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glossgojo · 1 year ago

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pretty boy

carmen berzatto x mafia boss reader

excerpt from my full one-shot on ao3

MINORS DNI: violence, carmy cleans up your wounds, AFAB reader, smut, p in v, no protection, cream pie, carmy has to make it fit 😵‍💫, riding, rushed and desperate, all in his tiny office, set in s1

the week was eventful, you had scars to show it. one of your men had gotten out of line, selling drugs on the side to kids and you had to take action, of course with everyone’s approval. since he was part of your family you would deal with it, the guy didn’t take it well even trying to stab you and missing your scalp but grazing it in the process. in the end you had won, the body disposed of in the river as was custom for disgraced members. your body still ached but it didn’t stop you from visiting the beef the day after.

the cut was stitched up, covered in bandage. the members were laying low following the event, there was going to be a meeting to discuss how it could happen. carmy had noticed that the shop was less busy today, the street still safe but no suited men in sight.

and then he saw you walk in, still beautiful as ever but an unmistakable bandage on your forehead and his stomach flipped. without thinking twice he crossed from behind the counter to where you stood, anxiety bubbling up his throat, burning his insides as he spoke up.

“what happened?” his hands were on his hips, he almost looked angry and for some reason it bothered you. his eyes bore down at you, making you grimace.

“i don’t like lying carmy and you’re not gonna like the answer.” you muttered, eyes looking away. this would be it, he’d think you were too much and too scary and cast you away. carmy took in your dejected expression, combed his fingers through his hair and thought about your words before responding.

“fuck fine, but you’re okay right?” you lifted your head, taking in how crystal eyes scanned your face, his tattooed hand leaving his hip and a finger hovering over where your bandage was.

“yeah i’m okay.” you gave him a small smile and it quelled some of the burning in carmy’s gut. he motioned towards an empty booth, he knew how to get rid of the rest of the feeling. he could take care of you the only way he knew how.

“sit let me grab you something to eat.” before you could argue, he was flying back to the kitchen and you were grateful for the lack of patrons. you felt less guilty in stealing his time. maybe ten minutes had passed before a grilled chicken breast, mashed potatoes, and greens were in front of you. steam rose from the food, aroma rising with it and you felt a surge of hunger. carmy took a seat across from you, setting down a glass of water for you as he did.

“you made this?” you were a little bit stunned, not able to remember the last time someone outside of family cooked for you without being paid for it.

“uh huh, try it.” you dug in, grinning and groaning at the flavors on your tongue and carmy was reeling from your reaction. his anxiety was fading away, instead now his blood rushing, he could hear your gleeful sounds.

“this is seriously so good, did you try some?” he shook his head and you just wouldn’t have that. if the table wasn’t so wide you would’ve fed him yourself but instead passed the plate to him. he cut up a piece of chicken and added mashed potatoes before biting down. you watched the fork enter and unabashedly stared at his fingers, they looked so much larger and thicker around the utensil than yours. and the same fingers were moving to cut more pieces, cutting the green beans into chunks before pushing the plate back to you. you watched in awe as he slowly chewed on his bite, trying to figure out why he had just cut your food up for you. did you look helpless? was this the special treatment he was talking about? surely he didn’t see you as a cute little puppy needing affection and care. you were more than that, you had to prove it. you watched him swallow down and then took a bite of your own.

carmy couldn’t help the twitch in his pants when he noticed you suck on the fork a little bit longer than needed as you slid the utensil between your lips. was he imagining things? you finished your food with as much pleasure at the first few bites, never getting tired of the flavors and textures on your tongue. carmy had been watching you, even passing you water when you hadn’t drank it in a while. as he watched you eat, his anxiety was practically washed away and what was left was his stomach coiling in an entirely different way. you dropped your fork after setting it down and swiping it off the table with your sleeve, both of you ducked under to retrieve. you strained your arm to reach the fork and when you came up your forehead grazed the table corner. it wouldn’t have been an issue if not for your wound. almost instantly two things happened, you winced and clutched your forehead and carmy rounded to your side and kneeled in front of you to check your wound.

“lemme see.” his hand covered yours, your eyes shutting in pain as you moved you hand away. carmy sucked in a breath as he saw blood stain the bandage. “i got first aid in my office come with me.” you nodded, he stood up and offered his hand to you. one hand in his, carmy led you to his office. you clutched the damp bandage against your head using your other hand and tried to ignore the throbbing feeling.

carmy sat you down on his desk, shoving away some papers and angling his desk lamp up at your face. the office space was cluttered and small, you felt so close to carmy as he grabbed the first aid from a drawer and set it next to your thigh. in this office your breath was becoming his and his scent was overwhelming you, a mix of spices, cigarettes, sweat, and aftershave that made your head spin further. he removed your bandage, seeing a pill of blood pooling behind it and quickly soaked it up with a cotton pad, he put antiseptic on a q-tip and cleaned up the skin surrounding the wound before reapplying a clean bandage. carmy did his best not to think about how you got such a cut or why it needed stitches. all he could do was focus on fixing what he could. you watched him work, silent besides the puffs of air, his hair was cascading onto his forehead, his arms tense as he cleaned you up. mostly you couldn’t ignore how his jaw ticked and his brows got more furrowed.

“what are you thinking about?” you murmured almost a whisper, not wanting to disturb his peace.

“the fucker who did this.” he seemed satisfied with his handiwork, pulling back a little, hand still on your cheek as he made sure your wound wasn’t still bleeding through the bandage.

“he got it worse.” you pressed a kiss to the palm of the hand that was tilting your chin up. and carmen berzatto almost lost his remaining marbles at the action. without thinking about it, he leaned down and pressed a kiss to your lips, careful to not bump his head against yours and you gasped at the feeling. you hadn’t expected him to make a move, fully prepared to do it yourself. his lips were much softer against yours than you expected. the way he moved was careful and sweet but you wanted more. you wound your fingers around his apron tie and tugged it, pulling you closer against him and licking at his lips against you. the action made carmy lose his senses, immediately reacting to you by wedging himself between your legs and pulling you closer by your hips, now filling the small space between you and the edge of the desk. his lips moved much less carefully now, licking into your mouth and memorizing your taste and sounds. the kiss was hot and messy, much more like what you were used to and it made the ache in your head move south. you pulled back for air noticing how he trailed after you pressed kisses to your neck like a seal had been lifted and he could finally do what he wanted. you whined at the feeling, moving back to lift his head to meet your gaze. his eyes looking up at you made your head swim, his glossy lips painting much darker images of similar positions.

“carmy, i need you.” and carmy could hear the banging and yelling in the kitchen behind me, he could smell something burning on a stove. but carmy could also hear your labored breathing combined with his, your swollen lips and your rising chest, and not to mention your intoxicating scent. it wasn’t just your perfume, as he pressed kisses to your neck he couldn’t get enough of you. your taste and your presence was making him want to be selfish, it felt right to stay here with you and it scared him. carmy still would’ve chosen what he did despite the feeling, lifting his apron off and throwing it on the floor nearby.

“fuck it, come here.” he sat down on his office chair, opening his arms for you to climb onto his lap and you took in the sight. muscular legs stretched out in front of him and his tattooed arms beckoning towards him was something you wanted framed. on shaky legs you stood up and straddled his waist, swallowing as you sat down. carmy was watching you with a new determination, looking up as you rested your hands on his shoulders. you were still too far, he needed to feel you fully against him, holding you by the hips and moving you closer, grinding you against his hardening cock in the process. the motion made you stiffen, a small gasp leaving your lips and carmy couldn’t help but lift a hand to your cheek. it was just as soft as he imagined, stroking it with a callused thumb and you pressed your face closer to it. god must have taken his time with you, carmy decided.

unfortunately he had no luxury of time, he was sure richie would come looking for him soon. leaning back in the chair, taking you with him, and clicking the lock of the door. “can i?” he had a finger hooked under your shirt hem. you could feel him, large and throbbing against your core and you nodded furiously as he lifted it off you. you shoved your hands underneath his shirt too, watching him for a nod before you tore it off. carmy seemed to be taking it all in, leaning back again and you weren’t even hiding your ogling. why the fuck did a chef in a deli have abs? you weren’t complaining, not one bit, you could think of a lot of things to do with them. your hands were much less careful than his, not even hesitating as they glided up his taut tanned skin watching his chest rise and fall as your hands returned to his shoulders. he relished in how soft and warm they were, smooth like butter and warming up his skin everywhere they went. carmy was much more patient than you it seemed, you had been practically foaming at the mouth waiting to touch him. but carmy was just in awe.

“you’re driving me crazy.” his voice was gruff and low as he said it, watching you as he undid your bra and slid a rough hand up to your breast. immediately your nipples perked up and carmy licked a long stripe across your right breast, watching your whine as you tilted your head back. his hands felt so rough and large against you, covering you and spreading their warmth. you whined as he bit down, taking his time teasing you. the drag of his teeth against your sensitive buds and his abrasive palm massaging you was grating against your rational thought, your body moving to its own accord as you ground down on him, hips moving desperately. you needed some relief and the hard throb of him against the sensitivity between your legs was enough for now. his free hand found purchase in the dip of your waist and pushed down, halting your movement. he was slightly drunk off your taste and scent so he had to remind himself he couldn’t take his time with you. any minute now the door would be banged on, pulling him back to reality. he unlatched from your skin with a lewd pop and tapped against your hip, unzipping his jeans and you eagerly moved off him. you tugged your own jeans down, eyes not moving from his bulge as it sprung free against his boxers. carmy’s eyes always seemed to be on yours, taking in the emotions there and it felt somehow much more intimate than you standing in front of him topless. he reached towards your hand, pulling you back and out of your thoughts.

“i-i don’t know if it’ll fit.” you’d been thinking it since before when he was biting up your chest, but now with it prodding your clothed clit it felt too big. carmy had to hide his amusement, tried not to think about how all your confidence and eagerness had slipped away.

“do you think you can try? huh?” he brushed a hair back, caressing your cheek and looking at your face for any hesitation. you nodded, lifting up on your knees to push your underwear to the side as carmy sprung himself free. you gasped as his tip pressed up against you, making you clench on air, and looking down didn’t help your growing wetness. he was long and thick, red neglected tip hot and heavy against your skin and you wanted to memorize the veins along the side. the sound of your shallow breath mixed with his, a symphony of anticipation. you wove a hand down, collecting the slick at the tip and coating his length. god he was so long, probably the biggest you’d ever had and you weren’t sure if you could walk out of here on two stable legs.

carmy watched as you swallowed down, eyes on his member and this time he couldn’t hide his smirk. your skin was on fire, it wasn’t like he was any better but he wasn’t unabashedly licking his lips like you had just done. it took all his self control to not just slip up into you when your eyes widened as you looked down. you led him into your entrance, practically dripping onto him and carmy threw his head back. with shaking hands and aching thighs, you slid him against your entrance. he was too thick, his tip catching against your clit as you tried to shove him in. you glared at him like it was somehow his fault and carmy swiped his thumb across your hip in apology. your hands were shaking and your legs ached, but you tried again, tried to relax and pushed him in. instantly the stretch made you gasp, adjusting to the burn between your legs and how fucking stuffed you already felt.

“fuck, so fucking tight.” carmy felt like you were choking him, warm and constrictive. it felt his blood flow was being cut off. you breathed in and out letting yourself get used to the stretch as you lowered down on him, your thighs burning as you concentrated. the ache in your body was pain earlier but now it mixed with the intense pleasure of being beyond filled up. would you ever be able to fuck anyone besides carmen berzatto?

the ache was quelled by the feeling of him twitching inside and you moaned as you nearly bottomed out. carmy watched your eyes flutter closed in concentration, your eyebrows knitted together and your expression wracked by pleasure. his hands were a vice grip around your waist, you’re sure there would be bruises there tomorrow but you didn’t care, you slowly lifted up on him and moved down, his veins dragging against your walls as his tip bumped against the fleshy spot inside you that made you clench on him. if he bottomed out you’re sure you would feel him prod at your heart. you set a slow pace, moving slowly up and down as carmy did his best not to take over. finally when he could tell the burn in your legs was becoming too much he experimentally thrusted up, and your eyes snapped to his face. your pupils were blown out and glazed over in lust and your lips raw from where you’d been biting them to hold back your sounds. carmy wished he could hear them, wished his ears were ringing from how loud you could yell his name, but today wasn’t the day.

so instead he took control, holding your hips in place as he jacked up into you, driving against the spot he knew made you fall slack in his hold. your body twitched and shaked against him, mind going numb as his control slipped and he bottomed out in one sharp thrust. your lip slipped from between your teeth and like you couldn’t help it any more you whined his name. and he didn’t think anyone would fault him for losing the remainder of his sanity.

driving in and out of you with a force that bounced your legs upwards as his tip grazed your cervix, you could feel him everywhere could feel him twitching inside you, his veins, the now slickened hair at the base of his shaft and you could feel yourself pouring down on him, his coated balls slapping against your ass. it was all too much, the way he pressed a kiss to your neck as he dug himself into you, shaping you for him and plugging you so full you couldn’t breathe. he slowed his pace, feeling like he couldn’t hold back much longer and slightly pushed you back, unclasped your hands from around the back of the chair and brought a free hand down between your bodies. his finger found your clit, massaging it as his thrusts became deeper and slower. in this position you felt exposed, your bleary eyes and bruised lips looking down at his blown out pupils and tousled hair. his eyes were always the most expressive part of him, watching you in amazement and pure desire. and then carmy pressed a flat hand against where he was burrowed deep inside, against your stomach and it all became too much, shaking as your orgasm overtook you. you clenched around him, thighs digging into his sides as he continued fucking you through it, his hand massaging your puffy overstimulated clit as you bit down on your lip to stop yourself from screaming his name.

you slumped over him, carmy keeping his hand on your stomach as he reached his own high and pumped you full, throwing his head back and letting you take it. to no surprise his come was slipping down your thighs, already too stuffed full to keep anything in and you groaned at the feeling. the loss and the messiness of it all made you cringe. carmy slipped out of you, moving your underwear so the remainder would stay with you, keep reminding you of him and you tried not to think about the implication. instead you just sat back down, feeling much emptier this time and stared at his fucked out expression. he pressed a kiss to your lips, the meaning now too apparent for you to ignore, it felt like a goodbye kiss. you couldn’t take this much longer, if he didn’t want to see you again you had to leave now.

you moved off on shaky legs, his eyes tracking your movement as you did it, you could still feel his gaze as you turned around to find your clothes. however you didn’t expect him to break the silence, you thought you’d slip away and he’d pretend that it never happened.

“what happened here?” he pressed an outstretched finger to your back, you’d forgotten about the scar there. you probably shouldn’t have shown your back to him, most people you slept with didn’t ask questions like that but you should’ve expected it from him.

“honest answer?” you pulled on your jeans and bra, turning to face him, he’d pulled his boxers up, you masked the disappointment on your face. he nodded slow, a little bit worried what the answer was but still wanting to know all the same, he could guess based on the scar but he wanted to make sure. it was a circular indent, like something had pierced it. he didn’t feel anxious, he just felt this strange anger welling up in him.

“i got shot.” you said it nonchalantly, like it happened to everyone. carmy closed his eyes for a second as if you couldn’t see the flash of emotions on his face and when he opened them he just nodded, doing his best not to freak the fuck out. you were standing in front of him, looking like an angel sent just for him telling him you got shot. he wouldn’t survive you, but then he couldn’t think about just letting you go either.

“the other person?” a smile tugged at your lips, maybe carmen berzatto was different from what you thought.

“got it worse.” he nodded standing and grabbing your shirt from where it had been flung behind him, pulling it over your head as you watched him in amusement. you pushed down the feeling that sprung up from him dressing you, instead focusing on the graze of his fingers on your skin.

“you can ask me more you know?” you could see the questions on the tip of his tongue, his lips pursed like he was physically holding them back. you looped your arms through the shirt as he stood cross armed in front of you. you didn’t have anything to lose so your eyes didn’t leave his tattooed arms, tracing the veins and muscles along them. carmy blushed like a school girl at your actions, like his office didn’t still smell of sex.

“i don’t know if i’ll survive the answers.” he was being honest, his jaw clenched as he ruminated over all the worst case scenarios. his stomach flipping as your eyes found his once again.

“i guess ignorance is bliss,” you didn’t believe that, not really, in your line of work knowing everything possible was the only way to survive.

“you’re safe though right?” carmy realized he was being a little bit ridiculous given the circumstances but you could lie to him, try and convince him that yes you were safe. instead of answering you just looked at him, really looked at him, you tried to memorize the different hues of his eyes and the sharpness of his nose, the marks on his face. the longer you didn’t answer, the longer he felt a cold sweat line his back. he was running out of time, he needed to get back out. “what’s your number?” leaning over he grabbed his phone from his desk, his arm grazing yours. you put it in and handed it back, saving your contact as well.

“just uh tell me you’re okay alright?” it was probably the sweetest anyone’s been to you in a while, earnestly at least, and you pressed a kiss to his cheek nodding and slipping out of his office quietly. carmy did his best to conceal his red face as he got redressed and exited his office, met with yells and questions.

#carmen berzatto smut #carmen berzatto #carmy berzatto #carmy berzatto smut #carmen berzatto x reader #carmy berzatto x you #carmen berzatto x you #carmy berzatto x reader #carmen berzatto imagine #carmy berzatto imagine

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presidenthades · 8 months ago

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i know this is probably way far away but i am most looking forward to joff and daeron. i love how you write and am just excited to see how you’re gonna approach it (especially with my understanding that there is not much given about these two in both the show and book because of joffreys age and just daeron not being included in the show). but i have complete faith you’ll create a like creative and enjoyable story like you have been doing.

is they’re anything you can hint or tell about their grown up personalities or just story in general? no pressure of course 😁

Thank you so much! ❤️ Show!Joffrey’s actor has been recast for S2 to somebody older, which indicates he might actually have speaking lines this coming season. He was a cute little bean in S1, but I’m hoping he has his book!canon temper and thirst for vengeance.

I want to explore Luce and Joff’s relationship in Compromised because it’s rather combative, especially compared to either of their relationships with Jace. I have A Big Moment planned for Joff at the end of Compromised, which will be a segue to her and Daeron’s fic. Daeron will hopefully join the Targbro bonding in Compromised, after he returns from Oldtown.

The Joffron fic will definitely involve Joff exploring more witchy/magical stuff, and Daeron will be trying to figure out what he wants to do with his life other than being a knight. His Velargirl isn’t an heiress, so he can’t count on being a trophy husband. I’m not sure Joff and Daeron will officially get together (yet) at the end of this fic. They’ll be around their early teen years, so they may have more of a Studio Ghibli-esque relationship, where their friendship is underscored by ambiguous romantic feelings. (E.g. Pazu and Sheeta, Chihiro and Haku, Kiki and Tombo.)

After the Joffron fic, I want to write a very ambitious multi-POV epic, kind of like the original ASOIAF series. Basically all the Targkids will get POV chapters, and Joff and Daeron’s relationship will find its resolution (however it goes 👀) in this fic.

#my writing #ask me anything #joffron #compromise and being compromised

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deityoftherain · 2 months ago

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tales of the empires | AU Masterpost

This masterpost is dedicated to my Empires SMP S1 canon divergent AU, tales of the empires! For a little bit of insight into a portion of my worldbuilding, look under the cut! If you have any questions, feel free to enter my ask box or ask in the #tales of the empires channel in my discord :D

For the best reading experience (if you plan to read the whole series no matter what), don't look ahead and (if you don't have triggers/want to be surprised) don't look at the tags. It's up to you though, so do what you want lol :p

AU in Chronological Order

Memes/Fanart/Other

memes

single meme (I would love fanart or etc if anyone wants to make it hehe)

Basic worldbuilding content found under the cut:

Name: attraction, gender, pronouns, terms used

Royal Families

Ages

Engagement Ring Equivalents

Important Holidays

Primary Languages Spoken

Describing Their Languages

Religious Beliefs

How the fantasy races classification work

Estimation of how the map looks like in this AU:

(Please note that this information was taken straight from my old notes with very little editing done, so please forgive any errors, these weren't created to be shared directly, but it is almost 3AM my time, so this is what you get lol)

Name: attraction, gender, pronouns, terms used

Gem: bisexual, cisgender girl, she/her, feminine terms Fwhip: queer, transgender guy, he/him, masculine terms Joel: demirose finsexual, intersex guy, he/him, masculine terms Lizzie: bisexual, cisgender girl, she/her, feminine terms Xornoth: aromanitc (doesn't care to have a romantic relationship but he willing engages in a queerplatonic relationship), gender apathetic agender, he/him, typically uses masculine terms because he doesn't want to bother to correct people and doesn't really care (he is particularly attached to “king” and “brother” though) Scott: gay, cisgender guy, he/him, masculine terms Sausage: gay (homoflexible? bicurious? he's messed around with people of all genders in attempts to replicate feelings of affection, so he's not sure, but he definitely likes guys), cisgender guy, he/him, masculine terms Pearl: grayrose pan, girlflux/nonbinary girl, she/her but doesn't mind if people use other pronouns for her, feminine terms mostly Jimmy: queer but often/usually refers to himself as gay because 1) umbrella term 2) preference for guys, cisgender guy, he/him, masculine terms Katherine: lesbian, cisgender girl, she/her, feminine terms Shrub: asexual lesbian, nonbinary, she/they, neutral and feminine terms Joey: gay, cisgender guy, he/him, any terms as long as you're complimenting him

Royal Families

Major (Elves) King Lumi - Queen Hyacinth Princes Xornoth & Scott

Moon (Human) Queen Margo - King Saturn Princess Pearlescent (Pearl)

Dweller (Oceanfolk) Queen Alice (squid) Princess Elizabeth (Lizzie; axolotl) & Prince James (Jimmy; cod)

Beans (Human+Fae/Demifaes) Queen Venus - Queen Summer Prince Joel

Berry (Gnome) King Fern - Queen Rose Royal Shrub

Magenta (Human+Elves/Elflings) Countess Blaise - Count Kian Countlings Gemini (Gem) & Fwhip

Blossom (Fae) Noble Blair (Title of Guardian) - Lord Ashton Lady Katherine (will later have the title of Guardian)

Mythic (Human) King Delilah - Queen Pandora Princes Joey & Sausage

Ages

Shrub (younger→), Katherine (←older)

Jimmy (younger→), Pearl (←older)

Xornoth (older twin), Scott (younger twin; older→), Sausage (←younger)

Lizzie (younger→), Joel (←older)

Joey

Gem (older twin), Fwhip (younger twin)

Engagement Ring Equivalents

Ocean Empire - abalone shells

Overgrown - armbands

Mezalea - gold rings with designs engraved all around the band

Rivendell - you give an earring to your partner and, if accepted, you both get your left helix pierced and put in the matching earrings

Mythland - iron rings with a drop of their lover’s blood in it (referred to as “blood iron rings”)

Undergrove - they traditionally have special plants instead, the plant living as long as the couple’s relationship lives; it’s mostly outdated now, most preferring to borrow another empire’s engagement practices

Grimland - the rivendell custom exists too, but there are alternate customs like wearing an engagement ring with a thin string of metal-like wire turning it into a necklace, and they only wear the rings as rings on special occasions

Gilded Helianthia - custom, hand-crafted beads made of wheat flour and other simple ingredients; can be made into any sort of jewelry or put into the hair (sort of like this, but not fully)

Important Holidays

I didn't develop many holidays, but I do have one's 14th birthday being a big deal in Stagorism! Also, here's the oceanfolk tradition I came up with with @welcome-back-to-hoimycraf a bit ago:

Bestowal: Oceanfolk give shells to those they care about and they wear them on their person as a display of their love. They start wearing them and giving them out when winter turns into spring. There are different shells to show different types of appreciation, care, and love. Oceanfolk tend to wear a lot of shells on their clothing. The shells given are worn as necklaces/bracelets/hairpieces/etc for the spring and they are later sewn into clothes. The shells are passed down and reused, meaning many oceanfolk wear shells their ancestors had worn before. When they don’t want them anymore, there are “take-a-shell, leave-a-shell” spots. Oceanfolk can trade shells there, donate shells they don’t want, or take shells to be able to use if they can’t go out to find their own for whatever reason or if they just want extra for xyz.

Shell Code for ^: https://naplesseashellcompany.com/shell-types.html

cowries/olives - for those you would like to acknowledge but don’t know well such as coworkers and classmates! They are common and they are the kind of thing you have children gather for activities when teaching them about the tradition

bonnets - to give to those you want to know better for xyz reason

strombus - to give to those you look up to or respect in your community, showing appreciation as a fan of sorts, etc (those such as teachers, guards, healers, performers, etc)

spindle/tibia - (look like sperm soooo) related to sex and fertility however they want to interpret that (your friend with benefits, pregnancy announcement, telling them you want to have sex, etc)

tritons/frog - for friends and other platonic relationships

turritellas - for familial relationships such as parents, siblings, children, cousins, etc

miters/auger - for romantic relationships that you want to get into (if you’re really bold) or to acknowledge an existing one

abalones - reserved for engagements and formally committed relationships (marriage basically)

Primary Languages Spoken

Rivendell and Grimland: Common and Elven Ocean Empire: Common and Oceanic Mezalea and Overgrown: Common and Faeish Undergrove: Common and Grovic Gilded Helianthia* and Mythland: Common

*Most empires have some who speak languages outside of their official languages (/the languages listed after their names here) but it tends to stick to what it is said. Gilded Helianthia is the most diverse with languages that are regularly spoken due to their protective but open nature (meaning they have clear laws giving people protections as long as they aren't felons of some sort and even then they still have some rights and protections). A way to think about it is how, in America, English is the dominant language and the one that is very convenient to know just for functioning there BUT it is not the official language. People can speak as they would like in their own homes and communities and can get interpreters if needed. This is funny because Mythland (which also mains in common and common only) doesn't have a diverse language population. It doesn't even have a diverse population in terms of race either. They are mostly human and typically scare other races away by being fairly... harsh? mildly (or not mildly- that is up to you to decide) sadistic? demanding? standoffish? people. Plus, they don't have separation between church and state like the other empires do and they are fairly firm about their beliefs.

Also, I believe that common was originally developed in human colonies. Humans were the ones who attempted to reach out first which is why there were many translations made and, eventually, the human language became common. Common is considered the easiest language to bounce off from. Elven to oceanic can have really harsh translations but elven to common or oceanic to common is a little easier to interpret.

Describing Their Languages

Assume that, when reading, the characters are speaking common unless signified otherwise through symbols around the dialogue.

Common ; {Elven} ; |Oceanic| ; [Grovine] ; ~Faeish~

Common was initially a human language, but the humans put in the work to figure out translations between their language and the languages of those around them. Over time, the language evolved and was accepted as a primary way to communicate, meaning that (in the current day of this world) Common is going to be found in all the empires. It is the language used for trade and travel so every place has those who can speak it. That being said, some of the places also speak other languages. Common tends to be the most used with its uses so it's more likely to see someone only use common or to be multilingual though that doesn't always happen!

Elven as the language itself doesn't differ much between Rivendell and Grimlands. The part that differs is that their accents have fairly drastic changes to the point they sound weird/off to each other, but they can understand each other easily apart from the accent and regional differences. It just takes a moment to process the words if the other's accent is fairly thick. {elven}

Oceanic is fairly exclusive for it includes both verbal and nonverbal communication (an example of the nonverbal communication is their fins flicking in certain ways; most don’t pick up on the nonverbal signals unless they are oceanfolk)- it also isn't used much above water because 1) no one uses it but oceanfolk so they usually just use common above water 2) there is also no reason to use written (technically carved) oceanic above water either because paper doesn't last long when wet so oceanic is only used underwater because it was designed to be carved into things. It is used above water when two oceanfolk want to speak together without others knowing what they’re saying or out of habit but, even then, they are still likely to use common and just whisper. |oceanic|

Grovine was developed a long time ago as a way to communicate without spoken words. The gnomes used to live in a harsher place over a millennium ago where there would be lots of predators and dangers lurking. They have since moved and the language developed (as all do over time) so it can now be written and spoken if desired. The spoken version isn't very popular (or widely used) compared to the signed version. Most gnomes prefer to use common when speaking in order to relate to (and be taken seriously by) the other empires more. Most gnomes are (at least) semi-fluent in both languages (common and grovine) but tend to prefer one over the other based on how much (or little) they travel or deal with other empires via trade, diplomacy, politics, etc. [grovine]

Faeish has slightly different dialects, seeing that the two empires (Mezalea and Overgrown) who have more faeish speakers are far away from one another. Think of it like British and American English but for faes. You can understand what each other is saying most of the time but there are words and phrases and such that differ. ~faeish~

Religious Beliefs

Scott and Xornoth both believe in Aeor and Exor. I see it with similar dynamics of the Christian God/Devil and Abel/Cain scenario. A sense of duality in how the people who believe in them see them though I imagine neither god is fully good nor fully bad. Instead of a heaven and hell, they believe in reincarnation. Stags are considered sacred (and aren't hunted) and Rivendellian royalty has taken them to be symbolic of their rule (hence why Scott and Xornoth have stag crowns). [Stagors/Stagorism]

Jimmy and Lizzie believe that the ocean itself is some sort of god or higher power. The ocean provides the oceanfolk with sea creatures that can provide help and/or food. The sea creatures that die get to help bless an oceanfolk with their connection to the ocean and live through them. Oceanfolk being blessed by the sea creatures (done before they are born) is how they get the features they have. Example: Jimmy was blessed by cod so he has cod features such as scales, fins, a tail, etc. Joel claims he's not religious because he doesn't see the Mother Tree as a religion. It could be classified as being spiritual but the faith in the Mother Tree is classified as a religion in other empires. Mother Tree does obvious acts of power (an example is that Joel was born through the Mother Tree) and she actively helps Mezaleans by watching for them, keeping their land lush, etc. Gem is what I'm calling a polytheist. She believes that every god/belief is true. The existence of one doesn't disprove the other. She doesn't actively worship a specific god but she has great interest in all of them and thinks they all have their purposes.

Fwhip is an atheist, point blank. He's not foolish enough to deny that "god-like" acts happen but he doesn't think it's actually caused by gods. Everything (in his mind) can be explained by magic or manipulation, not by a higher power.

Katherine believes that gods influence everything and she doesn't want to offend any of them but her focus (or "main religion") is her faith in The Spring. The Spring heavily influences Overgrownians. Nature is heavily linked with their beliefs. The weather where they live feels like it is always springtime so when the temperature drops a lot, something is wrong and people get worried. The Spring also controls who is the Guardian and makes the separation between church and state (if you could call it that) very slim. The Blossom family (it has become a strong family name to the point everyone somewhat directly related is called to be a part of House Blossom) has been granted priority based on the act of a very distant ancestor to those who live now. The title doesn't get passed down every generation (it can skip one or several) but, when The Spring thinks someone is ready or would be a good fit, it will call to them and they will become the next Guardian. The Guardian is placed in charge of the empire but they often get a lot of help from others in power (such as other House Blossom members).

Sausage and Joey believe in The Blood King. Blood sheep are considered worthy sacrifices for The Blood King so they are well taken care of before then to appease the Blood King. The Church of the Blood Sheep is very prominent in Mythland to the point there is no separation between church and state. The religion is very blood and sacrifice-based. There are a lot of offerings given in exchange for prosperity, fortune, power, etc. [Hemalists/Hemaism]

Pearl is very much agnostic. She doesn't care deeply about religion whatsoever. She just kind of does her own thing and has no problem engaging in religious activities (as long as she's not against what is being done but she usually isn't) with you if you ask.

Shrub is more spiritual than religious, though it is considered a religion by other empires. They feel connected to wolves and have deep care for the Mother Wolf but they don't worship them. The wolves are more companions and protectors than gods. They do believe there are spirits around that they can't see. They don't believe they are all necessarily good and have their best interests at heart but they believe spirits do exist. The belief can be compared to modern witchcraft (not Wicca or Pagan but the spiritual witchcraft element) for they have protection charms, rituals for good fortune, etc.

How the fantasy races classification work

There are five base races I am playing with within this world: elves, faes, oceanfolk, gnomes, and humans. There are mixed races but back to that in a moment.

Elves have the same chance of having wings as one is inheriting a certain hair color. Wings tend to be a passdownable genetic trait but they are not as common as fae having wings. They are also likely to have magic but not every one. Some also are more skilled or in touch than others. They have pointed ears and are tall.

Oceanfolk don't typically do magic. There are magic-esc things that just come with being an oceanfolk. Oceanfolk are blessed with their features by the spirits of past sea creatures. If they have ear fins, tails, scales, whatever else, those are from the sea creatures that bless them. They also have a way to breathe underwater, typically gills.

Faes can almost always do magic. It is a part of them, some are simply more skilled than others. Full or mostly full faes almost always have wings. They are average height (around typical human height) and have pointed ears.

Humans can do magic and some have magic predisposed to them but, much like the gnomes, they don’t often do magic in the way elves and faes do. They tend to be an average height, have rounded ears, and do not have wings ever, unless they are mixed race. More on that in a moment.

Gnomes are short. Very short, compared to everyone else. They do magic but it is more in the way of charms and rituals, much like witches in modern day. Many gnomes have connections to wolves and can speak to them. It is less significantly less common, but gnomes can be born with wings. Their ears are technically pointed but it is more of a rounded point and they are small/short.

Mixed races are not uncommon, but they are classified in certain ways.

Demifae are those who are part fae. Typically they are referred this way if most of their physical traits lean fae. Elflings are similar for they are part elf and mostly show elven characteristics.

Those are the only two terms used for mixed races because of a number of things.

Humans dont tend to have any significant differences that affects an individual a certain way. If you are part fae, but you present mostly human, you may technically still be a demifae but you are more likely to just call yourself human and maybe specify you have fae heritage. Same with the other races.

If you are part elf and part fae, one typically shows itself as more prominent. The wings are a big factor in that because they have different kinds of wings. Those who are part elf and fae almost always end up with wings because you have two sides with the potential of giving you a winged trait. If you ended up with fae wings, you would most likely be classified as a demifae over an elfling and vice versa.

If you are part gnome, since the height and proportions tend to be vastly different, it is fairly easy to spot. You might use the term “demifae gnome” or “elfling gnome” if you have enough traits of both. If you grow to a taller height than most gnomes, you would typically just refer to yourself as having gnome heritage than being a gnome yourself- at least on documents and such.

Oceanfolk traits trump everything else. You can have oceanfolk heritage and not be oceanfolk but if you have oceanfolk traits, all other traits are the ones called fae/elf/human/gnome heritage. Oceanfolks don’t tend to follow genetics as closely because oceanfolks are blessed by sea creatures. If you have the traits and the ways to breath underwater, you are oceanfolk. You will not see a winged oceanfolk unless the wings are magic or an elytra. This allows for two full siblings being classified two different ways if one was blessed and one wasn’t. In addition, this is why those from the Ocean Empire are called oceanfolk instead of a name such as “Mezaleans” or “Grimlanders” because you almost have to be oceanfolk to live there fulltime due to the environment.

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zaiban2989 · 2 years ago

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BNHA S3 EP1 or the Pool Ep

Honestly, I've watched that ep at least 6 times in the last two weeks, just didn't have a chance to pause and talk about it until now lol That post gonna be long again 😭🤣

It's not "that much" of an important episode when you think of it, but it's still one of my favourites. Our cinnamon roll Izuku is just the cutest in this one, being manipulated by Denki & Mineta to use the pool so those pervs can spy on the girls lmao the whole thing is hilarious and cute af - I mean look at this cute baby being all fired up for training! 👇

Our little green bean is so cute and friendly and nice he even texted everyone to come and join them lmao Which is raising so many questions: did everyone in class 1-A share their numbers with each other? Does that mean that Kacchan actually gave it to everyone else, even Deku? Or is Kacchan the only one Izuku didn't text because, you know, fucked up relationship and all that, and it's only because Kirishima got the message that Kacchan came (like his bro definitely has his number and told him about the training)? Or do they all just have a group chat with the whole class so Izuku texted there so everyone, including Kacchan, saw it? I WANT ANSWERS!!!!

But considering the timing of how late Kirishima and Katsuki came to meet with them, I feel like the closest answer is that Kiri got Izuku's text and then texted Katsuki or even went to his house to drag him out or something... Kiri did say that it took him a while to get Katsuki to come, so that's probably it. The thought that Izuku can't even text Kacchan, or didn't even think he could, makes me so sad honestly 😭 (like imagine class A really does have a group chat and those two idiots are in there but never interact with each other's texts and secretly did save each other's numbers but yeah there's no way in hell they'd go and text the other because "Kacchan probably doesn't wanna talk to me", "why the heck should I text the nerd, I'm better than him!" *siiiiiiigh* I want a fic about this now lol)

Anyway, back to the episode... Iida, class rep, always at the ready to order people around lol It's so funny how everyone just listens to him though, I love it 💙

AND THEN THE BEST PART OF IT ALL HARKLZERLKRZEKDE - What happened? Iida and Izuku are having a little moment together (reminiscing what happened in s1 & s2) and Izuku says that he got here with the help of many others and that he needs to work that much harder and WHO yells a loud "OF COURSE!" to that?! Fucking Kacchan! 🧡💚seriously I can't, man! I have so many fucking thoughts on that scene alone, it's ridiculous lol

And I mean, what he says is so freaking weiiiiiiiiiird! (proof in pic👇)

Iida and Izuku were not even speaking that loudly, so how the fuck did Katsuki even hear all of that shit from where he was?! (he just arrived there with Ei, you see him walking up to them with his usual gremlin face, Kiri blocking him lmao)

So now I am HC-ing the fact that Katsuki actually do not have any fucking hearing impairments because of his Explosion quirk - on the contrary, he probably trained himself so fucking much so that shit would never be a problem and so that he could eavesdrop on any conversation his nerd would be having with other people (see Sport Festival and his stalking of Izu/Todo secret meeting lol)

I mean seriously, Kiri and him JUST arrived there and what's his first move? To fucking head to where Deku is hdezdezmde and you wanna tell me that guy ain't obsessed with his broccoli head? PLEASE!

"Otherwise there's no way I'd lose to a damn nerd like you!" - or literally, Katsuki openly admitting that he has been losing to the nerd (in the first DvKpt1 of course, but also when they teamed up against AM for the exam because he had been reckless and had to rely on the damn nerd for help - hell, he even lost consciousness and the guy dragged him to the exit (HC-ing again, but pretty sure Kats asked for the recording of that fight cuz he didn't remember and wanted to know what the fuck happened - he'll never tell Izuku though))

So our blonde baby IS already growing up, it's subtle but for someone like Katsuki to say that he's lost to Deku, I mean that is fucking big, man. I'm certain Izuku didn't even pick up what that meant here, but progress baby, you've been acknowledged by your person! 🧡💚

As soon as he's there, he's already picking a fight with his baby nerd lmao at this stage, it's established he sees both Deku & Todo as his rivals - Hori is even already setting the tone for the next gen' of UA Big Three since the 3 of them end up being the ones winning each racing rounds and are now facing each other in the final

(Just some appreciation of how fucking hot Katsuki is when he doesn't make his bitch face lmao 🔥🧡 also the fucking V-shape he has, god dammit man!)

Of course, the final round doesn't happen - I wonder who Hori would have turned into the winner on that one lol Guess it was too hard to decide huh flekdmzemdez Look at those dum-dums' faces as their quirks got erased 🤣

That episode is so gold, I swear! Even the ending with Katsuki's frustration of not having raced against Deku & Todo when he's on his way back with Kiri and the fact that we see once again that his goal hasn't changed (yet?), honestly, it's endearing 🧡

"No matter who it is, I won't let them catch up to me, let alone get ahead of me!" - oh baby boy, talking about your insecurities like that *sobs* it makes it even more amazing that he changed so freaking much by s5-s6 because he's no longer with that mindset 😭 "The nerd's ahead of me now but I can still catch up!" fuck me man, that 180 is just... *cries*

You see his All Might fanboying seeping through what he says and how he's determined to prove himself, someone please give that baby a hug😭 (he fucking gets kidnapped in this season, I can't man)

ANYWAYS, I LOVE THIS EPISODE SO MUCH OKAY?! lmao Ending this review with the official season ending, firework moment and Kacchan next to his Deku (come on, Hori could have placed him anywhere else there but nope)

That's it, folks! Cheers for coming to my ted talk lol Till next time!🧡💚

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babacontainsmultitudes · 1 year ago

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📕:3c

:D Hi!!!

Man okay so in early S2 I had this like whole anthology that I never actually wrote (in my head I always refer to it as the "Son of a Dad" series loool) that basically follows the kiddads between the events of S1 and S2, particularly as they relate to dealing with the doodler.

Among those is a more Sparrow/Nicky-centric one (could be read as platonic for sure tho it was kind of intended to be ambiguous), when both of them are quite young and Hero is the only one of the children to have been born yet. :3 Basically, Nicky is like "damn Sparrow is taking care of a baby when he should be at the club", goes to uh wherever Sparrow and Rebecca and Lark woulda been living at the time (undecided on that), throws rocks at Sparrow's window until he opens it like in the movies, and (oh it's nighttime btw lol Rebecca and Hero are fast asleep already) is like ">:] Come to the club with me Sparrow let's go dance" and well it takes some convincing but eventually Sparrow agrees and sneaks out the window to get crunk with Nicky haha.

So they do that, and MEANWHILE some doodler-related shenanigans is afoot, and the rest of the kiddads are freaking out cause they can't reach Sparrow or Nick (cut to them just having a blast). Back at the club, a drunken Sparrow eventually spills the beans that Rebecca is pregnant again, *and* that he's pretty sure Hero is technically Lark's. Oh SO in this version of the timeline Nicky and Lark actually had a brief fling years before this story takes place, and when Nicky learns this from Sparrow he does the math and realizes that this means Lark cheated on *him* (importantly, Nicky isn't correct about this, but that would be explored in a different fic in the series lol) and so. Well he doesn't say this to Sparrow, but when they regroup with the gang by the end of the fic (eventually doodler-related stuff starts to happen *at* the club, so the other kiddads wind up there anyways), Nicky gives Lark a punch right in the nose before storming off! Afterwards on the way home Lark asks Sparrow if he has any idea what that was about, Sparrow has no clue, and Lark concludes that he "probably did something to deserve it".

*Otherwise* (also near the end of the fic, when all the doodler stuff has been dealt with), Sparrow says to Grant that this might be the only night of his life since the forgotten realms that he's felt normal, even if it was just for a little while, and that he looks forward to when the world is fixed and his kid(s) get to have nights like this, in response to which Grant looks Sparrow dead in the eyes and tells him that things are never going to be normal again, ever (Grant definitely means well here but it kind of shocks the whimsy straight out of Sparrow haha). AND THAT'S WHEN SPARROW COMES UP WITH A NAME FOR NORMAL mhm as a wish, and kind of to spite Grant lol. I can't quite remember what I wanted to title this one, but I know it had "normal" somewhere in the name!

[Send me a 📓 and I'll tell you the plot of a fanfic I haven't written but daydream about!]

#So I guess that's also my headcanon as to how/when Normal got his name haha #thanks so much for the ask!#asks #fanfiction ask game #You know what maybe just this one I'll maintag lol #dndads #sparrow oak garcia #nicky freeman #nick foster #sparrow oak

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londonspirit · 2 years ago

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Ted Lasso Ramblings

DEAR LORD!!! The last Ted Lasso episode was QUITE FUCKING SOMETHING!!!! I mean, they always are (even though this season DOES indeed feel a tad erratic and splintered (in lack for a better word) but I also have faith in them, that they know what they’re doing and give us a wrapped up ending).

Anyhow... Jamie and Roy!!! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!!! I am a shipper at heart but I did NOT fucking see this coming!!!!

It was actually THIS that made me even go there, this fucking blurb for next week!!! Guess too much queerbaiting had damaged my queerdar (is that even a word.. well it’s now)

Roy and Keeley worried about Jamie - and then my brain went on a tangent and ended with an OT3 - i’ve NEVER had an OT3!!!

But this?? I WANT!! BADLY!!!

And as much as I want this, I need to calm down, cause I don’t know whether that will actually happen and I can’t deal with the most perfect show going and breaking my heart over this!!!!

But can you imagine? I mean, Jamie fucking Tartt has come so fucking FAR since S1! I HATED him back then, now I would protect that silly little bean with all I have!!! And so would Roy it seems. (Thank fuck for super talented fic writers, I got my fix there last night already (had to force myself to stop at 4am or I would’ve never slept! I will come back and read them ALL!!!)

It would make soo much sense! I mean, Jamie doesn’t care who he takes into bed lets into his heart - and we know he still loves Keeley.

But have you seen how he looks at ROY??? That’s not just hero worship there, or looking up to someone who ‘saved’ him. Nah man, that’s adoration, pure and simple!!! (GOD, that smile in the locker room just about killed me! And so NOT get me started at that Uncle Day celebration!!!)

I’ve read so many fics about Amsterdam I can barely keep fact and fiction straight! Of course I loved their time together but somehow I NEVER thought about it that way. When basically EVERYONE else was having a love fest out there!!!

GAAAH!!! Im REALLY trying to not get too hyped about this to not be disappointed but god, do I have hopes!!!

They would make such a wonderful throuple!!! *sighs happily*

But as always, wait and see!!! Two more episodes to go, two more Wednesday to wait for and hope for!!!

Until then I’ll be reading, screaming at the BFF while hoping that the one show that usually always manages to still surprise me will pull off the most incredible twist I did NOT see coming!

FINGERS CROSSED!!!

#personal #ted lasso #really #still shocked I did NOT see that #at all #roy x jamie #roy x jamie x keeley

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fullofsunsetwhispers · 2 years ago

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I think the reason the monks turned into such jerks to Jack including Omi was because of Omi town I don't even like Omi and I wanted to beat Jack butt for it. Because it was such a slap in the face to. Omi who tried to help Jack so many times gave Jack the benefit of the doubt was kind to him and believe Jack could be good when no one else did or would have

I understand your frustration, anon. It can be classified as 'one of the most jerkish things Jack has ever done in the series'.

However, (looks at my imaginary list titled 'Jack Spicer did some things wrong but these jerkish acts are justified)

No, don't get me wrong, I am in Jack's protection squad but I am capable of seeing his flaws. Yes, that's a horrible thing to do to the only person that tried to help you (see mainly the Apprentice but more examples could be found throughout the series). Even for a little kid!me that was something unbelievable to happen but now I blame the poor writing of the 3rd season for it. (I gotta cope somehow ok)

I would like to move on to 'Let's justify Jack' part. Maybe 'justify' is a strong word. He took part in that manipulation so it should not be excused BUT I'd point out something that intrigues me a little bit.

In Omi Town after defeating Omi's Mother, monks realize she's in fact a robot. Omi makes a face and everyone rush at Spicer with anger evident on their own faces.

What's Jack's immediate reaction when he gets circled by dragons in training?

He curls up in fear and exclaims: 'THEY MADE ME DO IT!'

Then, he proceeds to tell everyone gathered how that village was made in the first place and we got a short flashback with HB making jackbots look like Omi's relatives of some sort.

Tbh It struck me HOW Jack delivered that story. Usually, (especially in s1 and mid-s2) Jack boasts about his evil plans. He makes sure his enemies KNOW what steps were made to fool them because Jack this way wants to show them how his mind is superior in comparison to theirs. He's proud of each evil deed committed throughout the process (presumably because it builds up his self-esteem which is already in shambles)

Anywho, mind that during his story about the origins of the 'Village of Omi's robotic clones', he's serious. No evil laugh, no belittling Omi for falling for that.

Does that look like a face of a proud evildoer to you? No. He's being honest, and frankly to say, even sad.

The last sentence he utters after the flashback makes me even more convinced about his honesty.

He bends down to be more on Omi's level. He looks straight into his eyes, his brows furrowed worryingly. It almost looks as if Jack felt sorry for the Cheeseball.

'We figured if we break up the dream team, we can take all the wu!'

for Jack it's simple logic, mind you. Additionally, no one among the Heylins even considered Omi might come back to the temple. Jack was more than certain Omi would stay with the fake parents. He never meant to hurt Omi directly. Who knows? Maybe after robbing the temple vault, he would re-program the parent bots to change their minds and let Omi be the monk again (but these are my speculations)

Let's settle on what the overall message sounded like.

'They made me do it'

'They made me build other robots'

'Hannibal bean then used Moby Morpher to make MY robots look like your relatives. If you had any.'

There is more accusation of Wuya and HB in Jack's voice. As I mentioned earlier Jack takes pride in whatever evil he's up to. He's building the brand, or whatever, so it is vital to him to give credit to himself (and optional partners in crime of course). Here we see/hear he DOESN'T WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH THAT PLAN. By constantly repeating 'not me. they made me do ---something-' he withdraws himself, which has never happened earlier in the series. (ok maybe that time with the evil snowman but whatever - you get my point)

Was he trying to save his own butt by putting the blame on Wuya and Roy? Oh, yes, he's a coward. But I dare to assume deep down he wasn't feeling ok with that scheme 100%. The way I see it, Jack went into 'survival mode', that is, he decided to act what other Heylins expect him to do so they won't hurt him in any other way. (Mind you he got a black eye at the beginning of the episode and got slammed against furniture by Wuya and HB and Wuya directly threatened him) Was he laughing with other baddies and taunting Omi during his showdown? Yes, but in a more ' I'm in a bad position so I can have a little fun with them' kinda way. Raiding the temple is one of jack's fav activities (lol) and he feels ok with it so his partners -Wuya and HB no longer were the same oppressors but more like a means that would help him get safely to the wu vault.

If we take into consideration the statement 'Jack from season 3 is a laughing stock and everyone seems to push him around' - this one applies here too. I'm of the opinion Jack was against Wuya and HB's intentions toward Omi but ultimately Jack yielded to their persuasions. Why? He was afraid. Out of fear, we tend to agree to things we would NOT normally agree to. Wuya even without her powers wrecked the boy good so she could've broken some of his bones as well. And with HB's help, they could do even far worse things to Jack. Let's not accuse Jack on the basis he wanted to protect himself - Wuya and HB are more to blame in this one.

Jack was simply USED in that scheme and robbed of resources (robots). More importantly, he built the whole village himself - I bet Wuya and HB didn't help him in these preparations. Jack was valuable to them in that very episode only because he was more like a useful tool rather than an ally, which is sad. (but tbh these little smiles Wuya and Jack exchanged were kinda cute)

To sum up, Jack is not entirely responsible for playing with Omi's feelings. He was the pawn, who in fact did the majority of the dirty work BECAUSE he was being threatened. That sort of manipulation Omi was the victim of was totally unfair especially if we consider that Jack-Omi bond from the series as a whole. However, in that very scene, we see glimpses of regret in Jack's mannerisms.

As a side note, I would like to point out, even if 'Omi Town' hurts me very much for Jack's betrayal of Omi's trust, I would like to see this being expanded on. For example, they should have a one-on-one talk in which they have a little quarrel, mentioning all the bad things they did to each other so they could just... talk this through and find some katharsis in their shared pain or sth.

#xiaolin showdown #little analysis #jack spicer #omi #ask #anon #omi town #oh it turned out to be a #character analysis #quite long even #what can I say? Jack has more layers than we think and it's my hobby to unravel all his secrets #someone: he's just a goofball who has his nice moments as a creepy evildoer me: true but HE'S also COMPLEX.#to your information i like ANGST and this post is all angst

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radiantlyrey · 7 months ago

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Doctor Who Review: S1/S14E05 - Dot and Bubble

Note: this review is a little all over the place. I tried to cover the important stuff. Please let me know if this comes off as self-centered or whatever. Please.

Something is wrong in the city of Finetime. People are going missing, but the disappearances aren't really noticed. Lindy Pepper-Bean hasn't noticed, and it's only when she's contacted by the Doctor and Ruby Sunday that she begins to peek outside her bubble and find out what's really going on. Slug-like creatures are eating the people of Finetime, and it's up to the Doctor and Ruby to get as many people out as they can before the entire populace is devoured.

SPOILERS (and also discussion of my white cluelessness) AFTER THE CUT

At first blush, “Dot and Bubble” seems to be slightly preachy in tone, exhorting the apparent evils of living in a social media bubble (in this case, a very literal one) and relying on technology to the point that one's self-reliance disappears. From what chatter I've seen online, these parts of the story are meant to be a sort of riff on the usual Black Mirror plot of "technology bad". (Having never watched Black Mirror, I'll have to take the internet's word on this.) It turns out that this is a feint, because the episode is actually about racism.

It's at this part of the review that I have to be frank and honest with you: I did not realize this episode was about racism until I saw people talking about it online afterwards.

I'm white, and I didn't notice that everyone in Finetime was white until someone else pointed it out. And it's funny, because I do usually notice and am pleased when a show or movie I watch is diverse. But as "Dot and Bubble" has revealed to me, I don't usually notice when a show or movie I watch is populated entirely by white people, which means I've got some internal biases I've got examine.

In fact, me not even realizing what this episode was really about until someone else pointed it out says a lot about me. It says that, just like the people of Finetime, I live in a bubble. And I do! I live in a largely white town, and my few friends are white, and I mostly live in this bubble of whiteness and don't question it or try to expand my horizons! I like to think of myself as progressive, and I try my best to not be actively racist--but racism isn't just an activity! It's also, for a lot of people like me, a passivity. I benefit from racism every day as a white person! And I've never really stopped to examine this and what it means for me, nor have I thought about what I've got to change about myself and my thinking in order to let go of these internal biases and prejudices. “Dot and Bubble” called me out very effectively, and it left me with the realization that I have to do better.

And that's what Russell T Davies is trying to say with this story. Lindy and the other people of Finetime live in bubbles that are both literal and figurative--the digital bubble that holds their social media, the actual bubble that protects their city from the "Wild Woods", and the bubble of whiteness that permeates their entire society. On a rewatch, the racism throughout this episode becomes obvious. Lindy reacts with disgust when she first sees the Doctor, and she thinks everything he says to her is condescending. She thinks the Doctor is a different person when he reappears later, saying that she "thought [he] just looked the same". While she's much more lenient with Ruby, Lindy is still aghast when she realizes Ruby and the Doctor are in the same room. This plays into her speech to the Doctor in the final scene, when what has thus far been subtext becomes, all at once, text.

Part of what makes this episode so effective, I think, is in the way that it doesn't overtly focus on the racism. It doesn't make it into A Thing at all. Instead, the script and the visuals lay it out for us without drawing overt attention to it. The racism is there, but the episode waits for the audience to discover it. Compared to how previous episodes of Doctor Who have dealt with (or outright ignored) racism, it's a refreshing strategy, not least because it asks the audience to be aware of how their biases make them perceive things.

Another thing I found interesting about this episode is the way it positions Lindy (portrayed by Callie Cooke in an excellent performance) as the de facto main character of the episode. It uses her position within the narrative to obfuscate the primary theme a little; I know I was more inclined to forgive her shortcomings because of that. At first, Lindy just seems overwhelmed about her situation and maybe in denial that anything is wrong, but as the episode continues, that mask starts to slip a little, and then a lot. We learn that Lindy and the people of Finetime are, in essence, the rich kids of their homeworld, which explains a lot of her general attitude of snobbishness (repeatedly calling Ruby "stupid" for example). But when her Dot loses power and she's on her own, we start to see a little of what she's actually like. She thinks meeting Ricky September makes this the greatest day of her life (even though, as Ricky points out, thousands of people are dying horribly all around them). As the Doctor and Ruby figure out the methodology of the slug creatures, Lindy's overall self-obsession becomes clear. She wails that the creatures are coming after her, rather than realizing that she's just the next person in a very long list of people.

But the final nail in the coffin comes at the episode's climax. Lindy's Dot has gone rogue and is trying to kill her. Ricky fights it off, but it knocks him in the head to slow him down and comes after Lindy. Without hesitation, Lindy tells the Dot that Ricky changed his last name, and that the Dots and their creatures should have killed him much earlier in their alphabetical rampage. While Ricky is summarily killed, Lindy escapes and walks away to freedom. She lies about what happened to Ricky, and that, apparently, is that.

Of course, I'd be remiss if I didn't talk about the final scene. The people who escaped from Finetime have decided to strike out for the wilderness. The Doctor offers to take them to safety in the TARDIS, but Lindy and the others reject him for no other reason than that he's Black, and that's unacceptable to them, and against the "standards of Finetime". Ncuti Gatwa has been a powerhouse thus far this series (excepting "73 Yards", which he was barely in because of prior filming obligations), and his performance in this scene is electric. The Doctor desperately tries to get the Finetime group to come with him, but they walk away, taking their boat down the river. He laughs in disbelief that turns in an instant to anger. He leaves in the TARDIS with tears on his face. He could be mourning the people of Finetime, but it seems more likely to me that he can't believe they care more about maintaining their prejudice and racism than their own survival.

This ending is what cements the greatness of "Dot and Bubble" as an episode. It doesn't end happily. There is no fanfare of success. The Doctor couldn't save the people of Finetime from their intolerance. It's a bit of a bummer, but it needs to be to drive home the primary theme. Racism is insidious, but it's also a choice, and people like me have to choose to be better if we're all going to survive.

#doctor who #dot and bubble #series 14 #russell t davies #skye reviews things

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