#like why would i care about the opinions of people from pa

[canislupusangelus]

I completely forgot that in sixth grade I(and all my friends) wore cat ears to school all the time. Honestly I'm proud of that. I think I should wear wolf ears to prom and it would really come full circle

[ghost-bxrd]

Been mulling over Titans Tower and it's really interesting to me how it's treated in Fanon as compared to how the events transpired in canon. it's a really fun topic! Honestly, the original writing in canon is DOGSHITE but not for the usual reasons people cite.

Here's what does make sense in canon but is largely ignored (this is using canon characterisations at the time): First, it's all about the whole Titans team, not just Tim. They really downplay his death a lot, did not put up his statue or honour him whatsoever. Plus the hero community tends to victim-blame him a fuckton. Jason is showing that his death could've happened to anyone. Second, Tim and Jason are just two yearish apart—Jay died at 15, Tim becomes Robin at 13—so those Titans are more like his colleagues than anything else; he's not some older guy beating the shit outta them. Third, Tim’s indifference to Jason's comments and his cockiness about being a better Robin are pretty on-brand for his early portrayal as Robin. (I think fanon Tim derives a lot of his characteristics from his Red Robin run, which is valid as well! But here in particular we have Robin Tim... who... was... uh... a bit of an asshole when he was written back then and the HUBRIS on that man? Immaculate.)

What still makes this absolutely dog shit is the dialogue and how Jason is pouring his heart out to someone who he doesn't really care about. Jason... just doesn't operate this way... Why's he trauma dumping on... tim... ???? It makes no sense whatsoever because Jason really is someone who'd keep those vulnerabilities to himself. Why would he open up to... CANON TIM??? He makes scathing remarks when faced with Bruce and Dick because he knows the knife twists then and at he cares about their reaction. But not tim ????? Canon UTRH doesn't even mention Tim ????? ???? So in the end it's still shit imo.

I also find the use of Pit Madness in fanon super interesting, despite it not being canon. It's used to propel the Titan's Tower incident, which fascinates me because it shows how people are willing to work around its flaws to maintain consistent characterization in their works (which is !!! cool !!)

It's so interesting how many other incidents that do occur in canon aren't as well known as this one aren't given much thought. But this one is and it's interesting how people try to work with it regardless of it's flaws originally!

I'd really love to hear your opinions about it and how flexible you are with the Titans tower incident! :) How do you work with your Jason and your Tim? because it's cool to hear your analysis etc etc

Hooo boi okay i was planning on replying to this earlier but this deserves a proper, thought out response (which I’m shite at but I’m trying here. Words are hard.)

For one, I wholeheartedly agree with the whole trauma dumping thing.

Obviously we all have different tastes in media and I know there are quite a few people who enjoyed the confrontation with Tim, which is totally fine, but personally… yeah, not my thing.

I got into the Batman/batfam fandom via fanfic, so my first introduction was some version of Titans Tower I believe. I was super intrigued by the characters and the tidbits of lore sprinkled throughout that I immediately began reading up on them and digging through the internet for more info and background story on them. Which then quickly evolved into the part where my adoration for Jason’s character began and a short phase where I absolutely despised early canon Tim.

Like— all the victim blaming. He seriously couldn’t mention Jason without adding something derogatory about getting himself killed, which sat so, so wrong with me. Not to mention the Titans just accepting a new Robin right off the bat and joining in blaming Jason for his own death. I’m pretty sure that was the point where I swore off comics for a long while and decided to live off fanon 🤣

And then Jason’s part in the Titans Tower incident. I think part of how weird the canon event was is due in part to how the writers fumbled to depict trauma? Or maybe they just outright hated him because I know a lot of people back then despised Jason and his run as Robin.

Whatever the reason, I think I genuinely cringed when he revealed the Walmart Robin costume he was wearing. And then the trauma dumping.

Jason is smart enough to know Tim wouldn’t care about his grievances. I mean- dude just broke into his hideout to attack him, I think Tim’s about as done with Jason as with any other criminals, regardless of his past. And all that is proven by Tim fighting back tooth and nail without pause. He doesn’t even react to the accusation of the missing statue in Jason’s honor. Like, he genuinely doesn’t seem to care. And why would he? They don’t know each other.

And yeah maybe he was trying to beat some sense into Tim (which is still wrong but— vigilantes I guess? Idk) and make him quit Robin, but Jason’s also smart enough to know that Robins don’t quit easily. And then, as soon as Tim is down for the count and can’t keep fighting, Jason leaves. Just like that. No actual murder attempt, no kicking-while-he’s-down (at least as far as I remember).

It makes no sense. What would Jason be gaining from that encounter? Why would he blame the kid that replaced him and not the guy that did the replacing? Hell, it would make more sense for him to go after the Titans than Tim. Not the mention him casually doubting Tim’s talents when he must have done some background checks on him.

It’s why I like the idea of Pit Madness I guess, and that Jason actually went to the tower with the intent to kill. Because that way the entire thing wouldn’t seem so… pointless.

As for how flexible I am with the Titans Tower storyline, it really depends on the route people choose to explore. But I’m a huge sucker for the “Jason was Tim’s Robin” trope where there’s at least a mild amount of hero worship going on. 👁️ Oh, and happy endings. I can’t deal with tragedies.

But yeah these are my thoughts on it. Obviously no hate to whoever enjoyed the comic mentioned above 💚 we’ve all got different things we resonate with after all~

[transmutationisms]

How do you feel/think about euthanasia as an option provided by medical care for mentally ill or disabled people?

As much as I want to support bodily autonomy in an absolute way and think ultimately it’s a persons choice whether they want to live (i also have first hand experience with the “care” after suicide attempts, which is punishment, not care) and comfortable effective options should be available for that. it also is deeply, deeply upsetting to me, as someone who probably would have chosen to die years ago but found out i want to live — and infuriating, since they make it so fucking hard for disabled people to live, i don’t think making it easier for us to die is the answer.

being disabled feels like a death march from the start. we are isolated, have very little community, were tortured, neglected until we want to die. then it’s like “ok if that’s what you really want :)” as if that wasn’t the plan from the start? it’s just eugenics. not even with extra steps. but they make it think it’s our idea.

how would you reconcile these 2 ideas in like, a grounded materialist kind of way ? if that makes sense. or whatever i am asking your opinion

i actually answered this before but now i can't find it. i agree with everything you've said about the potentially eugenic function of physician-assisted suicide under capitalism; however, i think the problem is the capitalist context and its attendant ableism, not the PAS itself. people will and do kill themselves regardless of the legality, and i believe it's important to offer them as painless and controlled a method as possible, while simultaneously toppling the capitalist ableism that makes this fraught from a disability justice perspective. since we are in the context we are in currently, for now i do also support laws forbidding PAS from being suggested to patients (ie, they must be the ones to bring it up and pursue it) and i think there are ways to build in some checkpoints to the system without excessively restricting people's ability to end their lives. but i do not support making suicide illegal, whether by physician or otherwise.

incidentally, this would also be an issue where you can see how the biopolitical remits to make live and to let die exist coterminously to one another: though the state is more than happy to let disabled people die on the grounds that it views them as economic liabilities, legalising suicide is still not exactly a slam-dunk from its perspective because in general its interest also lies in promoting the continued existence of its healthy [wealthy/white/abled] labouring population. this is the actual material reason why in most jurisdictions PAS is still strenuously objected to by openly ableist, otherwise eugenically motivated reactionaries, and why it's often proposed only for terminally ill patients or with other such extremely narrow eligibility criteria.

[mamamittens]

Oh, Sweet Child of Mine (Pt. 1)

Reader-insert & Whitebeard Pirates

Master Post for series.

Warning: (Platonic) yandere behavior, physical injury, blood, and kidnapping. If any of these make you uncomfortable (especially yandere content), you should not read this or any following parts.

Please block the tag "oh sweet child of mine" if you are uninterested in this story and "one piece yandere" if stories like this make you uncomfortable. For everyone else, please do remember that as sweet/touching as this behavior is or can be, it is deeply toxic and troubling in real life. Anyone that treats you with such disregard in terms of your boundaries or respecting your decisions should not be tolerated.

Please stay safe and have fun.

Word Count: 2,880

Devil fruits in the marines has always been handled a bit oddly. On paper, no low rank has a devil fruit. Because having a devil fruit tends to make even weak humans stronger, even if under highly specific circumstances. But you can’t just promote people because they ate something weird. They have to earn their position. This problem is handily solved by… ignoring the issue entirely.

Strong marines will, eventually, be promoted. So it stood to reason that strong marines with powerful abilities will be promoted even faster.

You were, however, of the opinion that there should be some sort of allowance made for marines that just can’t handle power without it going to their head.

Those people should scrub toilets until they learn at least a bare minimum amount of humility.

Why would you, of all people, have that opinion?

Because you got to watch, in real time, how quickly people given power without earning it lose their damn minds. It was, in fact, your own devil fruit’s power to ‘dial up’ other devil fruits. Just being near you had this effect. No, no one had any idea what your devil fruit was supposed to be called. Apparently, it was one of the few not in any encyclopedia on the subject, so you didn’t even know your own limits by proxy.

If you had the choice to go back in time you would never have eaten that weirdly flat yellow fruit. But you were stupid and hungry and here you were. Babysitting yet another ensign who simply could not handle having stronger powers with any grace.

Ensign Williams had a candle-candle fruit. Basically, a very weak version of the logia fruit flame-flame. His fire would always be weaker, smaller, and easier put out. Until you showed up, wherein he was capable of fairly impressive feats. In fact, it had been a full week and Williams went from being in awe of what he could now accomplish with you by his side to fully up his own ass with his ‘rightful power’. Unfortunately, he was your partner for the time being, so you just had to try and reign in his ass-ness before he burned the town to the ground by accident.

Mostly this involved walking away when he started being a prick to the local townsfolk to remind him that this ‘grand power’ he held was, in fact, only possible with your presence. Trying to physically stop him just got you a bloody nose. So, wounding his ego was the best you could do for everyone involved. Usually, you excused this by a sudden, burning need to pet a dog or cat or sufficiently friendly bird. They, at least, appreciated your presence and efforts.

“I’m going places, you know!” Williams declared in a huff, running up to you as you scratched a dog’s ears. Really ruffling the floppy appendages around as the dog panted and drooled in happiness. “The marines will see that I deserve a promotion soon enough with all the good work I’ve been doing!” You gave him a dry look.

“You depend on your devil fruit too much. What are you going to do when that’s not enough? I won’t always be around, you know.” You reminded him gently, feeding the mutt a milk bone from your pocket as you stood up. “This is the Grand Line. Eventually you’re going to run into a Yonko or something. What then? You think Red-Hair or Big Mom will care about a little fire?”

Williams paled at the suggestion, reality peaking in through his delusion before, with herculean effort, it was pushed back once again.

“And what about you, huh? Your devil fruit is useless for yourself! You’re a weak, useless thing on your own!” Williams sneered. You stared at him, unimpressed.

“That’s what training is for. Which is what I would be doing if I didn’t have to run around with you all the time.” You sighed. The big folks up top wanted to see just how much power you could give a weak devil fruit, likely in preparation to assign you to someone with a devil fruit user actually noteworthy. If there were side effects, they didn’t want an admiral to be the first to face it, after all. Personally, you were hoping for someone like Smoker. Reasonable, experienced, and well known for his skill outside his devil fruit.

Although, you were starting to think this delusional mindset was the side effect. Natural or induced, the people you gave boosts to often had a period of euphoria and increased aggression, narcissism, and short-sightedness. Hard to say since, so far, everyone you’ve been assigned to has been an asshole.

Possibly a marine-specific issue.

“Bring-ring. Ring-ring. Ring-rin—clack!” You answered the bored snail in your pocket.

“Ensign—”

“Fire Fist Ace has been spotted in your area! You and Ensign Williams are to attempt apprehension. No other Whitebeard Pirates have been spotted but be advised there are likely more—possibly another commander. If you see them, flee on sight.” They hung up immediately before you could even respond. Sighing, you looked up at Williams.

He looked strangely pale before gathering himself, a smug smirk quickly taking over his features.

“Hah! See that? They already know I’m going to accomplish great things. This will be only the beginning of my legacy as a marine!” Williams grabbed you arm and started running down the street, looking around like a madman for ‘Fire Fist’, jostling your glasses hard. They nearly flew off when he spotted a column of fire across town and yanked you with him. “Watch as a real marine works, useless!”

Fire Fist was crouched in the middle of the street, pointing at a stand that had fallen over, his back to the both of you. Whitebeard’s Jolly Roger stark against his tan skin.

“—highway robbery prices, you’re out of your mind if you think I’d pay for something broken!” Fire Fist huffed. While it was true you couldn’t see another pirate with him, it was common knowledge that Whitebeard Pirates rarely travelled alone. Especially a commander.

“You sure you wanna do this—”

“Halt, filthy pirate! Your days of piracy are over!” Williams declared boldly. Briefly, you wondered if maybe your superiors had heard about Williams’ behavior and figured sending him after Fire Fist would be the best reprimand he could get.

Even with your help, Williams was a candle-light at the end of the day. And Fire Fist? Fire Fist was a raging wildfire. You could almost feel the heat of his devil fruit in the back of your head. A faint indication that told you just how strong the devil fruits around you are and helped inform you how much power you were giving just by being around them.

Fire Fist looked back at the two of you with a dry, grumpy expression. Curiosity flickering over his features as he took in how amped up Williams was—and how utterly done you were. Fire flickered over his shoulders as he grinned.

“And what is a couple of ensigns going to do about it?” Fire Fist crowed with a mischievous grin, tipping his gaudy, orange cowboy hat back. Williams’ fire flickered over his body, sparks flying harmlessly over you—a welcome side effect of your devil fruit boosting another thankfully��before charging forward.

Three things happened at once.

Williams charged forward to fight Fire Fist. Letting go of your wrist.

His fire flickered slightly from the loss of direct contact with you.

Fire Fist’s own fire flared up at the sudden, unavoidable boost in power.

Confusion washed over Fire Fist as he instinctively noticed the strange change before he dismissed it, charging towards Williams anyway.

You rolled your eyes, pretty sure Williams would get knocked out quickly and leave you with yet another mess to clean up.

A low wine reached your ears, drawing you gaze away from what was mostly an impressive lightshow as Williams kept throwing fire at a man made of fire.

A fat, white dog panted in the shade. Scraggly white fur otherwise clean despite laying in the dirt. A strange, immaculate crescent shaped moustache curved under his nose.

Obviously, between your partner facing a Yonko Commander and a sad dog, your choice of who deserved your attention was clear.

You kneeled down with a smile, pulling out a dog treat from your pocket.

“Hey, cutie, what are you doing? Trying to cool off a little?” You spoke softly, presenting the treat to the very interested dog. You pulled out a bottle from your other pocket and a bowl—specifically for this actually—as you poured some out for the dog. The dog rolled onto his paws and eagerly drank the water, accepting your gentle affection. “You’re definitely not a stray, but you don’t have a collar either. Where are you from, baby?”

Fire and explosions rocked the area behind you. Not that you cared since the civilians ran the minute Williams and Fire Fist lit up. You scratched the surprisingly soft fur and ran your hand down the dog’s back. They were definitely well cared for, whoever they belonged to. Once they were done drinking water they eagerly wriggled into your lap for affection, licking and nipping at your chin.

“Oof! My, what a cutie you are!” You cheered, playfully ruffling the dog’s ears and booping his wet nose as you avoided the eager kisses.

Williams definitely screamed behind you in panic.

“Help me, you useless—SHIT!”

Without looking you yelled back.

“I thought you were supposed to be a ‘real marine’?” You lowered your voice when the dog whined and kissed his nose as an apology. “Sorry, baby. He’s just been an ass all week and I think he could really learn something today. What could a ‘useless marine’ do anyway, hm? I told him he needs to watch it.” You grumbled softly. The pull of a third devil fruit registering to your senses suddenly.

Having been around Williams all week as he showed off was exhausting. Now actively pulling on your power along with Fire Fist and this new person actively made you want to take a nap.

You had yet to figure out how to lessen your own power or at least focus on only one person, so you simply had to deal with it when actively boosting someone from a distance. Part of you worried that boosting stronger devil fruits was going to be even more exhausting than the weak ones you’ve encountered so far. And you might actually be right about that.

“There you are, Stefan. Oyaji was looking for you.” Someone spoke up above you. You startled, looking up at the stranger.

Open-toed sandals and capris with an open purple shirt exposing defined abs and a purple Whitebeard Jolly Roger. The man looked down at you with amused blue eyes narrowed, blond hair poking out from the top of an extreme undercut.

Marco ‘The Phoenix’.

Welp, that’s definitely your sign to run. Casually. So, he doesn’t suspect anything.

Something told you that your bosses would be pissed if the Whitebeard Pirates got a free power boost by ransoming you. If they gave up the obvious benefits of such a prisoner to begin with.

“Oop. Time to go, baby.” You kissed Stefan’s head and darted away, running directly towards the very explosive fight between Fire Fist and Williams. Snagging the back of his collar as you kept going.

“HEY! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING, YOU USELESS—”

“The Phoenix and Fire Fist are here—we definitely can’t take them both in. Time to go!” You explained as you ran.

“No! I can do it! What do you know, you useless bitch?!” Williams flailed, breaking your grip on his shirt before slamming his fist into your face. Heat and a crunch of bones sent shockwaves of red and blood across your vision, sending you to the ground with a yelp. Your glasses bouncing off from impact and cracking.

“Fuck!” You hissed, clutching your nose as you blindly looked around, tears falling down your cheeks. You could make out an impressive explosion of fire somewhere ahead of you through your tears and poor vision. A wobbly white blob trotting up to your side with a low wine and bark. What was probably Stefan licking your arm and pawing at your side in worry.

Steady footsteps clacked along the paved street, a dark shadow falling before you as fire exploded behind the figure.

“That was quite a hit. You alright?” The Phoenix asked as he lowered down suddenly. Glass scrapped against the ground. Your glasses were gently lowered onto your face, bringing him into focus with a hairline fracture and tears obscuring your vision somewhat.

“’M fine—not the first time he’s done that--!” You gasped as his fingertips brushed over your knuckled grasp on your bloody nose. Blue fire exploded around you as the various aches and pains were swept away in an instant. Dizziness rushed to your head at the sudden relief.

You almost broke contact as The Phoenix cursed his sudden, uncontrollable fire, falling back to the ground. But his hands were faster and firmly grasped your shoulders.

After several, bizarrely euphoric moments of bathing in the healing flame, The Phoenix wrangled his powers back under control with a grimace. Blood still covered your hands and face but the injury, as well as any other injury, was gone. He looked at you in surprise and you could only gape up at him.

Having established physical contact, any boost others experienced was gone in an instant. Your ‘pseudo-immunity’ to devil fruits meant that your body essentially acted like it was your power as well. And that meant you got to enjoy a small taste in what it was like to have a devil fruit like The Phoenix’s for as long as he maintained that contact. It was weirdly heady. Sort of freeing to feel your weakness being eaten away under the healing influence of his devil fruit.

Almost to the point of forgetting that this, quite critically, meant that your under-powered partner was royally fucked.

Williams barely stood a chance if you had held his hand through the fight. Without any assistance against Fire Fist Ace, it wasn’t even a question. As much of an ass as he was, he didn’t deserve to be killed.

Worried, you tried to look around The Phoenix to see what was happening. He clicked his tongue, pulling your chin back to look at him. His eyes were narrowed and suspicious, a strange light in his eyes as he gave you a small, chilling smile.

“Now, who are you and what was that?” The Phoenix demanded. You shuddered, noticing how oddly quiet it was behind the pirate.

“M-My devil fruit! It—uhm—affects other devil fruits?” You lamely explained as Stefan tried to nose his way onto your lap. You would have preferred to look at the cute, needy dog, but The Phoenix looked like he was about to eat you. “Makes… makes them stronger around me. O-Or just… touching.”

A cold chill went up your spine as he grinned.

“And you’re not assigned to at least an admiral at all times? What a waste… I guess the marines don’t want to keep you that badly, do they?” He clicked his tongue again. “Well, you’re in good hands now, yoi. Let’s get you cleaned up. Stefan! Down!” He ordered, lifting you over his shoulder as you yelped, scrambling to hold onto your glasses. The town was wrecked behind The Phoenix, Fire Fist cheerily skipping up with Williams over his own shoulder.

“Hey, Marco! Did you see how weird that was!? What do you think his devil fruit is?” Fire Fist asked. The Phoenix turned around with a huff.

“Put the marine down. Got the source right here.” He responded.

“Oh! I take it we’re keeping them? Think Oyaji will mind?”

The Phoenix snorted.

“Oyaji will be ecstatic. Marines don’t know how to take care of people right, anyway.” You were jostled lightly as he started walking, Stefan trotting behind while panting happily up at you. You were horrified and nervous, but the addition of Stefan was helping ease your nerves. “They can boost devil fruits but wasn’t assigned to an admiral, can you believe that? Just a weakling. Imagine if it was someone else that found them, yoi?” You struggled to push yourself up, but was aware that you weren’t getting down unless The Phoenix let you.

Unlike Williams, you knew your limits.

“Hah! Wow. At least Gramps could have trained them up safely. Marines are stupid though, so I can’t say I’m too surprised.” Fire fist declared. Boots stomped on the ground as Fire Fist rounded The Phoenix, poking his head to look at you with a charming grin. “Don’t worry, you’re going to love it here! Ah… and no one will do this again.” Fire Fist grabbed your hands, inspecting the blood and what was still smeared around your nose. His eyes dark with promise as you stared in horror.

Were you being kidnapped for your power or… something else? Because to be honest, it sure didn’t sound like they were too interested in your own devil fruit ability.

[theflikchic]

Probably one of the worst oversights of the HP narrative is that JKR - and the Wizarding World - simply does not care about the half-bloods. We hear of half-blood wizards being ashamed or shamed for their parentage but we never actually see it. The worst we get is them being accused of being Muggle-Borns which, in my opinion, doesn't count because the bigotry focus of the story is still "Pure-Bloods versus Muggle-Borns".

We don't really see how half-bloods are treated at ALL by larger society, only how they feel inwards. And when you look at real life, often internalized hatred like ableism and racism comes FROM the systemic bigotry in our society. But JKR doesn't get into this at all, not with Seamus, not with Voldemort, and ESPECIALLY not with Snape (I theorize she ignores a lot of great worldbuilding chances just to manipulate the reader into hating Snape for the "big reveal" but that's another post).

Because the narrative ignores half-bloods, you get the sense that the world ignores them too. Bellatrix calls Harry a "filthy half-blood" but he's...not. Both of his parents are wizards. It's just that she doesn't consider Lily a wizard which means she's really just slurring Muggle-Borns again.

Really, in the wizarding world AND the narrative, I feel the half-bloods are like asexuals. It always has to be gay vs straight. The asexuals aren't gay enough and they aren't straight enough, so neither side really gets or accepts them fully. And I don't think JKR saw much differently in regards to the half-bloods which leads to...well...bad writing.

When Hagrid talks about the Chamber, who is it about? Pure-bloods vs Muggle-borns. It's not even CONSIDERED in the narrative how the half-blood children could be perceived. And even as a KID, I was like "So Slytherin only thought "pure" kids should learn at Hogwarts? What's gonna happen to Seamus then? Is he in danger too?" This is never answered.

And when we ALMOST get a taste of half-blood bigotry in Order, it's ALL about people who are half-"beast" (in quotations, ofc). "Half-breed" is a slur. And it made me go, even as a KID, "this would be the PERFECT time to get down and dirty with how half-bloods are treated". But it doesn't. Bc JKR, at this point, a) wants no sympathy for Seamus b) wants no sympathy for Voldemort c) wants no sympathy for Snape and d) doesn't want to reveal Snape's blood heritage - even though he would be a prime target for Umbridge (she targets him for other reasons, another post and a good scene). JKR forsakes good character work in favour of manipulating the reader and it results in bad worldbuilding.

All of the half-blood struggles come from inside and for comedy. The narrative keeps SUGGESTING that they MIGHT be oppressed but just does not go any deeper (ignoring people's identity for yourself is a form of oppression, I think). When Mrs Cattermole begs that she's half-blood, it's because she knows this will save her. But how? Is she still not part less-than-human to wizards? And since Muggles are really referred to and seen AS such, why would the "half-breed" bigotry not extend to half-bloods?

When Snape is revealed to be the Prince, the narrative - at the time because of the Big Reveal - frames it as Snape being bigoted and proud of wizardry because "blood purity" rather than EVER raising the scenario - even AFTER the Big Reveal - that he is rebelling against oppression in his own blood-purity crazy house. It's implied but never gone into. And she could have dove into it! She could have had Snape and Seamus experience microaggressions but Snape's could have been concealed as classist or bitter aggressions from his Death Eater days (like what Umbridge does). Seamus could have been genuinely worried about the Chamber. We could have had Voldemort - in memories - experience blood bigotry and used it to critique how the world created him rather than simply "he born evil" (I suspect bc JKR is not actually interested in critiquing HER world but things since past, again another post).

It's inferred but never dived into The half-bloods seem to belong everywhere and nowhere. And it's all based on how JKR wants us to feel, not based on what will make sense for the characters or the worldbuilding. And the characters, who are genuinely enjoyable and engaging except for...maybe Voldemort, could have been even better and instead - they suffer for it.

Who cares for the half-bloods? I do.

[princess--af]

Nesting - Prequel - Changbin and Felix

: ̗̀➛  Meeting and working with your boss is fun, and brings along a few new interesting friends.

: ̗̀➛  warnings: smut (masturbation), mentions of corporate life (gross), Felix is a flirt

tags: @y9nabae1 @justayoungandwisefangirl @obeythemasters @julciaqwerty @3rachasninja @bmnyy @licklix @iadorethemskz

Nesting: Part 1 | Nesting Part 2

You had nothing to be scared of.

That was the mantra you had been repeating all morning as you worked through the mountain of emails you always had on a Monday morning. You were used to the “Why didn’t you get this done?” emails, and the “New work came through over the weekend.” ones that always greeted you. What you weren’t used to was an email from the CEOs PA, requesting your presence on the top floor for an important meeting. There wasn’t much more information other than it was just going to be you and the CEO.

You had never really met the elusive Seo Changbin; you had only ever seen him at the one work event you subjected yourself too. He had seemed in such a rush, or maybe it was just his normal speed to only offer brief nods to the various Directors, thank everyone for coming, and hightail it out of there. To be fair, you couldn’t really blame him. You hated large events and only went because your Director had not-so-subtly warned that non-attendance would look negative come annual reviews.

Your only impression of Changbin was that he was handsome and clearly took care of himself well. You hadn’t been aware that he even knew who you were among the hundreds of employees at your office, but apparently you were more well-known that you thought if you had a private meeting with him.

You had only really managed to get through half of what you normally would have by this time in the day, mind too busy on concocting various theories as to why you were meeting with him.

Had you seriously fucked up on a proposal?

Had you accidentally swore in an email to an important client?

Had people complained to HR about your outfits? In your opinion, there was nothing wrong with them. It wasn’t your fault you were blessed with curvy genetics and a penchant for flattering pants.

Before you could spiral further into a pit of worry, the alarm you had set on your phone rang out, jolting you up from your desk in surprise. You didn’t know if you should pocket the device; surely it was normal for anyone in your age range to be carrying their phone, even if it was just into a meeting. You didn’t dwell on it too much, sliding it into your pocket and making the anxious trek upstairs, avoiding the curious looks from your coworkers as you stepped into the elevator. It wasn’t normal for you to be leaving at this time; you were usually chained to your desk until at least 1pm when you’d begrudgingly answer your growling stomach and go find something to eat.

You tried to quell the anxious tapping of your hands against your legs, on the short but seemingly endless trip up to level 26, not wanting to metaphorically get caught with your pants down. You couldn’t go into this meeting expecting the worst. And you certainly couldn’t let anyone push you around for something as stupid as tight pants; you were sure it was going to come up.

The elevator door opened into a quiet lobby, and you could only faintly hear mumbling and keyboards tapping away somewhere in the distance. There mustn’t be many people that work up here. Inching out into the open, you looked around, clearly lost.

“Can I help you?” A monotonous, almost condescending voice, broke the quiet, clearly directed at you. You somewhat recognised the person behind the voice, but couldn’t quite place where you would know them from.

“I’m here to see Mr Seo?” You phrased it like a question, still unsure about the whole situation. It was still so fucking weird. When the man simply raised an eyebrow, you continued. “My name is Y/N Y/L/N. I... have a meeting at 11.”

You clasped your hands together in front of you, shrinking minutely when the corners of the mans mouth twitched, clearly amused at the sight of you.

“Right. He’s down here.” He gestured down one of the many halls that branched off from the main lobby, already walking down it like he owned the place, not even bothering to look back to see if you were following him. You scampered after him quickly, realised that made you look like an idiot, and slowed to a semi-respectable pace, still keeping your distance as you followed him down the hall until he stopped abruptly in front of two heavy looking doors.

The man briefly turned to look at you, giving you a once over, clearly not enjoying what he saw, before turning back to the doors and knocking.

“Y/N for you, Mr Seo,” the man yelled out, making you jump slightly as it echoed through the empty hallway.

You didn’t hear a response, but clearly the guy did, since he gestured for you to open the doors, turning away and hightailing it back towards the lobby.

You did one last round of tapping your thighs; mostly to get rid of the clammy feeling that had persistently been there since you had first seen the invite; before pulling open the door, stumbling a little at how heavy it was. What was the purpose of doors that weighed as much as the average human?

You got it halfway open before you slipped inside, letting it fall shut behind you with a loud thump.

“Oh, sorry. It’s stupidly heavy, I know.”

Mr Seo was sat on a cozy looking love-seat, reading over some absurdly large document. Without looking up, he gestured for you to sit in the armchair closest to him. You followed his direction, perching on the edge of the chair awkwardly, your hands wringing nervously on your lap. You tried not to peek at him or whatever he was so focused on, but couldn’t help the brief look at the document, making out “Contract for Sale” in bold letters along the top; the rest of the writing too small for you to be able to read normally, let alone upside down. Of course he would just be sitting here signing off on some new property; it was probably a weekly occurrence for him.

You didn’t notice he had stopped looking over the document until he cleared his throat, making you jump in surprise, wrenching your gaze away from the document to instead look at his face. He looked amused as he threw the document onto the cushion next to him.

“It’s my sisters,” he offered you after a beat of awkward silence. “I don’t just buy properties in my spare time.”

Well fuck. Could he read minds?

“Of course not,” you whispered in reply.

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees and clasping his hands together in front, levelling you with a friendly gaze. “Please don’t be nervous, you’re not getting fired.” Changbin gestured to the coffee table in front of you both, and it was only then that you noticed another document, albeit way less thick and imposing, facing you so you could actually read it this time. “Your director has moved into another role, and he recommended you to fill his shoes.”

“He... What?” You snatched up the document, not really believing what you were seeing and hearing. “He recommended me? For a director role? But I’ve only been here a short time... Surely there are people more qualified for the role...” Despite what you were saying, you couldn’t help yourself and started flicking through the new employment contract, choking a little when you saw the remuneration section. You looked back up at Changbin’s face in disbelief, trying not to be offended when he giggled at the horrified look on your face. You had never seen so many zeros at the end of a salary offer.

“I didn’t want to pry too much, but I had a look over some of your work and spoke to some other directors that you’ve worked with, just to be certain you were the right woman for the job. I don’t think he could’ve made a better recommendation.” Changbin shifted in his seat, opting to lean back against the back of the loveseat, stretching his legs out in front of him. If you weren’t still in a state of shock, you probably would’ve marveled more over how his suit pants were stretching over his thick thighs, outlining deep rivets of muscle that he obviously worked hard for. “I know it’s a little short notice, but we planned to move Mr Kim into the new role in a few weeks, and ideally we’d like you to shadow him for at least a week to get a feel for the role. It would be great if you could have an answer for me by end of week? I can try to answer any questions you might have, and Mr Kim has made himself available to you as well if you’d prefer to speak to him.”

Letting out a shaky breath, you nodded, looking back down at the contract. God, you’d have to call your parents; they would know what to do.

“Now obviously, you can see we have someone new with us. This is Y/N, she is taking over the director role from Mr Kim. Please make her feel welcome.”

You inwardly cursed at the awkward smile you were giving everyone, mostly likely more of a grimace, nodding your head politely when they all turned to look at you. Most of them nodded back, a few offered you soft ‘welcomes’, before everyone turned back to Changbin.

“I don’t want to take up too much of your time; we just need to go over policies surrounding the interns and graduates that will be starting next week.”

You tuned out, already having spoken about this earlier in the week; you were quite familiar with the policies since you were the one normally taking care of the interns and grads. Instead, you opted to survey everyone in the room, trying to put names to faces to titles and figure out who you’d potentially be working with closely.

In the middle of glaring at a spot on the table as you tried to remember the woman’s name that sat across from you, you felt a soft nudge to your arm, and a notepad being subtly turned in your direction.

Choi Sooyoung. Christmas party. （＾ω＾）

Right. That’s where you knew her from. Apparently the company encourage friendly competition between the staff at parties, and it usually centred around entertainment. Your memory was hazy from the night, but you remember her singing. You scribbled back on the corner of the page;

Thank you ´･ᴗ･`

“Everyone should come up and introduce themselves at some point. Honestly, you’ll probably get tired of us always being at your door.”

Chan had been sat next to you during the meeting, and had waited patiently for you to pack your things up. You had heard of him; you knew he was one of the top producers at the company, and that loads of interns aspired to work in his team, both because he was talented and a great mentor, and also because he was very attractive, and there was nothing wrong with a little eye candy as your worked. You had never seen him before in person, but could see where they were all coming from.

“I really appreciate you helping me. It would’ve bugged me all day, honestly,” you laughed, following him down the hall and towards Changbin’s office; he had asked if you would like to go out for celebratory drinks and dinner after work, and Chan claimed he ‘needed the walk after sitting on his ass all day’. Chan didn’t bother knocking on the office door, opting to push it open, using just one hand and barely any force mind you, gesturing for you to enter first.

“I don’t remember inviting you.”

Changbin was sat on the same couch where you had first met him, but he was joined by a petite blonde boy leaning heavily against his side. The boy offered Chan a sweet and familial smile, before his big eyes flicked to you, looking a little unsure.

“Hey Lixie.” Chan stepped around your frozen body, collapsing into the vacant spot next to the boy, ruffling his blonde hair until it was fluffed up and the boy was whining at him. “This is Y/N.”

A look a recognition flashed over the boys face, shooting you a blinding smile. “Oh, right. I’m Felix! It’s nice to meet you!” He threw himself over Changbin’s lap, holding out a hand for you to shake. You shook it gingerly, a little shocked at how small his hands were. “Are you guys going out? Can I join? I won’t make a peep, I promise!” Felix was practically lying on Changbin now, and had rolled over in his lap to shoot his, boyfriend(?) the sweetest puppy eyes that you had ever seen. “Please Binnie?”

You knew Changbin was nice, but he was usually sporting furrowed brows and looks of pure concentration, and you had rarely ever seen him crack a smile, let alone be sporting a look a pure adoration, eyes and smile soft as he looked down at Felix in his lap. God, what you would give for someone to look at you like that. “Sure baby, you can come. You staying Chan?”

Chan shrugged, kicking his feet up on the coffee table in front of him and slouching further into the comfortable couch. “Won’t ever say no to free food.”

"Why don't I come out with you guys more often?" Felix was about half a bottle of soju deep, and was already resting his chin on his propped up hand, smiling dreamily at everyone sat around the table. "This is great. Free drinks, free food. Free eye candy," he wiggled his brows in what he probably thought was a seductive manner, but actually just made you giggle at the ludicrous expression he was making. "That includes you, Y/N. Not just these stinky boys."

Felix, you had learnt, was incredibly flirty and not at all shy about showing how much he appreciated the 'eye candy' he was blessed with. He had warmed up to you instantly, pushing you into the backseat of Changbin's ridiculously expensive and clean car, holding your hand the entire ride to the restaurant as he talked your ear off about what he had gotten up to that day. He had cuddled up next to you in the booth at the restaurant, sticking his tongue out at Changbin when the man pouted about not getting to sit next to his 'lovely kitty cat'; whatever that meant. When the boys had finished grilling the first plate of meat, Felix had pouted at you until you made him a ssam and hand fed him, periodically opening his mouth for more whenever he had stopped chattering and flirting. It would have made you nervous, your bosses boyfriend flirting so openly, if it weren't for the fondly exasperated look on Changbin's face every time Felix said something particularly dangerous.

"Yah, we're not stinky!" Changbin glared playfully across the table, snapping the BBQ tongs threateningly. "Take that back, you little minx!"

Felix turned his nose up petulantly, moving to wrap one arm around your waist, the other resting just above your knee, sharply tugging until you were practically sitting in his lap. "Never. Y/N is why I'm here. Learn to live with it, hyung."

You felt a hot flush creeping along your cheeks and down your neck, trying to wiggle out of the strong hold Felix had you in, letting out a high pitched shriek when he pinched your leg in retaliation.

"Felix," you warned, not really knowing what you were threatening, but willing to do almost anything to get out of his tight hold. You looked at Chan for help, grumbling when he just offered you a shrug, a cheeky smile, turning back to the grill. You couldn't quite brave looking to your boss for help; how fucking awkward. "Felix, honey, if you let me go, I can feed you more."

The hold he had on you loosened for a second, before tightening back up, the hand on your leg curling around your thigh and tugging your leg up until it was resting on his legs, your sides practically glued together now. "You only need one hand to use chopsticks, Y/N. Don't try to trick me."

The boys across from you laughed, depositing a few pieces of meat and grilled mushroom into your bowl. Traitors.

Felix let out a soft 'aaaahh' sound, chittering happily when you blew on a piece for him to cool it down before feeding it to him. He squeezed your thigh appreciatively with every mouthful, and if he wasn't holding it so tightly and glued to your side, you would've been tempted to awkwardly rub them together. Screw it; you had a hot guy glued to your side, practically moaning in your ear, holding you in places that had always been sensitive erogenous zones for you, you had been drinking and you couldn’t even remember the last time you had been intimate with anyone. You weren’t going to act on anything anyway.

You listened to the boys talk, feeding yourself and Felix every time more food was deposited into your bowl, mostly focused on how Felix’s fingers were mindlessly stroking the inside of your thigh. It was kind of ticklish, but mostly it was fuelling the annoying thrum in between your legs, making you wiggle a bit to see if the feeling would go down.

It didn't.

If anything, it kicked into high gear since Felix felt like he had to tighten his hold on you, effectively pining you down in your spot, small hands tightening to the point that would probably leave faint bruises the following day. For such a petite guy, he surely was strong.

You glared down at the empty bowl in front of you, hoping to god no one noticed the red flush finding its way back to your cheeks. Why couldn't you keep it together. Why couldn't you just enjoy a dinner paid for by your lovely boss like a normal person? Why couldn't you just stop clenching down on nothing like the desperate single woman you were? Why was Felix giggling? What was so funny about your misery that had the boy rubbing his face into your shoulder?

"You're so cute, Y/N," Felix purred, blinking up at you with those big eyes. You startled slightly when you noticed they almost started to narrow into slits, blinking quickly, assuming you just had too much to drink or that the lighting was so horrible that you were seeing things. "I could just eat you up."

"I'm sorry about him."

Chan was helping a giggling Felix back into the backseat of the car. He had launched himself out after you when Changbin had dropped you off at your apartment, pouting and clinging to you like a child not wanting to leave his mother. He had whined at you until you pressed a soft his to his cheek, promising you could have lunch together the next time he came into the office.

Changbin had stepped out at that point, flicking the younger boy lightly across the forehead and herding him back towards the idling car.

"It's okay. He's really sweet." You watched fondling as Felix breathed on the inside of the rolled up window, drawing a heart and winking at you.

"He doesn't actually normally take this well to strangers. I think it's the cat in him that makes him extra cautious," Changbin mumbled, almost nonchalant in the way he had just dropped a bomb on you. "Well, you should get in-Y/N? Are you okay?" You were probably gaping like a fish, but how else were you supposed to react to that.

"Cat? He's a hybrid?"

Changbin blinked at you slowly, very cat-like and probably a habit he had picked up unknowingly from Felix. "Yes... Sorry, I thought everyone knew. It's common knowledge around the office. Is... Is that a problem?" He was asking nicely, but there was an edge to his voice. A "we're going to have a problem if you say yes".

"N-no, of course not. I just... I didn't realise. He... He doesn't display the physical traits? I'm sorry, I'm not very knowledgeable about hybrids," you blurted out, wringing you hands in front of your stomach nervously. This was it. This was the moment you'd get fired. You barely even lasted a month.

"Oh, yeah they don't usually. I'm a little surprised they stayed dormant with how much he was drinking." Changbin had visibly deflated at your words, coming back from his fight or flight response. He went to continue but was interrupted by loud knocking. Felix was knocking on the window, and you could hear his whining even though it was closed and parking on the curb, a good 10 metres away. "Sorry, I better get him home. I'll see you on Monday."

Changbin started walking backwards, gesturing for you to get inside your building, not turning around until you were inside and the security door was safely locked behind you. What a gentleman.

It had been a good hour and a half since you had been dropped home. You had showered, taken a preventative headache tablet, drank two whole cups of water, brushed your teeth, and been lying in the dark for at least 30 minutes. Sleep was not coming to you. Your brain couldn't switch off from the absolute weird way your night had turned.

You expected a few drinks and some food with Changbin, and a relatively early night. Not to be shamelessly flirted with by your bosses hybrid(!), turning you on to the point where not even the blast of cold water in the shower had helped.

"I need therapy," you sighed, reaching blindly into your nightstand drawer for the familiar silicone toy kept there. One orgasm couldn't hurt. You wouldn't even think of Felix. You'd think of one of the male protagonists in a film you had watched recently, or of the weird porn film your university friends had watched on a drunken night meant for studying.

Shucking your shorts off, you slid further under the covers; you lived alone but still felt embarrassed by the loud noises your toys tended to make, feeling like your neighbours couldn't probably hear you and would come knocking at god awful times to tell you off.

Letting out a shaky breath, you switched the toy on, flinching at the soft buzzing noise that filled the previously silent room. Pressing it softly to your clit, you shuddered at the feeling, already a little too turned on for teasing. It had been a LONG time.

You circled your clit lightly, closing your eyes and trying to conjure up an image that would help; anything that wasn't the soft blonde locks and pretty freckles and small hands that were gripping your thigh so tightly just hours before. You let out a groan at the pulse that went through your core at the image, feeling insanely guilty for getting off to the thought of the sweet hybrid. It's okay. He doesn't have to know. No one does. One night, and you'll be over it.

You brought the toy down to your hole, already wet and creating obscene slick noises when you ran the toy through your folds to collect some of the wetness to make the slide easier.

Breathing out deeply, you pushed the toy in, a little ashamed at how easily it slid in, but immediately relieved when you had something to fill you up; you really needed to get laid more.

Shifting into a better position, you angled the toy a little forward, thrusting it in experimentally, the vibrations making your tummy clench and your legs shake as you searched for the spot that would make the guilt end quicker.

You couldn't stop thinking about how Felix had pinned you down so easily, gripping your soft fleshy parts, hiking your leg up onto his lap so you were almost splayed out inappropriately; in public too. You wondered if sex with a hybrid was different than sex with a human; did they let themselves go? Did they embrace their animalistic side more freely? Felix seemed like he would be good and submissive when you had first met him, but the way he had looked at you and wrangled you to his liking make you think he had a wild side that he didn't get to show too much.

So deep in your thoughts, you didn't realise the toy had slid out of your grip slightly, but ended up rubbing directly against the spongey spot inside of you, making you squeal out in delight, turning to bite your pillow to muffle the noise. Getting a better grip on the toy, you rolled onto your side slightly, bending your leg and thrusting the toy inside with a renewed vigour, hitting the soft spot with every thrust.

"Oh god, fuck I wanna cum." You didn't know who you were talking to, you were alone, but you could picture Felix in front of you, keeping his hands to himself as he watch you get off, letting out little moans of his own to goad you on.

It was a little awkward, but you brought your free hand down to your clit to rough tight circles on it, nearly howling with how good it felt. The knot in your stomach was so close to snapping, your orgasm was right there, but you just couldn't go over the edge. You needed something. You needed Felix. You needed him to grip your leg tight, tight enough to leave dark bruises, to push his face into your neck and leave soft kisses there; his lips looked so soft, you just knew they would feel heavenly on you.

"I need you to cum for me Y/N. Pretty please. Then I can fuck you and make you cum again on my cock. Please Y/N. Please cum for me."

You could practically hear him saying it, and it surely set you over the edge. Turning your face completely into your pillow to muffle the loud groans that left you, you kept thrusting the toy inside, clenching and pulsing down on it and making it slightly difficult to push and pull, but you weren't too keen on being empty just yet. The fingers on your clit at stopped, gripping tightly at the sheets under you instead as you shivered your way through one of the best orgasm you had had in a while, legs shaking and chest heaving with the effort it took to keep you awake.

Yep. You definitely needed therapy.

[dozyrogue]

TUBBO LITERALLY TOLD SUNNY TO CALM DOWN ON THAT, AND THE FANDOM MADE IT "canon" THAT FRED WAS A STEPPARENT. TUBBO LITERALLY PUT A HARD STOP ON THAT. AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH

exactly. sunny calling fred a step-parent was about the same as calling bad her accountant. it was just make-believe. she's allowed that fantasy because they're just a little girl who wants a bigger family but that doesn't make it real and if anything it made tubbo more cautious about the whole thing.

#....i would like to apologize im not yelling at u im yelling at all of twitter actually

this but also shading the inconsistent standards of the wiki. i know they're fan volunteers but everything on there gets treated like canon even when it's clear the author has included a bunch of personal biases. we need more media literacy in this fandom.

Like at the time sunny was suffering badly she felt like her brothers and sister where leaving her behind. She felt like they didnt care about her. She heard ramon excitedly talk about how happy pac makes him and how now his family is bigger because of him. And she wanted that!! She wanted a bigger family, yeah she lovers her pa but she jsut wanted a bigger family

So yeah its totally understandable why she said that shes literally a baby. And tubbo would always put sunny first if it was up to him i think he wouldve kept sunny and fred far away from eachother if they ended up dating simply because he didnt want to lose her. But yeah its another reason why he was being super cautious

The fandom ABSOLUTELY needs more media literacy. Like i remember when the wiki for fred changed to "sunnys stepfather" and blacked out lol. Ended up on the moon no clue why.

I think it also has little to do with the fact people will make tubbo the butt of the joke, in my opinion at least. Like no one would be mad if we get some things wrong cuz hea just a silly lil guy.

Like its hard to get a unbiased fan to help with things like that but a dude can dream.

[imreallyloveleee]

Where do you think it all went wrong with Riverdale?

honestly, part of me is like, the show's over and nothing but fandom matters. so who cares?

the other part of me loves to complain about Riverdale and will continue to do so until the day I die in the parking lot of Michael's Diner in Montgomeryville, PA at the age of 86. so, long-winded answer under the cut

I'm tempted to say it's the s4 b*rchie kiss. It was so wildly out of character for both Betty and Archie that it's laughable. You know how you can tell when something is just blatantly OOC with no justification? They...don't justify it. They find ways to dance around any interaction that might offer clarification. They mute the reactions of the characters who should be devastated by it. And then they jump ahead 7 years so it's easier to just handwave it away as something that happened a long time ago.

but the thing is, I did keep watching after that. I thought: okay, at least we should get an exes-to-lovers arc out of this, which is one of my favorite tropes. there is no way they would spend 4 seasons developing Bughead as this loving, supportive, communicative, sexy, and almost-unbelievably-compatible couple just to tear them apart and never do anything with that dynamic again. maybe it'll be even sweeter seeing them come back together after so much hurt and longing.

boy was i wrong!!!!!!!!!

so, the episode that actually made me stop watching for good, with the exception of some standalones like The Jughead Paradox and the finale, was the s5 musical. that was when i realized that this team of writers was 100% willing, maybe even eager, to completely drop storylines they themselves had been building over the course of a season - do a 180 with all of the characterization and relationships - and then act as though the buildup they wrote never even happened.

in this case, i'm specifically talking about the Bughead reunion storyline they dropped in s5. i'm not going to pretend like it was a GREAT buildup - and it was mostly on Jughead's side, Betty's character in s5 was basically an emotionless misery bot that had sex sometimes - but it was there. Jughead told Tabitha he had unresolved feelings around Betty. that's followed by an entire episode that lays out Betty & Jug's time jump relationship, and how Jughead still believes she's the one who saves him from himself. they work on a case together, they start opening up to one another. Jughead's so worried about her he can't eat.

and then...you know what happens.

(i'll also note here that there was random bts stuff that strongly indicated the musical ep storyline had a drastic last-minute rewrite: lili tweeted a blue dress, suggesting the song with that line was meant for her character; RAS said cole had to do last-minute recording sessions; supposedly crew members have confirmed this was the case, too. since none of it's 100% confirmed you can take it all with a grain of salt, but i believe it.)

it was so fucking insulting as a viewer to give my time and attention to a show made by people who would not only randomly drop the threads they set up, but torpedo them altogether, and then behave like the fans are the ones somehow at fault for expecting a story that actually follows through on its own emotional and plot beats. we're just shippers, so our opinions are dumb and biased! it's just a tv show, so who cares! get over it!

so, i stopped watching, because i knew they would continue to write without any thought or respect for their characters or their audience, and therefore inevitably write themselves into another corner. and, shocker, i was right. they did it again, whisking everyone away to the 1950s because actually resolving any of the scenarios they set up was ToO hArD. why bother when you could just make every single character Righteously Angry and Incurably Horny all the time, lecture the audience about social issues that have already been mainstream progressive for the last several decades, and call it a "love letter" to your fans?

[tamtheshihan]

Jin & Xiaoyu in Tekken 8

This is a couple I’ve wanted for years and its safe to say Tekken 8 may just give them the room to be an actual couple once and for all. If you are obsessed with this fighting game franchise as much as I am and have been waiting as long as I have, Jin and Xiaoyu are a ship that in my opinion should have sailed loooooong ago. Xiaoyu is the sunshine and Jin is the one in need of that sunshine.

Their relationship seems to be more grounded and cohesive this time. No longer the delusional and obsessive teenager chasing the handsome and mysterious bad boy, but now as two young adults who respect one another whilst realizing and understanding underlying feelings and the role each plays in the other’s life.

Now before I get to it, I am fully aware that there are millions of people who are against them being a couple. “Oh Xiaoyu’s annoying, Jin doesn’t care for her, JinXiao shippers are delusional”, YADA YADA. Be that as it may, I am 100% behind Jin and Xiaoyu. This post is not for you!

Its shaping up to be Jin and Xiao as endgame and here’s why… Get comfortable because it’s a long one…

Starting off, Japanese men are not the most romantic and are considered shy in those kinds of contexts- as most Japanese people are. Japanese people are not big on pda and being straightforward. Commonly seen in manga and anime. Protagonist in most cases will literally do everything else in a story before worrying about their relationship- telling the girl or guy how they really felt. And it is usually the very last thing we get, if we get it at all. Creators/writers will hint at certain things subtly and you usually have to be aware of it. It’s a staple in Japanese storytelling and Tekken is no exception. It’s a fighting game people, so fighting is the main focus while something like romance is typically placed on the backburner.

With that said, Jin is yet another example of this. He crosses me as the type to be very loving but not in a showy kinda way. I’m certain Jun showered him with love and affection. Her very existence is love and affection. She is mama Kazama- Jin’s whole heart which was taken away from him very early. So being caring and affectionate is something we all know Jin is capable of doing. It’s just that his life took a course that changed him in a way that he needed to adapt to. The mishimas and the devil gene are no place for the kind boy who was raised on the almost remote island of Yakushima. Never having to deal with anything even close to his life after meeting Heihachi. I say this to not right any of his wrongs but to say that you can become a product of the things you go through in life.

Jin is capable of a lot but had to put a lot on the backburner because he was dealing with a situation that was thrown onto him. He didn’t ask for any of it but it was time for a boy to become a man. He no longer had Jun’s kind and touching words, but rather memories of her precepts and warmness to guide him, a grandfather whom he became to trust betrayed him in the worst way, and a father who could care less of his existence.

Xiaoyu on the other hand, a cheerful and caring young lady who wants nothing but to be there for Jin- someone she seen the good in and became a close friend to. She knows that Jin has only become the way he did to cope with the never ending pain and sadness, having to force away everyone and everything he cares about because he fears he would bring them nothing but harm. Jin was once a kind and sweet guy as Xiaoyu stated. Jin cares for Xiaoyu. He cares A LOT. I feel that he cares as much as he can in a way that he can given his situation. I don’t think I want the person I truly care for to be around me in moments were I lose control of myself either. Trust me, Jin has all the emotional components as the next person, he just doesn’t have the space to show it.

Xiaoyu isn’t an idiot. She understands this and catches what Jin throws. Jin’s life was a hard contrast to Xiaoyu’s fun loving, amusement park going life. Sometimes the best way to get through to someone is to communicate in a way they can understand and this time around she knows what has to be done.

And there are things that Jin is fully aware of. He knows that Xiaoyu will follow him to hell without a second thought. He knows she will come looking for him at the drop of a dime and wouldn’t even consider the harm she would face in pursuing him. HE IS FULLY AWARE of how much he means to her. Which is why he puts that distance between them. Why he disappears without a trace, why he keeps his hardships to himself. He knows Xiaoyu will go to bat for him quick. But he cares for her so much that he doesn’t want her getting caught up in his mess. Jin believes that he doesn’t deserve the love and consideration Xiaoyu gives him but he still cares. His self-hatred is what holds him back from believing he’s a proper member of society. The devil gene thoroughly labels him as an outcast who doesn’t deserve a second shot at life and he doesn’t try to hold onto that hope. So something like a relationship or friendship means nothing if you can never truly have it-and to him- as long as the devil gene exist, none of those things could ever be.

He feels as though he has to deal with everything on his own- end his family’s mess and end the bloodline. Jin always seems ready to give his life away because he feels the world would be better off without him. He looks at himself as an abomination, an existence not of this world. He invalidates how he really feels for what he thinks is appropriate for the situation. He calls it like it is. How can you smile, be a friend, or even have a relationship when you are a ticking timebomb and could ruin everything in the blink of an eye?

He's aware that Xiaoyu is going to give it to him straight, cut no corners. He knows she wants the best for him. He knows she’ll tell him that what he thinks of himself isn’t true. He knows that she can read him like a book. He knows she truly cares.

Their special interaction in Tekken 8 is long overdue. It shows exactly what their reunion should be. An abundance of emotions that look almost impossible to interpret. Xiaoyu- happy, relieved she found her man, but also with restraint trying to approach the situation another way, and there’s Jin- sheepish, unable to face Xiaoyu, not sure how she feels. Awkward but both push forward to paint a better picture together this time around. He knows she knows all the things he’s been doing and she knows that he knows but wants to move forward and be able to aid him in the fight. He’s always been much more softer in tone and demeanor with Xiaoyu. He calls the girl “Xiao”for goodness sakes, and in Japanese society people don’t usually do that unless they are really close and have a bond. She calls him “Jin”, no suffix just Jin. She even came out and said that "an exchange of blows can be revealing". Now if that's not obvious...

Sometimes love comes at the right time, and you have to be ready. The love was definitely there, feelings were definitely mutual, they were just shown very differently. In a lot of ways they just had to get themselves together and figure some things out. Besides the romantic part, Jin and Xiaoyu did a lot of growing up. I mean a lot. Look at those two. Xiaoyu LOOKS more mature. SHES A WOMAN NOW. Jin LOOKS certain in his actions and seems to have much more confidence and resolve. This is a man and a woman. I believe they are ready this time.

In a lot of ways Xiaoyu is what Jin needs- that reassurance, that support, that sunshine, that stick beside you type of thing.

And with Jun officially back, Jin’s life will definitely brighten up but with Xiaoyu included… That’s the ideal situation for me!!

I can go all day on these two but in conclusion, Jin and Xiaoyu are a pair that is definitely hard to come by and one of my favorites especially in games. It doesn’t make any since how long I have waited for an interaction between these two where they finally appear to be on even footing, on the same page, and know what they want.

[dantegreaves00]

Hell-A Love part two

Five years before the zombie outbreak that turned LA into Hell-A, Y/N left his sisters place after an argument with her husband,

Now he's back, why even he doesn't know. His sister has new friends who are immune to the virus, and her ex Sam B is back on the scene. After being hurt by LA and Hollywood before can Y/N find a home with his sister again and possibly a lover?

A huge thank you to my good friend @brunos-wife360 for helping me out with this and for allowing me to take inspiration from her Slayer x Reader fics.

Also, Ijust wanted to say

Hello readers, this is my first ever series here on Tumbler, so I'm a little nervous about posting.

I decided to give writing a go as there's not a lot of Dead Island 2 fics on here, let alone FtM reader fics.

As long as you don't fetishise FtM trans people, then I don't care if you are cis (female or male) or if you identify as female. You can read my work as long as you know that I am FtM and I write for FtM readers.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Trigger Warnings

Use of the T slur(don't know if that is the correct term but I've only ever known it as the T slur)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael's POV

I was sitting in the games room, everyone else was somewhere in the house doing their own thing. Suddenly the door to the games room slammed open and Y/N walked in. Without saying a word I poured him a drink.

"Thanks Michael" he said before taking a long sip. I could tell he wanted to talk about something but I didn't expect him to start crying.

"Y/N, what happened?" I asked him as I took a seat next to him.

"Emma came into my room to bring me food and we got to talking about why I left" he said after taking another big gulp of his drink. He paused for a moment before continuing "we got into a fight about why I left and I stormed out of my room to come and talk to the only person in this house who gets me".

Y/N's POV

*flashback*

I had just come home from yet another interview regarding the movie that I was starting in, this was the first movie I would be filming without my sister since the start of my acting career.

Michael was beside me, being PA for both Jaunt siblings ment that if one of us had an interview he had to be there to make sure things ran smoothly. Not that my sister seemed to care about him, constantly yelling and demanding he do the impossible.

Andrea was waiting for us in the living room, my sister and her husband were nowhere to be seen which I took as a good sign.

"So, how did it go?" Andrea asked as I sat down next to her.

"Well let's see, instead of asking me about the movie and the character I play, he asks me if I can hear my sister and Robert having sex, what my opinions are on OMAN TO KILL and I quote "feel about being an openly out trannie in Hollywood" so it went about as good as it could have I suppose" I responded while Michael rubbed my back to comfort me.

"Why should your sister have anything to do with YOUR movie? You were so excited to be able to star in DIRTY ANGEL," Andrea said as she got up and began to pace before coming over and hugging me "I'll go and get started on dinner Y/N, I'm making your favourite, Emma and Robert can put up with it tonight".

After Andrea left I let out a long sigh before turning to Michael, "why did my movie have to be released a month after OMEN TO KILL? Why am I constantly being compared to my older sister? I thought that maybe staring in DIRTY ANGEL would be my opportunity to leave my sister's shadow but no" I said as tears started to fall from my eyes.

Without needing to ask, Michael pulled me into a hug. We sat like that for a while until Michael pulled back a bit before speaking "I don't know to be honest with you, I don't know why but I do know this, you are not your sister, you are kind, open with how you feel and in my honest opinion a better actor than her. Y/N, you are amazing and this movie is yours, not Emma's, yours. So I want you to remember that and just know that this interviewer was an ass, but you have other interviews to do and I know for a fact the one you have tomorrow will be better than the one you had today."

●●Present time●●

That's the thing with Michael, he's always known what to say when I'm upset. It's like he knows what I'm thinking and feeling before I do.

As we sat next to each other at the bar, the door to the game room opened, and one of my sisters new friends walked in.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Taglist

@brunos-wife360

@morgana-artt

@amdaspoon

[beatrizamante]

The Fernweh Saga by @lacunafiction

Name: Lara "Raider" De Armas (she/her)

Personality: Sincere - Cautious - Friendly - Optimistic - Merciful - Shy 

Traits: Head - Independent - Resistant - Believer

Past Affinity: Astronomy 

Primary Ability: Extra Sensory Awareness 

Past Susceptibility: Healing

Job (if mentioned): Astrophysicist / Physics Researcher

Social Dynamics (for both books, so far): 

Bee

It was another "Winescope" Saturday night. That was the nickname Lara gave to the Saturday nights she'd call Bee, alongside her friends from the Observatory's Lab, and they'd discuss silly things, tell funny stories from the workplace while "getting alcoholed up" with good wine. She'd always invite Bee with the biggest hug and the hugest smile on her face. 

She was still flush from laughing about some silly story when the mail came in. Somehow, something was different. She read the mail with the same efficiency and calm she'd do with a particularly difficult academic book. The bright smile on her face died slowly. The flush gave away to a pale tanned face. There was a distant look in her eyes.

Later that day, when she apologized to her friends and said an emergency occurred, Bee stood there. They wouldn't leave her without understanding and supporting their friend. Lara would always tell them they are the sweetest person in this world. 

She explained the content of the letter, trying to give a very fragile smile to sooth them from any worries. 

And now, after they came to help her with her load and everything happened, she'll take their load off of them. 

She'll protect Bee with her life. And she dares anyone to try and hurt them. She shouldn't put them in this position in the first place. It's her fault. 

It always is. 

I'm sorry, Bee. You are an amazing person. 

if(tentative_ro = "Beckett") {

You're my best friend. I won't jeopardize that. 

But know that you are loved. 

}

S. Dorran 

It was weird seeing S again, after such a long time. Lara has vague memories from her childhood. Maybe too much information can do that to one's mind, alongside trauma. 

But Lara does remember fondly of their reading nights at Turn the Page. And she'd always smile when S spoke up their opinions in class. It's something she really admired about them. 

Even with their taciturness, she'd always love to talk with them about any subject. They were always filled with wonder on how things worked, just as she was. 

That didn't change. They are the same quiet, extremely smart person she remembers. And she still can talk about any subject with them and just have fun talking. 

She hopes they like her as much as she adores them. 

Thank you for looking out for Pa. I don't know how I'll ever repay you, S. 

if(tentative_ro = "Silas") {

What is this? Why do I want your company so much? This is normal right? RIGHT?? 

Don't look at his lips, Lara! 

}

R. Verner 

Lara could never understand exactly why R took an interest in her. They were an heir, and she wasn't a competitive child by any means. But the competitions were really fun, and something she looked forward to. 

Funny that they didn't know how to react when she proposed a hug challenge. Huh. She'd study that reaction later on. If R wanted to call her a "rival", she didn't mind. 

But she did call them her friend. She was really shy during the debates, though. R could have some sense and try not to mess with her so much. But she adored that in them too.  

It was interesting seeing them again. They said they've waited for her? They seem so much more patient with her now. She'll never be able to figure them out completely, will she? Lara hopes R didn't felt so alone as they look now, behind all the teasing smiles.

She can't pick everything apart in the lab to try and understand them, not with people she cares about. 

I'm sorry for leaving in such a difficult time, R. And I'm sorry you got hurt. I'll hunt down whoever did this, so they'll never have a chance to do it again. 

if(tentative_ro = "Reese") { 

Oh... Oh... OH...! Was that a "date"? Nonononono, my biggest love is the lab. My biggest love is the lab... his eyes are so blue and - LABLABLAB }  

J. Corvin 

JJJ, Lara missed you so much! So much. She missed all their nights reading comics and days just enjoying each other's company. Her memories from bike rides around lakes, of them cooking together with their mother or just basking in the sun eating oranges are so soft. 

She missed their quiet company that would come alive whenever she was near. They were there with her when she discovered her passion for the stars. They learned to use a telescope together, and they would do Math marathons to learn more about charting while hiding under blanket forts.

She'd always pester them about everything going on her mind. And she insisted that they got the puzzle chrome part first, but they'd always put her first. 

Something changed. There's something so guarded and angry about their posture now. Detective work must be so heavy on them. She wishes she could help ease their burden.

There are still softness in their eyes when they meet hers. But also there's a distance that she can't fix. 

She can't fix everything. That much is clear. But it hurts. They never got her letters. That's why they have this cold anger whenever Pa is mentioned? 

She should have tried harder. It haunts her the image of J following Pa's truck. Lara tried to reach out, but her hands only met glass. 

if(tentative_ro = "James")  {

This crush is old. Very very old. I'm not someone that has crushes anymore. So, ignore it, Lara. Don't look at his shoulders, or how his hands could - 

I SAID DON'T LOOK.  

}

Mal 

Oh, who is this? Did Lara meet him before? She doesn't remember him from her childhood memories. But then again, her memories are... off... 

What is this man? He knows so much, behind those enigmatic eyes. Why does she feel naturally pulled towards him? Lara doesn't understand... But she likes that he's kind. Even if it must hurt to smile like that all the time. 

She wants to understand. He looks like so much more, a real... puzzle. She loves puzzles. 

He does seem to enjoy giving her little jumpscares, because she is always jumping whenever he appears. Was very kind of him to bring her some tea after the forest search. It was a taxing night. 

And he has a very interesting nickname! Curious... what an observing and unnerving man. Charmer, huh?

Let me in, I can help you if you wish so, Mal. 

if(Mal_Romance = true) {

He looks really good. Haven't I noticed it before? Not that I usually do, but... Wait, why am I looking? It's disrespectful!! 

He has a very beautiful smile when he's genuine, I wonder what would be if I ki-

PositivethoughtsPositivethoughtsPositivethoughtsPositivethoughts... WHY DO I FEEL LIKE THIS? AHHHH 

}

Annnd I did a playlist for her. Yeah, I feel in an RPG rn.

About the Game and Lara herself:

First of all, I'd like to say a big thanks for @lacunafiction for this wonderful story. I'd give 139823274763254 positive reviews in every available platform because this story is awesome, eerie as hell, mysterious and romantic too. 

If you guys have any interest in an amazing IF, I'd recommend Fernweh saga. I might be a little addicted right now and I did intend to start using this blog for something, so this something is going to be to recommend wonderful IFs <3 

You can find the first book alongside the Patreon in this post: https://www.tumblr.com/lacunafiction/705620629743976448/some-homecomings-feel-more-like-rude-awakenings?source=share

Much love for this amazing author (*whispers* marry me, Aelsa) <3 

Second, I'll gush a little about my little poor meow meow of a Dodo. 

I just love how personalities are well written in this game , and that is what made me write this wall of text in the first place. The narrative is very fact-based, and something that I really loved, so I decided to make my MC a Head-oriented person with a science job, very unaware of her own emotions, but very observant and caring about others. 

It's a nice juxtaposition for me. 

Someone that is fiercely independent (believes the "teamwork makes the dream work!", tho), but is very shy and sweet. 

Someone that is very head oriented, relies heavily on facts, but is incredibly friendly -a Dodo- (I love that in book 2 you have more joking options that are not so based in snark. Don't get me wrong, I love snarky humor and is greatly written here, but somehow the "... A metal mistress?" gets me every time <3) 

Someone that is highly cautious, but oh boy, she is resistant as hell. She'll NOT bow down to anyone (except her Uni professors) and she'll face any fears head on. Whoever dares to hurt her or the people she loves will get hunted. But in a cold and calculating way.

I loved the Extrasensory Awareness, and it's even better that it is an *instinct*. Again, for someone who heavily relies on facts, it's funny to me. "Why do I feel like this????" 

I didn't give Lara abandonment issues because she believed that her Grampa was trying to not lose her too. Even if in a very unhealthy way. She did fill her life with science and stars, building it up around the profession she fell in love with when a child. All thanks to J. It's a string that links her to her past. But she thinks that's all she can bring to the world. And she fear how coldly she can assess things, how unattached she can be with her own emotions when she is under pressure..     

She's a moderate believer. Well, she couldn't exactly discount the walking tree, when it was walking right in front of her. That, my friend, is a fact. 

Guilty gnaws at her. She feels guilty for bringing Bee here. She feels guilty for leaving J and R. Guilty over S being so perturbed about the city borders. Guilty about her whole family, who had to suffer such horrific deaths while she still walks this world. That's why she fills her life with her job. A starry sky is a graveyard of stars, is it not? Maybe they are watching over her. 

And she is angry. Oh boy, she is livid. Who the fuck thinks they can do whatever they want with the people she loves? No one can mold her into a clay sculpture and expect her to just cave. She built her life mostly alone, and she'll not have that.  

And overall, it's just very interesting to me to see Lara, a nerd, lab addicted scientist, who is deadly curious to understand everything in this world to be in this eerie place filled with mysteries and people she adores, falling in love for the first time and NOT KNOWING HOW TO COPE WITH IT.  

She'll be the only MC that I'll play in this game because I really loved her personality. But if I had to choose a main RO, possibly it would be Mal because of the scientist X mystery idea. I chose all 5 of them, tho. MUAHAHHAA 

And well, she is based on Lara Croft, as is abundantly clear. She is a very intelligent and curious woman, who goes to great lengths to discover mysteries and is very protective of the people she cares about (Jonah <3). This one, tho, is way softer than Croft <3  Aah a pin for her in Pinterest <3 https://br.pinterest.com/badgirlcs/lara-raider-de-armas/

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🦇 How to Plot a Payback Book Review 🦇

❓ #QOTD What's your favorite sitcom? ❓ 🦇 Even after adjusting career paths and crossing an ocean, screenwriter Finn Masters just can't manage to escape his childhood nemesis. Now he has to work with her on the set of Neighbors, one of Hollywood's longest-running, highest-rated sitcoms. Shining star Lavender Rhodes is completely unaware that she ruined his relationship and destroyed his acting career, though there is something about Finn that keeps pulling her into his orbit. As Finn plots his payback, will he recognize why Lavender is so universally adored...and even fall a little himself?

💜 Melissa Ferguson's prose is sharp, witty, playful, and engaging all in one go. Once you fall into the story, there's no getting out until the end. What seems like a fun little romcom is actually brimming with important messages. As his plot to get payback fails over and OVER, Finn starts to see Lavender in a new light. This story is a prime example of how someone can play the villain in our stories, only for us to appear as a background character. The ending (pre-epilogue) was brilliant and sweet; proof of how much Finn has learned about Lavender once he truly got dragged into her orbit.

💙 While this is a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, we don't actually FEEL the emotions bubble and boil over. It's difficult to develop any emotional connection with either main character. Maybe seeing every moment Lavender unintentionally ruined Finn's life as a flashback, instead of as a brief account from Finn, would have added that emotional depth. While this was a slow burn, the actual falling is so sudden that it feels out of place, only for readers to get whisked into a happily-ever-after epilogue. My biggest problem (you've heard this before) was everything related to the sitcom. My gf works in film and the inaccuracies pulled me out of the story every time (no set can survive with so FEW PAs).

🦇 Recommended for fans of Falon Ballard and Ava Wilder.

✨ The Vibes ✨ 🎬 (One-Sided) Enemies to Lovers ⭐️ Hollywood/Workplace Romance 🎬 Forced Proximity ⭐️ Slowburn 🎬 Grumpy/Sunshine ⭐️ Hijinks

🦇 Major thanks to the author and publisher for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

💬 Quotes ❝ Still, that’s how a story grows: from mistakes that cause consequences that cause realizations. And from digging out of holes. ❞ ❝ Because people can admire the sketch of a perfect person on paper, but they relate to, they love, they hate, they weep for, they root for three-dimensional people with both virtues and vices who grow out of the page. Ashley Krane was too perfect. She needed to become alive. ❞ ❝ She’s so good at ruining my life that of course I should’ve suspected she could ruin my payback. ❞ ❝ “Here’s the thing, Lavender. If there’s one thing I’ve learned of late, it’s that dreams can shift, can change. They grow and evolve into new and different dreams— sometimes fashioned by outside forces, sometimes by change of heart. I’ve learned, from you actually, how my dreams could change due to external forces. And it’s not a bad thing. But this time, it’s a mix. I saw an opportunity, and I reached for it. Sure, I’m going back to a detective series. But I’d do it again in a minute. Because you are my bigger dream now. I don’t care what I’m writing, so long as I get to share my days with you.” ❞

[zetsubobu]

Alrighty I created a ninjago oc!!

But sike, it's actually in @weekend-whip 's legacyverse because it's better written than the canon show and I like that universe

Alright so I saw this

And I thought: "hmmm, distant relative, that gives room for headcanons"

So here's my ninjago (legacyverse) oc!

Name: nicole villin (nici)

Age: undefined but in the same age range as harumi and lloyd

Moral: lawful neutral

Ability: partial inheritor of the element of light

Nici is a direct descendant of the 5th gen master of light. However like aurora she only partially inherited the ability. In nici's case, she inherited the control over the element but not the full power. She could make herself disappear at will, however the strongest she could go is being translucent and not fully see through like paleman. That results in her not exactly "disappearing" whenever she wants to but rather it's more coincidental and happens whenever she feels particularly intuned with her element or feels like her life is in danger. Usually she can still be seen in a normal light setting so it's not much of use, however in dimly lit rooms it can happen that you won't notice her unless you look twice or mistake it for a trick of the eyes.

She did not have training to control her powers yet since the previous master is more focused on the other inheritor, paleman.

The fact that nici inherited the control over disappearing (which she could use if she had training) is also the reason why paleman is never seen with his true face but rather his clothes or completely gone. He has the full power that she hasn't (since she just got a weaker portion of that) but since he can not control when to tap out or in, he's constantly see through and the only thing he can do is enhance his power to make him even more see through or weaken it a bit

(imagine it as if kai's hair was constantly on fire because of his element but he can't put it out. He could make his whole body on fire or he could go back to only his hair which is just a bit weaker but it would never stop)

Personality:

She is usually a happy person but that gets really reserved around people she doesn't know well. She doesn't mind talking as long as it's with close ones since she suffers from pretty bad social anxiety and often doubts her friendships, especially when around strangers. Her withdrawal around others makes it easy for her to blend in and be forgotten. She does care deeply about her limited friendships though and her way to show appreciation and care is by making sure her friends stay out of trouble. She's not a shy person so speaking is not something she troubles much with and she's quite happy to talk if she does

She doesn't support the ninjas nor lord garmadon as she thinks they both have their flaws and supporting one or the other without acknowledging the flaws is pretty ignorant. She doesn't mind those who do either though as she thinks opinion is opinion.

She has the bad habit of always distrusting her friendships even if they never said anything bad which is a result of her bond with her mother. So it might come off as a bit hurtful to others when she says something like "I have no friends", which is not something she says because she doesn't consider them friends but rather that she fears they don't consider her one. Just know that she doesn't mean it the way it sounds.

She's an active listener and has the habit of sometimes hearing things she shouldn't because they forget she's also there which could cause her to overhear some certain ninja secrets

Usually light is an element associated with things like hope or positivity which is something that doesn't exactly fit her sometimes due to her anxiety. It's why she has a rather low natural attunement with a mid fluctuation

Jesse belongs to @weekend-whip !!

Story:

Ever since she was born, she noticed her mother frequently disappointed that she didn't inherited the full element as she now had the trouble of needing to search for a person that she could pass it on to. Her mother never expressed that disappointment verbally, however she could see it in her eyes as well as how desperate she was at meeting new people, even really distant family members who they have never met before. It's also how they met paleman as he is a more distant family member. Nici's mother noticed how he had a really high natural attunement and chose that distant relative to be the next master of light. All those parties and meeting all those people with the knowledge of why they are actually here is what caused her social anxiety in the first place.

She and paleman get along quite well though because he understands her situation and had to see her way more often after getting passed on the element. She often calls him uncle viz since he does appear like an uncle to her.

She goes to highschool in ninjago city (bc where else?), spends her time in the cooking club and is in the same year as harumi (though they have never interacted much). She isn't one that believes rumors but she is intimidated by most of the ninjas and isn't sure how to talk to either of them. Though she does get along the best with zane and nya.

She lives close to the border of ninjago city which is why the garmadon or the great devourer attack never affected her as much as the others near the center of the city. She did volunteer work though by helping to cook food to support people who lost their homes.

[destinygoldenstar]

So going back to my Hand of Time post where I talked about dialogue, I actually got my GF's opinion on another part of that season. (She's on Sons of Garmadon now. She's also a Skybound lover. You may know that I'm not a Skybound fan, but congrats Skybound lovers, you have another one)

That's the family storyline of Fireboy and Watergirl. (Like, the only interesting thing about the season to me)

We talked about how we both thought it would have been much more interesting and fitting of the messaging of the season if the parents were painted in a negative light, and it wasn't a trick.

I was on board with the idea that the siblings didn't know what happened to their parents and why they suddenly up and left them. I mean, it left these two kids forced to raise each other. KIDS.

That's quite a bit of trauma to leave behind. (Which is why I said I wanted more baby Kai and Nya flashbacks)

And they WERE building up to the idea that these people should NOT be role models or impact Kai and Nya.

From what Chen implied, their parents were probably not the best of people and shouldn't be idolized. These two, especially Kai, have idolized their parents, and everything Kai has done with his life is associated with the legacy and honor of his father. But then it's revealed they're idolizing traitors to the Elemental Resistance and were fighting for a cause that was a danger to Ninjago. These kids shouldn't be idolizing them.

Especially not with what the siblings have become NOW. They're ninja. They're protectors of a land they care about. They have a new found family they could call their actual family if they so wished.

It fits with the time theming. It also adds to what Skylor tells them. Don't be so focused on your rocky past. Don't be so focused on the bad people your parents became. Focus on YOU. Focus on NOW. What do you want to be and what do you want to do NOW?

Adding to the Time Twins being stuck in the past. It'd make the siblings the foil.

...so we're both REALLY not a fan of the big twist of the season, that being that Ray and Maya were good people all along.

It goes against the message that was built up to up till that point. It reverts to the siblings clinging to the past again.

I'm not against their parents ending up being good people who were just protecting their kids out of love, but that's NOT what they were building up to.

And I am especially NOT SAYING Kai should've killed his dad. Absolutely not. Nya could've stopped him and reminded him that this isn't him and this isn't who he wants to be. Again, adding to the 'don't focus on the past, focus on now'. They could even release their parents out of sympathy, but not let them back in their lives. At least, not until Seabound, which could be the parents trying to be better. This could just be their redemption arc.

Cause, in the flashback they showed, they didn't even put up a fight when they could have. They're ELEMENTAL MASTERS. FOR FSM SAKE. They can strike a powerless Krux down. That screams to me that it doesn't change the fact that they abandoned their kids in a garden and left them at a weapons shop to fend for themselves. And it very clearly left a dent on them! For Kai, at least.

I also wish the final blow on the Time Twins was done by Kai and not Wu.

Everyone has said this, and yeah, Kai is the only ninja who never gets to defeat a villain by themself. (And now he never will) Every Kai focused story where he has a villain, said villain is defeated by someone else, sometimes someone with no connection to them. I have NO IDEA why Kai is not allowed to get a W, but the others are. I guess someone in the writers room just hates Kai for some reason.

THIS would've been the PERFECT SEASON to let Kai do that.

At least with Krux. Krux is such a personal antagonist for Kai. This is the man who destroyed Kai's family name and life. This is the man who threatened a resistance he honors. This is the man who signifies all of Kai's past ego. This is the man who took Kai's parents away from him and forced him to end his childhood and be the parent to his sister. This man is a PERSONAL villain to KAI.

So if ANYBODY is going to get the honor to defeat this guy, it should be KAI.

But no. Instead Wu got that honor. Despite the fact that his personal connection to the Time Twins is just "I shouldn't have fought Acronix alone, I make so many mistakes and I like to pretend I'm perfect"

How awesome would that have been to have the siblings stand by a claim like "I'm not what you made of my past. I'm what I am now. I'm fighting for now."

Wu could still get lost in time. Like let's say someone had slippery hands in the time vortex. There you go.

Kai is an awesome character whenever he's allowed to be in the spotlight. He doesn't get to be in it, though. I just kinda wish he, like the other ninja did, got a W that he deserved.

[alsjeblieft-zeg]

147 of 2024

Created by indre

What's one simple pleasure(s) that you greatly enjoy?

Reading books, homemade soups, my cat being goofy, long walks on the beach and listening to the sea waves, music, hot chocolate, watching the sunrises, milkshakes, making earrings recently.

What are you listening to?

Mouth by Paradise Lost. It's on repeat for me since September or so.

Are you in a relationship?

Yeah, I'm married.

What is your opinion on abortion?

Sometimes it's necessary. I don't have any opinion on it, just let people do whatever they find the best for themselves.

Why do you think so many people get depressed these days?

Living in this world gets more and more stressful. Too much pressure on anything. Probably some people pretend to be cool or romanticise it, but they're rare, thankfully.

Last movie you saw in theaters:

I don't watch movies.

Your heart is beating faster than usual, whom are you standing nest to?

Probably that young train conductor. I don't know what's going on with me.

What was going through your mind during your last kiss?

"Is it over yet?"

Why did your last relationship fail?

It didn't really. We just figured out long distance relationship doesn't work for us, but we're still close friends.

Do you feel like screaming?

Not right now.

How are you in general?

Okay, but sleepy. Long weekend now.

Do you think the world would be a better place without humans?

Most of the time.

Last dream you had:

Some very gay sex dream. I feel betrayed by my own body and mind.

What's your favorite drink?

Chupa Chups sour soda, blueberry flavour.

What's love to you?

Loyalty, trust, honesty, supporting each other, caring for each other. It doesn't need to have a sexual or romantic component to it. At least to me.

How is the weather today?

Grey skies. Ew.

Are you in love?

I do love, but am I in love? I don't know.

What was your favorite cartoon during childhood?

Shaun the Sheep, but rather as a teenager.

Who is your best friend and why?

My husband. For many reasons.

What is your greatest fear?

Death, failure, rejection.

What is on your mind right now?

One song and one person. Both kinda related and mentioned above in this survey.

Do you have any addictions?

I don't think so, maybe some shopping problem lol.

Have you ever done drugs, if so, what?

Nope, never.

Do you enjoy watching Family Guy?

No, I find it incredibly stupid.

What is it that you really want right now?

A train ride. And seeing and hearing one of two particular train guys.

Are you deep?

Deep and tight lol. What is this question about?

What is your opinion of God? Is he real?

I'm questioning it. Recently I started going to churches again, but I don't attend holy masses. I just go there to find peace and answers to my questions.

Do you and your best friend have funny nicknames for one another?

Yeah. Apart from the nickname my family gave me, he calls me names jokingly, and so do I.

Are you a parent?

I have a stepson. No kids on my own, and this is okay.

Who would you like to be for a day?

I would love to be a cat. Just to see how it feels.

Is there a member of the opposite sex that you can tell anything to?

Yes, my sister.

What are some bands that you've seen live?

Some local ones, nothing interesting.

Who is your favorite person?

My husband and couple of my friends.

What is your favorite season?

Summer all the way. Days longer than nights.

If you would get the chance to relive you're past, would you do differently?

I don't know, really.

How?

N/A.

Do you know who Kurt Cobain is?

Is there anyone who doesn't?

What about Ben Moody?

Of course. Everyone who knows Evanescence should know.

How is life for you?

A rollercoaster, ups and downs. Quite much like for everyone, it seems.

State something about yourself that no one knows?

I don't think there's anything about me that literally no one would know. There's always at least one person who does.

Do you have any pets? What are their names?

I have a tuxedo cat named Susie. I had another cat, a tabby girl named Victoria, but she passed away last year. She was my most loved kitty ever.

Last joke you heard, did you find it funny?

Nope, not at all. My husband pulled an awful prank on me.

What is your favorite recent memory?

Finally seeing that young train guy again. After 9 months.

Do you like to cuddle?

Not much. It's pretty uncomfortable.

What is the most important thing to you in life?

Happiness, family, sense of security, and obviously my cat.

What is your favorite movie?

I don't watch movies, but if I have to choose, then No Country For Old Men.

What's a song(s) you can relate to?

A lot of Katatonia and Paradise Lost songs.

Have you heard of Postsecret?

Yeah, but I never posted there.

Whom do you look up to?

My dad, most of the time.

Where and with whom did your last hug take place?

In our living room, my husband.

Do you want children someday?

Nope.

What would you name them?

N/A.

If you could represent a sin, what would it be?

Pride, definitely. Maybe some Greed.

Do you enjoy horror movies?

I don't enjoy any movies.

Do you believe in ghosts?

Never really thought about it.

Would you ever go bungee jumping?

I'm not really interested.

If you had 13 million dollars, what would you do with it?

Buy two houses and travel the world.

Are you waiting for someone to message or text you?

Nah, not at the moment.

Do you tend to hide your true self?

No, I'm always me. I cannot pretend.

Do you have a lot of friends?

Some, but they're true friends.

What's the last time you laughed really hard?

Around last week or so.

Are you looking forward to anything?

Yes, Christmas.

[noras-dc-shenanigans]

Children | Music

The Bats weren’t really music people. Bruce didn’t really care about it, Dick preferred to be the one making the noice, Jason favored quiet for his reading, Tim was just too busy to listen, and Damien… well. League of Assassins: not really the forefront on the ‘hobby’ department.

So when a social worker had shown up with a feral, black haired, sometimes-blue-sometimes-Lazarus-green eyed kid, who was apparently Bruce’s cousin’s son, nobody expected that to change. He was quiet, refused to look anybody in the face, and hid in his room and only came out to eat.

Of course, considering the horrible way all his family and friends had died, and the downright abusive godfather he was removed from two months later after a very public breakdown, nobody blamed him. They had all quickly resolved to leave him alone until he was ready. (Well, mostly all. The others kept their own feral green-eyed kid in line until he got the message.)

That went on for about a week, with the kid, Danny, slowly coming out more and more, a lot like a stray cat. By the second week, he would eat meals with them rather than take his plate back upstairs, to appear magically in the sink sometime afterwords, right before Alfred would load them into the dishwasher.

A few days after the meals, he started answering innocuous questions like ‘what did you do today’ and ‘what’s your opinion on this show?’. Slowly, slowly, Danny learned that they were trustworthy, and started appearing during movies and game nights and on one memorable occasion a month in, joined in on the prank war Steph started, and subsequently won.

(They suspected, based on some of those pranks, that Danny was a meta. Some sort of invisibility and density shifting, from what Barbara found on the cameras afterwords. There was no record of him having been tested for it before, and, well… it wouldn’t be the first time a traumatic event activated someone’s meta-gene.)

So, even with all of that, he was still a pretty quiet kid. Which is why, five weeks after Danny came to live with them, they were all so surprised to hear loud, gothic music blaring out of his room. Like, really loud.

For most of the day. Also for that whole time, never once did Danny leave his room. Not for food, or movie night, or even when Jason intentionally dropped a millipede down Steph’s shirt right outside his door. There was just loud goth music, from 8:00 am until they left for patrol around 9:00 pm.

When they returned a little after 3:00, Alfred informed them that the music had suddenly cut off right at midnight, and Danny had then appeared in the kitchen, eyes red and face swollen in the way that meant a long time crying. He’d grabbed an apple, some granola bars, and at Alfred’s insistence two sandwiches and a large Gatorade before disappearing back into his room.

The next morning, at breakfast, they’d all pretended it didn’t happen. Apparently, the universe decided that the choice of a bunch of detective vigilantes to not invade someone’s privacy was deserving of a reward, because halfway through their meal Danny had set his fork down, taken a deep, slow breath, and said into the hushed room,

“Yesterday was my friend Sam’s birthday. She would’ve been 15. She was super goth, and hated that her parents would dress her up in bright frilly dresses whenever they dragged her along to some gala or rich-person event. Whenever they’d make a comment about me, or my pa-parents, she’d invite me and T- Tucker over and we’d help her pick out the loudest, gothiest music and jud-judge what outfits to buy online by how much her parents would hate them. She- she and Tucker were my only friends since we moved to Amity in first grade. Everyone else thought that because my parents were weird I was too but Tucker was nerdy and Sam was just Sam so we migrated together and stayed and now they’re gone because of me and I—“

He’d gasped, desperately, tears streaming down his face and everybody had moved as the well-trained unit they were, despite all their differences.

20 minutes later, the movie room had been requisitioned for a giant nest of pillows and blankets, and everyone piled in. There was hot cocoa and fresh-baked warm cookies and hugs and confessions. Bruce snuck away just long enough to task Cyborg with looking into the GIW and Amity Park’s ghost problem. Jason discovered that the Pit goes from pissed wolverine to cuddly kitten if he held Danny close. So of course he cuddles right in, just for the Pit, no other reason, ignore the hair petting and the weird purring sound he made.

Eventually, they’ll all have to get up. Some to work, others to work, and others still for various other activities and responsibilities.

But that’s later.

For now, they comfort a grieving kid, and, maybe, plot the downfall of a certain Fruitloop.