#me looking at anything ‘how can I make this Jackie related??’

[cryingpariah]

Been thinking about this meme and how funny it would be if this wasn’t just a Doflamingo thing but a widespread belief among the upper echelon of the Underworld. Like illegal weapon dealings, creating child soldiers, the whole slave trade thing? Totally normal and fair game!It’s not called the Underworld for no reason! Giving a minor alcohol though? They act like they just finished teaching Sunday School.

Like I’m just imaging them celebrating something probably horrible and some poor waiter accidentally brings Jackie a flute of champagne. She’s about to (very politely) correct the mistake, it happens often enough and she doesn’t want to be sailing around on her arrows tipsy anyway, when a half dozen loud and over exaggerated gasps cuts through the air.

“EXCUSE ME GARÇON, DON'T YOU THINK YOU SHOULD BE CARDING THAT YOUNG LADY BEFORE SUPPLYING HER WITH THE DEVIL'S DRINK?”

“NEVER IN ALL MY DAYS- WHAT KIND OF ESTABLISHMENT IS THIS?”

“Oh my, I think we may need to speak to the manager.”

“YES WE DO NEED TO SPEAK TO THE MANAGER! THE HIRING PROCESS IS CLEARLY ABYSMAL IF THEY HIRE PEVERTS TRYING TO TURN LITTLE GIRLS INTO ALCOHOLICS!”

“I’m sorry, HOW OLD YOU DO YOU PEOPLE THINK I AM?”

“Uhhhhhh 12 or something.?”

“I hope you choke Du Feld. I really do.”

“Yeah Du Feld get your shit together! She’s clearly 14!”

“Every second I spend with you people is worse than torture.”

“Awww love you too sourpuss! 💗”

“Sir Joker? Do be sure to never call me that again.”

“Jackie, head back to the ship and grab that article about the effects of illicit substances! CLEARLY these brutes need a reminder! Do you know what that champagne could do to her young developing mind?”

“Okay so alcohol is a legal substance, which you know, so I don’t know what article you’re talking about. Second, I was literally about to send the drink back-.”

(It doesn’t matter, once you get these folks started it’s damn near impossible to stop. Jackie makes sure to send the waiter back with the untouched drink, a sorry and a nice tip.)

[bewaryofpity]

jack's sooooo clingy he follows you everywhere like a lost puppy, especially after a long day of not seeing you.

jack has been following you around since you came back from work, yapping about anything and everything that has happened to him since you left this morning. and you’re not surprised because he has the habit of lingering close to you when you’ve been gone for a while, especially on his rare days off. today is no different.

he does follow you everywhere like a very grown and very loyal puppy, today more than ever as he followed you to the bathroom where you're trying to get ready for your night routine. he’s sitting on top of the toilet seat, babbling about his day out with nico that obviously consisted of hockey related things.

you snicker to yourself when jack doesn't realize that you're taking longer than usual to get unready, or that he’s talking for this long, but you know how much he hates boredom so you let him be. it’s just that you weren’t expecting this.

it’s cute, yes, but now you’re more interested in seeing how long he’ll yap for or rather how long he’ll stay here with you. so you finish taking your makeup off before pulling the shower curtain back and twisting the knob to turn on the water and adjusting it to the right temperature. the idea that he could easily stalk you into the shower makes you smile so you play along to his not so little rant.

“and then nico lured me to the rink because apparently the kids were practicing and he wanted to surprise them. not that i didn’t like that but then their coach didn’t look too pleased, the kids were distracted for the rest of the practice, obviously.”

you hum, “is it because they took nico’s attention off you?”

“Uh, n-no. i mean i was the one hanging out with him first, so.” he mumbles “but that’s not the point!”

jack huffs, changing into a criss cross position on top of the toilet. and it’s taking everything in you to not laugh at him because he looks like a child, pout on his lips and looking so small in this position.

“well then, was it fun at least?”

“duh, baby.” hands flailing around him. “the kids loved it, they kept asking us questions and some didn’t make sense –they were like four years old, you know– and like, we had to stop for even longer because they wanted us to sign some of their stuff.”

that must be why he also took longer to text you throughout his day.

“i bet, love.” you nod along, pulling your hair up in a bun so it doesn’t get wet in the shower, finally at the right hot temperature. “i’ll shower now if you don’t mind.”

“oh, now?” eyes wide like you told a child you’ll leave him in the parking lot.

“i mean, we’re in the bathroom, and i’m in a towel, and it’s been a long day. so yes, now.”

and jack’s cheeks have a faint pink tint as he shamelessly watches you unravel your towel and step in the shower. totally not because he saw you naked for a split second, it’s just the steam from the really hot shower, right?

“uh yeah, okay” he says as he stand up. “i’ll get unready too before i go then.”

you hum in reply as you go on about your shower, but you’re actually simply standing under the water, trying to keep an ear out for his movements and words.

suddenly he’s taking his sweet time to wash his face and you think he might start brushing his teeth soon too for the hell of it.

but his talking doesn’t stop at all. he blurts out random thoughts in between before going on to ramble about some hockey plays he’s been looking over, asks you what you had for lunch. he even asks you which body wash you’re currently using –which is none yet because trying not to laugh is revealing to be harder than you thought. he’s truly finding the most random topics to fill the silence.

and the talking does finally stop, but it’s replaced by jack’s whistling, clearly out of things to say. yet you know your boyfriend better than he thinks so you know very well what he’s thinking about.

“you still there, jacky?” you call wittingly. you can see his blurry figure through the shower curtain, an excited nod coming from his silhouette.

and you bite your lip as one of his hands reaches to scratch at the back of his neck. “i guess i’ll go now. uhm… i’ll wait for you to come out. i’ll get us take out, anything you’re craving? because if you want there’s a new italian place down the street that luke suggested to me and he says it's really good, so i think maybe–”

omg he’s so cute.

you pull the curtain back, just with your head peeping out to find jack with one hand hovering the door handle, still lingering around.

“jacky?”

“yeah baby, what’s up?”

“do you want to shower with me?”

and like a kid opening presents on christmas morning, his eyes light up so quickly. his head shakes with an overly enthusiastic nod, and he’s already clumsy in pulling off his clothes that he almost trips getting his sweatpants off. you’re not surprised at all, the lack of grace and coordination are not exclusive to when he’s on the ice.

a stupid, wide, boyish grin spreads over his lips when he finally steps into the shower in front of you. 

“hi, baby,” he grins, leaning forward to hold your face in his hands and peck your nose.

“you know, if you wanted to join me, you could’ve just asked.” your smile now matching his. jack squishes your cheeks between his palms, “well, where’s the fun in that?”

[rhiannonsknife]

While rewatching yj i was thinking about what if Jackie became our friend while being stuck in wilderness.

She never talked to us before, maybe just a few times in practice or in class. But she literally has no one out there since everyone has turned their backs on her. So what if we start talking to her, make her do some chores to make her fit in and standing up for her when someone bashes her. And then you guys make fun of whatever cult-related thing that’s going on.

I feel like Jackie would cherish that and she really just needs someone to be girling with out there cuz she’s all lonely and i wanna hug her soo bad.

this reminds me of how no one came out to comfort jackie after her fight with shauna :((( guys i would’ve been out there instantly!!

jackie slams the cabin door behind her as she storms out into the cold, the sound reverberating through the otherwise quiet room. inside, the tension is palpable: shauna standing stiff, everyone else awkwardly pretending they’re not watching. no one says a word. no one goes after her.

no one except for you. the moment she disappears into the dark, you’re already grabbing your jacket.

you’ve been watching jackie unravel for weeks, her usual confident demeanor cracking under the weight of the wilderness, the isolation, and now the fight with shauna. the final straw in a series of events that broke her slowly.

jackie’s not perfect, far from it. but is anyone out here? besides, she’s been your friend, or as close to a friend as anyone can have in this hellscape.

you’ve seen how everyone’s turned on her, how she struggled to keep up and you’re not about to let her do it alone.

"where are you going?” shauna asks sharply as you put your jacket on.

“to get her,” you say simply.

“she’ll come back,” someone mutters. you don’t even bother turning to see who.

“yeah?” you snap, halfway out the door. “and what if she doesn’t?”

the cold hits you like a slap as you step outside and move toward where you think she’s gone, calling her name.

“jackie! jackie, come on, it’s freezing out here!”

at first, there’s no answer, just the wind howling through the trees around. there’s no snow yet, but judging by the constantly dropping temperature, there will be soon. you keep going, your breath puffing out in visible clouds as you search. when you finally spot jackie, it’s by a log at the edge of the clearing. her arms are wrapped around her knees, her head bowed, and she’s shivering violently already. she doesn’t look up until you’re right in front of her.

“what are you doing here?”

“looking for you,” you reply, crouching down beside her. “what the hell are you thinking, sitting out here? it’s freezing”

“go back inside,” jackie says, brushing hair from her face. “i’m fine”

“you’re not fine,” you counter. “jackie, you’ll freeze to death out here. come back inside!”

her jaw tightens, and she looks away, her breath hitching. “why do you care? clearly the others don’t”

“that’s not true, they’re just-” you pause, trying to find the right words. “it’s not you they’re mad at, not really. it’s this…place. what it’s doing to us!”

jackie lets out a bitter laugh. “that’s not how it feels”

you don’t know what to say to that, so instead, you shift closer, wrapping your arm around her shoulders. she tenses but doesn’t pull away.

“i care,” you say quietly. “and i’m not gonna let you freeze out here just because things are hard”

she turns to look at you then, her eyes glassy, her cheeks flushed from the cold. finally, she swallows hard. “i don’t want to go back in there. i can’t”

“yes, you can,” you tell her firmly, giving her shoulders a squeeze. “i’ll be right there with you, okay? if anyone says anything, i’ll handle it. you don’t have to do this alone!”

jackie hesitates, but when another gust of wind sweeps through, she shivers and nods. you stand first, holding out your hand.

“come on,” you say, your tone soft but insistent. she stares at your hand before taking it, her grip surprisingly tight as you help her to her feet. you keep your arm around her as you guide her back toward the cabin, the warmth of your body pressed against hers.

when you open the cabin door, the room instantly falls silent. all eyes are on jackie as she steps inside, her chin lifted just slightly, trying to hold on to whatever pride she has left.

you don’t leave her side.

[emsdevs]

The First Date Deal

a/n: I told myself this would be short and sweet but the yapper in me really popped off anyway enjoy 2.1k words of a first date with Jacky Boy

You had always swore you’d never fall for the typical “popular” or “hot” guy. You didn’t necessarily think there was anything wrong with it. You just didn’t see the appeal the majority of the time. He was, almost always, just a guy, but somehow, for weeks, your friends have been convinced you’re in love with Jack Hughes. You’ve been denying it swearing up and down you would never look at him that way. After all, Jack was pretty much the poster boy for typical hot, popular guys, and yes, you would gladly admit that he is, in fact, hot because you do have working eyes.

For starters, he was a jock, which is an immediate strike in your opinion. The majority of the time, jocks devote their time to their sport and nothing else. Odds are, he “wouldn’t have time for you.” Yeah, you’ve been told that before, and you didn’t wanna hear it again. On top of that, he was a bit of a partier. That was absolutely not your scene, and you wouldn’t be dragged to parties you didn’t want to go to or be put down for being “boring”. To beat it all, Jack Hughes had no shortage of girls who wanted him. Even if you did like him, which you don’t, there’s no way you’d be at the top of his list.

The worst part, though, is that you couldn’t even say he was a bad guy because you’d be lying. You worked for the Devils organization, and every time you talked to him, he was incredibly nice. He even knew your name, which you couldn’t say for some of his teammates. He had never done anything to make you not like him, you just swore he wasn’t your type. 

Jack, on the other, had liked you since the first time he talked to you. You had caught him right after practice to talk to him about some kind of brand deal or something, he couldn’t remember now, and he was so focused on how pretty your eyes were that he almost forgot to respond. Since then, he’s made sure to speak to you every time he saw you, still too nervous to ask you out. His brother, Luke, constantly teased him about it, pointing out that he’s never had any issues talking to girls, but some intern has him so down bad he can barely speak. Jack always shrugged him off, telling him she was more than just an intern (He wasn’t lying. He knew you had a permanent position.). 

Eventually, Jack grew tired of his brother’s teasing. He knew he was right. He’d never had problems asking a girl out before, so nothing should stop him now. He decided the next time he saw you, he’d make his move. That day came sooner than Jack hoped, and the next thing he knew, he was pulling you aside, dragging out the small talk out of nervousness.

“Jack, I really do enjoy talking to you, but if you’re only gonna tell me about some funny videos you saw, I’m gonna have to cut this conversation short. I have a job to do,” you narrowed your eyes at him, confused by his sudden need to talk to you about things that weren’t work-related.

“Yeah, no, I’m sorry. Go ahead,” he watched you turn away before realizing if he didn’t do this now, he never would. “Wait! Umm, I actually really need to ask you something.”

You sigh quietly, then turn back around, “What do you need?” You tried not to sound too rude, but you really did need to get back to work.

“Would you maybe… wanna I don’t know… grab a meal sometime? Just us? Like… like a date?” Jack felt like he couldn’t breathe. 

“Oh! Um… I’m sorry, Jack, but I can’t do that,” you trailed off, hoping he didn’t ask any further questions.

“Oh, right. You probably have a boyfriend. I’m so sorry. I should have asked first. I -”

“It’s not that, Jack,” you cut his rambling off. “I just can’t look at you like that.”

“Yeah. No. I get that. It’s okay,” although a little dejected, he could handle the rejection until one word you said clicked in his brain. “Wait, what do you mean you ‘can’t’?”

You find yourself, once again, turning back around to face Jack. “I’ve dated your type before, the popular, fun guy. It’s not for me.”

“So you’re judging me based on some guy you dated who knows how long ago? That hardly seems fair,” Jack couldn’t accept your rejection anymore. He felt a strong need to prove to you that he wasn’t the same as whatever kind of stupid guy your ex was. 

“Jack, it’s seriously not that deep. It’s obviously nothing that you, specifically, have done,” you pinched the bridge of your nose, knowing he wouldn’t let this go.

“That’s the problem!” Jack couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “C’mon, you’ve gotta at least give me a chance! One date. That’s all I’m asking.”

“If I agree will you please let me get back to work?” you were already tired of the conversation. 

“Yes! Yes, just give me one chance, and we can both forget this ever happened if you hate it,” Jack wasn’t too ashamed to beg at this point.

“Fine,” you fought the urge to roll your eyes, “but only one chance. If you mess it up, you mess it up. No do-overs.” Somehow you didn’t believe Jack would give up so easily. 

“You have my word,” he’s already making plans for the best night of your life.

“Okay, then I’m gonna go actually do my job now. Just text me the details I guess,” your already wondering why you agreed to this.

“Yep! Yeah. Of course,” he knows he should shut up now, but for some reason, he’s not sure he can.

—------------------------------------------------------

It’s been a week and a half, and you’re getting ready for the date Jack promised you. Already you’re confused. He had told you to wear something cute but comfy, leaving you wondering what in the world you two would be doing. You had honestly expected the usual “dinner at a fancy restaurant then asking you to take you home” date, but it seems Jack had other plans.

He picks you up at 6:00 PM sharp, just like he said he would. Not long after, you arrive at what you assume is his apartment building, which makes you a little nervous. The elevator ride up to his floor is silent, not necessarily awkward but not comfortable either. When you finally make it into his apartment, the first thing you notice is that there’s no sign of Luke, so Jack must have sent him off somewhere for the night. Jack leads you into the kitchen where a cute dinner display is set up.

“I wasn’t sure what you’d like, and I knew I probably shouldn’t cook, so I figured we could maybe decide on something to doordash together. Sorry, I’ve just been trying to figure out what to eat for the past week, and I’ve really been overthinking it, obviously and-” you cut off his rambling, realizing Jack is actually nervous for tonight. 

“Jack! I’m cool with that. Don’t stress about it,” you smile softly, deciding he definitely deserved some grace. After deciding to order from an Italian place down the street, Jack shows you his plans for the rest of your night while you both wait. He holds out his hand, waiting for you to grab it before guiding you to the living area. There, he’s set out probably every board game and card game he owns.

“I remember you saying something about loving game nights with your friends, so I thought it might be fun…” he trails off, not meeting your eye.

“Jack,” you're shocked, honestly. He remembers the things like that that you’ve said to him? Once again, you’re thinking you should’ve taken it a little easier on him. “That’s actually really sweet of you. You remember that?”

“I remember everything you tell me,” he finally meets your gaze. Standing there, staring into his eyes, you’re not sure how long you can pretend you’re not feeling something. You notice him begin to lean in, and you’re not planning on stopping him. Unfortunately for the both of you, there’s a knock on his front door, and you both jump apart. Jack goes to the door, grabbing your food from the delivery guy. 

You share conversation while the two of you eat, conveniently ignoring the topic of what just occurred in the living room. For the first time, you’re intently listening to Jack, holding onto every detail. You listen to him telling you about the crazy stuff he did with his brothers when they were younger, and he listens to you recount a funny story from a girls’ night a few weeks ago. You had actually already shared that story with him, but he would gladly listen to it over and over again if only to see the way your eyes light up when you’re talking about the people you love. 

After your meal, you find yourself sitting across from Jack on his living room floor playing Jenga. When the tower finally falls, causing you and Jack to fall into giggles, the two of you move on to “Guess Who?”. Once again, you find yourself in almost uncontrollable laughter. Jack’s descriptions of the characters bordering on rude, which shouldn’t surprise you based on how sassy he can get. After a couple of rounds of horrible descriptions and even worse guessing, you switch to playing Battleship, and to no one’s surprise, neither of you can concentrate enough to make good guesses because you can’t stop laughing. By the time that game finishes, it’s around 9:30 PM, but you’re not sure you’re ready to leave. 

“You have cards right?” you ask hoping you didn’t sound too hopeful. When Jack nods you continue, “How about a few rounds of go fish before I have to leave?”

Jack’s face breaks out into the brightest smile you think you’ve ever seen, “Yeah I’m down for that.”

The game goes much quicker than you anticipated, and three rounds pass by a little too soon for your liking. You help Jack clean up the mess of games before he tugs at your arm, silently telling you to sit on the couch.

“Before you leave, I need the honest review,” he holds his breath, keeping himself from asking what he actually wants to know. Does he have a chance? Could this actually go somewhere? He feels like he could throw up.

“I can’t keep lying to myself, Jack, or to you,” you take a deep breath before continuing. “I think I’ve felt something for you since the second or third time we talked, I just didn’t wanna admit it. Of course, that’s not your fault, and I don’t want you to think it is. You were right about what you said the other day at work. I was grouping you in a stereotype that you don’t really fit into, and I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I understand how it is when you get hurt by someone. You never wanna have to go through that again, but please know that I won’t hurt you. I just want the chance to show you what we could be.”

“You’ve already done that tonight, Jack,” you grab his hand, holding it between your own. “If it’s okay with you, I’d like to continue this, see where it might lead.” You’re smiling softly at him again, and he thinks he might melt from how warm he feels inside.

“That’s perfectly fine with me,” he smiles right back at you.

—------------------------------------------------------

It’s now your wedding day, and you’re recounting memories with your, now, husband, twisting each others’ wedding rings in your honeymoon suite. 

“I can’t believe if I hadn’t annoyed you so much that day we wouldn’t be here right now,” Jack sighs as he leans his head on your shoulder. You laugh a little, something you find yourself doing often when Jack is around.

“Butterfly effect I guess,” he stifles a laugh by kissing your shoulder. “And you weren’t annoying me. Some of us have to work to get paid because we can’t rely on our pretty face and hockey skills.”

“Oh, so you think I’m pretty?”

“See, now you’re being annoying,” you roll your eyes jokingly.

“Hey! You can’t talk to your husband like that Mrs. Hughes,” Jack fakes offence.

“Oh shut up, Mr. Hughes.”

He does shut up, but only when you kiss him.

[d-lanx]

New WWE AU Idea: Newscaster AU

Ok, I need to put this down somewhere before it drives me insane. It's a stupidly niche AU idea but it's taking up so much brain power for me right now for some reason. It's a journalist AU where the WWE is a TV news channel. Details below the cut.

But basically I've been thinking about all the people who've been running the PLE pre & post shows & hosting PLEs this year a lot. And with the whole news-style interviews and sitting around on sets that often look like news studios, what if they were all actual reporters in a news channel? It's a bit of a weird one I know, but it's been rolling around in my head all weekend.

Btw I have no idea if USA news channels call their emplyees the same sort of titles as we have in the UK so excuse me if the job titles are a bit scuffed. But basically here's all the roles they have, why I chose those roles for them (in brackets), and what they get up to as part of this AU news channel:

Michael Cole: Senior Newsreader- (Because of his commentary work and journalism background). Out of all the people currently regularly on TV, he's been there the longest and is highly respected. Always trusted to keep a level head in times where the world feels like it's gone to hell.

Corey Graves: Business Correspondent- (Because he has a degree in marketing). Feel like he'd do a segment kinda like "The Martin Lewis Money Show" we have in the UK, where he goes through government changes to finance-related stuff, explains it and how it'll affect the average person, and then answers questions from a live studio audience and gives them advice.

Wade Barrett: Environmental Correspondent- (Because he has a degree in marine biology). I get the vibe his favourite animals are tiny and obscure things like a specific type of sea pickle on the verge of extinction or something and he defends them aggressively to get people to help save the species. Has memorised his evidence for global warming and can reel it off with ease, but is sick of having to do it so much cos people STILL DON'T BELIEVE IN IT????????

Pat McAfee: Sports Correspondent- (Do I even need to explain why? He's a mad man and I can't imagine him doing anything else, even out of a whole cast of people on a sports show like WWE). Feel like most people try to keep somewhat calm and professional on a news show, but he's just himself the whole way through, making him one of the most popular reporters on the whole channel because people want to see his OTT reactions to certain events. Feel like he'd also probably be in charge of the news station's radio show, too, what with how he has the Pat McAfee Show in real life.

Big E Langston: Political Correspondent- (He just gives me that vibe being all analytical about wrestling feuds). He's just as tired with politicians' nonsense as we all are, to the point it's hard to hide his dissappointment when they say something stupid and he has to remain unbiased. Never lets politicians get away with evasive answers when he interviews them, but smiles the whole time as he makes them wish they were never born.

CM Punk: War Correspondent- (The man is always scrapping for the love of the game, so of course he'd be in the centre of a war). He's had bombs dropped on his head more times than he can count and regularly goes for runs as a workout to make sure he's still fit enough to run for his life when he's in active warzones. Can tell you all about the complex international relations and battle strategies but secretly has a morbid interest in death & gore which is what actually got him into the job. Once got shot on live television, showed off the wound on camera and finished his broadcast before getting medical treatment. Was only mildly miffed about nearly dying, mostly excited by the whole experience.

Jackie Redmond: Justice Correspondent- (Basically her analyst role in WWE gives me the vibe of someone discussing a crime case). Can tell you all about how 17 people have been skinned alive and cannibalised in graphic detail so casually as if she's talking about the weather. At this point in her career, pretty much nothing can phase her. So if something actually manages to leave her speechless, you know it's bad.

Cathy Kelley: General Reporter- (Basically cos it's just what she's doing in WWE). Going wherever she needs to be to interview people and get to the bottom of a story. Has interviewed some really dangerous people that are twice her size all in the name of finding a good story and everyone's just like "for the love of god please think about ur own safety for once."

The Miz: Media Correspondent- (Cos of his reality TV background and generally over the top vibes). He'd be all over red carpet events and he's definitely still hoping to use his media journalism as some leverage to get into show-business himself. Celebs see him at events and pray they haven't been spotted so they don't have to talk to him, cos he can be a lot. But this little bastard has the eyes of a hawk and will hunt them down. Especially if he's persoanlly a big fan of them and their work.

R-Truth: Weatherman- (Cos he's a ray of sunshine :) ) Just imagine the batshit insanity of him telling people about a storm or how nice the weather's gonna be or something (I'm thinking like a Bob Hale skit on the original Horrible Histories, that kind of madness).

Sheamus: Tech Correspondent- (Cos he's a former IT technician so he can be all brainy). Constantly treated like IT support rather than a journalist and is sick of having to switch on servers people promised were already on, and listening to people with no idea what they're talking about prattle on about the benefits of AI. But at least he gets to talk about flying cars and robot dogs all day and muck about with new tech for a living.

Triple H: Editor In Chief- (Basically the top role in journalism to match with his current role in real life). Running things is like trying to herd cats, but hey, he can put on a pretty damn good show. Trying desperately to move on from the scandals of the days when the previous editor-in-chief was in charge of things.

Obviously some of them wouldn't be able to use their ring names in those environments. Plus I'm probably forgetting some people who should be in this AU that have been involved in pre/post shows, hosting, and commentary, but my brain's a bit too frazzled to go thru all the PLEs right now.

But like... come on... look at them and just imagine for a second... do you see the vision???? Or have I finally gone a bit mad??

LIKE JUST LOOK AT THEM!!

Also it gives me even more reasons to think about punk in suits <3

Also also if he were a war correspondent and had to go out into dangerous places, they'd make him wear gear which means more of this. vvv

Also CM Punk & Big E Langston are the two people I'm blaming for putting this AU in my head just so you know. Cos look at them!!

But also since punkintyre died, I've been reliving my sheamus/punk shipping days and just imagine sheamus waiting for his husband to come back from reporting in an active warzone and being worried for his safety (especially if he's been hurt before [whump time?]). And then all the excitement and relief when he gets back and giving each other special attention cos they were both so stressed and now they're just so happy to see each other again.

Also imagine Punk being inept with technology and needing help from tech savvy husband who's so proud that punk's finally learnt how to attach a file in an email. Punk probably sends Sheamus facebook minions memes and Sheamus despairs.

And then Punk excitedley explains all about battle strategies and war history and Sheamus excitedley explains back about the complexities of designing a self driving car or some shit. They're both just being massive nerds together. Even better when their interests overlap, like the design of tanks or something. Feel like they'd be talking for hours and everyone is like "guys come on, we have a show to run" but they're too busy with their hyperfixations (autistic sheapunk anyone? [is that what the ship name is??]).

Just think of the shipping potential!!

And this whole countdown show also was major inspo cos to me it just looks so much like a news show.

And these three just give me the vibe that E (being a political correspondent) would obviously be doing a show for the elections. And since law and war are both very close to politics, he'd get punk and jackie in to keep him company and the three would do an overnight show reporting on election results as they come in, chatting shit the entire time.

Btw I still don't know what this all means for the other WWE wrestlers. Defeats the point of using commentators and hosts if I also have all the wrestlers also being journalists. So maybe they can be the people featured in the news. All having "normal" jobs like politicians and military and scientists and shit. And these guys can be reporting on their nonsense and bullying them in interviews.

I feel like I could add more people to it, like having ring announcers as general news readers, and Shawn Michaels, Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis as editors or something. And I'm probably forgetting other people who hosted PLEs or were presenters on pre/post shows, and other commentators. So there'll be plenty more that could be added.

Sorry about the info dump but I needed to put this somewhere. I'm not the only one seeing the vision on this am I????

[miss3d-messages]

YELLOWJACKETS SEASON 3 NEW TRAILER AND WHAT I FOUND INTERESTING IN IT!!

maybe I'm just crazy but which one of the girls was narrating the first bit??? is it shauna??? it sounds a bit like her, but could it possibly be a different character or just a side character we haven't gotten that much info on from the first and second season??

mari doing the pit girl run along with the panting afterwards has me... VERY scared... like she had a white dress on and everything there is absolutely no way that can mean anything good...

the chanting??? like the buzz chant in it from the first ep has me THINKING... as well as that the specfic characters doing it are: akilah, van, misty, and... 2 other girls which i err can NOT make out sorgy on that one.... all i know is they both have dark long hair. but this scene def makes me think they'll start splitting into groups of some kind.

as much as i don't.... love coach or anything, the scene where he's gazing at the wired noose is certainly worrying to say the least.

JACKIE GHOST!!!! i think we all..... very much knew she would be coming back with how the people on the yellowjackets panel answered the question of, "will jackie come back in season 3??" but nonetheless, still so excited and can't WAITTT to see her as a ghost...

NO EYED WOMAN AND TAIVAN!?!?! so happy we r getting more taissa backstory oh my godddd.... i KNOW the eye woman will be important to the story or the lore in some way this season. ok. mark my words i swear.... as for taivan; I do love them but.... im so so worried about how their relationship will go. Sure, its cute in the plane crash timeline, but it very much seems like it could get reallllyyy messy back in the adult timeline.

a new blackmail plot???? kinda nervous with how it'll go considering the last blackmail plot..... excited, since now we have all the survivors (hopefully....) going through it, so it'll certainly turn out far differently than before. Gonna be so mad if its ANOTHERR survivor i swear.....

MISTY INVESTIGATING... SOMEWHERE??? don't have enough context clues for this one, but, and this is just heh. a bit of a theory. but it looks eerily similar to the underground area lottie in the plane crash timeline keeps seeing.

"You're not in charge anymore." so... we can clearly see shauna isn't taking not becoming the antler queen great... however!!! we still aren't certain that nat is the antler queen. there are hopefully gonna be 5 seasons, after all.

MISTY STABBING SOMEONE HELLO!?!?!? from the clothes and the hair and overall the side features, I think it could be shauna. No other clues, but from misty burning the picture of everyone at the reunion to.... well. trying to possibly stab shauna, it could possibly be related to nat, considering just from christina's interview about misty she has said she is certainly taking it the hardest.

walter seeing.... something?? so far he's only really been associated with misty, and characters who are.... strictly associated and talk the most to one certain character in yellowjackets usually.... err. don't turn out the best, is all I'm saying!!!

we've been seeing a LOT of the girl with long blonde hair in the newest trailer that got introduced in season 2. One shot of shauna talking, with her in frame, and another with a knife against her throat. I definitely could see her playing a much bigger role in season 3.

shauna being pulled underwater?? Possibly more evidence that there IS an actual super natural force in the forest?? Or another hunt????

LASTLY.... who is that girl in the final scene???? Is the the blonde side character I talked abt 2 paragraphs ago??? Literally no other evidence on her so I have no clue whatsoever.

that is it ok baiiii :3

[idonttakethislightly]

So even without having read any X-Men, I know from Pop Cultural Osmosis that a big thing in X-Men is using mutants as a metaphor for various real-life marginalized groups. Here's a good post about one way the mutant metaphor can get weird- it's talking about how the mutant metaphor gets mixed up and diluted when there's so many other things going on in the Marvel 'verses. Also, I don't have one source for this, but many people have remarked on how people with superhuman, possibly dangerous powers, would be a little bit different from real-life groups. In this world, people might be marginalized due to their race/religion/queerness/whatever, but they're still human, right?

I mean, can we really think of a group of people who are dehumanized in part because a few of them have seemingly-superhuman abilities? People who don't just look different, but act different due to the inherent workings of their minds? Is there a group that includes the most powerful man in the world, yet is overall underprivileged? Is anyone in this world actually like that?

...yeah, so I'm saying that even if The Power Fantasy isn't intentionally doing a deconstructive take on, "Autism is my superpower," I'm going to be eyeing it with those kinds of parallels in mind. That kind of analogy is playing with fire in terms of representation, maybe to an even greater extent than mutants as other marginalized groups. Here's an article I like about all the ways that can go badly wrong. Basically, framing neurodivergent characters (autistic or otherwise) as only valuable for their abilities is dehumanizing, as is treating them as essentially different than "normal humans". And here I am, putting a read on The Power Fantasy that boils down to both those things being true- even if Kieron and Caspar aren't intentionally doing those things, I am. That's on me.

But I'm going to hang onto that perspective, at least for a while...

... because I do expect The Power Fantasy to go hard on deconstructing ideas about ability and difference and humanity and so on. And I know it's not the same: autism, the one neurodivergence I'm really familiar with, is a real-life neurological difference, and Atomic powers are a fantasy thing that doesn't seem to imply the same kinds of neurological experiences as autism. But all three Atomic superpowers clearly do things with their minds, not their bodies. And based on what we've seen, I think that shapes them in ways that are similar to autism in some ways, if different in others.

I can't speak for sure about the non-Atomic Superpowers, especially because Eliza and Jacky are still pretty enigmatic. But let's take the three Atomics one by one, and I'll make my case on how they're toying with autistic experiences and tropes:

Masumi: well, she's got an intense passion that's her main way of avoiding massive, uncontrollable breakdowns. Special interests and meltdowns right there. In some ways she's playing into that troubling stereotype of the immature autistic adult who hasn't been pushed hard enough to grow. But she humanizes and justifies that stereotype a little- she's aware she's being coddled to some extent, and there's a very pressing reason why nobody's willing to let her feelings be hurt. I can relate, in a way, to her fear of her own emotions. And it's a subtle detail, but you know how, as the monster manifests underwater, Masumi's own body goes translucent? That's very evocative, in my mind, of this certain dissociative, out-of-body experience.

Etienne: at first glance he's the opposite of the expected autistic experience, considering that he can know anything he wants about nearly anyone's inner thoughts and feelings. But he's got this highly detailed and highly cerebral approach to ethics, similar to a lot of autistic people. And as a younger man, he's a bit conceited about his own ethical smarts- this reduces a little as he goes through life and accumulates regrets, but he still acts decisively and surely making decisions most people would think twice about. People will go back and forth on whether it's accurate to say "autistic people have a particularly strong sense of justice"- my take is that we often do think hard and care a lot about what is right and fair, but that doesn't imply a superior moral compass or anything. And as for Etienne's confidence in his own reasoning, as well as his often-stoic mannerisms- it's easy to overintellectualize when your feelings are just too much to bear. I think Etienne has no choice but to completely detach from his knowledge of what people feel- if he let himself empathize as well as understand, I don't know how anyone could survive that.

Heavy: remember how I alluded to the most powerful man in our world (as in, the richest) being autistic? You know, the guy with an oversized ego and an eagerness to "wave that member of [his] on the world stage" as Etienne put it in Issue #4? Heavy's a little different, with a different kind of power, but I see him as the specific kind of autistic person who's managed to transmute his unhealthy coping mechanisms into semi-effective power moves. He's got an incredibly black-and-white take on morality, and lets his anger run away with him- but he frames those things as heroism, championship of the marginalized, etc. He's also a sensory seeker in a number of ways- sex and drugs are the obvious ones, but also, think about how much he'd have to work out and eat to actually have that body. That's if you're taking his muscles and fat literally and realistically, which of course isn't a given. But it seems pretty in character for Heavy to be using physical distractions to avoid facing how he feels, as many autistics do. But he's reframed those distractions to build up his self-image: that complicated mix of charm and intimidation that I described here. Heavy's got exactly the kind of ego and worldview I'd expect from someone who used to feel marginalized and helpless, and then found the niche that gives him power- that's an autistic-coded cliche in fiction, although usually that character is more nerd than jock. But also we call that an "aspie supremacist" in real life. It's a thing, and a concerning one.

...okay so. I didn't entirely realize, until I typed all this out, that the autistic-coded tropes in The Power Fantasy are mostly really negative ones? And that's assuming they're actually there and I'm not just projecting. (I don't think I am, but of course, I wouldn't think so.) But- I feel like, even as the story sketches out all these worst-case scenarios (maybe even untrue stereotypes) about autistic people, that they have this physical truth to them. Masumi's the one whose physical dissociation from the world is most obvious. But Etienne, who steps from mind to mind, and Heavy, who controls the world without touching it...

I wrote this whole thing about why Heavy caught my eye- it boils down to a physical dissociation from my body. Partly that's gender stuff but it's also very much autism stuff. Lots of people think of autism as a difference in personality or behavior. But while autism does affect those things (not always in stereotypical ways) really it's a difference in processing and perception.

I don't know if the story's ever going to get into this... but I'm curious how Masumi really experiences her monster, how Etienne experiences his psychic knowledge, how Heavy experiences the physical world. Sure, the differences between their minds and most people's is a massive danger to the human race, and I'm interested to see how that shakes out... but how does it feel to be like them? Does it feel anything like being me?

[mediumsizedwildcat]

started re-watching Doctor Who (again) from season 1 and. i forgot how absolutely fucking hilarious this is.

Rose gets attacked by plastic. “must be students. only students would get together to do this shit”

first meeting of Rose & Doctor: Doctor grabs Rose's hand, iconic “Run!”

Doctor asks Rose's name. tells her the situation & his solution. comes back like a second later, introduces himself, says he'll blow up the building, waves, tells her to run, closes the door behind him

Rose fully carries the mannequin's arm back home

Jackie tells Rose to make money off her trauma (compensation was valid tho)

Doctor and Rose make eye contact through a cat door

Jackie flirts with the Doctor. Doctor says “No.” (iconic)

mannequin arm gets mistaken for stray cat. tries to murder both the Doctor & Rose

“the world doesn't revolve around you. it revolves around me.”

takes Rose's hand & lets her feel how he feels the world spin. it revolves around him, if you will. Doctor leaves

That's just the first 15 - 20 minutes lmao

Rose looks up the Doctor on the internet, visits some random guy to find out more about the Doctor.

Mickey gets eaten by a trash can

Pizza. P-P-P-Pizza.

anything Mickey related in this episode really. absolutely hilarious. how did Rose not notice the plastic shine? the pet names where his voice changed?

“are you an alien?” - “yes.”

“why do you sound like you're from the north?” - “lots of planets have a north.”

Rose worried about Mickey. the Doctor: “who?”

giant, round, metal transmitter. it takes the Doctor three turn-arounds to see it

[athena-xox]

Eah ships and their Taylor Swift song

Tailor Quick

Dexven - The Archer

I could have said enchanted but that’s a copout. Anyways when I first listened to lover and heard the archer I immediately thought of them. “I cut off my nose, just to spite my face” is so Raven and her relationship with her mom. “I’ve got a hundred thrown up speeches I almost said to you” is also literally dexter. “All of my heroes die all alone” raven mfn queen. I could literally quote any lyric and related it to dexter raven or their relationship.

Dizzie - King Of My Heart

You know how in songs people don’t say normal things? And how they say like metaphors, rhymes and weird extra or missing words? That’s literally riddlish. And komh feels very Lizzie coded. And the title speaks for itself.

Dappling - Paper Rings

I also thought this immediately when I heard the song that it was very much apple and Darling. The fact that paper rings literally says darling in it… The archer is from both raven/dexters perspectives but paper rings is specifically Apples perspective of Darling. “I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this” I rest my case.

Bribelle - Don’t Blame Me alternatively I Can See You

I literally don’t have to say anything. For either song.

Huntlynn - Love Story

Forbidden love. Sneaking out to a garden is so Huntlynn coded. Just like the visuals of it all>>

Heartlockes - You Are In Love or “Slut!”

And historians will call them roommates. “One night he wakes, strange look on his face, pauses then says, you’re my best friend. And you knew what it was, he is in love” but like replace he with she. My fav friends to lovers. Unrelated but I was so shocked when I found out so many people hate Blondie. Also I could see this song from either perspective. And with slut it’s basically the same song just sm more aesthetic and well I feel like people would probably call Cupid a slut (my poor baby) because god (fairygod? Narrative? Gods? Grimm?) Forbid a goddess of love talk about… love.

Farrahlynn - tolerate it

Istg they need a better ship name. But no one ships them !! *Sighs* I see them as tragic unrequited in love with your childhood best friend who has a boyfriend and is now popular. Literally any song off of evermore fits them. I want more people to ship them!! If I had to give a happy (ish) song I’d say snow on the beach.

Dexpid - Foolish One

I like to forget Cupid ever had a crush on dexter. But if I had to acknowledge it it’s fs foolish one.

Bunnistair - Wonderland

I mean we knew it was coming. Also wtf is their ship name. Going with my personal hc (aka my canon ‘rearrangement’) I like to think that Alistair wasn’t also a wonderlandian and that he found wonderland (lmao Chissy Columbus) after Lizzie, Kitty, Maddie, Hatter and the White Queen had already left. And like he fulfilled his whole destiny literally missing the mad hatter, Cheshire Cat, and Queen of hearts. And that he lowkey went insane there.

Crystlynn - Forever Winter

More of athena rearranging canon; evil crystal!! And like basically the snow queen and crystal (snow king erasure bc what was the point in making him be the one who goes all crazy instead of the literal snow queen) purposefully mad it winter forever because they’re villain (Jackie Frost and Northwind erasure because they’re fucking useless and annoying). But like Crystal deep inside doesn’t want to be a villain and Ashlynn slowly starts melting (haha) her cold exterior. But then Crystals like sike and that’s when this song takes place. (I beg people to start shipping Ash/Crystal and Ash/Farrah more)

[yerbamansa]

Writing Patterns - First & Last Sentences

Tagged by @thetragicallynerdy - thanks for the tag! This was fun! You got me to make a tumblr post for the first time in a thousand years!

Editing to add @petrichorca for tagging me in the first part of the game - consider yourself tagged back for corresponding last lines?

I’m just combining two things because that seems handy.

Rules: list the first line of your last 10 (posted) fics and see if there's a pattern! Then list the last line of the same 10 fics you shared opening lines for and see if there's a pattern!

1. the secret middle-aged sad-sack mostly bad vibes I can sing along to playlist

First: Some things don’t change.

Last (most recent): Why the fuck, then, do they start sobbing?

2. the way things are going

First: Since things started falling apart, Oluwande learned the hard way to be careful about who to trust.

Last (most recent): Once he got it open, he read aloud: “‘Dear community and/or individuals, my name is Stede Bonnet…’”

3. Welcome to Jeff’s Inn by the Sea | Innkeeper Roleplay ASMR | Personal Attention | Realistic | Soft Spoken Male Voice

First: When Stede Bonnet’s boyfriend casually mentioned wanting to try making ASMR videos, he was all in.

Last: “I’ll have to think about that one, dearest,” he decided.

4. Rock On To The Oceanside

First: Ed Teach wasn’t built for sitting idle.

Last (most recent): And Ed felt ready.

5. Plus Ones

First: “So how did you two meet?”

Last: “Probably even better luck if we do it again.”

6. you can move in light divine

First: Oluwande had always loved Jim, probably from the moment they met.

Last: So many more conversations to come.

7. due to a controllable irregularity

First: It had been a good week, but Stede was looking forward to going home.

Last: He’d tell him. Soon.

8. an atypical emotional response to common sounds

First: Stede Bonnet had a complicated relationship with sounds.

Last: Stede couldn’t wait for Saturday.

9. Stede has started shopping for your order

First:  “Your GetMeGroceries shopper Stede has arrived at Jenkins Market!” the app informed Ed.

Last: For the moment, however, he had far more compelling priorities.

10. I Think I See The Light

First: Jackie’s traded her usual vivid reds for somber black, but she still looks every bit the part of the intimidating pirate queen.

Last: And they start humming a now-familiar tune as they scan the docks for a recognizable face: If you want to sing out, sing out…

NB: skipped one that’s a mostly abandoned group collab smau because that doesn’t seem indicative of my style, and there’s one here that needed the preceding sentence because otherwise it’s just one word.

Hmmm, so, self-analysis: I start with some kind of place-setting thesis statement. Sometimes it’s maybe a little in medias res, but not usually, I guess. The POV character is named more often than not. And I end on the edge of some kind of decision or change. That’s by design—I don’t like writing pat endings and happily ever afters (even if they are pretty happy). This is especially true for mid-fic chapters, I suppose, but it’s definitely how I approach endings in general! (There’s one fic I can think of that has a final sentence I fucking hate for reasons related to this but I don’t wanna go rewrite it because I am not sure what to change it to, and I’m really quite pleased with the rest of the fic!)

One thing that strikes me is that I can’t really tell from any of these firsts and lasts whether the fic is more funny or serious. It’s just a lot of interior monologue, really.I’m not sure if there’s anything here I specifically want to work on. Maybe experimenting more with diving right into the action?

ANYHOO. If you see this because you're still actually looking at your tumblr dash regularly (sorry sorry) and you wanna play, please do!! I won't stumble out of the woodwork and tag but I love you all ok byeee

[huffle-dork]

IF you are taking requests... could I get a sick Henny Schneeplestein/silent actor Schneeplestein. Maybe with the stomach flu. It can be a sickfic or a drawing. Which ever you'd prefer! Or both. 😄

(I’m working on some Henrik and Dr.jj related stuff! Mostly how Henny first found himself in this time! So this was before Dr. J meets Alt, and before Henrik meets Bro and Alt! Dr. J doesn’t know that magnificent exists either or the existence of magic- well except whatever the well brought Henrik to this time. so wahoo! Also I got a lot of sick fic requests for Henny so I just lumped a bunch together and then made it worse~ >:3c)

Dr. J had his phone pressed between his head and neck as he bent down next to the actor’s bedside. “Yes… Henrik is poorly again-“

“Again?” The surprised voice of Jackie echoed on the other line. “Damn… that’s been like what… 3 times already? It’s only been a few months since you found him, right?”

The good doctor frowned as he draped a cool wash cloth over Henrik’s forehead. The brunette’s eyelids fluttered and he mumbled something incoherent out in German but he seemed to relax some.

“I suppose the poor boy just has a weak immune system…” Of course, Jameson knew it was a bit more than that… Henrik came from a different time… he was more prone to sicknesses and Dr. J was still scrambling to get him records and vaccines and shots… but he wasn’t going to spill that out to Jackie. He didn’t know- and well… Jameson always kept his patients’ secrets.

“Poor guy…” Jackie sighed. “What do think it is?”

“I think it’s the flu this time unfortunately…” Jameson checked the actor’s pulse then temperature then frowned more. He was very warm… “I’m worried I might need to take him to hospital… but maybe if I’m early I can just take him to the urgent clinic…”

“I mean- how out of it is he?”

“…this morning he tried to make coffee and help me make breakfast for Alice… but he poured milk in the stainer and coffee grounds in her cereal.”

“… maybe urgent care is a good idea-“

Jameson gave a weak chuckle but then sighed, pushing Henrik’s damp hair away from his eyes. “I suppose… I’ll keep a close eye on him… if his temperature rises anymore I’ll take him straight away.”

“Sounds good, dude. Just- if it’ll cheer him up, tell him the kids miss him. They keep asking when they can see Uncle Henny and his puppets again!”

Dr. J smiled and nodded, “That would make him very happy… thank you, Jackie.”

“Anytime Jem! I’ll catch you later.”

Jameson hung up the phone then looked back to check up Henrik.

He was still so pale and thin… thick bags under his eyes and veins so stark they looked almost… purple. Especially around his wrists and neck. If Jameson didn’t know any better- he might could say they even glowed. But, that was impossible.

Henrik’s eyelids fluttered again and he finally opened them enough to see Jameson. He smiled dazedly, despite his fatigue.

“Oh… hullo doktor…” He muttered weakly.

Jameson smiled weakly. “Hello, Henrik. How are you feeling?” He signed to him.

Henrik looked up at the ceiling and knit his eyebrows together as if trying to think.

“Not… good- mmm weak and… and… wackelig-“ He pressed his eyes shut and bit back a whimper. “Is hot… and- my head is super hurting and my… Mein Magen…”

Damn the hardest part of Henrik being delirious was him switching to German… Jameson knew some but he had to rack his brain to remember. “Okay… shaky and- and your stomach hurts-“

Henrik nodded, “Ja.”

“Alright… anything I can get you?”

Henrik slowly shook his head. “I am… just tired I think… thank you, my friend.”

Jameson smiled and nodded, “of course, Henrik… if you need anything just shout and I’ll be there.”

————

It was only about an hour later when Jameson was startled from his paperwork, hearing screaming coming from Henrik’s room.

He raced down the hall and threw open the door- finding Henrik tossing and turning in the bed, sobbing out in German.

“nicht mehr! nicht mehr! Ich möchte nach Hause gehen!”

Jameson’s heart sank as he quickly walked in and then gently tried to rouse the actor awake. It took a second but slowly he started to quiet, breath coming out in shaky weak bursts. He struggled to open his eyes to look at Jameson. His irises were glazed with fever.

“Doktor…” He wheezes, “careful- Vorsicht mit den Saiten…” He gritted his teeth then gripped at his head. It was pounding so bad- it felt like his skull could break in half. “…hurts… s’hurts…!” He quietly sobbed, curling up in the bed.

The good doctor just watched Henrik thrash with worried eyes. He has no idea what to do…! He quickly went to take his temperature but… it wasn’t worse.

He hummed in thought then resigned to do what he did best. He found Henrik’s hand and started to lightly tap a steady rhythm as he pulled out his pocket watch. The actor’s tear filled eyes looked up and caught onto the sight of the watch almost instantly. He relaxed quickly… maybe too quickly. That was also concerning him. But, the least Jj could do was try to calm Henrik down.

“It’s okay Henrik… you are safe… just breathe with me and try to relax okay? I won’t let anything hurt you…”

———

The rest of the night went by in a flash. Always busy, the good doctor was. The nanny brought home Alice and they made dinner together. Alice helped him take in some soup to Henrik- but he didn’t seem all there. Jameson was just glad he ate… then Jj spent the night with his little one, reading her stories and sending her to bed. Shawn was out at a gig so- the house was quiet as the tired doctor flopped onto the couch and leaned his head back. He felt exhaustion weighing down on his limbs- and that force pulled on his eyelids before he could even fight it.

He woke up in a dark living room to the sound of a huge crash. Thunder. Jamie started awake and then fumbled for his phone- turning on the flashlight.

Caught in the light, like an animal caught in infrared was the ragged body of Henrik. Even his eyes seemed to glow green in the dark. The sight sent shivers down Jameson’s spine, especially as lightning crashed behind them, lighting him even more in an eerie glow.

He fumbled for the lights and then looked at the sick actor. “Henrik… what are you doing out of bed?”

Henrik didn’t answer. He was still in his sick clothes, hair ruffled from sleep, glasses missing, barefoot. He stared blankly at the doctor as if he couldn’t understand what he said.

Then, Jameson could just faintly hear a sound. It sounded like… static. Something Henrik wouldn’t be able to hear. He could hardly hear it himself over the distant sounds of rain and thunder.

He walked closer and spied something in Henrik’s tight grip. A… a phone- showing nothing but the offending static.

“Henrik- where did you get that? I… I hadn’t gotten you one-“

Again, the actor didn’t answer- but this time he pushed past Jameson, roughly clipping his shoulder. He staggered slightly but then continued on, despite his shaky limbs and ragged feverish breath. Jameson was thrown off guard and was about to shout out- just as Henrik threw open the door to the storm outside.

He walked out without even hesitating, shambling mindlessly through the rain.

Jameson’s feet moved quickly as he dove after him, pausing just briefly to guard his face from the harsh falling droplets. But then he’s roughly grabbing Henrik and struggling to get in the actor’s face, trying to get him to read his lips.

“Henrik! This- this is insane! You need to get inside right now!”

Henrik blinked sluggishly at the doctor then tried to move out of his grip. “Got… to… h-have… have to….” He’s mumbling, almost too quiet to hear.

Jameson lashes out, going to grab both sides of the taller man’s face so he can focus on him. His eyes burn with concerned anger. “No! Henrik please- wake up! You’re only going to make this worse!”

For a scary few seconds, Henrik’s expression remains blank and empty. But, slowly, that sickly glow seems to fade and his bright blue eyes gain some clarity.

“…d…doktor… Jackson…?” He slurs in confusion. Jameson slumps his shoulders slightly in relief. The actor pushes himself out of Jj’s grip to look around- noticing now where they are.

“We are… outside…” he breathes, as it confused. Then he looks up at the sky and laughs distantly, “it is… raining-“

He shivers and then shuts his eyes. “Mmm… it… fühlt sich gut an…” He sighs. Then, he starts to pitch forward, face and body suddenly falling limp- making Jameson scramble to catch him. They fall into a heap on the wet grass.

Henrik almost immediately starts to wheeze again as his head falls against Jameson’s legs, painful gasps of air coming from his throat. His face is scrunched up in pain. Jameson fumbles to feel his forehead- and even with the cooling rain he startles back from the burning warmth. Jameson frowns then sighs and starts to load up Henrik into his car. It was time to see Dr. Doom again…

Henrik briefly stirred and blearily looked out at Jameson as he was sat up and buckled in. “Doktor… juwel?“ He mumbled.

For a second, Jj smiled. He adopted Jackie’s nickname for him it seemed. “Yes, Henrik… I’m right here.”

Henrik reached out and Jameson was quick to find his hand and give it a gentle squeeze. Through, his fuzzy vision and soaked bangs, Henrik found Jameson’s eyes. He looked terrified, which sent a spike through the good doctor’s heart.

“Bitte, Juwel-lass nicht zu, dass er mich mitnimmt…”

His grip in Jameson’s hand then fell limp again as he slumped back against the window in the car. Jameson’s heart spiked- because he now knows that phrase too well… Henrik had mumbled it over and over in moments like these.

‘Please… don’t let him find me…’

The strange phone that Henrik held was left in the rain- the static flickering with green light.

[vestaclinicpod]

Audio Drama Sunday - 20th August ✨

I must admit that I dedicated A LOT of listening hours this week to the new Hozier album (which is incredible omg) but I still had some great audio drama listening!

🌲@hellofromthehallowoods (129) What a fun break from episode convention! I’ve been highly suspicious of Nimbus from the start, and I feel vindicated that he’s not a normal cat as well as relieved that he doesn’t seem to be overtly malicious. I can’t relate to Nikignik’s dislike of felines, but it did really make me chuckle when it was revealed that all indescribables fear cats… Buddy, you can fear something without reviling it! Ough and the look-in on Jackie HURT MY FEELINGS so bad!! I can’t cope with sad dogs 🥺

🦀 @thesiltverses (30) TSV is back, babey!!! The sound design at the start of the episode was phenomenal, I loved the way they weaved music in with the sound effects in such a fluid way (the river sure does rise!) And oh man, Faulkner, you fucking idiot. They know!! They all know!!! It is such a delight to hear some of my favourite VAs doing their amazing work again. Méabh de Brún has absolutely annihilated me already. I’m obsessed with this discovery that the Trawlerman appears to still favour Carpenter while the Caring Maiden seems to slip away the more Carpenter seeks her. I should have started a S3 bingo because I was hoping so badly that Carpenter would join up with Hayward and Paige!! This season is going to be amazing. I’m so ready. 

📻 @monstrousagonies (108) Mab!! The queen returns! I am ever so slightly skeptical that Apocacorp is all bluster . . . I just feel like, even if that is the case, they’re not going away without more of a fight . . . 

🌒 @monkeymanproductions Moonbase Theta, Out (finale part 1) OHHHHH SHIT!!! It’s all kicking off on the moon!!!!! I love Alex’s sweet, sincere hopefulness in: ‘We’ve been through the end of so many things but we’re still here’ 💙 Isn’t that just it! I don’t want to give away the major spoiler because the ep only just dropped but oooohhhh my god! I was wondering if this might happen and wrote the idea off. This changes everything!! 

🎙 Welcome To Night Vale (232) HELL YES. I have been waiting literal YEARS to get into this business with the Desert Otherworld and its impact on my favourite scientist and the impact of both on my favourite community radio show host. My popcorn is ready, let’s get into it!!! 🍿

🤴I finished season one of InCo by @itmeblog! This is micro-scifi at its best and if you’re a fan of extensive single-person casts, InCo does it remarkably!! I'm really looking forward to seeing how the story develops!

🧬 Regina Prime (6) OOF I think this is one of the most intense episodes we’ve had yet! The acting was amazing in this one, Jess pulled out a full Youtuber apology and managed to keep that edge in her voice to give you the prickling sensation that something isn’t quite right. 

 💫 Wolf 359 (48) Ugh what an absolute mind fuck! I’ve been tying myself in knots trying to work out how I would personally react and cope if faced with a scenario where one of my friends is not the person I knew but is otherwise indistinguishable from them. And I just don’t know!

🎩 @ethicstownpod (8) AAH!! Ethics finale!!! This show has been a wild ride from start to finish and WOW what an ending!! I really don’t want to give anything away to people who haven’t listened yet but I’m almost ashamed that I didn’t see this coming and if you haven’t listened to Ethics you really really need to!!! 

🥾@doyoucopypod (6) More questions than answers from this episode of Do You Copy! What does Reese know?! What doesn’t like you listening?? What doesn’t like you listening?!??! 

🐬 More spectacularly odd @patterspod P Files! It’s fun to hear the obvious mistake being made and I’m really looking forward to Ryan facing the consequences of certain actions….

I hope everyone has a lovely week!

[blue-dream-rhapsody]

On Xcution - Epilogue Design Choices

Look I know sometimes the curtains are just blue. But Tite Kubo can be so deliberate with his character design, and with fashion choices in particular, I feel like it’s worth at least looking at it as if it’s on purpose.

And by “it” in this case, I mean his designs for the Fullbringers in his timeskip calendar set. (The four living ones, anyway).

[Under the cut for length. Once again, footnotes can be saved until the end, probably better if you do, and are just attached to the point I think they’re most relevant to.]

Even more specifically, I want to talk about Yukio when compared to the other three. Because I wholeheartedly believe Kubo chose this look for him for a reason, and not just because he didn’t want to change his style from his teenage years.

Think back to the members of Xcution (the original members, outside of Ichigo and Chad), and how their clothes looked. Think about the color scheme at play. If you can’t quite remember, here’s your hint: black and white.

Ginjo, with black jacket and pants, white fur collar, white shirt underneath, and white shoes. Tsukishima, white button-up shirt with black pants and suspenders, black shoes. Riruka, black dress with white trim, black boots, white hat. Jackie, black jacket, white pants, black boots. Giriko, black waistcoat and pants, black bow tie, white dress shirt, black eyepatch. Yukio, black coat, pants, shoes, and hat, with only a white cravat(?) and white gloves.

The outlier is, of course, the outsider Shishigawara, who underneath the standard black of his school uniform jacket and pants, wears a t-shirt thats mainly red-orange. Make no mistake, him being the only one with another color like this is likely on purpose. Chad is also in black and white at the start of the arc, but with his usual vibrant shirt underneath, because he belongs by Ichigo’s side more than Xcution’s. Meanwhile even Ichigo himself is in black and white in the lead up to the end of the arc, black t-shirt and white pants.

“But this is a manga first!” I hear someone saying. “Of course they’re in black and white, that’s the nature of the medium!” But tell me, hypothetical objector, among the other “factions,” when’s the last time you looked at the Visored’s outfits in any of the color illustrations from the main manga? Hell, by the hatched or gradient shading of some of them in just the source material, you don’t even have to see the color to know it’s not pure black and pure white, not on everybody. Or how about the blue and gray in the Quincies’ outfits? Not pure white, and with exception of accessories, no black to be seen at all.

The Fullbringers are also, much like the Visored, a group in easy access to the breadth of modern clothing in the human world. They’re not like the Shinigami who have a uniform, or the Espada who only wear anything particular because Aizen makes them. Xcution could wear color. Riruka especially, who loves cute things, seems like she should be. But she doesn’t, and they don’t. Not then, anyway.

Which brings us to this set of illustrations, ten years in the future.

How much black and white do you see?

Now white, admittedly, is a little hard to avoid. Shishigawara is in a suit, dressed for a corporate environment, and the white dress shirt is just a staple of that. (Also a staple piece of a certain someone else’s dress while he was alive, though whether that’s related or not, who can say.) Riruka’s socks also appear to be white, matching the line in her skirt. If you think her shoes are black, though, try color-picking around the area; you’ll find they’re a coordinating dark green.

And how about the stripe design on the inside of Jackie’s blazer (*1)? That’s probably black, right? Interesting, that. Keep it in mind, along with the other examples.

All three of them have vibrant colors on, with just hints of their old uniformity in traces of either black or white. But Yukio? Apart from his tiny gold jacket buttons and the light blue in the soles of his shoes—assuming it’s not just shading of more white—which would be mostly unseen normally anyway when he stands, and are only visible to us at all because of the angle he was drawn from, he is entirely in black and white. A similar look to his youth, in fact, although he has ditched the hat (*2).

The important thing, is that it’s Yukio still wearing these colors. To understand why that matters, we have to look at his appearances past the end of the main manga, in the epilogue but also the novels that take place in between.

The last we see of Yukio within the scope of The Lost Agent arc, he has a conversation with Jackie, in which he responds to her sorrow their group is breaking apart. He says that, given three years, he’ll have grown his company significantly, and at that point he’ll bring everybody still living (these four) in to work for him. He makes this promise after just having commented that he never felt connected by Fullbring to anyone among them, immediately proving that dismissive statement to be a lie—or at least that it wasn’t from their Fullbrings alone he gained a sense of connection, something especially comforting to say to the person who lost hers.

Now, three years, he said. Then his next chronological appearance (excluding Thousand Year Blood War, which is like weeks later at most) is the novel series of Can’t Fear Your Own World, which takes place just six months after the end of the conflict with the Quincies. And yet, in that time, it’s commented he had already brought Riruka back in and had also at least reestablished contact with Jackie.

Two and a half years sooner than he had told her. And by the time of the novel We Do knot Always Love You, which is itself two and a half to three years after the end of the Quincy conflict, they are both already in full instatement with his company, Jackie working in aid for developing countries and Riruka having a fashion design role at one of his subsidiaries.

(Admittedly, we don’t know when Shishigawara joins the company. However, Yukio is at least tracking him enough to know he visits Tsukishima’s grave periodically, as of just the six months until Can’t Fear Your Own World. We also see in the epilogue Chad in a televised boxing match sponsored by the company, although if that’s about Chad or about the program itself, it’s hard to tell from just the mention.)

Not only that, but Y. Hans Enterprise becomes a haven for Fullbringers beyond them. Any he finds on his own, but that’s not all.

Within the scope of Can’t Fear Your Own World, when the Fullbringer Aura Michibane sacrifices herself to prevent a disaster, she leaves in her wake a cult of previously normal humans who she’s exposed to the reality of the Soul Society, in other words concrete proof of an afterlife and real spiritual power. Humans who can never go back to truly normal life.

And Yukio takes them on. Into his company, so far as we know not into a new iteration of the cult, but into a group that fully understands the reality they’ve now been exposed to. A place to belong when the normal world is no longer meant for them.

If that doesn’t already sound familiar, we also learn in these novels that the Xcution we met in The Lost Agent is not the first time a group of Fullbringers has centered itself around Kugo Ginjo. That he had done this before, back when he was an acting Deputy Soul Reaper, with this exact same intention—creating a space for those who, like him, found themselves outliers in the normal world.

Yukio bringing the other remnants of their group back to his side is not merely about preserving their own bonds with each other. It’s the beginning step of something greater he has taken on, something he is continuing willingly and deliberately: Ginjo’s legacy, the good parts of it. The parts genuinely meant to help others, to create space for bonds like theirs which, despite how twisted circumstances got, formed regardless and shaped them all. Yukio doing this at all, despite how closed off he always had seemed, is tangible proof of that.

And this is why, in my opinion, Yukio is wearing black and white even ten years on. Still wearing the colors of Xcution. Not merely because it’s his preference, but because he has become Xcution, the axis of it, in the spirit it should’ve always been, the spirit Ginjo had once upon a time meant it to be (even if not in that second, messy iteration where they all had to realize on their own what they meant to each other, what it meant to them).

Riruka, Jackie, and Shishigawara are all still connected to it, of course, through him. But they’re following their own paths, living lives beyond it while the thread remains. They’re in vibrant color, the colors of their paths forward, with only hints of the old monochrome mixed in. White shirt, white socks, black stripes. Yukio, though, has made his life’s work into this. He’s built his company out of it, for the purpose of it, made it inherent to it. Whatever it branches into, be it fashion, television, electronics—that is all in service of it being that place for people to belong.

————————————————

(*1) literally sitting here. Face in my hands at 4am. Because I just noticed while writing this sentence that Jackie is wearing a chain necklace. Unless it’s a chain fastener meant to keep her shirt collar partly together, but it seems to go under the shirt completely so.

Like fuck, maybe it’s just fashion but. Her and Kugo having very similar trauma hasn’t escaped my notice. If for him, his necklace represents the power that failed him in protecting his loved ones… she’s wearing an homage to that same necklace… adding to her being the only one of the four, other than his clear successor who has both, to have black instead of white, hidden on the inner part of her blazer… also being the only one without her Fullbring anymore, the power that also failed her…

(*2) Unclear if Yukio still wears the gloves with his hands in his pockets. Color-picking there and the cuff of white nearby both have shading in pink, and a glove could also start lower on his hand where we wouldn’t see it regardless.

For what it’s worth, Yukio’s original design seems very much meant to convey an aversion to vulnerability with other people, preventing him from being exposed or able to be touched directly anywhere. Losing the hat at least in his adulthood, I think, is a step out of that mindset, and the gloves would serve a similar meaning should they be absent too.

Also, from the size of the image, cannot figure out if his cufflinks are just squares (possibly jeweled or otherwise a common style), or if I’m not imagining the tiny indent in the middle of the four sides suggesting it’s an X-shape… Shishigawara’s are too unclear to tell if they’re round or square even for comparison.

[star-kissed583]

The washing machine (chap. 10)

Single dad Jackie AU

Summary: it’s Marvin’s first babysitting day, and the day is already starting to be a hassle. But he’s trying his best!

<<|chap 1. |>><<| prev. chap |>><<| next chap | >>

"And just make sure that simple chores are done. Whatever doesn't get done I can definitely take care of later tonight!"

Jackie spoke to Marvin while he was carrying Jay. Anthony stood by Jackie, just looking up at his brother with a soft smile.

Marvin took note as he nods, "Okay perfect! Don't you worry-I think I got this all down" he smiles.

Jackie nods before looking down at JJ, "alrighty...I gotta go. You boys behave...I think Henrik is still asleep but I'm sure he awakes soon."

Carefully Jackie passed Jay to Marvin. JJ began to squirm softly, not recognizing the arms he was being handed to. Anthony didn't seem to like it as much though, and began hopping as he tried to grab Jay's leg.

Jackie quickly grabbed his bag before heading to the door, "good luck and I'll come back later tonight! Let me know about anything!"

Marvin watched Jackie leave before looking down when hearing Anthony let out what sounded like an angry whine.

Marvin stares for a bit before sighing as he walks to the kitchen, "how about some nice milk to start the day for you two? What would you guys like? Chocolate or-Hey!"

Anthony had followed before Marvin, kicking and hitting a bit, before suddenly grabbing his leg and biting Marvin.

Marvin shook Anthony off, "what's your problem, you little gremlin?!" Marvin scoffed, setting JJ on the counter beside him, "I honestly can't see how you and Jay even are related" he rolls his eyes.

Jamie meanwhile was still trying to figure out what was happening. He squirmed in his spot, before his tummy let out a small rumble. He pat his belly, letting out a soft whine.

Marvin looks over, smiling softly at JJ, "let's get you some milk. Do you want regular?" Upon seeing JJ nodding softly, Marvin got a sippy cup and filled it with some milk. He made sure the lid was tightly secure before handing it to JJ.

Anthony pouts, sitting down on the floor with furrowed brows. Marvin stared down at him, both having a small staring contest. Before a soft sigh left the adult, "you want some too? Regular or chocolate?"

Antony let out a tiny growl, "Jay!"

"If I put you beside him-will you stop attacking me?"

"Jay!!"

"It's a yes or no Anthony. That's not a proper response"

"...."

Both resorted back to staring at each other, until suddenly Chase and Henrik walked in, with Robbie in between them and holding both of their hands.

Chase stared a bit concerned, his head twitching occasionally.

"Ugh...fine." Marvin bent down and tried picking Anthony up, only for the boy to let out a loud shriek and start flaring around.

Anthony didn't even take notice of the headache he was beginning to get was only getting worse-until his eyes started dotting with black. His breathing started to pick up and before it sounded like it randomly got caught.

Marvin felt Anthony's body suddenly limp before it began to spasm. He yelps, quickly setting the boy down and taking off his jacket to put like a pillow under Anthony's head.

The others watched in worry, Robbie confused why one of the younger twin boys was spasming on the floor again.

Marvin had his watch out as he timed the seizure.

Henrik walked over, carefully pushing anything that was around them away, so that Anthony didn't hit it in accident. Chase made sure to stick by Robbie, keeping an eye out for JJ.

Jay heard something was happening, but simply drank his milk as he kicked his feet softly.

Once Anthony had calmed down, Marvin made sure he was still breathing before shifting the boy to his side. He let out a soft sigh, writing a quick note on his phone about what happened.

Henrik walked over and sat down beside the two, "He okay?" He asked gently. Looking at the boy who was still passed out.

Marvin gave Henrik a soft smile, "He's gonna be okay. The seizure must've made him tired. How about you and the others get something to drink while I help Anthony?"

Henrik blinks. He only could grasp some of the words Marvin said, giving him a small-confused nod before heading back to Chase.

"Where's Jackie?" Chase voiced, looking around to see if he could spot the man who adopted them. Still holding Robbie's hand.

"Jackie had to go to work. He had to leave early in the morning but-BOOM!!" Marvin let out a Yelp at the sudden yell from behind him.

Jamie let out a silent scream and burst into tears-having gotten startled by the sudden yell as well. In his startled state, he accidentally dropped his sippy cup-it falling down to the floor. In the process, the lid popped off and splashed all over Marvin.

Marvin flinched and looks back, seeing Chase covering his mouth in embarrassment and a sort of regret, "s-sorry-BOOM!-Sorry!" The boy tired up.

Marvin gives a tiny smile at Chase, "It's not your fault.." he mumbles. Getting up and grabbing some paper towels to try and pat his clothes dry, 'I really liked this shirt too...' he thinks sadly.

Chase rushed to get some paper towels, wanting to help clean up the mess on the floor. But in his heighten anxious state-he kept on ticking. At one point slamming his hand on a puddle of milk, making the mess worse and splashing more onto Marvin and some on himself.

"Oh-AH!-oh my! I'm so sorry!!"

Marvin put on a soft smile as he wiped the milk off his cheek. He hums, "It's fine...here, I can clean up. How about you take Jay with you and the others to the living room? Play a bit while I deal with Anthony and make some breakfast." He offered.

Chase felt himself tear up but nods. He looks to the side as he helps Jay to come down. Holding the boy's hand while shuffling to the living room with Henrik and Robbie.

Marvin sighs, grabbing more paper towels while cleaning himself and the floor. He looks down at Anthony as soon as he sees the boy stir. Squatting down beside him, "Hey...how ya feeling buddy?"

Anthony rubs his eyes as he sits up. He made an uncomfortable sound, feeling nauseous but not knowing how to express it.

"N-mmm-no" Anthony tried speaking, his voice sounding a bit troubled as he whines softly.

Marvin helps Anthony sit up as he shakes his head, "Deep breaths. Let it calm down."

As the little boy tried to take some deep breaths, the nauseous sensation only grew before suddenly some of the vomit started to escape his mouth.

Marvin was quick to grab paper and try to catch as much as he could on the paper, picking the boy up and leading him to the sick. Anthony beginning to burst into tears while vomiting once more.

"It's okay. Breathe. Through your nose hon...just like that. Let it out. It's okay" Marvin tried calming the boy down. Making sure the water was running to wash down the vomit and avoid the smell spreading as much as he could.

Once Anthony was done, the little boy was crying as he trembled. Marvin making sure to clean his face with a wet rag, "You thirsty?? What do you need Anthony?" He asked softly.

Anthony rubs his eyes as he let out a whimper, a small nod leaving him.

Marvin sighs, grabbing small sippy cup with water and then getting an ice cube. He first gives Anthony the cube, "suck on that first. And once your done with it here is some water"

Anthony nodded, hopping down and being handed the ice cube and the sippy cup. He waddles off to the living room to see the others. Though still feeling sleepy. Marvin being left alone to clean up the kitchen and himself.

Entering the living room, Jamie and Robbie were seated on the couch, both very confused on what happened. Henrik meanwhile was hugging Chase and trying to calm him down-who was crying while his tics were going haywire.

Anthony watched confused and tired, before simply waddling to a spot on the floor and sitting down. His eyes fighting to stay awake as he sucked on the ice cube.

Chase was to busy crying to notice, his hand continuously hitting his leg. Henrik tried putting a pillow there to lessen the hit on the skin, but knows either way his friend was gonna bruise. Henrik rubbed Chase's back,

"It okay. No hurt someone. No you fault"  Henrik reassured quietly.

Looking up from Henrik's shoulder, Chase rubs his watery eyes, sniffing softly, "b-but-AH!-but he didn't want my help cause I made it worse!"

Anthony saw Chase crying more. He furrows his eyebrows, unsure what went on-until Marvin walked in. As soon as Chase saw Marvin enter, he was desperately trying to wipe his tears away.

Anthony stood up, stomping over to Marvin before suddenly kicking his leg. Figuring that Marvin must've done something to Chase.

Marvin yelped at the kick, looking down at the one year old, "Hey, that wasn't nice"

"Meanie!" Anthony claimed, going for another kick, only for Marvin to sigh and pick the boy up.

Anthony began thrashing again, biting Marvin's shoulder and arms, " down!! Down!!"

Marvin was about to talk with Anthony again before seeing Chase's teary eyes. He frowns, setting Anthony on the couch, "hey...what's the matter Chase? Why you crying?"

Chase looks down, staying close to Henrik as he mumbles quietly-Marvin didn't hear.

"You have to speak louder hon. Here how about we sit down"

Marvin sat on a couch, patting the spot next to him.

None of them having noticed Jay waddling off. Chase sitting beside Marvin while Henrik followed and sat on the other side of Chase.

Robbie crawled off his seat, before stumbling over to Henrik. Grabbing onto the boys pants and trying to climb up to his lap.

Henrik yelps feeling this-looking down at the boy, a nervous smile on his lips before gently setting him on his lap. Henrik hugged Robbie close, the younger one sticking his thumb in his own mouth while snuggling to the older boy.

"Now talk to me...why are you crying?"

"I wanna help-but-but-Ow!" Chase tried explaining but hit himself in the chest, making him wince. Before Henrik could react, Marvin grabbed a pillow and held it in place of Chase's hand.

" go on... 'but' what hon?"

"I made it worse! You-AH! You were upset. It was my fault the mess was made anyways!"

Marvin frowns as he listens to Chase. He rubs the boy's back as he shakes his head, "It wasn't your fault hon. I wasn't upset at you. I promise okay? Would some breakfast make you feel better?"

Chase nods softly, small hiccups leaving him as he rubs his eyes. Trying to calm himself down to also calm down his tics.

Marvin looks at the other kids, "Well I have some eggs and bacon already prepared, how about let's go eat, and meanwhile I can make some pancakes for you guys. That sounds good?"

Getting nods, Marvin watched the kids walk off to go eat, but he couldn't help but feel like someone was missing.

"1...2...3...4...there should be 5..."

"Jamie?? Jay??"

Hearing Anthony calling out for his twin made Marvin realize who was missing. He stood up, looking around, "Jay??where did you go hon??"

Meanwhile JJ had wondered off to where he thought was the kitchen-but actually ended up in the laundry room. He was feeling around-unsure where he was, but wanting a snack.

The washing machine door was left open, and Jay thought it was a cabinet door, without even thinking, he tried climbing on to feel inside-only to end up falling in the washing machine instead. A silent yelp leaving him.

"Anthony go eat with the others, I'll try finding Jay"

"No! Jay!"

"Yes I know. But I can find him, go eat. He couldn't have gone to many places, he's blind"

"No!"

"I don't need to fight with a one year old. Go eat Anthony"

Anthony simply stuck his tongue out before continuing to look around for Jay. Looking underneath the couch.

Marvin was about to say something before he heard a sound coming from the laundry room.

JJ was trying to get out of the washer, but whenever he stood up-he'd thunk his head on the top of the washer. It made him stumble and fall back on his bum-the wheel of the washer swaying a bit and catching him off balance.

Marvin walked into the laundry room-seeing how everything seemed remotely normal.

The dirty hamper was full with clothes he needs to wash.

The laundry materials and soap was in their places in a cabinet.

The machines were off with the doors open.

The wheel inside the washer was moving...wait-

Marvin quickly rushed over and spotted Jamie

inside, the little boy having a frustrated look. A simple sigh leaves Marvin's lips as he gently goes to take the boy out, "How in the world did you even manage to get in there..."

Jamie let out a cry when he was suddenly grabbed and take out of the enclosed space he was in. He starts to squirm frantically.

"Jamie stop. I'm trying to help you"

Jay ignored the man, he didn't know him. It wasn't the voice of Jackie. It was the random man that had come to their home. He couldn't hear his brother anywhere, "An-An!!" He mouths as he kept thrashing.

"Oh my goodness...Jameson! Stop thrashing, I need to check if your hurt"

Jamie instantly froze at his full name being used. He began to tear up before bursting into tears. Shaking his head, while trembling.

Marvin frowns at that reaction. He walks back to the living room, to set JJ down on the couch, only for Anthony to come running at him.

"Jay!!"

Jamie perked up at the sound of his brother's voice, he instantly squirmed, reaching out towards the sound as he cries.

Anthony went over, kicking Marvin's legs, "Down!! Jay down!!"

Jay's little feet began to kick, continuing to reach for his brother while crying.

Henrik could hear the commotion in the hall. He stood up from the table, "stay. Eat" he tells Chase and Robbie before wondering to the hall with curiosity.

He saw Marvin struggling with JJ and Anthony. Before the older man finally simply gave up and set JJ down.

Jay instantly rushed to his brother, feeling Anthony grab his arm and hold him close. He was crying into his brother's shoulder while Anthony narrowed his eyes at Marvin.

Henrik wondered over, standing beside Anthony and Jay, "Hey...it okay...come eat. Feel better vith tummy full." He spoke softly, gently guiding the two young ones away.

Marvin watched as the three walked away. A small sigh leaving him.

The rest of the day was also difficult. Anthony refused to let Marvin close to Jay.

Though the smaller one seemed more content just simply playing with some stuff animals.

All the other kids were playing around-at one point Chase was playing a game on the tv with Henrik, which helpfully distracted the other boys.

Marvin took a deep breath as he stood in the kitchen. He finished some chores and it was now late. The amount of times he had small arguments with Anthony over the smallest things was shocking. The little boy was full of fire, unlike his twin brother.

He had written everything that has happened during his time there-just as notes for Jackie.

Speaking of which-the door knob jiggled a bit before it opened and in came Jackie. The hero looked exhausted, panting softly as he tidied himself up.

Robbie was the first child to hear the door open. He looks over, before a big smile goes to his face and he rushed over-stumbling along the way.

"Papa!! Papa!!"

"Hey little champ! You had a good day??" Jackie scooped the little boy up-pressing soft kisses to his cheek.

Robbie nods, "M'd'aw papa an' me!" He giggles. Pointing over to the living room floor where there was a piece of paper that had three blobs.

Jackie smiles, walking over and picking up the sheet. He saw the other boys were doing their own thing-though some looked tired. But then sees Marvin come to the entrance of the living room with three bottles of milk.

Marvin sees Jackie, smiling softly at him as he goes and gives two of the sippy cups to Jay and Anthony. The third bottle was for Robbie. He walked over to Jackie, who held the boy, "Here Robbie. Some milk"

Robbie looked back at Marvin. He smiles, grabbing the sippy cup and drinking some milk while leaning against his dad's shoulder.

"Hey...how were the kids today?" Jackie spoke softly, swaying Robbie in his arms.

Marvin looked back, seeing the kids were basically half asleep, "lemme put them to bed first. I wrote some notes on the kitchen counter though if you want to look at them."

Jackie perked up, "let me help you!"

With a thankful smile, Marvin nods as he goes to get the kids to bed.

The only ones that Marvin had trouble with was Anthony and JJ. No surprise there. Anthony refused to go with Marvin, or even let Jay go up with the man either.

Jackie was helping Henrik to sleep. Chase fell asleep pretty quickly by how tired the boy was. Yet, Henrik was struggling.

The German boy's amputations were in pain. He didn't know how to describe it to Jackie. Not knowing how to find the words as he trembled in pain.

Jackie was seated beside Henrik, rubbing and massaging the boy's amputated arm with some soothing lotion, "It's okay...I need to know, where does it hurt? What are you feeling?"

Henrik was crying at this point, "arm! Sore" he tried to keep his voice quiet as possible-not wanting to wake Chase.

"Did you take your prosthetics off at all today?"

Henrik gently shook his head. Looking down ashamed. He didn't want to expose or show his amputations to Marvin, feeling embarrassed about his missing limbs.

Jackie sighs, "Tomorrow, I don't want you wearing your prosthetics all day. They need a break...okay? I promise Marvin won't judge. He understands. He's here to help you." He spoke softly.

Henrik nods, sniffing as he yawns. He could feel the soothing cream helping a bit to calm the pain. Henrik sighs softly, "Danke papa" he mumbles tiredly. Slowly falling asleep, not seeing Jackie's shocked face.

After a bit, Jackie finally got up. He fixed the blanket of Henrik, tears pooling up in his eyes as he quietly walked out. Wiping his eyes with a bright smile. Outside in the hall was Marvin, looking tired.

"Long day with the kids huh?"

"I don't know how you do it...but goodness it can be a struggle" Marvin spoke with a light chuckle, "come, I'll let you know what happened today and then I'll get out of your hair"

Jackie smiles, "I'll get you something to drink, whatever you want!" nodding and following beside the man to hear about the day.

[docholligay]

Ep 5: Bullet points 

Hello! This is about up to Episode 5 of Yellowjackets, and ONLY episode 5 of Yellowjackets. I have not seen beyond the fifth episode, at all, and know NOTHING about this show. Please do not spoil it for me.  Things that are spoilery in nature, for me, include: saying things like  “Just wait!!” confirming or denying anything I put forward, outside information about the cast interviews or creator statements, leading questions like “Do you think “blank moment” means anything?” etc. Remember  that Y’ALL HAVE SEEN THE SHOW AND I HAVE NOT. This informs the way you  talk about things relating to the show. Just be really careful is all  I’m asking. Also: If there is LITERALLY any stance I  could take on this show or character that would make you upset, please  just fucking block the tag

If you WOULD like to discuss the show and my takes on it, the Discord is right here! I don’t go there, so it’s a great place to get every emotion out.

Please thank @sailorsunspot and @moonlight-frittata for backing this odd way of doing a liveblog, and remember my tip jar is always open

Also loving the stage that’s being set of ‘feeling bad for Jeff’ who is making a distinct effort here to try and engage with Shauna we love a complex narrative, we love Shauna looking like a real asshole. 

I adore what a dumbass Shauna is to think she can hide being pregnant from all of these girls, this is never going to happen, no. 

Boy do I wish actual hunting was as easy as hunting in Yellowjackets

“I looked him up,. He doesn’t exist” what an interesting thing to make note of

How much shitty eyeliner does nat have and how long will she continue to wear it?

I find it so fucking deeply suspicious that Misty catches the symbol in the photos. I know she’s a citizen detective, but, that absolutely should not be something one can catch from random photos that are not of the pattern itself. That’s an insane amount of mental mapping. 

Jackie’s parents giving Shauna the uniform feels borderline cruel. 

Hey, captioners, it’s “speak your piece” not “speak your peace” 

I did not like putting this in any of the essays, because it didn’t really fit, but I absolutely love the infinity symbol, as an idea that they will always be dying here, they will always be here, they will never, in a sense, get to leave this room. 

I should have seen Shauna being pregnant with Jeff’s baby.

[captain-lessship]

I want to say something: we always should separate the characters from the actors because simply: it’s their job. And a current situation is a perfect example of why we always should. I have always been in the position that if you write for a character with a shit actor, you shouldn’t feel bad about it but you need to make it crystal clear that you don’t support or condone what the actor says/does. But now that I am, by technicality , one of those authors, I am having a mild moral crisis about it so I am going to do what I said all authors in my position should:

Danny Masterson is a fucking piece of garbage.

When a public figure finally gets what they had coming, it’s wonderful. Danny Masterson, a shit person who hid behind fame, money and a fucked curtain of a rich man’s religion that will protect you as long as you cash a hefty check, is getting what he had coming:

30 years away from the general public.

It is what he deserved for what he did to those women. While this sentencing will never undo what he put those women through, he will be punished and therefore send the message that they’ll get you eventually no matter who you are. They got him.

Now, like some Steven Hyde lovers that I have talked to, I can’t help but feel a sense guilt. He did his crimes while playing our favorite burnout which is extremely saddening to know and uses that role to gain a sort of respect that would deter most people from saying anything against him.

I love that 70s Show. A lot of life lessons were learned from that show.

Red taught me that you can be a sarcastic shit and mean well.

Kitty taught me that love can’t fix everything but it can give you the motivation to fix something.

Eric taught me that there is some extraordinary in being exceptionally ordinary.

Donna taught me that you show chase your dream cause no one else is gonna do it for you.

Fez taught me that no matter where I go I can find friends and by relation, a tidbit of happiness.

Jackie taught me that you gotta love yourself first and run into your own arms.

Kelso taught me that damn, that could be anybody. Jk, he taught me that it’s good to like how you look.

Then there’s Hyde. Hyde is now a difficult situation. Because he used to be the epitome of self-reliance. But now, he’s a well crafted guise that was designed, like all characters of a series, to become well known and thus, gain a type of influence and love.

I know damn well that actors are there to play a role and cash a check but it will never not amaze me that someone can lie so well. Danny Masterson is the guy Steven Hyde would beat the shit out of. Like Johnny Depp said, “With any part you play, there is a certain amount of yourself in it. There has to be, otherwise it's just not acting. It's lying.”

So I am completely comfortable in saying that, by that quote, Danny is a fucking liar and should rot.

I will always strive for my readers comfort so I need to know now, would it upset you all if I ever wrote for Steven Hyde? I will not be hurt by the outcome of the poll so do not let that skew your answers.