he saw his double.

Scully didn't believe in the Devil anymore... despite the fact that she used to, and we aren't told when or why she changed her mind. Imperative character development the writers neglected.

Scully thought it was more plausible that a man would cut off his own head through shared psychosis than the possibility of a supernatural element at play.

Scully was butchered either way: she believes in a supernatural element but doesn't want to admit it to Mulder because Judy might be right about her; or, she believes everyone is in a state of delusion yet still gives weight to Judy's pokes about her age.

The "Can you hold me?" scene was pleasantly in-character for Scully, but wobbled and waffled for Mulder. It also bucked up against their "we're already together" vibe, and didn't fit with This (at all.)

"I don't have anyone to have one [a kid] with even if I could [have kids]." Script, don't insult my intelligence; Scully was literally in Mulder's arms when she said this ("What are we gonna do?"/"We'll think of something" kind of saves it. Rather, salvaged it.)

Mulder didn't see Scully's doppelganger even though he was facing the doorway and was on high alert. Scully didn't TELL HIM she saw her doppelganger earlier (which is stupid because she'd either be aware it's-- hello-- an evil entity or she could be considered a risk in the field.)

Mulder ran off WITHOUT SCULLY after seeing his double and after she admitted to seeing her own earlier.

Scully ATE RANDOM PILLS instead of, I don't know, analyzing them first. The plot needed to have Scully have the pills because she wouldn't have saved herself otherwise. And also: why did the placebo pills work??? We're never told anything about them other than they're leftovers from Judy's food, and that the nurses superstitiously take them, too. That's it. No followup.

Scully continued to drive after seeing "herself" in the backseat. She should have pulled over-- even if she believed the doppelganger was only an illusion-- because she'd become a road risk and was following the pattern of the other victims.

The siblings just got mad at each other and wrote each other's names in the hangman slots. Which saved Mulder and Scully while killing each other, conveniently.

The "Mom" and "Dad" hangman papers haven't aged a day, despite being written, supposedly, when Chuck and Judy were kids.

DD salvaged the ending by waiting in the doorway for Scully.

Plus One thrust me into a world where Mulder and Scully are jumping in and out of bed, from Unremarkable House to motel, from etc. to etc., without ever talking about their future-- more accurately, where the writing pretends Scully never pondered the obvious conclusion.

THE LOST ART OF FOREHEAD SWEAT

This episode worked... up to a point.

As a one-off, the comedy hit pretty consistently and Reggie was an enjoyable third wheel. (I admit: I ALMOST laughed out loud when Reggie shot Eddie Van Blundht in the head.) The writing was tight, the dialogue flowed smoothly, there were no out-of-place musical beats or lingering camera shots.

As a part of the overall canon?

Forehead Sweat solidifies, for me, what doesn't work about the "modernization" of the Revival. Dr. They kindly pronounces that Mulder and his way of life is no longer necessary in the current age... and that's the stickler. The current age. Fox Mulder didn't fit into the current-world 90s, either, because the mythology and Consortium and mystery behind the original show was a fabrication inspired by old politics-- the Cold War-- that was then mapped onto a very loose, very forgiving framework. If Carter and Co. had kept to that formula, had steered away from cookie-cuttering the 2015-2018 political climate into their show, then Fox Mulder and Dana Scully wouldn't seem so lost and out of place chasing X-Files in the forest in their 50s while aliens did or didn't plan to colonize the planet and Skinner might or might not be on their side. Because that would raise questions: why hasn't the Trump Administration shut them down-- he'd consider their unit useless. Why are Mulder and Scully now afraid the FBI will be suspicioned or "shut down" if it's always been corrupt, if even now they serve a counter-culture role to the establishment, instead of striking off on their own? More importantly, in an era steeped in finger-pointing and blame-shifting and distrust and disbelief, there's no way the cases that drift to the basement wouldn't be blown up on social media within hours-- especially when the 90s already had NICAP and MUFON and other groups who closely followed their niche interests. The logic of The X-Files quickly falls apart in a world that would afflict stricter and harsher consequences, 2015 and 1993 alike.

That aside, this was the best Revival episode, thus far, in terms of quality. I will give it that. (Note from the future: that will be outdone, I believe, by Kitten.)

Plot problems:

The comedy bits hit, but Mulder and Scully warp in and out of character to achieve them (particularly: the repeated one where Scully keeps leaving before Mulder finishes rambling. Ironically, it's out of place with Darin's other comedic episode Weremonster as well as 200+ other examples of her character. But if the execution had been tweaked, those scenes would have been satisfying to watch. )

Mulder was LOUD. That's not new; but he was LOUD in the wrong moments, at the wrong times-- raising his voice, yelling, punctuating statements with STATEMENTS rather than his usual smooth pantomime or one-off, quick-witted remark.

The Babyfication of Dialogue continues ("sugarboobs", "I'm Fox Freaking Mulder, you punks!", etc.)

I'll bet Reggie kept hiding from the baddies in Skinner's office, hence why he knew him. This isn't a criticism so much as a theory. Or maybe those two gossiped over the water cooler-- Skinner knows everything and everyone, after all.

The Trump Administration poses no threat compared to the global Consortium and Conspiracy Mulder and Scully faced in the 90s. It was considered a threat to 2016s America, which would explain the "I feel like the world's gone mad" quotes the two leads keep kicking around. But, to them? Who lost and almost died and tried to save as many lives as possible to the Syndicate? And in a mythology that had large, regular gatherings of conspiracists who believed in aliens and distrusted the government (as seen in The Red and the Black), it disrespects the intelligence of its viewers by injecting and magnifying struggles that Mulder and Scully would philosophically take on the chin.

GHOULI

Another bump up in quality. The sharp back-and-forth camera techniques are better utilized with this episode's destabilizing, reality-questioning moments. Mulder rambling about the pathos and history behind classic monsters is a classic Mulder moment, Scully snorting and slightly smirking as he does so is a classic Scully moment. Is this the origin of the "Bob" nickname on Tumblr? The girl's "Kids would get stoned on it, in the summer. ...Not me!" was hilarious. Scully's speech in the morgue was the most Scully moment I've seen thus far. Scully subtly admitting to hiding evidence from her parents in her mattress (like Jackson.) Skinner always gets updates about Mulder's activities through other government employees' complaints.

Demerits: shots and cutaways still, well, cutaway at odd moments. Instead of holding on a scene and easing the audience into the atmosphere, cutcutcutcut snaps them out of it. But that's par for the course in the Revival; and it's not tooooooo badly done in Ghouli. Hoebag Jackson Van de Kamp. Mulder didn't get a moment to grieve over his son.

Thoughts? It turned from gripping mystery to big, fat disappointment. Skinner was great, Scully's morgue scene was great, um, Clone!Mulder had a nice moment or two. Jackson stank. As a condensed, disparate experience? It's alright. I quite liked it. (But it still wasn't The X-Files to me, etc. etc.)

Plot problems:

Mulder initially thought Scully's experience was sleep paralysis when he quite literally experienced this before in Paper Hearts. And neither were off-put or shaken by the similarities. (The episode tries to patch this up with, "You've been receiving visions through seizures. I'm sure this is another form"; but that's after she pointed to an open x-file and identified that boat as the one in her "dream".)

Mulder quoted a quote similar but different to his own from the original show. Instead of, y'know, quoting his own quote.

Mulder and Scully's kid is just Free Willying it up everywhere. And for what?

If CC wanted to do away with William (and that's an if), his death and his last attempt at justice for himself and his adoptive parents would have been a mature, heartbreaking way to do it. But no, we got My Struggle IV instead.

Mulder is oddly hesitant to believe his son's alive-- he's usually the one who is borderline delusional about believing and having hope. Yes, the series is supposed to show Mulder on the "other side": depressed (maybe? jury's out), burnt-out, and afraid to believe. But it goes back and forth on that message so often that there is no concrete change in his character to hold onto.

SKINNER'S ON THE CSM'S LEASH AGAIN.

We're back on the "men in Conspiracy but actually aliens but ACTUALLY men in Conspiracy" schtick. Pick a lane, mytharc.

Jackson played dead but it backfired because his parents found him not the agents; then he had to escape so the agents know he's on the run anyway, so.... *Cue Tony Stark*: "Not a great plan." Jackson is an idiot.

Mulder puts together all the pieces of the case off-screen without us, the audience, being there to see him working the mystery out logically. A "tell don't show" approach that undercuts the brilliance of his leaps.

Jackson let his two gfs see a monster and stab each other.... Jackson is an idiot.

Jackson made up a monster legend website to prank both his girlfriends-- who don't know the other exists-- at once; and ended up causing them to stab each other in fright. Jackson's an IDIOT.

Jackson is an IDIOT and a bit of a psychopath. And a LOT of an IDIOT. And he only got his visions and powers recently (since My Struggle II or III, it would appear); so he had to be an idiot before unlocking his abilities-- like the Rush highschoolers. So. Great going, writers.

SARAH TURNED HIM IN BECAUSE HE WAS KISSING ANOTHER GIRL. I mean, get him, girl; but then don't come groveling back.

JACKSON DOES THE MULDER FOREHEAD TOUCH WITH ONE OF HIS TWO GIRLFRIENDS.

JACKSON GOES ON THE RUN INSTEAD OF ASKING FOR HELP FROM HIS POSSIBLE BIO MOM DESPITE HAVING VISIONS OF HER BECAUSE HE'S AN IDIOT.

Mulder. Never. Had. A. Moment. With. His. Son. WHYWHYWHYWHYWHYWHY.

Oh. Mulder and Scully accepted their son wanted to move on with his life, away from them. ...Nnnnnnnoooooooooo, Jackson's not safe and is now an orphan and a high school dropout. NOPE.

KITTEN

This is Blood and Sleepless and Wetwired 4.0. ...But it's not bad.

Mulder snooping around Skinner's kitchen... fine, I liked it. Sue me.

The cop... fine, sue me, I liked him.

Skinner's code name is Eagle... because he's bald. I don't care, sue me, that was hilarious.

Skinner had the best speech.

I admit: I really, really do like this episode. It's the only one that fits into canon, oddly. (Mulder and Scully aren't themselves, etc. etc., blah blah, what else is new.)

My overall thoughts: Um. What did it achieve? Kinda progressed their characters forward... but had to regress them, first. Mind control and chemtrails and falling teeth and Mulder and Scully possibly holding Skinner's career back and Mulder distrusting Skinner but trusting him again while Scully did trust Skinner and was proven right in the end.... And a reference to Mulder's juices. It was necessary for Season 11, character-wise-- a "let's repair the damage to Mulder's trust issues" (which had been resolved?? in This but then wasn't, I guess??)

Plot problems:

There goes S9 Kersh's character development: all that he came to believe in. Right down the drain. (Not that I care; but keep it consistent, series.)

Scully questioning what happened to "the old, reliable Skinner we always knew and loved" is RICH considering A. she and Mulder were questioning his loyalty not five episodes ago and B. Skinner constantly got his hands dirty to help them out (which they largely forget in the Revival, for plot reasons, unless forced into a corner.)

Mulder: "As much as I don't trust the guy right now--" EXCUSE ME. I don't care what My Struggle II or III implied, Mulder of all people, Mulder, has seen Skinner squeezed into tighter corners and still ended up trusting him.

Skinner's getting framed, again, on surveillance tape.

SCULLY giving Skinner the benefit of the doubt, NOT MULDER.

There's no way Skinner's surviving that wound without blood transfusions and serious medical attention. Nope.

Skinner... was behind the two agents... in a pit... but managed to not only climb out but outrun them... in the woods... with a side wound... and knock over a full-grown man... and punch him enough so that said man could get caught in his own trap. ...'Kay.

So. The teeth falling out was never explained. Except to suggest, I guess, that the gas slowly rots them out? Except the policeman and his wife also had teeth loss? Or was that as a comedic bit? Or/and a comedic bit? Who knows!

WAIT, I WAS WRONG. CHEMTRAILS. Really. CHEMTRAILS SPREADING POISON OVER THE TOWN. (Blood already did this but BETTER, writers.)

Mulder's "We're with you" is undercut by nearly 30 years of previous history.

Rm9sbG93ZXJz

This episode is, again, not too bad.

The characters, again again, don't feel like Mulder or Scully to me; but I could see Mulder and Scully doing the actions that the characters did. All in all, I can see why those who like the Revival would enjoy watching this.

Also, I still wish Clone!Mulder never had to pay the tip.

Plot problems:

The world with all this tech doesn't coincide nor coexist with The X-Files universe (and, yes, that including the Revival.)

The whole... not speaking thing. I know it was supposed to be artistic or to convey some layered meaning; but, narratively, it was off-putting. Perhaps if they'd both been knocked about in the field, and it was painful to talk? Mutual tonsil surgery? Anything??

Whipz. Get it? Scully whipz and naynays.

The robots having that much influence over lesser forms of tech (i.e. Mulder's cable, not a smart tv....)

Mulder would have absolutely spiraled if he'd experienced half of what this episode put him through. Scully would have spiraled. None of this would not have been easily brushed aside with a tip.

Mulder still calls sex phone operators; and the machines ratted him out to Scully. Either that, or it was a callback just so Mulder could tell the caller to "Shut up." He's grown and changed, guys~~~~~.

It doesn't make sense why the robots are trying to kill Mulder or Scully if they want a tip from them. OR, one could argue, the robots are threatening Scully's life so Mulder will pay the tip. Either way, the two could have been killed multiple times if they hadn't ducked or dodged. Seems counter-intuitive, and mostly just in service for a "surprise, we just want the tip" twist ending.

"We have to be better teachers." REALLY. That's the takeaway. Not the fact that they were almost KILLED due to the incompetence or oversight of whoever created these robots. REALLY.

FAMILIAR

So. Uh. Classic X-File. Held up pretty well. Classic Mulder eating crime scene evidence. The script was old-school tight.

In other words, this was Chimera 2.0. But not as great.

Plot problems:

The police immediately rule out the child's cause of death as a murder. And think it might be a coyote. Or a coy wolf. ...Uh huh.

"You're my homie": Babyfication back.

Scully doesn't believe in human combustion. ...Honestly, shakes out with her theory having been disproved in Trevor. (Although, I don't know if there was a spontaneous human combustion case in S9, feel free to correct me.)

Scully telling Mulder he's "wasting his time" for wanting to interview a little girl who was an eyewitness. ...WHAT.

The boy's mother is... not the best actress. Taking me back to the OG show at times.

What are those creepy teletubbies. Nightmare fuel.

The community... didn't know... there was a convicted sex offender... in their midst. ...Did no one care to look up, I don't know, A SEX OFFENDER REGISTRY??

WHY is Scully fighting back against his witchcraft thesis when she's witnessed a witch doctor plastic surgeon AND a bewitched doll??? Amongst other things????

Gotta admit: I chuckled when Mulder accidentally got the Chief to confess to an affair (his "I... did not see that coming.") However: that scene was wildly out of place amidst the tragedy of the salt-circle and the possible murder of the innocent-in-this-case pedophile.

The episode just skips from the police officer shooting the pedo straight to the officer's trial. ...What happened to that old curse put on the town, huh? Just... took a break for a couple weeks? Mulder and Scully stuck around, or flew out-and-in while Mr. Chuckleteeth took a power nap?

Officer Wentworth let Scully's suspicions slip to the child's father, at the child's funeral, and is kind of portrayed as the good guy here. He doesn't express remorse for not following protocol (especially to a broken-down father grieving the death of his child), only that he is "sickened" a man (the father he broke protocol for) gunned down another man without due process. ...'Kay.

So, all the responsible parties involved all die because the jealous wife was cursing the cheating woman and eventually her husband. ...But if that's the case, why did the Hellhound go after the CHILDREN first, not the two people it was summoned to punish?? Usually things go awry after a bit of murder and mayhem, not before.

NOTHING LASTS FOREVER

What a stinker of an episode. Just when the cinematography levels out, the plot absolutely rots.

I did like Mulder scaring off the two officers by pretending to be a religious supernatural investigator.

And the church scene was good. It was necessary for this series, for these characters. Glad it was done. (I say Scully whispered she's ready to let go of the past: a.k.a. move back in with him, let go of the files even, let go of her rigid expectations of herself. Hence Mulder's line: "I always wondered how it was going to end.")

Plot problems (well... some of them, lost interest):

I hated... everything about that opening sequence. Doctors eating pancreases, illegal organ harvest, "chemtrails" reference, NINJA WOMAN WHO CAN TOPPLE A GROWN MAN, NAAAAH, GET OUTTA HERE. THIS ISN'T BATWOMAN, BOOOOOO.

Mulder's defensive over his glasses. ...They both have needed glasses since the 90s. Is Scully ribbing him over a stronger prescription?? I don't think so.

Mulder only has progressive lenses because the plot needs a contrast to a cult sacrificing people for eternal life (Our Town and Sanguinarium and Roadrunners, anyone?)

The gore's just off the charts, huh?

Crazy, washed-up actress living off of her shut-ins' blood. Possibly their organs. To remain forever young. ...I unironically read a better fanfic of this, ngl.

There are so many, too many, egregiously many plot contrivances. Wow. Here's just one set: Ninja killer is seeking vengeance but just happens to attend church the same day Scully just happens to attend church the same day Mulder happens to follow Scully the same day the priest happens to put up the verse that just so happens to correspond with the verse on the evidence organ cooler which just so HAPPENS to be tied to a small illegal operation keeping a crazy washed-up actress alive and young while she subsists off of parts from her shut-ins she "rescued" from the street. Stunning.

Mulder never had a dog: confirmed. ...But he did have a dog in his childhood photos, soooooooooo. Guess someone else gave it to him, then. (Or there is no show bible. Or this is an awful, no good, no-hate-if-you-like-it-but-I-don't universe.)

WE'RE STILL ON THE MAGGIE COIN NECKLACE??? What other answer for it is there except it was the date Charlie walked out of her life???? Ugh, forget it. The writers wanted it to be a mystery box. Then Gillian walked away from the series and nothing was resolved, yolo.

Mulder always bears North, Scully says, no matter how hard the wind blows against him. ...Except it didn't-- numerous times in this series, numerous times in this season, in fact. The Revival is, in fact, built on top of him losing his way pre-My Struggle I. So. Strike 1000 for missteps in Writing 101, I suppose.

Big Boss fight with a woman attached to his back. ...Guys, this isn't The X-Files, this is Resident Evil.

Olivia looks ghostly pale one second, then almost normal the second the guy she's attached to is murdered. ...Guys. She's attached to a dead guy. That's gotta be sepsis by the time she's in the hospital, right? Also: if Olivia was in THIS deep in a cult, she would have been devastated, not dazed but delighted, that her sister had killed the guy she was attached to.

CONCLUSION

I'm freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!

If I feel in a ranty mood in future, I'll cover the last three Struggle episodes. But until then, my Revival journey has reached its end.

And what are my final thoughts? The same as they were going in. ;))

Thanks for reading¬

Enjoy!

[delicatedarknight]

Imagine JL about to celebrate Halloween, where no one knows each other's identity. Superman thinking to dress as Jack from Titanic just for kicks and thought it would be funny if Batman dressed up as Rose

Superman: Batman, would you like to be Rose to my Jack? *Winking aggressively with a rose in mouth*

Batman: *too busy arranging documents* Why? Do you wanna die like him?

Superman: *almost tearing up* n-no..I wanted to be love of your life

Batman: *dramatically turning* oh oh..

Rest of the JL looking at them with stoic face

Aquaman: Do they always have to do it?

Green Lantern: We get it you guys are dating!!! No need to make us feel more lonely!

Some time later...

Flash: Green Lantern are you dressing up as trash?

Green Lantern: excuse moi? Why the actual fck would I?

Flash: cause I wanna take you out *lip bites*

Green Lantern: you should stop spending time with supes

Flash: soo...can I take you out?

Green Lantern: trash talk again and I will throw you out for sure *walking away*

Green Lantern stopping mid way and glances at flash : and it's a yes, you can take me out

Rest JL looking at superbat and then green lantern with flash

Wonder woman: at this point I'm just dressing up as wonder woman

Arthur: I was thinking of dressing up as a clown, but since we already have four. I might just dress up as chucky 🔪

[peppymintdreams]

Hot and Sweaty…. Ramen

Elias x Barista

The room was bathed in the soft glow of the kitchen lights as Elias and Barista sat across from each other, sweaty and out of energy, the only sounds being the quiet slurps of ramen noodles and the soft clink of chopsticks against bowls. The aftermath of their intimate moment still hung in the air, a subtle hum of energy lingering between them. Their clothes were hastily thrown back on—Elias in his loose-fitting joggers and Barista in a stolen shirt that definitely wasn’t theirs but smelled like him.

Barista was the first to break the silence, glancing at Elias with a lazy, satisfied smirk. “I think that’s the best “workout” I’ve had all week.”

Elias grinned around his chopsticks, shaking his head in amusement. “Yeah, I’ll bet. Almost made me forget we were starving before.”

Barista chuckled, twirling some noodles in their bowl. “And now here we are, post-workout meal, looking like we just survived a war.”

Elias leaned back in his chair, his muscles still loose and relaxed from the earlier intensity. He reached over to ruffle Barista’s hair, a playful glint in his eyes. “You say that like I didn’t win.”

Barista raised an eyebrow, pausing mid-bite. “Oh? You won?”

Elias shrugged, fighting a smirk as he slurped more noodles. “I think the evidence speaks for itself.”

He said “ahem” clearing in his throat “Harder Elias!” He screamed,

Barista rolled their eyes, but couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled up. “You’re impossible.”

“I know.” Elias leaned forward, his eyes gleaming mischievously. “But you’re still here, aren’t you?”

Barista gave him a look, a mockingly thoughtful expression. “Hmm, you’ve got a point. But it might just be the ramen. It’s really good.”

Elias feigned a hurt expression, dramatically clutching his chest. “Ouch. Reduced to just being a ramen chef. That’s cold, even for you.”

Barista leaned forward, placing their chopsticks down with a small clatter. “Well,” they said in a low, teasing voice, “you did bring the heat earlier. Guess I’m just balancing it out.”

Elias chuckled, his gaze softening as he watched them. “Fair enough. But next time, I expect some gratitude for my culinary skills. It’s not every day you get ramen like this after... you know.”

Barista smirked, picking up their bowl and taking a long, exaggerated slurp. “Fine. Consider me grateful.”

“Good, because I might just make you crawl over here next time your legs give out.”

Elias laughed, the sound filling the space between them, lightening the air. As they both returned to their meal, the intensity of earlier slowly dissipated, leaving behind a warmth that had nothing to do with the ramen and everything to do with the easy, familiar comfort they shared.

Even after the flames of passion, they found something just as satisfying—quiet moments of laughter, teasing, and noodle-slurping, knowing that whatever came next, they’d face it together.

[brainddeadd]

Thanksgiving

im australian.. i have 0 clue how thanksgiving works.. enjoy whatever this is

Thanksgiving with the New Jersey Devils was supposed to be a laid-back gathering—a few players, some food, and a chance to unwind mid-season. Of course, with Jack Hughes, Luke Hughes, Nico Hischier, and Dawson Mercer involved, it’s anything but peaceful. You knew chaos was inevitable the second Jack declared that he would “personally oversee” cooking the turkey.

“This thing is still frozen,” Jack grumbles, staring at the 20-pound bird sitting in the sink.

“You were supposed to take it out yesterday,” Nico points out, already exasperated despite it being only 11 AM. He’s peeling potatoes like a man possessed, determined to keep everything on schedule. His dedication to holiday traditions is impressive—and mildly concerning.

“What do we do now?” Luke asks, poking the turkey like it might come to life. He’s wearing an apron that says Kiss the Cook, but you doubt it’s been used for anything other than looking ridiculous.

You roll your eyes. “We should’ve just ordered pizza.”

Jack gasps like you’ve committed treason. “Y/N, this is Thanksgiving. We need turkey.”

Somehow, Jack convinces Dawson to try thawing the turkey in the bathtub, which immediately turns into a disaster when Dawson slips on the bathroom floor and soaks himself—and half the room—in cold water.

“This isn’t working,” Dawson groans, standing in the doorway with his drenched werewolf pajama pants sticking to his legs. “Who thought putting it in the tub was a good idea?”

“You did,” Luke points out, deadpan.

Dawson glares at him. “Details.”

Meanwhile, Jack’s trying to “speed up the process” by blasting the hair dryer at the turkey. You pinch the bridge of your nose, already regretting every life choice that led you here.

Nico, ever the responsible one, finally steps in. “Everyone out of the kitchen. I’ll handle the turkey before we end up with food poisoning.”

“I was doing a good job!” Jack protests, holding the hair dryer like a weapon.

Nico doesn’t even blink. “You were about to electrocute yourself.”

Jack sulks, but retreats to the living room, dragging you along with him.

“Come on, Y/N. We’re banned from kitchen duty.” He plops onto the couch dramatically, throwing an arm over his eyes. “Nico’s no fun.”

“Nico just saved your life,” you remind him, taking a seat next to him. “Be grateful.”

Jack peeks out from under his arm, grinning. “I’m grateful for you.”

In the living room, Dawson finds the football game on TV, Luke brings out snacks (mostly chips and questionable dip), and Jack makes it his mission to steal the best spot on the couch—right next to you, of course.

“This is way better than cooking,” Luke declares, stretching his legs across the coffee table.

You raise an eyebrow. “You literally didn’t cook anything.”

“Exactly,” Luke says with a smug grin. “See? Way better.”

About an hour later, the smell of roasting turkey fills the apartment, and the chaos shifts to the dining table. Nico finally manages to pull everything together—turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and a questionable green bean casserole that no one admits to making.

Jack grabs the carving knife, looking far too excited. “I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life.”

Nico groans. “Please don’t hurt yourself—or anyone else.”

Jack winks. “No promises.”

He saws away at the turkey with way too much enthusiasm, sending chunks of meat flying in every direction. One lands in Dawson’s lap, and the room erupts into laughter.

“Food fight?” Dawson suggests, raising an eyebrow mischievously.

“No,” you, Nico, and Luke say in unison.

Jack pouts. “You guys are no fun.”

Dinner itself is a whirlwind of bad jokes, bickering over who gets the drumsticks, and Jack trying (and failing) to convince you that cranberry sauce counts as a vegetable.

Nico, being the unofficial dad of the group, makes everyone go around the table and say what they’re thankful for.

“I’m thankful for this team,” Luke says earnestly, making everyone “awww” in unison.

“I’m thankful for Y/N,” Jack says next, nudging you with his shoulder. “She’s the best little sister-slash-teammate ever.”

You grin. “Right back at you, Spider-Man.”

Dawson, not to be outdone, declares, “I’m thankful I didn’t drown in the bathtub today.”

Nico shakes his head but can’t help smiling. “I’m just thankful no one set the apartment on fire.”

As the night winds down, you all settle back into the living room, stuffed to the brim with turkey and pie. Jack is sprawled across the couch, half-asleep with his head resting on your shoulder. Luke and Dawson are locked in an intense battle over the TV remote, trying to find the perfect post-dinner movie.

Nico leans back in his chair, watching the chaos unfold with a small, satisfied smile.

“Happy Thanksgiving, Y/N,” he says quietly, catching your eye.

You smile back, feeling warm and grateful despite the madness. “Happy Thanksgiving, Nico.”

And as Jack snores softly beside you, and Luke and Dawson continue their ridiculous argument over what to watch, you realize that this chaotic, goofy, wonderful group is your family. And honestly? You wouldn’t have it any other way.

[shifterbee]

WARNING: LONG POST AHEAD

My Relationship With Reality Shifting

What I'm going to be talking about:

How I found out about shifting

My initial thoughts/ feelings about shifting

What led me to believe in shifting

Why I don't doubt that shifting is real

What doubts I do have (let's be honest, not everyone can be completely free of doubts)

My approach to shifting when I first started

My current approach to shifting

I didn't want this post to be too long so if you want/need me to explain anything further then let me know <3

Any trigger warnings will be in place wherever may be necessary <3

How it all started:

Like many people in this community, I first found out about shifting through TikTok in 2020. In my case, it was around mid-September when I was scrolling through my FYP and saw the video that changed my life forever.

OK, that was a bit dramatic, but you get the point. The video that I saw was this girl acting out something that she claimed happened in her DR. The scene went something like this (my memory is really blurry, so bear with me):

She had just shifted back to her DR, and It was during the battle at Hogwarts. there were a bunch of people coming up to her saying things like "Where did you go?" and "We missed you so much"(your typical 2020 misinformation). the battle was starting, and she looked at everyone and said, "I know what will help us. everyone close your eyes, trust me." IDK, I think she was trying to group shift everyone out of her DR???? either way it didn't work but when they opened their eyes the portals from Avengers Endgame(I think) started opening up and the Avengers stepped out of them. Her reaction to that was like "Well I guess that also works".

There might have been more to it, but that's all I can remember right now. Also PLEASE tell me if you also saw that video and/or remember who posted it. I wonder what they're doing now.

At first, I was a little confused, but then I looked at the tags and saw one that said: "reality shifting." at this time, my FYP was filled with a bunch of fanfic-related stuff, So I guess because of that, I just assumed that reality shifting was just a weird fanfic tope used in crossover fics. I was also sort of on DracoTok, so I wasn't really confused about why I would be seeing Harry Potter fanfic on my FYP.

I scrolled away from the video and didn't think much of it until a few days later when I looked up the tag and saw a bunch of videos with advice and methods on how to shift. at this point I was very confused and I was just thinking "Wait, are these people being fr". After scrolling through the tag for a bit I found a video explaining what it was.

I don't know who made that video. But one thing I do know is that I have never doubted the existence of shifting since.

Why I started believing:

I'm just going to use bullet points for this section. but if you want me to go into more detail about anything, let me know.

my prior knowledge/belief of out-of-body experiences (i.e. astral projection)

my belief that humans are always more powerful than what we usually think/believe.

Also, potential TW: brief mention of drugs

probably the biggest reason was a story I heard from a YouTuber about one of his friends who, after taking DMT, claimed to have lived in a forest with elves for 3 years and was able to give a detailed description of what happened in those 3 years. The story I'm talking about is about 10 minutes into this video I immediately thought of this story when I saw videos of people talking about their experiences in their DRs. And since this drug is something that can be naturally produced by the brain, it didn't seem like much of a stretch to suggest that you could trigger its production without taking any drugs.

I want to make it very clear that I am not promoting or encouraging the use of drugs/illegal substances in order to shift.

My approach to shifting then vs. now:

I have always treated shifting like a skill. At first, I thought that if I practiced the methods/techniques I learned from Shifttok enough, I would eventually have to shift.

Now, I treat shifting as something you allow yourself to do rather than force. It's kind of like sleeping. The more you try to force it, the less likely it's going to happen.

More recently, I have been focusing more on improving my confidence when it comes to my abilities. In my opinion, it is not enough to intend to do something you also have to have the confidence to be able to do it.

I think that is why most people aren't shifting. There are only so many times a person can fail at something and not lose their confidence.

End Notes:

I think that this is all I wanted to say. But, once again, if you want me to explain something, let me know what it is.

[vivianbernadetteaurora]

CAPRICORN VENUS STYLE 🥀🎩🦋🪐

The Capricorn Venus style ,can really go one of two ways, and the young years and you’ve got to remember Capricorn is young from a very young age I mean sorry I mean old so the older years could be there mid 20s for them. They’re old years might be their mid 30s, but depending on the Capricorn and their placements around that so you’re gonna have a Capricorn Venus, you can be a Capricorn and Aquarius and a Pisces, or you can be a Sagittarius a Scorpio, so like I said, blend all those signs together, and this is what you may come out with case example, Britney Spears, Britney Spears was done up to the nines when she was younger, and she always put her way into the photo shoot or style, even in her first video and first magazine cover baby one more time she had the idea of wearing the school skirt, the unbutton shirt and having the Teletubby, yes I know yes I know creative genius, but you’re also giving that Jupiter Arian vibe to it because she’s a Sagittarius she’s all about pushing boundaries and being a rebel and being out there the Capricorn Venus is saying no rain in a bit, so when you see Brittany on her days out and she used to have her extension scraggly a bit or should be eating junk food and have a skin breakouts, people need to remember that Saturn is very similar planet to Pluto in the fact that you’re gonna learn very hard lessons with that planet and it has that deep energy they may be two different types of learning energy like growing up and transformation with these two objective planets. They’re both planets malignant planets so we both see her style as a street style and her country style roots excuse the pan, but you’re also going to see her dolled up red carpet look which I’m sure should have input too, but when I take these and cheesy pictures I tried to do their street style because I know that’s more of the real them.

Then you have someone like ice spice, who I know as a Capricorn son I’m not sure if she’s a Capricorn Venus, but the style is still coming out. That’s why I say always check your landline annual rising sign with the Venus and she will this Betty Boop costume around Halloween her bottom, was literally hanging out you could see the crack everything,  these of you that want to say Capricorn is all about class and elegance. I’m so afraid you’re not always correct there case. In point of my own experience my mother always dressed quite quickly. She still does a bit now but she’s in her 60s one night in the 90s maybe early 2000s but definitely between 99 or 2001 she went on a night out and my sisters were so embarrassed by what she was wearing, she has a lot of fifth house energy to say there’s a Leo thing of wanting to be noticed, and I loved her outfit being a Leo rising in the first house sun, and she had the sparkly shoes on that she sprayed. She was in like amateur dramatics, and she was going on a night out with my auntie and she was like all sparkly. I can’t remember exactly but she had like tights and everything was done up on the ninth, but they thought it was tacky and they made fun of her and I always stuck up for my mum is the youngest child of loved it. I love the weird things that she did but I’m telling you people and this is going in there because people need to hear this…. When somebody dresses out there and put an effort in their clothes and they may be bright, they may be sparkling. They may be weird they may be whatever they like that it’s like how you dress normally or how you dress traditionally how you dress structured how you dress in whatever way you dress if somebody dresses out there, do you not make fun of their clothes because that is how they’re expressing that so a lot of the time same as someone wears a lot of make up by guarantee you if you’re one of these people, you’ve had, it said to your whole life and you start of getting bored of it.

Then we have Meg Megan Thee Stallion. She loves the Mugla suit in her building Mugla suit on the carpet. This is a definition of somebody who really dressed as well where she wears a clothes and the clothes don’t wear her. She’s kind of like a young younger Rihanna to me and the way she does this, but she really does her own and whoever said Capricorn weren’t creative watching or reading my video about it, not my video, my blog because Saturn, although it may rule like finances and reputation, and things like that think Capricorn rules create it rules status it will symbol, so these people are going to have a really good idea of what looks good for the status and the symbol and they know that and they know how to market themselves and anyone who is a celebrity a lot of the time has these Capricorn, Saturn act aspects so although she can be like that and she can have her outbreaks and stuff she still knows how to do it like a beast and like a goat, she is the greatest of all time and she always will be so here. I’ve given you another example, Kasha casually went through a lot of trauma. Kia is a Pisces, so we see a bit more of like that sparkle vibe to it like I was saying with my mum, the glitter she calmed it down a bit she’s got older she’s not being marketed as much but she still gives off that vibe and she can turn her suit into a business suit, but they market people in a certain way. That’s why it’s hard to do these Venus videos, sometimes because you’re seeing how they stylist might dress them not how they dress them. I know they have some interest or some creative progress to it, but I rather see their street style and here you go sat in Capricorn and I really know you know how to switch it up when you need to and you can also pull off the bad go look and do that be you don’t let anyone tell you that you’re not creative because you definitely have that and you have the epic to be creative for a long period of time I’m really put your all into an outfit or whatever you do in your artistic ways because you have the determination of Saturn backing you in that Venus way, it could be your art of drawing it could be an art of photography. It could be an art of music, but you have that stamina and that’s great and I think it’s really beautiful all of these examples I’ve given for you.

[kassandrasdisciple]

~~~ batman CC spoilers ~~~

Honestly this is the best DC project in years and a return to everything that was good about the og animated series whilst including all the elements of DC cannon that have been created or expanded upon since.

Just a few of my favorite things:

- the SETTING, going back to the 40s noir vibe is a perfect choice, the fights are beautiful and not overcomplicated by gadgets and tech, also allows for some gratuitously beautiful shots that play with shadow.

- batman's age, I don't think Bruce is ever given an age in the show but he seems to be mid 20s early 30s and still an urban legend as the batman, we don't have to waste time with an origin episode/season but we still get to experience a Gotham who doesn't fully trust their vigilante.

- VILLIANS, for me the stand out was harley quinn, divorcing her from the joker allows her character to fully shine, she stays somewhere in the grey but still firmly an antagonist. It's one of the gripes I have with new harley that once she leaves the joker she always becomes more of an anti-hero/hero, keep my girl villainous. Also her psychological background is in full swing, I've always believed Harley is most dangerous when she's in your head and the show leans fully into it. Gaslight, Gatekeep, Girlboss indeed.

- villians pt.2, keeping the theme of the animated series we have our villians for villainy antagonists like penguin and thorn who seem to live on in their counterparts, onomatopoeia and firebug, but we also get nuanced character arcs for 2-face, Natalia and clayface, echoing baby doll and calender woman.

- supporting cast, I'm only familiar with the comics in passing but if attorney Barbra is a new invention then whoever thought of it needs a raise. Also aging her up to be in her early 20s is an incredible change from the animated series where she floated around the freshly 18 mark. It makes her a hero in her own right even if she isn't batgirl (yet), and let's us see Gothams worst and how she's already fighting for change.

- Supporting cast pt.2, Montoya! My beloved, I'm not sure where her romance with harley is going but I can't wait, it's great to see such an archetypal noir cop, even more so than Jim, who speaking of I love as well, his want to protect the city but also butting heads with barbie on methods is perfect characterization in my option.

-baby bruce, horrifying, I love him. Alfred has personal beef with harley now, the second he saw an opportunity to throw that man in therapy she gives him valid paranoia of the entire profession just as he was thinking about trying it properly, I know it's on sight for him going forward.

- art, I've binged the animated series many times at this point and it's a running gag in the fandom that some frames are ... unique. Obviously the animators were working with what they had, but the step up in fight choreography and flow is spectacular, the whole show is a love letter to old batman with a new varnish of the animation productions of today.

Overall an amazing show that had me laugh and gasp in equal amounts, it took itself seriously in a way most superhero media won't do anymore, I distinctly thought in ep.9 when batman swings away from Montoya and Jim "wow they didn't put in a stupid snark about him being dramatic or having a nice ass ect" and it's like a breath of fresh air.

As far as nitpicks go I wished we had more of Bruce in isolation, or having real conversations, but I realize the focus of this season was his loneliness and how the final episode states he's opening up more to the 3 main supporting characters. I'm also worried for how important the joker might become but that's basically instinct at this point (please kill him off, i want to see the reactions).

Going forward I can't wait to see if we get any follow up on the Easter egg characters, killer croc, the 4 Robin's, king tut. I'd love to see the batman as a dad he's got a lot of kindness modern adaptations don't include, but still that overwhelmingly lonely nature. I'm hoping harley and the joker never cross paths in this universe but I won't hold my breath and I'd like to see if we will get a batgirl/oracle storyline as well.

Anyways looking forward to the confirmed second season, and if you read this without watching the show, start now.

[zapreportsblog]

❝hand cuff bonding❞

✭ pairing : Tony stark x reader

✭ fandom : avengers

✭ summary : (Y/n) and Tony have been dancing over their feelings for one another for far to long and Natasha would be damned if she sees her friend feelings get hurt again so she does what any good friend would do and hand cuffs the pair together for 24 hours. They have until the time runs out to confess or Natasha will expose their feelings to one another her damn self

✭ authors note : requested by someone who does not wish to be named, which is fine, long time ago I think on @fandomnationwhore blog, not sure how long ago you put this request in but I thought I would get it out there for you as soon as possible. You requested Tony Stark x reader but somone hand cuffed them together for 24 hours to get them to confess their feelings for each other.

✭ avengers masterlist

(Y/N) had lost count of how many times they had danced around their feelings for Tony Stark. It had become a complicated game of witty banter, teasing, and stolen glances. But Natasha Romanoff, always the observant friend, had decided that enough was enough. She was determined to push these two stubborn souls together, even if it meant resorting to unconventional methods.

One sunny afternoon at the Avengers compound, (Y/N) found themselves engaged in a lively debate with Tony about the latest technology advancements. Sparks flew, not just from the conversation, but from the undeniable chemistry that simmered beneath the surface. Natasha, who had been quietly observing from the sidelines, decided it was time to take action.

With a sly grin, Natasha approached the duo, holding a pair of handcuffs in her hand. She stopped right in front of them, causing both (Y/N) and Tony to pause mid-argument.

"What's this?" Tony asked, eyeing the cuffs with suspicion.

Natasha, always direct and to the point, replied, "It's an experiment in bonding."

(Y/N) raised an eyebrow, unsure of where Natasha was going with this. "Bonding? We're already a team."

Natasha's smirk widened as she explained, "Not that kind of bonding. I'm handcuffing the two of you together for 24 hours."

Both (Y/N) and Tony protested simultaneously, their objections ringing through the room. "You can't be serious!" Tony exclaimed.

"This is ridiculous!" (Y/N) added.

Natasha, unfazed by their protests, simply shrugged. "Think of it as a forced team-building exercise. I've got a mission to attend to, and you two need to work out your feelings."

With that, Natasha moved swiftly, attaching one end of the handcuffs to Tony's wrist and the other to (Y/N)'s. The click of the cuffs closing sent a shiver down their spines.

"Now, enjoy your bonding time," Natasha said, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she left the room, leaving the two of them literally attached at the wrist.

Tony and (Y/N) exchanged incredulous glances, their faces flushed with a mix of annoyance and embarrassment. Little did they know that this unexpected turn of events would force them to confront the feelings they had been dancing around for far too long.

Tony Stark and (Y/N) stood there, handcuffed together, exchanging flustered glances as Natasha's words lingered in the air. "Feelings? You have any clue what she's talking about?" Tony asked, a teasing smirk playing on his lips.

(Y/N) was quick to deny, their cheeks tinged with a hint of pink. "Feelings? No way, Tony. It's all in her imagination."

Their eyes locked for a moment, and both of them quickly glanced away, their hearts beating a little faster.

Tony sighed dramatically, his tone playful as he said, "Well, since we're stuck like this for 24 hours, we might as well make the most of it."

(Y/N) couldn't help but chuckle at his attitude. "I guess so. What do you suggest, Mr. Stark?"

Tony's eyes sparkled with mischief as he replied, "First things first,” He calls out to his AI, Friday, and instructed, "Friday, cancel all my meetings for today."

Friday's calm voice responded, "Yes, sir. Meetings canceled."

Tony grinned and turned back to (Y/N). "Well, we're free from work obligations for the day. What shall we do with our newfound freedom?"

(Y/N) couldn't help but return his smile, a sense of excitement building in their chest. "How about we start by not killing each other during this experience?"

Tony chuckled, "Agreed. No murder attempts today." He joked.

Tony Stark and (Y/N) had decided to spend their day indoors, away from prying eyes, to avoid anyone getting any ideas about their cuffed-together situation. They had ordered food from a nearby fast-food restaurant and made their way to Tony's private quarters on his own floor within the Avengers Tower.

As they settled into the plush couch in Tony's spacious living room, the aroma of the fast food wafted through the air. The two of them were determined to make the most of their time together.

(Y/N) grinned as the delivery man knocked on the door. She got up to answer it, and Tony had no choice but to follow along, their handcuffs jingling as they moved. She thanked the delivery man as he handed over the bags of food.

The delivery man's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the pair. "Wait, you're Elastic Girl and Iron Man!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe.

Before he could say anything else, Tony reached into his pocket, pulled out a wad of cash, and handed it to the man. "Thanks, bye now," Tony said, effectively cutting off any further conversation.

The delivery man blinked, clearly stunned by the generous tip, and Tony promptly shut the door in his face.

(Y/N) couldn't help but shake her head as she returned to the living room. "That was a bit mean, Tony."

Tony gave her a playful pout, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Aw, well, guess I'm mean then," he quipped.

They settled back onto the couch, bags of fast food spread out before them, and selected a movie to watch. As they dined on their greasy, delicious meal, the movie played on the large screen.

(Y/N) couldn't resist capturing this moment, where they were both cuffed together on Tony's plush couch, enjoying their meal and the movie. She pulled out her phone, discreetly leaned her head against Tony's arm, and snapped a quick photo, making sure to capture the warmth and contentment in their expressions.

As the movie played on, (Y/N) found herself comfortably nestled against Tony's side. His right arm, the one not cuffed to her, naturally slipped around her shoulders, creating a sense of closeness that felt surprisingly right.

Tony, usually so full of energy and restlessness, seemed to have succumbed to the cozy atmosphere and the warmth of the moment. His breathing grew steady, and soon, he was asleep, his chest rising and falling in a peaceful rhythm.

(Y/N) glanced over at Tony, studying his features in the soft glow of the television. His face, so often marked by confidence and charisma, now seemed relaxed and vulnerable in sleep. She couldn't help but admire the rugged charm of his features—the slight scruff on his jawline, the way his eyelashes cast delicate shadows on his cheeks, and the faint smile that played on his lips, as if he was content even in his dreams.

She gently shifted to get a better view, careful not to disturb him. With her free hand, she traced the contours of his face, marveling at the depth of emotions that this brilliant inventor and billionaire playboy concealed behind his facade.

In this quiet moment, with the world outside forgotten, (Y/N) realized just how much she appreciated Tony Stark. His wit, his intelligence, and his determination were admirable, but it was his vulnerabilities and the glimpses of his true self that truly drew her in.

As the movie soundtrack played softly in the background, (Y/N) leaned in, planting a gentle kiss on Tony's forehead. She rested her head against his shoulder, feeling grateful for this unexpected opportunity to get to know the man behind the suit, the genius behind the gadgets, and the heart beneath the armor.

Tony slept on, completely unaware of her affectionate gaze, and (Y/N) couldn't help but wonder if, in the midst of this unconventional situation, they were both starting to realize that maybe, just maybe, their feelings ran deeper than they had ever imagined.

Natasha Romanoff had a knack for appearing at the most inconvenient moments. Just as (Y/N) was lost in thought, studying Tony's sleeping face, Natasha entered the room quietly. Her dark eyes locked onto them, and she couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.

"Have y'all confessed yet?" Natasha asked, her voice carrying a teasing tone.

(Y/N) quickly shushed her, her finger to her lips. "Not so loud, Nat. He's sleeping."

Natasha smirked and lowered her voice, but her curiosity was still evident. "Well, did you?"

(Y/N) hesitated, glancing back at Tony's peaceful expression. "No," she finally admitted in a hushed tone.

Natasha's expression shifted from curiosity to a more serious demeanor. "Why not?" she asked, her voice gentle.

(Y/N) sighed, her eyes never leaving Tony's face. "I'm scared, Nat," she confessed quietly. "You know Tony's reputation when it comes to... well, ladies. I don't want to risk ruining what we have, not just our relationship, but the dynamic of the entire team as well."

Natasha considered (Y/N)'s words carefully, her gaze fixed on her friend. "If that's how you truly feel," she began, her tone serious, "then you have a choice to make. You can either tell him and risk the outcome, whatever it may be, or you can give him up."

(Y/N) stared at Tony, feeling a mix of longing and trepidation. Natasha's words hung in the air, a weighty decision that (Y/N) knew she couldn't avoid forever. It was time to confront her feelings and face the uncertain future, whatever it might hold.

* CONFESS * :

As Natasha quietly left the room, (Y/N) felt an overwhelming sense of determination wash over her. She couldn't keep dancing around her feelings any longer; it was time to face the truth. She turned her attention to Tony, who was still peacefully sleeping on the couch.

(Y/N) took a deep breath, mustering all the courage she could find. She leaned in closer and gently shook Tony's shoulder. "Tony," she whispered, "wake up."

Tony stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Yeah, yeah, I'm up. What happened?" he mumbled, clearly still half-asleep.

(Y/N) took a moment to gather her thoughts before she spoke. "Tony, there's something I need to tell you," she began, her voice unwavering. "I can't keep doing this dance around our feelings any longer. I... I like you, Tony."

There was a pause, a silence that seemed to stretch for an eternity as Tony's gaze locked onto (Y/N)'s. The room seemed to hold its breath, waiting for his response.

Finally, Tony spoke, his voice filled with a mixture of surprise and vulnerability. "You do?"

(Y/N) nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. "Yes, I do. I've liked you for a long time, Tony. I just couldn't find the right moment to say it."

Tony reached out and gently cupped (Y/N)'s cheek, his fingers warm against her skin. "Well, maybe this is the right moment," he replied softly. "Because I like you too, (Y/N). More than I ever thought possible."

Relief washed over (Y/N) as she heard his confession. She felt a smile tug at her lips, and she leaned in closer until their lips met in a soft, tender kiss.

In that moment, surrounded by the quiet of Tony's private quarters, they realized that the dance they had been doing around their feelings was finally over. They had taken the plunge, and now, they were free to explore the depths of their affection for one another without hesitation or fear.

(Y/n) pulls away from the kiss smiling before she realizes something “Oh, let me check and see where Nat is at so she can take these cuffs off.

Making quick work at shooting her friend a message she got a singular reply back from the red head the message reading “lab” so standing the pair made their way to the lab.

Upon entering the lab, Natasha was already there, her eyes sharp and knowing. She took one look at them and couldn't help but grin. "So, y'all finally confessed?" she asked, her tone tinged with amusement.

Tony and (Y/N) exchanged a brief glance, and for the first time, there was no need to hide or deny their feelings. "Yes," they both said in unison, their voices filled with a sense of relief.

Natasha raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking into a smile. "Well, it's about time," she remarked, her gaze moving to the handcuffs that still bound them together.

With a quick flick of her wrist, Natasha uncuffed them, and the cold metal restraints clattered to the floor. "Congratulations," she added, her tone now genuine. "It's about time you two figured it out."

Tony and (Y/N) exchanged a glance filled with shared understanding. They had taken a leap of faith, confessed their feelings, and were now free to explore the depths of their affection without secrets or shame. It was a new beginning, and they couldn't be happier about it.

As they left the lab, hand in hand, Tony and (Y/N) felt like a weight had been lifted from their shoulders. They had finally found the courage to embrace their feelings, and they were ready to face whatever the future held for them, together.

* GIVE HIM UP * :

(Y/N) stared at her phone, her fingers hovering over the screen, debating whether or not to send the text message to Nat. Her heart raced as she contemplated her feelings for Tony and the potential consequences of her decision. She had replayed their moments together in her mind countless times, but now it was time to make a choice.

With a deep breath, she tapped out the message: "Hey Nat, I've thought a lot about this, and I've decided it's best for me to forget about my feelings for Tony. I don't want to risk ruining our friendship. Thanks for always being there for me."

As she hit send, a mix of relief and sadness washed over her. She had made her choice, but it was bittersweet. (Y/N) knew that it was the right decision, but it didn't make it any easier.

Within moments, a reply from Nat appeared on her screen: "I'm proud of you for making that decision, (Y/N). Remember, I'll be here for you no matter what. We'll get through this together."

Grateful for Nat's support, (Y/N) smiled weakly at her phone before setting it down. She hoped that with time, her feelings for Tony would fade, and their friendship would remain intact.

Twenty-four hours later, (Y/N) and Tony found themselves sitting across from each other in the same coffee shop. The atmosphere was different this time, lighter and less tense.

Tony looked at (Y/N) and broke the silence, his voice casual, "So, that's done."

(Y/N) met his gaze and nodded, her own tone relaxed, "Yeah, it is."

Tony leaned back in his chair, a playful smirk on his face as he asked, "So, (Y/N), now that you're free from being handcuffed to me for 24 hours, what's your grand plan?"

(Y/N) grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm going to go adopt a dog."

Tony burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the coffee shop. "A dog, really? Was I that bad to be handcuffed to?"

(Y/N) chuckled, fully aware of Tony's teasing tone. "Oh, you have no idea. You were a handful."

Tony raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Me? A handful? I was the perfect handcuff partner."

(Y/N) shook her head, playing along with his banter. "Sure, if perfect means constantly trying to sneak away to get your morning coffee."

Tony chuckled, admitting defeat. "Okay, okay, guilty as charged. But hey, I did make coffee for both of us."

They shared a laugh, the tension from their earlier conversation now replaced with lightheartedness. Tony's eyes sparkled as he asked, "So, can I join you on your dog adoption adventure? I promise I won't try to run away this time."

(Y/N) grinned, touched by his genuine enthusiasm. "Of course, Tony. You're welcome to come along. It'll be fun."

As they made plans to visit the local animal shelter together, (Y/N) couldn't help but feel grateful for their friendship. The handcuff incident had brought them closer, and now, they were embarking on a new adventure together – one that involved wagging tails and furry companions.

[elkkiel]

Crossing my fingers that there's a chance we could get Telomeres, Euclid, Descending, Gods, or The Apparition on the set list at some point this year.

Like I know that hearing those live might be too much of an earth-shattering mass hysteria risk, but pls just give em some love on stage at least once then I'll shut up about it

Additional thoughts (and/or hot takes, idk the general opinion on some of these yet lol):

If they play Euclid I think it's a good thing I can't see them live: my mortal body would instantly sublimate and my soul would get shot through the atmosphere and splat face-first in front of the gates of Heaven. Mind you, I'd still be shitting crying throwing up viewing it through a screen but at least I can mentally degrade in the comfort of my own home. (<- least dramatic Euclid enjoyer)

Descending seems to have mixed opinions but she's my babygirl and I would die for her. Also most unlikely to get played live tbh considering it's mostly V with an electronic track, and idk how he could switch registers that quickly or how he would perform the pre-chorus (probably head voice but idk). A girl(??) can dream tho

I'm not a huge fan of the studio vocals on Gods* but I think with Vess having a better technique now and IV as support it would sound so fucking cool. Especially Ivy!!! I wanna hear more of him I am in LOVE with his scream <33333333

*It sounds like he hadn't quite got down a healthy, sustainable scream technique yet compared to short bursts on other songs. And it might just be me but the production sounds like a mid-range gaming headset — as in, it sounds like the mic was peaking or they added a lot more distortion in production. Peace and love Vessel, you sound so fucking good in Vore I would love to hear THAT vocal technique on Gods my little feral rage kitten <3

[eddiediazismyhusband]

Please yap to me about Buddie! Anything happy, honestly. I'm so sick of all the drama around here, so thanks for this opportunity. 🥰Here are some topics for you to choose from, and feel free to discuss them all if you like! 1) What would be your absolute ideal way for Buddie to get together? (it can be something that would be realistic for canon purposes, or just incredibly self-indulgent! Or both!) 2) Who says 'I love you' first, and how? 3) Tell us about a favorite headcanon you might have about them! It could be anything at all - how you envision their first kiss, a silly argument you know they would have, (how they make up from that argument....) literally any cute headcanon you would like to share! And if none of those things are topics you'd like to discuss, that's okay too. I just want to hear any and all happy Buddie thoughts!

omg we love options here <3

1. so i made a post a while ago but i really like the idea of buddie kinda paralleling bathena and getting together almost quietly? no bug emotional hurrah scene, no near death experience, but just… them both realizing it’s the next step for them naturally (after some dramatic feelings realizations ofc) but we hear buck mention in passing that he has a date or something and later on at the end of the episode we see him getting ready to go and there’s a knock on the door; he answers and we see flowers, before they are brought down and it’s eddie standing there all bashful and blushy and we get that big Buck smile and he’s like “hi” and eddie goes “hi, you ready to go?” and buck nods, grabbing his coat, taking the flowers, and then the episode ends with them closing the door as they leave. Of course i will take buddie however they wanna give it to us BUT i know they love their bathena parallels and i think this mirroring the s1 finale date w bathena would be super cute, especially if it was the mid-season finale and 8b could be focused on them settling into the relationship and having a few stumbles along the way as they get used to each other (maybe even a secret relationship plot 👀👀)

2. I really love the idea of Eddie saying “I love you” to Buck first, just because it would take a lot for Eddie to verbally admit that to anyone, and him admitting it to Buck would be so powerful and UGHHHH… meanwhile Buck is always the one diving into relationships headfirst and making the first big emotional step, etc, and i think having Buck be the one who gets confessed to would give him this sense of finally being wanted by someone (especially Eddie who is so guarded, even though he’s Buck) and it just feels so 🥰🥰🥰 to me (i think Buck would initiate their first kiss though)

3. I love my headcanon that they always make a point to sleep in the same bed even if they’re arguing bc they can’t stand the thought of losing each other in the middle if the night for any reason, and that even if they’re pissed at each other, they’re there, they’re alive, they’re okay. I feel like they wouldn’t have any major blow-out fights after maybe one or two early on in the relationship, just petty disagreements, arguments, things like that, but if they were it would be over one of them doing something dangerous and the other thinking they lost them, and they most certainly would not wanna let each other go after that.

[nemo-of-house-hamartia]

Hello once more !

I’m so sorry for what is happening to you and for that I’m beginning this ask by sending you a hug, love and good vibes *send all this* (am too lazy to write again beteen the Astérix, *asterisk* sorry 😅). And to top it all, let me share this cute idea I had with my favourite ship(among all the other cool one your wonderful brain spat out) of yours), Feducia! So I was listening to the song « Je reviendrai vers toi » (the French version of This is Where I Belong) from the movie Spirit the Stallion of the Cimarron and I thought the lyrics were fitting so well for these two whenever Federico was away on mission and was longing to come back to his dearest Lucia.

(Here are the English lyrics so you can actually understand what they say, might be a good idea 😅)

“I hear the wind across the plain

A sound so strong that calls my name

It's wild like the river, it's warm like the sun

Yeah, it's here, this is where I belong

Under the starry skies where eagles have flown

This place is paradise, it's the place I call home

The moon on the mountains

The whisper through the trees

The waves on the water

Let nothing come between this and me

'Cause everything I want is everything that's here

And when we're all together, there's nothing to fear

And wherever I wander, the one thing I've learned

It's to here, I will always, always return”

I can just imagine (let’s pretend that he already briefed the Brotherhood Mentore abt the outcome of his mission, whom (we pretend) Ezio was already trained under so he (Ezio) could then proceed to succeed him and further strengthen/ rebuild the Italian Brotherhood and still become the sexy hoe- I mean legendary assassin- that he is)

And I put /…/ before and after the parts I modified the lyrics so it could fit the narrative and I framed the actual lyrics parts with “”

Ok here we go:

Federico was urging his horse to run faster and faster to get back to Firenze with a single goal in mind – ok maybe he was exaggerating bc he still cared and surveyed not to be caught otherwise the whole point of getting back– (he was getting distracted, focus Federico just focus you’re almost there, *yeah “almost” is a bit of an euphemism no?* Shut up logic.) Nonetheless, it felt as if the very wind was carrying the voice of the one he loved above all and it was “A sound so strong that /called his/ name”, urging him all the more to come back to his home city. When he finally arrived to Firenze, he jumped off his steed mid run (‘cause he is a badass and idc if this is unrealistic), trusting that it would return safely to the right destination, and then proceeded to speed free run (can I even say that?, anyway) and scurrying across the rooftops so he could reach his destination as fast as possible with all the caution he had been drilled to act on as an assassin. He also did so bc he was just hi to do so after the unending (what do you mean dramatic, he would like to let you know that Ezio was dramatic one not him, AND he had a very valid reason to qualify this ride as such) horse ride (‘cause lets face it that boy is fast and we already determined he like to climb around as much as his brother does and I can imagine his physic is leaner than Ezio’s so he could very much pull off a scurrying level of speed lol). He finally reached his goal, and his breath was cut once more, as if he saw her for the first time all over again, for there she stood, bathed in the barest streak of gold painting the horizon announcing the beginning of a new day, his lady love, his world, his Lucia. After a moment of two, he shook himself out of his contemplation, although he knew there would soon be contemplation of a much more thorough kind, he climbed through the window so he could join his home at last. For as much as she was the sun in the horizon, the fairest and wonderful lady no man could ever describe in words of poetry, Lucia was his home. Ot was also at this moment that his fair lady-sun remarked his presence and exclaimed “Oh Federico…You’re home !” (Tell me if you catch the ref here hehehe) and all but leaped into his arms. Later, much later, at night in fact, after aforementioned thorough contemplation, Federico laid there with Lucia cradled and asleep in his warm embrace. The cry of an eagle somewhere above the roof reminding him that “Under the starry skies where eagles have flown

This place is paradise, it's the place he called home

‘Cause everything he wanted is everything that's here

And when we're all together, there's nothing to fear

And wherever /he wandered/, the one thing /he’d/ learned

It's to here, /he/ will always, always return”.

Have a nice rest of the day, I wish you the next to be better (and I hope my newest brick of an ask will please you lol)

All the love,

- Hello Anon

NONNIE.

NONNIE, OMG.

ok, first of all, where are my manners, lemme give you some fresh lemonade and a piece of cake to replenish your energies after writing this BEAUTIFUL ask.

NONNIE.

THIS.

ALL OF THIS, OH MY GODS.

I think I might have rearead something like 15 times before I actually managed to calm myself enough so that I could sit down and PROPERLY WRITE YOU BACK.

THE TEARS I HAD READING THIS.

THE BOUTS OF LAUGHTER AT FEDERICO´S OWN BEHAVIOUR (dear gods, I love and adore that he literally jumped off the horse mid-run. Like, if Lucia were ever to know that he was so reckless JUST BECAUSE he was in a hurry to see her, she would pull his ear, but to me it was giving

Just running and then jump off!!

AND OMG THAT LAST PART YOU WROTE, THE ONE WHERE HE WOULD BE IN BED, CRADLING HIS DARLING ASLEEP LUCIA IN HIS ARMS

JSDGBFHIAMKPODTJIHBJF VMKSOFIGDH

Listen, I have A HUGE THING for drawing lovers asleep in one another's arms (infact I do have a Mephistea one in the making fml),because to me there is NOTHING -like N-O-T-H-I-N-G- more beautiful than being able to sleep soundly in the arms of the person you love and trust the most in world (could be because I often suffer from terrifying vividly dreams that wakes me up with heart just racing, so that's the only way that I can manage to actually get back to sleep lololol but I am digressing) . SO, NOW I NEED TO DRAW A FEDE AND LUCIA ONE, WHERE THEY ARE TOGETHER IN BED FML.

Lemme turn on my tablet just a moment.

Lemme sketch down this.

NONNIE.

YOU HAVE FILLED MY HEART WITH JOY THIS MORNING, AND I THANK YOU KINDLY FOR THIS UNEXPECTED GIFT THAT I FOUND IN MY INBOX.

THANK YOU, FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.

This will end up straight straight in my special notebook, where I keep all the sweet things that friends have done for me, and where I keep all that makes me happy <3

TRULY THANK YOU <3

[ranchthoughts]

The Good Place and MSP: Pacing and Narrative Structure [a crossover for a probably tiny audience]

this post will contain spoilers for The Good Place and My School President so be forewarned!

I was watching a couple of videos about The Good Place by the youtube channel Pillar of Garbage (this one and this one) and it sparked some *thoughts* which reminded me of one of my powerpoint presentations on MSP that I made.

Basically, The Good Place (TGP) and My School President (MSP) have an atypical narrative structure and in particular atypical pacing compared to other shows like them or the shows we might expect them to be.

Firstly, both shows have “premature” big reveals:

halfway through the first season of TGP, Eleanor admits that she is in the Good Place by mistake, instead of filling an entire season or more with her hijinks as she tries to hide that fact

MSP establishes that Tinn is not an unmoved cool guy out to get Gun but in fact a soft, pining gay romantic in the first episode, a reveal which in other shows hasn’t happened until the mid-point of the season or even the very end

Secondly, both shows move through plot lines more quickly than other shows would:

TGP introduces several season- or episode-spanning concepts and then move past them with in an episode or two: e.g., season 2 of TGP starts with all the characters being rebooted in a second go-round of the Good Place experiment, and it seems the whole second season will be much like the first with the characters only realizing they are in the Bad Place at the end → in the second episode of the season Eleanor figures out they are in the Bad Place; and episode 3 of the season (Dance Dance Resolution) has them speed run through hundreds of reboots, representing possible seasons of content.

practically every problem introduced in MSP is resolved by the end of the episode: e.g., Sound is introduced and wants to take over the club → by the end of the episode Gun is back in charge and Sound has been welcomed into the fold; or Tinn knows Gun’s mother is sick but she tells him not to tell Gun → in the next scene Gun finds out, a couple of scenes later things are smoothed over with Tinn, and by the end of the episode we know Gun’s mother is going to be ok; a girl gives Tinn sweets and compliments him which makes Gun jealous → in the next scene we learn it was a case of mistaken identity. As a result, there is little protracted drama or angst (especially revolving around miscommunication) in MSP compared to other BL shows

Thirdly, both shows don’t always have us win:

e.g., at the end of season 2 of TGP, when Eleanor is on her quest to be a better person, she isn’t rewarded for it, it makes her life harder, and she falls back into her old ways

e.g., in MSP, Chinzilla doesn’t win Hot Wave

It was really interesting reading through peoples’ speculations on social media while TGP and MSP were airing about where these shows were heading next, as invariably there were people thinking of other shows (sitcoms, BLs, etc.) and expecting these shows to go those routes (e.g., expanding relatively simple premises over full seasons, or extensive plotlines and drama steeped in miscommunication and jealousy). But then the next episode of TGP or MSP would air and blow through a full season’s premise in half an episode or sidestep all the most dramatic possibilities

Because of these three things (“premature” reveals, quick pacing, the protagonists don’t always win), TGP and MSP felt fresh week after week. We didn’t know where TGP was going to go next, and MSP was flipping the conventional BL narrative arcs and plot devices on their heads. The shows felt confident: they didn’t need to stretch things out over multiple episodes or full seasons because they knew they had more than enough compelling narrative material to keep going.

These shows surprised us, but at the same time the progression of the story and the characters felt more realistic than in other shows. The characters in TGP face setbacks but ultimately grow as people over the course of the show, and the characters of MSP communicate with each other like most real-life friends and partners would and don’t get mired down in extended miscommunication plotlines.

Also shoutout to this post by @distant-screaming that reminded me of the narrative/pacing section my MSP ppt