#this used to be a much worse problem for me i'm so glad i passed whatever event horizon happened in my 20s that keeps that from happening

[owo-writing-man]

I dont think being a woman means being a baby maker.

You know what I did when I was a woman?

I did wrestling. And I won. My team went to championships and I placed in states. Could have gone to college over it. But I didn't. I didn't want to. There was something wrong with my body and the singlets showed too much of it.

I also did MMA and ji jitsu. I learned how to shoot a gun.

I learned how to be strong. And I learned how to be independent.

I don't think being a woman makes you weak. I think it makes strong. It made me strong enough to come out as trans. Because if I could pass every hurdle I already jumped over because of the body I was born in this was one of them.

There has been something wrong with the person in the mirror since I was young. But I grew up in an environment where boys were boys and girls were girls. And being a girl wasn't shameful.

So obviously I was the problem. I wasn't proud enough of who I was and that's why I couldn't look in the mirror.

Then puberty hit and it got worse. And I learned what trans was but that didn't matter because boys were boys and girls and girls and I was born as a girl. And that was the system I wasn't allowed to fight. That was the truth.

But I had already overcome so many hurdles based on who I was. And this was one of them. So I looked in the mirror. To the young boy in front of me. And I promised him i would not stop overcoming hurdles. And being in the wrong body was a hurdle on the path to be the strongest and happiest person I could be.

I am so proud of the girl I used to be. And I know she's proud of the man I am today. Because she sat there in front of the mirror promising me that.

I have never been ashamed of the woman I was. I'm so glad she overcame so much because without her I doubt id ever been able to come out as trans. But I'm not her anymore.

And I'm actually sorry to you and to her. Because you think just because I am a trans man I'm ashamed of her. And being a woman. When I never have been. It was just not the path I was destined to walk anymore.

I wonder if trans radfems realize that Conservatives hate them as much as any other trans person, and that they're seen as "useful idiots" that exist purely to deflect accusations of transphobia.

"We can't be transphobic, we have Jenner and White", they say, as they pass laws that will be used to remove the rights of queer people, and eventually imprison anyone who isn't a cishet WASP.

Shitting on trans men won't save you, all it'll do is put you 5th in line for the firing squad, instead of 3rd.

[ourceliumnetwork]

to the older gentleman at the dispensary who decided he couldn't leave without telling me "Miss, take your pretty self" to "have a wonderful day in Jesus": buddy we're at the weed store what are you TALKING about, Jesus ain't here right now and i don't want him involved in my day.

[sir-fenris]

Whumpcember24 - Day 3

Begging

(Drabbles' masterlist)

Content: experiment whumpee, resigned whumpee, intimate/sadistic whumper, begging, hand-feeding, implied torture, leg injury, threat of mutilation, starvation.

The first time Whumpee was thrown in the dungeon cell, they thought pain would be the worst, consistent problem. And well... it was, indeed, consistent and distressing.

But somehow boredom was worse.

Because boredom led to overthinking.

Could they have done something to stop the last session's pain sooner? When will be the next one? Will they be allowed water and food? How many days has passed? Is this consistent pain in the leg normal after being stabbed? Is the lethargy and apathy because of tiredness, or were they going insane?

And slowly, there was so much nothing going on beyond the pain, that their mind had to come up with new questions to fill their "free" time.

Like; how many steps there were between the bars and the wall? What's the highest number they can count to before a new session? How long can they keep their eyes open? How much can they move before jostling an injury too badly?

Any question and thought until the cell door opens.

When torture starts, they hope for it to end.

When torture ends, they hope for it to begin again just to take them out of this endless overthinking.

... And to give them a chance to eat. Because that only happened when Whumper was in a good mood and wanted to play, instead of study torture methods.

"Look who's up early today!" Speaking of the devil...

Whumpee raises their eyes tiredly, barely seeing Whumper clearly anymore, their eyesight is getting worse each day. They don't say anything, they don't need to.

"I was thinking of trying out glossectomy today, but I'm reconsidering..." Whumper muses, walking in the cell with a black bottle in hands.

Whumpee hated when Whumper used their weird-ass words. It meant usually some type of surgery or medical thing, by Whumpee's experience, and it always had the immense potential to be an excruciating experience.

At their tiredly confused expression, Whumper grins gleefully and explains, after crouching down. "Tongue removal, little bird."

Their blood goes cold. Whumper has never chopped off a part of their body. No matter how far they went, Whumpee knew Whumper would at least keep them whole by the end of it, why must it change now-

With a chilling chuckle, Whumper opens the black bottle, and the smell of fruit cuts off Whumpee's thinking.

"Now, now, don't lose yourself just yet. I told you, I'm reconsidering," Whumpee says. "I do love you singing for me, little bird... So I'll give you a chance to prove that I'm better off leaving your tongue where it is. And, if you're good enough, you can have a tasty smoothie, hm?"

The pause sent Whumpee in a frenzy to find out what was the right thing to say, which clues they had in hands to guess what Whumper wanted to hear.

'I do love you singing for me...'

"Please..." Whumpee whispers, lowering their eyes to the ground when Whumper grin grows. "Can I please eat?"

A hooked finger presses their chin upwards, forcing them to meet Whumper's gaze. "You can do better, little bird. Let me help."

Pain burns through their body as Whumper uses their other hand's nails to dig into Whumpee's leg injury. They try to curl into themselves with a stifled wail, but Whumper's hooked fingers turns into a whole-hand grip on their jaw, keeping Whumpee's gaze on Whumper's eyes only.

"P-Ple- Ah! Please, please, c-can I eat?" Tears burn their eyes when Whumper just digs their nails further, still with that vile grin. "Please, I'm begging you, I'm so hungry, please let me eat, please, please-"

Their words are interrupted by a choked gasp as Whumper retrieves both their hands to clap. "There we go, that's better."

Whumpee breaths shakily, closing their eyes to urge the pained tears away.

"Your singing is too pretty for me to cut off your tongue, little bird. Aren't you glad I've changed my mind?" Whumper asks cheerfully, putting a straw on the smoothie bottle.

"... Yes, thank you," Whumpee whispers. At least today's game was easy and fast. It's the easiest food they got in a long while.

"Good song bird. Now, say 'ah' for me."

Whumpee's eyebrows twitched at the straw being tapped against their lips, because their hands were fine, they didn't need nor want Whumper to feed them.

But this was the easiest food they got in a long while. They can't lose the opportunity of easy, tasty nutrition because of pride.

And when the delicious, cold and fresh smoothie reaches their kept tongue, Whumpee forgot why they had even hesitated.

There is no space for pride in survival.

-

(Kinda late, but stills counts as day 3, right? Shhh, for me, it does.)

-

[buccini555]

𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐬𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 – 𝐇𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐬

Part.2

≡ 𝑺𝒖𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒓𝒚... The most famous delinquent brothers in school reacting to you by confessing to being in love with both of them.

୨୧ I m a g i n e s!

♡ - ̗̀ ⇢𝐹𝑡. Ran Haitani and Rindou Haitani

That day wasn't being easy for you, putting up with your classmates was becoming increasingly unsustainable, for that reason, while everyone was out of the classroom to enjoy the break, you were stuck with your head at your desk, no longer able to containing your insistent tears, you just allowed them to spread by wetting some pages of your books, you cried in silence in that empty room until you heard that someone had entered the place, even so, you ended up ignoring that feeling of presence, when unexpectedly someone placed their hand on your shoulders.

"I'm sure you look much prettier smiling." The shorter boy said, as soon as you stood up a little scared, your heart beat even faster when you realized that Rindou and Ran were right there in front of you, simply the boys you had always been in love with since the first time. you saw them passing through the school hallway, despite them being a little older than you and being from another class, you and the boys had already been in contact at some school parties.

"What's up? Is everything ok?" Rindou questioned, you shook your head in affirmation, trying to hide your tears and sad expression, however, when you raised your head, you ended up letting your papers fall, so the older boy ended up catching it, ending up seeing that it was a small letter you had written to both of them.

"You dropped your little letter! Um? Is this about us? Won't you mind if I read it?" Ran questioned you with a small smile on his face, standing in front of your desk while Rindou sat next to you, at that moment, you thought your day couldn't get any worse, so you allowed the taller man to finish reading your letter.

"That was extremely sweet, [name]. I won't deny that I liked knowing that you like me and Rindou, I confess that I found you so cute, I don't even know if I deserve all of that." Ran had already noticed your looks, for that reason, he didn't seem surprised at all, unlike Rindou who only believed that you just had a crush on Ran.

"Oh? You like me too? Bro- I'm glad to hear that." Rindou got even closer to you, putting his arm on your shoulder and gently pulling you into a hug, his face was red, but you also couldn't notice that Rindou showed the same redness on his cheeks while only Ran seemed confident in such a situation. .

"I-I... I like you and him" You said right away, shy and with a trembling voice, feeling your body goosebumps for revealing something so intimate on your part, the boys looked at each other and they smiled while you were shaking with nervousness.

"You don't need to be ashamed, for us, it's okay if you don't settle for just one of us, isn't it, Rindou? That way we won't have to fight for you." Ran said, folding his beautiful letter and putting it in his coat pocket.

"Honestly, I don't see any problems either, I think it will be fun." Rindou spoke right after his brother's speech, he couldn't deny that he had already set his eyes on you some time ago.

"What do you think, [name]? Are you sure you want to be with me and my brother? We've been thinking about you for a while now." Ran bent down in front of his table, holding his face and looking directly into his still teary eyes, he made his proposal, the older man's look made you want him even more and after that moment, the sadness in your chest began to melt away.

"Yes! I'm sure." You responded directly while Ran let go of your face, caressing it subtly and Rindou was still watching you gently, seeming to be happy with that obvious discovery.

Soon, the bell ended up ringing, signaling the end of the break, for this reason, their classroom quickly began to fill up again and the boys would have to return to their corresponding classroom.

"So we meet after school at my house, right?" Ran waited for everyone to arrive in the classroom, as soon as he noticed that everyone was looking at him and Rindou, he said goodbye, giving you a brief kiss, making the other girls who had a crush on him bite each other in anger.

"R-right!" Smiling, you said goodbye to both of them, anxious for classes to end soon and also noticing all the looks directed at you.

"Great, I'm looking forward to it." Rindou stood up and kissed her cheek, heading out of the room together with Ran.

Your day definitely improved instantly as you would never have imagined being noticed by them among so many other options.

[welldonekhushi]

Okay guys, I'm back and.. I needed a short break after what happened in the MWIII campaign. Words can't express how shocked I was when I reached the end of the campaign and.. it left me in confusion, denial, depression and anger.

I'm putting a "read more" below because, if there are people who still haven't played MWIII, I'll keep ya guys safe.

Our theories before were constantly revolving that who's gonna die and what worse is going to happen.. it first pointed towards the fate of Price or Gaz. But, turns out we were jinxed. JINXED.

The campaign was.. okay but at the same time I felt it was small. Quite rushed. I did have a light of concern over their release date when MWII was currently trending. I was reading others reviews of how they felt about the game and yes, I agree with the same. But I wanna talk about Soap's fate this time..

Soap, who JUST started his journey, like, the one who only appeared in MWII and hoped we would see him more develop in the further games to be just.. killed off? When were they moments away from achieving victory?

So only because it's called MW3 ✌🏻 and you wanted to give us all a nostalgic experience you'll.. give them the original plot treatment? Both Soaps in the Modern Warfare universes.. died under the hands of Vladimir Makarov but in different circumstances.

This is where I got a bit angry at Price because, why didn't you kill Makarov instead of taking him in custody in Verdansk?! That guy is a walking grim reaper, and if Price took that action before, not just Soap but MANY more lives would have been saved. Soap was a man who was ready to take immediate action but always got backed off because of being bound to orders.

The end scene when they took out his ashes.. it broke me. Like, how unexpected this can be? Well, though I know Makarov already gave a warning that he was going to kill him off in the heli scene, but.. it's just not it? Like, honestly, I was hopeful Soap would survive.. it's disappointing for me, as someone who loves him so much, like anything.

So ScarSoap's now an angsty ship? Because let it be for both universes — OG and Reboot, Scarlet's going to be left behind? Welp, I'm more sad now, lol.

Otherwise, the expectations I had for the campaign were somehow, not met to the fullest but let's talk about the good things.

Price killing off Shepherd. YES, THAT'S WHAT I'M TALKING ABOUT. I freaking knew that he was going to die and my prediction called itself right. But, now that Price killed a 4-star General, he's gonna go rogue. You mean, batshit, crazy and unhinged Price on the move?!

Julian Kostov. The man. Bro, like, when he was featured in the reveal trailer, I was just hoping that he'd play the role of Makarov well and guess what? He did! I absolutely loved how he portrayed the man and he looked intimidating and twisted like a true psychopath. Truly, he could compete with the OG!Makarov and it's proven! Hats off to the actor, really <3

Price DOESN'T die. Neither in my beliefs, Farah and Alex. A relief. A pure relief, for real. The trailers showed him passing out but glad he's good in one piece. But, did that happen for the cost of killing Soap? :')

Graves and Shepherd betray each other in the conference, LMFAO! Who knew they were going to turn their backs on each other. Graves really had nothing to do with this, he was just a man following orders.. the problem lies with Shepherd, and always has.

Now, these guys said we're gonna release the "full campaign" on November 10. You mean.. the early access didn't show much of the story? So there's hope? OR NOT? Sigh, I don't want to think about it.. I just don't. I've been delulu, haha

Anyways, these are my thoughts for Modern Warfare III! What do you feel about it, let me know in the comments!

[staytinyville]

Stay Alive (44)

BTS poly!ot7 x Reader

Magical Creatures AU

Series Masterlist

Warnings: none

A/N NOT BETA. Y'all I am trying my best to literally finish up the last four chapters. I just want to finally finish something lmao. But Just to let you know I am so happy to reach this part and get to the ending. As well as start new fics within this world. I quite like it honestly.

There was a melancholic feeling within your chest that made you ponder about the actual aspect of the world you were in. It was beautiful–something you could only ever think of as a utopia for the world you actually came from. It was wondrous, excelled in places the human world could never reach. But just like there were people who wanted more in that world–they were much worse here.

You watched as the creatures who were able to fly travel around in the sky–dragons flapping their wings or fearies swerving their way through buildings, had you astounded. Things you thought were made believe in stories or movies were in front of your eyes. It was a childish wonder you seemed to have within you that caused those feelings. 

However the more you thought about what brought you to that place made you realize that even if things were magical–it won’t stop evil from taking root. No one would ever be safe from those kinds of things. 

You smiled sadly as a group of sprites began to pass the balcony patio you were waiting outside of. A tiny one stopped when they had spotted you. It grew closer to your nose, stopping right between your eyes. You flinched a bit as some of the dust that seemed to fly off it made your nose tickle. You sneezed without wanting to, blowing the sprite away a good distance. 

You looked at the mad creature wide eyed, the humanoid sticking its small tongue out at you. You sighed again as it flew away to join its group once more. 

“Is everything alright, Little one?” You turned around from the railing, finding Namjoon striding his way over to you. 

“Yeah, I'm fine.” You smiled softly. 

“I can see your head working a mile a minute.” He spoke quietly, pressing his chest to yours as he leaned in to place his forehead against you. 

“Please don't shut us out.” He whispered. 

“I'm not trying to. I just want to process some things.” You sighed, turning around to face the city once more. 

“Can I join you?” He asked, moving to your side to take in his home. 

“Always.” You leaned against his arm, allowing yourself to fall into his warmth. 

He had his arms out in the open, his skin on display. Your fingers softly rubbed at his scarred skin, feeling the bumps from the cells that had healed over. You were glad to know he was no longer in pain or that his lesions were open. You figured now that he was back home his healing was much better than they were. 

“It felt like just yesterday you were walking into my room to take care of me.” Namjoon began to speak. 

“I remember that day because it was the day I met someone who told me for the first time in years to have a good day.” You looked up at him with furrowed eyebrows, a bit unsettled that no one had bother to do that before. 

“Someone who didn't know what they had gotten themselves into but still chose to help those in need.” He turned to you, sliding his hand down your arm to hold you own. 

“I'm sure lots of others tried before me.” You spoke quietly, watching as his warm fingers encased your own between his. 

“But none of them were you.” Namjoon placed his forehead against yours, smiling at you as your nose bumped with his. 

“You make our coven feel complete. Like everything we went through could not compare to what we would have now.”

Everything they went through? The pain, the sorrow, the idea of them having spent 10 years against their will being underground made you want to throw up. You knew there were more people out there who faced the same problems they did–magical creatures or not–but knowing it was you who brought that upon them made things worse. 

Nothing would ever change what you had done–what had happened to you in the past. You had grown up innocent from what you went through, having no memory of what they had done to you. To this day you still don’t even remember, Bang telling you that while he did give you your memory back your own brain has those memories locked away for your well being. 

“You shouldn't have to have felt that way though. Because of me you guys were kid—”

“Lead to you. Even if we stayed there forever we still had you.” Namjoon cut you off. “And we weren’t the only ones who went through something terrible. Even if you might never really remember what happened to you, you were on the verge of death. You could have died and we never would have met.”

“Nabi–”

“Protected you. Led you to us. Call it what you want. But you wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her.” He tried to tell you. 

You would never be able to know what she had been thinking since the moment she had passed. You didn’t even know what she might have been feeling at the moment–only those with magical powers could really figure it out. You wanted to have the chance to know her more. Figure her out the way you might have when you were a kid but you didn’t know how things worked in this world. 

“I can't imagine you staying there for so long.” You went back to rubbing at his arm, feeling the planes of his tanned skin. “You're getting better.”

“The magic in our home helps us heal better. Hobi has been helping with our physical wounds and learning more.” Namjoon explained, a smile slipping onto his lips. “It's what we have to do to prepare ourselves for the fight. Hanseol has an army behind him now. Especially with Kang on his side. But we have to try and save everyone.”

You began to frown again, thinking about having the boys go back to that place all over again. There was something in the back of your mind telling you it was the right thing to do. All those children who were taken from their home at a young age and the older people who were taken from their families. 

You wanted to stop them–you tried to. But you knew who they were and what they wanted to do from the beginning. As Namjoon said, you were the reason he found hope again. The reason they all did. So who were you to take it away from them to continue hoping for a better future for everyone they had come to care for in that facility. 

“Namjoon?” The both of you turned, finding Yoongi waiting at the door of the patio. 

“There you are, Princess.” He smiled softly, gums on display as he grew closer to the two of you. 

“Everything okay?” He asked you, placing a hand on your cheek to pull you into him. 

You gave him a smile, pulling your lips in for a small kiss. “Yeah. I'm fine, Yoongi.”

“Everyone is waiting for us. Let's head inside.” He spoke up when he pulled back, looking up at Namjoon who gave him a nod in understandment. 

All the other boys were waiting for you in the meeting room along with your grandfather. When you entered you gave the younger boys a smile, feeling content with the way they huddled around you to make sure you were okay. 

“Are you sure you boys are ready to go back? We can always send someone else.” Bang questioned.

“We were there the longest even if we weren't the oldest. The only reason we made it out was because of (Y/N).” Seokjin answered. 

“It could've been anyone.” You muttered to yourself, trying to make yourself feel better about the kind of staff Hanseol had in his personnel to not want to take the people out of there. 

“Besides, we're the only ones who know that facility inside and out. You'll have a better chance with us joining.” Hobi added, crossing his arms.

There was a sudden knock coming from the door which made all of you turn. 

“Come in.” Bang called out. 

You watched as the four Valkyries from Jin’s home walked into the room along with the swan maiden, IU. It seemed there was more people coming in behind them as well as more and more people shuffled in to fit in the large boardroom. 

“Are we late to the meeting?” Wheein smiled brightly. 

“We heard there was going to be a fight. We'd like to join in on the fun.” Solar laughed, smiling as all four of the valkyries stood with smirks. 

“Count my boys in as well.” A man with a deep voice called out, arms crossed as a group of 12 other men followed behind into the boardroom. 

“Seungcheol.” Namjoon began to grin, taking in the small army that had formed ready for orders.

The leader of BTS walked up to the man, pulling him into a hug as the clapped each other on the back.  

“Mingyu told me about your return.” Seungcheol smiled, patting Namjoon on the back. “It's a great thing to see you home. As for the fight, there's more than enough of us.” 

He turned to look at his boys, all ranging in different species from what you could tell. You weren’t able to determine much of who they were but you knew they had a faerie in their midst and some kind of animal that had cat like ears. You spotted the boy who was close friends with Jungkook, allowing the boy to let go of you as he seemed to get into a tussle with the other one again. 

You began to laugh as the way everyone seemed to be relaxed but ready to fight at a moments notice. You were glad people like them were willing to go to the trouble of bringing the others back. It didn’t make you worry any less about your boys but you knew they had others who were going to help them. 

Bang stood from his chair. “Then let's start prepping. The faster we save everyone the faster we can bring them back home.”

Series Masterlist

@h3arteyes4mingi , @fangirling-all-the-way-tbh , @rinkund, @rln-byg , @singukieee ,  @hoshi-is-ult-bbg , @ldysmfrst , @juju-227592 , @alienchickenpoop , @dreamerwasfound , @afangirl91 , @psiphidragon , @puppyminnnie , @shyloh-the-cornsnake , @ollyoxenfrees , @whynotlarene , @beeltsumu , @cryingpages , @milopenne , @belikejk , @thatonedemigodfromseoul , @woozixo,

[gofancyninjaworld]

Garou in the Manga and Webcomic

So… the differences between Garou in the manga and the webcomic, how they're turning out, and what I make of it? Sure, for a story that seemed to be following the webcomic's tracks, Garou's trajectory sure has gone elsewhere (so far).

This is seriously long, and I make no apologies.

Let me start with the easy part, what I make of it. I think ONE is a DAMN LUCKY WRITER. You can't write something without wondering, at least in passing, how else you might have developed a character, a scene, what might have been. Heck, you can't make a decision in life without glancing occasionally at the path not taken and wondering where it might have led. ONE has gotten to not only wonder how else he might have taken the story of One-Punch Man, but to flesh out and publish TWO VERSIONS, and have audiences enthusiastically read both. Lucky, lucky man. A dog with two tails couldn't be happier and I'm glad for him. I'm also the greedy person double-fisting on story goodness. Mama didn't raise no picky eater! I find a lot to enjoy in both realisations of Garou.

Now for the tough part. I think I'm going to answer this from two perspectives, the in-story (intradiegetic) approach and the out-of-story (extradiegetic) one. I feel both are needed here for a reasonably comprehensive answer.

Rest below the cut.

A: In-Story

Garou's problems There isn't a change in the fundamental character, motivations, or outlook between WC!Garou and Manga!Garou. Same highly-driven, cocky, sarcastic martial arts genius. Same keen observation of the vissitudes of the world, and same soft heart that breaks at how little is done about it. Same issue with heroes as the saviours of the world. Same grandiose plan to make the world safe through terror. Same love of speechifying. The difference lies in what happened.

If I were going to put a finger on the most important difference in how things turned out, I'd put it on the issue of softness. Even if you reject all performances of toxic masculinity, as a young man, it's impossible not to internalise some of its poison. Garou is a soft guy -- and he's ashamed of his softness. When he feels he's being soft, he sees it as weakness and lashes out. Even before Saitama points this out on the battlefield in the WC, we see Garou feel that weakness and choose to lash out by trying to kill Saitama when the latter lets him off for dashing-and-dining. It's a good thing he picked Saitama, no? However, even there, there is a difference: WC!Garou is more focused on the opportunity to hunt a hero, while Manga!Garou is stung by his feeling pathetic at being pitied by even a no-name hero.

Fascinating, the change between hunting and murder attempt

In the WC, ONE doesn't make further use of this afterwards, but he comes to revisit the issue in the manga, in the aftermath of Garou accidentally saving several people and Saitama pointing out that he has a hero's instincts. While Saitama taunted Garou a bit in the webcomic so the latter would give him everything he had, it's nothing compared to the relentlessness with which Saitama keeps pressing Garou's buttons, and that combination made everything much worse.

Garou spells it out for us," I can't let myself forget this anger… not until the entirety of humanity has been made to suffer the same pain and despair I did!" Recalling the people thanking him, he thinks, "It was that simple to make my preparation and resolve waver. That's how pathetic I was…and it fucking pisses me off!" It's that incident that opened the door to how differently things went.

This is it: the point where Manga!Garou resolves to really do evil rather than Evil Lite.

Manga!Garou isn't the only guy to act this way. Even within the same arc, we see two heroes, Flashy Flash and Superalloy Darkshine, also lash out when they feel their egoes threatened. ONE shows how weak, destructive, and self-defeating this is. Fortunately, they tried hitting beings who could hit them back harder. Good!

They both had it coming: let's hope that they eventually improve themselves.

Unfortunately, what usually happens is that a bloke looking to lash out to assuage his internal feelings of weakness meets people he can punch down on, and BOY HOWDY DID GAROU PUNCH DOWN. Besides being literally poison to anyone around, his refusal to leave came from his dark joy at finally being able to provoke the fear and panic he'd hoped to from his mere presence. He targeted and murdered Genos, not just because he wanted to provoke Saitama into showing him all he had, but because he figured (correctly) that this would hurt Saitama as no punch he cared to throw could. And God, did he want to wipe that stupid smile off that bald guy's face.

It is very important to note that WC!Garou also met "God", but all he got out of the deal was a fancier outfit that Saitama quickly punched off him. It's the toxic determination to cause pain that marks the difference with Manga!Garou.

At the end of the day, His Yeastiness is a facilitator, not a controller.

It appalls a lot of readers to think that the lovely Garou, whom we so want to admire and root for as the underdog, can also be the same Garou who is so ugly, but it's the truth: all people are capable of all things.

We can well look some askance at Saitama for taunting Garou to do his worst rather than just beating him down and giving him a good talking-to, but the responsibility for his actions all lies on Garou. Say what you like about Garou, but you can never accuse him of riding on others' coattails: he has slapped away every hand proffered to him, so for him to recognise his limits and humble himself to ask Saitama for help is a huge credit to his strength of character and courage. He taught Saitama how to travel back in time to stop him from making the same mistake, and bravely persisted even though it cost him his life.

The manga explores what Garou could be much more thoroughly than the WC does (this is not a criticism of the WC -- I'll come back to that later), showing us both the heights of how noble he can be and the depths of how toxic he can also be.

Farewell, noble prince.

Who cares? By this, I don't mean this as a slight to the reader, but rather as a way of noting that the comparison is incomplete without also considering who cares about Garou in each version. WC!Garou is really alone. Yes, Bang goes out to stop him, and, notably, the old man finds himself moved to sorrow rather than rage when Garou is finally stopped by Saitama. However, as of yet, there has been no further meeting nor reconciliation between the two.

The contrast with Manga!Bang is fascinating. While Manga!Bang is no angel (indeed, we learn that he is a deeply selfish man… learn? We kinda knew that), he really does give up everything (the regard he enjoyed as a martial artist, his dojo, and his hero career) in an attempt, not to subdue Garou, but to bring him back to the good side, the same way his elder brother did for him so many decades ago. You need a heart of stone not to be moved by his acknowledging how he has failed as a master and all but begging Garou for a chance to start over.

When Garou runs away at the end of the night, Manga!Bang goes to find him and persuades him to turn himself in. When Garou's parents refuse to come and pick up their son -- as an 18-year-old, Garou is a minor -- Manga!Bang steps in as his guardian, goes with him to the police to answer for the one outstanding crime (the dine-and-dashing), accompanies him to apologise to the heroes he hunted, and is very present in Garou's life. Even if I'm giving Bang's tough love regimen the side-eye, the way that Manga!Garou hasn't been abandoned unloved into the world to fend for himself is a welcome development. It's interesting to see some of Bang's former students who left because they didn't trust that Bang would not favour Garou even though the latter beat them up, have started to come back to see if the old man really has changed.

What really matters If you will forgive my diverging a second, one of the fun things ONE comes to frequently is that we don't know what will make us happy. In chapter 85 (86 in print), the panel of Fubuki staring agog at the sight of several heroes stuffed in Saitama's tiny apartment, with Bang, Bomb, and Genos all tending their wounds, really stands out to me. Not 24 hours ago, there is no way Genos would have been comfortable enough to start repairing himself with the other heroes around: this point marked his no longer being 'the weird new guy' and rather being 'one of the guys'. If you had told Genos that he was looking for acceptance, he'd say you were talking nonsense, and yet, acceptance is one of the things he's looking for, even though he doesn't know it.

Garou isn't looking for acceptance, but he is looking to be seen and appreciated. Even as he grumbles about being made to clean the dojo and go to court-mandated jobs, Manga!Garou really is happy to be doing something to build the dojo back up. Just as importantly, working day-by-day to build up rather than tear down has brought WC!Garou a sense of peace and perspective. His work ethic and strength being appreciated can't not have an effect on him, even if he isn't cracking a smile when complimented.

Even if he's being either sarcastic or glum, Garou contributing something valuable and being appreciated for it really is something he was searching for.

What about next time? Finally, I'll point out the differences in what's facing them. Because Saitama solved his internal problems by pointing out that he was a frustrated hero at heart, WC!Garou's ongoing problems are largely external. He's an outlaw who needs a way to be rehabilitated into society. I'm hoping that the Neo Heroes affair offers Garou a way to redeem himself and get outstanding charges dropped. Working under the table, unable to get full working benefits, go to school, own a house and the like on account of unspent criminal convictions gets old fast.

Persisting and building despite all the fools harassing him, WC!Garou is developing some maturity fast.

Manga!Garou has not had to critically examine his beliefs yet, so he's not convinced he's wrong. What he does know is that he absolutely does not want to become a monster and that hunting heroes is a stupid idea. There's an internal struggle that needs to be finished here. He also has external problems: Bang's very helpfulness in getting so many charges against him dropped, means that there are going to be a lot of people out there in the story who feel he hasn't been punished enough. It is going to be exacerbated by the fact that Bang plans to introduce him to the Hero Association as a new hero, and Sicchi fully intends to parachute him into Class S despite knowing that all hell will break loose among the heroes. I don't think Garou's yet been told of this plan -- expect fireworks.

At the moment, Garou's ongoing ambitions are being treated as a joke. But like most things OPM, it won't be a damn bit funny when it comes up again.

B: Out-Of-Story

The art of constraint The differences in the space and time available to the manga and the webcomic really do matter. Just as you can say the same thing in a short poem, a short story, and a novel, the form of the art creates both restrictions and opportunities in how ideas are explored and expressed.

I think ONE is using both the super-compact storytelling of the webcomic and the more expansive saga of the manga well, but they create different possibilities. The webcomic is compact, and interestingly, ONE has usually preferred to focus on the characters sequentially: when it's a character's turn to get their fish fried, we see their fish thoroughly scaled, gutted, filleted, dredged in flour, fried to a crisp and served with a garnish. Their problems are pulled out, they face their crisis, it gets resolved with Saitama's help, and they're kicked out into the cold to make room for the next character. We don't mind seeing them again, but they've had their anagnorisis, they've had their peripeteia, they've had their denouement, and all they have to do is go and implement what they've learned. It's very satisfying, very compact.

However, the manga has a lot more space -- it's after all, the paid jobs of ONE, the workaholic artist Murata, Murata's assistants, and the staff at Shueisha -- and so, it's got more bandwidth. The manga tends to do character development in parallel: we see a lot of characters facing challenges and developing in tandem. Very little needs to be finished at a given time, and so ONE is happy to leave characters with further work still to do.

WC!Garou got his answer all neatly tied up. He was in a position to swallow that bitter pill, and so when we see him, he's working out how to live and has renounced his old beliefs. Manga!Garou has not had any neat answers. On the one hand, it's less satisfying to us as readers, but on the other hand, it gives Manga!Garou much more scope to develop over time to become someone WC!Garou can't imagine being.

Swings and roundabouts: ONE does not believe in giving characters what they haven't worked for, and so where there's less space for characters to work things out, there's also limits to what can be explored. However, he doesn't shortchange the webcomic characters: they get the right amount of development for the space in the webcomic.

No nuclear-powered truths for Garou in the manga; instead, a deliberately more open observation that leaves him more to work out.

A colder world Without a doubt, I'd rather live in the webcomic version of the OPM universe than the manga one. For a given timepoint, the manga universe is so much more dangerous it's not even funny. However, if you ask most readers, without thinking, they'd say the webcomic is the darker place. It isn't, but what it is, is bleaker feeling. A major part of that is that there is less interaction between characters. Not a lot less, just sufficiently less to start to matter, and that compounds. I'm not going to belabour this point: I've already written about it elsewhere.

Since one of ONE's wheelhouses is that we need others in order to be fully ourselves, with even the negative interactions having value, the webcomic becomes an increasingly bleak reflection of the manga for the characters, as we see how many opportunities they've lost. And I'm sure that part of the reason WC!Garou appears so subdued is that he's having to face the reality that he really is all alone in the world -- and he's got no one to blame but himself. It's funny, even when we say that we don't give a fuck about others, we sure hope that at least a few others will give a fuck about us.

If you want me to sum up where they are in their respective stories, WC!Garou has hit rock bottom and is rebuilding his life one brick at a time, while Manga!Garou has been spared hitting rock bottom (for now: the rock bottom he was heading for was 100% fatal). The latter's day of reckoning is yet to come but come it surely will.

Summary

In short, chaos theory rules here: small changes to initial conditions lead to large changes in outcome, all while being quasi-deterministic. I think both are good explorations of the character in context.

[yurimage]

I had another type 1 diabetic tell me once that she didn't consider herself disabled so therefore there was no need for me to call myself disabled. I didn't say anything at the time but I think about it a lot.

I don't think T1D comes on a spectrum or anything persay, but I think some people's bodies just handle it better somehow.

The past 4 days have been hell. My CGM prescription ran out over 2 weeks ago and my new insurance has been making me jump through hoops to get more; so I've been consistently hyperglycemic since then. I've had a lot of problems with my insulin pump since thursday so this made the problem a lot worse. To the point where I haven't really been able to do much the past two days, I didn't even leave the dorm today because I could barely manage to stand for more than 2 minutes without feeling like I was going to pass out. And this isn't rare for me. Regardless as to technical issues, I have a LOT of days like this. Days where I'm too weak to stand, or so dehydrated I start to develop heart problems. This really isn't out of the norm for me.

I'm really glad that for some type 1 diabetics they can go about their life minimally affected; but it just doesn't work like that for me. I am disabled, and the way in which that affects me sucks so bad but I truly don't mind using that label for myself. It's just how my life is.

[thenotsoholyspirit]

The devil's in the details

(Matt Murdock x reader)

(💕First of all, I'm sorry I have not had the time yet to publish the 4 chapter for my other fic, my first semester at Uni is surely taking a load, but I still wanted to give an old idea a chance and try to see where I could go with it. It's mostly an introductory chapter hope you like it !) 💕

Summary. Trying to makes end meet as a young woman has never been easy, even less living in the turbulent city that is New York. When (y/n) will have to make an impossible choice, she'll have to decide between the ones she cares the most. It's never safe to fall in love, especially with that mysterious lawyer at the bar she's been working at and the secret she guards underneath.

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

“Another round for the tables two and one, and please don’t forget the missing beers for the group at table five”

It definitely was a busy night at Josie’s.

I had barely entered the bar when multiple orders were already piling up in the kitchen. Friday shifts were always the best to work they told me, and being new around here, I was kind of guilty to be glad Katy asked for a longer maternity leave.

“(Y/n)!”

I turn around, Josie looking at me impatiently. 

“I didn't hire you to stand there and look pretty princess” She sighs but gives me a small smile, she could never stay mad at us for too long, “Now, please bring these three beers to the pool table”

I nod excusing myself as I go grab the drinks.

The atmosphere tonight was intoxicating. The talking, the music, even the bursts of laughter and the smell of alcohol that surrounded me were enough to get dizzy on my own. It was almost too overwhelming.

I take a deep breath, as I twitch my lips, trying my best not to bite them as I had promise myself to stop that bad habit.

Normally I had a better handle on my anxiety, but I’m not used to work during the busiest hours. Yet, I need money, and Friday nights are generous on tips. I couldn't let such an opportunity pass, and when Josie asked for our availabilities I was the first to raise her hand.

It’s for her.. all of this is for her

I’m so involved in my own thoughts I don’t notice the man passing in front of me. I suddenly lose my equilibrium, the plate of beers now jumping in the air, as I stumble falling on the floor. I barely have the time to register what’s happening when I feel a quick hand behind my back that stabilizes me again. 

“Well… there go our beers”

I hear a voice from the back, a blond guy with slightly longer hair and another blond woman staring at me.

I look down at the floor, now with a puddle of beer and pieces of glass laying there. 

Josie is going to kill me

“Are you ok ?”

I look up now to the man in front me. He had dark glasses and his short yet slightly ruffled hair only gave him a more attractive look. I notice the big stain of beer on his chest, which admittingly looked quite well built under the white shirt he was wearing. 

C'mon you ain't here to flirt with clients

“Yes I'm sorry your shirt it’s”

I notice now the white stick on his left hand and the realization of his blindness hits me. I feel even worse now. “O.. o shit I’m sorry.. I’m awful I.” 

“Don’t worry” he gives me a small smile “It was due to clean anyways. Although.. I heard some glass breaking.. Are you hurt in any way ?”

I shake my head until I realize he can’t exactly see it. 

“No I’m ok just..” I sigh, why was I about to tell my problems to a stranger, “I haven’t quite been the best waitress tonight”

He smiles again, this time with a little bit of curiosity in his look. 

God if smiles could kill

“Too much of an ambiance ?”

”Is it that obvious that this is my first busy shift ?”

He slightly laughs, until I see Josie appearing with a loud sigh.

“(y/n) could you try not to kill one of our regulars ?”

“Hey Josie the beers are on us all right add it to the Murdock Nelson tab, this stuff always happens”

Josie smiles at the man, it seemed that they’ve been acquaintances for quite some time. She easily accepts as she also gives a nod to the other blond guy.

“I’ll bring the mop”, I shyly tell her as I leave the scene. When I arrive at the kitchen, I hear Josie chuckling at me.

“So Matt caught your attention ?”

I do my best not to turn completely red. 

“You know I ain't got time for that Josie” 

I sigh. It was true. Too many bills to pay, too many things to do. Where would the time for a boyfriend ever be? Josie’s face becomes then more serious, she also knew all too well about my situation  

“How's your mother been ?”

I try to smile, it was never easy to talk about that subject.

“Doctors say she may get a leave from the hospital next week, but you know, i'd rather not be too optimistic on that subject…. I still remember last time”

I take the mop as I sigh. I knew Josie wouldn't have hired me if she didn't know my situation. I was already working at some convenience store during the day, but I was still short of money for the rest of my bills. This without counting the community college classes I was taking half time. 

And still not enough money.. it's never enough money

She gives me a warm smile, patting my back as if she wanted to say more but had no words. 

“You’re a good girl (y/n), you’ll get through this” 

I just nod. There was no time for feelings. 

Before leaving the kitchen, I give a last look to the group where Matt and his two friends were happily chatting . 

I shake my head, not wanting to be too distracted. 

There was no time for stuff like this, I can only move forwards. 

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

At some corner of the bar, a man was sitting, stirring his cocktail as he gives an attentive look to the place. Nobody notices him when he goes out for a smoke as he makes a call on his phone. 

“We found her boss… she’s still here… at some bar in Hell's kitchen” 

“Perfect’" the voice on the other side of the line was professional, yet so cold and grave, “Tell Weasley to bring the guys... It's gonna be a long night”  

[secularprolifeconspectus]

I can’t believe some people root for abortions of disabled children and then they pretend to deeply care about us. How can you pretend to care about ableism and discrimination, if you are okay with killing a child with Down Syndrome or, let’s say, Spina Bifida?

I was born disabled, and half of my life, since my childhood, I believed that I was a mistake. Because everyone echoed this to me - starting from medical staff.

My favorite argument is «but they will be bullied!», LMAO, great logic! So is this THEIR fault that they are getting bullied, or the ones who bully the child? In order to prevent this, parents need to have a serious convo with their children to not bully another. How the fuck will we help disabled kids to not be bullied if we gonna get rid of them straight from the mothers womb?

It all comes down to whether the preborn are people with potential disabilities, or if they are potential people with disabilities. It's not that crazy to think it's merciful to prevent a person who will suffer from coming into existence (although this may also be accomplished through coerced and forced sterilization and other eugenic measures, so it can be problematic.)

Personally, I've wrestled with whether it is okay for me to risk passing on my disabilities to kids. A pro-life communist I dated told me this was self-eugenics. After much reflection, I eventually concluded it is neither right nor wrong to conceive children of any capability level; to be is neutral. Your existence doesn't have to be moralized — it's matter of fact, it just is. The world isn't a better or worse place with more people like you in it. Yet, you deserve to be here.

I don't know why I'm sharing this. I guess to document my thoughts somewhere. Maybe it will resonate with someone.

Anyhow, I make a case for why increases in disabled populations increase the visibility of these people, thereby increasing access to and availability of accommodations in society, in this essay. It goes along with your argument that we can't and won't stop bullying by getting rid of the victims, just as we can't and won't cure diseases in pregnancy by preventing pregnancy. We're dodging the problems rather than finding the solutions.

You're right about the hypocrisy too. I had to remind myself this week that many of the most deeply entrenched defenders of "terminations for medical reasons" may know someone who opted to have their disabled child murdered under the illusion that it was merciful. Their resistance isn't rational; it's blind loyalty to the person they love. And that's not necessarily a bad thing. It's just hard to help them overcome; accepting that a murder happened is a hard pill to swallow. Denial is so much safer.

I'm sorry someone made you feel like a mistake. I'm glad you're here now, defending the defenseless. You matter, and your voice matters. Keep speaking truth to power.

[alexanderlightweight]

Thank you so much for all that you do. You have a gift for creating worlds and it makes my day whenever you share them with us. I hope you're not tired of *the most fragile of poisons* yet, because I have a prompt for this week in that 'verse.

Alec taking Magnus back to his personal rooms at the Institute because 'reasons' and Alec has determined that's the only acceptable place for Magnus to rest. Alec getting to lie next to him, wrap him up, and keep him close is just a fringe benefit, really. Anyone who has a problem with the sleeping arrangements can take it up with HOTI Alexander Gideon Lightwood.

i still love it! i just had to be in the mindset to write it ^_^ and i'm glad that it's enjoyed!

thank you! that is super sweet and makes me very glad to hear

i hope you enjoy this

<3 lumine

the most fragile of poisons

-

Magnus looks exhausted.

That’s the only thing that Alec’s equally tired brain can actively process.

Magnus is tired.

And Alec is tired.

Neither of them are at their best and worse, Magnus isn’t aware that there are visiting trainees that Alec hasn’t vetted yet. It’s without a conscious decision that Alec scowls at his second and then tucks Magnus under his wing and ushers him down the hall. Mirai is new but intuitive and the path to Alec’s rooms are clear of any unknowns and any potential threats by the time he leaves the main hallway.

The few hunters that Alec does pass easily make way, averting their eyes as to not pose a challenge.

Alec thinks he hears Magnus chuckle when he stops at his own room and it isn’t until he’s ushered Magnus in and his wings are fluffing out — spreading themselves — so they can tuck softly around Magnus that he processes what he’s done.

Pink tints his cheeks even as he stubbornly continues to check Magnus over.

Alec’s taken a great liberty without even asking Magnus if he wanted to come into Alec’s room, however since Magnus hasn’t protested, Alec isn’t going to bother caring.

“Rough night?” He finally asks, ignoring the way his own voice rasps and the chiding look Magnus sends him.

“Nearly as bad as yours I’d say.” Magnus murmurs and he summons a small cup that Alec takes with a pleased little sigh.

The drink may be steaming hot and smell potently of herbs but Alec isn’t one to look over a gift from Magnus. Especially not one that is given with the clear intent to heal him. It’s a sweet gesture and if Alec didn’t have to finish the drink first, he wouldn’t be able to keep his wings from pulling Magnus flush against himself.

“It’s good.” He offers tiredly and then he nods to his bed, “lay down? I’ll be just a minute.”

—

Whatever Magnus thought would happen when he arrived, it wasn’t this.

True, he’d let himself look a bit more worn down than he normally allows other to see him, and it had worked perfectly.

He just wasn’t expecting it to work as well as it did.

Alexander fretted over him immediately, as if some switch had been automatically flipped and his wings had openly proclaimed his concern and care.

It’s a beautiful victory and now Magnus gets to be surprised in turn.

He doesn’t ask if Alec’s certain — it would be rude to second-guess him in his own territory — and he snaps away his shoes and clothing until he’s in nothing at all and laid out across Alexander’s rumpled but clean sheets.

There’s an urgency as Alexander finishes the healing tea and potion for his throat and he crosses to strip equally bare and crawl into the bed. His hands shake and keep from truly touching Magnus but his wings are everywhere.

Feathers caress every strip of skin that can flutter against and Magnus is treated to be undulated with warm, soft affection that causes Alec to blush when it’s clear he can’t help it.

Fingertips kiss the muscles of Magnus’ biceps as Alexander finally lets himself touch with more than his wings and Magnus can feel Alexander’s breathy sigh of delight as his fingers follow the firm curve.

[borisbubbles]

Eurovision 2024: #27

27. FRANCE Slimane - "Mon amour" 4th place

Decade ranking: 103/153 [Above The Black Mamba, below Marco Mengoni]

Slimane has a very powerrful voice. 🙂

THE RANKING

Okay, FINE. I suppose I can't leave it like that. 🙄 Although I'd much rather would.

So *SLIME*-MANE. There's a lot to unpack and a lot I know most people will disagree with my takes, but oh well. I've ranked Joost low, and Mustii low, so it's only fair the Slimane fans get some scalding hot truth tea splashed in the face from this deluded overthinker. Disliking men is a much more productive way to run away from my problems than simpling them is.

So remember how I spoke about songs designed to Make People Cry? You know I hold emotional extortion in contempt. "Pity" is just a slightly more charitable way of looking down at others, and shouldn't be strived for. These anthems are inherently designed to manipulate the undiscerning into uglycrying while offering very little sustainance. Yep, we're here yet again. Another song that doesn't pass even a tiny bit of scrutiny, except in a language most viewers do not speak.

In fact, I'm pretty sure that "Mon Amour"'s francophoneness is what made many people sleep on the fact that it's not exactly narratively sound. Most people that I've spoken about ESC to that understand French haven't responded well to "Mon Amour" (lol one of my French friends bursting into chat all "SLIMANE REPS US? EW. HIS MUSIC IS SO BORING AND CORNY 😣" hours after Mon Amour's release passed without comment from any of us ♥).

The indifference makes sense when you read the lyrics. It's filled with cliche's that scream "I YEM ZE FR0NCH~", a little bit too much on the nose. If I thought "Évidemment" was bad, this is worse. Lines such as "reviens à Paris" and ''Es-ce-que tu-m'aimes où pas?" are such clichés they feel thoughtless and expected, like someone writing out the monologue on autopilot.

But what sets me off is the overal narrative. Slimane and France have attempted to retcon "Mon amour" as "the story of an artist reaching out to his fans, seeking validation" but that is not what the lyrics read out. Instead, speak of the aftermath of a broken romance, where SHE has had her heart shattered to a degree that she LEFT THE PROTAGONIST'S HOMETOWN FOR AN UNKNOWN DESTINATION AND BROKE OFF ALL CONTACT. Instead of giving her, you know, personal space or time to reflect, or even lick his wounds, he keeps desperately asking her whether she still loves him or not. Dude, I don't know her, and I know the answer is "no". Give it a rest, and move on. Sadly, Slimane didn't move on and spends a full three minutes wailing on about it. "I want her, I need her only her, why doesn't she love me". We know where this ends - with a restraining order and either her or him dead and dismembered inside a dumpster six months later. (Australia's jury of snarky yet emotionally intelligent gays picking up on this and ranking him dead last ♥ bless them ♥)

As you can perhaps tell, the above realizations completely KILL the romantic aspect of the song for me. I cannot, and WILL NOT get into its grief and sadness. All the parties involved should be GLAD it's over.

Instrumentally, the song's just... generic piano ballad, nothing new or innovative here. Dime a dozen, we've heard it before, bla bla bla. "Mon amour" is a nothingburger, an empty vessel for Slimane's vocal chops.

Which brings me to another problem I have with it - I personally don't really care much about technical skill? Eurovision is an audio-visual SONG contest, not a SINGING contest. It is cool that you can nail those masturbatory vocal projections. You're a singer who can sing. "Loud" however is a pitch, not an emotion. It would have been more impressive if you've also discovered the cure of cancer alongside it. (Curing tumors with vocal vibrations. Medical students reading this, get on it so I can be impressed by Slimane.)

Focusing exclusively on that though, is annoying to me. Good Eurovision entrants start with a SONG. "Mon amour" barely classifies as one. End off.

That isn't to say I cannot respect Slimane's vocal for what it was. I mean THIS:

is a feat only a few vocalists can successfully pull off. It is MORE impressive the first time you witness it before the laws of Diminishing Returns kicks in. But it was immensely clever to trial it at Dora and then include it into the song itself - it gives the performance stakes and gravitas, so why not?

However that brought the song's weakness even more to the forefront to me. My logic is the following: if you can pull off such a stunt, then why aren't you the immediate fave to win? Eurovision 2024 was the most open year perhaps of all times, and I'm supposed to believe a voice THIS strong cannot win it by itself? There are enough examples of strong vocals POWERING through merely decent songs (Céline and Corinne Hermès for instance) into a first place. If you can pull that off and still lose doesn't that prove your song is fucking shite?

Going into the contest I was HOPING to get something out of the live besides Big Vocals and also that France wouldn't morph into a direct contender to win (You would HOPE that 2024's varied and exciting line-up was competitive enough as to not crown a vocal projection exercise as its winner), and ultimately, I got both of my wishes because Eurovision 2024 was BORISVISION. I was the meta this year, bitches, and I think fourth place is a perfectly reasonable result for a vocal that strong on a song that nonexistent.

But more importantly, Slimane managed to inject his performance with EMOTIONS and good god I really needed that.

It took a LOT of effort from Slimane for me to recognize that yes, this man is cooking with gas, and his expertise elevates the whole package. "Seductive" is the incorrect emotion for the subject matter but whatever. Ignoring the subject matter is the only way you can enjoy the song, so if that's what one must to do end the night on a high note, so be it. I let it pass, with few regrets.

Like Nutsa, he served enough for me to respect him ~as a performer~ who deserved the result he got. Like "Firefighter", I still have some contempt for the song itself, and there's a strict limit for how Im i'm willing to place it.

Turns out that boundary lies at Marco Mengoni. "Mon amour" always felt like a lazy, soulless answer to "Due vite" for me, and I'm not willing put it ahead, nor to re-examine my stance on DV so quickly after my 2023 ranking. "Due vite" was a song that ultimately wasn't my cup of tea, but it was the superior composition, and deserves a higher mark.

So ultimately, I end with Slimane a bittersweet note. A man with the capability to win the Eurovision Song Contest, yes and who manifested his impending loss with below average penmanship. If the French are looking for someone to blame for not winning once since 1977, they can start with their failure to recognize their 2024 song needed a revamp.

THE RANKING (again)

[sob-dylan]

I’m the passenger ending anon and I was more curious abt the last 3 minutes or so that’s all in a rosy “things are fine :)” kind of glow, it just seemed so disconnected from the rest of the movie. I LOVED bensons end scene I was eating it up Then hard cut to Things Are Ok :) Idk ! that’s why I asked bc ur no 1 passenger scholar on my dash

lol my bad, i probably should have realized that by "the ending" you meant the part that comes at the end 😅

i'll give a middling answer: it's alright. i mean, let's be honest, the passenger's strength isn't it's screenplay. there's a lot of good story in what mr. jack stanley wrote, but some of the pacing's a little bit awkward and a few things here and there don't make a ton of sense. that all kinda comes to a head in the last scene. but i don't want to throw too many stones, because i'm definitely no great writer, and i've alway found endings especially difficult. and ultimately, i do think the ending works.

even though it's a rough transition from the penultimate scene to the final scene, i appreciate that they took some time to show the positive aftereffects of randy's no good very bad day. there's a definitely a lot of information packed into that very short scene, and some of it feels cool, some of it feels weird. i'm glad that randy's standing up to his mom and going to hang out with friends. but who are these friends? did he have friends before that he just didn't mention? or did he make new ones between his kidnapping and now? his arm's still in a sling, so it feels like not that much time has passed . . . i like that he's kept in touch with ms. beard, but i hope he's doing a little more job-wise than just babysitting for her. his scene with hardy in the beginning showed us that he's in dire need of imagining a substantial future for himself. maybe he could teach! or become a librarian! i do like that they brought in ms. beard's daughter tessa, because for me the movie is all about children. it's about hurt children! and it's about how we need to do a better job of loving and helping and protecting our children! i know some people think it's pretty morbid and fucked up that randy teaches tessa the game that took her mom's eye out, but i actually think it's great that randy can accept that, yeah, it was just an accident, and he can trust himself to play this game for children without history repeating itself. and if it does, if tessa takes his eye out, then he can help her be strong and forgiving of herself like he's learned to be.

i'll admit that's it's all a little bit too tidy and saccharine. so i'm grateful that there are hints that randy's isn't totally fixed. if anything, he's got new, sexier, and possibly even worse problems. this is evidenced in three ways: he's got benson's jacket, someone was doodling a picture of two guys in a car (i've seen some people posit that randy drew the picture, but i hear that and think *jenna maroney voice* "did you draw that, randy? you might need help, because that is awful for an adult." i also think it's hilarious and sad and wonderful if randy found a way to tell tessa about him and benson and she illustrated it), and then finally we get the last shot as icing on the "oh boy this guy's gonna be fucked up forever" cake.

yes the ending is a bit clunky and perhaps even tonally out of step, but the last shot kinda made the whole movie for me. when i first saw the camera pan over to the stuffed animals and "supersoaker md50" kicked in, i SCREAMED! that was so killer! it was heart-wrenching! it was funny! and it was a good time! just like the whole movie! so yeah, the entire end scene maybe isn't all that great, but that last shot was. idk how i would have made the ending any better, so one great final shot is good enough for me.

[seismic-lawns]

Gladiator Big Talk: Foundations, Blue

So on the gladiator discord, (Gladiator is a competitive singleton format using the Timeless card pool on arena and you should check us out, it's great) I do a series of long, hastily written thoughts on every single new-to-arena card and call them Big Talks. Foundations is a very big set, so I've decided to move them over here! Some notes:

This is comprehensively talking about every single new-to-arena card in the main set of Foundations. If I don't bring up a card, it's probably because it's already in the format or in Jumpstart Foundations, which I'll cover later.

I'm sorting this by collector number, which, for this set is somewhat baffling, so Ctrl+F is your friend if you want to find a specific thought.

Each card is also a link to it on scryfall, so you can follow along without having the full set open.

Without further ado, let's start off with Arcane Epiphany:

Arcane Epiphany: I think we have much better options, and I'd be surpised if you would be going for this option specifically, but I'd be glad to be proven wrong 

Archmage of Runes: 5 mana is just a metric ton for a guy that's not idiotic, protected, or having an immediate impact on the game 

Bigfin Bouncer: Vibes Report: D-, come see me after class, these vibes are rancid, dude looks like he would shove me into a locker in 6th grade and also jesus that nose(?)

Cephalid Inkmage: This creature is super interesting, but ultimately it does a couple different things that are just done so much better by others that it’s not really worth trying a super inefficient creature for it.

Clinquant Skymage: Today I learned what “Clinquant” means - It does not mean “a flying creature that is playable in gladiator” for what it’s worth, but rather glittering and/or tinseled. Neat!

Curator of Destinies: If I had a nickel for every creature that FoF’d or Steam Augury’d, I’d have a decent number of nickels. If I had a nickel for each one that’s good today, I don’t think I’d have any, including this one unfortunately. 6 mana is just a ton when 1 mana more gets you things like Atraxa, and you already have options like Dream Trawler if you do want to hard cast a 6 drop.

Drake Hatcher: 2 drops with vigilance and prowess are legitimately hard to be so bad they can’t find a home, and this one has a pretty good effect too so I think it’s a shoe in for u based blitz and tempo decks. 3 toughness with prowess is also a very exciting statline, as it means someone will dodge bolt by casting any noncreature spell.

Elementalist Adept: I don’t think this is anything, but flash and prowess really pique my interest and make me want to think about playing blitz and flash decks more. Vibes report: C, dude’s outfit is too monochrome to be fun at parties imo

Erudite Wizard: The problem with the “Draw two” archetype is that the bar for how good your payoffs need to be to be gladiator/constructed playable means they essentially will never go at common or uncommon and be playable in gladiator. If it’s any consolation, this one looks like it’ll be bad in limited as well.

Faebloom Trick: I think this card is surprisingly good especially for being an instant, but I don’t think there’s sincerely a home for this in Gladiator. It’s a very good limited uncommon, but it is still mostly just that.

Grappling Kraken: I really love this effect, but I’m allergic to this effect at 6 mana, so I think I’ll pass. If this effect ever comes around at 4 mana I will be very tempted though.

High Fae Trickster: I am a huge fan of cards like Tidal Barracuda and Yeva, that give you flash on things and still contribute to the board, and this does it the best by a good margin. If you’re not concerned about countermagic but you are concerned about interaction otherwise, this is an absolute slam dunk. That said, the fact that it’s a lot worse into countermagic might make it really only worthwhile in a post-Mana Drain world.

Homunculus Horde: This isn’t even good in Ux Draw-twos, mainly because it just always folds to even the thought of a wrath and doesn’t contribute to the board in a way that actually appeals to winning games. It also often takes a turn to get going at least and that’s a tough sell on a 2/2 with no protection or other text.

Icewind Elemental: Vibes report: C+, this could be much higher but I really wish it had another type to show how goofy it is, like Elk.

Inspiration from Beyond: Any more ways to put Time Warp into my hand is going to catch my eye, and one that can do it twice is extra spicy. The 7 mana flashback is a ton, however, even if it is gravy on an already helpful plate.

Kaito, Cunning Infiltrator: This card's kinda not ok when you're even remotely ahead, and when you're close to parity it does a lot of work. Making 2/1s as a pretty cheap - ability and the fact that a couple fliers getting in refunds that loyalty really boosts my standing on the card. This might make me try doing WU skies again

Kiora, the Rising Tide: The good news is that this is flooting on a 3 cost body, so it can be reanimated quite easily and fills up the graveyard well, and that’s the big appeal I see. That said, it also is there so it can make an 8/8 and it’s quite vulnerable if your goal is to use it for that purpose. All this is to say that you shouldn’t be counting on the 8/8 even if threshold is trivial, but the card can be good without the attack trigger if you’re set up for it.

Lunar Insight: I’m a little cynical of this card, but I think there’s a home for this if you can consistently draw 3+ cards with it. If paradox ever becomes a more played deck, then this will be a choice quantity based draw spell.

Mischievous Mystic: I am very glad for this card to simply be the best version of the “draw two, make a dude” cards, and it plays very well as a piker flier and as a token producer. Emrakul’s Messanger was a little nice, but having the resultant bodies actually be able to kill the opponent puts it a step above, truly.

Refute: Jeez, billy, why'd your mom let you have two futes? This card seems aight, this ain't like saruman's trickery but it is a cancel with significant upside

Rune-Sealed Wall: Double the scryfish, 1.5x the cost! That said, scryfish have never been all that, and it continues here. Vibes report: C+, not doing anything special, but quite cool.

Skyship Buccaneer: Very limited-coded. We have 5/5 fliers for 5 these days, y’know?

Sphinx of Forgotten Lore: Tired: This needs to ambush something to be good, and it’s so hard to do that with 3 toughness. Wired: This evasive 3/3 that snapcasters on attack also gets to come in after my opponent commits to a wrath!

Strix Lookout: Better storm crow is still very bad, so Vibes Report: A, the dude’s got lil goggles! omg look at him all cute n happy :3 :V

Uncharted Voyage: Strictly worse than another unplayable limited common, so welcome back to Vibes Report: B-, it’s very cool to have a removal spell that’s not so negatively poised, and instead is still depicting a progression, just, somewhere new. I think that’s neat.

Aetherize: It’s exciting to see this card land here for the first time, but it’s always a bit awkward to actually use. It is useful as a replacement for settle in non-white control decks to still act as a blowout when you can’t have the more well-known option.

Extravagant Replication: It’s cool to see cards like these make their way onto arena and into standard, but it is very bad and you should not play it.

Fleeting Distraction: Cantrips can only get so bad, and while this one does require a target, it also has the benefit of being active on the board while also being a cantrip. I don’t think this beats out the big 2 of Opt and consider, but it’s still quite good if you’re going deep on the slot.

Time Stop: I haven’t seen much of Discontinuity lately, but Time Stop is an incredibly fun card and everyone should play it at least once in their life. Is it good? Probably not, all things considered, but god is it fun.

Starlight Snare: I’m gonna be real: seeing “When this Aura enters,” as a complete phrase on a Magic card makes my eyes hurt for a second right now, but I’m sure I’ll get used to it. Bad Vibes Report: D for it though.

Arcanis, the Omnipotent: I don’t think we’re gonna see a great resurgence of Paradorks anytime soon, but this is the kind of card that pushes the deck one step further to really shine as a density based combo deck. That said, it hasn’t aged particularly well in the last 2 decades.

Dictate of Kruphix: I really don’t think we need or want to go deep on Howling Mine effects, but this does keep us moving in that direction. I think it’s almost defensible in a flash deck, but until Mana Drain/Dig Through Time are not major players in the meta, more ways to give your opponents cards and by extension flexible options is more bad than usual.

Flashfreeze: There are cards that fall into the camp of “ok if you know exactly what your opponent’s on in the finals of the season,” and then there’s cards like flashfreeze, which are bad even if they’re going into their preferred matchup.

Fog Bank: This falls into a subset of cards that don’t do anything but buy you a bit of time each turn, and while that can add up, you buy the same time better with just a counterspell or removal spell.

Harbinger of the Tides: This card is a classic, and I really love the mechanic of “pay 2 more for flash”. While I don’t think the merfolk typal deck is at its peak, this is a good thing that the mana for casting it represents a lot of things, like a mana drain, aetherize, subtlety, etc.

Mystical Teachings: I like this card’s vibes quite a lot, but it does suffer from costing roughly a million mana in this format. This format is just too fast for this card’s ideal play, where you get a legal target for it, then immediately cast that legal target, but the options of Mana Drain and Tainted Pact cost a ton of mana to get that going for. The card’s still playable, but the game has gotten much faster since it last was in a new constructed format.

Sphinx of the Final Word: I remember when this card was first printed and there was a lot of hope for it, but it just fell flat because it was 7 mana in a format where getting to 7 also meant being able to cast good eldrazi. Here, it’s even worse, where you just have to contend with things like Dream Trawler and give me a reason to play a 7 mana dolt instead of a 6 mana cooler one.

Confiscate: There’s an unfortunate truth that this kind of effect sucks to play below 6 mana without some restriction, but also is just not good enough for a constructed format below 6 mana, and that means cards like Confiscate just ain’t it unless they’re a classic Mind Control, which is to say at 4 mana.

Rite of Replication: I actually like this card a little bit more than I should, but it’s partially because I like cards like Doppelgang so seeing another version of the effect does make me raise an eyebrow for GUx ramp decks.

[bwobgames]

Previous First

"Coffee, finally"

"Man, I can't believe it's over"

"That's understandable, we basically spent the whole night on panic mode"

"I know! And now we are supposed to go back and worry about normal stuff?

This is like when I was a kid and thought quicksand would be a big problem in my day to day life

What do you mean I don't have to think about time resetting maniacs anymore??"

"I mean, who would believe it?"

"That's true.

All of us are going to trauma bond so much"

"I can see that.

I'm glad we got friends out of it, at least.

That's how difficult it is to make friends as an adult, you need at least one stabbing for a dnd group"

"Been there, been there"

The house explodes again, the bomb squad is waiting on firefighters and the police.

The body was found and covered

They all agreed it was an attempted mass murder gone wrong

"... So, how do you feel?"

"Like a very used rope that will snap at the lightest weight"

"I feel like my skin is not as resistant as it used to be, like whatever happened took parts of me that I'll never get back"

"...Yeah, I understand"

"Not to be pessimistic, but part of me feels like I will never leave this place

Even though it's destroyed, even if they tear it down and build a starbucks on top

I think I'll still be here

A ghost of me"

Oliver Beebo recently started believing in ghosts

The supernatural and psychological type

"My dreams are going to get so weird now"

"Hey, I told you, didn't I? I have great contacts in the mental health department"

"Is that why you're so put together still?"

"I am nowhere near put together, I'm just great at acting like I do"

"I think someone called it masking?"

"Comes with the job"

"I'm sure"

Marigold approaches

"Hello! I wanted you two to know that we will take care of everything legal, but we do need you to testify, so if I could have your numbers for further contact?"

"Oh, of course"

"Also, the now renamed family Iraola cordially invites you to any and all holidays and game nights"

"Oh, nice! Does this involve card games?"

"If you ask Owen, he will immediately challenge you to some kind of battle on his multiple card game sets"

"I will bring only my best for such opponent"

"Uh, miss Marigold Iraola?"

"Yes?"

"When should we concrete the legal agreement to pass you the company?"

".... What?"

"You are the one who should have it. It's only fair"

He gives Oliver a look

"... really? But you used so much money!"

"Well, I wouldn't mind a, let's say, monetary compensation for my efforts both here and there"

"I don't think 'efforts' is the right word for your work at the company, Nadia would throttle you for saying that"

"Did it go broke."

"Uh. I don't know"

"...Alright, that's fine. I'll fix it and get you two with psychological compensation, medical compensation, and, well, compensation for the detective work"

"I have been in worse situations and been paid 20 dollars. This is the best thing that could happen to my wallet"

They interchange phone numbers and are put on the "Clock haters" groupchat

Vivi immediately floods his phone with cat memes

He answers with a thumbs up emoji

"... I feel like I should do something"

"It better not be stand up. Your ankle is lumpy and weird"

"No, no. I mean...

When I was at the other house, I promised to let a bit of beard grow, to, yknow, commemorate my survival, I guess.

Maybe I should let my hair grow? Would it look to unkept?"

"If you let someone else cut it, then you could look fine"

"But my money"

"I'll get it for you, im curious too.

Although, now we have these huge gashes on our faces, doesn't that count?"

"No, They weren't made intentionally.

...Maybe a tattoo?"

"Oh yeah! That's a good idea! I'll take you to my usual parlor"

"You have tattoos?"

"Yeah, but it's too cold to show you right now"

"Where will you go after this, by the way. Back to the capital?"

"No, I'm going to be too tired in the way there, I'll just stay the night at my hotel"

"Oh... well... y'know..."

"I don't live that far, well, I live in the region center, but that's way closer to here than the capital so, uh..."

"You could, you know, stay over if you want"

"... And do what?"

"Uh, do you like boardgames?"

"I supposed so"

"I really doubt we would have the energy to do anything else more, um, physically taxing"

"That's fair. I'll crash at your place then.

We could go sightseeing after, or just play video games inside"

"Yeah, and cook a nice breakfast, get some groceries maybe"

"Go to a park, get ice cream, play with your cat...

It would be nice, I'd like that.

A life like that"

"Ah, but I'm taking you to my apartment as well. You will meet the real city life, Coast Boy. "

"Oh, you city people with your underground trains and expensive international snacks"

"Haha, just the best for the capital!"

Silence hangs over them

"... I'm still scared"

"Of the future?"

"Yeah.

Will it ever go away?"

"... I don't know, I'll help you though.

I'll get you a planner. You can be like those instagram girls with a very strict planner"

"... Yeah, I guess.

Sorry, my mood is all over the place"

"I don't blame you"

"I mean, I don't even know what am I going to do after this. I'm basically out of a job"

"Well, what are your options?"

"I could go back to crime. Maybe hacking or something with medicaments, that could be fun."

"No, I'll get you"

"I know, but you'll do it lovingly"

"I guess I could go back to do something security related. It's boring, though."

"I heard my local chuck e cheese is hiring security guards"

"I am not applying as a night security guard in a building with animatronics."

"That's oddly specific"

"I still could be your detective assistant, I can use Excel, you know"

"You overestimate how much I'm paid"

"Or I could be literally anything else, but for now, I'll be on vacation"

"Yeah, me too"

"I'm thinking of taking cases of more haunted houses"

"... Are you out of your mind"

"I know how to stop them, and I wouldn't be going blind like these last two. I could even find a way to do it without entering them"

"Please stop risking your life. The detective life is already dangerous enough"

"I'm the house killer, the home terror"

"Sure, sure

Maybe I should be your bodyguard"

"Again, you overestimate how much I can afford"

They drink their drinks in silence

They can't help but feel slight sadness at it all

But time doesn't stop

"Ángel! Ángel look!"

"Huh?"

"The light, the sunrise is starting!"

It is 8:00 am

The sun is coming out

A cold breeze passes through them

The chatter of everyone quiets down

The sun is back

A new day has started

It always will

A collective melancholy passes through all of them

The eternal night is over

What now?

The future is waiting

They are alive

They will live another day

As many as they can

"We'll be alright

Not all of the time, but we will.

I'm going back home, finally

I've lost so much

And gained as well

I'm full of conflicting feelings that my subconscious will have a blast using

I'm scared too

But I'll be brave

Just to see another sunrise like this

With people that I love

We'll be alright

The future is full of chances"

A new day is born

And they watch it together

Hand in hand.

Thanks for playing

[yallemagne]

Seeing the Dorian Gray Weekly email this morning I was immediately in dread.

And then Basil was there :D.

And then they were speaking of marriage.

“I never approve, or disapprove, of anything now.”

HARRY I WANT TO PUNCH YOU IN THE DICK BUT I AM AFRAID YOU WOULD ENJOY IT. I cannot risk the possibility that you would, so I shall abstain.

“I hope that Dorian Gray will make this girl his wife, passionately adore her for six months, and then suddenly become fascinated by some one else. He would be a wonderful study.”

Henry, I hope you trip and fall into the tracks of an oncoming train. Basil is far better at coping with this nonsense than me, but for god's sake Basil, I don't think his dick is worth it. I think maybe at some point you need to face facts and admit that Henry is a fucking bore. So determined always to play devil's advocate that I don't believe he knows what he actually feels anymore.

Of course, our engagement is a dead secret. She has not even told her own mother.

Are you sure about that. Also, the FACT that Dorian only stopped pussyfooting around talking to Sibyl because he saw her crossdressing. You have to be kidding me, Dorian.

Hallward laid his hand upon his arm. “Don’t, Harry. You have annoyed Dorian. He is not like other men. He would never bring misery upon any one. His nature is too fine for that.”

Basil, every moment of this book I am less inclined to believe you. I don't know if this young man ever had that inherent goodness in him, I think he just had blond hair and you got lost in his eyes. Henry says nothing. He uses one hundred words or more each time he opens his mouth to say absolutely nothing.

“That is certainly better than being adored,” he answered, toying with some fruits. “Being adored is a nuisance. Women treat us just as humanity treats its gods. They worship us, and are always bothering us to do something for them.”

Hen, if your problem with women is that they love you, good news, you don't have a problem.

“Dorian, you will come with me. I am so sorry, Basil, but there is only room for two in the brougham. You must follow us in a hansom.”

They got up and put on their coats, sipping their coffee standing. The painter was silent and preoccupied. There was a gloom over him. He could not bear this marriage, and yet it seemed to him to be better than many other things that might have happened. After a few minutes, they all passed downstairs. He drove off by himself, as had been arranged, and watched the flashing lights of the little brougham in front of him. A strange sense of loss came over him. He felt that Dorian Gray would never again be to him all that he had been in the past. Life had come between them.... His eyes darkened, and the crowded flaring streets became blurred to his eyes. When the cab drew up at the theatre, it seemed to him that he had grown years older.

Ouch. Harry, what the fuck. Poor Basil. You are indeed right, things are about to get much much worse. Not in the way you're thinking, though, it's gonna be worse than that. I'm so glad this chapter ended before they could get to the place. Poor poor Sibyl.