#likewise you don't have to unless you're up for it!

[flownintothesun]

     𝐈𝐓'𝐒 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄, 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐒 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐄𝐃 since his departure — or — as some might call it, a sort of fall from grace. It seems as though he’s always learning something new — good or bad or somewhere in between. The difference between living in a manor in the center of Paris and sleeping on the streets is stark, and because he’s experienced both now, he is aware that there are good people and bad people in every walk of life. Though he’s spent the better part of his own buried in fairytales and stories and wishes and hopes and dreams, he’s learned that most people are more grounded to reality. Their life is their life, and they don’t want to seem to share their own stories — and so, they suffer in silence.

      It isn’t unlike what he had done for the better part of his life — played the dutiful role of Henri Devereaux’s golden son — a successor with a flawless record. He’d gotten so used to what they’d wanted him to be that it was almost mechanical — an alter ego that on the best days he would liken to some of his favorite stories; and on the worst, would send him to bed staring up at the ceiling wondering if happiness was ever to be a part of his world or if it was something that belonged to other people, but never to him.

      In a sense, he is happier now — though he has very little — just a small and drafty flat above a bookstore, a couple of little mice that he feeds and speaks to when he’s alone — and half of the space accounted for by his books. He is surrounded by adventure, and love, and heroism — but he’d never experienced any of those things himself. Not like in the stories, that is. And then — Francis had met Simon —

      Everything is different now, and has been so for some time, though he can’t pinpoint exactly when the world started turning a little bit differently. Sometimes, things like that don’t need to be loud. Music is the same way — sometimes it’s quiet, and before you know it, you’re lost in the melody with tears in your eyes — grateful that you got to hear it, and grateful that it moved you so.

    Francis shifts, running his fingers through golden curls, trying to think of how to broach the subject. This is one of those things that aren’t really spoken about. He’s seen Simon’s scars — of course he has. He’d always assumed that if Simon wanted to talk about it, he would — but that it would be unfair of Francis not to allow his friend to move on from the past. Probably a lot of people have held him to the past, as seems to happen. He doesn’t want to do that — it’s only....

     It’s so clear that he’s not all right. Francis has never seen him so distracted and pale and thin. It’s as though someone approached his normally optimistic companion and stole away his humanity — almost like magic. Which is silly, of course, because magic doesn’t exist. But real-life problems do. So, when Simon misses what he’s saying, Francis gets up and moves a little closer, flushing a little as he takes his friend’s hands. They’re like ice. His heart aches — if anyone deserves good things, it’s Simon. “You can talk about it you know. Whatever happened. Sometimes it’s not good to be on your own. You don’t have to be — you have me. I’m not going anywhere.”

@lovepurposed [ plotted ]

Music plays softly from his phone. Nothing really of any value, just a random track on his spotify liked songs. Just something to fill the... Well, the lack of silence for him, now.

It isn't Francis's fault that Simon can hear his heart beating. That he can practically feel his blood running through his veins, even when sitting nearly a foot apart on the couch.

Curled into a ball against the arm of said couch, Simon Valentino looks a wreck. He's much too pale- no color at all on his normally rosy cheeks, he's lost a considerable amount of weight... But more than that, he seems off. Antsy for one, yes, he can't quit fidgeting with his hands or with the choker around his neck. His brows are furrowed and have been since Francis came in. He won't look at his friend, either.

Simon has always struggled with eye contact, but this is a whole new level. The only place he seems to look are one spot. The spot where Francis's neck meets his shoulder, followed by his gaze quickly jerking away. But, in the end, his soft brown eyes always find their way back to that same, special spot.

There is a certain desperation that Simon feels. It dwells both in his hunger and his humanity. How, how does one hang onto their humanity if they were to feed on blood? This question had plagued the young vampire's mind since he'd been turned, two months ago. He had not fed, not once in that time frame. An almost unheard of act for a newly turned vampire to do. Two months, two months. He'd stopped going out for the most part, he'd stopped answering calls, he'd stopped responding to texts. He couldn't stand to. He couldn't stand the bloodlust.

But hunger. Hunger is a tricky thing. It worms its way out of the belly and settles itself in the chest. Heavy and unrelenting, before continuing up to sit in the mind. To play tricks, to whisper rationales, to make otherwise unsavory decisions. And Simon was beyond hungry.

Simon was starving.

His eyes have fallen once again on the special spot. And it's only then that he realizes Francis has not only been talking, but was now looking on him to respond. Simon hadn't heard a word he'd said, frankly, much too focused on that spot. Tearing his eyes away, he looks up, catching blue eyes with brown for only a moment before darting back down to the spot.

"Wh-what? Sorry, I! I must have! Zoned out!" He squeaked, voice shaking as he reached up to pull at his yellow choker.

[cy-cyborg]

Writing and drawing amputee characters: Not every amputee wears prosthetics (and that's ok)

Not every amputee wears prosthetics, and not doing so is not a sign that they've "given up".

It's a bit of a trope that I've noticed that when an amputee, leg amputees in particular, don't wear prosthetics in media its often used as a sign that they've given up hope/stopped trying/ are depressed etc. If/when they start feeling better, they'll start wearing their prosthetics again, usually accompanied by triumphant or inspiring music (if it's a movie). The most famous example of this is in Forest Gump, Where Dan spends most of the movie after loosing his legs wishing he'd died instead. He does eventually come around, and him finally moving from his wheelchair to prosthetics is meant to highlight this.

The thing is, it's not that it's unrealistic - in fact my last major mental health spiral was started because one of my prosthetics was being a shit and wouldn't go on properly, despite fitting perfectly at the prosthetist's the day before. I'm not going to use my legs when I'm not in a good headspace, but the problem is, this is the only time non-prosthetic using amputees ever get representation: to show how sad they are. Even if that's not what the creator/writer necessarily intended, audiences will often make that assumption on their own unless you're very careful and intentional about how you frame it, because it's what existing media has taught them to expect.

But there are lots of reasons why someone might not use prosthetics:

they might not need them: this is more common in arm amputees because of how difficult it can be to use arm prosthetic, especially above-elbow prosthetics. Most folks learn how to get on without them pretty well. In fact, most of the arm amputees I know don't have prosthetics, or only have them for specific tasks (e.g. I knew a girl who had a prosthetic hand made specifically for rowing, but that's all she used it for).

Other mobility aids just work better for them: for me, I'm faster, more manoeuvrable and can be out for longer when I'm in my wheelchair than I ever could on my prosthetics. Youtube/tik tok creator Josh Sundquist has said the same thing about his crutches, he just feels better using them than his prosthetic. This isn't the case for everyone of course, but it is for some of us. Especially people with above-knee prosthetics, in my experience.

Other disabilities make them harder to use: Some people are unable to use prosthetics due to other disabilities, or even other amputations. Yeah, as it turns out, a lot of prosthetics are only really designed for single-limb amputees. While they're usable for multi-limb amps, they're much harder to use or they might not be able to access every feature. For example, the prosthetic knee I have has the ability to monitor the walk cycle of the other leg and match it as close as possible - but that only works if you have a full leg on the other side. Likewise, my nan didn't like using her prosthetic, as she had limited movement in her shoulders that meant she physically couldn't move her arms in the right way to get her leg on without help.

Prosthetics are expensive in some parts of the world: not everyone can afford a prosthetic. My left prosthetic costs around $5,000 Australian dollars, but my right one (the above knee) cost $125,000AUD. It's the most expensive thing I own that I only got because my country pays for medical equipment for disabled folks. Some places subsidise the cost, but paying 10% of $125,000 is still $12,500. Then in some places, if you don't have insurance, you have to pay for that all by yourself. Even with insurance you still have to pay some of it depending on your cover. Arm prosthetics are even more expensive. Sure, both arms and legs do have cheaper options available, but they're often extremely difficult to use. You get what you pay for.

they aren't suitable for every type of environment: Prosthetics can be finicky and modern ones can be kind of sensitive to the elements. My home town was in a coastal lowland - this means lots of beaches and lots of swamp filled with salty/brackish water. The metals used in prosthetics don't hold up well in those conditions, and so they would rust quicker, I needed to clean them more, I needed to empty sand out of my foot ALL THE TIME (there always seemed to be more. It was like a bag of holding but it was just sand). Some prosthetics can't get wet at all. There were a few amputees who moved to the area when I was older who just didn't bother lol. It wasn't worth the extra effort needed for the maintenance.

People have allergies to the prosthetic material: This is less of a problem in the modern day, but some people are allergic to the materials their prosthetics are made from. You can usually find an alternative but depending on the type of allergy, some people are allergic to the replacements too.

Some people just don't like them.

There's nothing wrong with choosing to go without a prosthetic. There's nothing wrong with deciding they aren't for you. It doesn't make you a failure or sad or anything else. Using or not using prosthetics is a completely morally neutral thing.

Please, if you're writing amputees, consider if a prosthetic really is the best mobility aid for your character and consider having your characters go without, or at least mix it up a bit.

For example, Xari, one of the main characters in my comic, uses prosthetics unsupported and with crutches, and uses a wheelchair. They alternate between them throughout the story.

[lovemomhatepolice]

carlos sainz nswf alphabet (part 2) (minors DNI!)

navigation taglist requests

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs) Yes, I know I mentioned that Carlos likes blind sex, but definitely something he wouldn't want to do is BDSM. This Spaniard is too loving to hurt anyone, especially you. Even if it were to be a “desired harm,” there is no chance. Besides, I don't think Carlos would be comfortable with taking away any of your senses or ability to move. Well, no, it repels him completely.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.) Well, and here you have to admit that Carlos is a total fan of receiving rather than giving. It's not that he doesn't like oral sex when you receive it, but I beg to differ. Whenever he sees you go on your knees or touch him with your neatly done nails, his legs give out. He loves it when you tease him with your tongue or try to fit him all in your mouth. Holy mother. Carlos could be perpetually overstimulated, and he still wouldn't mind, knowing full well that it's all thanks to and because of you.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.) Rough and sensual? That's probably how Carlos can be described. Despite his great efforts, he can't be gentle enough by his size, so he doesn't even try anymore. Of course he does his best not to hurt you, but it's how tight around him you are, god. One of the best feelings in his life, if not the best. And definitely sensual. When it comes down to it, your bedroom is boiling hot. And this is not at all caused by the temperature outside.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.) Meh, not a big fan of them. Carlos likes to take his time. He likes to go through step by step without skipping any. First your pleasure, then his, then your pleasure together. He has to prepare everything carefully, so that the rapprochement itself gives the most satisfaction and well-being. That's why he's not a big fan of quick rounds, but let's not hide, it's happened to you once or twice.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.) Ay you happened to have sex in a place that is not very private. Maybe also without exaggeration, because as I mentioned before, Carlos is not a fan of quickies. But once sex in a quickie in the garage of a Ferrari, another time in a room next to other drivers. You take more risks when you make love unprotected, but well, you've never yet had a situation where you had to buy a pregnancy test. After all, Carlos is already of such an age that he would not be at all disappointed if you got pregnant.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?) Carlos can easily go a few rounds. As I mentioned before, you are able to make love all night, so I am just presenting you with the reason. Both of you have taken such techniques and have such organisms that short sex is not for you.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?) He is not and never has been a big fan of them. He's not an opponent, of course not, but he himself doesn't know how he could use them at all. Carlos is a bit of a traditional man - he has coped all his life with his hand. As for you - if you've had any or have any in the course of a relationship, I promise they won't come in handy. Well, unless there is no Carlos. Then maybe yes, but they still won't make up for it, just like he did.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease) Fucking teaser! I swear, Carlos is still teasing you. It doesn't matter if you're alone in your house or in the middle of the paddock with paparazzi and fans. It doesn't matter to him in the least. Whispering dirty things in your ear? Anytime. Grabbing your buttocks and squeezing you that all you can do is moan into his mouth? Whenever he gets the chance. Deviant messages, directing your hands to his bulge in his pants. Likewise, how do you fuck. How many times did he interrupt before your desired orgasm…. Carlos Sainz is a fucking tease.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.) He is not loud. He likes to make his presence known in the form of louder moans, but this happens from time to time. He prefers to hear you moaning or breathing loudly. This is honey to his ears. Rather, during intercourse he prefers to pay you compliments and tell you how good you make him feel.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character) In the past, he has thought several times about having sex with two women. But now? No, definitely not. He likes to have you 100% to himself, so he can't imagine touching another woman at all, or having a man touch you. All in all, you have the same thing.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes) Oh, he is massive. I don't know if it's the Spanish genes or if it just applies only to Carlos, but I swear the guy has a lot to be proud of. And compared to how tight you are around him. Oh jeez. The feelings are so heightened, you've never felt like this before. Like Carlos, he loves the way you wrap yourself around him.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?) Depends. Carlos is hardly the type of man who constantly walks around unexcited. He has his moments where he wants you more and he also has moments where he doesn't need sex at all. However, I think you also drive it when you show up next to him and are ready for a little something yourself.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards) I think Carlos has sleep problems. More and more lately, caused by the stress of work and the change of team next year. That's why he doesn't fall asleep quickly after your sex. He likes to talk to you after intercourse and most often you are the one who falls asleep later to make sure Carlos goes to sleep in peace, without unnecessary nightmares.

A/N: part one, if anyone missed it :) i will be very pleased if you leave something behind - orders are open, and I am very close to 200 followers! maybe I can get in by the end of the week?

please do not copy and translate my works! in case of any issues related to this - I invite you to discuss privately :)

[dailycass-cain]

So you want to preorder the NEW Batgirl #1 coming to a comic shop near you on November 6?

Well, hopefully, this can help you attain that preorder. So you're doing your part to make sure this series lasts.

The first step is to find your local comic shop. Use a search engine for that most heavenly of place that has comics.

Or if you already know search them online (they might have an online shop), an app, call the store, or visit it in person.

Now I'm using my experience from the shops I visit in the midwestern area. So this could be different in the region you're in the US (or Canada). I have no idea on the best way to attain this book outside the country save Canada. So anyone who can answer that pls chim in here.

I mean, possibly, you could buy it on their website (or their eBay shop) and MAYBE they have international shipping. Then again, if you have a US friend maybe they can do this all for you?

Preorders will begin next month. If you go in person you could put your order in. If you know those who work at the LCS they might think of you and put that in your pull list.

I know one LCS in my area, he is thoughtful enough to sometimes keep a variant that has Cass for me knowing that Wed I pull up I'll nab it. Cause he knows my weakness. That, and Rian Gonzales variants.

Likewise, the other LCS I went too. There was a clerk there who'd put stuff in my pull that she knew I'd like.

But there's always that chance they might not do any of this. So it's best to just do this person next month to guarantee your preorder.

Now let's talk about variants. Some shops if they sense there's "blood in the water" when preordering will order more comics. More comics mean more chances to get the variants (i.e. the Artgerm or Jeff Dekal ones).

There are only two variants that might be problematic to attain that I can foresee.

The holo variant from Artgerm one. Unless there's a comic convention near you that same weekend there's a good chance these might sell pretty fast. It is Artgerm after all.

Unless, your LCS is part of a "larger" chain. So one of my LCSs is a Graham Crackers which is a HUGE midwestern comic shop. So there's a really good chance I'll be able to attain all my variants.

HOWEVER....

The other LCS I go to, while they are my primary pull list really don't dabble much too much in variant covers.

This is because they're trying to make a profit and they don't see being able to make one. At least that's what I was told back when I had Batgirls on my pull.

If they do. It would be two or three copies. Like the last AAPI Batgirls variant. Said my shop owner did secure me a copy even without me asking them because they knew of my interest in Cass.

I've noticed since they "enacted" that policy they do order more of the "hotter" comics. Like I noticed a few Birds of Prey, Batman, and X-Men variants in one visit not too long ago.

Still, I know attaining the 1:25 Skylar Patridge will be next to impossible from them. They don't order 25 copies of a comic (unless it's Batman or Spider-Man).

For that, I'd recommend a larger comic shop chain (or if you know your LCS. They might order enough and you can reserve said copy via them next month).

If not...

Again, I'd recommend a larger chain with their web shop or if they have one via eBay. I've nabbed all the variants I want because Graham Crackers is HUGE in the Midwest.

If you know your shop will have more than 25 copies of Batgirl #1 please preorder the 1:25 by Patridge next month if possible.

Or wait until their website opens orders (usually a week prior to release on a Thursday.

If not... There's always a chance if there's a comic around that period (or a bit after) they might have it to purchase. However, you so won't be paying the original cost of it. 😬

Now here's my overall impression of the release. DC itself doesn't think this comic might sell. I mean they're only doing a 1:25 only for this series. That's it.

That already is 🚨 because we aren't getting a 1:50 like we did with Batgirls #1.

That is why I HIGHLY stress PLEASE PREORDER THIS COMIC! DO NOT WAIT UNTIL NOVEMBER 6th! Show your love for this character by preordering the heck out of it! Add this to your pull list!

Please do your part!

That said, please go crazy and nab these covers and variants. They ain't kidding when the last Cass solo was over 14 years ago (I'm counting Batgirl Vo1. 2). You've voiced your want. DC heard it. This is you honoring that want.

Cause if not...

Well, I can't say cause in all honesty? The old DC regime is gone. They ain't side scheming or pushing something else behind the scenes. Just this might be it for Cass when it comes to an ongoing solo.

Why I say please do your part. Hopefully, this helps and if not someone better than me can advise you better (and they reply via this post). But this is me doing my best with the knowledge I know.

[yandere-sins]

Hello, about your miya twin series, who would be the most dangerous and scary twin to deal with? Who would physically punish their darling if she misbehaved? What would a punishment scenario for both of them be like?

Good questions!

From a mental standpoint, I'd say Atsumu is the scarier twin.

He is somewhat laid-back, which would make you think he really isn't that bad, but in what he does, he is unpredictable. You'd think all he really wants is to hang out with his darling, watch movies, share snacks, cuddle, and fool around, but his mood regularly just... snaps. And suddenly, he is violently horny or in the mood to throw you around like a ragdoll. You learn to see the small signs like him grabbing you a little too tight or his eyes just turning ever so slightly darker as you two have a stare-off. But in the end, you can never be too sure when he either has enough of you or wants you more than ever. Atsumu leaves almost all the bruises on your body, is careless enough that you might break a bone if you resist him, and gives you trauma for days that will make you want to avoid him. But you shouldn't. Never deny him what he wants, or you'll suffer even more.

So Osamu is the more dangerous twin.

Osamu has his rules. His routine and how he wants things to be done. Much like his brother, he's not shy about putting you in your place. Still, while Atsumu is physical, Osamu is much more psychological in his abuse. He'll take your food from you if he feels like you don't appreciate it enough. He'll waterboard you in the bathtub if you dare to lock him out. He decides if you get to sleep on the bed between them or if you earned yourself a cold night on the floor. He gives you medicine. He gets you the essentials you need. If he says no clothes, then none of them will let you wear anything for however long Osamu decides. You might fear Atsumu's outbursts, but unless you are in good graces with Osamu, you fear upsetting him at all times and getting punished out of the blue—and most of the time, it's not even your fault. Osamu also gets mad at Atsumu (more than the other way around), and you are taking the fall for it.

Both of them might reason with the other if it benefits them, but you'll never be able to play them against each other. Unless you crave punishment, that is. However, who is the scarier and who is the more dangerous twin might also change daily. You are never safe ;)

Atsumu's punishments are more that he forces you to do something you don't want to do, like humor him once he gets home. He'll force you into a kiss if you don't come up to him and peck him on the cheek and, likewise, will cage you under him on the couch if you refuse to cuddle and watch a movie with him. He's not above forcing himself on you if you refuse his advances, and he doesn't really take care of you unless you are being extra nice to him. He'll cook if Osamu is out, but only if you tell him sweetly that you're hungry and let him coo over you and rub your belly. And then all he pulls from the cupboards is cup ramen.

Strangely enough, Osamu does the same, just differently and on a bigger scale than Atsumu's. Oh, so you don't want to welcome him? Well, no food for you. It's in the fridge, but if you go and get it, he'll put you through hell. Atsumu kept you from coming to him? Too bad. He's asking you to come and warm yourself up because it's cold, but you ignore him? No warm clothes are for you; look how you'll survive the night. It's bathtime, but you locked yourself into the bath alone? Someone doesn't want the privacy of a door or to be in the bathroom alone ever again.

For both, it's about making your life inconvenient unless you do exactly what they want. Which can be, as mentioned before, difficult because they change their minds like they change underwear. But being affectionate and inviting is always the right thing to do; it just really sucks when they'll eagerly take you up on any of your offers, rarely refusing even if you change your mind fast.

Hope that answered your questions! Thanks for asking!! I love the two of them so much ♥♥♥

[raayllum]

Do you think Callum will do dark magic again?

Oh yeah, not a doubt in my mind. This is for 3 main reasons:

1) You don't have a character say "But beware, if you ever do dark magic again, the darkness will overwhelm and corrupt you" and escalate the stakes of usage unless you're going to go there. It's kind of like how I know Callum is going to be possessed Again at one point (s7 dark my beloved) precisely because he's worried about it and more than that, that he's brought another character (Rayla) into the fold with a decision to make. No reason to have setup and then no payoff

2) Unless Callum does dark magic again, Aaravos can't possess him again. And as previously mentioned, Callum has to get possessed unless they want to throw away multiple episodes (4x04, 4x05, 4x07, 5x04, 5x08, all S6 + orb shots, 6x03) out the window. Ergo, he has to do dark magic again. Setup like this (i.e. Rayla as Callum's light being hinted at in framing in s2 and then much more overtly in s4 before being brought mostly home in s6) always comes back around in some manner, just gotta look for it

3) Viren parallels. Viren and Callum have always had oppositional (arc 1) and then mirrored (switching) foil arcs throughout the show (think Callum with wings vs Viren falling to his death in 3x09, or Viren swearing dark magic off in 5x09 and Callum having opened that door back up again an episode prior, etc). Viren, as stated, had sworn off dark magic saying he would never ever do it again, nor did he want to do it in 6x08 for a multitude of reasons.

However, someone he loved (Soren) as well as the extenuating circumstances caused him to use dark magic as a full on sacrifice that likewise only sacrificed himself. A couple episodes we had Callum 'fix' the hole dark magic had made inside him, but if he's following Viren's path, there's two likely angles: the first is that he, like Viren, will use dark magic even after trying so hard to rid himself of it (the mirrored arc). The second, overlapping angle is that Callum will refuse to sacrifice his heart (switching) because his heart is Rayla.

'I will think of you under every full moon. Please don’t let this hurt too much. But, if it does—if you feel that soft aching—know that that piece of your heart isn’t missing. It’s not missing at all, Callum: I’m carrying it with me! Always.' —Dear Callum

Kinda like how Aaravos demanded that Viren should make the sacrifice in 5x09, and Viren refused vs Rayla demanding that Callum should make the sacrifice in 6x03 (and Finnegrin a bit honestly) and Callum inevitably refusing cause Rayla can't permanently die lmao.

Other:

There's also the unsavoury implication that "restores bodies to spirits" spell Callum did in 5x09 has unique associations with the dark ritual spell Claudia did in killing Sir Sparklepuff that was undeniably dark magic usage.

The coin has been seemingly wiped clean now that Runaan is out (though maybe there's the symbol still on the other side?) but it does make me wonder of a potential plotline where Callum knew ahead of time, or belatedly, that this spell would require something adjacent to dark magic and he's done it, but the corruption Kosmo spoke of is gradual, making him more irritated, paranoid, etc. like the King of a 1000 Eyes that Amaya talked about. I think that'd be really interesting

The indirectness / the fact we'd only know it'd Happened retroactively makes me lean that we'll outright see another blatant usage in S7 since that's more Dramatic (which I've always been in favour of Callum viewing "I get possessed again bc I make a 'bad' choice and hand myself over to Aaravos" as a sacrifice of himself into "i'm already dead so kill me" territory). And if he breaks his promise to Rayla that he won't pick her over the greater good, then she can break her promise to him that she'll kill him (this is exactly beat for beat what I've wanted since s4 dropped and even before tbh)

TLDR; Absolutely Yes. S7 being Book Seven: Dark only adds to this and the stakes / set up are all there. I'm pumped

[cucumberteapot]

Spider-man Villains and Hands

If you're paying attention you'll notice often times in Spiderverse that villains are far less expressive with their hands than the heroes. That is unless it's to attack.

Kingpin clicks his pen to relieve rage he's only barely controlling and in Peter Parker's death scene, the only time we see his hands is to kill him.

With Doc Ock, we see her doing a lot of excited gesturing with her hands (pushing up her glasses, studying Peter, etc.).

But after her reveal, it's her tentacles that does most of the talking.

Moving on to ATSV, when we first meet Spot, he's experimenting with his Spots with (you guesses it!) his hands and it's a lot of trial and error. It's also a lot of slap-stick comedy in his first fight with Miles managing to take him out briefly by making him punch himself in the face.

However as he becomes more confident with his powers, we see him use his hands less and less to the point he doesn't need to use a spot to teleport between dimensions. Instead of attacking them, Spot starts fighting by letting the heroes attack him.

And by the end of the film, his mere presence has become such a threat to Miles that all he has to do to invoke fear is stand still. This is why after his colour scheme has been completely inverted, he doesn't fight or do anything with his hands anymore and it's why our last focus on his hands is when he watches it completely turn from white to black.

When we first get a good look at Miguel, we get a close-up of his claws before panning up to his watch. Firstly this shows us how unlike the other Spider-people Miguel is. He has claws and wears a cape. Peter says in the first movie, "Spider-man doesn't wear capes." Then we see a better look at his watch which tells us this character isn't just scary and powerful, but is powerful in their access to other dimensions without having their cells decay - which by the end of the movie proves to be another problem for Miles. Immediately this shot warns us that Miguel is an unstoppable and dangerous person and the sirens in his leitmotif only emphasise that, even if the characters don't realise it yet.

Likewise with Fisk and Doc Ock in the previous Spiderverse installment, Miguel also doesn't have a lot of hand animations outside of fighting and we see this visual language in his meeting with Miles. Miles offers Miguel an empanadas and calls him 'Tio' ("uncle" in Spanish) as an offer of respect and solidarity, but Miguel's response is to grab the box and throws it aside before resuming his stance.

Here Miguel isn't just refusing Miles, he's also refusing the subliminal coding of a heroic character and I feel this has a lot to do with how our human brains work. The way we understand people and animals is by the way they mirror us. We like patterns and to draw parallels to ourselves. When someone is excited, we're excited. When someone's confused, we're confused. When someone's sad, we're sad. And so on. However when we're faced with something that doesn't react how we expect or reacts unpredictably, like Miguel throwing the empanadas back at Miles, it's sets off a warning in our brains. It's kind of like a predator hunting prey, which is the exact dynamic between Miles and Miguel by the end of the film.

However in Miles' mind, he has no idea why Miguel is being so antagonistic towards him. Even when Peter says, "He's always like this." Miguel remains stoic when Mayday is crawling around him and only moves to catch her and hand her back to Peter. Like with the empanadas, this is another example of Miguel's lack of ability to connect with the people in his environment other than through aggression and violence. It's why Miles calls out, "You have claws? Are you sure your Spider-man?" Because Spider-man is defined by his ability to connect with people - hero or villain.

Then we get to another clawed antagonist who hunts Miles for the duration of the first Spiderverse's runtime. Much like Miguel, Prowler's movement is mostly unstoppable aggression. That is until he learns Miles is Spider-man. Aside from presenting as Aaron Davis, Prowler is most identifiable by his giant claws and the camera makes sure of it.

It's only when Aaron learns who Miles is does he take off a claw to hold his hand in his final moments. Unlike Miguel, the claws are not exclusively attached to his suit - they are removable and thus Aaron is able to connect with the people in his environment outside of his identity as the Prowler.

Which finally leads us to our other Prowler, who likewise is able to put on and take off the claws. But where am I going with this?

I feel like in this scene the lighting and colour grading is doing the most work in making Prowler intimidating. Because unlike Aaron's Prowler, Miles' Prowler design is very casual for a villain. Which works for the character but without the claws and the mask, Miles looks just as scrawny as his Spider-man counter-part. It's almost too casual without those key identifiers. Which is why I think we're going to see a lot of Miles' Prowler without the claws and interacting with his family in the next film, as well as dealing with his own identity. Like Aaron in the first film and unlike Miguel in the second, we're going to see how Prowler connects with his environments beyond serving as a antagonistic foil to Miles.

[aemondloverr]

𝙲𝚊𝚗 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝙲𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝙾𝚟𝚎𝚛 ?

Steven Grant x FemReader

Angst + Smut

A/N: Enjoy my second Fanfic!

Synopsis: Your best friend Steven is going through a break up with Layla and he needs you and your comfort + You get your get back on Layla.

wc: 5.5k

Contents: Angst, break up and cheating mentions, Cry-baby Steven, Sub!Steven, Pathetic perv Steven, Oral m!Receiving, tit-fucking, extremely angry layla, dirty messages, reader has a cat

*****

Ding

Ding

Stevie has sent you two chats.

Your phone’s loud announcements echo through your bedroom while you’re brushing your teeth in the other room. You go to check what could be so urgent that he’s texting at almost midnight.

Please, come over

I need you.

No matter how late or unusual this is, you feel obligated to go help him. He never texts you this late, he's definitely not a night owl, and he’s your best friend. Your ride or die. You'd do anything for him, even if it meant ditching your plans to have a personal care night. So you start up your car and head over to Stevens place, thinking of the long hot bath that could’ve been.

Arriving at his door, you knock softly. Shuffling can be heard getting closer to the door of his flat and he unlocks it quickly. “You told me to come over? What's up?”

He immediately pulls you into a tight hug, making no effort to hide his tears

“Hey- don’t cry…” you hug him back tightly and he leans his head into your shoulder, sobbing loudly. You don't want to disturb his neighbors so you slowly walk forward into the small apartment to kick the door shut behind you. “You're okay. Shhh…I’m here”

Despite your efforts to calm him down, he continues sobbing into your shoulder, gripping your body tightly while trying not to be so loud. He was trying to get his breathing under control, but his efforts were failing him. You try to pull away from the hug but he doesn't want you to let go. He just holds you even tighter and buries his chin in the crook of your neck.

“Look at me-” you manage to get his face up and hold his cheeks in your hands. “What’s wrong?”

He shakes his head, not wanting to tell you but it looked like he had something he wanted to get out.

Now you’re going to have to play the guessing game.

“Tell me what's wrong. Why are you crying…?” He takes a huge breath in, trying to contain the sobbing. He starts to mumble something but it's difficult to understand what he's saying. You wipe his tears with your thumbs “Speak up Steven…You know you can tell me anything right? Who hurt you?” His lips quivered as he tried to speak again, putting your ear against his face, trying to hear him better. He mumbles something about cheating and you realize he must mean Layla.

“Was it Layla?!” you say angrily

Welp. That was a mistake. Mentioning her triggered another round of crying. You roll your eyes “That bitch…I knew there was something off about her.”At least you guessed right first try. With the grip that he had on you, his arms were practically crushing you. His babbling was incomprehensible and the sobbing was louder. His eyes were puffy and red and you felt bad. Really bad. You haven’t seen him cry anywhere near this much before. Layla really did a number on him.

You always knew she wasn’t genuine about him. From the first moment you met her, you didn’t like her and she felt likewise about you. You constantly argued with each other and she always told Steven that one day he's going to have to choose—“Me or her, what's it gonna be Steven?!” and Steven wouldn’t choose. He’d just stay silent and he felt bad that layla was alway trying to start something with you

“Stevie, love, I need you to calm down. Breathe okay? In and out.”

Nodding his head at you, his grip loosens slightly as you guide his breathing and calm him down. He's somewhat able to control himself and stops crying but his face is still wet. The first words he says are “I’m sorry.” You know he’s quick to apologies, even when he’s not the one at fault.

“It’s okay, but I can't help you unless you tell me.”

He takes a deep breath in and says quietly “She was…she was kissing another guy…in our bed…” He looks down, avoiding your gaze. You felt a pang in your heart at what he said

“I’m so sorry you had to see that…did she say anything to you…?”

His tears start to fall again and his grip around your waist tightens once again, not yet ready to let go, and you caress his cheek.

“I'm right here…Talk to me.” At this point your shoulder is soaked and it's slightly hard to breathe because of the way he's clinging onto you.

He stutters. “She said that she d-didn’t care about me…that I was worthless, clingy—and I loved her s-so much…” Now he cries into your chest.

“I know Stevie I know, it's okay, Shhh…” You shush him as best you can, rocking his taller figure in your arms. “You don't need her. You never needed her, it's okay. You have me.”

He finally stops crying but his chest heaves. He starts to let go of you, nodding. “I’ll never leave you I promise” You whisper into his ear as he reluctantly removes his arms from your waist. He lets his arms go limp to his side with a sad look on his face.

“Did you eat anything yet?”

He shakes his head no, keeping quiet.

“Did you even shower?”

He shakes his head again. Gosh you think to yourself. He can’t even take care of himself. “Okay um…” you rub your forehead “You should go pack a bag for a few days. You're coming to stay with me.”

He seems surprised by your suggestion, although not in a bad way. “Really…?”

“Yes really. I’m not leaving you alone like this.”

He nods and goes to the other side of his flat, grabbing a bag and stuffing it with clothes and essentials while you wait near the front door. Five minutes later he comes back with a backpack on his back and a few other things in his arms.

“Okay come.” you both walk out the door, locking it and heading to the car. He follows behind you like a puppy, keeping behind you at a slightly slower pace. The car ride is quiet. Not an awkward silence but a comfortable one.

*****

When you reach the door to your house, you let Steven in first and he's greeted by your cat. He tilts his head in surprise as he rubs against his leg, but then smiles to himself. When he reaches down to pet him, he meows and walks towards me. “Hi baby, you missed me didn’t youuu” you pick him up and litter him in kisses, petting and spoiling him with scratches on his belly while he purrs. Steven watches as you baby your cat and talk to him in a high pitched voice. He thinks it's actually quite cute. You put the cat down after a few seconds and head to the kitchen.

“Can you lock the door for me?” You put your key up and open the fridge to heat up the rest of your dinner from earlier that evening for Steven and take out ice cream for yourself.

Steven nodded and locks the door, then leans his body against the doorframe of the kitchen

“You’re acting like you’re a stranger to my house” you chuckle “Go sit or something. And you can put your bag in my bedroom”

He mutters an “Oh” and walks toward your bedroom, Coming back out to the kitchen empty handed.

“Here’s your food” You slide over the plate to the side of the table he's sitting and he starts eating, but slower than usual. Usually he'd just immediately devour the food in front of him within minutes but with his mood affected, he's not like that anymore.

He finishes chewing his first bite and swallows it down, taking in a breath before speaking.

“Thank you…for letting me stay here…”

“It’s no problem. I would’ve stayed at your place but you know, the cat and gus, that wouldn’t have gone well…”

He chuckles “I know but still, I appreciate it anyways…You’re the only one who would’ve done this for me”

*****

Steven finishes the meal and asks “Did you make this?...It was really good”

You turn around from washing the dishes in the sink. “I did actually, thanks Stevie ” you speak over the running water, smiling to yourself at his compliment. Meanwhile, he looks away and blushes when you call him by his nickname. He loves when you call him ‘Stevie.’ ‘It's okay Stevie ,’ ‘Stevie come here,’ no matter what it was, you called him that all the time, more than his actual name.

You sigh after finishing the dishes and sweeping the kitchen. “I think I'm gonna head to bed soon. You can do whatever you want really. You know where everything is.”

After thinking over what you said, he speaks up. “Do you have a spare bed I could use? I don’t want to disturb you or invade your space”

He was always so thoughtful.

“Oh- no I’ll sleep on the couch and you'll sleep in my bed.”

He looks at you surprised that you’re willing to sleep on the couch alone just so that he can sleep on the bed. He shakes his head refusing. “No..n-no… you should sleep on the bed. I’ll stay on the couch.-”

“I want you to be comfortable”

“But I have a blanket and the couch is comfortable anyway-”

Sometimes a little too thoughtful…

You appreciate his concern but he's just making things difficult, although you know he doesn’t mean to.

“Steven.” you cut him off sternly and he knows you’re serious this time. You didn’t call him Stevie.

He flinches at the tone and volume of your voice and freezes. After a few seconds of silence he says “W-what…?”

You sigh and go lay down on the couch. He pauses for a few seconds—should he take the couch or your bed? He makes a final decision and takes the couch too.

“No, Steven. Get up.”

“No”

You roll your eyes at difficulty “If I sleep in the bed, will you sleep in the bed too?”

You plan on sleaking out of the room later on into the night when he falls asleep to go to the couch. He looks to you, considering the offer you had given him before he speaks up. “Yes. I will.”

You let out a sigh of relief. He’s like a child sometimes. “Okay fine. Whatever. Go take a shower. You need it”

He’s taken off guard by that comment, blushing in embarrassment. “Yeah, I probably do…”

He goes into the bathroom of your room, taking off his clothes and stepping into the hot shower. He feels the water hitting his skin and starts to relax a bit. Leaning against the wall, closing his eyes, trying to forget about the rough day he had.

*****

While Steven is in the shower, you undress yourself in your room, stripping away the clothes of your tiring day. You wrap yourself in a thin towel and sit on your bed, ready and waiting for the shower and entertaining yourself on your phone.

He’s out of the shower fairly quickly, within 10 minutes. He tries not to take up too much of your time because he already knows he’s starting to get you irritated.

He walks out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist and hair damp. Damn does he look good, toned and muscular. To be honest he looks oiled up with how wet his body still is.

“It’s your tur-...” his words trail off and he pauses for a second in the doorway, staring at you from across the room. He looks like he's seen a ghost and it’s because of you—the way you’re sitting in your short, thin towel. It's riding up your thighs.

He tries so hard not to look at you as you get up because he knows it would be inappropriate to stare while you’re in nothing but your towel. I mean it was barely a towel really…

You hold it tightly around your body and the material is so thin the outline of your nipples slightly show through. His breath catches in his throat when he notices and Steven mutters to himself. “Oh my god..”

He can feel heat arising between his legs. “I-I’m finished…” He sure was about to finish. He stammers, trying to keep his eyes on your face and not your nipples, but fails miserably. “Okay” you reply, distracted by your phone. He moves from the doorway and you stand up from the bed, unaware of the effect you had on him.

As you walk towards the bathroom your ass almost shows from underneath the short towel and Steven goes red. He puts on a sweatshirt, towel still on his lower half and tries to think of other things, laying in the bed to distract his mind from thinking of your body. “I’ll be in the shower for about a half hour so don’t wait up for me okay?” you say over your shoulder. You close the door to the bathroom and get into the hot shower.

His mind was telling him one thing but his body is telling him another. Even though he tries to resist his urges, he’s losing the battle against himself. In the shower, you play soft music and hum along but by that point, he can’t resist his desires anymore. He starts to imagine what you’d look like naked, water dripping down your body, and hair wet.

He wonders what it’d be like to touch you…to feel your soft skin under his finger tips, and he finds himself getting hard under the towel. He feels so guilty for having those thoughts about you but he can’t help himself. You’re just…so…beautiful, and so caring to him. You show him love like no one else. He needed your presence to clear his mind from everything anyways. Maybe it would help with the stress too.

Since you’re going to be in the shower for a half-hour, he figures he’s just going to get this over and done with and you don’t have to know about it. He takes off his sweater and starts to massage himself through the towel, closing his eyes, imagining that you’re the one touching him. Steven groans and his pace is increasing. He knows he shouldn't be doing this, especially in your bed, but it feels too good to stop.

You scrub your arms with soap in the shower, still humming along to the song you played on your phone. All of a sudden you think you hear a groan and stop humming for a moment. Maybe I'm just hearing things… You think to yourself. He notices the absence of your voice and also stops, thinking that he's been found out. But when you continue again, completely oblivious, so does he.

He takes off his towel and finally puts his hand on his hard length with urgency. He can’t believe how turned on he is just by seeing you in your towel, knowing you’re naked underneath. Steven has seen you in low cut dresses that show half your chest, short skirts that expose your plump thighs, and nothing but his oversized shirts and the shortest shorts he's ever seen, and yea maybe he got flustered. Maybe he got turned on…a lot…But he’s never had the guts to please himself to the thought of you.

He moans louder, almost whimpering, your name falling from your lips. He needs to stop before he cums all over himself but he can’t stop moving his hand. He squeezes his eyes shut, mouth agape, and his legs shake as he reaches his climax. His cock throbs against his palm, shooting cum onto his stomach and chest. Steven pants, out of breath, feeling embarrassed and ashamed at what he just did. But at the same time, there’s a part of him that wants to do it again…

*****

You're still in the shower, scrubbing your legs, completely unaware that he was jerking off to you and cumming in your bed. The guilt is starting to eat away at him as he continues to stroke his cock, taking in your scent of you on the clothes you took off just before your shower. You’re all he can think about right now and he's not stopping. This time, he moans too loudly, loud enough for you to hear it clearly. When you stop humming to listen, he's too in his head to notice. You listen carefully. There it is again, that groan…You get out of the shower quickly, only drying your legs so you don't drip too much water everywhere. Concerned, you hastily wrap your towel around your chest and open the door of the bathroom.

You finally walk in the room looking worried. “Steven? Are you oka-” You stop in your tracks, water dripping on the floor from your still wet hands.

Steven sees you exiting the bathroom and his heart races, only this time from the fear of getting caught. He scrambles to cover up his mess with his towel. How could he have been so stupid. Now you’re going to think he’s some kind of pervert.

He looks at you with a mixture of shame and embarrassment. His face is red and he tries to pretend nothing happened but it's obvious. You see his legs still trembling and the cum on his chest, and he’s red and sweating.

You blush at the sight and stand there, stunned. You expected to see him hurt, not him fucking his hand and smelling your clothes… “Steven were you-” you struggle to get the words out. But he answers. “Yeah, I- I was-” he clears his throat, unable to meet your gaze. “In my bed?!” you cut him off, not angry but confused as to why he would do it in your bed

“Look I’m sorry, i-it won't happen again” He tries to sound sincere, but he can’t help the way his heart is racing for you or the bulge he’s covering in the towel. He takes a deep breath and forces himself to look at you. “I just-”

“You just what??”

“I just can’t stop thinking about you…” he admits, voice barely above a whisper. His heart pounds in his chest, and he wants nothing more than for you to understand.

“But you just got cheated on by layla-”

“I know but with everything that’s happened with her, what she did to me, I really just needed some kind of release…I thought that this would help me to feel less stressed, and after seeing you in that towel, basically naked, I couldn’t stop imagining you and you turned me on and I’m saying too much now, aren't I…I should shut up now.”

He rambles, desperately trying to explain himself to you

“I’m not trying to make excuses,” he says softly. “And I didn’t think it would be a big deal y’know, because you’d be in the shower for 30 minutes but you got out early…”

“I know Steven but-” you feel bad that he has to resort to this for stress relief and you walk closer, within arms reach.

“I know, I'm sorry, I’m so sorry…” his body still trembles slightly from the aftermath of his orgasm and the adrenaline rush of being caught.

“You’re the last person I have left, please don't leave me…I won’t get over her without you…” It's the truth but he doesn’t wanna admit it, especially with the mess he's made of himself

You reassure him.. “I already told you I’m not leaving you”

“Then please, give me another chance," he pleads, grabbing onto your hand. “I promise I’ll make it up to you. I just need you in my life right now…Please don’t push me away”

His pleading finally gets to you and you decide to help him.

“I’m not upset at you, I just wish you’d asked for help sooner…” your voice is filled with understanding, not resentment like he thought it would’ve been

“I should’ve…You’re right…Look I’ll do anything-”

“I’ll help you Steven. I’m not going to leave” Your skin is still damp from the shower

“Thank you” he whispers, his voice cracking slightly with emotion.

“Sit on the bed” He nods and listens to you, moving to sit on the edge of the bed, still holding your hand in his. “Take the towel off your lap for me” He didn’t know you meant help in that way.

“W-what…?”

You get on your knees in front of him

”I said take off the towel.”

you instructed him once again. He watches you get on your knees and he hesitates for a moment.

”You wanted my help didn’t you?” You say looking up at him from the floor

Steven nods slowly, unable to tear his eyes away from your damp chest

”Yes…” He removes the towel, letting it fall to the floor, revealing his semi-hard cock.

“Don’t be shy. I’m gonna make you feel good, okay?”

“Okay,” he mumbles.

You gently run your fingers over the head of his cock, coating it with his precum and his body jolts.

“I’ll do all the work. Don’t even lift a finger.”

He watches as you lean forward, your lips brushing against his swollen tip. It twitches in response and he groans at your touch, closing his eyes. Wrapping your hands around the base, you press kisses against it and start to work your hands and tongue.

He was already halfway to his orgasm because of his… previous actions.

You let the towel loosen around you and use your breasts to squeeze around his length. He couldn't help but yelp in surprise at the sudden pressure and the warmth that emanated from your still damp chest.

He swallowed hard as his hands trembled. “You like that, Stevie?” you say to him with a sweet, low voice.

Steven nods his head, looking down at you with half lidded eyes

There was no way he could form a cohesive response right now. All he could do was let out a strangled moan as the words caught in his throat. All he could do was feel; Feel the pleasure that your hands brought him, feel the ecstasy coil tight in his gut.

His hips jerked forward slightly, trying to chase the sensation as he muttered a string of incoherent words. His breath quickens at the sight of you–fondling your chest, squeezing them together up and down his length.

The way you control him is so intoxicating, he’d obey anything you ask of him.

You can tell he’s sensitive so you speed up your movements, making his hips buck involuntarily, hand reaching down to grip at your hair. This time take him down your throat completely, head bobbing up and down causing you to almost gag until tears form in the corners of your eyes.

Just then, you think of an idea and stop sucking for a moment.

“Please…Keep doing” he begs.

“Just wait for a second. Let’s text Layla.”

He looks down at you with a puzzled look on his face.

“S-sorry what…Why…?”

“I said let's text Layla. On your phone. I want her to know what she could’ve had so let's send her a message”

Still looking confused but complying with your request, he picks up his phone and opens it to the contacts until he gets to layla and gives it to you. You text Layla: ‘I know what you did.’

She surprisingly texts back.

‘So fucking what Steven?’

‘Oh, I’m sorry this isn’t Steven. I should’ve made that clear. He’s not available right now.”

‘Who is this??’

‘His best friend. You remember me right?’ The tone of your text sounds like you're almost taunting her.

‘Why the fuck do you have Steven’s phone??’

‘Because he’s a little…preoccupied at the moment’

You go back to talking to Steven

“Don’t say a thing unless I speak to you okay?” you say to Steven

You start a voice message

“Sure…?” He somewhat gets the gist of what you’re trying to do but he doesn’t realize it involves the embarrassment of Layla having to hear him moan…he doesn't realize it’s a voice message, not a text.

“Wait what are you-” When you begin to move your hands around his hard length again he lets out a deep moan. “Oh- bloody-” tears form in his eyes from the immense pleasure you’re giving him.

“Baby shhhh…you don’t wanna wake the neighbors do you?”

He nods and tries to stifle his moans

The phone records the voice message for 30 seconds. And for those thirty seconds, all that can be heard is the wet sounds of you sucking him off, moans of your name, and just as he’s cumming for the second time, the recording cuts off and sends to Layla.

He releases into your mouth with a loud moan, bucking his hips again, legs shaking violently. One hand grabs a fist full of your hair and the other grabs the sheets for stability. He came so hard he’s sure you sucked the soul out of him. He might’ve woken his neighbors too.

Layla: ‘are you fucking him?! I never thought you’d stoop so low… hoeing around like that…Fuck you and Steven’

You reply

‘You're a homewrecker, a whore, and a skank who cheats on good people so I don’t wanna hear shit from you.’

‘You have no right saying that to me-’ Three dots indicated that she was typing another message. Before she could send it you shut her up.

‘I'm not arguing with a bitch that's ran through. I hope you catch an STD.’

As Steven comes down from his high, you still stroke him slowly, already having swallowed his cum. It’s a good thing you’re good at typing with one hand.

Layla blows up his phone with text messages, the sound of notifications ringing through the room.

Once he’s able to speak again he keeps apologizing, letting go of your hair. “I’m so sorry- did I- I pulled your hair too hard didn’t I…I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s okay Steven, you didn’t mean to. You don’t have to apologize for enjoying yourself.”

“A-are you sure? I just-”

“Yes, Steven” He still looks slightly guilty

He smiles warmly at your understanding, heart still beating rapidly as he slows his breathing.

You fasten the towel around your waist and thighs a bit but it’s loose on around chest

“Thanks for… um… for helping me out…”

You smile and sit close to him, bare leg touching his.

“Of course Steven”

He smiles back at you before speaking again

“I… I really needed tonight. My week’s been pretty rough… and I’m just happy that tonight turned out the way it did… and that I got to spend it with you…”

You glance to his lips and he catches it.

He slowly inches his body closer to you, hand now gently resting on your leg, near your upper thigh. His eyes are fixed on your lips, as if he’s trying to decide whether or not to go lean in or pull back

“Steven I um-” he kisses you.

He seemed to surprise himself when he did

“I’m sorry… was… was that ok…” he says to you, his cheeks feeling hot now and his face going completely red.

Even you’re surprised at his boldness “yea I-“

He places his lips against yours in a soft, gentle kiss again—but this time he lets them linger yours before stopping, realizing he’s starting to get carried away. He can’t help but smile at your reaction.

Now you’re the one who’s embarrassed.

he looks away, laughing quietly to himself.

“Um… I’m sorry I- I didn’t mean to get that ahead of myself… I just-”

He looked back over to you before continuing

“I wanted to kiss you…again”

You chuckle lightly. “no it’s okay, that was…nice”

“That’s good… I’m glad”

He looks at your lips as he speaks, wanting to kiss you again.

“You still have a lot to learn tho…”

“Yeah I know… maybe we should practice-”

You put a finger on his lips stopping him from talking. “but not tonight. It’s been a long night, and I have work later, okay?”

He sighs softly, feeling disappointed that you’re refusing to let him kiss you more. However, he understands your reasoning and he simply nods his head.

“I’m gonna brush my teeth again and then clean off my chest so I can get to bed. You should clean off too cuz y’know…” you make a gesture to the cum on his own chest

He suddenly remembers his…current state. He looks down at his chest and realizes how messy it is.

“O-oh… yeah… okay, good idea…” he whispers as flusteredly

He quicky stood up from the bed and headed over to the bathroom to clean up

*****

After you’ve cleaned up and left the bathroom, he continued to stand there for a few more seconds, reflecting on your night together. It was just a few hours ago that you were his best friend and nothing more. But now… after only one night, you made him just about the happiest he’s ever been

A/N: Give me feedback in the comments as alwaysss. The angst will be posting soon after this. Like, repost, and leave requests to support!! And I PROMISE in the summer time, I wont keep disappearing 😭 School is finished now!!

[writingquestionsanswered]

i've recently started writing fanfiction, but even after meticulously planning everything out before starting, my writing feels very choopy, emotionless and passive for the most part, and if i try to include description, it feels i'm overdoing it. i mean, it is the firsts draft technically, but the low quality makes me demotivated to continue writing. i know i need to finish the first draft before reading back and editing, but seeing the state of it now, i feel like i should complete the first draft then rewrite it instead of edit it so i can frame sentences better. but i worry it will take too much time, time i cannot afford to spend for writing fanfiction as a college student. is this just a beginner thing? what should i do to make my writing interesting? or am i asking the wrong questions?

Fan-Fiction Writing Feels Choppy and Emotionless

I don't want to assume you've never written fiction (because you could be a writer of original fiction just beginning to write fan-fiction), but unless you are an experienced writer of original fiction--then yes, it's a beginner thing.

Writing fiction, for whatever reason, is something people think they'll be able to take a crack at for the first time and do brilliantly. Which is funny, because we never feel that way about anyone else. Most people don't pick up a guitar for the first time and expect to be able to shred the solo of Purple Haze. Likewise, people don't generally pick up a violin for the first time and expect to sound like Lindsey Stirling, or pick up a tennis racket for the first time and expect to win a game against Venus or Serena. But for some reason, people who sit down to write fiction expect to be able to do it really well right from the beginning, and it just doesn't work like that, just as it doesn't work like that with anything else.

The good news is this: the discord between what you're actually writing and what you want to be able to write means that you know how good writing should sound. That gives you a leg up on a lot of beginning writers. The bad news is no amount of knowing that or knowing what specifically to do to achieve that translates to instant amazing writing. Just in the same way that if you pick up a guitar for the first time, someone can tell you, "In order to shred the Purple Haze solo like a pro, you should do this, this, and this..." but that still doesn't mean you can instantly do those things. You still have to learn how to do those things and practice doing those things. Writing is the same way.

Choppy writing can be the result of a lot of different things... lack of planning, lack of structure, not knowing how to control pace and flow, and more often than not, just outright lack of practice. If you learn how to write your name in calligraphy, even knowing how to hold the pen and what strokes to make doesn't mean you're going to do it pretty the first time. Your early attempts will be choppy and rough, but every attempt will be better than the last. Same with stories. Luckily, these are things you can improve in revision.

Lack of emotion, too, can be caused by a lot of different things. Not knowing the characters well enough, not putting enough thought into how the character development connects with the plot (or what the character development is if you're writing a character-driven story), and not having a good grasp on bringing emotional and sensory details into the story. Passive writing can be sought out and changed to active writing when it makes sense to do so. Again, these are all things you can fix in revision. The next time you write a story, you'll have a better idea of how to implement these things the first time around.

So, ultimately, what I'm trying to say is do write the story despite how not great it feels. Then, use your revision as an opportunity to learn the things you need to know to make the story better. If it still feels choppy, read up on structure, pacing, and flow, then see how you can fix what's there. If it still feels emotionless and uninteresting, read up on emotional and sensory detail, and add it where it's lacking. This combines the learning process with practice in a targeted way... you're learning and practicing the things you specifically need to work on, rather than overwhelming yourself by trying to learn everything there is to know about writing.

The next story will be a little better, the one after that will be even better. ♥

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I’ve been writing seriously for over 30 years and love to share what I’ve learned. Have a writing question? My inbox is always open!

♦ Questions that violate my ask policies will be deleted! ♦ Please see my master list of top posts before asking ♦ Learn more about WQA here

[konekoling]

Hi hello since the states are gonna get blasted with cold soon I figured I'd shave some Helpful Cold Survival Advice I've absorbed as someone who lives in an area that hits -50C/-58F temperatures periodically

-Starting with a somewhat obvious one, but HOLY SHIT DO NOT BRING BARBECUES, GENERATORS, OR ANY OTHER FORM OF OUTDOOR HEAT SOURCE INSIDE FOR WARMTH. CO poisoning WILL kill you if you don't accidentally start a fire in the process.

-If you wanna stay in your car and turn the heat up for warmth DO NOT do it in the garage. Again. CO poisoning.

-You can turn up your stove/ oven and crack the oven door open in an emergency if you have zero other heat sources available, but only if its electric (Gas stoves will generate carbon mono...yeah you get it already), and even then its going to be much less energy efficient than a normal space heater, and you're gonna want to stay nearby while it's on to make sure you don't start a fire.

-Don't plug a space heater into a power bar or extention cord unless you're 100% sure it has a high quality cord. They need an absurd amount of power to run, and most extention cords in particular aren't insulated enough to handle those levels of power without becoming a fire hazard. And for the love of God, don't run multiple heaters on one power bar.

-Candles don't actually do much to generate heat unless you're ina very small area, but they ARE an excellent light source should power go out

- tragically, the best way to keep warm in the absence of home heating is through boring ol layering, especially on your feet and head. Avoid jeans, as they're somehow terrible at heat retention despite how thick they are, and throw on a pair of long underwear/leggings if you have some. Also feel free to pile as many blankets as you own on top of yourself, you deserve it.

-Youre gonna want to stay well fed, too. Keeping your body temperature up in the cold is pretty calorically demanding, AND the digestive process tends to heat your body up as well. Its a win/win.

-Also unfortunate: another excellent way to stay warm is through your enemy and mine, physical activity. Every half hour or so, pace around your living space to get the ol blood pumping a bit.

-If you get wet outside while it's substantially cold out, get inside as soon as possible bc that WILL suck the heat from your body. This goes for sweat too, so layer responsibly if you're out shoveling

-Electric blankets are a scam, don't buy them.

-heating pads and heated mattress covers are less of a scam, but don't fall asleep with them on bc once again, fire hazard.

-If you have any faucets in your house that don't see a lot of use/you live somewhere that doesn't usually see cold weather, keep all your faucets on just a bit so your pipes don't freeze and/or explode. This WILL cost thousands of dollars to fix.

-Likewise, if you're traveling for the holidays see if you can have someone come by to turn the faucets on every day or two so you don't come home to find your house sunk into the ground

-ALSO if you're traveling and think "hm, I think I'll turn off the heat while I'm out to save some money that is the devil speaking, do NOT listen. (Heating helps keep the pipes warm and unfrozen)

-Fill your bathtub up with water and/or stock up on bottled water if you're gonna be getting unusually cold temperatures in case your pipes DO freeze, since you're probably not gonna want to hit up the store should this occur

-Stay off the roads if you can help it. Turbocold weather makes cars periodically fail to start, and also the second snow touches the ground people somehow forget how to drive.

-IMO If it's below -38C before windchill, you have a substantial commute, and you have any PTO/can afford to miss a shift at work, don't bother going in. Just lie and say your car wouldn't start.

-If you absolutely need to go to work/go out for whatever reason, take public transit if possible. If thats not possible, keep some blankets, food, candles, and a lighter in your car in case the battery dies on the road so you can stay toasty and Alive until help arrives.

Probably gonna add more as I remember it, but thems the basics! Stay warm!

[inkblotsonmyhands]

okay im having some thoughts about the bosses/secret bosses of deltarune.

it's generally accepted that the boss and secret boss of a chapter mirror themes—re: the king has power over his subjects, despises the lightners for the control they have over him, thereby keeping him trapped, and eventually ends up imprisoned in a cage by a team consisting of 2/3 lighters, meanwhile jevil starts off trapped by the king himself in a cage, has no power whatsoever over anyone, yet wholeheartedly believes that he is free and the rest of the world is trapped, and seems to achieve a greater personal satisfaction than the king ever does through that belief. the king and jevil also display dynamics characteristic of their inspirations; the king is amongst the most powerful of playing cards, superior to almost all others except the joker, which operates outside the rules, likewise, a king reigns supreme in court, but the court jester has freedom to do whatever they please and is bound by no law.

the queen and spamton display similar parallels. queen believes she knows best, she craves control and takes it by force in a misguided attempt at actually satisfying her subjects; spamton is a salesman who hopes to sell things to others to satisfy them, through which he hopes to satisfy himself. spamton is obsessed with personal freedom; queen limits others' freedom. while this is a massive simplification of spamton's larger, deeply compelling narrative, im keeping myself from rambling about spamton and the concept of choice to try to stick to the original purpose of this post. these two characters' ends are also reflections of each other: queen ends up happy, but in a sense trapped and powerless—she becomes a resident of Castle Town. spamton gains the freedom he craves and ceases to exist. a motherboard thrives under proper maintenance and control; a spam email has no identity outside the force that propagates it.

having established all that, i want to talk about the narrative roles these bosses/secret bosses play.

jevil is a truly hidden character. you have to investigate the map thoroughly to find him; if you don't, you may not even know he exists unless you're particularly observant. you certainly won't know what he looks like, his musical themes, his attacks, his interaction with other characters, or any part at all of his story. regardless of whether or not you unlock jevil's fight, the main boss of chapter one is still the king.

spamton is different. spamton appears prominently in any playthrough of the game—you do not have to go looking for him. multiple characters talk about spamton before you see him, and once you meet him, he further elaborates on his interaction with them. spamton's main musical motifs are all heard in the main game. you battle spamton in all runs of the game, albeit lesser and more powerful versions—regardless, even a normal playthrough familiarizes you with spamton's attacks. spamton is a character in the game with as much presence as any other without any need for you to go out of your way to find him—he arguably has a larger presence than any other miniboss, because spamton's scenes and fights are striking, memorable, and dramatic right from the first, "normal" time you encounter him. he's called a secret boss because to unlock his boss fight, you have to either perform a long, long series of steps which spamton himself guides you through, or you have to manipulate the main character's childhood friend into performing some truly chilling (hah) actions which dramatically alter the course of the game. if you do this, you do not fight queen, the real boss of chapter two, at all, and instead fight spamton, the secret boss, in her position.

spamton is not a secret boss in the same capacity as jevil. jevil's existence and boss fight are both a secret, while spamton himself is not inherently a secret at all—only his boss-ness (boss-ship? boss-hood? boss-form?) is. this development between chapters one and two, between jevil and spamton, makes me wonder how bosses and secret bosses will develop in upcoming chapters.

ive started thinking about how the differences, similarities, parallels, and overlaps between the boss and secret boss could be explored in further chapters. right now spamton becomes the main boss of chapter two after making some disturbing choices—but they're still your choices, you're still the one who made them, you were too curious for your own good. what if bosses overlapped and interchanged based on softer, less damning choices? what if the choices were just as damning as they were in chapter two, but you were desensitised to their gravity? what if the game itself directs you to make these damned choices, to the extent that you never even realize that you're making them, and the "secret" boss starts rising up as an increasingly prominent antagonist, until they fully replace the normal boss?

two further elaborations:

(one) toby fox has set up the boss and the secret boss's character inspirations in a very precise thematic manner, especially the primary bosses. the main boss of a chapter based on playing cards is the king of the set; the main boss of a chapter based on a computer lab is the motherboard. the secret bosses are a little less obvious in their inspiration, but a thread i see between them is that they're based off something almost irrelevant, forgettable, yet also overwhelmingly in your face. the joker and a spam email. my purpose in pointing this out is to clarify that im not suggesting that this theming will change in future chapters; i expect a main, overt boss and a secret, covert one to be present. what im suggesting change in is how you encounter them, to what degree, and as a result of what action. the two secret bosses so far explore ideas of freedom, control, choice, and perception. i think there is great potential to explore these and further ideas through playing with the way one encounters these characters in addition to their personal character traits. after all, encountering any character at all is a result of control and choice, which are results of freedom, and perception guides the choices, the very feeling of control, and the opinion one makes of the character. perhaps these secret bosses will cease to be perceived as antagonists at all—or maybe they'll start to come off more antagonistic, in contrast to how the secret bosses so far have been characters it's almost too easy to sympathize with.

(two) the average deltarune player has already played and been deeply immersed in undertale. undertale teaches you many things, but i want to highlight two here: it teaches you to be kind, and it teaches you that a kind heart is only an entertained one. the first of these informs a lot of players' instincts in deltarune—we tend to choose the "nice" options and go for the "morally right" thing. as we have been taught, when one does that, they meet the real boss as the final antagonist, who they know is definitely a bad guy, cause they, the player, have been nothing but good. i think that deltarune wants to teach us something about morality even further than the point undertale made with its no mercy run, where we were shown how one loses their pretence of kindness to a burning urge to be entertained. i think a very interesting way to do that would be through un-teaching us the nice!nice!nice! instinct that undertale hammered in, potentially teaching a completely different, possibly chaotic instinct in its place, then manipulating the game and its bosses based on those choices we start making instinctively. a key aspect of a toby fox game is the fact that any choice, regardless of how or why you made it, is finally your own, and i fully want to be punched in the face with that fact once again through deltarune, which i think it could achieve by subverting our understanding of a "normal" play of the game. i fear i am rambling too much for my point to be clear, so to illustrate with an example, what i mean is this: we accept that the normal chapter two occurs by playing the game the normal, obvious way, while the weird route occurs by playing it the intentionally absurd way—but what if those lines between normal and absurd started blurring? what if you started feeling unsure of which was the "correct" way to move forward in the chapter? what if you started having to take morally ambiguous decisions to achieve the "normal" ending of a chapter, which conditions you to start making morally ambiguous decisions in general, until chapter six rolls around and the fandom talks about the normal route and the weird route, but somehow, the weird route is the one where everything is fine and all four friends who fall asleep in a librarby wake up?

i have never typed the word boss this many times in my life. good night, humans and monsters.

cross posted on reddit.

[shipfishwrites]

i've been wanting to get into pern rp, do you have any tips/suggestions?

hey sorry for the late response, for some reason tumblr forgot to tell me

thank you for this ask!! i would love to answet it fully and completely but it would be a very long answer!! basically a breakdown of how to scope out an rp that will fit you.

here are some broad based ideas to get you started as you shop for an rp:

check activity. find an rp that aligns eith your preferred activity level -- if you want to perfect every post and trade replies weekly, look for evidence of that, if you want daily replies, look for that

check recently approved characters to see if they match the vibe you want -- a lot of times the lore doesn't match the vibe of the site, so something can look really cool based on the lore but actually have become a different vibe over time

pern rp particularly has a pretty bad time with staffing all of their ranker-players. if eventually attaining a ranking/leadership/plot relevant character is your thing, look for evidence that the admin team does that (evidence, not them sayimg so in the rules)

here's some things i do that may not work for you:

i don't bother to read the rules until i've basically made up my mind if i'm going to try to play there. i go for the dragon info page (and wher page if the site does whers) and read through the description of the canon and special colors. are greens forced/expected to be stupid sluts? are bronzes forced to be noble knightly chads? biiig pass. the way these pages are written can give you a great idea about how flexible and story-oriented the site intends to be. i lean hard either "let me do anything" or "make the restrictions interesting" so ymmv

for jcink rps: go to the bottom of the site, get "today's active topics" and change it to see the past month. pay special attention to who is active in the rp. look at their characters. see if the vibe is right for you

check out the adopts!!! mega points if the admins are cleatly trying to get people to enter leadership positions. big demerits if there is some kind of ban on newbies having leadership. (buying rankers can be neutral or bad, it depends on the site)

for getting into pern rps specifically:

for this purpose i'm going to assume you, nonnie, are somewhat familiar with the books and at least passingly familiar with the art and commentary in the pern tag here on tumblr. i assume you like the books?

it is very important to remember that if the site you are looking at is up front in praising the books, says they really love them, etc., this is a BAD SIGN.

pern rp fandom is (maybe a little bit uniquely?) in an argument with canon, not in conversation with it. there are so many aspects of canon that just suck in an rp setting (ex. lifetime appointment of the senior weyrwoman, meaning the only way to shake that up is for her to die, everything about flights) that even the most canon weyr has yo make concessions to make it playable/comfortable in a group setting.

so if a site up front is like "we're canon. not like those other sites. we actually care about the lore." this is actually a dogwhistle for blatant transphobia, homophobia, favoritism, and really shit moderation. likewise, a tone of anger or vitriol towards more canon-leaning sites is a red flag, they tend also to have extremely narrow views on what the "right" way to play is.

the best way to play a pern game is to take the books as a framework, like baking a cake, that's your flour and egg, you're getting the structure from there but your cake isn't going to taste good unless you get a site willing to spice it up with its little extras and go to the effort of putting some basic butter and baking soda in there to fluff it up. pern in the novels does not work as an open, public rp, it's not a recipe for cake, so everyone adjusts it, the people who say they don't are Lying.

anyway

suggestions

i don't feel comfortable recommending an rp for you nonnie without knowing what you're most interested in. i have heard that at least one site is just starting up so that could be a great place to start.

i'm in the middle of making a site but it's not ready yet

@ followers, kindly recommend your rp spots for nonnie! (don't just drop the ad, give them a feel for the rp. don't leave out the rough bits either, we all know every site has them)

[officialbruciewayne]

❖ Rules ❖

General Rules

Don't control other people's characters - without explicit permission - such as making them say, do, think or feel things. This is called power playing. Don't do it.

Try not to use information in-character that you could only know from out-of-character. This is called meta-gaming and it makes it harder for people to trust you when writing.

Don't set the event on fire.

It is up to you to make sure your character wouldn't be dogpiled by Gotham's vigilantes, wear a disguise and play nice. Likewise, it is up to you to make sure you don't dogpile Gotham's rogues. If you see a rogue, no you didn't (or at least you pretended not to).

Social drama can be intense too - even when it's fictional! Try to warn for common triggers, but stay safe out there and take a break if you need to.

Ask permission to join in a thread if you're not sure. Sometimes people are doing their thing, and sometimes it's an open thing!

You don't need an invite to join in! Just sneak in!

General Mechanics

It's as easy as writing something - and twice as easy if you've got a friend who has an idea in mind.

If you're stuck for ideas, but want to get started, feel free to give @officialbruciewayne an ask letting him know you've arrived.

If you want, feel free to use the tag #waynegala - this also helps if people want to filter for this event!

Realistically, the space I've imagined up is limited, so maybe five or seven people are somehow simultaneously climbing the rock wall, or sneaky kissing in a bathroom that someone else is sobbing in -- just assume you don't cross paths unless you wanna, kay?

Please feel free to take your time and savor your threads - the event doesn't turn into a pumpkin on irl time. Roleplay until you finish a thread, or just get bored of it.

General Etiquette

Don't set the stage on fire, metaphorically or otherwise. This means don't get into fist fights, or set off explosives, or poison the food, or start shooting.

Big drama is big fun, but there's a lot of people here, and if you do something that prevents other people's from being able to roleplay in the space, you're being a jerk.

If someone is in a scene, feel free to ask if you can join in - but sometimes people have a plot cooking, so just settle in with popcorn!

And don't worry if you make mistakes in this area.

It takes awhile to get the hang of big group storytelling, and if we all treat each other with some grace, we can course-correct as we go!

[angbangweek]

We are happy to announce the dates for this year's Angbang week:

May 6th - May 12th

Welcome one and all to the third annual Angbang appreciation event! Whether you're a previous participant, new to either tumblr or this pairing, or simply an event enjoyer who views and shares the new content, thank you for stopping by and taking a look! This year we have chosen to begin on a Monday with new dates rather than midweek, so the date of the event itself is a little later than in previous years, but everything else stays the same. (Prompts and additional explanation/info below the cut)

We would like to greet all new and returning participants and Angbang enjoyers alike to this year's week-long chaos couple event. Feel free to save the date or even spread this around if you're interested. As usual, any and all participation is welcome! We will be accepting any and all original creations for the upcoming event - visual, written or auditory, which is including but not limited to Fanfiction, Poetry, art both traditional and digital, playlists or other musical creations, moodboards, and anything else you may come up with. So long as they're new, or as of yet unpublished, created by you and feature Angbang, we want to see them and feature them! Unless it's an entire temple. Mairon has tried it several times before, and... well, we would prefer to remain undrowned if possible.

The list of prompts for this year (which can also be found in the image description):

Day 1 - May 6th: Scars | Injuries* Day 2 - May 7th: Haste | Malice Day 3 - May 8th: Spying | Shapeshifting Day 4 - May 9th: Mountains | Iron Day 5 - May 10th: Fire | Lava Day 6 - May 11th: Order | Chaos Day 7 - May 12th: Prompt of choice from the previous weeks*

*We are aware of the nature of the first prompt. Due to this, we do ask that in addition to all relevant tags, you add the correct tag of either "scars" or "injuries" to your work on day 1 should you choose to post it, especially the latter, so that people could filter it out. We will likewise add relevant tags to works featuring these prompts so that anyone may filter it out if they so wish. *As you've noticed, this year's final "free" prompt is a bit more restrictive, and would encourage using one of the prompts from previous years, found here and here. One of them is free space, but we do encourage using one of the non-day-7 ones if you can.

Like in the previous years, we encourage you to pick whichever prompt you like better of the two offered that day (you can also wait for another day if you don't like either prompt, or combine the two if you prefer, or even make content for both prompts if you're really looking for a challenge / prefer not sleeping during the month of May, whatever you like). Once you've picked a prompt and made content for it, use the current year's Angbang Week tag, which is either #AngbangWeek2024 or #Angbang Week 2024, or tag this blog directly when posting your prompt for us to reblog it. Try not to post it before the event starts (you can queue up specific posts for specific days to help with that), do not worry about being late, and most importantly, enjoy! No need to stress yourself out over silly ship stuff.

For any additional questions, requests, or additional clarification regarding anything event-related, feel free to send an ask or a DM at anytime!

[askpercyandsally]

ASKS ARE OPEN

OOC

Hello, this is an ask blog for Percy Jackson (currently age SIX). Some general information about the blog is listed below, followed by some story details. If you have questions about this blog, start here. :)

Story Progression

The blog's story will progress in real time, so on August 18th Percy will turn six and start school that September. From there his life will progress according to canon. Unless you readers try to influence his actions with your questions. :)

Content Rating

Though I am an adult Percy is a minor and as such this blog will always be safe for work and minor friendly. Any unsavory asks or replies will be filtered out by Sally since she is the one physically maintaining the blog and helping Percy respond.

Audience Interactions

An askblog depends on asks, so if there is a message you would like to send to Percy or Sally, no matter how trivial, please send it!

Likewise feel free to respond to his answers via reblogs, comments, or by sending follow-up questions. It may not be clear now, but this blog will have a story and your interactions/responses to Percy and Sally will have an impact on what happens, so please don't hesitate to interact!

Roleplay

If you're a roleplayer who would like to interact with this blog, please go ahead! I'd love to interact with you in character. We can use the classic, time distortion/it's a dream/it's just an internet troll excuse to make up for any timeline discrepancies or character duplications.

I am not familiar with Tumblr RP etiquette, so I have been avoiding instigating any interactions with roleplayers, but I'm more than happy to respond to your messages.

Timeline

In order to keep a consistent posting schedule (once a day) asks are normally answered 3-5 days after they are received. If you haven't seen your ask yet, it doesn't mean it won't be answered, I just don't want to run out of content by posting a bunch of answers at once. :)

Formatting

I will not be using color coded text in my responses because I believe that would make it more difficult for people using screen readers to understand. Please assume any text you see is coming from Percy. The way it works in character is that Percy tells Sally his answer and she types and posts his replies. Sally's comments are written in parentheses and always preceded by "Sally:" with her name in bold text.

If the question is addressed to Sally specifically or if she is the primary one answering, this will be reversed. These posts will start off with Sally letting you know she is answering personally. She may include comments from Percy in parentheses. These comments will start with "Percy:" just like the Sally ones do in Percy's posts.

Occasionally, if it makes the most sense, I will post their responses in script format, meaning the name at the beginning of each line will specify who is responding. I know this all sounds overly complicated, but I hope and believe it will make sense in context. Let me know if there's any confusion. Thank you!

Tags

The second tag I use is usually the character speaking, so you know right away whos POV it is. Specifically I use the baby Percy Jackson tag to add context. Some others are explained below.

Character Tags #baby percy jackson - the question is answered primarily by Percy. #sally answers - the question is answered primarily by Sally. #perry the penguin - this post contains information about Percy's imaginary friend. #mrs. banner - this post contains information about Percy's elderly neighbor. Special Events #percy's legend of perseus - this post is part of percy's retelling of the Perseus myth. #50 follower event - this post is from or about the 50 Followers Event we held which featured young Annabeth taking over the blog for a week. #percy likes axolotls - this post is about axolotls, an endangered species. Question Tags #ocean ask - this question is about or related to water, the ocean, or sea life. #percy & sally - the question is about percy and sally's relationship. #greek mythology - this question is about or related to greek mythology. #percy draws - percy drew a picture for this ask. Other #ooc - used for out of character posts, normally just posts that have info about the blog, etc. #volley - i am responding to a reblog and there may be back and forth dialogue going on. #demigods and technology - percy or sally complaining that percy can't use the computer #reading is hard - percy complaining about his dyslexia

Story Details

Some reoccurring names and references Percy uses are explained below. As well as general details.

Percy and Sally live alone together in a small aging apartment.

Percy does not know he is a demigod yet or have any powers. Just like in canon he won't have any of his powers until after he learns he is a demigod, or gets closer to twelve years of age. Just like in canon he believes his dad was a mortal man who was lost at sea.

Mrs. Banner is an elderly neighbor of Percy and Sally's that sometimes watches Percy. She has mobility issues and a grumpy pet cat. She recently moved into a care home because of her illness.

Perry is the name of Percy's imaginary penguin friend. Perry is a secret agent. (But for who?)

Percy would like to save the axolotls.

More to be added...

[the-mortuary-witch]

GRAVEYARD GUIDE

1. Before you go protect yourself, you don't want a spirit attached to you.

2. Bring coins as offerings to the gatekeepers.

3. Bring with you offering for the spirits (food, water, flowers etc) and leave it by a tree or away from the headstones for the spirits.

4. Make sure you don't step on anyone and apologize if you do by accident.

5. Clean up neglected tombstones.

6. Ask before you take dirt. Use your intuition or divination to get a response.

7. Don’t take anything that is left for the dead.

8. Don't leave trash behind and if you find trash then clean it.

9. Go within visiting hours. Unless it's a private cemetery and you have arrangements/necessary permits.

10. Some cemeteries don't appreciate photography. Most historical ones don't mind, but always check for notices near the gates.

11. In many historical cemeteries (and some modern), t's impossible to not walk on graves. A simple acknowledgement or hello in this case can suffice.

12. DON'T sit on graves! Unless the structure was SPECIFICALLY built as a functional bench (as opposed to altar or table symbology) Do. Not. Pose. On. Graves. You're going to break them or get broken yourself.

13. Be mindful of other guests. Grieving family and friends, walkers, photographers, artists, researchers, tourists, bird watchers, etc. There are a million reasons to visit a graveyard and you never know exactly why someone is there

14. Ask caretakers before cleaning a grave, due to the delicate nature of older markers many cemeteries don't want people doing this.

15. Likewise: pulling up turf from around a sinking grave can make a mess, damage the plants, and possibly leave a damaged stone exposed to weather. Ask permission first from a caretaker.

16. Check local and state laws for rules about graverubbing.

17. Wax leaves, less mess than charcoal for grave art.

18. When taking grave dirt: check local rules. It is in fact, not technically legal in many places. Take a pinch, and do your best not to disrupt grass or groundcover.

19. Plants: these ARE actually illegal to take in a LOT of places. I know that periwinkle would be so pretty dried and framed with a label from "[insert favorite boneyard here]" but you do not want a record for a piece of art.

20. If you ARE allowed to take cuttings from plants in a cemetery, be careful not to damage the rest of it.

21. Don't mark graves. No "X"'s, no kissing no tallies, not even chalk sigils for spell or spirit work.

22. Acorns, whirlygigs, and other tree seeds that fall on the ground, as well as leaves are free game. Go nuts.

23. If you're going to lurk or sit for a while at a favourite grave, be aware of your surroundings not just for general safety, but also if anyone else is waiting to see it/visit.

24. Consider leaving organic offerings (wildflowers from your yard would suffice) for any that you came to see specifically.

25. Leave the way you came.