#she deserves all of the spotlight she is so slay

[toomanysubcultures]

the fact that the new ultimate x-men is centered around armor makes me so happy yall dont even understand

[moonlightdarlings]

be your star | l.norris

a/n: ahh my first insta au! i'm kinda new with these but i had an idea while drinking my cold coffee so :) i hope you enjoy these and let me know if i should do more/less of these

part two

---💌---

pairing: ricciardo!sister x lando norris

summary: in which daniel's sister finally shows up at the grand prix and well...things happen

fc: jennie kim

y/n_.ricciardo

liked by landonorris, daniel3.jpg, maxverstappen1, yourbestie, and 4,800,135 others

y/n_.ricciardo: 🫶🏼 love to be home with red bull to watch my big bro slay on track

545 comments

yourbestie: you didn't even bring me along 😫 smh

redbullracing: happy to have the Ricciardo family back

danielricciardo: lmao but i saw you ditch the Redbull garage to go talk to lando👀

fan4: not daniel exposing his own sister😭

dr3fan: OMG? the queen herself graces the paddock 😌

landolover: she's such an icon

-----

landonorris

liked by y/n_.ricciardo, carlossainz55, yourbestie, and 2,345,000 others

landonorris: P2 BABY! woo let's party tonight 🎉🍾

view all comments

mclaren: yes! we're a proud papaya fam today

carlossainz55: much deserved little lando 😌

fan2: carlos calling him "little lando" awww landolover: it's so cute

y/n_.ricciardo: he's so dreamy *sighs in awe*

danielricciardo: he's w h a t now danielricciardo: y/n! you can't just say that and dip 😭

dr3fan: not daniel having a crisis over what y/n said

y/nfan: she's so real for that

----

BREAKING IN F1

Daniel Ricciardo's younger sister, Y/n has announced herself as a sponsor for the Mclaren F1 team. She's recently admitted, "I'm proud to have my brand, Gentle Monster, in the pinnacle of motorsport. I think it's important for more girls to put themselves in the spotlight. I'm extremely honored to be partnering with Mclaren and I can't wait to see both my brand and the team go to new heights."

When asked what influenced her to partner with Mclaren instead of her brother's team, Alpha Tauri, she simply responded, "Just felt right."

Both Daniel and Y/n's fans are on opposite sides because she recently posted that Red Bull was her family. One would think that due to that, she'd want to have her brand on the number one car currently. In a recent Instagram live with Mclaren, she spoke up about not choosing Red Bull, saying, "You know, I was never really close with Red Bull but I've always been a fan of Lando Norris since my brother introduced us a few years back. Of course, I haven't been in the paddock for some time as I've been busy with deals and my brand, but I will say I do have the Lego version of Mclaren's Formula car."

---

a/n: should i do a part two?? it feels right to do a part two, but either way, i really really hope you all enjoyed this <3 please let me know if this was good or not 🫶🏼

[camelspit]

Fitz Vacker by @lemontarto

Marella Redek by @xanadaus

Propaganda:

"Most morally gray character but sees in black and white. He buys gifts for his friends. He bakes. He has a stuffed dragon named Mr. Snuggles. He's almost died a number of times and twice of those had to do with a chest wound. He never learned how to emotionally regulate. He tried to kill his brother (he almost succeeded too!). delivered the rawest fucking line of the series (WIITYISPB...) and still looks cute doing it. He is the catalyst of this series. And he still looks cute through it all!!!" (anonymous)

"teal eyes. really hot. gay for keefe sencen. he is THE keeper character. THE keeper character!! " @siennamakeschaos

"FITZROY AVER VACKER THE HOT TELEPATH THAT WAS PUSHED AWAY INTO THE SPOTLIGHT WHEN SOPHIE ARRIVED HE WANTS KEEFE SO BAD BUT SOPHIE STOLE HIM AND HE'S SUCH A PRECIOUS LITTLE BABY THAT DESERVES TO JUST HAVE A BIG OLD CRY <33 vote the precious baby" (anonymous)

"Chandelier" @thishumanformislimiting

"Fitzy poo is a girlboss slay dancing queen. We love him" @cassieisinthebasementt

"Vote Fitz and he'll bake the most scrumptious dessert ever for u" (anonymous)

"he has brown hair, pretty eyes, and a shit ton of trauma. what more could you want??" @imobsessed123

Marella Redek:

"She’s a gossip, she vapes in the school cafeteria and she’s a fruit. She dyed her hair with metal in class to match her not-girlfriend. She has mommy issues. She’s the child of a broken home. She prob skips class to gossip in the bathroom. She’s short. She’s the one who records the fights in the bathroom- if she’s not the one fighting. She’s not like other girls. She is like other girls. She know everything there is to know about you and your immediate family. Did I mention she’s a fruit" (anonymous)

"I would give her a vape" (anonymous)

"my girl is SO underrated she's one of the COOLEST PYROKINETICS EVER and she saved Sophie from social suicide on her first day so THERE'S A POINT. WE STAN GIRLS' GIRLS. and then sophie keeps neglecting her and maruca and linh but THEY ARE STILL SO LOYAL AND I JUST LOVE HER SM" @apollosmusee

[sepublic]

Say what you will about Hunter fans’ white favoritism and double standards, but at least they seem to like the show. Wittebane fans are on a whole different level of white favoritism and fandom misogyny compared to them, because they’re genuinely obsessed with the idea of an all-white cast, centered around two guys, in their racist colony; Eda’s there too, but without any of the depth, she’s only there to be a Girlboss, a Manic Pixie Dream Girl to the cardboard cutout. And it’s to the point where for many of them, it’s all they’ll talk about, instead of the actual source material, its colorful cast and worldbuilding, or onscreen stories.

I know misogyny and racism is in this fandom because people find it easier and more fun to make shit up for a cardboard cutout who makes about as much noise as one over like, Willow Park. It’s fun to speculate on parallels, but when canon contrasts Camila’s heartbreak over creating a hostile environment for her child, versus Philip’s racist hatred and murder of Caleb for having a mixed child? It’s obvious that people would rather rewrite Belos until he’s OOC and the exact opposite of everything he stands for, so they don’t have to talk about Camila Noceda. Because the only way they can truly enjoy this moment is under the veneer of that white guy and him alone.

Like jeez if you want two family members trying to survive after moving to Gravesfield, one repressing themselves and afraid they’re pushing away the other who can’t do that? If you want two siblings with a tragic fallout, where one of them stays with the status quo while missing the other, despite hurting them so badly? Or a child who cares so deeply, but that isn’t enough and that love can be cruel? Just enjoy the Nocedas, the Clawthorne sisters, the Collector.

Cavelyn? That's just Raeda, which even has a tragic element and is actually fleshed out. Raine has an actual personality unlike Blandest White Boy Caleb, and I've already compared Eda to Evelyn. If you want it tragic, there’s Bad End AUs, and I’ve seen Wittebane fans make plenty of Good End AUs so obviously there’s a double standard there. If you want an old hag to thirst over, oh hey look it’s Eda! If you want someone conventionally attractive, what about Darius?

Anything you want those white boys to be, some other characters with way more focus and screen time do it, and much better. The only thing Belos does better than everyone else is represent colonialism, racism, genocide, and evangelical delusions… But y’all don’t want to talk about that now do you? Maybe instead of making OTGW crossovers just talk about OTGW, y’all have plenty of media centered on white guys so why do you need to change TOH to be like that? It’s not suspect that y’all find Wittebanes compelling, it’s suspect that you find them more compelling over characters who actually display these traits as their focus.

Praising Belos’ character for traits that others actually display is just like Philip taking credit for others’ work, it’s funny how Belos fans say you can enjoy him critically but they don’t actually do that. They just go with this very basic Genocide Bad take but still subscribe to the same core sentiment as him; That colonial white guys are just naturally better and more interesting, and they deserve to take the spotlight away from women and/or PoC.

Belos talks hot shit about how Caleb betrayed him and while some don’t believe that’s the case, they still roll with the claim that the heartbroken feeling of being betrayed is primarily why Belos did all this, when really he did it because he was selfish and wanted to be a monster slaying hero, and his games prior to Evelyn’s arrival support this.

He was gonna do it with or without Caleb’s support, there’s just no winning for Caleb because either he would’ve continued being a witch hunter and it’s his fault for setting that example, or he abandoned poor Philip and Philip had no choice but to feel that way… As if racism isn’t the reason why he insists he can’t follow where Caleb is going, ergo Caleb is leaving him. Poor guy is simultaneously overrated and demonized by the same people for being a child who can’t override his racist brother’s free will.

I think it boils down to this: Despite already having Hunter, it’s not enough because Hunter’s relationships are all PoC or at least a white girl. But those Wittebanes, they’re white guys whose most important dynamic is another white guy, each other! And they’re adults so you can sexualize and ship yourself with them. And don’t even get me started on the Grimwalker OCs, the literally copy-pasted white guys!

[fancytrinkets]

i finished veilguard

My thoughts are still a bit scattered and I think I'll be spending time carefully reading all the codices and letters over the next week or so.

The fight through Minrathous was fun. I bumped the difficulty back up to Adventurer in order to enjoy the battles more thoroughly. And for the first time in a Dragon Age game I found the darkspawn emissaries to be fucking TERRIFYING. Their flesh-tether Blight attacks are excellent and horrible. 10/10 for that

I liked assigning teammates to different roles. Taash to fight the giant construct at the gates, Neve to disable the wards, Lucanis to slay the Venatori mages. Davrin to split off and join the front lines before the climb to the archon's palace. And Bellara, returning from what seemed like certain death to take control of the Blight herself. It felt really moving in a way I liked.

Dorian and the romanced Inquisitor standing side by side and having a caretaking conversation with each other before the final fight was really gratifying for me also.

Seeing Solas turn into a giant wolf was both required by this point and very satisfying. The Solas redemption ending was satisfying for me also. Seeing my Inquisitor kneel at his feet, having Morrigan show up, while Rook produced the statue from Mythal... just from a cinematic perspective—and with the Inquisition's music from Trespasser coming forward in the score and then taking over—I found it really moving, a fitting end to the Inquisitor's story with Solas....

That said, I do have critiques about how disconnected the characters and events and environments often felt from the lore of previous games. I think other people will delve into that better than I can right now

For now I'll just say I have questions. If Andraste really was a previous incarnation of Mythal, before Flemeth, then what was the Maker? Another of the elven gods? Another powerful old spirit? Or a story Andraste told to help her people make sense of their brutal march to war?

What does it mean that the Veil is restored? Has Solas come to trust other people—these new and "lesser" people—enough to believe that they will caretake for spirits (who presumably still can slip through the Veil in some ways) rather than continuing to fear them and drive them off? Or is he just ready to admit that it ought to be out of his hands? He couldn't fix it or undo his errors and atrocities, so he needs to try something new...

What happens to the South? Are Southern institutions so broken by the Blight that they need to accept help from this new Northern alliance that seems to be coming together? Will this alliance fracture and lead to wars again? What are the politics at play? (Lol, I guess the game didn't give us as much bureacracy as I might have liked.)

I am most happy to have given Bellara the Archive and happy that she survived to keep studying it. I still find the Veil Jumpers to be a strange and disconnected-from-the-world sort of faction. But I like Bellara's story within it. As a character, she grew on me.

The Davrin romance was sweet and right for my elven Shadow Dragon Rook. I liked the Grey Warden's story arc, probably moreso for having read The Last Flight. And I'm happy that he survived and Harding didn't. Not because of the romance, really, just because it felt more significant to kill off another returning character, and another of Trevelyan's friends....

I'm happy with Mae as archon. Trevelyan and Dorian deserve a break from the spotlight for a while... (I'm going to have to rewrite their retirement story however, now that Varric is dead. I'm also imagining Trevelyan, Hawke, and the Hero of Ferelden teaming up to fight together in the South during the events of Veilguard, so that's been giving me some writing interest already... we'll see where my writer's brain goes with it)

I have other thoughts, but that's where it's at right now.

[im-out-of-it]

season 1, episode 7, I present part 3

23. FUCK I KEEP FORGETTING WHERE I LEAVE OFF but anyways, alec has made a fool out of himself and I’m here for it. the funniest scene in the whole episode

24. Luke took the “you’re pack leader, you don’t need to ask for help” when it comes to clary because it doesn’t mean putting clary above your wolves each and every time especially when it means downworlder lives are at stake smh

25. Jace saying this will take all day when clary is looking at pictures of her mom. bro her mom is gone????? usually I’m not on clary’s side but that was just a rude ass remark

26. “It’s not like this is the first time alec has saved your life. I doubt it’d be the last.”-Izzy. that’s the whole premise of the books and the show

27. well, simon is on his way to becoming a vampire

28. side note- I like how Camille and Magnus have similar styles. black nail polish, eye shadow, lace clothing, moods can be similar

29. “I’ve been so focused on my mom, i haven’t realized all you’ve done for me.”- clary 🙄 all jace has done? HE HAS RISKED NOTHING. Jace could go on and kill as many people and the clave still wouldn’t care. but if Alec did the same? then it’s a problem. Alec risked everything and now it’s come to bite him in the ass. Clary is one of the most selfish characters in this show. I didn’t realize all you’ve done? oh because we break clave rules for everyone? she doesn’t understand or care about rules or any of the ramifications. she only cares if she gets what she wants

30. I still don’t see why clary has the gifts “angels” gave her. the most undeserving, selfish character who uses the angel gifts to get what she wants at any cost (I see using them for actual purposes and when it’s needed but she abused the purpose for them)

31. ew the worst kiss ever 🤢 I won’t torture y’all and attach a gif. I actually care about y’all 🥹

32. side note- the straight characters can kiss for hours on end or pages worth but when it’s a gay couple, it’s like a second or half a page. not saying I need them to make out for 20 minutes or so, but it’s something I constantly see in media 🙄 straight characters always gets more screen time but at least here, Malec gets a better developed story

33. “I want this institute on high alert, clary only matters” -jace. bro you can’t just force the institute to look for her. you aren’t in charge of it and thank the devil for that

34.I just want to talk about Alec for a second. everything he’s been dealing with I’m assuming in the last few days- feelings about jace, jace not choosing him, family duty, family honor, meeting Magnus, trying to decide if he can be happy, gay, and a shadowhunter all in one, being a shadowhunter, covering up for a girl he doesn’t like, taking all the heat, watching the guy he supposedly loves (I’m not here for Alec and jace stuff) catch feelings for the girl who keeps ducking up his life, and now has to watch that guy make out with that girl who is making shit worse for his family HAS TO FUCKING HURT

35. and Izzy knowing how Alec feels 😭

36. I’m just so sad for Alec. I don’t want him with Jace but it hurts my heart to see Alec sad over this worthless dick. he deserved so many apologies and amends from season one. ALEC WENT THROUGH IT

37. Izzy stealing the spotlight one pair of heels at a time (this happens in the next episode but whatever, Izzy slays)

38. now let me go cry for Alec 🥹 ITS OK HE WILL BE HAPPY SOON

39. well Simon is dead now so clary is going to care until he’s dead. vampire Simon coming soon 🫶🏼 I mean, raphael did warn him but this can 100% be blamed on clary. and I can’t wait for Simon to go off on her about this lmao CLARY CHOSE FOR SIMON

thank y’all for attending our Alec deserved better meeting and whatever name we used before. 39 (I think) was the number today 🥲 let’s see what we get for our next one, and thank you to anyone who is here and reading the dumb shit I post, love y’all

[mortifying-macaroni]

WOW! You must need a chiropractor from the way you've been carrying the VTM:B fandom. We stan a femme Atlas 🥰😍

FEMME ATLAS!!! I AM CHOKING ON MY COKE AND VAPE! You are a darling and I stan you right back, BUT I don't deserve that much credit. I really, really don't. It just so happens that I have a bit more time on my hands at the moment now that I'm back in my hometown. Anyways, I don't want to make this about myself entirely, so I'd rather take this opportunity to turn the spotlight onto some of my artist mutuals who deserve attention.

@its-sixxers I admit, before I became (somewhat) chronically active in my posting game, I was just a shy lurker of hers and, then and now I can honestly say that she's the true backbone of the Tumblr vtmb community imo, without a shadow of a doubt and for good reason. I can only dream of at least being close to reaching her level of composition which has me gasping, vibrating and pleasantly convulsing (I struggle with arrangements so bad it's not even funny). Adore the style, the seamless lighting and the complementing choice of color. Like, I still can't believe we're mutuals. I am staked to the ground in disbelief.

@arc-tu-rus Recently became mutuals with them and oh maw gaaaawwwd! There's something very nostalgic about their style and it's so comforting for the eyes. I can't find it in me to properly explain, but damn something about it is very gothic European-reminiscent and the Slav in me was beautifully shook. Definitely looking forward to appreciating more of their lovely work.

@aztarion Ok. I know she's more of a werewolf the apocalypse and vtm night road girlie, BUT it would be a crime against humanity if I did not include Jez because she's been a tremendous support to me and I can't thank her enough. Not only that, but oh brother, just the way her portraits slay the everloving soul out of me and I'm suddenly turned to a rambling mad junkie begging for more eye ecstasy (no, like fr MORE plz if you're reading). I need to steal her rendering secrets as if it's the Krabby patty recipe.

Go follow and reblog from these astounding artists right now if you haven't and just look at how amazing they are! They're all unique/distinct in their own ways, yet the talent is equal!

[slytherinshua]

OR WAIT I THOUGHT OF A BETTER ONE, JUST FO EHICH ONE U FIND MORE FUN

YOUR MOOTS AS KPOP IDOLS

omg this was sooooo fun (and time consuming and overwhelming) BUT SO FUN SFDKJDSF TO ALL MY LOVELY MOOTS <333 i love you all so much!!!

@yeonjuns-redhair is sunoo <33 sunshine in my life :( always inspiring me always making me smile and just a little bit sassy

@blue-jisungs is bangchan <33 popular and wise and motivating and everyone loves her for all the right reasons, she's just so precious 😭

@ddeonudepressions is minghao <33 we judge ppl together ahem- she's just very slay what can i say?? and she knows she's it too 😌

@delcakoo2 is yeonjun <33 talented, popular, ace, i love her she's amazing and deserves the spotlight 🫶

@skz-minchan-enthusiast is felix <33 everyone knows and loves jen and she's just so soooo kind and sweet :D

@starsstuddedsky is joshua <33 she's incredibly kind and her writing is as beautiful as joshua's face 😭 i love her so much

@hannahsophie0103 is mj <33 she's a happy virus always makes me smile and gives me the best ideas!!

@bobariki is hueningkai <33 she's sweet and pure?? idk she just gives me the soft plushie vibes 😭

@fairyhaos is seungmin <33 i just get secret ace vibes from yena?? idk im just in love with everything she does just like seungmo

@rubywonu is jeonghan <33 i think its still that one joshua attack that makes me choose this? nia is just a menace and i love her

@woon2u is woonhak <33 just a complete cutie and also a maknae to me :( but so talented and lovable

@icysungho is taehyun <33 she's just got smth abt her writing that sticks in my brain like kang taehyun does?? and i love her sooo much

@taejays is beomgyu <33 chaotic?? lovable?? talented?? amazing?? CHAOTIC?? funny?? pretty much beomgyu vibes!!

@etherealyoungk is dokyeom <33 she's just a sunshine always makes me smile and so happy :(

@fantasyescapes17 is woozi <33 she. is. a. silent. genius. idk she's just so chill and then whips out the best thing i've ever read ever?? def a woozi.

@ylliris-hanniehae is soobin <33 she's rly rly sweet 😭 i also feel like she keeps the peace somehow?? idk maybe just vibes??

[highoctanegem]

2 for 1 Slay special || Eve & Jade

TIMING: Recent. LOCATION: The 3 Daggers PARTIES: @technowarden & @highoctanegem SUMMARY: Eve and Jade share a drink and catch up. CONTENT WARNING: None.

So like, full disclosure? Her relationship with The Three Daggers was flimsier than… nope, she wasn’t gonna dignify her parents by making them the center of her humor anymore, actually. Jade was like, a big grown gal now. And sure, maybe, hypothetically, she was riding the high of being thirty, flirty and thriving and pretending her frontal lobe reached peak performance when the clock struck midnight on October 14th (and she was gonna keep believing that for the next few months, what about it?) but— Hold up, where was she going? Oh, how she felt about The Tree Daggers. Right, yup. It was… a mixed bag. The bar had been a place of solace during the height of her villain era, (all two months of it), so she did have a soft spot for the ugly little barn and all the ears that were forced to listen to her yap about her problems. But on the flip side, there was the whole… Daiyu turning into a rotisserie chicken cause of some silly vendetta, right outside their supposed safe haven. It was so sick and twisted that as a result, she just decided not to vibe with the bar for a while in solidarity. 

Except, she couldn’t stay away forever just for precaution, right? She wasn’t even sure Daiyu was doing that! For better or for worse, Jade relied on The Three Daggers, it was like a little piece of home away from home. Where else was she gonna find emotionally stunted folks who drone on the importance of their calling? Who else would pat her back and reassure her she was doing the right thing by taking out (killing. Killing) undead? The bar was the only real substitute for her siblings in town. Plus, her contribution to making the place way cooler with her presence couldn’t be understated. Someone had to queue the Rihannas and Carly Raes to counteract the Chers (She wasn’t coming for her crown, alright? Never. She just wanted others to share the spotlight too). Someone had to keep hunters in touch with the real world, and the memes and the goss. She was the hero they didn’t need, but the hero they deserved.

It was a mix of friendly smiles and fond eye rolls (right?) when Jade sauntered inside the place. A little short of the round of applause she expected, but she’d take it. (Cause turning 30 made her humble, you know?). She waved at all the familiar faces, making a little list of everyone she planned on talking to, but first? Drinks. She strutted to the counter and hopped on the empty stool, flashing a megawatt smile to ask Mark for the usual. (A Mai tai).  “You’d think they would’ve brought out the confetti machines and blasted ‘Cut to the feeling’ for my triumphant return,” she quipped to whoever would hear her. By her side, a beautiful, familiar face caught her attention. One of the girlies, of course. Eve, who was obviously carrying her laptop with her. If anyone could carry the mantle of keeping hunters in the 21st century, it would be her. “Tell me I’ve missed some juicy gossip, did they get Flappin’ Flann at last? Hit me with it,” she could use some positive hunting news.

—

There were never many Wardens at the Three Daggers in autumn. The few that were there looked wiped, half asleep as other hunters passed them occasional beers. Eve, on the other hand, practically felt bright-eyed and bushy-tailed in comparison, which admittedly wasn’t saying much. Sometimes, she got a bit of shit for it, and more now than any other time of year, but for the most part, it didn’t go past gentle ribbing. Eve usually let the comments roll right off her back, and her work spoke for itself. Over the past couple years, the three daggers had become a home away from home. Somewhere she didn’t need to think about twisting every conversation in her favour, where she could speak without watching her tongue. Her hacking made for a particularly lonely hunt; it was good to have friendly faces to see in the evenings. 

Even if she had brought her work with her. She was expecting a data dump to come through at some point this evening, but she didn’t yet know the timing. Every twenty minutes or so, she flicked open her laptop, checked her alerts, and closed it again, far more interested right now in the beer in front of her. For a few hours, the town could stand to wait. 

Just as she was closing her screen again, a familiar voice approached the bar. “Hey beautiful!” Eve waved Jade over with a grin. “Hey Mark, could you put her drinks on my tab tonight, please? I hear it was your birthday recently. Big three zero, right? You’re a senior hunter now,” Eve teased, clinking her half-finished beer to Jade’s Mai Tai. 

Eve looked around to check which ears nearby were listening before leaning in. “No one’s caught Flapping Flan, but Davide over in the corner claimed he got a shot in before losing track of it. But you know what his relationship is like with the truth.” She rolled her eyes pointedly. Then she cocked her head over to a slayer looking especially pissed off in the corner. “But Jaws has finally been killed—you know, the Sand Shark everyone’s been talking about this summer? Exceeeept, both Lucy and Valentino claimed credit for the hunt, and they are not on speaking terms right now. There’s even a betting pool going round on who actually did it and how long it’ll take before they’re in bed together again. Of course, you didn’t hear that from me.” Eve said with a wink. These were the fun stories—the ones worth sharing. Not the new nightmares that everyone came to this place to avoid, nor the dead ranger Eve had spent this morning clearing up. Plenty came here to drown their sorrows; few came here wanting to hear more. “But what about you? It’s been a while since I’ve seen you in here.”

—

Jade’s face lit up (well, it continued to shine) when she realized she was getting free drinks. What a way to commemorate her return to The Three Daggers. And sure, it wasn’t like getting free drinks was something she struggled with. Charisma didn’t simply vanish just cause she had eyes for one woman and one woman only. The bat of her eyelashes never lost its juice. But this was nice, this was like, a nice little reminder of why The Three Daggers had carved a little place in her heart despite their 2.2 rating on Yelp! (Which was like, totally unfair anyway, cause hunters barely knew how to use their phones) (It wasn’t them leaving those unfair reviews). But whatever, Eve was paying for her drinks, which was what mattered in the first place. “You’re the bestest,” she said softly, only for Mark to huff at them when he returned. “Nope, you too!” She blew a kiss at him when he came back with her cocktail. So efficient, that man. Resting her head on her hand, she played with the little garnish on her glass, before fully turning to Eve, ready to get their yapping session on the road. “It so was. Best birthday ever,” so much so, that she literally felt no need to post about it on Instagram until like, a day after (cause gift hauls were still important obviously) (everybody had to know how spoiled she was). And actually, maybe it was true, that happy people led private lives. That always just sounded like a buncha crap depressed folks told themselves just to feel better. 

She cackled at Eve’s words, ignoring the dirty look the guy on the corner threw at her in response. “You’re so right about that, does that mean I get to like, boss you around? You gotta respect your elders, you know?” she fired back, friendly grin still in place. It was super weird to be referred to as a senior. First in like, a good way. She’d made it! Mostly unscathed! A milestone! But also… Her legacy wasn’t all that great, was it? Her solo career left a lot to be desired. Kinda like a wunderkind who was all the talk in college but never reached the peak after that first draft (See! She did pay attention when Jasper forced her to watch football) (Just don’t ask her how what of the movements were called, okay?).  In a lot of ways, hunters were like elite-level athletes too. Trained from infancy to capitalize on their youth and stamina and natural talent, only to retire with injuries that made life a struggle. All that before even reaching forty. For her, the highs and lows were a lot more like… the lows and lowers. Really, the montage of career highs would probably be condensed into a 10 second TikTok. But it was so chill, so fine. She still had time. She could still end up becoming an MVP eventually. Right? Yup. She had this. And she had a perfectly delicious Mai Tai in front of her that she could use to distract herself from her eternal underachieving.

“Yum!” Taking her first sip, Jade forced her smile to stay in place, happy that Eve was providing gossip she could cling to instead of… all those weird football analogies. Wasn’t it way better to chat about other people’s failures, anyway? Totes. She leaned forward mimicking Eve’s secretive gesture before she was caught up to date with all the happenings of this silly little bar. It was almost like watching her favorite storytimes on TikTok, except there weren't a bajillion separate parts to scroll through. “Oh, he’s claimed that like, five times before,” Jade waved her hand when Eve mentioned Davide. Actually, probably more times when she wasn’t around. Still, she was totally rooting for him to get the W. The man was Obsessed with capital O. More juicy than that, was the newest chapter of Lucy and Valentino’s Will They Won’t They story. (She should’ve gotten some popcorn). “Oh, I’m so getting on that betting pool” she tapped the counter excitedly. Cause first of all, was there anything more fun than a betting pool between hunters? And second of all, she definitely trusted her sixth sense on this. Lucy caught it, and… they weren’t gonna last a day before banging out their differences. She dragged her index and thumb across her lips, promising secrecy when Eve winked at her. “I didn’t hear what?” she shimmied playfully, taking another sip of her drink. 

She grinned smugly when Eve pointed out her recent absence, feeling totally flattered. “Right? I know you missed me so badly, but,” she licked her lips, playing with the Claddagh ring on her left hand, “just living my best life, you know? My girlfriend and I are moving into a new place. Sorta enjoying the domestic bliss of all that,” going down the list of ideal surfaces where to get frisky on, also. And… Did she consistently refer to Regan as ‘the girlfriend’ in front of a known warden? Maybe so. (Eve was retired and all, but… nothing and no one was worth risking Regan’s safety) (If Eve put two and two together with that beautiful brain of hers, then that was just…not her problem). But, not to linger too long on the elephant in the room, Jade opted for being a bit of a Debbie Downer. “Also like… did you hear about Rafael?” It wasn’t like hunters weren’t used to death, but right outside their turf? “Yup, I wasn’t sure the vibes were gonna be too great after that”.  

—

 “You can certainly try to boss me around. See how that works out for you,” Eve replied, tongue in cheek. Like every other hunter in town, she shared a complete lack of trust in authority. Even if Jade was one of the people who might be trusted with that kind of thing, Eve would immediately reject it. And Jade was... maybe not the first person Eve would trust with that sort of responsibility. A delight? Absolutely. A capable slayer? Definitely. The kind of person who wouldn’t use power like that to make everyone wear weird outfits and sing camp songs? No chance. 

Missing Jade’s darker thoughts entirely, Eve just chuckled at her reply. “Right? At this point, I think Flapping Flan is a rumour sustained entirely by Davide’s need to have the weirdest hunt in any conversation. Oh, and the betting pool is run by Mark, obviously! I think twenty hunters have made a bet so far.”  

“Oh Jade, I’m thrilled to hear that!” Eve clapped her hands together. She barely knew anything about Jade’s girlfriend, but it wasn’t hers to pry, not really. Eve so rarely shared anything about her life—even with the hunters she liked—that she couldn’t expect every detail in return.  Although it hadn’t felt like Jade and her girlfriend had been together that long, and she hadn’t realised it would be that serious. “Congratulations! That’s a huge step. Are you at the physically moving step, or at the fun part with the decorating?”

“I heard what happened vaguely, but I don’t know the specifics,” Eve admitted, signalling Mark to make Jade another drink. “Things were a little quieter for a bit, but you know what hunters are like.” Spending time in the Three Daggers was the least self destructive option open to them. It wasn’t like most of them would live long enough to experience liver problems. Eve ran her fingers over the counter of the table, where dozens of initials were carved into the wood. For too many hunters in town, these letters were their only legacy, the only way they’d be remembered after a decade or two. The butterfly ripples of the lives they’d saved would spread on for decades, but few would ever know. 

—

“Oooooh, I love a fun challenge,” her nose scrunched up in delight, exchanging a mischievous look with Mark, who rolled his eyes at Jade. (So rude, actually) (But she was still his fave, she was convinced. The tough act never fooled her). And like, wasn’t it so nice when hunters just… knew how to banter? That’s why she’d missed Eve so much. The world would be a way sexier place if no hunter offered to stab anyone after a few jokes. Wasn’t that so novel? But anywhoosies, back to what mattered: Ladies being superior. “You’ll find that I’m a total expert at that,” one simply didn’t get to level 15.000 in Candy Crush without being like, super tenacious. “In a totally platonic way, obviously. I’m a committed woman, as we know” and actually… “Wait, I mean, I bet someone’s snatched you already too,” she wiggled her eyebrows at Eve, curious. (Nosy).

Jade took another sip of her Mai Tai, nodding enthusiastically at everything Eve was revealing. Yup. “I love that for him, actually. Gaslighting an entire town just to stay relevant,” she shrugged. Why hadn’t she tried that? Well, she was sorta doing that. By convincing a good chunk of folks that she was some fearsome slayer. (And, wasn’t that exactly what she wanted?). Her jaw dropped dramatically, pointing an accusatory finger at Mark when he was unmasked as the mastermind behind the bet. “Of course you are, you love to pretend all the gossip is beneath ya, but you need to sustain yourself. I see you. I get you. We’re like, kindred spirits. Remind me to place my bet after. It’s gonna be Lucy, obviously, and a day before they make up,” she gave a convincing nod, tapping the counter excitedly. 

Fun gossip aside, whenever the convo switched to her favorite person Jade just couldn’t help but to beam. Nothing would ever stop it. “Right? It’s just, the best,” she swooned, getting distracted for a beat (or two), daydreaming about Regan. What was she up to, was she writing in her journal? Or maybe going over the different kinds of grey to paint their bedroom. Or maybe she’d found a dead bird in the front yard! Aw, she could just picture her excitement…Oh! Right, Eve. “We’re at the decorating stage. We have like put up all our pictures on the walls, including the ulcers” she explained, matter-of-factly. And the nudes, obviously. That went without saying. Those were literally the first things they ever hung. (As they should). “And also! We plan on having a little garden…” They were gonna have so much fun with that, she just knew it. Even if Jade’s green thumb was like, not great at all. “So, we were living in a cabin in the woods so there wasn’t much to move anyway. Plus the rest of my stuff was back at my apartment anyway, so…it was a pretty quick process,” that was the best part, definitely. To finally be free of roomies who never ever appreciated her. And getting full custody of her babies back. Lullaby and Melody were so happy discovering their new home. She wanted to keep gushing about Regan and her happy domestic life, but Jade held her tongue (a feat nearly impossible to achieve, so please clap) before she did something stupid like inviting Eve to the housewarming or something. 

Another sip of her delicious drink later, Jade hummed, putting on her more serious face, just out of respect for everybody involved. “I think only Raf and Cass knew the specifics, but neither of them is here anymore for the tell-all. Cause even Daiyu was like, she jumped in to stop it… so I don’t think she knew what was going on before,” she explained, glancing down at the counter just like Eve. It totally tracked that the hunters went into sulking mode after that, which… all the more reason to avoid the place. She had her own little mental breakdown she kept hitting snooze on, she didn’t need to get inspo from anywhere else! While she looked at the surface, Jade noticed the laptop Eve had covered with her arm. “Why did you bring homework to the bar, by the by. What’s that about?” 

—

“Oh, are you? I’d like to see that. Platonically.” Eve chuckled, shaking her head as she finished her beer. “I’m the youngest of eight, disobeying my elders is my real expertise. And you are definitely an elder now.” She said, although it wasn’t entirely true. If her siblings called to tell her to jump, Eve wouldn’t even ask how high. Luckily, they didn’t call often.  Jade’s question caught her off guard. “No, happily single, still. I mean, if I find someone to go home with tonight, that’d be a bonus, but hunters are notoriously bad at commitment. Present company excluded, of course.” Happily single was a stretch, but Jade didn’t need to know that. She couldn’t help it, Eve giggled at Jade’s persistence, that startled even Mark. “My money is already on Valentino, and four full days. Valentino holds a real beef.” She confirmed.

 Wow, Jade was really lighting up as she spoke about her girlfriend. Eve’s stomach turned slightly, a rot of envy. Which lasted right until- “Wait, ulcers? I think I misheard you.” She leant back against the bar, crossing her arms. “I didn’t have you for the gardening type. I bet that will be lots of fun come spring.” 

“Was Cass another hunter? I heard it was a fae attack, but that they escaped,” Eve shivered. Fae that knew this place was here was another reason things had gone quieter for a while. But no other attack had ever happened. If one were to happen from the fae, fall would be the time to do it. Fae were naturally impulsive, if clever. They wouldn’t sit on this information indefinitely. 

Eve looked back at her laptop with a sheepish smile. There was an answer about a possible data leak happening, that she’d need to damage control as soon as it dropped. There was another, more truthful answer, that Eve was terrible at untangling her work from the rest of her life. She wasn’t the only one here - anywhere you looked around the room, you could see hunters comparing tracking routes, planning weapons for a shared hunt, or comparing strange injuries. Most people here sometimes let their work leak into the bar. As long as it wasn’t the violent part of the work, no harm no foul. 

The third, most truthful answer was the one she was least likely to share at any moment. That so many hunters here didn’t see her as a real one, that she felt the need to compensate. Her hunt was done tucked away in a corner at her home, far from where it was visible even from the other hunters. How could they take her seriously, unless she was also doing it here.

“I just need to see the good memes with as high resolution as possible, as soon as possible, obviously!”  Eve replied eventually. “Anyway, you’d be amazed at how often another hunter comes up to me to ask me to fix their phone or GPS while I’m here. It saves me so much time just to have a computer here to figure out whether whatever they’re brought me is worth saving.”

—

“Eight!?” Jade paused, well and truly flabbergasted by new Eve lore dropping so suddenly. Her eyes sparkled in amusement. “How?” She held her hand up to stop Eve before she could interject. “Stop it, I know the how…” She saw the joke coming from outer space, and even if it would’ve been amazingly delivered, no doubt, she just needed her thirst for knowledge sated. “Did your parents not know they had like, other stuff to do besides boning? Like, hunting and stuff?” On the other hand, there was the very real possibility that maybe Eve’s parents actually loved their children and didn’t stop having them just cause they despised the last one to come out. (Hypothetically) (It might have been what happened with the Bloodworths, it was hard to tell). But even if Eve’s parents loved love (sure… let’s go with love), it didn’t look like that translated to their youngest. There was no rush though, love came knocking when you least expected it. “I’m totally rooting for you to take a hottie home tonight,” she twirled in her stool scouting the options, ready to be the best wingwoman if needed. 

In the spirit of good fun, Jade wasn’t gonna tell Eve she was totally wrong about her predictions, but like… she did exchange a quick look with Mark, giving him the faintest of headshakes. Nope, four days was way too long for a hot-blooded (read horny) duo to get it on. Jade had this in the bag. But it would be fine, she’d buy everybody a round with the money she made. 

Weirdly, Eve seemed to think she’d misheard Jade, which was so weird cause what else could she have said that sounded remotely like ulcers? Or was it the ulcers bit that was confusing? The corners of her eyes wrinkled, finding joy anytime she had to explain her and Regan’s little quirks. The best way to do it was always with a straight face. “Ulcers! You know like… ulcers. My partner’s like, obsessed with them, we have some framed, so she can admire their beautiful colors,” and she was definitely downplaying Regan’s expertise as an obsession, obviously, in case that gave too much away. Cause while her beautiful lady was a total pro at conversational intercourse these days, she did have like two or three subjects she always brought up and made her too recognizable. (Or in her totally unbiased opinion, iconic). “And you’re totally reading me right, cause I’ve never done very well at gardening. But hey! I love to learn new tricks, I always say, it’s never too late to realize you can do whatever you set your mind to,” right? Yup. That was definitely something she said all the time. Especially to herself. Definitely.    

Jade didn’t realize that thinking about Cass would still make her feel a little uncomfy and a lot conflicted, until Eve asked directly about her. She dragged her index finger along the rim of her glass, a friendly smile still plastered on her face while she took half a beat to think of her answer. It wasn’t fair to bring up Cass, or whatever her villain era had been… mostly out of love for Van, who suffered the most with her death. But also possibly, a little out of guilt (small, barely there guilt, don’t get it twisted) over what she did to Cass’s bestie. There, she said it. It was weird that even after all this time, Cass continued to haunt the narrative. Maybe she would’ve liked that actually, knowing she enjoyed comic books and all. “I dunno what Cass was, actually,” she deflected with a nonchalant tone. Playing dumb was still one of those roles she excelled at, anyway. She wasn’t gonna air out Cass's dirty laundry. Even if Jade was kind of a bad friend to her in the end, she could at least offer this, out of respect. 

Her grin widened when Eve brought up the memes, bouncing cheerfully as she reached for her second drink. Nothing about the explanation seemed sus or anything, even if Jade obviously knew hunters kept a few cards close to their chests. Maybe Eve wasn’t just here for the memes, or maybe she was, but either way, that was totally chill and fine in her eyes. Everybody had to cope however they could. “Ugh, not all superheroes wear capes, sometimes they carry laptops,” she hyped up her friend, lifting her glass to Eve’s beer. “You have to be careful though, you’re gonna end up having to set up their Netflix accounts. Oh! Or, maybe even helping with their Tinder profiles!” she cackled just picturing the scenario.   

—

Eve laughed at Jade’s horror, holding in the obvious, painful jokes that had been her birthright her whole life. “Somehow, they found space for the hunting. I think my mum literally brought her warbow to the delivery room.” She did not explain the idiosyncrasies of her parents belief systems that resulted in this many children, or that some of her siblings had taken up the same mantel, leaving Eve with more niblings than she could handle. “It’s definitely happening. But for now, I’m chatting with this total babe, and I can save the flings for later.”

Although… if Jade’s idea of a good partner was someone who was in to ulcers, maybe Eve didn’t need Jade wingwomaning. (Although, considering one of Eve’s recent dates had come into being because of wet cake throwing…… maybe she had no place to judge.) “Oh! How quirky! I’ve never thought of ulcers like that before.” Nor would she ever again. Look, Eve, like many hunters, could appreciate the aesthetics of a combat related injury or scar. Ulcers were…. Not that. She was eager to move on to other topics, post haste. Gardening was a perfect distraction. “You know, I agree. I think a lot of us become trapped in the idea of only being good hunters, and not setting our minds to anything else. Good for you!”

“Okay,” Eve replied. Jade seemed nonplussed by the mention of Cass, and Eve had little reason to doubt her other than the self expressed discomfort that she felt about coming back to this place. If Jade said she was fine, Eve had no reason to question it. For all the enthusiasm and bubbly joy between them, that fueled many absurd conversations, they didn’t go much deeper than that, they didn’t need to. It was all Eve needed; someone else who had also chosen smiles and laughter as their coping strategy. Hunters died all the time, there was no need to get too close. As the jokes turned to her laptop and tinder, Eve gasped. “That would actually be a horror. Worse than the demon, even! You know how human men have their fishing photos? It would be the only thing on a hunters profile.” She shuddered, clutching her drink.

—

“That’s nuts! But wait, kinda iconic of her too, actually. I’m so stealing that,” not that… well, someday, after six seasons and a movie Jade kinda hoped there would be an even littler Jade running around, (or even better, an even littler Regan), but who knew if that was ever gonna be a thing. And the more she thought about Eve’s parents (not like that, ew), the more she realized that maybe hunters just had better time management skills than regular humans did. Cause she had time for two delivery jobs, plus slaying most nights, plus giving her bone partner all the attention she deserved (24/7/365). Feeling incredibly proud for doing all of these things, all while maintaining her hair routine, Jade was over the moon when Eve proceeded to compliment her some more. “You’re so right, you pretty much peaked in terms of company already, but ya know…” she shrugged, eyes still dancing from the stools, to the booths, to the tables, selecting a few decent alternatives for Eve to get her hands on. 

A vibrant laugh bubbled in her chest watching Eve react to her very deadpan explanation of the ulcer thingy. “Me neither, she totally opened my eyes that way,” which was so true, even if she wasn’t technically speaking about the ulcers just now. Nope. The kind of awakening Regan stirred in Jade wasn’t all about their beautiful and colorful love, but about a buncha uncomfy things too. Like duty, and life, and choices (the ones that, hypothetically, were taken for her before she had any say). Also… dead animals. She itched to tell the story of how the two first met, except… She’d be giving away stuff like Regan being a hot doc, and making glass explode without touching it, and keeping a dead squirrel on the table to impress her. All of which gave big strong banshee vibes. So… Eve would have to miss out on learning about their meet cute, unfortunately for her. Jade knew she was smiling like an idiot as she reminisced that first night, but Eve brought back her attention to her gardening skills, so she followed along. “Right? Those hunters… whoever they are, need to like… lighten up a bit” she waved her hand, circling around the room. “Imagine reducing your entire worth to whether you can stab the thingy or not, couldn’t be me,” except. Except. 

Eve was fine with her (allegedly) not having too many deets on Cass, and whether she could tell Jade didn’t wanna spill more tea than needed or not, at least she was super graceful in letting her off the hook. This was totally why Eve was one of her girlies, they had a pretty similar way of interacting with the world. A way that wasn’t that easy to find elsewhere. Yup, she’d missed The 3 Daggers for that same reason. And ugh, fine. Jade had gloated about not being like ‘all the other hunters’ so many times before, but alright, okay! Maybe, possibly, she shared like, fifty percent of the traits with them. (The other fifty was all down to her incredible personality). She clicked her glass against Eve’s beer and took a quick sip, laughing about the horrors of hunter Tinder, pushing the thoughts of Cass and Van, and her own actions very, very far away, for another episode. “Ew, you’re actually so right. Just instead of the fish it’d be like… the head of a hellhound or whatever,” Jade scrunched up her nose. She’d never been a dating apps girly (on the account of you know, being a charisma monster), but she was so freaking glad to be off the market and not have to endure that even in a fake scenario.    

Finishing her second Mai Tai, Jade placed her empty glass on the counter, holding off from asking for another. “But come on, let’s take a real screen break,” she batted her eyelashes in a pleading way, tugging at Eve’s wrist. “Why don’t we go shoot darts? I haven’t in a while. I have to get back into the leaderboard. Plus, I know your skills will catch someone’s attention,” she wiggled her eyebrows and slid off the stool before Eve got a say. And sure, she’d probably end up taking her laptop with her, but Jade was totally dragging the girl to have some fun. Be it via darts or with the cute brunette in the corner who hadn’t stopped looking at Eve since Jade first spotted them. Either worked in her book.

[kyouka-supremacy]

so, kyotag, your super honest opinion about bsd characters please (aka, who is your fave and who is your least fave. i promise, i am not trying to get you 'cancelled', i am just curious!) 🎤

Ever since I've gotten this ask I've been trembling, I don't think I can ever give bsd honest opinions for the sake of my own future mental sanity LMAO. The upside is, I can talk plenty of the characters I like!!

My favourite character is Kenji! For real, ahah. I'm just always drawn to characters that are just... Good. little guys only trying to do their best and be kind. I suppose there's also a factor of “that's who I want to be” that makes me like them in particular. I don't like the direction they went for Kenji's character in chapter 100.5, but really? I wasn't particularly let down by it either, like it's so fundamentally coherent with the worldview bsd expresses, if anything it was chapter 13 that was out of the scheme. I'm a professional canon ignorer at this point and I'll keep doing just that ahah.

↑ Saw this scene for the first time in the anime, went “Slay! Communist king!”, and he's been my favourite ever since lol.

Although, if we count in Beast, then my favourite character overall must be Beast Atsushi. I mean, have you seen him... Most fucked up guy ever. He went through unimaginable trauma and he still kept being so soft at his core. He just wants to live but everyone is making it so hard for him. He cares for Kyouka so much and he cares for Dazai so much and (to me) he cares for Akutagawa so much like little traumatized boy how did you manage to save all that love in you despite the Horrors. I can't put in words how much I love him but really he's the only character I can say I really sympathize with, like, I want good things to happen to him. I want him to spend the rest of his life coddled and adored.

I love all the female characters <3 I ADORE Kyouka, I think among the other female characters she's the most multilayered and complex character with a structured and compelling story arc. I think she's seriously nice, I really love this stark contrast between her sharp, cynical side and her side that is so sweet and kind and so utterly 14 y/o, and I love how these two sides aren't really in conflict but just come to be together and make her so authentically Kyouka. She's so dear to me. Also, she's the only female character who can compete with the s.kk / ss.kk four for the role of main character, so like, I'm rooting for her ahah.

I adore Yosano for self-explanatory reasons lmao. The chapters of her backstory may not be my absolute favourites for a mere matter of personal taste but I definitely think they make for the best written chapters in the whole manga. I really like how sensitive she is of others' suffering, I think she's amazing– I think her compassion is truly amazing. I want to read more stories of unapologetically compassionate characters. I also generally really really love “older sister” kind of characters!!

I love Kouyou with all I've got. I'm sorry, I genuinely think her story was this good on mistake, but still. I think her backstory makes her genuinely intriguing, I think she's extremely cool and powerful and a joy to see in action, I think toxic mother / daughter relationships are super fun to explore, I think she deserves so much more spotlight and should be back as soon as possible.

I love Mitchell lmao. Like I know it may not look like it but I truly think about her 24/7. I just love women that are kinda silly and over the top. She's got like four lines and every single one is a gem and I adore all of them. She's got those big evident flaws and they make her so human and likeable!!! She's my best friend. Not to mention how loyal she is and how much she cares about her family, I really like those traits of her. Oh, and gowns! I love love love gowns.

Okay but seriously I love all female characters. I didn't like Lucy in particular at the start but she's really grown on me and now I adore her with everything. Wells is spectacular and I need her back as soon as possible. Every woman I didn't mention, from Higuchi to Egawa, believe me I love with all my heart.

I went off a tangent I'm so sorry </3 I know you asked for one character, but how can I not mention the others??? It's just been so long for me in the fandom now and I just can't but grow attached. And I've got so much untapped love for women I never get to talk about on my silly blog that focuses on two men. Following up the list, would be Akutagawa. And I don't want to talk about him because I suppose there's no need to after having made one trillion posts about him but also can I just say? I like him for the same exact reasons I like Kenji. She's just a guy trying to be good. The difference is that he sucks so bad at it, and it makes him SO fun to explore as a character. I really have so much fun playing with him. Then would be Tachihara, Jouno...

... ........................ For the characters I like least, I suppose, R/anpo. I'm so sorry peoples. In R/anpo's case, it's just... Why do you have to be so mean and disrespectful all the time. Seriously, dude. Why is he always treating others as less than he is. I'm sorry, I really am, but I just can't help but find it displeasant? Like it takes zero energy to treat other people with common human decency, c'mon dude. At least Akutagawa is trying to do better, but everyone treats R/anpo like he's entitled to be a jerk? Idk man.

K/unikida. In his case, I Do Get why he's the way that he is (and genuinely can relate to him to an extent), it's just... For the way I am, I consider to try and forcibly impose your own ideals on other people to be about the most insulting thing you can do. And he does that a lot, with Atsushi and Dazai and everyone else. He also has this whole forced lack of empathy thing going on like... I get why he does that, and I get what he went through that made him like he is, but that doesn't change the fact you're kinda being a dick to everyone all the time dude. Please get some therapy.

That doesn't mean there aren't moments when I've genuinely liked them both and found them seriously cool!!!! I still think K/unikida is an interesting character and I genuinely get why people like him. I love the helicopter scene, I remember when I was reading the manga for the first time, when he said “no one ruins my schedule”, I was like, whaa, I was completely in awe. For R/anpo too, the Untold Origins arc from what I could see from the anime was really nice, and I also highly enjoy that one scene of his in chapter 81, the “To tell the truth, I had absolutely no assurance they'd believe me”.

Thank you for the ask Nyusa!! I hope you could find this at least a little bit interesting (?). If anything, now you know a little more about me, ahah. Also not talking about Dazai this time because really I can't be here the whole day.

[late-to-the-magnus-archives]

And That Has Made All the Difference - a Malevolent fic

Six years. He had six—

Kayne disappeared, taking with him the spotlights, the equipment, and the crowd, leaving them all in near-complete gloom.

What? What had just happened? (Six years.) Who were these people?

And just like that, everyone went mad.

Part of the Surrogate series. Written with @sepiabandensis.

AO3

-----------

Six years. He had six—

Kayne disappeared, taking with him the spotlights, the equipment, and the crowd, leaving them all in near-complete gloom.

What? What had just happened? (Six years.) Who were these people?

And just like that, everyone went mad.

Arthur lunged like a lunatic, hands outstretched, a javelin hurled with deadly intent. So Hastur snatched him up (and Arthur kicked and howled, trying fruitlessly to push himself free).

This Parker (the partner?) lunged after Arthur, hands outstretched, panic on his face as he attempted to intervene. So Hastur grabbed him next (and Parker went stiff with shock, but was smart enough not to struggle).

This Larson (the villain?) was doing everything he could to seem fine and calm and not at all upset, but the truth was in his eyes: a keen and clever man, a badly startled man, a man with the complete lack of fear that said he could defend himself with prejudice. Larson stank of magic and blood, even from here. So Hastur snagged him, too, because who knew what the fuck that guy was going to do (and also, Hastur liked symmetry).

Faroe clung to him, gasping, and he held her close. “Daddy!” she cried.

Nibbles bleated and leaped from the throne, hooves out. So Hastur grabbed her. Why not?

He hefted them all high in the air, as if denying them the ground would make any of this make sense. Of course, it didn’t.

Both pieces of him began bellowing, demanding, cautioning, threatening.

You don’t understand! John snarled. Let him kill him! He deserves it!

Put him down! Put him down, he didn’t do anything! the Slice cried. Parker didn’t do anything, leave him alone!

“Let me fucking go!” Arthur howled as he twisted in Hastur’s grip.

“Sunny! Hey, Sunny. It’s alright, buddy,” Parker was saying. “He ain’t hurtin’ me, we’re alright!”

Arthur had never explained any of these people. Parker—Arthur’s partner? The one John had murdered? The one Arthur lived with and worked with every waking hour but insisted was just a friend?

[“Oh, great and terrible god!”] Larson proclaimed in decent R’lyehian. [“Allow me to slay these blasphemers!”]

Oh, what the actual fuck? “Be silent,” Hastur said, but it didn’t come out as it ought. It was breathless, quiet. Stunned, as if something (six years) had knocked the wind out of him.

Blasphemers? John snarled. For fuck’s sake, Hastur, can’t you shut that guy up?

“John, where is he?” Arthur was still thrashing like a deranged fish. “Use magic! Kill him!”

You won’t touch him! the Slice snapped. Fuck you, Larson, you won’t fucking touch him again!

Hastur’s face hurt. His hearts bled. His mind spun. Six years to somehow prepare everything and make his people safe, and what was all this? Why? What was going on? “Be silent!” he said, louder, but still not loud enough, because all the voices out-yelled him.

So, he squeezed.

Not too hard. Really. No ribs cracking, no lives endangered. But all three humans lost their air in a whoosh, which was at least attention-getting. “I said,” Hastur rumbled, beginning to growl, “be silent.”

The Slice did not take it well. Stop! Please, just stop, don’t hurt him! Parker did nothing wrong! This is all Larson’s fault, he got the attention of the Outer God!

What the fuck, Hastur? John demanded.

Hastur lifted everybody up to eye-level. His growl now rumbled the entire room, rattling the sconces.

Larson at least had some sense of self-preservation, and switched tactics back to rambling praise instead of vowing murder. Parker fell silent, which showed distinctly more sense than Arthur ever had.

Arthur was the problem.

(Arthur was always the problem, and Hastur was shocked to realize he felt… fondness over that.)

“Let me at him!” Arthur shrieked, voice high and cracking. “You don’t know what he did! You don’t know what he is!”

Yes! The Slice hopped on that train with surprising ferocity. He’s a monster! Let them kill each other, and let Parker go!

“Sunny, stop getting their attention!” Parker hissed.

Hastur stared at the tiny Slice of himself inside Parker. They’d called it Yellow. Who the fuck was Sunny? Was there another slice out there somehow, unnoticed?

Arthur sobbed. “Murderer. He’s a murderer.” Arthur was not all right. He seemed rocked, hammered.

Hastur measured his emotional distress like checking for fever.

Arthur was not all right. Hastur’s focus shifted, and he pulled Arthur closer.

They were all still going. Fucker! Child-killer! John yelled.

“I am a servant of forces you could never dream, you pitiful little whelp,” Larson snarled.

“Please!” Arthur screamed.

And the Slice gathered itself as if preparing to do a spell.

Parker’s eyes opened wide. “Sunny, don’t—”

I am the King in Yellow, the Slice cried with desperate defiance, And I demand you let my host go!

What? What?

That was just too much. Hastur flared power and filled the gloom with himself.

The humans cried out, eyes stinging and watering. Brilliance shone from him and around him, the air sparked gold, and his robe gleamed freshly amber and shimmering as he roared: “I AM THE KING IN YELLOW!”

Glass shattered in the room, sprinkling all over the floor. The marble directly below him cracked like a thunderbolt. Faroe yet out a tiny yip and covered her ears.

He wrapped more tentacles around her and Nibbles, apologetically, and protected them from his next bellow. “All of you! BE SILENT!”

Well, it worked. Three insane humans and their add-ons all stared at him (or in his direction), mouths open, blinking in the shock of power, and brightness—and of recognition.

“Oh,” whispered Larson, smoothly transitioning from generic praise to specific. “Oh! Iä! The King in Yellow comes!”

“I am already here, you fool,” Hastur warned, growling.

The Slice let out the tiniest, fearful whimper.

“It’s okay. We’re okay. Uh. Shit. We’re okay, buddy,” Parker whispered, unable to tear his attention away from the god who held him. “We wanted to find him, right? It’s good. It’s all good.”

They had?

Fucking hell, John said. Arthur, are you all right?

“He has to die,” Arthur moaned.

Arthur was not all right.

Hastur knew human minds. Knew human hearts. This incident—these three souls in a row, presented in this specific order—had unbalanced Arthur badly.

The distress of his own erased all other considerations. “Arthur,” Hastur said, low. “Calm yourself.”

Arthur could not, and clawed at Hastur’s tentacle weakly, breath hitching.

Had Arthur broken? No… but it came closer than Hastur liked. Far closer than he liked.

“Daddy,” Faroe said, her voice so soft and so gentle. “I want to go to bed. Can we… Can we talk to everyone in the morning?”

Nibbles wriggled, trying to get closer to her. Hastur brought them together as his two priorities settled like clear water, ripples smoothed: Faroe; Arthur. The rest could fuck itself.

“Daddy,” Faroe said again, and—much like a night six years previous—looked up at him, her face streaked with dried tears, her eyes tired. “I think we should all talk in the morning.”

“Yes, my precious one.”

“My Lord,” Larson began.

Hastur did not let him finish. “You are intruders in my home,” he said, low and warning. “This is my daughter.” He cradled Faroe. “The three of you are interrupting her birthday.”

Parker did such a double-take.

So did Larson. He stared at the clearly human child, visibly lost, then at Arthur. Back again. Confusion made his face long.

They both knew. Arthur’s appearance was too similar, even though it was a rictus of rage right now.

Well, it was too late to get in front of that horse. “Allow me to make some things clear,” Hastur rumbled, his growl shaking the room; he knew they could feel it in their spines. “Should you view her, treat her, so much as look at her with anything but the raw worship and respect that I am due, I will make you suffer so greatly that you will think your own names are nothing but screams.”

“Uh. Sure. Sir,” said Parker, giving Faroe a wild sidelong look. “Wouldn’t touch the kid, anyway.”

The Slice sounded so scared. Great one, Lord of Interstellar Spaces, there are two humans here who have slain the children of others! She may not be safe!

Hastur’s sigh was heavy. “Do you understand rule number one?”

Yes, whispered the Slice.

“My lord, I will never bring harm to your chosen one,” Larson drawled.

“Hastur, please,” Arthur begged.

“You dare use his name?” Larson hissed.

“We will handle all of this tomorrow,” Hastur said, already moving. “I am placing you each in a room as a courtesy. You may not leave the room until I come for you tomorrow. Do not attempt escape. Do not do harm. Your needs will be met, whatever they are. Do you understand?”

Arthur sobbed. Hastur pulled him close, right up against himself, trying to comfort him, and said, low, “Arthur. Come back to me.”

Larson noticed.

Parker noticed.

The Slice noticed, and made a choked, awful sound.

Arthur clutched the tentacle around his waist. “You don’t understand.”

Hastur deposited Larson in a room. “Do not disobey me.”

“Never. Never. Oh, Great Prince, I give myself to you, body and sou—“

Hastur slammed the door on him.

Arthur hitched, head down. His fingers were claws, unable to dig into Hastur’s tentacle, but clinging so hard that the tips went white.

“Arthur,” said Hastur. “If you do not calm yourself, I will do it for you.”

John gasped. You wouldn’t dare!

He would not see Arthur broken again. “I would tonight.”

“You don’t know what he’s done,” sobbed Arthur, looking up at Hastur desperately.

That look was every bit as effective as Faroe’s. How had Hastur not noticed that before? How?

The Slice kept making that sound, whimpering, panicked, choked.

“Easy, Sunny,” Parker cautioned, very softly. His eyes kept flicking between Hastur and Arthur. “Hey. We’re okay.”

Great Lord, we aren’t safe while Larson is here, the Slice said. His voice was shaking, nervous, like a drowning man gasping for breath. May… May we have a room far away from him? Please?

“Yes,” said Hastur. “You may. Tomorrow, we will untangle all of this. Larson will not touch you tonight. Nor will Arthur act out.”

“He’s a killer!” Arthur hissed. “His daughter…”

And away from him, please, too, the Slice whimpered.

Arthur reacted as if stabbed, his whole body hunched and shuddering.

“Whoa, easy!” said Parker.

You fucking skin flake, leave him alone! John snapped.

The Slice fell silent.

“Tomorrow!” Parker said, mitigating, hands out. “Tomorrow. We’re tired. Everyone’s tired. We’re gonna talk tomorrow.” His brow knit. “Right, Arthur?”

Arthur looked in his direction. “I’m sorry,” he said, beginning to hyperventilate. “I’m sorry! I… I don’t… I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” His voice rose, high and unstable. “I don’t know how to… I’m sorry! I'm sorry! I…” And then his expression abruptly softened. The tension left him. With a soft groan, he leaned into Hastur’s grip, resting his head on that massive, yellow-clad form.

The Slice moaned.

You motherfucker! John proclaimed.

Parker stared. “Arthur?”

Hastur deposited Parker in a room. “Arthur is safe with me. Rest. Bathe—especially the latter. Clothing will be provided, and food. Do not leave. Goodnight.” And he shut the door before anyone could say anything else.

#

Parker stared at the door. What the actual motherfucking hell had just happened? He couldn’t parse what he’d seen.

So that was a god, and Parker felt shaken to his core, like he’d lain beside a train track and gotten his teeth rattled.

So that was Arthur, alive, clearly unbalanced… and with the King in Yellow. Moaning and leaning on him? What? What?

So that kid. The kid? Who even was the kid?

And Larson. Larson, who clearly knew how to worship this god, and Parker felt like an idiot for not considering it. All this time, and it hadn’t occurred to him that Larson might have an in with the King in Yellow. How much danger were they in? Had they fallen from the frying pan into the fire? “Sunny?” he said.

Sunny didn’t answer.

So that wasn’t good. Parker sighed heavily and looked at the room. It was enormous; white marble, gold finishing, and only one piece of furniture: a canopy bed. A weird, twisted echo of Cill’s empty home.

There was a balcony. Beyond it were stars. Parker had to go look at them.

Before him lay one hell of a view. This place was high on a hill, and the land fell away to reveal a magnificent city filled with light, gleaming all the way down to an enormous lake. The full moons cast dancing sparkles on the waves.

“Sunny?”

Nothing but the soft, fluttering noise of incorporeal breath coming way too fast.

Parker gripped the balcony almost as tightly as Arthur had that tentacle and tried again. “We, uh. So we’re in Carcosa, huh?”

Yes. Sunny’s voice was hitching, uncertain. We’re… We’re in the great palace of Carcosa. Hastur—that’s him. I am part of him, severed, torn away, but I don’t understand how he can… look, Parker, look. Out over there��do you see it? Lake Hali, lapping at the shores of my city? It’s so beautiful. I can’t believe I forgot.

Parker had two thoughts, competing and sour. One said that the drama they just saw was the entire reason he’d been brought back from the dead: to hurt Arthur Lester.

That didn’t feel too good.

The other was that somehow, Sunny had been hurt just as fucking much, but he couldn’t figure out why. He tried to keep Sunny focused. “You were right; it’s gorgeous, no question. So does Hastur test people a lot? Because I think we’re being tested. I mean, look at this—we could leave, easy.”

Sunny made one tiny sound. We could.

Something was so very wrong. “Don’t worry, buddy. Not gonna do that to you. I know this has always been the endgame. I just don’t get what happened.”

I think the Outer God put us here, Sunny said. And… Parker. This is… Seeing Arthur, I… I don’t understand what I saw. I don’t understand. It makes no sense. I can’t… I can’t believe what I saw tonight. I don’t know how to say it. I don’t…

“Okay. Okay,” Parker said, unnerved at how closely this mirrored Arthur’s breakdown. “Pal, we’ve already been through it all together. Just take a deep breath and use your words. I’ll ask questions, investigate your answers. Whatever it is, we’ll figure it out.”

Sunny’s breath hitched. Arthur has been claimed by the King in Yellow. He’s been marked. His soul belongs to him. Why would he do that? Why would he… to that man? John is still with him! They didn’t rejoin! And Arthur is marked! Parker, I don’t understand!

Sunny’s words tumbled out like stones down a hillside, and Parker raced to catch them. “Hey! Hey. It’s okay. Take a deep breath, okay? I don’t know what you mean by ‘claimed.’ What’s marked?”

It is a great honor, said Sunny, words flying far too fast. Why would he do that? Why would he… I would never claim Arthur Lester! Ugh!

“What is it, like…one of those sacrifices you talked about?”

To be marked… he’s claimed him, Parker! They’ll be linked even after death!

After death? “The fuck?”

Why would he do that? Why? Why? It doesn’t make sense. None of this makes sense. He took a shuddering breath and suddenly changed directions. I made him angry. The King. I angered him. He won’t want me now. He didn’t… I… Another wild veer. Does your head still hurt? I can heal you. I want—I need to do something useful.

Parker had never heard of anything like this, not even in the Dreamlands. “Okay, slow down there, buddy. You’re plenty useful,” he said, reaching up to gently cup his jaw. “Of course he’ll want you. Why wouldn’t he? You’re part of him.”

He didn’t take John.

“Yeah, you said Arthur prevented that before, right? Maybe he still is.”

Arthur is claimed. He can’t prevent anything.

Oh, that… that was great. It confirmed what he thought he’d seen; Arthur somehow being controlled by that thing.

Arthur, who hated so much to be pushed. It felt like a violation; it felt like a nightmare.

This might as well get even more fucking complicated. “You know what? You're right, and I need some healing, and I just happen to have a partner who’s real good at that. You know my partner, right? Name’s Sunny the Gentle. Sunny the Pretty Damned Great.”

I know your pahtnah, Pahkah, Sunny said softly.

“Let’s see the damage. Gotta bathe anyway, right?”

Yes. Yes, I can heal you. And the King—I made him angry, Parker. I—

“Tomorrow’s a new day,” Parker said, stripping and wincing at his new bruises. They hadn’t been gentle when taking him down. He just hoped they’d forgotten about Cill and her kid once they had him. “You and me, Sunny. We’ll face it together, okay?”

I…

“Whatever happens here, we’ll do it together. I’ll be right here with you. Have I ever lied to you?”

You… You haven’t. No. I can trust you. I trust you, Parker. He said it like a mantra, like a prayer. Like it was the only thing keeping his head above water. We… We will talk about it. Later. In the morning, maybe. Yeah?

“Yeah.” At least the shower controls made sense, and the water was immediately hot. Yay, magic. He soaped up, hands shaking. Who knew the presence of a god could rock a guy so bad? “You still with me?”

Yes. Yes, Parker, I’m still—I’m trying. I’m staying with you. Fuck, your wounds—I forgot. I’m sorry. Ph’lloig!

The bruises went quiet. “I’m staying with you, too, sunshine. All the way. Wherever this crazy train goes. And thanks; that feels a lot better.”

You’re welcome, Parker.  There was a  telltale tug at the corner of Parker’s mouth that indicated a smile. I think… I think I feel a little better. Not… Not as bad as I was. Thank you for talking me through all of this. I hope that in the morning, we will have some answers.

“If they aren’t given, we’ll dig ‘em out,” Parker said, and stepped out, drying off.

A cart with food sat in the middle of the room.

He hadn’t seen anyone come in. “Huh,” he said, and looked under the cloche.

It was some kind of dumplings in a thick, spiced gravy, a bowl of soup, and numerous fruits he’d never seen. As much as it bugged him to have missed it being delivered, he was damned relieved to find it.

Oh! Parker, I remember some of this!

It was just what they needed. Something to ground the both of them. “You remember? Oh, so it’s old hat? You don’t wanna taste it?” he teased.

Yes, I do! I do want it, Parker!

Parker smiled weakly and dug in. Whatever else was happening here, at least the eats were damned good.

#

How COULD you? John snarled, finally over the shock, left hand cupping Arthur’s face.

“I do not say this mildly,” Hastur said quietly. “He was incapable of calming himself. You could not feel his distress. He was screaming, mentally, in unceasing agony.”

John fell silent.

Hastur sighed. “I don’t understand how these three people unbalanced him so completely, but it was a direct blow against Arthur’s emotional and mental state. He was enraged, terrified, filled with shame, self-loathing… he was not all right, John.”

Faroe made one tiny sound.

Hastur gathered her near. “He is safe, my precious one. No further harm shall come to him.”

She couldn’t explain. Couldn’t talk about her secret friend (Had that been a lie? Did anybody get one when they were four?), about the choice she’d made, about her assumptions. She clung, face pressed to him.

Hastur was taking them all to bed, but not before they were cleaned. Everyone was covered in something.

Motherfucker, let him go! John snarled.

“No,” said Hastur. “Not tonight. Not after the blow he was just dealt.”

“Daddy,” whispered Faroe. “I’m sorry.”

He lifted her higher. “There is nothing to be sorry for. The machinations of an evil being are responsible for this—not you.”

John sounded shaky. I’ll take care of him. I swear. I’ll handle it. Let him go.

Hastur sighed. “We will try in the bath.”

His personal accommodations were, of course, quite well-outfitted, set to handle him at his chosen size, along with anyone or anything he wished to bring with him. Right now, it was merely him and two small humans and tons of steaming, scented water.

He put Faroe down. “Everyone bathes, and then we will sleep.”

“Sleep in?” Faroe said, turning her big eyes to him.

“As long as we want.”

Hastur.

Hastur hesitated. “Very well. We will try.” And he released Arthur Lester.

Arthur sank to his knees and began to cry. It was a soft sound, nearly voiceless; his head was down.

Arthur, talk to me.

Arthur made an unsteady laugh. “Parker thinks I killed him. Yellow, I… fucked him over so badly. And Larson, who I want to kill with all my heart, I need, to I… I don’t know what to talk about, John. I don’t know.”

Fucking Hastur hurt you.

“No, he didn’t,” Arthur said softly. “I needed what he did there. I felt like I was falling off a damn cliff. He caught me.”

John fell silent again.

“Bathe,” Hastur said, his voice low and causing ripples in the still wading pools. “Tomorrow we will face the new rules that Kayne has introduced to us. Tonight is for us.”

“Will you wash my hair?” Faroe’s voice was soft.

“Of course,” Hastur said, just as softly.

“Thank you,” Faroe whispered back. “Please save the clothes. They came from a good person.”

“They shall be cleaned and repaired.”

She stripped off the huge blue sweater, an equally large shirt with cut-short sleeves tied beneath it, and cast a side-long glance over at Arthur and John.

“I can create privacy,” Hastur said.

I wouldn’t look, said John, well aware this wasn’t about some cultural body-shaming and more just… the girl was tired and didn't want to be looked at.

“I know, John,” said Hastur, and raised a wavy wall of magic between them, anyway.

Arthur was trying to breathe more evenly as he peeled off his ruined clothing and splashed into the water. All he managed so far was unsteady gulps.

“Daddy?” whispered Faroe as Hastur began to pour warm water over her. “I think this is my fault. You said it wasn’t, I know, but if I hadn’t run away—”

“Then I would not know what a brave, strong young woman you truly are,” said Hastur slowly. “And I would not have… forgiven… Arthur fully. That happened because of you, my daughter.”

She looked at him over her shoulder, her curls heavy with scented water and oil. “You don’t hate him now?”

“No. I did for a long time. I no longer do.”

She swallowed. “You lied to me before. Before I left.”

Oh, it was all coming out, wasn’t it? Every error. Every foolish, arrogant decision. “I did. I’m sorry, my daughter.”

“So are you lying now?”

“No, my daughter. I…” Have no more time to lie. “I do not care to repeat my errors that led to our pain. What happened is my fault. My doing. All of it. From your… brother… to tonight. All of it is mine.” Six years. How could he fix this in six years?

“Not all.” She leaned into him. “Don’t forget there’s machinations of an evil being.”

“True.” His tone was warm as he began to rinse the suds from her scalp. “I suppose I cannot take all the credit.” She was so precious. He’d harmed her so much. He felt ill.

Arthur’s breathing had almost gone back to normal. John washed him. Silent. Finally, Arthur caught John’s hand and brought it to his lips. “Thank you.”

Don’t thank me, Arthur, fuck. I haven’t done anything. I couldn’t even fucking catch you tonight.

“You’re there for me. Even at my worst, you still won’t let me drown.”

John’s arm wrapped around Arthur, hugging. Holding. Wishing he’d had more time in The Woods.

They all fell silent but for the gentle ripple of water. Subtle scents rose, carried like heat from a candle; it was peaceful.

It wasn’t peace that held them. It was exhaustion.

Faroe was half asleep.

“We must rest,” said Hastur, rising and lifting her from the water.

“Sure,” said Arthur. “Like I can.”

“Do you want help?”

Arthur swallowed. “I hate it, you know. I hate… losing control of myself.”

“Yes,” said Hastur, softly. “Which is why I have not done so in years, beyond urging you to sleep on the road.”

“I know. I’m grateful. Fine. Yes. Tonight, I need to sleep, and… maybe not have bad dreams.”

Oh, Arthur…

“Yes. I can do that.” Hastur wrapped Faroe in a fluffy white robe—too big for her, but it wasn’t as though she’d be in danger of tripping in his arms—then offered the same to Arthur.

He put it on, quiet. His head hung as though heavy.

Nibbles shook off, getting them all wet again.

Hastur picked Arthur up as well and left the bath, magically drying all of them. He wanted to say something. To pronounce something, to make the kind of proclamation that would fix this, but he did not know how. “I am…” Six years. Not enough time. Not enough for anything. “Pleased with all of you.”

John’s golden brightness looked extremely dubious. What did you say?

Arthur just turned toward him. Silent. Maybe sizing up the reliability of that statement.

Faroe snuggled into him.

She couldn’t possibly have forgiven him already. He took this affection for the fading gift it was, and cradled her close.

His bed was huge, designed for his bulk and weight, and would handle these small additions without trouble.

Come on, this is stupid, said John, but didn’t protest much further as Hastur tucked them both in.

Faroe wriggled against Arthur.

Arthur held her.

“I love you, dad,” whispered Faroe, maybe to them both, and immediately fell asleep.

Arthur kept swallowing back tears. “We did it. We’re home.”

We survived, John said quietly. Mostly.

Hastur did not reply to that. “Sleep. If you cannot fall asleep, Arthur, then I will—”

“Go ahead. I already know I won’t be able to.”

Gently, Hastur touched the stubborn man’s head. “Very well. Rest. May sweet dreams ease your burden for the night.”

Arthur deflated, tension draining. His breath finally evened out and slowed.

John’s voice shook. I hate you for what we had to do today.

“I know.” Six years. Six years! How could… six years.

You could’ve stopped it. You could’ve fixed it. Any time, in the last several thousand years. But you didn’t. Your fucking pride.

“I know.” Hastur slowly paced around his room, touching it, grounding himself. He was home, but he only had six years.

Nibbles watched him from the shadows, silent but wary. That was fine. Hastur let her watch.

Will you fucking argue with me already?

“Why?” said Hastur, and stopped at the far corner.

Because it… you… damn it. He bears some guilt, too! He didn’t come back, either.

“Why would he, John? I made no such road for his return.”

It’s not… fuck. Like he couldn’t have made his own road. You’re being stupid.

Hastur did not argue. He slid his tentacles along this corner. He knew this wall—knew all the walls, had built them himself, formed this city out of pride and imagination and passion—and knew it faced the lake. “I apologize.”

Stop doing that! This is your fault, and I won’t ever let that go, but it wasn’t all your fault. He made choices, too. This is important, Hastur.

“Mm.” Hastur flexed a tiny bit of power, and a space appeared. Hollowed out, smooth inside, it was an oval hole at his eye-level, and not likely to be found by others.

Within it, he put Kayne’s letter, Faroe’s charcoal, the compass he’d made to find her, and Gokar’luh’s crown. He stared at them. Such a tiny collection of things, yet such a testimony to his failure; the compass hadn’t even done anything, in the end.

For all his power, all his wisdom and schemes, all had come to naught. And now… now, he had six years.

He did a quick calculation. He had a pinch over two thousand days. Two thousand days to undo thousands of years. To protect his family. To—

He looked at the bed. Yes; yes. This was his family. Maybe it was stupid to use the word, somehow childish, naive; but it felt right.

He had six years to protect them.

You’re acting really weird, John stated.

“I am grieving, John.”

So am I, you fuck.

“I know.” Hastur took a breath. “I’m sorry.”

John sputtered. The fuck. Fight back!

No, he wouldn’t be doing that.

Hastur turned back to his little shrine. He would keep this. He would look at it every day to remind himself of the price of his failures. He sealed it now with a sweep of his tentacle, and began to pace.

Most of his plans did work. He was not only feared because of power, but because he could undo any puzzle, negotiate through any challenge, strategize through any storm. Now, he would leverage every strategic skill he’d ever honed to keep his family safe. He’d never faced such a challenge.

Six years. Two thousand plus days. How could he do this?

Are you going to lie the fuck down? said John.

“In a moment, John.” Hastur paced. What did they need to be safe? He would be gone, and that had ramifications. So.

One: he needed to remove any enemies who might come to hurt them or take Carcosa. That in itself would take… a while. Most of them were as mighty as he.

Perhaps he could make them allies, not just try to kill them. Fuck. That would take humility (ugh) and so much wealth. But then again, he owed the Dukes of Ishara a visit… and he owed their people some aid. Perhaps the wealth required to make new allies was already in his hands.

Two: Faroe needed to be as mighty as possible on her own. She would be fifteen; barely grown, in human terms, and she would be remarkable—and he must ensure she was never again a target for anyone or anything.

Dis would matter in this, and Faroe’s own willingness. But Faroe would not be ready to rule Carcosa yet. He could not place that burden upon her. That was another issue.

Three: Arthur and John needed to be safe. That might be possible through John. Arthur had been acclimated to magic. They’d pulled off some wild tricks, utterly unknown, and not just with music. If Hastur gave up on the idea of John coming home…

Oh.

Which he had to do. What was he going to do, lure John to himself so they could both die in six years?

Oh.

That realization hit like a bomb, damaging his hearts. It changed everything. There would be no reunification. He would never be whole.

All right. Fine. It… it was deserved, wasn’t it? Gods who’d done what he had done hardly deserved relief.

His son…

Hastur shook it off because he had to. Fine. Fine. Mentally, he rubbed out point three and reworked it.

Three: John would be raised into the god he was meant to be. He could absolutely stand on his own in time; the limitations of Arthur’s body would be a problem, but together, they would find a way around it.

Four: That meant John could rule Carcosa until Faroe was ready.

It made so much sense. John was part of him. John could do this. And he wanted to patch things up with Faroe, so he would be eager to lend his aid. Ah, but that led to the next conundrum.

Five: somehow, Hastur had to completely undo all the damage he’d done to Arthur’s reputation, or he and John would have to fight for every decision.

Fuck. His original plan had been too good. He’d thoroughly ensured no one respected Arthur. Now, he had to work against himself. How fitting!

Hastur? John said. Are you okay?

“No.” But Hastur came toward the bed. He had a plan, or the bones of one. Remove or ally with all his enemies; help John become what he ought to be, without all this trying-to-be-human nonsense; repair Arthur’s reputation so he was lauded, respected, listened to; enable Faroe to be powerful, strong, magnificent, so she would never, ever be a target again.

If he could do this, Carcosa would be safe. If he could do this, his family would be safe.

What are you thinking? said John suspiciously.

If Hastur told him, he would tell the others, and they would respond emotionally, not logically. The three of them would just run around trying to prevent Kayne from killing him at the end of six years, and that was pointless. Hastur knew. He’d tried. Nothing could stop it from happening… and it would leave them less prepared to survive without him here as a buffer.

So. They would be upset when they learned. Faroe would cry… but they would be safe. He could not tell them the full truth. Not in this. “I am making plans to undo the harm I have done,” said Hastur, settling on the enormous mattress and wrapping tentacles around his people.

Uh-huh, said John. How?

And Hastur thought about John’s comment in The Woods. “I will begin by giving to Arthur the wages he has earned.”

John sputtered. What? What? You’ll fucking pay him finally?

“Including back-pay. Then you can buy him as many gaudily colored socks as you wish.”

John had no mouth to hang open, but he managed to give the impression anyway. He did not come up with a response.

That was fine. It was a start. Hastur had six years. His family would be safe by the end of that time, and it did not matter how much this plan might cost. He curled himself around his people, as much as he dared without waking Faroe, and took his five-point plan and peeled it apart, breaking it into steps.

This was the one night he could spare. This was the one night to plan. Tomorrow… everything began, and there would be no more time to rest.

So he took tonight for the fading gift it was, and cradled his family close.

[namtanlovesfilm]

For the drama ask: 7, 12 and 13

7. if you could change the ending of a drama which one would it be?

oof, there's so many! let me choose a drama that I actually loved bc one that I don't is kind of the easy way out lol. I'd change the ending of 3 will be free so ter isn't killed & mae's trauma isn't provoked just so she can rescue the main three characters. I'd have shin kill his father bc it's much more meaningful & powerful this way, and I'd also have him move permanently on the island with mew & neo instead of going back and forth. also mae & ter would leave the country and heal peacefully together :)

12. an actor/actress you want to see in a lead role

what a loaded question! I'll get it out of my system, yes of course I want to see off in a main role in a show that isn't bl, isn't an ensemble cast & is actually good bc all of his non offgun related roles never take off & it's pissing me off lol.

the next obvious choice is mond, but this one I honestly feel even more strongly about bc this man is literally one of the most beautiful men on earth AND talented as fuck & he literally gets nothing but crumbs from gmmtv.

lay talay bc he's kinda dropped off the surface of the earth lately & I think that's a crime, my dream would be for him to join gmmtv even though I doubt they'd give him a main role, but at least I'd get to see more of him :(

give drake a new main bl please, I can't believe he ate the most ever in my tee yet bc the writing of it was shit it flopped & since then he's gotten no other good role ever, like... fucking rude 😠

fluke pusit bc he's literally so fucking good I love him, and if he got a main bl role he'd 100% become huge, I can feel it!

lastly for the actors or we'll be here forever, we have earth pirapat & first, who are both actors I've loved for a long ass time but I've kinda lost some interest for once they became caged into their current ships. I like both ships, especially firstkhao, but I feel like since getting with their ships they've completely lost their identity as individual actors, and in my opinion it's a generalized problem with the new generation of gmmtv ships, but it especially bothers me for first & earth bc I KNOW how amazing they are & feel they could do both ship work AND slay some individual works.

as for the actresses, we all know they're all so fucking underrated & I stan literally every single one of them, but also bc there's much less of them than male actors, they often get main roles more easily, so I don't have as many to mention.

firstly there is jennie, who is always put in side roles but would actually SLAY a good romcom! also it would be incredible representation to have a romance with a trans woman who's not played by a cis actress (*cough* the fallen leaf I'm looking at you *cough*)

then there's ciize who just deserves the spotlight imo. she's adorable, seasoned & a good actress, and I think she'd make for a very new type of female lead in dramas that I'd really love to see!

lastly there's the love of my life, lookjun. technically she got a main lead in the jungle which gives me hope for the future, but it was an ensemble cast show so it doesn't count. I want her in a full show bc I think she's amazing & has the charisma to carry it!!! (also pls she's literally had 3 wlw side ships now GIVE HER A GL!!!)

13. popular actor/actress you feel nothing for 

literally almost all of them LMAO. I'm not a big fan of zee & nunew, I don't really like jimmy from gmmtv for some reason, I don't like mew & gulf AT ALL for obvious reasons & I don't care for mile & apo bc I didn't watch their show. there's many more but those were out of the top of my head.

xxx

participate in the ask game :)

[camelspit]

Fitz Vacker by @lemontarto

Biana Vacker by @aspenaspenaspenaspenaspen

Propaganda:

Fitz Vacker:

"Most morally gray character but sees in black and white. He buys gifts for his friends. He bakes. He has a stuffed dragon named Mr. Snuggles. He's almost died a number of times and twice of those had to do with a chest wound. He never learned how to emotionally regulate. He tried to kill his brother (he almost succeeded too!). delivered the rawest fucking line of the series (WIITYISPB...) and still looks cute doing it. He is the catalyst of this series. And he still looks cute through it all!!!" (anonymous)

"teal eyes. really hot. gay for keefe sencen. he is THE keeper character. THE keeper character!! " @siennamakeschaos

"FITZROY AVER VACKER THE HOT TELEPATH THAT WAS PUSHED AWAY INTO THE SPOTLIGHT WHEN SOPHIE ARRIVED HE WANTS KEEFE SO BAD BUT SOPHIE STOLE HIM AND HE'S SUCH A PRECIOUS LITTLE BABY THAT DESERVES TO JUST HAVE A BIG OLD CRY <33 vote the precious baby" (anonymous)

"Chandelier" @thishumanformislimiting

"Fitzy poo is a girlboss slay dancing queen. We love him" @cassieisinthebasementt

"Vote Fitz and he'll bake the most scrumptious dessert ever for u" (anonymous)

"he has brown hair, pretty eyes, and a shit ton of trauma. what more could you want??" @imobsessed123

Biana Vacker:

"she’s literally the sweetest person ever!!!! also she was uplifted because of her looks for her entire life and then when she got her scars, she learned to embrace them!!! which is NOT easy so shes one of the strongest ppl in kotlc imo! she’s an amazing character who has a heart of gold" @venux777

"Please please please vote Biana pleeeeeeeeeeease she’s so cool she was my middle school self’s gay awakening she’s Shannon’s favorite little plot convenience she’s every fanfic writers favorite plot convenience to host a sleepover so Keefe and Sophie can kiss she’s not just a girl she’s SO GIRL vote for Biana Vacker" (anonymous)

"she’s the best. literally the definition of gaslight gatekeep girlboss. she kicks ass and looks cute while doing it. 🔥" (anonymous)

[the-jam-to-the-unicorn]

I think, you explained perfectly Olena's stance toward the whole "pity" and being the main focus of stories-thing.

This also allies with her comment about declining all offers about biographies and movies about her and her story.

I honestly have so much respect and love for her. As a fellow introvert person, I can totally understand how hard it must be for her to be in the spotlight and do all these things and acting waaaaaay out of her comfort zone. But she's doing incredible and she's just the best First Lady ever. Not only in Ukraine, but the whole world. I admire her and her strenght and her work so much. She truly is an icon and person to look up to. I hope, after the war, she gets all the credit she deserves. She probably saved hundreds, if not thousands of lives with her work and helped so many people.

(Not to mention that she's such a class act and elegant and beautiful - inside and outside. I'm so in love with her style and her feminine side and being the boss bitch babe at the same time. Like, yes, slay! Kick everyone's ass, queen!)

Thank you. And very muc all of this.

[dominiquewritesthings]

Dominique's Episode Summer Shelf 2023

Hey everyone! I wanted to create another shelf list because I've been reading a lot more Episode stories lately. If you want to see what I'm reading, check out my new Instagram, @dominique_readsthings. 

Opening Act by Erato - Romance

You land an understudy role in a Broadway musical, and now you've got your eye on the hot star of the show. But will they ever notice you outside of the spotlight?

Life in the theater is dramatic, and let me tell you this story delivers on that promise. Nothing is written without meaning and you can feel that throughout the story. I keep finding myself binge-reading this story because I can't stop learning about the characters.

even sweeter by Toriah - Mystery

The sudden death of a beloved socialite makes waves within her tightly knit inner circle. But perhaps the gilded life of Adora Alcourt was never as sweet as she made it seem. 

This story is a mystery that had me gasping at every chapter. Each time new information is revealed, I was absolutely shaking. Especially moving into the last few chapters. This short story is complex and deserves multiple reads as the points system and a final choice affect your ending.

UL: Ice Cream Connoisseur by Gerr - Comedy

Salt air, ice-cream shops, beach parties, anonymous messages and to top it all off, our highschool nemesis! Exactly what you need to recover from shocking news, right? 

Need a good beach read that takes you away to a romance as sweet (and turbulent) as Rocky Road Ice Cream? Well, I felt all of that reading this story. Something about scooping that ice cream made my arm tired (virtually, of course) and dealing with all the problems Sabrina has to go through. 

THE UNWANTED by Evilyn - Mystery

15 years since we've been deemed useless and deported to Earth. Now, we reuinte to solve the supernatural murders and as past becomes present, our mistakes become fatal...

This is a read you need to devote all your attention to. Yes, it's funny, but in an instant, you'll be sucked into a story that is painful and deep for you and the characters living it. 

SLAY by Lucas - LGBTQ+

The campus' LGBTQ+ club is caught in a murder scandal, that roomies Tim and Ezekiel intend to solve. They will find mystery, danger... and maybe love?

This story SLAYS! Pun intended. Something about how goofy the police are, how scary the murderer is (and who are they??), and finally how cute are the two? Too cute! 

Eight-eens by Tasha - Drama

Eight teens. Lots of drama. Lots of challenges... Play as Veronica who navigates life facing family drama, high-school drama, love and of course her big friendship group. 

Let me tell you this story is about to become messy I can feel it. Something about the way these characters are written is so interesting. It's not your average slice-of-life drama let me tell you, the lives of these characters are so interesting and it is even more wholesome to read them help each other out through their problems. 

You should support these authors and read the stories above listed. I promise you won't regret it. 

[realhousewives-fan]

The Sparkling Taglines of Beverly Hills

Better late than never. I love that they’re all dressed in red in their opening scene, and I think it’s because of the finale last season where they celebrated the Chinese New Year.

The color red brings good luck into the new year, so I thought either the women or the Bravo producers organized that.

Did they know that they needed good luck this season? Or was it just to celebrate it? It was just an interesting detail for me.

1) Crystal Kung Minkoff

Crystal has my favorite tagline this season. I loved her tagline. 

I don’t want her to get the baton from Kyle Richards of having taglines about “this town” or “in Beverly Hills” though. In season 11 her tagline was:

“Hollywood is full of pretenders, and I slay them all.”

But I like her taglines! I really do, I can’t help it.

But if you think about her season, it’s strange that her tagline talks about how “talk can cost you” when she alluded to Sutton Stracke saying something extremely damaging this season. 

It actually backfired on her, which makes this a self-dig, in a way.

But is it rather a dig at Erika Girardi? They had an argument where Erika refused to show empathy for the victims, which frustrated her.

No matter who or what Crystal had in mind for this tagline, I think it stands excellent on its own.

2) Garcelle Beauvais

At this point I might just genuinely love Garcelle and everything she says or does. This one is short and simple, but I like that statement from her.

I think it has something to do with Dorit Kemsley’s dig at her at the reunion where she accused Garcelle of doing things just to stay relevant.

“I don’t need the spotlight – I shine just fine.”

3) Sutton Stracke

Sutton is delightfully shady. I knew I loved her from the moment she mocked Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave’s outfit. 

Her tagline in season 11 was a mouthful, but it was true to her snobbiness.

With this tagline she plays with her feud with Lisa Rinna about the Elton John charity tickets, and I love her for it! This is how you do taglines!

4) Erika Girardi

This is controversial to me, that I like Erika’s tagline. It’s like an extension of her threat to Sutton in season 11. I think I like it, because it’s honest.

She also terrifies the hell out of me with this statement, and I can only imagine how the other women must feel about her.

I know that Kyle is afraid of her. I don’t know it for a fact, I just know that it’s true. 

But yeah, Erika is selfish, self-righteous, delusional and a bully. And I’ve no doubt that she’s dangerous too.

5) Lisa Rinna

Next up is Rinna… We’re midway of the list right now and this is where things are starting to decline for me.

“Hi, I’m Karma – and yes, I am a bitch.”

I didn’t really like it from the beginning, as Rinna’s bitchiness has gotten tiresome to me. 

But Rinna has been in rare form this season. Unreasonably bitchy!

It’s understandable that she’s struggling with the death of her mother but do to others as you want others to do to you. 

And it seems like Karma is sadly giving Rinna what she deserves right now.

6) Kyle Richards

Now, I can appreciate that Kyle has taken a break from talking about “Beverly Hills” and “this town”, but if she’s going to proclaim to be “the real deal”, then I’ll rather have another tired and recycled tagline from her. 

Is Kyle trying to make me believe that she’s not a pretender? Please… This one is laughable to me.

7) Dorit Kemsley

Dorit has had a tough season as she experienced a terrifying home invasion, and she alludes to that robbery in her tagline. 

But I’m sorry, I have to call bullshit on that one. Dorit is a materialistic girl, a fashionista. 

I understand that her things mean nothing compared to her family, but she cares about nice things. Let’s get real.

8) Diana Jenkins

Speaking of having nice things… I disliked this tagline from the moment I heard it. 

It’s the kind of nonsense that Dorit once had, and even Taylor Armstrong! Like this isn’t even original! Taylor’s said:

“It may look like I have it all – but I want more…”

They’re close to identical, and I didn’t like those either. We’re now at the bottom of the barrel and scrapping for relevance. 

Diana was a flop, and her tagline just proves what kind of mediocre nonsense we get with her.