#there are so many other instances besides this but it's so funny

[thoughtfulstudentsalad]

Forget the women, it's hilarious to see how Hak "seduces" men around him

Then you got MR RAPA:

And as a bonus:

[ladybyakuya]

| RIGHT SIDE OF MY NECK + bofurin : umemiya hajime, suo hayato, ren kaji,mitsuki kiryu.

+cw. — f!reader, ex!boyfriend headcanons + scenarios, break up blues and yearning, smut, s&d + s&m dynamics, or@ls, ,slight [ex]hibitionism, /m.dni/

+wc. —2k+

+syn.— maybe the flames never really died; to welcome new beginnings and perhaps, it is better to get burnt in those familiar flames rather than foreign ones. 

+notes. — first time writing for everyone except ume yay! | redirect to blog navigation. 

⁠✧ umemiya hajime !

Umemiya, your ex-boyfriend is sitting beside you with a beer cup in his hand which is almost emptied. You sip and stare at the crowd trying to find someone you know but a familiar voice makes you stop breathing. It is not the voice that sucks your mind  into that corner of the sofa where you were seated but the set of words that ringed in your ear.  “Fuck, I’m so attracted to you right now.” You can feel it. He is staring at you, perhaps swirling his beer cup lazily before emptying it, hands jittery, eyes lidded with longing, lust. . .love perhaps yet you have not been able to turn your head in his direction and you know, the moment you look at him Umemiya will find a way back to you. Ah!How many times has it been? Fifth? Tenth? You might have lost the count but Umemiya hasn’t. He remembers each and every instance that had made you walk away from him. It’s his fault, really! You are not to blame.Umemiya’s heart leaps with joy seeing you still, unable to take in another breath in. He lets out a chuckle.

“No.” You nod as you speak, “We’re not doing this again.”  You say with so much strength in your voice and Umemiya can not laugh it off. He gulps, keeping the beer cup on the table, keeping his hands on his knees, fingers enclassing with each other as you wait for some sort of response. Then, he looks at you eyes so heavy with longing and loneliness that reaches your melting point. 

“Right. We can’t.” He takes the last sip of his beer. “Not here.” Another wry chuckle follows that makes you get up and walk away from him but you do not join the crowd but rather go into one of the secluded rooms, gracing a pained gaze at him before stepping into the room and leaving the door open behind you. Umemiya follows right after locking the door behind him and waits. It’s frustrating how well he knows you, and that you are playing games, falling into his trap deeper and deeper every time. But unlike other times, he does not initiate things with you; rather it is you who kneels in front of him as he slowly caresses your cheeks, and touches your lips roughly but as you try to suckle on his fingers he deprives you of his touch that you have been longing at lonely nights like this but move down along your chest pulling up your top to tuck it on the upper lining of your breasts that are covered with a red lacy bra and he can bet anything that you are wearing a matching set. His fingers roam along the lining of your bra but he does not touch you where you want. while his other hand works on his belt to take his cock out. 

“Suck,” he commands and you obey like a good little pet that you are, always have been.

⁠✧ suo hayato !

        “No! I’m not doing this to myself again.” You tartly speak jerking your head away from Suo’s direction as you find his gaze lingering on you more than it should. You say that being unaware of your position. It’s funny. How do you have no clue what is going on around you? Suo has you currently seated on his lap in a different room secluded from the loudness. The door of the room is parted slightly since you insisted him so that you can see if anyone’s coming or not but you are too drunk to notice. Suo lets out a soft chuckle. It’s funny really. This is the third time you have tried to empty the soju can yet again. Every time Suo fills it with a little bit of water so that you sober up little by little. He would take you home, tuck you in bed, guard you in your vulnerable state treat you as if you were as soft as morning dew but why did it have to be like this instead? You and him are apart, living separately. At the same time, it pains him to see how you would surrender to the point of ruin just to get Suo’s attention, just to get him back. The cushioned chair is large enough to have Suo spread his legs comfortably as you occupy his lap. He tilts his head, chin resting on his hand as he watches you fondly. If only . . . 

His gaze trails down a little bit ceasing at the advent of your cleavage. He looks away rather than fixing it because that might make you hostile. You are not easy to handle when you are drunk but he can take care of so easily. It’s a shame that you won’t let him. As Suo was drawing in your thoughts gazing at you, eyelids falling frequently trying his best to keep up with you but the next time his eyelids gave up, he felt a pair of lips on his while a hand on his chest. Ah! Finally. It does not take much for Suo to reciprocate your advances and he proceeds like pouring oil in a blazing fire. As you keep burying your lips into him, he shifts in his position little by little, and suddenly he has you seated on that soft, lips apart from yours yet a string of saliva connecting both of your mouths. He loves the look on your face. You’re angry not at him but at yourself for being unable to contain yourself inside the boundaries. You let your desires spill and you can never blame your ex-boyfriend but he is the master of how you are acting right now.

Suo fixes your dress and inclines to kiss you again but you pull away. This is so nostalgic. He remembers how this is his easiest tactic to get you sobered up and it seems that you have sobered up quite a bit. He still inclines towards you whispering into your ears, “Why act so coy when we both know you’ll be back for more?”

⁠✧ ren kaji !

Kaji’s headphones are peacefully resting on his shoulders. He showed up early in the party in the name of helping you but truly it was just to be around you, follow you as you work in the kitchen or just to see you working in the house. He had missed it so much, the sound that comes when you are around which is enough that he did not have to put his headphones up. The clanking of bracelets with the utensils, the low hum you do when you get too engrossed in work, the sound of your footsteps, the sound of your breathing— he had missed everything so intently that it makes him so dull these days. Even Hiragi-san complimented how you were the goodness of Kaji’s life.

You take a bowl of chips and walk towards the main table but your feet slip making you lose balance Kaji catches you preventing any serious injury from happening to you. The chips are scattered all over the floor while you are tilted as Kaji keeps you in place by grabbing onto your hand. He feels you slipping from his grip so pulls you towards himself and then as you can take a firm stand on the ground you feel his hand still lingering on your waist.

“Kaji, I’m okay. You can let go of me now.” You are assured but all you hear is a grunt followed by tightening his grip on you. You let out an exasperated sign not even letting your arms encapsulate him trying to hold back the urge, but he doesn’t mind. You can inhale his familiar candy-like smell. Before you end up making a mistake you repeat, this time firmly enough to get a response. “Let me go.”

Kaji’s hand is now on your upper arms, eyes fixated on you as he softly states, “You know I can’t seem to think straight around you.” 

“Oh my god! Stop.” You try to swat away his hands but how could you forget how strong he is? The fact that he is not wearing his headphones makes it harder for you to let go. You look away to avoid his melting gaze but a moment later you fill his lips on the nook of your neck and then his teeth. You can not seem to do anything but take it all in because the moment his lips touched your skin it felt like a rotten knot being unfurled. Your hand skims through his hair that makes Kaji push you up against the wall, lips going down until he has one of your tits out of your loose t-shirts. Ah! fuck. It’s so over for you. Kaji looks at you as his tongue sticks out at first, licking your nipple and then his lips wrapping around the protruded nipple making you suck in a hard breath. The impact of longing and not touching each other for so long that it feels limitless making you skid against the wall and both of you are now on the ground: Kaji sucking your tits as your free hand goes in between your legs.

✧ mitsuki kiryu ! 

Mitsuki has been stealing glances in your way for a while now. He is sitting far from you but you can feel his gaze as if he is stripping you naked from close quarters. There are others and he is more or less chatting with them unlike other times when he would be busy gaming, all the time not that you minded, and it was never the reason for your break up with him. His friends left to get a refill but he did not. He decided to stay sober. Kiryu still has not changed his position from in front of you to your side even though he can but he keeps looking at you with all the want in his eyes that it becomes so hard for you not to notice. Besides, people are staring at him, then at you but you can not seem to leave your seat. You easily could but something is holding you back and you refuse to accept it is stemming from Kiryu, your ex-boyfriend.

Your feet finally listen to you as you walk past Kiryu. His lush green eyes never leave you once. “Stop looking at me.”  

“I can’t,” Kiryu confesses and it makes your world come to a halt. You shift your gaze from the ground upon him as he adds further, “And I don’t think you want me to either.” His palm is under his chin while his elbow rests on the cushion-like stretch of the sofa. He is so cocky. You try to leave but he pulls you towards him making you fall right on his lap. The over-curious crowd, although small still makes you drown in embarrassment as they “haww!” in unison. It almost makes you cry. You feel like you won’t be able to leave his lap for the rest of the night or maybe him for the rest of his life. You would not have minded this if it happened just two months ago because it was he who posed the idea of a break-up. It was all him. You never intended to let this happen but you were just getting a good start about moving on. It was so nice, comforting, and uplifting and then Kiryu comes crashing down like a calamity on you. It really makes you cry.

“I hate you.” You say while stifling a cry, looking at him, still seated on his lap. Unable to contain the pang in you anymore you bury your face in the nook of his shoulders while your hand immediately grabs onto his shirt. He does not try to shush you. He lets you cry as he feels the wet sorrow of your soaking in his shirt. Right now you don't care what the world thinks or what the world sees so he tilts his head a little, placing a peck on your cheek. It makes you hold on to him harder, and take in a long breath. 

“you will get a headache if you cry too much. so, make sure you hydrate after crying. And by hydrate, I mean water, not beer.” While Kiryu whispers sweet nothings into your ear his hand makes its way under your skirt, over your panties. He lets one of his fingers run over the damp part of your cloth. “Ah! You’re wet here too babe.” He whispers into your ear.  You jerk awake from him, eyes red and swollen, face tear-stained. He takes his hand out, licking his finger as you look at him. “So, my place or yours? What do you say?”  Ah! there is no going back is there?

“my place.” Your response makes Kiryu’s eyebrows pinch. It would be his first time going to your place, not that he would mind but he asked that out of habit since he had been trying to get laid to forget you, and some part of him is relieved that you chose your place. You are putting yourself first. Ah! He sees it now. You’ve already moved on from him.

[essektheylyss]

A funny thing that was said in the episode was, in his description of the house, Liam specifying that Caleb "teaches from time to time" at Soltryce Academy, which raises so many questions about both how academic appointments work here and also Caleb's financial situation.

For instance, is Caleb just a guest lecturer at Astrid's behest? What's happening with that now that she (and, from what it sounds like, most of the Assembly) is in the wind? Do they have adjunct positions? Does he piss off the administration often enough that his classes get cut every other semester? Does he travel so frequently that a full time position isn't feasible? In that case, how much is he tutoring? And what is he doing besides snooping on Ludinus's activities? (Also who is taking care of the garden while the house is empty?)

In that vein, what's his primary line of income? It's clearly stable enough to have maintained the same house for several years—does he own it outright? Is he cobbling enough together from his various teaching gigs plus whatever he's making from adventuring? Is he technically employed by the Cobalt Soul? Being a wizard is expensive even when you're camping in the woods most nights; it's probably a lot worse when you've got costs for house maintenance to worry about.

Personally I think the funniest option is the Cobalt Soul keeping him on retainer for very high profile investigations that are of interest to him (so, you know, primarily the Ludinus situation, but considering there's at least one other wizard on Beau and Caleb's kill list, probably anything involving high level mages). Specifically because it implies that the Empire has a strong stance against the concept of Non-Compete clauses.

[gossippool]

what do you recommend for people who are very new to deadpool comics and looking to get into them?

hiii thank u for asking!! this is kind of a complicated question because there's no right answer really. especially with deadpool, there's no actual best starting point because besides the basic origin story that he was experimented on, everything else about him is fair game (he just lies all the time and has false memories about his past) and so all the comics are different and pretty much standalones. but here's a list of a few comics depending on what you want to explore (i have not read every deadpool comic ever so this is not the best list but i will get there):

for shorter and more lighthearted reads:

deadpool (2022)—SO so cute wade has a crush on this non-binary assassin and it's actually adorable how much he likes them lol. in terms of shorter deadpool comics i think this one is quite a standout

deadpool infinity comic (2021)—a short partnership with sue storm. funny and the art style is so cute too

dogpool infinity comic (2024)—this is just cute and logan is in it too

deadpool (2018) #6—the issues in this run are all kinda standalone stories (although they all connect at the end). they're all a fun time but this issue in particular is hilarious. comics usually don't make me actually laugh but this one did

for a more meta read that explores exactly what makes wade unique from other superheroes:

deadpool kills the marvel universe (2011)—in my opinion THE most iconic deadpool run, i'm sure everyone's heard of it lmao. a little darker but hey cameos from every marvel character ever. this was the first deadpool comic i ever read and it was a good time

for a familiar face from deadpool and wolverine (for other specific familiar faces you could just search "deadpool vs [character]" and that comic would probably exist):

honestly just search "deadpool and wolverine" and you'll probably get the whole list but here are some i've read that are lovely:

deadpool & wolverine: wwiii (2024)

deadpool vs. wolverine: slash 'em up infinity comic (2024)

for long in-depth characterisation that explores a lot of deadpool lore:

deadpool (2012)—if you've been following me you might know this is my favourite deadpool comic ever. it's pretty depressing and much grittier than the movie deadpool you might be used to, also REALLY long so it can be daunting but it's very worth it imo. it starts to get really good by the good, the bad, and the ugly issue and there's just SO much in it. for me wade in this run is inseparable from wade as a character to me (this comic is also followed up with deadpool (2015) and despicable deadpool (2017). they're not necessary to read but it's definitely bittersweet to get to the end)

deadpool (1997)—another hulk of a comic run. i have not read this yet but i've heard very good things about it, and many people say that joe kelly is the defining deadpool writer so you could give it a go! older comics may be a little harder to read though, from experience

a lot of comics will sometimes redirect you to other comics that explore a sideplot, and the main comic will just pick up where those left off so you could miss some storyline. despite this it's not necessary to read those other comics, but if you want to avoid multiple instances of this when you first go in, then i would suggest starting with the shorter runs!!

i hope this was helpful lmao sorry this got really long but i think the starting point really is different for everyone depending on what they like

[sirshiba]

mlp x gf au q&a

hello all !! i'm working on a full informational post regarding specific characters' cutie marks in my au since a LOT of people have been asking about them, but in the meantime i'll answer some questions i've seen in replies/tags/asks! more detailed answers to cutie mark-related questions will be in the full post.

Q: when and how do starfall and little dipper get their cutie marks?

A: starfall gets her cutie mark during the pioneer day episode. little dipper gets his in dipper vs. manliness, which would revolve around his insecurity about being a blank flank instead of his masculinity.

Q: what about primadonna pearl? when does she get her cutie mark?

A: in northwest mansion mystery, most likely.

Q: what's eight ball's real cutie mark?

A: it's a tarot card with gold coins!

Q: wouldn't eight ball's cutie mark be the same as sixfold, because of the whole identity theft thing?

A: it wouldn't really be necessary. most of the townsfolk probably wouldn't recognize sixfold's cutie mark since he was so reclusive while he was at gravity falls. besides, the whole fake cutie mark is part of his whole mr. mystery act, and just sticking with one would ruin the intrigue. he'd probably only paint sixfold's mark over his own if he was visiting family.

Q: why are starfall and little dipper earth ponies while eight ball and sixfold are unicorns?

A: both sets of twins are half earth pony and half unicorn. in this au, hybrids between different pony types will be born as one parent's type (for instance, a child of a pegasus and a unicorn will be either a pegasus or a unicorn, not a mix of both). hybrids may inherit some traits from the other parent, though! that's why eight ball and sixfold are so big and bulky, despite unicorns typically being on the slimmer side.

Q: why did you name wendy windbreaker? doesn't that mean fart?

A: i genuinely wasn't aware of the implications at first. i named her after a type of jacket because her last name is corduroy, as well as "windbreaker" being a weather pun since pegasi control weather patterns. and then many people helpfully informed me that i named her fart. i won't be changing her name, though, so i'm just going to integrate it into her lore. she probably goes by a nickname (maybe windy?) because other ponies at school won't stop making jokes about her full name, and witnessing their bullying is one of the things that makes starfall anxious about growing up.

Q: what's bill's name in this au?

A: i thought about it and i might just call him bill cipher. it'd be funny if everyone else had special pony names and then bill was just... bill.

Q: what about (insert character here)?

A: i'll probably get to them eventually, just be patient!

[fumifooms]

Laimar crumbs

I wanted to compile all my laimar/marios crumbs to be able to look back at them whenever~ These are CRUMBS and I’m not arguing that all these moments were intended romantically, I have my shipping goggles on and picking every moment I think is meaningful and shippy for these two. I'm probably gonna have to split this in parts because it's gonna get long. Part 2 link

Content warning: spoilers for ALL of the Dungeon Meshi manga! Also blood & corpses in passing

They are so repressed aghhhh. I could go on forever about how Marcille is special to Laios because she was Falin’s first friend and was the only one to follow him into the dungeon for Falin and not the job, how from the get go they were linked by something more than work and that made him feel more comfortable with her. But my Laimar thesis is essentially: they are so sickeningly-sweet domestic and complementary. Their charm lies in their old couple "we’ll argue over what to have for dinner" familiarity with each other, having 0 filter. And also they’re funny together.

They’re so domestic… The way she touches him so fondly and easily and she helps him out of his armor 😭💕 How used is she to disrobing Laios that it's such a no-brainer action for her?

Which, touching is something she does easily without being embarrassed or deeper meaning, which is mostly due to the nature of being a healer beside her affectionate touchy-feely personality (that we can especially see when she interacts with Falin or Chilchuck), but that isn’t true at all for Laios, who we see is very awkward when it comes to touching someone.

--

Isn’t it so very interesting how Marcille being happy and not lonely aka her wish being fulfilled is the thing that makes Laios react here? The last thing he offers before Winged Lion goes like “it seems you’ve made up your mind~” in the next page.

I've already pointed out Marcille's smile being a special thing to Laios here but it bears being posted here again.

Laios has a "I want to learn more about Marcille face" that he does with no one else just saying.

Laios is always the one she instinctively clings to.

Imagine intimately knowing someone’s worst fear and having comforted them in a moment of pure naked weakness and that instance having had such a profound impact that it subconsciously affects them and their decision making. Laios truly was Marcille’s therapy dog. Pet the dog and fears will fly out

I am SCREAMING why is Marcille the one sitting right next to Laios?? His sister just got revived and Marcille is STILL sitting closer? She’s so right hand man coded they are so partners. I’m just saying having her sit right next to him at his right all the time is so <33 For a series like Dungeon Meshi all about eating metaphors and the importance of sharing a meal? To share that meal with her at his closest?? While Chilchuck and the rest of the party have their own lives in Laios' ideal world conjured up by the Winged Lion, besides Falin Marcille is the one shown to work in close quarters with him <3 It's his ideal world and he wants her to be there to support and help him daily, help... I’m planning to make a post on just that but for now:

They’ve been hinted to be complementary on a planning level so many times. Imagine the country they’ll make together fr!

Them both wanting to stay in the dungeon kingdom, looking like king and queen <3

Not Laios baiting Marcille with him finding her cute omfg.

Laios is the one who wordlessly takes charge of caring for sick Marcille and feeding her.

I could put the whole 96 bit of Laios being all sheepish asking Marcille to stay with him, going up to elfic authorities and telling them "Mine." with Marcille under his cape as his FIRST show of kingly authority (which could represent how Marcille is a good catalyst/motivation for Laios growing more comfortable in his shoes & role and being willing to truly chase something, instead of wandering and hiding his true self. She gives him courage). Honestly the first time I read it I was almost expecting him to propose when he dragged her into the forest holy shit. He's so cute and uncomfortable with showing affection or interest help, Marcille meanwhile the gossip romantic soul of the party being totally oblivious. More on this scene in part 2!!!!!

I ALSO could rant AGAIN about the whole Marcille is Laios’ succubus aka "most alluring form" thing but that’s a complex issue and I go in depth into it in this post

In conclusion they're soulmates both platonic and romantic no one can change my mind. They are so similar. They are so opposite. Laios flees from intimacy and she chases it. They are insecure. They kick ass. They unquestionably love each other, wether it be platonic or otherwise. They get on each other's case. They value each other's input and skills.

[bettsfic]

one of the things that really stuck with me about The Bikeriders is that it's all about performative toxic masculinity, but there's no womanizer character. not a single guy who picks up women for the fun of it. there's also no casual, unquestioned infidelity, which is a staple of dudebro narratives. like obviously the badass leader guy is going to have a woman on the side, and both his wife and myriad girlfriends will just be set pieces for him with no characterization whatsoever.

on my first watch i just assumed Johnny has a wife at home and a girlfriend in the club, but then i realized the woman hanging all over him during the picnics is his wife (Betty), as evidenced by this pic from VANDALS, the photobook of the shooting of the film.

sorry for the poor quality. this is a picture of a picture.

the implication here is that Betty is supportive of the club (if not Johnny himself, as we see near the end), at least more so than Kathy, who only dresses in bikerider attire for [spoilers redacted].

it's possible in the present timeline of the film that both of their daughters have grown up and moved out. we see Johnny watching The Wild One on television, a film released in 1953, and two girls run behind him, maybe around 10 years old. the timeline of the story begins in 1963, and the last we see of Johnny's home life is 1971. by all means, their daughters might be in their 20s. in some ways, The Bikeriders is a story of middle-aged boredom.

in multiple instances, we see physical affection between married couples. Benny and Kathy, Johnny and Betty, and Brucie and Gail are all depicted at least once snuggled up beside each other. in many films, if a man is both married and faithful, we see him be at the very least physically neglectful, never touching his wife in a loving way. conversely, we never see men receiving real affection, either, unless it's been earned through the intense action of the film. and even then, it's often something he takes, not something he's given.

i was also surprised by Benny and Kathy's relationship, which i assumed would go south asap, given the intensity of it. and although there's plenty of tension between them, none of it is of the "i fell out of love with you, i regret marrying you" variety of angst. they fall in love and stay in love. and they have problems, but losing interest in each other is not one of them.

i find it very funny that Benny remains covered in dirt even when it makes no sense to be.

to me these are all markers of a story that's about toxic masculinity rather than operating from within toxic masculinity. when we're in a toxically masculine story, we're meant to buy into the fantasy of that masculinity. the protagonist is an ideal, a man who fucks around with any woman he looks at and wins fights and becomes a hero. in The Bikeriders, though, we see from the outside that Johnny is trying to craft that impossible fantasy for himself. he's performing the man he wishes he could be and it's making him miserable. and he tries to put that burden on Benny, who refuses it. Benny is his fantasy. conversely, Johnny is Benny's. they have the other on a pedestal of a male ideal that's impossible to achieve.

in this era of American history, we see increasingly intense narratives of heroism. by the 70s, the sons of WWII veterans had grown up. many men of that time looked up to their fathers as war heroes, fighting on the right side of one of the worst wars in the history of humanity, and winning. but those men were then given the Vietnam War, which arguably had no right side, no front, and no land lost or gained. most importantly, it had no clear beginning or ending*. no closure, no resolution. even outside of war, in industry the task of making something became narrower as merchant trades veered toward assembly line production rather than craftsmanship. Benny refuses to step up in part because he belongs to a generation of men who see no real fruits of their labor. conversely, Johnny is witnessing the slow degradation of honor that comes as a result of losing the concepts of resolution and completion.

*the Fall of Saigon marked the end of the Vietnam War, but by then Nixon had pulled out all US troops.

i keep reading these shallow reviews of The Bikeriders, and they're positive but they don't seem to really get it. like The Holdovers, i think so much of the nuance and meaning comes from the historical context of the action of the film, which can't really be elaborated on (you can only do so much in two hours), and so it's depicted in these broad strokes of cultural knowledge, much of which is either that the Vietnam War is simply a thing that happened, or information that is flat-out wrong. i mean, there were like 18 possible sides to this war and you can't read a single fact about it without having to analyze or consider the side it's writing from. even wikipedia is full of subtle rhetoric that indicates sympathy toward one side over the other.

people ask me a lot, "why are you researching the Vietnam War?" and the answer is that it's everywhere. its failure is woven into the fabric of American identity. it changed the very definition of masculinity, and being as we are in a patriarchal hegemony, that new definition has in turn affected everybody else. whenever i talk to any American around my age about the Vietnam War, they've got a story about it. either their father/grandfather was there or he wasn't. if he was there, that's a story. if he wasn't, that's a story too.

many of us in our 30s and 40s and 50s are gaining the expertise and audience to begin telling these stories, in an attempt to answer the question of what even happened back then, and why were our parents so cruel, and why is everyone so miserable now? and we find ourselves on impossible pedestals handed down to us from a generation defined by failure and loss.

[pastanest]

Spencer Reid x she/her!reader

A/N: never thought I’d see the day where I wrote for Spencer Reid again, but this mf has been livin it up rent free fr

False Alarm

It had started as nothing more than a one-off joke between yourself and Derek Morgan. Or rather, a joke made by Derek Morgan in which you were the punchline. You had only been part of the team for around 3 months, but you had gelled with each and every member so well that none could remember what their dynamic had been like prior to you, save for the only member of the team that struggled to forget almost anything. Everyone was comfortable with you, so comfortable in fact that when the team happened to be in the office for a fire alarm test, Derek Morgan took it upon himself to sprint straight for you, near enough tackle you, fling you over his shoulder and bolt out of the building with you in a fireman’s lift, everyone laughing at the silliness of it while you playfully smacked his back. 

It had been intended as just a one-off, you were certain of it, but apparently, it was simply too funny to Derek for him to not incorporate the ridiculous gesture into any and every situation possible. It didn’t matter who was around, if you were within arm’s reach and the team had to go to another room, he would swing you over his shoulder and take you there. It was all in good fun, despite the mock-anger that you gave him whenever he did pick you up, and the team had become so used to the act that they all but rolled their eyes with fond smiles when it occurred on cue. Everyone, you noticed, save for the only member of the team that didn’t seem to understand the humour behind the joke, who was - by no coincidence - your absolute favourite person in the entire world. 

“Does it bother you, when Derek…picks you up?” Doctor Spencer Reid had essentially materialized at your side three days ago as you prepared your morning coffee, so desperate for an answer to his question that he had not been able to prioritize greeting you first.

This was unusual, particularly for him when in conversation with you, given the fondness you share for each other and his dutiful care to always treat you with the utmost politeness. No matter the case, the time of day or how either of you are feeling, the gentleness with which you have always spoken to each other is never forgotten.

“Uh, no, not at all, why?” You returned the question, touched by his concern for your feelings but confused by the cause for such concern.

Ever since your first day, Spencer has had a soft spot for you that was blindingly obvious to absolutely everyone, except for you. To you, that was simply the way he was; you were not to know he treated other women around his age any differently, so you were completely unaware of just how highly he regarded you. There were so many instances where he had shown you, so obviously, how much he cared for you, but neither of you dared address a single one. Not the flight home from your first case, when you had been the quietest you had been all day and he had sat beside you on the jet, watching as silent, slow tears rolled down your cheeks and despite his usual total opposition to physical contact of such a degree, he found himself placing a blanket over the two of you and taking the opportunity to offer his hand beneath the soft fabric, which you took without a word. Not the one time you had called in sick and the moment the team landed home from that case without you, Spencer arrived at your door with a bouquet of flowers, every flavor of soup he could find, and several different types of medicine to relieve you of your symptoms. Not the countless times he had reminded you of things you had forgotten, or every little thing he had prioritized in remembering about you - not that he needed to prioritize anything when it came to his memory - to surprise you with little gifts and trivia about the things he knew you loved. While you never seemed to stop thanking him for the person he was, the two of you found it far too terrifying to ever address what his gestures could mean. 

Spencer shrugged, avoiding your eyes and fixing his gaze on the coffee machine. “No reason.”

At that, you had smiled, turning to face him to profile him as best you could. “Doctor Reid, I don’t think you’ve ever done or said anything for ‘no reason’ in all your life.”

Spencer couldn’t hide the small smile that appeared on his face at your words, the kindness that you never failed to radiate in every conversation with him. “I was just…worried that, perhaps, while everyone had enjoyed the joke, nobody had asked whether you were okay with it, that was all.”

You held his gaze, both bringing your mugs of coffee to your lips in unison and chuckling lightly at the synchronized motion. “Thank you, Spencer, that’s very kind. I don’t mind it at all, honestly, it’s quite nice to be picked up - as long as I trust the person that’s doing it, you’ll hear no complaints from me!”

Spencer seemed to carefully consider this and elected to answer with no more than a nod and a thoughtful smile, before taking his leave and returning to his desk. Leaving you in the bewildered, dazed wake of the wonder, the enigma that is Doctor Spencer Reid.

In the days that have passed since, you have been playing that conversation over and over in your head, trying to piece together what was going on in the mind of your favorite genius. Though you felt you had spent the majority of your time doing that since joining the team, having been so fascinated by the curious person he was and the seemingly impossible things he knew, the past three days have particularly plagued you. It hasn’t helped that on several occasions, you have caught him glancing over at you with the same smile on his face he had given you by the coffee machine. Every time you’ve caught him, he’s been quick to look away from you, but that same smile has lingered and grown while he’s busied himself with something else, mind clearly still occupied by whatever he thinks when he looks over at you. It has been maddening, in all honesty.

Strolling into the office, you are greeted by the sight of the very genius that has been living rent free in your brain since the day you met, standing at your desk. The bright smile that takes over your face is instinctual and the one he returns to you is the same, the invisible tether that binds you to each other tugging at the distance between you until you reach your desk to start digging through your bag. 

“Good morning Spencer, everything alright?” You ask, too sincerely pleased by the sight of him to be at all concerned by him seemingly waiting for you at your desk before you’ve even arrived for the day.

 “Good morning (Y/N)! Everything is perfectly alright, thank you, why do you ask?” He fires the question back at you, excitement too obvious in his tone to not raise your suspicions.

This is exacerbated by the expressions on the faces of the rest of the team as they file into the office, their conversations abruptly silencing as they stop in the doorway, all of them watching your interaction with eager eyes.

Looking between them and Spencer, you frown in confusion. “What’s going on?”

If you were to compare the genius to any fictional character in this moment, you would be unable to choose any other than the Cheshire Cat, with the grin he’s sporting. “Going on? Nothing is ‘going on’, as far as I’m aware. I do have a question for you, though, now that you mention it.”

Dropping your bag on your desk, you turn to face him, giving him your full attention. “Okay, go ahead.”

You have never seen Spencer Reid quite so giddy in your life. “Do you trust me?”

Blinking rapidly up at him, your frown returns. “Of course, with my life, why wouldn’t I?”

Spencer smiles down at you, glancing over your shoulder at the team. “I had really hoped that would be your answer.” He gives them a thumbs up. “Morgan?”

Following his gaze, you watch Derek chuckle. “All yours, kid.” With that, he strolls over to the fire alarm and hits it, hard. 

As the alarm blares, you hurry to hold your ears with your hands, but it seems someone else has plans for you being in their own hands. Before you have time to process what exactly is going on, Doctor Spencer Reid has swung you up in his arms, not in a fireman’s lift, but bridal style. Completely disorientated, you struggle to catch up with what is unfolding around you, all the while Spencer starts carrying you out of the building, the rest of the team laughing and holding the doors open for you as you pass through them. 

Finally finding the confidence to look up at Spencer’s face, you are not at all prepared for the look in his eyes, already waiting for yours to meet his. 

“You..orchestrated a fire drill?” You manage to say as the two of you exit the building into the parking lot, free of the deafening alarm at last.

Without placing you down on the ground, Spencer Reid stares into your eyes with the softest smile you have ever seen. “For the chance to hold you, it was the easiest thing in the world to arrange.”

Seeing stars with a bewildered grin plastered on your face, you call out. “Derek?”

From somewhere behind Spencer, your friend and colleague replies. “What’s up, lovebirds?”

Without breaking eye contact, you call over Spencer’s shoulder. 

“With regret, in the event of an actual fire or any reason for a lift to be required, you are fired from the position of first in line and will, please, find Doctor Spencer Reid as quickly as possible to do the job.”

[glade-constellation]

I think I’m starting to realize that Nexus may be one of the most misunderstood characters in the show.

Am I a fan of Nexus? No, not really. I find him funny to watch because, besides EAPS Monty, he says the most out of pocket shit. Never know what to expect when he opens his mouth. But besides that, I just can’t find any interest in him.

That being said, I recently have been doing a deep dive of his character to prove a theory I had, which turned out to be partially canon in today’s episode. I didn’t think Nexus had the Ruin virus, I don’t think he ever had it. After watching one of the introductory episodes in EAPS, I started to theorize that Nexus became what he is purely because he is a Moon. I still think this is true, and was simply sped up by the harvesting of dark star power.

This might be a long post, so strap in.

So. Nexus. I don’t feel dramatic in saying he’s possibly one of the most hated TSAMS characters, or at least most of the fandom’s least favorite. A good bit of the fandom believed he was infected by the Ruin virus, or was just a victim of terrible story writing, because it just didn’t seem possible for him to go this far. Sure, he was deeply traumatized by Solar’s death on top of many other things, but that didn’t seem like it would turn him completely evil. I was also one of the people who believed the Infection theory, as shown by my many posts during Nexus’ corruption arc.

Funnily enough, it was Eclipse of all characters that changed my view of Nexus and who he is. During “Eclipse and Puppet meet the NEW SUN”, Eclipse makes a very big point in relating himself back to the original Moon. It’s something I remembered from Eclipse’s lore, but had never really sat down and thought over. I believe @/samoftheswamp had a post that I 100% agreed with. Eclipse has all the memories of the original Moon before the separation, but is only made up of the kill code and very small fragments of Moon coding-wise. Everything else about Eclipse in that regard was filled in by Sun. He then continued to tear apart his own coding to make Bloodmoon and Lunar. Despite all of this, due to his memories, Eclipse still very much considers himself to be the original Moon.

How does any of this relate to Nexus? Simple. The coding and memories. Despite Eclipse and Nexus being completely opposites in both of those things, Eclipse still falls in line with Moons far more than he does Suns. V4 Eclipse talks a lot about how much his old self, and even current self, acts so similar to Moons. Though he appears as a Sun, Eclipse is a Moon by emotional and psychological standards.

I would also like to point out that Solar specifically say the only reason he was different from most Eclipse’s was due to his Sun’s influence. Everything that happened to Eclipse also happened to Solar up until his Sun decided to try and help him. That means that Solar also falls under the Moon category.

Now that we’ve established who counts as a Moon, let’s get into why this is important. One thing every single Moon has had in common so far is their villain arc. Moon has had several mini ones, mostly influenced by other people. Eclipse was a villain up until very recently. Solar was almost a villain until his Sun stepped in. Killcode was a villain until his change of heart. Bloodmoon was just, a villain. Hell, even Cringe Dimension Moon went evil. And now we have Nexus.

Am I saying all Moons are destined to become villains? Yes, but no. I think all Moons have a possibility of becoming a villain, and it is their choice to be one or not. Every Moon we meet tends to go through some sort of catastrophic event that leads them to this choice. OG Moon was built with a kill code. Eclipse, Solar, KC, and Bloodmoon all were a piece of that kill code in some way, on top of other trauma in some cases. Nexus never had the kill code, but he’s been through several different instances of trauma. He literally woke up to the world under Eclipse’s rule. He also had to witness the death of someone he considered a brother in his very own arms. All of these characters have had an instance where they were able to choose between being good or evil. Solar shows that Eclipse didn’t have to be evil, his coding wasn’t fully controlling his actions. He chose to be a villain. Killcode was evil by design, but chose to become good, whereas Bloodmoon was accidentally created as a murderbot and chose to stay evil.

I really want to focus in on Eclipse and Solar real quick. A lot of these characters are antithesis of each other, but Eclipse and Solar are supposed to be the perfectly representation of “what if”. Solar’s whole existence shows that Eclipse chose the path he went on. Could he have been influenced by the kill code? Yeah, definitely. That’s totally an option. But Solar was just as corrupted by our understanding. The only reason he was able to become good was because someone stepped in. Someone treated him like a person and showed him a different way. Eclipse never had that, and ended up choosing the path of evil since that influence was never given to him.

All this to say, it is completely in character for Nexus to have chosen the path of a villain by his own volition. Moons have always been portrayed to have the ability to turn evil. It has never actually mattered what their coding is or what trauma they have been through, every Moon has had a moment where they have had to make a choice. Will they be a hero, or become the villain they were “destined” to be?

I do not think Nexus was of complete clear consciousness when making this decision. Not because of a virus or kill code, not even the dark star power he may have had a the time. It was simply his mental health. Eclipse and Solar are a perfect example of how mental health can completely change a character. Nexus’ entire life was made up of disaster after disaster, which he felt completely responsible for. When Solar died in his arms, it was his snapping point. He was standing on the edge, teetering between sanity and insanity. He felt as if his family abandoned him, on top of his already present self blame and hatred, and he fell. (It does not help that his family failed pretty spectacularly in helping him, but that is the reality of most situations like this. We as an audience were of sound mind when coming up with ways to help Nexus, but the Celestial family was not. They all had their own things to focus on, and couldn’t give Nexus the help he truly needed, despite them thinking they had. Hindsight is a bitch when it comes to scenarios such as this.)

I don’t like Nexus. The story they seem to be telling with his current character arc is the same as Bloodmoon’s, that some people just aren’t worth saving. I do not believe in this sentiment at all, and also believe Nexus could have been handled much better than he currently is. But I cannot deny that how he is acting is actually incredibly plausible. It is not out of character for him to have become what he currently is, even without outside influences. Him harvesting dark star power just happens to make his fall into insanity even more likely.

(I would like to add that none of what I just wrote was against the writers and/or actors in any way. This is a “forever” roleplay show made using VRChat on YouTube. I am in no way expecting greatness. I enjoy having Nexus and characters like EAPS Monty specifically because they play into my more out of pocket sense of humor. I would also like to reiterate that all of this is simply a theory, and how I view the characters of the show. You are completely allowed to have your own opinion! Also, if you read this whole post, thank you! Even if we don’t agree, I am grateful you put time into reading this extensive post.)

[electronickingdomfox]

Star Trek TOS slash bits (Season two)

This is my personal rundown of all the slash scenes in TOS season two. I've omitted episodes when I didn't find anything remarkable in them.

-What I count: lingering touches or affectionate looks, clinginess, actions that show a strong concern/familiarity with each other, suggestive scenes...

-What I DON'T count: friendly gestures (like smiling or looking amused when someone says something funny), scenes taken out of context, physical proximity just because there's not enough space...

I'll try to illustrate some scenes when necessary, though screenshots usually don't do justice to it.

For season one analysis go here.

Metamorphosis:

There's no slash per se, but the episode has an underlying theme of love being independent of and transcending the sex of two individuals, or even their species. Spock comes off a bit more narrow-minded than the others, since he only considers the possibility of the Companion being in love with Cochrane once he learns the Companion is female. However, Kirk and McCoy had already reached this conclusion long before they knew the Companion even had a gender. And then there's, of course, Cochrane's indignation about men of the future being so open-minded, and having "no notion of decency and morality". An attitude that Spock defines as "parochial". And McCoy's take on it: "There's nothing disgusting about it. It's just another life form, that's all. You get used to those things." (And may I say, good for him to be used to alien entities entering him, considering the whole katra affair years later...)

It's been pointed out that Kirk's heartfelt speech about the Companion being unable to join "the man", is actually a revelation of his feelings for Spock. Personally, I think that's too much of an extrapolation. Even supposing that Kirk's talking in part about himself here, this may be just because of his inability to have a long-lasting relationship with anyone (not just Spock). Something that the show has already established firmly at this point.

Friday's Child

Spones Spock finds Eleen holding McCoy's hand, and McCoy quickly removes his hand, as if embarrassed for being caught cheating by his boyfriend. Unlike other times, when Spock looks amused by men flirting with women, this time he seems rather disappointed. Besides, this episode was written by D. C. Fontana, the same writer who introduced the concept of hand-touching as a specially intimate act for Vulcans.

There's also the scene where McCoy tries (unsuccessfully) to teach Spock how to hold a baby, which mirrors the one where he teaches Eleen the same.

Who Mourns for Adonais?

Spirk When Kirk regrets that Spock can't come with the landing party, it seems as if Kirk's mind was wandering in an altogether different place.

Amok Time

Spirk Many instances. For starters, Spock's hand gets really trembling when Kirk approaches him, and later when he grabs his wrist during a confrontation. Notice that this kind of nervousness happens mainly when Spock is approached by women (potential mates), as when he throws Chapel's soup, or when he hears Uhura's voice through the intercom. Later, Kirk is willing to risk his career to save Spock. And once in Vulcan, Spock breaks through the plak tow to beg for Kirk's life, even if he shouldn't be able to even speak in that state. Then there's, of course, the fight itself, which could be interpreted as a placeholder for sex, considering all the suggestive imagery, and the fact that it resolves magically Spock's pon farr.

As for the outcome of the fight, Spock refuses to "live long and prosper", after seemingly killing Kirk. His reaction upon finding out that Kirk's alive wouldn't be so noteworthy if Spock was a normal human. However, such an open smile is very, very rare for Spock. McCoy (like any good shipper) notices at once his unusually intense emotions.

Spones There's another character that elicits a trembling in Spock's hand, while getting physically close for a medical check-up. A clue: it's not Chapel.

The Changeling

Spirk Kirk grabs Spock very tightly after Nomad's mind assault (and probably accidentally, Shatner squeezes Nimoy's pec so hard, that he hurts him).

Right after this, Kirk still holds Spock for a very long time, until he's sufficiently recovered.

The Apple

Spirk Spock jumps illogically in front of Kirk to save him from the poisonous flowers, and almost dies as consequence. This earns him a reprimand from Kirk, who points out that he could have just shouted a warning. Apart from this, Kirk compliments Spock's appearance with the flower bracelet.

Mirror Mirror Spones McCoy risks being left stranded in the mirror universe to save Spock's life. And it's not even HIS Spock! Kirk acknowledges how important this is for the doctor, and grants him those extra minutes. Right after, mirror Spock corners McCoy against a wall, and forces a mind meld on him. While Bones behaves quite submissively. It's both suggestive and disturbing.

In the end, McCoy says that he liked Spock better with a beard, since it gave him "character". After his similar scene with Kahn, it seems that McCoy just has a thing for "bad boys".

The Deadly Years

Spirk Kirk makes a videocall to Spock while half naked, so his tits are right on his face. Unlike the similar scene in "The Corbomite Manouver", Kirk doesn't have a particular reason to be half naked here, and he's calling Spock specifically.

And this may be a bit far-fetched, but while flirting with his previous girlfriend, Dr. Wallace, Kirk compares her with his First Officer.

McKirk Kirk is quick to point out that McCoy is growing some white hairs, in a good-natured way. And he's a bit flirtatious while the doctor reprimands and checks him.

Bread and Circuses

Spones Pretty one-sided on McCoy's part. He's touched by the fact that Spock saved him in the arena, and tries to make amends and open his heart to the Vulcan. However, he fails to get a "genuine, warm, decent feeling" from Spock, and gets very hurt by his indifference (one could say, he feels "scorned"). After this, he lashes out at Spock in a specially vicious way.

Then the scene transitions to...

McSpirk ...once McCoy and Spock both admit how worried they are about Jim.

Meanwhile, Jim is in no danger, but fooling around with Drusilla. And later, he seems ashamed to tell them about his affair with her. Of course, there's also the fact that Merik and the Proconsul know immediately that putting Spock and McCoy in danger, would be the best way to blackmail Kirk into cooperating.

Journey to Babel

McKirk It's just a little thing, but Kirk and McCoy seem to be dressing in the same cabin.

Spones McCoy is eager to learn anything about Spock's childhood from his mom, specially the embarrassing details. And he beams with joy upon finding out that Spock used to have a "teddy bear".

A Private Little War

Spirk At the start of the episode, Kirk is so worried about Spock's injury, that he snaps at the bridge crew in frustration. And he goes back to sickbay to check on Spock's condition, despite having been there a few minutes before, and having just called McCoy about it. His looks at the unconscious Spock say it all:

McKirk Bones is very caring towards Kirk for most of the episode, specially since the latter is injured several times. And he's also quite worried about the possibility of Kirk being really enslaved by Nona. Apart from this, there's his gentle caressing of Kirk's naked chest...

Spones McCoy is reluctant to leave Spock and beam down to the planet, after having just said that doctor M'Benga could perfectly take care of him. At the end, McCoy is overjoyed to find out that Spock is alright (it's remarkable that Kirk, instead, doesn't react visibly to Spock's voice). However, the Vulcan dismisses McCoy's reaction, once again embittering him.

On the other hand, what the hell was going on between Kirk and Tyree!?

All that talk about them being "made brothers", and Tyree's refusal to tell his wife about their past... Nona seems even jealous, and says she's also "his sister" (kind of putting Kirk in the same level as Tyree's wife). McCoy tries to make Kirk reconsider his strategy of arming both sides, by reminding him that Tyree could also die in the war. And during the final fight, Tyree is about to crush Kirk with a rock, but Kirk's intense stare makes him recover his sanity.

The Gamesters of Triskelion

Spones Despite all the bickering going on between Spock and McCoy in this episode, the following exchange reveals that McCoy is actually eager to meet Spock's expectations:

SPOCK: I would welcome a suggestion, Doctor, even an emotional one, as to where to look. MCCOY: First time you've ever asked me for anything, and it has to be an occasion like this.

Spock looks at him surprised, together with comedic music in the background. At the end, McCoy finally smiles, when Spock accepts his help to rescue the others.

Obsession

McKirk Very similar scene to the one in "Balance of Terror". McCoy enters Kirk's cabin while he's in bed, and tries to comfort him, saying that he wasn't responsible for the deaths aboard the Farragut. However, the argument gets intense, to the point that Kirk warns the doctor not to push their friendship.

The Immunity Syndrome

Spones There's a lot to unpack here. At first, Spock and McCoy are competing for the (dubious) honor of entering the amoeba. But then Spock makes McCoy understand how truly dangerous the mission is, when he asks him to wish him luck. McCoy is taken aback, and can only do so, shyly, once Spock can't hear him anymore.

Later, he seems sorrowful when Spock reminds him that he should have wished him luck. Still, McCoy doesn't want to believe that Spock is dead:

KIRK: What's on your mind? MCCOY: Spock. Is it me, Jim? Am I so sentimental that I just have to keep believing that he's still alive in that mass of protoplasm?

At the end, McCoy is so happy to find Spock alive, that he blurts out an order to rescue him, forgetting he's not the Captain, much to Spock's amusement. The doctor seems a bit embarrassed, and he feels the need to berate Spock afterwards, in true tsundere fashion. Meanwhile, Kirk seems to be having a lot of fun with all this.

By Any Other Name

Spones McCoy holds Spock for a long time, after he's shocked while mind-melding with Kelinda, even when Spock is already up and walking. A bit later, he's still concerned and hovering over him. He also keeps Spock in his arms when the latter induces a trance on himself, and in general, he's very close to him whenever they're in the same scene.

For his part, Kirk's fight with Rojan is rather suggestive, specially since he gives him a long speech while grabbing him like this:

After this, he takes him by the shoulders in the typical "Kirk embrace", usually reserved for women he's about to kiss.

Return to Tomorrow

Spirk At the end, Kirk is devastated when he thinks that Spock has died. So much that Sargon, having understood how important Spock was to him, had saved his conscience beforehand, so he could be revived.

Patterns of Force

Spirk The kinky episode. First we have Kirk's uniform fetish, when he regrets that Spock's uniform isn't as attractive as his. And then, of course, the prison porn scene. A half naked Spock climbs on top of a half naked Kirk, while the latter sweats and screams "Oh my goodness. Beautiful. Oh Spock, Spock!". Has to be seen to be believed.

I'd be almost tempted to include the bit where the nazi guards catch them all inside a closet, under the pretense that McCoy was drunk, if this wasn't taking things too out of context.

The Ultimate Computer

McKirk McCoy comforts Kirk when the latter is feeling insecure about losing his command to a machine, and assures him he's not being unfair at all. Later, McCoy comes to Kirk's quarters to have a drink together, and makes a toast for him. Then Kirk... recites poetry to McCoy.

The Omega Glory

Spirk A redshirt is seriously injured and lying on the floor, and yet Kirk quickly forgets about him and is like "Mr. Spock! Are you alright!?"... But Spock is just standing there, looking perfectly FINE.

Kirk and McCoy's worry is justified later, once Spock is injured for real, but here is kind of hilarious.

Summary

Spirk: 9 out of 26 episodes Spones: 9/26 McKirk: 5/26 McSpirk: 1/26

Season one was the Spirk season, but in this season Spones has gained a lot of ground.

[cautiouscrab2eletricboogaloo]

If you scroll back far enough you’ll see this account was mainly Umbrella Academy posting. I was OBSESSED with this show, especially when s3 came out despite the writing being objectively…iffy in some scenes. But I knew how GOOD the show could be, and hell, s3 WAS GOOD!

And then s4 happened.

And let’s just say

I’m disappointed :D

Spoilers for everything s4 here on out

Ok so watching this season was like being trapped in a burning building but you’re trying to rescue your things, but then you realize they’re also all on fire. I kept watching, thinking “oh, this is gonna lead to this” or “oh that’s a cool reference to that” and NOTHING HAPPENED???

Like in the beginning, with Alison. I thought for sure, everyone was just gonna not like her for a majority of the season, she does something really cool/saves them and then they go “ok, we aren’t gonna forgive you, because what you’ve done to all of us is not able to be forgiven, but we’re gonna try to be better and include each other in our lives”

Nope

They just forgave her off camera and she was just enjoying life with them

And so I’m like “ok, I can excuse that, besides there WAS a 6 year timeskip, maybe we’ll see something with th-“

Nope

Another thing, the sake bombs

My brother in christ Klaus THREW IT ON SOMEONE ELSE AND JUST??? THAT PERSON DIDNT GET HIS POWERS?? My partner legit turned to me and was like “oohhh he’s gonna get Klaus’ powers that’s gonna be so cool.”

But nope that guys never shown again!!

“Okay…” I say slightly nervous “but Klaus is objectively the fan favorite, they can’t fuck up his character”

But then they did. Now iirc, Vietnam wasn’t mentioned at all in s3, and if it was, it was minimum, but there were SO MANY INSTANCES TO BRING IT UP AND THEY JUST DIDNT??

And I tried to excuse it, but legit it was so obvious that they should’ve brought it up. Ignoring the fact Klaus GOT DAVES DOG TAGS BACK AND SAID/DID NOTHING BUT LOOK AT THEM?? you have the scene where everyone is shooting as each other and he’s hiding in the hallowed out part of a grave (which, idk, reminds me of TRENCHES??? Which I’m like 80% sure was used in the Vietnam war) and also, did NOTHING. He covered his ears and I’m sitting there, thinking “oh maybe a flashback”

Nope!

MY BROTHER IN CHRIST I CANT STOP EXCUSING IT, BUT I DO

Cuz when he got locked in the coffin, I’m thinking “oh perfect time to bring up the mausoleum-“

Nope

(Also the way the show tried to make it a joke that he was being used for sex to get money left such a bad taste in my mouth. Like we physically saw him get SA’d and just…it’s a joke??? Like already we had that gross SA of Luther in s3 does NO ONE UNDERSTAND HOW SENSITIVE OF A TOPIC THAT IS??)

Then, obvs there’s the fuckup with Five

At this point, I’m beaten and broken. I have a pounding headache, the dogs looking at me and my partner funny cuz we keep screaming and- HOLY FUCK FIVE IS KISSING LILA

Five, the physically-25-mentally-65 year old, whose ENTIRE CHARACTER MOTIVATION IS HIS FAMILY

Is kissing Lila, the 30 something WIFE OF HIS BROTHER

His brother. Who he saw DEAD IN A FUCKING APOCALYPSE.

I just ??? It’s so bad??? Why??? Did you think??? That was a good idea??? No one asked for that??

(+ there was no reason to include that arc, or the fact that Lila and Diego were unhappy in their marriage. Lila, maybe I can understand, but Diego had NO REASON. Get rid of those arcs, fucking nothing changes)

And I can talk about the bracelet inconsistency, or how they only made Luther a stripper for shock value, but this post is long enough so I’m just gonna mention one final grievance

The ending.

SPOILERS FOR THE ENDING OF THE MAGNUS ARCHIVES

Now, I’ve enjoyed media where they permanently kill off the main characters. Like Magnus Archives (something I frequently would post here)

In the season five finale, they kill of Jon and Martin because it’s the only way to save their world. It makes sense, Jon is already the Pupil of the Ceaseless Watcher + for him and martin, it’s genuinely the only way they can have a decent ending

If they were to keep living, they’d doom the world to constantly be in the eyepocalypse. They address what could’ve been a plot hole by saying “no, living isn’t an option, as much as we want it to be.”

And it’s a satisfying ending! Ask any TMA fan, and they’ll agree that, while sad, it was a perfect ending. So when Umbrella Academy tried to do the same I was…confused? Because that truly WASNT THE ONLY OPTION??

The scene with all the Fives where they’re like “oh btw your family causes the apocalypse every time” I thought we all kinda new that by now….

But also it wasn’t. I am firm in my belief that what caused the apocalypse every time was

1) their powers

And 2) their REACTIONS to each other

S1, for example. Viktors powers inherently cause the apocalypse, but it’s the characters reaction TOWARDS VIKTOR (cough cough Luther) that REALLY seal the deal.

So, no diner Five, it wasn’t THE FAMILY, it was your POWERS. If y’all just…don’t use them and get some family therapy, you guys are FINE.

(Also my partner brought this up, but having a show that revolves around the trauma of the main cast ending with “killing yourself is the only option” is…definitely a choice!)

So yeah. This entire season was trash from start to finish. The songs were not good, the character arcs were not good, the story itself was not good. Everything done was either for shock value (ie making the astronaut a STRIPPER.), ruined characters in ways that didn’t make any narrative sense (Five kissing Lila), or were dragged on far too long (Diego and Luther in the CIA).

And I really don’t want to hate on it, because I love this show, but I really have nothing good to say. It was bad start to finish. Get me out of this burning building, ‘cause my stuffs already burnt.

[loonarmuunar]

Just finished Saw II. And I have MANY OPINIONS

I don’t think the larger cast works in the runtime for the film. I think it COULD work! But with the fast pacing and shorter runtime, it ends up being awkward.

Saw was great bc it hurt. The audience is given time to connect with the characters. We see them try over and over again, only to end up right back where they started.

But in Saw II there just isn’t any time to learn much about anyone. I don’t think we even learn some of the characters names? I couldn’t connect to any of the characters, besides Daniel. There’s just. Very little to no downtime in the film. We don’t get to know a lot of the characters motivations besides “get out of here”.

Like. Why did Obi kidnap them?? He said he had to, but. What does that mean. Was he being threatened? It feels odd to me that they went with that, when they could’ve just said he did it for money or something. Or just had Amanda take the others, like she did in the first film.

Tbh Addison (had to look up her name) doesn’t even seem to have any distinct traits?? She’s a prostitute, but we learn that in the weirdest way. Xavier (I think?) says “The only door you know how to open is between your legs.” which. I gotta say is such a ridiculous line that it’s funny. Does he say this about every woman??? Was this just a lucky guess?? Is he just REALLY GOOD at telling who’s a prostitute???? That’s just the silliest way I can think of introducing her profession akdksk.

She might be quieter than most of the other characters (maybe??), but I think it’s more that the others are constantly screaming at each other. You could possibly say she stays in her lane?? But there’s just nothing much you can say.

I can’t care about these characters while they’re living, and so I can’t care about them when they’re dead.

Also it looks more like they just tried to kill off as many characters as fast as possible. GOGOGOGO SHOT IN THE HEAD BURNED ALIVE NAIL-BAT NERVE GAS EVIL BOX EVIL BOX!!! Like Idk what’s the point when you could just. Have a smaller cast, and have more time for other stuff like. Learning who they are.

Saw ii is just a lot of shock value. Which, I don’t MIND shock value sometimes! Sometimes it’s awesome to see how special effects will make it look like someone got split in half, or exploded from the inside, or whatever. Sometimes it’s Sick As Hell! I am not above watching gore for gore’s sake!! But in the particular instance, I think shock value is the WORST THING you could do here. Because it’s a very strong veer away from the quieter, more anxiety inducing gore and fear in Saw.

Going from Saw’s slow paced dreadful horror, exploring two characters deeply, and occasional bloodshed, to Saw II’s huge cast with not enough time to explore any of them, and non-stop blood and gore, is just frustrating.

Also! The gore and ickyness just kinda loses its value for me! In Saw they cut away occasionally from the gorey parts. And I LIKE THAT. Whatever you can imagine will always be worse. Writers typically don’t tell you what happens in a Noodle Incident, bc whatever you imagine will be far more interesting. And it’s not like we were missing out on anything, because there were other instances of onscreen blood and gore. Imagining how it would look seeing Lawrence sawing off his foot, or Amanda cutting open someone’s stomach, is a lot more effective than seeing it happen.

Saw II wants to do everything Saw did but MORE. Gorier louder bigger more characters. But it ends up being a movie with no substance.

It��s honestly not a bad movie on its own merit. If it was its own film, it would be pretty okay to me. But it fails to even live up to Saw, much less stand next to it.

Maybe Saw III will give more context to things. I don’t know. Shrug. Would love to see some other takes on it! I want to understand why others like this movie :]

[pendwelling]

hi !!! I really like your content ☺️ it gave me a lot of information as someone who stopped reading twsb for a while . I actually have a few questions I wanna take your opinion on

1 / in the last chapter gain asked yuseo if they should have signet rings right ? So does that mean the rings she and ced were wearing were signet rings ? I mean the author wouldn't have mentioned them in the last ch for nothing right?

2/ I Know u said before that the heir problem is resolved with cerise and that she's basically like ced and yuseo daughter which really really excited me 😚😚 but it seems cerise is made an imperial granddaughter and ced sister 😭 so how can she be his daughter or his heir 😭😭?

3/ okay this is my last question which is merely asking for your opinion and me rambling on my own 😅😅so I know u think there's a huge possiblity of a political marriage between Cedric and gain ...do u still feel the same way? Cause honestly I'm not really fond of them getting married 😔

To make it clear I'm huge gain fan and I really really love ced gain dynamic and relationship.i find really refreshing ,funny and interesting. The reason I'm not fond of this marriage is well to be honest I don't want their relationship to turn romantic 😭😭I know it may sound stupid and irrational cause I don't have the right to decide but I can't help it 😞 I'm such a huge cedyseo shipper 😩😩

I read so many great bromance and bl bait stories that got destroyed by hetero endings that it made me uncomfortable thinking about this potential marriage 😭 I know it makes perfect sense considering their development so far but my fujo heart can't help but get broken 💔 cause u know them getting married will eventually lead them to getting much closer and develop feelings and yuseo will kinda feel left behind,like he no longer be the most important to both of them🥺🥺 I just really hate it when the bromance get destroyed by hetero endings.i got a really bad experience with them 😩😞

Thank u for reading through my useless ramblings 😘😘

Oh hi!! First off, I would like to appease some of your worries. To start, TWSB is not a romance-centered novel, thus does have any romance storylines between any of the three main characters, so the relationship build-up that we have while follow them through all their adventures has always been one of very strong platonic bonds.

HOWEVER!!

It should also be made clear that TWSB is not exactly BL Bait. I personally and very strongly would not describe it as "bait" whatsoever (or even "queer-baiting") because, at its core, TWSB is very implicitly and very integrally Queer-coded and Queerplatonic.

This is present and even supported by the worldbuilding alone, from the magic system, to the lore, and to the relationship between several of the characters (many of which are even influenced by these in-universe cultures and magic systems). So, while the relationship between Yeseo, Cédric, and Ga-in (Christelle) specifically is never portrayed in a way that is explicitly romantic/sexual, it is also very clear that "platonic" is not the full extent of the kind of relationship they have (hence why I like to call it queerplatonic!) The relationship between Cédric and Yeseo is undoubtedly the most popular and well-loved dynamic within the fandom (and understandably so, I am one of them LMAO and know this very well) and have many canon instances of bromance/"romantic-coded" interactions, but outside of fandom shipping lenses, when you read the novel and follow the relationship progression of these three characters (of which is very closely intertwined between all 3 of them), the same can be said between not just CedYes, but between Ga-in and Yeseo, and even Cédric and Ga-in to their own special begrudging degree as well (haha). Ultimately, these three are inseparable. They have a special relationship that no one could besides each other can truly understand, and are friends who have through thick and thin for and with each other. They share their souls (literally, between Cédric and Ga-in), and literally again (eventually) between Cédric and Yeseo (assuming they finally go through their Holy Pledge—which, by the end of the main story, is very very highly probable, as the only reason Yeseo has been putting it off this whole time has finally been resolved. Besides, Cédric explicitly affirms that he would NOT accept anyone but Jung Yeseo as his religious partner LMAO).

From the very start we have been introduced to the concept of Religious and Political Companions, and it is clear by the end of the novel that Yeseo and Ga-in are the most fitting candidates for each position. Not just because of Yeseo's eventual religious/etheric prowess and Ga-in's political/nationalistic status as a fellow war hero, but also because they are simply the people closest to Cédric—the only people, besides his mother and his godmother Aurélie, whom Cédric would ever allow himself to open his soul to and share himself with.

Politics in TWSB is very important haha. As the future Emperor, the choosing of his Religious and Political partners are both important, and he has the benefit of having two very close companions who could perfectly fill those symbolic roles for him. Besides, to further ease your worries about a possible marriage between Cédric and Ga-in haha, it is also not uncommon in TWSB's in-universe history for political and religious marriages to be purely platonic, and sometimes even just diplomatic. And as someone who has read the entire novel and followed through with the development of these characters, I still firmly stand by my belief that Cédric and Ga-in will probably end up marrying at some point down the line—and I don't even mean romantically. In the first place, these two hate each other so much hahaha, but at the same time, it is ALSO very clear and very true that deep down, they respect and acknowledge each other, and they both know they are good friends, rivals, and partners.

But even if they DO marry (politically), it does not and ABSOLUTELY WOULD NOT take anything away from Cédric and Ga-in's affections towards Yeseo.

In fact, it's pretty much a buy-one-get-2-free deal with these three. Cédric and Ga-in share a soul/plate, and when Cédric and Yeseo go through with their Covenant, they, too, will share a soul. In the end, it's impossible to have two of them without the third. They are quite literally a package deal hahaha.

Sookym is a good writer. A very good one, in fact, so much so that it is actually crazy (you grow to understand this the more you read, especially when it was still updating/being written in real-time). I do hope as you read this novel that you have faith in the author and how they develop CedYesChris' relationship, because it is truly special, well though out, and very heavily intertwined. A writer like Sookym, who puts so much effort into building their world and their characters, would also absolutely not take this unique relationship between three individuals and exclude one out. Assuming ChriCed get married, it is VERY UNLIKELY that they will grow closer and in consequence drift apart from Yeseo. It is actually impossible. In that scenario, Ham Ga-in Christelle would be more likely to hold onto Yeseo by the teeth and freeze Cédric to death, and similarly, Cédric would lock Yeseo up in his palace and burn Ga-in alive, should Yeseo ever stray. Yeseo is the glue that holds them together, their pole and axis, their gravitational pull and the center of their universe. ChriCed would both agree that there is no future where they do not ALSO have Yeseo by their side. They have fought against the will of the narrative TOOTH AND NAIL for that man to remain by their side. Please rest assured hahaha, they are a package deal.

"Hetero Ending" is impossible. TWSB is too queercoded for that. CYC are the most harmonious bi-disaster queerplatonic polycule you could ever imagine WKWKHJGJHK

As for the rings that future Cédric and Ga-in are wearing, I've shared my opinion before but I do think it could be either of two possibilities:

It's their Political Companions marriage rings

It's their signet rings (Cédric's for being Crown Prince of the Riester Imperial Family, and Ga-in as Marquis Hauteclere)

Either way, both are equally probable. I personally am more partial towards the first (again, think of me as a Riesterian courtier. Logically, the Emperor of Riester would need to follow tradition of having a Political and Religious Partner, and I, a humble Riesterian Court noble, having calculated and observed the best odds, have made my own conclusion that out of every noblewoman Cédric's age, Christelle Rambouillet is the only person who could put up with that guy WHILE ALSO having one of the most notable reputations and image that could support the future Emperor), BUT I also find the equally-likely possibility of the rings being their signet rings very funny. Like, as of now (when the side stories have not been released), the main story concludes with a nice amount of ambiguity regarding the future to allow each reader to envision whatever they wish. I think that is perfect. I don't even think we need to know more (though I would not oppose to it possibly being explored even further in the side stories hahaha).

And again, being Political Companions does not require love. So long as an heir is produced or is available, the relationship can merely be a partnership (take Romero and Joséphine, for example). Cédric has an advantage, however. He has Cerise Riester, whom Frédérique has adopted into the Imperial Family. While it is very much expected for the ruling Emperor/Empress to eventually sire an Heir, I truthfully Do Not Think you could ever force Cédric Riester to do the horizontal tango if he does not want to. That guy is responsible to a fault however and is always aware and conscious of the expectations surrounding someone of his position, but between marrying some random noble lady who would never fully comprehend the extent of his soul, and marrying Ga-in, someone who shares it and would understand him no matter what, it is clear the best choice is Ga-in—who would even readily agree with him if he chooses to not sire an Heir. He can always either adopt the child of a relative (like what Frédérique and Alexandre once nearly did with Cédric's sixth cousin, Jibril Diop, back when Ced had been prophecized to die young), OR he could eventually appoint either Cerise (who is now also technically a direct descendant of the Riester line) as his heir, or any possible future children she might have—and the same can be said for the Rambouillet Family, who have now adopted Lynn as Ga-in's sister! Cerise and Lynn are pretty much CYC's solution to the question of heirs and it's SOOOOO FUNNY but also REALLY SMARTLY PLAYED LMAO. TWSB is not a romance story haha, so the magical babies born in some way thanks to CYC are the answers! Congrats Yeseo...... you are a mother of two 🥹 Cédric and Ga-in are the fathers, and your kids will grow up as sisters 🫶 (Sookym has even conceived their designs as such actually, which is so so so touching bc it basically means they are and will be FAMILY, and you can really tell the author put so much thought into this. It's truly great to have an author who knows what they're doing and who's had a clear vision since conception 😭)

ANYWAY, sorry for the long response LMAO but I hope this was able to answer some questions and appease some worries! (oh and thanks for liking my content too haha!)

[seaofreverie]

Sparkstember Day 16: Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins (When Do I Get To Sing "My Way")

So, well, what an era this was, right. Comeback of the century! Gratsax just has that certain *something*. It's brilliant! One of the best albums ever made if you ask me. The fully electronic style is so perfect for Sparks and they just do it here like it's nothing and like they've been at it for many years. Of course there's the hiatus that took place in the years before it to keep in mind but even then, this album is a HUGE accomplishment and an incredible standout in a catalog of releases that's already full of standouts of all sorts. And it's definitely a personal standout for me too, thinking about how it's been almost a year since I first heard it really freaks me out! It was such a different time for me I feel like, but many things are also exactly the same as back then. It's weird to feel nostalgic about it now but there's really no better word to describe what this feeling is like exactly.

I think this album is meant for vinyl listening in a way. It just fits it so well!! And it's not just the quality to the sound that it has this way (and I don't mean that it sounds necessarily "better", more like just, different and that somehow complements the music even more), but also the ability to have an actual good view of this wonderful album cover that's among my top favourite Sparks things ever. So cool looking! So funny and memorable! One of the finest instances of the music sounding exactly like what the cover looks like. (and learning that the cover is a homage to a SPECIFIC magazine rather than just tabloids in general, that only made it more amazing because it really does look so alike, stuff like this is really cool to me for whatever reason lol)

Also I like the fact that I bought this silly little "disco" lamp around this time last year, so plugging it in for extra vibes during listening makes it all just kind of perfect. And another thing on the visual aspect of it all: this is such a good era for music videos, they're all SO GOOD! Some of my very big favourites for sure and the My Way video might really be one of the best music videos EVER MADE.

But ok, let's get to the point now. Something that stood out to me right away is that every song here is so unique but they fit together so well anyway (not first instance of such thing happening either). There's really lots of variety! I also remember this album fondly because of how it was the first one I listened to with my parents and when my Sparks obsession truly started to become one of the most noticeable things about me to other people, lol. But finally feeling more free and confident with sharing my favourite things that mean so much to me with others is such a wonderful thing anyway, I'd even argue that it helped me live my life more fully than before! And yeah, it's mostly a remark they (my parents) made, that this album nails the balance between keeping to a certain style and offering something new with each song. It's such a wonderful journey!

Alright, once again getting carried away a bit here even though I had no ideas earlier for what to say today. Highlights time then, which is also a bit of a problem because besides one special favourite this album has no spectacularly outstanding highs or any lows, it's all just equally amazing. But I'll try anyway, as I always do.

Favourite songs (and other highlights):

When Do I Get To Sing "My Way": my parents absolutely love this song and well, I do too. No suprise that it's among their most beloved and well-known songs, it really has it all, and it's one of Ron's very best when it comes to lyrics, without a doubt

Frankly, Scarlett, I Don't Give A Damn: so so atmospheric and special, I really like the vocal filter of sorts that's used here, it's just, so cool sounding all around!!

I Thought I Told You To Wait In The Car: this was my LEAST favourite at first but I grew to really like its unhingedness and the part with all "the CAR!!"s on top of each other is just peak of it all and funny as heck

Hear No Evil, See No Evil, Speak No Evil: one of my favourite of Russell's vocal performances! This one and Scarlett are a bit of a duo to me, both simply beautiful songs

Tsui Hark: I LOVE the sound of this one, the piano plus the synth and the spoken word lyrics make this kind of combo that makes it feel like I've already known this one for years and it's just... always existed (which is a term that will apply to a lot of 21st Sparks material anyway, so, that's something to look forward to)

The Ghost Of Liberace: such a big comfort listen to me, I just love this one, makes me feel so at home!!

Gratuitous Sax & Senseless Violins: shoutout to these too because I feel like they might be easy to overlook as these very brief pieces, but they're that extra element that just, really cements this album as a wonderful whole with something to unify all of it into this package of wonder of all sorts

...And then there's the many bonus tracks also, which I'll just mention briefly since I almost forgot about them and because, yeah. I love them all, but the closest to my heart are Love Can Conquer All, She's An Anchorman, She's Beautiful (So What), Mid-Atlantic & This Angry Young Man (Ain't Angry No More) ((and the RON VOCAL VERSIONS OF THEM)) and Katherine Hepburn (love the whole Christi Haydon EP (and Christi is so cool and awesome I need to say that too today) and I should listen to it more, the Boris The Spider cover is fun as heck also)

And now bonus video for no reason from (almost) a year ago, because again, the nostalgiaaaa. (Back when I didn't have a shelf for my record player yet so it took up half of the space on my desk lol)

[towriteloveontheirarms]

Easy smiles and loud laughter (Osferth x reader)

synopsis: 5 times Osferth made you laugh and 1 time he made you cry

warnings: fluff, pregnancy, angst, character death, afab reader

word count: 1.6k

taglist: @hopelesswritergall

(If you want to be tagged in the `kissing booth AU´, for a specific character/fandom or in general let me know in my asks, comments or DMs)

The first time Osferth made you laugh, you didn´t even know his name yet. You were working your shift at the ale house serving food and drink to the patrons, when suddenly the door swung open. The cold fall wind sweeps through the establishment, prompting you to whip your head around towards it right as you set down a pint in front of one of your regulars. He stumbles in a few steps behind the rest of his friends. While they are laughing boisterously, joking and pushing each other around as they do, he is a lot more quiet. A shy blush on his otherwise sickly face. You can tell this has not been their first stop in search of something to drink. Nonetheless you serve them whatever they order and when night falls you are not surprised when they ask for free rooms they could stay in for the night.

“How many rooms will that be?” You ask with a tired but friendly smile in place on your lips.

“Well, that depends, you see.” The man with short dark hair and a beard says with a mischievous grin.

“Depends on what?” You ask curiously.

“Depends if the baby monk is gonna grow a pair and talk to the pretty serving girl he fancies or not…” He and the other men laugh, though not in mean spirit. Your facial expression remains unchanged until you see the monk, the Irishman alluded to. His face is as red as a tomato and his eyes are glued to the floorboards as if there is nothing more interesting in the world.

“Finan…” He whispers sharply to his friend, making you break out into a chuckle anymore. He was just too adorable.

“Well? What´s the baby monks name?” You turn to fully face him as you ask.

“I am called Osferth.” His voice is quiet, but at least he looks up at you through his lashes.

“Well, it is nice meeting you, Osferth.” You chirp and wink at him, before turning back to the other men, who very badly try to conceal their laughter. “You are in luck. We have just enough rooms left for you.”

The second time he makes you laugh, you had just joined the group around Uthred a short time ago.  Still new to the life and the people, but you had made quick friends with Finan. The Irishman had a loyal and funny side that you could only appreciate. Even more so when watching him and Osferth spar. You weren´t much of a fighter yourself, so you had dedicated yourself to learn how to heal, to at least be of some use. So, while you watched the two men train, you studied any relevant book you could get your hands on. It is during one of those instances, that you get interrupted. Finan had just `defeated´ Osferth once more when he turns to an approaching figure in the distance. A smile spreads on his lips.

“Go, fetch Lord Uthred. Tell him we have a visitor. And tell him it is a woman.” He says to the blond man beside him.

“How can you tell it is a woman?” Osferth asks. Earning a raised eyebrow from Finan and an amused headshake from you.

“You have to ask?” The look Osferth gives the Irishman is what beckons a laugh from you as you stand up from the fur that you had laid out underneath you.

“I will go and get Uthred. You two stay here and greet our guest.” You say as you make your way inside.

The third time he makes you laugh, your little group sits around a campfire. It has gotten cold fast and the lot of you are freezing even through the furs over your shoulders. The mood between the five of you had dropped just like the temperatures. Icy silence hanging in the air, the only sounds around are the chattering of your teeth, the crackling of the fire and the bubbling of the stew that was cooking above it.  Then into the silence sounds Osferth´s voice.

“It is so god damn cold I cannot even tell the stones in my shoes from my toes.”

It is a stupid joke, really. And neither of you feel like laughing. Yet, unlike your companions who scoff at his words, a laugh leaves your lungs. The sound light, almost bell-like and bringing an unknown warmth to his insides. Meanwhile, you can´t stop laughing. Even under the looks of Finan, Sithric and Uthred, who all silently question your sanity at the moment.

The fourth time he makes you laugh, you are sure is the moment you really start living. He pulls you aside during the day. A serious expression firm in place on his face, that is rarely seen anymore in quiet times like these.

“Is everything alright, Osferth? What is it you so urgently wished to speak about?” You ask quite worried by his behavior.

His eyes are trained to the ground, like the first time you had met. Avoiding yours at any cost, as a blush dusts over his cheeks.

“I um… I needed to… To talk to you about…” He starts to play with his fingers from nervosity.

You step closer to him and lay a gentle hand on his cheek, making him look at you, which has him in even more of a nervous mess than before.

“It is fine to take your time. Just take a deep breath for me and then try again.” You take a deep breath for him to mimic, which he does. Finally calmed down a bit he even is capable of looking you into the eyes.

“In the months since you have joined us, I have caught myself falling for you. Deeply. And though I am aware that you do not feel the same, I still needed to tell you.” You want to hold in your laughter as to not possibly hurt him more, but when Osferth looks at you with what can only be described as puppy eyes, you can´t hold it in anymore.

“I love you too, Osferth.” You kiss his warm cheek, which instantly becomes a deeper shade of red and watch a small, happy smile break out on his face to replace the serious look from before.

The fifth time Osferth makes you laugh, the two of you had just found out that you were with child and couldn´t be happier. In those days a smile seemed to be plastered on your faces constantly. To Uthred´s and Finan´s amusement. Sithric seemed to be the only one with a little understanding, congratulating the two of you and then backing off. You still traveled a lot, but you had built yourself a nice life in Rumcofa. One night you lie in bed, cuddled close under the furs, one of his hands resting on your belly that would soon swell.

Laying one ridiculous name on you after the other until you feel like you can´t breath anymore from how hard you are laughing.

“What do you think about Uthred or Finan if it is a boy?” You suggest while catching your breath, though it is clear that it is meant with all the sarcasm in the world.

“I think they would never speak to us again if we would choose either of those names.” He chuckles along with you. And as he still speaks you get the perfect idea.

“Alright. Enough with the jests… I am thinking Leofric if it is a boy and Mildred if it is a girl.” You whisper, laying a gentle hand atop his. Turning your head you see his eyes shimmering with tears. “I am taking we have found ourselves some baby names?”

“Yes.” He says, clearing his throat, “Yes, we have.”

In that moment everything feels more real than ever. The love you share, the pregnancy, the life you have lived so far and the life you would soon live.

The one time Osferth makes you cry, is the day you are sure you will never feel alright again. The attack on Rumcofa came seemingly out of nowhere and without any real fighting skills you were of no great use. Running around to heal people left and right to the best of your ability, though you are aware that it isn´t enough. The attackers are too strong and too fast.

When you hear a scream by the docks you quickly run towards it. Not quick enough as it seems. With cold horror you have to watch as Ingrith is being thrown off her horse and Finan leave Osferth to help her. With shock freezing you in place you have to watch as your love gets stabbed by one of Aethelhelms men. Your mouth opens, though you don´t hear the scream that comes out of your lungs. Finan is by Osferth´s side before you are. Holding him in his arms as blood flows heavily from his side and the corners of his mouth.

“No! No, no, no, no… My love, look at me. Please look at me.” You ramble desperate to stop the bleeding from the wound on his side.

“I don´t want to die…” His cries become quieter and more strained as the seconds pass.

“Shhh, save your strength. You will not die today. I will not let you.” You sniffle, not even sure if you can believe yourself as you wipe away the tears that cloud your vision. Returning to your efforts to stop his bleeding you don´t see his eyes become more dull, until all the life has drained from them. The already shallow breath ebbing in his chest and his head falling to the side. You refuse to admit his loss at first, but when there is no lying about it anymore and your lips graze his forehead one last time, you let your tears run free. That day you are certain a part of your soul dies with him.

[albertonykus]

For the month of October, a comparison of different anime adaptations of the Doraemon chapter "Shizuka the Friendly Witch". I've already written a little about this chapter and its earliest adaptation from 1981, which adds many interesting details to the story.

What I haven't mentioned yet is how the episode shows a few more instances of Shizuka helping other people compared to the manga. Her methods of helping can come across as quite extreme here; for example, she saves Gian and Suneo from an angry dog by turning the dog into a puppy (and as far as we know, never undoes this). By the way, a commonality of anime adaptations of "Shizuka the Friendly Witch" to date is that they all add screentime for Gian and Suneo, who didn't appear in the manga version of the story.

Also in the 1981 adaptation, Shizuka stops a bank robbery by using the What-if Phone Booth to make money undesirable. (Nobita's Great Adventure into the Underworld would later establish that the What-if Phone Booth creates parallel universes that exist independently of the original, so it's questionable how practical a solution this would be.) The animation of Shizuka pulling out the phone booth is another case of this episode giving her a greater range of expressions than usual.

A new adaptation of "Shizuka the Friendly Witch" aired in 2005, making it one of the last episodes in the 1979 Doraemon anime. I previously posted some screenshots from this episode, but haven't discussed it in detail.

Out of the different versions of this story, Shizuka probably struggles the most in this one, mainly because it plays up the number of people she is prompted to help. This leads to her getting pulled away repeatedly before she can complete certain tasks. For example, she accidentally uses the wrong side of the Time Cloth on Suneo's broken bike, which causes it to deteriorate even more. However, she leaves without realizing her mistake, and as a result poor Suneo's bike never gets fixed.

The part where she has a hard time finding an appropriate gadget though is probably on Doraemon for not keeping his pocket organized.

The 2005 Doraemon anime reboot adapted "Shizuka the Friendly Witch" for the first time in 2007. This one is probably the most "by the book" adaptation of the bunch, but it is unique in that Shizuka asks Doraemon to give her a magical girl outfit, which she designed herself. She also insists on carrying a wand (similar to what I came up with for "Shizu-chan's Great Adventure into the Underworld"), as well as reciting an incantation every time she helps someone. It's fun to see her getting to be a dork, though the repetitive animation can be a bit of a drag.

The fourth and most recent adaptation of this story aired in 2017. I like Shizuka's purple dress in this version; there's an appropriately witchy vibe to it.

The most novel addition in this one is probably Shizuka's encounter with Gian and Suneo. The two of them are in trouble with their moms for playing pranks, and ask Shizuka for help. However, she tells Gian and Suneo that it is their own fault that they're in trouble, and refuses to aid them! It's a nice character moment for her, and is pretty funny. (And for those who might think she's treating them too harshly here, keep in mind what happens to her at the end of the story...)

In both adaptations from the 2005 series, Shizuka requests that others address her as "Majokko Shizu-chan" ("Little Witch Shizu-chan"). Even though Shizu-chan is her standard nickname in the manga, she is typically called Shizuka-chan in the anime, so this is an interesting nod to the source material.

Besides being thematically appropriate for this time of year, "Shizuka the Friendly Witch" is topical for a couple of other reasons. For one, the 2017 adaptation just aired as a rerun last weekend (Oct. 5, 2024). For another, it looks like we may be getting a reference to it in next year's Doraemon movie!