#my past is haunting me I cannot win with you people

[raideo]

you gotta lot of nerve wanting reigen to win the poll considering when i first met you you were IN CECIL COSPLAY

KLFSBHKGJSDG LISTEN...... LISTEN I CAN EXPLAIN...

LISTEN.... YALL GOTTA TRUST ME THAT HE'S WORTHY OF THE TITLE. IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN MP100 YOU DON'T KNOOOOOW, MAANNN

maybe this just means I have to do a Reigen cosplay now to show the strength of my convictions

[tomlinfonda]

Inside me there are two wolves.

One who thinks that the writers are either stupid or cruel, and that the finale was so incomprehensibly bad that I shouldn't try to make sense of it. And that I should move on.

The other one is a subtext-and-metaphor-hungry beast that is manically obsessed with finding a reason, at least subtextually, for the incomprehensible mess they made out of these characters, especially Ted, in the finale.

Everyone is so right to point out that Ted in previous episodes would not have acted like this. I think the reason for the sudden regression in his character is Dottie.

That morning, full of smiles, in a good mood, Ted starts his walk to work.

He cheerfully strolls through the streets, saying hello to his neighbors, making chit-chat with them. He is (as Trent said it in 1x03) out there in the community. He is, more importantly, part of a community. Until suddenly-

"Mom?"

Dottie's arrival changes everything. Ted gets worse and worse throughout the episode. In the hotel room in Manchester, the football anthem "Blue Moon", with the haunting lyric "You saw me standing alone" plays over Ted's lonesome figure, in the shadows, depressed.

Juxtapose that with his first scene: the lively neighborhood and daylight.

At the end of the episode, his conversation with his (manipulative) mom hits him deep. He feels immense guilt over not being there for Henry. And he's been torn over this for the entire season.

His mom, and the way she acts, and the way she manipulates him, push him in the wrong direction: Kansas.

I think Ted has disassociated for most of the finale. But I also think that he is intentionally pushing people away. Maybe he thinks that this will make it easier for him to leave, maybe he thinks that this will make it easier for them to let him go. Maybe he just hates himself so much that he cannot accept their help. Maybe he feels guilty that they're showing him so much love, when he knows he will abandon them.

Either way, he quits. Something that he would not have done, even in season 1. So his regression goes farther than the first episode, deeper into his past. He goes from:

to having doubts on the plane about leaving without winning the whole fucking thing

but leaving anyway.

And this is one of the most curious things to me. Rebecca offers to bring Henry to him in England by helping relocate Michelle:

And yet, he refuses. So, sure, this is about being there for his son. But given the choice between his son with his beloved community, and his son without his beloved community, he chooses the latter.

I've heard the argument that we don't know for sure that Ted doesn't have a support system in Kansas. But from a narrative perspective, it's important that we haven't been shown that hypothetical support system at all. And given that he actually returns to Kansas without the one person who we know supported him before coming to England, it comes across as a terribly isolating situation.

So why would Ted choose to part from his found family, even though bringing his son into that family would be an option? My theory is that he just really fucking hates himself. I think he wants to punish himself, maybe for being away from Henry for so long, maybe for something else. I don't think he believes that he deserves love or even credit for how he helped the club.

I mean, Rebecca and Trent offer him exactly that this episode: credit for what the did for the club.

And he rejects them both, choosing instead to remove himself from their lives, to erase himself from the narrative.

I think he's lower mentally than we've seen him for a while.

I think he's in his dark forest.

So the plane departs and then lands. And Ted is back in Kansas, driven through the prosaic, picket-fenced, isolating, depressing American suburbs to the house where Henry and the ex-wife who doesn't love him are waiting for him.

And the light might be golden, and he might be reunited with his son. But as we close in on the last shot of the show, you can see his smile try to fight the sadness in his eyes and you know.

He's not happy.

[sordidmusings]

Halloween in One Piece

Was blabbing at @schoute about Halloween in the OP Universe since she's doing some Halloween sketches for funsies! I'm working a little bit on a tiny One Piece haunted house AU thing (also for funsies) but this got me thinking of what would Halloween be like in the One Piece universe?

And I think it would be the most possible fun - different sections of the seas have their different traditions and takes on the thin veil holiday. Some traditions vary island to island. A lot of it depends on how much movement/intermingling there is between the locations so each of the four seas has an overarching set of traditions with variation based on island but the Grand Line is WILDLY different from place to place

Kids argue over which island to visit to get the best candy, young adults argue over which place has the craziest celebrations, and even full fledged adults try to argue which place's festivals are best. Those same kids arguing for candy also gripe about how lucky pirates and marines are to be able to hop down the shoreline or head to the lands with the biggest celebrations

Also love the idea that you may end up getting more than you bargained for or taken for a wild ride if you don't check the celebrations of the land you end up on during Halloween. Imagine a place with something similar to The Mari Lwyd, but for Halloween instead of Yuletide. You've settled at a new island and are all set to welcome some trick or treaters just like you loved at your old island. There's a knock at the door and you run over, bowl of candy in hand. The cloaked person with the horse skull is taller than you expected but maybe on this island it's normal for adults to trick or treat too, you're not one to judge. But then they start spouting riddles at you. You try to answer but they keep coming. You're accosted for quite some time, not knowing that giving them some liquor will send them away. (This happens to be a favored tradition of Shanks and he often tries to be in the area so he gets to be the dude who hassles people til liquor happens)

Also the rumors kids would have about the mythical goods and traditions on the Grand Line!!!!! "I hear there's a whole island where the dead come back for Halloween to steal the living back with them!" "That's nothing - I heard about a crazy giant lady with an island made completely out of candy, but if you fo there she'll just use it to fatten you up and eat you instead!" "No way that's real, you're a liar!!" "Nuh-UH my uncle's in the marines and he swears it's true!"

And since Schoute asked about costumes-

I bet it depends on the island/sea!! Some plaes are big into costumes and look at you funny without them while others only specific people wear them or maybe it's just masks or paint or veils. Some places are more like Carnival in Italy or have city wide masquerade, some are like gamelan parades or Surva (thank you @click-and-flash-pest-captures for telling me about the latter 🤍) to scare away evil spirits so only people performing would be in full costume. Some are like the US costume tradition where you dress up as whatever you want - there's trends of characters and vibes of costume (long live the unhinged slutty costumes 🙏🏻) but it doesn't necessarily have to be scary. Or maybe within the area of the seas that are like that, some islands its the scarier the better and you better not set a single foot on that island if you're not ready to have the piss scared outta you. Whole thing is basically one haunted house and used as a test of courage. Rumors always spread of what you win if you make it past all the scares and traps to the island's center, but they also say no one's ever actually made it.

Ok but also the brothels of port towns that there DEFINITELY are (you cannot convince me otherwise, there's too much money to be made doing that in this world) going HAM for Halloween to entice customers. More pious lands using that fact to prove that the holiday is for degenerates.

Also on that note - despite the Celestial Dragons and their ilk being the richest they'd have the WORST Halloweens cuz they wouldnt understand actual fun if it bit them in the ass. Who needs a city's worth of candy bars over the joy of dressing up and goofing off with your friends or taking your kids out or anything else you could imagine. Their Halloween is cold and sterile and materialistic. Boo to them - they wouldn't be able to handle even a single mischief night 😤

OML I would pay all the money to just have an episode of ASL participating in mischief knight or or or young Shanks and Buggy (who get caught by Rayleigh and brought to Roger, who only encourages them and teaches them better pranks and tricks. Little did they know that was Rayleigh's intention all along). Also with mischief night, none of that pumpkin smashing shit - our boys are better than that 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 (maybe not some of the other ones tho. lookin at you, Kid)

Tentative tags: @gingernut1314 @writingmysanity @hey-august @haveatthee83 @feral-artistry @mytanuki-kun @discordantwritings

[marinaiguess]

So, I wrote and recorded this song, inspired by @starrjoy's @pandoraaucomic (which you should definitely read if you haven't already). I thought I'd share it with the world cuz why not. My mic is awful so I apologize for the quality but I hope that you enjoy nonetheless:)

Lyrics under the cut:

I wanted to fly To reach for the stars But I was always told I wasn't enough I wanted to be A hero across the seas But all I ever did Was kill my family I was trying to find This destiny of mine To be like my mom To be someone for once And now it's the time To face my mistakes The water keeps rising The past keeps haunting me I wish I hadn't listened, I wish Things were different between you and me 'Cause in my dreams I'd see your faces And I'd run to look for traces of hope They're staring at me The people I have killed This could be a dream But this time it feels real My sister and my brother The entire Christmas Island They've resurfaced in silence Leaving water trails behind them The voices and my fears They're getting too real They're closing in on me The word champion is all I hear Everyone I knew Is now taking her form She can control them all Using Pandora's Box I wish I hadn't listened, I wish Things were different between you and me 'Cause in my dreams I'd see your faces And I'd run to look for traces of hope It was over, it was hopeless When the waves took over our land History could be repeated As I see that you're back from the dead I know that I can't lose you again. I can't sacrifice anyone else Not today I'm just letting you know I'm not letting you go Wear my heart on my sleeve So that you can see through me But one thing's for sure I'll protect my little bro No matter what the cost They should all be dead Nobody had been saved The things I did that day Should not happen again And even though it hurts I will have to fight them She took them all from me I won't let her be Pandora cannot win.

[thisnameisnotspokenfor]

The Breaking point Analysis

Warning: do not read this post if you have not read chapter 36! You have been WARNED

Also I wrote this when I was sleepy at 2 am so sorry if it doesn’t make any sense.

Now I usually try to avoid making posts where I openly discuss stuff in my story- but after all the issues this chapter gave me- I wanted to do this.

The breaking point is a weird chapter for me it’s both one of my favorite and least favorite chapters- but it’s a contradictory chapter within itself. It’s one that is both a payoff and build up in a sort of way…

Think about it in Chapter 33 Tomas writes this in his journal:

‘To die and leave behind so many unfinished things was my worst fear. A fear that may very well become a reality given my current situation. “You expect me to still be alive by then?”

What was Tomas’s worst fear became Asha’s breaking point, and it’s all so tragic when you realize the similarities between the two. Both were fairly young when they got to meet the stars and ended up running into trouble with the crimson court or a seperate entity armed with similiar powers. Both being novices had to rely on a yellow/blue star to keep them safe while said star worked with an ulterior motive.

It’s strange right?

We don’t know how Tomas’s adventure or experience with Sirius ended. All we know for now is that he did not want his daughter to get involved in his past/legacy. Which ofc in and of itself can and does bring up a lot of questions but the worst part is that Tomas is gone and now he’ll never get a chance to fairly explain himself to his daughter. Their relationship and perhaps even her perception of him will change because of this which is something I think we could all say wouldn’t have been something Tomas would have ever wanted.

For all the work Tomas put in to build and help others he couldn’t stop his worst fear from coming true- and that’s what makes it all even worse.

But the tragedy or rather my favorite part of the breaking point isn’t just there- it’s in everything Asha doesn’t say, or rather what she inadvertently confronts herself with.

When Asha’s justification for the past 5 years of her life unravels who do we see appear before her? Everyone higher on the social ladder, with even the apprentices making sneer remarks on how Asha was never one of them, how she’s unwanted or mocking her for Cepheus. It’s a sharp contrast to how she dismisses their mistreatment of her, but deep down she does care and it really does bother her

So many things she’s told Ceph that she’s seemingly gotten over comes back to haunt her in this conversation- not having powers, not having a noble title or not being able to win Ignacio’s heart, not being able to believe in wishes after the power failed to save her father and grandmother but it’s not just her realizing it, but it’s her hating herself for it.

She hates herself so much that she believes all the mistreatment she receives is justified because of it. She hates herself for purposelessly existing in a world with so many fantastical beings and people. But most of all she blames herself for not being able to save her father and grandmother.

Remember this line from Chapter 33? It’s the question Sabino confronts her with:

“Do you think your father would’ve valued this kingdom over the wellbeing of his only daughter?”

And Asha cannot answer. She in fact just changes the subject!

But it’s worth mentioning the things she thinks in that moment:

The answer seemed so obvious, but their unfinished star maps and broken dreams had made her wonder.

Shes doubting the love her father had for her (which has aged like cheese lol) because remember she could plan to make star maps in advance with him but all magnifico had to do was show up one night and her father would promptly cancel with her. We see this in one of her dreams:

Chapter 12: the dream

“Papa?” she whispered.

“Tomorrow,” he said softly, in a tone that made her heart sink.

That was what he’d always tell her on nights when he was too busy to take her stargazing. When his friend would come to whisk him away for weeks, maybe even months at a time.

Her heart began to ache as she cast the beautifully clear sky a glance, knowing that tonight would not be the night she’d spend perfecting her star map with her father.

It’s an arguably selfish realization to reach, but I suppose in the mind of someone with deep insecurity and terrible self loathing it’s just a hint of the cracks about to form in their relationship. given what we know now it’s one that I think has aged with a terrible vengeance as Asha’s mind seems to think that the reason why her father wouldn’t let her know about his legacy is because she’s a disappointment.

You can even see it here in how she contemplates the question.

Why wouldn’t he? Between her and the kingdom, at least the kingdom had offered a sense of refuge and hope for its people. What had she done? Other than crying, failing, and running around aimlessly, not much. Everything she’d achieved and promised had only been because of the star, not herself.

What is said in chapter 36:

“Are you?” the king asked, watching as she hesitated . “Because the last time I checked, you and your lack of powers weren’t the reason that it got fixed.

“Or the reason that the market got decorated,” Lady Allard sobbed, as she gingerly held her bandaged arm.

Chapter 33:

There’s a reason why her father’s projects and dreams had never gotten off the ground. How could they when he had an unspectacular daughter like her at the helm of each project? Her poor father, if only he’d known just how doomed his projects had been when he’d promised her that they could build them together.

What Velius tells her in Chapter 36:

“You accomplish nothing yet you still manage to cause more trouble than you are worth. Then you wonder why people struggle to believe in the projects and ideas you helm.”

What Asha thinks in chapter 33:

Maybe he should’ve wished for a better daughter…

Whats said in chapter 36 by the king:

Maybe your grandmother and father still would’ve been here as they’d not only have the child they deserved but one that could have ultimately saved them…”

((I don’t think it’s a coincidence))

But it’s very funny to see it when you realize that last chapter (chapter 35) she tells Ceph this:

“But that resilience wasn’t enough to save her from a broken heart…our wishes weren’t enough…nothing we did was enough!..” she nearly yelled as her eyes narrowed. Disgust and anger filled her as she spat, “After that…I just couldn’t bring myself to believe in them again…how could I? All I’d ever wanted was for my Dad to be healthy again, and for my family to be whole once more…Was that so wrong to wish for?

But now we see that it’s Not just the wishes that isn’t enough, but herself. And maybe that’s why she can’t wish for anything because deep down she feels like it just won’t come true because she isn’t deserving of it.

That’s why she doesn’t bother challenging magnifico about his wish granting despite knowing that he’ll definitely pass over some urgent wishes. It’s not because she inherently agrees with it but it’s because she doesn’t think she has the place to say otherwise especially to someone like magnifico who is the opposite of her.

Then there’s the part about her feelings for Ceph. Hearing that he was entertained and pursued by princesses has to be absolutely crushing when you realize Asha’s financial situation and the girls she notices he happily entertains.

But that’s not even the worst part- notice how she calls out her grandfather for this:

“Mean?!” her grandfather stammered. “He’s the one leading you on and making your life harder, yet you call me the mean one?!”

She responds with this:

“Cepheus isn’t leading me on! Saba why can’t you just understand that he’s only trying to help me because he’s my friend?!”

And later confessed that Cepheus is one of the few bright spots in her life:

“He’s the only reason you got out of that forest unharmed!” Asha cried as she pointed at her grandfather. “The only reason why I got to stay home…and the only reason why the tree got healed! If he hadn’t been there then…then…” her voice trailed off as she took in the shocked expression on her grandfather’s face. But it had been the disappointment in both the eyes of her mother and grandfather that had hurt her far more than the assassins had as she lowered her head, whispering, “I…I can’t take it anymore! Everything has been so terrible for me lately, everything except for this, for him!

But ironically we see later on that her argument is used against her.

The guilt over the Clariveaus, the queen, Julian and lady Allard also eat away at her as well, reminding her that no matter just how much she comes to care and Cepheus, that deep down she’s just as responsible as he is for the suffering he’s caused.

She even hears the figures say that Cepheus is incapable of ever loving her back or is only using her for what he wants. She likens it to her experience with Ignacio, which if you think about it does sorta share some similarities.

Then there’s the helplessness she feels despite giving him credit. Even before Asha spirals you can see it usually eating away at her as she starts to think that maybe Magnifico’s advisors had a point. And it’s not just a point she hates conceding too but rather one that haunts her so badly that she fears that if she moves elsewhere her experience will repeat itself.

“I don’t think you can. You could move away, but the results would still be the same. I don’t need you, nor does the world for that matter. Our power far exceeds anything your little science could compensate you with…

On a side note I honestly feel as if jealousy is an unspoken facet of Asha’s character because it’s so deeply hidden behind the insecurities that it’s hard to tell. But I think the jealousy is born not so much out of a yearning to have but moreso a yearning to belong. She wants so badly to be trusted, to be understood and maybe even loved, but after so many failures I think she’s come to realize that it’s not worth the risk. She’s terrified of failure and the burn that comes with it.

She compared herself to Icarus at one point- reaching for stars that would consistently burn her. But isn’t there something ironic about someone who is so deeply insecure, so self-loathing who doesn’t even think she deserves the most simplest of things to compare themselves to a cautionary tale of overconfidence, and ambition?

But there’s one more thing I would like to bring up:

Why would Asha want to burn her storybook? It’s full of fairy tales isn’t it? Something similiar to the world she lives in and wants to be apart of. But the reasoning that the ‘king’ gives to her is that ‘she doesn’t deserve it.’

I personally believe that this sorta extends beyond the physical sense- so it’s not the king saying she doesn’t deserve to physically have the book but moreso she doesn’t deserve to entertain herself with fairy tale like dreams when none of hers ever came true. It’s her self loathing in full display because that book used to be everything she ever represented, and she was going to burn the symbol of who she once was, who she once dreamed to be in a perfect world along with the book of her dreams for how she turned out in the real world. Completely and utterly destroying her future and aspirations because she no longer knows who she is.

It’s not until she sees herself in a mirror looking completely worn down and broken just like how the rest of the world sees her, and maybe like how the audience sees her, does she stop. Because now she realizes that she no longer knows what she’s doing.

And for someone like Asha who never usually confronted a problem without some semblance of a plan, who always bore things with a smile because she believed in an ultimate purpose, perphaps that’s the saddest part of it all.

[crumbsssscookie]

Girl!Logan is everything! I love it so much!

Honestly I'm so excited for the Prema arc because Oscar will 100% be utterly besotted with Logan none the wiser! Poor Fred has to deal both of them. You know those videos the three of them filmed at Prema? Oscar would definitely have the biggest heart eyes! Those would definitely haunt him for years to come as everyone teases him.

Would Nico or Jensen spot the very obvious crush Oscar (and literally every other guy she races with) has on her? Do either of them call up Mark to tell him to control his driver and his lovesick eyes before they do the F1 world champ version of a shovel talk for their not daughter?

Logan that Prema season was super competitive fighting for the top spots, will you be changing who wins the championship this time around? Will she jump to F2 with Oscar after that season or stay in F3 one more year? I doubt with Nico and her PR manager she'd have the same funding issues as OG Logan, but it'd be really interesting to see that conflict and struggle. I mean, she's being on the rise sure, but some setbacks would be interesting to see how she reacts, you know?

Really love this story and super excited to see where you take Logan! 🩵

Ooookayy friend, buckle up, this is going to be a long ass answer 😅

Those Prema pandemic videos have a special place in my heart. I'm still not over Logan not getting what Fred means with "swimp" and beach boy looking like he's completely lost it when Oscar calls them prawns later (bc Logan was the only person in that room that in fact knew that there is a difference, you can't tell me otherwise), just god tier comedy 😭😭

Absolutely with you on the heart eyes bc although they aren't as close yet going into 2020, it is Loscar's first meeting since Logan was dropped off in this universe. And going from Oscar's perspective, the last version he knows of her is the friendly 17-year-old girl that loves to yap about her special interests and then he arrives at Prema and there is a full-blown woman standing in front of him. And then we go into the video shoot and it's all get to know each other questions and she gets every. Single. Answer. Correct.

But she does it so nonchalantly, because of course Logan remembers (that is her best friend from her past life after all) and Fred sits there entirely confused because he doesn't know his former teammates that well, so she has to like Oscar, right? And Oscar still has to close his mouth from having his brain shortcircuited, so the verdict on his feelings is clear. But nothing. Ever. HAPPENS!!!! At least not for a long while.

As for Nico and Jenson - oh, they definitely notice. Especially Nico. Been there, done that. Clocks that crush in an instant but finds it amusing, since again, been there, done that. And as long as it doesn't distract Logan, good luck have fun 😉 as soon as people start to get handsy with her tho, he'll be handing out the shovel talks like it's free candy (I'm looking you, Pierre & Charles 😒)

Now Jenson would take a while. That man is completely focussed on doting on his grid daughter, that he is completely out of the loop for a while. Because since Logan herself doesn't realize that people have crushes on her, there is no reason to discuss that topic with Jenson. That is, until Mark calls up Jenson pleading with him to have a talk with his driver, because he cannot take listening to Oscar swoon over Logan anymore. Cue Jenson hitting up Nico, if he was aware that a huge number of fellow drivers are crushing on their daughter and Nico revealing that he's intimidating people on the regular for the better part of their professional relationship.

Now onto the racing side of things: I don't want to spoil too much, but it's not sunshine and roses for Logan for the rest of her junior career. You hit the nail on the head with that she will have no funding issues this time around and move on to F2 alongside Oscar. Yeah, Logan has the experience of a 40 year old race car driver, but she hasn't grown into this body and this life just yet.

I toyed with the idea of changing who get's the F3 championship title but decided on Oscar because I feel that in their comparison (and I know it's very hard to hear) he's still the superior driver and will end up where he is right now while Logan still enters F1 with Williams. I never planned this fic with Logan winning it all. Changing one's gender doesn't magically make you a Schumacher or a Hamilton or a Verstappen, but it makes you more concientious about your approach.

Sorry, if that got a little too real at the end 😅 It's just bonkers to me how much fem!Logan has grown close to my heart over the last few weeks and that this fic exists just because I had to air out my grievances with JV and Williams.

[crazylittlejester]

I wasn’t going to put this in an ask but it’s genuinely been haunting me for the past few days and I don’t know if it came from your, someone else’s, or my mind but going back to the world with the chain and Nintendo games yes? Time would be SO creepily good at those knock-off party games. Like, not Mario Party or any other recognizable party game, I cannot emphasize how much it is not those games (specifically not Mario Party, that is Sky, he will defeat any and all adversary there, and Time will be the first to fall). It’s those free to 99 cent games that nobody ever talks about.

I genuinely don’t know if the specific game I’m thinking of exists cause I went back through the records and couldn’t find it anywhere but I vividly remember sitting on the cold hard floor playing shitty party games with my brother years ago so it’s got to exist, and Time would be the best at it to ever live!!!

That minigame that honestly was just Just Dance but with poorly choreographed fighting? He is winning. That really boring one where you shake the controller upside down to like… pop a cork or something??? For a solid minute? He is demolishing the competition. Another game that I forget but I have to believe there was more than 2? He is the winner. Every. Single. Time.

I have no idea if this makes any amount of sense cause I should absolutely be asleep but I was very serious when I said it’s been haunting me. Any time my thought haven’t been preoccupied, it’s been Time winning at knock-off party games for the past like week so I am giving these thoughts to you, enjoy!

YES. god i saw garfield cart at a used game store and my biggest fucking regret is not buyin’ that, Time would be sooooo good at those

Time to me is the kind of person who to people who dont know him well seems almost boring and or average and then he gets roped into doing an Activity and absolutely fucking demolishes everyone and it looks like it costs him little to no effort to do so. and he does it with a straight face too 😭

[elisajdb]

A Glimpse of the Future

A Time Travel story for @gochiweek

AN: For those not reading Life With You, Mrs. Niver is a character I created. She works for Chi-Chi's father and doesn't support Chi-Chi's marriage to Goku.

She had to stop her. She was making the biggest mistake of her life.

If I don’t do this, I’ll never forgive myself.

She watch them together for several days. Princess Chi-Chi and her fiancé, Son Goku. The Princess returned from the Tenkaichi Budokai announcing she will wed Son Goku. Oh, she and many people knew of the Princess’s engagement to the young man but she didn’t take it seriously.

For six years her Princess waited for Son Goku and he never sent a letter; never dropped by for a visit. Nothing. From what she pieced together, he didn’t propose to her. It wasn’t a formal arrangement between King Gyumao and Son Goku’s parents. From what she knew, he didn’t have parents. He was raised by King Gyumao’s sparring buddy, Son Gohan.

He's not someone from a rich background who would make the kingdom grow. He’s not someone with pristine lineage or history with the kingdom like my grandson, Kaifun.

He’s a bum. A strong, idiotic bum.

That was Mrs. Niver’s first impression of Son Goku when Princess Chi-Chi introduced him to her.

How careless our King is to give away our Princess, his only daughter, to this uneducated, freeloading bum.

He talked like a hick who seemed to be lucky in life because he can fight. He was strong winning the Tenkaichi Budokai and declared the Strongest Under the Heavens but what benefit is that to real life? What does that do for the kingdom?

Absolutely nothing. He doesn’t deserve Princess Chi-Chi.  

Mrs. Niver felt it in her old, cracked bones Son Goku will bring nothing but bad karma to Princess Chi-Chi.

 I have to show her the truth.

Mrs. Niver rubbed the pouch attached to her hips that will free Chi-Chi from her blind love for Son Goku. She visited a fortune teller of her princess’ future. The psychic wasn’t specific but what she told Mrs. Niver, wasn’t good.

Five years from now Princess Chi-Chi will suffer a great heartbreak.

Son Goku is a man with a dark past that will haunt Princess Chi-Chi for the rest of her life.

Those cryptic words were enough for Mrs. Niver to do something. “Tell me what I can do to save my Princess.”

The psychic gave Mrs. Niver a bag of powder. “Blow this on the princess. Let her see her future. Only she can change it. However,” she warned, “if she accepts her fate, she won’t remember what she learns.”

“Why not?”

“If one chooses to repeat the course life has set for them, it cannot be altered in the slightest way.”

Chi-Chi was unaware of Mrs. Niver’s plans as she admired herself in her mother's wedding dress in front of the mirror. Tomorrow she will wed Son Goku. Her dreams of being with the man she loves will finally come true. Chi-Chi couldn’t wait.

“Hello, Mrs. Niver,” Chi-Chi smiled at the old woman entering her bedroom. She knew Mrs. Niver wasn’t fond of her choice of a husband. Chi-Chi knew the old woman thought her grandson was a better match and urged her to be with him but Chi-Chi couldn’t go back on her promise to Goku. He wanted to marry her. He chose her. She thought so then when Goku touched her most private area. She knew now it was a misunderstanding but Goku still wanted to marry her and she still wanted to marry him.

Over the days leading to the wedding, Goku showed initiative he wanted to be married. He worked with her father and people from her village on building a home. He went on walks with her. She did most of the talking but Goku listened and asked questions. He was a little standoffish as it became clear to Chi-Chi Goku wasn’t used to anyone taking a personal interest in him that didn’t equal into personal gains for them, but as Chi-Chi showed she cared for Goku for himself, he was slowly coming around.

Mrs. Niver thought Chi-Chi looked beautiful in her mother’s wedding gown. If only she wore it for her grandson and not Son Goku.

“You look beautiful…. like your mother on her wedding day.”

“Thank you. I hope Goku thinks I am beautiful.”

“If you’re worried about that, that boy isn’t the right man for you.”

“Of course Goku is. He’s trying so hard to give marriage a try.”

Mrs. Niver shook her head. The child was so blind. “He shouldn’t be trying at all. He should know what he wants. He should be ready to provide for you. He should---”

“Mrs. Niver,” Chi-Chi put her hands up silencing the old woman. “I know you don’t like Goku but tomorrow he will be my husband. You should begin respecting him as you respect me and my father.”

Hell would freeze before she respects Son Goku. The young bride wouldn’t listen to reason. Mrs. Niver didn’t have a choice. She opened her pouch and scooped out a handful of purple powder. “May your eyes finally be open, Princess.”

Mrs. Niver blew the powder at Chi-Chi.

Chi-Chi coughed as she waved the powder away from her. Some of the grains entered her nose. She coughed. “What is that? What are you…..” Chi-Chi swoon. Suddenly, she felt dizzy. “What did you…?” Oh, she was so sleepy suddenly. What was that Mrs. Niver blew on her? Chi-Chi fell on her bed. Her body felt like a ton of steel. She couldn’t rise and she was so sleepy.

Mrs. Niver appeared over. “I’m doing this because I want to save you from your horrible future.”

“No….” Chi-Chi shook her head trying to fight off the sleep her body was succumbing to. “No…. Goku…..” she called wanting, needing him. “Goku…..” she choked his name before her eyes closed shut.

Chi-Chi’s eyes opened but she didn’t see her pink canopy hanging over her. She saw a white, textured ceiling. It looked familiar but she couldn’t place where she saw this ceiling. Oh! Our bedroom. Looking around, Chi-Chi saw a dresser chest, a vanity table and mirror and an opened closet. This was the bedroom of her future home with Goku.

Why am I here? Chi-Chi sat up confused. Why wasn’t she in her room at her father’s castle?

The sheets rolled down to settle around her waist shocking Chi-Chi as her naked breasts were exposed. She screamed and pulled the sheets over her breasts. She never slept naked!

The bathroom door slammed open as Goku ran out. “What? What is it, Chi-Chi?”

Chi-Chi saw her fiancé and screamed again! Why was he here? He can’t see her naked! They weren’t married yet. They----

Her eyes nearly popped from her skull when she saw Goku was naked, too. “What are you doing?!”

“Me?” Goku pointed at her. “You’re the one screaming.”

Chi-Chi pulled the sheets over her head and screamed. “Why are you naked?!!”

Goku cocked his head at her confused. “I slept naked and I went into the bathroom to take a dump. I was cleaning my hands when you screamed.”

Chi-Chi lowered the sheets to see Goku coming around the bed to her. She pulled her legs to her chest as he came closer. What was he doing? Why was Goku walking to her naked? Why…..

She saw what hung between his legs.

Is it really that big?

Chi-Chi covered the sheets over her head again. Goku grabbed it and pulled it down to her shoulders. He was sitting on the bed. She couldn’t see him below his chest so this was fine but it was very uncomfortable he was naked.

Chi-Chi stared at Goku nervous. She only saw Goku’s bare chest at the tournament. It was one time but she didn’t remember Goku’s chest being this big. His chest looked swollen and wider; muscles were so ripped and defined.

Wow.  

“How did you do that?”

Goku looked so confused. “Do what, Chi-Chi?”

“Your chest. How are you so big?”

Goku laughed. “I guess I am bigger but training with King Kai and under 100 times gravity would do that.”

King Kai? She thought Goku trained under Kami and his assistant, Mr. Popo. And what did he mean about one hundred times gravity? She imagined Goku trained under a rigorous workout but one hundred times gravity? She didn’t understand what that meant. Gingerly, Chi-Chi reached out to touch his chest. Oh, wow. It was so solid. “You feel so strong.”

Goku touched Chi-Chi’s forehead. “Are you feeling okay?”

No, but could she tell Goku what she thought without sounding like a crazy person? “I’m a little confused.”

“Bad dream?”

Did she dream she wore her mother’s wedding dress? Was she dreaming about her and Goku now? “Maybe. I’m confused.”

“It has been confusing for you.” Goku was frowning now. “Sorry about that but I am trying to make up for everything. You believe me, don’t ya?”

Chi-Chi didn’t know what Goku was talking about but she knew from his eyes and the guilt in his voice, he was sincere. “I believe you.”

“Good.” He smiled at her but it wasn’t innocent. It was wicked. “We got some time. Want me to keep making it up to you?”

“I guess.” What was he talking about?

Goku grinned as he pulled the sheets from Chi-Chi. He touched her knees and pushed her legs apart. Chi-Chi’s eyes grew. What was he doing?! She saw Goku lowering his face between her legs. “No!” Chi-Chi put a hand on Goku’s head and pushed him away. “What are you trying to do?!”

“Make you feel good. You always like it.” Goku settled himself between her legs again. He spread her and locked his arms under her legs so Chi-Chi couldn’t stop him.

Is he gonna put his mouth there?! Do couples do that?  “We’re not married!”

Goku raised his head confused. “Are you still mad at me? You’re acting weird.”

“I’m not mad.” But she was confused. Not long ago, she stood in her wedding dress talking to Mrs. Niver and now she was naked in bed with her naked fiancée who wanted to do things to her they couldn’t do until after the wedding. “We’re not married.”

“What are you talking about? We….” Goku counted on his fingers. “We’ve been married for seven years. I’ve been away for a while but we’re still married.”

“Seven years?” That’s impossible. They’re engaged and getting married tomorrow.

“Are you still mad I was away? I’m trying to make up to you.”

Away? Away from what? Chi-Chi didn’t trust herself to ask. “I----”

“You’re still stressed,” Goku figured out the problem and knew the solution. He gently pushed Chi-Chi to lie down. “Relax and let me take care of that.”

He was moving between her legs again. Chi-Chi shook her head. Chi-Chi didn’t know what Goku was going to do but she knew they couldn’t do this yet. They weren’t married. “Wait, Goku,” Chi-Chi tried to stop him as his tongue swiped between her legs causing a shocking shudder to pass over Chi-Chi.

He’s licking me!!

She gasped and squirmed as Goku’s tongue gorged on her. His tongue buried deep inside her and his nose pressed against her sex as he moaned and savored the taste coming from her most intimate area. It caused the most shocking pleasure to spread through Chi-Chi.

Oh… my….  She was beginning to feel hot but good. She heard a moan. Was that her? Is that what it feels like? Her legs relaxed and her hips moved on their own trying to keep up with Goku’s mouth, tongue and fingers? Is he using….  “Oh!” Chi-Chi pushed herself harder against Goku as she felt herself giving in.

It felt good but wasn’t this wrong? They weren’t married. They couldn’t do this before they married.

Maybe I’m dreaming or maybe me in my wedding dress was the dream and this is real.

Chi-Chi’s head tossed as she panted feeling Goku driving his fingers deeper in her and his teeth scraping the heart of where most of her pleasure was felt. She read about it; heard whispers of her maids talking about it when they didn’t know she was around but never dreamed it could feel this intense. When she felt Goku suck this precious spot and bite it with his teeth, Chi-Chi screamed but not of pain. This was a scream of pure addictive pleasure!

“Again!” Her hips bounced off the bed and her hand fisted Goku’s hair and pushed him firmer against her. She didn’t know what Goku was doing. She just needed to feel it again. There it was! That sweet feeling between her legs. It kept growing the more Goku licked her.

Keep your mouth there.

Goku was happy to oblige, licking more voraciously encouraged by Chi-Chi’s moans. He drove the pleasure between her legs to an intense level of ecstasy she never thought possible. It feels so good. I can’t stop. Chi-Chi succumbed herself to the sensual demands of her body. She gasped, moaned, and panted for the exquisite pleasure Goku was giving her until she reached the end where her body convulsed as a loud, joyous scream tore at her throat as waves of rippling pleasure overwhelmed her hot and sweating body.

Chi-Chi laid in bed as a mindless, vibrating vessel of pleasure with what she suspected was the goofiest smile on her face. Two days ago, she and Goku started kissing. He knew less than she and today he was doing that to her body down there! What kind of dream was this? Whatever it was, Chi-Chi didn’t want to wake from it. She was married to Goku and he just gave her the most amazing feeling in her life.

“All right.” Goku grabbed her legs and spread her wider. “Time for the main event.”

Chi-Chi raised her head to understand what Goku meant. She saw his penis; long, thick and very hard jutting at her.

It’s even bigger.

This might be a dream but she wasn’t ready for that! He was too big!

That can’t fit!

Goku hadn’t noticed Chi-Chi’s panic as he settled between her and brushed his tip at her entrance. Chi-Chi worried he was going to plow in hard when a knock tapped the door.

“Mom? Dad? Are you awake?”

Who the hell was that?!

“Gohan,” Goku muttered under his breath as he pulled himself off Chi-Chi.

Gohan? Isn’t his Grandpa dead?

“I’ll take care of this,” Goku grumbled before going back into the bathroom.

Chi-Chi watched Goku walk away or more correctly eyed his bouncing appendage as he went back into the bathroom. What is he gonna do?

Goku shut the bathroom door as the knock came again from the bedroom door. “Mom? Dad?”

“Uh… coming,” Chi-Chi nervously answered as she got out of bed. It was a child at the door but whose child? She didn’t have children and as far as knew, Goku didn’t have a child. Chi-Chi pulled on a night slip lying on the floor next to a cotton robe.

She went to the door and slowly turned the knob. A little boy stood on the other side. He could be no more than six or seven with long, shaggy hair and eyes similar to hers.

“Good Morning, Mom.”

Mom?!

“Good Morning.” Was he talking to her?

“Is Dad up?”

Dad? Does he mean Goku? “I….. I….” Chi-Chi knelt before the child. She tenderly touched his hair and caressed his face. This child had her eyes. He had long hair but the style, the spikes, were so much like Goku’s hair. “Are….. are you my son?”

“Mom?” the boy looked wary at her. “Are you okay?”

“Are you my son?” Chi-Chi repeated.

“Yes. I’m your son, Gohan. What?” Gohan was suddenly thrust into Chi-Chi’s arms. “Mom, what are you doing?”

“I have a boy!! A wonderful boy!” Chi-Chi picked up her son and swirled him around as she tightly hugged him. “I have a beautiful boy!” she laughed and cried. What a wonderful dream! She married Goku and they have a child. “Oh, look at you!” She pinched his cheek. “You’re so beautiful.”

“Mom!” Gohan tried to push Chi-Chi away as she rained his face with kisses. “What are you doing? Dad!” Gohan called for Goku as he stepped out of the bathroom naked. He picked up his boxers off the floor and pulled them on. “Dad, what’s wrong with Mom?”

Goku stared at Chi-Chi crying and kissing Gohan’s face. He shrugged. “Guess she’s happy to see you.”

“Goku!” Chi-Chi put down Gohan and ran to him. “We have a son! Oh, he’s a handsome one! I knew we would have cute babies! Do we have more?”

Goku mirrored the same confused look as Gohan. “No. We just have one.”

“We’ll have to work on more later,” Chi-Chi gushed. “Oh, I can’t believe it! We’re married and have a son. It’s a wonderful dream!”

Gohan looked at his father for an answer to his Mom’s strange behavior. Goku answered with a shrug. “So, was there something you need, Gohan?”

“I wonder if we are gonna train today since it’s raining.”

Goku looked out the window. It was raining but it was drying up. “We’ll wait until after the rain stops. You know Mom doesn’t like it when we spar in the rain. We bring dirt into the house. We can relax this morning with a big breakfast.” Goku looked at Chi-Chi. “When will breakfast be ready? I’m hungry.”

“Breakfast.” Chi-Chi put a hand on her chest. That was her job. I get to cook for Goku and our son!  Chi-Chi screamed joyfully confusing her husband and son. “I’ll cook you the yummiest breakfast!”

Chi-Chi grabbed Goku and Gohan’s hands and led them out of the room. Gohan looked at his father worried over his mother’s behavior.

“Dad?”

“Just go with it, son.”

Chi-Chi happily hummed to herself as she walked hand-in-hand with her husband and son down the hall. She married Goku and they have a cute child. Life was perfect.

Until she reached the end of the hall where the kitchen and living room connected. There was another person in their home. He stood by the sofa folding a blanket. No, this wasn’t a person. This was a monster. A green, evil monster!

Piccolo!

This wasn’t a dream. It was a nightmare! Piccolo was in her home!

What did he want? Is he here to kill Goku? Is he here to kill our son?

She wouldn’t allow it!

“Monster!” Chi-Chi screamed at Piccolo.

Piccolo rolled his eyes as he placed the folded blanket neatly on the sofa. “I have a name.”

“Not for long,” Chi-Chi vowed as she shocked everyone when she tackled Piccolo to the floor and punched his face over and over. “What are you doing in my house?! Get out of here! You won’t hurt my son!”

“Son!” Piccolo put his arms up to shield himself from Chi-Chi’s punches. “Stop hitting me! Dammit, Son! Get your woman off me!”

“Chi-Chi!” Goku pulled Chi-Chi off Piccolo. “What are you doing? Piccolo is our friend.”

“Friend?!” Was Goku crazy? “He tried to kill you! He put a hole in your chest at the tournament!”

“He did it again when he killed me but we’re still friends.”

“Killed?” Chi-Chi turned to Piccolo. “He killed you? When did he do that?”

Goku put his hand on Chi-Chi’s forehead again. “Are you all right?”

Chi-Chi pushed his hand away. “Stop that! I’m fine! Tell me when he killed you!”

“Ya ain’t fine if ya askin’ that. He did it because it was the only way to stop my brother and get Gohan back. He kidnapped Gohan, remember? Piccolo and I teamed up to get Gohan back. I died during that.”

Brother? And when was Goku going to drop this news on her?! This was the first she heard of Goku having a brother! “Why didn’t you tell me you have a brother?! Why did he kidnap our son?!”

Piccolo, Goku and Gohan looked at each other confused. Piccolo voiced what the others were thinking. “Is she having one of those nervous breakdowns you humans have?”

Chi-Chi wondered that herself. What was going on with her? Was this a nightmare? How could she think she was preparing for her wedding to Goku and now found herself married to him, with a child and living with the monster who tried to kill Goku she thought days ago but is being told it happened years ago?

The room was suddenly too stuffy. She needed space. “I need some air. Water.” She looked for an exit. Saw the door and ran to it.

Outside, Chi-Chi breathed in the fresh air. This was Mount Paozu. Goku brought her here a few days ago. She turned to see a large dome home. She first laid eyes on it a couple of days ago when Goku, her father and men from her village built it. Not far off, she saw the home Goku lived in with his Grandpa. What truly startled her were the trees. They didn’t have any leaves. Two days ago they did.

How can it be Fall when it’s Spring?

“Chi-Chi,” Goku came outside with Gohan and Piccolo.

“Mom?” Gohan approached Chi-Chi with a glass of water. “I got you water.”

Chi-Chi took the glass. “Thank you…. Gohan.” Chi-Chi drank the entire water and handed the glass back to Gohan. She didn’t feel stuffy or hot anymore but she didn’t feel right. What was going on?

Goku, Gohan and Piccolo looked at her unnerved. “I don’t understand. I’m so lost.”

“What is it you don’t understand?” Goku asked. “We talked about this.”

If they did, Chi-Chi couldn’t remember. “Maybe you should tell me again what we talked about.”

Goku did so, telling Chi-Chi he was born on a planet named Vegeta but sent to Earth as a baby. He didn’t meet his brother until a reunion Goku had with his friends when Gohan was four years old. Gohan was kidnapped by his Uncle. Goku and Piccolo teamed up to save Gohan but Goku died. Instead of returning home, Gohan was taken by Piccolo to train and fight against aliens from Goku’s birth planet. Goku received training in the afterlife but returned to fight after everyone except Krillin and Gohan were killed. By the time, Goku explained Freeza and Super Saiyan, Chi-Chi needed another glass of water.

It was all too much. Goku’s an alien. Her son is half-alien. Goku died or will die and she will lose her husband and son for a year. Goku will leave again and be gone for a year and a half. They won’t have time to celebrate a happy reunion since Goku will have to train again and take their young son with him to fight Artificial Humans tied to a mad scientist Goku battled as a child.

Fighting and violence will consume her family. Her husband and son will be putting their lives on the line while she stays home alone, worrying and crying for her family. The happy peaceful life she envisioned for them won’t happen.

“I’m doing this because I want to save you from your horrible future.”

Mrs. Niver. The truth struck her like a bolt of lightning. It wasn’t a dream or a nightmare. Chi-Chi didn’t know how but somehow she was offered a glimpse of her future. This is what awaits her if she marries Goku.

“I’m doing this because I want to save you from your horrible future.”

A horrible future. Was it? This isn’t what she expected or wanted. It was a grim future but there was a light of hope. Goku and Gohan. She had a beautiful and bright child who was so earnest and kind. Even now as she looked at him, she saw his worry for her. She had Goku. There will be pains and heartbreak but Goku did become the husband she dreamed of. A man who loved and cared for her. All this time his concerns were for her. He wanted to make her happy. He wanted to make up for his absence.

It was a dark future and not what she expected but having Goku and Gohan, Chi-Chi thought it wouldn't be so bad. We'll make it work,

Suddenly Chi-Chi swooned stuck by a sudden dizzy spell. Goku caught her. “Chi-Chi?” he held her against him as he lowered them to the grass.

Slowly, she began to remember. Mrs. Niver. She blew some powder on her and she suddenly felt sleepy. I don't know why but I think I’m going back. “Goku… Gohan.”

Both her husband and son were at her side holding her hands. “Chi-Chi?” Goku looked worried. “What’s the matter?”

Chi-Chi could feel the heavy sleep overcoming her body again. She didn’t have long. “It’s time for me to go. Thank you for marrying me. I will be happy.”

“Chi-Chi?” Goku didn’t like how she sounded. “Don’t go.”

“Mom?” Gohan sounded scared, too. “Are you okay?”

“I’m more than okay, Gohan,” she told her beautiful son. “I’m happy.” She turned her head to Goku. “I know no matter what happens, I will be happy.”

Chi-Chi closed her eyes welcoming the sleep spell to take her again.  

When Chi-Chi opened her eyes, she saw the pink canopy of her bed above her. Her mind was foggy as she quietly sat up. What happened? Did she take a nap? She noticed she wore her mother’s dress. “Oh, no. I can’t get this wrinkled.” She stood and began unzipping her dress.

That’s when she saw Mrs. Niver. The old woman stared at her. When did she come in?

Suddenly, Chi-Chi remembered Mrs. Niver blowing something on her. Chi-Chi checked her dress for stains of the powder. Nothing. Her dress was fine but to be safe she thought it should be cleaned again.

“Why did you throw powder on me, Mrs. Niver? I’m wearing my mother’s dress. I can’t have this ruined before my wedding.”

“Princess?”

Chi-Chi stepped out of her wedding dress. “What is it, Mrs. Niver?”

The old woman stared for a long time. “Didn’t you see? Don’t you know what will happen?”

“What will happen?” Chi-Chi carefully placed her wedding dress over the mannequin. “I better ask Charlotte and Dani to clean this again before the wedding.”

“Are you still going through it?” Mrs. Niver asked. “Are you still going to marry Son Goku?”

“Of course I am. Why are you asking a silly question?”

Mrs. Niver shook her head. She saw the future and still wants to marry that bum. “You foolish child.” Mrs. Niver turned away. She couldn’t believe her attempt to save her Princess failed. “You foolish, foolish child.”

Chi-Chi looked on confused at Mrs. Niver as she left the room. She got dressed and left the room to follow her when she saw Goku walking to her. “Goku.” Chi-Chi greeted her fiancé with a hug and a kiss on his cheek. “Where have you been?”

“I had a fitting for my suit.” He frowned, “I can’t fight in it. Do I have to wear that for our wedding, Chi-Chi?”

“Yes, Goku, and why do you care to fight in it? We’re getting married. We’re not going to battle.”

“Mr. Lupp said sometimes it’s the same thing.”

“He’s just joking.”

“Oh.” Goku sounded relieved about that. “I know this is important to you.”

“It’s important for both of us.”

“Yeah,” Goku rubbed the back of his neck. “Aki told me that. I am trying to make sure I get this right. You believe me, don’t ya?”

“Sorry about that but I am trying to make up for everything. You believe me, don’t ya?”

“Believe?”

His tongue swiped between her legs causing a shocking shudder to pass over Chi-Chi.

She gasped and squirmed as Goku’s tongue gorged on her. His tongue buried deep inside her and his nose pressed against her sex as he moaned and savored the taste coming from her most intimate area. It caused the most shocking pleasure to spread through Chi-Chi.

“Chi-Chi?” Goku waved a hand over her face. “Are you all right? Your face turned red all of a sudden.

Chi-Chi touched her cheeks. She felt warm. How could she have such lustful thoughts for her fiance before they marry?

“Sorry. Guess I’m excited for our wedding.”

“I can’t wait to eat our wedding meal.” Goku patted his stomach. “I’m told there will be a big feast for us.”

“Yes, and when we marry, I’ll cook for you all the time. We’ll have wonderful meals together. You, me, Piccolo….” Piccolo? Why did she think of that monster?

“Piccolo? He ain’t living with us.” At least Goku didn’t think so. “Is he?”

“Oh, no! Never! I don’t know why I thought that.”

Goku didn’t understand it either so he laughed it off. “It’d be weird having him live us when he wants to kill me.”

Chi-Chi didn’t understand her mind. Why did she think of Goku doing something very intimate with her and why did she think of Piccolo living with her and Goku? Ugh! What a nightmare!

“I think the wedding is making me think crazy things. Maybe I need something to eat.”

Mom? I got you water.

He flashed in her mind like a snapped photo. Was it a boy? It sounded like a boy. For a brief second, she thought she saw his face but closing her eyes to recall the image, Chi-Chi saw a white blur. Chi-Chi shook her head to clear her fuzzy thoughts. What was she thinking about? Did she see something?

Oh, dear. This wedding is making me delusional. 

“Chi-Chi?” Goku called her again. “We can eat if ya want. I’m hungry, too. What?” he noticed Chi-Chi smiling at him.

“Nothing.” Chi-Chi smiled at Goku. She couldn't remember what she thought about a few seconds ago. She just felt happy. This man she will marry. Strong. Brave. Innocent. Completely lovable. “I’m so happy I will marry you.” She raised herself on her toes and gently kissed his lips. “I can’t wait to be Mrs. Son Goku and have a family with you.”

Goku smiled in return. “I don’t fully understand marriage but I like ya wanna live with me on Mount Paozu. I like ya wanna be around me for me. I can’t wait either but I also wanna eat.”

Chi-Chi laughed and kissed Goku again. “Then let’s see what the cooks have for us.” Hand in hand, Chi-Chi and Goku left for the kitchen, looking forward to their wedding and their bright, adventurous future.

[fuckmemurderman]

Hey, freaks (affectionate), it's only 2 weeks to Halloween and I thought I'd rustle up a collection of Halloween movies you wouldn't normally consider in your lineup (yes, I consider all of these to be Halloween movies) and I highly recommend them. Again, as always, do NOT interact with this post or talk to/follow me if you are under 18.

The Halloween Tree (1993) - my absolute favorite movie fully serious. It's an animated movie about a group of kids meeting on Halloween night to go trick-or-treating but one of them is missing. They get caught up in a magical adventure through time and space learning about different cultures and their influence on modern Halloween while they look for their friend with the help of an ancient sorcerer whose intentions are not entirely clear. Based on a Ray Bradbury book of the same name (I think the movie is 1000x better though).

Van Helsing (2004) - the Hugh Jackman horror action masterpiece. If you don't know anything about it, it's about an alternate version of the character Van Helsing who works for the Vatican hunting monsters from classic Gothic literature. He is called on a mission to kill Dracula which has mysterious significance to his own past that he cannot remember. It's campy, it's fun, and it has an absolutely killer soundtrack. Lots of great practical effects and the CGI is stylized so it's aged pretty well in the 20 years since its release.

The Crow (1994) - now is an especially good time to watch this incredible movie because honestly fuck that remake and everyone who thought it would be a good idea. If you don't know this one, it's a revenge story about a musician who was murdered with his fiancee the night before their wedding by a gang of thugs. He is resurrected a year later with superhuman abilities, giving him the opportunity to kill everyone involved with the murder. It's at its core a beautiful story about love and protecting the innocent and it gets so much deeper than a simple "eye for an eye" type plot. It's based on a comic but it isn't a direct adaptation. (Side note: the cat does NOT die or get hurt!)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) - the movie that came before the tv show and is just as good. Basic story is a high school cheerleader finds out she is the chosen one destined to hunt vampires and other evils and she is not about it at first. Think Clueless meets The Lost Boys. It's funny, it's got good drama, the villain is compelling - it's a lot of fun.

Urban Legend (1998) - an underrated slasher using common urban legends to murder a bunch of college kids. It's every bit as good as Scream in similar ways but it was overshadowed by more popular films at the time. It has really good twists and the mystery of who the killer is makes it a really engaging watch. (Side note: the dog DOES die but you can easily avoid seeing it)

House on Haunted Hill (1999) - a remake that is better than the original imo. A wealthy roller coaster designer invites a group of seemingly unrelated people to a party in a former insane asylum for an overnight challenge: whoever can stay the whole night in the supposedly haunted building wins a large sum of cash. The problem is that the building is extremely haunted and they are all in danger. They are also all linked to the building in some way and the ghosts are very angry with them in particular.

Butterfly Kisses (2015) - one of the best found footage movies I've ever seen no exaggeration. It's about an amateur filmmaker who inexplicably discovered an unfinished project of some missing film students in his house. The students were researching a local urban legend of a supernatural being called Peeping Tom who, if you manage to see him, will get closer to you each time you blink until he is able to touch you and then he kills you. It's extremely well done and manages to do what The Blair Witch Project did without having any more similarities than the film students getting into something bigger than they thought.

ParaNorman (2012) - brilliant stop motion animation telling the story of a bullied kid with the ability to talk to the dead as he is needed to break a curse dating back to the witch hunts. It's a little goofy in parts but it's really a heartbreaking tragedy in the meat of it and as a former bullied kid it really hit home for me in a way most movies don't. Definitely watch in a good headspace.

Rec (2007) - found footage following a local news crew recording a fluff segment that turns into a fast paced fight for survival against a rage virus type infection spreading through an apartment building. It's got a basic zombie survival setup but it is so well done and so scary it really stands apart from most of its peers (and if you know me you know I am SO sick of zombie movies I could puke. This is an exception). Lots of jarring violence and overwhelming panic it's a wild ride the instant it gets going.

The Frighteners (1996) - kind of a forgotten gem of a supernatural murder mystery. A disgraced psychic investigator who everyone thinks is a fraud but he can actually see ghosts finds himself caught up in a series of unexplained deaths that seem to be caused by the Grim Reaper. I can't really say much more about it without spoilers but it's really really good and has some excellent twists.

Cry_Wolf (2005) - a meta slasher that takes itself a little more seriously. It uses the concept of a Mafia/Werewolf lying game and applies it to a prep school whodunnit. A foreign transfer student with a history of troublemaking falls in with a group of popular kids at his new school and they decide to prank their fellow students by creating a fake serial killer in a chain email just to scare everyone. They end up getting scared themselves when the killer they imagined seems to have come to life and is targeting them. I was OBSESSED with this movie as a teenager and it still is a decent watch now.

This is just general movies I like to watch around Halloween. If you're looking for specific types of movies (werewolf, shark, psychological, etc.) hit up my inbox and I'll get you a list of my favorites!

[lit-crits]

(1995) A Streetcar Named Desire (Heinemann Plays Edition), Tennessee Williams. 13/09/2024 - 14/09/2024

First time reading? No

Rating: 9/10

Favourite quote: "[Blanche]: People don't see you - men don't - don't even admit your existence unless they are making love to you"

A CLASSIC! I studied this for 2 years, have read it countless times, and I still got excited at the idea of reading it again. I still believe my key theories that I did back in sixth form, there is so much you can take from this play but sex and masculinity vs. femininity are still the main points Williams is stressing in my opinion. He portrays sex in SO many different ways, SO consistently throughout the entire plot, opening the first scene with Stanley hurling a package of red, bloody meat at Stella and obviously ending the play with Stanley raping Blanche. There are so many other good examples so I'm just gonna list them: the "reeeeeed hots" vendor, Steve's story about the hen and the hungry rooster, the very description of New Orleans as gaudy, hot and loud, the coke bottle foaming over and spilling onto Blanche's white skirt, Stanley (and the other men) being constantly described as wet and sweaty.

The whole dynamic between Stanley and Stella are essential to getting across the key points of the play to me, people tend to focus on Stanley and Blanche for obvious reasons. Stanley beats Stella (during her pregnancy but also it is hinted these beatings happen frequently) and when he goes to win her back he is described as bellowing in wet, skin-tight clothes - she goes back to him after each violent episode and actively enjoys the rush of it. At the very end of the play, as Blanche is being taken away to an asylum (presumably), Stanley comforts his sobbing wife by "fondling" her breasts - their whole relationship is based on physical (often sexual) acts. The film with Marlon Brando and Vivien Leigh actually changes this ending to Stella taking her baby and leaving Stanley - a bit less depressing than the reality where he gets away with assaulting his wife's siter. There is a whole thing to be said too about Stanley being the characterization of a new brutal type of masculinity vs. the more feminine gentleman stereotype that Blanche and Stella grew up around. Mitch was potentially Blanche's saviour when he was courting her, as he was the most gentle out of all of the men in the play. However, Stanley arguably corrupts him when he spills the secrets of Blanche's past, which then results in Mitch trying to rape Blanche himself.

Blanche is a great character in general, you have to feel incredibly sorry for her as a reader. She is an outdated, severely mentally ill woman who uses sexual relations with men in an attempt to feel safe but ultimately it is sex that causes her symbolic death. Everything about her is fake/lies, she cannot come to terms that she is no longer a rich Southern Belle. She wants kindness but was cruel to her (gay? bi?) husband, Allan Gray, and his suicide literally haunts her. I feel like there is part of Williams' sister Rose in the character of Blanche too, she was schizophrenic.

There is definitely a lot to be said about Allan too, and he isn't even a physical character in the play. His whole presence is polka music and a gunshot but it does SO MUCH for the plot. I think Allan is some sort of manifestation of Williams' own sexuality and his struggles with it throughout his life. A lot of his work has been influenced by his childhood and dysfunctional family so this would make sense.

Overall this play is actually incredible, Williams' work is incredible in general and I really recommend him!

[exospherethoughts]

It’s strange, how I often think I over-share, that I’m far too much of an open book, that I have no real private problems or thoughts. But then I find myself lying here in a warm bath — as I do every morning when I’m here — thinking about all the things I wish I could talk to someone about. The things that I’m ashamed of, or that I cannot find a string of linguistically sensible sounds to express in a way that do them justice, or that I simply do not want to share. Perhaps it is precisely because I am normally so open, that it feels foreign to *want* to keep something to myself.

Yet despite this desire for walls around my thoughts and feelings (my innermost mechanisms, as you would put it), I crave the intimacy of human connection. The kind that comes only from sharing the rawest of emotions, the most sensitive of thoughts. It’s a terrifying prospect, no? To be known so utterly well by someone that they understand you better than you understand yourself, for they have all the knowledge about your past and present and thoughts and feelings that you do, with the added bonus of a third party perspective. To be known in a manner which you never dreamed would be possible. To be known in a such a way that you do not need to ever be alone again, for no matter where they are, you know they would listen and understand— or even if they do not understand, they would not judge you.

I lie here, and I wonder. Imagine someone knowing I wished people would offer hugs more often because I think that although I’d decline most of the time, I would accept every now and then, and accepting is easier for me than to ask for one myself. Imagine someone knowing the details of what I went through the weeks surrounding my surgery, the feelings I’ve been having about those memories and the fear of what’s to come. Imagine someone knowing the cues I give off that indicate whether or not I’m mentally present at any given time (sometimes it’s so subtle I don’t even know if I’m there or not until later). Imagine someone knowing where each and every scar I have came from. Imagine someone knowing the full story of what happened with my parents growing up, the home dynamic I lived with, all the things they did and said to me, the complex way I’ve been irreversibly traumatized by them yet still love them so deeply I call them nearly every day. Imagine someone knowing how difficult moving out was for me, despite externally having behaved as though I had everything together. Imagine someone knowing the ugly and terrifying way I fall apart sometimes, how gravity wins and I find myself shaking on the floor, crying and whispering things to myself and begging the world for a way out. Imagine someone knowing about that horrible horrible horrible thing I did as a very young child that I know was simply a case of a kid not knowing any better but which haunts me regardless. Imagine someone knowing the story of how I got addicted to cutting and various other forms of self injury, and the events involving it that I sometimes remember, like getting hit by a truck.

Imagine someone knowing you so well that you could call them any time, whether it’s because you need help or because you don’t want to be alone or because you just miss them, and you know they’ll pick up if they can and that you will know them just as well as they know you.

Sounds like a pipe dream to me. Every time I get remotely close to someone I end up being too much. They get to know too many details about me and then they leave because I am not loveable. Not in my entirety. Even while trying so hard to be a better person over the years. I’m just, me.

[resmarted]

i'm constantly searching out different pockets of samsara to find where i belong to no avail. nothing feels right enough, nowhere feels safe enough, inadvertently starving myself of the love i require to move all these mountains without a net to fall back into or a hope to cling onto. and you know me, you know i'm always doing the thing where i spoil people with love only to wind up the giving tree, lonely is such the martyr in me, i know. lately i am blistered and numb, food is tasteless and the little joys have become fewer and farther between. i yearn to ignore the horrors within so i learn every little detail about people i'll never see again and wonder about them in moments well past their casual departures. i find the intimate details in those closest to me even for moments, wonder aloud about their lives and count the freckles on their nose, and these have become my more delightful bits of time passing. i struggle with the notion of having no real use or place and then feeling despised any time i do make headway on potentially finding any little version of it. i don't want to feel alone so i put myself in situations with people where i only alienate and isolate deeper than had i never left my little hiding spot at all. i worry for people who in turn find me odd and unnerving, find reasons to excuse their treatment and the things they say that they think i can't hear. a real love thine enemies type conundrum. and look, i get it, okay? none of this is real and i am essentially being held hostage in a dark room, blindfolded into a state of constant projections and illusions. like fine, whatever, i've accepted it and can only play these silly little games at this point to distract from the pain of it all. constant hints of it being my fifth year in this realm since the reset and yet everyone seems to forget i have been here since the first dawn, i remember everything and i pierce through the veil a lot better than anyone thinks. and also it's like, who even cares at this point? i am starting to miss all the people who left me for dead. the bloody rabbit everyone is laughing at comes back to haunt them deep into the night but no one is laughing when furniture shakes and pictures fly off the walls as i'm demanding to play. nobody wants to play these games once i start winning, vicious children throwing their controllers in frustration at the monitors. i develop sixteen crushes in a week and have disconnected from all of them by noon. voids filled and then emptied again like water barrels in a flood storm, i am constantly reminded of how i cannot afford to be naive but so desperately want a companionship that only the huntsmen want to provide. and sometimes pride morphs into apathy through a rigorous programming of emotional starvation that eventually i'm just like, yeah that's fine, just make sure to love me before you destroy me. but then they don't even finish the job and i am left broken winged while someone feels too conflicted to face me. there's always someone that leaves me for dead but doesn't kill me, needs to explore what else is out there and when I manage to crawl out the grave, the anger boils and rage rushes through the winds because how dare I not only survive but move on? how dare i not sink deeper into the pit and wait ever so patiently with such gratitude for the dirt i am fed?

a couple of months ago i sobbed hysterically in my bathtub every night praying for a real friend and every day i look around and wonder, is it you? is this another trick? am i eternally placed in battlefields having to dodge the mines of deceit while other people get to leisurely laugh over beignets and reminisce about their wild night out with their trusted companions? people tell me to leave for my own good and i wonder if it's because they work for the enemy. i am constantly hiding in plain sight and have been my whole life, often veiled by a jealous man that wants to own me like a dog and barely feed me scraps even when i am being good, even when i so loyally and lovingly greet him at his feet and sing his praises better than anyone else. any sense of true love or friendship from anyone else and he is out to destroy it before it begins, wants to keep me in my little hole unseen and starving only for him. i wish to be untethered from all that attempts to deplete me of my light or siphon from me in any way, it's been so long now and i am so tired from being robbed. i want to look into a set of eyes that remind me how different the world can be if i just tilt my head a certain way and see it from a different axis point. i want to be one with the stars and to tell someone it's going to be okay even when we are both scared shitless, i know that when it comes from my voice it is more believable because even i start to become convinced. and i know that i can pull myself out of anything and survive the hardest hits, but i'm very tired from doing it alone for so long and it seems like there should have been some sort of reprieve by now. it is very exhausting never knowing who to trust and feeling like there is no one above corruption, that people will eye me suspiciously from vicious gossip and a looming sense that i can't possibly be the person i portray myself as, as if i could ever find the energy within me to put on an act after all this gut wrenching honesty i hand out so casually on a normal day. i want to live by the ocean, i want to be a child again, i want a path that isn't worn down by all the battered and broken people who did it before me. the energy needs to be cleared, the room feels too stuffy, my lens needs adjusting because all i can see is someone that everyone else wants to hunt down like ravenous beasts under a blood moon and i don't like the sound of butterfly nets clanking together when observing something so pretty and free. i know all too well what it means to be locked in a little cage by the watchful eyes of a possessive handler and i won't do it to someone else, even when the inkling starts to take over and i ache to hide away in these teeny tiny little pockets of samsara to kiss your face quietly while the stampede tramples everything in its path outside of us. and i feel stupid and sore and like the nightmare may never end, but then i look at you and for like, the smallest most miniscule moment, i can see the ocean and hear the waves and i swear to god i am a child again. i swear to god with you i am free.

[mae-gi-writes]

NOT THE FIRST, BUT THE LAST | CHAN 🌙

"I'm always going to be anxious about you."

Chan takes a sip of his drink, a cocktail of sorts, as his eyes find yours in the dim lighting of the bar. The sound of the waves in the distance renders it peaceful, the jazz music behind you fruity in its blend of musical instruments. There are a few people milling about on the public beach before you, but you find you cannot raise your gaze from the coke and rum in your hands.

"Care to elaborate?" He murmurs.

You sigh, "I'm just being petty."

You have been going out for more than four years after all. There's no one else you'd rather be with. And you know it's the same for him.

Yet, it always comes back to haunt you. A ghost from your past.

"I still want to hear it," there's a smile playing on his face. He feels like indulging in your childish manner today, "tell me."

"I..." you fumble with your glass. Take a sip. Swallow it down like it's medicine, "I..."

The words fail. It's so hard to talk of such things. Even the thought of it renders you speechless, annoyed, with that zpark of anger that follows.

He prods you with his shoulder, "c'mon. Spill it."

"Well," you start off as your hands find purchase in the fabric of the couch on which you're seated, "you know how your...you've had a girlfriend before me, right? And...I just hate the thought--it comes very rarely, but still--I hate the fact that you've experienced various things with her...that you--you did it all with her and I'm just--I'm never going to be the special first. You know? Like...there's always going to be someone else and when I think about it, it kinda makes me...i don't know, upset? Disappointed?"

There's silence as Chan takes in your words and you wonder whether you've strayed too far. It's obbiously no one's fault and yet, you don't want him to think you're just being dramatic. It is genuinely something that bothers you.

From the corner of your eye, you spot him taking another sip of his cocktail while mulling over your words. It's a long stretch of silence before he finally speaks up.

"I can't erase what I've experienced before you," he says slowly. His eyes find yours, reflecting the lustrous colours from the jazz bar beyond, red and gold and deep blue, "I understand what you feel sometimes. I can barely imagine your ex-boyfriend sneaking his hand down your shirt. It makes me uncomfortable," he purses his lips and one of his hands find your thigh before he rubs it in slow circles.

The movement spreads tingles of warmth up your body, unconsciously making you relax.

He continues, "but what I do know, is that the previous relationship I had makes me realize that ours is what I want. I love that we laugh and do stupid stuff together. I love that we talk, and I mean really talk, to each other. It sounds stupid, but it's true. I never really talked to my ex-girlfriend. I--I think that now, looking back, I should've definitely treated her better. It might sound bad but...yeah. it's the truth."

The music fades out as you concentrate on his words. Play them again. And again. A broken record on replay. You wish you can believe him. You will your heart to believe him. But it’s easier said than done. There’s so much fear, so much apprehension for the fact that you’ll never be his first and that, essentially, being first always wins, no matter what the result.

He probably notices the doubt on your face, for he’s quick to add, “and you know…of course I’ll compare you to her. That’s inevitable—“

You snort, “of course—“

“Well yeah it’s just natural,” Chan makes a grab for your hand, entwines them in his own. A rare occasion. He’s not one to touch so casually and you know for a fact that he’s no hand-holder, “but to be honest, it’s better. You’re better. And I’m not just saying that because I think you’re better than her, but you’re better for me. Maybe she was great too. She was perfect and we never had any fights. But that doesn’t mean she was it for me. I—I didn’t feel it. What we have.”

You sip down some more of your drink and grimace at the sting brought forth by the alcohol. His words ring with honesty, a fragility that settles in the distance between your two bodies. Love, care, tenderness. All of that wrapped up in those words like a gift he’s presenting to you.

You’re not convinced. It’s hard to when there are so many things you wish to improve on. You’re not perfect, but so is he. And what you do know, is that you trust Chan more than you can trust yourself.

In the brown eyes that glimmer in the reflection of the lights dancing upon your silhouettes, you wonder how much time it’ll take for all these scars to fade. You can’t help but hold his gaze, wanting, wishing to make sure that you’re his as much as he is yours.

“Come here,” he finally murmurs while his hand slips around your waist to pull you closer. His jaw finds solace at the side of your head and he can’t help but rock you back and forth with him, “I get it,” he says softly, rubbing a hand up and down your back as he does so, “I get why you might feel unsure about yourself.”

You hum into him in response.

“But I love you,” he continues in a whisper, “I don’t want you to neglect that fact.”

“I know,” you reply, “I love you too.”

It’s not great. But it’s a start. Everyone has to start somewhere in the first place, right? It’s never going to be enough and Chan’s previous encounters form a part of him. You can’t erase that fact, no matter how much you try.

But lying in his arms underneath the new moon rising in the horizon, you think that maybe it feels a little bit better just to have him holding you close like you’re the most precious thing in his world.

———

[ramoth13]

Top Ten Standalone Films

(I've done these as individuals on here already and thought I might put them all together)

1. Master and Commander

This is it. The best one. Historically, thematically, emotionally... this movie tells a story about a captain, a doctor, and the crew of a ship very far from home. Adventure and glory, sorrow and heartache, the beautiful scenery is perfectly juxtaposed with the intensity of naval warfare happening on the other side of the world. The characters are compelling and the drama feels real. I have not found a better film to watch yet. This movie has more than one Surprise waiting for you.

2. In Bruges

The funniest, saddest, most relatable and unrelatable movie I have ever seen. Excellent movie dialogue that will have you quoting it for months, gorgeous views, sex, guns, and rock & roll. This movie delves into depression without leaving us too heavy and asks if we are worth redemption. I don't know the answer, but I love the way this movie asks that question.

3. The Rum Diary

This recommendation seems a bit in bad taste considering the recent circumstances (the very high profile, publicly volatile divorce of the two movie leads), but don't let that detract from the ambiance, camaraderie, and humor this film produces. Based on the Book by Hunter S. Thompson, this movie is funny, intriguing, and more than a little revealing. No matter what paradise you live in, there's always a dark side, and sometimes the good guys just don't win. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the memories of friends, lovers, and the good times.

4. Cast Away

Never in my life have I felt loss like I did the first time I watched this movie. But neither have I ever felt such hope. The ups, the downs, everything in between. This movie made me believe in myself and in humanity. I can't say much more than this, if you haven't seen it, I cannot recommend it enough. Though, much like Brad Pitt (in a different movie), I can't stop asking myself "What's in the box?"

5. Wake of the Red Witch

Sailing, thieving, sunken ships, love stories, and giant squids. I love this movie. An old John Wayne film that isn't a western or a war film, this movie stands outside of most at the time. The story is old (and sometimes suffers from antiquated prejudices and morals), but this movie speaks of loves lost and new and the things we do for the memories we carry.

6. Midnight in Paris

A film by Woody Allen, this film is magical and timeless. I think as a writer it's very easy to mythologize prior authors as being greats. Most writers I know do have an appreciation for old things. Yet, while this movie does glorify the past, it makes certain to recognize that there is no real golden age. I love the story, the acting, and the vibes this movie gives off, but more than anything else, I love the message. People before you will always be better at whatever it is you are doing, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't do it anyway. Who knows? Maybe you'll be the next Neil Gaiman or Stephen King.

7. Darjeeling Limited

Having two brothers, this Wes Anderson film was me. It hit every aspect of being a brother and having brothers that feels important. It also is just a fun story. Religion, truth, soul searching, and the complexities of being a family, this film highlights the fact that being a family isn't always easy and that just because you love someone does not mean that you like them. I cannot tell you how much this movie affected me and how much watching it improved my relationships. It sounds corny, but for me at least, its true. Family is tough, but sometimes its easy too.

8. 1408

1408 is not new. It isn't ultra scary or particularly novel (haunted place that traps you inside). Yet, what makes this film so great to me is that it does 3 unique things. First, it speaks to me as the skeptic. I don't believe in the boogeyman or ghosts or spirits, but this movie acknowledges my skepticism and yet doesn't try to convince me otherwise. It places you inside of the least scary place I can think of, a heavily populated building in the middle of New York city. It doesn't ask whether you believe because it just doesn't care. Second, it tells a real story. Not like a story that actually happened, but a story with a real person at the heart of it. Real emotions, and consequences. Third, it haunts me. I saw this movie when it first came out and I still think about it. I don't believe in ghosts and while this movie did not make me believe otherwise, it did something far more meaningful. It made me- even if only for a moment, doubt.

9. The Princess Bride

What to say about this film? It needs no introduction. Adventure, comedy, romance, swordfighting, and shrieking eels, this movie has it all. This film has had me laughing, crying, and quoting lines from its impeccable dialogue since I was a child. The writing, acting, and swordplay makes this film iconic in nearly every way. There are very few movies that I could watch a hundred times and still be willing to watch again, but if someone asked me to watch it right here and now? It is inconceivable that I'd reply with anything other than "as you wish"

10. The Man in the Hat

This movie was the most relaxing, endearing, and beautiful takes on grief and our relationship with it that I have ever seen. Ciaran Hinds is always a wonderful actor, but this has to be my favorite of his (Persuasion is a close second). The soundtrack was charming and makes this traveling adventure something unforgettable. The lack of dialogue makes the film more (not less) approachable and the delightful way in which grief is neither praised nor vilified allows the story to gently pull us along without fuss. Whether the french countryside or the human capacity to explore our inner emotions, The Man in the Hat ensures a journey that you'll remember.

~ ~ ~ ~

Stewart Z (AKA Ramoth13)'s Recommendations

[toomanybandstocare]

{What the Older ST Characters Wear as Halloween Costumes}

Program: Just some spooky thoughts about how the older Stranger Things characters would dress up for a Halloween party.

Counselors: Argyle, Robin, Jonathan, Billy, Steve, Eddie, & Nancy

Genre: Fluff, Headcanon, Request

Warnings: Couple of swears, Mentions of drinking and drinking games, Mentions of weed and cigarettes, Not proofed

Counselor Notes: Thank you @staygoldwriting for the inspo! I was so tired from work today and didn't really know what to write. So incredibly sweet of you send a request <3 I had a lot of fun with this, but some of them were a challenge! I'm really happy with the lil scenarios and costume picks I cam up with :)

Argyle -> Inigo Montoya

Argyle is obsessed with is hair in the most non-vain way possible. He looks at himself and is filled with love by what he sees in the mirror. I just genuinely believe that he loves himself for who he is and cannot wait to see how he grows and changes with time. That leads me to think that he would want to show off his favorite features, and I think one of them would be his hair. Argyle is wooing everyone at the party. "I'm sorry, my lovely lady. I didn't mean to bump into you. Could I get you a drink to win back your favor?" "My good sir! I must say that you look incredibly dashing tonight. I'm afraid I'm going to have to steal you away later." "Have my eyes deceived me, or has the fairest being of all the land graced me with with their presence." Everyone is swooning for this Cali man.

Robin Buckley -> Lydia Deetz

I would absolutely do anything to see Robin with a smudegy eye shadow look and choker necklace. Best part of this, she can just give everyone shit and tease them like usual while saying, "I'm in character. Deal with it or drop dead". She borrows Jonathan's camera for the night and takes snapshots of all the haunting events of the night. And on a free weekend when the film develops and she saves up to get copies of the photos and materials, she makes a mini scrapbooks for the friend group.

Jonathan Byers -> Johnny

You can bet your ass that when he enters the party, Johnathan yells out, "Here's Johnny," with a fake hatchet. And the roaring reaction is so worth all nerves he dealt with when mustering the confidence on the way over. I don't think large parties are his scene, so he wanted to feel comfortable and needed to work with what he's got. Jonathan is a sucker for party games, so he is easily convinced to join whichever vice of the night. Truth or Dare? He loves to pull a prank on some unsuspecting party goer. King's Cup? You do not want to paired up as his "date", because he cannot for the life of him remember all of the rules and you will have to drink almost every time. Pong? Too good, and his favorite trick shot is to bounce it off the wall.

Billy Hargrove -> Johnny Castle

This man just wanted to look hot, and he did it. Brought his leather jacket and mega watt smile, and it was immediate game over for any other guys trying to win the attention. Everyone is asking if he can do the lift, so he spends the most of his night in the back yard indulging all the pretty people who ask. The rest of the night? Either dancing to the Top 100 on the radio for the Spooktacular special, or he's just hanging out with his friends. Billy's trying to slowly allow himself to feel comfortable past his looks around the group, so he figured that a party would be a good middle ground. He could retreat to his flirty facade if he got too overwhelmed, and if he felt himself slipping, Billy could just hang out with one of the group.

Steve Harrington -> Han Solo

This man is a menace. He knows he's good looking. He knows that everyone has eyes for him and Harrison Ford. He knows what he's doing. But in all seriousness, Steve just wants to goof around with his friends. Definitely holds a pretty person "hostage" until their bounty is paid (either in head scratches, alcohol, weed, or cigs- he's not picky). When one of his friends comes into sight, Steve draws his water gun, that he spray painted black to try to make it look similar, and shoots them.

Eddie Munson -> Lost Boy

I think as much as Eddie loves to dress up, he wants to still be himself. So, he'll sort of insert himself into a franchise universe and dress up as if he was a character in it. Eddie loves the Lost Boys since he can see his some of his usual style peek through, but it also gives him a chance to explore a bit more of the glam rock aesthetic as well. And you know he has packets of fake blood to "bite" people and then leave a trail of blood on them. It's his personal goal to get each of his friends by the end of the night. Bonus points if they never realize he's targeting them.

Nancy Wheeler -> Heathers

So I've never seen the movie or musical, but when I think of Nancy- I think of her iconic prep aesthetic. I do think that she would want to stay somewhat in her comfort zone (I personally think she uses her clothes as a mental armor for the day just as Eddie), but she feels encouraged and supported to relax with her friends. She feels safe to experiment. I think she has a ball with her outfit, because she feels comfort and attractive at the same time. She carries around a matching croquette mallet and takes photos with everyone. She also carries a little purse where she manages to convince every party guest to give her something as party cover even though it's not her party, she just like collecting mementos. So she ends up with a bag of bottle caps, scrunchies, matchbooks, little knickknacks.

[songofsoma]

No Lone Wolves

the eivor's ravens discord is starting weekly prompts and this is the first with negotiation

fandom: assassin’s creed valhalla pairing: f!eivor x randvi words: 694 rating: teen

read it on ao3

“Eivor, for the last time, no .”

Randvi’s eyes were alight with frustration, the green of her irises mirroring that of a dancing flame. They had been at it since midday, having taken reprieves in their dispute when various tasks needed to be carried out. But the moment they came back together, Eivor would begin making her case once more.

“It is not up for negotiation,” Randvi sighed, leaning back against the table, the sudden added weight making the pieces sitting on the map quiver. “It is too dangerous for you to infiltrate this military camp by yourself.”

“But I’ve done it before—”

“And I’ve hated it every time,” she snapped.

Eivor’s lips pressed into a frown. She could sense this was a losing battle. There would be no winning when Randvi’s face was set like stone. 

“I don’t have enough intel to even feel confident sending a you and band of raiders to raid the camp. What if there are more than we expect? What if it’s bigger than we expected? One mistake and we could lose you all.” Her gaze flicked to her feet, hands curling tightly around the table’s edge. She took a shuddering breath before meeting Eivor’s eyes once more. “One mistake and I could lose you .”

She lurched forward, hands coming to catch Randvi’s hips. “Randvi…” Eivor murmured.

Randvi turned her face away. Her brows were furrowing as if her mind was somewhere else. “You are Jarlskona. You are more than a mighty drengr off to conquer boon after boon. You are needed here, not only by your townspeople but by me. I don’t understand why you’re so keen on putting yourself in such danger that risks you getting killed.”

Guilt was gnawing at Eivor’s edges. There was the old guilt that always lingered, but this was new. Seeing the pain plaguing her wife’s lovely features was enough to make her want to fall to her knees and beg. Beg for what? She wasn’t certain. Forgiveness? Understanding? It was hard to pinpoint.

With a sigh, Eivor rested her head against Randvi’s shoulder, feeling the soft fur of the fox pelt draped around her neck. “When I close my eyes, I can still see the corpses littering the ground in Sussex.”

Randvi stiffened at the admission. Her arms released the table, choosing instead to wind around her torso.

“I can see the faces of my friends, their eyes looking to the Gods as they search for their final resting place in the halls of Valhalla.” Her voice was thick with emotion. She had not gone into the expecting to confess what had been haunting her. “I do this so I will have to call on friends to die for me once more. I cannot bear to let them fall for me. It is my battle, let me be the one to meet Odin.”

Hands pulled her head up, forcing her to look at Randvi. The stoicism she preferred to wear was completely gone as her eyes were glassy with unshed tears. “Heed my words, Eivor Varinsdottir, you will not be walking within Valhalla anytime soon. You are Wolf-Kissed, and the wolves run in packs, they fight in packs. We are that pack. It is an honor to fight by your side, to die by your side. The past cannot be changed, but if you use it to fuel your death-wish, you dishonor their memory.”

Eivor swallowed hard. Randvi was right. 

Randvi was always right.

“I will not go to the military camp,” she conceded softly. There were no other words she could form.

Calloused thumbs brushed over her cheeks. “I will send people to scout the area if you still wish to raid the camp.”

Eivor couldn’t help but melt into her touch. She was wet mud in Randvi’s hands, malleable to her desires. “Thank you,” she whispered, but her mind was quickly clouding with the sensation of Randvi. It was nice to feel understood, to feel seen, to feel wanted and loved. Eivor would walk to the ends of the earth and back if Randvi so wished it. But for right now, Randvi only wished for her to be here.