#they are near and dear to my heart and there is genuinely something magical that happens when i write it

[storiesoflilies]

i got past the scene i was stuck on!!!!

you shall all be pleased to know that i am now flyinggggg again heheh :3

[giddyfatherchris]

A movie i've seen before III

pairing. bang chan x f!reader

type. not requested, a little fluff and a whole lot of angst

warnings. f!reader, crying, relationships issues, trust issues, angst angst ANGST

wc. 4k

a/n. here we go part 3!! this one will be rough LMAO it took me so long to write it and it made me so angsty when i did buuuuuut i kinda love it and ive been having a whole lot of fun writing sm angst even though im so nervous to post this since its not in my "usual" style… anyway i hope you’ll enjoy mwah xx oh and! i love to listen to music when im writing and reading so here’s a few song i had on repeat while writing this: guilty as sin - taylor swift, ceilings - lizzy mcalpine, i wish i hated you - ariana grande (in this order specifically!)

dont forget to tell me if you want to be added to the tag list for the next part x

part I part II

(pics are not mine! credit to the owners!)

The streets were softly illuminated. Restaurants and little bars were stuffed with people laughing and enjoying the gorgeous night. You looked around and felt a wave of glee wash over you. You loved people-watching, the freedom of the soft wind dancing through your hair, and most of all, you loved being here with him.

Rehearsals had been a flying success. The boys had been so excited to see some of their friends and the day flew by in a second. When you returned to the hotel, you should have been exhausted from such an intense and packed day. Still, all you felt was excitement and energy course through your blood at the prospect of the coming evening. Once you made sure the other boys were settled, they all encouraged you to go out, have some fun, and take advantage of being in the famous French city. Even Felix gave you an encouraging smile as you headed out, Chan by your side.

At first, he had been reluctant about your night out with his leader. He was scared for your heart. At the same time, he knew how hard you always worked and as he helped you decide on an outfit, he realized it had been a long time since he saw you this excited. So despite his reserves, he helped you figure out a cute outfit with a genuine smile. You deserved to enjoy the city and have fun after all your hard work. No matter what would come out of this night, he would be there for you and that's what mattered the most.

Even though you had spent the last few weeks making sure you kept a certain distance between you and the man at your side, you decided not to care about it tonight. You were tired, extenuated from trying to guard your heart. Chan's attitude in the past few weeks seemed different. Maybe Felix was wrong, perhaps he was ready for something more. So tonight you would be yourself, and enjoy whatever happened. You decided you deserved it. So you didn't refrain from doing anything you might have done before or wanted to do now. You let Chan hold your hand as you walked through the city. You let him hand-feed you a bite of his plate as you chatted in the restaurant. You let him take pictures of you as you walked near the Seine, an honest smile on your lips. You didn't hold back from replacing his curls once the wind had disheveled them. You didn't hold back from laying your head on his shoulder as you looked at the magical view.

You hadn't noticed, but every little touch or attention planted seeds of hope in your heart.

As for him, Chan seemed to beam at the returned normalcy of your relationship. He was more touchy than ever, a sparkle illuminating his eyes as he made jokes with the sole purpose of gorging himself on the sight of the adorable crinkles around your eyes. He shivered at the feather-light touch of your fingers on him when you made sure he looked perfect for some pictures he intended to post on Instagram for his dear STAYs. You gave a toothy grin as you pinched his cheeks before stepping away for more pictures. He didn't hesitate before asking a stranger with a broken French if they could snap one of you two. An amused light danced in your eyes, and you took a sharp breath when you felt his hand slide on your hips, bringing you closer to him for the picture. You lifted your eyes for a millisecond, a foreign but gentle expression on your face. He looked at you with the softest, most tender smile, before you gave him one in return, and rested your head and hand on his chest. You could swear you felt the thundering beat of his heart beneath his shirt. Or maybe you were mistaking it for your own, reverberating in your whole body.

"Vous êtes très mignons," complimented the stranger with a kind smile and a subtle wink.

You thanked him with rosy cheeks, not daring to comment. Chan came up behind you, asking what the stranger had said exactly, but you barely registered the words as you looked at the pictures on your phone. They were stunning. The lights, the view, but most strikingly, the way you looked together. Your heart skipped a beat as you swiped to see the picture the man had taken when you weren't posed yet. When you were still looking at Chan with that surprised and delighted expression and he was looking at you like you were the most precious thing on earth. He saw the picture and put his hand on your shoulders.

"They're beautiful," he said in a hushed voice as if the emotion currently gripping you had its claws dug deep in him too.

You looked back at him with a smile, trying to slow the fast pace of your beating heart. Ancient fears tried grabbing at your heart, but you pushed them away, holding on to your promise. He nodded towards the street, encouraging you to keep walking. His hand grabbed yours effortlessly and squeezed once before he started to walk. Soon, the Eiffel Tower appeared, and you couldn't hold a gasp from escaping your lips.

It was beautiful, stark on the starry night sky, illuminated like a beacon in the dark. Chan chuckled at your marvel and looked fondly at you as you ushered him to walk faster.

You settled on a park bench, his arm going around your shoulders as you cuddled into his side.

"This is perfect," you whispered after a moment of silent contemplation.

"It is," he answered, his lips so close that if he moved a little they would connect with your forehead.

"I'm really happy to be here with you. Thank you for everything."

The man's heart tightened at your words. "No, thank you," his words felt choked and you backed away enough to face him. "You are so amazing. You're the best at handling us and you’re you're so organized. I don't know how we would deal without you and I don't mean just at work. You're truly such a special person to us... to me." Stars danced in your eyes as you looked at him, so open, so inviting. "Thank you for being in my life. I don't know what I would do without you." Softly his lips touched your forehead in a tender kiss. You closed your eyes relishing in the warmth they spread on your skin. Never before had he been so honest about his feelings in your regard. The little declaration made your heart beat even faster. Seeds of hope were slowly blossoming into small, delicate flowers. Maybe, just maybe your proximity tonight meant more for him than you imagined.

Your eyes stayed closed even as he pulled away, even as he softly stroked the side of your face with his thumb. You were so scared to open them, terrified to know what would happen, what you would read on his angelic face. He brought you closer, so close you could feel his breath mingling with yours. You waited, incapable of opening your eyes.

"Y/n," he uttered softly. "Please, look at me."

You obeyed, softly batting your eyelashes, and felt electrified as the intensity contained in his eyes struck you. His gaze slowly tumbled to your soft lips, slightly opened, puffing each breath. His eyes came back up a second with a silent question. You knew he would not do anything before you said yes and it made your heart bloom as you nodded imperceptibly. And just like that, he linked his plush lips with yours. It was earth-shattering in a soft and shaking to the core way.

You backed away for a second to catch your breath and this time was the one to lift your hand, softly pulling at his shirt as you kissed him once more. This second kiss was still soft, but so deep, so full of emotions. It made your hands tremble. You moved in tandem, both the only people in the world who knew the rhythm of this foreign dance. The kiss made you feel tingly like nothing else maintained you to the earth except for his hands on your cheek and his lips on yours. It grew, both of you wanting, needing more. Your hands went up to his jaw, softly caressing the soft skin there, the skin you had wished to touch so many times. A low grumble echoed in his chest, the vibration almost making you purr back. You separated softly, slowly, stealing little kisses before resting your foreheads together, catching your breaths. His thumb fell on your bottom lip, softly plucking it apart from the top one. He was enthralled by the shallow breath you exhaled. Slowly, but surely you remembered where you were. You remembered you were sitting on a bench in France, and you realized you had just kissed. Panic slowly spread through your gaze, threatening to overpower the feeling of daze you had been previously bathed in. He noticed and a shadow seemed to pass in his eyes but before you could analyze it or say something he kissed your lips again. You had no idea what that little peck meant, and he didn't seem to know either but still, he smiled.

"You want to go back?" he whispered, his head still pressed to yours. You nodded quickly and took his hand as you walked back, your mind racing even as it clawed to stay in the daze it had been in for the whole night.

He held your hand on the way back until you felt its warmth leave yours to replace a few errant strands of his hair and didn't find it again. You tried not overthinking. He was allowed not to touch you at all times even after you had shared a kiss. And the fact that he had been all over you all night and suddenly wouldn't hold your hand didn't mean anything, right? You tried reasoning with yourself but couldn't deny that the sudden loss of his touch made an insidious cold creep into your bones.

As you approached the hotel and entered the lobby, Chan was so very polite and cordial. He kept his gaze straight forward and gave a polite smile to the few staff you encountered but didn't say a word to you. Long gone was the laid-back and giggly man you had spent the evening with. The ride in the elevator was silent, and not the kind of comfortable one you had experienced so many times. This one was heavy, full of meaning. You could feel regret emanating from his every gesture. Tears threatened to spill from your eyes but you held on, not wanting him to know how much this affected you.

Felix had warned you that Chan did not have the space in his life for a partner. You knew it, but still, you allowed yourself to let down your guard, and enjoy your time with him. What happened tonight could never happen again. The way this sole kiss had made you feel was to be used as a warning. If one night with him, carefree, had made you feel such a way... you had to keep your distance and be careful. If you let this go on, it would destroy you. You knew it now. Doing this tonight was a mistake because you didn't just like him. You were incontestably in love with Christopher Chan Bahng. And he wasn't and couldn't be because of everything he was.

He walked you to your room and stopped in front of the door. With your hand on the handle, you looked back at him, trying and failing to hide the pain in your eyes.

"Y/n, about tonight I-..." he started.

"Don't," you breathed out. "I know Chan. It won't happen again. I know it didn't mean anything." He shuffled in place, not even denying your claim. Your heart crumpled in pieces, nausea seizing you. "Don't worry about it," you finally whispered as you closed the door on him, on the possibility of him and everything he meant to you.

The little light of hope you felt earlier had been brutally put out. Delicate flowers ripped from their soil with an all-encompassing pain.

You got up the next day feeling like you had been ran over by a truck. Usually, you were a fast and heavy sleeper, but insomnia had seized you until the late hours of the night. But concert day would show you no pity. You had a job to do, and so you plastered a smile on your face and focused on the tasks at hand. You concentrated on compartmentalizing and acting like nothing happened, telling the boys about your amazing night, while omitting the kiss. The show went splendidly well, the boys gained many new supporters with this performance it was nothing short of a flying success. You struggled to feel anything as they smiled at you and spoke excitedly on the drive back to the airport. Once on the plane, you watched Chan sit down with a sour feeling in your chest. In the next row, Felix signaled for you to sit next to him but you couldn't. You hadn't told him the truth about your night, you weren't ready to face the possible 'I told you so' or worse, his tender compassion. Spotting an empty seat beside Minho, you stopped in front of him. "Can I sit here?" At his questioning look you allowed him to see an ounce of the sadness you carried. "Please, I just... don't want to be disturbed," you shared in a small voice.

Immediately his eyes took on a protective expression, he nodded and patted the window seat next to him. Relieved to know no one would get past your protector, you allowed sleep to swallow you and your pain, only waking up once you landed in Korea.

Cars sporadically zoomed by, their lights blinding you and making your eyes squeeze in pain, which actually wasn't that bad a thing considering how tired you were. The zaps of light were at least keeping you awake. The intense few days had taken a great toll on everyone, and the 12-hour flight on top did not help. Still, being the best one in shape you volunteered to drive. Chan in the passenger seat silently stared out the window while the boys were piled up in the back, sleeping peacefully.

You rubbed your eyes for the tenth time, hoping to finally get rid of the fatigue weighing on your bones that made your eyelids feel so damn heavy.

"If you're tired, I can drive."

You turned your head to find Chan staring at you. "I'm fine."

"I don't think you are. You have been rubbing your eyes and puffing for 20 minutes now. I got plenty of rest, I can drive the rest of the way."

You tightened your grip on the wheel, "I told you I didn't need you to."

"It's dangerous to drive when you're tired."

"Are you done?!" you lashed out. Turning your head to look at him you swerved on the road. Luckily there hadn't been any other cars, but your heart was beating out of your chest and you suddenly felt wide awake.

Chan stared at you with wide eyes for a second. "Okay, that's it. Pull over."

"No-"

"Y/n. Right now you're putting yourself and my members in danger. I can't allow that."

The sternness of his tone and a look in the mirror at the boys made you pull begrudgingly. You slammed the door and avoided his eyes while you switched sides. He tried to get ahold of you to apologize, but you pulled back as if the contact of his hands on your skin burned you.

"Y/n what's going on?"

"What's going on is that I'm tired. I'm exhausted," you sarcastically chuckled.

He wiped his eyes and sighed. "Listen, I get that but we all are."

You tried to bite your tongue to stop the words from coming out of your mouth but in the end, you couldn't. Maybe it was the extreme fatigue or emotional turmoil you had been going through for the past few weeks but you simply couldn't. You heard yourself speak words you never thought you would. "No. I mean that being in love with you is exhausting."

His arms slackened at his sides as his eyes grew big as saucers.

"You heard me right. I am in love with you. I should have known before, but our night in Paris confirmed that."

"Y/n... I can't give you or anyone anything more, specifically because of that. Being with me is exhausting. I already know that."

Irritation lit a fire in your blood. You were so done with this stupid man and his stupid beliefs that made him act like some fucking martyr, like the center of his soul was the problem while it had never been.

"Can you please stop? I'm tired of hearing you whine about how exhausting you are. No. It's not the actual loving you that's exhausting. You are lovable Chris as much as anyone else and to me even more than others. What's been exhausting is those past few weeks, this night we spent together. It's officially knowing you will never be able to return my feelings but knowing you still acted like you could. Holding my hand, looking at me with that smile. Telling me those nice things. Kissing me like I'm the best thing in your life. It's you playing with me that's killing me."

Tears of rage started rolling down your cheeks and for once you didn't want to keep them in. You wanted him to see how much pain he caused you.

"I never played with you I promise. I really do like you and enjoy being with you. That was never fake."

You let out an icy, short laugh. "And you think that makes it better? That is the definition of playing with someone Chan. A minute ago you told me you couldn't give me anything more. Now you're saying you meant everything. You're admitting to doing all those things even though you knew you never wanted more. And don't try to lie and tell me you were doing this for me or to try and see if you could actually be with me. You only did it for yourself, with your interests in mind. You wanted what I can give you without actually committing."

He dropped his gaze to the floor, unable to keep eye contact with you. He seemed defeated and his silence was nothing short of a confirmation of everything you accused him of. For the first time a word you would have never used in a thousand years to describe him came to mind. You took a step closer, forcing him to look into your eyes.

"I'm pretty sure you enjoy being with me. Everyone wants to be loved, and feel they matter but you act like you don't because you're afraid of what it entails. You're a coward," you seethed. "You build this wall around you, pretending you don't want anyone to love you the way you love them because you want to protect them, because you are just so noble and kind." You paused and scoffed, allowing time for your words to sink in. "But the truth is you're just scared. You're scared shitless Christopher. Scared not to be enough. Scared to be rejected. Scared to experience pain and loss. Everyone, and I do mean EVERYONE is scared of those things. The difference is we still try."

You took another step, your hands floating up to his face. "I know it means more to love you than it would mean to experience pain and fear." His face contorted as he tried to keep in tears. Your rage softened for a second and you rested your hand on his broad chest. Immediately his hand covered up yours. He took a breath, on the edge of saying something but you wouldn't allow it.

"At least that's what I used to believe." You slipped your hands from his and backed away. "I don't think I can anymore. Not when I have been shown so clearly that my feelings are not respected and understood for what they truly are. I love you, Chris. All I want to do is support and be there for you. I thought you just needed me to prove the depth of my love and I did so for the past year. I thought it would reassure you and kill that fear in your heart. I always thought you were such a kind and loving soul, that you just needed to see I really did love you for all you are. Now I'm starting to think maybe you are as emotionless as you try to make it seem to everyone." His brows furrowed at the accusation. "And you know what? I could even forgive that. I could forgive you if this was how you felt and you were honest with me about it. But no. You keep acting like you can one day return my feelings. You keep stringing me along." Your voice broke on the last words. It was hard to admit the truth. He had broken you in ways you could never explain. You were vulnerable, pathetically screaming at him from the side of the road. But you wouldn't stop. Now that you allowed yourself to be honest, words kept tumbling out of your mouth uncontrollably. You felt a rush to your head, you felt dizzy, feverish. "And you know what's the worst about it? I know about all of this and still, I can't even get rid of those stupid feelings. I wish I could trust myself not to fall further in love with you but I can't. Every time I see you it all comes back. I can't forget your stupid smile and your stupid dimples and your stupid hugs and that stupid kiss we shared."

A deep breath escaped your tired body. "I wish I hated you."

Those tiny, hushed-out words felt like a direct punch to the gut. Physically incapable of speaking, your words echoed in his head eclipsing any other thoughts.

You drew a painful breath. It was over. You said what needed to be said. And even if it did feel good in the moment, you were left an empty shell. Silently, you both got back in the car. Chan took your place in the driver seat while you sat with your hood pulled up facing the window. In the back, seven boys acted as if they were still asleep even when they had heard everything.

🏷️ list: @httpdwaekki @omgsecretsecret @lovesunshinefelix @luvstaymin @jupire @nebugalaxy @drewsandsebastianswife @whyyougottadothatbro @parisanmorovati @greyyeti @chanssmiles @wildtokay @my-neurodivergent-world @xotinytinaxo @ramadiiiisme @potentialgay

[lynnlovesthestars]

What do you think each companions’ favorite flower would be? Other than Shadowheart’s being night orchid

Ohh, i love this question..

Characters: Astarion, Wyll, Gale, Lae'zel, Karlach, Halsin. (+ minthara, Jaheira and minsc at the end)

Astarion wisteria: he never noticed it grows in the cemetery where he was buried. The night he died and came back to life, the wisteria was not in bloom yet, so he didn't notice, but after the absolute ordeal he came back a few times and in one of them, the wisteria was beautifully in bloom. It was magical to walk underneath the cascading pinks and purples, and in a way it felt like one of Tav's hugs. After seeing it, he finds a book about wisteria in Gale's stack of books, and it took him a second to steal it.

Every time he'd read more about this flower, his interest in it only grew, and along with it, he found himself growing pretty fond of the flower.

He could see himself in the delicate white petals: wisteria has different meanings in each region of Faerun and all of them were, in a way, parts of him.

Longevity, immortality, but also melancholy and a life cut short. It's new beginnings and self-reflection over the past.

♡♡

Wyll likes poppies. Maybe it's the simplicity that catches his eye right away, or maybe the beautiful vibrant colors, nevertheless he makes sure that there's always a pot of poppies at home. He mostly takes care of it, cause he doesn't want to put the responsibility on someone else, but you bet he will water his poppies with a precision worth of the blade of avernus.

His first memory of poppies, he holds it very dear, cause it was one of the last truly happy memories with his father.

Wyll worked with his father briefly before Ulder had to depart for Elturel. They took their horses and traversed along the Chionthar to make sure it would be safe for Ulder and the fists to cross. Tough as they were riding, they stumbled upon a stunning yellow and red poppy field. It reminded them of the flaming fists, of their home, of their mission, but lastly of the sunset that would await them after Elturel was safe. Though they didn't actually say it out loud, they knew Wyll was going to treasure the moment.

♡♡

Lae'zel loves snapdragons. First because they remind her of the might of githyanki's, then because she found them particularly relatable. Snapdragons can survive in the harshest temperatures, just like she was able to endure her whole life being turned upside down.

It's not easy to make her smile genuinely, but if you show up with Snapdragons, she will melt inside. (Though she'd never admit it)

♡♡

Gale likes hyacinths. He's mesmerized by their structure, their colors, their smell. They are just so intriguing. He started growing hyacinths to practice his weave control, but over time he really grew fond of them.

Gale definitely has a name for his pots, and refers to them as his children. One time he was rambling about the flowers, and everyone believed he was a father and forgot to let them know.

"I cannot believe you all" Gale exclaimed, throwing his hands up. "do you think i'd really choose to be stuck here with you, rather than at home with literally my children?!"

"Yes" everyone answered in unison.

♡♡

Karlach LOVES SUNFLOWERS. They just make her smile. She is a naturally outgoing and sunflowers just remind her of herself. Also she spent so long in Avernus, away from the sun, that when she came back to the surface, she followed it like a sunflower.

It wasn't easy to find them near Baldur's Gate, in fact the closest she's ever gotten to one was near Rosymorn monastery. The field was clearly blesses by Lathander, cause those sunflowers were breathtaking, even if she had to see them from her horse.

♡♡

Halsin loved every flower, of course. But one that always made his heart swell was the four o'clock flower. It was something so unique: a flower that would bloom only at dawn. It was like a secret only for those eyes that stayed vigilant in the dark. It was a flower for those lonely souls that couldn't sleep. Although he always had nature by his side, he did feel lonely at the end of the day. Through the decades he had many lovers, but no one could fill that emptiness, and that flower passed unnoticed until everyone went to sleep, just like he would pass unnoticed as he guised as a butterfly.

♡♡

Jaheira peony

Minsc marigold

Minthara black dahlia.

[loisfreakinglane]

Top 5 things/people you love about the buffyverse?

oh THIS is a fun retrospective. i haven't yet started buffyverse rewatch 2k24- but it's happening SOON. i've given myself a new edict to scrub away 27 years of btvs/ats opinions, loves, hates, fandom histories, annoyances, EVERYTHING- and go into this rewatch totally fresh, to let opinions form as organically as they can for a universe so near and dear to my heart since i was. god lol 6 years old. i'm personally hoping characters, ships, and plots that i've found hopelessly aggravating before, i find blazing passionate love for now. WOULDN'T THAT BE FUN THO??? i'm sick of negativity, i wanna embrace joy.

before i scrub myself clean, it's nice to remember why i was invested for so many years in the first place. SO. TOP 5 THINGS/PEOPLE I LOVE ABOUT THE BUFFYVERSE!!!!!!!!! not exactly my favorite 5 EVER about the buffyverse, but an assortment of 5. 5 separate top favorite things.

cordelia chase- my love my life my soul my queen c. the thing is. i adore her. i adore her as a bitchy mean girl, using her wealth and her beauty and her status to squash down our heroes. i adore her as a broke struggling actress, using a vampire detective agency as a stepping stone for international stardom. i adore her as a genuine hero, embracing her destiny, choosing to be a demon, and fully throwing herself into fighting the good fight because it fills her soul with purpose, belonging, and fulfillment. she has an utterly flawless character arc, one that parallels buffy's own in so many ways. (and fyi as a sidenote i am ENTIRELY POSITIVE that in ats s4 amnesiac cordy was 100% cordy, jasmine did not take over her body until she had the vision of the beasts eyes, and then it was real cordelia again in you're welcome. there's not question or ambiguity about it for me personally, not anymore.) my love for cordelia is all encompassing. i love her more than anything.

buffy&dawn, angel&connor- probably my favorite plot for both buffy and angel was when they each gained a kid who automatically became the most important part of their life (while my ultimate buffyverse otp is angel/cordy, i am very fond of bangel- and my biggest proponent for a postseries reconciliation revolves around this shared life experience) there is so much i love about both characters getting an auto-grown, magically created, blue eyed brown haired impossible teenager dumped in their lap (with bonus world-altering magical memories making their existence assimilated and accepted). giving them both not just another person to love, but another human being that is entirely reliant upon them specifically for love, protection. one person with the power to uplift or destroy them, through their own actions or the actions of another. buffy and angel both went through phases of being willing to destroy the whole world just to keep them safe- buffy in the gift, angel in forgiving. i just think it's NEAT. i probably spend more time thinking about angel & connor bc i do remain frustrated with a lot of choices made wrt them in s4 (the decision to lean far harder into whiney ungrateful teenager and less into feral hellchild raise by ultrareligious 18th century man in a barren wasteland of demons was in fact frustrating to me!) but hey, i still love connor in all his messy angsty ways. and origin/not fade away put a pin in that conversation in ways i will adore FOREVER.

the concept/importance of families of choice. for as much as i've waxed poetic over two of the series core biological relationships lol, the real center of both shows is always that love between a group of unrelated misfits. i've gone back and forth over the years on my opinion of many of the relationships within the buffyverse, and how successful those families can be- but it is still something i really love. and it's especially at the heart of what has been my 2 favorite seasons- buffy s5, and angel s3- which, only hitting me now, is also when dawn & connor are introduced, which brings the group much closer together. it's unfortunate tho, that in this world of two separate families of choice, with an assortment of characters from a large variety of backgrounds, that we only got one main that's not white. forever the biggest problem with both shows. and also why i won't shut up about how kendra should have been brought back. SHE ONLY DIED A LITTLE!

wolfram&hart as a main baddie. lawyers are evil. we know this. LOL BUT RLY THO. god! a perfect PERFECT villain, perfect way to use the fuckery of the legal world to impose your will upon broke private detectives. lawyers are everywhere, i'm p sure there's more lawyers in california than in any other state. we are very litigious. the mystery behind ~the senior partners~ that is always hanging over our heads, the horror that can be inflicted by these very human lawyers engaging in blood sacrifice, murder, every evil thing under the sun- and the fact our heroes can't exactly run around killing them because a. human and b. there's way fucking more where they came from. of course they were never defeated, of course they are a main villain from beginning to end. i have less fond memories about the state of wr&h in s5, but that's less about them and more about how our heroes try to utilize their resources (badly, it's badly). lilah morgan, one of the best antagonists EVER. holland manners, linwood murrow, gavin park. they come at angel investigations from every angle- sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. but they. never. stop. 10000% perfection.

okay this one is more...... idk. this is a random thing i've been thinking about. and it's set design. lmfao. maybe it's because these shows have been part of my life for so many decades, because i grew up watching and rewatching and rewatching, but there's so much i love about their main sets. the hyperion hotel is one of my favorite locations on tv ever. the magic box! the sunnydale high library! i feel like i too lived in these locations. and i wanna go BACK!!!!!!!

[gxbtx]

How Tyler, The Creator Continues to Infiltrate our Childhoods and Hearts

Austin, Tx, October 7th

Three years ago I attended Austin City Limits for the first time in my life. ACL was a tradition with my parents semi-annually growing up, with some of my earliest memories seeing The Eagles at Zilker park around age four. In 2021, there was an undeniable plethora of great artists, such as Miley Cyrus, 070 Shake, Greta Van Fleet, and Tyler, The Creator. ACL in 2021 was one of my first musical experiences as a teenager that I genuinely connected with, leaving a lasting impact on how I spend my time and money.

Tyler was an eye-opening experience to what a live setting of music has to offer. Tyler’s energy and dedication to his craft was shown on the grand Ladybird Stage with an extension of his Call Me If You Get Lost tour. Tyler played several tracks of Call Me If You Get Lost to perfectly pair with his stage props of expensive trunks and a speedboat. It was an honor to be properly introduced to his most recent album, as I didn’t fully understand the emphasized hip-hop elements near and dear to Tyler that made it such a great project. Tyler’s presentation of luxury and success leave him in a clear position to convey his lack of care to others who may have doubted his ability, which is heard throughout his boastful yet admirable confidence in CMIYGL. Even with the hundreds of thousands of people cheering him on he still managed to get away with poking fun at many demographics of his audience, with his charm and fame making the remarks go right over their heads.

A crucial aspect of the musicianship and the importance of performance was found in my first pit experience. Tyler’s shows are so great because he considers the live performance a core aspect of how he intends his music to be perceived. Such as one of his favorites, “NEW MAGIC WAND” from IGOR, the song took a few years to catch mainstream attention as he specifically curated the song to be enjoyed in a pit experience. Additionally, being so close to the artists removes the awkward unspoken barriers with others surrounding, connecting sweaty people together through the common denominator of love for his songs. Rarely do I see so many people singing the same songs with so much heart and passion, one after the other, representing the impact Tyler has on my generation. Ever since seeing Tyler up close, I’ve come to understand and appreciate the aspect of supporting musicians by going to Live shows, giving them a chance to present their life’s work to the audience the way they intend.

With all of this in mind, you could imagine my excitement to revisit Tyler’s catalog at the same stage three years later. Nearing the end of my teenage years, seeing Tyler for a second time brought me a sense of nuanced conceptualization of how Tyler has brought super star status to his career. Tyler started off his desert themed set with some bars unfamiliar to the crowd, ‘“what’s that gun name,” showing me Tyler’s contribution to the alive and well hip-hop resurgence within the past year. He returned with his classic stage presence utilizing his last decade of experience to show how a true professional does a festival set. At this point of his career, he was able to turn his numerous hits into a fresh DJ set in a sense, showing refinement and improvement from one track to the next. Along with this he brought his same moshing and intense energy to the pit that was insulting yet funny years prior. It was humorous to again see individuals who were not ready for the chaotic running around and moshing, with many people remaining from the previous set of Chappell Roan. He joked that he’s now at the age (~30) where something aches, reminding the crowd that he’s been himself in the public eye for the past 14 years or so, cementing him as an integral part in our generation’s music taste.

I really enjoyed seeing Tyler again as he serves as a subtle reminder that despite the ever increasing subdivisions of internet culture, there are still huge artists bringing entire generations of people together. I genuinely at this point in my life feel like I’ve grown up listening to Tyler, which can be said for millions of fans around the country. It feels full circle that my sibling is now eagerly awaiting the new Tyler project coming out soon, illustrating the recurring theme of the obsession with Tyler’s experiences he creates in music. Revisiting the screaming crowds hashing out every lyric in some of his most influential songs is a testament to the power music has, as Tyler’s anti-hero persona towards his fans who treat him like messiah himself still manages to bring out hundreds of thousands diverse souls to flock to what he has to show. His hard work and envelopment of becoming a music nerd is something I think is so inspiring, to me and others alike, fostering the energy to keep creativity alive and well.

[yurigalactica]

would you mayhaps infodump about LC! lyrics? 👀👀 /nf

(I saw you on the anon game and am incredibly interested)

OOOOOOOOOH YESYESYESYES I WOULD LOVE TO INFODUMP ABOUT LOS CAMP LYRICS

okay okay so first of all. this band is so good. they have so many banger ass songs and that cannot be denied. HOWEVER in my heart To Tundra will always reign supreme. like holy shit. it's got lyrics like "meet me at st. nicholas among the oaks, behind the church that sway like pig-tailed girls as summer wind whistles around your bare-skin knees and the forsythia leaves" and "we take on the burden of all these sad-eyed children with lilies bunched in our hands" like. those lyrics are so visceral and potent they literally leave me with my mouth hanging wide open after i hear them. oh my GOD that song is magical

some of my other favorite songs lyrically is OBVIOUSLY tiptoe through the true bits. that's the song that whenever i hear it i have to stop literally everything i'm doing, turn up the volume as loud as it will go, close my eyes and just absorb the Vibes. it's so gorgeous AHHHHHH. the bit that makes my heart go !!!!!! is the part where it goes "the bed-spread decked in suns and moons and symbols of the star-signs, how you read how mine applied to how I would be sex-wise." like that paired with the little guitar picking up in the back and the drums kicking in are SO GOOD AHHHHHHHHHHHHH

AND. IN MEDIA RES. that song changed my life genuinely. like WOW. the whole vibe of it, especially the end when the trumpets (i think they're trumpets at least) kick in and gareth goes "if you were given the option of dying painlessly in peace at 45 with a lover at your side, after a full and happy life, is this something that would interest you? would this interest you at all?" like WOW what an existential crisis moment while you feel like you're running through a rainy field. man that hits yknow

ALSO i am emotionally attached to Documented Minor Emotional Breakdown #4. i dont know why but the first time i ever heard it my brain latched its claws onto it and now it wont fucking let go. so whenever i hear the guitar at the beginning i am Legally Obligated to belt out at the top of my lungs "I RESTORED YOUR MOTHER'S FAITH IN MEN WHILST BORING YOU TO DEATH LEFT NOTHING MORE THAN A CIRCLE OF STUBBLE RASH AROUND YOUR CHEST--"

AND!!!!!!!!! for flotsam also has a very special place in my heart. i love the lyrics in that one, particularly "summer of odd-numbered year" like. MY GUYS YOU ARE SO CREATIVE???? all of your football metaphors to describe your boredom and emotions. like i don't watch football but you go guys i think its so kickass. i love you los campesinos. also the bit where they go "flotsam, jetsam, and spindrift, all the girls i have loved, dumped to earth by a spendthrift, gilt angels from above" with the "aaaahhh" in the back and the very faint piano in the background that i can only hear when i'm listening to it with my gaming headphones on bc my gaming headphones have really good mid range. just AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH

AND WHAT DEATH LEAVES BEHIND TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 fun little fact this was the first song that i listened to when i first decided to listen to their discography all the way through. and let's just say that was a VERY good start because i was very impressed right off the bat. like "i was the first match struck at the first cremation, you are my shallow grave, I'll tend you as a sexton, if you're the casket door that's being slammed upon me, i'll be a plague cross painted on your naked body" LIKE HOLY SHIT. THATS SO EVOCATIVE. HOW DO YOU USE SO MANY METAPHORS AND BIG WORDS. THEYRE SO GOOD AT WORDS. i love listening to this one because it is so lyrically complex and yet it all goes together so well auuugghhhhhhhh

also since i started university recently, hung empty rings very near and dear to my heart. like the bit in the bridge that goes "my vision is fading, it's blurry, there are fingerprints all over the sun, we're glad to be loved but we're lonely and we feel like we're the only ones." like. that's the experience of moving out right there!!! i don't know where the fuck i am and i'm so lonely but it feels so bright and new and cinematic. this song Gets me on the most fundemental level it feels so very College-Esque

ALSOOOOOOO she crows!!!!!!!!!!!11 i LOVE she crows. someone inject this song into my veins Right This Fucking Instant. i need to live and breathe this song right now. just the instrumentals combined with the anthemic feel of the song really seals the feeling of looking back on your life and all of your mistakes and acknowledging that all of them brought you to where you are now. especially the end bit, i don't know why, but when it goes "big tip for the pretty girl waiting the IHOP, these blank napkins/unwritten suicide notes, it's dark inside these eyelids, blacker than the ink (squid)" it really feels like the end of the day. these are the lyrics that buzz like caffiene in your veins as you sit outside a dutchbros at eleven pm surrounded by the only people you feel like you can be yourself around. it's the feeling of cold biting at your skin while your heart feels warm and full. it feels like an open finale, the first time you smile in a long time, an acceptance of the complex beauty of life, that unforgettable moment when you realize that you wouldn't trade who you've become for the world

and CODA A BURN SCAR IN THE SHAPE OF THE SOONER STATE. I LOVE CODA SO MUCH AGH. PERFECT CRYING IN THE SHOWER SONG. like the lyric "an artist's impression of the manhattan skyline" will get me fucking SOBBING immediately. it feels like watching the world move on without you, the world a blur as you crumple inward under the weight of your emotions, a collapsing star in an endless void. and then obviously "i can't believe i chose the mountains every time you chose the sea" WOAH the SYMBOLISM i will just pass away right here in my dormitory with my headphones on. no sorry professor i can't write my essay i am unwell about the romance is boring album again. sorry yeah i'll be unavailable for 3-5 buisness weeks

but uh. yeah. los campesinos amirite???????????

[soup-of-the-daisies]

What are your favorite harry ships??

I am SO glad you asked. Harry is my fandom bicycle and the reason I count myself as a multi-shipper.

In general, I like my Harry-ships to be relatively ‘equal’, if that makes sense. Harry or the other character should be capable of holding their own; big power differences are not my cup of tea (though they can be intriguing and, dare I say it, hot). They can kick each other’s arses, is what I mean by that.

I also don’t mind a male Harry, female Harry, or NB Harry. I like ‘em all, just for clarification.

For the basics: both Drarry and Harmione are near and dear to my heart. Rivals-to-lovers and friends-to-lovers, my beloved. These ships feel comfortable and familiar, and they’re usually my go-to for post-canon fluff or hurt/comfort. (I also like Dramione and Romione btw. I know that’s not what you asked about but I’m just putting it out there.)

I’m also known to have indulged in Ronarry and Sirry (Sirius/Harry) on occasion. And with smaller characters: Harry/Theo Nott, Harry/Blaise Zabini, Harry/Daphne Greengrass, Harry/Viktor Krum, Harry/Cedric Diggory… yeah. Harry/Cho and Hinny are fine, but not ones I’d purposefully seek out. In time travel AUs, I genuinely, really like Harry/Orion Black—possibly because it reminds me of Prongsfoot.

Most importantly: my absolute favourite at the moment is Tomarry/Harrymort. I don’t know why—it just appeals to me. Harry’s my boy, and I actually quite like Voldemort’s character as a fully-rounded villain or annoying, emotionally constipated teenager. Christian Coulson as Tom Riddle had me (like many others) in a chokehold when I was little so Diary!Tom is Voldy-version I absolutely adore, but Silver Fox!Voldemort and Snakeymort I love as well. And again, this is as long as the power dynamics aren’t too fucked up (purely for my personal taste): other aspects can be Morally Wrong or Really Fucked Up and I’ll lick the plate clean lmao. I like it when Voldemort becomes ‘better’, I like it when Harry becomes ‘worse’… cleansing or corruption, both are good.

It’s something something soulmates, I suppose!! Their inherent connection, their similarities. Harry has the potential (!!!) to become an ‘equal’ in power to Voldemort eventually (provided he trains and studies) (the detail that Voldemort canonically has more magical power is why a lot of fix-it fics add that Harry had a ‘binding’ on his ‘magical core’ which limits the power he can put into something; either to prevent the horcrux from holding on too tightly or to make him easier to kill). Harry has, canonically, power over Voldemort in the way that he’s part of Voldemort. Their wand cores match as much as they can possibly match (feathers given by the same phoenix at the same time). Voldemort accidentally damned Harry to have a similar childhood as he did. They both see Hogwarts as their first home; they’re both half-bloods; they both didn’t feel like they truly belonged in both the muggle and magical world, though for varying reasons. Harry can understand Voldemort on a level that lies the latter bare and open, which is not something that Voldemort would ever want or appreciate. And the dichotomy between core parts of their personalities — Harry’s kindness, Voldemort’s cruelty — is delicious.

[zee-rambles]

I hope you're doing well, and thank you again or all you do to support Rise. It's so near and dear to me, and I've actually cried over it so many times now it's embarrassing... I really wish we were given the same treatment as other TMNT shows and not cut after just one and a half seasons...

I can’t tell you how much Rise means to me and how much it helped me without getting deeply personal. It’s been a long time since I genuinely enjoyed something to this degree. After Kingdom Hearts 3 ended, and disappointingly so, I didn’t think I’d find anything I’d enjoy, more then an “It’s all right,” feeling.

Sometimes you find something that was just plain magic, and that is Rise of the TMNT for me. So I definitely understand what you mean. I don’t think I’ve ever fought so hard for something before, tried to rally and scream and support as much as I can.

I can only hope that all my efforts make a difference. I can only hope that I inspired some people.

Thanks for your words. I often feels like I’m a part of a dwindling army. I can only hope that a bunch of new voices join us, that Mutant Mayhem will inspire fandoms to come together. To prove that new and old fans can stand together, to make up for what the older TMNT fans did to Rise fans. To bring Rise back against the haters, against all odds.

Who knows?

Hope is a ninja’s greatest weapon.

[darkmatter-nebula]

Colli and Baba moments

Hello, my dear @importantnightwerewolf! 👋😊

Thanks for the request!

This takes place between the events of O' Titan Where Art Thou and the events of my "Lost But Now Found" AU One-Shot for Watching And Dreaming "Belos' Demise And A New Era Of Peace".

Drabble: Baba And Their Little Songbird

To say that Raine Whispers, the Bard Coven Head, was excited to properly engage in a conversation with a certain small starboy with otherwordly fluffy lavender hair and a heart as pure as freshly fallen snow would be a massive understatement!

Colli already was incredible dear to them! Colli's voice was absolutely lovely! Raine, who secretly witnessed Colli singing to himself some time ago, had a nickname for the kindhearted eternal little boy. He was their Little Songbird.

.

.

.

The Day of Unity was near. Only a few days until Raine's precious Little Songbird had something important to do. Only Colli was powerful enough to stop the Draining Spell. The Emporer found this wretched spell in a very ancient scroll many centuries ago.

Speaking of Colli, the cosmic little boy was floating around in the CATTS hideout. He had a concerned expression on his adorable multi-colored face. "Everything is going to be alright, Colli." Raine said softly as they put tenderly their hand on the blue side of Colli's sweet face.

"Are you sure, Baba?" Raine.EXE had stopped working as Colli referred to them for the first time as his Baba. The bard needed a little moment to recover. Then, they caressed lovingly their son's freckled cheek. "Yes, Little Songbird."

.

.

.

Raine knew that Colli would succeed! They were relieved as the Draining Spell finally came to an end. They were sure that it was Colli who moved the moon. What they didn't know yet was, that Colli's heart was broken after being separated from a certain young Grimwalker...

.

.

.

Colli, who was working on a new Portal to the Human Realm, was exhausted. He overworked himself and he had many sleepless nights. Raine used their bard magic to gently put him to sleep. Raine carried their son to bed and tucked him in.

.

.

.

Colli was finally genuinely happy again after being reunited with his beloved big brother. Raine felt their heart swell upon noticing the bright smile on Colli's adorable multi-colored face. 'Titan, he is getting cuter every single day!' Raine thought.

.

.

.

The former Emporer finally met his demise! This man couldn't hurt Colli ever again! Raine decided to write a song about their brave son. The immortal celestial boy helped to defeat the goopy puritan. Colli had used his magic to tie up Kaiju!Belos' mouth with pink bindings, to protect everyone from the hyperbeams, after all.

To the Boiling Isles citizens, Colli was a hero, whom they all wanted as their new Emporer. Raine couldn't blame these people. The bard knew that Colli would rule with love, compassion and kindness. His heart was pure, despite everything he had gone through.

The End

[ariannadi]

Return and Proceed (1/2)

Can also be read on Ao3

ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻ੈ✩‧₊˚

Being that she was too enthralled with the building she’d happened upon in the middle of the Lower City, Sitri didn’t notice Astarion approaching. When she didn’t respond to his greeting, the vampire’s eyes curiously shifted between the woman and her fixation.

"Is everything alright, dear?" he asked of his lover, and though his voice was low, it still managed to jolt the half-elf from her reverie.

"Huh, what?" Sitri answered, holding a hand to her chest as she eyed him. Astarion just tutted, and came to stand beside her.

"You certainly were lost in thought just now," the elf commented, and peered upon the building in front of them once again. "Something to do with this place?"

"It's..." Sitri started, then sighed. "This is my home. Where I resided before all of… this."

"Your school?" Astarion questioned in slight surprise, as she had briefly covered her origins to him and the others one evening near the campfire when they were all still getting acquainted with one another. That conversation felt like a lifetime ago at this point.

"It wasn't just a school," Sitri snorted. "Mankar, my mentor, took me in from the streets as a child and raised me here - teaching me about magic in the process. I had other colleagues and aspiring roommates over the years, yes, but at the end of it all it was just me and him. I was his daughter, for all intents and purposes. He's the one that taught me that there is still good in this world." Her eyes moved to Astarion as she said this, knowing he himself was still unconvinced on the matter.

Other people don't have a heart like you. You're you. No one is like that.

"So... what's holding you back from going inside?" Astarion asked, sounding genuinely perplexed by whatever it was that had her hesitating. 

"I... I'm not sure honestly," Sitri answered, kicking at the gravel beneath her feet. "I'm not the same person I was when I lived here—you know, the quiet, studious one who kept to herself most days. Not by a longshot. I suppose I'm... afraid of what they'll think of me now."

Astarion nearly scoffed at that, and turned to look at her with a stern expression. "You're afraid of them learning what an absolutely amazing individual you are? Come now, darling. Anyone would be proud to know someone like you, believe me. When they hear of all you've done for complete strangers... for me..."

"Astarion..." Sitri breathed, stepping into him when he reached for her and smiling when he left a soft kiss to her forehead. 

"You can do this,” he said in encouragement, cupping her warm cheek in his hand. "I'll accompany you the entire time, if you'd like. And fill in the blanks when you don't feel like answering."

"Will you be the one to tell my mentor and the others about the tadpoles still wriggling around in our skulls, then?" she teased, and Astarion just huffed.

"As soon as we get the 'your apprentice slash colleague just-so-happens to be in a relationship with me, a vampire,' part out of the way," he contested with a smirk, to which Sitri laughed, finally relaxing her shoulders.

-------------------------------------------------------

Her home had always been open to those who had the desire to study the intricacies of the Weave - Mankar had made sure of that. She and Astarion were able to enter the building without incident, with not a soul around to intervene.

"Well... the security could use some improvement," Astarion commented in an unimpressed tone, and Sitri rolled her eyes. 

"Everyone's likely in their rooms, studying. You should know by now that us wizard types don't generally socialize unless we're comparing notes."

"Ha! Yes, I do recall practically begging you to come have a drink and chitter-chat in those early days. Though... the quiet, relaxed evenings filled with nothing but the sound of turning pages... well, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't beginning to grow fond of that, as well."

Sitri smiled at that, only to stop dead in her tracks as she came to stand in front of an expansive archway blocked only by heavy curtains. 

“This… is my mentor’s study,” she explained, swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat. 

“Well, go on, then,” Astarion gently nudged, and Sitri nodded. Taking a deep breath, she went to push at the curtains before proceeding inside.

Everything looked just as it had before she’d been whisked away; the same bookshelves lining the walls, the same velvet chaises basking in the sunlight coming in through the glass windowpanes (perfect for afternoon reading), the same smell of aging paper and dust. The only difference was that the space felt a lot… smaller, than it had before. 

And there at his desk sat Mankar, hunched over his scrolls in a manner she had berated him about thousands of times, looking older despite already having been. Just how much had her disappearance worn on him?

“Master Mankar?” she called out, and even though her voice was quiet, it still managed to give the man a start. He looked up towards where she and Astarion stood in the entryway, and his face went through fifteen different emotions at once.

"It can't be..." he choked out, then shakily rose from his desk. "Sitri? Is that really you?”

"Yes, it's me," Sitri, suddenly feeling tears in her eyes, replied. She took a cautious step forward, then another.

“But… I saw you get snatched up by that nautiloid that came barreling through the city,” Mankar attempted to reason with her, or perhaps himself. “How is it you’re standing here? Have I finally lost my senses?”

“I certainly hope not,” Sitri laughed wetly. “My survival… it’s a long and very complex story. You’ll definitely want to sit down.”

“I… yes, of course,” her mentor answered, and heavily plopped himself down on the nearest chaise - encouraging Sitri to do the same. Though he’d been standing behind her the entire time, Mankar finally noticed Astarion in the doorway, and raised a brow. “Who’s this pale fellow?”

“This is Astarion. He’s um… well, he’s actually my partner,” Sitri replied, turning towards the elf in question. She reached out to him with a smile, which he reciprocated as he gingerly took her hand. “I met him shortly after escaping the nautiloid… which, I suppose is where the tale begins…”

Sitri recounted to her mentor all that had occurred since being abducted; from the dormant tadpoles in her and her companion’s skulls to saving the Grove and its tiefling refugees from a fortress full of goblins. The encounter with Auntie Ethel (and subsequent re-encounter), meeting Jaheira and the Harpers at Last Light Inn, discovering who exactly The Emperor was, storming Moonrise Towers and revealing the extent of the Absolute plot; Sitri didn’t leave out a single detail.

Mankar absorbed it all in stride - only asking the occasional question when he needed clarification. When Sitri had finished explaining it all, he simply sat in thought for a time.

“My gods, girl. You quite literally have been to hells and back, haven’t you?” he finally muttered with a huff of laughter - though pity was laced in between each word. “In some cases it sounds like ceremorphosis would’ve been a kinder fate. Though, I am relieved you've managed to avoid it all the same.”

"Yes, the thought of sprouting tentacles still doesn't sit well with me," Sitri responded through a smirk. "Anyhow... I knew I needed to come and see you once I had the chance - just so you knew I was at the very least still alive."

"A gesture I appreciate more than you can possibly fathom," Mankar sighed, and leaned forward, taking Sitri's hands in his. "I was beside myself with worry - and then, dread. When you were snatched up, I immediately took to my books and attempted to see if there was by any chance a reverse to becoming a mind flayer, but found nothing. Then suddenly I was hearing word about an elder brain roaming just outside the city and wondered when I would inevitably come face to face with you as an illithid."

"I can't say that particular outcome isn't still a possibility, but I fully intend to avoid it all the same," Sitri replied, her expression completely serious. Looking back towards the entryway, she twisted her lips just the slightest bit. "I suppose I had better go see everyone else. Catch them up on everything as well."

"Shall I join you, darling?" Astarion butted in, not subtle whatsoever in his not wanting to be left alone with her parental figure.

"Actually, lad; I would speak with you, if you don't mind." Mankar insisted. When Astarion was about to protest, he continued, "I am rather curious about the individual who's managed to steal my Sitri's heart, you see."

"I... well... uh," Astarion stuttered, and looked at Sitri pleadingly. 

"Mankar, don't push him," the half-elf said to her mentor with a look. "Astarion, if you'd rather join me you can tag along. I don't mind."

Astarion blinked and pursed his lips, before settling back into the chaise with a sigh. "No, I... I actually think it would do good to speak with him. Go on and mingle with your cohorts."

Sitri rose a brow at that, half-expecting Astarion to bolt out of the building. But she didn't press. "Alright. I shouldn't be too long."

----------------------------------------------------------

Her colleagues were, understandably, confused at her sudden appearance, but otherwise they had taken Sitri's return well. A majority wanted to (enthusiastically) run tests on her to see just what kind of specimen it was that took up residence in her skull, but she had quickly nipped that in the bud.

Gods was I that insufferable once?

She descended the staircase leading back down towards Mankar's study, only to catch the tail-end of the conversation he was having with Astarion. Instead of interrupting, she took pause to listen in, her curiosity getting the better of her.

"My heart broke when I saw her sitting there on the cold, dank street, trying to conjure just the tiniest flame from the scroll she had likely stolen. She was badly bruised and dressed in rags. She had to have been no more than eight years. I knelt to her level and asked her if she would like me to show her how to cast the spell, and she nodded. The way her eyes lit up as the magic unfurled is a sight I will never forget. I asked her if she would like to come home with me, where I could teach her magic of all kinds, and she agreed. Since then, she's lived here, taking care of this old fool and providing a sort of mentorship to anyone who stumbles through our door."

"You really did show her a kindness that most wouldn't even consider," she heard Astarion comment thoughtfully. "I can see why she is the way she is; wanting to help every soul who has fallen into misfortune."

"Ah, but, I wouldn't have known just how much of a hero I had raised had she not been whisked away," Mankar rebutted, and Sitri could hear the smile in his voice. "She was perfectly content to keep to herself before any of this nonsense. Though I'd rather it never happened, it does make my heart happy to see how much she's flourished."

Sitri chose then to re-enter Mankar's study, before he delved a little too far into her personal history. The last thing she needed was him revealing to Astarion that she occasionally still wet the bed up until she was about ten years old.

”Ah, Sitri. How did the catching up go?” Mankar asked. The half-elf shrugged, and took her spot next to Astarion once again.

“They were more interested in my affliction than my being alive, I think. But, I suppose that’s to be expected.” Turning to Astarion, she said, “I hope my dear mentor didn’t leave you too scandalized with his interrogation.”

"On the contrary; he's a rather pleasant fellow," Astarion replied. One who I owe for someone as incredible as you, he then voiced to Sitri through the tadpole's connection. The way his eyes carefully drew her in had Sitri drowning in their depths; she wouldn't be surprised if her pale elf insisted on stealing her away after their visit.

"Ah, but I'm afraid this pleasant fellow is about to be slightly melancholy," Mankar sighed out of the blue, getting his guests' attention with his change in demeanor. "I don't suppose you'll be returning here once all is said and done, will you, Sitri?"

"No. I don't think so," the rose-haired woman answered without hesitation. "I've seen so much of this world now that I don't think I can go back to simply perusing it in books. I know I wouldn't be content. Besides," she breathed, and squeezed Astarion's hand, "I think we'll be setting off again after all of this is over, should we survive."

We will? Astarion asked telepathically.

I fully intend on finding a way for you to walk in the sun again, once the tadpole is gone.

Sitri...

Mankar nodded, staring towards the floor with a dejected expression he attempted (and failed) to conceal. “Well. I suppose I shouldn’t have expected anything else. Even so, part of me selfishly hoped.” 

“I’m sorry,” Sitri told him sorrowfully, but her mentor just sighed, and put on his best smile for her—the very one he would use when she, back in the day as both a child and aspiring wizard, grew frustrated with herself and the pace of her studies.

”You have nothing to apologize for, my dear,” Mankar said sincerely. “I just hope you’ll come and visit whenever you have the chance. And you, lad,” he directed to Astarion, “Take good care of her. She’s quite special, you know.”

”I do,” Astarion answered, gazing fondly at his beloved, who couldn’t help but smile. “And I will. I swear it.”

”Good,” replied Mankar, satisfied with the elf’s response. “Now, go and save the city, and make this old man proud, hm?”

[saltylittlecreature]

Okay, the inspirations of the Copper and gunpowder idea

I have some ideas stirring in my head for a little while listening to some videos. So I'm contemplating how certain people work in the setting, alongside inspirations and sources I primarily used. So while those ideas are cooking, I'm Gonna list out my inspirations for this setting, so if anyone wants to do something with it, they'll know some places to draw from if they're interested (This List may expand in the future, please keep this in mind).

Insperations

The Bronze Age: The basis of the setting with many of its technologies embedded in it. It is quite blatant in some of the setting's areas. Although I see it as early into it, I do often pull from it's later histories.

The Copper Age: It was the transition between the Neolithic and Bronze Ages. I dare say it holds some of the primary foundations for many towns.

The Pirates of the Caribbean: Although not by any means traditional, curses and magic in general in this setting are the primary focuses on deals or magic items. There's always a price. For those reading this in an RPG community, think of it like a warlock pack, or artificer. if you want to run this in a system that doesn't work like that, it could be possible more stereotypical magic like wizards or bards will possibly be Trail Blazers, people who are exploring new ways of magic.

Shadow Runer: This could be a bit out of left field, but it's largely from the fact that magic came back and is slowly growing. The very presence of magic is coming back to the world. With enchantment, spirits, and god-kings just being the most recent results. The magic will only grow as time goes on.

Ancient Greek Mythology: This is Cleshay, I know, but it just has so much to pull from. Granted, this is more jumping up points and inspiration of certain elements. I also pull upon Greek mythology because Mikanain Greece is wrapped in here, including bits and pieces of what we know about their mythology. For Example, how Posiden was both king of the earth and underworld and leader of the pantheon (Hadies didn't exist, but Persephone did. Or how Arimiss is present, but Apolo isn't. Or for more recent Greek mythology, how Apollo and Artemis weren't associated with the sun and moon, they had their own gods and myths about them. It's genuinely cool to study to me).

Epic the musical: Yes yes, clearly. But the music of the Epic albums has earned their name ten times over in my opinion. Not to mention has a really good story, and is based on the oddisy. Which as a mythology nerd, is near and dear to my heart. Alongside the songs being a vibe. (The inspiration is both the toll of war on soldiers, the gods having personality, and monsters having one hell of a vibe).

OverlySarcasticProductions: They have so much to draw from, that it be a waste not to include them. The humor and writing advice are very fun to look over and listen to as these are written. At the very least they're worth a good listen.

American Gods: It is something a little strange, but I really enjoy the idea that the more faith a deity has, the more power they get. So even though it is largely animistic, the more faith they get, the more power they get as a result, this doubles for epithets.

[shrimpmandan]

I honestly don’t talk enough about being a lit RPer on here enough, especially considering it’s such a large part of my identity / contributed to me discovering my identity. Roleplaying is the reason I got into writing. Roleplaying is the reason I got into art. Roleplaying is the reason I met my closest friend group. Roleplaying is how I realized I was LGBT, mentally ill, and how I processed my trauma.

My oldest character-- Zach, who I’ve posted and talked about on a few occasions-- is near and dear to my heart. He literally predicted everything about me-- or more accurately, I subconsciously projected myself into him before realizing consciously who I was. I was like 11 or 12 when I made him. I had no idea that I was bisexual, or a man, or that I held sadistic tendencies due to my trauma. But Zach gave me an outlet to just... express that. Even though he’s his own character, I do genuinely consider him to be an extension of myself in some way. A representation of my soul, even if I don’t believe in those kinds of things. I’ve made other characters since that I’ve grown attached to or who I project onto in other ways, definitely, but none of them capture the magic Zach did for me, nor can I play them as naturally and as immersed.

One of the RPs I’m doing with him takes place in a Pokemon Mystery Dungeon AU (yes, he’s a Pokemon character) wherein he helps fake the death of a wanted criminal and sociopath/narcissist in exchange for sexual favors and companionship. And this obviously toxic and contractual relationship eventually grows into them both being better people. I’ve woken up in the morning thinking about them, genuinely ECSTATIC to continue their plotline, and I don’t think I’ve been this invested in an RP... ever. Maybe even a story in general. I just get so engrossed in it, staying up late at night, and that’s how we get here, with me rambling my heart out at 4 in the morning to people who are likely completely oblivious to the whole online roleplay scene.

Roleplay allows me to be vulnerable. To explore dark, taboo concepts and express my most emotionally broken facets. It’s about unleashing my creativity and creating something with someone that goes above and beyond what I can write just on my own time, by myself. It’s improv. Real-time brainstorming. Gushing about what’s going on to someone who shares the same enthusiasm, bouncing ideas off of each other and creating something that feels real and human because it both is and it isn’t. There’s been times I’ve tried to translate Zach to a more isolated medium like fanfiction, but he really, really is not a fanfiction character. It’s not the same experience. There’s no authenticity to the reactions to this eccentric, mentally unstable character when I already know him inside and out. I cannot write a character being genuinely offput by him when his behavior is so normal to me. But someone else can. He needs another person to thrive-- both in an IC context, and OOC. He’s dependent by design. And by my hand he could end up alone like he fears.

[amozon28]

#YES YES YES#like i already LOVED this part the fact he used it and was angry enough to do so while knowing exactly what it feels like was already so#good. reading a discussion about it by one of the writers makes it even better#one thing i love about callum as a hero is that the 'if i kill them/do this to them then ill be the same as them!' doesnt apply to him#if its warranted in the moment and done to protect those he loves most/himself. then hell fuckin do it. even when it comes to dark magic#hell do everything he can to avoid it but still will if needed#and also sometimes he does stuff cuz hes just so pissed off and done. good for him. i love heros who have a genuinely good amazing heart#and morally good and love to be goofy but also arent afraid to get dirty and mean if its needed in a fight#or if theyre insanely defensive of those they hold most near and dear. which is 100% callum#i know i may be saying stuff wrong about him. im not a creator for the show. but i have been watching it since 2019 and the only fictional#character in any media who i adore more than him at this point is rayla. so.#also its late. and adhd brain go brrrr. so. excuse the rambling#((also i have to say idk if yall do it intentionally but i SWEAR that lad has adhd he has SO MANY symptoms. its like looking in a damn#mirrors sometimes cuz like 'haha i do that.' had an itch in the back of my brain as to why something stuck out about him for years that#felt like 🤝 then i realized in the last like year or 2 that he has a lot of adhd s/s. especially in arc2. and like recognizes like and all#that. i dont care if its confirmed its just stuck out to me for a while and multiple others in the fandom with it agree. so. idk. dont mind#me im just rambling))#anyway cool scene i LOVED this moment. especially how when claudia tried to electrocute him and he deflected it then looked at her for a#second like 'oh REALLY?' and then immediately did this spell. knowing full well the agony is causes. and hearing the screams of agony from#rayla too. the love of his life. with that driving him up the wall to become feral#yeah. was shocked by this but it also slaps so severely. thank you for your service

Honestly one of the coolest moments in the season was the Claudia vs Callum mage fight. It was quick and instense and showed how far Callum has come, how he matched Claudia spell for spell, and that he wasnt afraid to be ruthless, using the same freezing water/blood spell used to torture him and rayla back in s5

[tiffanyrandallstuff]

Building Lasting Connections: The Power of Events in Nurturing Relationships

Hey there, fellow relationship builders! Let’s talk about something near and dear to my heart – the magic of events. Whether it's a conference, workshop, seminar, or even a casual networking meetup, events have this incredible ability to foster genuine c

Hey there, fellow relationship builders! Let’s talk about something near and dear to my heart – the magic of events. Whether it’s a conference, workshop, seminar, or even a casual networking meetup, events have this incredible ability to foster genuine connections among attendees. And you know what that means, right? Yep, you guessed it – long-term relationships and juicy business…

[mysticmusingg]

Embracing Change: The Magic of Home and Shared Moments

Once again, I found myself at his house, a place that holds countless memories of our time together. It was here that we forged a deep connection, sharing intimate conversations, laughter, and tears. This house became our sanctuary, a home away from home, where we experienced the joys and challenges of life side by side. As I sat there, a rush of nostalgia washed over me, knowing that our time in this place was coming to an end. During our meeting today, we engaged in open and honest conversations about our feelings. I expressed my emotions, sharing my sadness and anticipation of missing him.  While he may not readily express his emotions, I know deep down that he will miss me too. We reminisced about the day we met, our first conversations, and how our connection gradually grew into a beautiful relationship. Each moment we discussed held profound significance, further reinforcing the depth of our bond.

As we sat near the window, with the rain pouring outside, we shared a cigarette and engaged in a heartfelt conversation. In that moment, I realized the immense comfort he brought to my life. Despite the impending separation, being by his side felt like home. We discussed our hopes, fears, and dreams, and the genuine connection we shared. किसी ने सही ही कहा है "कुछ लोगों के साथ सिर्फ वक्त बिताने से सब कुछ सही हो जाता", and this conversation actually made everything feel right.

In an unexpected twist, we found ourselves driving in the rain, an experience neither of us particularly enjoyed. We laughed and embraced the simplicity of the situation, finding joy even in something we typically disliked. It was a testament to the magic of our friendship, how we could create beautiful memories even in unexpected circumstances. As our meeting neared its end, a mix of emotions overwhelmed us. We both understood that change and distance awaited us the following day. The thought of leaving him and the familiarity of his house left an ache in my heart. Yet, I also recognized that love knows no boundaries. Our connection is strong enough to withstand the physical separation, and I am committed to nurturing our friendship despite the miles that will soon separate us.

Today's meeting served as a bittersweet reminder of the beauty and impermanence of life. We shared laughter, tears, and expressed our hopes and fears. In the face of imminent change, I deeply appreciate the memories we have created and the friendship we have cultivated.Our time together in this house holds a special place in my heart. It was here that we came close, sharing numerous conversations, cooking for each other, finding solace in each other's embrace, shedding tears, and sharing laughter. This house became a home, a sanctuary where our friendship blossomed. Though challenges may lie ahead, I choose to embrace change with an open heart and trust that our paths will cross again someday.

Our friendship has taught me that farewells mark new beginnings. As I bid farewell to my dear friend and boyfriend, I will hold onto the cherished memories we have shared and the love that binds us. In this journey called life, friendships are the threads that weave a tapestry of beautiful moments and valuable lessons. So, as I embark on this new chapter, I will continue to embrace change, treasure the memories, and foster meaningful friendships that transcend time and distance. 

[shotorozu]

you like their hands

character(s) : shinsou hitoshi, kirishima eijirou, monoma neito (2/?)

legend : [Y/N = your name] they/them pronouns, quirk left unmentioned

post type : headcanons + small scenario [fluff, the mildest of spice] not even nsfw

note(s) : i was gonna put denki in this but i had a hard time thinking about what kinda hands he’d have, so i’m putting him in the next post

»»————-　♡　————-««

shinsou hitoshi

his hands are big, and his fingers are quite thick.

really likes wearing rings and bracelets, but he usually doesn’t wear them when he’s working (i’d say that bc wearing jewelry while doing physical activity HURTS)

regarding texture, his hands were initially soft— but due to transferring in the hero course, they roughened up over time

he’ll use hand cream if you want, but he doesn’t go the extra mile. and his nails are trimmed at all times. painting his nails a black color would be great once in a while.

lol i forgot to mention nails in the last post

he notices right away that you like his hands when he catches you staring at them when he’s cracking his knuckles

like.. people have said that his hands are nice, but he doesn’t really say much about them bc they’re not you

scenario

a crack sound is briefly heard in the rather silent room. the scrolling on your phone halts, and your eyes follow the sound of the crack.

ah, he’s cracking his knuckles. you think to yourself, and you’re left just simply admiring the way he applies pressure on a knuckle. who knew that his rather— large hand would look appealing, even while cracking his knuckles.

you snap out of your observation, but instead of just simply going back to whatever you were doing, you’re met with lilac eyes. “you were staring again.”

your cheeks heat up, and you opt to just turn your head to the opposite direction. “sorry,” you apologize. however— that’s not what hitoshi was looking for apparantly.

“if you like my hands alot,” he scoots next to you, hands sliding up and down your arms— his firm grip practically making the pre existing butterflies in your stomach act up again. “then you should’ve said so, kitty.”

is he conscious of his actions? hm. you could say that

he’ll purposely play with his capture tool right in front of you— the material wrapping around his hand. and he can only laugh when you immediately get absorbed into it

the back of his hand will brush against your cheek. then, when he comes in to kiss you, he’ll cup your cheek— kissing you with his other hand resting at your nape

under the table, his hand will start to slide against yours, interlocking hands with you. he’ll act like nothing is happening, but on the inside— he’s taking in your reaction

a little spicy, but when he wants you to look at him— he’ll do that thing where his thumb brushed against your bottom lip, as it almost dips right into your mouth

if he feels a little extra, his hand will also be tugging on your hair (if you’re fine with that. otherwise, he’s sticking to the one above)

oh and he also does that thing where he rests his hand on your neck, thick fingers squeezing your throat lightly.

overall— THIS MAN omg, he’ll entertain your interest in his hand nicely, just for you. and every single thing he does is memorable

kirishima eijirou

his hands are quite normal regarding size, they are almost always veiny, a lot more than bakugou’s actually. i think at some point he was concerned about them

his hands are rather flushed in color, but that’s because of his quirk. his fingers have a few tiny scars here and there,

he occasionally has pen marks on his wrists due to bad penmanship, and his nails.. don’t look the best, but they’re not the worst it’s bc of his quirk

the palms of his hands are ridden with callouses. but he wears them with pride because it’s the pure evidence of his hard work with his training.

but he starts to get worried about them when he goes to hold your hand.

you always had a thing for kirishima’s hands, but you just never had the chance to tell him that. i guess asking you did it for him

scenario

did you even realize how hard you were staring at his hands right now? it happened every single time he enlaced his arms around you, his hands resting at the sides of your arms

at first, he thought it might’ve been because his hands are too rough, or you might’ve been in discomfort— because maybe, just maybe, he accidentally activated his quirk?

the fact that he can’t exactly tell what it is worried him, maybe he should just ask you.

but his worry washed off when you told him upfront that you ‘liked his hands’

“wait so.. you’re staring at my hands because you like them?” kirishima wants to confirm your words, and— so casually, by the way— nod in agreement.

tracing the veins on his hands, you elaborate “your hands are really nice, i can tell how hard you must’ve worked.” pressing your smaller hand against his, you smile.

eijirou takes a moment to process it, but it’s surprisingly quick. “oh t-thanks!” he sheepishly took the compliment, a small blush sporting on his cheeks. “i’m glad it wasn’t because you thought they were weird.”

kirishima unintentionally feeds your interest with his hands. like sometimes.. he’s just not aware of it, but yes— he is feeding your interest well

will always make you compare hand sizes with him, chuckling softly at the dazed look on your face when your palms touch

if you allow him, he’ll fix your hair for you. doesn’t matter what hair type you have, he’ll do LOTS of research to know how to style it

those hands are magical

if you get a papercut, or a wound from cooking— he’ll patch you up, then he’ll press a kiss on the bandaid.

he’ll do this thing where he’ll squeeze your sides when you pull in for a hug. but if you’re not okay with that, he’ll opt to just rubbing your back with his hand— rocking you softly as he hugs you

a little spicy, but his hands do wander a lot. you might need to even hold them in place to make sure they don’t go too wild

in addition to that, he’ll just SLIGHTLY, activate his quirk to make sure you’re conscious of his touch. his finger tips gliding against your back, sending shivers down your spine.

but of course, he’s careful. he doesn’t activate it to the point it causes scratch marks, nor will his actions draw blood. he doesn’t wanna do that

in short— kirishima’s a little clueless at first. he wouldn’t really tease you in public, but he’s surprisingly attentive to your interest.

monoma neito

his hands are on the tipping edge of slightly above average. he doesn’t have a lot of veins on his hands, but they do pop out depending on what quirk he’s using

monoma’s hands are pretty spotless of any scars (from cuts, abrasions, etc.) because he gets REALLY annoyed with wounds pretty easily

to the point he’d want to attend to the wound immediately, he doesn’t let them sit— it’s just a personal preference

his nails are at the perfect length. not too long and not too short to the point it hurts, you don’t know how he does it.

wears watches on his wrists, and not the digital type— he sorta acts like he can read it easily, but it takes him a few seconds to even get to know the time

you know this because kendo snitched on him and told you LOL

you secretly hate yourself for this, but you really like his hands because of how he takes care of them. you’d never tell monoma even though you’re dating him

scenario

you’re unsure of yourself on how your boyfriend— monoma, found out about your fascination with his hands. it was supposed to be a secret for the rest of your life, and you only remember talking about it once out loud

which you assumed was a close call, considering that you thought he didn’t hear it at all— but he did.

“so i heard you like my hands, huh Y/N?” monoma’s teasing tone does not aid the situation. your cheeks heat up with embarassment, and you can’t get yourself to answer his question— without sounding like a fool anyway.

you fake annoyance, “where’d that come from?” you ask, and monoma doesn’t seem to want to switch the topic

“i’m asking you a question, dear Y/N— i heard you like my hands,” his tone would’ve sounded condescending to any other person, but you can tell that he’s either genuinely curious

or just teasing you, because that’s how he is.

to aid his question, he brushes his fingers along your neck— near your pulse. you jolt, stunned by the sudden action— heart beating rapidly against your chest.

“see,” monoma presses his hand against your chest, where your heart is palpitating, grinning in a way that’s teasing you “it’s true, isn’t it? sweet Y/N has a thing for my hands, hm?”

you furrow your eyebrows, and flick his forehead— and he hisses in reaction, “fine then, i do like your hands.” you finally give in, admitting final defeat.

ever since then, you haven’t heard the end of it

definitely that person that’ll just randomly bring it up to you, no matter what hour of the day it is.

“oh Y/N, you were totally fawning over my hands earlier—”

“i will castrate you.”

you know he means well most of the time, but sometimes he just loves teasing the heck out of you.

but that doesn’t mean he neglects your obvious interest in his hands.

he’ll compliment you, he’s a snarky person in general— but to you, he’s totally smooth with it.

slides his hand from your forearm to your hands, only to bring them up to his lips, pressing a kiss against your hand

squeezes your hand everytime he sees you, it’s kind of a nonverbal greeting at this point

similar to kirishima, he likes comparing hand sizes— teasing you about the size difference (even if it’s not even a big of a difference, he’ll take that chance.)

does this thing where he rubs his thumb against his palm. does it a lot when he’s concentrated about something, or just out of the blue

a little spicy, but he’ll make you tell him what you like about his hands, and what you like about the things he does with those hands of his. if that makes sense

he wants all of the details, doesn’t care if it’s mundane, or things he does when he’s feeling a certain way.

he wants to know, because as soon as you’re done with your spewl, he’ll do exactly what you like, teasing you while he’s at it. and so he can start incorporating those habits whenever he’s around you.

totally someone that’ll make you suck on those fingers. oh, but he’ll purposely get some dessert on them— asking you to suck them off

“good grief, i got some dessert on my fingers again. Y/N, come suck them off”

sometimes he’s serious, sometimes he’s just teasing.

overall— it’s pretty adventurous. he starts to act on it as soon as the revelation is revealed to him.

but i’d say he does just fine.

»»————-　♡　————-««

likes and reblogs are appreciated, thanks for reading!

i do not own bnha/mha and it’s characters. boku no hero academia/my hero academia belongs to horikoshi kohei. i only own the writing, and i do not profit off of my hobby

do not plagiarize, translate, repost, or use my work for audio readings without my consent :))