#sure the being done early with school is not even a common thing in my country but it makes me sick the thought of still being here on decem

[playingonedchess]

its ridiculous how full the internet is of spoilt brats who seem like theyve literally never been outside and interacted with another person in their life. definitely they dont have the most basic socialisation to actually be able to function in society. its like you think what? also i hate the sort of rich brats with liqidatable assets. what do you mean your under your mid 20s and yet you own a car? unironically these sort of people ought to be institutionalised

[arabella377]

I have a final exam of a subject I've already passed with the bare minimum and I cannot bring myself to study I just wanna go home already

[mdhwrites]

"In the first episode, Luz brings wild animals and fireworks to school without permission or without any regard to safety."

Isn't that just a case of Early-Installment Weirdness?

Boy there are so many problems with accusing this of that. See, Early-Installment Weirdness IS a thing. In TOH, one of the best examples of that is how in the same episode that Amity goes "I've never seen a spell like that cast before" you also have the power glyph. A famous one from another cartoon is how Andrea of Molly McGee starts as an EXTREME bitch but quickly shifts to more so being unaware and selfish, rather than actively malicious. Hell, I know one of my own series has it where I have a transmuter in the first chapter change pancakes into a pot of flowers which I made WAY too casual for the amount of energy shifting to something living should take.

A common thread between all of these though are that they don't show back up. Andrea's characterization becomes consistent AFTER the shift to it and she never goes back to being as bad as she was in her first appearance. The power glyph is never mentioned again, MAYBE visually it's seen like once on the coven head but glyph magic is just Luz's. And yeah, my own story sticks to its power costs better afterwards. That is the biggest sign of Early-Installment Weirdness because in the long run you can see that these elements were dropped because they were incongruent with the actual goals of the show.

But do you know what does keep appearing? This characterization of Luz. S1 is filled with times when Luz will disregard other people's feelings, fuck something up because of it and then have to make amends. Episode fucking two reinforces the idea that she treats the world as fantasy. Yesterday's Lie actually HINGES on the idea that Luz is actually selfish and uncaring of those around her because she could not appreciate what she had and that she had to be special. This is what Vee calls her out on. It's also why, in the blog you're referencing with this, I bring up how in S3 she has a dilemma where a decision that she made on her own blew up in her face. In response to that, instead of thinking ANYONE else should comment on it, she makes a drastic, big deal decision... That also gets her out scott free from all consequences which is exactly what she did when she ran to the Isles. I'm not even exaggerating. In episode 1, Luz decides to stick to the Isles because otherwise she has to go to a camp she doesn't want to where she'll actually have to put in the effort to improve as a person and respect reality so she sticks to her fantasy world. In S3 Episode 1, she decides to abandon AN ENTIRE WORLD to their fate, that she believes is her fault, so that she can stay at home and live with her caring mother and new sister while she will also send her friends to ostensibly their deaths because of how big of a deal this is. And like in that blog, S3 E2 only reinforces the idea that Luz only cares about what is important to Luz when her goal on the Isles is not beating the Collector, she says that to everyone who doesn't know the truth, but instead to find Eda and King, make sure they're safe, and leave. She tells that to her mom, the only person who knows already she doesn't give a fuck about this place.

That's also without bringing up btw the signs that reference her early montage that appear in S3 E1, meaning the show wants you to remember it, especially when Luz sighs at the sign. It is NOT an element that is just one and done and a whoops on the writer's part. It is the first action in a long, LONG line of selfish, unthinking, uncaring actions for our 'protagonist'.

Our protagonist who is told that she has never, ever, done anything wrong. That's abhorrent. See you next tale.

======+++++======

I have a public Discord for any and all who want to join!

I also have an Amazon page for all of my original works in various forms of character focused romances from cute, teenage romance to erotica series of my past. I have an Ao3 for my fanfiction projects as well if that catches your fancy instead. If you want to hang out with me, I stream from time to time and love to chat with chat.

A Twitter you can follow too

And a Kofi if you like what I do and want to help out with the fact that disability doesn’t pay much.

[wolfjackle-creates]

Ghost!Robin Part 12

My job ended so now I'm only part time employed. And I'm on vacation! So you get this chapter early in the day because I have plans later tonight. I think I'll have something to post next week, but I'm not sure. I'll be pretty busy this week, but the people I'm staying with do have work and school and stuff, so I should have time while they're doing that. Idk.

Story Summary: Danny was invited to dinner at Wayne Manor to meet Jazz's boyfriend and his family for the first time. He worked hard to make sure no ghost business would interrupt the evening. But when he arrived, all he could focus on was the ghost of the dead Robin that seemed to haunt Jason. Looks like he was breaking his promise.

First, Previous

Word Count: 1.2k

----------

Danny just blinked at him in confusion. “Who else was there? My accident is what activated the portal and started letting ghosts through. My fault, my responsibility. And since I became half ghost, I had the powers necessary to fix it. My parents were incompetent at best. I just did what had to be done. ”

Bruce’s eyes narrowed. “If your parents were so incompetent, who trained you? Who helped you?”

“I mean, at first it was just Sam, Tucker, and I. They were present for my accident and helped me figure out my powers. Jazz figured it out a few months later and covered for me until she eventually revealed she already knew and then started helping more actively. And eventually I made a bunch of allies in the Realms and they started teaching me. I’m learning sword fighting from the Fright Knight and Pandora, diplomacy from Queen Dorathea, medicine from my doctor, and so many more things. It’s why I’m not worried about getting a GED. I’m so swamped with lessons and responsibilities that I just don’t have the time right now. Even if my grandfather is the master of time.”

Surprisingly, it was Alfred who asked the next question. “Do you ever have time to rest?”

Danny grinned. “Absolutely. When it all gets to be too much, I call up my partners or little sister and run away for a bit. My council then pretends I’m harder to find than I am. Or I’ll fight them off if I’m not ready to go back yet. I won my title through trial of combat, after all. No one can beat me.”

Jazz pouted at him. “You could call me up more often for those escapades, you know.”

Danny laughed. “Call up Ms. Responsibility to help me shirk? Nah, you’re where I go when I need to focus and can’t do it anymore.”

She smiled at him. “I suppose I can settle for that.”

Damian tilted his head. “We have conducted extensive background checks on Jasmine after her relationship with Todd became known. You do not have a younger sister.”

“I do,” said Danny. “Her name is Dani-with-an-i and she’s either two years younger than me or fourteen depending on how you look at it.”

“You’ve been cloned?” Tim was staring at him, so shocked he’d even stopped typing.

“Dani doesn’t like being called my clone. She’s my sister and her own person.”

Tim shook his head. “No, sorry, I said that wrong. My best friend is a clone. Superboy.”

“Oh!” Danny grinned. “I get it. Dani would love an introduction if you think he’d be interested. Superboy was also created by a creepy billionaire who was obsessed with his template, right? They’d have so much in common.”

“Wait,” said Jason. “Vlad Masters actually cloned you? He’s not just some creepy rich dude but legit mad scientist?”

Jazz shrugged. “Supervillain more like. But we’ve got it mostly under control. Bruce, if he tries to set up a meeting with you between Wayne Enterprises and VladCo, let me know? He likes to overshadow his competitors and make them sign over their companies. It’s how he became mayor in Amity. But he won’t do anything if Danny or I are there.”

“Overshadow?” asked Bruce.

“Possession,” Tim answered for Danny. “Apparently it’s a basic ghost power.”

Bruce closed his eyes. “Of course it is.” Looking to Danny, he asked, “What else are basic ghost powers?”

“As I demonstrated earlier, flight—well, it’s more gravity nullification, but semantics—invisibility, intangibility. Then there’s ectoblasts—” he formed one in his hands and tossed it from hand to hand “—overshadowing. Um… and most ghosts have at least one extra power directly tied to their obsession. Like, Boxy, er ,the Box Ghost, has control over cardboard boxes. Lunch Lady has control over food. Things like that.” With a wave of his hands, he dissipated the ectoblast.

“And Vlad Masters has used these powers to win an election and steal other’s companies.”

“He also has the power of duplication. I’m working on it, but can only maintain two duplicates at a time and it takes a ton of concentration. Vlad can maintain dozens if not hundreds at once. And each duplicate can overshadow someone. It’s why he’s such a pain to fight.”

Jason raised his hand. “I’m sorry, can you back up for a sec. How long has Vlad had these powers?”

Jazz shrugged. “Since his university days with Jack and Maddie. There was an accident and Vlad got ghost powers like Danny.”

“Uh-huh.” Jason’s voice was tight and a slow spread of anger was filling the room. “And you first met him when you were a kid, right?”

“Yeah,” said Danny. “It was a few months after my accident, so I was fourteen.”

“Did he, a grown-ass man, start fighting you, a kid right from the beginning?”

“Look, it’s fine. He’s a fruitloop. I know that. He wanted to kill my dad and marry my mom and play father-son with me from the moment we met. And yeah, the fights were hard when I was a kid. But I’m way stronger than him now. He’s just got that one trick that is a bitch to account for. I’m fine. Have been fine. And now I’m old enough and disowned so my parents can’t even force me to spend time with him anymore.”

Robin face palmed at his last words and Danny threw his hands up in the air.

“What did I say this time? I’m fine!”

Bruce frowned. “I’m sorry the adults in your life have failed you so badly. I know you said you are receiving training from other mentors, but I do have extensive experience fighting with and against metas and will share my methods with you. Both you and your sister, excuse me, sisters are welcome here any time and I’ll make sure we have some rooms set aside for you anytime you’re on Earth and in New Jersey.”

Damian jumped to his feet, “Father!”

But before he could say more than that, Dick had rushed to his side and slapped a hand over his mouth and began whispering in his ear. Steph moved seats so the two brothers could sit next to each other.

Robin was grinning and pumping his fists in the air. He sent out welcome, family vibes towards Danny.

Emotions that were echoed by Jason who added a protect layer to them.

Duke let out a whoop. "I won't be the only meta around! Promise me you'll come by a lot."

Danny shook his head, but couldn’t stop the smile. “So, you’ve decided I’m not a threat, then?”

“Hn. It seems like you were a child, put into an impossible situation, failed by all the adults who should’ve protected you, and that you excelled anyway.”

Jason pointed his fork at Danny. “But don’t let him put you at ease. He will figure out ways to neutralize you if you end up going evil or get mind controlled. He does it to everyone, even Superman and Superman is his best friend.”

At that, Danny couldn’t help but laugh. “Good!”

Pulses of surprise came from both Robin and Jason.

“Look, I’ve faced both an evil future version of me and have had to deal with mind control.” He looked to Bruce and, serious now, said, “As soon as the Anti-Ecto Acts are repealed and the Guys in White disbanded, I will help you write those plans myself.”

---------

Next

The family is finally warming up to Danny and at least some of them want to bring them in! Damian is the least happy about it.

Tag List Part 1

@addie-lover-of-stories, @justwannabecat, @gin2212, @amercurio, @regonold, @overtherose, @readerzj, @sjrose1216, @echoednonny, @deeterzz, @blu-lilac, @number-one-jew, @rowanaway-fromthisbs, @vythika96, @tired-yet-awaken, @themirrorghost, @emeraldcorpral, @all-mights-asscheeks, @darkhinauniverse, @blep-23, @phandomhyperfixationblog, @larkcoe1, @thegatorsgoose, @job-ross-the-second, @britcision, @lenacraft, @bubblemixer, @androgynouslordofescapism, @purefrickingspite, @leftmiraclechaos, @lizisipancardo, @starlight-sparks, @miraculousandmore, @gildedphoenix, @sometimesthingsfallapart, @letmesayfuxk, @phoenixcatch7, @skulld3mort-1fan, @abaowo, @dhampir-princess, @idkmrpianoman, @sarina-elais, @ballzfrog-blog, @undead-essence, @spookytragedyshark, @flyingpansaurus, @akintoabitch, @marivictal, @8-29pm, @justreadingthefanfics, @happybear135, @kisatamao, @spoopyspoony, @adorablechaos, @sara0055, @screamingtofillthevoid

[dialovers-translations]

DIABOLIK LOVERS ZERO Animate Tokuten Drama CD “A Vampire’s Late Night Snack Terror” [Reiji ver.]

Original title: 夜更かしヴァンパイアの食テロ飯 [レイジ編]

Source: Diabolik Lovers ZERO Vol. 8 Animate Tokuten CD

Audio: Here

Seiyuu: Katsuyuki Konishi

Translator’s note: Honestly, Reiji deserves so much more respect than what he gets. Not only does this man get up early to get chores done because his other five brothers won’t do jack-shit, he even goes out of his way to do extra groceries and make a first-class breakfast for his girl. I feel like most of the other Diaboys could barely even toast a piece of bread without burning it lol. 

*Cling cling*

You enter the kitchen.

“...Hm? What is the matter? It is still too early to be getting up.” 

You ask him why he is up already.

“Unlike the other people at this home, I happen to have an extensive to-do list, so I must get started with all of my chores early, or else I will regret it afterwards. ーー More importantly, you mentioned something about not being able to sleep? If you are feeling unwell, I can get you some medicine.”

You explain.

“Do not tell me...You cannot sleep because of the hunger? How unfortunate...I cannot believe your stomach is growling despite getting three proper meals a day. You should know better.”

You apologize. 

“Well, I shall forgive you this once. I suppose it is partially my responsibility as well for not looking after you better. ーー I suppose it cannot be helped. We still have time before we have to leave to school, so I shall make you an early breakfast.”

You seem excited. 

“Yes. If you have any requests, go ahead. As you should be aware, I am quite confident in my own cooking abilities. No matter how complex or luxurious of a dish, I will prepare it to perfection. Well then, what is your order?”

You make your request.

“What did you...say just now?”

You repeat it.

“You are asking me to make...tamagogake-gohan, out of all things? You crack a raw egg (1) over the rice, add some soy sauce and you’re done. You want me to go out of my way to make something so simple?”

You ask him if he won’t make it. 

“No, I never said that I will not make it. ...Very well! I shall show you what a real plate of eggs over rice looks like!”

*Thud*

“In which case, we must first gathered the necessary ingredients. There is no time to lose! I shall call the limousine at once. Off we go!”

You seem surprised.

“What are you doing!? Come on, make haste!”

*TIMESKIP*

*Clatter clatter*

*Rustle*

“It is truly a blessing that there are stores which are still open in the middle of the night.”

You offer to pay for the parking fee since he has his hands full with the groceries.

“That would be a big help. This is the money. Here you go.”

 You ask Reiji what is inside the bags in his arms. 

“Excuse me? Can you not tell? They’re bags of rice. There’s high-quality rice inside.”

You seem surprised.

“You came along not even realizing why we took the car? Haah...You truly need to do something about how slow-witted you are. One cannot cook without the right ingredients, so we shall we going around to gather all of the necessary things. ーー The very best ones available!

Tamagogake-gohan consists of a perfectly balanced combination of eggs, soy sauce and rice with each ingredient being brought to its full potential. We cannot afford skimping on any of them. ...I happen to be a regular at this store, you see. The rice sold at this store has been selected by a rice connoisseur of which only a few exist in this country, so it is of the highest quality!”

You tilt your head to the side.

“You do not even know what a ‘rice connoisseur’ is...? Take should be common knowledge. Make sure to do your research afterwards, understood? Anyway, we are headed for the chicken farm next. I know it is quite late, but I am sure I can arrange something by using my connections.”

You frown.

“Why the hesitation? We are talking about the eggs which are the main star of the dish! I will not make any compromises!”

*Rustle*

“No more dawdling! Let’s go!”

*TIMESKIP*

The two of you return home.

*Thud*

“...Haah. That ended up taking more time than I anticipated.”

You admit being glad that you’re finally done. 

“What nonsense are you spouting? We finally gathered all necessary ingredients! If we’re ‘done’, why did we get these fresh ingredients in the first place? But we must make haste, or else the others will wake up.”

*Rustle*

“To the kitchen at once! We shall start cooking!”

The two of you go to the kitchen.

“We shall start by cooking the rice. I believe that I can skip over the instructions for this one.”

Reiji gets the rice cooker started. 

*Beep*

“Next we must choose which bowl to serve it in.”

You ask if that is important.

“Why of course. A high class meal is not only defined by the food itself. One must choose a plate which will truly bring the dish to life.” 

*Cling cling*

“Let me think...Usually I would go for something a little more ‘art nouveau’, but how about we use this bowl today? I am glad I decided to purchase this one for moments like this.”

You note that it is quite plain.

“What are you saying? A plain bowl is a fine piece of silverware as well! Just look at the gloss and pattern, simply marvelous!”

You raise one brow.

“Why are you giving me that look? I do understand that I might sound rather out-of-character right now, but look at it like this. I even went out of my way to buy a home-style takoyaki grill to hold a takoyaki party at home, so I must keep the name of the Sakamaki household high. ...More importantly, we should finish setting the table before the rice is done cooking. Well then, please lend me a hand.”

*TIMESKIP*

Reiji opens the rice cooker.

“It turned out rather nicely. The rice looks shiny and has the right amount of fluffiness to it. As to be expected of a dish made with a product from a true rice connoisseur!”

You point out that his glasses have fogged up. 

“Do not worry about my glasses being fogged up. It is only natural for this to happen when exposed to hot steam.”

*Cling cling*

“More importantly...Let us get started! ...Allow me to show you my skills! ーー I shall start by scooping the fluffy rice into the bowl. Rather than filling it to the brim, I will serve a moderate portion. This is the most elegant way to serve it. Then on top I will sprinkle some cod roe, dried seaweed and yuzu salt. ...It would be rather boring to stick to the basic recipe, no? This is my personal interpretation of the dish, do not worry. I can assure that it will taste sublime.”

He cracks an egg.

“Well then, last but not least we crack in a fresh, raw egg and pour some of this special soy sauce on top. ーー It is done. This is the Sakamaki household’s version of tamagogake-gohan!”

*Thud*

“Well then, here you go. Please dig in while it is hot.”

 You take a bite.

“How is it?”

You tell him that it’s delicious. 

“Why of course. It is a dish which was carefully crafted to bring out all of the aromas, flavors and textures to their fullest after all. The rich eggs and the deep flavor of the soy sauce go perfectly with the fluffy rice. However, right when you think that it might be a little blend and one-toned, the cod roe, seaweed and yuzu salt kick to add a new flavor profile so you never get tired of eating it. 

This is how tamagogake-gohan should be. Do you comprehend?”

You nod.

“Pleasing your palate is child’s play. ...Well then, usually I would go wake up the others around this hour, but I suppose we can postpone it a little for today.”

You ask Reiji if he will have breakfast as well.

“Yes, I figured this was a fine opportunity for me to enjoy a meal alongside you. You could say this is my award for all the hard work I put in. You do not mind, do you?”

He joins you at the table.

“Usually there is always someone making a fuss. I rarely ever get the chance to enjoy a meal in peace. In that regard, perhaps I should be grateful to you. However, make sure to warn me before you get peckish, okay?”

You nod.

“Very well. Let us dig in then.”

*Cling*

“...Mm. I suppose having a meal together with just the two of us like this is quite enjoyable every now and then.”

ーー THE END ーー

Translation notes

(1) Raw eggs are commonly consumed in Japan since the country has no history of salmonella being found in eggs. By cracking the egg on top of steaming-hot rice and instantly mixing it together, the heat from the rice will also slightly cook the egg, so it’s not 100% raw when you eat it. Still, the consistency of the dish is quite ‘goopy’ - for lack of a better word - so I understand why a lot of people (myself included) would not find it very appetizing. :p

[sweet-honey-tears]

Shouldn’t you Sleep?

Shinso x GN!Reader

OverView: Shinso starts feeling guilty at how much you stay up with him.

Back again! This was a request and I hope you enjoy it! I did go a bit off script but I hope that’s all good! I haven’t done a actual story in awhile- so it’s a bit rough but also works as head cannons. 🤍

How long can a person stare at the ceiling before their eyes shift the colors and shadows? Till they form shapes? ‘Maybe it's my quirk’ a younger you once thought. Oh how naive you where. But now, staring at your ceiling still, you kinda wish it where true. At least the ceiling would be slightly more entertaining. But instead, you sort through memories at 2am. Recalling a time in middle school where you turned to your stuffed animals, asking why you could never sleep.

Oddly, maybe due to your actual quirk, your dark circles never really showed. Sure they were there but you looked like every other teenager; dark circles from lack of sleep or bad allergies. Which maybe is a good things, you’re pretty sure people would start thinking your Azawias kid if they really showed.

Your work/patrol schedule didn’t help, always randomly studying, and taking any opportunity to work with your mentor- who only worked at night or early morning. You were all fucked up. Sometimes powering through days with energy drinks and random naps when Azawia would let you - somehow he knew. Maybe he could just sense insomnia in people…. Speaking of which

Denki was the one who introduced you to Shinso, a flirty introduction but also mentioning how the two of you always seemed to yawn at the same time….. and you hit it off. At some point, Shinso mentioned his trouble sleeping and you offered the option of talking whenever he couldn't sleep. And he took you up on the offer unintentionally.

Shinso called you, confused about something evolving he recent English homework, but it ended up with a long conversation. And then suddenly, it just stopped. Just froze. And when Shinso looked back down at his phone, he realized it was 11 pm. You school tomorrow morning and then patrol tomorrow night till early morning- you probably fell asleep on the phone or ended the call.

But then there was a knock at his door- which He didn’t respond to the first time , or the second, but pulled himself up on the third. His feet dragged on the carpet as he answered it. Peering down at you, his mouth opened slightly at your appearance. You were in Pajamas, a large shirt with Pink Floyd on it(some American band he's heard you listen to), and black checkered sleep pants. Around your shoulders rested a fluffy gray blanket and a dead phone rested in your palms.

“Sorry about that.” You had sheepishly said.

It started with you at his desk chair. Swiveling around as he leaned against his headboard. Both of you talking mindlessly. An occasional yawn slips past either of your lips. Around 3 am is when you fall asleep, passed out on his chair in the most uncomfortable position possible. How you managed to even stay asleep was a mystery.

This continued for a while till Shinso’s own guilt started to creep into his mind. You stood up one night, stretched, and wished him well. You had a patrol with your mentor in one hour and needed to get ready. You were gone for 6 hours… Then you came back that night to talk to him.

It didn’t help when he found you passed out in the common room or slouched against your desk asleep. Was he being selfish keeping you up to talk to him?

You were on Shinso’s bed, laying down as the both of you talked. Your hands were up in the air as you examined the nail polish Shinso used for you. A nice navy blue color, he muttered that it matched your hero costume kinda well. Shinso sat on the ground near the bed, picking at the dark purple polish painted on his fingers. His guilt picking away at him as you audibly yawned again.

“Y/N”

“Yeah.”

“You know you don’t have to stay up with me, right?”

“Hm?” You russel around, turning on your side to look at the tall purpled hair man.

“I mean you don’t need to have to stay up. You have patrol in the nights to early mornings, and I’ve seen you chugging those drinks( referencing energy drinks) too.” Shinso sighs, his head rolling back on the bed to look up at you.

“Oh… Shin, I…I got insomnia” you whisper out as if a loud voice would break the air. Shinso just stares at you, his eyes scanning your face for any hint of a joke. But nothing- absolutely nothing.

“I guess we share more in common than we thought.” Shinso sighs, a small smile tugging his lips. The weight on his shoulders seeming to evaporate at your confession.

Your hand sneaks down, combing through his purple hair before messing it up. A small laugh escaping your lips at the odd angle the hair sticks out at the end of it.

“I guess so”

@afterhourswjay

[yonpote]

also some ppl asked me abt what i was talking about w like. SOME fans' perceptions toward dnp's early relationship. giant nonsense under cut :3

essentially it was about like, i guess we have an idea in our heads about what a parasocial relationship between a celebrity and a fan looks like right. and there can be issues there when boundaries are crossed, particularly when the celebrity is the one to cross that boundary without acknowledging the inherent power dynamic that they hold. this is still an issue that can happen with youtubers to this day ESPECIALLY because the line between creator and fan is so blurred.

when we hear about how dan and phil's relationship started out, from the current perspective we have towards parasocial youtube relationships, it can look a lot like that power dynamic. i mean for the most part, its something that's joked about, but specifically from the view of a "crazy fan". dan is phil trash, hes the ultimate phillie, he's the parasocial fan who won, i mean even HE joked about it back in the day (in a much edgier way) with his video about befriending internet stars by doing all these horrible things.

but it's important to remember what youtube was like in 2009, and what youtube culture specifically in the UK was like in 2009. those old halloween gathering vlogs and old sitc vlogs are all still up on youtube, and you can see it really was just. 50 nerds standing in a field huddled around doing whatever. the only thing i could compare it to in my personal life was going to facebook group cosplay meetups in washington square park in nyc, just a bunch of nerds wearing horns in a park and then going to get mcdonalds afterwards lol.

a youtuber wasnt even a real thing at this point in time. there was no money to be made really, just internet clout. cant remember who said this in a call recently, but someone made this comparison: dan and phil meeting each other was less like a modern day youtuber meeting a fan and more like a tumblr user with several thousand followers meeting a tumblr user with a few hundred followers. like in terms of a dynamic, sure phil was a few years older and had some internet clout, but that didnt have nearly as much weight back then as it does today. also fine lets talk about the age gap.

dan was 18 and phil was 22. a lot of (american) people talk about this and are like "oop red flag!" and im american so i kinda get it. especially when you know about how college dudes can and do prey on girls fresh out of high school like that. but a couple things to remember.

there are different standards for age differences in relationships everywhere around the world and we cant just view everything from the one mindset we know, and in terms of mental differences, 18 really isnt that different from 22 (frontal lobe aint done developing just yet yall)

they are two queer guys. and im not saying whatever isnt possible but like its something to take into account that queer relationships are just not going to be in the same framework as het ones.

they are two neurodivergent guys. a common thing w neurodivergence is feeling like youre being left behind by peers.

alright lets focus on that last point shall we? think about it this way. dan had just finished [UK equivalent of high school SORRY FOR BEING AMERICAN] but he is taking a gap year. from what hes said and what we've seen of this time, it seems like his friends have gone off to uni and he was kind of alone and figuring out what he should even do. idk if he even decided on studying law yet by the time he started talking to phil.

speaking of whom... phil had also just finished school, he finished his masters at uni! i posted a clip on here that i found really interesting from a (pre-dan) 2009 vlog of phil being open about like, feeling scared about what to do once school was over. he had to get a job and move out of his parents house and become a Real Man.

if you think about it, dan and phil were in much more similar boats than you might think at first glance. they were both extremely internet queerdos who were being forced to "grow up" and felt kind of isolated from their peers who seemed to have their shit together in comparison. there was a lot they could relate to even outside of common interests or anything like that.

its not a lie that there was some parasocial nature to their relationship at the start, but it's not nearly the same as other later cases of youtuber-fan relationships. but also! maybe im only saying all this cuz it worked out right? what abt [redacted] and [redacted]? two queer guys, similar ages to dnp, similar amounts of internet clout, but they didnt work out. so maybe it really is just bc its dan and phil specifically that it managed to work out.

[acewritesfics]

Her Vampire | Eddie Munson

Pairing: Eddie Munson x Hunter!Reader 

Request: From narcolepticpeaches.

Warnings: mentions vampire stuff and murder.

Word Count: 847

Stranger Things Masterlist | Main Masterlist

A rustling noise is heard behind Y/N, followed by the sound of steel hitting steel, startling her. In the disgustingly scorching summer heat, a refreshing gust of wind blows by her, causing goosebumps to cover her skin.  

She turns around to head back inside but is once more startled to see someone standing there under the lamp that hung over the back door. When she realizes who is standing there, her startled expression changes to a scowl.  

“What the hell, Munson? Why do you insist on scaring the crap out of me every time?”  

“It’s fun,” her stare intensifies as he shrugs his shoulders with a cheeky smile on his lips. “Relax, you know I won’t let you get hurt.” The way he says it and looks at her makes her blush and turn away from him. “Don’t go shy on me, sweetheart.” 

“I’m not shy,” she says, her cheeks flushing a deeper shade of red as she rolls her eyes at his taunting. “How come you’re here? Isn’t tonight your "busy” night?“  

He gives her a charming, innocent smile while looking at her with his deep brown eyes that are doe-like. This is the same expression that convinced her that there is still a part of him that is human. "I got done early and I wanted to come see my favorite girl.”  

“I’m your only girl,” she points out, making the vampire chuckle knowing she’s right. His already small friendship circle shrank even further after he was turned. 

Before she went looking for him one night a year ago, Eddie and Y/N were never friends. She found herself ignoring her many years of training and principles because she was unable to pierce his heart, and he could never bring himself to hurt her in any way. Instead, the two forged a partnership that resulted in a friendship neither of them anticipated and an unbreakable bond. She had defied her hunter family by choosing Eddie over them. It was now them vs. the rest of the world.  

She blushes once more as he says, “That may be true, but even if I did have other girls in my undead life, you’d still be my favorite.”  

She tries to ignore the heat in her cheeks and the butterflies in her stomach as she faces him again as she tries to compose herself, “Enough with the flattery, Munson. Is there any reason why you’re here other than to annoy me?” 

“You are aware of the recent deaths that have occurred in the past two weeks,” he inquires.   

Y/N nods as she contemplates the four murder victims, who had their bodies mutilated and blood drained. She believes it’s a vampire, but all of her leads have come up empty. She failed to find any evidence of the vampire. “You’re sure it’s a vampire?”  

“Unless you want to believe the newest rumor going around town,” he scoffs. 

Everyone has been talking about Eddie being back in Hawkins, going on another killing rampage in the small town since the first body was discovered. Even though the way the bodies were discovered was different to Vecna’s victims, the victims weren’t high school kids and they were all a certain type - female, between the ages of 25-35, married, 2 kids, petite, black hair, green eyes and pale skin.  

She was aware that neither the original murders nor the most recent killings were committed by Eddie. He had explained to her how he was turned, including everything that went down with Vecna.  Never once did she doubt his innocence. She likes to think she knows him well enough to know he wouldn’t kill somebody unless absolutely necessary. 

“You know I don’t listen to local gossip,” she responds. “Have you discovered anything about this vampire? I’ve tried to find him but I’ve come up empty.”  

“I know where he’s staying,” he informs her.  

“And you haven’t dealt with him yet?” she says a little surprised. It was common for Eddie to deal with murder spree serial killer vampires that tortured their victims on his own.  

“I figured you would like to take this one,” he replies.  

“Then what are we waiting for?” she asks as she walks past him to return to her trailer.  

“Hold on,” he murmured, grasping her hand, his icy cold skin sending chills down her spine, but not in a bad way. He must have heard her heart skip a beat because of the way his eyes dart from her face to her chest. Her cheeks are red again.  

“We-we should go,” she stutters. Her breath catches as he  glides his hand up her arm, delicately stroking her flesh. She can feel and hear the pounding of her heart, which is beating a million miles per minute. She glances away from him in an attempt to regulate her breathing and heartbeat. 

“He’s not going away; I’ve immobilized him for a few hours,” he lets her know. “We’ve got time.”  

“It’s time for what?” She asks, perplexed. He smiles as he lowers his head and kisses her for the first time. 

[homeslices]

Hey I love your best friend writing with chishiya. Was wondering if you could do a before the borderlands how they became friends. You said they met in collage so I guess they meet there and become friends. Maybe when they very first enter the borderlands as well. Like what they were doing before the fireworks.

Best Friends 0

Part 1 Here

Part 2 Here

A/N: I finally got this done!!! If I’m being honest I’m not 100% sure how I feel about this because it is all before the show, romance, and smut, so any feedback would be amazing. Also I’m not sure how ooc Chishiya is in this, I’m sorry 😭

Summary: This is apart of my Best Friend series. This is Pre-Borderland, and mostly just mutual pining.

Pairings: Shuntaro Chishiya x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 1.8k

Warnings: None

The first day of school has never rattled you. You have thought like this since you were a child and had to leave your home in order to attend preschool for the first time, then for kindergarten, then for elementary, and so on and so on, and it’s the same now, your first day of medical school.

If you're being honest with yourself, school was always more like a chore to you. While you enjoyed learning, that’s all you really liked about school. It’s not like you didn’t have friends, quite the opposite you had quite a few, but you knew friendships from childhood hardly ever lasted outside in the real world, and if you were being truthful, you much preferred the quiet.

Your lecture started in 5 minutes, and although most people wanted to get there early, you just wanted to slip in under the radar. The door to the lecture hall was propped open, and just as you’d hope you were able to go in and take a seat in the very back completely undetected. Well, almost completely undetected.

There weren't many people around you. In fact there was only one other person in your row who was also pretty much invisible to everyone there, everyone besides you.

You sat a few seats away from the mysterious blonde, taking notice of him, just as he was taking notice of you. You set all of your supplies in front of you, however much to your annoyance, your pencil rolls off the table right in front of him.

The blonde looks at the pencil that rolled over to his shoe, then to you. He gives you an amused look before finally speaking.

“Well that’s inconvenient.”

You raise your eyebrow, curious more than anything. Most normal people would just hand you the pencil without a word, yet he seems to be dragging it out.

You hum in agreement, “yeah it is.”

He looks down at the pencil once again then back up at you. In response you shrug and turn back to your desk only to pull out a pen inside.

His lips quirk up slightly, and a few moments later, your pencil that fell at the strange blondes feet rolled its way over to you on the desk.

From that day forward you always say in the back a few seats next to the guy, who’s name you later found out was Chishiya.

Over the next few months you became close. You partnered together for group work, studied together preparing for tests, and even just hung around for the hell of it. You found out you both had a lot in common, including your sense of humor, and over time you also realized you were beginning to develop feelings for the blonde. You would rather die than admit that to him though.Those months blended into years and now you're both working at the same hospital, much to your pleasure and annoyance.

“You know, most friends would’ve gotten their friend caffeine when they work a 13 hour shift together.”

Chishiya nods his head in agreement, before taking a sip of his coffee and replying to you.

“Yes they would.” A smug smile makes his way to his face and continues. “Good thing we’re not most friends, huh?”

You narrow your eyes in fake annoyance only to be handed Chishiya’s half drunk coffee as he stands up.

“I need to get going. One of my patients, Hayato, has a donor for his transplant lined up and I need to tell him and the family.”

An actual, genuine smile graces your face.

“That’s amazing, Shun,” you respond, calling him the nickname you gave him long ago.

He only hums in agreement, but when you make eye contact with him, you can see how happy he actually is. Hayato has been a patient of Chishiya’s for a while, so naturally he’s become close to both him and his family.

As Chishiya walks out of the break room, you take a sip of the coffee he handed you and immediately grimace.

“Who the hell drinks black coffee?” You mutter, only to look at the clock in the corner of the room and realizing you have 4 more hours left of your shift.

Sighing you take another drink of the bitter liquid and close your eyes ready for this day to be over.

Over the next few days, you can see how the good news has affected Chishiya. He seemed lighter somehow. His lips quirked up more often, he humored you during break, and he even got you caffeine. However, like most good things, it didn’t last.

It was a week before the transplant when everything fell apart. Chishiya left with one of your superiors, and once he came back, it was like all the light had left his body.

It was after your shift, on your way home, the Chishiya told you the news about Hayato no longer getting the transplant he so desperately needed. You of course were beyond angry, yet Chishiya only sighs and in a monotone repeats what both of your superior said to him.

“It’s just the way it is.”

And a few days later, you both were on the second floor watching the young boy’s mother, whose son just passed, sob. Chishiya’s jaw was tense and eyes were as black as a void, drained of everything. Yet, all you could do to show your best friend emotional support in that moment, was hold onto his hand and squeeze.

Chishiya would never admit how much this hurt him, and you would never push him to, but you were always there to try to make him feel better. This leads to another thing Chishiya would never admit, his feelings for you.

You were always there for him as he was for you, yet neither of you were ready to acknowledge that. At this point, for a stranger looking in, it almost seemed like you both were already dating. You were always with each other, supported each other, and just clicked.

This leads to where you both are now, walking down the busy streets of Tokyo trying to get to your usual café. While crossing the busy street you take notice of someboys, about both Chishiya and your age, screwing around in the middle of it. You just huff out a laugh at their childlike behavior. Your attention soon is drawn to fireworks being lit up in the sky.

“That’s weird,” You say to Chishiya. “Is it some sort of holiday I forgot?”

Chishiya only looks up to the fireworks, while not breaking pace, and shrugs.

“I don’t believe so.” He pauses only to continue with one word. “Strange.”

You snort in amusement.

“You think?”

Chishiya’s lip twitches up slightly and when you both reach your usual café, he opens the door for you.

You mumble out a thank you before entering your normally crowded café, only to find it empty. The only sound you could hear was Chishiya’s footsteps behind you coming closer.

“This is even more strange.”

You turn to look at him, eyebrows furrowed in confusion at the situation, only to gap in shock as you see outside.

The big windows of the café is where you and Chishiya usually sit and people watch, observing the people walking down the street. Yet the only thing these big windows show are the empty streets of Tokyo.

Chishiya follows your gaze and his eyebrows raise.

“Huh.”

“Where the hell did everyone go?” You wonder aloud.

“No idea.” Chishiya responds casually.

His carefree attitude makes you press your lips together and sigh.

“What do we do now?”

“Probably look around.” Chishiya responds after having a moment to think.

Seeing as there was no other option, you nod and make your way outside of the café with the blonde. You both wander around the town, going in and out of different buildings, not finding a single soul. You did find out though that phones and other non-battery powered electronics do not work here. Wherever here is.

Taking a few useful supplies with you both, and temporarily stumped from the lack of clues, you both head to where you began, the café. At this point it was dark and you honestly just wanted to rest. However, the sudden brightness of a build board turning on blinds you for a second.

‘Players this way’ with an arrow pointed to the left, graces the screen. You glance towards Chishiya, who is already looking at you.

“You think we should go?”

“I think that we would get more answers.”

You hum in agreement to him, and brush your arm against his as you pass, follow the way the random arrow points you to.

Finally reaching your destination, you and Chishiya find a lit up restaurant. You glance at him, to which he nods, and simultaneously you enter the building, both with blank faces. The building was not empty, in fact, there were four other people waiting inside. They all looked nervous, but not because of the unknown. They all looked like they have done this before. In fact, that’s probably why they all were so anxious, you piece together.

Finding a table with phones on top and a sign saying ‘one per person’ you and Chishiya both take one. It turns on surprisingly, scans your face, and the words ‘register closes in:’ and a countdown appear on the screen.

A generic feminine voice rings out, interrupting the silence.

“Registration is now closed. The game will now commence. Game: Blackjack. Difficulty: 6 of Diamonds.”

Following the voices direction you all file into the restaurant to the table in the center, with nooses hanging over the chairs. Not giving anything away with your face, as to not to seem vulnerable, you take in the scene before you, and as the voice instructs, sit in a chair around the table and place the noose around your neck.

You look over at Chishiya, who was seated right next to you, while the voice lists all the rules, which you were paying close attention to. Once again, you find him already looking at you. His face, similar to yours, holds no emotion, but his eyes display curiosity. Yours do too you're sure, but also slight fear as there was a noose hanging around you and the person you care most about.

The last sentence makes both your gazes harden.

“The game clears once there are two survivors.”

The quick conversation with your eyes between you and Chishiya is clear, and as you look around the table, analyzing the strangers that sat with a noose, identical to Chishiya’s and yours, around their necks, you know that only you and Chishiya are walking out of this alive.

[kokinu09]

Let Go of the Reins || Chapter 7

pairing seungmin x fem!reader

genre strangers to lovers, romance, fluff, slight angst later, happy ending, social media, not meant to be, someday

summary Australia is considered home for two of the eight members. When two tour dates are scheduled for the land down under, the boys can’t help but want to spend a bit more time there to visit family and do a little sightseeing. So how do they convince the company that they need to stay a couple weeks? Filming some SKZ Code episodes.

A local riding school just outside the city with amazing reviews for their skilled instructors and beautiful horses is hosting a very popular kpop group to film their experiences. Y/N knows the group well and she just so happens to be their star working student.

status ongoing

taglist OPEN

previous | masterlist | next

~*~

You and Liv got to the venue early like Seungmin requested, about 2 hours to be exact. If it hadn’t been for the two of you having to get a few things done at the ranch that morning, you probably would’ve been there even sooner. The excitement for the concert causing your body to basically vibrate with anticipation, a permanent smile plastered on your face even as you lugged the massive buckets of feed around the barn in the wee hours of the day.

So far, the experience has been incredible. The STAY that you’ve met are some of the sweetest people; chatting with you and Liv while waiting in concession lines or for merch, complimenting your outfits to no end, and even offering you little freebies for no reason other than the mutual love of Stray Kids.

Every time the most common question in the entire K-pop community is asked, “Who’s your bias?”, you find a certain member's name falling from your lips. The answer should be the same as it’s always been. Bang Chan. You’ve been an unwavering Chan stan for as long as you’ve been listening to Stray Kids. But lately, it seems you’ve had a change of heart.

“So~,” Liv sing-songs and you already know the teasing is about to begin, “your new bias is Seungmin, huh?” Her eyebrows wiggle as you two walk away from another group of friendly STAYs.

“I don’t know why you’re surprised,” you say with a roll of your eyes.

“Oh, I’m not~!” She chirps. “I think it’s super cute!”

“Yeah, and I’m sure Han would be offended that you’ve switched rappers on him.”

“Hey! I told everyone Han is still my bias!” Liv argued with her full chest. Hand fisted on her hips and all.

“Riiight, then shouldn’t that freebie be HanQuokka instead of Dwaekki?” You say, pointing out the little SKZOO inspired pin the talented STAY had just gifted her.

“I—!” She cuts off her own protest, cheeks puffed out in a pout as she crosses her arms. “Maybe Changbin is being a bit of a wrecker lately….” She mumbles with a pink blush spreading across her nose. You do your best to hide your snicker at her expense.

The two of you walk around for a few more minutes but the longer you’re there, the more anxious you’re becoming about these mystery seats that Seungmin has promised. So you decide to make your way to the staircase to meet up with your escort.

When the stairs finally come into sight, you notice a large, like huge, security guard standing just off to the side of it. He’s dressed in all black and a black pair of shades over his eyes, even though he’s inside.

You want to laugh but he is definitely too scary looking to laugh at.

“Think that’s our guy?” Olivia leans in to ask in a hushed tone.

“I’d say so.” You reply, leading the way toward Mr. Scary-Security-Guard.

He seems to be looking for something (or someone) with the way his head is on a swivel until he spots you two approaching. It’s hard not to gulp as you realize how mountainous of a man this guy really is when you get closer. He looks like he could take on the entire stadium if it came down to it.

Was it really necessary for Seungmin to send this guy to walk them to some seats? Did he think they’d get mugged by some STAY along the way? Unlikely.

But you put on a nervous smile anyway and ask, “This is going to sound stupid but…are you here to show us to our seats…?”

The man is stone cold, the firm set of his mouth doesn’t budge even a centimeter. “Are you Y/N?” He asks in a (very intimidating) deep, baritone voice.

“Y-yeah! And this is Liv!” You say, quickly looping your arm with hers so you’re not in the center of attention. He nods his head at the introduction then extends his arm in the direction along the side of the stairs.

“This way ladies.” He says before leading them as they get to walking.

His threatening demeanor alone clears the path for them, everyone content with avoiding getting in his way. The eyes of passersby follow you in curiosity, wondering who you might be to deserve such an escort. You keep your head down and urge your feet to go one foot in front of the other.

All the way until he brought you to an ‘Authorized Personnel Only’ door. You and Liv both stop when he opens it. And he looks back at the two of you expectantly. You glance over at your friend and catch her eying you too. But you decide to trust Seungmin’s word about better seats and continue to follow Mr. Big-and-Grumpy.

The sounds of the three of your footsteps echo around the concrete walls of the service hallway they are now making their way down. You were starting to think there really was something to Seungmin’s suspiciously vague messages.

“So, um, where exactly are we going?” You ask hesitantly.

Your question is met with silence for a long minute. You’re sure he’s not going to answer but then he says, “It was requested that I bring you to meet with the band before escorting you to your actual seats.”

While your mouth drops open in surprise, Liv beside you squeals. “Really?! No way! This is totally awesome!” She cheers, bouncing with each step and tugging on your arm in excitement.

The shock of it slowly wears off and a smile forms on your face instead. An excitement of your own warming your heart and causing the butterflies in your stomach to start fluttering. Seungmin really did make sure he’d get to see you for the show.

The two of you have a pep in your step now, following a little closer behind your escort. No longer fearful of his wrath knowing the guys were expecting you.

“What’s your name, Big Guy?” Liv boldly asks eventually.

After another pause, you wonder if he’s being careful of what he says to you two. But this time he responds quicker. “Smitty.”

“Cool name,” Liv says under her breath.

“It’s nice to meet you, Smitty,” you opt to reply instead.

“Mhm,” he grunts and then another patch of silence falls between you three. You think it will stay that way but then he speaks up again.

“Are you dating,” it barely sounds like a question. And you’re so confused by it that your face scrunches and twists in the most unattractive way.

“Excuse me?”

“Are you dating him,” he clarifies, still not sounding like he’s asking.

“Dating who?” You press, earning a frustrated sigh.

“Seungmin. The one who specifically asked me, their personal security, to bring you to them safely. Are you dating him.”

“No! No, no, I’m not. He wouldn’t—” You were abruptly cut off by your best friend.

“Girl, I’m gonna stop you right there ‘cause yes he would.” Liv says, giving you a seriously nasty glare that you’d be afraid of if you didn’t know her as well as you do. Then she straightens up to address Smitty again. “And what’s it to you anyways? Why would you possibly care who either of them date?”

Her attitude seems to strike a nerve as he stops, you almost bump into his back but thankfully you don’t. He turns to face you and gives Olivia a side eye from overtop the rim of his sunglasses.

“I only ask because I have been working security for these kids for over 2 years for their tours and never once has any of them even remotely done something like this for a girl.” He explains, not looking angry but maybe a bit worried. “He’s a good kid with a big heart. If you’re only in it for the money or the clout, please, just enjoy this concert and part ways with him. He doesn’t deserve to be strung along and hurt like that.”

“Wha—? I would never use him! I bought tickets on my own! I never asked him to bump me into better ones or even to arrange this meet-and-greet!” You’re quick to defend yourself, taking a deep breath to calm down. “I know you’re only saying this because you care, but I intend to stay his friend, or whatever he wants me to be, for as long as he’ll have me. If anyone’s going to get hurt, it’ll be me.”

Your eyes burn with angry tears as you glare up at him. Angry that anyone would take advantage of the guys like that. Angry that people like to act like they know you and make assumptions. Angry that you just spilled your heart out to this stupid security guard and now you feel raw.

Liv’s hand is gentle when it lands on your shoulder, a soft and watery smile on her face when you turn away from Smitty to look at her. And she quickly wraps you in a hug, knowing how big it was for you to admit your feelings out loud like that.

When you hear the man clearing his throat, your attention is drawn back to him. Though your hard eyes and deep frown have returned to your features. He starts to chuckle, which should have pissed you off but it didn’t.

“You’ve got spunk girls.” He says through his laughter, taking a moment to recompose but a smirk still remaining. “And you seem genuine, so I’ll believe you.”

Your shoulders relax, a tension you didn’t even realize you were carrying leaving your body as if getting this man’s approval meant you could get anyone’s. He turns to continue in the direction you all were originally heading but glances over his shoulder at you. “Let’s keep moving. I don’t really wanna lose my job for keeping your boyfriend waiting.” Now he’s teasing you?!

“He’s not my boyfriend!” You groan, earning a giggle from Liv as you follow along anyway.

Willing to give up the argument if it means seeing him a little bit sooner.

~*~

taglist

@kangaracha @rainfallingfromthesky @puppysmileseungmin @defnotfertilizedtoesw @teenyfinds

@bbokari711 @lakoya @chlodavids @rylea08

@keepswingin

[bubblegump-1-nk]

As She Walks By

this is my first time writing for Theodore about so bare with me please.

summary: Theodore and you are just best friends (or not), but when he finally hooks up with the Hufflepuff girl who’s had a crush on him for years, things may start to change

based off of the song Heather by Conan Gray (a little bit), set in three perspectives: yours, Theos, and the Hufflepuff girl (an OC I called Althenea Circ). I made you a Gryffindor but if you want to change your house just imagine whatever house I want.

warnings: insecurity, angst, not really cheating but idk, typos probably, cussing, toxic relationships (these warnings apply to the upcoming parts so you might not see some of them in some of the parts, if that makes sense) I think that’s all but tell me if you find anything else pls!

I was in my dorm getting ready for dinner after a long day of school. I had had 3 tests and 2 pop quizzes, I were certain that wasn’t even legal. I took my time as I brushed and braided my hair, since Hermione was telling me an interesting story.

“… and then the girl, the Slytherin I was telling you about before, threw her wand at Seamus. And I mean threw it at him. He had to go to the hospital wing after.”

I burst out laughing, which made Hermione laugh, which then only made me laugh harder. In the midst of our laughing, my other dorm mate, Lavender walked in.

“What are you two silly’s laughing at this time.” She said, smiling as she could hear you’re laughter all the way down from the common room.

“Hermione was just telling me about Seamus encounter with Cat Griffens.” I managed to get out in between laughs.

“Oh my god, that was hilarious. His face after she hit him with her wand was priceless!” She said, giggling at the image in her head.

We sat and laughed some more until we began to get even hungrier than we had been before and decided to head down to the Great Hall. On our way down the corridors which led to the delicious buffet that was awaiting us, we heard rackets of laughter behind us. I turned around, since I recognized the cacophony immediately, and sure enough it belonged to Mattheo Riddle and Theodore Nott.

“Damn it, we were trying to scare you.” Said Mattheo, defeated face after I discovered them.

“God, you guys really need to work on your sneaking skills.” I said, giggling.

“Oh come on, our sneaking skills are great.” Said Theo, putting his arm over my shoulder as him and Riddle caught up with me and the two other Gryffindors.

“If that’s great then Snape is the kindest teacher at Hogwarts.” Said Hermione, giggling at the boys antics.

“Alright then, why don’t you find me some library books to study then.” Theo said, teasing her and he lightly pulled a piece of her hair, causing Hermione to laughingly slap his hand away.

“And you Lavender, what do you rate our skills?” Asked Mattheo, having noticed how quiet she got as soon as they showed up.

She blushed and sheepishly said “I think they’re great.”

The two boys looked at each other and laughed at her response, obviously knowing that she found them very attractive.

I poked Theo’s side at his response to Lavender, noticing she had gotten even redder after they laughed at her.

I tried to ease the tension by saying “You two are only laughing because you know she’s lying.”

“Well then, maybe we’ll have to pull out the Veritaserum at the Slytherin party tomorrow!”

“Oh yeah, I forgot about that. What time should we get there.” Hermione asks.

“Well, for our VIP guests you two can get there as early as you want.” Said Theo.

I rolled my eyes playfully at him and soon enough I had entered the dining hall.

Theo unsnaked his arm from around my shoulders and playfully kissed the top of my head, which caused me to lightly slap his shoulder. Mattheo and him jogged over to the Slytherin table, their laughter being heard all around the dinner room.

Hermione and I went over to where Harry and Ron were sitting, already mostly done with their plates.

“What was that all about?” Asked Ron.

“What was what all about?” I responded.

“Oh you know, the kiss and the arm around your shoulders. Last time I checked you two were just friends.” He responded.

“And why do you care so much Ronald.” Hermione asked sternly.

“I don’t! Just confused on the whole Theo-y/n relationship.” He said which made Harry nod intently in agreement.

“We’re just friends. Anyway, Slytherin party tomorrow at 8.” I responded. Me myself trying to convince myself that that’s all I thought of Theo, because I knew he didn’t feel the same way about me.

“Fraternizing with the enemy I see.” Said Harry playfully.

“I thought you and Draco had worked things out in like, third year.” I said, loading my plate up with pasta.

“We did, but that doesn’t change the fact that he’s still a git.” He said, finishing off his cup of pumpkin juice.

Us four continued to talk and eat, and then eventually walked back to the common room together to hang out until finally going our separate ways to our dorm rooms.

-the next day-

I woke up to Hermione shaking me awake.

“Whattt.” I said groggily, rolling around as to try to get away from Hermione’s shaking.

“Come on y/n, we have to go know if we want some breakfast.”

“Ugh, fine.” I said, slowly opening my eyes and getting up.

I got ready for the day, and packed my schoolbooks for this Friday’s classes. Hermione and I walked to breakfast (Ron and Harry had eaten early so they could finish a potions essay they had forgotten about). We ate quickly before heading down to the dungeons for class with Professor Snape.

I walked into the almost full classroom, and made my way to my shared table with Hermione, right behind Theo and Draco.

“Wow, no good morning for us?” Said Theo playfully.

“It’s too early to be nice.” I said, putting my head down for some attempt at extra sleep.

“Wow, I see how it is.” Said Theo chuckling.

….

The day ended quicker than I was expecting and before I knew it, Hermione and I were getting ready for the party in our dorm.

“What do you three think of this?” I asked Hermione, Lavender, and Parvati, wearing a red corset and a little black skirt.

“I think Theo’s going to love it” Parvati said with a wink.

I huffed and threw a book at her, which she dodged.

The girls started laughing and Hermione said, “Oh right, we forgot, it’s Mattheo isn’t it?” Which caused the girls to laugh even more.

“You guys are so annoying!” I said playfully, trying not to giggle.

“Well I think you look great, y/n.” Lavender said.

I thanked her and finished doing my makeup and hair, which I had put in some hair rollers.

“Well you three have fun, I’ll just be here finishing this damn Transfigurations project.” Said Lavender, annoyed she couldn’t attend the party with her friends.

“We’ll miss you Lav.” I said, the other girls agreeing with me as we walked out of the common room, meeting Ron and Harry, as we all walked towards the dungeons.

-Theo’s POV-

I sat on the couch with Mattheo, looking at the entrance every time I heard it open, hoping it was y/n. But it hasn’t been you, not yet. I wondered what was taking you so long, because you could show up in sweatpants and a shirt covered in pasta sauce and you’d still be more beautiful than all the girls in this room. The door opened again, and this time I knew it was you, because I heard your church bell laugh bouncing off the walls. I turned around quickly to look at you entering the enlarged common room.

“And then…�� Draco began, cutting himself of after seeing my sudden uninterest in his story.

The cutoff caused all the boys who had been listening to Draco turn to me, and then turn to what I was looking at.. you, of course.

“Oh come on Theo.” Said Draco, exhausted with my interest in you.

“What?” I said, turning around again, trying to play it off.

“Just go fuck her already.” Said Blaise.

“It’s not like that! You’re all a bunch of gits.” I said, annoyed because I had been caught.

“Why are they a bunch of gits?” You said, appearing at my side with Hermione, Harry and Ron having gone off to get drinks.

I gulped and my palms were sweaty, “Well, uh, they were just making fun of me.. because, er, because I don’t..” I trailed off, eyes darting to my friends for help.

“We were making fun of him because he won’t do more than two rounds of shots.” Matthew said, noticing my panic.

“Oh Teddy, you have much to learn.” You said, your sweet voice and the sweet nickname intoxicating me.

“Don’t call me Teddy.” I said, quickly fixing myself after I almost dropped his act.

“You know you love it, Teddy.” You said, laughing.

“Got your drinks.” Harry said, handing you a fire whiskey whilst Ron handed Hermione some kind of drink.

“Thanks guys.” You say, taking a drink from the cup.

“Well, Hermione and I are going to go dance. You all have fun.” You say, grabbing Hermione’s hand as you walk away to the dance floor.

I stare at you more intently than ever, I had no idea how someone could be so beautiful. And what makes it even worse is that I’m not the only one who sees it. I can see all the guys, trying hard not to stare at you for the sake of their girlfriends, and I can also see the guys who have no shame in hungrily raking their eyes over your body. None of those guys deserve you, none of them could treat you like I would. No one could make you feel as good as I could. My wild imagination is cut off by Blaise’s inaudible voice

“Er.. sorry what was that?” I ask.

“I said, Draco and I are going to go and get drinks. Do you want anything?” Blaise asked again.

“Er, I don’t know. Just give me the strongest thing there is.”

“Alright mate.” Blaise says, shocked at my choice.

“Uh oh mate, looks like someone forgot about you.” Mattheo whispers to me, lightly chuckling.

I looks at him confused, then I follow Mattheo’s eyes to you… and Dean Thomas. Hermione long gone, probably hooking up with that Ravenclaw girl she’s been obsessing over to me. Dean was saying something that invoked your beautiful laughter. His arm was snaked around your waist, your waist that would look so good.. maybe I shouldn’t think about you like that. Why was I so mad? You and I were just friends, we’ve always been just that.

“Here you are mate. It’s some brew the Weasley twins made so be careful” Blaise said, tapping my shoulder and handing me a red cup full of an unknown liquid. I grabbed it and downed the cup in 2 gulps, never taking my eyes off of you and that fucker Dean.

“Wow, slow down. Don’t want to end up like last time.” Draco said, some blonde attached to his hip.

I flipped Draco off before plopping myself down on the couch. I tried hard not to look at you and.. goddamn you and Dean were snogging like a bunch of animals. I turned around and saw someone’s eyes on mine. I turned to her fully, her eyes swiftly leaving mine as I turned to her. Althenea Circ, I think her name was. According to Mattheo she’s been practically in love with me since 3rd year. I don’t know if it was the jealousy or the mystery drink, probably a mix of both, which caused me to walk over to her.

Before I knew it we were in a corner, snogging just like you and Dean.

-The next morning-

“Pass me the eggs.” I said to Draco as I loaded my plate with bacon. Hopefully the salty food would make my hang over go away, and the awful memory of having hooked up with that Hufflepuff girl.

“Easy on the bacon mate. We all want some.” Said Mattheo, wearing a pair of sunglasses, he’s always so dramatic.

“It refills magically you fucking idiot.” I said, annoyed at his antics.

“Damn, no need to be so damn rude just because you hooked up with that nasty girl yesterday.” Mattheo said, grabbing bacon off my plate.

I slapped his hands away, sending him a glare.

“Don’t fucking talk about her like that.” I said.

“Oh I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were in love. What’s y/n going to say?”

“Just shut the fuck up. And I’m not in love it’s just rude to talk about someone that way.” I said, biting off a piece of my toast.

The four of us were silent and tense for about 10 minutes, eating our breakfast and trying to forget about how much we all drank last night, until we were interrupted.

“Hi Theo!” Said Alth… oh god I forgot her name.

“Er.. hi.” I said, looking up.

“Would you maybe want to go to Hogsmeade with me later today? We could go for lunch.” The girl said, her voice sounded like nails on a chalkboard compared to your beautiful, sunshine voice I was used to hearing. I sat there for a few beats before responding, astonished that a girl like her would ever think that a boy like me would want to be around her. But I couldn’t say no, it would be too mean. Plus, I could finally pretend to be over you.

“Sure.”

part 2 coming (mayb) soon 😋

[duckielover151]

Clearly, Ouran's gonna be my thing for a while. I just keep finding new meaning in little details that make them even more beautiful.

The final storyline of the anime, culminating in seeing firsthand just how bad things are with Kyoya's father and getting Tamaki's troubled family history is so, so good.

Not just because those are interesting storylines. But because it proves a point I'm not sure was even intentional: as much as they've been ragging on Haruhi all series long for being a "commoner..." she's rich in ways they're not. She has the classic tragic protag backstory of having a dead mother... but by a long shot, she still has the best family relationship of any of the other hosts.

One of my absolute favorite details is at the start of the last episode, where she's stressed about the club potentially shutting down and Tamaki leaving, and her dad tells her that he knows she's upset because she skipped breakfast. Something she apparently hasn't done since the morning of her mother's funeral.

And, like, we already knew Ranka loved his daughter. But consider the implications to this particular detail. It's not just that he knows her well enough to notice something out of place in her routine. We know that he works a job that keeps him out late into the night. That it's breakfast specifically that gave her away means that he makes a point to get up early to see his daughter before she leaves for school each day. And that makes me super emotional.

I had a parent who worked 3rd shift. We never questioned that this meant we'd just see her at different times of the day. (And I'm not judging her for not getting up to see us off each morning or anything!) It's just really important to me that everyone recognizes the extra effort Ranka put in.

There's enough shitty anime parents out there. I love to shout out the good ones when I can.

[sofoulandfairaday]

I don't know if you'll even receive this because of the godforsaken shadowban, but what do you think of Bella's relationship with her parents? I know it's unpopular but I've always seen her as a mama's girl personally. I think Andy was Cygnus's favourite and for Narcissa I can't decide between her being nobody's favourite and everyone's favourite but in a more subtle way lol.

This is honestly such a good question - and something I wanted to talk about for ages.

I appreciate your takes a lot, even if I somewhat disagree. You were the first person in this wretched fandom who made me see the light about Bella's relationship with her family. Not in the sense that it's necessarily wrong to headcanon her as being abused, but you were the first person that made me see that there could be other interpretations: no one, both in the English and Italian fandoms, seemed to think that Druella might have not been a stuck-up bitch.

With this being said, I think Druella was a stuck-up bitch. Nah, kidding. Kind of. Long post under the cut, but this is one of my favourite pieces of meta I've ever written.

I think Bella has a very bad case of Older Daughter Syndrome. I believe that both her parents had wished for at least one son because that is unfortunately what was common in noble families in the 1950s (and pureblood society seems to be stuck much further than that). I actually hc that Druella had one or more miscarriages (all boys) before and after having her daughters. When C&D were told that they couldn't have more children, both by her own volition and by being unconsciously pushed by her parents, became desperate to prove herself. Of course, it was useless. Not because her parents were cartoon villains ("I wish you were a boy" bullshit, only said in Disney movies), but just because they would never see as they would have seen a son.

Bellatrix confronted herself with impossible expectations throughout her life, as very often happens to the oldest children (daughters most of all). I'm sure she was brilliant, magically talented, possibly good at most things she tried - it was never enough. Not that her parents weren't proud of her, they were, but there was always one grade that could have been better, one hour more she could have spent practising, one sentence she could have said better at a social gathering, etc. Whenever something wasn't up to par, as it was bound to be, there would be corrections. Always too many corrections and never enough compliments. Parents often fall into this trap: it's not enough to be proud of your child if you never tell them you are.

I'm also sure she was immensely spoilt. You can imagine how that goes: Cygnus and Druella were probably very cold people, bad at demonstrating affection, and tried to show their immense love for their daughters by showering them with gifts and material things. They always told their daughters how good and special they were, how they were destined for the best. Personally speaking, this is not enough. It's not enough to point at all the money you spent on family holidays and private schools - "look at what your mother and I have done for you; is this how you repay us?" - if you've never taken interest in your daughter's interests. If you've never asked her opinion on the world, what she wants to be when she grows up. If you've always taken for granted that she would follow in your own footsteps - no doubt, the best possible life choice. It's not enough to tell your daughter she is destined for greatness because she is a Black. She should be destined for greatness because she is great.

Also, I'm sure she was put in charge of her younger siblings from a very early age. Again: oldest daughter. Simultaneously loving them more than anything in the world and resenting them immensely because they were probably held to lower standards than she was. Parents often go softer on the second child, especially if less successful, or less gifted (I'm sure that both Andy and Cissy were bright and talented witches, just not as good as Bella overall).

She would be the bossy one, and the comforting one. She would be the one teaching them right from wrong, the one to go to when they had problems (she would act high and mighty about it, and maybe tease them, but heaven help anyone who dared do anything to Bella's sisters - and they knew it). She would go out of her way to help them.

She would feel extreme amounts of pressure on her shoulders, she would be more solitary, more reserved than her siblings, less likely to share except for the times when it all came gushing out - imagine everyone's shock when they found out about her interest in Dark Magic. Andromeda would be appalled, "I thought I knew my sister". But did you, did you really?

So: reserved, more academically skilled, both proud and resentful of her younger siblings, who were probably considered more charismatic (Andromeda was meeker and kinder and Cissy was probably a social butterfly, the popular pretty girl with tons of friends), who don't realise that they could only be that way because someone else before them had taken up the burden of the family's expectations upon herself. Of course, Andy&Cissy probably saw big sister Bella as the best, most successful, most intelligent, confident girl in the world - probably had inferiority complexes - but she never knew that. (keep in mind: the Blacks, a British upper-class family in the 1950s, probably had all of the generational trauma that we see in shows like The Crown. They were NOT the type to talk about their feelings at the dinner table).

Bellatrix was also probably very controlling of her younger sisters, and a bit of a perfectionist. She probably never apologised (a sign of weakness) and never admitted when she was wrong. She gets it from her parents. You can see how this is a recipe for disaster for the things to come.

And what happens then? She graduates from Hogwarts with whatever number of NEWTS and exceptional grades in all of them for her parents to say: "Oh, good, you did your duty. ANYWAY, no pressure, but we kinda really need you to pick a good pureblood boy and marry him. A trip around the world (to explore dark magic in faraway lands) as a graduation present? Don't be ridiculous, dear. We'll throw you a big party".

OH. OH. I would go insane. I would seethe. I would combust with rage. And I think Bella probably did. That was her breaking point, her "let it go" moment where she said: you know what? I've tried so hard to be proper, and good, and fit into """"patriarchal""" standards and it's never fucking enough. No more. Everyone is talking about this new dark wizard, Lord Voldemort, and I've been following his work. Of course, you people, my family, don't know because you've never asked me about myself beyond how I was doing in school, but my view on the world is that Mudbloods are infiltrating our society and we need to fight for survival (ironically, a view absorbed from her parents). I choose Rodolphus Lestrange, who is more than willing to let me pursue a military career and we'll happily practice Unforgivables on random Muggles that live too close to our house. Suck it.

Andromeda (who is secretly dating Ted behind her sister's back because she's afraid of her disapproval) is appalled. Narcissa is too young still (and being the youngest, possibly the most immature). Her parents go "Ehm, we don't really think you should blow up buildings- how about silently influencing politics?" But nope. Bellatrix marries Rodolphus to appease them and then she happily follows Voldemort from one Muggle village to the next, blowing up houses and getting railed by the Dark Lord next to her victims' corpses - he is the only one who sees her for what she is: dark, talented, hungry.

Andromeda runs away, and Bellatrix takes it the hardest. She sees it as a personal failure. The sister she helped raise. You can hear the hurt even thirty years after it happened.

As for her parents: Cissy was without a doubt Druella's favourite, as the daughter who looked most like her and lived the life closest to hers. Andromeda was probably nobody's fave (Middle Child Syndrome, a whole other post), but likely both her sisters' fave.

Bella... Bella was the child Cygnus understood most and was probably proudest of. She was also the hardest to love: I think that the few instances of physical affection he showed his daughters were for Andy (a naturally kind and bubbly child, who would not relent in her pursuit of affection even when told to go away) and Cissy (who was always slight, non-threatening, delicate, etc). Bella was prickly, maybe easily hurt (by her parents, seeing how attuned she was to their reactions). She strikes me as the sort to push away any display of sweetness saying she didn't want it, as a preventive measure. The kind of child who hides so that people will go looking for them, to see if they care. She was the same with Rodolphus, probably (but the man is a saint and at a certain point must have been like "it's not just that enjoy fucking you, i do like to hold you, i do like to kiss you, you are not a duty to me, i don't care if you're stubborn. i love you") and the Dark Lord (who is so scarce with his affections, she must have brainwashed herself in saying "it's fine, i don't really need it. i only need to be held in high esteem by him").

Anyways, Bella is the child Cygnus (and secretly Druella) are proudest of. Yes, Cissy made conventional choices, but imagine having Lord Voldemort, your old classmate-turned-Dark-Lord, over for tea and he keeps going on about how he didn't expect to find such an apt pupil in Bellatrix and that she is wonderfully skilled with a wand (pun intended, and Tom knows it, the little shit). I'm getting carried away, but you get the gist. [Although, while I hc Cygnus as a Voldemort fanboy, albeit not a Death Eater, I always liked the idea that Vold and Druella didn't like each other much]

Also. Bella: Daddy Issues, yes or no? Yes. Obviously. She hides them (with more or less success, after Azkaban) because she is a Black, but it's pretty clear from her entanglement with Voldemort that having a male figure her father's age, giving her validation does things for her. Happens to the best of us.

Did Bellatrix and Druella hate each other? No. No, I think that blood is too important for someone like Bellatrix. But I think that Druella's lack of understanding of her feelings and her life choices (and also the fact that Druella, to me, is the sort of mother who always plays the victim "oh, what did I do to deserve this?") definitely didn't help their relationship. I think that Bella was a dutiful daughter, the kind that would take care of her mother in her old age and stuff like that, but they would fight a lot.

Oh, look, another ginormous post. Anyways, I hope I painted a good picture. I could talk about this for hours.

[spectrumgarden]

i guess my question is, is it possible to not be diagnosed as a medium-support autistic person until into adulthood? (early twenties). i attended public school, doctor's appointments, all that, and would they have forced my family to get a diagnosis if they suspected?

(This is part two of two seperate asks for people who are confused )

For the second question, I think there's only very limited circumstances where someone could be "forced" into a diagnosis by someone who isnt parents. Depends on country and some other things but most likely parents have the last say in medical treatment of kids including diagnostics. So that's the "could". But let's say they could, would they have done it?

Its complicated, theres racial bias, gender bias, neither of which disappears when someone is MSN or higher. They might've suggested other diagnoses, or dismissed it and blamed it on "badly raised" etc. It coudlve happened but I'm not too confident in that working out a lot.

a lot of people in positions of "should point out the need for diagnostics" (teachers, pediatricians, ...) arent actually very educated on autism at all. For example my mother worked in childcare for over 20 years before being given training on autism in the 2010s, before that she knew basically not any more than the average person (so like, next to nothing...). A lot of what could point to autism will get treated as "personality problems" or something by teachers, even more disruptive and negative things. And a doctor for example might not really see much of what's going on regarding need for prompting with tasks because it's not like you eat or shower at the doctors office.

Now again I'm not gonna say you are / arent MSN based on that very short description in the first ask you send but you can theoretically go undiagnosed like your whole life while having MSN? Its definitely not as common for obvious reasons but yeah. Not applicable to you I think but for example Theres still countries out there that barely do autism diagnostics, or people who cant afford to take their kids to get a diagnosis, ...

I also dont really know how to get my thoughts across right now but yeah. To be honest i'm not really sure how one would make it through school w MSN without any extra help as It was basically impossible for me, but maybe with a different set up it mightve worked out enough for me to just sort of, slide through with many struggles? Idk. That's the one thing that does trip me up. But I don't really like to do hard black and white rules so I suppose it's possible though unlikely.

[return-to-twisted-wonderland]

🔆anon

(Late book 2/early book 3)

It was the middle of the school day, and lucky for Vil, he actually had time to relax during lunch.

Or unlucky for him considering there’s a whole scene he’s just walked on.

In front of him is a student dressed in a school uniform. Their ribbon marking them as Octavinelle. He had turquoise hair with black at the very tips that was held back in a small black zigzag-shaped headband.

But most confusingly, he was sprawled face down on the ground with snack bags scattered around him and a cane a bit away from his hand.

Vil: Are you alright?

???: *still face down* I don’t think I got hurt.

Vil: That phrasing seems suspicious. Are you able to get up?

???: Oh, yeah I probably can. Done it loads before.

Vil: Is falling over… common for you?…

???: Yeeeeaaaah… Wipeouts aren’t fun, dude, but I’ve gotten use to ‘em. Still getting a bit used to land.

Vil: Do you need- Can you move at least? You haven’t moved once and I’m getting scared.

The student suddenly started fumbling around, shakily making it to his knees while collecting the bags around him. All the while apologizing for scaring Vil.

His apologies sounded like he was actually sorry for scaring Vil, as if he made a massive mistake. It made Vil feel bad in a way, it also made him wonder how they even got into NRC of all schools.

???: Sorry, sorry! Gotta do better next time.

Vil: Are you sure you’re okay? You didn’t hit your head? You don’t have to apologize for not moving. Well, you were blocking the path. Just anyone in this school apologizing seems off.

???: Sorry! Wait, don’t say sorry! Sorry. Ah, again!

Vil: *sighs* Just, who are you?

Toryn: Oh, names, yeah, got it! I’m Toryn. *grabs onto his cane and tries to push himself up using it while holding onto the snack bags* I’m new to here, and kinda just being on land, so I can fall a lot. Nice to meet ya!

After giving his introduction, Toryn gave a big grin, even closing his eyes and tilting his head ever so slightly as if he was trying to be as harmless as possible. He seemed like an airhead, or like he was trying to come across as one.

But, his features gave away more. His eyes, before he closed them, were both a yellow-gold. His teeth were all sharp fangs. And his turquoise hair with natural black added wasn’t new to this school.

There was no doubt about it. Vil may have never heard of or met him before, but Toryn was a Leech.

Vil: I am Vil Schoenheit. And if I may ask, what is with all the snacks?

Toryn: Oh! I’m getting better at walking around on my own, so I’m talking to more people. They just wanted me to bring them some things.

Vil: Some things? Your arms are full. Even with all the stuff carried by one arm, you’re still using the hand holding your cane to hold a few more.

Toryn: No yeah, I am. But they just wanted some snacks. I’m totally down to help when I can. I’m not incapable of carrying things.

Vil: But where’s your help? You may not be incapable, but you need one hand on your cane to be stable. At least I’m assuming that’s why you’re still using it.

Toryn: That’s, uh, true.

Vil: Not only that, but you mentioned still getting used to being on land and walking. Yet you’re alone carrying everything.

Toryn: They were all just having fun chatting, so asked me to get em. Not a big deal.

At this moment, Vil started questioning his assumptions on if Toryn was a Leech. A sibling to to two eccentric twins that stick by Azul, yet is very clearly letting himself be taken advantage of.

That or he’s so good of a liar that Vil can’t pick up on any signs, but that seemed unlikely.

After a few moments of stunned silence from Vil, Toryn’s phone, which Vil didn’t notice before, started blowing up in his side pocket.

Toryn: That’s probably them asking where their snacks are! So sorry, but I gotta go! *starts quickly walking away* See ya, dude!

Vil continued to stand quietly stunned as Toryn walked away. Who was he? Was he genuinely unaware he was being taken advantage of? Did he just not care? Is he actually a Leech or was Vil mistaken?

More importantly, why did Vil feel worried? Worried about not only Toryn, but Vil’s own future. This felt like an omen of the future…

Vil, you met your future boyfriend. You're fine.

[kohakhearts]

shigegou for the ship game! convert me!

CRACKS KNUCKLES. MY TIME HAS COME

shigegou: ship it!

(side note: i still think i've gotta get serious about using splitdecisionshipping for them until it sticks, lmao)

what made you ship it?

actually this is one of those cases of i shipped them by proxy for ot3 purposes. i liked their dynamic but when i watched jn initially i hadn't yet done my os rewatch and i was actually pretty normal about gary oak (as a kid he wasn't really a big fave or anything and i hadn't actively watched anything but the pokemon movies since middle school so). they definitely gave that same vibe as os pallet though like the "i have a crush on you i can't deal with" so i think i liked that dynamic :p

what are your favourite things about the ship?

ok so now fast forward to the great anipoke rewatch/watch (since i'd never seen the later gens before) of 2023. i got really unwell about gary. DJFGHJFKDDFHJDK but i'd been unwell about goh from when i watched jn the year before so it was...not difficult to begin drawing parallels. i think a lot of people point out how similar the shigegou dynamic is to the early shigesato dynamic and like. that's true and valid! but as individual characters, gary and goh have so much in common. gary's whole schtick is that he travels alone. he doesn't wait around for ash to catch up to him, necessarily. he has his own ideas of what he should be doing and how he should be doing it and mr "i've already got ten badges" here sure as hell isn't a slacker when it comes to proving how Awesome and Capable he is. we never, not once, see gary working as a team with anyone until pokemon chronicles (power play is something else to me. to be clear). by his own admission in jn, he wasn't much of a team player and that's a big part of why he pushed goh so hard about teamwork and collaboration (ok. he doesn't say this so much as goh kinda figures it out and gary doesn't actively deny it. but we the viewers who have known gary oak since 1997 know enough to say yeah he kinda sucked and put people down for his own sake, this tracks). they're both very goal-oriented but in a different way than ash is. i think where ash sees other people are like, a source of insight and inspiration, gary and goh both tend to see them as obstacles (ironically, ash is the first person they each didn't see this way)

also, they both have an interest in like. catching and researching pokemon. gary obviously likes battling too, but in i think showdown at the poke-corral, oak says that gary has caught over 200 pokemon. but he also cares deeply about them all (in jp he often calls his mons some variation of "partner," "honey," "sweetie" and we see him rotate his pokemon a lot - he doesn't have just one team, he switches them out a lot!). goh has a bit of a different approach, yes, but fundamentally i think the interest comes from the same place. and there is no doubt that they both care about their pokemon.

so like. i think those qualities are probably things gary sees, but even more than that, i think he sees a lot of his own worst qualities in goh: arrogant, self-absorbed, putting himself in a position where he is so afraid of people letting him down (though in gary's case, i think this is actually more being of afraid of letting other people down than the reverse) that he doesn't even try to do things that would make him happy or necessarily improve his capabilities as a trainer/research/person in general. but more to the afraid of letting people down point...i think it seems likely that initially gary sees goh as overcompensating for a fear of failure, like he does. but that's not exacty the case with goh, and through more work together it would become a lot more apparent that his issue is actually that he doesn't trust anyone but himself (and ash, by the time they meet - but even then, there are a lot of moments that suggest that trust is tenuous at the best of times). and i think gary would see that as a challenge, too. so idk i'm rambling here but there are just a lot of directions i think you could take with them that are super interesting. gary's position as being, like, an aleady fully-developed character who had to have his big moments of upset, etc. by the time he meets goh make it interesting. lots of opportunity to delve into their parallels and approach them as two people who actually fundamentally make each other better - goh by encouraging gary's own self-awareness and empathy, and gary by pointing out all the flaws in goh's logic because he used to think the same way.

is there an unpopular opinion you have on your ship?

it's like me and 4 other people brain rotting (actually went into the tag the other day out of curiosity and discovered that even though they have over 50 fics on ao3, only 4 aren't a polyamorous or side ship kind of deal so. Yeah) so i don't think there are even any unpopular opinions to be had except maybe that it's a good dynamic and they deserve more love </3

send me a ship!