#they are the only band that i've wanted to see my whole life and haven't

[softandwildx]

The physical pain I feel because one of my favorite bands of all time that I've wanted to see for like 20 years is coming to my city next month and there's no conceivable way I can shell out the money for TWO tickets because concert ticket prices have become so fucking outrageous and we are literally one somewhat large inconvenience away from homelessness lol.

[itsrlymine]

idk if you’ve answered this before or if it’s something you may not want to answer but i was wondering how your journey from the early stages of finding out about manifesting up until knowing you’re the operant power and your full potential was like

my manifesting journey so far

Hello my love! I think I just haven't seen the question yet but I would love to answer!

As far as I'm concerned, I knew manifesting as manifesting around the time I was 18 and in my first year of university. But ofc, I was manifesting the whole time before. The university I went to had the lowest acceptance percentage ever but I still managed to get in even with my grades that didn't meet their requirements and i didn't even do the college essay that everyone else had to do. I remember just deciding over and over that I would go there no matter what anybody said. I was told it was expensive and I didn't care, I was gonna go anyways. It was $40k/yr at the time and I got $36k worth of scholarship....... I just thought that was just luck.

Before then, I was obsessed with One Direction and 5 Seconds Of Summer like y'all it was bad! I wanted to see them in concert so freakin bad, it was like my life depended on it. I literally manifested them coming to my state and to a city that people don't really tour all the time and yall!!!!! I was like right in front of them and I def passed out hearing Zayn sing live. I saw both bands live together, it was incredible. I used subliminals to clear my skin in high school as well but eventually forgot about them.

I think having my dad tell me I could do anything I wanted is what lead me to believe that if I wanted something, it was automatically mine.

In college, I would always have s*x with the guys i wanted just by visualizing or saying they wanted me sooo bad (still works now!). I would make up friend groups in my head and then find that i would be in them not even two weeks later. I watched "The Secret" in my first year and that was really transformational for me bc I always felt like I was failing God and my family bc I didn't want to go the medical route/even finish college.

The summer of 2021, I was 22 and at home with my parents and broke asf and i said no more! I started consciously manifesting again even though I didn't know that's what it was called. I decided I would get a job in marketing that would pay me over $70k/yr even though I had one month of experience and only certifications in the field. Did that matter??? Of course not!!!!! It was remote and had unlimited pto and i could go on as many vacations a year as I wanted. I found out about the law a month after I started my job but for some reason, it felt so complicated and I found myself trying so damn hard rather than just reminding myself how I got what I wanted before. literally inner conversations, visualizing and talking out loud about my desires.

What made me realize I could manifest anything was when I changed my menstrual cycle and went to Dubai for free twice. What the 3d looks like never matters especially when it came to my cycle, I deadass couldn't see how my internal organs would change according to what I wanted but ofc they changed anyways. it was shortened and I haven't had cramps in months. Going to Dubai for free by imagining Abdullah slamming the door in my face and telling me I was in Dubai. I literally made a pinterest board of where I'd go in Dubai and I went to every single place. I would tell myself over and over that I'm gonna leave my wallet at home because everyone was gonna pay for me bc we are rich asf duh!. When I tell y'all that's exactly what happened!!!!

I've manifested so other "crazy" stuff but yea these ones definitely altered my brain chemistry.

[italiansteebie]

The first time Steve is exposed to subculture, it changes his life. The sneer his mother gives ins't surprising, but Steve can't help but be entranced by the glinting silver on this random man's body.

They're everywhere, in his nose, lips, and when he flicks his tongue out, Steve even catches sight of the shining jewelry in his tongue. And maybe Steve was already 13, practically grown up at this point, but he sees this man and thinks, that's who he wants to be when he grows up.

Unfortunately, that is not how things go.

His mother sees him studying the style of the delinquent in front of them and smacks his lightly on the head. "You have a reputation to uphold, Steven," She mutters through gritted teeth. So Steve hangs his head, and his dreams of looking like the colored haired boy he saw in the grocery store.

So years later, he's still adorned in polo shirts and light washed jeans. He's snuck in some goofy hair, but it's no where near what he'd want it to be ideally.

And here's the thing, he knew his family's reputation was important, but now that he's been denied from every college he applied to, including tech, and he's been lowered to serving ice cream in a sailor uniform, he wonders just how important the reputation was.

--

He can't help but wonder if he's going to die like this.

Covered in vomit and blood, in a sailor outfit on a dirty bathroom floor curled up to a lesbian, who he thinks maybe his soulmate. Platonically, of course.

"I've always wanted, like- colored hair. 'Nd piercings 'nd stuff. Y'know." Steve said, letting his head fall against Robin's shoulder. "Why haven't you?" Robin asked, resting her head on his. Steve shrugged, "Reputation, I guess. I think my parents would commit homicide."

Robin snorted, "If only they could see you now," she giggles. Steve shifts to retaliate, but can only laugh along with her. Steve nods, laughing harder when an angry looking Dustin and Erica barge into the bathroom.

--

They make it out alive.

Somehow. But they do.

And that's how they ended up here.

"Rob, are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Of course it is! Look, Eddie is probably the only punk adjacent guy for miles, and he probably knows about all those records you think you hide in your closet."

"You've seen those?"

Robin shrugs, "When there's a box labeled 'do not open' in King Steve's closet, you take a look. It doesn't matter! I'm sure he knows who Iron Maiden is!"

The door swings open, "Of course I do."

Eddie Munson stands in front of them in all his glory.

"Told ya." Robin says, a light sneer on her face. Steve shoves her over, before looking back at Eddie, about to speak before he cuts him off. "I know Iron Maiden, what I don't know, is why King Steve is on my front porch with Robin from band. And why he's asking about Iron Maiden of all things." Eddie looks a bit like he want's to turn them away, but he steps back and opens the door wider, motioning for them to come in.

Once they're all milling about Eddie's tiny living room, Steve starts. "I know you've got this whole," Steve gestures at Eddie, "Metal head look going on and, well. I need some advice. Guidance, if you will." Robin nods along with him. "Yeah, a lot of guidance. He want's to get his nose pierced, but he only has polos."

Steve scoffs at this. "I have band shirts, Buckley. I'm just not allowed to wear them. But no more! I'm fully embracing this side of me."

Eddie watches, slightly amused, "So what do you need my help for?" He asks, eyebrow arching. "I need you to pierce my nose. Or at least tall me where to go," Steve rambles, shifting from foot to foot.

He watches as the metal head mulls this over. Eddie sighs, and shakes his head, Steve's shoulders dropping. "C'mon, Rob. He's not gonna do it, let's just go." He says quietly. "Woah, hey! I never said I wouldn't do it. I just don't uh- Why me?"

"You're the only person I thought could be helpful." Steve admits, watching as a smirk spreads across Eddie's face. "Alright then, big boy. Step into my office."

Steve follows Eddie into the bathroom, Robin hot on his heels, watching in some combination of awe and fear as Eddie pulls out. needle from the medicine cabinet. "Oh shit," Steve breathes. Eddie raises an eyebrow, but moves on. "Stay here while I get the jewelry."

"You okay, Steve? Oh my god, you're shaking." Robin frets, "Do you wanna back out? We don't have to do this." She says, grabbing Steve's hand. Steve swallows thickly, "I- I want to. I just. The needle is really freaking me out. I keep seeing that fucking syringe." Robin nods, rubbing Steve's shoulder, laying her head on his shoulder.

Eddie comes bounding back into the bathroom, "Hey- woah. Am I interrupting? No PDA in the trailer, please." He laughs. Steve and Robin jump away from each other, "Oh ew. He is so not my type," Robin groans.

"Whatever, let's do this Stevie. We're doing your septum, right?"

Steve tilts his head, and Eddie sighs "The one right here," Eddie places his hands on his own septum. "Oh, yeah. That one." Eddie nods, getting to work.

Eddie lies the needle up with Steve's nose, "Okay, breath in," Steve follows, "And breath out," Eddie instructs, and slides the needle through. In a fluid motion, Eddie slides the jewelry in, screwing on the ball and checking his work.

"Alright, we're all done, Steve-o." Eddie says, patting his cheek, before looking up at the boy. He looked a bit pale. "Steve?" He asked, before Steve promptly passed out, flopping to the floor in a boneless heap. "Oh, shit. Steve!" Robin cries, bending down. Eddie freezes for a second, "Oh shit. Okay. He probably just fainted, it happens sometimes. Lemme get him some water." He practically leaps through the trailer to grab some water.

He's back in the bathroom right as Steve comes to, "Scoops! I work for scoops, please!" He's shouting, there's tearing streaming down his face and Robin is there next to him, holding him close. "Shh, Steve. We're in the trailer, remember? Eddie's trailer? He pierced your nose." Robin soothes.

Eddie moves in closer, "yeah, I uh. I got you some water," he says, handing him the water. Steve grabs it with a shakey hand, "Thanks, Munson." He breathes, tears slowing. "Uh. Sorry. I had a long month. Y'know," Steve shrugs, and it leaves Eddie reeling. Was he just going to pretend this didn't just happen? The guy was still sitting on his bathroom floor. "Steve, seriously? Look, just sit here, I'm gonna go call someone to pick us up." Robin sighs, before making her way out of the small space.

"Are you okay," Eddie asks, sincerely, "No." Steve answers, voice cracking as he does so. "I was in that mall fire last month, and the hospital trip involved a lot of needles. I guess I didn't realize they still kind of freak me out." Eddie nodded in understanding. "I get that. I couldn't look at a blue chevy for the longest time cause it reminded me of my dad."

Steve sighed, "Thanks for doing this, Eddie. Hey, uh. How much do I owe you?" Eddie waved his hand, "It's all good, Harrington." He dismissed. Steve shook his head, "No way man, I gotta pay you back somehow." He insisted.

Eddie mulled it over, "take me to dinner?" He asked, before realizing what the fuck he just said, "I mean- fuck. Not- I didn't" He scrambled to his feet. Steve grabbed his hand, "Eddie, wait. It's fine."

"Fine? I asked you on a date. If you hadn't just passed out in my bathroom, I'm positive you would've decked me by now!" Eddie squealed. Steve shook his head, "I- I like both, Eddie. Y'know, boys and girls. And honestly. I'd love to go on a date with you," Steve said, smiling up at him.

"Steve! Joyce's here to pick us up since you died!" Robin called from the living room. Eddie helped Steve stand, and walked him to the living room. Steve leaned a little heavier into his side, "I'll call you when I'm a little less weak in the knees, okay?" Steve said softly, pressing a kiss to his cheek before following Robin outside.

"Thanks again, Eds!" Steve called once he was in the car.

Eddie couldn't wait for that phone call.

[kanmom51]

Public service notice

Remember how I said I haven't blocked you just yet @chaotickoalacat ?

Well, got your reply ask, and let me tell you this:

I'm really tempted to do it right now.

I am not going to answer this ask, more so because I know how you will be literally crucified in the comments not only for the utter nonsense you are spewing but the way you are doing so.

I will address a couple of things you are saying though. Because seriously dude, I'm in utter shock as to how you are actually able to come up with this stuff.

You believe MHJ? Really?

You tell me that because she created NJ then her saying that Illit are copying her then that's it? It must be true? She also said that BTS copied her concepts in the past, that true too? You are aware of the fact that she is all about the visuals and has nothing to do with the music part of things, right? Just checking.

And in the same breath you are also full on acknowledging that she was the one behind the BTS leaks, including the damaging leak of JM's private info.

So, let me get this straight, you have no issue in believing a person that is untrustworthy and moved to hurt your fave, as long as it suits your current agenda? Seriously? I kind of think that once untrustworthy always untrustworthy. Or in your world is it once untrustworthy sometimes trust worthy as long as what's coming out of their mouth is what I want to hear?

Btw, you most definitley showed your true colours with the whole "JK's fling" idiocy. Prey tell me what does it say about JM, or more so, what does it say about what you think about JM if he sticks by JK's side while JK, in your warped mind, is an untrustworthy copy cat cheater? You must think so highly of JM for sticking by JK's side when JK treats him like shit (according to your warped views).

And let me make my views clear as day here. JK did not copy JM nor is JK an asshole cheater that can't keep his dick to himself. Balloon busted for you, I guess.

And yes, we are both BTS fans (or are we? cause you seem to be a solo stan and not a fan of BTS the band and all it's members), but clearly you lack the basic emotional intelligence that someone who is mature enough and with some life and long term relationship experience has. Either you are very young and inexperienced or for some reason lack that healthy relationship experience. Because thinking so low of JK and yet believing at the same time that JM would stick around someone like that, yeah, there is something lacking in your life experience. Maybe no experience, maybe bad experience, maybe too much Kdrama watching experience. Whichever it is, please, do not try and compare us.

There is NO comparison.

You say that you don't view JM as a damsel in distress, that he is a strong person, stronger than JK seeing how well he did in the army. Let me start by saying what a load of bull (not the him being strong part, but the part where you claim you aren't out to 'save' him). He's strong when it suits you, which is when you want to prove he's better than JK and/or the others (I'll get into how disgusting and disrespectful that comparison you are making is in a second). But at the same time he, supposedly in your fantasy world, allows JK and the company to step all over him, to copy his ideas and creativity and to scorn him and mess around with others, and continues to play along with their game, of showing up for JK, going on trips with him, enlisting with him even after he's supposedly, again, been mistreated, disrespected, cheated on. I would kind of suggest that you make up your mind which is it?

As for this constant comparison with the others when it comes to their army service, I've been vocal about this in the past and I will say it again. It sickens me how disrespectful you are towards not only the other BTS members, each and every one of them doing their utmost best within their army placement, but it's disrespectful towards every single other SK young man that is doing their compulsory military service. How easy it is sitting on your comfy chair in the safety of your own home or wherever it is you are sitting, which isn't an actual war zone, behind your screen and keyboard, grading these young men that have left their lives behind for 18 months to enlist into active duty in a military that is at war with another country. Please have more respect not only for every single one of the members (each serving at their utmost best within their assigned duties) but also for all the other young men that are doing just the same. JM is amazing, he's assigned duties are utilizing his high level of intelligence and mathematical abilities. Kudos to him for excelling at it. But why is it so hard for you to say that and at the same time say the same about each and every other member? Why is there this need not only to uplift one, but to do so at the expense of the other, diminishing what the other is doing? This whole attitude is just so childish and stupid. And you know what? Like I said, it's disrespectful not only to the other members and to every single other soldier, but also to JM, who doesn't need to bring down the others to show just how amazing he is.

This is it. Let me make this as clear as day that even if I end my sentences with a question mark, it's a rhetorical question and not an invitation for your response. I will not reply to any more asks you might throw my way. Obviously you are intrenched in your ideas and opinions, as warped and unhealthy as they may be.

Good luck trying to save JM from the one person he is showing us all that he wants to spend every second, every minute, every hour with.

And good luck with it all when Jikook Karma strikes, cause it's coming and it's coming strong, and when it does come well, all those that lack the respect to either JK or JM, those who are willfully closing their eyes and ears to what they have been showing and telling us for years now...

...the day is coming when it can no longer be ignored.

[pilfappreciator]

ATTENTION TROLLS FANDOM!!

This is very important. Mostly to me but maybe you guys have been wondering this too idk but anyways:

How does troll reproduction work exactly?

Cuz I'm genuinely curious. I dont think anyone on the series production team has said anything and so far I've seen absolutely no one touch on this subject but as someone who's always had an interest in the habits of creatures (both fictional or otherwise), I kinda sorta maybe NEED to know this otherwise I'll never be able to sleep peacefully again

Full disclaimer that I'm specifically talking about the whole egg situation, I am NOT ASKING HOW THEY GET IT ON IF I WANTED THAT ANSWER I'D GO TO DEVIANT ART OR TWITTER OR WHATEVER LAWLESS PLATFORM GOD STEERS CLEAR OF. This discussion shall remain STRICTLY educational, thank you very much

But anywho. Let's dive in

So trolls come from eggs. This is basic knowledge. First instance of this phenomenon (as far as I know, I've only seen the movies) is from World Tour.

Egg pops out of Guy Diamond's hair, egg hatches and BOOM, (literal) baby. Now I understand that this whole sequence was probably just a gag and a way for DreamWorks to implement another (merchandisable) addition to the cast HOWEVER this sequence also raises a few questions

First off, as far as I know Guy Diamond has no partner (again: I haven't watched any of the spinoff shows). Either that or maybe the other troll was a sorta one-night-stand/no-longer-in-his-life kinda situation? Which is great either way cuz its shown he obviously cares for his son and we at Tumblr appreciate a loving single father no matter the circumstances, but if my former theory is correct than that would imply that trolls are capable of reproducing asexually. Like onions.

Now if that hypothesis is, as they call it, "cap" then that would mean that some sorta hanky panky has to go down before an egg comes into question. And if that's the case, does this mean that male trolls are traditionally the ones who carry the eggs?

But that can't be right, can it? Afterall, World Tour gave us yet ANOTHER egg scene later on in the movie

In Cooper's flashback, we clearly see Queen Essence being the one carrying the eggs meanwhile King Quincy is eggless. Now, as far as i see it, this could be explained either one of four ways:

1) Quincy was the one who actually produced the eggs and Essence is merely holding them for her husband (since her hair seems more fitting to be a makeshift nest compared to Quincy's)

2) Female trolls are the ones who produce the eggs. Guy Diamond is just a trans icon

3) Troll reproduction differs from genre to genre

4) There is a... *sighs* a/b/o type of dynamic among troll kind where certain trolls are capable of giving birth/siring children depending on a secondary gender

In regards to theory #3, this could also explain why Guy Diamond seems to reproduce and hatch an egg in such a short amount of time (like 5 seconds I'm pretty sure) as opposed to Queen Essence/King Quincy who's eggs presumably went a while longer before actually hatching.

Actually, speaking off eggs, are trolls the only species in their world that reproduce that way?

Because now that Band Together has officially been released, we now know for certain that it's possible for different species to crossbreed. Biggest example? Resident DILF Bruce and his giant muppet wife

(Credit to @captainunderkrupp )

When I saw these two... I swear...

And these two already have a shit ton of kids okay so like... either Brandi was the one giving birth or trollsona Daveed Digs was over here pumpin out eggs, which I mean-

DO YOU SEE HOW BIG THESE THINGS ARE COMPARED TO BRANCH AND POPPY?? Believe me I am PRAYING that Bruce gave himself some serious maternity/paternity leave because my guy is honestly a trooper

But yeah any thoughts? :))

[nicoscheer]

Miles Kane, What It's Like to Play as a 'One Man Band'

We met Miles Kane as a founding member of important bands such as the Last Shadow Puppets with Alex Turner of the Arctic Monkeys and the Rascals. In the last several years, the Liverpudlian has been on a solitary path, as the name of his recent release suggests. We spoke with him shortly before his long-awaited return to Athens, at "Arch Club", on Friday 5/17.

How has your tour been going so far?

The concerts so far are incredible. I'm excited to play by myself, so I'm very happy. I think people are relating and connecting with the songs on my new record and it's taking me to places I haven't seen in a long time. And Greece is one of those places.

Can you tell us a few words about how you wrote "One Man Band", your most chart-topping album to date?

The album was created in Liverpool. We worked on it with my cousin James Skelly, who used to be a member of The Coral. We went back home and that gave birth to the desire to make a completely straight album. Writing songs is what I do best, not thinking too much, just talking about my feelings, my worries and how I want to be better. I guess life in general is what "One Man Band" is all about, stomping on some rock'n'roll, surf music. We had a clear idea of ​​what the album and its sound should be and we followed it to the end. This is also the reason why it is my favorite work of all that I have released so far. I feel very proud!

You started a great career by participating in various bands, such as Last Shadow Puppets. What motivated you to follow a more solitary path in recent years?

I've been doing solo stuff since I was 22 and I'm 38 now. I learned so much from the bands I was in, the Rascals and the Little Flames. Being on my own and free to work with whoever I want and do whatever I want – even if it sounds selfish – I think suits me best.

And what's the biggest lesson you've learned from playing as a "One Man Band"?

Not playing with a band is completely different for me. It's a huge challenge and not many could pull it off to be honest. It has made me improve my performance as a guitarist, as a singer and as a performer.

What is the most important experience from this journey?

It may sound cliche but I really had a lot of good times in my career. But I feel that who I am today as a person in life and on stage gives me new meaning and life. At all these smaller concerts where I meet new fans, I realize that the younger generation brings a whole different energy to it all. I feel that the phase I am in now is the happiest of my life. I feel more connected and hope to stay on this "path".

Are you excited to be back in Athens ("Arch Club", 5/17)?

Yes! I think I can't remember the last time I visited Greece because it's been so many years. I hope people come because I plan to give you the best night of your life.

What constitutes a successful live?

A great outfit, some "golden" dance moves and an audience! I need to feel like people want to be involved as much as I want to be. This is the only way we can go to the next level.

What are your plans for the future?

I'm trying to write something new and prepare a new album, but I'm having a hard time doing it right now. I don't want to stop the flow of things. I'm quite a simple person and I know what I like in life... Music. Maybe next year I'll be ready for a new release.

Is there another side project in the works?

We're not working on anything with Alex. [Turner], like Last Shadow Puppets. But I have this new little side project going on called The Evils and it's an instrumental surf idea. We'll see how this goes... [s.s. In the time between the interview and its publication, Kane along with Oscar Sholto Robertson and Dave Bardon released the E.P. "Miles Kane & The Evils".]

Miles Kane's albums in his own words

"Colour of the Trap" (2011)

"The beginning of the adventure, when I was still searching for who I am. This album opened the way for me. You can hear all the different sides of me in it."

"Don't Forget Who You Are" (2013)

"Probably one of the best songs I've ever written [inc. the title]. Something keeps me coming back to it. It's like coming home to the roots for me. Sometimes in life you can get sidetracked and forget who you are. This song defined me as an artist and as a person."

"Coup de Grace" (2018)

"An intense rock'n'roll, punk period! Coming out with such an aggressive album is not as easy as you think."

"Change the Show" (2022)

"My chance to show my love for Northern Soul and Motown...Growing up I listened to everything from Diana Ross and the Four Tops to whatever was on the radio."

-

Full Greek article

[heromaker-if]

do you have any other ifs that we can read whilst we wait😭😭🫶🫶

Hi anon! Thanks for the ask and your patience! 🥰

I do have some other IFs that I worked on in the past but I don't recommend playing them (I was still learning how to write at that time, so they aren't great). But if you want some IF reccs, I can recommend some IFs I've read recently.

(Sorry for the tags friends, and for the rants!)

(Released) My all time favourite is The Fernweh Saga by @lacunafiction - it's just genuinely so good and it always gives me the vibes of one of those shows you watch after dinner, that becomes part of your routine and you want to see desperately what happens after, and the characters become part of your memories, almost like people. It's just UGH such a good IF. If you like nostalgic hometown horrors, this IF is for you.

(Released) Very close favourite is Blood Moon by @barbwritesstuff - WEREWOLVES GUYS!! I've replayed this game so many times. It's one of those games that after you finish, no matter how long of a break you take from it, you always return to it. I love the "found family" of this game, even though it's not really found, it's just... family. I miss them! The romance in this story is also written so beautifully.

(Released) Another fav is The Golden Rose by @anathemafiction - it was one of my favs while it was still in WIP and after it's released I took so long to play it cause I never wanted to finish it. Like, I grew so attached to its story that I didn't want to let it go. 😭 Very well written characters and the descriptions of things, places, feelings, expressions, mannerisms, is so endearing and eye-catching, never a second where I skipped a line, I was CAUGHT. If you like a story with ominous beginnings, middles and ends, this is for you, not to mention the whole religion themes that are so interesting to dive into.

(Released) I miss this one so much but The Soul Stone War by @intimidatingpuffinstudios - there's two books out for this one already and each one is better than the previous. It's fantasy and about powers and there's a dragon lady that you can romance, and the POLY IN THIS IS BEAUTIFUL! Very soulmate-y romance and just generally captivating storytelling.

(Released) Nothing will ever hit the same as The Passenger by @the-passenger-if - there's just something so familiar, so memorable about this story. I don't think in my next lifetime I will ever forget it. It's about an eldritch horror battling with humanity and it's raw primal role as a monster. It feels short but only because you're so into it that time passes you by, but the tone and the flow of this story is very well done (as well as the characters! 🥰).

(WIP) I feel like everyone and their mothers know about Infamous by @infamous-if - but I'm going to talk about it anyways. It's a BAND IF, yes, music, yes, adrenaline, fame, and all the bad decisions that come with it. It's only one chapter out right now, but it's very worth it. I guarantee you the brainrot you will get from this game is going to consume your life.

(WIP) A somewhat popular one as well is Body Count by @bodycountgame - I haven't seen a game do the whole modern reality TV show with a tinge of horrifying brutal horror as well as Nell has, and even though it's still in its early stages, it's very well done and interesting. Lots of ROs to choose from, and genuinely funny humour to laugh about in between the crying sessions of a favourite character dying.

(WIP) Haven't heard that many people talking about this one to be fair but Chop Shop by @losergames - Also a very early stages game, but it's very adrenaline inducing and has so much potential that has me shaking in my seat. I'm already half in love with the cast and I can't wait to go need for speed and play a super chaotic individual.

Also any game by @hpowellsmith, they're amazing at creating consistent well written stories that have such great characters and even better representation. They do it so well, and I've been a fan of them for years now, definitely one of my role models!

I'm sure there are many more IFs out there that you NEED to play/read, but my mind is blank right now, and these are the only ones I could think of. I also don't have as much time to get into an IF, but I'm getting there (thinking of getting into Shepherds of Haven - which you should!)

[re-code1713]

Sonic x Shadow Generations Twitter Takeover Transcript

Hi! The last thing I did in 2024 was transcribe the entire Sonic x Shadow Takeover video by ear. mainly because I was bored, and also because I REALLY REALLY liked this takeover. (witnessing it the day it happened was so awesome)

I'm not a professional transcriber, and I'm not too great at interpreting tone, so the formatting is probably not the best, but here it is!

In case you don't want to look at a google document:

Transcript Under The Cut

(0:00) Intro

[The intro of "All Hail Shadow" begins playing. Shadow is the sole character on screen.]

Shadow: I finally did it. Not only have I conquered Sonic's social media channels, I've taken over the entire year. Now, I only have one thing left to do. I have a score to settle with a certain, blue hedgehog: Soni—

[The music cuts off abruptly as Sonic suddenly slides into frame.]

Sonic: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Hey, Shadow. You may have had your fancy "Year of Shadow", but don't forget who's still the main mascot around here. Some of us don't need a special "year" to be remembered.

Shadow: Hmph, insolent as always. We'll see who the fan-favorite is when the questions start pouring in. How many proposals have YOU gotten?

Sonic: Proposals? Like marriage? Nuh— See, my fans are normal and understand boundaries.

Shadow: So... none?

Sonic: Okay, I just couldn't get around to all of them and didn't want to let anyone down! Anyway... [sigh] Thanks for putting this together. You don't strike me as the kind to initiate this kind of thing.

Sonic: But, uh— where's everyone else? We normally get the whole crew together, y'know? Tails, Knuckles, Amy... Even Dr. Eggman usually crashes the party. You sure he's not hiding around here somewhere?

Shadow: They would just get in the way. This is a battle between you and me. Besides, it's Sonic x Shadow Generations, not Sonic x Shadow x Tails x Amy x Knuckles—

Sonic: Okay, we get it. Well, if that's the way you want to play, then may the best hedgehog win.

Sonic: We've been here long enough that you know the drill, everyone. You can ask Shadow and I whatever you want about life, our favorite hobbies, weird quirks about each other... Just about anything! All you got to do is send us a message today, with the hashtag #Ask—

Shadow: Not this time, Hedgehog. In honor of the Year of Shadow, SEGA has agreed to officially make this the hashtag of #AskShadow.

Sonic: Wow, you really pulled the ol’ "Run and Tattle to Dad" move?

Shadow: It was their idea, actually. Looks like my victory is already imminent. I look forward to seeing everyone's questions. I know you all won't disappoint me.

Sonic: Well, then... There we have it! Send in your questions with the hashtag [behind gritted teeth] #AskShadow, and let's get this started!

Sonic & Shadow: See you soon!

(02:13) ewanerickson - How was the Hot Honey Concert you went to with Amy?

Sonic: @ewanerickson asks: "Shadow, how was the Hot Honey Concert with Amy?"!

Shadow: It was fine...

Sonic: Fine?! Amy showed me the videos: you haven't danced like that since the Olympics! I think you enjoyed yourself.

Shadow: Tch. It was... noisy, and the crowd was annoying, but Amy seemed to be having fun, so—

Sonic: Hahahaha! Can't believe you went through with it! I can just picture you tapping your foot to the beat, maybe even doing a little spin? What? No moonwalk?

Shadow: Hmph. I'm not here to entertain you with details. Amy and I have another concert coming up, anyways.

Sonic: Oh, rea—? What's next? Metal band, some hardcore rock, or— Or are we going full pop? [imitates the sound of guitar shredding(?)]

Shadow: Sabrina Carpenter.

Sonic: Sabrina Carpenter, huh?

Shadow: Yeah, she'll do fine.

Sonic: Yeah, she's amazing!

(03:10) Sonic_Paradox - If Shadow had to save ONLY Tails OR Sonic from danger, who would he choose and why?

Sonic: @Sonic_Paradox asks: "Shadow, if you had to save ONLY Tails or Sonic from danger, who would you choose and why?"

Shadow: I—

Sonic: I know you too well, Shadow, I can see this coming a mile away. [in an impression of Shadow] "I'd save Tails, because Sonic's always getting himself into trouble, and I don't want to deal with his nonsense today." [clears throat] Did I get that right? That's what you sound like. Is that your answer?

Shadow: I'd save YOU, Sonic. Deal with it.

Sonic: W-What? No way, you'd— you'd really save me?

Shadow: Tails can fly, you idiot. If you're both hanging off a cliff, he can just get up.

Sonic: Oh...

Shadow: You're always running headfirst into danger, so you'd probably need the help, too.

Sonic: Aaand, there it is...

Shadow: Plus, I'm faster than you, anyways.

Sonic: All right, all right, enough of the sentimental stuff. This question's closed!

(04:02) liamphibia - Why did Big the Cat make you smile?

Sonic: @liamphibia asks: "Shadow, why did Big make you smile?"

Sonic: [laughs] What's this? You actually smiled when you saw Big the Cat?

Shadow: I don't know what you're talking about.

Sonic: Come on, don't play it cool now. I'm a little jealous! What did Big say to make you smile?

Shadow: I. Didn't. Smile. It was... a small gesture. Big's a reliable ally—his enthusiasm can be contagious, that's all.

Sonic: Ha! Small gesture, my foot! You totally smiled because Big's just that awesome! Who wouldn't be happy to see a friend like him?

Shadow: I've got no time for this nonsense, but... Fine. Maybe Big's presence was... a little more welcome than I expected.

Sonic: See! I knew it! Maybe the three of us can go on a fishing trip soon, huh?

Shadow: Ngah... whatever?

Sonic: That's not a noooo!

(04:58) emzberry - Has Amy ever taken you on shopping trips recently? If so, do you just stick around... or actually buy things?

Sonic: @emzberry asks: "Has Amy taken you on shopping trips recently? If so, do you just stick around, or actually buy things? I gotta know!"

Sonic: Ugh... Geez, Amy's shopping trips... So many times, she'll say, "What about this?", and I'll say, "I like it!" but she puts it back on the rack. Then, she'll pick up another shirt—"Well, what about this? Or this? Or this? Or this?"

Shadow: Amy is quite... insistent. I don't buy anything unless I need it. I'm not wasting my time on frivolous purchases.

Sonic: Right, right, sure. You're "too cool" for shopping, right? You just stand there in the stores, pretending not to be impressed by the latest stuff…

Shadow: I'm not pretending, Sonic. I don't care about that stuff. But, if you must know: I've bought a few things... like these gloves. And I'll admit, Amy's enthusiasm does make it... bearable.

Sonic: Whoa, whoa-whoa-whoa. Wait. Shadow bought gloves? I guess Amy's a good influence, after all, huh?

Shadow: Don't make this into a joke, Sonic. I only bought what I needed, nothing more.

Sonic: Yeah-yeah-yeah, sure-sure-sure, but hey! If you ever need a new shopping partner, just let me know! I'll make it fun!

Shadow: Fun? I'm not here for your nonsense, just— Don't expect me to carry any bags.

Sonic: No promises. You know, I could use a new pair of red shoes. Race you to the shoe store!

Shadow: You will lose.

(06:23) AvenueVillager - What’s with all these matching outfits you two seem to wear? Is it a coincidence? Or is there a reason behind it?

Shadow: @AvenueVillager asks: "What's with all the matching outfits you two seem to wear? Is it a coincidence? Or is there a reason behind it?"

Sonic: Wait— whoa, whoa, whoa. You're saying we match? I thought we just had similar tastes.

Shadow: It's a coincidence. I don't plan my wardrobe based on Sonic's preferences. If you must know, I wear what's practical. I don't need flashy outfits to stand out.

Sonic: Can I... say something here? I think you secretly like it when we match.

Shadow: I wear what's comfortable and efficient. I'm not here to impress anyone with fashion.

Sonic: Yeah, sure, I'm sure that's totally it. But hey, I'll admit! When we match, it does look pretty cool! Guess we both know how to rock that red and blue look.

Shadow: Just because we happen to wear similar colors doesn't mean ANYTHING. I'm not trying to be your "fashion twin".

Sonic: Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah. But if we do ever go to a party, you KNOW I'm picking the outfits!

Shadow: ...I'm not dealing with this.

Sonic: What do you deal with, ever?

(07:27) FluffyCupidV - Can you, as the Ultimate Lifeform, do the one thing Sonic can’t - swim?

Sonic: Fluffy Cupid the Fifth asks: "Shadow, can you, as the Ultimate Lifeform,"—[snorts]—"do one of the things that Sonic can't—swim?" Wow, they really sent in a whole letter with this one, too! "That's a quick and easy way to show up Sonic in a test of skill—" Wait, why are you on HIS side? Don't give him any ideas!

Shadow: Yes, actually I can swim. As quick and easy as it would be to show him up in a swimming competition, it wouldn't be satisfying.

Sonic: Oh? And why is that? Afraid I might surprise you?

Shadow: Because you'd be dead in 30 seconds. I need to see the look on your face when I defeat you; drowning just isn't enough.

Sonic: Well, fine! Then why don't we have a "plummeting to Earth" contest next and see who survives THAT one!

Shadow: Are you going to need floaties for that one too?

Sonic: [background angry shouting] They're not floaties, they're a fashion choice!

Shadow: ...Let's move on.

(08:23) kh0rd - Sonic, what’s the best way to annoy Shadow, and Shadow, what’s the best way to annoy Sonic?

Sonic: From TikTok, kh0rd— Oh, nice profile pic... kh0rd asks: "Sonic, what's the best way to annoy Shadow, and Shadow, what's the best way to annoy Sonic?"

Sonic: Heh, that's easy! Just being around Shadow is enough to annoy him!

Shadow: YOU being around me is annoying. There's a distinction.

Sonic: Y'know, I think... if I really wanted to get under his skin, I'd slooowly take my time when we're racing, like reeaaally draaag it out, and let him think he's winning. It gets under his skin every time!

Shadow: "Fast" doesn't always mean "better". If you stopped yelling [in a Sonic impression] "Gotta go fast!" every time we're in the middle of something important, you'd realize that I get things done.

Sonic: Hehehe, y’see! I'm annoying him as we speak!

Shadow: Ugh... You really are good at this, huh?

Sonic: I don't knoooow... You teell meee, Shaaadoooow...

(09:24) SirIzak012 - Why do you have chest fur and Sonic is baby smooth?

Shadow: SirIzak asks: "Why do you have chest fur and Sonic doesn't? Is it because Sonic is less 'manly' than you are?"

Sonic: Oh, come on! They did not add that last part.

Shadow: On my honor. Yes, SirIzak, I am more of a man than Sonic will ever be.

Sonic: Okay, first off, we're hedgehogs, and I just like to keep it clean cut. Makes me way more aerodynamic so I can keep running laps around you.

Shadow: It's not even just the chest fur. Even just hearing your voice... I didn't know voices could naturally be an octave that high.

Sonic: [in a much deeper pitch reminiscent of Sonic Frontiers] What did you just say about my voice?

Shadow: How did you do that?

Sonic: [in the voice of Ezio from Assassin's Creed] It is called acting, my friend.

Shadow: Is that supposed to be Ezio?

Sonic: It's totally Ezio!

Shadow: Laaame.

(10:10) Toshi - What matters more: the journey you take, or the people you meet along the way?

Shadow: Toshi asks: "What matters more: the journey you take, or the people you meet along the way?"

Sonic: Huh... Well, for me, it's the journey, no question. Every new challenge, every race, every crazy adventure... it's what makes life fun! Sure, meeting cool people along the way is awesome, but... I make the journey my own. That's what keeps me running.

Shadow: Hm... The journey is important, but if you don't learn from the experience, you'll always make the same mistakes. You'll not only hold yourself back, but you'll stunt others as well. In the end, it's the lessons you take from the journey that matter most.

Sonic: Ohh. Oh, is Shadow getting all "deep" on us now?

Shadow: I'm not getting deep, I'm being honest.

Sonic: Yeah, right. Well, if the journey's that important, I guess you're just following me, in my shadow, huh? You know, as usual?

Shadow: Watch your words, Hedgehog.

(11:11) Amelia - If you and Sonic could swap lives with each other for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do?

Shadow: Amelia asks: "If you and Sonic could swap lives with each other for a day, what's the first thing you'd do?"

Sonic: Oh, oh, oh, I know! I'd skate all around the world in your air shoes and tell everyone I see what an amazing hedgehog my good buddy Sonic is!

Shadow: I'd wake up and say, "I'm Sonic, and I'm stupid."

Sonic: Oh, c-come on! You have to at least TRY!

Shadow: Fine. I would run up to Amy and say, "Hi, Amy. I'm Sonic, and I'm stupid."

Sonic: Hey, don't— bring her into this.

Shadow: Why not? Don't want to embarrass yourself?

Sonic: Wha—no! Sh-She's just— It's— Look, she's not here to defend herself! Okay— Anyway, great question, Amelia!

Sonic: [whispers] I thought you and I agreed we weren't going to go there.

Shadow: Never.

(11:58) trixoit - How do you feel about Shadow having cool flying wings and you don’t?

Shadow: To Sonic, trixoit asks: "How do you feel about Shadow having cool flying wings and you don't?"

Sonic: Huh? Well, I've got Tails and the Tornado; flying's covered—wait, when did Shadow get wings?

Shadow: Black Doom tried to turn me into his ultimate disciple to control the world.

Sonic: Oh... Right! Yeah, that guy... Who was Black Doom again?

Shadow: ...Don't go there.

(12:28) MaricCraft - If he’s there, to Classic Sonic, why don’t you ever say anything?

Shadow: MaricCraft asks: "If he's there, to Classic Sonic, why don't you ever say anything?"

[Classic Sonic's Sonic x Shadow Generations render pops up in the middle of the screen and lights up. Nothing audible is said for about ten seconds.]

Shadow: Wow, Sonic... I liked you so much more before.

Sonic, Come on, his response makes sense to me. Couldn't have said it better myself! Thanks for the question, Maric!

(13:02) morticia - SHADOW PLEASE WHY DO YOU HATE TAILS?

Sonic: morticia, somewhat desperately, is asking: [clears throat] "Shadow, PLEASE! WHY DO YOU HATE TAILS!?"

Shadow: Hm? I don't hate Tails. I admire his intelligence and tenacity. For a child, he shows great strength in making decisions under pressure.

Sonic: Uh, really? Do you not remember completely clocking him on multiple occasions? You've antagonized him quite a bit in the past.

Shadow: He's just been in the wrong place, at the wrong time. I hold no ill will against that fox—unless he gets in my way.

Sonic: You know, he really is the BEST, isn't he, Shadow?

Shadow: Don't push it.

(13:45) DiegoMB68798263 - How would you describe your rivalry with Sonic?

Sonic: DiegoMB six trillion, eight hundred and seventy… three asks: "How would you describe your rivalry with Sonic? Oh, and greetings from Mexico City!"

Shadow: Mexico City? That sounds like a lovely place.

Sonic: ...Huh. Anyway, rivalry? Nah, more like friendly competition. I mean, sure, I'm always one step ahead, but... it keeps things interesting. Shadow and I are like... two sides of the same coin, always pushing each other to be better. Plus, if I'm being honest, I kind of enjoy the challenge.

Shadow: It's not a friendly competition. I don't waste time with games. I fight because I have a purpose, and if that happens to clash with Sonic's... impatience, then so be it!

Sonic: Come on, Shadow, you don't get a rush trying to outdo me every chance you get? You gotta admit: it gets the heart pumping.

Shadow: This isn't about you. It's about fulfilling my own goals, and while you may think this rivalry is "fun", I don't waste my time on trivialities. It's just... coincidence that we always seem to be at odds.

Sonic: Fiiine. Call it whatever you want. But deep down, you know it wouldn't be the same if I wasn't here to keep you on your toes.

Shadow: …Whatever you say, Sonic. But don't get too comfortable.

Sonic: Heh, see? I win again!

(15:11) Cedric Henderson - To both: We always see you compete to see who’s faster, but who can beat who in a good ol’ fashioned thumb wrestling match?

Sonic: Cedric Henderson asks a question to both of us: "We always see you compete to see who's faster, but who can beat who in a good ol' fashioned thumb wrestling match?"

Shadow: Who cares? I'm not wasting my time on something so inconsequential.

Sonic: Ha, ha. Sounds like you saw these thumbs and cowered immediately!

Shadow: You are soooo annoying. Okay, fine!

Sonic: [rapidly] 1, 2, 3, 4! I declare a thumb war!

[sounds of struggling noises between Sonic and Shadow as they thumb wrestle]

Sonic: Ha ha ha ha! I win! I WIN! I am the [in a mock impression of Shadow] Ultimate Thumb Wrestler.

Shadow: You did not! You're only saying that because there's no one here to witness this absurdity!

Sonic: Don't forget, everyone! These thumbs are officially LEGENDAARYYY!

Shadow: ...This is beneath me.

(16:02) kaelyn - If you both had to babysit Cream, how do you see that going?

Shadow: kaelyn is asking: "If both of you had to babysit Cream, how do you see that going?"

Sonic: I would just put it in the fridge so it doesn't spoil— Oh, Cream! Like, both of us babysitting together, or... how would each of us handle babysitting separately?

Shadow: Either way, it would be fine. I can keep control of any situation.

Sonic: Yeah, right. Well, what would you do if she wanted to go to Twinkle Park, and you get there, and buy her a 12-scoop ice cream cone, and just as you see the light of happiness in her eyes, she goes to take her first bite— A lone seagull comes crashing into it, and spills it on the floor, and she's completely inconsolable!

Shadow: …Why... is that so oddly specific? I would simply use Chaos Control before the seagull ever had a chance to ruin her day. What would YOU do?

Sonic: I would simply use my super speed to catch the ice cream cone before it fell, without needing to manipulate space and time! No fancy Chaos Emeralds needed, no tears, no problemo! Even if it didn't work out, I'd be able to console her with a little something called... empathy.

Shadow: Whatever makes you feel better, Hedgehog.

Sonic: You know, maybe we should go see if Cream wants to go out for ice cream!

Shadow: This was your plan all along, wasn't it? Hmph. Fine.

Sonic: Oh, let me guess: coffee flavor for you?

Shadow: Don't act like you know me. But, yeah...

(17:27) SuperMonkeyBall - What are your thoughts on our monkey-fied cosplay of you?

Sonic: Huh, some… monkey in a ball asks: "What are your thoughts on our monkey-fied cosplay of you?"

Shadow: Yes, I'm familiar with the monkey that dresses like me, and I like that. However, I do have something to say.

Sonic: Ohhh, go off, King!

Shadow: This is a message to all those ridiculous monkeys: Free yourselves from the ball. You're more than this! Evolve!

Sonic: Uh, I—I think the point of Super Monkey Ball is for them to be in balls, but—

Shadow: And another thing: when the monkey falls off the stage, and the announcer shouts, "fall out!" …Ugh, that's not even the right game!

Sonic: Hi, this is... Sonic the Hedgehog, Shadow does not speak for me. I love being in the Super Monkey Ball games, so please ignore him—

Shadow: THOSE MONKEYS NEED TO PUT ON SOME PANTS!

Shadow: ...Never mind, forget I said that.

(18:25) nazo_sempai - Hello Shadow, I would like to ask you how you feel about being the focus of attention this year?

Sonic: nazo_sempai asks: “I would like to ask you how you feel about about being the focus of attention this year?”

Shadow: All this attention? It's... expected. I am, after all, the coolest.

Sonic: Who wouldn't be excited to see the Ultimate Lifeform in action? You've been hard to miss this year!

Shadow: I didn't ask for the spotlight, but if people want to acknowledge my greatness, I suppose I can tolerate it. Just don't expect me to get all sentimental about it.

Sonic: Hehehe! Come on, Shadow! You're totally enjoying it! The fans are loving it, and heck: you're even getting your own solo stuff this year!

Shadow: Hmph. I've always stood on my own, but if people want content, I'll give it to them. But don't mistake that for seeking attention; it's just a natural consequence of fulfilling my... purpose.

Sonic: Uh-huh. Yeah, sure. But you're in the lead this year, Shadow! You can admit you're enjoying the spotlight!

Shadow: Let's move on.

(19:26) jetthehawkVA - When's the last time you've seen Jet?

Shadow: jetthehawkVA asks: "Hey Sonic, when's the last time you've seen Jet?"

Sonic: Jet... Jet, Jet, Jet— Last time I saw him was during one of our usual races. I mean, the guy is fast, but you know how that goes. It's always neck and neck, but it doesn't really amount to much.

Shadow: Jet. That green bird with the attitude. Haven't seen him in a while, not that I'm keeping track.

Sonic: Heh! Who knows when we'll see him again? It seems lately, rivals have a way of... coming back around! Y'know what I mean, Shadow?

Shadow: Who cares? I've got more important things to focus on.

Sonic: Hehe. It's always fun to have a little competition, right? I mean, that's why you keep me around!

Shadow: [groans]

(20:13) bubblewrapg5 - Why does Black Doom always keep sending you to Radical Highway?

Sonic: bubblewrapg5 asks: "Shadow, why does Black Doom keep sending you to Radical Highway?"

Shadow: Black Doom wanted to torment me. He knows the significance of those memories, and opened up those wounds to hurt me. Unfortunately for him, I am stronger than that.

Sonic: You sure he didn't think it was just— [snorts] radical?

Shadow: Leave it to you to downplay my vulnerability, Mr. Green Hill Zone.

Sonic: You're right, you're right, I— I'm sorry. But, I mean, it is pretty radical.

(20:47) Retro Koval - Do you guys miss Silver? Do you like Silver? What’s going on with Silver? How do you define the dynamic between the three of you?

Shadow: Retro Koval asks us both: "Do you guys miss Silver? Do you like Silver? What's going on with Silver? How do you define the dynamic between the the three of you?" ...Where did all these Silver fans come from?

Sonic: Oh, who doesn't love Silver? The guy's got a good heart, even if he can be a little over the top. His determination to save the future is something I can respect!

Shadow: The guy's always in a rush trying to fix the future, as if he's the only one who can get things done. He's not the most patient, but still... I respect his strength and conviction.

Sonic: Hey, Silver's got his own way of doing things! Kind of like a certain... Someone. I. Know?

Shadow: Hmph. If he showed up needing help, I wouldn't turn my back on him.

Sonic: Agreed! We've got a big-brother, little-brother situation going on, except... Silver's from the future, so we're a little "mixed up" timewise.

Shadow: I tend not to think about it.

Sonic: Yeah, me neither. Not going to lie, it's... kind of complicated!

(21:50) arckhyved - Which of you is best skilled in drawing among the two of you?

Shadow: arckhyved asks: "For Shadow and Sonic, which of you is best skilled in drawing among the two of you? Just asking, hee, hee."

Sonic: Oh! You want us to draw... something! Well, that's perfect for the podcast medium... All right, here it goes! Here's a paper and pencil, let's see... drawing Shadow, uh— Well! He's got to be running! That's easy... with an intense look on his face—kind of a contrived intense look, but how else do you capture the Ultimate Lifeform?

Shadow: Mmmm. I don't know why you'd want me to draw anything, but... eugh, I'll just... put down some... blue spikes and a cocky grin.

Sonic: That's it? My spikes are legendary! Make me look cooler! Oh, and with a cool background like a winding racetrack, or the horizon— Something flashy!

Shadow: I don't need your input, Sonic! It's... a portrait, not a race. I'll make sure it's uh... accurate.

Sonic: All right, and... done! Okay, we'll each show each other on the count of three, you ready? 1... 2... 3!

Sonic: ...Yeah, let's— let's never hold pencils ever again.

Shadow: Agreed.

(23:06) RingTailVa - What was your favorite game to play with Maria when you had the time?

Sonic: Question from RingTailVa: "Hey Shadow, growing up on the ARK, what was your favorite game to play with Maria, when you had the time?"

Shadow: Maria and I didn't really play games. We spent most of our time talking, reading, or... training. I didn't have much time for games on the ARK.

Sonic: Come on, Shadow, you mean to tell me you didn't play anything with Maria? Not even one game of Sonic Shuffle? I mean, that's a missed opportunity.

Shadow: Fine. If you must know, there was one game we used to play: a game of strategy—chess. Professor Gerald taught me, and I'd play with Maria.

Sonic: Oh? Shadow, the Ultimate Lifeform, enjoys a game of wit and strategy?

Shadow: Chess requires focus and precision, Sonic. Traits you could learn to appreciate.

Sonic: Hey, you don't know! I could be a... chess master!

Shadow: You don't even know the rules of chess, Sonic, and don't expect me to teach you. You'd probably lose on purpose just to annoy me.

Sonic: Heeey. I'm just good at playing the game mmyyy waaaay~

Shadow: [shudders in disgust] You're exhausting, you know that?

(24:21) GamesCage_ - CAN I JOIN THE SQUAD? WHICH ONE OF YOU WILL HAVE ME?

Sonic: GamesCage_ says: "Hey Sonic! Hey Shadow! I would like to turn a new leaf, and with that, I ask: Can I join the squad? I would love to be either on Team Hero or Team Dark—which one of you will have me?"

Shadow: GamesCage... that's the guy who hurt Tails a few years ago, isn't it?

Sonic: Yep, that's Fadel! We know how much you've grown and changed, so... sure! You can join the squad: Team Dark would be happy to have you!

Shadow: ...Yeah, unfortunately, we just closed applications for Team Dark, but I know Team Hero is always desperate for help.

Sonic: Woah, woah! We're not desperate, we're just... accepting.

Shadow: Sooo... that means you'll accept him?

Sonic: Um... Sure, you can join the squad, Fadel.

Shadow: That's it? You cave so easily.

Sonic: ...Yeah, [sigh] that's it. Anyway, initiation starts next week! Not a lot of seats in the Tornado, and only one parachute, which Tails called dibs, so... Get ready to hold on!

(25:22) Pumpkin - Do you feel like you’re Sonic’s biggest rival?

Sonic: Pumpkin asks Shadow: "Do you feel like you're Sonic's biggest rival?"

Shadow: ...Who cares?

Sonic: Eh... I'm not sure if I'd call Shadow my biggest rival.

Shadow: What's that supposed to mean?

Sonic: Well... Knuckles can be pretty tough when he's not busy guarding his island.

Shadow: Knuckles?

Sonic: Jet's a pain too, and don't even get me started on how stubborn Metal Sonic is! I mean, seriously, who is my true rival?

Shadow: All right, fine! Where do I rank on this list of yours?

Sonic: Eh, probably right between Zavok and Dodon Pa.

Shadow: ...I hate you.

Sonic: Oh, come on, it's not that bad! Between Zavok and Dodon Pa, I'm basically giving you a compliment!

Shadow: I... REALLY hate you.

Sonic: Oh, you just dropped below Zavok.

(26:08) mirzalollo - Sonic, how’s Elise?

Shadow: mirzalollo asks: "Sonic, how's Elise?"

Sonic: ...Who's that, now?

(26:16) sonicthehedgehog5522 - Do you know, Joe?

Shadow: sonicthehedgehog5522 asks: "Do you know Joe?" ...Joe?

Sonic: Yeah, I know Joe. [snorts] Joe mama! WHOOOOOAAAA! Up top!

Shadow: [irritated laughter] Down low.

Sonic: ...You know, you can have fun every now and then.

(26:36) Protorayman2 - What do you do when your not adventuring?

Sonic: Protorayman2 asks: "Shadow. what do you do when you're not adventuring?"

Shadow: None of your business.

Sonic: Well, I can answer that. Brooding in a cave. That's pretty much his whooole vibe.

Shadow: I don't brood, I focus on more... productive things. Training, honing my skills, preparing for whatever comes next.

Sonic: Yeah, sure, yeah, yeah— But don't you have any hobbies? I mean, what's a typical "Evening with Shadow" look like?

Shadow: [sigh] If you must know, I read: history, strategy—things that actually matter.

Sonic: Wow! So there you have it, folks! The Ultimate Lifeform is a BOOKWORM!

Shadow: Why do you look so pleased with yourself? What do YOU do when you're not running around like an idiot?

Sonic: Heheh. Nothing! I just... run!

Shadow: You're as exciting as watching paint dry.

(27:30) spidertitanman6364970 - If you and Sonic would do a 1v1 in a video game, who would win?

Shadow: spidertitanman asks both of us: "If you and Sonic would do a 1v1 in a video game, who would win?"

Sonic: Well, I'd win, easy, and then pull out one of these: [does and hums the Macarena]

Shadow: Your form is all wrong! Just sloppy all around! Here, like this:

[Sonic & Shadow both hum and do the Macarena]

(28:12) whisperwoIf - Please can I have a hug?

Shadow: @whisperwoIf says: "Hi Sonic, I'm your biggest fan"—ughh—"please, can I have a hug?"

Sonic: Aw, thanks for the love! A hug? Well, you're in luck! Come on over, let's do this! Big hugs from the fastest hedgehog around!

Shadow: Ugh... you think Sonic's hugs mean anything? It's just a fleeting moment of energy; there's no depth to it.

Sonic: Haha. Come on, Shadow, you should try it sometime! Maybe a hug can help take the edge off!

Sonic: ...Hey, you never know, maybe you're just in need of a hug toooo! Come on, brooder, bring it in here!

Shadow: I'm fine, I don't need... your kind of hugs.

Sonic: Heheh, rude. Still, to my biggest fan, thanks for the support! You're awesome! Unlike Shadow.

(29:04) ayoits_kr1sty - What did it feel like when you turned into Super Sonic for the first time? Did using the Chaos Emeralds that way come naturally to you or did it take a while to get used to?

Shadow: ayoits_kr1sty asks: "What did it feel like when you turned into Super Sonic for the first time? Did using the Chaos Emeralds that way come naturally to you, or did it take a while to get used to?"

Sonic: Oh, my first time going Super... Who could forget the rush of energy, like you're on top of the world! And when the Chaos Emeralds kick in, it's intense! But the power is so natural to me now, it just clicks.

Shadow: For me, the Chaos Emeralds are a tool; a means to an end. The transformation itself... it wasn't hard, but the first time, I had to learn to harness that power. I couldn't afford to let it get out of control—not that it's ever been a problem since.

Sonic: Yeah, I'm sorry, the first time you went Super? I seem to recall a little bit of... difficulty controlling that power, huh? Ring a bell?

Shadow: I did what needed to be done. Unlike some people, I wasn't showing off.

Sonic: Oh, wow, hey! I can't help it if we look cool! Not everyone can handle that much power all the time.

Shadow: Going Super requires focus. Power is nothing if you don't control it, but once you’ve got it, you can do things no one else can.

Sonic: Yep. We're pretty wise, aren't we, Shadow?

Shadow: "We"?

(30:18) Moondrahh - What's your current relationship with Commander Abraham Tower? Do you guys go out for dinner from time to time?

Sonic: Moondrahh asks: "Shadow, what's your current relationship with Commander Abraham Tower? Do you guys go out for dinner from time to time?" Huh, Abraham Tower. The GUN Commander you grew up with on the Space Colony ARK?

Shadow: Hm, I haven't connected with him in a long time—

[Sonic speed-dials the Commander.]

Shadow: Wait, what are you doing?

Sonic: Calling Commander Tower. This is going to be great!

Shadow: What?

[The call is picked up.]

Abraham Tower: Hello?

Sonic: Abe! You're on Sonic x Shadow Takeover live! Here's Shadow.

Shadow: You did not—

Abraham Tower: Uh, Shadow, it's— nice to hear from you... You, um… doing well?

Shadow: Egh... sure, yeah... Running the military's treating you well?

Abraham Tower: Yeah, yeah, it's, um... good. Listen, maybe you'd want to come over for dinner sometime, meet my grandson. My wife makes a mean pot pie—not to brag or anything.

Shadow: Sure. Maybe. That sounds... good.

Abraham Tower: Okay. Okay, yeah, well— Thanks for calling, Shadow. Have fun on your uh, Twitter... Tickity-Tok radio show.

Sonic: Look at that! I'm over here working miracles!

Shadow: Sonic, that was incredibly awkward.

Sonic: There's simply nobody else like me!

(31:42) SonicTheKahoot - What are your opinions on Orbot and Cubot?

Shadow: SonicTheKahoot asks—

Sonic: Ohoho, that is a great name!

Shadow: Hmph. "Sonic and Shadow, what are your opinions of Orbot and Cubot?"

Sonic: Ohh! Oh yeah, Dr. Eggman's robo assistants! I-I guess I don't really have any strong opinions either way...?

Shadow: The cube one seems... inoffensive enough, but Orbot... There's something about him that just… irritates me. He's so... unnaturally spherical. His eyes glow, but it's as if there's nothing behind them. He doesn't deserve to don the colors red and black.

Sonic: You know, now that you mention it, Orbot seems like an even nerdier Omochao, and I did not think that was possible.

Shadow: Just an absolutely despicable excuse of a robot, I've never—

[Orbot shows up in the middle of the screen.]

Orbot: Oh, hello you two! I heard you were working here all day, and thought I'd stop by to see if you wanted some coffee!

Sonic: Oh, uh— Orbot! [nervous laughter] Hello! Hey, how long have you been standing there?

Orbot: Oh, just a few seconds.

Shadow: I'll take a tall coffee, black with extra beans on the side.

Sonic: Shocking. Yeah, and I'll uh— I'll have a... latte! Thanks, Orbot!

Shadow: Wow, what a great robot!

Sonic: Yeah, really great guy! So thoughtful! Definitely my favorite of the two. Thanks for the question, other Sonic!

(33:04) poodlepit - What’s your guys tips and tricks for taking care of your Chao?

Shadow: poodlepit asks: "Hey, you guys, my question is this: what's your tips and tricks for taking care of your Chao?"

Shadow: You must provide the basics: food, shelter, and attention. I've trained my Chao to be strong, to focus; they've got discipline.

Sonic: Boooring! I show my Chao the best time! We race around, play games, and I give them all sorts of treats. They love it!

Shadow: It's not about playing games, Sonic. It's about strength, about training them to be ready for whatever comes. That's how you show them you care.

Sonic: Fine. But while my Chao is having the time of their life, your Chao is probably doing... push-ups or whatever. My Chao wins, hands down!

Shadow: Hmph. We'll see what my Chao says about that.

Sonic: You're on!

(33:57) sugarcooki2 - Do you guys believe in ghosts?

Sonic: sugarcooki2 asks: "Do you guys believe in ghosts?"

Shadow: Ghosts? No, I deal with real threats, not imaginary ones.

Sonic: Oh, you sure about that? We've been to a haunted mansion, a spooky graveyard... I think there might be something to it.

Shadow: You might be entertained by that nonsense, but I'm focused on real missions. I don't have time for fairy tales.

Sonic: Nah. Yeah, you're probably right, I'm sure there's nothing to— BOO!

Shadow: Hm.

Sonic: Eh, you can't blame a guy for trying.

Shadow: When you're in real danger, don't come running to me to handle it.

Sonic: BOO! Ah, dang it!

(34:37) spunkboye - WHY DO YOU SKIP MY QUESTIONS EVERY TAKEOVER?

Shadow: spunkboye asks: "Why do you skip my question every takeover?"

Sonic: Oh, wow. Passive-aggressive. What's their question?

Shadow: That was it.

Sonic: …Okay, then! Thanks for the question, spunkboye!

(34:52) thefakehedgehogaroundhere - How are Rouge and Omega? And to Sonic, what’s your relationship with them like?

Sonic: thefakehedgehogaroundhere asks: "To Shadow, how are Rouge and Omega? And to Sonic, what’s your relationship with them like?"

Sonic: Well, Rouge and I... Yeah! We're cool, mostly. I mean, she's a bit of a troublemaker, but I got to admit, she's got a good heart under all that jewel craziness. And Omega? Yeah, he's a bit... intense, but... we've got an understanding. He's like my annihilate-first-ask-questions-later kind of buddy, not the one for deep conversation. Shadow, what do you think?

Shadow: Hm. They're fine, I suppose. Rouge is as unpredictable as ever, but I trust her. As for Omega, we may not always see eye to eye, but we share an... enthusiasm for blowing things up.

Sonic: You know, I don't hang out with Omega enough. I got to fix that sometime!

Shadow: You need to. Someone has to balance your... exuberance.

Sonic: Oh, please. I think Tails balances me out just fine.

Shadow: Wrong. He's part of the reason you're always in trouble.

Sonic: I— Okay, touché.

(35:51) Born0fKokiri - What was your favorite Doom powers to use in the White Space?

Sonic: Born0fKokiri asks: "Hey Shadow, what was your favorite Doom power to use in the White Space? Mine are the Doom Wings." ...What in the world does that mean?

Shadow: Doom Morph.

Sonic: Doom... Morph? What's that?

Shadow: I lose my mortal form to become a ball of Chaos, smashing through everything in my path. Jealous?

Sonic: Honestly? A little bit. But hey, as long as we're both wiping out bad guys, I'd say we're doing pretty good.

Shadow: I swing from Chaos blobs in the sky to reach places I normally can't.

Sonic: Oh! Oh, okay.

Shadow: And if I release from the Chaos blob at the right time, I rocket into the sky.

Sonic: Yeah, I— I'm not jealous anymore.

Shadow: Skill issue.

(36:35) TheLowestFive - Can you wish me luck on my final test tomorrow?

Sonic: TheLowestFive asks: "Can you wish me luck on my final test tomorrow?"

Shadow: Wait. Let me see if I understand this right: this person has an exam tomorrow, and they're spending their time listening to us instead of studying for a test that may determine their educational future?

Sonic: Well, uh— Yeah, I guess that's what it sounds like.

Shadow: Sounds like poor time management to me. Good luck, you're going to need it.

Sonic: Wow, lighten up! Well... good luck, TheLowestFive!

(37:10) Tweekyy_k - Have you ever gave a gift to Sonic on his birthday?

Sonic: Tweekyy_k asks: "Shadow, have you ever given a gift to Sonic on his birthday?"

Shadow: No, my presence is more than enough.

Sonic: ...It's not.

(37:23) Manuel Inacio - Where do you sleep?

Shadow: "To Sonic, since you don't have a home, I'm curious: where do you sleep?"

Sonic: Huh. Wherever I want! And I know Tails' couch is always available if need be. Where do YOU sleep, Shadow?

Shadow: No more questions.

Sonic: Huh, but— Well— I mean, everyone's dying to know—

Shadow: No. More. Questions.

(37:45) Outro

Sonic: Aaand... that's a wrap. Today absolutely flew by, but sadly, it's time for us to say goodbye to all of you.

Shadow: We had so many questions coming in throughout the day. I could really feel the love for me.

Sonic: Is that— what your— Okay, well. It was impossible to keep up with everything, but we appreciate everyone for sending such creative questions and bringing back so many great memories! I hate to admit it, but I actually had a really good time hanging out with you, Shadow!

Shadow: You weren't as irritating as you normally are, either.

Sonic: You know what? I'll take it!

Shadow: We should do #AskShadow every year. I knew that's what the fans would want.

Sonic: Haha, I don't know about that, but... I don't mind sharing the spotlight with you juust this once.

Shadow: You didn't have a choice.

Sonic: Okay, sure, but— I'm trying to say: I'm not mad about it. You deserve the recognition.

Shadow: Now you're just going overboard, but thank you, Sonic.

Sonic: And thank YOU, everyone, for tuning in. You are all what keep me running. If you have a birthday today, happy birthday! If you don't, happy Friday, or— Saturday, or— whatever day it is where you're at!

Shadow: Here's to the greatest year SEGA has ever known. Stay Fearless, everyone.

Sonic: ...Again, who's Elise?

[got-ticket-to-ride]

Wanted to know your thoughts on this, but for what I've reading on John it really looks to me he really got worse post Paul and post Beatles, like his saddest songs match the moment he started to have issues with Paul, he wasn't really having much contact with anyone outside Yoko, he wasn't doing much music, he wasn't being that funny either, he even died without being able to fully overcome his heroine addiction (addiction that started in the Beatles fall out right?), and idk i believe his involvement in the whole peace/art movement looked more like an escape (like some people do with religion) than actual interest.

So what you think, was John at his worst after he got out the band and cut his relationship with Paul or was it was always like that?

Hello @lord-pain

thank you for this ask! I hope I'll make sense. I think the White Album was definitely the start of John's "sad songs". Happiness is a Warm Gun, Yer Blues. Subsequently, Dig a Pony sounded so desperate to me and Because which is yeah, post India, post breakup?

There's so many different accounts during that period. Some narrators might be unreliable because you never know who these "historians/journalist/"acquaintances" have their allegiance to.

During the 70s it was said that John was miserable, became a violent drunk (who believed in astrology). He was quite unhappy with how things turned out in his life due to his choices but he was too proud to admit it.

About drugs, Fred Seaman said John stopped with heroin in the last half of the 70s in this video.

Due to differing accounts that are out there, I just concentrate on John, what he wrote lyrically and how clearheaded he was during his last interview. He was trying to be better. I think that is the most important detail despite everything that went down. Also the part where he was going to work with Ringo and had booked a studio with Paul for January 1981.

His activism was partly a distraction for him. Beatle John dabbled in it, but he became very aggressive about politics after the break up. He was anti-religion when he released Imagine (1971). But went back to believing in god when he wrote "Grow Old With Me" (1979?), which I have so much thoughts about but I haven't even had the courage to voice out.

While there are glimpses of John's mental anxiety visible in his song "Help!" (1965)

"Help me if you can, I'm feeling down, and I do appreciate you being 'round",

he was trying to be positive about it as seen in "Strawberry Fields Forever" (1966):

"It's getting hard to be someone but it all works out, It doesn't matter much to me".

And was still holding on during the conception of "Across the Universe" (in February 1968) with his mantra:

"Nothing's gonna change my world",

which I think might've been a result of Paul's engagement in December 1967 to Jane.

Across the Universe (February 1968) > believer God (1970) > anti-religion Imagine (1971) > anti-religion (he made a satire song which I did not include here) Grow Old With Me (1979) > believer

During his alleged break from music from 1975, he was still making home demos and was writing Skywriting by Word of Mouth.

I think John and Paul being apart was just not good for them. The general opinion was that Paul left John and had moved on. (I don't believe that's true). It was John who made the decision to leave, it was this push and pull thing, and Paul continued to reach out to him (and we don't know what happened during all those times they've met up). Some accounts say that John was practically begging for a reunion but then again Paul never stopped reaching out to John (see 1976) so I personally think, regardless of all these details that are out in the open, there is still a missing piece we have not considered yet and that can only be told by Paul himself.

To summarize it, John probably had depression (since his teenage years) but Paul was a constant positive thing in his life that he needed and that had helped him through it, "the girl who came to stay" until something happened...

John Lennon was definitely at his worst without his buddies by his side in the 70s.

[luimagines]

HI PINKY ! 🎻 Anon here ✧⁠◝⁠(⁠⁰⁠▿⁠⁰⁠)⁠◜⁠✧

My finals went overall quite well! (Except for one final but my overall grade was still fine so we're all good) I did end up having my ceiling of my room collapse though! (⁠ノ⁠｀⁠Д⁠´⁠)⁠ノ⁠彡⁠┻⁠━⁠┻ Gotta love landlords that refuse to do proper house maintenance on century old homes. So right before finals had my ceilings collapse, then had finals while stuck sleeping in the living room (to be fair the couch was comfy but the whole setup is less than ideal), and then literally the evening after my last final flew out to literal other side of the planet for college visits. So needless to say I've been rather tired recently! It's been fun though and I also got to see some family that I rarely see again so that was nice. BUT! I finally have the mental bandwidth to send in an ask again. So enough with the dramatic rambling about my life I have more ideas about the human hero reader I thought of!

So! I learned just the other day that an army captain is actually kinda low rank. (At least in the US military, can't speak to other systems) And you usually get there within like 4 years of your career as an officer. And if Wars is around 24-26ish (at least that's how old I usually imagine him since he's one of the older members of the group but not like OLD) and he would have started his time in the military as like a 17-18 year old, buddy boy would actually be behind on his career. (Stick with me this will all come together I swear!)

So I imagine human hero reader (I'm calling them hh!reader for my sanity to specify from here on out for my sanity) ended up getting pulled into the military after saving Hyrule. They really don't like being there, but the royal family of that time doesn't really give reader a choice. I'd imagine them most likely being a very low rank enlisted soldier. (If you require explanations for anything just let me know. I am more than happy to explain and understand most people haven't been raised around this stuff) But because reader didn't want to join the military in the first place and Warriors is one of the MOST wary member of the chain they would probably butt heads quite a bit. I imagine reader with an attitude of while they're usually a very nice person to be around they can hold a strong grudge and aren't afraid to tell someone if they're being an idiot. Not something that goes over well in the military. So reader probably targets at least some of that frustration to the resident military man. And something that would be rather easy to go for is that fact that he still hasn't been promoted. This would probably devolve into him telling them that they suck as a soldier until reader snaps and said they never had any choice in the matter and they storm off. Probably one of the their merry little band would go after reader. I think Sky might be best since he's a knight himself so he'd have a better idea what they were going through. Wind would also be an interesting option especially if it's after the whole "We're the same since we both made the active decision to save Hyrule!" moment. Both are good chances at bonding. Oh yeah I guess it's relevant that I see reader at an older teen age, like 16-17. Yay sibling dynamics (I say this like my only younger sibling doesn't drive me up a wall). I'll prolly add more later but I am tired. And I have a relatively early morning tomorrow.

Hope this was coherent but I actually had motivation for once so I went for it. If any clarification is needed just ask. Make sure to drink water and eat a snack! Self care is important to help prevent burnout. Have a lovely week. Good day/evening) ┌⁠|⁠o⁠^⁠▽⁠^⁠o⁠|⁠┘⁠♪ See you maybe once I've slept and ate. Bye!!

Oh, I thought you going to go the path of Reader outranking Warrior and him not being able to do anything about it. ^.^*

It reminded me of that one post for Marvel where Tony got excited because Rhodey, being Colonel, outranked Steve and could tell him what to do.

I'd imagine if Warrior pulled out the whole "you suck as a soldier" Wild would have to push back a bit because if they suck, what does that make him? He died! Hello? At least Reader had something going for them. They still won in the end with minimal loses on their side.

Wild lost everyone.

So what does Warrior actually think of him then?

[lady-bess]

Feeling proud during pride 🏳‍🌈

*rips off the uncomfortably tight band-aid which has stopped me talking about this for far too long*

Ouch! *incomprehensible swearing*

Wow, that hurt. But now that the wound is exposed, it can heal. Right?

If you're wondering what the heck I'm talking about - Hi, I'm Bess, and this June I came out to my mother and partner as gay.

The mentality of ripping off a band aid to get things out in the open has been the only metaphor I could accurately use to describe how this whole ordeal has felt.

But Bess... I hear you begin, You've had "bisexual" in your bio since you started on social media. What's different?

Dear reader, you're totally right! I have! So, sit back, relax, and let me tell you why this pride means so much more to me than it ever has. And, in doing so, I hope I can resonate with someone out there who might have been going through something similar. To show someone that you're not alone, no matter how much it might feel like it.

This Pride month started out the same as most for me. I'd scoff at all the big corporations slapping a rainbow on their logo to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community, and people around me would wonder why I personally cared about what these businesses did, as someone who is in a long term relationship with someone of the opposite gender (because we see y'all Pink Washing, don't get it twisted..).

But deep down, I felt like this year things were going to be different. I had this looming sensation that my life was about to change, and it would be something to do with my sexuality.

A lot has changed this last year. I've had three different jobs, I've come off birth control, hit my mid-twenties, and I've been through a bought of cheeky depression. Any of my nearest and dearest friends could tell you that I've been three or four entirely different people this last year, but I feel I'm now finally at a point where the storm has quelled, the clouds have passed, and we are now travelling in much calmer waters. Like the version of me who has come out the other side of all these toils is who I'm meant to be.

And I owe it, to her, to be my true self.

Throughout all of these life changes though, one thing held me back. At every hurdle I've overcome this last year, I've constantly felt like there's another bigger fight waiting for me to face one day. And no matter what I do, it's coming, regardless. The older I've got, the harder it has become to keep it hidden. And that is how I feel about my sexual identity - the months and years of questioning myself, wondering "just how gay am I?" (which, spoiler alert, if you're having to ask yourself that question then you're probably a bit queer).

Because, even though I've been comfortably 'out' as bisexual to my friends since I was 14, this last year I've felt a shift. For the first time, I felt like my sexuality mattered. For the first time, I didn't want to hide who I was. It took me over a decade to get there, and I still haven't got it all figured out. But honestly? I no longer think that matters.

I haven't a clue if I'm still bi, pansexual, or a lesbian. Every time I think I might have figured it out, that I am a lesbian, I see a GIF of Pedro Pascal as Jack Daniels and it sends me into a frenzy (look, I'm still gonna be Jack's doting wife, even if I am being very raw and emotional right now. I have a brand to maintain, after all).

For now, I just choose to label myself as gay/queer as a blanket term, which I'm essentially using as a way for me to go, "look, I haven't got a f*cking clue, can we move on?".

I came out to my mother just over a week ago. I am so eternally grateful for that woman, because if I could have written the perfect reaction to accepting someone coming out, it would have been what she did. It makes me regret not telling her sooner. I openly admitted to her that I was scared to talk to her about it, that I worried how she'd react to it (for context, she has put a lot of time and resources into helping my partner and I with the house we currently live in. It would not be as nice as it is without her help over these last two years. I was petrified she'd be disappointed and see her contribution as a waste).

But to my genuine shock, she gave me a hug, and said, "I don't care who or what lives in this house. As long as you're happy, that doesn't matter to me".

I messaged my friend after I did it, saying how relieved I was, and that also, "I have my mum in my corner now. I'm quite literally unstoppable".

Now, I know that having a supportive parent puts me in a massively advantageous position with what comes next. I, unfortunately, know far too many queer people who don't have the same love and acceptance that I've received from my mother, and to anyone in that boat I am so sorry.

I'm sure, over time, there will be family members of mine that will cut me off for this. But I tried to make peace with it as best as I could - I had my mother's support, and that was all I decided mattered.

So, what's all this to say? What changes?

Well, a lot of stuff. My partner and I are in the process of separating. For as much as he doesn't want to accept the truth, it's there, and it's never been more of a pressing issue between us. There's no going back from it now - the wound is on show, and it wants to heal. We can't cover it back up.

But the main thing that changes, for me at least, is that for the first time in my life I'm so proud to be queer. That was something I never imagined being, and the fact that I am now makes me almost cry. I genuinely thought I'd go my whole life as a closeted bisexual, who never felt "gay enough" to label myself as queer; stuck in heteronormative relationships, always a bit envious of those brave enough to live their truth - the ones who I would pass in the streets, hand in hand with their girlfriends, and I'd hear a little voice in my head shouting, "I'm one of you! Accept me!".

But whatever I turn out to be, even if I never figure out exactly what label suits me the most, the fact that I'm out the closet publicly is like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

For the first time, I can see a future unfolding that I've only ever dreamt of - something I would fantasise about, but always grounding myself in the reality that it never would. The idyllic life I'd daydream about having, moving away somewhere remote with my wife and a couple of dogs, choosing to live a slower and more peaceful existence.

For the first time, I've been openly queer in the workplace. A few of my coworkers picked up that things weren't right with me one morning, and I spilled the beans. Because, for as necessary as this split with my partner is, that doesn't make it easy. We've been together almost half a decade - even though I don't love him like he needs me to, it's not to say that I don't still care a great deal for him.

For the first time, I'm supported in a way I could have only dreamed of.

To anyone in the LGBTQ+ community, however you identify, you are safe with me 🏳‍🌈 My inbox is always open 💕

And to all my friends who have seen me through this period of change in my life - I can never thank you enough. Getting my family's support was one of my biggest accomplishments, but I will never forget the friends who were fighting in my corner from day one. The ones who comforted me when I felt like I wasn't enough - the ones who sympathised with what I've been through this last year - the ones who held my hand and told me it would all work out.

I love each and every one of you ❤

If you're going through anything similar, the one thing I'd always tell myself was this; "It'll all work out okay in the end. And if it's not okay, then it's not the end".

Happy pride, however you identify. Stay safe, and much love to you all.

LadyBess xoxo

[bomberqueen17]

next project excitement

I am home for a week and a half and am determined to spend most of it sewing. OK it's not even quite a week and a half, i've just realized. whatever!! getting started now.

I have a huge number of projects pent-up and am suffering as I try to decide which to work on, BUT, the thing is! i have one i really want to start on, so I'm going to at least start on it, and that is the Loftus Bralette pattern, which it's sort of unfair to call a bralette-- it's not, it's fully a bra, it has a powerbar and everything, and nonstretch cups, it's seriously a bra but there's no wire. Which is why I think it might fit me. Cut for more wittering on this topic...

I printed it out and taped it up ages (a couple of weeks) ago when it first came out because I was so excited, but I've been traveling since then. So. Now I have laid out the pattern pieces, and assembled the notions I ordered and got and haven't looked at yet, and now am figuring out just what I need. I might write up more about this, let me know if it's something you're also interested in sewing or learning about or whatever!! I'm really comfortable with Cashmerette patterns by now and am confident I can make it through sewing this, though I am *not* confident I can fit myself well-- by sheer dumb luck I fit Cashmerette really well without many adjustments so I'm not great at fit adjustments, but I'm sure I'll need them for this, since bras are so specific. But we'll see!

Anyway to start with I just went through the whole pattern instruction booklet and figured out how many inches I need of how many kinds of elastic, and which fabrics I should cut which pattern pieces out of. I'm going to then label each of them with masking tape the whole time I'm working, because I watched the video sewalong and realized I'm absolutely going to lose track of what I'm doing. So here is my starting point:

[image description: a number of pattern pieces spread out across a countertop, and in the foreground is a list on a scrap paper in felt-tipped marker that inventories the pattern pieces, specifies which should be cut out of which fabric, and says how many inches of how wide an elastic are needed in my size for each of the neckline, underarm, band, and strap elastics.]

I measure into a 38J, and I plan to make my muslin out of some heavy-duty powermesh I got from Mood, and then some light pink stabilized nylon tricot I got from Porcelynne, and the notions and elastic I also got from Porcelynne. (Porcelynne's owner is the one who did the engineering on the pattern I think, and is certainly the person who appears in the sewalong video. I bought myself a super-nice kit from their selection, but I'm making the muslin first before I cut into the cute red and black lace from the kit.)

Ha I might actually just mark the muslin in felt-tip marker and not worry about the marks washing out or not, honestly. i need all the help i can get. i can do it right for the nice one. hopefully i will get this to work and i will make like a dozen. it would help me so much to have a TT bra pattern i can standardize off of-- I started the sloper course but looked at it and was like, there's no point getting a really good fit around the bust of any dress because I only have one each of any given bra and none of them are perfect and all of them make me a drastically different shape. I need something I have several of and can reliably get more of (alas, for when i get a good bra i love and go to buy more and it's discontinued, this keeps happening to me). so. This is like, the necessary next step to not only my life but also my sewing game.

[the-cult-of-riley]

Sleeping With Ghosts (Act Two: Chapter Three)

Simon 'Ghost' Riley x Female OC

[[Masterlist]]

A/N:

Man, I’ve been feeling like shit lmao

My b12 anaemia has been kicking my ass and I’m not even joking. I went to see Greg Puciato on the 10th and I legit spent the whole first two starting bands throwing up and almost passing out, with zero alcohol consumed. I thought I was gonna die but refused to go home ‘cause no way was I missing Greg loooool I pushed through and it was the best show I’ve ever been to, even if I felt on the verge of death. I also picked up some germs ‘cause now I feel like I’ve got the flu and I haven't even got over whatever I was dealing with before.

I don’t know why my brain has been really struggling with this chapter. I have so much of Act Two mapped out but it's mostly the action and the fun and the angsty bits and the making up and all that. The little in-between parts to get there haven't been written and my brain really wasn't playing ball. Sorry for any typos, It's currently 2 am here and I've literally just finished writing and quickly editing it lol

In the name of our Lord and Saviour, Simon Riley, I beseech you to strike the writer curse from my weary body and allow me to continue feeding my hungry children with Ghostly content.

The last wisps of sleep were still clinging onto Charlotte’s consciousness when she felt her bed dip and the covers rustle and move. Her eyes blinked open slowly, her brain trying to comprehend the shit show that had become her life. For a brief moment, she thought she was back home, dying under the weight of grief and raising a child alone. But then she realised this wasn't her bed, these weren’t her bedroom walls and her husband wasn't dead. She still felt that grief though, it wouldn't shake even if he was breathing and now she had a heaping scoop of betrayal to go along with it. She rolled over to the source of what woke her up to see Beth beside her, giving her a cheeky smile.

“Good morning, mummy,” she murmured tiredly, scooting closer and wrapping herself around Charlotte like a snake. It made all of her tension seep from her body, even if only for a moment. She loved these moments in the morning with her daughter. They made her feel like she was glued back together briefly. 

“Good morning, pickle,” she smiled softly and Beth made a disgruntled noise like she always did at the nickname. They didn't need words as they cuddled together as they both woke up and Charlotte tried to will some backbone to leave the room at some point. 

They’d need breakfast and she hoped Simon wouldn't be in the mess hall. She wasn't sure how Beth was supposed to bond with him when she wanted him nowhere near her. She knew she needed to suck it up for Beth’s sake and Simon was lucky she’d do anything for their daughter. 

“Did you have a good sleep?” Charlotte asked, her fingers stroking through Beth’s unruly curls. The girl shot her a bright smile with a nod.

“I did. I’m excited to go and see daddy at breakfast! Can we go yet?” she asked eagerly and Charlotte tried to stop her stomach from tying itself in knots. 

“Let's get dressed then,” she flashed her best fake smile and Beth giggled, rushing to get out of bed as Lottie sat up and rubbed her eyes.

“Can we match, mummy?” Beth asked hopefully and Charlotte nodded.

“You pick what you want us to wear,” she instructed, watching with a fond smile as Beth rummaged around in the bag, pulling some things out and leaving them strewn about the place. 

She picked out two matching hoodies that had Placebo across the chest. Hers was real merch but they didn't make kids stuff so she’d wound up using fabric paint to replicate it on a kids hoodie. She picked out black leggings to match too. They both got dressed in their matching attire, boots to finish off the look and Charlotte really didn't feel like making much of an effort with her hair with how she was feeling so she threw it up into a high pony. Naturally, Beth gave her a look and was only placated once she also had a high ponytail that looked nothing like Charlotte with her blonde curls.

If she thought she felt nauseous on the way to the mess hall, it was nothing compared to how she felt when they strolled in, hand in hand. It felt like everyone’s eyes turned to the two civilians on base and she knew she wasn't imagining how they all murmured to each other. Maybe word travelled fast. 

One pair of eyes in particular felt like they burned her right down to her bones and she glanced over to the table housing the 141, seeing those deep brown hues staring right at her. She felt like the wind had been knocked out of her and she looked away quickly, ushering Beth to the food. She grabbed two trays, feeling guilty that Beth was babbling about something but she was struggling to pay attention. She scooped some scrambled eggs onto the plates and some bacon. She was just scooping some beans too when someone approached. 

“Well then, who’s this wee pretty lass?” 

Charlotte turned to see Johnny standing there, a smile that she could only compare to sunshine on a rainy day as he peered down at Beth. she clung to Mr Snuffles tightly, blinking up at the man.

“I’m Beth,” she answered sweetly and Charlotte watched as Johnny crouched to be closer to her height.

“What a beautiful name,” he grinned and Beth beamed at him.

“What's your name?” she asked curiously.

“I’m Johnny but people call me Soap,” he answered and Beth giggled.

“That's a silly name!” 

Johnny snorted with a nod.

“Aye, it is, but it's mine and I love it. We need to get you a call sign, aye?” he asked and Beth toddled closer to him, eyes wide as she nodded.

“Yes please, Mr Soap,” she clapped her hands excitedly and Charlotte didn't miss how she was drawing attention. 

“Alright., let’s think…” Johnny rubbed his chin, making a show of thinking and it made Beth giggle again.

“Do ye have a nickname already? We could use that,” he suggested and Beth pulled a face.

“Mummy calls me pickle sometimes,” she muttered gloomily and Johnny chuckled.

“Nah, we don't want a name like pickle, do we?” he asked her, pulling the same face she had and it made her laugh.

“What kinda things do ye like?” he asked her thoughtfully and Beth’s face lit up.

“I like Halloween and spooky things. Ghosts, skellingtons and pumpkins. I like monsters,” she made fake claws with her hands and growled at him. 

Being the good sport he was, Johnny yelped dramatically, falling on his ass and Charlotte couldn't help the grin on her face as she watched the pair, Beth laughing brightly at him. She was quickly warming up to the man. 

“I have the perfect name for ye, and it kinda goes with yer daddy’s” he announced, looking pleased with himself and Beth was practically bouncing on the spot.

“What is it?” she asked eagerly.

“Spook,” he declared with a flourish and Beth’s eyes were almost sparkling. 

“I love it!” she beamed, dancing about a little, the bunny in her hands getting thrown about in the process.

“Awesome!” Johnny grinned, holding his hand up to her and she slapped him a high-five harder than he expected if his wince was anything to go by. 

He stood back up, a slight groan leaving his lips as he back popped. 

“Now that's settled, let's eat, aye?” he smiled, turning to look at Charlotte as he gave her a warm grin that had her smiling back at him.

“Alright?” he asked her and she nodded, feeling somewhat better by his soothing presence. He seemed happy with her answer, clapping her gently on the back before he swiped Beth’s tray so Charlotte didn't have to carry two. 

Beth was happily chatting to him as the three of them made their way over to the table. Price was at the head of the table to the right, the bench along the back housing a man she didn't know with a cap on his head and a calming smile aimed at her. She smiled back nervously and looked away, her hands tightening over the tray. There was an empty spot beside the man and Johnny plonked into it, not before putting Beth's tray on the other side of the bench which was empty. On the head of the table to the left was Simon, whose eyes were glued to her. Beth’s tray was placed beside him and that left the spot between Beth and Price open for her. 

She noticed two of the men who were there at her outburst the day before weren't here but she was glad. It was bad enough being around just this small group, especially because she’d spilled her heart out in front of them. Worst of all was Simon though and the only respite she got from his burning gaze was when Beth climbed up on the bench, having to sit on her knees to reach her tray as she beamed a blinding grin at him and his eyes now went to his daughter.

“Good morning, daddy,” she smiled up at him. Charlotte wished to tear her eyes away and yet she couldn't, seeing his dark eyes peering out of his mask at Beth, all soft and gooey. It was the same look she had herself when her daughter was being sweet. 

“Mornin’, lovie,” he murmured quietly and Charlotte swallowed thickly. 

“So! Introductions since this spooky bastard won’t be makin’ ‘em,” Johnny started with a smirk and Beth gasped, slapping one hand over her mouth, the other pointing accusingly at the Scot, making him go silent.

“You swore!” she exclaimed and the whole table went quiet as they watched her. Charlotte bit her lip to stifle a laugh as Johnny blinked at her for a moment before he let out a laugh.

“Aye, I did, I’m sorry, lass,” he murmured with a grin and Beth raised a sassy brow at him.

“You owe me a pound now,” she held her hand out expectantly and Charlotte watched the Scot look to the girl's hand before back at her face.

“I owe ye?” he asked slowly and Beth nodded.

“We have a swear jar and every time mummy swears she puts a pound in and then I get to spend it,” she flashed her teeth in a toothy grin and Johnny’s lips quirked upwards as he glanced to Charlotte and then back to Beth.

“Well, I don’t have a quid on me right now, but I’ll owe ye one, aye?” he asked and Beth sighed with a nod.

“So, ye already know the Captain and this creepy fu- fool…” he trailed off after curtly cutting his words so he didn't owe even more money to the mini Riley. He slapped Simon on the shoulder and Lottie watched carefully as his dark eyes slid to Johnny, mild amusement and annoyance shining behind them. But when those eyes slid back to her, she felt like a lightning bolt struck her right in the chest and she looked away quickly, picking at her eggs. 

“This one is Kyle Garrick, also known as Gaz,” Johnny finished as he gestured to the only man on the table she hadn’t met yet.

“Nice to meet you Mr Gaz,” Beth smiled sweetly at him. The man smiled, a soft look on his face.

“Nice to meet you too,” he replied politely, his eyes turning to Charlotte then.

“You too, Mrs Riley,” he smiled and her hand tightened around her fork.

“Charlotte’s fine,” she muttered tensely and she could practically feel Simon’s eyes burning into her.

“And all you fuc- idiots know Charlotte and Beth, now also known as Spook,” Johnny gestured to the little girl with a flourish and she grinned, making a spooky noise while she wiggled her fingers.

“You gave her a callsign?” Simon asked and Charlotte couldn't decipher his tone. It was so detached, different to what she was used to with him.

“Course I did. She loves spooky shi- stuff, so it felt right. You like it, aye, Spook?” he asked her and she giggled, nodding her head.

“I love it,” she answered happily before she turned her deep brown eyes to her father.

“Do you like it, daddy?” she asked, her eyes hopeful and wide as she stared at him. He just watched her for a moment and Lottie was starting to think he wouldn't answer her.

“I do. Suits you,” he answered, reaching out slowly and stroking her head softly. Her smile widened as she leaned into his touch and Charlotte felt a burning in her chest. 

“We need a call sign for Charlotte then,” Gaz commented, a thoughtful look on his face.

“Grim,” Simon answered before anyone could suggest a thing. Had he shot her in the chest? It felt like it. So many memories flooded her system, memories of a happier time, of a time where he hadn’t betrayed her trust, hadn’t lied to her, hadn’t hurt her. 

“Aye, that's good. Ghost, Spook and Grim, a proper family,” Johnny snorted gleefully

“What can I say? I like a good theme,” Simon answered dryly but she heard the amusement and it sparked an annoyance in her. 

Five years he’d been gone, five years he’d fucked off, only to live in their old base. Was he here every day eating with his friends and cracking jokes like she wasn't at home raising a child alone and drowning in grief? Did he really care that little that he hadn't even checked in with her once? Didn't have anyone look into where she might be, what she was doing? Would he have even bothered to come back if he knew Beth existed? Would he have come back for her? Did he like it here without her? 

She pushed her tray away from her, a vile feeling creeping into her chest like an infection that was spewing puss. She didn't want to be here.

“Mummy, your breakfast,” Beth murmured, looking up at her carefully.

“I’m not hungry anymore, sweetie,” she replied but her voice felt far away, floating out of reach. 

It felt like her eyes weren't seeing, she couldn't get out of her own head. She suddenly felt warm leather on her cheek and with a start, she realised Simon had reached over Beth to cup her cheek, turning her to look at him with pure worry in his gaze. She jerked her head from his grasp like he’d burned her and his arm dropped back down. She didn't miss the pure anguish in his eyes. She needed to get out of here, she couldn't break down in front of everyone, not in front of Beth.

“How about I give ye that tour we were talkin’ about?” Johnny asked her with a grin but there was something on his face that touched her, soothed her spiralling. He’d never offered her a tour, he was giving her an out and in that moment, she knew Johnny meant his promise from the night before. 

“Sounds good,” she forced a smile and Beth grasped her arm.

“Mummy… could I stay here with daddy?” she asked with a smile and Lottie hated the pain that lanced through her chest. 

It shouldn't hurt her that she wanted to spend time with her dad, she’d only just met him and they had a lot of lost time to make up for. Yet she couldn't help the burning jealousy that hit her out of nowhere. He hadn't been here, it wasn't fair that he got to covet her and she got left in the dust.

“That's fine,” she answered, trying her best to keep herself in check until she left. She stood up quickly, not looking at anyone and not really bothering to think about manners to the other men at the table as she rushed out of the mess hall and outside. 

Johnny was right behind her, hand on her back as he led her to a bench. She crumbled onto it, resting her face in her hands. She didn't want to cry, not again. She was sick of it. She wished she could just pretend it didn't bother her what he did. That she could just be happy he was here, happy he was alive. She couldn't shake the feeling of abandonment though. That the one person who swore he’d never do that to her had done it without care. It hurt so much that she felt she might die.

“It's alright, love,” Johnny murmured sympathetically as he rubbed her back. 

“I just… he’s been here this whole time while I’ve been suffering ,” she lamented, feeling like her sanity was slipping through her fingers. 

“I know… I know, lass. I wish I had the words to make this all better. Ye didn’t deserve to go through all this,” he sighed sadly, his hand still rubbing her back. Silence settled over them for a moment as she fought the deep urge to cry, sitting there staring out at nothing as she wondered how it all came to this.

“Ye wanna blow some shit up?” Johnny asked out of the blue. Her eyes darted to him, wondering if he actually meant what he said and he gave her a roguish grin that told her he did indeed mean it.

“Okay,” she nodded with a sniffle. Johnny’s grin widened, a gleeful laugh leaving his lips as he jumped from the bench, grabbing her hand and yanking her with him. He all but dragged her through the base to get to the demolitions section where training was held. 

Ghost sat stiffly, watching as Charlotte rushed from the mess hall, his best mate in tow like a little puppy at her feet. He couldn’t get that haunted look she had out of his fucking head. She looked so lost, adrift at sea with no anchor to tether her to the world. He’d been that anchor once and now he was the cause of her spiralling. He’d wanted to be her anchor again and his touch had brought her back, but it wasn't the reaction he was hoping for. 

Having her pull away from him like that was more painful than the gunshot wound to his collarbone last year. The fleeting contact he’d had with her filled his dead heart up with so much warmth before it was snuffed out like it was never there to begin with and he cursed himself for wearing his fucking gloves. He just wanted to be okay with her again, wanted her to accept his touch, wanted to fall into her arms and have her make everything okay again. 

It wasn't okay though, it hadn't been for a while and this was his doing. He wasn't sure he’d ever be able to fix it and having Johnny be the one glued to her side was like salt in his wounds. He knew it was a good thing, Johnny would try and get her back on his side like the good best mate he was, yet it still stung. Hurt like a bitch when he saw her embracing Johnny while she refused his touch so viciously. How easy she’d fallen into Johnny’s arms, how desperate for comfort she was. It hurt. It really fucking hurt . 

He was brought out of his depressing musings by a tug on his hoodie and he glanced down, remembering the little girl sat next to him. Her brown eyes were blinking up at him carefully, tilting her head like she was sizing him up. She was so beautiful.

“Daddy?” she asked him, her voice soft and sweet, wrapping him up like a warm blanket.

“Yeah, lovie?” he asked quietly. It was like no one else existed in that moment but her. She nibbled her lower lip as she shifted where she sat for a moment, looking deep in thought. 

“Can we do something?” She gave him a hopeful smile and despite looking so much like him, he saw Lottie in that smile and he wasn't sure if that eased the ache in his heart or made it worse. 

“What do you wanna do?” he asked, unsure what four year olds liked to do and even if that was possible on a military base. Her eyes seemed to light up as she flashed him a bright grin.

“I know!” she shuffled off her seat, moving to stand as she grabbed his hand and tugged on it impatiently. He stood, seeming to tower over her and she refused to let go of his hand as she started pulling him along. He couldn't hear Gaz’s witty remark but he heard Price chuckle at them both as he left. 

He allowed her to lead him until they got outside and she kept pulling him until they moved over to the patch of grass that ran along the gates near the car park. She let go of his hand and he watched curiously as she plonked herself down without a care. She looked up at him expectantly and his lips tugged up slightly as he moved to sit on the grass with her. 

“Daisies are really pretty,” she murmured happily as she started picking them. He’d never really noticed them before but now she’d drawn attention to them, he noticed they were scattered all over the grass. 

He had no idea what to say, couldn't remember how to act around kids, it had been far too long. Part of his brain tried to remember how he’d interacted with Joseph but that was far too painful and he shoved it away quickly. He wanted to bond with her but he really had no clue how, so he just watched her. 

She picked a bunch of daisies, her tongue poking out of her mouth a little in pure concentration as she started fiddling with them. He couldn't really tell what she was doing with them but after a few moments, she grinned triumphantly and put a flower crown on her head.

“What do you think, daddy?” she asked him sweetly and he melted into a puddle looking at her. The sun shone down on her and he wondered for a moment if he was dead and she was in fact an angel. 

“Perfect, love,” he murmured, his throat feeling tight and uncomfortable and he had to clear his throat to ease the sensation. 

Her smile widened even more and his chest felt like it was expanding. She picked a bunch more and he was helpless, could do little else but watch this little part of himself as she busied herself with the flowers. He still hadn’t fully wrapped his head around the fact he was a father now. 

He’d been so ready for it back then, when he’d left for the last time. He’d been so excited to get back to Lottie and start a family. He’d been excited to watch the bump grow, to watch Charlotte glow as she carried their baby, looked forward to the scans and all the milestones. Looked forward to holding a tiny bundle of his own, much like he had when Joseph was born. 

He didn't have any of that though and it was all his own fault. He’d missed out on the most precious moments of Beth’s life because he was a coward. He’d never be able to get those moments back, he couldn't undo what he’d done. Knowing all the things he’d missed made him wish he had died back in Mexico. It would be a relief from feeling what he was currently feeling. 

He flinched with a blink when something touched him, rousing him from his thoughts. Beth was standing in front of him now, a cheeky grin on her face as she put a crown of his own on his head over his balaclava. He felt a rush of warmth flowing through him and he really didn't give a toss who saw him wearing it. She’d made him something and he wished he could keep it forever, wished it wouldn’t wilt away. 

“Thank you, sweetheart,” he smiled softly even though she couldn't see it. It was like she could sense it or maybe she was perceptive for her age and picked up on the scrunching of his eyes because she beamed at him, such a radiant smile he wanted to burn to a crisp from it. 

“You're welcome,” she smiled, kissing his cheek over his mask before she moved away. 

He was overwhelmed, too many thoughts and feelings running rampant in him and he wasn’t sure how to deal with it. An explosion across base felt like it shook the floor and Beth jumped up, a worried look on her face that had a protective streak surge through him. He steadied her with his hands and she settled closer to him, plopping into his lap as if she’d done it a million times before.

“What was that?” she asked with big eyes, looking towards where the noise came from.

“It's just the demo practice. Its where they learn about bombs and things,” he explained, hoping to ease her worries. It seemed to work as she relaxed into him more. 

“So, it's not bad?” she asked him, blinking her pretty eyes at him.

“It's not bad. You don't have to worry, lovie, I won’t let anythin’ bad happen to you,” he meant those words wholeheartedly. He’d burn the entire world down with everyone on it to keep her safe. 

Another explosion happened and this time Beth seemed fine, pressed into his chest as she sat on his knee. While he wasn't worried as the noises were coming from the demo area, he was sure there weren't any classes or training today. It wasn't uncommon for Johnny to go and play around a bit, the only one to get away with it as the demolitions expert and being one of the 141. Was Lottie with him? Was it them making all this racket?

His eyes drifted back to Beth then, happily sitting on him with their matching flower crowns. He wanted to know more about her, all the things he’d already know if he’d have been around. 

“You wanna play a game?” he asked her and she grinned up at him.

“What kinda game?” she asked him excitedly. 

“We ask each other questions to find out more about each other,” he suggested and there was a mischievous twinkle in her brown eyes. 

“I already know everything about you. Mummy told me,” she beamed, sounding more than proud of herself. He felt like someone just gutted him, sliced him right open and let his insides splat onto the floor. He pushed it away though and tried to ignore it. Of course Lottie told her everything. 

“How about you tell me stuff about you, then?” he asked her hopefully and she clapped her hands excitedly. 

“My full name is Elizabeth Anne Riley,” she started. No, he hadn't been gutted before, he was now though. The pain that ricocheted through him tore through skin, muscle and bone. He bit down on his lower lip hard behind his mask, drawing blood. The sensation grounded him though as he nodded, trying not to look too upset. 

“That's a lovely name,” he muttered, voice strained and choked. Her smile turned softer then, blinking up at him and she leaned into him more.

“It's a special name. Mummy told me I was named after special people,” she murmured. His chest felt so tight that he felt like he couldn't breathe. Without thinking about it, a hand came to stroke her hair and he found the feeling soothing to him, easing that ravaging ache in his chest. 

“I’m four but I’m five in two weeks,” she held her hand out, wiggling her fingers at him to demonstrate her point and he felt his lips tug up a little at her excitement. 

“My favourite colour is…” she trailed off, tilting her head with that thoughtful look on her face again. “Black. I like black ‘cause it's all spooky,” she flashed him a toothy grin and he melted once again. 

“Mummy’s sketty is my favourite meal but I also love when she does eggy bread on my birthday,” she beamed up at him and he swallowed thickly, still stroking her hair as he nodded.

“They’re my favourites too,” he replied hoarsely and she gave him a cheeky look.

“I know,” she giggled and he made him smile. 

Without warning, she hopped off his lap, his hand suddenly cold now it was no longer stroking her hair but she flopped down next to him, laying down and making her crown fall a little onto the grass.

“Lay down,” little one was bossy and he knew he had no choice so he obeyed. He held onto his flower crown as he shuffled around before laying on his back beside her. He moved his hand back to his side even though he was sure the crown had slipped off into the grass anyway,

“Do you like clouds, daddy?” she asked him softly. He turned his head to look at her and she was laying there, staring at the sky. 

“Never really thought about it,” he replied honestly. She turned to look at him then, scrunching her face up with the most judgmental look he’d ever been given.

“Look at the clouds. Sometimes they look like things,” she murmured.

“I’ve seen that sometimes. Once I saw a cloud that looked like a co-... clock,” he muttered, shaking his head as he changed his words. Wouldn’t bode well for him as his first day being a dad coming out with that. 

He still remembered that day though, in the sweltering heat of Al Mazra in the middle of a mission. Wasn’t every day you see a cloud shaped like a fucking dick in the sky and he’d have thought he was hallucinating due to the heat if it wasn’t for Johnny seeing it too. The Scot had said it was the best thing he’d ever witnessed in his entire life. When Soap had got Price to look, the shape had changed and the old man was sure they were off their rockers. 

“Look at that one, it kinda looks like a bird doing this,” she pointed at a big cloud before she started flapping her arms around weirdly and he shook his head fondly before he looked back up at the clouds. He just watched them go by for a moment, enjoying the peace he felt. Something he wasn't sure he’d felt in a long while.

“That one kinda looks like a bum,” he murmured, pointing to a cloud.

“Daddy!” Beth burst out laughing, smacking his arm and he found himself laughing. Actually genuinely laughing and not the half arsed chuckled Johnny would draw out of him with a bad joke. It was an odd feeling to laugh like that, he was sure he hadn't done it since before he’d left for that mission, the one that ruined his life. It made him feel lighter.

“You can’t tell me it doesn't,” he huffed playfully and she laughed again.

“... It does, but you're still silly,” she snorted, making his whole body light up. 

She was so precious and he wasn't sure just how to handle it. He was sad things with Charlotte were so bad and he didn't want to think about how the hell he was supposed to fix that mess, but being able to spend time with Beth and bond with her meant the world to him. He could focus on Beth for now, one thing at a time. He’d build his family back up from the ground, brick by brick. He’d done it before, back with his brother and his mum and he could do it again. It’d be painful and probably take a while but he wouldn't waver, wouldn't give up. Not when he had the whole world in the palm of his hand. He couldn't give that up for anything.

[lullabycurses]

E-Gothic Conformity: The Horror of the Algorithm (Part ??/??)

(x)

Hey Ghouls! Been a While!

Today I'm going to talk about something I've been telling my friends about (though with no nuance, so they always look at my like I've got three heads! Arguably not a bad thing...) for probably the last year. That is... This new, almost obsessive behavior... with conformity. I've mostly seen this on "The Tiktoks" and "The Reels", so this is totally connected with structurally oppressive preferences of the Algorithm.

This may need to be in two parts; Here I know I want to write a big regretfulesc love letter to my community, which even though I adore... I cannot help but feel afraid for the future. I also don't feel like finding sources this time

TW for mentions of ED and Racism

It's no secret that the algorithm pushes videos with thin white people who (seemingly!) overconsume off of websites like Dolls Kill and Shein, or even sites like Depop. There's obviously nothing to feel guilty about with buying things that you need (I've covered this in a past post).

But, I worry about the future of the community. I've seen baby bats ask if they are still goth if they don't wear a white face, I've seen creators tight-lace their corsets so tightly that they could receive bodily damage. I worry about those who develop eating disorders to fit this standard. I also worry about those who believe they have to hide their skin color to be apart of our extremely diverse community. I worry about people who feel that they need to buy into this mass amount of overconsumption to feel "goth enough".

The truth is, this is an arts-based subculture- you can do anything you want with it. It is necessary that we keep our fondness of Life as a cycle, all aspects of death are within that. Within life there is death and within that, there is death, in an endless cycle. But IMO it's more of a prompt than anything, Goth is The People.

But enough of that talk, I mean, I have a whole post (which I should probably update as new information comes to light) about it!

I think that a lot of this prioritizing looking as thin and as pale as possible is really dangerous. I know that it's under this guise of looking "dead, sickly, or ghoulish", but that's honestly such bull. We can look at gothic artist Tim Burton's reasons for his exclusion within his "aesthetic".

Not to mention this criticizing article on Wednesday! (From the Independent)

So, "Get on with it!" I hear you say.

Alright, alright. What does this mean for the future of the goth community? I mean, the culture of each social media garbage app is entirely different. Tiktok is kind of a deep pit that I avoid like the plague for how addictive it is (only for myself to replace it with reels). Instagram reels is honestly the place i have the most beef with.

There's this huge uptick in people minimizing what goth is (some of these people aren't even goths!).

They're the ones who are lowkey hierarchal assholes who think that Trad goth is the only form of gothic expression. (Like these dudes haven't read any gothic literature, written any annoying poetry, contemplated religion, spoken to a goth, or even been to a cemetery!)

So, TLDR, if we are not anti-white supremacist about this whole thing, we could see the next generation fall into consumerist patterns favoring whiteness over the beauty of gothic art.

As always, Thanks for reading!

Let me know if I'm missing anything, or if I should spend more time researching this topic!

Song recommendation; I have been obsessing over this band recently! Genre is like darkwave-alternative rock I suppose.

-Cat (Catofthenine)

[josephlikesmusic]

Live Show Review! The Saviors Tour (Denver)

I've been wanting to start reviewing the different shows I go to but haven't gotten around to going to one since I started this blog, until now! Green Day has been my favorite band for like 6 years now, and between the full album plays and how much I love the singles off of Saviors, I just had to go to this.

I had heard of the Linda Lindas before, but I constantly forgot to go check them out. I was pleasantly surprised to find out how young the band's members are, with the drummer being only fourteen years old! It's great to see musicians my age finding success in the music industry while also making great music. I love the whole cat theme the band had going on, and they all had great stage presence for how new of a band they were. I would love to see them live again, and wish the best for them in their future.

I've been a pretty big Rancid fan for a few years now, especially their album "...And Out Come the Wolves" and I loved the selection of songs that they played, although I do wish that they were given a longer set time. I know that Green Day was doing a massive set and that the Smashing Pumpkins are a bigger draw, but I would've loved to hear a few more songs out of these guys. Hopefully I'll be able to see them again in the near future as a headlining act!

I had seen the Smashing Pumpkins before, but I will say that I enjoyed this show a lot more. Maybe I was just disappointed that they didn't do an encore at their hometown show when I saw them headline at the United Center in Chicago... Either way, I always forget how many Smashing Pumpkins songs I enjoy until I go and listen and this was yet again the case with this show. I do wish that the band had a bit more stage presence, especially Billy Corgan, but their kind of music also doesn't really call for much. I wouldn't mind seeing Smashing Pumpkins live again, but I also don't think that I would go out of my way to watch them perform again. Two of their shows is enough for me lol.

Now for the big guns: GREEN DAY!! If you know anything about me then you know I'm the biggest Green Day fan ever actually. At one point I was in their top 0% of listeners in my Spotify wrapped, and used to be the top last.fm listener until people started to leave them on loop 24/7 to beat me (totally not salty about that). This was my third time seeing Green Day live, and I feel like every time they out-do themselves just a little more. It was INCREDIBLE seeing both Dookie and American Idiot live, and I just have so many videos of myself sob-singing along to about half of the songs they played. Seeing some of my favorite songs that I thought I would never have the chance to watch live was actually life changing. From Having a Blast and All by Myself off of Dookie, to Homecoming and Letterbomb off of American Idiot, I really was having the time of my life. I was also glad that I was able to see the singles from their latest album, Saviors, but I will NEVER get over the fact that they debuted 1981 the SHOW AFTER I SAW THEM LIVE LAST SUMMER. (They actually hate me personally) I am so grateful to be able to see that amazing set, Green Day really made a night that I will never forget and I can't wait to see what they do next. (PINHEAD GUNPOWDER PLEASE ANNOUNCE A US TOUR PLEASE COME TO COLORADO)

[buttercupbread06]

HELLOOOO HIIII sorrysorry, idk how this works exactly but uhhhhh yea <:3

1) Does ur OC have a voice claim? If so who? [any]

3) What song describes your OC? [any]

14) Who's a character your OC cannot stand! it's on sight when they see them! [any (but curious abt Michele)]

15) Will your OC ever retire? Do you see them making it? [either Gonzalo, Michele or Adri]

20) If they fight, what's their weapon of choice? [any, curious on Mika tho 👀]

27) What's their spirit tamagochi? or an animal you associate them with [any (although I have an idea of most of them dkxndkfn)]

29)Imagine a mood board for your OC! What's on it? (Make it if you want!) (not necessary, just sillying rn)

hii thanks for writing the questions i love you

1). Gonzalo kinda sounds like the singer in Dance With Me (Topline Addicts), but only that song in specific for some reason?? Michele sounds like Snufkin in the English dub (I dont even watch Moominvalley, I just saw a clip once and thought "yeah that's my daughter"). I haven't found Mika's exact voice irl yet, sadly.

3). Gonzalo is very Sucede/Desarraigo (by Extremoduro) coded, but I'd like to mention Everything She Wants (Wham!), High and Dry (Radiohead) and Lágrimas Desordenadas (Melendi). Very father of him for the most part, I like to think. He also likes all of those, by the way, Extremoduro and Radiohead are his favorite bands (GOD HE'S LIKE ME FR)

Mika depends on the time of his life, honestly, but I relate Using You (Mars Argo) and Cynical One (TV Girl) to him. There's more, though, I just don't want to yap too much.

Extra: The Mind Electric (Miracle Musical) for Michele, Califórnica (La Gusana Ciega) for Adriana, and basically anything sung by Betty Hutton could be Becky's :33

14). I'm going to be very honest, DMC doesn't have enough characters for Michele to hate someone. However, she IS bitter about Fortuna as a whole because no one even tried to protect them as a child. Sure, it was supposed to be a secret, but giving him away that easily and never wondering where the kid went is... Interesting.

Adri hates Kimball AND Caesar, as she should, but that could apply to basically any Legion dude/NCR soldier. I don't think I've ever told you this, but Mika has beef with Leo's parents especially after Leo actually gets famous (basically because they didn't support their son enough and he was there to see it, and because I believe they'd be fake about it years after and Mika just wants to strangle them with a coat hanger) (he keeps it to himself but he calls his mom to talk 40 minutes worth of shit right after they leave lmao).

20). Michele has a sword (canon), Gonzalo technically owns a glock 22 because he's a cop but to me his canon weapon is his stupid little revolver in FNV, Becky likes energy weapons, Adri prefers dynamite and Mika doesn't fight or kill people but if he did he'd get an AK-47, I'm sorry.

27). I just looked through every single Tamagotchi thingy and I've decided to go with animals. Mika: Weasel

Gonzalo: St. Bernard dog

Michele: Something between a barn owl and a dove

Becky: Milksnake

Adriana: Either a coyote or a Mexican pink tarantula (it's not even pink wtf :c)

29). I'm not doing that right now but I might reblog this post with stuff I found on Pinterest/pictures I took that remind me of them.