#that character tag won't make sense until it does

[inkher0]

⦻rigin: Entry #23

CW: Gore, Character Death (Non-Canon), Unreality, Political themes, Problematic Language

Special thanks to @world-of-horrors-au for their contributions to this chapter and all appropriate allowances.

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[tstain-is-an-idiot]

(WIP) ummm lets just say that theoretically

I mucked around with some genders

because it would be interesting if these two were inspired by different things while creating their version of Cap

[phoebe-ofthe-cosmos]

instagram algorithm serving me so many reels lately of people reading sjm books and then complaining about the characters like "when you're trying to finish acosf but nesta keeps getting in the way" or "acotar5 is coming next 😁 but it's going to be about elain 😔" (side note NOT EVEN CONFIRMED!) why are you even reading the books if you hate the characters so much. do you guys know you don't have to read them?

[o-sachi]

Can't Hold My Liquor - Headcanons (Blue Lock Chars.)

ᯓ how do the blue lock boys handle a drunk reader? ᯓ characters; michael kaiser, oliver aiku, sae itoshi, barou shoei, karasu tabito, yukimiya kenyu ᯓ tags; mentions of alcohol and being drunk/tipsy, just fluff, established relationship gn reader, no y/n

[🐟]: Obviously, I don't condone underage drinking or any unresponsible consumption of alcohol. I purposely chose characters both based on the request and their ages. So, yes, they're of legal age. Drink responsibly! (I wish I followed my own advice).

Michael Kaiser

"Hm? What's that? I can't understand you if you're mumbling~"

This ass would take funny videos of you first before helping you at all. But not to worry, the videos are for his eyes and his amusement only. Maybe if you were REALLY upset, he'd consider deleting them.

While he does help you, Kaiser will still find a way to tease you or make fun of you. You're slurring your words? Funny. You can't walk straight? Funny. You're spilling a life's worth of secrets? Could be funny—depends.

"Mhm, and what happened next? C'mon don't leave me hanging here."

He'd hate having to deal with puking (that is, if you do happen to end up in that unfortunate situation). But he'll reluctantly gladly help his s/o clean themselves up and drink some much needed water.

But it's highly unlikely that you reach that point because he stops you from drinking too much anyway. He'll refuse any more drinks in your stead and if anyone offers you more, he'll chug it down himself.

Actually enjoys carrying your drunk self. He likes it because you become clingier and more dependent on him. He'll soothe you until you eventually fall asleep (which is fast). He likes pampering you when you're all disoriented like this.

Oliver Aiku

"You're quite cute when you're drunk."

It's not that he likes torturing your liver, but he'd gladly take care of you when you get drunk. He just loves it when a different side of you takes over... thanks to the alcohol.

He'd be so touchy—keeping you in his arms to help you sit up straight, holding your hand when you need to take a trip to the bathroom, supporting the back of your head when you're taking a sip of water so that you don't fall over, and so on.

"Hey, hey, sloooowly. You're gonna get water in your nose."

He'd go along with any of your drunken antics. If you decide all of a sudden that you wanna go up on the table and dance—he's going to join you.

But he'll gently calm you down if you get ahead of yourself. His voice would soften as he cups your cheek—trying to knock some sense back into you.

Also enjoys carrying you, but prefers to give you a piggy back ride. Last time he did a bridal carry... it upset your stomach and you know the rest...

Sae Itoshi

"What a pain... You're lucky I have a soft spot for you."

He doesn't enjoy drinking and even more so the atmosphere associated with it. But he tries it once because you wanted to. He thought it wouldn't be so bad. Spoiler alert: he now regrets his decision.

He won't drink for 3 reasons: 1) Again, he hates it, 2) he's the designated driver, and 3) he knows he will have to take care of you.

Sae has a poker face the whole time, but deep down he's amused by your change of demeanor. It's not that he's loathing the situation he's in (he is) but in reality, he's just observing you closely.

ALWAYS REMINDS YOU TO DRINK WATER. Even when you're not drinking actually. He'd prefer it if you sobered up faster.

When you do get too drunk, he'll carry you out of there especially if you go drinking at a place with a bunch of strangers (like a bar). It's because he doesn't want you to find yourself in a compromising situation in public or possible humiliate yourself. Aww...

He'd gladly give you a shower to help you clean yourself and cool off. While you're still disoriented, he'll take it as an opportunity to talk with you (more of a monologue) about things he can't say to you while you're sober.

Barou Shoei

"Tsk... seeing you like this... now I have to be there whenever you decide to get drunk huh?"

HE IS MOTHER. He's not usually overbearing, but he is when you're drunk. Hell, Barou's not even sure why he supported this decision of yours in the first place.

But then again... he figured if this would make you happy, then he'd just have to do what he can to keep you safe and sound.

He tries not to show it, but he's actually super anxious while watching you drink and have the time of your life. His leg's bouncing so much that it's almost a workout.

"Jesus. This smells like the shit you use to clean bathrooms." / "Hehehe... it means it's strong." / "God, give me strength...."

Will definitely give you a lecture on the way home and until you're sober. But he can't reallyyyy be angry with you. He was just insanely worried and this is his way of diffusing it.

He'll set you on the bathroom counter and do your skin care for you since you're so out of it. You won't be able to remember it well, but he'll have a look of utmost focus on his face as he rubs the product into your skin. SUCH A CUTIE.

Karasu Tabito

"Yer a wild one, ain'cha?"

He has a really high alcohol tolerance, so he doesn't mind drinking along with you and taking care of you right after (if you can't keep up with his pace.)

Karasu hates spoiling your fun. But once you're reaaaaally drunk, he has to do something about it. So he may or may not take a glass of juice and pass it off as alcohol just so you can continue to "drink".

He's like your own personal bodyguard, especially if you decide to go drinking in a public establishment. He'll be hovering over you protectively, observing the people surrounding you, and making sure you don't faceplant into the ground.

"Woah, woah, what do ya think yer doin'? Waltzin' over 'ere like ya got business with my darlin'?"

Does your whole night routine for you once you get back home. He'll be so slow and steady with you. Karasu will also make sure that you've had your meds before totally passing out to hopefully ease the impending hangover.

He will continue to take care of you even in the following morning. He'll wake up ahead of you and start with the breakfast, wanting to surprise you.

Yukimiya Kenyu

"Don't worry about a thing. I got you, okay?"

He thinks of himself as a social drinker and finds parties to be just fine. But he'll have a grand total of one cocktail and maybe 1 shot if he was urged to have one. So yeah, he can take care of you if needed.

His trick is pulling you to the dancefloor and keeping you busy there so that you don't have to go back to the bar and drown yourself in more alcohol.

Yuki will make sure you look dashing as ever throughout the night. I mean, it's no surprise that at some point you'll be looking disheveled. He'll fix your hair, your makeup, and even if your clothes.

"Come with me for a sec... let's get you freshened up."

HE WILL BE GUIDING YOU EVERYWHERE. Doesn't matter if you're only walking a couple of steps—Yuki will be there to hold your hand so you don't trip on air.

He'll seriously entertain your drunken ramblings while he tends to you and your night routine. If you ask him anything (even a stupid question), Yuki will give it some thought and actually answer back is if he were talking to someone sober.

o-sachi © 2024 pls do not translate/copy/reupload my work on other platforms.

[parkaplayboy]

main 4 + butters trying to court you HCs!

warnings: mentions of puking (stan), marijuana mention (stan) all characters are 18+ ! gender neutral reader !

Kenny McCormick

he's a nervous wreck.

when he flirts with people it usually just a one-time fling, nothing serious.

so when you pop into his life, he doesn't know what to do with himself

he's never felt this serious about anyone before

it almost angers him from the absolute chokehold you have this man in.

"I'm fucking Kenny McCormick! The original flirt! So why the hell can't I talk to them"

after every fumble he usually ends up in stan's room to sulk yet again.

stan finds it amusing to see him fumble so often

he tries so, so hard to maintain his usual air of confidence, but every time he talks to you he starts to flounder

"heyyyy, hot stuff.. you.. uh *cough* you come here often?"

it's kind of endearing to see the way he trips over his own feet to come over and talk to you

has actually face planted directly in front of you one more than one occasion

the boys rip on him ENDLESSLY for it.

he may not have much money, but what he lacks in funds he makes up in experience.

he will offer to tag along with you for even the most mundane tasks

"Ken, I'm just going to the hardware store." "What you meant to say is we are just going to the hardware store."

fiddles with the hem of his parka when he gets shy

god forbid you flirt with him. he CANNOT handle it

the poor boy damn near passed out the first time you kissed him.

Stan Marsh

for the most part he's level headed

until you fluster him too much.

the first time you flirted back he projectile vomited all over his own shoes.

he tries to make up for what he lacks in the words department with gifts.

if you smoke weed he will steal some from Randy's farm and give it to you

if that's not your thing, he will buy you trinkets and say "i saw this and thought of you"

he will invite you to band practice and not so subtly "serenade" you

kenny heckles him when he does this.

he will offer to teach you how to play guitar as an excuse to see you

when he finally decides to formally ask you out, it would most likely be when you guys are hanging out 1-1

he doesn't like grand gestures nor the pressure of other people in the room

Kyle Broflovski

hands down the most romantic out of the group

he'll buy you all the cliche romantic gifts

however he's not very good at flirting.. nor receiving compliments. not in person at least.

he gets flustered very easily

HOWEVER ! he found a loop hole :3

he may not be good at words when it comes to being face to face with you, but that doesn't mean he can't write down his thoughts.

which brings me to my next point !

he will leave letters for you to find!

kyle decorated the envelopes like a cliche anime confession note

eric has yet to let him live it down.

he's definitely big on grand gestures!

when he asks you out he'd do it in a romantic spot

the top of the ferris wheel, during your favorite band's concert, etc

he wants to do it big !

Eric Cartman

I hate to say it.

but he becomes more of an asshole than usual

but not in the mean way if that makes sense?

he just generally becomes a grade A nuisance

eric is definitely one of those guys that think teasing = flirting

he's not too big on gifts (besides snacks) but if he does get you something, he will try to make it seem like the smallest deal possible.

"yeah, yeah, whatever, it was on sale. don't cry over it or I'll take it back"

deep down really likes it when you get excited because it makes him feel like he did a good job

circling back to the snacks thing!

he truly views food as the sixth love language

he won't ask you directly, but he will try hard to figure out your favorite foods so he can buy/give them to you

first time he has you over for dinner he begs his mom to make your favorite meal

he sends you memes daily,

it gets to the point where he's basically just sending his entire fyp to you

speaking of which !

when he asks you out, he will use one of those shitty text block memes that say smth like "we should hold hands in the burger king parking lot"

(its also a self protection method because if you said no he could pretend it was just the meme)

Butters Stotch

this boy is too nervous to ask you out, i'm afraid

you will infact have to make the first move

however!

he's such a sweetheart

he will always walk you home

butters will offer his coat to you even if you have your own

"Butters for one, I have my own coat, for two its not even raini-" "You can never be too bundled up!"

like stan, he physically cannot handle affection.

he gets nose bleeds every time he gets flustered because he blushes like a tomato

he has to start carrying around a tiny pack of tissues when you two hang out

you MUST be direct with this man.

he will not pick up on the fact that you're flirting unless you spell it out to him

the first time you flirted with him was when you were hanging out with him and the main four guys.

you said something flirty right before they dropped you off but he didn't have a single clue

"Butters. what the hell was that?!" "Well wh'dya mean, eric?" "Did you seriously not pick up on the fact that they were flirting with you?" "Th-they WHAT??"

~~~~~

a/n: how obvious is it that kenny is my fav...

[eldritch-spouse]

Currently you're sitting at a table with your master, waiting on your meal. You have complicated feelings on Nebul. He doesn't necessarily treat you badly, he takes care of you but that's because you've been cooperative, you've seen him less gentile…..

The chef walks on by dragging a man screaming and wailing. His eyes look searching for someone, until they fall on you.

“Help me!” He looks at you with pleading eyes. “He's going to kill me!”

You are no savior, you have no power here. You look down at your lap, hearing his cries for help become more and more distant. Dread and despair grows in your heart.

[I can write this out from his perspective.]

Nebul enjoys pets like you.

One might glance at him and think that perhaps the trainer would prefer a real brat. Someone who stomps their feet, bitches and whines and spits. The kind that just won't take it lying down and nearly breaks themself in their effort to be free of his controlled dominance.

But they'd be quite mistaken.

Nebul loves a pet who instantly recognizes their place. A darling thing like you, smart enough to realize that you have no chance of ever escaping intact, and thus, become subservient to your rightful master. You know Nebul will protect you, will provide for you, because you're learning to be the perfect pet he's training you into on a daily basis. There's something just insanely satisfying and obscenely arousing about your immediate submission to Nebul, he savors it slowly, preens you, makes sure you'll last him long.

Many were the tests you've been subtly subjected to since your time under his care. Some were elaborated to get a feel for your character, others for the amount of progress in obedience and loyalty you've developed. The undead quickly adjusts his methods depending on your performance, though you've been nothing if not stellar thus far. Very impressive, very good.

This moment is both another test and a reward. You have earned yourself time outside of the shop, time watching others, pretending to be a member of a community. Not that this particular community sees you as anything but a breathing toy, but he knows it's enough to bring a semblance of comfort to a contact-starved psyche like yours.

See, tonight you're having dinner at The Clergy's restaurant. And the place is quite packed, much to Nebul's distaste. His organism, unalive and magic-riddled, may not require food, but yours sure does. Nebul did take the care to make sure you will not be ingesting "human products", as he already ordered your meal a fair bit ago. Now, he's just making idle conversation and attentively mapping your reactions to seeing so many monsters ogling you like a steak. At certain times, it feels as if you want to sit next to him on the ground, where you have correctly learned is safest, and he glows with pride.

Many a client have stopped by and wordlessly pointed at you, every each one receiving a polite and consice explanation that you're not for sale or a free-use treat. He relishes the dread in your eyes, but even more so the relief. Gratitude that you had been picked by the wraith, and not some uncaring, sadistic entity looking to rip you open.

Yes, the sooner you understand how good you have it here, the sooner you'll drop silly ideas of escape and freedom.

Your rhythmic fidgeting with the silver tag of the collar around your neck is harshly interrupted by the sound of the closest elevator parting its doors, and a very angry monster stomping out, dragging a badly injured human man by medium-length hair.

Nebul senses the way your breath catches and a spike of adrenaline makes you pale, eyes wide, so tense you might pop.

He diverts his attention to Morell. The chef looks more than agitated, genuinely irate. It's not likely that the human actually managed to place a dent on that cinderblock of a monster, but it is a possibility that it outsmarted the chef in a moment of stressful workflow. And that, Nebul knows, will have the shroom smashing through furniture.

" Fuckin' pig! Ah was gonna make it smooth for ya, make it fast, ya wouldn' even feel much- "

The chef's apron is smeared with splatters of blood, what Nebul thinks might be some kind of sauce, and a decent chunk of dirt from the messy chase. The man, on the other hand, is bruised on the face and limbs, one hand bent at a bizarre angle and his ankles most definitely crudely twisted to a mockery of a ragdoll.

Even through the immense pain the undead can sense emanating from this human, the resilience commonly associated with this species shines clearly, as he screams and tries ever so hard to claw the mushroom monster's skin. Broken nails fail to so much as scratch the calloused pudge of his executioner's fingers, who are so tense around that mangled arm it might just explode.

He tries still, he tries, and will continue to for as long as his organism can supply a powerful dosage of adrenaline.

The mostly pointless squirming does succeed in one thing however, getting on Morell's nerves. Predictably, the chef turns around just enough to land a powerful steel-toed boot kick right to his middle, making the man wheeze like a dying animal. He seems to zone out for a moment, probably due to the immense pain wracking his body.

He doesn't zone out enough to miss you, the only other human present.

Nebul expected his frantic screaming, and he can't lie, part of the undead was looking forward to seeing how you'd react in a situation like this. Do you have any kind of wit in that cranium? It seems you do, because even when he's dragged by, pleading with all the remaining breath in his lungs for the help of his kin, for salvation only you can provide, you hardly react.

Aside from a light twitch of the limbs, as if you're trying to guiltily swat a mosquito away, you hang your head and focus on your intertwined hands on your lap. Your stare glazes, losing its alarmed quality, and your breathing becomes steady. You're effectively out of the scene.

Good.

Very good.

Morell makes an apology gesture towards the shopkeeper when he realizes that's the table he just walked past, eyes lingering on you with morbid curiosity before he slams the kitchen doors open and drags the drained human inside.

Nebul doesn't let you dissociate for too long. It's not the first time he's seen you do this, but he needs you quite present for this feedback. A grasp upon said clasped hands gets you to inhale sharply, shaking a bit. You glance at him with fear, as getting distracted in certain moments can earn you punishments.

" You've been performing exceptionally well. " He purrs. " With such exemplary behavior, you're on the fast track to perfection. Pets like you deserve rewards for their discipline, and you will get one once we're done eating. "

You nod hastily, fidgeting on your chair while you try hard to ignore the stains of blood on the floor.

Nebul's mist swirls playfully. " Now, what do we say? "

" I'm sorry, Master- Thank you, Master. "

" Very good. "

[amaltheas-garden]

What if Jon's sweetness in the bittersweet ending is his short lived love with Daenerys?

While I do think the show is probably accurate to what we'll get in the books in the broadest of strokes, there are still a lot of other plotlines to get through before Jon and Dany can even meet. For how long his books are, grrm really doesn't cover all that much time, meaning in just two books, Jon has to be resurrected (which I suspect won't happen until around the halfway point in Winds, since there's no point in Jon dying and coming back just a few chapters later), Sansa has to make it to the Wall, Arya has to return from Braavos and confront Lady Stoneheart, Littlefinger has to be taken care of, Jon and Sansa have to retake Winterfell, and the Starks have to reunite all amidst the growing threat of the whitewalkers. On Dany's side, Aegon has to get to King's Landing, Dany has to become leader of the Dothraki, fulfill all the bits of her prophecy (the 'to go West you must go East' one), and rally her armies to cross the narrow sea, and resolve ALL the loose ends in Essos since whence Dany leaves, that will be the last time we see it. And that's not including all the other stories, like the Dorne plot, Cersei/Jaime/Brienne, and Stannis/Davos/Melisandre, or accounting for the characters still very separate from everything (Sam off in Oldtown and Bran doing three eyed raven stuff). And all this is build up for the final cataclysmic conflict, the song of ice and fire. Now, that is a lot of content to get through, and when you start laying out every single thing that needs to be resolved, it becomes rather apparent why WoW is taking so long. The point is, Jon and Dany are not meeting in Winds, and it would be a miracle for them to meet even in the first half of Dream of Spring. That's why I highly doubt the relationship between Jon and Dany will be a genuine romantic one. Grrm is not the type to do a quick, star-crossed lovers plotline that ends tragically all within the span of a few hundred pages. A Jon x Sansa romance makes more sense, seeing as, if we accept Sansa as the girl in grey, she and Jon will spend the majority of two books with each other.

As for the show, there was nothing bittersweet in Jon having to kill his lover after she becomes a tyrant and threatens to murder his sisters, and for him to end the series by leaving his family for a lifetime of solitude. If book!Jon is destined to go beyond the wall after DoS, the 'sweetness' will be in knowing he did everything in his power to protect his family. No short-term love affair with Dany could ever replace the love Jon holds for the Starks.

Book wise, I doubt the Jon x Dany relationship will be one of genuine romantic love on Jon's part (see pol!Jon theory), and while Jon could end his story alone, I don't think a relationship with Dany is enough to fulfill a 'bittersweet' ending. I also recommend this incredible meta on Jon's ending (it does skew heavily Jonsa-centric) FedonCiadale — Sometimes scrolling through the Jonsa tag, I find... (tumblr.com) and they also have some other amazing answers on the bittersweet ending.

[tacky-optic]

The agony of being able to go through an entire tumblr tag from start to finish.... ANYWAY. we're back with more food for the hat trick niche ft. rare JigZeni pachislot (zeni acknowledges jigen for 0.1 seconds and jigen forgot he was there even tho he's driving)

One thing I like about rarepairs is the flexibility. They're a headcanon/hypothetical breeding ground of potential without having to sacrifice too much of the character's integrity, because they rarely ever talk/barely have a relationship to launchpad off of! yaay :'D

So let's talk about how! Five how's, actually. Might've gotten a bit carried away with this one.

As with anything involving these two, somehow, some way, it always circles right back around to Lupin. It kind of has to, given their shared obsession and/or dedication with the guy. But that can split up into all sorts of scenarios, with some equally varied results (and some exceptions!)

~ Getting together in spite of Lupin

In which Lupin's basically that "I messed up so bad that I turned my girl date gay/my guy date straight" joke but everyone's still queer and it's just his partner hooking up with his rival because of how much he's been frustrating them both lately (and oops the proxy hate sex turns out to be really good) INHALES. Does that even make any sense.

I'm sorry but Lupin fumbling the ball is just so funny to me. It is a bit deeper than that, obviously, and this'd have some weird love triangle logistics because Jigen and Zenigata are still hopelessly in love with Lupin, in their own ways. But dipping into that is always complicated and messy-- JUST HOW WE LIKE IT.

This one definitely has the most jealousy on all fronts. For me, there's always this little asterisk on the JigLup/LuZeni pairings because someone's getting left out. Tell me Zenigata's chest wouldn't ache every time he watches Lupin and Jigen escape, an arm slung over the other's shoulder, cheek to cheek, laughs fading off into the cold, lonely night. Tell me Jigen wouldn't hate waiting in the Fiat for Lupin to lose his dogged hunter, mind wandering as to why he's taking so damn long. He grits his jaw when Lupin finally saunters up, victoriously spinning yet another pair of handcuffs on his pointer finger.

There's a silent rivalry for Lupin's attention that they might not even realize is going on until they blow up at each other about it.

It's difficult to tell if Lupin is being genuine or just messing around, especially for Zenigata. He asks Jigen how he deals with him, how he deals with.... everything. Just everything. The "will they won't they"s and the "does he really mean it"s. How does he stay so collected all the damn time. Jigen says he doesn't have a single friggin' clue. Maybe they make out sloppy style about it. Maybe they keep meeting up to vent, drink, exist in each other's company. During chases, Zenigata keeps dipping after Jigen instead of Lupin more and more often. Lupin's standing on a rooftop Pulp Fiction John Travolta style wondering where the fuck everyone went.

Ohhh jealous Lupin, where have you gone. Where did the tms writers hide your unchecked narcissistic ego. The other points after this support Supportive Lupin in some capacity but this one does not. The slow-burn's done slow-burning but it ain't over yet, baby. There's trouble in paradise and its name is Lupin the Third. He is Not Enjoying This. The two guys that are always looking at him aren't looking at him anymore and that just won't do. Drama ensues.

~ Getting together because of Lupin

Matchmaker Lupin! This is if Lupin's relationships with Jigen and/or Zenigata are more platonic-leaning (which is totally valid). The paired fics in Disreputable Company nail this dynamic perfectly imo. But as far as my own separate take goes....

They're both just so. So emotionally constipated. Intentionally or not, Jigen's been screwed over in the romantic interest department to many times that he's intentionally reduced his acquaintance list to how many fingers he's got on his right hand. Zenigata practically unloaded an entire clip into his foot as far as maintaining healthy family/friend relationships go. Spoilers for Zenigata Keibu, but he 100% knew what he was saying when he told Haruka he'd go back to her once he caught Lupin (I can never be yours), and that Zenigata's supposed to be the freest one! Bound not necessarily to Lupin specifically, but to The Chase forever.

Anyway. Jigen and Zenigata are Isolated. The fact that someone would consider them attractive is so foreign that they'd think its some kind of sick joke or ruse to screw them over instead of anything that could ever be even remotely genuine. They need someone to shove them out of their little self-made paranoia bubbles, and Lupin just loves to meddle in people's businesses. I dunno. I just think he'd think it's funny.

*dramatic finger point* "haha zenigata, you are banging my partner!!" "you... you tricked us into our first date? made the reservations?? th- the tailored suits???" "lu you friggin roller-skated out in a waiter outfit and immediately bought us the most expensive top-shelf booze they offered. not even remotely conspicuous about it" "lol yeah. good times"

He's just happy two of his favorite humans are finally getting laid for once, y'know?

~ Getting together for Lupin

Jigen and Zenigata are forced to team up. Okay, this scenario only goes down if 1) Lupin goes missing or is KO'd for a prolonged period of time or 2) the Truce demands they separate for a while. On top of seeing this play out in other fics, my good friend duke and I have been messing around with (a variant of) this idea for a while now (aka they've been letting me run around in their au Rampant and Unchecked. ty duke).

In ""canon"", if these two were to become at the very least amicable towards each other, this'd be the way to do it. In all honesty (and my personal bias for them aside), I'm genuinely shocked they haven't done this before. Not even an episode, tms? That 4-ish minute block in POTP is all you're giving me? One bar chat in the kobayashi sendoff ep. Okay. I'm not miffed i swear

Like I mentioned in this previous post, the idea of the two of them being able to function together without Lupin as a crutch is upsetting at first. They're used to following him to the Ends of the Earth and they're used to him living rent-free in their heads. They've convinced themselves that they're hopeless on their own, that if he disappeared for good they'd just go back to being two husks vaguely shaped like humans meandering around with no meaningful north star to head towards. Don't get me wrong, if the situation was Bad, Goemon and Fujiko would be devastated, too. But they could move on, albeit with a heavy heart. They're kind of known for heading out on their own should the situation call for it. But Jigen and Zenigata are in for the long-haul for better or for worse, whether they like it or not (they do not).

They're on edge the whole time. Hostile towards each other and passive-aggressive at best to any unfortunate folk they have to interact with on this stupid side quest they've been unwillingly shunted onto together.

It helps immensely that they're both "cut that out" people to anyone but themselves, because they can be that for each other. There's a lot of bickering/conflicts of interest and methodology. "You're being too harsh", "You're one to talk", "You're so goddamn stubborn", "You're such a hypocrite", etc etc. But holy shit they're so freakishly effective together, to a frankly terrifying degree-- maybe even moreso than with Lupin because they're honing the fuck in and nothing else-- no banter or bullshit-- and that's what gets them through to the end. Maybe it helps them come to terms with whatever sort of issues they've got going on, maybe it doesn't. Bare minimum, they come out of this with newfound understanding of each other. At max, uh.... see the point after this next one.

~ Lupin-adjacent

A shift in fixation. The slightest glance, the slightest exchange of eye contact for a second too long, the briefest moment of consideration, and the thoughts start spiraling. This is "in spite of Lupin" without the spite. The urge to know absolutely everything about someone, down to the marrow, just gets shifted a little bit to the right onto another guy. It's just them, in-between heists, with barely any mention of the Chase and anyone else involved therein. Their own little adventure away from the status quo. It's weird at first, sure, but it's new and exciting and real dang nice having things not revolve exclusively around him for once. It's a shot for Jigen to mess with Zenigata for once and the closest thing to a willing vacation Zenigata can get. Win-win! Well. Sorta.

The loneliness, though-- that's what makes itself most prevalent during the in-between times. They really don't have much left outside of the Usual. Forgetting the bare essentials, days blending together, moving around the masses like a ghost.... it's familiar, and it's common, not being sure whether they actually like someone or they're just desperately lonely. Zenigata wallows in it, Jigen shoves it down. They've got images to keep. but getting noticed for what they are is simultaneously the worst thing to ever happen and the highlight of their day. Real wholesome bonding material, ain't it

"I tracked you down for only you". "I dragged you into this issue because I want you here". "You get it".

~ Secret fifth thing

*points at playbohz mag* "lol wouldn't it be funny if zenigata was jigen's type??" *points at y series, miyazaki's zeni, island of assassins, that one manga where they put him in a tshirt, etc* "oh my god zenigata is jigen's type."

It's just a one-night stand lmao. I feel like I see this one a fair bit too, mostly because it's super duper simple and doesn't require a crap-ton of emotional angst setup just to get them into the same bed. It's the above point diluted into, like, an afternoon lmao. It doesn't have a lot of depth by design. Curiosity gets the better of both of them, plain and simple. They get buzzed enough at a bar, skip off to some motel to do what they gotta do one time and never speak of it again.

A part of me likes that, but another part of me in the deep deep recesses of my psyche is hollering "TACKY YOU GOTTA TURN THIS INTO THE SPITE BULLETPOINT!!!"

NO. For this one they get one nice hookup and THAT'S THAT. Sorry not sorry.

Maybe it's easier because there's actually something to decipher. There isn't some esoteric idea of "Lupin the Third, Gentleman Thief"; a mystery man(?) with a million little gadgets and masks and smiles; this unwavering, unpredictable force of chaos that likes taking shiny things from one place and hiding them somewhere else over and over again with no real rhyme or reason.

It's easier to find solace in turning to the guy next to you and going, "what do you think that is?" than in going up to "that" and poking it with a stick in hopes it'll give some sort of answer. "That" won't. "That" likes watching you guys flounder around together too much :)

[1toreyouapart]

What It Cost

****THIS IS A FICTIONAL STORY BASED ON REAL PEOPLE. 18+ ONLY. I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THE PEOPLE OR MUSIC MENTIONED IN THIS STORY OUTSIDE OF LILITH AND SADIE AND MAYBE A COUPLE OTHERS. DO NOT READ IF YOU’RE NOT UP FOR FANFIC INVOLVING REAL PEOPLE***

Terrible summary: Five years since she last spoke to him. Since she last saw him. Now his face and his voice is everywhere. She can't escape him.

Five years ago Noah destroyed her and the life they had built. Now he’s back and seeking to make amends. As much as she wants to say that it's too little too late, is it?

CW/TW: Angst, mention of addiction, cheating. Mention of character death. Language. Smut (later on). PinV, unprotected PinV (wrap it before you tap it, friends), oral (f&m receiving). All smutty warnings happen later on, so I’ll update TW/CW warning labels as those parts

A/N: Somebody asked to be tagged but it won’t let me tag them! If that was you, reach out and we’ll figure it out. 🫶

Masterlist

12-Lilith

"What the fuck, Sadie?" Lilith kicked her shoes off, throwing the deadbolt on their front door.

Sadie dropped down on the couch, arching a brow at her. Rage bubbled low in her stomach, and she had to take a few breaths before she continued. Anger wouldn't do her any good. In through her nose, pause, then out through her mouth.

"What was the point?" She asked finally, hands on her hips.

"You've been spending a lot of time with him and I'm worried. You seem more like yourself again, but still."

"So fucking what if I'm spending time with him! It's none of your goddamn business!"

"Lily, you're my best friend. My sister. It is my business when the last time he fucking destroyed you."

Frustrated Lily paced. Sadie was making sense. Kind of. But it still didn't excuse her calling attention to something that everyone else was politely ignoring. Noah had been anxious. What the fuck was she supposed to do? Sit there and ignore it when she knew she could help at least a little bit? Sadie should know her well enough by now to know that wasn't something she was capable of.

"I don't need you playing Captain Save A Ho." Lily sighed, turning back to her best friend. "Sadie, that was something that could have waited until we got home for you and me to discuss. He was anxious, Sadie."

Sadie nodded slowly, digesting her words.

"Noted. Won't happen again. Just be careful, okay? I'm glad I'm starting to see glimmers of the old you again, but..." she trailed off, mulling over her words. "I just don't want to see you hurt like that again."

Lilith nodded, chewing on her bottom lip. The rage had dissipated, leaving anxiety in its wake. She knew Sadie had a point. Knew that Sadie hadn't meant any harm and really, really sucked at reading the room. And she had a point. Their track record together wasn't exactly the greatest. But this was also something that Sadie needed to let her figure out on her own. Whatever "this" was.

"Just, I don't know. Maybe stay out of it for right now? He's trying to fix things, and having someone breathing down his neck like that won't help any."

Lily sat down next to her, leaning her head on her shoulder. Her thoughts drifted back to the other night. How he had lain there with her, holding her, but never taking it any further than a couple of kisses here and there. The way he had taken full blame for everything that had happened, waving off anything she said about owning her part in it all. She hadn't been perfect, either. It didn't excuse anything he did, but she had sort of pushed him away, too.

"You know that little trip you and Jolly took a few days ago?"

"Yes?" Sadie asked hesitantly.

"I couldn't sleep and ended up over there." Lily sighed, recalling how he had gotten out of bed for her. "We ended up falling asleep talking. He really wants to fix things."

“How does he plan on doing that?”

“He asked me how. I told him that I don’t know.”

The two of them sat in silence as Sadie contemplated what she was saying. Truthfully she didn’t know how any part of it could be fixed. Or if it even could be fixed. All she knew was it was nice being able to talk to him again. To just be around him again.

“I miss him, Sadie.”

Sadie shifted, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and squeezing. “I know.”

God, she had missed just being around him. Being in his presence she felt like she could breathe again. Like there wasn’t a noose around her neck. But she still missed him. She missed being with him. He could be so cold, so detached at times. But when he was present? He was all in. Always had been. When Noah was all in it was like really being seen. And God, she missed that. Missed his warmth and his way of breathing life into everything and everyone around him. The way he smelled. How safe she had always felt around him. She missed him, even the darkest parts of him.

Tags: @collisionofyourkissmakesitsohard @alwaysfightforwhoyouare

[strunmah-mah]

So I saw this interesting post discussing the bashing of otome heroines, and the person i saw it from had some tags comparing the OBSCURA and Touchstarved mc's and the different fan response to them. Which go me thinking, but reposing to it there felt like it would have derailed that post, some I'm putting my thoughts here instead.

Basically the tags were an observation that OBSCURA's mc gets treated as their own character (Vesper) whose popularity is comparable to that of all the different love interests. Meanwhile Touchstarved's fandom doesn't seem to rally around one singular MC with everyone having own OC instead. This despite the fact that their both gender neutral blank slates you never even really see.

I'd noticed that too and got thinking of why that is, so here's my theory.

Name. Notice that I referred to OBSCURA's mc as Vesper, but didn't give a name to Touchstarved's mc? When asking what your name is OBSCURA auto suggests a name. There's a not insignificant number of people that when given an auto suggested name won't go to the effort of changing it. (ex My first time playing a Legend of Zelda game it didn't even occur to me to change Link's name despite it definitely being an option.) And despite still being a reader insert just the act of giving them name makes Vesper feel like a more defined then Touchstarved unnamed MC does.

Origins. Vesper is Vesper. Who they were before the start of OBSCURA doesn't really matter, no matter what you might hc they were like before the start of the story, they still enter the mountain with the skill set no matter what. Touchstarved's mc is deliberately fluid. They have three different possible backgrounds and which one you pick does effect the mc's skill set. Make your own oc is literally built into the game.

Presentation of information. Touchstarved is very upfront about their mc's motivations. You are cursed. It's very isolating and has caused you to hurt others unintentionally. You are looking for a cure. What your curse is is never really a question. That's a very different experience from playing OBSCURA. The games hook is "people don't go under the mountain unless they have a good reason, unfortunately you have a great reason" it does not say the reason, it's a great hook. So you play the game, you go under the mountain and you find out what you're looking for is . . . blue moon ichor. You have no context for what that is, it's not initially explained, but it makes people pity you. It's not until you meet one of the LI's that it's revealed you want the ichor. You only only learn about Vesper's motivations as they chose to reveal that information to others. It's an interesting story telling choice. For me, it was more engaging to have Vesper being just as much of a mystery as everything else, than Touchstarved approach of giving that information upfront, but it comes at a cost. The MC's are both supposed to be self inserts, but hiding that information puts distance you and Vesper again making them feel more like their own character than a self insert.

Choice. Atleast as far the demos go Vesper's choices matter more. Your choices change who you meet, if you get a partner to help you face the future, or if you fail to achieve your goal chapter one. The Touchstarved mc makes choices too, it gives you slightly different dialog and you then you move on with your day. The TS MC is a vehicle to meet that game's LI's, your choices change what side of them you get to see. In Obscura your choices affect Vesper first and fore most, which again gives Vesper a stronger sense of character.

Just to be clear, I don't want this to sound like me dunking on RedSpringStudios and say they can't make good characters. Boy can they! All five of their love interests are full of character and intrigue. It's like I said in point two, the "build your own oc" approach seems very purposeful. It's a fan response they've encouraged, even releasing bio templates that match the official bios of all the LI's. This is what they wanted.

What amuses me is that RottenRaccons did not seem to realize what they had done. They seem very surprised but pleased by how much fans are latching onto Vesper as their own character.

[broodybuck]

Shameful Dreams | Series Part 2

Series Summary: Steve and Bucky are each respectfully married to their wives, as any man should be in 1941. And yet, that doesn't stop Steve from having very shameful dreams about his married friend. Unexpectedly, things begin to happen outside of Steve's fantasies.

Series Tags: Steve Rogers x Bucky Barnes | Rated E | Tags: 18+ explicit smut, no powers au, pre-serum Steve, top Bucky, bottom Steve, secret relationship, internalized homophobia, consensual infidelity, closeted characters

[Masterpost] // [ao3 link]

[PART 1]

Later that evening, Steve can't stop replaying what happened with Bucky. He's hard again by the time he and Peggy get into bed which leads, expectantly, to them sleeping together.

It feels wrong now. Like Steve shouldn't be sleeping with his wife because another man stroked his cock in a shed.

Of course, Steve knows there's no option to leave his wife and Bucky wouldn't leave Gail. They can't actually be together. It's later this night, after he and Peggy have fucked and they've turned off the lights to go to sleep, that he realizes if he wants anything with Bucky, then it means a life of cheating on his wife.

The realization makes Steve sick with guilt and shame. For doing this to Peggy, betraying her, lying to her. She doesn't deserve this. Even so, there's still a part of Steve that already knows he won't be able to give it up. If Bucky approaches him again, leads him to another enclosed space, he'll jump at the chance to touch him — to be touched by him.

He's wanted this man longer than he'd ever care to admit. And he exists in a time where there is no choosing Bucky. It's not possible.

Steve should be riddled with guilt longer than he is. He does have moments of true agony when Peggy is being wonderful as she always is. But Steve also finds himself aroused much too often now. He's begun imagining what it'd be like to return the favor. What Bucky could feel like in his hand. And just imagining that makes him hard as a rock.

Peggy notices Steve's heightened libido but she's surprisingly giddy over it. It feels like when they were just falling in love. She's letting him have it more often, so much more, that Steve wishes he hadn't fought his urges so much in the past. He didn't know he could be getting so much more sex. Which helps since he hasn't seen Bucky all this week.

One night, Steve wonders how much action Bucky gets. Then he remembers the comment Gail made, that he claims he's tired some nights when Bucky told Steve he got off in the car before coming home. Does that mean Bucky's avoiding sex with his wife?

That wouldn't make much sense... unless he's getting it elsewhere. The thought alone makes Steve burn with envy. How insane is it that Steve is jealous of Bucky cheating on strangers rather than with him? Steve is actually mad he's not getting to chance to cheat on his wife with another man. And when he realizes that, he feels miserable all over again. He's terrible.

Finally, the following weekend, Peggy tells him they're having the Barnes' over for dinner. Steve's giddy and blushing all at once. He tries to act cool, remember how he's always acted around Bucky. But he secretly wonders if Bucky's excited too.

He's going to have to keep it in his pants until he figures out how he can be alone with Bucky. They don't have a shed out back. Their house is a lot smaller than the Barnes' residence too.

This isn't happening, Steve thinks by the end of dinner. He's not going to sneak off with Bucky leaving their wives in the kitchen. The night in the shed was a one-time thing, Steve decides. If anything it was Steve's embarrassing predicament that he was aroused and maybe Bucky really was just being a nice friend, trying to sympathize being horny at the wrong time.

"Hey Steve, you know about cars, right?" Bucky asks, shaking Steve out of his spiraling thoughts.

"Yeah, some."

"The engine's been making a noise," Bucky says. Steve tries not to raise his eyebrows.

"Yeah, I heard it too," Gail agrees.

Steve calms himself down. If Gail heard it, this might be a genuine ask to look at the car.

"Mind taking a look?" Bucky asks.

The walk to the street is short, but the silence feels tense between the two of them because, car repair or not, it's just the two of them again.

Steve goes to open the driver-side door of the car but suddenly, it's pushed closed by Bucky, who's leaning over him.

"I thought—" Steve starts but Bucky quickly moves to the back door and opens it.

"Get in," he commands, hushed.

Steve doesn't question it. His pulse racing, he jumps in. Just like he knew he would.

There's nothing wrong with the engine. This was all a ploy just as Steve hoped because when Bucky gets in the backseat, his hands rush to open the fly of his pants.

Steve's getting hard just watching Bucky hurriedly yank his pants open. He's hard and beautiful. He pushes forward and there's no hesitation, Steve reaches right out and grabs him.

He's bigger than Steve imagined, thicker in his hand, hard enough that Steve's own cock twitches violently.

Bucky breathes heavily across from him as Steve strokes him. They're both on their knees in the backseat, crammed too close together and not close enough. Bucky grabs Steve's suspenders and yanks them now. A move that Steve wasn't creative enough to think up in his mind and now he'll be relentlessly replaying.

Bucky pushes forward, closer, even with Steve's hand around his cock and gets out Steve's. Then, they're both pumping each other hard, labored breaths mixing into one another from how little space is left between them. The air in the confined space gets so hot, Steve starts to sweat. He's never been more turned on in his life. Not even on his wedding night.

He tells himself to stop thinking about his wife and keep going. He couldn't stop if he tried. And they're moving so fast but they have to. Even away from their wives and with the darkness concealing them, anyone could walk by. The car is parked on a public street. They could easily be found out at any moment.

Steve grips Bucky tighter and quickens his pace, he can tell Bucky's close by the suppressed groans he starts biting back. The sounds he's trying not to make are killing Steve. He wants to ask to hear them, but he can't begin to consider what he's allowed in this situation. Anything at all feels like enough right now.

"Fuck, Steve. Haven't touched myself all day," Bucky growls.

Steve's response is an embarrassing squeal. He shouldn't be allowed to say things like that. Steve should tell him so, but he's too close, his eyes squeeze closed. He hears Bucky let out a shaky breath that's so close to a moan, Steve loses it. They both come.

They both didn't think about the mess. They're breathing hard as they look down and even in the darkness, they can see it all over their hands, underwear, and pants.

"Shit," Steve says.

Bucky doesn't say anything, just starts using the underside of his shirt to wipe it up. Steve follows his actions and they both tuck the messy, wet ends of their shirt back into their pants. Anything left mainly looks like splattered wet spots, ones they can blame on dinner.

When their breathing has calmed, they look at each other. The white of Bucky's teeth shows in a grin.

"Guess we're even."

"Yeah," Steve laughs way too forced.

He's suddenly terrified this is it. The favor was returned, so they're done. But he can't show his disappointment. He can't want this, he can't ask for this.

"Was there actually an issue with the car?" Steve asks, forcing himself back to reality.

"No. When do you get off work?" Bucky changes the subject.

"Work... uh, six usually."

"Can you meet by the docks?"

"The docks?" Steve realizes he's just repeating everything.

"Yeah, I know a place. No one would see us," Bucky explains.

Steve stares dumbfounded because he just convinced himself this was over when apparently it's not.

"If you want..." Bucky adds, hesitant now.

"No, yes, I mean... I'll be there."

Bucky smiles, relieved. Steve's heart betrays him by fluttering more than it should.

"Okay," Bucky nods, twisting around so he can get the back door open. They file out of the car and make their way back inside.

Steve can't get to the docks fast enough. He clocked out right at six and now he's sprinting toward the water.

The river wraps around the downtown area and he and Bucky both work along it but on opposite sides. It's close enough not to drive and they just need to meet in the middle. Steve steps onto the dock and starts making his way toward the direction of the factory where Bucky works.

The sun is setting since it's the beginning of fall. There's a beautiful orange glow over the water. Steve gets distracted by it, stops, and stares out at the colors blending into the reflection.

"Hey."

Steve turns and sees Bucky standing a few feet away. The dock is empty otherwise.

"Hey," Steve returns.

Bucky motions with his head and starts walking. He leads them off of the wooden dock and down a slope in the ground that's submerged between two buildings.

Steve's never noticed it, an old outhouse that's standing at the bottom. The grass surrounding it is too tall, it's clear no one has been maintaining it.

Bucky looks around quickly before opening the door to the outhouse and waiting for Steve to walk through.

When they close the door, the only light that shines in is from the carvings in the wood. It reminds Steve of the shed except it smells... like urine.

"Jesus, it reeks in here."

"Yeah," Bucky agrees. "But it's private. Don't think anyone uses it anymore."

"There's hardly any room," Steve complains when he looks at where the wood is raised on the floor for the makeshift toilet which is just a large hole in the ground.

"I know, it's not great," Bucky frowns then he sighs. "You wanna forget it?"

Steve huffs out a breath. It really isn't ideal but in the next moment, he remembers why they're here. To touch each other, to get off... and well, that's enough for him.

Steve steps forward and reaches for the buttons of Bucky's shirt. He wants to see more of him. He's thinking selfishly when he does it and he's already halfway down the buttons before he realizes Bucky might not want to take off all his clothes.

Steve pauses and looks at him. But Bucky only pulls Steve by his suspenders until they're flush against each other. Fuck, he has to stop using his suspenders so deliciously. Steve's cock pulses every time he does.

"I've dreamt about this too much to stop now," Steve mumbles, getting back to the buttons.

"You dream about us? What kind of dreams, Stevie?" Bucky asks as he pulls the suspenders off Steve's shoulders and untucks his shirt.

"This... and more," Steve murmurs, getting to the last button and finally getting a glimpse of that gorgeous chest and smooth torso.

God, he's beautiful, Steve thinks right before Bucky kisses him. Steve's too shocked to kiss him back and Bucky pulls back fast.

"That kinda more?" Bucky asks, quietly.

Steve really dreamed about them fucking, but yeah he can do with some kissing too.

"Yeah," Steve confirms breathlessly, grabbing the ends of Bucky's open shirt to pull him back to his lips. They heatedly make out until Bucky grabs Steve's ass and grinds their hard cocks together.

They pull back frantically to get their pants open and then they're jerking each other off faster than the last time.

After they're done and they're redressing, Steve realizes he won't be up for another round tonight if Peggy tries. He's gotten off too many times today since all he was thinking about was this secret meeting with Bucky. This was his fourth orgasm of the day. He realizes Bucky might be in the same boat.

"What're you gonna tell Gail?" Steve asks.

"That I'm working late."

"No, um. I mean, if she tries... tonight," Steve asks, awkwardly.

"Oh, what I always tell her. I'm tired from work."

"You always say that? You two never..."

"Uh, no. Sometimes we do..." Bucky says, uneasily. "What about you and Peggy?"

"Yeah, I'll tell her the same."

"But you two... a lot?" he asks.

"Well, recently. Yeah, more than ever."

"Really?" Bucky blinks.

"No thanks to you," Steve glares playfully at him.

"Me?" Bucky smiles.

Steve looks away, feeling his face flush hot.

"You got me so turned on," Steve admits low. "She noticed."

Bucky's quiet for a moment, then he lets out a gravelly sound.

"You got no idea what you do to me."

Steve turns back to him with wide eyes.

"Our wives becoming friends might've been the worst thing that ever happened," Bucky chuckles darkly.

"What?" Steve says, confused.

"Cause then I met you. And I've never been able to stop fucking thinking about you since."

[spaceorphan18]

The Lady Whistledown Papers: 1x06 Swish (Part 3)

Welcome back, Gentle Readers, to The Lady Whistledown Papers, where I’m taking an in-depth look at Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton’s character arcs and romance within the show Bridgerton!

For previous issues, follow tag : The Lady Whistledown Papers

Moving right along in this densely packed episode...

Featherington House

This is an interesting little scene. The Featherington Sisters seem to think Marina is so much cooler now that she's engaged to a Bridgerton (which is an interesting contrast at how apathetic they are about Penelope's engagement to the same Bridgerton - but they also have husbands at that point, so...). Mostly, she's probably now convenient now that she as better access to Colin's 'friends'.

Which leads me to an interesting thought of -- who exactly are these friends? Look, I have no doubt that Colin would be a well liked guy. I'm just more amused that in this world, there really aren't male/male friendships -- outside of spouse of significant others and Will Mondrich and the men of the ton who are asshats with both Anthony and Colin.

Anyway... Penelope's listening at the door, and she hates it. She hates that her sisters, who weren't all that fond of Marina before, have taken a liking to her. Hates that Marina is in a happy place about what she's up to. And, the feeling of distaste over Marina manipulating Colin is hand in hand with her jealousy. Which brings about sassy Penelope.

Marina claims all of their fortunes are about to change -- because Marina will help them out for them keeping her secret. She might even be happy about doing so, if it means a safe and secure life for herself. But Penelope snaps back a reminder that it'll be Colin's fortune that really changes.

Marina then tells Penelope that she looks lovely, and I don't think she's being entirely insincere. I do think Marina has valued Penelope's friendship up until then, and I do think she thinks Penelope is a lovely person. And the compliment is a way to reinforce her feelings. And Marina's in a good mood, too, and when you're happy, you can radiate the happiness around you.

Penelope asks her not to mock her, though. Which... isn't entirely unfounded either. Marina is a smart woman, and knows that she needs to have Penelope on her side in order for the rouse to work. But I also think she's smart enough to know that simple flattery won't get her very far with Penelope.

Penelope does not want to get into it -- as she takes a book, and tries to ignore Marina the best she can. Marina comes at Penelope with the comment that it's sad that Pen takes compliments as false. There is a little bit of trauma there, as she is often made fun of -- for her looks and her dresses and just being a little odd and awkward. But I do think Marina does see the outsider aspect of Penelope. It was something they originally bonded over, but Penelope is clearly shutting her out now.

Pen asks her not to pity her, and Marina doubles down that she does indeed respect Penelope and that she wishes they could be friends.

Penelope calls her out on any ulterior motives she may have, though, for wanting her friendship. I don't think Pen necessarily believes Marina is being completely untrue in her kindness towards her. But she is aware of the power she has, and that Marina's already shown that she'll do anything to make sure her situation has been take care of. She doesn't trust Marina.

And, there's the added bit of frustration from Penelope -- she has begged Marina to choose another man, and yet, Marina has not listened to her advice. So Penelope is a bit petty back, shutting Marina out, and letting her be the variable that Marina cannot control.

While I do find Marina mostly sincere in this scene - she is still a master manipulator as well. But so is Penelope. And thus a stand off between them.

Marina tries to appeal to Penelope's greater sense of empathy, and reminds Penelope that she has helped Marina so much. And then subtly puts out there that she hopes Penelope won't do anything to upset the status quo.

Penelope is almost insulted that she'd suggest such a thing -- she wouldn't bring scandal to her family (or the Bridgertons). And, I mean, it is slightly hypocritical -- considering that Pen is Lady Whistledown, and at the end of the day, Pen holds the ultimate power. But really doesn't want to bring scandal to her family or herself.

But Penelope is honest, stating that she does like that Marina's actions. But here's the thing -- would Penelope be this upset if Colin knew the truth and decided to marry Marina anyway? If he had all the facts, and Marina didn't manipulate him? It's hard to say. I think she'd be devastated and withdrawn, for sure. But I wonder if she'd still use Whistledown to undo it. And I don't know that she would? Pen has some darkness to her, for sure, but I don't know that she'd go that far unless she felt like she absolutely had to...

Marina insists that she wants Penelope as a friend, but before Penelope can respond to that, Portia pops to pull her away.

After they're gone, Phillipa and Prudence express their jealousy over Marina getting a husband and a new wardrobe and we're reminded of Phillipa's stupidity when she says she thinks Marina and Colin will have a beautiful baby, only to be reminded by Prudence that Colin isn't the father, a fact that Phillipa has forgotten. (And, ngl, I do think this scene is funny. The Featherington sisters are a pain, but they are hilarious -- and I'm glad they get their own redemption arcs.)

Penelope, however, does not think it's funny. Because she does truly care for Colin, and the two of them giggling about Marina's manipulation of him really hurts her. Because it's going to hurt him when he finds out he's been betrayed.

The sisters only roll there eyes at her, claiming that she's no fun raining on their parade, and Penelope reminds them that she's never been on their level. It's another reminder that she feels like an outcast in her own family.

Dinner

Earlier, when Portia and Marina were in the Modiste, they bumped into Violet, and they came up with the idea to have a family dinner. So here we are -- first meeting of the Bridgertons and the Feathertons. And it really goes to show how far apart these story lines have been, because it's episode 6, and most of these characters have never interacted with any of the other characters.

Anyway, Portia is prepping all of them, especially Marina, on how to make sure they don't give away the plot.

Penelope, however, gives a (forced) little giggle. She totally is (intentionally) undermining Portia here -- when she says (under the pretense that she's a totally innocent bystander in all of this) that while Colin is easily fooled, Violet -- who has had a ton of kids, and is more shrewd and experienced -- will probably figure out something is up if they push too hard on rushed wedding.

I love Penelope's little 'good luck with that' grin at the end. She's actually (probably) wanting them to get caught, but it does bring her some delight to bring up wrinkles in their plan. She also is sticking it to her mother, which is a nice added bonus.

Pen and Colin are seated (somewhat) across from each other. It's done this way for the blocking of the scene, but I kind of wonder if they were following all the proper rules of the time if that's where her seat would have been. Or if she just decided, fuck this, I'm going to be as silently intrusive as I can be. Idk. This is the stuff I think about sometimes...

And yeah, Pen is not here for any of this dinner. She is upset and it's all in little nonverbal cues -- like how she stiffly holds her glass up for the servant to take. No one is going to notice her (amazingly) -- but maybe Marina takes note. It'll all add up a few scenes from now. Colin is clearly too in his own headspace to know (or, unfortunately, care).

They get into dinner, and Violet starts asking questions -- what did Marina do back in the country? A lot of riding. (Huh - too bad Kate isn't around yet.) And Portia is there to commend Marina on how properly she conducts herself. It's kind of funny to watch Portia try to do the society thing with the Bridgertons -- who just run on a different energy.

The braids of this scene are fascinating -- because both the previous Colin scenes -- with Anthony and Violet -- come into pay.

Violet asks if Marina has been out of the country, to which Marina replies no. And Violet, who is protective of her son and his ambitions, and probably who still feels like she just doesn't know this young woman, wants to make sure it's known that traveling is important to Colin. I'm sure Colin talked a lot about his opportunities to see the world, and cutting it short to get married raises a red flag with Violet. But Marina assures her it has become her ambition, too. Whether it's true or not matter for Marina -- she's going to say and do anything to keep the engagement on.

Meanwhile, this allows Portia to turn the conversation she wants it to go in... mentioning that a foreign wedding (where in France? Scotland? I'm curious about this now) would be great -- and with all the nice weather the sooner the better. She throws the suggestion to Anthony, who promptly shuts it down, because he is still not for this pairing -- and reminds everyone that Colin is still too young.

(Funny, that even though it's for their own reasons, Penelope has the other Bridgertons on her side -- wanting what's best for Colin's interest.)

And what does Colin think about this? Well, he's not going to get to have a say. He barely gets a reaction shot. That's the thing -- this whole conversation may be about him (and Marina) but he doesn't have a lot of control over it. And it's one reason that's going to lead him to his decision a few scenes from now...

What he can do is try to support Marina, and show her off as worthy to his family. Because he does sense (and knows from the previous conversations) that both his mother and Anthony are not thrilled with this whole thing. So he compliments Marina's needlework. He's also able to bring a little levity to the conversation (it's his natural empathetic nature to do so) by comparing her to Daphne and Daphne's terrible needlework when Marina tries to downplay the comment. The little moment not only brings Marina into better light, but softens the mood -- especially after Anthony's cold, distant, and clearly opposed to the union remarks.

But oh. Oh Penelope. The look she gives during all of this is pure jealousy. She can claim to have Colin's interests at heart all she wants (and she does). But when Colin is propping Marina up, some of the facade starts to slip. She's mad at the lies. Yes. But she's also jealous that Colin's attention, that his kindness, that his noticing someone is all turned on Marina. In a very human way -- because she relies on Colin's special brand of kindness and awareness for herself -- she hates what she's seeing.

Ah man, the passive-aggressive way she cuts that meat is hilarious. That girl is enraged. But also tragically sad, too, as Pen is trying her best to keep it together. Solid acting choices, Nicola. And having to witness all of this is probably what pushes Penelope to do what she does next... confront Colin himself...

Which I'll get to next time... ;)

[hollowed-theory-hall]

so in your fic there's Sirius/Barty Jr ship. i reread your analytics of their character and pretty understand the connection. but i would still like to read opinion about their ship 👀

Glad you enjoy my various writing!

Yeah, okay, so Sirius/Barty Jr is a little rare pair my beta reader and I came up with for a different fic that never really got written, but we liked it so much it made it into my current fic, A Matter of Chance.

I'll note that it's gonna take quite some time in A Matter of Chance until Sirius and Barty actually meet and even longer until they get together in any meaningful way (but also my writing plans are super vague, so I don't really know). So there's some waiting until that tag is gonna be relevant. That being said, why I ship them and my thoughts on the ship:

So, I wrote a bunch about Sirius, and a bit less about Barty, but they have, like, a lot in common:

They're both incredibly loyal.

They both suffered Azkaban.

The way Sirius described Barty's father always struck me as him being familiar with the situation: "should've spent more time at home" and might've been showing the bitterness towards Orion.

They both have reason to hate Crouch Sr for sending them to the dementors.

They both care about Harry (pretty shocking on Barty's part, but it truly seems like he does) and are as involved as they can be.

both of them are hands-on in their approach, of, well, literally anything.

I feel Sirius and Barty would get each other's sense of humor that's a bit on the crueler side too. They won't make the other feel guilty over stupid shit.

They also communicate in a similarly straightforward way. They say what they think pretty damn clearly when they're free to do so.

So, as you can see, they have a surprising amount of things in common. As for Barty being a Death Eater, well, I illustrated in my posts about him that I don't think he was that much of a loyal Death Eater and I don't think he tortured the Longbottoms (it's outright stated in the books he wasn't caught with the Lestranges, but with a different group of Death Eaters that walked free!). I think Barty was a Death Eater more as a teenage rebellion than truly believing in everything (though he likely isn't a fan of Muggles). Like, the way Sirius went all in on Dumbledore and the Order as rebellion, Barty did in the opposite direction.

I don't think Barty really killed and tortured many people, but unlike Draco or Regulus I think he could if he felt he needed to, he isn't as sadistic as Bellatrix (or Sirius, honestly). He's tamer but still colder and more willing to respond with violence than Draco or Lucius.

The main quote I'm basing this ship on is the entire conversation in which Sirius talks about Barty in GoF:

Sirius smiled grimly. “Crouch’s own son was caught with a group of Death Eaters who’d managed to talk their way out of Azkaban. Apparently they were trying to find Voldemort and return him to power.” “Crouch’s son was caught?” gasped Hermione. “Yep,” said Sirius, throwing his chicken bone to Buckbeak, flinging himself back down on the ground beside the loaf of bread, and tearing it in half. “Nasty little shock for old Barty, I’d imagine. Should have spent a bit more time at home with his family, shouldn’t he? Ought to have left the office early once in a while . . . gotten to know his own son.” He began to wolf down large pieces of bread. “Was his son a Death Eater?” said Harry. “No idea,” said Sirius, still stuffing down bread. “I was in Azkaban myself when he was brought in. This is mostly stuff I’ve found out since I got out. The boy was definitely caught in the company of people I’d bet my life were Death Eaters — but he might have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, just like the house-elf.” “Did Crouch try and get his son off?” Hermione whispered. Sirius let out a laugh that was much more like a bark. [...] Crouch’s fatherly affection stretched just far enough to give his son a trial, and by all accounts, it wasn’t much more than an excuse for Crouch to show how much he hated the boy . . . then he sent him straight to Azkaban.” “He gave his own son to the dementors?” asked Harry quietly. “That’s right,” said Sirius, and he didn’t look remotely amused now. “I saw the dementors bringing him in, watched them through the bars in my cell door. He can’t have been more than nineteen. They took him into a cell near mine. He was screaming for his mother by nightfall. He went quiet after a few days, though . . . they all went quiet in the end . . . except when they shrieked in their sleep. . . .” For a moment, the deadened look in Sirius’s eyes became more pronounced than ever, as though shutters had closed behind them. “So he’s still in Azkaban?” Harry said. “No,” said Sirius dully. “No, he’s not in there anymore. He died about a year after they brought him in.” “He died?” “He wasn’t the only one,” said Sirius bitterly. “Most go mad in there, and plenty stop eating in the end. They lose the will to live. You could always tell when a death was coming, because the dementors could sense it, they got excited. That boy looked pretty sickly when he arrived. [...] Wasted away just like the boy. Crouch never came for his son’s body. The dementors buried him outside the fortress; I watched them do it.”

Sirius talks about Crouch Sr and Barty's relationship. He knows a surprising lot about Barty's backstory and childhood for someone who didn't even know for sure if he was a Death Eater and only found these things out after he escaped. Like, where did he learn all this from (sure, he likely read old newspapers, but how much of this information is actually likely to be there?). He also talks about both Bartys with a certain familiarity "ol' Barty". He's dull and bitter over Barty's death, he watched the only "funeral" Barty got, probably the only "attendant" besides the dementors. And he talks about hearing Barty screaming until he died in Azkaban... Yeah, I like that angst, I'm so here for an Azkaban romance (and post-Azkaban romance).

And, like, Barty was in Regulus' year, they probably joined the Death Eaters around the same time, maybe even together. And Sirius probably didn't talk to Barty at all his own when they were in school, he had no reason to, but he knew his little brother hung out with him occasionally. And from the quote above it's clear Sirius felt sorry for him, felt sympathy for someone else he thought might've been innocent. Someone in the same situation as he is that he might've felt protective over, like he could succeded in saving Regulus this time. And Barty has no one, basically, no friends, no family, just haunting memories, a situation Sirius is so familiar with. And Sirius is like a sorta friend, he's basically Regulus if you squint (not at all but at first), they share an experience (and hatred for Crouch Sr) that could feel so isolating when speaking to someone who doesn't know. He's someone Barty could potentially trust since neither of them trusts the ministry, or Voldemort, or Dumbledore. They can be in their own little corner where they have no one (well, Harry is there, but no other adults. Remus has way more faith in Dumbledore than Sirius does)

So, imagine this: Sirius lost everyone, he lost James, he lost his brother, he and Barty are in the same boat. So, like, imagine them talking quietly through the bars, each treating the other as a Regulus stand-in even if their personalities are more similar to each other than to Regulus. This grows into somewhat getting to know each other, something that's almost friendship. A cold comfort in the coldness of Azkaban. Then, Barty seemingly stops talking to Sirius and dies soon after, and Sirius doesn't know what to make of it. After Barry dies, he starts staying in Padfoot form more and more.

And then, post-Azkaban, they gonna meet again and bond over escaping Azkaban and caring about Harry.

There'll be healing. There'll be bad coping mechanisms. There'll be a desperation for any familiar connection and a lot of dark humor. They're on the run from both Voldemort and the ministry. And, like, if anyone thinks Sirius Orion Black won't be willing to help get away from Crouch Sr's body, they don't know Sirius Black.

Like, I think they'd just get each other, but also keep making incorrect assumptions about each other at the same time all the while being desperate for what the other represents — people they lost, time they lost. I think it's a fun concept with angst potential.

They're also both incredibly intelligent and skilled wizards (Barty tricked the Goblet of Fire, which is no easy feat). I think they could see each other, eventually after they get over the initial mess of shared losses, as equals and partners in crime. They just have such a vibe, idk. Like, I imagine them pseudo-parenting Harry together, and all I can come up with would be hilarious, but also, like, surprisingly good for Harry. Harry needs more people in his life who would appreciate him for him, more people that'll raise his ridiculously low self-esteem.

Do you know who's the first character to tell Harry he has talents? Barty Jr.

“Well, I’m not going to tell you,” said Moody gruffly. “I don’t show favoritism, me. I’m just going to give you some good, general advice. And the first bit is — play to your strengths.” “I haven’t got any,” said Harry, before he could stop himself. “Excuse me,” growled Moody, “you’ve got strengths if I say you’ve got them. Think now. What are you best at?”

(GoF, 344)

Basically, I think they'd be messed up, but also make it work under their specific circumstances.

(Can you tell I love trauma bonding ships?)

[o-sachi]

Orter Madl Relationship Headcanons

ᯓ character; orter madl (mashle) ᯓ tags; fluff, sfw, gn reader, no y/n

[🐟]: Ngl, I had a hard time trying to make rs hcs for this guy because he's literally un-romanceable in reality SOB.

— I'm not sure how you managed to bag this guy. But... congrats. Like, truly, you deserve it. Up until dating you, this guy has never shown an ounce of interest in romance AT ALL. Perhaps you could say that his type is simply "you"?

— But maybe he gets into a relationship since it's transactional; he gets something from you and you get something from him. He has always been a rational person, so this is the only way he can rationalize something like "love" if he even believes in such a concept.

— Perhaps he'll give more of his time to you than any other person. Not that he expects you to feel special because of that. Though, somehow, the transactional relationship is able to blur some boundaries and help both of you ease into spending more time with each other.

— You don't know it, but he does look out for you, especially if he gets something from you that's really valuable. He'll always be on the look for anything that's bound to threaten your safety. There have also been instances when he butts into one of your fights.

— There isn't a day when he doesn't question you or your motives. Again, he tries to rationalize everything. So he can't make sense when you do things selflessly for him. What's the point if you don't get more in return? You confused him plenty and those thoughts plague his mind more than he'd like them to.

— One day, while spending time together, he'll be staring holes in the back of your head. What's he thinking? Well, let's just say he's having the biggest crisis of his life (having thoughts/feelings that cannot be rationalized). He'll be in a pissy mood for the rest of the day, but he takes it out on everyone else but you.

— The change of heart happens excruciatingly slow, but there will be signs. Perhaps you won't notice it at first, but certainly everyone else around the two of you can see it—clear as day.

— Eventually, he starts to see your values—not as a wizard—but as a person. Your strength, unwavering determination, and goal oriented mindset all seem quite alluring to him. It just never occurred to him before that these things could mean something else out of a fight.

— Through time, he'll just let himself be drawn to you. After all, there's nothing wrong about respecting someone who upholds justice and righteousness like he does. You're strong and can hold your ground. If anyone will take up space in his life—it might as well be you.

— His idea of softening up is showing you his tough love. He knows the types of things you get yourself into as a wielder of magic, so he reminds you to get stronger everyday even if it kills you. He'll practice with you and show no mercy. In his mind, he's thinking of wanting you to become self-sufficient to the point that you can handle yourself even without him by your side.

— He hates it when other people talk about you, even praises annoy him. But if he hears anyone insult you... they'll find themselves buried 6 ft. deep under sand. Without knowing it, he thinks so highly of you now—that if anyone were to utter the mere thought of you pisses him off. At this point, he lets you walk closely by his side so that everyone knows you are not to be messed with.

— You'll never hear him say the words, "I love you." But on a special occasion—like your birthday or your anniversary— he'll do something sweet for you (much to your surprise). You walk into his training grounds, a vast space with a bunch of sand. In the middle is a big heart made out of sand with him standing right beside it. Then he says something like, "Today's a special occasion hence the shape," or something unromantic like that lol.

o-sachi © 2024 pls do not translate/copy/reupload my work on other platforms.

[tixdixl]

🌹🎈🥩

Maybe for Oisin and Kingsley? Or whoever's shouting "ASK ME!" in your brain :-3

Oooh!!! These are fun! Thank you!!

🌹 (rose) - What does your oc find attractive in other people? Are these traits found in their friends and/or romantic partners? Are they found in themselves?

Kingsley is aromantic~ lol. He is in the painful place of quoiromantic where he is not capable of experiencing romantic love. However, he finds out thanks to a couple of folks that he is willing to be on the receiving end so long as he is not expected to reciprocate those feelings.

Also I need you to know... the moment you asked, my dullahan emerged looking like this:

Oisín is such a hopeless romantic and has only ever fallen in love with one person. But they could give you a long list of what all they love about Lilia Vanrouge.

Personality is huge for them. As is the sense of humor. Being demisexual, those things and how they mesh with them are incredibly huge.

That said though, they love a partner who could absolutely snap their neck metaphorically. One who is willing to take the time to get to know how their existence works and would be as much of a threat to them as they are to their partner. They dont like the idea of a power differential- unless that differential is created willingly. And the realest thing? Is that they are happiest when both their partner and they themself are capable of being strong on their own and also in the presence of each other.

They love a partner who is willing to exist and be and live with them, with no regrets or shame. They are a hopeless romantic, and thus would love a partner who would be willing to things as they hit them. They love a partner who would willingly receive their affections as their heart and the moment carry them- and a partner who would reciprocate that energy. To dance in the rain; to hold their partner until they fell asleep in their arms; to go on little outtings sporatically and with or even without any plan. To live in the moment as though no one else in the world exists.

They love having a partner who they can reflect like the moon reflects the light of the sun.

🎈 (balloon) - What does your character do at parties? Are they a wallflower or a party animal? Do they go with friends or alone?

Kingsley canonically refuses to participate in the theatrical performance during GloMas. He refuses to dance. He refuses to enjoy the festivities because that motherfucker tried to almost kill everyone and got off scott free. In general though, he really isnt much of a party goer. The only real party he actively like... participates in is his coorination celebration way after he graduates and thats kind of because his found family won't let him be a wallflower.

Oisín is shy at like... parties where there are a lot of folks they don't know. In particular, they dont go to parties unless they are going with someone they know. But if its like... a party where everyone coming is a friend or family? They will be there and they WILL participate.

🥩 (steak) - Does your oc have any coping mechanisms? Healthy or unhealthy?

This is... such an interesting question. I honestly had to spend a lot of time pondering this...

If we are being technical, fighting and hunting start out being sort of coping mechanisms for Kingsley. But when he starts making friends (cough- Jack), he starts to develop other coping mechanisms. Running and training begin to slowly become forms of coping mechanisms for him. But he still... does target practice... a lot.

Oisín on the other hand tends to self isolate and write- write everything. Positive. Negative. All their feelings conveyed on a page rather than expressed outwardly.

If you made it this far- thank you for reading ^^;

Prompt

Tag list: @ramshacklerumble @the-trinket-witch @starry-night-rose @elenauaurs @rainesol

@cyanide-latte @winterweary @thehollowwriter @theleechyskrunkly @boopshoops

@lumdays @twstinginthewind @inmateofthemind

[nattikay]

ok, I mentioned in tags the other day that I had something else that I wanted to address about Josh Izzo's Omaticon panel but wanted to wait until I had a chance to rewatch the recording (missed several chunks of it when it was live due to technical difficulties on my end) to make sure I had the full proper context. Now that I've done that, here it is:

Mako asked Izzo about how much he consulted Paul Frommer (creator of the Na'vi language) for the games, comics, etc. Izzo responded that he does so very frequently and that all the Na'vi language stuff in official media goes through Frommer to be checked first.

Now, to be clear, I do believe him when he says this. I can 100% believe that he talks to Frommer frequently and that Frommer checks everything. If this weren't the case, the Na'vi we get in AFoP, for example, would be far far far worse than it is (side-eyes old Activist Survival Guide).

However....

Mistakes can still happen. Typos can still happen. Even if Frommer approves an initial name or word or sentence, someone down the line could still mishear it or misspell it (either by transcribing it incorrectly or simply making a typo) etc.

The character "Eetu", for example. The pronunciation of this character's name in the game is perfectly valid in Na'vi, but the spelling doesn't match: it should be Itu. I'm completely willing to believe that Frommer heard the name pronounced "Itu" and said "yeah that works", but I highly highly highly doubt that he saw it written down as e-e-t-u when he approved it because that just does not fit with how Na'vi spelling works.

Same with "P'asuk", I don't doubt for a second that Frommer could've been asked "hey, we want to name this character 'berry', how do you say that?" and responded "sure, that word is Pasuk!" but I just cannot buy that he'd have seen it written down with the unnecessary (and invalid!) tìftang and said "yup that's fine". I'm sorry, I just don't believe that; it doesn't make sense.

And then of course, there's things that are inconsistently misspelled: for example, AFoP usually spells "Zeswa" correctly, but there are a few places in the Hunter's Guide where it's incorrectly spelled "Zes'wa", which is phonetically invalid per Na'vi syllable structure.

Now, I'm not saying this to hate on the team who put AFoP together. I very much enjoy AFoP and the majority of the Na'vi language stuff in it is very good. But mistakes happen. And these are mistakes.

Which brings us to my issue with Izzo's panel: when he noticed some people in the chat bringing up these small typos and errors, instead of acknowledging that "hey yeah, people might have made a few typos, we do our best to avoid it but mistakes happen sometimes", he........basically doubled down on them, insisting that Frommer approved everything and handwaving any inconsistencies as "meh it's just a conlang, there's a wiggle room".

which.......I'm sorry, Mr. Izzo, as someone who both studies and teaches the Na'vi language that is a major L take.

He shared an example story from the first movie, where Zoe Saldaña accidentally mispronounced a word (pähem) and the mispronunciation wound up getting canonized as a synonym (pate).

Here's the problem, though: pähem was not the only word that got mispronounced the first movie. There are tons of mispronunciations to varying levels of severity. But pate is the only one that got canonized as a new word (idk why they decided to do that for this one particular word but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ). At one point Jake says "analu" when he should've said "ngari" but you won't find that in any dictionaries.

It's a kinda fun story that the word pate stems from a mispronunciation, but it's not the norm. 99% of the time, when an actor flubs a word, it's just that: a flub. A mistake. And that's ok, because mistakes happen. But it's a mistake nonetheless. And that applies to typos and misspellings too.

The High Ground Vol 1 consistently misspells skxawng—one of the most well-known Na'vi words outside of the language community—as skwang, but you ain't gonna be seeing "skwang" show up in any Na'vi dictionaries any time soon.

Yes, it's true that Na'vi is a conlang and that it's actively growing and evolving. But hand-waving away very obvious mistakes as "oh it's a conlang it's flexible" was...not good.

Josh Izzo seems like a nice guy who really loves the fans and I understand that he wanted to emphasize how much effort they put into getting things right and that they do consult with Frommer etc—and that's all fine and good!

But, it seems very clear to me that Izzo himself simply does not know all that much about the Na'vi language or how it works. Which is fine of course, understanding the language is not his job; he can (and does) talk to Frommer for that. But if he did know more about the language and how it works himself, I don't think he'd be doubling down to validate these very clear mistakes.