#this is probably not actually very interesting

[casscainmainly]

The very feminine dress Cass wore as a child when she killed that guy probably didn't help her concept of gender

GOD yes every time someone brings this up it drives me crazy. We know from other flashbacks that Cass usually wore training clothes which were not that feminine, so David Cain deliberately chose to dress Cass differently for the kill. Which is so interesting (even more for David Cain than for Cass, since Cass at the time would've had no concept of femininity).

As much as David Cain and Bruce are alike, I actually think Cain likes that Cass is a girl. Unlike Bruce who denies her femininity, Cain is very explicit about it. So in a way he's more of a girldad than Bruce ever was:

It's just interesting that Cass' better father figure is the one who hates her femininity, while Cass' abusive, horrible dad is the one who loves and indulges her girlhood. This dichotomy for sure messes up Cass' concept of gender and her ability to be comfortable in her femininity.

(Panels from Batgirl 2000 #11 and #33)

[frownyalfred]

how long do you reckon baby bruce kneeled in his parents' blood before the police arrived?

That’s an interesting question. I’ve tried to parse it in my head a few times. There’s a lot of factors at play here, but I think it hinges on two major ones: how the crime is called in, and the responsiveness of GCPD in the area of town, at that time of night.

If someone heard the gunshots and called it in, it might take a while for the cops to show up. If someone saw the bodies in the alley, they’d come much faster. How isolated was the scene? How quickly could someone have found them? A shots fired call might take hours to respond to, and it’s likely someone would have stumbled across the scene before then. But it’s also Gotham — even if the alley was in a nice(r) part of town, gunshots don’t usually prompt people to run toward a crime scene.

Was this area on the decline for GCPD? Was it a priority area (aka near fancy establishments etc) to keep happy for the mayor etc? Maybe a shots fired call in the Narrows won’t ever get a response, but dozens of feet from a theater or fancy restaurant? That changes things. Gotham is corrupt enough that GCPD would absolutely prioritize certain calls for service sooner.

Then the logistical aspect — who arrives first? Depends on the call, GCPD would dispatch cruisers for a shots fired call. But an ambulance or fire truck would show up first if someone actually called in the bodies/crime scene itself. Likely very quickly, like 5-10 minutes after the call was made. GCPD might be a little behind that, maybe 10-15 minutes.

All in all — hard to say exactly, but at least 10 minutes from when the bodies themselves are discovered. Longer if it’s just a shots fired call. Probably, by my estimates, 15-30 minutes for how long he was there kneeling in the blood all alone.

(And if you’ve read my pack fic with Alfred, it would be even longer after that to convince him to leave their bodies)

[heart-aflame]

It's interesting that one of the problems brought up is that he was treating minors like adults and talking about his problems for hours with one, amongst multiple other things, and now he's having arguments with them now that they are older instead of arguing with the older adults who have also been very vocal about disliking him.

He probably thinks they're easier targets, being younger, and doesn't want to actually get into it with one of the people who had been adults the whole time.

[astercontrol]

I have said this before, but:

I definitely don't want AO3 to ever have an Algorithm in the same sense as social media sites.

And I wish people would not actually go by popularity when looking for a fic, because lots of excellent fics in obscure fandoms get ignored for years because of that. (It takes me barely any time to open up a fic and read enough of it to know if I want to continue.)

But, I recognize the other, increasingly common viewpoint...

And

I think there may actually be a need for something to help... ease the people who are accustomed to Recommendation Algorithms into how AO3 actually works.

So, I would be in favor of a browser plugin for AO3 that:

- puts a link at the bottom of a fic saying "Recommend More Like This"

- The link takes the reader to a list of the story's tags and asks "Which of these things did you like about it?"

- And then "which ones did you not like? Are there any other tags you don't want to see?"

- And once the reader has selected all their options, it takes them to a list of fics that are just the results for the search and filter function that it just taught them how to use.

(if you're especially interested in the "readers who liked this may also like this" side of things, the best option is usually to look at the kudos and comments, and click on a few names-- that'll take you to their page, where they may have fics they bookmarked and/or fics they wrote.

Any of which are just as likely to be Relevant To Your Interests as anything suggested by an automated algorithm. Probably more.)

(and it might also be worth making a plugin that does those few steps automatically, because I'm starting to notice that a lot of people raised on Twitter or TikTok may really genuinely need help doing anything that takes more than one click.)

(No judgment for that difficulty. The world has changed a lot, and AO3 is very much an outlier by now, as much as it seems more intuitive to older fans. Some just want to complain about that, but I think we really should want to help.)

[fatuismooches]

Zandy speed-walking to your room wrapped in his blanket whenever he got nightmares wasn't anything new.

In the beginning, he felt guilty for bothering you in the middle of the night, but ever since you found out the child had bad dreams once in a while, you urged him to come find you no matter what time it was. Thankfully, they had significantly decreased since he met you, but there were still times he woke up scared and sweating, as if flames had nearly licked him. Admittedly, a part of him wished you could sleep in his room every day so it wouldn't happen, but he knew it wouldn't be fair to you.

At first, Zandy would knock on your door and wait for you to open before intruding, but eventually, you managed to convince him to just let himself in and onto your bed. During these instances, you'd wake up to the child cuddling to you, sometimes with Foxttore squished in between. It was healing for both of you. And tonight, Zandy thought as he tip-toed to your room, would be no different. Quietly twisting the doorknob and entering the room, he already felt a bit more at ease, especially at the sight of your silhouette. The boy walked to the bed and began to climb on it when suddenly a hand shot out to grab him, and he was faced with none other than fellow blood-red eyes.

Quickly, Zandy figured out the situation, when he noticed that you were actually on the other side of the bed, this person was none other than Prime Dottore which he didn't realize in the darkness, and that he had accidentally woken him up. It was only natural that Dottore would be woken up at the slightest noise - he had never been a deep sleeper.

But more importantly, the situation had turned awkward once Dottore had removed his grip from the boy, realizing it was just him. Immediately, Zandy tried to shuffle off the bed - he and Prime had been on way better terms lately, no longer being ignored, which was wholly thanks to you - but he was still hesitant to interact without you. But Dottore wasn't going to let him off that easy of course.

"... What are you doing here?" The boy's eyes nervously flitted from your sleeping body to Prime, hoping you'd wake up to get him out of the situation.

"W-Well..." Zandy's voice came out louder than he wanted, "I wanted to... to..." he then drifted off as he tried to think of a reasonable excuse. He could tell Dottore wasn't particularly impressed, moving to get up when suddenly a new voice entered the conversation.

"Zandik, what's wrong?" You yawned as you began to sit up in bed. "Usually, you aren't this noisy when you're sneaking off to go do work instead of sleep-" You stopped your sentence slowly and rubbed your eyes, as you now realized someone else was in the room too. "Zandy? Is that you?"

"Yes..."

"Another nightmare again? Poor thing, come here," you cooed, stretching your arms open. Dottore remained silent but quickly pieced together what happened. Well, it made an awful lot of sense - you somehow always managed to be soothing after experiencing the terrors of the mind. He too remembers the times he rested his chest on your chest after his own nightmares. Logically, when the scholar thinks about it, his child segment's nightmares were probably similar to his too.

However, Zandy didn't seem very certain of the idea anymore, more interested in heading out the door. You furrowed your eyebrows in confusion before you quickly remembered that Dottore was likely causing his hesitation.

"There's no need to be shy. You can stay, we don't mind," you said softly, moving to the edge of the bed and grabbing both his hands. "Right, Zandik?"

"... Go ahead. There's only a few more hours until I get up, anyway."

"See? Now come here." With only a bit of persuasion, the child was in between the two of you. Well, he was mostly attached to you while Dottore was just on the other side, but it was still sweet. You gently patted Zandy's head as you began yawning again, sleepiness still coursing through you. At that, Dottore pulled up the covers, making sure you (and the child) were warm.

"Good night, Zandy, Zandik..."

"Good night, [Name]... fa-" The word quickly softened and dried up on the boy's lips as he realized that he was still not brave enough for that yet. Zandy swiftly shut his eyes and willed his body to sleep as fast as possible.

A little while later, after Dottore was sure you both had dozed off, he sighed at the sight that was mostly covered in darkness, but he could still make out his child self's body wrapped by your larger one... as well as the rather wide and palpable gap in between his and his segment's.

Briefly turning over, the Harbinger glanced at the time. It would be time for him to return to his work soon, this break only a haven you begged to grant him. Dottore looked back at you, reaching out to caress your cheek, letting out another sigh. He moved his body closer, to where his own was only a little bit from touching Zandy's, and then wrapped a protective arm over you, and by extension, the child.

He would be gone soon enough, anyway - this wouldn't hurt for now.

It was moments like this that made what the future held hurt even more.

[chaoticwriting]

THE FATHER 2

Part 1

After the last incident, Danny totally expects the public to be afraid of him or even persecute him for killing the Joker. He did kill in front of a live stream after all. What he doesn't expect is the public giving their full support to him. Almost every single news media paints him in a good light, saying he is just protecting his children and bringing up all his previous charity.

However, there is one big problem Danny doesn't foresee. Danny doesn't even know about the problem because his children are the one that are suffering from it.

-Gotham Academy-

Emma: *Slamming her phone on the table* For the love of god, stop making thirst trap of my dad. He is too old for some of you (He is 20).

Becky: I know right. This is like the sixth thirst trap video that I see of dad.

Carl: I hate this so much. My crush just accepted my confession but on the condition I will introduce her to dad.

Larry: And you agree?

Carl: What? No! Of course not.

Emma: Ugghhh, this is the worst. Maybe we should ask Uncle Tucker to remove all of Dad's thirst trap online. I'm so done with this.

Larry: I don't know. This is the first time girls decide to talk to me voluntarily. I really am enjoying this attention.

Carl: You're happy now until one of the girls decides to confess to you and just as you thought because she likes you, it is because she has a crush on dad.

Larry: I know you just experienced it but you don't need to curse me like that.

Carl: Hmph.

Larry: Hey, has anyone seen Colin? I haven't seen him since last night.

Becky: *Whispersing* Don't you hear? Colin got shot after he went to patrol the night before yesterday. Dad grounds him cause he tries to sneak out injured last night.

Carl: Oof. Colin really doesn't learn does he? Dad has super sense. He literally can't sneak out.

Larry: Yeah. I don't even know why he wants to be a vigilante so much. I guess he is just kind of something. Couldn't be me to be honest.

Emma: Of course he is not like you. You are not even capable of waking up by yourself in the morning.

*Riiiinngggg*

Becky: Well that is our break then. Let's go to class.

Larry: Eh, it's not like Miss Brown gonna scold me if I am a little late anyway. She has been trying to get Dad's number from me for a while now.

Carl: Does dad even have a girlfriend? Or boyfriend? Hell, a partner? I never saw him gone on a date once so far.

Emma: Chances are probably super low. Like to say he is dense is an understatement. A woman tried to flirt with him once but he just replied to all the flirting with the straightest face possible.

The rest: *Giggles*

-Gotham Libraries-

Contrary to what his kids have been believing in, he actually knows when someone is flirting with him. It's just that he takes note from the dense anime protagonist and uses it in daily life whenever he is not interested in a person flirting with him. Which is like daily.

But here is the problem. He can respond to a flirt very easily. He learns a lot of that from when he was dating Sam. But he never actually flirts with someone first. And he isn't sure just how to approach the problem.

Having decided that he has stayed long enough, Danny picks a random book from the space section and brings it to the checkout table.

Danny: Hey Barbara.

Barbara: Hey Danny. Borrowing another book?

Danny: Yeah. I just finished the previous one last night. It is a good book. Thanks for the recommendation.

Barbara: You're welcome. How's the kids doing? Still causing trouble for you?

Danny: It's the same shenanigans everyday. Going to lectures, doing paperwork, taking care of the kids. What about you?

Barbara: It's the same with me. Barely any people come to the library these days. Usually it's only either you or my friends.

Danny: Oh. Errmm, Barbara.

Barbara: Yes?

Danny: Would you be free this weekend?

Barbara: Are you asking me on a date?

Danny: Depends. If it is, what would you say?

Barbara: Hmmm, let me think.

Danny fidgets as Barbara taps her finger on the counter. Barbara loves to tease Danny since he is so cute when he is nervous.

Barbara: I think I am free this weekend. So I am available for a date.

Danny's face beams a smile as he hears that.

Danny: So is that a yes?

Barbara: What do you think, big guy?

Danny: Then I will come pick you up at your apartment then?

Barbara: Come pick me up at my dad's house. I will be ready at 5.

Danny: Okay. Have a good day.

Barbara: You too.

Danny then walks out of the library, skipping a little. He has been gathering courage to ask Barbara out on a date for a long time now. They first met when Danny first borrowed a book from a library. It's nothing crazy. Just interaction between two people. But after meeting up a few more times, Danny realizes that he might have a crush on her. After getting convinced by Tucker and Sam, Danny decided that today is the day he asks her out. And he succeeded.

Now, it is just to make sure that the date goes well.

-Clocktower-

Batman: That's it for tonight. Everyone returns back to the cave.

Black Bat/Spoiler/Red Robin: Roger.

Oracle: Hey, B. Can I have a day off this weekend?

Batman: Why?

Oracle: I have a date that night.

Spoiler: You are dating someone?

Oracle: It's not official yet. He only just asks me out on a date this morning.

Batman: Yes. Keep your comms up. In case a breakout happens your way.

Oracle: Okay.

Red Robin: Who are you going on a date with?

Oracle: Danny.

Spoiler: As in that Danny?

Oracle: Yes.

Spoiler: Oh wow! You work fast. How do you know him?

Oracle: He always comes to the library to borrow books. I met him long before he became famous so it is not so hard to talk with him.

Black Bat: Is he nice?

Oracle: He is very nice. It's very hard to even make him mad. The only time I remember him being in a slightly bad mood is at Christmas. He doesn't like it apparently. Wait, Hood is entering the line.

Red Hood: Oracle, you betray me!

Oracle: Tough luck loser. How do you know anyway?

Red Robin: I told him just now.

Red Hood: Yeah! You dare ask him out on a date first before me? I will remember this.

Oracle: He is the one that actually asks me out. We are going on an official date this weekend. I'll take a very nice picture of us together so that you can see from afar.

Red Hood: But your status still isn't official yet. I still have a chance.

Oracle: Over my dead body.

Red Hood: Oh, I will.

Spoiler: Errr, guys. What is happening?

Red Robin: They have a bet on who will get to date Danny first. Apparently Hood gets a massive crush on this guy after what happens in the livestream. Oracle gets the news and they quarrel a little bit. After that I propose a competition between the two.

Spoiler: But both of you don't know that Oracle is already close with Danny. Girl, that's dirty.

Oracle: All is fair in love and war.

Batman: What is his background?

Red Robin: As far as I can see, he is pretty clean. There is even what I suspect some vigilante works that he might have done because he is related to the disbandment of GIW that were supported by both his parents and his godfather. But after some digging into the old GIW files, there are traces of Danny and his friends helping the local ghost hero fighting either other ghosts or the agents themselves. There was also the unexplained money that he suddenly had early on in his career as CEO but so far, it doesn't seem like anything bad.

Robin: Hmmm.

Red Robin: What is it brat?

Robin: I feel like his face is very familiar.

Batman: Explain.

Robin: I need to confirm this with mother. But I am fairly certain that his ancestors have connections with the Al Ghul.

Red Robin: As in blood related?

Robin: No. But there is a book that mother finds about a man who has a very similar appearance to him. The book tells the tale of a kind immortal who spends his lives helping others while learning stuff from them.

Spoiler: A cult of assassins teach young children to be kind?

Robin: Shut it, Brown. I am not finished. The part of the story that interests me is the tale called The Beheader of Demon.

Spoiler: I take it back. That sounds like something a cult of assassins will teach young children.

Robin: The tale tells a story of the immortal meeting a demon who kills people just to find immortality. When the demon finds out that the immortal is well, immortal, he pursues the immortal, trying to kill him and forces the immortal to give away his immortality to him.

Red Robin: What happened next?

Robin: The Demon's head is severed and the Demon's subordinates run away bringing the Demon's body to the pool of revival.

Spoiler: So is this a true story?

Robin: Mother confirms it is a true story. I do not know whether he is a true immortal or not. However, I do know that his ancestors or maybe even him, is good enough to beat grandfather even if he has backup.

Red Hood: What about the other tales?

Robin: There is nothing of note. Some mention of the immortal's supernatural ability, like summoning the dead or the ability to move mountains and divert rivers.

Red Robin: That is not something to take note of?

Robin: No. Because in those stories, the only consistent thing about him is that he is kind. Never harm someone unless provoked.

Batman: Compile all the tales into a file. Red Robin, lists out all the possible powers of target.

Oracle: Oh wow. My date is now a target. How could this get better?

Red Hood: If he is really dangerous, I volunteer to stalk monitor them while they are on the date.

Oracle & Batman: No!

Red Hood: Tsk! Party pooper.

Batman: Red Robin and Spoiler, follow them. Priority is keeping Oracle safe.

Red Robin & Spoiler: *High five* Let's go.

Oracle: Ugghhh, you all better don't mess with my date. Or else I'll make sure you regret it.

[jd-loves-fiction]

can i request hcs of dorm leaders w a goth fem s/o. if not fem, gn if ur uncomfortable ty^^

🌑 Immediately remembered... Every single Halloween card they've ever had😭 they rock goth style so hard😩👌

❖ 𝐑𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 ❖

Agh he's so cunty I can't take it

Pray there isn't some rule against it💀

Post-overblot tho, he'll have no problem with the way you express yourself, after all it's not hurting anyone or causing that much chaos

Unless you wear your uniform egregiously wrong, or influence someone else to do so... Then he'll definitely have a problem

Just show him that it's what makes you feel truly comfortable and happy and he'll give in soon enough in the face of genuine self expression

He might even EVENTUALLY wonder what it'd be like to dress like you... Not that he'd ever admit it

If you do figure it out (he's very obvious with the longing glances he throws at every new outfit or makeup style you put on) and offer to help him try it out, he'll do so hesitantly

A part of him still aches as he's still unlearning the harsh rules engraved in his mind all throughout his life, so be patient and compliment and reassure him all throughout this self discovery process and he might just show up one day with a dark lipgloss on

Or perhaps a dark jacket

Truly he could pull off a full goth outfit AND he's so weak to praise you could probably convince him to at least try it on 👀

❖ 𝐋𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐚 ❖

This guy...

Despite being from the SAVANNA he's constantly in dark clothes and leather💀

I'm a firm believer that Leona is a sucker for confidence of any kind

So I'm sure he'd be very into your style, or more so, the fact that you're confident enough to strut about dresses like that

It'd definitely draw his eye👀

He definitely enjoys the rebellious aspect of it

Plus the guy barely wears his uniform correctly so he'd be the last to care about what you're wearing and whether or not it's school appropriate

"Wear whatever you want, I can fight" type of boyfriend

If ANYONE tries to give you a hard time for it, even the staff, he's got your back without question

Leona rocks dark eyeshadow, PLEASE do his makeup for him

It's a pretty intimate process and it might just put him to sleep but he'll look so great by the end off

Totally up for trying the style out... So long as you do all the work picking it out. And if it's not too uncomfortable. Otherwise he couldn't care less what you put him in

❖ 𝐀𝐳𝐮𝐥 ❖

Sweet Azul🥺

Might be less inclined to match with you than others, at least in public

He's got a reputation to keep and the suit adds to it

But also he's completely weak to the one who's managed to lock down his heart, so you could probably convince him to try it at least once if you really try ;)

Oh but seeing him get red in the face once you put him in a matching ensemble? Unmatched 🥺

Plus, Azul holds a lot of influence over NRC, staff included, so you don't need to worry about getting in trouble for it🫡he's got your back

Azul strikes me as someone who'd be quietly appreciative of those who dare stand out without shame as well as someone who pays attention to how the smallest details in someone's appearance can change their perception

He might feel inspired to be just a little more bold with his looks when you're around

Especially if it makes him more intimidating when doing business 👀

❖ 𝐊𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐦 ❖

Sunshine incarnate ☀️

I doubt he's used to seeing people dressed that given where he's from

So it'd definitely catch his eye

He wants to know everything!! Why you want to dress like that, where you get your clothes, what other styles you tried before this one - everything from the most mundane information to what's actually interesting, he'll excitedly listen to it all

(Jamil is so incredibly grateful that you're able to keep him in one spot for so long💀)

If you offer to put together an outfit for him? Oh he's over the moon, stars in his eyes and everything

Doesn't matter what you put him in, he'll wear proudly at least once before deciding if it's for him or not

In love with the idea of matching with you🥺

Truthfully, I don't think it'd be for him, given how he usually dresses, but he'd never dismiss it without at least trying

Also he's rich, so if the clothing you want is hard to find or expensive? Have no fear, Kalim's credit card is here :D

❖ 𝐕𝐢𝐥 ❖

This diva😌

He deeply values beauty and the work that goes into it

So I feel like he'd be the one to appreciate your look the most!

Tho he is very particular about his style and how he presents himself, I think he'd absolutely be willing to try your style out and if he feels it suits him? He would have no problem including aspects of it into his everyday wear

Some goth styles might put him off tho - anything too messy/chaotic would probably not be too appealing to him. For himself, that is

If you're his s/o he no doubt holds your self expression - your own sense of personal beauty, highly and will therefore encourage and help you with it in any way he can

Like doing your makeup! Just show him how you like and he'll work his magic no problem, he's incredible at it and sees the activity as an intimate time for bonding so he enjoys it quite a bit

He just loves making his baby even prettier🥺

Definitely goes shopping with you, making sure to only give you absolutely honest feedback to ensure that you look your best always

And you don't need to worry about odd stares or anything like that, people know that if you're hanging around Vil and he has no problem with how you're dressed, then it must be the height of beauty!😌

Plus he's quite protective of your honor, after all if you're with him, you're worth every expense❤️

❖ 𝐈𝐝𝐢𝐚 ❖

If he ever decided to put more effort into how he dresses (or left his dorm more often, for starters) he could totally rock it

Unfortunately, he's an anxious mess and dressing in such a way, at least in public, would definitely not help with that😭

But behind closed doors, he's your biggest hype man

Helps you take pictures, shop online, come up with outfit ideas (tho his may be a little unorthodox...)

He just thinks you're super cool, and admires the confidence necessary to dress that way

Does his best to work up the courage to actually compliment you to your face, hair pink in embarrassment, lips stuttering and eyes flickering nervously

Be patient with him, he's trying his best and you're just... A little intimidating to him when you're in your getup

He could definately use some help with his styling and he'll listen intently... whether he'll actually put it to use is another story... and if you even get to see it

If he does decide to dress like you, he'll take a cute little embarassed picture to show you, since IRL is a bit too nerve-wracking for him (please telll him he looks pretty he'll melt completely)

Hyping you up from the sidelines but no less than the others! :D

❖ 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐮𝐬 ❖

My goth king 😊

Honestly, look at how this man dresses and tell me you dont agree

He's definately somewhat goth style adjacent without realizing (he doesnt know what you mean by that... all the gothic he knows has to do with architecture)

He's so curious about non-fae customs... and just about anything to do with you tbh

He's a lil obsessed

You'll definitely have to explain to him why you like it BUT HE WILL NOT JUDGE!! He's just very curious about you and your style

Just tell him you'd like to see him in your style and he's yours. Loves to feel included, will let you dress him in anything you like and will wear it with pride

Might be more partial to more regal goth styles... They remind him of his grandmother and he just thinks they look very noble and severe - which as Briar Valley royalty he definitely enjoys

We've all seen his majestic eyeshadow, he can rock any makeup no question

Please do his makeup, and don't mind the way his eyes grow wide as he admires your focused face, your careful fingers, how softly you handle him, despite knowing how strong he is

He's utterly enchanted by you is all, he thinks you look the perfect picture of a queen, dark and regal, you'll fit perfectly together when the time is right😌👀

[accessible-tumbling]

ID: Four screenshots of Reddit posts. The first screenshot is of a Reddit post on "r/harrisonburg" by "u/MarkWestin", titled: "Need a fake kid to piss off my wife".

The post reads:

"My wife and I are watching Elf together and we saw the part where Buddy (Will Ferrell)'s real dad (James Caan) tells his wife about Buddy, and his wife (Mary Steenburgen) gets excited about this surprise adult kid that pops into their life from a time before they knew each other.

I point out to my wife that it's a little unbelievable that she (Mary Steenburgen) would immediately be on board. I then comment that she (my wife) would actually be mad at me in this situation, even if I genuinely did not know this kid existed and it was conceived before I had met her.

She denies it, but I know my wife.

We're in our early 40s and have been married 10 years (together for 12). So, I need a 20ish kid to knock on the door and tell me they're my kid and that they just wanted to meet me. Gotta be convincing and really talk about how your mom and I were once really happy before she died of something tragic (dealer's choice).

Job pays $100."

The next three screenshots are of another Reddit post, by the same user, in the same subreddit, titled: "Fake Kid/Pissed Wife: Epilogue".

They read:

"TLDR: My wife enjoyed the prank, but I was wrong, she wasn't mad that I had a kid before her, she was actually just as stoked as Mary Steenburgen was in the movie.

First off, I am STILL married and my wife thoroughly enjoyed the prank (I didn't even have to sleep on the couch).

So, to the very dramatic naysayers (one of which compared my prank to spousal abuse, several diagnosed me with a number of mental illnesses and at least as many said I was childish and cruel) to you i say, "You're probably right, however... nah nah nah-booboo, stick your head in doodoo."

We've been married a decade. We know each other well enough to know what's over the line and what's funny.

That said, it was harder than I thought to secure a fake child. Sure, I had a large number of interested parties and even a couple fabulous candidates (one of which actually looked enough like me that I started wondering if one of you got to my wife and we're pulling the ultimate Uno Reverse Card on my prank).

Unfortunately, "interested" and "committed" are two very different things. Multiple potential sons and daughters made it to the planning stage and found one reason or another to bail out.

Let me be clear, I do not blame these folks at all.

I don't think l'd have the courage to send the first DM, let alone actually go through with the prank orchestrated by a complete stranger. But I did find a suitable actor with the courage to come through and I still think it was money well spent.

So here's a synopsis of how it played out (no, there's not a video):

Saturday afternoon, my doorbell rang. My dog lost his mind, as he is one to do, and my wife answered the door since I had pretended to take a call moments earlier.

"My son," looking about 20 to 25, taller and better looking than I, asked if I was home. My wife motioned to me (I had conveniently just ended my fake phone call) and I came to the door.

"My son," who even shared my first name (his idea, not mine) said he had something "kind of strange" to talk to me about. I asked if he wanted to come in (which literally almost blew the whole thing because I would sooner saw off my own foot than invite people in my house) but my wife didn't think much of it.

We came to the living room, I offered him a drink, he declined.

"My son" is an excellent actor, by the way. He would later say it was the anxiety of the situation and not wanting to mess up that made his "nervous demeanor" so convincing. This is from memory, but it's pretty much everything.

I'll let "my son" chime in with details should he feel like outing himself."

""Do you remember, 'Old Ex Girlfriend I Mentioned At Least Once In My Ten Year Marriage In Front Of My Wife?"

"Yeah..?"

"That's my mother..."

It was my wife who reacted first with "Oh no way!"

So I looked at her, feigning ignorance and then back at my son and said, "Is she ok?"

"Yeah she's fine, that's not why l'm here." My wife was nearly busting out of her chair, totally engrossed and completely. consumed with two strong theories...

1. Her husband had a long lost son.

and more importantly

2. Her husband hasn't figured out yet that he has a long lost son.

So I say, "Out with it kid, what's going on?"

"I'm 22 years old.."

My wife's eyes essentially bugged out of her head, having now confirmed her theories in her mind. She looks at me, seemingly annoyed that I hadn't put these obvious puzzle pieces together and INTERRUPTS my fake kid (nearly laughed but l held it together).

"I think he's telling you that he thinks you're his father."

My acting is not so great but I gave it a shot with "Wait, what?" My look of shock could use some work, but it played for the audience.

"My son" looked at me. "She's right. And I'm not here to ask for anything, in fact I don't have a lot of time to stay, but I just wanted to meet you and maybe exchange numbers?"

Me: "This is a lot to take in... I knew your mother a long time ago and she never said, I mean, I didn't know."

Him (I'm paraphrasing, but this kid deserves an Oscar): "She never told you. She only told me on Christmas morning. She didn't say anything bad about you, just that it was over and she was already dating my dad when she found out she was pregnant with me."

Me: "Wait, does you dad know?""

"Him: "Of course! And I've always known he wasn't my biological father. He's a great dad but lately l'd been wondering who my real father was so I asked mom and she told me."

Me: "Wow" (I freely admit, I had the easy part) My wife: (not saying anything, just taking it all in)

Not much else to tell in terms of the production.

We exchanged numbers, then he got his own fake phone call reminding him he was late for something or other and I walked him out.

The rest of the production was just my wife and I. I came back to the living room, doing my best "bewildered" act. We talked about it (covered things like paternity tests, etc.) and it turns out...

I was waaaaaaaaaay wrong. My wife wasn't mad, miffed or even slightly annoyed. She was full-on amazed, excited and entertained by the whole thing. I waited a few hours before I fessed up, but before I did, she kept saying how "cool" it was that I might have a son.

And then when I told her it was all a bullshit lie I made up to prove a point, she laughed. A lot.

I can't decide what amused her more... the effort I put into the ruse or the fact that I ended up proving her right in the process.

Here a couple gems from wife after I told her the truth.

"Where the hell did you find that guy?" "I'm glad your son wasn't a serial killer." "I might have been mad if he came here looking for money." "Next time you can save $100 and just assume you're wrong." "You know l'm going to get you back, right?"

That last one has me a little worried. :)"

End ID.

[lightweaver-chosen-if]

Happy New Year!

So, I definitely missed the deadline I set for myself, and I'm really sorry!

Here's what's been going on the past few months. Ever since I discovered zero drafting (circa November 2024) I've been experimenting with it. While I’ve added a solid 50k words, there was no way I was going to publish it as it was...

Unless you want to read:

mc do circular movements with arms, lightning efx… then WOOSH they hit a tree and it fucking explodes

I've spent a lot of time lately turning all that into actual sentences and paragraphs. The fact that I really doubled down on making most of the text dynamic also slowed things down. I know people probably only read these games once, but I can't help it!

Writing and coding is hard. I really admire authors who consistently drop huge updates so fast 😫

Right now, I'm still only 70%~ finished with the new content, but since it's been too long, I'll be splitting it.

But for those curious, here's a quick rundown of the new stuff written:

A mini training scene with your chosen RO, where you can learn a move to impress your mentor with (and where a tree fucking explodes).

A 7-day training arc with a strict temporary mentor in preparation for the assessment, ending with a sparring match.

Encounters with the ROs, where you’ll start to learn more about them (sprinkled throughout the story; before, during, and after training).

The omitted content for now is the 7-day training arc and the last RO encounters before the actual assessment. If everything goes well, I might update again this month!

This year, I'm feeling very determined to focus on the game and hopefully finish it (or get close enough). I'm also planning to open a Patreon for regular sneak peeks & dev updates, early access, and some bonus content (little pieces I wrote lately to unwind) for those interested. This is all very new to me, so I'm just testing the waters!

I'll be back on January 15 with the update. For real this time!

For now, here are some sneak peeks!

Thank you for being patient! <3

[lesbianherald]

Hi! Just curious. What exactly is that you didn't like about Viktor's arc? I've seen a few people saying the same thing and idk if I'm missing something or I'm just too over the moon about him that my brain has gone smooth haha.

oh no oh no i'm probably going to write like a whole dissertation about this I am so sorry I'm literally cracking my knuckles I have so many thoughts and not all of them I'll even get to articulate here.

Saying this upfront: you aren't smooth-brained for disagreeing with me or liking it. I want to say that outright as I'm a very opinionated person and I am going to state my very strong opinions very plainly.

That being said : I genuinely feel like season 2 needed like... character writing 101 for a lot of these characters, especially the two characters whose names start with a 'V'. I'm so serious if one of my students brought in a story like this, I would (gently) take it apart.

If you don't want to read the whole thing I'm about to unleash, the crux of it is this for me:

Throughout the course of the season, it's very hard to discern how many of Viktor's decisions are his own. He lacks the baseline autonomy that's necessary for satisfying development. The magic of the hexcore becomes a shiny distraction that makes meaningful development impossible. Additionally, season 2 forgets so many of the themes and threads they explored with Viktor in season one explicitly in terms of class and his position on war and weapons manufacturing.

And, like almost everything in season 2, these issues are compounded because his story is done at a pace that's completely lightning-fast and prioritizes the wrong things.

Here's my thesis:

How Does a Man Like Viktor Become the Machine Herald? Arcane's Answer: Magic orb or vague sadness or something idk.

Harry Lloyd said in a season 1 commentary somewhere that one of the main appeals for Viktor is knowing who he is in the game and wondering how you take a man like him, who is so kind and has people's best interests at heart, and see him slowly become the machine herald.

I agree 100% that this is part of the story's appeal for players. And it would be a delight and surprise for non-players.

We... get that very juicy premise ripped from us. We don't see him making decisions grounded in the character they set up in season 1 at all, really. And its very unsatisfying seeing him be rendered a mere victim of circumstance with vague attachments to his past self.

This is not necessarily a complaint about arcane herald vs machine herald (I did not play league and am not attached to the lore) but a complaint that a lot of what happens with Viktor in season 2 seems very unattached to his psychology.

Christian Linke himself said (and I forget where, so I am sorry if I'm paraphrasing terribly) that part of the question he wanted the audience to ask with Viktor is how much of this is really him? Bluntly. That is incredibly silly. It's such an important question that it makes all other interesting questions one might have about him really hard to parse.

That's not compelling. That's a mistake. That's not rooted in character anymore but a vague magical orb.

Here are some questions that would have been more interesting for us to ask, Christian.

How does his desire to tamper out human emotion prompt him to do the unspeakable? What leads him there?

How far is he willing to go to take away human pain and suffering?

Is his version of pacifism really, in actuality, a form of violence?

Will his connection with others be enough to bring him back to his humanity? (this is a question we were not prompted to ask, and if we were, it would have made the final scene (which I love regardless) a lot more satisfying.

What is the root of his hunger for power? How much of his quest is a hunger for power and control over others (rooted in a fractured and tragic sense of self)? and how much is it rooted in his desire to help? Where is that line?

Any of these questions or any other questions we could enjoy exploring with Viktor become tampered with and weakened by the fact that a vague magical entity is controlling him in a vague and unrelatable way.

In short, 'How much of Viktor is still Viktor?' is a far less interesting question than. 'how is Viktor going to act, change, and learn? ' We are forced to ask the first at the cost of the second. He clearly is not fully himself this season.

The Dropping of Themes and Traits

Season 1's exploration of Viktor was multi-layered and fascinating. I feel like we got to see the establishment of a kind-hearted, sometimes awkward yet quite funny, passionate scientist.

I don't feel we see much of any of this in season 2. The stupid fucking orb overrides a lot of the traits we've come to know and love. This would have been cool if done with an ounce of care, understanding, or autonomy.

In season 1, we see Viktor in a position of powerlessness over and over. We see Viktor ignored and looked down upon by those in power both for his disability and, crucially, for his status as a Zaunite.

We're introduced to him as someone who is desperate to prove himself and carve a place for himself. He knows he's brilliant. And he knows he can help people with that big brain of his. That's all he wants. And he wants to make his mark (something I theorize is rooted in his loneliness as well as his ambition)

(Side note: I find a lot of the debate on whether or not Viktor is insecure a little silly because you can be both confident and insecure. He's incredibly secure in his abilities as a scientist, but I fully do believe he places all his worth on his work because he's not as confident in other places - represented visually by him trying to point out his boat when Sky is looking at him in the flashback. A 'don't look at me look at what I've made' type thing.)

Anyways. Viktor is willing to risk his position as an assistant and, honestly, his position at the academy and in Piltover as a whole to help Jayce. This is not just because he's 'lol so chaotic' or whatever. This is actually quite calculated. He knows he will get nowhere in Piltovian society without bending rules, because Piltover was not built for people like him.

"Do you think it was my life's ambition to be an assistant?"

But even in taking that huge step for himself, his new role is complicated.

We see him sit through meetings where his people are talked about like burdens. We see his closest (and honestly only) ally and partner speak over him in meetings and overrule his desires and wants when it comes to the future of hextech in massive ways. We see Jayce call all Zaunites 'dangerous' (I love jayce... don't shoot me please. But we do often forget that this does canonically happen and what makes Jayce so incredible is that he grows from this point)

The moment on the bridge directly causes him not to tell Jayce about what he's doing to himself. Jayce apologizing right after doesn't matter so much as it reinforces one of Viktor's fears: he is alone.

We see his illness, !!!!caused by Piltover's oppression!!!!, take over. We see him and Jayce grow apart. We see the way his loneliness impacts his desperation and the way his desperation impacts his loneliness and we see the way he's so damn afraid and just wants to live. We see how much he wants to help people, and how even though he's tried so hard he never got to achieve that because the limits of this society just don't allow for it.

Season 1 Act one is Viktor taking action for himself. season 1 Acts 2 and 3 are a brutal reminder that no matter how hard he works. No matter how hard he claws. He will always be who he is. And that makes him Powerless in this society. I honestly find it a really compelling storyline in terms of the 'bootstrap theory' and debunking that - but a different topic for a different time!

At the end of the season, he's able to gain a huge amount of power - speaking at the council about freeing his city - through Jayce's platforming and allyship. But at the end of the day it doesn't matter, because what the council is doing is too little too late - people in Zaun are too tired and too hurt - and he gets caught in the crossfire.

Despite all this, Season 2 does not engage with Viktor's being a Zaunite outside of the fact that he returns to Zaun first. But the themes explored related to class and power are gone - as they are with everyone else really.

It makes sense to me that one of the first things Viktor would do when granted a new body and new power would be to go and try to help people in Zaun, but the ambiguous mechanisms of the magic inside him, the immediate divorce with Jayce, and the bizarre way he goes about it don't make this land.

And even the return is rendered sort of meaningless. Where is the personal connection to this place? Why are we given no details related to his past here? Why doesn't he return to somewhere more personal for him?

He speaks in this cold, unaffected monotone. This healing ability seems to be the 'recursive impulse' - so him finally getting to help people just like he wanted feels rooted so much in the arcane influence it becomes murky and strange.

This is more nitpicky, and I'd be okay with it being ignored in the right context - but another aspect of his character that gets dropped is his work as a scientist. His desire to help people not through magic, but through invention. This would have been fascinating. (They try to keep this alive through vague allusions to 'look at what I've created' blah blah but again, so much of it is all ORB)

What inventions would a fully autonomous Viktor who decided to leave Jayce and return to Zaun of his own fruition create? Would they toe the line between inventions of progress and inventions of destruction?

Guess we'll never know!

Speaking of weapons. Let's talk about weapons. Let's talk about Viktor's vehement opposition to weapons not being explored within the context of his relationship with Jayce or outside of the rule that there are none allowed in the commune - which becomes quite meaningless when he agrees to work with Ambessa. Yes - he saw those blueprints on the table. But that's all we get.

Also, the fact that Jayce just unquestionably builds hextech weapons in the finale, and they're used as a good thing and a way to fight off Noxus, makes me want to claw my own hair out. Like - my themes ! Not my precious themes !

Let's also talk about him working with Ambessa. There's no build-up to that decision, not near enough character work to make that believable and considering the way the plot is written elsewhere, I fully believe this is a huge part of the problem of the writer's room dropping the issue of class. The idea that Viktor, the character that they set up, would ever willingly work with Ambessa is laughable. There are so many other ways he could have gotten to the hexcore in his fully evolved form, easily bested Jayce, and evolved. And they did absolutely nothing in the writing of season 2 to make that an interesting or satisfying choice.

An arc is only an arc if there is substance between point a and b. There's no substance here. There's vague orb. There are little glimpses of the pain he's in because of his separation from Jayce. Teeny tiny allusions to him trying to shut down his emotions. That's simply not enough.

You cannot bring a character who values choice and autonomy, whose been made to feel so powerless and is empathetic, to "choice is meaningless" without a deep study of his psychology and pain. Viktor taking away the autonomy of others, inhabiting their bodies. Being super chill with it. Okay. Coo.

Where does his desire for evolution even come from? For real? Because they seem to mistake Viktor's ambition with his desire for perfection, which is something that was never really... brought up? It could be believable that he felt this way. But where were the signs of this? Not just in season 1 but in season 2. He always wanted to help, not make humanity perfect. Because this is grounded in so little emotional logic I assume we're supposed to be satisfied with the idea that magic orb + machine herald form = ??? this ??? like ??? why???

If he wants to create a world where nobody can feel pain or complex emotions of any sort anymore, which is not psychologically where he was at the end of season 1 at all despite all he went through, you have to give us an event (ideally multiple) in season 2 that could break his mind this badly. Jayce killing him could have been this, but it happened so fast and was executed so impersonally that it doesn't work. He doesn't really acknowledge it happened the next time they see each other. Which... would probably be important to do... again emotional logic where?

His entire speech about humanity at the end of episode 6 feels like it's trying to be a catalyst. But it also feels... incredibly generic and impersonal. It felt written to play over a flashy montage of all the other characters fighting. Not for Viktor. If this was Viktor's moment where he finally snaps, we should probably focus on Viktor. And, of course, it doesn't help that he has this odd monotone this whole time, as if he's not fully in control of himself (this is not a rip on Harry Lloyd at all. He did what he was told and did it very, very well.)

Because remember. They wanted us to ask this. They wanted us to ask how much of this was orb. I think because they knew on some level they could not create a compelling enough story to get viktor where they wanted him to be for some reason without orb. That none of this would make sense without the vague spice of the arcane. And guess what it still doesn't.

Becuase people will not relate to a vague arcane influence. Connect to it. We would want to see what actually in his life made him become this. What in his psychology outside of magic orb made him do this? They provide vague tastes of this in the same way La Croix flavors its drinks.

Brought Back Wrong Can Work: Here's Why This One Didn't

I also really hate the trope of killing off characters only to bring them back. And back again. And... again. Because guess what. It takes one of the core elements of the human experience - death- and cheapens it. This for sure happens with Viktor the second time he dies.

But what i do like about bringing someone back from the dead is when you consider how doing so can bring someone back wrong. Or changed.

But because the orb is so impersonal. So bland. Such a vague sinister force that has very little to do with character, it doesn't... work. It doesn't hit. Viktor doesn't really grapple with being brought back from the dead against his will in a meaningful way.

Timing

You can see concepts of a plan, if you will, within this story. I can see how Viktor would naturally go to the undercity after waking up changed with new healing powers. But it happens way to fast. So bizarrely. I can see how he would build a society like this (of course, the power of that is dulled because orb and by the fact that we don't see it happen). I can see how the pain of being rejected and left behind by the only person who made him feel like he wasn't alone (Jayce) could have lead to a category 5 'make me evil' sort of meltdown.

Becoming the Herald, asking Singed to begin the transformation, is the only true time in this show in act 2 (before his final moments) where it feels like he's making a choice for himself. But again, we get so little time with him. To see his emotions. To elegantly point from that moment with Jayce to Viktor's need to transform and in doing so rid himself of emotion (something that they did not expand on enough ) Like oh my god, how much more satisfying would it have been to see Viktor torn apart by his own emotions - in his own viktor way - and to have singed offer him a way out of his pain - and then have viktor take it. There are certain things that should be obvious.

But It's both the timing of and the structure of the story - how quickly we cut between plotlines - that makes this really hard to follow. That makes moments that could be something feel rushed and sloppy.

Let's Talk about Sky

Viktor's guilt over sky was absolutely reasonable to explore, but it was not.... all that haunted him. To make Sky the sole guide/companion to him in the astral/arcane headspace I found to be a bizarre and honestly kind of offensive choice.

Amanda overton said she was used as a "Jayce substitute" essentially. And... why? Literally why. Why would you write a character whose sole deal is having an unrequited crush on a man only to bring her back to be 'the embodiment of his guilt and loneliness' as well as a 'substitute' - it feels... icky to me? Just in a writing women and especially women of color point of view? And it didn't feel true to Viktor's character either.

I think if we actually got to know sky better in season 1, this would have worked because it would have been obvious how different she was, how she was a product of his mind or the hexcore or whatever (the lore being vague here doesn't help...)

Plot Twist because I keep hating on Orb: They Could Have Made The Orb Really Cool

Here's the thing. Magic influence on its own can be used to write extremely compelling plots. Walk with me.

Imagine Viktor wakes up. Immediately knows something's wrong with him. That something inside him is toying with him. Making him see things (visions of not only sky, but maybe his parents, Jayce, Heimer). He wakes up earlier in act 1. Despite his anger, he stays with jayce in order to better understand himself and his powers. All the while, he is haunted by whispers and visions of the hexcore. What if it whispers to him of his own insecurities and failures?

What if Things with Jayce are tense. Jayce has to admit to making weapons again, in an argument leading to more haunting visions from the hexcore offering him an out: emotional numbness. You would never have to feel again Viktor. If you let me in fully, you would never have to be alone again. You'd be more powerful, Viktor.

Imagine Viktor is there during that attack ambessa orchestrated. That he has the horror of witnessing Jayce wield his hammer in a genuine attempt to defend himself and the people he loves. He sees first hand how hextech is being used for destruction in a way that horrifies him.

Imagine him being accused of being a part of it because he's a Zaunite - humiliated in some way. Publicly. Imagine the emotional trauma of this resulting in a falling out so devastating he embraces his visions of the hexcore - gives into the numbness. And only then leaves. With the hexcore... he feels better than he has in years. He hopes he can give the gift of this to others. Now he is under orb influence, but now the way he's gotten there is more satisfying to me at least.

Now imagine him fighting the orb influence in key moments. Imagine the color in his eyes coming back. Imagine Viktor's relationship with the arcane being more of a dance than a vague entanglement. Imagine its influence haunting him in the same way Jinx's visions haunt her. Imagine it being personal rooted in his character.

Old Man Viktor

Listen. I am the old man Viktor connoisseur. I love him. I love the idea of him. I wrote a whole fic about him, during which I had to spend a lot of time with the story. It's sort of... very much impossible to make much sense of?

I'm not mad at the fact that it's an obvious retcon. Honestly, because I think from a storytelling perspective, it worked a lot better than most of the decisions they made this season.

But I'm not a fan of (shocking) how little time we spend with him. How little chance we get to understand his motivatons. And also. What the fuck he said to Jayce to make Jayce's first line of action killing him? In my fic, I made it that Jayce needed to shoot Viktor to get the hexcore out, so he could communicate to viktor without influence. But that felt like heavy lifting I shouldn't necessarily have to do for something so important. It also doesn't feel like a compelling or satisfying question to make your audience have to wrestle with.

The Final Scene

Want to say upfront I am not one of the people who did not like Jayce's speech.

I was quite moved by it. And aside from the perhaps out of place mention of the illness brought on by Piltover which I can understand the criticism for, I felt it was beautiful. (I am disabled btw)

That being said. I think i'd be a sobbing mess on the floor if the themes Jayce is presenting in his speech were more present throughout season 2. Because we really don't see this enough - the desire for perfection.

I'm also not one of those people who thinks Viktor's insecurities weren't present in season 1. To me, they were and were obvious, but not enough in his motivations and actions in season 2 to make Jayce's speech land like it could.

I really loved Jayce's arc in season 2. Him immediately embracing Viktor after he woke from the goo was surprising but felt right. But I wish they had more genuine conflict rooted in their conflict in season 1 that would allow their final moment to land even harder.

I really liked the final scene, and it made me an emotional mess. But weirdly, I'd almost like it as a short film removed from the context of the season two, which says just how little Viktor's arc this season contributed to the moment.

Final Thoughts

I'm so sorry I went so in-depth. I just love him as a character and feel he was very much not done justice.

We can attribute some of this to the lack of time. But when you know you have a lack of time, you need to write with that in mind instead of trying to do it all. And ultimately, I found a lot of scenes this season a waste of precious time. They had so many characters alone contemplating something intangible or alone and trapped for episodes. They didn't plan this with the care and precision needed to pull it off.

I also want to note that I know I say here a lot that there's a lot they needed to make "more obvious". This is not because I'm stupid. But when you're a writer, you need to know what to highlight and what you can leave vague so you leave your audience exploring the right nuances and asking the satisfying questions.

Anyways umm. The end. Holy shit, I'm so sorry I wrote so much.

[getindumdums]

Ok. I think it’s time we talked. About Uranium.

You see I actually know a thing or two about it. I love science. And the idea that rottmnt Donatello, can’t get any. Well… you can BUT it. And get more for your buck than you may assume. And it isn’t as dangerous as you think! (I’m not mad, I swear!) But! It IS a great, powerful source of energy.

Uranium comes in rock, and powder, yes powder. Uranium glassware that glows if you’re feeling fancy.

So we need to ask. Can Rise Donnie convert it, the price, and can he get enough of it?

First. Donnie is primarily an engineer. Plus he has a love for botany. BUT! He has stated “Geology stinks”. It’s a boring science to him. And we neurodiverse folks can’t focus on and forget things we aren’t interested in. So? He’s SMART! Surely he could get past this hurdle for something he’s clearly passionate about right?

What’s more, conversion is chemistry. Well we don’t see him so much of chemistry either. But! It is implied with the deleted episode where he was submitting a giant pumpkin into a contest, that he modified it. And THAT’S chemistry. So we’ll file this into “very likely”. Even if there was a LARGE chance it was gonna grow a mouth and attack everyone…

So. The price. US citizens are only allowed to legally purchase up to 3.3 pounds of uranium, and have a limited amount they can own. But for a low $50-100! You TOO! Can get a box of rocks!

Perhaps this is a main reason why he started his secret Stark tech company, WITH an apparel line! Considering he was counting a heap of cash. I think he was doing well off it. (Though perhaps he was struggling with it after Shredder wrecked the lab.) Plus with SHELLDON shown stealing from ATMs apparently being a thing. I don’t think money is an issue.

(Though considering he “didn’t have money” to give to Mantis, he could a. Been hiding his money so his bros wouldn’t find out/also not give a villain money. B. His company isn’t accessible to the public (yet?) and he actually stole it from an ATM or something.)

So. Can he get enough for what he needs? He probably needs a lot of it right?

The thing is. Uranium is abundant. REALLY abundant. You can mine for it yourself. So, surely a “reasonable” demand to ask for!

But perhaps this is why he spent so much time, and effort on a giant … drill.

So I can only conclude that: Donnie is banned from uranium by his family. “It’s not as dangerous as you think!” He shouts. But woe is the mad scientist with questionable intentions!

(Imagine him begging Leo to use his sword to teleport him to a mine. Pfft!)

And so, he’s been slowly, slowly, collecting uranium samples. Has him hidden away. Changing his information every time to hide his intentions from the FBI and government. While developing ways on mining it himself.

There’s literally no excuse for Donnie not to get his hands on uranium. It’s not a matter of IF. Just WHEN. He will get his hands on uranium.

So WHAT. Is his first use for this? Perhaps… a titanium Ironman suit fueled by a miniature nuclear reactor!

[fictionfixations]

THIS

ive been both the person in the audience who reads plenty of fics that follow similar ideas of so and so because i really like that idea and i like reading people's versions of it

and also the person who can get tired of so many fics following that type of idea

but you know what i do when that happens? i just. dont read???? it doesnt change anything and then i come back in a few months or something to read the new ones and maybe reread old ones

people enjoy what they enjoy, if they dont enjoy it then it doesnt impact their reading experience at all to look at other fics

and fanfiction itself is creations made by fans for the fans, it can be self-indulgent as hell and ooc but yknow what? the author probably had fun making it, and there are readers who'll have fun reading it, so whats the problem with people just doing what they like?? like we're not professionals who need to make it super unique and something that stands out because this isn't a job we're just having fun 💀

like there are certainly aus and stuff that are popular but i mean all the better theres a lot more content to consume

and you know what i do when i run into an idea that i really like in a fic? man i wish there were more

like id rather it be 'oversaturated' then not at all cause youre just gonna catch me roaming the tags often rereading the same old fics that share a similar concept or idea otherwise 😭

also actually if this is referring more to the very numerous amount of works in some fandoms and claiming its oversaturated because there are so many.. dude i cannot express the disappointment i feel when i look at a fandom tag of something im really interested in and just see a pitiful amount of works like noo where are my like-minded people who maybe idk wanna all change something that happened in canon or tooth-rotting fluff because we're all crying from the angst or etc💀💀 (usually thats a sign to write it yourself tbh)

ok, because i just saw a terrible take, i feel compelled to say that there is no "fic market" to "oversaturate" in fandom. good gravy.

[revolutionsingingintherainnn]

Ooh so i was watching "Sawdes" And i thought what if desi reader and Lando watch that movie together and she explains all the small details to him, like the caste system and how rigid it was, and how it actually was in the villages and Lando's like very curious to know about India.

swades ⊹.˚🪞🕯️♡

ᡣ𐭩 ln x desi!reader ✬

ᡣ𐭩 fluff ✬

masterlist ☾☼

lando was sprawled out on the couch, legs stretched comfortably over the ottoman, a bowl of popcorn precariously balanced on his lap. the tv flickered with the opening credits of "swades," the soothing hum of the background score filling the cozy living room.

"so, what's this one about again?" lando asked, glancing at you with genuine curiosity.

you settle next to him, tucking your feet in under you. "it's a movie about this indian guy who works for nasa and then goes back to his roots and finds a need to give back to his community."

lando inclines his head. "sounds deep."

you smiled. "it is, but it's also very beautiful and so real."

as the movie started, you noticed lando's brows furrow slightly during the scenes that showed mohan—the protagonist—returning to his village. the dusty roads, the humble huts, and the villagers carrying out their daily routines seemed to intrigue him.

"wait, why's he sitting on the ground?" lando asked during a pivotal scene where a villager refused to sit on the same level as mohan.

you stopped the movie and turned to face him. "that's actually a huge part of india's history—the caste system. it's a strict social hierarchy that has been around for thousands of years. people were divided into different groups based on their jobs, and it determined where they could live, what they could do, and even who they could talk to."

lando's eyes widened. "seriously? that's awful. is it still like that now?"

"not officially," you said, picking at a stray thread on your sweater. "the indian government banned caste discrimination years ago, but in rural areas… it's complicated. traditions and mindsets don't change overnight."

he nodded slowly, digesting your words. "so that's why the guy didn't sit on the bench. he's… lower caste?"

"exactly," you said. "he probably grows up thinking he's not good enough for someone like mohan, who's educated and from the city. it's just sad."

lando sat back, scratching his head. "man, we brits really left a mess behind, huh?"

you snorted, unable to hold in the laugh that had begun to rise. "a bit of an understatement there, lando."

he grinned sheepishly. "alright, alright, point taken. i’ll add it to the list of things i’m apologizing for. right under the tea tax."

the movie continued, and you found yourself explaining more details to lando—how arranged marriages worked in rural India, why electricity and running water were still luxuries in many villages, and the deep cultural significance of festivals like dussehra. lando hung onto every word, his questions reflecting genuine interest.

"it's crazy to think about," he said during intermission. "like, i took so much stuff for granted-growing up—clean water, electricity, just even … being treated as an equal. and then this guy's coming to alter the way an entire village lives its life. inspiring,"

you smiled at him, a warmth spreading through your chest. "that's why i love this movie. it's not just a story; it's a reminder of where we come from and how much work there's still left to do."

"also a reminder that my ancestors were the worst," lando added, giving you a mock-serious look. "you're never letting me live this down, are you?"

"nope," you said, popping a piece of popcorn into your mouth. "you're stuck with me and my history lessons."

By the time the credits rolled, lando was wiping at his eyes, laughing sheepishly when you caught him. "alright, i'll admit… that hit harder than i expected."

you chuckled, leaning into his side. "told you it's a masterpiece."

he looked down at you, a thoughtful expression on his face. "you'll take me there one day, right? to india? i want to see it for myself."

your heart swelled at his sincerity. "absolutely. but only if you're ready for a sensory overload-the crowds, the colours, the chaos."

lando grinned. "bring it on. as long as i've got you to explain everything."

you smiled, reaching for his hand. "always."

you then realized just how lucky you were-to share a piece of your world with someone who cared enough to listen, to learn, and to embrace it wholeheartedly.

══✿══╡°˖✧✿✧˖°╞══✿══

i tried to add a little humour in this, but like, the movie itself is really serious, so i kept the fic a little serious too. i hope you like it! this is my prompt list, so y'all can select a number, give me a driver and i will write it as soon as possible! i also have a google form for a taglist if anyone's interested! you can sent in your requests here :)

taglist: @imlonelydontsendhelp ; @greantii ; @anamiad00msday ; @maketheshadowsfearyou ; @nocturnalherb16 ; @justaf1girl ; @peterholland04 ; @phobiccneel ; @winkev1

[dunmeshistash]

Are the members of Shuro's party ever shown carrying bags / luggage? Im working on an Inutade cosplay, and I'd like to carry an appropriately themed bag with me. Do you have any creative suggestions as to what I could carry? :)

Yes! I think we only see in this cover tho, and Tade actually carries the biggest bag LOL

The other two ninjas are carrying smaller ones maybe that would work better for you and stay on theme?

I did some research cause I've seen it before but didn't know the name and what they're using is a cloth called furoshiki (風呂敷) that they can use to wrap and carry things. You might be familiar with them in anime where burglars always have them tied under their noses for some reason (and also using it to carry their loot)

It can be used to wrap boxes (it's a more sustainable way to wrap gifts too) or tied into bags like the ninjas, I imagine you'd need a pretty big cloth and idk how easy it is to find that iconic pattern (edit: karakusa), but here's a tutorial I found of how to wrap it into a bag if you're interested.

For Tade's actual backpack I'm not sure what's the thing she's using to carry the boxes... the closest I got while researching is a shoiko? But it doesn't look like what Tade is using. Either way I imagine it wouldn't be very convenient for a cosplay?

If it would be easier I think a backpack similar to the other characters wear would probably work fine too.

Actually quickly going thru my Shuro's Party tag I realized the cards have them use the default backpack, and Tade uses a big wrapped box

[lavlynyan]

Probably an unpopular opinion but after rewatching Caleb’s trailer over and over again, I think his voice fits him just fine. I know some people might think he sounds too boyish or playful for his possibly yandere personality but I personally think him having a boyish and playful voice is what makes him being a yandere more scary.

Like, look at this guy, he looks like he wouldn’t hurt a fly with his cute face, boy next door vibe and his pleasant voice etc. But isn’t the very meaning of yandere is someone who appears sweet at first but is actually someone who is intense (read: obsessive & possessive) when they’re with their love interest?

[changbinsboobs]

MTL Skz's bodycount?

Highest/currently active:

I.N - for him im seeing seeing straight up casanova vibes. He just likes the thrill, he likes quickies, he likes ons, he likes charming someone and he does thrive on that energy. Im seeing him being very much into that kind of life right now and being very sexually active with lots of people.

Changbin - for him im seeing he gets infatuated very easily, but is not that serious (also from readings I've done on him on my own i see him constantly in and out of relationships so makes sense). Taking Koreas wild dating culture into consideration and that going on 3 dates means ur an official couple and what not im seeing him having had LOTS of girlfriends, and of course sleeping with them as well, so... would not say a fuck boy, but he has definitely stuck it in a lot of 👌🏻....why does it have to be my bias thats such a turnoff😭😭😭 anyways

Depends:

Seungmin - i think he has had A LOT of endeavors before (probably more than changbin and i.n combined) but as of now im seeing him being more into a "settle down" state of mind so since he's not whoring around anymore i decided to put him in this category since i can't know for sure who has had a larger number, but i can feel who embodies what kind of energy and he doesn't give manwhore anymore like the other two so yeah, he gets 3rd place.

Felix - also was fing around a lot, not quite as much as seungmin tho, but now he has a higher purpose and has abandoned temptation and the ways of sin⛪️ also i see him having lots of regret and some other sorts of pain associated with his past sexual activities. Im seeing he desires cleanliness or like...something of that sort.

Hyunjin - has a lot if admirers, he likes feeding into it a bit but he doesn't really sleep around, he's really picky and i don't see him getting infatuated quickly with just anyone that gives him attention. So i think he's way more mindful than any of the members before, about who he sleeps with. So from here on i would say he is mid, cuz he still sleeps around or has done it, but its significantly less than the others, and im seeing him having actual standards and...not to sound mean or anything but i see him going to bed with quality people...contrary to the rest i don't see them being very mindful (and demure) about who they take to bed and who they stick it in...ugh why are men like that😭

Low:

Chan - he is very balanced. I like this energy. Didn't expect that from him to be honest but i think he mostly sleeps with people that he has long term connections in, most likely within a stable long term relationship. If not, than at the very least im seeing long term, trusted, respectful fwb.

Han - he's very devoted and has sex when there's strong emotions and a deep bond between him and the other person. I don't think he sleeps around AT ALL and ONLY does it within a stable, strong, long term relationship and is all about that. Being loyal and pick about who you open yourself up like that. Who ur being vulnerable with and who's trusting you to be vulnerable around u.

Lee Know - truly gives me ace tbh i really didn't expect that. I can see him having tried something here and there, maybe even still doing it whenever he must, but he shows me complete dessinierest. Like he gets lots of offers, interest, attention etc - but he does not care about that one bit. Im seeing him just minding his own business, so if u ask me i don't think he's really sexually active right now, if he is then its because of obligation more than interest. And overall i don't think he has had done sexual stuff mit many people, and even if he does, i don't see him really caring about it which...idk i keep hearing "it doesn't count, cuz i wasn't really there". So yeah do with that what you want.