#none of the candies on it are bad a lot of them are just misunderstood or not people's first choice

[mildmayfoxe]

over 20k votes and almost 5k notes on my candy poll... i wouldve done so much different if i had known

[starseedfxofficial]

Intraday Mastery: How to Catch the Falling Wedge Like a Pr0 Intraday Mastery: How to Catch the Falling Wedge Like a Pro Have you ever caught yourself staring at the charts and suddenly found your face as scrunched as an accordion—you know, that moment when the falling wedge forms, and your palms start sweating? Don't worry, we've all been there. Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of how you can master the Intraday Falling Wedge with ninja precision. This is for traders who want to avoid buying financial shoes they'll never wear—those impulsive buys that only look good until you take them for a spin. The Wedge that Falls but Rises Again Let's get something straight—a falling wedge is like that disappointing rollercoaster at the fair. It plunges downward, making you think you'll be stuck in this spiral of doom forever. But, surprise! Right when everyone else is screaming, it climbs again, and if you're savvy, that's exactly when you’ll jump in. This pattern, often feared but wildly profitable when done right, indicates a potential reversal in the trend. It's typically seen in a downtrend, and this beautiful wedge-like shape starts to form as the price moves down with lower highs and even lower lows. But fear not—this is where we spot the opportunity. It's like buying a house in a "bad neighborhood" right before a swanky Starbucks opens across the street. You're there early enough for the gains—and none of the regret. Why Most Traders Get It Wrong (And How You Can Avoid It) You see, the problem with most traders is that they see red and bolt faster than a cat being chased by a vacuum cleaner. Fear takes over, and opportunities are missed. But remember—the falling wedge is no ordinary bearish formation. It's actually a bullish signal that wears a bear costume just to freak people out. It's that misunderstood friend who, beneath the rough exterior, holds a lot of potential. This is where empathy, and perhaps a bit of bravery, come into play. Imagine buying when everyone else is scared—entering while the wedge is still falling, but with signs of price compression. It's like betting on the underdog who’s just moments away from making that comeback. The trick is understanding the market's psychology, and, in this case, it's all about timing. The breakout happens when price moves above the resistance line, leaving those late-to-the-party traders scrambling to get in. The Underground Tactics Only Pros Know You might be asking, "Alright, how do I spot that golden entry?" Here's where we dig into the lesser-known techniques. For starters, volume is your secret weapon. In a falling wedge, volume decreases as the pattern progresses, indicating a decline in the momentum of the downtrend. The real signal? When volume starts spiking right as the price breaks above the resistance. Boom. The setup is ready. Another sneaky little trick? Keep an eye on the RSI (Relative Strength Index). During a falling wedge, you'll often notice bullish divergence—where price is making lower lows, but the RSI isn't following along. This is like a toddler pretending to be asleep; it's only a matter of time before they jump up and surprise everyone. Forget the Conventional Wisdom—Trade Like You Mean It Now, let's bust some myths. Ever heard traders say, "Don't trade against the trend"? Well, tell them to look again. A falling wedge is precisely where you can bend the rules and look for a reversal. We're not talking about stepping in front of a freight train here—this is a calculated strike, like taking candy from a distracted bear (okay, not exactly advisable in real life, but you get it). Emerging trends show that savvy traders are increasingly combining the Fibonacci retracement with falling wedges to validate their entries. When the wedge aligns with a Fibonacci level—like the 61.8% retracement—you've got yourself a high-probability setup. Remember, it’s all about layering those technical signals so you're not acting on a whim but an educated hunch. But Here's Where the Real Magic Happens… If you've stayed with me this long, it’s because you're not just a hobbyist trader. You want to see the wizard behind the curtain—and I'm here to show you the secret formula to make that happen. Position sizing is the real game-changer. Traders who jump in with an entire lot size after seeing a breakout tend to hit panic mode at the slightest pullback. But a true pro? They’ll enter with half the position and let the market confirm itself before adding the rest. Like double-dipping at a party—except here, it’s encouraged. The GBP/USD Falling Wedge Let's put some meat on these bones with an actual example. Earlier this year, GBP/USD formed a textbook falling wedge on the hourly chart. As traders panicked, volume dwindled—until we saw a sudden breakout around the 1.2000 level. At that very moment, the RSI divergence had everyone in the know licking their lips. After breaking above the wedge, a retest occurred, which is like the market’s way of making sure you're paying attention. For those who entered on the retest—it was off to the races with a tidy profit in the bag. Always remember, the true edge is in waiting for the retest after the initial breakout. It’s like letting your friend test if the salsa is spicy before you dive in. Keeping Calm Through the Chaos This brings us to an essential part of intraday trading—your mindset. It’s easy to get flustered when the markets get choppy, especially during intraday. Ever hit 'sell' instead of 'buy' just as your entry is about to explode in your favor? Yeah, that’s trading FOMO in action—like accidentally hitting reply-all in a spicy work email. Successful traders treat wedges like opportunities—not emotional rollercoasters. This involves having a plan, sticking to your stop-loss, and understanding that no setup is worth risking your emotional well-being. Your mantra should be "Trade what you see, not what you feel." A Falling Wedge Cheat Sheet - Spot the Wedge: Look for a pattern of lower highs and even lower lows. - Confirm with Volume: Volume should decrease as the wedge forms and increase on breakout. - Look for Divergence: RSI divergence can indicate weakening downward momentum. - Breakout and Retest: Wait for the price to break above resistance, then retest before going all in. - Mindset Matters: Keep calm, follow your plan, and avoid impulsive trading. Trading the falling wedge is like catching a falling knife—but with a twist. You don’t have to catch it; you wait until it hits the ground, starts bouncing, and that’s when you pick it up, right before the rest of the world sees it gleaming on the pavement. Ready to Level Up? Want more strategies like this? Check out our Forex Education for more advanced methodologies and underground secrets that pros don’t want you to know. Or join our StarseedFX community to gain access to expert insights, daily alerts, and live analysis—trading smarter, not harder. Keep Learning, Keep Growing Every wedge, every breakout, and every retest is another chance to refine your skills. So why not join the journey and sidestep common pitfalls with the right knowledge? Leave your thoughts in the comments below—we'd love to hear how you're conquering the intraday world. —————– Image Credits: Cover image at the top is AI-generated     Read the full article

[believinghurts]

Their Daughter Pt 3

Warning: Arguing, insecurities, crying

A/N: I am planning on this being about six parts, but I’m not sure yet. Leave me some feed back! This also hasn’t been proofread so I apologize for that! Please don’t post my work anywhere else. 

The rest of the night before Ali left for Malfoy Manor passed slowly. She wrote her reply telling her aunt that she would be at Andromedas before she came to the Manor. Ali could hear the others moving around the house below her, but chose to stay in her room. After hearing her own father call her a snake she didn’t want to be at risk of getting called it again by him or anyone else. It was something she was used to at school, and often ignored, but hearing it from her own father hurt more than the others. She wasn’t a snake and just because she spent time with Slytherins it didn’t make her a bad person. She found it ironic that people in other houses say things about house unity and having friends from other houses, but none of them ever showed Slytherins much kindness apart from a few Hufflepuff's. Slytherins were misunderstood a lot and being sarcastic and rude was a defense mechanism for most of them was what Ali had learned from her time spent with them. Draco, for example, just wanted his father to be proud of him, while Daphne wanted to be seen as more than just her face and body. Everyone of the Slytherins has some sort of problem, they all realize this and that’s what makes them such good friends with one another. 

Ali shut her trunk lid before sitting on top of it blowing a piece of her dark hair from her face. She had packed a few things to take with her, though she already had quite a lot at the manor in her room. Draco told her to bring a swimsuit and leave the books in his letter, so she packed both. It had taken about an hour to pack everything she needed, so seeing as it was getting dark outside she looked at the clock. It was 6:00 meaning that it was almost time for dinner. She changed into a pair of black leggings before throwing a jumper on that somehow ended up being Blaise’s Quidditch jumper; it was always cold in the house even in the middle of summer. Shrugging she looked at her appearance in the mirror, she fixed her hair into a braid going down the side of her head before letting the growling of her stomach lead her downstairs. 

She noticed that all the noise seemed to be coming from the dining room so her plan of grabbing cookies and leaving was busted. From the sounds it seemed as though everyone was in there, but Regulus was so quiet she wasn’t sure if he was or not. Pausing she sent up a quick prayer hoping that Regulus, Remus or both would be in there. Conversations seemed to pause when she walked through the threshold. Sirius was talking with Harry and Ron, Molly was sitting with her husband and oldest two, Hermione and Ginny were looking at a book, Remus sat near Sirius looking thoughtful, while Regulus had his back to her talking with someone. He noticed some of the chatter had died down, he turned to see Ali and gave her a view of the person in front of him. 

Everyone’s mouths dropped when Ali took off faster than a snitch towards her Uncle Severus. She jumped on him, hugging him while he smiled at Regulus hugging his only niece back. “When did you get here? Why didn’t you come see me?” Ali pouted at her Uncle which caused him to shake his head, chuckling at her antics. 

“Regulus said you were probably packing for tomorrow and I did not want to interrupt. And as for when I got here it was about fifteen minutes or so,” He kissed her head before letting her step back. Severus bit back another smile when he noticed all his students and former students staring at him and his niece. “Isn’t there something else you could be looking at?” Directing his icy glare to Granger, Potter, and the youngest two Weasleys. Their heads whip down except Harry’s whose eyes went back and forth between Severus and Ali. Severus knew of the words Potter often said about Ali and the others in his house. Assuming that he was just going to keep staring at the two Severus turned his attention back to Regulus and Ali. “When do you leave for the manor?” 

Ali found it funny that her uncle had set the others in place, but she a;so got why they were looking. Severus was a private person; he wasn’t one for talking a lot or physical touch. Ali had only ever seen him hug one person and that was her. To everyone else he was a cold, rude Potions teacher, but to Ali he was her Uncle that brought her books, taught her Potions, and made the best tea in the world. She felt her fathers eyes on the back of her head, but pointedly chose to ignore him. “I leave tomorrow when Uncle Rem does.” 

“I still do not understand why you insist on going over there. They are not good company Alianova. Are you going to become like them? Become a Death Eater like Lucius and his son are? You were raised by one so it wouldn’t be a surprise,” Sirius sneered at his daughter. The look of disgust in his eyes hurt her more than the words. Ali knew that before Lucius was a Death Eater much like Regulus and Severus. But she also knew that they weren’t those people maymoer. Each of those men had decided that family was more important. It had taken a lot for Lucius to see that his ways were wrong, but the thought of harm coming to Draco, Narcissa or even Ali made him see differently. 

Ali’s blood boiled when sirius talked about her family like that. He didn’t have to like them, but she loved them and they loved her. He wasn’t there for her; they were. “They aren’t Death Eaters.” She stated firmly. 

“Aren’t Death Eaters? Are you draft? Draco may not be right now, but I know Lucius would never give up his ways. It’s only a matter of time before Draco is one as well. How old were you Regulus when you got the mark? Seventeen? Draco is almost there. Harry told me what he’s like in school, and what you're like. Stuck up, and prejudice just like the others. It’s honestly no wonder Harry doesn’t like you. Typical Black fashion to only hang out with Purebloods. You're going to end up just like Bellatrix I guarantee it if you stay hanging out with the Malfoys.”

“That is enough,” Regulus stepped in front of Ali. Everyone's eye bouncing between Ali, Regulus and Sirius. Ali felt tears brim in her eyes, and her breathing become heavier. Anger and hurt ran through her veins, battling one another. Sweat started to gather on her palms as she noticed the looks of pity coming from Molly, and Arthur after the shock of what Sirius had said wore off. Molly ushered everyone out of the room, Harry went reluctantly, beside Sirius, Remus, Severus, and Ali sensing that this was a private family matter. Remus stood, crossing the room to take Ali into his arms. She let out a shuddering breath before turning her attention back to Sirius and Regulus. “She has done absolutely nothing wrong to you or anyone for that matter. And you call her draft? Look in the mirror Sirius. She is your child for Godric's sake! Not Harry Potter. Ali is a good girl; she gets good grades, has manners, and above all she doesn’t care what peoples blood status is. You’re calling her prejudice? She is the least prejudiced person in this whole house. You have no say in anything that she does. None. You left her not just once, but twice. You can say that you didn’t know she was there all you want, but you know that anyone that had her wouldn’t have sent her anywhere else. You chose Harry Potter over her TWICE. And you never picked up the pieces; we did. Myself, Remus, Severus, Narcissa, Lucius, Ted, and Andromeda were all there for her when she was growing up. Remus taught her to read, Severus taught her how to make small potions on a potions kit, Cissa and Andy taught her took her shopping for girly clothes, Lucius taught her to ride a broom with Draco, and Ted took her to the candy shop everytime she got a good grade in school. What did you do? Nothing. If she wants to go and spend time with the people that helped raise her she can. You can’t blame her for how you're acting towards her. It’s like she doesn't even exist when Potter is around.” Regulus took a breath, turning to look at Ali who had tears running down her cheeks. His heart broke for his sweet little girl who deserved the world not this mess of a family. He pulled her to his chest, one hand stroking her hair the other tight around her back, rocking slightly to ease the sobs she was letting out. 

“That is not true. That is my daughter I love her,” Sirius started but was quickly interrupted by Remus. 

“You may love her sirius, but you don’t show it very well. Do you see what you've done? I love you Sirius, but this is wrong. Harry is your godchild, but she is your child. I think it’s best if you leave her alone for a bit,” Remus crouched down to be eye level with Ali, “Are you packed? I think it’ll be best if you go ahead and stay at Andy’s tonight.” 

Ali nodded her head before pressing a kiss to Regulus cheek whispering a love you and see you soon then doing the same to Severus who had Accio’d her trunk down the stairs. She wrapped her arm through Remus's, not even sparing a glance at the man who had caused her more pain the last couple of hours then in her whole life. Ali wanted her dad to love her like he loved Harry. She understood that she wasn’t a Gryffindor like him, but did that really make her so terrible? When she was little she had heard the stories of her father through her uncles, aunts, and a few teachers. She always thought that he was the coolest person to ever walk the corridors of Hogwarts. Often she would fanize what her life could have been like if James and Lily hadn’t died, her dad wasn’t in Azkaban, and her dad and Regulus got along. Would she be equal to Harry then? Would her dad still have favored Harry over her because she was a girl and a Ravenclaw? Those thoughts came to mind more times than she could count in the last couple weeks. 

She felt the tug of apparition in her belly for a few seconds before she landed on the Tonks’s doorstep. She felt the protection wards give easily around her as Remus gave her a one sided hug, kissing her head as she wiped her cheeks. Ali knew that once Remus knocked her Aunt Andy saw the state she was in with her puffy, red eyes, lounge clothes, and the fact that she was a day early Merlin wouldn’t be able to stop her from ripping Sirius into pieces. Remus waited till Ali nodded at him before knocking, he knew that someone would be home whether it was Andromeda, Ted, or Nymphadora. He silently hoped for the later two, but hope wasn’t on his side when Andromeda Tonks opened the door with her look of surprise turning into rage as she looked at Ali. Andy grabbed her nieces hand pulling her inside with Remus following before wrapping Ali in a hug that a mother would give her distraught child. Andromeda looked at Remus over Ali’s shoulder silently asking what had happened to which Remus mouthed out Sirius’s name. Andromeda was afraid of this when Sirius came back into their lives. She loved her cousin with all that was in her, but he was not good with priorities often not being able to sort them out even as children. Ali gripped tight at her aunt's waist knowing that she was finally going to be able to breath without having someone say something about it. 

Noise coming from the stairs caused Ali to look up. Nymphadora came bounding down only to stop when she saw her baby cousin's teary face and Remus gloomy look. She walked over to Remus standing on her tiptoes to press a kiss to his cheek which made him blush and Ali giggle a little bit before wrapping her arm around Ali’s shoulders. “What’s up, pipsqueak?” 

Ali leaned her head onto Nymphadora’s shoulder taking in the smell of her lavender shampoo. “Not much. Mind some company for the night?” Ali was comfortable around Dora, they were like the sister neither of them got to have. Although Dora was seven years older than her, they were closer than just cousins. “Mind your company? Never. More like Dad and Mum should mind cause we are going to party it up!” Dora stated changing her hair to rainbow before poking Ali’s side to make her laugh. She knew her cousin well so she knew that they didn’t need to talk about whatever happened to make her cry. She would talk about it with who she felt fit and when she felt fit to do it. Dora knew that Remus and her mum as well as the others would take care of the issue, so all she had to worry about was making her baby cousin happy again. 

“Well I should get back home. Mainly to make sure that Regulus doesn’t murder Sirius, but if he did I wouldn’t mind too much right now,” Remus said walking to the two girls, kissing Ali’s head and Dora’s lips quickly. “Don’t cause too much trouble you two.” Remus loved the relationship that Ali had with Dora. It was often like watching his girlfriend and daughter together. Some said it was weird to be dating someone who was closer to your child's age then yours but he had learned to care a little less about people's opinions as time went on. He loved Dora and that wasn’t going to change and seeing her with Ali only made that love stronger.  Alianova was his daughter in every way, but blood. Remus gave Andromeda a nod before apparating back home in hopes that he wouldn’t have to hide a dead body. 

Once Remus left Dora guided Ali into the kitchen where Ted was cooking dinner still. “Hello darling, we weren’t expecting you till tomorrow.” He stepped away from the stove to give her a hug before the two girls hopped up onto the kitchen island while Andromeda leaned against the counter by her husband. 

“Yeah, I’m sorry about just showing up a day early. It was...just getting too much at home with everyone there and stuff..” Ali missed the way all the Tonks’s looked at each other since she was staring at the wringing fingers in her lap. 

“What happened, Nova?” Dora placed a hand on hers calming her fingers down. 

“Just Sirius got mad because I’m staying with Cissa for a week. He started saying some really mean things about them as well as said that I was going to become just like Bellatrix since I hung out with Death Eaters,” Ali sighed looking at Andromeda with tears in her eyes. “I just want him to love me. I don’t know why he can’t. I- I try so hard to make everyone proud of me, but he just hates me. What does Harry have that I don’t?” 

Dora wrapped her cousin up in a hug while Andromeda took her other side, “We are all so proud of you, sweetheart. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Sirius has always had his judgement clouded, especially when it comes to the Potters. You are so loved by so many people, don’t you ever forget that,” Her aunt whispered in her ear, kissing her cheek. Ali’s shoulders felt a little lighter that the thought of nothing being wrong with her, but with Sirius. 

“If he doesn’t quit being a tosser, I’ll hex him with the Boogie Bat Hex. We’ll see how he likes that.” Dora naturally had to make everyone laugh to ease the tension. 

Ted handed out a plates of spaghetti and everyone settled around the kitchen not even bothering to move to the dining room. Laughter filled the room as Nymphadora recalled a story about Mad Eye from a mission the other day. As darkness filled the sky everyone sat about the living room watching a Disney movie that Dora picked out. Ted and Andromeda sat on the couch cuddled up together while Ali and Dora shared the floor in front of them. Looking at her Aunt, Uncle and cousin, Ali couldn’t help but smile feeling content for a little while even if she missed her Uncle Regulus dearly the next couple of weeks. 

The following day….. 

It was late when Ali woke up. They had stayed up late the night before watching movies till Ted and Andromeda went to bed while her and Dora stayed up later talking. She felt the excitement coursing through her veins at the thought of seeing her other family that day. Knowing that Andromeda would be up soon to tell her about breakfast, Ali decided to write to Regulus before getting dressed. Grabbing parchment and a quill off the desk she settled in the window still and began.

Dear Uncle Reg, 

I hope everything is going better at home today then it was when I was there. I’m kinda sad we didn’t get to have a decent goodbye before I left. I’ll miss you the next week or so that I’m gone and I hope when I get back we can finish the movie series we were watching. Honestly you are a total Jedi, even if you say you aren’t. I leave for the Manor today so when you write back make sure to send it there. Oh, and can you feed Athena for me? I think I left my window open, but I’m not sure so sorry! Try not to murder anyone while I’m gone, and maybe come visit for a day or so just to get away from your brother. Hug Kreacher for me! 

Love your favorite niece, 

Al 

By the time she was done her Aunt was knocking on the door. “Good morning, darling. Breakfast is ready when you are.” Andy gave her niece a kiss on the head before straightening her bed, a habit she hoped to instil in the girls but it never took. “Dora already left with Remus, but they both said to tell you that they loved you and Dora said to not take any of her clothes when you leave, but if you do I won’t tell a soul.” Andromeda winked at her. 

“Okay, I’ll be down in a few minutes just let me get dressed.” Ali opened her trunk while Andromeda gave her some privacy. She dug through it to find a decent outfit knowing full and well that when she got to the Manor she would be going out with Cissa. She settled on a black and white plaid skirt with tights, white combat boots, and a black and blue Ravenclaw Quidditch tee that she had rolled the sleeves on. Throwing her hair in a messy half updo similar to Narcissa’s, she went down stairs. 

Her uncle had made pancakes and bacon for breakfast and she quickly settled in eating her weight in food before bidding goodbye to Andromeda and Ted using the Floo network to take her to the Manor. She didn’t use the Floo often since Grimmauld Place wasn’t set up for it per Moody’s request. Sputtering out a cough, Ali dusted off her clothes before she was wrapped up in the familiar rose scent perfume that Cissa wore. “Oh you're here! I have missed you so much darling.” 

Ali wrapped her arms around her aunt burying her face in her shoulder. Ali was closer to Narcissa then she was Andromeda. She loved her aunts equally, but since her and Draco were so close in age they spent a lot of time at each other's house. Narcissa had looked at Ali as a surrogate daughter whereas Andromeda had a daughter. Narcissa provided the motherly nurture that she needed in her life. “Okay, mother. Let her breath and give us a turn.” 

Ali could literally hear the eye roll in Draco's voice. Narcissa let her go, but not before cupping her face looking at her intensely. Narcissa was incredibly good at reading people and this was something she had done to Draco, Ali, and Dora since they were little to make sure they were okay. From the small frown on her face Ali knew that Cissa knew she was hurt. Cissa also knew they would talk about it later. Draco hugged Ali before spinning her around making her laugh. It was their ritual after a Slytherin won a Qudditch game and it extended to when they hadn’t seen each other in a while. Lastly Ali walked over to her Uncle who was looking at her outfit choice. She knew the words were bound to come out of his mouth in a couple of seconds much like they would Regulus’s if he saw what she had on. “Your skirt is too short Ali,” Lucius hugged his niece before raising an eyebrow at her. 

“Oh, Lucius, stop. It isn’t too short. She’s fine.” Narcissa grabbed her hand before calling their house elf to take Ali’s stuff to her room. “We were wanting to go to Diagon Alley, are you up for it? Lucius needs to get a few things, and we could get you and Draco some school things. But you would rather stay home. I'm sure Draco would keep you company.” 

“Please say you want to stay home,” Draco practically begged looking at his cousin. 

Ali’s smile held nothing by mischief as she looked between Draco and Cissa. She shot a wink at Draco, “I think I want to go. I haven’t been in ages.” Draco let out a huff which led him to receive a Narcissa scowl. 

“Wonderful!,” Narcissa ushered Draco and Ali to the fireplace, Draco grabbed some Floo powder before grabbing Ali’s hand, “Diagon Alley.” 

The pair were quickly followed by the elder Malfoys. Ali knew she needed to get a few books for the new school year so she dragged Draco with her to Flourish and Blotts, while Draco's family spoke with a wizard outside. The potions books were located in the back of the store, Draco started at one end while Ali at the other looking for their sixth year books. Giggles filled the aisle as Draco kept making jokes about the authors names, the two were so engrossed in their book hunting that they didn’t notice the three people standing next to them with amused looks. Ali had bent down to grab a book she would need for Arithmancy as she stood back up she felt a breath on the back of her neck, she quickly turned and nearly screamed when a face was only a few inches away from hers. “Boo!” 

Pansy, Blaise, and Draco were doubled over in laughter at the look on Ali’s face while Theo gave her an apologetic smile, “I cannot believe you just did that!” 

“I would say I’m sorry, but I’m really not,” Theo hugged Ali before stepping aside to speak with Draco. Ali was nearly knocked to the ground with the force of Pansy's hug. 

“Oh Merlin, I have missed you so much, Al. Honestly we cannot go this long without seeing each other anymore.” Pansy wrapped her arms around Ali’s shoulders while Ali went around her waist. Pansy and Ali became friends quickly on the Hogwarts express first year. They had sworn to each other that they would stay friends no matter the houses they got, luckily they both got houses that didn’t rival one another too much so they shared a dorm together more often than not with three other girls, but was only close with Daphne. Snape being the Head of Slytherin house Ali didn’t have to worry about getting into too much trouble if she was caught in the Slytherin girls dorms. Most people saw Pansy and thought she was a stuck up, rude princess, but Ali knew that she was really insecure and used sarcasm to hide it. Pansy was her best friend besides Draco and normally the two would have been at each other's houses over the summer, but with Sirius being out that couldn’t happen. The two were a perfect pair; where Ali was quiet, Pansy was loud, where Ali was the brains of the operations, Pansy was the executor. “I missed you, too. I am so sorry that I couldn’t hang out this summer. We had some family stuff going on.” 

Although the Weasley, Hermione, Harry and her family coud know of Sirius’s whereabouts no one else could until he was proven innocent. With Pettigrew being gone the likelihood of that happening right now was slim. Ali was just grateful that Draco knew so she could at least have someone to talk about it with. “Alright, alright, some of us would like to say hello too, Parkinson.” 

Pansy’s eyes portrayed a look that Ali would have to question her on later. Blaise was Ali’s other really close friend. He was quiet except when he was around his group, but even then he preferred to observe then join. Ali had always found him attractive, but she also knew he would never find her attractive when there were many more prettier girls than her. Blaise kissed her cheek before giving her a hug, “How has your summer been, Supernova?” 

Supernova had been the nickname he had given Ali upon first meeting her. He loved Astronomy, and said it just fit her. “It’s been good. Read a few books, spent some time with my Uncles. How was yours?” 

“Mother got married, again. So we are now onto husband number nine. What books did you read? I had been meaning to write to you, but mother had me busy with all the wedding stuff.” Blaise grabbed the book from her hand after turning it over and checking it out he tucked it in his arm. He was always the gentleman, carrying her bag, opening doors, pulling out chairs for her. She assumed it was instilled into him by his mother since Draco often did the same for Pansy. 

“Snape got me a Muggle set of books I had been wanting so I’m halfway done with those, and I read a few books on dragons. Ya know boring stuff. How’d the wedding go? Do you like him?” Ali twisted the gold ring on her finger causing it to catch Blaise's attention. 

“Not boring at all. If you still have the dragon books can I borrow them? You usually pick really good ones and I'll need all the knowledge I can to compete with you on scores.” He grabbed Ali’s ringed hand, inspecting it before letting it fall back down to her side. “That’s a nice ring, where’d you get it?” 

The ring in question was dainty with a gold band and light green gem surrounded by littler stones. “Oh, my Uncle Reg got it for me when school ended. Said it was for getting such good scores on my OWLs. I think he just thought it was pretty, but needed a reason to get it for me.” 

“Oi! Lovebirds, let's go check out these books so we can get on with our lives. I’m dying from watching that lovely scene you put on for us,” Theo said laughing while Draco smirked at his cousin. He knew that Ali had a crush on Blaise and that Blaise had a crush on Ali, but both would not admit to one another. 

“Oh shut it, Nott. You’re just jealous she likes me more.” Blaise sent her a wink before walking towards the front of the store with Draco. Ali knew he would be paying for her books and that he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Theo was distracted talking to Pansy so Ali decided to have a little payback for the teasing he just did. She pulled her skirt down a little to make it a little longer, before jumping up onto Theos back. Theo, having noticed that Ali was going to do just that, caught her around her knees helping her get settled before walking out of the shop. Pansy talked about her summer so far, stating that she would rather be back at Hogwarts then sitting at home doing nothing. Blaise raised an eyebrow at Ali's position before shaking his head at his friend's antics. 

“Ya know being up this high is super weird,” Ali’s comment caused all her friends to laugh. 

“That’s because you are super small,” Draco replied with an eye roll. Ali was the shortest out of the friend group by an inch or so and they never let her live it down. Outside the shop Narcissa and Lucius were talking with Theodore's father and Pansy's mother. 

“Find what you were looking for?” Lucius asked when they reached the parents. “Yes, father, we did as well as a few strays to bring with us.” 

The comment earned giggles and chuckles from the parents and Ali while Blaise whacked the top of Draco's head and Theo pretended to let Ali slip making her squeal in response and hop down off his back. “Draco don’t you need new Quidditch gloves?” 

Pansy and Ali shared a look while rolling their eyes. All three boys were members of the Quidditch team and while Pansy and Ali enjoyed watching them play, it was tiring hearing them talk about it constantly. The boys looked at each other nodding before Blaise and Draco grabbed Ali and Pansy's hands pulling them to the shop. Before they got out of range Ali stopped and looked back at Narcissa, “We are going to get ice cream after this if that’s okay?” 

“That’s fine darling. Lucius and I will go and get your robes, then head back to the Manor. Bring your friends along with you home. We are all having dinner together tonight. And make sure the boys pay for the ice cream.” Cissa sent her a wink before walking away with Pansy mother. 

[gentil-minou]

As someone who's a Big Fan of the SentiAdrien theory, but who also likes looking at negative posts to understand their perspective: for some of the people who don't like the theory, they feel that, since sentimonsters are created and destroyed in, well, a lot of eps, that makes them expendable. Some of them fear that would happen with Adrien too, others go "senti are creatures whose lives don't matter, because LB and CN destroy them, so if Adrien is a senti he doesn't matter". I'm struggling to explain it correctly, but basically if most senti can be killed with no problems, then all of the sentis, no matter how sentient they are, don't matter.

That's why the think Gabriel's abuse could be justified, after all, violence against sentis is just another part of MLB, right? Like, what Adrien is, for them, matters more than if he's sentient. They see no difference (or they fear that, bad portrayed, it could be no difference) between Gabriel's abuse of Adrien and LB and CN destroying, say, August's Candy senti.

Thank you for taking the time to explain this concept to me, I understood your meaning perfectly! I tend to avoid salt tags cause it just really grinds my gears

I've been working on a post about this but haven't finished yet because I know there will be contention, but it's essentially how the word "sentimonster" is derogatory in nature and I think it was actually created by Gabriel, who manipulated sentibeings for his own gain.

I think people sometimes forget that the villain of the show isn't the akumas or the sentis, it's Gabriel who is essentially a dictator manipulating his army and resources for his own gain.

It's a narrative that Gabriel pushes by turning them into monsters, but the show has already said they are more like guardians or sentinals.

I can see how people might think that they're expendable, but we've also been clearly given examples of how they aren't and even had points where characters were shown becoming attached to sentis like Sentibug. In that situation, the true villains were once again highlighted as Gabriel and Nathalie exploiting them.

As we are learning more and more about them, we find that sentibeings are just misunderstood creatures who were forced to bend towards a bastard's will.

If we use the idea that violence against senti's is justified, then we would have to say the same about characters we care about who have been akumatized. Does that make fighting against Lady Wifi, or the Bubbler or even Chat Blanc the same as fighting their non-akumatized characters? No, of course not because in that instance we are not fighting the akuma but the person controlling them.

By fighting sentis, we are doing the same except there is a level of even deeper sadness because then we go into slavery and ownership. I want to avoid going that dark, but I think it really is important to remember that the heroes are NOT fighting the sentis, they are fighting the true villain, Gabriel.

And none of what that man does is justified. The show isn't called Malevelont Tales of Meow Meow Moth. In the end, the akumas/sentis used are unfortunately just soldiers in a war being puppetted by an insane man with zero empathy.

The biggest difference between Mothman and LB/CN is their intent and levels of compassion, along with the ultimate goal.

[sserpente]

A/N: It’s almost October. Is anyone else excited? Request from two anons. Enjoy, everyone!

Words: 1295 Warnings: fluff

Loki was confused, to say the least. It might not have been his first rodeo—after all, he had learned centuries ago that mortals were quite… peculiar.

But he would certainly not join his idiotic brother shopping for pumpkins out in the wet cold, for it had only stopped raining after days. Not that the low temperature would have bothered him—still, he much preferred staying inside using up Stark’s stock of hot chocolate and reading all the books he regularly stole from your room.

The concept of picking out pumpkins to carve them still appeared rather silly to him. It was a waste of a good fruit, if anything.

“Liking Shakespeare yet?” You were leaning against the threshold with your arms crossed, knowing Loki must have heard you approach. You had noticed, of course. One by one, your vintage copies of the various plays had disappeared from your shelf—and only Loki had recently expressed his interest in the Midgardian playwright.

“He is unbearably dramatic,” Loki replied without looking up from the page. “I don’t see why Theo was so fond of him.”

“I thought you like drama, Mr I-built-a-giant-golden-statue-of-myself-on-Asgard-and-turned-my-tragic-life-into-a-heartbreaking-play.”

The God of Mischief glared up at you, a mute warning not to overstep the line. Unlike the others though, he ultimately knew you meant him no harm. You genuinely liked him, firmly believing it was not just because you had a weakness for misunderstood bad guys. You didn’t want to fix him. You simply enjoyed spending time with him.

“I was planning on attending the annual fall festival in the park. Would you like to join me?” You asked then, flashing him a timid smile. Finally, Loki looked up properly and shut the book close.

“What would that entail?”

“Drinking apple cider, having your face painted, dancing and… picking out pumpkins for Halloween?”

He rolled his eyes. “No.”

“Loki, please. It’s tradition. Besides, I’ll use the guts of the pumpkin to make pies. You’ll regret not tasting my famous pumpkin pies.”

“No.” He said again, more sharply this time. Unlike Thor, Loki mostly resisted adapting to Midgardian life, as if he was afraid to lose part of himself. He had not much to hold on to, you could not exactly blame him.

“Please… I don’t want to go alone. It won’t be fun without you.” Besides, once the men got drunk, they forgot all respect and restraint they had when it came to women. If Loki was with you, none of them would dare to even speak to you.

The God of Mischief sighed. He couldn’t say no to you, now could he?

-

“There we are. What design would your boyfriend like?” The blonde lady with her hands covered in face paint grinned when she finished, two cute pumpkins now decorating your cheeks. You looked up at Loki who was waiting for you impatiently. He was sipping on his fourth mug of hot apple cider all the while you were still struggling not to get too drunk on two.

“Don’t even think about it. I will not have my face painted, (Y/N).”

“Oh, um, he’s not my… never mind, he’s good. Thank you so much.”

You were quite dizzy already. Loki had to wrap his arm around your waist so you wouldn’t fall over walking on the uneven ground.

“I want another drink.”

“Are you sure you should be having any more alcohol?” He raised his eyebrow at you reproachfully. You stuck your tongue out at him.

“Yes. This is the only week of the year where you can get this much apple cider for free.” Patting his surprisingly firm chest, you made him reluctantly follow you over to the makeshift bar, waiting only a few steps behind you to avoid any body contact with the other humans crowding around it to ‘get wasted’ like Stark had put it once.

“Hey, pretty. Can I get you something to drink?” The man speaking must have been in his fifties already. A large pot belly dominated his appearance, other than that he was rather good-looking for his age. Judging by the amount of alcohol you smelled in his breath though, he was exactly what you had hoped to avoid coming here with Loki.

“I’m being served, thank you.” You turned away, hoping it would be enough to put him off. But the stranger was persistent.

“Then maybe some pumpkin pie? Someone as sweet as you should be eating a lot of candy to compensate.”

“I’m not interested.”

“Come on, give me a chance. Is it because I’m old? I can assure you I know how to please a woman in bed, unlike those young fuckboys you’d usually date.” With that, one of his fleshy hands wandered up your thigh, dangerously close to your bum.

“Don’t touch me!”

Loki looked up, sensing trouble. He gnashed his teeth when he spotted the old man groping you. He should be the only one touching you like that—when you were willing.

Slowly, and surprised about his own possessive thoughts, he approached you from behind, stopping only when you could feel his body heat in your back. “Is there a problem?” His voice was dark, threatening.

The stranger grunted, recognition washing over his face. “She your girl?”

“Yes. She is my girl—and if you ever lay a hand on her again without her consent, it will be the last time you have hands.”

You felt your jaw dropping. Yes. She is my girl. Swallowing thickly, you blinked in a desperate attempt to scare away the butterflies in your stomach to no avail. While the stranger mumbled inaudible insults and finally retreated, Loki wrapped his arm around you once more, this time pressing you close to him.

Swallowing again, you glanced up at him shyly. “T-thank you.” Loki nodded courtly in response.

“What about your cider?”

“Never mind that… I think I had enough. I just… have to get a pumpkin before we leave.”

Loki sighed. “Very well,”

Your tipsiness was gone, the scary incident seemingly having washed all alcohol out of your blood. Loki didn’t even complain when you took his hand and dragged him towards the pumpkin patch. Like something between you had changed.

“Are you going to help me?”

His silence was the answer.

For five minutes, he watched you dart around the patch, in search for the perfect pumpkin to carve. If you had turned around to face him, you probably would have seen him chuckling to himself.

“This one! This one is perfect!”

And it was big. You’d be able to make enough pumpkin pies for the entire Avengers team. You couldn’t wait to carve it and give it a spooky and silly face.

Waving, you urged on the owner of the patch to join you, paying him quickly. But when you tried to lift the rather big pumpkin you had chosen, it didn’t even move. This time, Loki’s chuckle was clearly audible.

“And just how are you going to transport this monstrosity now?”

“I brought a Norse God who will be really nice and impress me by levitating it all the way home?”

Loki rolled his eyes. It would take him a while longer to figure out why he liked you, a young human woman with two pumpkins on her face. But he did.

Sighing playfully, he grabbed the contrary fruit, carrying it with ease.

It looked rather amusing. Loki, the God of Mischief, carrying a giant pumpkin. You giggled.

“Do not flatter yourself, little mortal. I am merely curious about those famous pumpkin pies of yours.”

Yes, of course. The pumpkin pies were the only reason he helped you… you grinned to yourself, this time welcoming the butterflies in your stomach. You honestly couldn’t wait to spend Halloween with this stubborn Trickster.

-

A/N: Check out my blog to find more Imagines and take a glimpse at my first novel! Also, if you enjoyed this story, I would appreciate so much if you supported me on Kofi! ko-fi.com/sserpente ♥

[kevintor]

I Watch a Movie I Should Have Seen: Hocus Pocus

I miss doing these entries. Mostly I miss adding movies to my watched list. Obviously, I’ve never seen Hocus Pocus. That’s why we’re here.

What did I know about Hocus Pocus? I knew there were witches and I knew Bette Midler had fun teeth. And she certainly did!

My thoughts:

We open on Salem in the 1600s following the shadow of a flying witch. The music was straight out of the Danny Elfman playbook but I guess they couldn’t get him so they found an equivalent Ray Parker, Jr. to Elfman’s Huey Lewis. (If you don’t know)

Pink smoke comes out of the chimney of the witch house which means someone’s gender reveal party resulted in a girl! Unfortunately they had to sacrifice a different little girl to find out.

The old-timey boy we meet is wearing a shirt that can only be described as billowy. He should take off like a kite when he runs. Yet somehow when he violently tumbles down a forest hill, none of that very excessive fabric gets caught on anything. Is the fabric even there or are we imagining it?

The witches (Sanderson Sisters) use a book made of human skin and a functioning eyeball. I shall call this book “Columbo.”

It’s very nice of them to put a mill wheel next to the witch house for the boy to climb.

Okay, so Bette Midler has lightning fingers like Emperor Palpatine.

I honestly thought the witches were going to be misunderstood and everyone would win at the end but killing a little girl for her youth and turning the boy into an immortal cat really puts a big wrench in the redemption arc chances.

The townspeople stage a hanging. The witches curse the town that they will return much like Pennywise only scarier.

We fast forward to find out that the opening is a story that is told in a Salem high school class where the kids apparently range in age from 14-28.

A new-to-town California boy (Max) doesn’t buy into all the witch lore. No mention on why his first day of school is Halloween. Parents did not plan that move well.

Max is into Allison, the pretty girl in school that leads with her teeth in every conversation. Did Rami Malek pull some his Freddy Mercury from her?

Max rides his bike home from school at super speed. He is either an exceptional mountain biking improviser or he practiced it the day before to be really ready for school. Probably the latter.

On his shortcut through the cemetery, he runs into two kids, Jay and Ice. Jay seems to be all the bad parts of Bill and Ted combined and Ice seems to be 40.

Jay and Ice take Max’s sneakers because that’s what bullies in the early 90s did. It makes pedaling home slower which may be for the best. He rode his bike too quickly.

Max does not like being here in Salem anymore. We learn this as he angrily takes off his hat, backpack, and jacket.

Max comforts himself by awkwardly hugging and cooing to his pillow pretending it’s Allison. His little sister, Dani, catches the awkwardness, gets on the bed, and simulates being Allison which is normal.

The house appears to have an unlimited number of stairs to climb up to get away in frustration.

Max reluctantly takes his sister trick-or-treating. He has the appropriate level of older brother standoffishness.

Jay and Ice stop the sister asking for her candy. Max gives the candy to the bullies and she tells him he should have been a man and fought them. Again one of them is like 40.

Max makes up with her using a pouty face. Like! A! Man!

They find a rich house that they assume will make them bob for apples. This is a bad idea even in non-pandemic times. Never bob for apples at a stranger’s house. No matter how rich they are. That’s how rich people fatten you up to make you easier to hunt.

Max and Dani let themselves inside and start robbing the place of their Raisinets and O Henry bars. Rich people give out terrible candy.

Turns out the rich house belongs to Allison. They are having a party and everyone there is authentically dressed like royals. They did not get any of these costumes at Spirit Halloween.

Dani tells Allison that she can’t wear Allison’s royal dress because she doesn’t have yabbos and proceeds to tell her that Max loves her yabbos. This girl is outrageous. Or rude. It was a fine line in 1993.

Max asks Allison to take them to the Sanderson Sisters’ house. She tells him she’s going to quickly change out of a dress that must have taken her 45 minutes to get into.

The house is no different than it used to be. The spell book is still there. How have Jay and Ice not stolen anything from it?

Immortal Cat attacks Max when he wants to light the “virgin candle” that will bring back the Sanderson sisters. It’s a great sequence where he says the name of the movie (always important), then pulls a Zippo out of his pocket (which all kids who don’t smoke have), and lights the candle.

It starts things. Hair blows a lot. This is why they had Max be a surfer boy from California. For this hair effect.

This movie cares a lot about someone being a virgin. Even Dani knows what a virgin is. Are they covering this in her second grade class? Do the parents know? What does the PTA think?

The candle makes the Sisters return and they try to keep Dani. Bette Midler uses more of her Star Wars lightning fingers but Allison saves the day.

The cat can talk and the chances of me liking this movie just took a huge hit.

Max steals Columbo, the spell book.

The writers of the movie do the right thing by having the Sisters be scared of everything modern like roads and fire trucks. Nice touch.

The Sisters only have tonight, which adds the right amount of stakes, to get the spell book back. I don’t think I could make it if they had a week or so.

The Sisters raise the dead causing a very reluctant zombie (RZ) to chase after the kids. Most zombies love what they do so this is a fun choice.

Immortal Cat gets run over by a bus but lives because he’s immortal. We needed proof because the 300 years of being a cat was not enough.

Garry Marshall plays a guy dressed as the devil which they play for fun as the Sisters worship him but we can’t gloss over that fact that Fake Devil’s wife is played by his real-life sister, Penny Marshall. It’s not disturbing. They’re acting!

Children steal the Sisters’ brooms which probably won’t matter later.

They find a Halloween party that Max’s parents went to. When Max’s dad meets Allison, he kisses her hand. I am going to do the same to whoever my kid brings home one day. “It’s from Hocus Pocus. That movie’s fun. It’s not weird.”

Bette Midler gets to sing a song. That should satisfy the requirements from her contract. The song puts a spell on the partygoers forcing them to dance until they die. Somehow the kids are immune to it. Can they shut off their ears? Are they also magical?

The kids lure the Sisters into the school incinerator and burn them alive. It’s a strong play. The kids celebrate as if there is not 30 minutes left in the movie.

Immortal Cat, in a time of reflection, brings up his sister and Max says “You really miss her, huh?” He has been trapped as a cat after failing to save his sister’s life 300 years earlier. He misses her. Why not “Hey, do you ever wonder what might have happened if you saved her life?”

Without any explanation, the Sisters are fine. They run into Jay and Ice who insult them. The Sisters cage Jay and Ice and make them hang from the witch house ceiling. The bullies are crying. Maybe they aren’t so tough after all. <High Fives No One>

Allison decides to find a spell to uncat Immortal Cat. She opens Columbo causing it to glow. The glow lures Bette Midler and the Sisters to her. Allison fails to notice the glow but learns that salt can keep them safe.

The Sisters steal the book and Dani when Allison only uses the salt to protect herself. She really took care of number one here.

Now Sarah Jessica Parker gets to sing a real creepy song that summons all the children from the town. It really shows you the power of song. Again, Max and Allison must have turned off their hearing for this.

Max and Allison trick the Sisters into thinking sun is coming early by using a car headlight. It works but I don’t understand why. They had the sun 300 years ago. They know what it looks like. “Is that a person in a brown sweat suit and green hat or a tree?”

While the Sisters are scared of the car headlight, Max steals back his sneakers but doesn’t save the bullies. How does he know he won’t need the bullies to be on his side in the future? Has he not seen every other high school movie?

They drive away and Bette Midler brooms after them. We know how fast Max likes to go so it is impressive Bette Midler can keep up.

Reluctant Zombie shows up and Max pulls a knife on him. So Max has a knife and a zippo. He might be a problem.

They take the final showdown to a cemetery which is an odd choice. Why not a miniature golf course or a TCBY. Were they still around in 1993?

Max brings a bat to a magic fight. Allison still has her salt. “Bats and salt: Working together to inconvenience witches since 1881!”

Max sacrifices himself to save Dani. The sun comes up as Bette Midler is sucking the life out of Max. Just when you think it might be a better sun-impersonating headlight, Bette Midler turns into a statue and explodes. Definitely the sun.

Immortal Cat dies so he can be with his sister. Billowy shirt ghost appears to say thanks with a kiss on Dani’s cheek (so normal) before he runs off with his ghost sister for eternity.

They did it! They saved Salem! Quite a first day for Max..

The movie was fine. I hate talking animals unless they are cartoons so that didn’t help. And why did they care so much about virgins? A friend told me that “virgin” meant “pure of heart.” Well then they should have said “pure of heart.” And if I can suggest, between Max’s predilection for weapons and Allison’s selfishness with the salt, I don’t think they should stop being “pure of heart” with each other. They aren’t a good couple. Going through a traumatic thing like killing summoned witches from the Pilgrim days causes feelings that can’t last.

[ilu-writes]

Face Paint (Nico’s pov)

Days and Nights (Solangelo)

Ratings: G | Warnings: none

AO3 | FF.net

Prev | x | Next

This is... literally just Face Paint (the previous fic) rewritten from Nico’s pov. Enjoy! 

Nico tried to keep his hands steady as he opened the face paints. Offering to help Will with his costume had been a snap decision, and one he’d regretted immediately, especially when he’d noticed the other boy’s surprise, but then he’d agreed and Nico could hardly back out. That would be even worse.

“I need you to make me look terrifying,” Will was saying, watching Nico. “It’s a matter of pride?”

“Pride?” Nico raised his eyebrow.

“Me and Lou Ellen have an ongoing competition over who can get the scariest costume,” Will explained, suddenly looking a bit awkward, and for a second Nico wondered if he was embarrassed. He doubted it, though – Will was never embarrassed, especially not around him. “Lou always cheats with the mist, though.”

“Ah,” said Nico, mildly. He didn’t say what he was actually thinking, which was that no amount of face paint would ever make Will look totally terrifying. It wasn’t the kind of things friends said, he reminded himself. At least, he was pretty sure it wasn’t. “I’ll do my best,” he said anyway.

He picked up one of the sponges, half to have something to do and half because he kind of wanted to get this over with, and coated it with paint. He held it carefully as he moved towards the other boy, and then faltered.

Focus, he reminded himself. It’s just face paint. But Will was watching him expectantly, his eyes bright blue, and the closeness-

“You might want to close your eyes,” he said, wincing internally at how flat his voice came out, but Will complied immediately looking unphased.

Nico focused on sponging the paint on, letting the silence drag on comfortably and trying to ignore the fact that his fingers were millimetres from the other boys face.

“You should come,” Will blurted out suddenly, and it took all of Nico’s self-control not to flinch backwards, but Will kept his eyes closed, not noticing. “Out with us, I mean,” he added, as if Nico might’ve misunderstood. “It’ll fun.”

Nico busied himself with the paint palette. It’ll be fun… sure. For them on their own, maybe. But he barely knew Lou Ellen, and he had no idea who else was going to be there, but it was probable he didn’t know them, either-

He wasn’t selfish enough to force them to have to hang out with him just because Will was absurdly nice. Even the idea of turning up unannounced, of having Will declare that he was joining them, of the disappointment they’d feel- it made his stomach twist sharply.

Besides, he wasn’t a fan of going out in the dark, anyway.

He turned back to Will, the brush he was using now definitely oversaturated with paint, and tried not to think about the soft flutter he saw on the other boys face as he did so. Focus.

“That’s okay. I’d… rather stay in,” he said, trying to keep his voice even and unassuming.

“No problem,” said Will, his tone it’s usual cheery one. He was quiet for about three seconds before he shifted in his seat and moved onto the next topic of conversation. “How- uh- what- ha.” He paused for a second. Nico just had time to wonder if the paint was actually bothering him that much when he tried again. “So, you like Halloween, huh?”

His voice sounded surprisingly strained. Was it really that awkward to have a conversation with me? Nico wondered, before shoving the thought out of his head. He was the one who was awkward in conversations. Of course it would be hard for Will – hadn’t Nico just shut down the last topic of conversation himself?

“I, uh, don’t dislike it,” he said, honestly, before realising that Will was probably asking because he’d offered to do Halloween makeup for him. Dumb, dumb, he was dumb. “I mean,” he hurried to add in, “I haven’t really celebrated it before, but-“

“You haven’t?” Will’s eyes flew open, and for a second their bright blue hue seemed to stare directly into Nico’s eyes, rooting him to the spot. Then he remembered himself and averted his own gaze quickly, pretending he needed to put more pain on the brush. “Sorry,” said Will, sounding genuinely apologetic, though Nico couldn’t tell why, and then he closed his eyes again. “I just- you haven’t?”

Nico was briefly thrown off. Was it really that big of a deal? “No. I don’t… I don’t think I did, I don’t remember it,” he admitted uncertainly, feeling a piercing pain go through his chest. And here it comes – the realisation, the discomfort, the disgust- the remembrance of the fact that Nico wasn’t normal, that he was messed up-

“Sorry,” said Will abruptly, guilt leaking into his voice, cutting through Nico’s panicking. “Sorry, I didn’t- I didn’t think-“

He’s stressed out because he thinks he’s upset me, Nico realised with a jolt of surprise, and he his best to ignore the sudden butterflies in his stomach. “It’s fine,” he said as smoothly as he could manage. “It’s not a- uh. It’s fine. I don’t… think they celebrate Halloween in Italy anyway. At least… not until recently.”

This time, Will didn’t respond, his face looking uncertain. They lapsed into silence. After a while, Nico realised Will wasn’t going to break it – which meant one of two things. Either he had, in fact, realised what a freak Nico was and felt uncomfortable, or he still felt bad for his earlier comment.

Nico wouldn’t have blamed him if it was the first option, but something in his gut suggested it was the second – maybe the fact that he knew Will well enough to know that guilting himself over this was something he’d do, or maybe it was wishful thinking. Either way, Nico felt the sudden urge to smooth the conversation over.

“I did kind of celebrate once in, um, boarding school,” he said, internally cringing at how awkward he sounded, but he pushed on. “Not much, because, y’know, military school, but we were aloud to stay up a bit later and eat a lot of sweets, so… yeah.”

He shifted uncertainly, glad that Will couldn’t see him, and after a couple seconds Will spoke again. “The candy is the best part of Halloween,” he said flippantly, like there’d never been an awkward moment there. “Really, it’s the only good tradition.”

“I don’t think the costumes are that bad,” said Nico gently, almost before he could stop himself. He saw Will’s lips twitch up a little, and he tried to ignore the flutter in his chest.

“I told you, I’m awful at costumes,” Will reminded him, amusement clear in his tone. “I didn’t peg you as someone who’d be into them, either.”

“I’m not that into them,” Nico amended, trying not to get too flustered. “I probably wouldn’t wear one, but I think they look fun.”

“They are fun,” conceded Will. “I just suck at them, so it’s a lot of stress.”

“Maybe it’s ‘cause you’re trying to be too scary?” Offered Nico, thinking about his earlier conclusion that it’s be hard to make Will look scary.

Will’s face twisted into one of mock offence. “Are you saying I can’t look scary?” He demanded.

Nico tried to keep his voice even. “I’m not- I’m just saying, you aren’t exactly a scary person-“

“I could be!” Will spluttered.

“Sure.” Nico resisted the urge to roll his eyes, before remembering Will couldn’t see him anyway. He reached over and used two fingers to tilt the other boy’s chin up to give him a better angle, ignoring the slight twitch that came from Will and his own heartrate picking up traitorously. “I’m just saying, maybe you’d be better off coming up with… well, not-scary costumes.”

“I cannot believe that you don’t think I could be scary,” said Will, his faux-angry tone still clear. “My own friend-“

“I’m just saying-“ Nico bit back a laugh.

“This is disgraceful-“

“Gods,” Nico snorted unintentionally, but he didn’t think about it. “Maybe you did inherit your dad’s confidence-“

“How dare you?”

Nico bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself together, and shushed him gently. “I need you to stay still for this bit,” he said, unable to keep his amusement out of his voice.

“That’s cheating. This conversation isn’t over,” huffed Will, but he went quiet anyway. For a few seconds they stayed silent, Nico focusing on adding the details and trying to ignore how close he was to Will’s lips – it’s fine friends see each other’s lips all the time there’s nothing weird about that – and Will staying almost weirdly still.

Then Nico was done, and he moved back a little before announcing it to put space between them. “There’s a mirror in the bathroom,” he said when Will opened his eyes. “For you to look at it.”

“Great,” said Will, an emotion Nico couldn’t recognise on his face, and he quickly pushed himself up and made his way to the bathroom.

After a few seconds, Nico followed a few paces behind, stopping in the doorway.

“Damn,” said Will abruptly as soon as he saw himself in the mirror.

Nico’s stomach twisted – was ‘damn’ good or bad? – he swallowed. “It’ll, uh, probably look better in the dark,” he said, trying to keep his tone even.

“Better?” Repeated Will, as if he couldn’t quite comprehend it, and he pulled his hood up smoothly to complete the look. “Holy Styx – this is amazing.”

Nico’s stomach seemed to soar at the compliment, but he tried not to look to overexcited by it. “I mean, you wanted it to be creepy-“

“You’re good at creepy,” Will insisted quickly, and Nico’s chest fluttered happily. “Maybe you are more scary than me.”

Nico blinked. “Was that ever in question?”

“Where did you learn to do this?” Curiosity leaked into Will’s voice. “I didn’t expect you to like this kind of stuff.”

Nico tried to fight down the heat that rose to his cheeks and shrugged nonchalantly. “I, uh, used to do a lot of painting at school. I was never that good at it, but I was better at that than the other subjects, because-“ he trailed off, shoving his hands in his pockets. Because it didn’t require him to remember anything. “It was just more fun than difficult. But I could paint some stuff, especially on skin. It wasn’t too hard.”

“You could paint well,” said Will, before seeming to tactfully change topic. “The design-“

“It’s from a Mythomagic card,” Nico admitted immediately, relieved to stop talking about himself. He had no idea how to respond to compliments, especially coming from Will. He could picture the card in question – a water demon, occasionally seen in a black cloak – it had seemed fitting. “I figured it was suitably scary.”

“It is,” grinned Will, and after a second, Nico returned the gesture a little awkwardly. His cheeks ached at the action, but he ignored it. “You know, you could come,” Will offered again, his voice sounding almost hopeful. “The invitation still exists.”

Nico thought about everyone else who might be there. “I’d rather stay in tonight. But… thanks,” he said carefully – he was genuinely glad that Will offered.

“Alright,” said Will, agreeably. “In that case, I should-“

Nico’s mood seemed to plummet, but he tried not to show it. “Yeah- yeah, of course,” he said quickly, moving out of the way of the door. For a second, Will seemed to be having some kind of internal battle, and then he smiled and made his way to the door.

Half way there, he hesitated. “Nico-“ he paused while Nico turned to him. “Thank you.”

“Don’t think about it,” said Nico immediately, dismissively, shrugging. Inside, he was all over the place, but he tried to keep it together. “It’s no problem.”

It was normal to want to spend time with your friends, Nico reminded himself. Totally normal.

[utanoprincesamascenarios]

I'm not sure if requests are open, the description says they are but it could be a mistake. If they are could I request Starish reactions with a scaredy cat s/o. It's the season of spookiness and I'm not taking it well.

Otoya

Being a bit of a scaredy cat himself, Otoya understands how his s/o feels during Halloween especially.

He tries to be brave for them, and he’ll always assure them that none of the pranks are real, and that although the decorations look real, they’re just pretend, and that it’s all in good fun and in a few days everything will be back to normal.

When his s/o clings to him when something especially spooky crosses their path, he feels a tiny bit of pride that he’s the one they go to when they’re scared. Of course, it gets to Otoya too, and he returns the bear hug right away.

When everyone else wants to watch a scary movie, Otoya arranges his own movie date with his s/o to keep their mind off things. They have a cuddly movie date with comedies, and they just laugh when they hear their friends screaming in the videos that somehow made their way on social media.

Masato

Masato vows to keep any and all scary things out of his s/o’s sight. If the decorations in the dorms get out of hand, he’ll sneakily tear down the more gruesome ones. If something is hidden away, waiting to be found, he’ll disarm the trap before his s/o can even get close.

He doesn’t want to ruin everyone’s fun, though, so he’ll hold his s/o’s hand whenever they need him to, and he’ll lead them to the less scary decorations so they can have a bit of holiday fun too. There’s plenty of shops to admire that utilize the colors of fall instead, and they’re just as fun to check out.

They’ll do a lot of Halloween activities that are completely innocent, like carving pumpkins and thinking of a cute couple costume, that Masato will make for them, of course. Masato will also bake Halloween treats with them and hand them out to everyone early on Halloween.

If something really scares them, Masato will hold them close and whisper they’ll be alright in their ear, and he won’t let anything happen to them. They’ll be safe as long as they’re in his arms, and that’s just the thing that his s/o wants to hear.

Natsuki

Even though his initial reaction to his s/o’s scared reactions is that they’re just the cutest things he’s ever seen, he’ll quickly change his mindset and promise he’ll bring a smile back to their face, since that’s when they’re actually the cutest.

Natsuki knows all the shops in town that have cute Halloween decorations, the ones with the cutest stuffed animals, and the ones with the best tasting Halloween-themed desserts. His s/o would be so overloaded with all the cute parts of Halloween they’ll forget there’s anything scary out there in the first place.

He’ll buy them a cute costume to wear on the actual holiday, and he’ll stay in with them and give candy to all the Trick-or-Treaters. Kids are too adorable to be really scary, so they’ll have a great time watching all the costumes pass by. Everyone is so creative this year, Natsuki is already planning the next costumes for them to wear next time.

Natsuki is a pretty big guy, so he promises that he’ll be his s/o’s personal bodyguard any time they feel like they need some extra protection during the spooky season. He’ll pick them up and carry them in his arms, claiming that he’s too tall for any vampires or werewolves to get him. Ghosts might be a bit trickier to take care of, but he says he’ll ask them nicely to leave his s/o alone. He’s got them covered no matter what kind of monster may appear.

Tokiya

Tokiya, being the logical guy he is, really doesn’t understand what is so terrifying about Halloween, but he makes an effort to see things from his s/o’s point of view. Fake blood was more cheesy than anything, and although special effects in movies were getting better, they were still pretty easy to spot, but he supposed that too much of this stuff could wear away at someone.

His s/o gets a little more clingy, and he takes it in stride. He’ll talk about the origins of certain monsters and movie characters, and somehow hearing these things explained in the most matter-of-fact way possible really detracts from the scare factor. Tokiya rattling on about the figures in the horror genre is actually pretty soothing, and they’ll end up falling asleep more often than not to the sound of his voice on those nights they were too scared to sleep.

Also: “I was a big wolf in one of my stage plays, and I wasn’t so scary then, was I?”

Tokiya isn’t the biggest fans of Halloween parties to begin with, so he has no problem staying inside when the rest of Starish goes out to scare themselves silly. But in the off chance they do want to go out, he’ll stay by their side and talk with them most of the night. If anyone tries to pull pranks on them, he’ll quickly shut them down and give them a look that will guarantee they won’t try it again.

There’s plenty of stuff to focus on that isn’t scary that can improve their view on Halloween. He’ll tell them to focus on black kittens, jack-o-lanterns, candy, hiding under a blanket with hot cider… which he suggests they do, because that’s one of the best parts of fall.

Ren

Ren loved that his s/o was a little scaredy cat. The fact that they were practically always hanging from him was absolutely amazing, and he loved that he was who they turned to when their fears were acting up. And of course, he always told them that they can latch on as long as they needed to. He’ll hug them and give them kisses and picks them up and smother them with affection to distract them from any terrors.

Ego boost aside, he’s genuinely very attentive to his s/o when they’re upset. He knows when to remove them from a situation that’s a bit too much for them, and he’ll stick with them as long as he needs to in order to calm them down. Sometimes he’ll take them on a drive just to get them to focus on something else.

Ren’s favorite part of Halloween by far is the costumes, so he sees this as a great way to bring a little positivity to the night. He’ll tease that they could always dress up as a ‘sexy’ version of something, or they could always go the route of dressing up as elegant vampires that would surely gain the attention of everyone that saw them. How could they be scared when they’re too busy stealing the show?

In the true spirit of things, Ren thinks of a cute nickname for his s/o just for Halloween. Perhaps they’re his black kitten, or they could be his little devil… the possibilities are endless, and his s/o is too busy shooting down all of his advances to be scared of Halloween.

Syo

Syo, of course, will be the absolute bravest person on the planet for his s/o’s sake. Nothing can get past him. No one jumping from behind a corner, no hyper-realistic spiders hanging from the ceiling, no jump scares on websites… Well, that last one was a little trickier, but he was good at looking over his s/o’s shoulder and making sure they don’t follow any weird links.

He sees Halloween as a good time to try to get over their fears. He believes in them, and he knows that if they put their mind to it, they’ll be able to take anything head on. He’ll ease them into scary situations on their own terms; they’ll start with something small like plastic bugs and rats and gradually move on to scary movies and things like that. Of course, if anything gets to be too much, he’ll calm their nerves and tell them he’s proud of them for trying.

If his s/o is embarrassed about being scared, he’ll take the fall for them and claim that whatever going on is too scary for him, and he’ll insist that they should knock it off because it’s getting to him. Then when no one’s looking, he’ll wink at his s/o and give them a knowing smile.

Syo has the perfect alternative for scary moving nights: Prince of Fighting! Sure they’ve watched them a million times, but they’re not scary at all now since all the suspenseful scenes are easy to predict at this point.

Cecil

Since Cecil isn’t used to any Halloween traditions yet, he’s more confused than scared of anything. He’ll ask his s/o to explain their reactions and what’s so scary about stuff, and they’ll usually refuse and just tell him to ask someone else. But he’s pretty persistent, and through explaining things to him, his s/o starts to realize that all these things they thought were terrifying aren’t so bad.

Cecil reminds his s/o that he spent a good chunk of time as a black cat, so he can personally guarantee that there’s nothing scary about felines. He thinks that all of the Halloween creatures are just misunderstood, and he’ll talk to his s/o about that and those conversations also help ease their fears.

He also asks if there’s any Halloween songs that he should know about. Once his s/o fills him in, he’ll insist that they sing together. It’s hard to be scared when you’re having a blast singing a duet with Cecil, and he’ll definitely start up random singalongs as often as he can.

Cecil is always wanting to learn, and as a result of that, his s/o ends up learning things too. Knowledge helps get rid of the fear of the unknown, and it’s a subtle way Cecil helps his s/o get over the Halloween jitters. By the end of the season, Cecil sits back and smiles as they take in all Halloween has to offer. It took a little bit of work, but he knew it was just the thing his loved one needed.

Also, since Halloween is his birthday, a lot of the focus is taken from spooks and instead directed at birthday prep and festivities. His s/o never had a lot to look forward to during this season, but now that Cecil was around to dote on, they had a brand new outlook on the holiday.

I hope your Halloween isn’t too scary, and I hope you can have a fun day despite all the scares! 

[futurewriter2000]

MISUNDERSTOOD - pt. 2

A/N. F-f-finished. Yeah I know I am supposed to study but 150 pages are too much for one night and well....fuck it. Also REQUESTS ARE CLOSED and YES! I am working on every request you sent me. I just need more time.

TAGS:  @shadyladyperfection, @nadinissavage, @geeksareunique, @siriusly-loves-snuffles, @slither-in-a-half, @ashkuuuu, @xinyourdreamsx, @maralisa124

Other parts —> MASTERLIST

(REQUESTS ARE CLOSED)

xx

“Sorry- my bad- ugh, sorry.”

“Watch out!” 

“Shit- sorry- blimey - shit- my bad- watch out- passing through people.” continued James as he kept running past the big crowds in corridors, hoping to get to you before he’s too late.

He thought about you that same night. The night you told him to piss off and let yourself finish the year without him. He was not about to let that happen. The year was almost over and he couldn’t live with himself, leaving what the two of you used to have be another memory.

“ (Y/N)!” he shouted on the top of his lungs as he saw you coming out of class with your head in the book. 

Despite the fact that you heard him loud and clear, you decided to ignore the boy and walk away. 

“(Y/N)!” he shouted once again, this time a bit quieter as he was running closer. 

You huffed, stomping your foot on the ground and turning around. “ What!” 

“I-” he panted, bending down and trying to catch some breath. “I- well I-” he continued, holding on with one hand on his ribs as the other leant on the cold wall. “ Bloody hell, I need to work out more.” he added, fixing up his posture and looking at you. 

“ What do you want, James? I don’t have all day.” you spat out harshly, sending him glares as the anger kept boiling inside of you.

“ I know what you think that I abandoned you for Sirius and other two but I’m here to tell you that what you heard that day with Wormy and me was just a misunderstanding.”

“A misunderstanding?” you quirked an eyebrow at him.

“ Excatly. You cought me off guard that day. There was a friend of mine that really liked you and he believed you and I were a thing. He kept pressuring until I said something, something I am not very proud off.” 

“ Oh, really. And who might that friend be?” you asked him as you clearly noticed the lies flying out.

“ Umm...well..he’s...he’s a ...”

“Bye, James. Have a nice life.” you retorded and turned away from the boy. 

“NO, no! Please wait!” you heard him behind. 

“ Know James that I grew up with you.” You turned around sharply, storming back to him and pointing your finger at his chest. “ I was your best friend for 14 years to be exact. From day one. I know you James. I know you better than anybody in this entire world. I know that you prefer candy over chocolate, I know your favorite drink is homemade lemonade, your favorite food is pizza without the mushrooms and baloney. I know that whenever you can’t sleep you cover yourself with pillows, as many as you can find and I know that every time you are nervous you start fidgeting with your golden watch your dad gave you on your 10th birthday. I know you James which means I definetly know when you are lying. High pitched voice, twisting your watch , fixing your glasses which you did seven times by now and running your hand through your hair.”

He stood quiet with his jaw on the ground and his haze eyes stuck on you. “ I- I didn’t know you knew about the watch.” 

“Yeah well I was there when he gave it to you, remember? Remember the days we were considered as family. But appereantly we’re not since everything that comes from your mouth are lies.” and with that you walked away, holding back the tears as they stinged your eyes. 

‘Don’t cry. He’s not worth it.’

---

“ I blew it!” he groaned as he walked in the room, walking towards his bed and laying face down. “She hates me.” 

“ I wonder why...” said Remus and turned around in his chair. 

“I tried to apologise, Moony. I really did.” he rolled on his back, looking up and noticing his other two best friends weren’t here. “ Where are Padfoot and Wormtail? This is a four people problem.”

“McGonagall.” replied Remus. 

“Oh. Than two people problem it is.”

“ What ha-”

“I just don’t understand!” he cried, interrupting Remus as he tried to speak. “ I tried to appologise. I tried to explain but she just started saying how much she knows me and how amazing she is.”

“You tried to appologise? Did you try to tell her the truth?” asked Remus, causing James to look at him and lift an eyebrow.

“What do you mean?”

“ I mean, I saw you James. I saw you last night with her. When you saw me with her, you didn’t like it, right?”

“ It was weird. Of course, I didn’t like it.” he defended himself.

“ So weird that you kept staring at me the whole night, thinking of ways to kill me. That kind of weird?” he quirked an eyebrow at the boy.

“ What are you saying, mate? That I was jealous?” he scoffed and started to twist his watch. 

“ I don’t know. Were you?”

“ I was not jealous of you and (Y/N), Moony. I was just- I was just.” he stopped for a second, looking to where this was going. 

“What? Angry, furious, irratated?” 

“ I don’t fancy her, Moony.” he turned to him and sat back down. “ Don’t get me wrong. She is an amazing person with the giggling and the laughing or the way she bites her lower lip whenever she laids her hands on a book. It’s just we’ve been friends for so long and I don’t believe I would ever see her more as that.” 

“Wow.” marveled Remus, leaning back on his chair and staring at him. “ What a dimwit.” he snorted and started laughing at him.

“What?”

“ ‘Or the way she bites her lip whenever she gets a new book.’ “ he quoted James, continuing to laugh.

“No. I said whenever she gets a book in her hands she bites her lower lip. When she gets a new book she bubbles and giggles at everything.” James corrected him, not even realizing what he was saying.

" Mate. You don't fancy her. You love her. "cooed Remus and turned back to his homework.

"I do not!" James gasped and stood from his stule.

"If you don't like her than you wouldn't mind me asking her out?" he looked over his shoulder and saw the jealous look forming on James' face.

"I thought you didn't like her."

" You thought but now that I know you don't fancy her I might as well ask her on a date. " Remus continued to goad.

" You can't do that." he started to get furious.

"Why not?"

"Because... Because you are not her type!"

Remus scoffed and started to clap. "Bravo, James. You managed to offend me and piss me off in one sentance. Now, I will for sure ask her on a date." he spoke with a serious tone in his voice, cleaning up his books and crawling into bed. "In fact I will ask her tomorrow morning when I see her."

James knew that Remus was only trying to prove him wrong about his feelings towards you but maybe he went to far with offending Remus the way he did.

He couldn't have feelings for you. He got rid of those years ago. Right? RIGHT !?!

----

"Sorry! - CRAP!" he shouted, ducking over the Nearly-Headless Nick.

"Watch out! Coming through!" he continued to warn other students but kept bumping into them.

"Oi! Watch where you're going!" yelled one of them.

"Sorry!" he continued to run, finally seeing you in a crowd of Ravenclaws. "(Y/N)!" he shouted but you couldn't hear him due to all the chattering around you.

That was until he reached you by the shoulder, causing you to turn around and see an exhausted boy bending over and holding himself around his ribs.

"James?" 

"(Y/n)-" he continued to pant, catching his breath. " Man, I have to work on my cardio."

"James, what do you want?" you started to get impatient.

"You were right. Completly right." he spoke through breaths.

"Right about what?"

"Right about me lying to you yesterday. There was no friend that day only an idiot denying his feelings for a girl. A girl he fell in love with a long time ago." he was finally able to calm down his breathing. " When we were eleven and we promised eachother to not drift apart, I held on to that promise the whole time. And when we were fourteen on Hufflepuffs victory party, alone... and well... I kissed you..." he paused once again, looking away for a moment before locking his eyes with yours again. "After that kiss I realized I had feelings for. Feelings I thought I had for Lilly but only had with you instead. I got scared because I didn't want to lose you and the friendship that we had. I had a lot of girlfriends before our kiss and none of them worked out. I wanted us to keep what we had but I just ruined it.  And for the last four years I believed you hated me because of our kiss and last time when you told me that you heard me with Wormy...I- I just- I don't know. I guess I -"

"James." you cut him off, letting your hand finds it way to his cheek. " I always liked you and the kiss we had that night was amazing. Either if you didn't want us to be a couple or not after the kiss I would have been okay. I am not some fragile girl who can't take rejection. I knew you didn't mean it but saying it still hurt. I forgave you for what you said that day long time ago and I wanted us to talk about it but than I saw you not even bothering to fix it. Not the kiss, nor what you said. You just gave up on me."

"I thought you hated me."

"And I thought you wouldn't break your promise."

"(Y/n), please. I just want to fix this. What we have is something special. We can't throw it away. " he begged, taking a hold of your hands and begging you with his eyes. "I fucked up. I know but I am willing to give us a try."

"James, I can't. "

"Why?!"

"Because I can't just go back to where we used to be and pretend the last four years didn't happen. "

"We can start over."

" We can't ignore it, James. We can be friends for now."

" Friends?" he scoffed and let go of your hands. " So what? So you can be all snoggy with Remus!" he snapped, causing you to take a step back.

"What does Remus have to do with this?"

" You like him more than me, don't you?"

"Remus is just a friend, James."

"Well, appereantly not for long since he is going to ask you out this morning and -"

"Wait." you interrupted him. "Is that what this was all about? Because you didn't want Remus to ask me out?! So you just said those things so I would not say yes to Remus!" you fumed.

"Yes, (y/n)! BECAUSE I WAS JEALOUS! Is that what you wanted to hear?! I bet you love seeing me jealous, seeing as you go flirt with every other guy than me!"

"What the hell are you even talking about?! You don't make any sense!"

"I am saying that since I was eight years old I liked you and when I was fourteen years old I dared myself to finally make a move on my long time crush only to be later ignored by her and find out she's being all touchy touchy with my best friend!"

"I was not touchy touchy with Remus! " you defended yourself. " And even if I was! Remus was the only person who was there for me because my best friend started to avoid me. My best friend replaced me. You replaced me James and for four years I thought it was my fault. What did I do? Does he really think of me that way? What am I to him!" you took a step forward and placed you index finger against his chest. "You are the one who gave up on me too fast! On us! And now finally after four years, seeing me in the arms of someone else you decided to get jealous and confess your "feelings" for me! Yeah, no!" you finally finished and pushed him away.

"(Y/n)!" he called after you but you kept walking away.

" Leave me alone, James! I hate you! " and with that you ran off, leaving your long lost best friend, first love and first kiss behind.

[ghostmartyr]

Right, this is pretty steeped in fandom stuff, so for the anons in the back who think that’s an invitation to continually send me hate over having feelings, you’ve misunderstood our relationship (again), and also do not. I just need a release valve.

What’s stupid is that I need people. I will abandon schedules for five more minutes of conversation. The only reason I write at all is so that maybe someone will talk to me. I sink into depression in two minutes flat with some friends if conversation starters go unheard. I can have a good day of socializing, and the second the people go away, it’s like it never happened. I need more.

Except I’m also deeply emotionally unstable and vulnerable. In fandom in particular, I currently have a long list of stuff that sets me off. I do what I can to not go near, then ah, surprise, this blog you thought was okay hit a sore point, you’re alone forever no one thinks like you even the people who like the stuff you do don’t agree with you, you’re just alone and nothing is ever going to change with that.

It’s such a fucking mess. I’m desperate for people, and most of the ones I find are ones I simply can’t be around. This last month especially (bite me, it’s an issue) has been hell. I can’t go into fandom tags. I can barely go to friends’ blogs. The only time I feel halfway stable is when I’m alone with my own thoughts, and I enjoy my hobbies my way.

And that’s great. ...For people who can have that be enough. For me it’s just not. My feelings don’t feel real unless I share them with other people, and I feel like I’ve lost every venue I can do that in, because I’m just too much of a psychological wreck.

It sucks? I want to have fun. I like cartoons and comics. I like stories. What other people think about them shouldn’t bother me, but other people are the thing that makes me tick. I joke about disagreeing with everyone, but it’s not... wrong. And for the things I enjoy the most, those disagreements are enough to ruin the whole interaction.

So I don’t try to go anywhere new, because I have piles of evidence going over why I’m not healthy enough to risk it. Every time I slip and break that rule, it’s one more piece. Meanwhile, every time I try someone familiar and cross my fingers, I strike out badly enough that I make despondent posts instead of slitting my wrists, and yeeeah, that’s the actual train of thought that I went through before typing this.

People are just bad for me. I’m at my most stable when I’m outside, alone, in the middle of the night, playing Pokemon Go. That’s the only time I feel like I can breathe.

But ah. I’m fucking lonely?

That’s not an invitation, because like I said, people are minefields for me right now. And of the small handful I’m okay with, I’m the kind of lonely where the only thing that makes a dent is 24/7 constant communication.

For many, many reasons, that’s not feasible.

It’s good, I guess, to recognize your problems, but I don’t really have any solutions. My experiments with trying to make more friends (and if you’re reading this it is probably not about you, I don’t vague about people I have conversations with; the embarrassment alone would keep that from happening) end with me wanting to blow a hole in my head.

It’s like... okay, I’m lonely. But I keep finding communities that make me feel even more alone. It’s one thing to feel lonely when you’re isolated, but stepping outside and realizing that all of the places you thought would be a good fit are on completely the wrong wavelength?

That’s where suicide starts feeling like the only option. Being alone as a choice is easier than being alone because you don’t fit.

By at least one definition, I’m an extrovert. People give me energy. Being alone at all makes me miserable.

Look, I was dreading the third season coming out for more reasons than I will ever have the nerve to admit publicly. I’ve spent months wanting to die just from that (again, not a healthy person here).

But I thought I’d get to be part of that energy for it. As bad as I knew my head would make it, I was also aware, on some level, that there would be some really cool stuff for me to love.

Except for a lot of reasons that people can infer (and twenty more that I would rather die than provide hints to (that turn of phrase is terrible when you’re suicidal and me; all I can think whenever I type it is, “well yes, I’d rather die than most things”)), I can’t go anywhere near fandom right now.

This huge explosion of enthusiasm, and if I try to touch it, I’m going to get burned. Just because of what my head is doing to me. I’m sensitive to all the wrong things. I’m like a kid with a candy allergy on Halloween.

Sometimes I feel like the answer to all my problems is, “just Get Well.”

If I were healthy, depression would have fewer pits to hide in. If I were healthy, I would have the energy to resist the OCD. If I were healthy, I would have a life outside the internet and the things that happen here wouldn’t feel so overwhelming. If I were healthy, things would work the way they’re supposed to.

I’m not. I’m not even in a stable state of unhealthy. That’s what doctors are for. And meds. I just need to be patient, hang in there, and wait to be healthy, and then it’ll be okay, and I can enjoy a comic book without thinking about slitting my throat. Right? That sounds good. That sounds like a thing I want.

It’s also not working. Things are deteriorating, and there’s nothing anyone can do. There’s nothing terminal wrong, just a million things that won’t work, and that no one has figured out how to fix.

I can’t make friends and can’t watch a cartoon without it triggering suicidal urges. Not thoughts. Active urges.

This post isn’t intended as a downspiral of angst, it’s me being at a loss. I exercise. I spend time in sunlight. I do everything I can to not curl up under my bed all day. I take the recommended pills. I put the therapy techniques I’ve been taught into practice.

And none of it is working well enough.

I’m not going to kill myself, but in defense of myself for wanting to, it is not an insane decision, just one that makes people besides me uncomfortable. If I had something terminal, or if I were someone’s pet, euthanasia would be encouraged.

But I’m human, and unless my suicidal urges have a ticking clock counting off how long I can resist them, I’m not terminal. This is a life I have to survive.

Here’s a thing, which I don’t think anyone really likes talking about. When you’re at the point where the only thing you can hold on to is fictional, everyone rolls their eyes or says with alarm that that’s not normal. Those are the nice reactions. If you invest yourself in fiction, you’re a child, and having real emotions about fake stuff is for mockery.

...I’m gonna pause for a second. Yeah, I’m dangerously emotionally and psychologically unhealthy, but. stories are supposed to make you connect to them. That’s what they’re intended for. Overreactions exist and all, but if you’re not having an emotional response to a story, the author’s failed. The whole art of crafting a story is getting a person to care. Making fun of people for participating makes zero sense.

Like... because I’m guessing anyone who’s going to send me hate already has at this point... “ha ha, this person’s upset because the thing they enjoyed isn’t enjoyable anymore!”

How dare people want to have fun. With the thing they’re spending their free time on.

Stories are selfish. Authors and audiences are all after things they, personally, want, and the fact that people are still acting like they’re somehow above all of that is laughable. Fiction is an instrument of greed. A reader reads something because of what they want. A writer writes something because of what they want. If you’re lucky, those wants line up, but for crying out loud, creation and consumption of fiction is ludicrously selfish.

It’s inventing or looking for a world tailored to your personal desires. What part of that screams objective altruism. That is the exact opposite of the point. Everyone involved is greedy and self-indulgent. The fact that some people remember themselves well enough to have manners about it doesn’t change what it is.

...Yes, I know I’m making it obvious why I have such a problem making friends shut up.

Anyway, back to my sad melodrama.

My thing is that my life is so endlessly unbearable that even something made up can’t go right. When you’re sad enough you’re counting on a fantasy made by someone else to improve your reality, you’re already kind of screwed.

When even something that small can’t go right?

How in the hell are you supposed to think anything else will?

There’s this line in IGPX where the antagonist team is going out of their way to get into the protagonist’s head. It’s something to the effect of, “you can’t even let him win a video game?” Dude’s playing a fun little game during his off time, antagonist sweeps in and ruins it.

One candle in a dark room casts a lot of light. Even like. a birthday candle. Small, pathetic, but compared to the darkness? Night and day.

Snuff that out, and there’s really nothing. Just a whole lot of black.

My candle’s mostly occupied giving me wax burns at the moment.

In conclusion my mental health is broken I want a new one.

[extrology]

Get to Know Kyungsoo (D.O.)

(12 January 1993, Seoul)

Let me begin by saying that it’s extremely difficult for Kyungsoo to express himself and be understood by others. His tightest aspect is Moon Opposition Venus at (-0,01′) literally as tight as an aspect can be. And it’s just such a difficult aspect, I’ll cover it in later posts but think of it this way “Very few people know Kyungsoo, I doubt even other exo members are close enough to know and understand the real Soo not because he doesn’t want to connect to others (oh trust me, he wants to be loved sooo bad). He’s just constantly misunderstood and doesn’t know how to show his care and love“.

Actually this pancake is so interesting, layers upon layers and every single one is more different and interesting than the rest. Even after a whole week of studying his chart I doubt I have a grasp on him.

Dominants/key notices:

lacks air and fire in his table

fire void in one’s table can mean lack of assertiveness OR the person may try to overcompensate by appearing as super manly and powerful (think Luhan)

people who don’t have a lot of air placements dislike “small talk”, think it’s pointless and aren’t that big of socializers

as capricorn dominant he really respects authority, is hardworking, ambitious, likes working on details and is a great organizer

absolutely loves working on details, learning. Constantly wants to improve his mind and work

Capricorn stellium sun, mercury, uranus and neptune (ego, brains and dreams)

This combo makes a very down-to-earth person

very realistic dreams (less dream-like, more like goals)

loves working on details

ambitious, calm and hardworking cutiepie

rational, clearheaded and logical

stubborn and prefers to be in charge rather than bossed around

dislikes surprises

easily concentrates

very practical, responsible and persistent

will never simply bail on a project, will always see it through

nobody is as good at finding the right resources and making the best out of them

rather inflexible thus needs  to learn how to bend and adapt as things don’t always go as he might want

his serious/formal-ish image might make him look angry, unpleasant and difficult to approach

when in reality he’s just cautious

constantly feels like everybody is judging him (as he judges others himself, he thinks others do the same)

doesn’t talk much

making friends is super difficult for him

but the ones he befriends have his unbreakable loyalty (like, this man still prefers hanging out with his childhood friends, tell me this aint loyalty)

yes he’s a great friend but still awful at texting back

i don’t really want to talk about relationships in this series, just know that Kyungsoo would be the absolute bestest husband ever. No buts. I’ll tell you guys about it one day, You’ll melt~

what a thinker he is, he just has to explore and think over all options before making a decision

slow and methodical, appreciates structure in his life

brilliant memory and a passion for learning

material success is VERY important to him

he just loves working, and when stressed he just works even harder, and becomes even more focused

this can wear him down so if you ever meet him just tell’im to relax a bit ty

he’s naturally very cautious

tends to keep his ideas, beliefs and thoughts to himself

by doing this, he puts far too much pressure, worry and stress on himself

it’s a huge struggle for Capricorn dominants to open up and be spontaneous (especially considering his Moon Opposite Venus this is just painful)

he doesn’t want to appear foolish, so chooses what to say carefully, because of this might come off stiff

if he looks confident and natural during a speech you can bet he worried himself sick over how he’d appear and practiced all night

doesn’t get influenced or swayed by others easily

but often feels the need to prove himself

will live and die by his beliefs

actually learns life lessons rather slowly because of his stubbornness

usually chooses a subject and becomes an expert in it (rather than being jack of all trades and learn everything at the same time)

really fascinated by history and traditions

thus wants to do something practical and useful so that he’d leave a mark on this world that would stand the test of time (I believe that’s one of the reasons why he got into acting)

might appear judgmental and strict as he just doesn’t have the patience to explain the obvious

dislikes air-headed people

absolutely hates people who don’t keep their word

pretty skeptical about new ideas, needs time to think them over

powerful voice and he proves he’s worth listening to

has a bad habit of getting himself into negative thoughts

but would not tell anybody until on the point of breaking down

some topics he’d love to talk about: his life goals, history, his reputation and ambitions

most likely a weeb/furry

passive aggressive little shit, but almost everybody in exo is passive aggressive so they probably understand each other well (it’s a joke guys, I’m not trying to be rude)

And now virgo moon and his emotions

what emotions? he’s a virgo moon, he has none

end of paragraph

jk jk

all virgo moons are in denial of having emotions

they don’t do feelings because those are problematic and make life more complicated as they seek perfection, order & have high expectations of themselves

feels shy and insecure about showing others how he feels as he sees it like burdening others and for him feelings = flaw

even a bigger hard worker

but often anxious

he loves being liked and to have friends (even though he doesn’t say it)

but won’t hesitate to cut off a toxic friend out of his circle

secretly thinks he’s better than everybody else~

also, doesn’t say it, but needs constant validation from others 

honestly pisses others off with his love (as a virgo moon, I know what I’m talking about)

will tell you to not stay up late and go to sleep, eat healthy, put on your seat-belt, quit smoking, lecture about your unhealthy lifestyle...

for others it might sound like nagging

but he says it because he truly cares about your health and safety and it would break his heart if you got hurt

will show his love through constructive criticism (the saddest part is that people nowadays can’t take criticism)

but he doesn’t want to hurt you

he wants your relationship and you to be the best you can

almost always gets misunderstood for this showing of love and probably believes there’s something wrong with him sigh

feels like he doesn’t deserve love and sympathy

thus always needs to feel useful

finds it rather difficult to understand other’s feelings

enjoys the little things in life, may deny it, but likes running errands, meddling with details, taking care of the house (may complain, but if he’ll get appreciated, he’ll do his very best)

usually the first to volunteer to help someone

really loves routine or at least feeling that his work is necessary and meaningful

open affection most likely would make him to pull back a bit

give him time to make himself comfortable around you and he’ll show his true colors ^^

Virgo moons enjoy being busy and they’re happy as long as their life feels under control

usually put up invisible barriers to others, whether they realize it or not

they hope that others will put forth the extra effort to get to know them anyway... (haha kill me)

With cancer mars ruling his aggression, he’s rather emotional about conflicts (unlike everybody depicts him)

finds it difficult to let go of past pains, tends to hold grudges

that’s actually the main cause of conflicts - everything pilling up until it explodes into tears

would do almost anything to avoid an argument

sensitive when it comes to family, very close friends, internal anxieties and uncertain future

indifference hurts him more than anything

emotional displays would occur if he felt threatened

seeks security in everything

not very vocal about his needs and expects others to figure it out

exceptionally loyal

loves babies and would want children asap

Bonus:

his sun, moon, mercury, neptune is all strict structure, work and locked up feelings

but his love life is as soft and cute as cotton candy

he’d release all his suppressed emotions, would love his family dearly, would be constantly smiling and just so so happy. Would love talking to his wife, breakfast to bed, hugs, cuddles and just being soft together

he’s such an emotional romantic under that hard shell. Such a family man

he also understands how relationships work very well. He’s not afraid of ups and downs of marriage, divorce is VERY unlikely, he just naturally knows how to have a happy marriage

with Moon in 10th house (esp in conjunction with MC) he would find it easier to express his feelings in public than in private. In his case though (as he has a lot of harsh placements when it comes to relationship with others) thus it makes him exceptionally good at expressing feelings in movies.

And that, my dears, why he’s so good at acting. He might have struggled with expressing himself all his life but stars aren’t cruel, if they take from one aspect of life, they bless you in another ^^

[Masterlist]

[sanhatation]

ri’s thicc 2017 reflection post !

its still quite a few hours away from 2018 for me but i just wanted to take this time to reflect on my absolutely Lovely 2017!!! yay time 2 get sappy as i word vomit and overshare about my year on tumblr.com !!!!

thank you loads to all of my LOVELY followers !!!!!!!!! yall are the cutest, make my day on the daily ! i wish you the best 2018 that the world can offer !!! stay healthy, take time for yourself, love yourself, love others, and be kind! 💓💓

this Riley Rant here, is gonna be here for me than anything. like a Fat journal entry !! and i am an Oversharer so here she goes [jeopardy music]

to begin, i have met and befriended so many amazing people on here this year and WOW!!!!!! lovely and supportive and talented, beautiful aroha friends??? it doesnt get better than that!!!!! i would attempt to tag all of u but yall know who u are ;)) im endlessly grateful to those of you who have really made being on here worth it. heck ya sometimes im like “why do i even spend time on here” but then!!!! idk sunny comes swingin in with just a heart full of love or sara comes swingin in with her eggs or marian comes swingin in with her rare pairs or j comes swingin in with her baking posts and thats not even HALF of it !!!!! seriously.....love you guys tons.

to my friends who i have had the pleasure of remaining your friend this year and getting closer to u !! i love you. i really dont know how yall handle me especially 2015/2016 me?? a MESS! yall are the REALEST. again, yall know who u are ;)) i hope we can continue to talk and have fun in 2018, i wish yall the best. 

and lastly....heres a THICC shoutout to my six shining stars. 

as for me as an individual, 2017 was a freaking Whack year. it was incredible....dare i say, iconic. and now its time for.....RILEY’S 2017 HIGHLIGHTS !!!!!! (also includes: the sucky parts bc even those allowed me to grow !)

- man, did 2017 start out pretty rough when my country decided it was a good idea to elect a freakin cheeto for president. however! i had the lovely opportunity to attend the women’s march at my capital the day before inauguration !! and it was powerful!!!! truly an experience ill treasure forever!

- binch....thank u Winter Dream for my whole life. tbh i wont forget sobbing at my best friend’s house when it dropped. thank u Miss Again Dance Practice. thank u Miss You & Me MV. thank u Miss Cotton Candy Choreography. thank u. 

- ah.....when some pinhead started that tr*mp chanting at a basketball game lol! so iconic that we made the new york times! gotta love that....

- OMG !!! HOW TO SUCCEED !!!! an absolutely amazing experience. granted, the male lead was a Snake, but i had a blast. Rosemary will forever be close to my heart and ill always cry a little when i hear Brotherhood of Man or Paris Original !! such an awesome opportunity. i learned a frick ton about myself as a performer. i improved a ton in acting and dancing, and also came to learn that i am very good at receiving instructions and memorizing lines quickly. i learned that i need to work on some of my facial expressions and i also learned some of my habits ! i miss u Queenie H2$ :’’)

- had my first tap dance performance ever??? i really enjoyed learning tap, and i hope to pick it back up in the future !!!!

- BIIIIIINCCH i had the opportunity to visit my sister in korea!!!!!!! wow.....truly the BEST week of my entire year, maybe even LIFE! i went to the dog cafe, the sheep cafe, mcountdown, the lunar festival kick off, gwanghwamun palace, dongdaemun, shopped a ton around hongdae, ate food by the han river, visited namsan tower (but not without getting lost), hit the noraebang TWICE, walked into a private Fantagio board meeting, ate delicious chicken on a STIIICK, ran in the rain, ordered delivery mcdonalds, had the BEST fried chicken, met a bunch of monks, was led around dongdaemun by a very old korean man, SAW EUNWOO AND DOYEON AND RECEIVED MUCH LOVE AND NEARLY DIED, hit the convenience store literally every day, snuck out, GOT A WAVE FROM KEY :((( , bought Winter Dream and lots of skin care products and lots of cute clothes, had the clearest skin ive ever had in my life, went to a buddhist temple, witnessed a drunk man fall into the splits inbetween the ground and the subway, ran up and down 1000 subway stairs, fell in love with a man named Peanut, drank too much banana and strawberry milk, sobbed my face off at the festival as korean grandmas bowed to me, tried tons of new foods (including the nastiest bowl of cheese ramyun ive ever had in my life), bought lots of socks, rode an airplane for......like 40 hours in total? literally the best week of my Life

- had my junior vocal recital ! it was a cute girl. i felt my acting had really improved since sophomore voice recital !! 

- had prom on my 17th birthday and had a jolly good time !!! my mom made my dress and i felt like a Stunner

- dream pt. 01...she rly is that Bad Bih. best era. miss her loads. none of us ever deserved her. 

- les mis !!!!!! two whole weeks.....another Best Time. i learned so much, made so many lifetime friends, had a blast, sang my heart out.....such a freaking good time. i miss her

- got to spend the ENTIRE summer with momo!!!!!!!!!!! literally the ENTIRE!!!!! and what did we do? hit the park, watched lemonade mouth and fantastic beasts and starstruck and that random unicorn movie, made the Best slime, made that ICONIC weki meki video, laughed a ton, cried a ton, stayed up all night for the sunrise, stayed later for the sunset & thunderstorm, walked home in the pouring rain & lightning (IT IS VERY WET), went to the beach, met many dogs, got me hairs cut, befriended that Cat, and went to a painting class

- cabin week !!!!!!!!!!! whatta lovely time

- my brother’s wedding !!!! honestly? my best outfit of the year... had a bangin time. his wife is truly a cutie and i love her tons!

- there was that Mess in august and i still feel sorry to those who felt hurt because of it. i learned a lot about how things especially on the internet can be easily misunderstood and misinterpreted, so u gotta be EXTRA careful with your words ! 

- through that i also came to accept that u cant get everyone to understand or like u, and tbh that is okay for now. all we can do when we make mistakes is try to understand & learn, apologize, and try to better ourselves. and sometimes even when u do that, u still may not be liked. and thats okay. as long as you are trying your best and recognize mistakes, its all good. 

-skinny dipped at girls time wow what a freaking TIME

- woah dude i dropped out of my arts school lmao!!! the BIGGEST change in my life since 2014.;..wow! i dont even have the words to say how much stress was lifted off of me and i love senior yr !!!!

- momo came to CT!!!!!! 

- seeing svt live !!!!! but tbh the best part was seeing momo, “I LOVE A MAN WHO CAN SEW”, “I!!!!!!!!!! LOVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JIHOON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”, “IM UNDERAGE”, and when Mo BLASTED to that other line

- LAKE COMPOUNCE LMAOOOOO I LOVE JIHOON PT2!!!!

- my mom, sister, and i took an eight week painting class! i finished two paintings and learned a ton!! honestly a good time

- dream pt. 02.....shes that other Bad Bih....absolutely adore her

- i also learned that its okay to cut people off who are toxic. especially if you have already informed them that they make u feel bad, they are not worth trying to please or keep around. take care of yourself. similarly, its okay to block people, and you dont owe them an explanation

- MADI CAME HOME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! my other half...missed her so much :(((

- riley’s calligraphy christmas !!!!! was so much fun and i loved people’s reactions and i loved learning arohas favorite astro lyrics !!!

- ah...............one of the hardest weeks of my whole life. the pain still lingers, and i know itll hit me again like a boulder the next time we see only four of my angels standing on stage. for four months, i was worried sick about another member, and i even knew he was hurting, that his mental illness was real. my heart aches and there is a piece of it missing, but it will never be replaced. i know you are much happier now, jjong. i love you. 

- and also because of that, i have been able to think a lot about how i live my life. thoughts like ‘am i watching out for my family and friends enough?’ ‘am i listening enough?’ ‘is this funny comment worth it?’ ‘am i happy?’ im trying to be better. to not take things for granted, to only be kind, to always be there for those i love, for those who love me. and i will try my hardest to not complain about small or petty inconveniences. to try harder to be optimistic. 

- christmas was with my whole family for the first time in five years ;;; she was such a cute girl!

and now on to the next act !!!! its called RILEY’S NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS !!!!!!!!!! 

1. lets start with the basic stuff that im 99% not gonna pull through on: keep ur room clean. keep everywhere u go clean, it makes mom upset. eat better, u know there is other foods in this house besides peanut butter and pepperoni and popcorn. 

2. send out at least one Lovely Ask per day. i made this goal sometime over the summer, and i did it for a few months until i started to forget ;; its not that hard, u just gotta remember to do it !! 

3. sis.....quit Procrastinating.......GET ur FREAKING application done...do ur homework the night before lmao! call who u need to !!! write those thank u cards!!!! go get them scholarships!!!! enter that graphic design contest lmao!!! just DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!! time is wasting

4. just be happy 

[movieswithkevin27]

Ghost in the Shell

For a film about a brain that gets put into a terrorist fighting robot, Rupert Sanders' Ghost in the Shell sure is dull and conventional. Blowing the budget on special effects and a beautiful score, Ghost in the Shell apparently could not spare a dime for an overhauled script that was not so pale, cliche, and run-of-the-mill. A classic tale of a dedicated-to-the-law hero who slowly discovers that everything they thought was true is not true, the bad guy is actually good, and those helping them are actually the bad ones, Ghost in the Shell feels impeccably shallow, forgettable, and shockingly boring. While a visual splendor at every turn, Ghost in the Shell's success is skin deep with no beating heart to keep its blood pumping and no charm to be found whatsoever in this science fiction action film.

As I have never watched the anime or manga or whatever the film is based on, I came into this one without any pre-conceived notion as to what it should look and feel like. Yet, I nonetheless came away wholly underwhelmed. Horrifically edited, chopped up, and dumped at about 90 minutes long, Ghost in the Shell is a film that hints at many different topics, but is never actually given a chance to explore them. As she is a woman killed by a malevolent organization and then used by that organization to advance their cause in the body of a robot, the film could have a lot of things to say about identity, politics, and be used as a critique of governmental control of a country. Yet, none of these are given any measure of depth. Instead, the lazy and nonsensical writing of the plot leaves these items as backdrops to beautiful effects, forgetting to actually provide the film with any measure of depth in its story. Comfortable being a passable and forgettable shoot 'em up action flick with cliches throughout, Ghost in the Shell feels as though it is a studio product built to suppress the interesting ideas clearly envisioned in the source material in favor of making it more commercially viable. By the end, it is clear that this is not Ghost in the Shell, but rather something inspired by it that entirely misses the point of its source material. It is a live-action remake without heart or soul that feels as though it is nothing more than an ill-advised cash grab attempt.

The aforementioned issues with the editing are really what waylays this film. Much like 2016’s Suicide Squad, there a lot of interesting ideas and themes that get tossed at the wall in Ghost in the Shell. However, very little actually winds up sticking. Instead, it gets lost in a film that feels chopped up and wholly misguided. At a tight 90 minutes, Ghost in the Shell could have been a cohesive and smart action science fiction film. Unfortunately, at a loose 90 minutes, Ghost in the Shell is a longer film crammed into a shorter running time that still tries to accomplish all of the same goals and messaging as a longer film. Thus, Ghost in the Shell is one of those films that tries to do too much in a short timeframe, never giving any of it the proper depth. This is truly exemplified when the film finally jumps into the plotting in the second half. Speeding through without trying to remain a cohesive piece, Ghost in the Shell has to resort to having characters just come out and explain things that would be shown or revealed in a different fashion in other, better films. Instead, here, everybody seems willing to just spill the beans and say exactly what the mysterious project that created Major and others was really all about. After years of covering it all up, it is amazing what the realization that the film is about to end can do to a character’s motivation to explain what happened. In stark contrast, the first half takes its time and really tries to pace itself before everything just hits the fan in the second half with the film stumbling out of control, desperately trying to end in time while covering as much ground as possible. Ghost in the Shell is a film that, when it ends, you wonder where the rest of the movie went.

The film’s storyline really does not do the film’s strengths any justice either whatsoever. Largely about a new program that puts human brains into robot bodies to make warriors, Ghost in the Shell ditches its heady ideas about augmentation and then blending of human with mechanical in favor of becoming just another film about cover-ups. On the surface, it could be interesting with the mysterious Kuze (Michael Pitt) infecting robots and using them to kill the scientists on some highly secretive project. A compelling character given a strong rendition by Pitt, Kuze winds up just being a character with a vengeance that is being hunted by the people who are actually evil, who use the unwitting Major to do their bidding. Revealing he is actually good and there to help Major, only to die seconds later, Ghost in the Shell is a lazily written and unimaginative film with a derivative and dull plot that just happens to be set in an extravagant and futuristic world. It refuses to take chances, instead opting for this safe cover-up angle with a cliché militaristic bad guy, a misunderstood opponent who is actually good, and a few hardcore yet goofy sidekicks along the for the ride with Major. For a film that hints at so many undercurrents that seems compelling on the surface, but winds up reverting to tired clichés for both plot and character development that renders the film as one that has nothing under the skin.

Shockingly, the film's action is equally ineffectual. The fight scenes are largely low-key, unimaginative, and not particularly great either. The final climactic battle scene with Major getting helped by Kuze does not really work either. The choreography is certainly a major issue with these fight scenes, as it never really seems to flow or actually look appealing. However, the fight scenes also feel exceedingly dull. There is no anticipation or climactic release found in these, instead suffering from the same crisis faced by Marvel superhero films: the fight scenes exist not to tell a story or be visually stunning, but just look cool. As Major rips a thing open and loses her arm in the process, it is hard to not see this as a hollow expression of the film's own shallow intentions. Though its visuals largely stun with intricate designs, the fight scenes themselves are not similarly inspired, instead just hollow re-creations of better action scenes in film that feel as though they know the beats and how it should look, but lack the punch, thrill, and excitement to actually work in their own right.

One area of this film that is largely a source of conflict for my own opinion is the acting. Led by Scarlett Johansson, Ghost in the Shell lacks a charismatic lead to really come off smoothly, but whether or not that is fair to criticize due to Johansson playing a robot is up for debate. Her emotions and movements are incredibly robotic, showing that she really did get that down well, but it is not particularly different than how she usually acts. For a woman cast as the action hero lead in many films, Johansson really lacks the charisma and charm to make these kinds of roles come off well, with Ghost in the Shell being a great example of this. That said, again, it may be intentional in this case. Thus, turning to her delivery, this is where Johansson really struggles. With a weak script that fails to develop the characters, the plot, or workable dialogue, it is hard to lay the blame entirely at her feet. However, Johansson is somebody who always acts like they are acting. She seems self-aware that she is an actress, which often greatly undermines her performance by it being stiff, rigid, and unconvincing. In this film, it kind of benefits her, but I have really yet to find a performance by her that I love.

Visually, the film is largely top-notch. The holograms floating around buildings are a weird touch that do not really work all that much, but otherwise, the film is incredibly gorgeous. Though perhaps not strictly necessary, Major splashing into a room through an all-glass window to kick some ass is a seriously stunning image. This neon-lit visual behemoth has been defended as a good film because of its visuals and it is hard to not see why that is the case. For those who value visuals above all else, Ghost in the Shell certainly delivers that in spades. Perhaps the highlight is a shot of a group of people on a boat in a pinkish blue light floating by on the water with the city skyline in the background. It is perhaps director Rupert Sanders' most inspired moment in the film. As a whole, much has been said about the film's visuals and it is hard to not praise them. There is a lot of neon in this film and, as always, it is a lot of different kinds of pretty. At some point, neon will not look so good, but that time is not yet. The incredible production design goes hand-in-hand with the great effects as the skyline and set pieces consistently deliver the goods with intricate designs that really turn into eye candy. The highlight there being the excellent sequence in which Major goes into the mind of one of the companion robots to see the infection it had. Dimly lit with winding tunnels, the design and visuals of the moment are more low-key than this film will be remembered for, but are nonetheless excellently put together.

That said, what really entices me to love this film is Clint Mansell. Perhaps one of the best composers working in Hollywood right now with The Fountain being his crowning achievement. His score in Ghost in the Shell sounds similar at times, especially with the awe-inspiring and hopeful beginning of this film as the robot form of Major rises out of a pool of liquid to be completed. The score hits some beautiful notes in that moment that both stand out on their own and greatly benefits that sequence, which is exactly what a score should do. Setting the tone and the scene perfectly throughout, Mansell's rapturous score meshes beautifully with the excellent visuals and effects that goes to solidify Ghost in the Shell as a technical masterpiece but a structural failure.

Beautiful visuals and an excellent Clint Mansell score notwithstanding, however, Rupert Sanders' Ghost in the Shell drops the ball. With horrifically paper-thin writing, disposable characters, bad and generic dialogue, shoddy editing that rushes through the rising action and climax, and iffy acting from Scarlett Johansson, there is not much to praise about this film beyond its visuals and score. Hinting at deeper ideas about identity and the dangers regarding artificial intelligence as it begins to mesh with humanity, Ghost in the Shell drops everything in the name of rushing through its finale with cliches abounding. Predictable, dull, and the very definition of shallow entertainment, Ghost in the Shell should have stayed in its shell.

[lovemesomesurveys]

If you could drink only 2 things for the rest of your life, what would it be? Coffee and water.

Would you date someone taller than you? Well, yes. Just about everyone is taller than me for one thing.

Have you met anyone that has been a major influence on you this year? No.

Ever kissed someone who smokes? No.

Have you ever liked someone a lot older than you? Not including celebrities, the oldest person I’ve liked is only two years older than me.

Have any interesting conversations lately? Not really.

If your friends warn you about someone you like, do you listen? I would hear what they had to say, yes.

Who did you last pinky promise with? I have no idea when the last time I pinky promised was.

What do you do when you’re having a bad day? Go about my day as usual and do what I always do, which are things like Tumblr, surveys, rest, watch TV, listen to music, read, and color.

Does it take a lot for someone to annoy you? No. I get irritable pretty easily.

Do you want your tongue or belly button pierced? No.

Do you hate it when people smoke around you? Cigarettes, yes. I can’t stand it.

Is there someone you care about right now? Uh, yeah. I care about my family. I love them more than anything.

If you could see one person right now, who would it be? I don’t really want to see anyone right now.

Do you say “I love you” when you don’t mean it? No. I don’t just throw those words around, if I say it, I mean it.

Do you smoke? No.

Have you ever been to a football game? Yes, actually.

How old is the computer you’re on? Like eight years old. It’s a MacBook. Wow, that’s crazy I didn’t realize just how old it is. In tech world, that’s ancient.

When you looked in the mirror today, what was your first thought? Ew.

Last furry thing you touched? My giraffe print body pillow.

Have you ever faked sick? I’ve never had to fake sick. I feel that way enough for real.

What is your blood-type? I actually don’t know. I’ve had blood work done so often throughout my life, I’ve had surgeries, and I’ve had a few transfusions. You’d think I would know by now.

The last time you were in the fridge, what were you looking for? A Chick-Fil-A sauce. I always get extra sauces when I go there, so that I have it at home to use. Apart from chicken strips, it goes well with eggs, sausage, and hash browns as well.

Do you like clowns? No.

Has anyone ever under-estimated your intelligence? Probably.

Can you take a bra off with one hand? I think so.

Do you have big dreams for your life? No. I know how sad that sounds, but it’s true.

Are you donating your organs? I don’t know.

When was the last time you talked to you mom? This afternoon before she went to work.

What did you do yesterday? The same stuff I always do that I already listed.

What kind of deodorant do you use? Secret.

Do you sleep on your side, stomach or back? I sleep on my side.

What is one show that is canceled that you wish was still on? I wish True Blood was still on. Also, The Vampire Diaries is on its final season, so that’s sad.

Ever met any online friends in person? Nope.

Do you know how to sew? No.

Does your room need cleaning? I need to straighten up a bit. I need to hang up my jackets, put away some clothes, and vacuum.

Do you like pumpkin pie? Nooo. Blech.

Do you own your own computer? Yes.

Did you ever have to share a room with one of your siblings? Yes.

How do you get to sleep? I listen to ASMR videos.

What happened at the last party you went to? I hung out with some friends I hadn’t seen in awhile, caught up, had lots of laughs, played a game, and just chilled.

Have you ever smoked a cigarette? No.

What’s your hair like at this present moment? It’s in a messy bun.

What’s the worst film you’ve ever seen? Hmm...

Are you an untidy person? I wouldn’t say that.

Have you ever been a fan of ‘N Sync? Yesss.

Do you watch a lot of television? It’s most only as background noise, but I tune in now and then. I also have shows that I do watch and keep up with.

Do you think you’re fat sometimes? No.

Do you like to flex your muscles? What muscles?

Have you ever completely misunderstood what somebody was saying? Yeahhh.

Favorite kind of cake: Funfetti, red velvet, white cake, and strawberry. Apart from red velvet that has cream cheese frosting, I love buttercream frosting on my cake. I don’t like whipped.

Name something you are doing tomorrow? Same ol’, same ol’.

Where are you going to be at 4 PM tomorrow? At home.

Did you have any unread text messages this morning when you woke up? Nope.

Do you think you would be a good parent? I would hope so. I don’t know if I want kids, though.

Are you tanned? No.

Did you get any compliments today? Nope. I’ve been home all day and I look like a mess.

Do you get jealous easily? More envious than jealous.

What were you doing at 3 AM this morning? I was asleep.

Are you any good at math? Nopeeee.

What’s your sign? Leo.

What is your favorite color? Yellow, teal, mint, and pastels.

Last time you were sick? I always feel unwell in some way. That’s chronic illness for you. I haven’t had a cold or anything like that in like two years, though.

Did you have a good day or a bad day? Just a typical, average day. If you haven’t noticed, my life isn’t very exciting. It’s very routine and predictable.

Do you eat healthy? Haha.

Have you ever been told that you need an attitude adjustment? Yes.

What’s something that you wish your pet could do? I don’t have a pet anymore... :(

Can you tango? No.

Do you know anyone that has/had cancer? Yes.

Have you ever read somebody else’s diary? No. Unless it was a public journal entry on a blog.

Have you ever been called a hick? No.

Are your parents going to buy you a car? No. I don’t even drive.

Have you ever rode around in the bed of a pick up truck? Yes.

Do you enjoy going to school? I liked it overall.

Can you touch your nose with your tongue? Nope.

Do/did you have any family in your school? I attended middle school and freshman year with one of my cousins, and in college I went to community college with one of my other cousins.

Were you a big jump roper back in the day? I didn’t jump rope at all.

Have you ever been in your kitchen naked? No. I don’t walk around naked. I don’t live alone for one thing, and for two I don’t feel comfortable naked. I put clothes on when I step out of the shower.

This time last year, what was your relationship status? Single as always.

When was the last time you went to the mall? Earlier this month.

Do you like the smell of coconuts? Yes. Just not the taste.

How many of the Harry Potter books have you read? None. I’ve seen all the movies.

When was the last time you checked your Facebook? Yesterday, I think.

Look out your window. How many people do you see? Zero. It’s took dark right now, but even still all I’d see is a fence.

Where was the last place you bought a clothing item? JCP.

Are you the youngest person living in your house? Nope. I’m the third oldest.

Did you reject or accept your last friend request? I think rejected because it was someone I didn’t know.

Are you wearing any socks? Yes.

Can you play pool? No.

Do you think that you are a good singer? Nope, I know I’m not. It doesn’t stop me from singing along to songs even belting out now and then. haha.

Are you sure of your sexuality? Yes.

Do you love your parents? Yes. My family is everything to me.

Do you think that you are smart? Meh. I’m probably more average.

Are you pretending to be someone that you’re not? I used to pretend I was more okay than I was or that I knew what I was doing. I was pretty good at it until this past year or two when I started to slip and couldn’t hide it well anymore. I still downplay a lot and keep to myself, but those close to me know I’m struggling.. just maybe not to the full extent. It’s also obvious I have no idea what I’m doing.

Do you like to read? I love to read.

How often do you talk on the phone? Not often at all. I don’t like talking on the phone.

Are you a local celebrity? Ha, no. I was on the news and in the newspaper when my accident happened, and there was a little fundraiser put together in my name, but that was twenty-six years ago. No one remembers any of that or knows who I am.

Do you like your English class? I’m no longer in school, I graduated two years ago.

What was the last compliment that you got? My grandma’s friend commented on a photo my aunt posted of me on Facebook, and said I’m “beautiful.”

Do you eat candy daily? No, but I have something sweet daily.

Have you ever moved to a different home? Yes.

Have you ever switched schools? Just when transitioning from preschool to the kindergarten through eighth school I attended, from there to high school, from high school to community college, and from community college to UC.

What is your name? Stephanie.

Have you ever been to camp? Yes. I went to science camp in 6th grade, and to a Girl Scout camp.

Do you get nervous with public speaking? Extremely. It never got easier, no matter how many times I had to do it. They claimed it would help, but nope.

Do you know anyone with a really weird name? To some it might be weird, but I’m used to it because he’s my cousin and we grew up together so I’ve heard it for most of my life.

Do you fight with your parents all the time? No.

Are you in pain right now? My pain meds are doing their job, thankfully.

Are you wearing a sports shirt? Nope.

Do you have a reason to smile right now? Not really.

Do you wear shoes in your house or take ‘em off? I take them off.

Does anyone call you babe or baby? Nope.

Who is your last text from? My brother.

What languages can you count to ten or higher in? English and Spanish.

How old were you when you got your drivers’ license (if you have it)? I haven’t gotten mine.

Have you ever broken a bone? Yes.

Has someone of the opposite sex ever told you they loved you? Yes.

Has a boy/girl ever cheated on their boyfriend/girlfriend for you? Nope.

Do you drink lots of booze? No. I don’t drink anymore. It’s been almost four years.

Have you ever felt like you literally needed someone? Yes.

Have you read The Lovely Bones? Are you excited for the movie? I have. The movie was okay.

Do you try to eat healthy or do you just eat whatever you like whenever you like? I eat what I like.

What memory are you most afraid of losing? Memories of loved ones, and other good memories.

[euro3plast-fr]

4 of the biggest SEO myths revealed

Debunking the biggest SEO myths so you don't fall foul of them

Poor SEO, so misunderstood! These days there are so many misconceptions about SEO that it is becoming ridiculous. It is now time to shed some light on the biggest myths of SEO. Unfortunately, anyone can write anything on the internet. This is how some of the biggest myths are born. Others myths seem to be embedded in people’s heads because they haven’t done their research.

It is common to see many businesses fall for at least some of these myths. This is quite disturbing because believing in some of these myths can cause detrimental effects to your SEO campaign (or even mean businesses do not use SEO altogether).

Some of these myths are simply bad SEO practices while others are outdated due to the ever evolving nature of SEO. Most businesses don’t even know they are following these myths that could cause great harm to your website and its ranking!

Below are the biggest SEO myths that I have seen. Believing in most of these myths has the potential to destroy your SEO (or not even get it started). If you find you indeed do believe in one of some of these myths, it is important for you to change your belief and your tactics going forward.

By only believing in the truth and facts, you are able to develop a solid SEO strategy that will actually be beneficial to your website. Unfortunately, there are some people out there that no matter what you say or how many facts and statistics you show them, they will never change their mind.

I am here to set the record straight, but if you truly don’t believe that SEO is important to boost your ranking then there is nothing I can do to help you! I hope you enjoy not moving up in the search engine ranking! For those interested in what the biggest SEO myth are, have a read below to find out.

1. SEO doesn’t work and it is a scam

This is the biggest and most detrimental myth of all. SEO does actually work and it certainly isn’t a scam. Where this myth most likely originates from is those who have tried SEO for let’s say 2 weeks, didn’t see instant results and therefore believe it doesn’t work and is a waste of money.

If you have done any research at all, you will understand that SEO doesn’t provide instant overnight results. SEO is a slow process and it is important that you are constantly investing in it in order to see results.

The time it takes to see SEO results will greatly depend on the type of business and industry you are in as well as the type of keywords you are looking to target. As a general rule, most businesses will start to see results after a couple of months.

Unfortunately, there are a few scam SEO companies out there that give the rest of us a bad name. SEO is not a scam, but there are scam SEO businesses. People that believe SEO is a scam probably have hired the assistance of a dodgy SEO company.

Dodgy SEO companies offer promises that are too good to be true. For example, they can get you to the first position on Google, they know Google’s algorithm; and all for a very cheap price. These companies use black hat SEO methods which are known for spamming and usually result in your website receiving a penalty from Google.

This is certainly not what SEO is! SEO helps to build your ranking naturally using proven organic methods like creating engaging and valuable content as well as quality link building.

As I said before SEO results take a lot of time, this means (quality) SEO companies will be working hard for extended periods of time to show you the best possible results. Do you think that these SEO companies will be putting in all this hard work for a small fee? No, probably not!

Just because SEO takes a long time to show results and the cost is not dirt cheap, it doesn’t mean it is a scam. SEO takes real commitment and I recommend that you give SEO a good crack before you make any harsh judgements about its effectiveness.

2. Google doesn’t care about user experience

Now, why would Google not care about your website’s user experience? Think about it, how did Google become the most powerful search engine? By giving the users exactly what they want! This relates directly back to none other than…USER EXPERIENCE!

Google does care about ensuring that users find exactly what they are looking for and that users have a positive experience when they click on a website. User experience is also one of Google’s ranking factors.

To me, this myth makes no sense at all and anyone with a tiny bit of knowledge about SEO will be able to know that this is a complete myth. User experience is very important because it signifies to Google that you actually care about the users that visit your website.

Search engines use certain metrics and measures to determine whether a website has positive user engagement as well as how much this will impact the ranking. When users are having a good experience they are more likely going to stay for longer and return often, this signifies to Google that the site is popular and care about user experience.

When a website is deemed of a higher quality, it is likely to receive better rankings. So how do you actually make your website more user-friendly? Below are a few tips to help boost your user experience:

Ensure your website is responsive – i.e. there are lots of places for users to click and explore and the layout is suitable

You will need to have accurate and relevant descriptions of your web pages

Use relevant keywords (but don’t keyword stuff)

Create engaging headlines that appeal to the user

Ensure your website has a fast speed

Include interesting and high-quality visuals (don’t have too many big blocks of text)

3. We already did SEO so we don’t need to do it again

As I said in the first point, SEO requires continual effort and resources. Just because you already did it doesn’t mean you will see perpetual results well into the future after you have stopped your SEO campaign.

If you start an SEO campaign and stop it after any amount of time, this doesn’t mean you will still see results. After stopping SEO you will actually most likely see your search traffic begin to fall. If you have stopped your campaign because you can’t afford to pay someone, then you should try to put in the effort yourself.

This means that even though there is no campaign running, you are still putting effort towards the cause. This will help to limit the severity of the drop in traffic after your campaign ends.

So why is it so important to ensure you are always maintaining your website’s SEO? Well here are some of the key reasons:

Your content will become outdated – by not maintain your SEO the content on your website is not the most up to date and relevant.

Search engine algorithms change – the algorithm that impacts the ranking of your website is constantly changing and evolving with the times. This means that an important ranking factor today may have little influence in a couple of years’ time.

Competition moves up – most of your competition will probably still be using SEO, so while your results stagnate, their results will continue to flourish, pushing their ranking further up and potentially your ranking further down.

Outdated links – link building is an important part of SEO and over time the links essentially “rot”, meaning they are no longer effective.

Over time all the good work you put in with your SEO campaign will slowly undo itself. Therefore, just because you did SEO once in the past DOES NOT mean you are fine not to do it now. SEO is constantly changing so it is important for you to keep on top of what’s happening.

4. All keywords need to be included in the title

After you have completed your keyword research (yes, you will definitely need to research on keywords), you will find there are actually a lot of keywords that you want to rank for. Some of your keywords may be more important than others and they will certainly have different levels of competitiveness attached to them.

Just because you have a lot of keywords you want to rank for, doesn’t mean you should be including them all in the title. This is especially the case if you have a certain variety of keywords. So for example, if I am the owner of a candy store two of my keywords may be; “candy store Sydney” and “candy store online”.

These two keywords would not make sense if I tried to put them together in the same title, right? And the title would be way too long. These keywords could work well in the content but not together in the title.

A way to overcome the temptation to put all your keywords into the title is to write a different article for every different group of keywords you have. Keywords like, “candy store” and “candy store Sydney” would certainly work well together! This also helps you create more content (which is hopefully quality) that both users and Google will love!

The reason many people believe this myth is because it used to work in the past. However, Google has since changed the algorithm and stuffing your title will too many keywords is no longer effective. What’s more, you may even be penalised from Google for keyword stuffing!

It is pretty much impossible to create a short and engaging title while also including lots of keywords. When creating your title you have to think about what the user would want to read. A web page with the title “Best candy store Sydney and great candy store online” probably won’t draw in the users.

Go for a title like “Best candy store in Sydney – the yummiest lollies you will ever taste!”. Here there is only one keyword, but doesn’t the title sound a lot more engaging and inviting this way?

Users are smart; they can tell went something isn’t right. Keyword stuffing shows to your users that you don’t actually care about them as much as you care about Google and ensuring you have a good ranking. So make sure you don’t put too many keywords in the title, there is always plenty of room in the content for more keywords.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, 4 of the biggest SEO myths. There are certainly a lot more myths out there that you will need to watch out for. Morale of the story, you need to be careful with what you read about SEO on the internet! If you are just starting out with SEO make sure you only review credible SEO websites.

There are a lot of people who will try to discredit SEO. The most important thing to remember above everything is that SEO does indeed work. There are proven strategies that quality SEO companies (or yourself) can put in place that will improve your ranking.

Just because you don’t see instant results doesn’t mean it’s not working. Be patient as SEO will take time. You will need to continue SEO long term because if you stop all the hard work you previously put in will eventually unravel itself.

Other than that, it is also important to ensure your website has a high level of user experience. The better your user experience, the more repeat visitors you’ll get and the longer users will stay on your website. And never keyword stuff in the title! There is plenty of room in the content to include the keywords.

Thanks to Sarah for sharing their advice and opinions in this post. Sarah Robinson is blog writer, social media manager and an SEO expert at SEO Shark – a local SEO company based in Sydney, Australia. She assists businesses in all industries to boost their rankings on search engines.

from Blog – Smart Insights http://www.smartinsights.com/search-engine-optimisation-seo/seo-strategy/4-biggest-seo-myths-revealed/