#talking about the oscars because of him like can you cop on

[aiteanngaelach]

Do you realize that the more you talk about/interact with content about a specific topic or person, the more you’ll see about it? It’s the Tumblr algorithm. If you don’t want to see anything about the Oscars, maybe just don’t like, talk about it or go out of your way to make a post about it using hashtags? Because you quite literally just told the algorithm that it’s a topic you’re interested in lol. That’s like going “I hate flowers, so I’m gonna go to the flowers tag and tell everyone that DOES like flowers to not post about it anymore or they’ll be bLoCkEd” but all Tumblr sees is you interacting with flowers content and posting about it, so they’ll show you more lmao. You can protest the oscars as much or as little as you want, but that doesn’t mean every other person on the internet has to or wants to do the same lmao like tbh I had no idea there even WAS a protest against watching the Oscars?

níl mé ag léamh sin go léir 🙏

[chaoticladyfire]

Things I screamed about in ATSV (spoilers)

-Got to rewatch the film so I’m just going to add the colours changing to warmer tones when Gwen hugs her father. Not even ten minutes in and I was already crying.

-Realised that we missed the Gwen-Vulture fight BUT got to see Jessica Drew enter the scene like a bad ass in her bad ass bike and hearing the audience collectively say ‘me too’ when Gwen asked if Jessica could adopt her. 

-Screaming OSCAR ISAAC when Miguel spoke

-Lyla. Just Lyla.

- ‘Do you say anything other than no?’ ‘No-YES!’ more of miguel and jessica pls

-The Spot’s introduction. I didn’t see any promotional stuff, teasers or even trailers before watching this film so I had no idea who or what the The Spot was which was great because he really went from villain of the week to villain of the movie. And they clearly had a great time choreographing the fight scenes with him

-Miles’ heating up the beef patty while the spot and the convenience store man argue

-Miles patting the spot’s with a ‘good cow’ text

-Gwen and Miles both having to deepen their voices to avoid being recognised by their respective cop dads

-Miles saying that he can get two cakes when the counsellor says you can’t have your cake and eat it too and then bringing two cakes for his father’s party and neither of them saying what he wanted to convey. 

-Rio and Jeff scolding an annoyed miles but instantly smiling when a relative hugs them what an universal experience 

-Gwen teasing Miles for drawing her in his notebook almost obsessively but also breaking the biggest rule to spend time with him knowing the consequences. 

-As they went to talk, my friend leaned over and said ‘yeah I bet they will talk’ and when they only talked he groaned very loudly at which point I had to remind him Miles was only 15 

-Watching Jeff talk to Spiderman about his son not knowing his son is spiderman

-The DJ increasing the volume when Miles’ parents started scolding him in the middle of the party (the real mvp of the movie actually) 

-JK Simmons cameo that no one seems to be talking about??? Embarrassingly enough I had to literally scream into my friend’s ear for most of the people to realise it was indeed JK Simmons

-Just the entire Mumbattan scene. It was so exciting to see my city be represented like that, still a bit cliched in my opinion but not like Slumdog so obviously they have updated their views. Everything from the traffic gag to Pav’s rant about chai tea had the theatre howling. Also the detail of the thought boxes (?) and sounds being written in Hindi 

-Screaming DANIEL KALUUYA

-My friend and I are huge fans of the UK punk scene (her for the ideologies and myself for the music and fashion) so Hobie was a dream come true. He was already super cool with his guitar and mohawk costume but when he revealed his face it was just so amazing

-Gayatri is every indian’s dream girl with her modern shirt-flannel and jeans combo mixed with bangles and piercings I really wish we get to see more of her in the next movie. Anyway there was a lot of wolf-whistling and hooting for her and Pav

-Also Pavitr literally means pure I don’t know if they did that on purpose or not but I love it

-His pet name being Pav cured my soul

-’This is the most emotional I have seen him’ and Captain Singh has no emotions at all

-I want to see how they came up with so many spider designs because each was so unique and immediately endearing. My friend who is also a big dinosaur fan screamed DINOSAUR 

-Kind of obsessed with how detailed Ben Reilly’s arms are they did not need to go that hard with it

-Tom Holland’s Spider-Man being referred to as ‘the little nerd’ by Miguel

-When everyone was making puns about the Spot my friend leaned over and said ‘i wonder which hole the spot prefers’ it is a miracle we are still friends actually

-The Donald Grover cameo!!!

-Peter B Parker having a cute little baby with the love of his life is what he deserves

-Miguel O Hara is one step away from becoming a Batman-Spiderman 

-Hobie’s admiration for Mayday being the avatar of chaos Spider-baby

-Screaming ANDY SAMBERG

-I think they saw the appreciation for the art style in the previous film and then trebled it for this film and I cannot thank them enough for it

-Peter complaining about how Miguel breaks the Spiderman tradition of being funny and witty and Miguel being the first anomaly 

-Every scene with the Spot is very unnerving because as I said, you watch him transform from this joker to a literal void of vengeance and it is every bit of terrifying

-Miguel is a man suffering from the destruction of an entire universe because of his selfish actions and forcing that anomaly narrative on a fifteen year old boy who became a spiderman on accident and doesn’t want his father to die because of that. Unlike the Spot, who isn’t even human anymore, Miguel is drowning in grief and guilt and trying to ignore it by holding the weight of the spider-verse on his shoulder. I hated him so much for making a boy go through that but then I just couldn’t in the end. 

-Andrew Garfield and Tobey Maguire cameo!!! Hopefully we’ll get a fun Tom Holland one too in the next movie.

-’Let me guess, he died?’ being a therapist for Spider Men must be a fairly boring job after a few patients.

-I just loved the absolute of wrongness of the scene where Miles returns ‘home’. The rain and darkness. I didn’t really think about Rio asking Miles what happened to his hair because I thought she was referring to the rain (although of course she wouldn’t ask him why his hair was wet when it was obviously raining outside) but realised something was wrong when he didn’t know about comic con but she did because in the first film there’s a joke about Peter B Parker explaining the concept to Miles. 

- This movie is not good for my father related issues

-The glaring neon welcome sign when the gang end up in Earth 42

-How did Uncle Aaron get even scarier? 

-Miles being the Prowler is honestly a great twist I saw it coming but still felt the shock of the reveal

-Prowler Miles having an accented voice meaning his father probably died when he was young and he only had his mom growing up

-Can’t wait for the original spider team to return for the third film seeing as they brought back Spider-Man Noir and Spider Ham and Peni Parker

-Screaming WHAT when the ‘to be continued’ appeared because that cliffhanger is absolutely destructive. All that adrenaline and excitement just popped. I’m still oscillating between being impressed and being disappointed. 

I probably skipped over a lot of other scenes because these were the most memorable and I only watched the film once (unfortunate) but I can’t wait for the movie to hit streaming services and watch it again and again for all the other details I missed. Ill probably keep adding things as I remember

[nathanbatemanfucker]

Personal Issue

summary: santi invites you to his hotel room the day after your engagement to talk. he says the unexpected— that he’s in love with you.

prompt: "Why did you never tell me?" "It was a personal issue." "You being in love with me kind of also involves me." - @creativepromptsforwriting

pairing: santi garcia x f!reader

contents: get together fic, best friends to lovers, simp!santi (he’s lowkey a lil pathetic but i love him), angst, mental health issues/thoughts of dying, cheating, kissing

wc: 1,966

an: a teeny tiny something bc i miss santi. thanks to @ivystoryweaver for the beta <3

oscar characters masterlist

"Why did you never tell me?" You demand, unable to keep the horror out of your voice.

Santi ignores the way your tone scrapes at the wound in his heart— the wound that’s always been open because of you. Always fresh, unable to heal because of you. You always seemed to be just out of reach, slipping through his fingers for one reason or another.

"It was a personal issue,” He reasons, shoving his hands in his pockets.

He can hardly look at you. It’s humbling. He’s never had an issue with charming a woman, but you aren’t just any woman. You’re his best friend. There are too many eggs in this basket.

You scoff, crossing your arms against your chest, "You being in love with me kind of also involves me."

“I didn’t— things were different before.”

“Different,” You test the word, not at all buying it. It feels like bullshit. Like a cop-out.

“Yes, different. We were kids, and then I was gone all the time.”

“No, Santi, you can’t do this to me.”

Santi smiles, though there is no humor in it. You’re right— he shouldn’t be doing this. Not today, not any day, but he’s finally reached his limit. It’s now or never.

“I don’t really have a choice, now did I, cariño?”

You glare at him, about ready to rip his head off because that‘s not true. You and Santiago have known each other for most of your lives— and you’ve loved him for at least half that. He could’ve told you days, weeks, months, years ago that he felt the same. But in true Santiago Garcia fashion, thinking only of himself and the consequences that sit right in front of him, he’d told you today.

Today wouldn’t be so bad if it wasn’t the day after you’d gotten engaged. No, Santi chose the day after you’d finally given yourself to someone else completely, the day after you promised yourself you’d settle and try to stop loving him. What you’ve wanted for years and years on end has finally come and now it feels like some sort of cruel joke.

“That’s one of the most heinous lies you’ve ever told.”

“The Colombian government would disagree.”

“You know what— get the hell out of here. I don’t want to see you ever again. I can’t believe that you think you can just waltz right in here and—“

Santi takes two long strides towards you, closing the gap between you so that he can cup your face. “Tell me no. Say it. You have to say it to me.”

“Santiago, please,” You plead softly with him, your eyes round with fear. Your hands reach up to grasp his, making futile attempts to pull them away. “Don’t make me choose.”

Santi leans closer, the tip of his nose ghosting yours. His eyes are darker than usual, burning into you, a little angry— though he has no right to be— and a little desperate. “Why? Why not, hmm? He’s not that important, is he? Because you know you’ll choose me, don’t you?”

“Stop. Stop. Do you know how unfair this is? How fucked up it is for you to tell me this?”

Santi’s grip on your face tightens— it’s not painful but it’s frantic. You can feel the urgency in his fingertips. “Yes. Yes, I know. And I’ve always wanted to be better for you. I want to be a good man, I want to be worthy. Not some fucked up guy who’s better at killing than he is at telling the woman he loves how much she means to him. But, I’m not.”

“You could try.”

“I have. Don’t you get it, baby, I have. Yesterday when I saw those pictures. When I saw this—“ He tangles his fingers with your own, twisting your hand so you have to stare the ring sat on your finger in the face.

It glistens and gleams like it taunting you. It’s exactly what you wanted— the right cut, the right material—sparkling even in the dark. Your stomach churns at the sight of it. You shouldn’t have said yes, that much you know for sure. When you went back to your apartment last night you sat in the shower, your tears disguised under its spray. And when you had emerged, you’d made yourself a promise. To be a good and loyal spouse to the man that had actually chosen you.

“It drove me fucking insane. I lost it because I’m losing you. I had to try. If you say no, I’ll never come back. I’ll take assignment after assignment but if there’s even a small chance, baby, that you could still love me— because I know you did…I know you do.”

“I don’t want you gone forever, Santi. I said that because I’m angry.”

“You have every right to be.”

“I don’t need you to tell me that.”

“Then what do you need, huh? Tell me, and I’ll give it to you. Whatever you want.”

There’s more than one answer to that, but you have to give him the right answer. You’d just promised yourself last night that you would move on. Who knew that he would make it so difficult.

With a soft, shaky breath you say, “I…I need you to let me go.”

Santi goes dangerously still, his breath catching. “What?”

“I need you to let me go,” You repeat gently, closing your eyes so you don’t have to face him. “I shouldn’t have come here.”

The words sound syrupy in his ears, far away and unreal. He looks at you with confusion. “You want me to let you go?”

“Yes.”

The sharp anger and desperation in Santi’s eyes fade away, leaving his features soft and round and sad. So markedly sad. He lets his eyes trace your face for memorization; lips and eyes, the slope of your nose. He leans in to kiss your forehead, letting out a soft sigh.

Santi has done wrong by so many others and even done wrong by you. But this he’ll do right. If you want him to let you go then he will. He’ll let you walk out of here and never look back. Maybe he’ll get so involved in his work that he won’t think of you or this moment ever again. Maybe something will take him away completely. He flinches at his thought— it’s been a long time since something that has floated around in his mind like that. Taking a step away from you, he lets you go, fingers aching with the ghost of your skin against his.

You rest your face in your hands for a few moments, trying to pull yourself together. And when you straighten, you’re sure not to look Santi in his, just in his general direction. You’re broken enough and meeting his gaze would surely cause you to fall apart.

“Thank you, Santi,” You whisper, not trusting yourself to speak any louder.

He gives you a stiff nod, “Anything for you.”

Why do those words feel like you’re being stabbed in the heart? If he meant them, then why did he wait so long? Why did he do this to the both of you? Your vision blurs a bit with tears and you quickly grab your coat from where it’s laid on his bed, taking deliberate steps towards the door. Your hand lingers on the doorknob— are you sure that you want to do this? To walk away from the man you’ve always wanted?

“Wait,” He calls after you.

You freeze, but don’t turn towards him— that would be asking for trouble. Trouble you are trying so fucking hard to avoid. “What is it?”

“I just— I have to say it to you one more time because I don’t know if I’ll be able to again.”

“I told you I didn’t want you gone for good, Santi. We don’t have to do this, you can just let me walk away and we can act like it never happened,” You say, though you’re not sure if you’re trying to convince him or yourself more.

“I don’t think I can promise to stick around. I can’t watch you marry someone else. I’m not gracious enough, querida.”

“Okay,” You whisper, the tears in your eyes starting to fall.

“I…I love you. I always will.”

Silence falls between you two, an empty cove. Santi hopes that it’ll be enough, that somehow, miraculously you’ll turn around and run into his arms, telling him that you love him too. Instead, he hears a soft sob and watches as your hand rises to wipe at your face before you straighten up and step out into the hall.

When the door shuts behind you he feels like he’s drowning. Like he can’t breathe. His heart is thrumming loudly in his ears, and he crumbles, letting out a groan as his knees hit the ground.

What the fuck has he done? Lost you forever, and told you that he can’t stick around. That was the last time he would ever see you. A world without you is one he’s sure he doesn’t want to be in.

He’s completely paralyzed with fear. He’s not sure how long he sits on the ground like this, shocked and still, but eventually his body starts to ache so badly he’s unable to ignore it. He crawls to the bed, reaching up to rest his weight on it and lift himself onto it. Here he can rot until he can no longer. Until Frankie or Will or Benny come to bang down the door and figure out what the hell is wrong with him.

It’s not long after that that someone does start knocking on his door. Has it been days? One of them was here already. Santi feels like it’s been minutes and weeks all at the same time, time stretching and squeezing in a way that feels unreal. It takes real effort to rise out of bed and make his way to the door. He doesn’t bother to check who it is, opening it with no reservations.

Maybe he died of starvation or dehydration. He must have been lying there much longer than he thought because it’s you. You’re standing at the door, tear-stained and so goddamn beautiful. This has to be heaven— except he’s undeserving.

“I love you too,” You blurt out.

“What?”

“I love you too,” You repeat. When Santi says nothing, staring at you in a daze you start to ramble. “I tried to go home and I couldn’t sleep. And then I drove around a bunch but I couldn’t stop crying because how am I supposed to live my life without you? Then all of a sudden I was here again. I love you, Santiago.”

“You love me.”

“Yes, I love you. Are you okay?”

Santi feels like his body has recalibrated. “Am I— get over here,” He murmurs, reaching to pull you into his room and crushing your mouth to his.

He presses you against the wall, covering your body with his own as he completely devours your mouth, forcing his way in and sucking at your tongue. All you can do is melt into him, hands scrambling to find purchase in the fabric of his shirt so that you can clutch him closer. His mouth is firm and so sweet. You want to kiss him and kiss him and kiss him for the rest of your life. Something in your brain reminds you that maybe, just maybe, if he loves you as much as he claims he does you will. It has you giggling into his mouth.

He grins into the kiss. “My kissing is funny, is it?”

“Funny isn’t the word I’d use for it but just to be sure— kiss me again?”

“Anything for you,” He murmurs, his mouth capturing yours once more.

santi taglist: @jitterbugs927, @theconsultingdoctor10, @tanzthompson, @clairevoyanceee, @moonmalice, @tiffanypooh, @dearvirtualdiary-blog1, @marc-spectorr, @xbellaxcarolinax, @toracainz, @mccn-bcys, @missdictatorme, @whatthefishh

[chelemlem]

For the prompts: 5 times Oscar takes care of Lando and 1 time Lando takes care of him Back!

ty anon! hope u don't mind that i combined 2 prompts + made it LOVE ISLAND AU ↓ (why is this 1k)

"Watch your step," their driver says sharply, half a second before Lando's loafers slip on a particularly wet patch of earth climbing out the car.

"Cheers, mate," Lando says, heart thundering. Jesus. Fine way to start off his reality T.V career. Week one and out of the running 'cause he split his head open on some fucking rocks. 

Lando extracts his fingers from around the guy's bicep. Huh, not bad. He wasn’t trying to cop a feel, but.

"Anytime."

And he’s back to squinting at something on his digital notebook. Pale and rumpled, he looks out of place in the Majorca sunshine. There's a subtle furrow between his brows, like he’s got a long list of tasks to get through, and Lando’s just the first.

"That was close," George fusses, strategically sliding an arm around Lando's shoulder in a way that both highlights their height difference and show off his delts. One of those posh Cotswold types; harmless enough. Lando'd picked him for his first date because at the end of the day, they wanted the same thing—to win.

"Yeah, scary," Lando blinks up at him. Giggles for the cameras.

 

Lando's going to quit. 

Or like. Sue someone. He stares down at his pre-packaged meal, stomach turning. This was the one thing, the one thing he listed as part of his dietary restrictions, and still—

A shadow falls across his lap.

"Here," the PA from before says. Brown hair, thighs. Oscar?

Lando eyes the unmarked takeaway box hovering in front of him with suspicion. It smells okay. And anything's better than fish.

"Chicken rice," Oscar clarifies, handing him a spoon to match. "Thai okay?"

Oh. Lando gives him a smile, small but genuine. So someone did read the profile they made him write. Who would've thought?

Oscar clears his throat. "If you need anything else, just—I'll be over there."

He hightails it to where Luisa and the other girls are holding court around the firepit, sliding his headset back on as he goes. Nice arse too. 

Crew aren't allowed to speak to the islanders, if Max’s rudimentary Reddit trawl is to be believed, but whatever. Lando's not one for rules anyway.

He tucks into his chicken rice and tries to think of other things he needs. 

"There's a new bombshell arriving today," Oscar casually lets slip at mic-up. Quietly, under his breath.

The fuck? It's only been forty-eight hours since Nyck got here. Or maybe longer—who the fuck knows with the way time passes in the villa. There's nothing to do but tan and flirt, the sun setting on the same listless, lazy day forever. Forever. 

But more importantly—

"They hotter than me?"

Oscar's face does this put-upon little thing before sliding back to neutral. Instead of responding, he winds the mic pack around Lando's waist, bending down to secure it at his hips. 

Lando knows how to do it himself by now. Oscar knows Lando knows.

"By a fair bit, I reckon," he says finally, and escapes before Lando can call him a liar. 

"Also, you've got a terrible poker face. At least pretend to be touched when he surprises you with breakfast." 

"He made me eggs and toast, mate. Not exactly Michelin-star, is it?" Or chicken rice, for that matter.

Oscar sighs. "Next week's vote's going to the public. Just so you know."

Lando's not worried. He's survived this long—longer than Daniel, even, who won fan favourite, week two—so clearly there's something he's doing right.

He sort of wants out, anyway. He misses his phone. God, he misses sex. Everyone talks a big game, but when it actually comes down to it they're fucking, like, shy about doing it in front of the cameras. And the cameras are bleeding everywhere. Lando would know.

The only reprieve, or something like it, is—Oscar. 

He's not exactly forthcoming with chatter, but through the power of being cute and annoying, Lando learns a lot about him anyway. 

Like how he's a fan of the cricket. And he's got three sisters, none of whom give a fuck about the show. And how apparently being a former cub scout makes him some kind of authority on tying people up. 

"Just saying those knots seemed loose, is all." 

Lando feels a smirk coming on. "Watching, were you?" 

Oscar rolls his eyes. "I review the Hideaway footage to make sure it's fit for broadcast, yes."

"Kinky."

"Good job. Really defended my honour there." 

"Fuck off," Oscar says, surprisingly calm for someone with bruises trawling the side of their face.

"Dunno why you thought you could take him. He's got like two stone and six centimetres on you. And Charles heard he's done amateur boxing—"

"Got one decent one in there, at least?"

"Element of surprise, s'all it was."

Lando gives up with the bandages. He has no idea what he's doing—and his hands are shaking too much to be of any real use. Best leave it to medical.

"Oscar," he says, rubbing his eyes. His thumb comes away damp. Christ, this better not end up on telly. "The fuck were you thinking, mate." 

Oscar exhales long and hard. His voice is softer when he says: "Sorry. Wasn't really… thinking."

Lando punches his arm lightly—the good one.

"Next time, just. Ask me out normally, alright?"

"They're not firing me," Oscar's voice sounds stunned through the phone, coloured with relief. It's the most emotion Lando's ever heard out of him. Well, second most. "Did you—?"

"My agent said me and Carlos can call it quits two months after the finale," Lando interrupts. It's important, after all.

There's quiet over the line. He can hear Oscar breathing. In out, in out. 

"And what did you say?"

Lando leans forward, against the dash of his borrowed McLaren. The one he's being paid to drive around in, posting selfies with wine and roses in the passenger's. 

Runner's up is first loser and all that, but. It's still a pretty good deal.

"Told her I'll do two weeks." 

[bestworstcase]

So! That new rwby beyond episode huh?

I can't do intros for shit. Do you think Ozcar's answer to Jaune's question of "Do you think we're gonna make it?" was, in part, them dodging the question? Not revealing how unsure they feel and instead choosing to comfort Jaune with "Around those campfires, did it really matter?" Do you think of that answer as a cop-out, or as a legitimate answer? Both perhaps?

oh oz absolutely thinks they’re not gonna make it. i am so sure about that.

bc the thing is, ozpin thought he’d been at war with salem for centuries, he thought he’d managed to keep her out and whittle away her influence down to almost nothing. right. his whole reason for handling the situation the way he did in v1-3 is he believed that salem wouldn’t leave the shadows, wouldn’t do anything to jeopardize her secrecy. the thing about his paranoia in seeing salem’s hand behind every grimm attack and every period of unrest or war is he had no idea what salem was capable of or how far she would go, but he believed that he did.

within the space of, like, maybe a year and a half, salem has. knocked down beacon academy, forced haven academy to close by assassinating most of its faculty, laid siege to atlas with a fleet of millions of grimm and directly caused atlas to fall, and within a few weeks of that razed vale to the ground. three of his four academies are either destroyed or defunct; two whole countries are just. Gone. it’s been a year and a half!

he. underestimated. really really badly, he underestimated salem and for him this past year has been a harrowing journey of discovering exactly how badly he underestimated her. a year and a half and they’ve gone from “unprecedented era of peaceful prosperity” to desperate last stand. oz hasn’t been in such dire straits since the final battle of the great war when he resorted to using two relics to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, and now one of those is within salem’s reach, and if they take the sword out of its vault that’s just one step closer to salem getting her hands on it.

like, oscar annihilated her millions of grimm in atlas and a few weeks later she turned around and flattened vale.

this is not a fight they can win. and i think oz is painfully aware of that. (the whole point is that the only way out is through negotiation. they have to stop fighting her and start talking to her.)

but i also think he meant “around that campfire, did it matter?” very genuinely because he found his hope again when he returned in atlas, and the situation being hopeless has no bearing on how he chooses to look at it or how he chooses to act. so things are very very bad but oz is, emotionally, in a much better place now than he was at the beginning of the story when things appeared to be okay. it’s the next step from “fear isn’t worthy of our concern”

[kichona-s]

@cx-boxbox tagged me, so heres my updated answers (i think)

Who is your favourite driver?

ZHOU GUANYU MY KING

Do you have other favourite drivers?

i have a list ranking 1 through 10 (but i guess now its 1 to 9 rip logan) ok but 2nd and 3rd are Oscar and Max respectively (there is a Very Good Chance that max overtakes him though like. i am being Influenced)

Who is your least favourite driver?

gonna cop out here and say that i really really hate pierres hair (not him just his hair. it looks like a mushroom cap wtf)

charles' hair is also a bitch to draw

Do you pull for drivers or do you like teams as well?

bro my fav driver is zhou if i liked teams id be in for a world of suffering

If you like teams what teams do you pull for?

no

How long have you been into F1?

jan!

What got you into F1?

my sister yapping about oscar for 1 month straight, then i read @nyoomfruits's purring in my lap and the rest is history

Do you enjoy fic/rpf?

bro... what do u think bro...

How do you view new fans?

id still consider myself a new fan ngl i dont really know a lot about the actual racing side of f1 LMAO

If you could take over as team principal for any team, who would it be and why?

SAUBER PLS GIVE THEM USABLE CARS??? PLEASE???????

Are your friends and family into F1?

my sister got in before me so theres that - the most ive influenced my friends is getting one of them to call carlos a man kisser

Are you open to talking to other fans/making friends?

you'll have to make the first move because i will never

tagging u bro but if youve done this just ignore me so i can have a bit of my dignity left: @loquarocoeur

[the-hinky-panda]

The Tremont Tempest: Chapter 5

Warnings: Descriptions of a sexual assault. 

Jonas Bronck Park

17 months ago

Mike has no idea what he’s looking for but what else is new? He’s been chasing leads, losing witnesses left and right to either pay offs or hits, and still healing from the wounds of his undercover failure. The blood loss had been significant but fixed relatively easily with a transfusion. The stab wounds missed major arteries and organs, leaving only muscle damage, which he’s still doing to physical therapy to regain his fitness. Speaking of fitness, his legs are burning at the moment as he treks off trail in one of the many wooded parks in the Bronx. One of his contacts told him he should head out here, have a look around…

He looks at the compass on his phone, the longitude latitude numbers as he wanders through the woods. He comes to a stop on a ridge in the middle of the woods, standing at the exact coordinates. It’s the early morning, three thirty to be exact. He checks his notes from the informant. 

“Look for the broken tree.” 

He turns the flashlight on on his phone and shines it around the area. About five feet in front of him, it lands on a tree that had been blown over, the trunk snapped and jagged. He goes over to it and continues to shine his flashlight around the area. Down from the tree in a small flat area, he sees something hanging on a tree branch. He climbs down the embankment and as he gets closer, he sees multiple things. Scraps of clothing, probably sixty or seventy pieces of cloth. No. Not just cloth. 

Underwear. 

He crosses himself. “Dios mio.”  

He takes pictures of the tree, tries to get as many up close pictures of the underwear that he can. A fucking rape tree. As if he needed another reason for wanting BX9 out of the Bronx for good. Anger carries him out of the park and back to his apartment. He’s trying to figure out who he can report the tree to that won’t bury this evidence. Who hasn’t Oscar Papa paid off in the NYPD? There was a detective over the Bronx SVU, what was his name? Pluto? Fido? It was a dog’s name, Mike remembers that. He was one that was making noise over there, pointing fingers at inept and crooked cops. He might be a good one. 

He gets back to his apartment, unlocks the four out of the five deadbolts on his door, picks up the paper, and then clears his home. He needs to look up the name of that detective, see if he can meet with him, talk to him, feel him out to see if there is a bite to his bark.  He googles Bronx detective whistleblower and immediately the name Terry Bruno pops up. Bruno, that’s it. Next, he goes through his contacts until he finds the number for Bronx SVU and calls. Two rings and an automated message comes on: Thank you for calling the Bronx SVU. At this time, we are experiencing an influx of phone calls and wait times may vary from sixty to ninety minutes. If this is an emergency, please hang up and dial 911. If this is not an emergency, please remain on the line until an available officer can speak with you. 

Sixty to ninety minutes? What the hell is happening down there? As soon as the thought crosses his mind, the answer is immediately provided by the newspaper headline: Detective Terry Bruno files lawsuit against Bronx SVU for wrongful termination. Mike’s eyes zero in on the ax that slices through his only lifeline, termination. Bruno isn’t even a detective there anymore. The SVU is going to be scrambling trying to cover their tracks right now. Piles of evidence is most likely being dumped into the incinerator which is why no one is answering the phone. 

“Fuck.” 

He ends the call and fights the urge to throw it against the wall. He rubs his hands over his face, his fingers slipping down to the new tattoo on the side of his neck. He had just gotten it last week. It had been Gabby’s birthday and he wanted to do something to memorialize her because no one else in the neighborhood was going to do anything for some stripper in a sticky floored bar. He had the tattoo placed there, the point on his neck where her head always inevitably fell, even after death when he held her on the blood-slicked kitchen floor. Now, he presses the pads of his fingers into the still sore skin. 

What is he doing wrong? What does he need to do differently? Or is he just destined to fail no matter what? 

***

Bronx River High School

Later that day

You had just finished a tenth grade class where students were doing peer edits of their final essays on symbolism found in “The Tempest.” You had helped guide discussions, modeled how to properly and kindly critique others' work. The students had been responsive, some even grateful, for the chance to fine tune their writing before submitting a final version at the end of the week. You were saying your goodbyes to the students when Dr. Caban stepped into your room. One of your new students, a young man named Albert, stops by Dr. Caban and gives him a wary look. 

“Albert, have you met our principal, Dr. Caban yet?” 

He shakes his head. “No, teach.” 

Dr. Caban extends his hand. “Albert, very nice to meet you. Welcome to Bronx River High.” 

Albert cautiously takes the offered hand. “Thanks.” 

“Albert’s writing about the symbolism of Prospero’s books in Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest,’” you add. “He makes some very solid points and explains them well. He’s quite a strong writer.” 

Caban smiles kindly. “You’ll have to share your final revision with me, Albert. She doesn’t praise student’s writing very often. In fact,” he winks, “ you should hear what she says about the writing in my emails.” 

Albert nods. “Alright, okay. I’ll, uh, I’ll send you my final essay.” 

Albert leaves and Caban motions to him. “Bright boy.” 

“He is, very much so. He just came to New York from El Salvador. His attendance is still shaky but he could just be becoming used to the routine here. I’m keeping an eye on him. He has a lot of potential.” 

“That’s what I wanted to talk to you about, if you have a minute.” 

If it were anyone else, that phrase would make you nervous. But you’ve known and worked with Dr. Caban since the start of your teaching career. He’s seen you from the first day in the classroom, through your cancer treatments, your divorce, and your rise to the English department head. “Of course. What do you need?” 

“More teachers like you,” he responds kindly. “Actually, more administrators like you. Our Dean of Students is taking an admin position over in Brooklyn Heights next year. I would like to see you fill the role.” 

You’re stunned. You had gotten your administrative certificate just as a fallback, a just in case kind of career plan. You never intended to leave the classroom. But you know Dr. Caban wouldn’t ask you to make this move if he didn’t think you would do well in it. “I, uh, I don’t know what to say.” 

“The pay would be more, the benefits would be better. But I want you there because the students love you. They’ll listen to a dean that they feel will hear them.” 

“But I love to teach.” 

“I know, and you’re excellent at it. But when opportunities to move forward, to move up, are presented to you, you should take them.” He gives you a wide smile. “Besides, when have I ever steered you wrong?” 

He had a point. “Alright, I’ll think about it.” 

“That’s all I’m asking.” 

Something feels off about the exchange. Dr. Caban had always encouraged you to follow your gut whenever it came to teaching a concept or interacting with a student. His response now seems pushy, maybe even…no, you’re just not comfortable with the idea of being in a more administrative position. You remind yourself of the idea that you teach to your students: growth only occurs when you’re uncomfortable. 

***

You feel like a teenager again as you get up the next morning and get ready for work. For once, the clearing of your apartment last night resulted in no findings. No notes, no bottles of wine. All that Mike found was a blanket on the couch that you forgot to fold and a couple dirty dishes in the sink that you were too tired to clean. You and Mike had enjoyed the food from the Havana Cafe and the bottle of wine while sitting on your couch. 

You fix your hair, twisting the riotous curls into a dignified style to keep your hair from getting in your face while remembering how Mike’s hands felt sliding through the curls last night. The broad span of his palms as they held your cheeks, the pads of his fingers pressing into your scalp. It seems like a shame to slide lipstick on, wanting to preserve the feel of Mike’s lips on yours. You’d never been kissed like you had been last night. 

Mike kissed like he did everything else, with complete focus, conviction, and passion. It had been so long since someone had not only kissed you, but kissed you like they wanted you. All of you. It had been overwhelming and heady. There was an undercurrent of excitement that ran through your body, the kind that you hadn’t felt for such a long time. You wanted to feel it again. But before things progressed past the kissing, his phone had rung and he had been called back to the precinct. He had said he was going to try to make it into the school this afternoon but you don’t know how far into the night he had to work. So you ready yourself for your day with slightly trembling hands and a silly grin on your face. 

You make your way into the office, opening your door and are immediately greeted by half the Manhattan squad of SVU. Captain Benson is back and introduces a new face, Sargent Tutuola. Your cousin Terry saunters in, takes one look at you, and grins. Doctor Caban is the last person to join you all in your office and he shuts the door for privacy. Of course it’s your cousin who outs you in front of everyone that’s gathered for the debriefing. 

“Well, who is he?” Terry asks. 

You shuffle papers on your desk. “Mind your own damn business, Ter.” 

“He, who?” Dr. Caban asks. 

You shake your head. “Nothing. Detective Bruno is my cousin and likes to instigate things.” 

“I mean if you’re seeing someone,” Terry continues, “we should probably know who it is. For the investigation’s sake.” He ends the sentence with a shit-eating grin. 

“I plead the fifth, thank you.” 

Benson speaks up. “I do think we should know if you’re dating someone. It’ll give us someone else to talk to, maybe they’ve noticed something you haven’t.” 

You sit down behind your desk and hold Benson’s eye for a beat longer than necessary. “We’ve already discussed this.” 

She nods once in understanding but the downturn of her mouth tells you what she thinks of the situation. Thankfully, she doesn’t say anything else about it. “Alright, this is what we have so far. All the notes and the wine bottle didn’t have fingerprints on them. The paper is cardstock that is found throughout this school and many others in the state. We do have the video of the woman from the convenience store.” 

Caban pushes his glasses up his nose. “There was a woman at a convenience store?” 

Benson nods. “ Yes, the bodega owner has the person who bought the wine on video but he didn’t recognize her from the neighborhood. Velasco and Muncy are trying to identify her as we speak. Fin, you and Bruno went out to Long Island to talk to Charles Murrary yesterday afternoon. Anything come from that?” 

“I could have saved you a trip out to Long Island,” you say. “Charlie and I still talk from time to time. He’s a little too busy and quite happy with his wife and four kids to care about me.” 

Terry shoots you a pointed look and grimace but neither one of you says anything. You know his feelings about Charlie and how things shook out after your cancer diagnosis. You can only imagine how that interview went yesterday. Maybe you should shoot Charlie a text to see how badly Terry questioned him and see if you need to smooth any ruffled feathers. 

“So here’s what I’d like to do next,” Benson adds. “Dr. Caban and I will go over a list of teachers and staff to see if any of them stand out as possible suspects. Bruno and Fin can brainstorm with you to come up with any other people that you may have noticed hanging around you lately. Someone from the neighborhood, parents, store clerks.” 

You nod. “Okay, sounds good.” 

Caban gives you a light touch on your shoulder and a smile before following Benson out of your office. He closes the door behind them and Terry immediately leans forward in his chair. 

“Who’s the new guy?” 

Before you can shoot off a retort, Fin interjects. “I don’t want to get in the middle of family issues here, but I’m with Bruno. It might be helpful to know who the new boyfriend is.” 

You drop the pen that you had been fidgeting with onto the desk. “Fine but I don’t even know how serious this thing is yet.” 

“Fine,” Terry agrees, “I’ll hold off on the background and credit check. Who is he?” 

“It’s Mike.” 

“Duarte?” Terry prompts. 

“Yeah,” you confirm. 

“Well shit,” Fin sits back in his chair. “Liv isn’t going to like that.” 

“Liv and I have already had a conversation about how Mike isn’t the stalker. He’s had multiple opportunities to take advantage of me and hasn’t done one thing that raises a concern.” 

Terry sighs. “To be fair, you did marry Charlie.” 

Fin shrugs. “What happened with you and Charlie? Cuz over here got real quiet when I asked him why the two of you divorced.” 

You’re surprised that Terry didn’t blast Charlie when Fin asked about him. Terry’s opinion of your first husband always had been less than stellar. “Charlie and I just…wanted different things.” 

“That’s one way of putting it,” Terry mutters. 

“Look,” Fin starts, “I know this is tough. Having all of us here, digging into your life, your past, it’s invasive. But having someone stalk you is dangerously invasive. The more information, even the embarrassing things, can help us.” 

“On a professional level,” Terry says, “anything you say in here stays between us. We might see something in the information that you don’t. And trust me, we’ve heard worse than what happened with you and Charlie.” 

You pick up the pen again and click it a few times. “Alright, fine. Charlie and I met in college. We were both education majors. We got married two days after graduation, he went to work at an elementary school, and I came here to teach. Two years later, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Between the hysterectomy and chemo treatment, I obviously couldn’t have any children of my own. Charlie always wanted children but I couldn’t give them to him. So we divorced.” 

Fin motions for you to continue. “That’s it?” 

“That’s it. He met his current wife at the elementary school. She’s a kindergarten teacher and was able to give him his…legacy.”

“Duarte’s looking pretty good now, isn’t he?” Terry quips. 

“No shit,” Fin agrees. 

“So that’s why I don’t think it’s Charlie,” you state. “Charlie has exactly what he’s always wanted. There’s no reason whatsoever for him to stalk me.” 

Terry stands. “Well, maybe Benson and Caban can come up with some names for us to track down. But until then-” 

“I’ll keep in touch,” you promise. 

***

Mike looks down at his phone and smiles as he takes another sip of bourbon. 

Teenagers and Shakespeare do not mix well. God love them for doing their best though.

He had been tied up with leads, strategizing, and paperwork all afternoon that he never made into the school today. He had been afraid after last night  you would take his disappearance personally. God, he didn’t want to leave last night. Everything had been perfect for once. Nothing had been found in the apartment, the food was excellent, it was the first time he had felt like he could breath. And then you stole it away from him when you kissed him. 

He had texted you about the day getting away from him and you had messaged back that you were facing similar circumstances. The principal that was supposed to show up for the Shakespeare play this evening had to cancel due to a sick baby at home so the duty of attending fell to you. So he opted to have a drink at the Bronx Beer Hall while exchanging text messages with you. 

What play is it? 

Taming of the Shrew. There’s a pause.  At least I think that’s what this is. 

Any plays you’ll need to attend on Saturday night? 

Nope, no theater productions are being held on Saturday. What do you have in mind? 

I was just thinking I could go for some Italian. 

Oh really? I was thinking of trying some more Cuban. 

He smiles. I guess the kids aren’t the only lousy acts this evening. 

I suppose not. I don’t know if you’re ready for Bella Luna yet. 

Why not? 

My Aunt runs it. Terry’s mom, Carla. She’ll throw you in the meat locker in the back and interrogate you.

Wouldn’t be the first time someone’s done that. 

What?! 

Long story. Sounds better with a good bottle of wine. I’ll be back in school tomorrow and we can settle on where to go on Saturday. 

Ok. The lights just came up. Oh dear God, it’s only intermission. I may pull the fire alarm. 

That’s premeditation now. Better find another way. 

“Well, you look happy.” 

Mike looks up from his phone and sees Benson standing next to his chair. “Captain. To what do I owe this visit?” 

She orders a glass of wine as she takes the barstool next to him. “A friendly warning.” 

All good naturedness bleeds out of him. “Alright then.” 

“Dr. Caban is convinced that you are the stalker.” 

That doesn’t surprise him. “Dr. Caban was against me coming into the school in the first place. He’s been looking for a reason to get me kicked out. Let me guess,” he drains his glasses and motions for a second one, “you agree with him.” 

“Actually, I don’t.” She laughs humorlessly. “I talked to a lot of teachers and students today and they all spoke very highly of you. Those kids in that school love Mr. Mike.” 

He smiles at the nickname the students have come to refer to him. “Alright, so the staff and kids vouched for me. I already know that Caban is gunning for me. What’s the warning?” 

She fiddles with the stem of the wineglass. “The way that Caban was gunning for you, wanting me to focus on you and only you, it was odd.” 

Mike leans back on the barstool. “You think he’s the stalker?” 

“Him or maybe his son. I have Velasco looking at Caban’s family, see if he has a sister. Muncy is reaching out to some gang contacts to see if the son has been approached by BX9 or if he’s involved, it’s just a solitary fixation.” 

Mike stares down in the amber liquid and sighs. “If the Cabans are involved in this, it’s going to break her heart. Caban was her mentor when she was student teaching. She equates everything she learned about teaching to him.” 

“Betrayal never comes from enemies.” 

That is certainly true. “Amen.” 

“Where is she tonight?” 

He picks up his phone and turns it over. There are no new texts from you but it could be that the second act has started. “She’s at the Shakespeare play at the school. It should end in another hour.” 

Benson pulls out her phone. “I can have Fin or Bruno make sure she gets home safely.” 

“I can finish this off and go see her home, that’s fine.” 

“You sure?” 

“Yeah, I’m sure.” It’s an excellent excuse to surprise you at the school, to see you again. 

She finishes her glass of wine and reaches for her purse. “Are you sure I can’t drop you at the school?” 

“Nah,” he waves her off and finishes his drink. “I’ll walk. It’s not that far. And the play should be letting out by the time I make it there.” 

“Okay, well, let me know if you change your mind.”

He throws some money down the bar to pay for both of their drinks. “Is this your way of apologizing to me?” 

Benson opens her mouth but closes it as she rethinks her answer. “It’s not so much an apology as it is…an understanding. You’re right. The Bronx is a completely different animal compared to Manhattan. But talking to those students today, you guys are making a difference in those kids' lives. It may not be the way I would deal with the problem, but at least the problem is being dealt with.” 

“Well, if that’s the closest I get to an apology tonight,” he grabs his phone and stands up from the barstool, “then I will sleep soundly.” 

Benson laughs and shakes her head. “Just know that I wish Terry’s cousin the best of luck with you.” 

He laughs as well. “Well, thank goodness she’s used to dealing with people with behavioral issues.”

He sees Benson to the towncar and waves her off for the night before heading down to the school. It’s early spring, the night is unusually warm, a positive reminder that warmer days are on the horizon. But he’s worried about what Benson told him about Caban. If Caban really were the stalker, it truly would devastate you. He had also looked into Caban’s son’s record and the boy was an upstanding citizen and student. He really hoped that Benson was wrong on this one. He passes by the bodega where the wine had been bought and catches sight of Roberto behind the counter. Checking his watch, he sees he still has some time to kill so he goes inside. 

“Hey, Cap!” 

“Hey, Roberto.” He doesn’t really need anything but knowing the news that he may need to break to you prompts him to do something he hasn’t done for six months. “Can I get a pack of reds?” 

“Sure,” Roberto reaches around and grabs the pack of cigarettes. “I thought you gave these things up a while ago.” 

Mike shrugs. “Old habits, I suppose.” 

Roberto shrugs and starts to ring him up when the door opens and two teens in hoodies walk in. They both look at Mike and Roberto before moving towards the back of the store. Mike turns to Roberto who just nods and Mike sees one hand press the emergency call button under the counter and the other hand wraps around the handle of a baseball bat. Mike draws his weapon but keeps it at his side as Roberto comes from behind the counter. 

“They might be letting their friends in from the back,” Mike says. 

Roberto motions to the sidewalk in front of the store. “Let’s get out there at least.” 

As soon as Mike reaches for the handle of the front door, it swings open as three more teens rush them. He manages to get off one shot but the flash of a machete comes down on his right hand and forces him to drop his gun. Roberto is swinging the bat as best he can in the confined space but Mike feels a blade cut into his arm, his shoulder, his back. He hits the ground as Roberto keeps swinging, trying to hold the teens at bay but Mike can see the blood dripping off Roberto as well. 

He can hear the sirens in the distance and prays they reach them in time. 

***

You were so happy to hear the last line of the play and see the lights come up in the auditorium. The kids made a very valiant attempt at tackling Shakespeare and you gave them props for that. But you were tired and ready to crawl into bed and sleep for at least a few hours before getting up and coming back tomorrow. You go back to your office to pick up your coat and purse when someone knocks on your door, causing you to jump. 

“Oh,” you laugh, “Dr. Caban, you startled me.” 

“Sorry about that,” he smiles easily at you. “I was hoping I could talk to you for a moment.” 

“I’m very tired-” 

“I understand. This won’t take long.” 

“Okay,” you sigh and set your purse down on your desk. “What’s up?” 

He closes the door behind him. “I really enjoyed the play tonight. Taming of the Shrew. It was always one of my favorites of Shakespeare.” 

Your skin starts to prickle, your palms sweaty. “Really? I was always a fan of Midsummer Night’s Dream.” 

“You always do enjoy the more fantastical stories of literature, don’t you?” 

“I suppose.” 

Caban stops just a couple feet away from you. “What do you see in him? That Duarte guy?” 

Something is terribly, terribly off at the moment, and you swallow down the bile that has risen to your throat. “I don’t understand-” 

“Yes, you do.” He lays his hand over yours. “I can, I have offered you so much more than he ever could. I gave you your career, your skills, your positions. I put you in this office, next to me. You deserve everything that I’ve given you and more. And I can give it to you. If you let me.” 

“Dr. Caban-” You try to slip your hand from his but his grip tightens to the point of pain. 

“Just stop!” He closes his eyes and releases a breath through his nose. “Stop.” 

“Please,” your eyes dart to the closed door. “Please, just let me go.” 

He shakes his head. “I’ve watched you go every night for the last twelve years. I can’t do it anymore. Not after those clandestine lines from the Bard himself.” 

“Please, just let me go.” You feel tears starting to form in your eyes, the buzz of adrenaline bursting through your veins. But Caban had an iron grip on both your arms now. You were wedged against the curve of the desk, your back against the hardwood with Caban pressing closer against the front of your body. He lays his cheek against yours, his lips against your ear as a tear slips from your eye. 

“‘Tis a wonder,’” he whispers the last line of the play, “‘by your leave, she will be tamed so.’” 

“I don’t…please, I don’t want this.” 

“Oh, my fiery Kate, you don’t mean that.” 

You’re shaking with fear, looking for any escape route when you hear voices in the outer office. Caban stiffens with surprise and you take the only chance at escaping this situation and yell for help. Caban’s hand cracks across your cheek with enough force you see stars momentarily and leaves you dazed. You manage to scream again which earns a second strike across your face but you’re able to hear the splintering of the door to your office as someone kicks it in. 

“Hands where we can see them!” 

There’s a scuffle around you before Caban is pulled away and you fall back against the desk. Before you can regain your balance, someone has your arms and is pushing you towards your office chair. You hear your name being repeated and recognize the voice speaking it. 

“Terry…” 

“Yeah, it’s me,” he says, his fingers skating over your face where Caban’s hand had struck you. “Are you okay?” 

You nod numbly. “Yeah, I think so.” 

“Did he-” 

“No,” tears start to fall in earnest. “No, he didn’t.” 

“Okay. Okay,” he looks behind him before refocusing on you. “We’re going to have to head over to the hospital.” 

You take in a couple deep breaths. “I’m okay, I promise.” 

Fin is standing at the door of your office. “Caban’s in handcuffs. I’ll wait for Velasco. Get her over to the hospital.” 

You start to assure them both that you’re okay, just dazed and out of sorts when you catch the look in Terry’s eyes. “What else has happened?” 

Terry sighs. “Mike was jumped along with a bodega owner tonight by BX9.” 

[isca-tide]

6x02 Last one for the night. Here we go.

Heh. This should still be Zaddy Cop and about Tim, but I do love this song. It's insanely catchy. Yes Celina, dance girl! Eh, you know, Bailey and Nolan have grown on me. I still don't like when they take up so much time in episodes all the time, every now and then is fine, but it is what it is. God, Grey and Luna are the cutest. Department mum and dad will always save the day. Oh Aaron, baby.

Tim honey no, you need to talk. I do get it though. They're both deflecting and frustrated and it's so much easier to talk about things in the future instead of the now. And just keep putting off that future for the next future. Tim and Lucy I love you deeply and you work together so well, but your personal communication issues really need some work. Lady, get your dog to the vet right away. Why would you even wait?! Ugh. Monica. I can't even appreciate Oscar anymore because of Monica. Oh Lucy. Her coffee tumbler really is a little support blanket for her. Someone hug her, please. Angela, honey. You are in the line of fire, stay safe. But also please work your magic and get them back together in S7. Or help them in S7. They need to work on themselves to get back together, but please. Work that magic. Because the writers dropped the ball on your supportive nature in S6 and I need it back thank you. Just clinging to the little moments where they smile at each other or she touches his arm and he touches her back. Drinking raindrops off of petals in the desert. The gifsets are right. Tim was never going to let Lucy fight The Hammer. But I do love the teasing. The little 'you got this'. And how she gets so concerned as the fight progresses. She's mad at him but no-one hurts her man. I mean, in reality both these men are severely injured at this point, but reality is dull. Ugh. Writers why would you do this very obvious thing to us only to have them break up a few episodes later? You better give us the real deal in S7 I swear to god. I want a proposal by then end of S7. I mean maybe S8 would be more natural progression for a slow burn back together, but I'm not sure I can wait for S8. I think they're safe from cancellation, so we don't have to worry about the show getting cancelled before we get proper resolution, but still. I'd just rather it sooner. You never know what might happen down the line. I do love Chastity, I have to say. Pete is always a bit eh for me, but Chastity has grown on me so much.

Tim, you're pretty much spot on. And Chastity, so insightful. It's absoltuely true that Tim does have an issue with it, but yeah. Ugh, I just really needed Lucy to acknowledge she's scared and deflecting. Maybe in S7 I guess. Her cute little smile though when she's off the call from Tim. Mad or not, she loves her man deeply. Nyla's 'run'. But also Nyla's accidental foreshadowing, since Lucy is severely lacking a support system outside of Tim. I mean she isn't, the writers just really dropped the ball and made it look like she did. Oh his soft smile, his soft eyes. Just for her. Also my god, she knows exactly what she's doing to him when she gets in so close. God they're so tactile with each other. So the bug question is a baseline, she already knows the answer and this just confirms it properly. I think the same is true for the love question. I don't think this is the first time he's said it to her, because she's not surprised or giddy or overjoyed. She looks at the monitor to confirm what she already knows, because he's said it before. I wish we'd seen it before but nothing can convince me otherwise unless they say it in canon. And then they're wrong. It's a cute moment, I love it, but no way these two haven't said this before. If it was the first time she would 100% say it back then and there. Like in S5, knowing and being okay are two different things. I think if she'd asked if he supported her being a UC then it might have come back as true. But wanting and supporting are two different things. I mean lie detectors are nonsense anyway but in the universe of the show, we'll trust it. But he supports her. Even if he wishes he didn't. But having been through what he has, seen what he has? Why would he want that life for her? For him? He's so shocked. He was so sure. I'm glad it helps him confront the fact he's been forcing his real feelings down, but I wish we'd had a reversal for Lucy too. Her using the lie detector, realising she's deflecting, and she's a lot more unsure of UC than she realised. Wesley and James, you sweetpeas. I wish I could just wear a suit. Them not turning up together hurts so much though. I like to think maybe she got there early to help out with preparations. She's obviouly a little bit miffed but I want to think they always planned to go separately anyway. Luna, absolute angel. Lucy next to her bff James. I'm kidding but I really want more of Lucy and Wesley and James. I think they'd be an adorable trio. You really couldn't give us a hand hold or something, show? Leaning against his shoulder during the vows? A little glance? Nothing? Cruel. Just cruel. Eh, the vows themselves are a little. Eh. I'm just going to say it. Maybe if I was more into Bailan I'd find it cuter but it's just...ya know. It'll be nothing compared to the Chenford wedding, which we're absolutely getting. Where's Henry's wife btw? Did they mention? Or maybe they're not married yet but still. Guess they couldn't get the actress back for this episode. Tim go and dance with your wife! Also their little smiles for each other across the dancefloor. Celina and Aaron our new co-captains checking in on our ship. Oh Aaron, sweetie. I mean I don't blame you at all, Celina is gorgeous and wonderful and amazing. But oh, yeah. Ouch. But also Aaron, you have a station full of people with trauma. Lucy has always said she's there for you and she has heaps of trauma. Side note, I need Luna and Lucy having a girl's day out.

Okay back to Chenford. My god these two. Even when they're at odds, they just love each other so much. The way she touches him. Always a hand on his chest and over his heart. Her little 'hmms'. Tim's darling smile just for her. Aaron, are you the new Tamara? Let us have more than 30 seconds please for the love of god. God Tim looks so pissed before he schools his expression back to something more neutral. He was having a moment, Aaron!

Now he knows Aaron isn't a threat but he also knows he's drunk and a bit too much, so he slides an arm around Lucy to keep her close to him, and makes sure to keep Aaron the other side and at arm's length away. Lucy instantly looking for Celina because she can sense something happened. Celina, this is why you tell people where you're going please. After last time with Aaron when you said you should've called it in. Okay so Lucy and Tim totally made out in some secret dark corner. Maybe not full on hooking up, but that woman has a smile and some pep in her step. They absolutely made out. A lot. I need more fics of that too, thank you. And just general after the wedding and saving Celina fics. Those two need some make-up sex. Stat.

Lucy taking point. My girl. Tim on her six. And now I take a break until tomorrow. Not that I'm putting off getting to *that* episode. No sireee.

[wumiings]

You ever start making a post and then realize you need to be making a completely different post? Well this is that.

I know that many many people have already discussed the ways in which the lessons Merlin is taught by both Gaius and Kilgharrah (that [1] it’s his job to prove there can be Good Wizards and [2] a Good Wizard is defined by their willingness to maintain the status quo) fuck him up badly and lead to him preaching those same lessons at other righteously angry magic users

But I just get angrier and angrier the more I think about it because I’ve seen what that rhetoric does to people!! I’ve lived it!!

I remember the quiet shame my father (a black man) expressed when we talked about Will Smith hitting Chris Rock at the Oscars last year - the look on his face as he guiltily explained, “It’s not that I think it’s his responsibility to represent us all in front of the white folks exactly… it’s just that I wish that the first time someone struck someone else at this awards show, it hadn’t been a black man who did it.”

He knew on a logical level that a man’s actions (whatever you think of them) couldn’t be weighed morally on the basis of ‘how it makes us look,’ but he was raised to keep that idea constantly in mind: “Every time you step out of the house, you are representing your race to the world, so don’t do anything that reinforces negative stereotypes,” is one of the first lessons he remembers learning as a child.

And I do it too! Two years ago, my dad and I got pulled over while driving my (white) mom’s car downtown- one of her taillights was out or something idk- and for some reason her vehicle registration papers weren’t in the glove box that day. Naturally, dad and I were both freaking the fuck out, so I did exactly what all logic suggested was the safest thing to do:

[1] Emphasize that it was my mother’s car (hoping the clearly-skeptical cop would extrapolate her whiteness from the difference in my and my dad’s skin tones), [2] mention that my mom works at the local hospital, while my dad was out of town and would be Leaving Soon, [3] specifically refer to the fact that I’m a college student (educated and therefore Civilized according to the standards of the dominant class)

So, yeah, basically the message was “It’s okay, we are Assimilated! We have connections to Whiteness! And if you still don’t trust us, don’t worry, because we don’t intend to overstay our welcome in your community!”

And it fucking worked. We got out of there with a ticket and matching anxiety attacks, and my dad refused to drive my mom’s car again for the rest of his visit, and we were fine.

But we weren’t fine because we’d somehow- by playing the game- convinced the cop that black people weren’t as untrustworthy as he had been assuming. We did not leave him just a little less racist than he had been before. We were just (very tentatively) stamped “some of the good ones”.

That is what Gaius and (increasingly over time) Merlin spend the whole show doing. That is what Merlin tries to teach Gilli to do in “The Sorcerer’s Shadow”. And, hey, it’s a survival strategy! It isn’t unreasonable as a member of a minority group to try and keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

But what it isn’t is an action plan for systemic change. You cannot “one of the good ones” your way into a more equal world. It isn’t about getting enough cops knights to like you personally that they willingly abandon their prejudices and convince the head of government to change the laws.

“Maybe it’s your destiny to change that” my ass, Kilgharrah. It was a bullshit plan. It was always a bullshit plan, and Merlin’s initial instincts (seek out allies in similarly disadvantaged positions and then break the shit out of the law for them) were much more in line with the ‘Emrys, liberator of magic’ persona than any of the shit you and Gaius told him to do.

[lifeonthemurdersim]

Murder OC Week Day 2- The Public

Does the public know about your murder oc, do they know they kill people, how do they act around others, and do they have friends?

Day 2 prompt by @murder-oc-week!

The only murder OC of mine who's known to the general public is Epiphany because she's heiress to both Castillo Hotels and Q-Level Software. They definitely don't know she kills people, prior to the start of the story she was involved in 2 recent kills carried out by her bodyguards who were able to claim reasonable defense of others, and only one kill was carried out by her personally, which was heavily covered up with the help of Oscar, another of her bodyguards. She's known for being flirtatious but not particularly warm or caring, and easily angered. She knows a lot of other socialites and celebrities but honestly she doesn't have any true friends.

Wasei has a devoted following on OnlyFans to the point people occasionally recognise him in the street, but not overly famous. He doesn't really choose to kill, and in terms of the Human Nature universe I don't think he has ever actually killed anyone. If someone were to open him up in any way and get to his heart they could be in for a nasty surprise though. Was is very annoying, mostly from a desperate need for attention, and not everyone can tolerate being around him for very long, but he can be endearing at times, so he does have a few friends, mostly online. In the end of the story he becomes good friends with Hope, with Phi and Azazel semi-tolerating him.

Jevaun is semi-known amongst the supernatural hunting community, if someone's looking for a vampire hunter especially he's going to be in the top 10 or so names they come across. In that sense, he's the only one whose kills are widely known about, obviously not to the cops but to many, many people who have hired him. He's actually a very warm and caring person in his private life; he has quite a lot of friends (one of these is Rahim), he had a husband, Leander, who unfortunately passed away from lung cancer a couple of years prior to the story, and he also has a now adult child.

Azazel's trial in heaven was a fairly famous case, if only because it mirrored his namesake so strongly. As for on earth, he got pretty famous amongst the Expiation Baptist Church, (a cult made in his name ran by some of @snail-eggs's OCs) to the point they mob and worship him like obsessive fans whenever they catch him. He's not killed prior to the start of the story but many have been killed in his name. If he was to kill the angels would know straight away. Azazel is terrified of everything and unfortunately even when he gets to know someone, he's never going to be the most talkative, and they're not necessarily well-versed in human ways, though they're essentially a kind person at heart. Again, he becomes part of a friend group with Hope, Wasei and Phi.

Theo was "campus famous" in college because he was the bassist in a band that often played at student events, other than that, he's not well known. He has killed a few people prior to the story; the ex of someone he was obsessed with in college (framed as suicide), his fiancee and her lover(thought to be guilty but dismissed as no evidence) and someone who tried to stop him getting to MC(thinking along the lines of a doorman to their building, so far he's covered his tracks carefully enough to not get caught). Theo is initially shy but can be a little too intense once you get to know him. He doesn't really have any friends, which is fine with him as he tends to just attach to one person and obsess over them(looking at you, MC!).

Rahim is rich but he's only really known in certain circles. He already came from a privileged background, becoming a college professor at an impressively young age. But his father also gave him some of his shares in a family friend(Dalian Quintana, Epiphany's father)'s software business, which got him interested in shares and stocks, where he did very well and now he rarely teaches. So he's met a lot of famous people but most people wouldn't know who he is. He's known amongst his friends as a philanthropist who helps people he comes across on the streets and "turning their lives around", so it's not treated as very suspicious when some do die in his care. He's generally known as a nice guy who can sometimes act a little standoffish or downright weird partially because his CIPA leads him to various unusual behaviours. Most of his friends are from a group for those who've lost a spouse, one of them being Jevaun.

Xylophia might technically be vaguely known of by some but overall they're not famous, and she hasn't really killed before the start of the story; they would only really kill if they had to. He's very adventurous and sociable and has a lot of friends, though her preference is always to talk 1-on-1 so they can have a deeper, more honest conversation.

Hope is definitely not famous on any account. She's definitely killed at least one person prior to the start of HN, but it was their only way out of the murder time loop they were stuck in. They've also had kills that were rewritten by the timeline so essentially never happened. Hope is initially shy and awkward much like Azazel, who they're close with and have a huge crush on, but beneath the surface they're significantly less innocent than him. Once they know someone well enough they have an intelligent, sarcastic sense of humour and are very loyal. They don't have many friends but again, they eventually find a group of three others she's very attached to... or maybe four...?

Because of course, all of these characters have the ability to get attached to MC too!

[petalboundtovanish]

This will be my last post on Barbie. Some spoilers below.

I've been seeing some posts about how we shouldn't complain that Barbie is too simplistic. That most women don't even think about feminism and only those who are terminally online already know the stuff that was talked about in the film.

And I'm so confused?? Where do you all live? I watched this movie with a conservative woman who doesn't care about feminism and is all about just living our lives. And she liked the movie too, thought it was okay. But later, when we talked and I told her about how some people were hailing it as revolutionary, she was confused too. Because it's all stuff she knows about already.

In my experience, it isn't that women don't notice the injustice. It's just that they are indifferent about it. Whether it's about how husbands stole from their wives to write, or how violent cops are to their families . The reactions mostly vary from:

Yes, I knew that.

Ah, well that's just how things are.

This is where, for me, the disappointment about Barbie comes in. Because the movie does the same thing. It points out all these problems that men caused and does nothing about it. No, I didn't expect the Barbies to go on a Ken killing spree. But there was no reason to spend so much time on Ken in the first place. To apologize to him, to give him sympathy. Give him time. It would've been much better to ignore him. It's like one of those men need love too posts. They just turned women into their servants. Why are we still sympathizing with them?

In the end, the movie became about Ken. Sure, some women are talking about the message. But most news are about Ryan Gosling. Let's hear the amazing song Ryan sang for the movie. Is anyone else addicted to I'm Just Ken? Wow!! Ryan did amazing. I love Ken. Ryan deserves an Oscar. Where can i get the Kenough shirt?

Which pretty much summons mainstream feminism nowadays. Yup, let's focus on the men. They suffer, too. While ignoring the fact that they are culprits. So it's okay to be disappointed.

As a parting note, I will say that I exclude teenage girls from what I wrote. I do think that this movie will be good for some of them and will awaken feminist thoughts. As for the rest of you... if you need Barbie for feminism, good luck to you.

[twilightguardian]

I know I shouldn't expect anything to come from this, but Lilith posted something that actually excites me. Because it's something you can actually chew on and discuss.

(Why bring up Critter here? Is she just a posterchild for you? I hope you don't think I'm Critter because lol)

Lilith proving she doesn't understand what critique is for or how to implement it. I mean, we kind of all knew it, but it's nice of her to actually say it herself. Because she thinks critique is nothing but spewing obscenities for the purposes of bullying, and not, genuinely looking into what you perceive as an issue with something and explaining why it's a problem to you for others to agree with or disagree with.

No one has 'pride' in being a critic, and that's a stupid concept to begin with and shows just how off the mark she is. How far away she is from understanding anything.

The problem I have with you, is that you do not critique Fixing honestly. There have been people who have legitimately critiqued Raymond's work and there was discussion to be had there.

One person talked about how he thought Nora's arc, feeling guilty over being so jealous of Pyrrha and never reconciling their differences before her death was poorly done. That's fine as a criticism.

Another person more recently (due to me responding to you) looked at the show and thought that it was hypocritical of Raymond to say he didn't want to 'cop-out' on things like Pyrrha's death and yet brought Roman back. That's also fine as a criticism.

A lot of people (including me) criticized Raymond for replacing Oscar with Roman, as much as people liked the idea of Roman, because they wanted to see what Raymond would have done with Oscar. That's also valid criticism. I think Roman replacing Oscar is ultimately fine, but it's still disappointing due to the anticipation and expectation. (Hell, Raymond is on record as saying he hates Oscar and yet I've given him an Oscar in a (heavily Alt Uni/template for OW) rewrite scenario that Raymond absolutely loves. Because if canon isn't going to deliver, and the one rewrite I actively follow isn't going to deliver, I must do it myself.)

You on the other hand say that the show is shit because Raymond hates women. That he's queerphobic and an alt-righter. That's not valid criticism, that's attacking Raymond's character. You purposefully lie about the contents of the project to paint Raymond in a bad light. Everything you say about it is all meant to say how Raymond and the SH are bad people. Do you not understand the differences?

Even when people criticize M&K they're (mostly) not attacking them as people. And those that do, I disagree with them. But I don't care about engaging with RWBY outside of Fixing, so I've never commented. Even then, the majority of that talks about their behaviour in relation to how their views and beliefs and behaviours may inform their writing of the show. They talk about them as professional writers being paid by a company to write for a show. Once your work is out there, it's fair game for criticism and it's not evil of people to have problems with your writing ability and criticize it. No, not even wrong to criticize Raymond. But how you criticize is the key difference, and that is where you fail.

Libeling someone about their character and motivations because you don't like their fan project is why I started responding to you. Because that is abhorrent behaviour toward another fan of the show.

Rewriters don't have to come up with original plots. Depending on what the rewriter wants to do, it can be vastly different or similar to canon. With Fixing RWBY, Raymond liked enough of the canon show to see that it could be good. But there were a number of glaring issues that dragged the story down. Pointing those out and coming up with scenarios where those are rectified doesn't make one less creative. One criticism that a lot of people had was character bloat.

That comes in two parts:

The amount of characters that appear on screen who now have to have screen time devoted to them.

The lack of anything of substance to justify the characters' existence or make them feel like characters.

Why are these things a problem for people? Because if you aren't going to do much with the characters at all, then you're taking away screen time from the people who should be important: Team RWBY. This is why people criticize Jaune. As much as people like to claim he's meant to be a subversion of the typical shounen hero, he certainly gets a lot of big character beats played straight. Character traits and beats people think should have gone to someone from Team RWBY, or at the very least should have come after Team RWBY got their share. Because they're the title characters, yet people do not believe the show pays enough attention to them.

Now, do I believe you might possibly have valid criticism? If I'm generous, yes. You claim that he gives all of these character moments to various male characters. I disagree and I point out my reasoning as to why. So why do you believe he doesn't focus as much on the female characters? What constitutes the female characters having enough screen time for you to no longer be unhappy with Fixing?

As it stands, with how you go about your criticism, I can only conclude that you just dislike the inclusion of men at all in Fixing. Which, I'm sorry, but that's ridiculous. RWBY is a female-led story, yes, but it's not a female-only story. It's not in canon, and it's not in Fixing. Male characters are going to have some presence in the story. The issue is how much, and more importantly, how much in comparison to the girls based on their arcs.

If, for instance, you say that maybe Blake talking out her issues should have been given to another female character. That's fine and valid as criticism. I could argue that all the female characters are a little too close to the issue and that wouldn't feel comfortable, especially since Blake still feels like an outsider in the group despite Ruby's attempts at mending that. Even Nora, and Neo is best friends with Yang, which might make such a conversation uncomfortable. So where does that leave Blake? You could force an interaction with a female NPC, but that is an unnecessary character added for one scene. No one is going to care about them. Or, you can add in Cardin and Russell, who are replacing one-off characters Dee and Dudley, as they are far removed from the group dynamics.

Now, Velvet could have fit this role perfectly, but that also comes with it's own set of issues. Namely, why would Velvet be following Team CRDL and not sticking with her own team? Sure, she and Cardin are friends, but they're not tied to the hip. But if it had to be a female character, I'd think Velvet would have been the perfect choice. But there'd be a lot of hoops to go through, and if replacing CRDL with CVFY, one member of Team CVFY would have to die.

That's... that's just fandom, man. Like I don't know what to tell you. This isn't unique to RWBY, it's just human nature. That's especially fandom that's been going through a dry spell of mainline content. Or do you mean Nitpick November, where the literal point was to talk about nitpicks because everyone accused critics of only talking about things that didn't matter?

What counts as worthwhile vs minor and inconsequential things, by the way? Who dictates what can or cannot be viewed as important? Immersion is not universal. Different things can take different people out of the story. Things that I miss, you might have stumbled with and vise versa. Something one person can overlook is something that bothers another person. Are you implying that there is a 'right' or 'wrong' when it comes to what people experience? And I'm talking about legitimate experiences here, not twisting something to fit a narrative. Since you mentioned Critter, I know for a fact that she ignored a lot of things that bothered her because she wanted to enjoy RWBY. She talked about it in her videos. And I sat there wondering why she'd tolerate so much, hand wave so many things that bothered her if it caused her a lot of grief. But that's what happens when you have passion for a show and it degrades in quality. As an outsider, I never got attached to the show to feel that frustration and desperation. But I've felt it with my own fandoms, so I can empathize.

Ironwood's actions are not minor in the story for V7&8. That deserves to be scrutinized, especially if people were unsatisfied with it. And people were also unsatisfied for different reasons. Sure, some people might have wanted him to be a good guy. Others did see where the writers were going with him but thought they stumbled and fell on their face just before the finish line. Others take issue with certain aspects and not the whole.

Characterization is more subtle and requires deeper dissection in order to properly define and justify. Ruby no longer focusing that much on weapons is a minor thing, sure, but people lament the flavour - the spice - it brought to RWBY, and it's little things like that which makes the meal. If enough spice is removed, you're left with blander food even though the larger meal is still intact.

Some do. Again, it depends on what the goal is. Specifically with Fixing, the goal was to try and preserve as much of canon as possible, but not being precious with it. It's disingenuous to look at other people's complaints and apply them specifically to one person in particular. He might not agree with those other people. 'Critics' aren't a hive mind and they can disagree with each other.

You haven't demonstrated anything of the sort. Would you have a problem if it was Oscar and not Roman getting all of these scenes? Then again, you've complained about Arslan getting any kind of development, even if it's just a few minutes sprinkled here and there, and she's not a male character. Velvet also got a lot more development in Fixing, even outside of Cardin, and the same with Neo. This is why I say you're disingenuous. You cherry-pick who you're going to focus on as getting development.

Team RWBY and Nora all have significant scenes for themselves and for their development.

Blake's entire arc in Menagerie was expanded and Sun kept his role as 'sidekick' to Blake. He didn't overshadow her at all.

Yang's arc had Neo to bounce off of and Neptune was a cameo. He only appeared briefly at the very end when Yang finally went to physiotherapy.

Weiss had an arc all to herself after leaving her home where she bounced off Vernal and Raven, two female characters. Shiloh was a background element, important enough only because he had a special relationship to Vernal.

Sienna gets more in the way of we see her actively working in the White Fang and with Adam where it's not just something spoken about in dialogue the moment she appears and a few minutes before she's killed off. We see her deteriorating relationship with Adam as their ideologies differ. We're shown, not told.

Ilia gets more in the way of showing her internal conflict with how the White Fang is moving and her dividing loyalties between her beliefs and where the movement is going before she meets up with Blake.

So... why are these things ignored if you have such a problem with Fixing not focusing on female characters? In order for your criticism to be valid, the criticism actually has to reflect reality. You don't get to ignore things that are inconvenient to your narrative.

The meat of the story they love to criticize ceases to be a problem as long as male characters lead the group.

Huh. I don't remember the scene in Fixing where Roman declared himself leader and suddenly everyone - RWBY, JNR+Q are now following his lead. I seem to recall that had it been up to Roman, he'd ditch everyone and search for a way to pick Ozpin out of his body, fuck everything else. If you're talking about the one scene where Ruby goes off with Roman to actively search for leads, that was him leading a single investigation of many with only a single person beside him. Hardly what I'd call 'leading the group'. Like I mentioned before, Ruby went along with him as his handler, because no one trusted him yet. They still don't.

Like the concept of Raymond saying "60% of RWBY is fine, but we gotta touch up the rest of it" is completely lost on Lilith here. In her mind it can only be that either all of it is perfect, or none of it is.

(percentage is a random example)

Ah, and here I thought the 'husband' line was purely an Eren talking point. Do you not understand the concept that people can have children outside of wedlock? When did they say that Shiloh was Raven's husband, in or out of Fixing? They said he was Lily's father, not Raven's husband. Those are two separate concepts. In fact, Raymond explicitly says that they are not married. Raven just has her pick of the men around camp to get frisky with because she can do that as chief. Also, he was not 'random' in canon, either. He belongs to Raven's tribe.

I've explained why this is bullshit. Lilith is a broken record. Pointing out you're a fucking moron isn't 'flipping our crap' it's pointing out you're full of shit and why. RWBY has flaws. All shows have flaws and you are legitimately delusional if you think there can exist anything in media that is perfect. And the very fact that you have to lie about Fixing proves that you have no ground to stand on. Because if you did, then you'd be able to engage with it honestly, like other people have. You want Raymond's Fixing to only be about men so you can hate on it because you hate anything that men are involved in. That's why you ignore any time women do anything in it other than when it suits your lies.

If you cared about women's representation, you'd focus on where he falls short on their focus, not spend all your time screaming about a joke character getting 3 minutes more screen time and a main villain for the volume being the goddamn main villain of the volume.

And because MatrixDragon loves commenting on Lilith's garbage

I'm sorry, what? 20-25 episodes per season is a "real world limitation" of what can be animated and put on screen? Girl, you don't know anything about what you're talking about and it's probably best if you kept your mouth shut because this is highly stupid.

That shit is standard and even on the low end of the spectrum when it comes to season-long episodes. RWBY takes an entire year to get through its volumes with less than half the episode count most other cartoons with year-long productions have. These episodes aren't overly long, either. They're shorter than standard episode length.

"Real world limitations" don't make me laugh. Episodes that don't have a lot of action and fight scenes are standard fare and easier to animate and allow the budget to go where it needs to, like the fight scenes.

We all know that Rooster Teeth has issues paying its animators, so if that's the 'real world limitations' you're talking about, that's not a limitation on the story or the animators needing time or whatever, that's the company being garbage. Other companies can pay their animators and direct them in a way that doesn't lead to crunch and doesn't have to lay off artists because they're not bad at management. They also don't make artists work on multiple different things at once. A show that doesn't have that many episodes being produced through the entire year has no excuses.

Rushing through shit because you need to have action in most of your episodes is stupid. Not properly setting anything up because you're afraid if you don't start the season off with a fight scene to entice your audience is pandering and condescending. But who knows, maybe you don't mind being treated like you're dumb as long as you get the dumb action schlock. It ultimately doesn't matter. But Raymond's Fixing is not worse because he took the time to set things up that isn't just random fighting and if you cannot comprehend that, then maybe you don't know anything about storytelling either. You certainly don't know anything about animation and don't pretend you do.

[mahalshairyballs]

Oscar was awesome too at his panel, and what an handsome man ❤️

But the panel had a moderator and they usually hog the time, which he did.

They also mostly promoted an original comic book story Oscar is producing and coming out soon. They even brought in two artists for the comic. It looks good, maybe? I'm a bit hesitant about it. They showed a trailer and it looked like a mixt between Moon Knight and Constantine (even the art, the main character looked like 616!Marc with a side of John Constantine, and throw in the biblical lore of Constantine too). And it's the redemption story of a bad cop through mythology elements? Hmmmm

Not sure about it, but I'd give it a try.

.

And then there was only 15 minutes left to the panel for the fans questions. So even though I was pretty early in the queue, I didn't have time to ask my question 😩 and nobody asked a similar question. I wanted to ask it so much ugh >_< maybe he'll go to other conventions who knows

He hinted again at a season 2 or something more with the Marc system coming in the future, but as long as we don't get any official confirmation I'll stay skeptical with my expectations.

He answered often with how much he cares about the character(s) (and he literally said the verbal version of my 'character(s)' to talk about the Marc system, I love him ❤️) and how it's one of the roles that stuck with him/impacted him the most. He said that was why he became one of the producers of the show along the way, how he got so into the stories and the character(s) and wanted to be even more involved ❤️

He said something so great about how comic books are modern myths, and that myths have always been used by people to tell deeper story, and how speculative fiction was even better to tell these stories/shows layers of emotions than regular stories that shows you things literally. I do hope we can find a clip of that answer somewhere online

Someone asked how he prepared/what research he did about DID for the show. And I already knew his answer for that question but it was nice to hear it irl. He said he consulted with mental health professionals and mentioned that one autobiography that became his reference for the show.

Someone else also did tell him that his British accent was perfect (and he was from the UK himself).

Oscar also talked about how much he enjoyed playing Steven because he is 'so honest, so authentically himself', I love how he put it, aw Steven ❤️

I think that was all the questions/answers related to Moon Knight there were at the panel.

And then, as someone else said it, Oscar 'basically called Pedro Pascal a slut', yeah but he called Pedro Pascal his slut. Pedro gets close to everybody but Oscar only wants him ❤️ when is he going to get announced as Frenchie? I'm waiting !

I was pretty close to the stage when the Q&A stopped, and even though they asked us all to wear a face mask in the room for the panel, Oscar when he left touch the hands of everyone he could like a rock star before he left. ❤️

.

I really wish I could've asked him my Jake question, but he was adorable and amazing anyway ❤️ he makes jokes but can also have very deep and interesting answers.

There's no way he won't play the Marc system again, he loves them too much.

Oh and he read comics as a kid, and as seen by his new original comic project, he still likes comic books, so maybe that means he'll read the one I gave him ❤️

[storiesofsvu]

Happy thursday.

fair warning, if you care about svu spoilers at all, make sure you're staying FAR away from social media until you've watched it.

WOOF

spoilers under the cut for all three l&o's and not really for CME, but just some minor thoughts

Thursday Thursday… here we go!

As usual Ayanna looking like a fucking bomb snack in her suits

Ian doyle get your crusty ass face off my fucking tv. Like, im literally writing Emily fic as I’m watching organized crime, this is NOT THE TIME.

Okay, not surprised the snitch is already dead.

Ah… and we’re back to the sleazy casino manchild. Amazing.

The more we find out about jet, the more I love her.

Wait… bobby’s MARRIED??!? Did we know this already and I just forgot or is this new information? Or is the new info just that he’s married to a mob boss’s niece?

Okay also…the mob boss woman was in the once upon a time in el barrio svu ep.. that’s where I know her from…

LOL to Jamie little white kid freaking over the food and bigger LOL to them having a giant pile of containers to take with him…

Murphy’s accent keeps slipping in and out which is weird cause the actor is irish… then again, if he’s been living in the us for that long it probably does that anyways

The girl playing Rika has defs been on svu before… but im not complaining… she’s hot.

Yeah she was in s19.

Bobby’s such a lil cutie.

“I deserve a lot more than that. But you’re going to spend it on me. Dinner, maybe some jewels…”  “buy you a house if it means I get to come home to you.”  ….things to file away for future fic inspo….

Jet… omg.. I love you.

Okay… but like… jet was being flirted with by a KNOWN gangster ,one who clearly wanted more time with her, whether that is pure intention or not (cause out on the street he did seem a bit genuine, esp once murphy showed up) and like, yes I get that she’s a cop, but WHY would she be left to walk to her car alone late at night. Like, im not talking police escort, but at the very least a “security” from the club or a bartender or anything like… there are some bars that don’t let their service staff walk to their cars alone….

Okay, im actually invested in this arc…  weird.

Now we’re onto mothership. Will I pay attention or will I focus on the prentiss smut I’m working on? Only time will tell!!

Shouldn’t this be a special victims case?

Cops walking up to a suspect muttering “don’t run, don’t run, don’t run.” Will always be hilarious to me.

“these Zumba classes are not working…”  “…I did all the running.” LOOOL that is some quality partner banter. Love it.

I literally just said “where tf are this kid’s parents.”  Like… he’s under 18..

God this is one of those cases that just has curveball after curveball…

Wait… barba upped a case to reckless endangerment and rita’s response was “really, now we’re talking felonies?!” but now RE means no jail time?? Brb while I go google some shit. Okay… It looks like its first degree vs second degree. I’ll accept that.

Samantha maroun and rita Calhoun go on shopping sprees together and I will not accept notes on this. They’re both always so colourful.

I feel like this case would be a super hard one to take to trial… like that jury is gonna be deadlocked no matter what, it would so likely be a mistrial.

Damn these lawyers are fucking smart and know their shit. Good job.

Holy FUCK another curveball. Damn. This is old school writing. Bless.

 Okay, svu time. I don’t know if I’m prepared. (and not because I ship it…)

Still cant get over that Oscar papa is a fucking TWINK

Awwwee sonny… sweet sonshine. I fucking miss you. Wish you were around more often.

Wow… timing.. Seriously? We couldn’t even get sonny in the room?? He had to zoom in? wtf?!

This aint the first time a perp has threatened her son.. like.. she aint fucking around anymore

Also… the fact that they were *actually* going for noah is terrifying and makes it like, so much more worse?!

Fuck.. Velasco… ive missed you…

A phoebe mention!! Can we see her again pls?

Still haven’t decided if I like Bruno or not. Wouldn’t be mad if he joined the team cause lort knows they need a bigger squad. Also really liked that other Bronx detective

Okay.. note on the commercial break… they’re making ANOTHER magic mike??? Is channing tatum that desperate for money??

LOL the “let me call you amanda from now on” line followed by “alright well tell carisi I’ll be home late.” Omg. Fin. Best one liners.

“all you white boys look alike to me” LOL.

Bruno my man, why TF you carrying around that much cash?!?

Yes… THIS ONE! The black girl detective from the bronx. I want more of her.

HANDS! Joe.. jfc calm yourself

Churlish! Okay… imma try to remember that name

….im assuming we’re not getting any muncy in this ep

YEESSS VELASCO playing dirty fake UC (well… kinda…) this should not be as hot as it is…

OH MY GOD ARE WE ACTUALLY IN COURT?! IT’S A FUCKING MIRACLE.

Man… testifying/prosecuting/being on the jury in a gang related case like this, like, my anxiety would be through the fucking roof for the rest of my life…

Im over here still trying to figure out just how dirty joe was playing? Like, if he was gonna go that bad why do it in front of a cop he doesn’t know that well. Like yeah maybe he has a hook with mcgrath but im just wary of shit rn. He’s not that ballsy….

Okay, this isn’t the first time that liv has made threats like this, and it wont be the last.

Yeah.. still so confused about joe… like he *knows* what he’s doing…. Right? Like at first I lowkey thought it was the two of them playing good cop bad cop like liv & Elliot used to back in the day.

“that an invitation?” DUARTE WOW WAY TO BE FUCKING BOLD (would probs prefer that to eo tbh)

Theyre flirting your honour

WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK??!!! ARE YOU FUCKING WITH ME?!!? I legit wish you could see my face rn. WOW SVU WAY TO FUCKING GO DARK THERE IS ONLY 10 MINS LEFT OF THIS SHIT AND THAT INCLUDES COMMERCIALS WOOOWW

 Are you fucking with me???

Wow… okay.. noted… pray for anyone named Mike on SVU

(but is he actually dead..  or is this gonna be a witsec thing?)

I WAS JUST STARTING TO LIKE HIM DAMMIT

Oscar’s got mommy issues… that checks

Okay well they prosecuted him for murder so… duarte’s dead… wow..

Her new apartment is gorgeous

Did we really have to go all dutch tilt for this scene?

LOOOOOLLL omg that promo had y’all fucking freaking your shit out and it turned into nothing. God bless. So proud of liv for saying no, that she can’t. like, not only did unstabler bring it up at a time that she was probably hella vulnerable, feeling the relief that she/noah were finally safe, like that’s gonna have her releasing emotions she didn’t even realize she was feeling. And then on top of that, someone, a friend.. a flirtatious friend maybe? Coworker? The SECOND person she’d worked closely with named mike be murdered a moment after she left their side, holds herself responsible. Like that is NOT the time to try to fucking kiss her my man. That is the time to wrap her in a hug, tell her that things will eventually be okay and let her cry into your shoulder, a light kiss on the head at most. Jfc. Read the room.

circling back to duarte.. they SERIOUSLY couldn't bother paying molly for like a half day of work to be in the waiting room? he was her captain.. she would be there...

ANYWAYS.

Uh,… CME summary?

Episode was meh. Like literally meh. I have basically zero good or bad points about it. AJ’s kids are so grown up now. JJ looks hot af as usual, and gay af, like the reboot really said “okay, jj is also gonna be secretly gay, don’t tell will”. Sick of the will they wont they with will being sick/dying, lets not tease this shit anymore. Also sick of the wardrobe dept giving Prentiss the exact same shirt in like 4 diff colours to wear and that’s it. Also please let Emily say fuck again. Also JJ. And Tara. Let the women swear pls. it’s not fair Rossi got the first like.. three… let’s hope next week is better!

[irrigos]

🍑🍰🍹

🍑: What sort of traits does your OC look for in a Significant Other?

The venn diagram of Morgan's interests in a partner is: fat tits, significantly older than them, aaaand fancy I think was the third one? Although you could probably put down "well-read" instead of that. But I think "fat tits" is the most important. Morgan's a boob man.

Eliot likes broad-shouldered Irishmen with strong opinions on things. The greatest crime of the masters was that Mr Pages killed oscar wilde before eliot got the opportunity to try to seduce him. cruel.

Jacob would be interested in someone who is as politically-motivated as he is, ideally who hates Hell as well. (and if this person just so happened to also be kinda gnc he wouldn't complain...)

🍰: What's something your OC counts as unforgivable?

i feel like "every single fucking thing that has ever happened to any of them" is kind of a cop-out answer, but.... well it's the truth.

I feel like the things that Morgan and Jacob can't forgive are kind of obvious (or they will be, in a few more chapters of book of red murder...) Eliot is basically the same, but he plays things a little closer to the vest

So I will answer for some OCs I don't talk about as much.

Percy cannot forgive the fact that his parents effectively abandoned him to live with his cousins, who were very mean to him. While it makes sense why things had to happen this way (his mom didn't abandon him on purpose, she was essentially inducted into a cult and was not in her right mind, and his dad couldn't get away from Port Carnelian on such short notice), it's not a thing he can get over and he's not really interested in trying. He is comfortable knowing that he will never be close with his dad, and if his dad doesn't like it, well, that's his problem.

Henry's is actually pretty similar, now that I think about it! His mom died of TB when he was 16, and after that, his dad fell into a deep depression (and a laudanum addiction), which essentially left Henry as the sole caretaker of Morgan (who was 8 at the time). He loves Morgan, and he doesn't regret any of the sacrifices he made for them, but he will never forgive his dad for putting him in that position. The only good thing about the inciting incident of Nemesis is that, now that Henry's dead, hopefully he can find his dad in Hell and kick his ass apart.

🍹: Does your OC have any funny anecdotes told about them?

Henry probably told lots of funny stories about Morgan as a kid. They loved to stuff their pockets full of insects and worms and snakes and stuff and bring them into the house (they wanted to show everyone!!!!)

Jacob's mom definitely tells embarrassing stories about him as a baby, because she's his mom and that's her right.

I don't think anyone has any particularly amusing anecdotes about Percy, but the cats love to gossip about him in such a way that makes it sound like he is just a regular cat, and not a (mostly) human man. They call him the Tall Cat and complain about how arrogant he is, just because he gets to wear a little vest.

[bestworstcase]

thing abt the theory that (raven / summer / the last spring maiden) asked the lamp’s first question is it’s like—i don’t understand how you can propose with any seriousness that someone other than ozpin used that question without interrogating how that person learned jinn’s name. it’s a mandatory presupposition, and yet…?

in V6 ozpin PANICS when the girls start to question him. he tries to forcibly suppress oscar to protect this secret; oscar has to fight past him to force the words out. the man lunges at ruby in desperation to stop jinn from answering her. in V7 ironwood remarks that ozpin told them all that there were no questions left. half of V8 is salem trying to drag the “password” out of ozpin or oscar because the lamp is useless without knowledge of how to use it. you think ozpin would just… let slip jinn’s name to summer or raven or the maiden capable of opening the lamp’s vault? that’s absurd.

this is not a narratively inconsequential detail. jinn’s name and the knowledge of how to summon her is a huge deal in V6 and literally the cornerstone of salem’s part in V8. and it’s made crystal clear that ozpin does not share it with anyone.

which doesn’t make it impossible for raven or summer or the spring maiden to have found it out somehow—but, like, “somehow” matters actually. i think the most plausible somehow is if the lamp itself has a way to provide instructions if approached in the right way. notably no character has ever tried asking the lamp how it works or how to use it, and well. 6.2 “why does it matter who carries it?”/“he’s trying to stop you.” right? there’s room here to interpret ozpin’s intense anxiety as rooted in a real possibility that ruby might either release jinn or unlock the lamp’s user manual if she keeps asking questions while holding it.

but then in V8 we also have salem talking to the lamp (“i have questions for you”), and she understands how the staff works (“you say they used the staff; i assume you rid the world of their creation. what did you create in its stead?”)—so like, there’s a nonzero chance salem knows there are beings inside the relics and even if she doesn’t she, um, talks to the lamp conversationally hello. we’ve also seen that salem Thinks Aloud when she’s trying to figure out something she doesn’t understand (V4, “what are you planning?”).

out of all the characters in this story, salem most seems the type to, like, pick up the magical lamp and go “how do you work?”—but does it make sense for jinn’s name to be so important narratively if it’s on the magical equivalent of a post-it note somewhere?

and then too like—

this is a matter of taste maybe. but there’s, i think, this tendency to look at the lost fable and its emotional aftermath and try to retrofit that to whatever happened with summer and raven; there’s an unspoken presupposition that the world has not changed very much in the last twelve or fourteen years. but they didn’t. even before V9 that was clear—in V1-3 ozpin et al are very much not doing business-as-usual, they’re rattled by what happened to amber—and that glimpse we got in V9 is like, summer gets called away on an urgent secret mission in the dead of night and tai is like “pfft can’t wait for it to turn out another false alarm” about it. ozpin’s irrational paranoia was an inside joke to them.

there’s a crucial piece missing here—why did summer rose do the things she did?—and the lamp feels… like a cop-out. she reflects tai’s casual attitude. the face she shows raven is curtly confident. neither is real; before she puts on the smile and turns around she looks distraught. the last thing she says to her girls is “i love you just the way you are.” she is the reflection in ruby’s mirror. she was “the best of us.” and “you were born to hypnotize them all.” mirrored eyes, you know?

ruby believed in ozpin. she believed in the fairytales she tried so hard to live up to.

did summer?

the thing about the lost fable is it’s a clean break, right. yang twitches the curtain with the revelation that ozpin gave the branwens magic and qrow smooths it over and ozpin promises to be honest with them. a few weeks later, they catch him in another lie of omission and argue and jinn lays out his entire fucking life story in technicolor for them. it’s a sudden, shattering shock.

raven says she needed answers, and that the longer she looked for them and the more she learned, the more horrifying the world became. she tells yang to question everything. she says she “tried to leave”—tried. does that sound like raven asked one question (out of three) and decided to fuck off forever?

tai says raven’s flaws are what tore the team apart. twelve years later qrow is still trying to get her to come back. summer planned her rogue mission with raven behind their backs. every new kernel we get about these people suggests an interminable, convoluted mess.

ruby sounds just like her mother. summer doesn’t sound very much like ruby. “we,” ruby says, and “i,” says summer. summer rose never lies, but she plans a rogue mission with raven behind tai’s and qrow’s back and nobody suspects a thing, and when ruby asks qrow tells her summer’s last mission was a summer secret in the same tone ruby said ozpin secret. cut to the heart of this thing and it’s obvious that nobody really knew summer, only the things summer let them see. and i think—ultimately—summer left, and never came back, not because of something she learned but because she had to break the mirror.