#see who’s in better form since pretty much all of them have dealt with some form of illness or injury this year

[etapereine]

.

[gingiesworld]

Lily

Natasha Romanoff x GN! Reader

Warnings: Angst. Fluff. Happy Ending

Taglist : @natashamaximoff-69 @canvascoloredin @wizardofstories @louxbloom @wandanats-goodgirl @the-ox-fan20 @ladyqueenxoxo @aemilia19 @wandaromamoff69 @mfd-101 @dorabledewdroop @marvelogic @natsbraids

Word Count: 3.4k+

18+MINORS DNI

Y/N always found themselves sitting at Lily’s bedside, reading her favourite book. A small smile on both of their faces, since Lily’s mother had left the two once they found out the severity of her illness, Y/N was there with her everyday.

Everyday, they passed a red head who always disappeared into the room down the hall. Sitting beside her sister who had severe liver disease, although the blonde had never done any form of drugs or alcohol abuse, she was dealt a bad hand.

“So, the doctor said I can take you out for some fresh air today.” Y/N told Lily who beamed. “Of course it will only be to the hospital gardens but it is out of this room.”

“Thank you O’Pa.” Lily spoke as she looked at Y/N.

“You have nothing to thank me for.” They told her as they helped her get her coat on.

“You’re always here.” She started. “Everyday, you even do your work here too.”

“I would do anything for you.” They told her. “You’re the most important person in my life and I don’t know how I will cope once you leave me.”

“I’ll never truly leave you O’Pa.” She told them softly. A smile on both of their faces. They helped her get situated in the wheelchair, placing her fluffy blanket over her lap to help keep her warm.

Once the two sat side by side in the garden, Lily’s smile faltered as she thought deeply.

“Do you think mom will miss me?” She asked them as they sighed. Not really knowing where their ex was, even though they weren’t yet divorced, they only thought of Lily.

“Yeah.” They answered unsurely. “I’d like to think she wouldn’t be completely heartless, but she doesn’t deserve for you to think about her, not when she abandoned you.”

“She left you too.” She pointed out as they nodded.

“She did.” They spoke thoughtfully. “But the reason she left allowed me to truly see the person she is, and I don’t want someone like that around my sweet girl.”

“Do you think they’ll find me a liver?” Lena asked as she and Nat walked through the gardens.

“Maybe.” She whispered, although she was unsure, she wanted Yelena to have a little bit of hope. “I believe they will.”

“I don’t want to die.” She whispered, a tear escaping her eye as Nat was quick to wipe it away.

“You’re not going to die.” She told her firmly. “I am not ready to lose my little sister.” Nat’s eyes soon caught sight of the tired parent who sat beside their teenage daughter, a sad smile on her face as she could see the pain in their eyes, even as they smiled and laughed.

That evening, the two escaped to the canteen, both Lena and Lily were sleeping and the adults were in need of a coffee.

“Hi.” Nat greeted them as she stood beside them in the que.

“Hey.” They gave her a small smile.

“I saw you earlier, was that your sister?” She questioned as they chuckled.

“No, Lily is my daughter.” They told her as they walked back through the corridors. “My wife and I had her when we were in school, the marriage was the most stupid decision I ever made but Lily is everything to me.”

“Where is your wife?” Nat questioned as they chuckled lightly.

“You're very nosey for a stranger.” They teased as she nodded with a giggle.

“Well, I spend pretty much all of my time here, so I need some form of adult conversation.” She answered truthfully. “My baby sister has severe liver failure.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that.” They whispered as she nodded. “I guess it is lonely being here all of the time. I usually work from home but I brought my work here with me. Lily has a degenerative heart condition and has been on the list for the better part of a decade.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” She spoke tenderly as they shook their head.

“She’s not afraid.” Y/N whispered as they stopped outside of Lily’s room. “She knows that the likelihood of her getting a new heart within the next few months is extremely slim. So she’s made peace with it, and I guess I have to make peace with it too.”

“But it’s good to have hope.” Nat told them as they sighed.

“I did have hope, for many years I had hope but day by day, I started to lose it.” They looked up at Nat. “I’ve lost hope that she will get better, but I know that she won’t be in pain. She will be free of her pain.”

Both Y/N and Nat had spent most of their days together, even taking the two girls out to the garden. There was only a couple of years of age difference between the two of them, so they had got on like a house on fire.

What they never thought would happen would be that she would start to deteriorate rapidly through the night.

“I’m sorry.” The doctor spoke after giving their prognosis.

“Wouldn’t a transplant work?” They questioned urgently as the doctor shook his head.

“Her heart is barely beating, she is barely holding on.” He told them.

“There must be something you can do to give us more time.” They pleaded as Lily tried to call out to them. “I’m not ready. I’m not ready.”

“O’pa.” She called as loud as she could. “You’ll be fine.” They shook their head as they looked away, allowing the tears to fall freely. “How do we know if I am a match for Yelena?” She asked him as Y/N turned to look at her.

“You are a match.” He answered her. “But she isn’t at the top of the list.”

“What if I want to give my liver to her.” She told him. “Isn’t there some sort of waver that I can sign?”

“Yes.” He said as Y/N sighed before he turned to face them. “But I need your permission.”

“She has my permission.” They stated shakily. “If this is what she wants to do then I will sign whenever I need to.”

“Thank you O’Pa.” She smiled as the doctor left the room, soon returning to her with papers to sign.

As the days went by, Y/N never left her side, afraid that every second could be her last second.

“Promise me you will find happiness O’Pa.” She rasped out as they nodded, holding her hand.

“I promise.” They smiled tearily. “I love you so much Lily.”

“I love you too O’Pa.” Lily smiled before smirking. “Lena’s sister is pretty and single.”

“Lily. I am not looking for a relationship.” They told her.

“Maybe a friend then, you could use one.” She told them as they nodded.

“Maybe.” They whispered as she took a deep breath.

“I’m tired.” She told them as they gave her a tight lipped smile, tears filling their eyes.

“Sleep sweetheart.” They ran their hand through her hair, humming the lullaby she had always loved since she was a baby. Time felt as though it had frozen as they waited for the machines to beep constantly before stopping. Once the doctor had entered the room, muting the monitor before calling time of death. Y/N cried silently as they kissed her forehead one last time. Soon getting up and leaving the room for a moment as they prepared her for organ donation. Racing against time as they hooked her up to a bypass to remove the available organs.

“Y/N?” Nat questioned as she approached Y/N, a coffee in her hand. “No.” She whispered as they just nodded.

“She’s gone.” They spoke barely above a whisper. “The only person I had is gone. I have nothing left.”

“I’m so sorry.” Nat rested her hand on their back as they leaned forward.

“I’m going to be sick.” They started to run towards the bathroom, hurling themselves into an empty stall and vomiting the contents from their stomach. They collapsed to the floor beside the toilet, sobbing as they hugged their legs.

“Y/N!” Natasha ran to them, hugging them as they cried. “Is there someone I can call?”

“Pietro.” They whispered. “He’s been my best friend for years.” They handed her their phone after unlocking it. She soon found Pietro’s contact in the phone and dialed it.

“Hey Y/N/N.” He spoke as he answered the phone.

“Hi, is this Pietro?” Nat spoke.

“Yeah, where’s Y/N?” He questioned.

“They’re at the hospital, it’s bad.” Nat told him.

“It’s Lily isn’t it.” He spoke as a mere observation.

“Yeah.” She whispered. “They need you, Pietro, or someone.”

“I’m on my way.” He told her as soon as he hung up, heading straight from work to the hospital.

“He’s on his way.” Nat told them as they nodded.

“Thank you.” They whispered as they looked up at her. “How’s Lena?” They asked as they got to their feet.

“She is in surgery.” Nat told them. “They finally found a liver.” She watched their expression through the mirror. “It was Lily’s.”

“It was what she wanted.” They told her, a sad smile on her face. “She knew she was dying, she had known for years. She was ready.”

Y/N had soon accepted their daughter’s death, slowly moving forward with their life as she wanted. Returning to their apartment and work, slowly getting everything back to normal.

Of course, their ex never showed up, even after they had sent her a simple text, explaining the whole situation. She still never came to say goodbye to their daughter.

“Hey.” They heard a familiar voice as they waited in line at the coffee shop.

“Nat, hi.” They smiled at her. “How are you and Lena?”

“We are both great.” She beamed as she joined their side. “She is now cleared from the hospital.”

“That’s great to hear.” They beamed as Nat smiled.

“How have you been? I wanted to try and reach out to you sooner but.” She started as they shook their head with a small smile.

“That’s ok, and I have been coping.” They told her. “It’s slowly getting easier to get up as each day comes but I still miss her.” The two soon ordered their coffees and sat down at a table outside. Nat watched as Y/N lit up a cigarette. “But being back in the office has made it all bearable.”

“That’s great.” She smiled proudly at their progress.

“A friend of mine is hosting a barbecue this Saturday, would you and Lena like to join me?” They asked her as she smiled shyly.

“Yeah, Lena would love it too.” She answered them as they smiled.

“Great, here is my number, text me your address and I’ll pick you both up.” They told her as they handed her a card before getting up with their coffee in their hand. “I have to get back to the office. I’ll see you both on Saturday.” Nat waved goodbye as she watched them walk away through the crowded streets, a smile on her face as she watched them disappear.

“Do you think this is a good idea?” Wanda asked Y/N as they joined her and Vis for dinner. “Lily gave her liver to her sister.”

“I know.” They nodded. “But I just feel at ease with her, at the hospital, she was my only friend.”

“I’m sorry.” Wanda whispered as Y/N shook their head no.

“Wanda, you have the twins to think about, Pietro has work and Mon is pregnant. I didn’t expect any of you to put your lives on hold for me.” They told her confidently. “But Nat was a friend to me during the hardest time of my life.”

“I just don’t want you to get hurt.” She told them as they kissed her head.

“I know.” They smiled before helping her set the table. Everyone tried to make them feel as normal as possible.

“Y/N.” Vis spoke up as they all sat at the table. “I found her, Sharon.”

“Yeah?” They questioned curiously.

“I still have the divorce papers you had written up and signed, ready to send to her.” He informed them as they nodded.

“Send them.” They told him. “I am ready to cut all ties with her.”

“I will be sure to deliver them myself.” Vision told them as they nodded, a small smile on their face as everyone sat down, eating dinner as normal as can be.

The day of Wanda’s barbecue came around and Y/N was nervous about picking up Nat and Lena, bringing them to meet their family you may as well say.

“Hey.” They greeted as Nat answered the door. “Are you both ready?”

“Yeah, Lena’s just getting her bag.” Nat told them with a smile. Once the three of them were situated in the car, Y/N started the journey to Wanda’s. Nat was bouncing her leg up and down nervously as Lena listened to her music through her headphones.

“It’s going to be ok Nat.” Y/N reassured her, giving her knee a squeeze.

“I know I shouldn’t be nervous because it isn’t like we’re in a relationship.” She thought she said something wrong as Y/N’s smile faltered. “Not that being with you would be a bad thing because quite frankly, I would consider myself lucky if I was with you.”

“It’s ok Nat.” They smiled. “Although Wanda may be the tough one to convince, she is like a sister. Her, Pietro and I grew up together. She was the one who helped me adjust to helping Lily even though she had the twins.”

“She sounds special.” Nat whispered as Y/N nodded.

“She really is.” They confirmed as they soon pulled up in Wanda’s driveway. Helping both Lena and Nat out of the car before leading them up to the door, letting themselves in and heading straight to the yard, Pietro manning the grill, the twins running around as Wanda conversed with Monica.

“Y/N!” The twins ran straight towards them, running straight into their arms, catching the attention of the three adults.

“Hey mini Maximoffs.” Y/N beamed as they hugged the two of them.

“Y/N.” Monica smiled as she greeted them with a hug, soon followed by Wanda.

“This is Natasha and Yelena.” They introduced the two as Monica smiled, introducing herself before she decided to help the twins with something.

“Hi.” Nat squeaked out as she shook Wanda’s hand, holding her firm gaze with a smile on her face.

“It’s so nice to meet you.” Wanda smiled as she looked between the two sisters. “Thank you for looking out for this one when we couldn’t.”

“Wanda.” Y/N groaned. “I.” They started before Wanda cut them off.

“She was still the one who helped you through it more than the rest of us, and Lily would be thankful for this woman.” She told them firmly as Y/N nodded, giving Wanda another side hug before disappearing to help Pietro. “So, what is your relationship with Y/N?” Wanda asked as she and Nat disappeared inside to prepare the salad.

“I don’t really know what we are.” Nat spoke honestly. “We’re friends I guess but is it wrong to want more?”

“No.” Wanda smiled at her. “It’s never wrong to want more than you get.” She turned to look at Nat who was watching them talk with Yelena. “I watched them go through heartbreak, three times in their life.” Nat listened to her words intently. “I watched their life slowly slip away when they received Lily’s diagnosis, then when their ex left the two of them, and thirdly only months ago. Lily was the best thing that they had in their life and how they remained by her side everyday up until the very end. It shows me just how strong they truly are and they need someone to remind them of that, especially when they get sucked back into the darkness.” She looked at Nat. “Maybe that person could be you, you could be their light in the darkness.”

“So, what is it with you and my sister?” Lena questioned as Y/N sat beside her.

“We’re friends.” They started as they soon heard some commotion from the house. Getting up and heading straight inside to see the woman they never wanted to see again.

“Y/N, can we at least talk about this.” She asked as she held up the divorce papers.

“They need to be signed by you and then I can be free of you.” They told her bluntly.

“Can we at least work this out?” She asked as she pointed between the two of them. “It’s what Lily would want.”

“You have no right to say her name!” They growled as they stepped closer to her. “She was my daughter! Not yours because you ran away as soon as it got real. You abandoned her when she needed us both.” They took a deep breath as tears formed in their eyes. “Do you want to know what she asked me before she died? She wondered if you would miss her! Even though she hadn’t seen you in years, she still had good thoughts about you, and I never had the heart to tell her the truth about you being a fucking coward.” They took a deep breath as everyone listened. “So do me one favor and sign those god damn papers because I don’t want to be married to you. I haven’t for years because I lost hope that you would come home years ago. Hell, I was stupid to hold onto that hope that you would return.”

“Y/N?” She tried again shakily.

“JUST FUCKING SIGN THEM!!” They yelled as they stepped closer. “I WANT OUT!!!! SO JUST SIGN THEM!!”

“Sharon, I suggest you sign them and leave.” Wanda told her firmly as Pietro held Y/N back against the wall, allowing them to calm down. Sharon looked over their broken state, seeing that the Y/N she knew was gone, she no longer knew who they were.

“Ok.” She whispered as Wanda handed her a pen, watching over her as she signed them before leaving.

“Are you ok?” Wanda asked them as they looked in her eyes.

“I’m so sorry Wanda. I never wanted to lose myself. Not in your home.” They whispered as she shook her head.

“It’s perfectly understandable.” She told them before pulling them in for a hug.

The drive back to Natasha’s apartment was silent, once they had pulled up, they walked the two of them to the door. Lena gave a quick wave before disappearing to her room, leaving Nat and Y/N alone.

“I’m sorry about earlier.” They told her. “Neither you or Lena should have witnessed that.”

“It’s ok Y/N.” She told them as she took their hand in hers, they looked at their hands together and it felt right. “I understand why.”

“But it was disrespectful.” They pressed on.

“I can see how Lily was so caring and mature for her age.” Nat whispered as Y/N’s eyes snapped to hers.

“Lily.” They nodded as they took their hand away from hers. “I have to go.” They told her, walking away towards the elevator, Nat closed the door, leaning against it as Y/N made it all the way to their car. “Fuck.”

With that, they ran inside the building and up the stairs, running as fast as they could before knocking frantically on the door.

“Y/N?” Nat spoke confused, only to be cut off by them cupping her face and kissing her passionately. “What?”

“I needed to do that.” They whispered. “I don’t know where or when I started falling for you but I have and I made a promise.” They told her as their foreheads pressed together. “I promised Lily and I intend to keep that promise.”

“What was the promise?” She asked softly.

“To find happiness again.” They told her. “And that’s how I feel when I am around you, I feel free to feel how I feel.” They sighed as they looked in her eyes. “I am free to find myself again.”

“When you do find yourself, then take me on a date.” She told them as they nodded. “But not until your divorce is finalised and you know who you are again.”

“I will.” They nodded before kissing her once more, walking away with a wide smile on their face. Finally free to feel more than just pain and grief.

@natsbraids was it better and happier than my others? ;)

[fritzes]

and so it begins... the wimbledon draw. here are my thoughts

wta:

iga's draw is a nightmare (and somewhat reminiscent of ao). she has kenin in the first round, who upset coco in the first round last year. in the third round she could play siniakova, who has been really good on grass this season. and of course the big one is the possibility of ostapenko in the fourth round, who she has never beaten. however, there is some hope for iga because ostapenko plays ajla tomljanovic in the first round, and the last time they played at wimbledon it was a drama-fueled match that ajla won. if she's in good form, she could definitely trouble ostapenko. on the other side of this quarter is defending champion marketa, and as much as I'd love to say I have faith in her going deep, I don't. she had a good run at rg, but she's just so inconsistent that I don't know if I can see her keeping that form. also, she's never dealt with the pressure of a slam title defense before. krejcikova and especially collins could trouble her and steal her quarterfinal spot, and either of those two could beat iga if she makes it there

the second quarter is kind of ridiculous. the top seed here is elena rybakina, who will probably either win the tournament or withdraw due to illness. there's really no one on her side of the quarter that I can see beating her, but she's just impossible to predict when it comes to her physical health. if she's healthy, I have full faith in her making the quarterfinals. the other side of the quarter is where things get complicated: we have one of each of last year's quarterfinalist, semifinalist, and finalist in jess, elina, and of course ons. there is also katie boulter, who has proven herself on grass recently. if ons is in her usual wimbledon form, the others don't stand a chance, but we really just don't know how ons is right now. I'm not sure if being back at wimbledon will affect her mentality positively or negatively. jess is coming off the berlin title and could definitely see a quarterfinal here, but if she did I think her curse would continue against elena

if the projected semifinal does happen, I would be truly shocked if iga won. elena is normally a tough matchup for her, and on grass it would only be worse

in the third quarter, we have aryna who had to withdraw from her last match because of a shoulder injury. I don't know how serious it is, but she has been practicing at wimbledon so hopefully it doesn't affect her too much. in the fourth round, she will probably play dasha, who won't trouble her on grass or mirra, who aryna can probably beat as long as she's healthy. in the rg quarterfinal, she was really sick and probably didn't play as well as she could have. there's also karolina muchova lurking in this section of the draw, and she may be rusty and with a questionable wrist, but on any given day she can play like the best in the world. she's good on every surface, and if she's on top of her game then everyone else better watch out. on the other side of this quarter is maria and qinwen. since qinwen is pretty bad on grass, this should be a good draw for maria but... it's maria. emma raducanu could actually make a really good run here, but I don't think anyone from the other half of the quarter could beat aryna in the quarterfinals if it came down to it

and finally, coco gauff is far far away from iga in the draw. after losing in the first round last year, she's ready to make a deep run. azarenka in the fourth round could be tough, but as long as coco can keep her serving consistent, she can absolutely make at least qfs and maybe even more. jasmine, kostyuk, naomi, and madi keys are all contenders to face her in the quarterfinal and I really can't pick a favorite between them. I think any of them against coco could be a toss-up, roller coaster match

for this projected semifinal, I really can't predict it. the aryna/coco h2h is super competitive and neither one of them is the clear favorite against each other. this has match of the tournament potential

interesting round 1 matches: swiatek/kenin, tomljanovic/ ostapenko, alexandrova/raducanu, badosa/muchova, andreescu/cristian, azarenka/stephens

atp:

well, jannik sinner's first slam as the 1 seed gave him quite the draw. the possibility of grass specialist and compatriot matteo in the second round is just ridiculous. and poor tallon griekspoor in the third in honestly just cruel at this point. ben shelton is projected to play jannik in the fourth round, but that's not happening. will denis shapovalov sweep and take that fourth round spot? honestly, considering his history at this tournament, it's totally possible. on the other side of the quarter is daniil and grigor, both of whom would probably rather not see jannik again. if jannik gets through that minefield of a draw to the quarterfinals, I don't think daniil or grigor can beat him, and between those two I'm not sure which one would actually get to the quarterfinals. zhang, who just beat daniil, is his projected third round opponent and could make things really tough for him

and on the same side of the draw (sigh) is defending champion carlos. he honestly couldn't have asked for a better draw. casper ruud is the projected quarterfinalist you want to see when you're a top seed, and in his section, tiafoe, baez, and humbert can't really challenge him. I think the likely scenario is that carlos plays tommy paul in the quarterfinal (or maybe bublik if he decides to take tennis seriously for the week). that has the potential to be a really good match since both of them have proven their grass competence. still, I would favor carlos

and the projected semifinal. SIGH. their previous slam matches really tell you everything you need to know: carlos starts slow but will outlast jannik in five sets. if someone wins it in three or four, it's probably jannik but if someone wins it in five, it's probably carlos. that being said, I really can't predict this. I wish it was possible for it to be the final

and now for the ugh quarter of the draw. the top seed is zverev, the next two seeds are rublev and tsitsipas, and somehow korda, the "wimbledon favorite", is here too. honestly though, I truly think zverev could lose to jack draper in the third round. jack has proven himself in the past few weeks on grass, which zverev has never done. taylor fritz could also make a dent here, being a really good grass player. the rublev/tsitsipas/musetti/korda section of this quarter is gonna be chaos. the whole thing is gonna be chaos. I could not tell you who I think is gonna come out of this quarter

and finally, novak djokovic. we just don't really know where his level is at right now, and we haven't known all season. funnily enough, he could play luca nardi in the third round. the big looming specter for him is hubi of course, but even before that, there's holger. it's truly impossible to predict holger, but he did make the quarterfinals here last year and was a tiebreak away from making the quarterfinals at rg. if he does play novak in the fourth round, I really think he has a chance of winning. on the other side of the quarter, I would be shocked if hubi didn't make the quarterfinals. there's really no one who can keep up with his serve, and honestly I think he has a chance at semis here

like with rg, this projected semifinal is not happening

interesting round 1 matches: berrettini/fuscovics, jarry/shapovalov, monfils/mannarino, arnaldi/tiafoe, mensik/bublik, fils/stricker, etcheverry/nardi

[rebelwrites]

Twenty Four: There’s Been An Accident

Charles Leclerc x Nova Teller (OC)

Till the wheels fall off Masterlist

Small town meets the fast lane. What happens when two souls meet? Will it end in happiness or will they both crash and burn?

As always reblogs and feedback is highly appreciated ❤️ if you want tagging in future parts let me know ❤️

Monza was definitely special, I knew from watching on TV this place had a magical feeling surrounding it but there was something breathtaking about being here in person, surrounded by the team and seeing all the love the Tifosi had for the two boys in red. Charles knew how to give us all a heart attack, the last few laps of the race were so intense and I was pretty sure we were only moments away from having to get a defibrillator on Fred, especially when Charles locked up so close behind Carlos.

“Je n'ai jamais vu mon fils aussi heureux. I've never seen my son so happy.” Pascale said softly, resting her hand on my shoulder.

“Peut-on lui en vouloir, tout le monde l'aime ici. Can you blame him, everyone loves him here.” I beamed, keeping my gaze focused on my man who was currently standing on the pit wall with the crowd going crazy underneath him. He was in his element signing things for them and it warmed my heart seeing him doing what he loves.

“Nova, sweetie, I was talking about you.” Pascale chuckled softly, causing me to turn my attention to her, the smile on her face was as bright as the Italian sun. “Ever since you came into his life, I noticed his outlook has changed, as you know this season hasn’t been the best for him so thank you for making him smile again.”

I felt the lump form in the back of my throat, I knew how much Pascale meant to Charles so to get her approval made this weekend even better that I could have ever imagined.

However, all that was about to change and my mood was about to plummet into the earth.

The sound of my phone ringing caused me to freeze, it wasn’t my normal ringtone that was blasting out of my back pocket, this was the sound I had set for Pops. He never rang me, most of the time he had no idea where his phone was. My stomach dropped, my mouth went drier than the Sahara desert, I had a feeling deep in my gut that whatever this phone call was about it would cause my world to come crashing down around me.

To everyone it looked like Charles’ attention was solely on the crowd in front of him, yet in reality he was listening to everything that was going on behind him, focused on his girl and Mum. Nothing could wipe the smile off his face, even though he came fourth, Monza always meant a lot to him and now to be able to share this moment with someone as special as Nova made things so much more special.

Glancing over his shoulder, he noticed that Nova was now on the phone. The look of panic on her face caused Charles to worry, whoever was on the other end of the call must have dealt her some devastating news.

“Pops, take a breath, you aren’t making any sense.”

“What’s going on? Is everyone okay?”

“ACCIDENT?!?!?”

“Pops, who is hurt?”

Charles felt the pit in his stomach as he clambered off the pit wall, rushing over to Nova placing his hands on her shoulders. “Is everything okay, Sunshine?” he asked, trying to get a read of the situation. All of the color had drained from Nova’s face and her hands were starting to shake. “Come on, let's move out of the way of the crowd, give you some privacy,” he said softly, guiding his girl away from the fencing. The lack of response he was getting caused his mind to race, had something happened to Jax or Elenor? “Put it on speaker babe.”

Nova pulled the phone away from her ear, following Charles’ instructions.

“JT, it’s Charles, what’s going on?” he said in a panic as Nova tried to hold back the tears from spilling over her lash line.

“There’s been an accident involving Jax.”

Charles watched as fear completely took over Nova’s body, her knees giving out from her the moment her father said her brother’s name, luckily Charles was quick with his reaction, catching her before she landed on the floor.

“No, no, no, no, no,” she cried, gripping onto Charles’ hoodie.

“It’s bad Nova, really bad,” JT’s voice was starting to crack as he spoke. “Tig found him at the side of the road his Harley totaled along with Jax unconscious on the floor.”

Charles felt tears burning his eyes, as he held onto Nova letting her cry into his chest. He needed to get her back inside as he knew all attention would be on the pair of them even though no one could hear the conversation the atmosphere around the track had taken a turn. “I will be on the next flight home,” she breathed in between her cries.

The minute the phone call ended Charles quickly guided Nova back into the safety of the garage, not stopping until they were in his driver’s room along with Pascale. The air felt heavy in such a small room but all Charles cared about was getting his girlfriend back to Charming to be by her brother’s bedside.

“There aren't any flights to Cali until this time tomorrow,” his mum sighed, looking up from her phone.

“I will get Andrea to make sure the private jet is ready,” Charles hummed, running his thumb across Nova’s cheek trying to wipe away her tears. “Everything is going to be okay, babygirl.” he whispered, pressing a kiss against her forehead.

“No it won’t, you don’t understand,” Nova cried, tangling her fingers in her roots. “Jax is the best rider I have ever known. He wouldn't have just come off his bike like this, something must have happened.” Charles' heart shattered with every word she said, she sounded so broken and there was nothing he could do to fix the situation. “I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to be sorry for, okay. Family comes first, so within the hour we will be on the flight back to Cali.”

“Char, no!” she scolded, looking up into his green eyes. “You aren’t coming with me, you have the Pirelli tyre testing tomorrow.”

“I can bail, Fred will understand.”

“Nope, ain’t happening, this is your dream and I am not letting you jeopardize anything because something has happened back home.”

Charles let out a heavy sigh, he knew there was nothing he could do to change her mind on this. Looking over at Pascale he shot her a look causing her to nod in acknowledgement. “I will go with you, sweetie,” she whispered, placing her hand on Nova’s back. “And don’t try and fight me on this, you are in no state to travel on your own and I have a feeling you might need an extra pair of hands back in Cali.”

Within the next forty minutes they were standing on the tarmac of the airport, the private jet was ready to go as soon as Nova and Pascale had boarded. Charles was struggling to hold back tears, he hated saying goodbye even though he had a plan in place but it still didn’t make this any easier, especially when his girlfriend was distraught not knowing the state of her brother’s health.

“As soon as you find out how he is, let me know,” Charles whispered, pulling out his ipad from his backpack. “Take this, I have made sure all three of the Cars movies are downloaded onto it along with Monza 19 and a few other good races.”

“Char,” Nova whimpered, smiling weakly at him as she took the device, “thank you.”

“Try and get some sleep on the flight baby, you won’t be any help to anyone exhausted.” he whispered, resting his hand on her cheek before pressing a tender kiss against her lips. “Everything is going to be okay.”

Every step I took felt like I was being crushed further into the floor, the clinical smell of the hospital assaulting my senses. Since the phone call with Pops I had no updates so I had no idea if Jax had gotten worse or improved but I was sure as hell gonna eat the boys alive for not texting me even if it was just to say “no change.”

I felt like my heart was going to burst out of my chest with how fast it was pounding against my ribs, my stomach was in knots and I felt like I was only moments away from throwing up. Jax had to be okay, he needed to be okay. I couldn’t go on without my brother, not with how Pops was. My thoughts drifted to Elenor and that's when the tears threatened to spill over my lash line.

Did she know?

If she didn’t know how was I going to tell her that her daddy isn’t well?

I had no idea what floor Jax was on let alone what room but I didn’t need to, my body was on autopilot and with every step I took it was guiding me to my older brother. As I ventured down a corridor I could hear the sounds of Tig and Chibs bickering in the distance causing me to roll my eyes. Suddenly I found myself frozen on the spot, no matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t get my legs to move, it was like someone had just nailed me to the floor.

“Sweetie,” the calming voice of Pascale came from behind me as she placed her hand on my shoulder. “I know how worried you are but take a deep breath,” she quickly appeared in front of me, forcing me to stop, “I know this is going to be hard but I am here for you and so are your family, so fall back on us.” Following her instructions I slowly nodded, scared if I spoke I was going to break down into tears.

“I knew she shouldn’t have gone, she should be here not at some fucking race track!” Tig exclaimed, claiming my full attention. Is that what he really thought, did he really think it was an easy decision for me to go with Charles? “I knew that boy was trouble the moment I laid eyes on him. And now look, Jax is lying unconscious in a goddamn hospital bed with Nova is nowhere to be seen.”

“That’s way outta line!!!” Chibs snapped, I could practically hear the growl in his voice as he spoke. “That lassie deserved to have a break so I’d be careful what you say next because brother or not you will be the next one in a hospital bed if you carry on talking about Nova and Charles like that.”

Running my hand over my face I needed to intervene making sure this situation didn’t get any worse. I kept telling myself that Tig was only acting like this due to the stress of the situation but I think deep down I knew there was some truth to his words, ever since the morning he interrupted us in the kitchen he had been different towards me.

“If you have something to say Alexander, say it to my fucking face!” I scoffed loudly as I turned the corner, instantly being met with a very pale looking Tig. “I have just spent the last 12 hours on a plane, I am stressed to the max and very very cranky, do not fucking try me right now.”

I didn’t give him a chance to respond before barging past him, making a b line straight for Pops, the moment I was close enough I flung myself into his arms trying to find some sort of comfort in his touch. “How is he, Pops?” I whimpered, feeling like a lost five year old.

“Still unconscious, the doctors won’t let us do anything because you are his next of kin,” he whispered, pressing a kiss to the top of my head, my heart sunk knowing how hard this was on him, because of his declining health he couldn’t make the decisions needed for his son’s care “they did have to take him for emergency surgery though.”

Pulling away from him I slowly made my way to the window of the room everyone was crowded around, placing my hand on the glass my heart shattered into a million pieces seeing my brother lying in the hospital bed. The moment I laid eyes on him the tears started to fall and there was no stopping them. The doctor in the room made eye contact with, whispered something to the nurse before she quickly made her way out to me.

“Are you Nova Teller?” she asked softly.

“Yeah, that's me,” I whispered, afraid if I spoke any louder my voice would give out on me. “How is he?”

“Come inside, the Doctor will update you on your brother’s condition.” she nodded.

“I want my Pops and Pascale in the room with me.” I stated, roughly wiping my eyes with the sleeve of Charles’ hoodie.

“Of course,” she said, opening the door for the three of us to enter.

The moment I had passed her I made my way to the seat next to the bed, automatically taking Jax’s hand in mine. “Oh Jaxy,” I whimpered, taking in the road rash that covered most of his arm and cheek. Once again I found myself fighting the tears as I looked up at the ceiling of the room praying to all the gods to keep him safe.

“Miss Teller, your brother is very lucky,” the Doctor said, his tone was stern which caused me to shift in my seat, I felt like I had been transported back to 16 year old me sitting in the principal's office with Jax after we decided to spray paint the reaper on the gym wall. Pushing the memory down I took a deep breath as the doctor continued. “He has broken his right leg, but due to the severity of the break we had to surgically fix the bones back in place, meaning he now has a titanium rod holding the bones in place. He has road rash covering a lot of his left side and had to be rushed for emergency surgery due to a ruptured spleen,” he paused, looking back at his clipboard for a moment. “His toxicology report also showed he was nearly four times over the legal blood alcohol limit.”

“When will he wake up?” I breathed.

“That is all down to Mr Teller, the anesthetic has worn off now so it is just a waiting game unfortunately.”

Taking a deep breath, I looked back down at my brother. We were going to need as much help as we could get whilst he was recovering, I knew the next few months were going to be a challenge. I knew Chibs would step up covering the President’s role in the club but I had no idea how I was going to cope with getting Jax back to full health alongside looking after Elenor and Pops.

“You aren’t in this alone, sweetie,” Pascale said softly, squeezing my shoulders, like she was inside my head, “I will be here as long as you and your family need me.”

The hours had passed and I had no idea how long I had been in the room, all I knew was I wasn’t leaving Jax’s bedside.

“I swear to god, if you don’t wake up I will smother you with your goddam pillow!” I cried, clutching his hand. The tears were freely rolling down my cheeks, Jax had been one of my lifelines for so long.

I couldn’t lose him now.

He was the reason I found my voice, he taught me how to fight much to Pops annoyance, he was my partner in crime and always had my back when I needed it the most. He was also the reason why I was so happy, without him I would have never taken the plunge with Charles, I would have more than likely hidden myself away not to make a fool of myself.

“You gotta fight bro, we need you to pull through,” I paused, taking a deep breath, “I cut my time short with Char, because you we stupid enough to ride four times over the limit,” I scoffed, staring at him trying to see any signs of movement.

“I didn’t ask you to ditch him,” Jax mumbled, his voice raspy from the endotracheal tube used for the anesthetic. The sound of his voice caused me to freeze, seeing his blue eyes staring back at me. “Oh that’s it, give me the silent treatment,” he hummed, smirking at me.

“Do you know how fucking stupid that was, you had a daughter who needs you and you could have killed yourself,” I said narrowing my eyes at him. “I could punch you in the face right now.”

@withmyteeth @chibsytelford @stillbreathin @danzer8705 @keyweegirlie @burningcupcakefire @dragon-of-winterfell @ohthemisssery @a-distantdreamer @sgkophie @angywritesstuff @enchantedbytomandhenry @scribbuluswrites @dangerouspursepeachbear @buendiabebeta @ferrarifwendvale @theplobnrgone @charlesleclercje @queenslife @panicforspec @justme2042 @liv67 @derpinathebrave @clcspeonies @pleasantducktimetravel @raaaaabzzz @mehrmonga @sbgal @fangirl-lb @pitconfirmbutton @oslokij @tall-tanned-tattoo @bigcreatorwombatdreamer @pumpkin-spice-hate @talicat713 @band--psycho @little-diable @i-love-scott-mccall @fourthwallhateclub @theysayitscrazy @rosieposie0624 @choochoo284 @meteora-fc @beeroses @darklydeliciousdesires @the-jer-bear

[dashielldeveron]

Hi Dash! I hope you're doing well. I'm writing this ask literally 1 hour before I need to leave for one of my sem finals (which I'll be fine at hopefully, since I studied). But while I was anxiously awaiting purgatory, I read one of my favourite of your works again - Monoma's route in Soulmate Trope. Istg I am not exaggerating, no writing has made me laugh harder than that single scene where he just... wordlessly pulled down his pants. I laughed so hard that my roommate had to come check on me. And the word "cum gutter" had dealt irreversible psychic damage to my brain. Sometimes while doing some mundane stuff, I think back about that scene, or countless other scenes from the book and had to remind myself I'm in public. I've only watched MHA up till season 3 and a bit into 4 but I was kinda already spoiled about the ending, so I'm so in love with the world you build there. I've always kinda wanted to try writing my own work because I sometimes have a budding idea that had me go, 'oh I think that'd make an interesting story', but then I realised I suck at writing. Writing just 1000 words took me an hour or more, I don't know how you wrote 60k words for 1 chapter!! That's absolutely insane. Also also, because your writing is so hilarious, when you get emotional, it hits so hard. "and i've gotta crow" is absolutely one of my all time favourite fan work, though idk what the title means. My writing, just after the first few paragraphs, feels like sandpaper to read. But your work really inspired me to want to at least try, even if I don't post anything. Especially after my finals, I'm going to try shitting this one idea out of my head in the summer (oh I'm in Australia so my summer is almost here). So yeah thank you for making me laughed so hard and also fingerbanged my heart. If you have nothing better to do, would you mind sharing your general writing process with me? As in, is there a forbidden jutsu move that amazing authors use when writing? For me, I feel like I'm typing and deleting and retyping until it forms a coherent sentence, but after putting them together it's dryer than my chicken breast that I forgot for 30 minutes in the oven. If not it's okay too, I hope you have a wonderful day!

yes.......YES.........let the monoma adoration flow through you!!!! we need more people in our monoma coterie!!! it's now you, me, 📌 anon, and like, two other anons i believe???? we are officially a Club, i say!!!

writing discussion/advice/process under the cut

okay, who told you you suck at writing? and why do they think so??? odds are you don't. odds are, you're overthinking your own work too much. when i look at stuff i've written, i see the writing process in every sentence, and odds are, you might, too. seeing the process takes away parts of being able to immerse yourself in the writing. so, your stuff probably isn't bad; it's just that you know all about how it was made!!!

writing takes me a long time! mostly bc i have academic/work writing to do all the time, so writing fic as my breaks from work isn't always efficient and fun. and i'm pretty sure some people may get frustrated with me for taking so long to update, but that's just how my life is rn. it's ultimately perfectly fine if you take a long time, though, because this is a hobby. we're not getting paid for this. we're providing art for free.

anyway......my process.....hmm. well. step one is to be haunted by visions.

step one is actually to think about that first idea you have to spark the fic. doesn't matter if it's in the middle or end, or anything. and you want to consider what kind of people would get in this situation (helps define what kind of character reader will be) and what could possibly lead up to it. it's okay if it seems like a bunch of disjointed ideas at first.

i am a big outliner, but i always allow seredipity during the writing process. as in, if something starts happening that's cool that i didn't plan, i'm cool with it, so long as it makes sense for the characters.

so, if i start a fic, i will start with an outline that's just a list of things i want to happen in the fic. sometimes it's specific events, and sometimes, it's something like "and they get romantically closer here through some tragic accident." put those events in an order that makes sense for the emotional progression of your characters.

i also keep running lists of hot lines of dialogue that i come up with, sexy outfits to put people in, sexy gestures, domestic things that would ruin me, or other fic-specific lists--like for tenko's soulmate route, i kept a running list of weird facts that reader could bring up. not many ended up going in the fic, but still.

like, this is a screenshot of a working outline/list from aizawa's route:

not all of this happened!! and more scenes got way fleshed out!!! i plan for Large Events and Emotional Resonance, but i am open to strange directions that just happen while writing the scene itself, so long as i get to where i need to go eventually. like.....the only one bed stuff on the undercover mission never happened, because suddenly, the club scene got super detailed, and aizawa would probably be too exhausted to spend the proper time having the argument, let alone sex, with reader that night.

but basically, i always want to know where i'll end up, even if i don't know how i'm going to get there. because the process of the characters getting there is where fun, detailed, character work happens. bc if your characters are distinct enough, they'll drive the story more than whatever plot you have.

i'm not every writer ever (obviously), so i know that more thorough outlining or not planning at all works better for other people!!! maybe try experimenting with completely planning and completely pantsing some shorter stories to see what works better for you.

i don't have a daily routine for writing bc i am Busy All the Time, but i carry a notebook in my purse if i am struck with visions, and when i type on my computer, i usually turn on an ambient mix from ambient.mix.com to block out other stuff. usually, i can find an ambience to fit the mood of the scene i'm writing, too lol, which doesn't necessary help but makes things more fun.

i honestly think i spend more time daydreaming about the story than writing it?? i am a big advocate for daydreaming. it's important that you spend time thinking about everything that could go wrong, bc it often makes for a better story if it's fucked up, somehow. idk it may also be bc of work that i'm away from a computer so often. i like writing in the notebook by hand bc it's less pressure to make it "good," and so i can edit as i type it in a word doc later.

and editing is, of course a huge part of the writing process!!! i would say it'd be weirder to write a sentence just right the first time, as opposed to deleting and rephrasing repeatedly! you're doing just fine!

but i wouldn't say there's any secret besides doing it a lot!!!! i know i'm not a great writer, but i know i'm okay, and that's the result of working and practising it for about two decades now. i just have practise, read a lot, and spend a lot of time, academically, discussing written stories.

so!!! if you're feeling like your stuff isn't as good as you want it to be, you just need to start allowing yourself to suck!!! nothing is perfect the first time!!! and eventually, you can edit your sucky stuff into stuff that's compelling.

good luck with your semi finals and finals!!! and thaaaaaank you for 1) valuing my advice as an artist (gosh!!!!!) and for 2) saying such nice things about the silly little stories i write!!!! it means a lot to me!!! you're so kind!!!!! i hope any of this helped at all!!!! and i hope your day is peaceful!!!! xx.

[tsaritza-mika]

Unpopular Opinion #3

Okay...so this might ruffle some feathers, but I still really feel it needs to be said. As always, if you don’t like what I have to say, just keep scrolling. I am a full believer in curating your own internet experience, and if you find yourself upset about a random opinion, please just leave and find something that makes you happy. You deserve it, and I promise that you will never hear me advocate otherwise.

Now then... Let’s talk a bit about our favorite mountain man. Shall we?

I see a lot of posts, especially as of late, that really go hard on the way Muriel’s route dealt with his various issues. Now, yes, Muriel is not one of my top LIs, he’s jut not the personality type that really gels with me, but I love him as much as I do all six of them for different reasons. I also acknowledge that his route isn’t perfect, but I honestly don’t think it’s nearly as bad as other people automatically jump to. Muriel has a metric fucking ton of issues, which include severe lack of self esteem, trauma that links to both those self esteem issues and his time in Vesuvia’s arena, depression, and some fun little sprinklings of Nihilism just for extra flavor. And all of that is just from a pure amateur observation. I’m not a psychologist, nor will I ever claim to be, but from the little bit that I know from former college classes and being friends with people who have experienced trauma from various forms of abuse, Muriel has all of these issues, and likely more that I’m not immediately familiar with.

A good amount of people in the fandom seem to believe that a better way for Muriel’s route to go would have had him ending up being more forceful in standing up to Lucio, really digging into him for the harm that he caused and is still causing, and more of coming out of his shell than he did. Now, while that would be a more dramatic take, you’ve gotta keep something important in mind: give or take a few years, Muriel has been dealing with most of these issues since he was at least around 6-8 years old. If we assume he’s maybe somewhere along the lines of 26-28, that’s twenty years of issues in an increasingly hostile situation. A single year alone of that much negativity is likely to leave some pretty impressive mental scars, let alone the possibility of twenty or more.

People who experience trauma will process and react to it differently, this is true, but to say that it’s OOC to have Muriel just be only a little more talkative and at ease with others outside of MC and Asra, strikes me as those who aren’t very familiar with how trauma can actually work. The entire ‘stick it to them’ fantasy seems great and totally cathartic in theory, but when victims of abuse and trauma actually have that chance, more often than not, I’ve only ever known them to prefer not wanting to be anywhere near their tormentors. Muriel actually being comfortable with himself, speaking up more, but still very much wanting his distance from everyone is a HUGE step in his healing process, and I honestly don’t think people give him enough credit for that. 

Muriel has been exploited and manipulated, verbally and likely physically abused, and all of that we could apply to JUST the time he was known in Vesuvia under the mantle of ‘The Scourge of The South’. We see in the Travel at Night tale that he already dealt with excess stress and fear from traveling through a war-zone at a very young age, where he says he even distinctly remembers hearing Lucio enjoying himself as he killed others. He’s already terrified by roughly age 12 when Lucio picks him out of the other street kids. He’s very aware that Lucio would enjoy hunting and killing him, and for a child to be aware of this, that alone is gonna fuck him up somethin’ fierce for a long time. Hell, when Lucio points him out from the other kids, he’s so afraid of him and what he knows Lucio is capable of, that his arms and legs go numb, and he can’t move. And later when he’s talking to Asra, if chosen, the response he gives Asra when asked about what he would do with magic is to make himself invisible, the very thing he’d wanted since the start of that tale. He wanted to be left alone, not deal with those kids who wanted to hurt others and steal, or be noticed by Lucio.

Muriel even straight up tells MC and Julian when they visit him in the forest during Julian’s route that he asked to have the gift of being forgotten. If he was forgotten as soon as he left someone’s sight, he wouldn’t be exploited anymore, and he wouldn’t be forced to take lives in exchange for keeping his most precious person safe anymore. To Muriel, deeply set in his traumatized and self loathing state, it was the perfect solution. Being forgotten meant that he wouldn’t take up space, that no one would force him to hurt or scare others just to exist, and that Asra, the only person who had ever told him he was worth it and more, wouldn’t be taken from him. 

You don’t just magically get better when your tormentor is gone or gets what they deserve, and confronting your abuser is not always going to be the right answer that puts you on the road to healing those mental scars. Muriel is far from cured of his issues by the end of his route. If anything, the end of his route is just the start of his even longer road to recovery and being able to fully enjoy and embrace life without fear that he’s taking up space and isn’t wanted. He’s just gotten better about it all. People who experience trauma can take years to even begin to feel comfortable in their own skin, but Muriel learning that he has value, that others value him and want him around without asking for anything in return, and to learn that others will sacrifice for you because they want your happiness instead of some leverage on something you can do for them; there is just so much beauty in the subtlety of that, and I honestly don’t think it gets the attention it rightfully deserves.

[zonerobotnik]

Did you really have to add Gideon to this AU?

With everything I read about it I can stand the idea of "Glee" less and less.

Yeah, I'll probably send Stan to Hell, too, since he's done some pretty bad things. Or someone else. Still deciding on who would go to Hell and who'd go to Heaven.

Also, you hate Gideon for being a vindictive vigilante mob-boss that kills people like Valentino?

[All I feel is hatred and disgust about the mere idea now.

Which also saddens me since I really enjoyed the AU so far. ]

I think you're being overdramatic. It's called the "Hazbin Varian AU", but that's only a placeholder until I think of something else to call it, probably if I ever write a fic for it. Did you really expect me NOT to include my other fandoms in this crossover?

If it makes you feel better, Bill Cipher isn't gonna be here because he's actually a god-like alien, not a demon from Hell. Likewise, at least in my lore, Zhan Tiri isn't here because she's not a demon but a human transformed by a god-like alien.

[I regret I ever mentioned Cassandra for this AU if it's that what you have planned.]

Whaaaaat, you think Cassandra being in over her head and making the mistake of allying with someone powerful and sly is baaaaad? That's literally season 3. The only difference is that she didn't realize that her "friend" was a murderous demon and not just someone that knew her mother and had a grudge against the Kingdom and she wasn't being seduced by Zhan Tiri. She's always been trying to climb up that social ladder and Gideon is powerful and she's safer with him than against him.

[All I can think about is Varian tearing Gideon to pieces, ripping him to shreds, ripping off his flesh, break his bones, shatter his whole being into bloody pulp and taking Cassandra right there over his still twitching body.]

Gideon is more likely to do any of that than Varian EVER is. Aside from the last part, that is. He's a gentleman and would rather seduce than force.

[I'm absolutely full of rage and boiling with revulsion.]

So am I, at what you previously said. I mean…gross. You still don't understand Varian. You clearly don't understand Gideon. Varian hates hurting people, killing them brutally is out of the question, and he has only shown that level of force towards Valentino, and even then he was never that gorey, he just beat the crap out of him and sent him flying out a window by a firm backhand in his giant form. Gideon, meanwhile, is a killer. This is canon. He had no hesitance to kill Dipper at their first fight. He's clearly killed people, he's clearly dealt with demons before, he didn't take any crap from anyone and his only moment of weakness was when Dipper used his love for Mabel to get him to turn against Bill. He used the entire town to make Mabel date him. You have this strange delusion that Varian is a murderous monster, but he's not. He hates hurting people so much that he made a humane, harmless goo trap to catch animals messing up the crops. The only time he has hurt someone is when he went off the deep-end from grief. When he's not trapped in that pit of rage and grief, he's not going to hurt anyone. And why the HELL would he EVER fight Gideon to get to CASSANDRA? He hates seeing them together, but he's not stupid enough to fall for Gideon's heavily-guarded bait. Even when they think he's alone, he's actually not. The only time he's alone without his usual crowd of guards is when he's visiting Alastor at the hotel. And Varian isn't going NEAR there, because he's terrified of Alastor. And, honestly, he's scared of Gideon, too, he just doesn't have the same trauma associated with him of hearing his friends' screams on the radio for a week and narrowly avoiding death at his hands. And he knows Gideon means no harm to him, aside from inflicting emotional damage on him from time to time.

[I need to sleep.]

Good idea, go sleep.

[ciaossu-imagines]

prompt 8 and/or 9 for shouhei, please!-shoheiakagi

After reading your recent post, I’m a dollar short and a day late, but I hope these will still do the trick!! Since I’d already dealt with a request for prompt eight, I hope you don’t mind that I settled on prompt nine instead! It seemed really fun, and I enjoyed writing these, so I hope you’ll enjoy them as well!

How do you view people who are similar to you?

I really do think Shouhei can get along with almost everyone, and having similarities with someone does make it easier for him to find common ground and things to talk about, so he can normally strike up at least a friendly acquaintanceship with those similar to him, unless there’s major differences that keep that from happening (for example, while I do see Hidaka and Shouhei as very similar and like people who should get along, the distinct difference in their clans and the way they approach the concept of justice means that they really could never form that friendship). That being said, I do feel like people who are similar to Shouhei don’t really interest him, or challenge him mentally and emotionally enough, to really catch his interest as much as those who are quite opposite to him do.

Is copying the sincerest form of flattery?

Not really, not in Shouhei’s opinion. Sure, he’ll probably have a little bit of an ego-boost if someone copies some of the things he does, but it’s pretty short-lived. Once that initial little ego-boost is done, I do think he would kind of wonder why the person was copying him – were they not confident enough in themselves, did they lack their own identity, did they not feel like they were strong enough on their own? It would really kind of bother him, as he definitely does feel that people are best when they’re living their authentic selves, and he’d first probably subtly try to get the person to express more of who they actually are or would kind of sever ties to them slowly if they kept relying on copying him.

Do you believe people are either good or bad?

Honestly, Shouhei falls somewhere in the middle. I do see him as the sort of person who can easily see the good in a wide variety of people and who will focus mainly on the good in a person. He can shrug off annoying traits or faults in people pretty easily that way. However, he’s not a stupid boy and he’s seen quite a bit in his life, and he has no delusions that every single person is good. He knows there’s immoral people out there, selfish people who will do anything as long as they benefit from it, no matter how much it hurts other people or how depraved it is so he is quite fully aware that there do exist people out there who are just plain bad, to the point that not even he can find the good in them.

Do you believe certain people would be better off dead?

Yes. There’s a lot of people who look at HOMRA, and Shouhei because he is a part of that group and assume that they’re all a bunch of hoods with no moral values. But Shouhei actually has a pretty strong moral compass and some pretty strict ideas of what’s okay and what’s not, though they might differ from those held by general society. Those people who destroy those morals he has, those who purposefully seek to gain from other people’s (especially women or children) pain and suffering…Shouhei would happily send them to hell himself, and if he can’t do it, he sure as hell would not be sorry if someone else did.

Would you trust anyone to protect you?

I think the answer here is really obvious. Though they might not always get along, and they do fight among themselves sometimes, he trusts every other member of HOMRA to have his back when he needs them to and he knows that any of them would protect him if needed, even if they got hurt doing so. (That being said, Mikoto and Bandou are definitely the two he put the most absolutely trust in.)

Do you need to have a leader role? Would you fight someone if they competed or just let it go?

Now, Shouhei has absolutely no problem with being the center of attention. He’s not a shrinking violet or someone who minds having all eyes on him. But, even with that super-extroverted nature of his, he doesn’t really have a lot of ambition, I don’t think, and he doesn’t really gravitate towards leadership roles or being in charge. He doesn’t want someone dictating all of his moves or what he should be doing, so it’s not that he wants to be subservient or that he needs someone to give him direction for his life, but more that he’s just a very ‘live and let live’ kind of guy when it comes down to it, with some exceptions of course. He’ll happily relinquish leadership over to others, as long as they don’t expect him to blindly follow their orders and they don’t micromanage or behave too authoritarian for his liking.

Do you believe your parents know best? If not, then who?

No. No, he definitely does not. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not that Shouhei doesn’t like his parents or that he doesn’t get along with them (though there were some rough patches during his early to mid-teenage years). He loves his parents and they’ve gotten to a point where they’ve accepted his lifestyle enough to not nag him about it. But Shouhei doesn’t think that his parents know everything – they’re just people, doing their best, same as him and everyone else. He knows his parents aren’t infallible, that they make mistakes. Hell, while he deeply respects Mikoto as his King, and the upper members of HOMRA like Tatara and Kusanagi, he knows that even they don’t know everything and that they can make mistakes. In the end, Shouhei follows Mikoto as his King and respects him, but Shouhei feels like only he, himself, knows what’s best for Shouhei and that each other person knows what’s best for themselves.

Is it best to have friends who are convenient to you or friends who are genuine?

While Shouhei will have a lot of friendly acquaintances and lots of surface level friendships, people he sees or interacts with here and there and gets along with, because he is such a friendly, open guy, he really does treasure his genuine friendships, because he does know how rare those can be. A true friend is worth more than all the money in the world, in his opinion.

Is marriage for love or for business?

Now, while he’s not averse to fun and casual flings, Shouhei is a bit of a romantic at heart, and he will definitely be the kind of person who does want to find ‘the right one’. Marriage is serious to him, and he definitely feels marriage should be with someone you truly love and can’t imagine living your life without.

Should people be judged on how they look? Would you judge others in such a way?

Shouhei actually isn’t super into how people look. He’s not blind, and he will find certain people more attractive than others. Looks will determine who he might be interested in dating, though they won’t be the only thing that determines that. But overall, in terms of just how he treats people in general and how he determines who he enjoys as a person and who he dislikes as a person, looks never factor into that sort of thing.

Do you believe being disliked makes you stronger or more of a threat?

Neither. Shouhei’s, again, not a dumb guy and he’s pretty socially smart. He knows it’s impossible to make it through life without someone disliking you because not everyone likes everyone else. Hell, there’s plenty of people he doesn’t really like. Him not liking them, or someone else not liking him, doesn’t make him stronger or weaker to them or them to him. It doesn’t make them a threat to him or vice versa. It just means they’re two people who don’t get along.

Are problems best shared or should people keep them to themselves?

This is a complicated one for Shouhei. He really, really struggles to share the problems he’s facing with others. He is always really quick to offer help to others, to take other people’s problems on himself but he finds it difficult to let other people into problems he’s facing. Half of him simply believes that he can do it all on his own, while the other, smaller half doesn’t think it’s right to put his burdens on someone else, even though he never views other people’s problems as burdens.

Do you believe people who force you out of your comfort zone are helpful? Annoying? Do you want to deal with them at all?

The thing is, Shouhei has a really wide comfort zone. He’s pretty game for anything that seems fun or interesting and he’s definitely not risk averse.

Even if you know nothing about a subject, do you feel the need to take part?

Yes and no. I don’t see Shouhei as this big mansplainer or anything. He’s not a know-it-all or anything like that. It’s more that, if the subject being discussed seems at all interesting to him, he’s going to join in on the conversation, ask questions, try to learn something new and cool.

How do you view people who are your opposites?

Now, as mentioned in the very first question, I do see Shouhei being more interested in or intrigued by people who are very much his opposite. They’ll still need to share some common things, as in he won’t be interested in someone who is super rigid in their beliefs or someone who is very authoritarian, but overall, he very much has a curiosity about people who are quite opposite. I really do think he’s that extrovert friend who kind of collects more introverted friends, just because he finds them really fascinating or finds it interesting to see how they think and view things and approach things. He finds he learns a lot more and it helps him develop as a person to have those friends who help him see different points of view or different ways of thinking about things.

Do you interact with others in a special or different persona or attitude?

Okay, this one is a little complicated because I do see Shouhei as being someone who is very chameleon like. He doesn’t entirely change who he is with people. He’s still the same guy, with the same core values and attributes, but he does kind of adapt his behaviour to the person he’s hanging out with. Some people only get Shouhei at, like, 25% fully himself because he tones down some of his personality traits to make them feel more at ease. Others get full 100% Shouhei, mostly the other alphabet boys in HOMRA.

Do you prefer to be around extroverts or introverts? Or does it not matter to you either way?

Now, I do think that Shouhei can really be comfortable hanging out with both introverts and extroverts, but I do, as previously said, think that he prefers introverts. But hey, if someone is cool and extroverted, he’ll hang out with them, he’ll be friendly. I just think he chooses to hang out with his more introverted friends more often than not.

If you need help, are you more likely to accept it from anyone or only close friends? Do you ever accept help in general?

Shouhei has a hard time really accepting help in general and, when he does, it’s only from those he really, truly trusts to have his back. And it’s normally because those people know him well enough to have figured out that there’s something going on with him, because he does have his tells and some of them have figured them out and can read him pretty easily now.

How do you feel about party games like truth or dare? Do you wish people would leave you out of them?

He can take them or leave them himself. He has no problem participating in them, keeping them all in good fun. That being said, if the people he’s around or hanging out with are people who would be uncomfortable playing the game when someone else suggests it, he’ll probably shoot it down because he doesn’t want his friend to feel forced into an uncomfortable situation.

Do you wish people paid you more attention?

Quite simply put…Shouhei’s a handsome, charismatic, friendly guy. He really isn’t hurting for attention and he’s quite okay with the amount of attention he gets.

Do you wish no one ever paid you any attention?

There are times, mostly when he has to be sneaky or fly under the radar, that he does wish that he didn’t draw quite so much attention, especially since he finds it hard not to engage with people who come up and start talking to him because he’s caught their eye.

Do you think authority figures are looking out for your best interests and should be trusted?

No. Very much no. I do think that a large part of the reason that being in HOMRA works so well for Shouhei is because Mikoto, while he’s their King, doesn’t expect or try to be an authority figure. He’s fine, and actually pretty proud of being under Mikoto, but that’s because Mikoto feels more like someone that Shouhei looks up to and respects; Mikoto has that charisma and draw to him that people like Shouhei, who have issues with authority and being told constantly what to do and what not to do, really do respond well to.

Do you believe people would be upset if you disappeared one day or more relieved?

Shouhei has a pretty healthy amount of self-esteem. He knows that his parents do love him. He knows he has friends who would notice if he just up and disappeared. He knows HOMRA would definitely notice if he went AWOL, and he knows that all those people would be upset and would do everything they could to find out what happened to him, if he ever ran away or disappeared.

Do you get along better with people older than you or younger than you? Perhaps the same age?

Okay, weird stance here, but I do think Shouhei can get along with kids, but he’s sort of uncomfortable around them. Like, he tries to be nice, but my god, some people’s kids, you know…He’s friendly enough to older folks and his charming nature does mean that most of them forgive the fact that he looks a little bit like a hood. That being said, he’s not going out of his way to hang out with most older folks, and he really does prefer the company of those more around his age, as he finds more in common with them.

What does it take for you to consider someone an enemy?

Shouhei won’t stand for two things. Don’t hurt one of his friends or loved ones. Just don’t do it; don’t put them in danger in any way. And for fuck sakes, just let him live his life the way he wants to. He hates it when people try to control him or force him into this tiny, societally acceptable box.

What does it take for you to consider someone a friend?

Honestly, it’s not too hard to make a friend out of Shouhei. He makes friends easily. Be kind to him, don’t cause unnecessary drama, have a sense of humour and fun, and he’ll be more than happy to be your friend, even if it does just begin as a surface level friendship.

What are your thoughts on public displays of affection or skinship?

I’ve said it before, but I do see Shouhei as an incredibly affectionate guy. It doesn’t matter if it’s his bros or his parents or his friends who are girls, or a lover. He’s big on hugs, on high-fives, on playful shoves or rough housing with the other guys, with arms slung across shoulders…he’s just very physical as a person, with physical touch definitely being the love language he shows to other people.

It’s a dog-eat-dog world and everyone’s got an agenda. Do you believe that?

For the most part, Shouhei wouldn’t really buy into that. He does know that there are people out there who do have hidden agendas, who are only out for themselves, but he doesn’t believe that that is the majority of people and he’s met enough kind, generous people (and been raised by them), that he’s pretty sure there’s more good people in the world than bad people.

Do you consider it creepy or undesirable if someone knows too much about you?

It depends on the degree. If it’s just something that he knows they might have overheard someone else say about him, or heard him say in a conversation, then it doesn’t bother him too much. He’ll chalk it up to curiosity. However, if it’s stuff that he knows he’s never mentioned or talked about before and they’re bringing it up, he’s definitely creeped out and probably has some ‘oops, have another crazy stalker again’ vibes.

Would you do something horrible in order to save your friends even though they’d loathe you for it?

In a heartbeat. Shouhei really does care deeply for his friends and he’s the kind of guy who wants to fix things for others, to help them out. If his friends were really in danger, even if what he had to do meant that there’s a chance he might end up in a bad way or that his friends would be disgusted or pissed at him, he’s doing what needs to be done to keep them safe.

Do you remember anyone you used to get along with? Why did you stop getting along?

Shouhei actually used to be in a gang with some guys he knew before HOMRA. He was really good friends with this other guy in the gang, Minato. At least he was until it came out that Minato liked to knock around his girlfriends…that’s not exactly something Shouhei can overlook or be okay with, and Minato definitely wasn’t too friendly after Shouhei broke his arm and fractured his jaw.

Is family more important than any other relationship?

No. While he definitely does try to be good to his parents, especially now that they’ve gotten past all the rough patches of his teenage years, and he does want to keep a loving relationship with them, he also believes that that is only one of the many important, caring relationships that should be part of an adult’s life.

Do you think friendship is better and more powerful than love?

That’s impossible to really answer with a yes or a no for Shouhei. Friendship to him, true and genuine friendship, is just another form of love. Love to him doesn’t necessarily always equate to romantic or sexual feelings, though he does want and enjoy that kind of love too.

Would you rather hurt people or let people hurt you?

It depends. Emotionally and mentally, Shouhei doesn’t like to hurt people. He tries his very best to kind of go with the flow and is maybe a little too accommodating (ie: kissing Saya because she wanted him too and he didn’t want to hurt her feelings). That being said, physically…Shouhei has zero issues with hurting people if they try to hurt him or if he feels like they deserve it. HOMRA’s members have the reputations they have for good reason, and it’s because every single one of their members, including Shouhei, do love a good old-fashioned fight.

Do you believe peace is best and, as such, avert your eyes to misdeeds?

Shouhei, as mentioned, overlooks the little things. The things that don’t really make a huge difference. If the misdeeds are bigger than that, he’s definitely calling the person the fuck out or taking steps to stop what they’re doing.

Do you believe it’s fine to be alone so long as you’re true to yourself?

That’s actually, in a way, his worst nightmare. Shouhei thrives off human contact; he needs it to be happy and mentally healthy. He hates the thought of being completely alone, truly, one hundred percent alone, and he’d only put himself in that situation if it was absolutely necessary.

Do you think honest people are foolish people?

He doesn’t think they’re foolish. Bandou, probably Shouhei’s best friend, is way too honest sometimes, and it’s something Shouhei finds amusing and charming about him, actually.

Do lies bother you even if they’re for a good cause?

No. I will say this plain out, I do think Shouhei is one of those guys who will feel completely comfortable telling white lies. He won’t lie about anything serious, but small lies to protect the other person’s feelings – those are okay to him.

Do you believe there are some relationships that can’t be broken by anything?

I do think that he would feel that, though he wouldn’t know how exactly to put how he feels on that. He knows there are people who are always going to be important people to him, always going to have been huge influences on his life, people who he could go years without speaking to and then bump into and talk to as if only a day had passed.

[jeeperso]

D&D Quotes Without Context

Ravenloft Edition, Fundertainment Land Arc part 2

Gunder: “Don't you know I'm dead inside?” Vesh: “Yes, that's the problem, we want you dead on the outside too.” Poom: "And all the other sides, too. Just to be safe.” Marshal: ”Management wants to make a show of my suffering. Of course we'd be going through their outdated knockoff Darklords.” Marshal: ”Count Strahdical (pronounced St-radical) was the leader here, back in the day.” Gorbash: “How insufferable was he compared to the real one?” Jonni: “Real one gave us goulash, so I’m guessing lots.” "Hunky Harkon, Adamazing, and... I always forget what the mummy was saddled with.” "They literally could not come up with anything dumber than Ankhtepot.” Marshal: ”By all rights, I should offer you all a chance to be in the union, but I served with each of you as Lord Soth-cool, and I know you all to be a bunch of knobs.” Strahdical points at you. "No. NO. IT IS YOU WHO IS THE KNOB!” "Time to cut the count up; 1, 1 blade strikes, 2, 2 blade strikes.” "You always thought you were SOOOO much better than us.” “I mean… he is…” "You never wanted to hang out with us and eat kids after hours.” Edmund is thinking. ”Hunktepot, Ankh I’m a little teapot, Ank the Poo…." GM OOC: You guys are basically getting your asses kicked by the Groovie Ghoulies. Azathoth: "Since when was this game a 90s Saturday cartoon?” Nyx: "Since about our first adventure where we dealt with a haunted house.” Strahdical: ”We call THAT the bite of 87. Fucking RECOGNIZE.” Nyarlathotep: "That you're a relic? O-kay.” Somewhere Vesh is suddenly filled with an urge to burn down an overpriced pizza parlor. OOC: No, that's what they want you to do. For the insurance money. "Gnarlytepot... Ankredibepot…." He stands there for a second. seemingly fine. "HA! YOUR PATHETIC ATTACKS ARE USELESS AGAINST ME!” Then his top half falls off. “SHIT!" It is just now that Poom arrives. "Sorry, I had to burn down the toilets to make them sanitary.........And you guys did fine without me.” “That’s great. I am bleeding very badly.” Poom: "So do we just set each one on fire till we find the mimics?” Jonni sighs. “Nyx, you’ve got the best hand eye coordination. Give it one shot before I become Death, destroyer of claw machines.” "I do NOT have a gambling habit!” “Is that why Strahd knows what you look like naked?” “You're right... YOU HAVE A GAMBLING PROBLEM!” Nyx: *rolls nat 20* Marshal: ”I did see that right? She just noclipped through the glass and grabbed the ticket?” Even though you are pretty sure the claw tries to deliberately drop it at some point, and when it drops it to your hand you swear the claw flips you off somehow. When the flash clears, where Marshal was standing now stands a four foot tall teddy bear in adorable armor. "Darn, if it is a curse it the weirdest curse I've ever seen. Into a statue or plant, sure. But a stuffed toy, never.” “You mean… other than last week when that happened to all of us?” "That felt more like genie magic, not a curse.” "Um what the fuck happened to Marshal?” "Revenge of the Claw Machine.” "I've only known Bitey for five seconds and if anything happened to them I would burn this world to cinders and piss on the remains.” Nyx carries Marshal teddy bear. Gorbash: “One or both of them are going to murder the rest of us in our sleep.” Poom: "That's why I sleep with both eyes open.” Vesh: ”Well I think I saw him reading a bellhop the riot act a little while ago.” Gorbash: “…The Fuck? I'm fairly sure I diced him into pieces…” Jonni: “Did he at least have robot parts?” Gorbash: “Wait... THAT MEANS I CAN KILL HIM ALL OVER AGAIN! There are positives to this situation.” ”SHAZAM!” fluffy marshal says, before with a thunderclap, flash of light and a cheap smoke bomb effect, he's returned to his proper form. Gorbash: “Could you do that this whole time?” Marshal: "I bore the price of my hubris, for as long as I tolerated it." Gorbash: “You forgot you could do it, didn't you.” Marshal: “…Yes.” Yog-sothoth: "Hey, Poom: we cheated and gave you Intellect Fortress. Get casting.” Poom: "So apparently now I can do Jonni's thing.” "Can I have a salad please? Thank you.” "Sure, you want Macaroni, Taco or Tuna?” “I could shit a better Turkey Leg. I should go back there and show them how to season huge chunks of meats.” "They always make these chairs sized for big people, I have to stand on it to see into the arena.” “I mean… you want the high chair or the kiddie stool? Those both seem bad options to me, but it’s your dignity.” Gorbash: “Marshal I think you've managed to piss off both of our old tormentors in one shot. Keep up the good work.” Jonni: “How bad could it be?……..It’s cool, I said it ironically.” Gorbash: “... Really?” "Good news. It doesn’t infect creatures... It eats the tadpoles. Bad news? It eats everything else too.” Gorbash: “It's a killing machine with mind powers. This is going to suck.” OOC: Behold my Champions levels of dice! Fear me! GM: The arena fills with scorched worm flesh, which smells slightly better than the turkey legs. OOC: Bad news… I can only do that once more. Good news, I did that from 60 feet away. Edmund murmured, clasping his holy symbol and bringing out a reliquary as it is filled with golden light and summons forth a figure garbed in blue. <"Peace be upon you, seekers of knowledge! I-- HOLY FUCK!”> Jonni: “I only understood those last two words, but it’s generally bad when the being of pure angelic knowledge thinks this shit is messed up.” "Incoming dragon steamroller!” Azathoth: "FINISH HIM!" Yog-sothoth: "Wrong part of the fight.” Poom puts her fingers to her head, a third eye opens up, and a wave motion beam comes out. Gunder sighs, and waves his hands, and several servers in peasents begin setting up a stand around the Neothelid and then begin carving it up to sell shanks on a stick for 10 GP a hock. Gorbash: “Damn it, now I have to waste 10 gold if I want a taste without licking the gore off my armor.” “You one a those angels can be a lady on command?” "I can be a lot of things.” "I am the angel TriVia, of where the three roads meet." Vesh comes up to Trivia "Welcome to the group. We just adopted you. No you don't get a say. Here's your introductory pamphlet.” Marshal wisely switches out Nyx's stein of Ruminating Jolt for something less likely to make her hyper. "Nooo, my Jolt! I haven't felt like I had this much energy since I was 5. Wheee!" Nyx goes running around with her arms out. Vesh takes it from you. "YOU DON'T NEED IT. YOU'RE ALL THE WOMAN YOU NEED TO BE.” Marshal: ”That, and I'm reasonably sure Danzi has it spiked with actual ruminating drugs.” “Okay, food is shit, entertainment tried to eat us. I say we cast sleep on Nyx and sleep this off.” So you guys all get as good a nights rest as you can (and consequently Gorebash spends half the night infllicting menacing attacks on the toilet). Poom (as she stare-sleeps from her armchair): "That's what you get for trying to buy all the neothelid.” GM OOC: Also does Gorebash have the beard yet? Gorbash OOC: Let me roll. Okay it's a 50/50 chance so 1 is beard 2 is no beard. *rolls a 1* Gorbash has become a beard dragon. OOC: I’m presuming that's a fryer, with what looks like bacon and potatoes in it? OOC2: I’m not sure, I think it’s the “American “ hot pot from a Japanese show. Hamburger and fries cooked in a pot of cola. OOC:…that hurts my brain, teeth and stomach all at the same time. OOC: Now I got the Winnie the Pooh song stuck in my head, imagining him wrapped up like a mummy… OOC2: I have the same problem every time I think about China.

[ben-talks-art]

Thought's on the finale of The Owl House

So now that the series is (sadly) over, I felt like talking about the finale a little since I think there are some interesting things in it to discuss.

Taking into consideration that this series was cut short and they had to do the best they could with the best they had, they still managed to deliver a pretty freaking good finale all things considered.

The animation was great, the storylines were all wrapped up, every character had one last moment to shine (although some were brief), and as always, you can feel a lot of the love and effort the creators are putting into the product.

Most of the problems I had are basically just a matter of wishing this could have had more room to breathe because plenty of things get solved a tad too quickly. It kinda makes me wish I could see a director's cut.

Almost all of the issues I can just accept and blame it on Disney for axing the show, but two in particular really make me go "this needed more time."

(spoilers)

The first one is the Collector.

This kid has been built up like crazy. The entire season 2 finale is basically trying to show how much of a big deal they are, how much trouble they can cause, how disconnected from reality they are, and just how immensely important it is that they get dealt with properly.

Even in the final scene of episode 2 of season 3, it ends with them going "I want to play a new game!" Dun! Dun! Duuuum!"

And then we see said game, and it's just a dream sequence to teach Luz a lesson we already new, followed by playing some games that just last for a few minutes.

Then the Collector gets a little sad, Luz talks to them, and they become friends...

That's it. That's the big climactic confrontation with one of the most powerful characters of the show.

Now, I will say, I did enjoy that they address that the kid just suffers from a lack of understanding of how mortal lives work, and I do appreciate they didn't just make them some raging, crazy kid who hates Luz because King likes her more. I'm glad they made them surprisingly reasonable and patient for their mental age.

Still, I can't help but feel their "defeat" and redemption arc were way too fast and easy. If I were to guess, the stuff with The Collector probably was meant to be its own entire episode, and the true final boss was another, but they had to shrink it due to the cancellation, and if that's the case, that's a real shame because I would really like to see a deeper exploration of this kid's way of thinking and seeing Luz trying to help them realize their errors.

As it is, it wasn't done badly, but I wish it had more.

I also don't like how when Luz gets "killed" the Collector is the one getting focused on and crying over her. Their bond is just not that strong to make these tears feel earned. It's like if in Lion King the one crying over Mufasa was Nala or Zazu instead of Simba. It's not the worst character to cry over her, but there were definitely better options to focus on.

However, I can forgive all that because the scene where they try to deal with Belos using the power of love was absolutely perfect and it made me laugh hard. That was definitely my favorite joke on the whole show.

And now, the second thing on the finale I'm kinda iffy about...

Belos comes back as the final boss (again), and kills Luz, resulting into her turning into literal orbs of luz that just start fading over time until they make their way to... King's dad.

Because why not?

Who just happens to be able to give her an "I win" button so she can go into her Super Sayan form (because every Disney show needs to have at least one character with a Super Sayan form now, not that I'm complaining)...

...and alongside Eda and King, they defeat Belos and save the day.

Now, first of all, Luz's titan form? 10/10! I absolutely, freaking love that design. I love that she's a combination of King and Eda being a mix of a witch and a monster, while also having her own side with all the glyphs floating around her. Plus, she has claws, and we all know that anything with claws is instantly cool. Definitely, my favorite super form from any Disney show. (Unless they make a Jake Long reboot and give him a super dragon form)

I also like how the animation just shines as they fight Belos (who now looks like a badass bone dragon creature), and how each of the main trio has a small moment to help in the battle, it isn't just Luz doing everything.

Not to mention they have an amazing remix of the opening theme playing in the background which just makes it even more awesome.

My favorite part is when they start to wonder where Belos' weak spot is and Luz says "You know where" and Eda just gives the widest, proudest, most joyful grim ever right before all voice actors give their all while screaming "THE HEART!"

It reminds me of Puss In Boots 2 where all the characters look like they're having fun while going through the adventure.

I kinda wish Luz could have had some cooler lines, but they tried to make a point that Luz is a dork that isn't very good at it so... Eh, I'll forgive it. I know she has her "Eat this, sucker!" thing, but I honestly completely forgot that that was even meant to be her catchphrase.

Honestly, this entire climax is amazing and just perfect for the series... But I kept thinking to myself "how in the world did Luz went from being a ball of light to meeting King's dad???"

I have no problems with what we got, I'm just not sure HOW we got it. The way Luz just went from nearly dying to just appearing in the place of the one guy that could help her save the day felt very Deus Ex Machina.

These are basically my only two problems with the finale. I wish we had gotten more time with the Collector and their arc, and that we had a bigger exploration of how Luz got there.

The way it is, it feels like the day was saved not because the heroes were smart enough, or strong enough to defeat the bad guy, but... Because the plot said so.

I mean, yeah, King's dad gave Luz the power because she was nice to his son, so you could say her kindness was what saved the day... But I don't know... Is that what Owl House's final theme is about? Being kind?

Owl House's themes for me were always about being creative, being weird, not being afraid of experimenting new things, thinking outside of the box, and learning to observe and listen, and not being afraid of accepting who you really are.

I wish these themes had played a bigger part in the defeat of the final boss, like in Gravity Falls where what allows them to defeat Bill is Stan's willingness to sacrifice himself for his family.

Luz and King have a great relationship and the fact that she is a wonderful older sister to a little monster does tie into the theme of accepting others and not being afraid of trying weird things... But I'm not sure if I like how that's the final message we leave the show on.

I guess I just wish that King's dad would have had a bigger build-up. If maybe while dying Luz would have used her creativity one last time to somehow get her to teleport into the Titan, then I would have been more okay with it.

This show seriously needed more episodes...

Still, even though the build-up was kinda rushed (to me at least), the pay-off was so good that I can't really get too upset about it.

Again, titan Luz was everything I never knew I wanted in my life (there is gonna be so much fan art of that form on the internet). If a slightly confusing solution is the price that needs to be paid to get such an epic form and such an epic climax like that, I'll gladly take it.

[unmecha]

Alright it’s Jeanne Time Go White Woman Go

OC Page: Jeanne

Pronouns: She/Her

Types: Poison/Dark/Fire/Dragon

Ending: Self-Rule

First on the list of disaster women in Tellius is Jeanne! And before I get into her full backstory, I just remembered something else I forgot to tell you that these characters all have in common: the school they all went to was a military academy. This affects some relationships the MC has in canon with other characters (namely two childhood friends, Alanah and North, who serve as allies and rivals) but it also serves to color their interactions and backstory a bit.

           Anyway, Jeanne is a trans lesbian anarchist who found out two of those three things at the academy, but she only really shared them with Taylor, who had secrets of her own, and the two bonded over shared understanding and Taylor’s grand scheme to reform the country from within. When the first Royale uprising happened, Jeanne and Taylor both were made to flee the country by their parents, along with Alanah, while North stayed behind. Notably, Jeanne and Taylor/Alanah went to separate countries. While away, Jeanne transitioned and ran into leftist writing, and was dazzled by ideas of how to make Literally Everything Better. Unfortunately, when she excitedly went to call Taylor and tell her what she’d learned, the other girl was…less than receptive. The initial shock of the ensuing argument, coupled with Jeanne’s short temper and Taylor’s black-and-white worldview, caused one disagreement to bloom into many, and by the time they returned to Tellius (the start of the canon game) they’ve become outright enemies.

           However, Jeanne still isn’t publicly anti-council, so Taylor hasn’t publicly moved against her yet; Taylor just considers Jeanne as another opponent in her 5d pokechess. Jeanne, for her part, was never that good at subtlety, and is really frustrated at her inability to get through to her former friend. If Taylor would just stop trying to be ten steps ahead of eleven different enemies, if she could just see how much better things could be, if she would just listen…

           But that’s not likely to happen at this point. Maybe they could make up…but it’s more likely they’ll keep making each other worse until they go down together, hand in unloveable hand.

           In the meantime, Jeanne just tries to tell the truth (except to cops) and do right by people. Given the kind of game Empire is, this means she has few to no friends and bad things happen anyway. She’s starting to get bitter about it.

           Oh and as a first run oc, she has no naming scheme.

           Well, after that fucking depressing bio, let’s get into the gameplay!

A Word on Smog

           Strengthened: Special Fire, Dark, and Poison moves (x1.3)

           Weakened: Special Fairy moves (x0.8)

           Passive Damage: On all except Steel, Poison, Smog abilities, and Overcoat/Magic Guard

           Abilities Activated:

                       Stench: x1.5 damage dealt

                       Chainsmoker: +2 speed

                       Bogged Down: x0.66 damage taken

                       Toxic Boost, Poison Heal: As though poisoned

                       Noxious Fumes: Sets Smog

           Moves activated: Desolation: 115 bp 30% poison, Perfect accuracy in Smog, as Thunder

           For Jeanne’s own interpretation of this strategy, she favors leading with defensive walls (after smog is up) like Whiscash (who has bogged down) and Amoongus (who also has it, but still uses regenerator because c’mon. Regenerator.) along with new Fire/Dragon Poison Heal mon Chemera, wearing down all offensive momentum with status, forced switches, and raw defense, until one of her sweepers like Zangoose, Drifblim (chainsmoker, weather ball), and Charizard (Omegabuffed, gets most of the benefit of Mega X in base form).

Empire’s new sleep rules benefit this team, since it’s always two turns, Amoongus can always switch out on a successful Sleep Powder and guarantee a setup for a sweeper. And yeah I said Sleep Powder, Spore did not survive the journey to Tellius, unfortunately it’s 75% acc or nothing.

           As you might have surmised, Jeanne’s become a pretty…Toxic person. While her urge to just drag everyone down around her definitely isn’t great, there’s still a part of her that wants to do good in the world, and that’s the part that keeps her moving forward…even when she maybe should probably stop. In fact, she’s going to be my only character to beat a particular optional boss in episode 4 (thanks to a bugfix making the strat impossible, who’s run I posted earlier, and I am taking all the obsession and frustration involved in beating six optimized level 75s with a team not over 35 and giving it to her as a gift. Like Karkat.

           However, among the many things Jeanne suffers through, chief among them is Empire fields turning off her goddamn weather. While reborn literally only does this for the champion battle, Empire does this with multiple fields across multiple episodes, not just for bosses but for enemy bases and other, stranger things. Therefore, Jeanne’s formulated a second whole strategy, one that’s just as defensive, just as frustrating, and can theoretically output amazing offense. It’s even another Empire-exclusive! It is…

Ruthless Terrain

           Type Boosted: Dragon (1.5x)

           All PP usage +1 (note that all moves in Empire have their PP maxed)

           Whirlwind/Roar deal 20% of target’s max health

           Boomburst does half damage

Basically, this team revolves on setting Spikes, then using Whirlwind/roar spammers like Mandibuzz (Jeanne’s starter) to weaken the enemy team, then going for the win with boosted dragon moves, especially Twister, which now gains +20 base power per hazard you’re set, via the newly buffed Noivern. I won’t speak too much on it because it is a backup strat, but I think I can really ruin the dragon leader this way.

Also none of these strats work in other games, so she’s uh....mono poison? poison/dragon???? I’m running her as a realist-route poison mono in Deso and let me tell you the early game really got me that headspace. Don’t do deso mono poison trust me

In terms of appearance, Jeanne began life with dark hair but it has not stayed that way. Already a fan of punk before she left, her hair and outfit use deep purple and bright red tones similar to Eternatus, a legendary that shares two of her types! otherwise she wears practical if colorful clothing, including pants with plenty of pockets, black doc martens, and a jacket with plenty of pins and a draconic design on the back. Oh yeah, she also has a gasmask. It’s honestly kinda mandatory.

           Overall, I hope this gives a good impression of what we’re working with here. I wish to stress that Jeanne is the nicest of my Empire OCs, so get frigging ready. Next time, we’ll be diving into Miss Capitalism herself, Taylor!

[monstermaster13]

Hessian Hex Remake part 1

You may not believe this story (which is something you'll hear frequently in stories that likely were creepypastas or grimdark in nature, trust me, this is nothing new), but then again pretty much given that i've dealt with the paranormal before this is nothing new. But this is one that you would have to see to believe. It started off on a seemingly quiet and normally night, I was with my companion Rebecca (my goth monster loving companion, replacing the companion in the original version of the story) and we were going on a tour of the famous town of Sleepy Hollow. Almost all of the buildings where closed except for the library (okay..some artistic liberties were made here, but it was a weekend so), the church and several other places of interest. Of course, given this town's infamous history of the supernatural - something was sure to happen. I had just left the library and it was pretty dark but luckily I had a torch with me, as I looked around and checked the map (remember to check the map). 'Alright - Becky, since you're my companion for this adventure, let's start the adventure and you are the companion…what do you say we meet outside the woods near the old windmill? I'll take the left and you take the right.'

"But what if something happens to you like if you get eaten or killed or something?"

"Relax - everything's going to be fine."

'I don't know, this being the town of ol Sleepy Hollow and all. What if you run into the Hessian Horseman?' 'Man that would be awesome. Oh no, I mean that would be horrible! I don't want to lose my head.' 'I just want you to be safe out there…alright?' 'I'll try to.' I took off to the left and headed over to the mainly woodland area to go and have a look around, I crept around quietly - not making a sound - making sure not to make a sound. Everything seemed normal, except for the glowing eyes in the background and the ghastly moaning.

"So far so good.."

Just then I heard the sound of wicked laughter, coming from not too far away. I turned around to see where it was coming from but the laughter stopped. 'Huh? I could have sworn I was being watched. Oh well…you know how these cliches go.' I continued on my way but as I did, a crow that was sitting upon one of the branches of a knarled old tree looked down at me. I didn't stop to question this, I just went on my way , but as I continued walking the crow started following me. 'Why is this bird following me? Oh well..I really shouldn't be questioning these sort of things. After all i'm used to weird stuff.' When I got to a clearing I took a breather and as I did, the crow flew down onto the ground as it did it morphedi nto a woman with long black hair and a pale complexion as well as green eyes.

"Gah! Who the heck are you?"

"I am…Michayla…the maiden of the night."

"Are you some kind of demon, werecreature or vampire? What are you?"

"I'm a witch. And i've had my eye on you for quite sometime."

"Really now? What would a dark maiden like you want with someone like me?"

"I want you to carry out a very important task of mine."

"Let me guess..it involves killing…"

"It does. Do you think you're up to it?"

"Ummm…does 'no thank you. I'm not going to kill anyone for you' count as an answer?"

"I'm afraid you're going to do it."

"Well i've got news for you, Little Miss Black Magic. I'm not a killer, and besides i'm no ordinary human being…."

I leaped into the air and growled, turning into Growler the weregrinch and turning to face Michayla. 'Oooh, I like you already. You're going to be a very useful and powerful addition to the little plan i'm concocting.' 'Sorry, Mistress of the Dark but i'm not going to be part of your evil plan…not even if you asked nicely. Now prepare to face my wrath!'

"We'll see about that….."

I started fighting her with my monster powers but unfortunately she used a dark magical energy attack to drain my powers rendering them useless and turning me back to my normal human form. 'I have the better powers now.'

"Ugh. Please gimme my powers back."

"You won't be needing them once I get through with you."

'What are you up to? You're not going to turn me into a frog are you? You better not think about eating me.' Of course I made a cliche fairytale reference. I rolled my eyes at my own joke and then looked up at her. I wouldn't say an evil witch is sexy or anything, but at the time I wasn't known for being attracted to dark/powerful women.

"Oh I wouldn't do that."

"Aaaaw…you're not gonna eat me either? Not even without fattening me up first? Pitty, I was so looking forward to that."

"I have something different in mind…"

"Is this some kind of weird witchy voodoo spell?"

"Yes..it's a spell."

'Is it an animal transformation spell? I've already been turned into several different animals, heck…even my own best friend Staten turned me into a pony once.' 'That's true, he did get transformed into a pony.'

"No…."

"Well what is it? Huh?"

"A Transferance Spell."

"And just who or what are you going to transfer into me?"

"The Hessian…"

My face turned to a look of pure shock as I did a double take, my eyes bugging out of my head all cartoon-like, 'Are you kidding me? W-W-What? Okay.. allow me to do another double take of that. W-W-W-What? The Hessian? As in the mad Hessian Horseman that decapitates his victims and has razor sharp teeth? THAT Hessian?'

"Yes…."

1

"Oh that's just great, that's just trucking great. I'm going to be possessed by the spirit of a Hessian warrior with a love of carnage and bloodlust."

"Now this won't hurt a bit."

"That's what my doctor said when I got my vaccine. He lied."

Michayala waved her hands and spoke an incantation in Latin as dark magical energy flowed through them, shadows came to life and started sneaking up on me as a dark magic aura surrounded me. I struggled to fight the shadows but the shadows were too fast for me to fight without my monster powers. Hey, I gotta get to what cursed me to be the monster in the first place.'

"It's no use. You can't fight it now."

"What do you mean by that?"

"What I mean is that once this spell is in effect…that you're going to be my Hessian."

"What? I'm going to BE the Hessian Horseman? Oh no no no no, tell me it isn't so."

"I'm afraid it is."

"I won't let you do this."

I tried to break out of the dark magic energy field and swat away at the shadows but I was knocked over. 'It's no use trying to fight it.' 'No matter what you say, i'm NOT going to turn against anyone. I am the hero of this story here - NOT the villain.' Which was true, even though I do have dark tendencies and a bit of a history to me that I cannot discuss here, I was definitely a hero.

"You won't be once this is done though."

She stared deeply into my own eyes as the spell took affect, the spirit of the Hessian taking control of me for a brief while as my eyes turned from brown to a ghostly shade of blue. The dark magical energy aura dimmed down but the shadows were now permantely surrounding me. Michayala laughed evilly as she turned back into a crow and flew off, leaving me alone

in the woods.

"Damn it!"

"Nathan? Where are you?"

"Oh no….Rebbecca is coming. I can't let her find out about this."

My eyes turned back from blue to their normal brown colour as I calmed down a bit and the shadows dimmed down. I didn't know what had gotten into me back there, but that witch certainly must have done something to me, but I didn't know what.

"Nathan? Nathan?"

"I'm here, Beckster. Just brushing off some dust."

"There you are. So what happened?"

"Well I was going through the woods and some weird witch lady put a spell on me."

"Oh. I'm glad you're okay though."

"Me too…"

"Come on…..let's go."

She grabbed my hand and as she did, she noticed that something wasn't right - she stepped back as a shadow stretched out and hissed.

"What's wrong?"

"Nathan….what did she do to you?"

"I don't know but for some reason…i'm starting to feel like I want to go on a rampage now. "

"Oh no….we better get out of here before something worse starts happening to you."

With that the both of us ran out of the woods and headed back towards the town square. The townspeople started looking at me like I was some kind of monster, I had no idea why. Something weird was definitely going on. Why did my eyes turn blue earlier? And why did I just I felt like I wanted to go on a rampage? Oh no..could it be? Could I really have been starting to turn?

All these were questions I would have to seek the answers to without causing a scene, and to do that I would have to keep it on the down low and keep it under control.

Has the spell already started taking effect on our hero? Will he able to kept it under control without freaking people out?

[balanceoflightanddark]

I'll take that question.

Personally, I don't feel that Lord Shen and Azula are entirely similar. Sure they have some similarities, but ultimately they have a bunch of differences that separate the two.

Let's start with their upbringing. Azula and Lord Shen were the heir apparent of their respective royal families; Azula for the Royal Family, Shen for the Peacocks. They are somewhat similar in that both are seeking some form of acceptance or absolution from their parents. The difference is who their parents are. Ursa was a neglectful mother and the less said about Ozai the better. By contrast, while Lord Shen's parents weren't as attentive like Ursa was (leaving the Soothsayer to be more of a parental figure), they did TRY to raise him right. The problem was that Shen was, at the time, a sickly albino who wasn't ready to be in the royal light for a good portion of his childhood. That's in contrast with Azula who's issues weren't physical but more how atypical she was for Ursa to handle. Shen's problem was that he internalized what he saw as weakness of character rather than something he was born with. And unlike Ozai, Shen's parents again cared for him. So much that they literally died of grief when they were forced to banish and disown him. Compare that to Ozai who had no qualms about banishing Zuko since he thought the latter was a failure.

Speaking of said banishment, another thing that can be used as a sort of compare and contrast between Azula and Shen was their ruthlessness. Both were capable and willing to do some pretty underhanded things in order to achieve victory. This included toying with their opponents' emotions such as Azula dangling Suki's imprisonment over Sokka's head or Shen exploiting Po's PTSD to gain an advantage. What's more, both did treat their servants like crap. Azula treated her friends like soldiers and banished her servants. Same as Shen who exiled the Soothsayer for trying to get him to stop his plans of conquest.

The difference is how far they got and how they dealt with betrayal. See, Azula, for all her faults, often preferred less violent means of subjugation through her coup. It was still in support of the Fire Nation, but it's still a relative low body count to what Iroh's campaign did or what the War Minister planned to do with the Drill (that she only supervised and aided rather than hold the whole thing). She also only suggested the burning the Earth Kingdom plan. The actually doing and organizing of it was left to Ozai. And the worst she did with Mai and Ty Lee when they betrayed her was locked them away in a dungeon.

Lord Shen on the other hand? He outright killed the Wolf Boss when the latter protested a stunt that would kill his own men. And as for genocidal plans?

Shen actually did it.

He massacred an entire village of pandas on a prophecy that they MIGHT be a threat to him in the future. It's what got him banished in the first place since it was a line his parents couldn't just ignore.

Here's the difference between Azula and Lord Shen: Azula was trying to become a tyrant in order to be accepted by a militaristic and imperialistic government. She did it out of pragmatism and to survive under her abusive father. She mistook her own personal abnormalities and social status as being monstrous and thus wanted to become a monster so she'd find some place.

Lord Shen actually became a tyrant because he felt the Peacocks were on the cusp of something magnificent. Using fireworks as a weapon that could've easily conquered all of China. And he did so to make up for what he perceived to be his own personal failings when they were really physical and had nothing to do with who he was as a person.

Azula wanted to be accepted and find a place. Lord Shen wanted to come to terms with his past and self loathing. Both are similar in wanting to be dutiful children to their parents. But ultimately, one was a prodigy turned weapon. The other was an outcast turned tyrant.

Do you think Lord Shen from Kung fu panda and Azula are similar?

I only watched the first Kung Fu Panda movie (which was years ago) so I can't really say.

[ducknotinarow]

2012 Raphael - All Symbol Headcanons please uwu

| Send me a symbol and I will write a headcanon about… 

12 Raphie turn uwu I'm constantly sadden by people making him out to be abusive well openly ignoring how he contradicts his words all the damn time. Claims his brothers are annoying and he would be better on his own. First thing he dose when any of them are in trouble? run to their rescue. extends to others even like rushing to save April or how often he covers and protects Casey. You can't go off what he says gotta watch what he dose Raph is emotionally stunted and illiterate. He loves his family and friends he's just not able to communicate it ;3; Honestly I love his character arch in the show it's very much in the background seeing him going from Cocky and closed off to humbling himself a bit and opening up more. I just wish not most of his episodes centered around his fear of bugs (totalt of 3 times we get this plot) considering some of the stuff he dealt with u-u

𝓕 : My muse’s handwriting. (Is it good, bad, difficult to decipher, do they prefer writing by hand or with the help of some form of machine, e.t.c.) 

"I know how to write jeez." Two examples since the show dose give us this little peek of Raph's work on the party wagon. Raph writes in cursive and he kind of hates it. Raph just has the artist eye and because hes so used to writing tools from drawing he has a nice flow when he writes. Has one of the far more easier handwriting to understand. it is a nice little peek into who he is because its clear to read you can see that Raph is pretty confident the rounded look to his letters also shows he is creative with artistic ability but seeing as we have his art in view we already know this. He writes fast though because he is kind of impatience unless it for like the party wagon painting her than he'll take his time. It's often the only time you'll see Raph hold patience.

✈ : My muse and  traveling. (If they do it frequently and why, if they never left their home town, e.t.c.)

"hmmm been a lot of places? See we went to space cause of the tricetrons. UH been to Japan twice one for time travel and I think Don said we went to some other world Japn that other time too? Uh saw Egypt and Transylvania as well? Soo I dunno whats more distance?"

I guess comes down to what you think is the furthest distance? In America it's up to the Farm House. On the planet? Thanks to Ranet him and his brothers have gone to Parts of Europe, Japan and even Egypt. He has been to Space and not just space different planets well there. Not to mention the few times he's go to full different dimensions. Which I dunno in a way is nice seeing how there was a good chance they would never even seen the surface of New York.

✿ : My muse and nature. (If they are an ‘outdoorsy type’, like the sound of bird’s singing, if they have never set foot in a forest, e.t.c.) 

"Eh I 'ike the city too much who needs the outdoors." Lies, during the farm house arch Raphael was fucking thriving in the woods. This boy was out there every day training and even taking care of things around the place like chopping wood for fires and what not. I think he came to really love being out in the woods since they had so much freedom even with the doom hanging over his head. Once Leo was awake from his coma you can see Raph being able to fully enjoy it. The few times they go camping or travel in more nature settings he never has any issue with it, its a nice change of pace from sewer tunnels and brick city buildings.

He was having the time of his life even when him and brothers tried to figure out how to simply start a fire he was pretty damn excited for a fire even if the rain took it out soon after. Heck first solo patrol he goes on hes wearing his vision quest outfit for no reason at all. Raph just really got in tuned with nature didn't take much for him to do so on his quest either able to connect with fire pretty easy. Also one of the times Raph's anger issue were really centered because he was anger all that fresh air seemed to be good for him.

Closest he gets to nature in the city is when he sneaks away to the docks. He loved the woods of course but he loves the beach even more. He likes the feeling of walking on the soft sand, loves the sound of the waves washing over it. When the moon is is wide and full it's near sliver light seems to just reflect over the water and give the sand an unmatched look. It's the pretties thing he has ever seen and only recreated once by a certain pretty boy of his.

☼ : My muse’s first memory. (Where it was, who was with them, how this memory makes them feel, e.t.c.) 

"First? well I guess watching Splinter fightin' ? I kind of remember getting rolled over by that shopping cart too?"

I love Lone Rat and Cubs it's such a good episode makes me sad it was all the way in season 5!! But man It's just cute watching Splinter take on his role as the turtles Dad. And just watching him slowly watch his turtles personalities start to come in to fulrition. Raphael watched Splinter run to check on him when he got hurt and honestly? Raph as a baby turtle could have easily died at that time falling flat on the ground, having been ran over even and only his plastron chipped? To then watch Splinter's own anger flare and send him into a murderous rage on the kraang? Yeaaah I feel this was a core memory for old Raphie boy here uwu

Raph seems to really make strength and fighting out to be important. Often refereed to have a fiery warrior spirit even. Watching his father lash out when someone he cared for got hurt and won? Familiar isn't that?

☙ : My muse’s favourite food. (Bonus: A memory, be it good or bad, associated with said food.)

"I'll eat anything that aint fuckin' algae"

The turtles went a good while eating a very limited source of food for clear obvious reasons, but having pizza was like a mind blow experience so much so they wanted Mr.Murakami to make them pizza as well getting their pizza dumplings a dish they pretty much only seem to eat there. So safe to say Raph loves Pizza. He's pretty simple and more goes for just pepperoni often grossed out by Mikey's experimental toppings.

I'd also say that Raph also is a fan of lasagna because it was what Casey's dad made when he went to first meet them. Sure the whole meeting was awkward as fuck. But Arnold was hardly phased by A giant turtle in his house. He called him by name, he looked at Raph when he spoke. he didn't talk to him through Casey, and yeah maybe asking how long has he been a turtle been enough to make Casey face plat on to the table. Raph knew there wasn't any malice in Arnaldo's voice.

He did something Raph didn't know he wanted he saw Raph as he was he was scared or put off and even acknowledged it as just something normal he never diverts from the fact Raph is in fact a fucking mutant turtle. It's just who Raph is. And Raph can never explain it but he will always apperacite how Casey's Dad was with him and continued to be. So yes he loves lasagna but only caseys dad's I think it be cute if he learned how to make it since he takes on role of cook for his own family ;3;

♬ : My muse and music. (What type of music they like listening to and in what context, what music they would never listen to, e.t.c.)

"Pft come on i'm all for metal music, punk or just good classic rock. Though Taylor Swift is my girl."

Of course Raph loves anything with good drum beats in it so he can learn the parts of those songs himself on his own drum set. He loves metal and music more in that vine. Loves the vibrations from those kinds of songs and groups. They are loud and it's kind of why he likes them so much it makes it easier to pick up on the sound from and its often how he learns to play those parts from listening so intently.

Of course hes got a soft spot for some pop music but nothing tops his love for Taylor Swift music from here start to her current sound even. Shake it off happens to be his all time favorite song and often what he listens to when hes just having a bad day. Lets to have little spa days listing to it on repeat uwu. It why he never would judge Casey on some of his taste in music cause Raphs a swifty u-u a proud one yes but still can he really mock anyone when he's over there in his room singing to bad blood? Nope besides he likes to think his and Casey's song is Wonderland.

Didn't they tell us don't rush into things? Didn't you flash your green eyes at me? Didn't you calm my fears with a Cheshire cat smile?

↺ : My muse and the past. (Do they live in the past and struggle to let go of past grievances, or move on more easily, is there anything in their past they want to forget, e.t.c.) 

"Gotta be like a stone in river."

HAHAHAHHA not never this boy has never been able to just move on and let things go he just claims he dose. Donnie puts it best when telling raph to get new material. Raph never is full able to work though things though so it's hard for him to just let it go. He just brushes it off but that means it's never really resolved.

Hell his issues with Splinter is the biggest clue to this fact. Raphael never gets to fully get into how he feels because he struggles with expressing his emotions and feelings. From people not really letting him have the stage so he can talk, jumping in to fill in the gaps or put words in his mouth that isn't what he is trying to say at all. Which of course frustrates him because no one is listening! or giving him that simple need to be heard. Raph isn't looking for solutions he just wants his emotions to be heard. That is why his anger issue are so bad his temper is trying to express how he is feeling but it just comes out in a burst of furry and rage.

Raph never able to turly work over things that get to him it's why he seems to have issue with Leo its not aimed at Leo he just became the target. Raph ties so fucking hard he just wants Splinter's affection and praise. Splinter states he once wanted to be an artist and its why he named his sons after artist of his favorite period in time of art. And Raphs pretty good at art and takes it serious even knowing enough to name characters after works of art or artis themself it what he did with Chompy. He loves to fight and train and genuinely enjoys sparring and practicing. He often is the one who wins the sparring matches and when he dose? He seeks Splinters praise! He wants his Dad's approval so damn much. That Raph assumed he would be leader but when leo is made leader with out a second thought? Sure explains why Raph at the start is so critical of Leo's leadership. Questions his orders and heck he often gets Mikey and Donnie to agree with his side over Leo's turning the team against Leo more than once. But it was never even about Leo.Raph only ever seems to start expressing this resentment later when he finally calls out Splinter.

Raph just wants Leo to slip up knock him down a peg or two even show Splinter he isn't perfect and shouldn't be the so called favorite. Its kind of awful of Raph to see Splinter giving leo that weight of responsibility purely out of favoritism. It's pretty clear Raph admires Splinter he always shows him respect. He controls his temper around him listens to Splinter over any one even. This boy just feels he can never measure up to Leo in his fathers eyes.

Splinters death hurts them all of course but it hurts Raph worse because he never got to repair their relationship. Raph tried to follow his Dad's advice but it just never worked for him. To let things they get to him roll off his back like water, soon Raph found himself drowning in all that water. He was never water it was like his flames were being extinguished. It's what he needed most for people to see his fiery nature not as something bad because fire isn't always dangerous either.

☾ : My muse and sleep. (How much they sleep, how much they wish to sleep, if there is something that never fails to put them to sleep, e.t.c.) 

"Eh I dunno I sleep when I sleep and get what I need I guess."

Raph is a night owl he likes to stay up but he also dose struggle with sleeping a bit. So he is often just up watching tv till his eyes grow tried. Sometimes Raph sleeps just a bit more than he normally dose because sometimes getting up is just to hard and he rather be in bed.

✧ : My muse and art. (If they have an artistic side or not and why, favourite artist if they have one, e.t.c.) 

"..I like art"

Raph and his art skills I wish got more love just cause it's so an underrated part of his character. I truly feel he got into it because of Splinter. But he soon took a real interest in it on his own learning about different artis and paintings even to points he uses it to nickname Mona and name Chompy after who I am going to claim to be his favorite artist Picasso.

Raph loves to draw a lot but it's something he more keeps to himself but his brothers I feel know raph can draw, he has draw fan art of Captain Ryan for Leo and used to draw with Mikey when they tots. He sort of got into the habit of Drawing special stuff just for Casey it was a subtle way at first for him to express he had a crush on them. Casey also being able to draw soon landed them to start making street art together and it was kind of his favorite thing to do nearly beating going out and getting into fights together even. I like to think he has drawn on Casey a few times with washable markers of course. Sometimes just the little grim reaper he draws Casey Vigilante look.

For a short time after Splinter dies though Raph can't pick up a pencil again and refuses to do anything art related. It just hurts too much. Chompy getting into drawing though sort of helps bring Raph's love for it back. In a way it's him getting something he never had with Splinter. He wanted to connect with Splinter so bad but just couldn't but his own kids? It sort of helps heal something in him that was always hurting he wasn't aware of.

❃ : My muse and social media. (If the muse is/would be on social media and why/why not, their general opinion on it, e.t.c.) 

"Eh not really for it much if im honest, people online are annoying."

He has some social media but he isn't active persay. Raphael isn't much for sites that would require more interaction on his part he more for stuff like Vine or youtube cause watching others videos is a bit more fun. of course he kind of likes the skater trick videos or mimicky jackass stuff that was pretty popular back then. He has a tumblr and sometimes he'll post his art there a few of his street art/ tagging as well. But never went and like connected with people online Raph kind of sees no value to it he rather it be in person even if he wont admit to it.

✉  : My muse and others. (If they social and outgoing or more introverted, and why. If they prefer communicating with others face to face or in written form, e.t.c.). 

"Hmm I like maybe ten people at best."

Raphs just a grumpy turtle lets be honest. I would call him introverted though. He isn't very pleasant on a first meeting and he kind of doesn't give a shit to win people over either when meeting someone. But he dose tend to prefer others company at times, heck hell actively look around to see if any of his brothers are available to hang out with. Annoyed if they more occupied with other things. At other times he rather be alone and needs to be alone even.

But some people seem to be exceptions Raph dose seem to like hanging out with his brothers training with Leo, watching tv with Don or sitting in Mikey's room. But of course his favorite person to be alone together with is lCasey his best friend and boy friend uwu. Sometimes he can just exist in Casey's presence without saying a word. Though often when alone? They are a bit busy making out and such soooo talking isn't always needed uwu. But other times they are just happily cuddled together just soaking in each other.

▶ : My muse and level of education. (If the muse has some form of education, what education they perhaps wish they had, e.t.c.). 

"Smarter than bone head so clearly ya don't need it."

Raph's decently smart actually sure he isn't on Don's level or even Mikey's surprise genius but he is clever. A more creative thicker than a logical one for sure. Fights tends show this best since he can often adjust what he is doing on the fly. Like in his and Casey's fight he has to switch up what he is doing a lot. Taking advantage of what he can to get one up on Casey. He goes from brute strength to more tactical movements as Casey's way of fighting dose throw him since they can go both offense and defense easily. And Raph has a far more defense style of fighting.

He doesn't always understand what Don is saying and has to ask them to re-explain. But at the same time sometimes he'll make suggestion that sound stupid like shooting sonic blasts into the air only for Donnie to back it up and state he's not wrong just not in the litteral way he may take it.

But was able to learn how to make use of hitting pressure points just from watching Splinter do it.

I would more say he has Spatial intelligence, he is a visual person its easier to understand something when he can see it and works well with his ability to draw.

◐ : My muse and animals. (If they like animals and treat them well, do not care for them at all, e.t.c.). 

"I may like them a lot."

Raph is just making himself out to be a Disney Princess here, he loved and took such great care of Spike. He knows how to talk to pigeons and clearly loves them from how he petted one. He spoiled both Savage and Chompy as turtles. Knew exactly what they needed from their diet to their tank. Raph often watches animal documentaries as well and can get a bit too tied up in them. Easily grows attached to the ones more focused in the videos and will get visibly upset if anything happens to them. Like if a cub is killed he will be upset for days and often it's covered up because well he's Raph hes a walking bad mood. If asked? he knows he'll get laughed at but he really was upset okay u-u

❒ : My muse and gifts. (If they are good/bad at finding gifts, good/bad at receiving gifts, good/bad at wrapping gifts, e.t.c.) 

"uh? I don't really do 'em I guess?"

I feel its not really something the turtles do but I like to think for special occasions Raph will go out of his way to do something nice either find something his brothers mentioned liking or needing. He tends to go further for Casey but that's his boy friend uwu the more physical thing he gave Casey of course was their collar at first he was just messing around when finding one in some old shop. It was a joke a first wanting to make them pout cause hes cute when pouting, but then Raph kind of saw it as something Casey could keep from him something that was a more tangible visual of him and Casey dating. Of course, it played into a few kinks that Raph didn't know he had either. Outside that I feel Casey has gotten a few drawings from Raph not a lot just a few here and there. He rather Casey only have like finished work if he gives him anything like that.

☘ : My muse’s relation with their family. (If they speak with each other and how much, if they are close or estranged, e.t.c.). 

"uh..ya know it's fine."

Raph loves his brothers theres no way around that he may fight with them find them annoying even and hell sometimes wish he was alone. But Raph would kill anyone who hurts them. He often puts them before himself "I don't care if I get hurt but my brothers?" Raph is very protective of his brothers and he would gladly die protecting them but his job is to protect them. He's a tough guy but he has a soft sport for all three of them.

Mikey of course that's his baby brother anything happens to him puts him in the worst panics and brings out the worst of his aggression. Raph also will help pick Mikey back up when he's been beaten emotionally down.

Donatello despite how he may drag them at times it's clear Raph is looking out for Donnie in his own way wanting to protect them from more emotional pains. Which is funny because in the show at least Don even with the fact he will call Raph a baby and often remark on bringing up old stuff all the time, also is the most in tune with Raphael. Often the only one who feels bad if he was the cause of Raph being upset. Raphael also tends to mess with Donnie the most in sparing matches its far more like playtime for him if not a lot of bullying. Think you can blame this on the fact that Donnie would fight back against Raph when they were tots. Don's like the only brother Raph will out right admit almost beats him in fights as well, Leo's his rival can't and wont do that. Mikey is baby brother he hate if they ever one up him after all. Donnie though? He even states how Donnie impresses him at times. I think Don showing concern for Raph's emotional state often helps with why they are the way they are sure they bicker. Raph and Don seem to often take eachs other sides pretty easily if they aren't fighting between themself of course. Don often agreeing with Raph against Leo. And Raph encouraging Don's own rebellious nature when going against Leo's orders. I'd say Raph and Don have a bit or rockyness between them still sadly and has kind of made Raph get distant from his twin in this verse when he was told Don had a crush on Casey he got visibly upset the reason for it was because he felt like him and Don always had a good relationship he could just always count on one fact. Donnie was there for him but he couldn't tell him about this? Even if Don is right and maybe Raph would have stepped back he just wished they would have trusted him. When it turned out Don was sick Raph of course worried about his brother and moved past this but as stated he never really got to properly air things out with Donnie and has sort of let that distance grow which he felt more when he and Casey were in a difference universe sort of using that worlds Donnie as a stand in made he see that well he really just misses his twin brother.

Leo of course they have their rivalry but it's clear that was never targeted at Leo. Raph loves Leo and he and Leo are very close referring to themself as the A team even. They often can work well enough with out talk needed between them. And can goof around easily. When Raph was in such a fit of rage Leo hugging him snapped him out of it. Often Leo can get through to Raph the best And Raph soon learned to understand what Leo's dealing with and ties to be his right hand more than another follower. Raph is honestly? very close to Leo despite everything Leo meet him head on sure they fight but Leo will try and at least give raph that space he needs to talk but he will also let Raph well be a little brother at times when he rests against them or just needs to seek out a sense of saftey he always turns to Leo. As sad as it is he can go to Leo over Splinter because he knows Leo dosen't think bad of him how he feels Splinter dose. He would rather die then admit any of that but Leo's nearly a parental figure for Raph. Losing Leo scares him more than losing Splinter ever did.

When Raph's and Casey's turtles mutate of course it's like them forming their own family. Raph honestly just wants his sons to know they don't need to earn thier love he will always love them and be proud of them if they make mistakes he isn't going to scold them he rather understand why they needed to think a bit more through thier choices. Wants them to know they can always tell how they feel no matter what. Help them with thier own anger issues maybe even as well. Raphael just dosen't want Savage ad Chompy to ever feel like he did growing up he might still mess up but he wants his sons to at least know he loves them more than anything and would burn the world if anything happened to them uwu

Raph of course has his in-laws as well which I feel is a special relationship for Raph. he met Angel first and she can get him to do anything I feel. He let her paint his face up and though he hates it? Hell always let her do it. He sees her as his own sister and when she did slip and get mixed up with the Purple Dragons landing Casey in trouble not once did he yell at her over it. Casey mom he only met once when she had pasted and needed to figure out how to help Casey. Se was nice and kind to him and seemed to trust Casey in his care which to Raph was like having a blessing. If Casey mom felt Raph was good for Casey then he must be and honestly? it help his jealousy and fears. Casey father I went into I like to see it as Raph kind of getting the parent relationship he might have more needed growing up. He may never get to that level of comfort that Casey has with his Dad but he dose grow to feel he can turn to Casey dad when needed.

[crypticjackal13]

Redson x Demon fem!s/o who's the opposite of him (E.g. Calm and soft spoken) That's just as smart as him and works with him as both a Lab partner and romantic partner, but unfortunately due to her temperament she is often see as a weaker demon when in reality she's secretly (even to Red) super strong, but doesn't show it unless it's a emergency, like turning into a terrifying, giant, multi armed kaiju to protect Red.

Yesssss I love this idea. Had to look up what exactly a kaiju is, and even then I found mostly Godzilla stuff? So forgive me if my descriptions are a little messy as I tried to be more vague

"Where's My Epic Background Music?"(761 w.c)

Redson x Demon!Fem!Reader romantic one shot

Pronouns: she her

CW: little bit of bl00d, some light viol3nce

“This stupid bolt won’t stay in place!” Redson growled, pretty close to just melting the metal back to its liquid state on his own. But y/n stepped in, coming up behind her lover and handing him the fresh set of pliers he’d asked for. 

“Red, I can hear you from down the hall. Take a second, alright?” She continued holding his hand that was reaching for the tool, making eye contact. He was stiff, with the ends of his hair starting to become inflamed. But at her gentle tone, he sighed, and she could literally see the steam coming off of him as he calmed down. Slowly but surely. 

“Thank you, beloved.” He mumbled, turning away from his newest project. A new motorbike, of sorts, though she knew there had to be a transformation in there somewhere. 

“What about we go get something to eat? You’ve been cooped up in here since you got out of bed this morning.” She suggested. The fire demon hummed, looking at the blueprints he’d worked so hard on, and the bike behind him that had taken him the better part of several hours to assemble. 

“I guess we can. Where would you like to go?”

“There’s a cafe not far from the arcade, I hear they’ve got some really nice pastries.”

“As you wish. Come, we’ll take my car.”

The pair got their jackets and hopped into the large vehicle, driving from what was essentially Hell to the city. At y/n’s request, Redson abided by traffic laws, though it was tempting for him to absolutely total the stupid little car in front of them that cut them off.  

“This is the place!” She pointed to a small building with an alleyway next to it, where there was a chalkboard sign advertising some chai tea drink. It wasn’t overly cutesy, which was probably for the best. Redson would’ve gotten all hissy about being there. 

Walking in, nothing was off-putting. The service was nice and much faster than other places y/n had taken Redson to eat at. 

The real problem showed up when it came time to go back to the car and head home.

The first red flag of the situation was the stranger standing against the side of the car, which was already reason enough for Redson to get angry at. The person was lanky, though both Red and y/n could see the threatening aura they put off. In these situations, not only did Red take the lead, the problem was usually dealt with in a fast manner to avoid unwanted attention. However something about this just wasn’t right.

“It’s a nice car you’ve got here. Nice girlfriend, too.” The person complimented. Redson had no problem waltzing up to the guy and trying to intimidate them right back.

“Thanks. Now if you’ll excuse us, we have places to be.”

In mere seconds, a knife was pressed to his throat, one with symbols written on it that y/n could tell were meant to hold Red in one spot or at least leave an impact if the weapon was to make contact. 

But at the same time, y/n was willing to ditch being passive for the sake of her lover. So as soon as she saw a thin line of blood, she jumped into action. She let go of her human form and grew several sizes larger, multiple arms on her torso and primed to tear limbs if needed. She was quite a sight for both figures below her.

Enough to make the stranger drop their grip on Redson along with the weapon.

“Hey, no harm no foul, right?” They tried to reason with her. 

“Run. Far, far away, and don’t come back.” She warned. They scrambled to get moving, heeding her words immediately as they took off. Once she was sure that they were gone, she transformed back into her regular form and went up to her partner.

“I love when you get all frightening. It’s fun.” He praised her. He dusted himself off, but then held still as she inspected the cut on his neck.

“Hang on, I have some napkins.” She mumbled, digging in her pockets for the napkins she took from the cafe. When she found them, she cupped his face and moved to clean the small wound that was just beginning to drip.

“Thank you, y/n. Now, shall we?” Redson unlocked the vehicle and opened the door for her. She climbed in gingerly, giving him a smile. 

Looks could be so deceiving, could they not?

[edorazzi]

How do you feel about Felix and his mom? They are so 🥺🥺🥺. Especially the brief scene when he looked at the painting of his aunt on the wall.

I talked briefly about this in my Gabriel Agreste episode review but I do want to expand on it a little bit! ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

(Also this got VERY long so I’ll put it under a cut. I just went full stream-of-consciousness so I can only apologise if none of it makes any sense. Be gentle with me pls. :V)

I love how much the de Vanilys love each other. Felix was set up as a really unpleasant character but even in the first episode we got to see Amelie just besotted with him, and learn that Felix went to such extreme lengths to get the family ring - even appealing to Hawk Moth and being willing to help defeat the Miraculous holders - just because she wanted it so badly and he didn’t even know why. He’s a terrible gremlin child but he’s absolutely devoted to his mom and I think that’s so nice.

I was also enchanted by that little moment with the painting! Usually when Felix is alone he’s either smirking or frowning - scheming in some form, no doubt - but he’s got this wide-eyed, childlike look as he approaches the portrait and it makes him seem very vulnerable. Whether he’s thinking of Emilie or Amelie, I think the scale of the painting (and choice of camera angle) is evoking childhood memories of when things were better for both sides of the family and the adults still seemed like these grand beings who were both powerful and immortal. Neither of those turned out to be true and I think that’s what a lot of Felix’s behaviour hinges on, which I’ll get to.

(I thought he was about to find the secret buttons to open Uncle Gabe’s Butterfly Lair, and maybe he would have if Ol’ Gabe didn’t interrupt him in pure horror movie fashion, but he was only reaching for it in the first place because he was so taken with the portrait. He was distracted from searching for clues about Shadow Moth but he still almost stumbled into one!)

The main difference between Adrien and Felix is that they were raised by opposite parents - and Adrien’s lost his mom, but Felix’s dad died. Like, the man is dead and there’s no pretences about him maybe coming back someday like Emilie. The “Felix” episode tries to equate those things (via Plagg complaining about it) and make it sound like Felix has no excuse to be acting out when Adrien’s well-behaved, but I don’t think their situations are comparable. Both boys have been through traumatic losses but their situations are NOT the same and it’s no wonder they’re dealing with it differently.

(And just to clarify, I don’t believe one trauma is lesser than the other. I don’t think Adrien has it “better” than Felix or vice versa - I just honestly don’t believe you can compare them and judge the boys’ behaviour by it.)

We all know how Gabriel treats Adrien, but when it comes to Felix and Amelie I think there’s been an equal amount of damage dealt in a different way. I’m considering how Amelie doesn’t wear her wedding ring although Felix’s dad died pretty recently, and that in “Felix” she blames her son’s actions on his father not being around to keep him in line. It’s possible she wasn’t even married to the guy and was maybe just co-parenting, but Felix’s dad was clearly important to him and the whole thing makes me feel like Amelie doesn’t really understand or relate to her son’s longterm grief. Unfortunately all the love in the world can’t fix that if Felix has nowhere to express those emotions in a healthy way.

(I’m picking on this extra hard since it’s become personal to me - it took me nearly a year to properly grieve a member of my family for similar reasons. Not being able to talk about those emotions is a hell of a thing and it makes me look back on the “Felix” episode with a lot more skepticism of Amelie. If she was breezing through this visit while Felix was still angry enough to actively try ruining Adrien’s life, I CANNOT believe they’ve worked through those emotions properly together. Something’s still very wrong.)

Also, we know Gabriel expects Adrien to be passive and basically just do what he’s told, and he meets so much resistance when pushing those strict boundaries that even things like going to school are considered acts of rebellion he gets hunted down for. But I wonder if Amelie, by contrast, is giving Felix too much freedom? Since the two of them are a team I imagine Felix feels a lot of responsibility for his mom who seems careless and kinda vapid. Amelie does say “I can never understand how you always manage to get what you want!” which implies he’s often pulling various stunts like this without telling her, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of it is for her; like it’s both of them against the world. That combined with no boundaries and the freedom to do basically anything and it’s no wonder Felix's behaviour is a hell of a lot different than Adrien’s. It’s actually a lot more similar to Gabriel’s singleminded pursuit of the Miraculous (no matter how many teenagers he has to fight along the way), which is intriguing.

I also find it interesting that we don’t get any updates on the family situation in “Gabriel Agreste” though - is that still a thing? ML has retconned a lot of stuff in the past so I wouldn’t be surprised, but I really want to know more about what happened with Felix’s dad, the story of the rings and how he acts when he’s not around the Agrestes (which I theorise brings out the absolute worst in him). If he’s turning into such a significant character I need to know what’s going on with him! >:0

ANYWAY. My god that got long. TL;DR I love the de Vanilys and I live for the affection between them, but I suspect Amelie has damaged Felix just as much as Gabriel has damaged Adrien. Maybe there’s just no such thing as a responsible parent in this family and that’s why they needed to hire Gorilla and Nathalie. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯