#though i will admit. lots of those traps are definitely interesting

[ceaselesswatchersspecialboy]

Okay here we go

Does Stanfraud's eye still bleeds, like when Bill was possessing Ford or doesn't because of his bigger connection to Ford's body?

Is Stanfraud an uncle/big brother figure to Soos, like Stanley is his dad figure? Does Bill even care about him even a little😢

I know that the main focus of this au is on Bill, but since Stanley didn't try to pretend to be Ford, how did Stanley's and Filbrick's first meeting went after the whole "getting kicked out" thing"? Especially since both Stan and Ford were definitely broke at the time

You mentioned that Bill still has access to a little portion of his powers, what are they exactly?

Anyway your au is genuinely awesome and seeing it on my dash is always a huge treat 💛💛💛

Okay the first question I really want to answer because I’ve been thinking about this:

— His eye definitely bleeds on occasion. Even though he is far more connected to Ford’s body here, he’s still a demon possessing a host. He shouldn’t be there. There’s some outer force keeping him trapped. So I have thought about the fact there would probably be some lasting impacts on the body due to possession exposure for so long, such as the eye bleeding becoming a regular problem and gradual loss of vision in that eye. There may also be other physical impacts, but I’ll work on those when I manage to get down an official design for him.

— Great News! He is like Soos’ weird uncle! That may be where he learned to be somewhat decent around kids, honestly. He absolutely tried to mess with him at first, make jabs, tell him the date of his death, attempt to drive him to madness just a little (this is why Stan had to get rid of the last handyman), but Soos proved to be incorruptible and took all of Stanfraud’s weirdness in stride. Bill does end up caring about him. He goes as far as to liking their conversations. Soos keeps up with his chaos! Even Bill isn’t sure what’s going on in that head of his (when he gets his own body back he’s going to find out).

— Though Bill is the main focus of the plot-change, the other aspects are equally as important and so I’m glad they also have people’s interest! Their first meeting is… tense, to say the least. If Filbrick has any regrets, which I think I’ll leave up to interpretation, he’s far too stubborn a man to show them, and would rather dig himself further into a hole than admit he made a mistake. Stan desperately just wants to ignore all the scathing comments and get this little reunion over with, until Filbrick makes a comment about Ford, then Stan snaps. You can insult him, he probably deserves it, but not his brother. Sure, they may not be his brother right now, but the intent is there, and that’s what counts.

It cuts everything short, with Stan grabbing Fraud and telling him they’re leaving (He doesn’t complain).

With Filbrick, I do kind of want to explore their dynamic over the years while he’s still alive, especially with Stan, but also with how he’d treat ‘Ford’ and his odder behaviour. I don’t want to just make Filbrick a one-dimensional character though, as I think there’s a lot to be said about the cycle of abuse and parental projection so. While the AU may be based around the question ‘what if Bill got stuck possessing Ford?’ The answers it has lead me down a lot of different paths to explore — such as this!

— The powers he has access too lessen over time, but currently he is somewhat capable of seeing potential future outcomes (ciphervoyance), pyrokinesis, telekinesis, faster healing factor and teleportation. Note that all of these are in a much weaker state and drain Ford’s body and by extension Bill heavily — especially teleportation. Doing that once can cause him to pass out, so it’s more of an emergency thing, most his abilities are honestly. Too much focus is required.

And I’m so happy to be a little treat on your dash!! I hope you enjoy all this just as much!

[gladiatorcunt]

Modern coryo whos trying to sorta maybe manipulate his gf by being obsessed and then not reading her texts for 3 days but the gf is literally the same so it’ll be like

r: “heyyy” and then a day later he replies “heyaaa” and then it goes on like that for a week until he cracks and sends her 15 messages in the span of 4 minutes

cw: feminization/fem label “gf” but the reader is still only intended to be afab, the ask has she/her pronouns but i don’t use them in the writing, manipulation and toxic behavior, typical coryo/modern!coryo warnings, love bombing, not canon to the main au, black cat reader ish, reader has a shower in their dorm bc i say so 🤫, male masturbation

Now Coryo wouldn’t do this during your relationship, despite his best attempts to play it cool, you make him panic and he’s immediately resorting to rich boy love bombing (trips, those ridiculously expensive boxed roses, 999999999 rounds of oral on his yacht, a summer house, etc.) followed by baby trapping. He’s not stupid enough to try something like that deeper into your relationship, for him it’s about making sure the foundation is as solid as possible and not shaking it up.

This would really only happen before you even start dating, after he’s bumped into you in the dorms enough times to wear you down into giving him your number. He’s still in his “i have to the most mysterious person alive” mindset and he hasn’t quite shed the fuckboy persona yet. He doesn’t seek anybody out or anything, it was love at first sight with you unfortunately, he’ll just imply that that you’re another contact in a long list. (You’re the only one in his favorites 💀)

You’re smart enough to be wary, too involved in academics and proving yourself to go sniffing around Coriolanus Snow. You don’t really talk to a lot of people, and you’re not interested in a swarm of meaningless interactions. You’re just grateful that he stopped calling you so much, learning that you very much prefer texting. He’s the king of the “hey u up?” text, and you have the flattest look on your face as you reply “Yes.” and turn your phone face down. Exchanges like happen over and over.

Does your heart flutter when he insists on walking you to class and pecking your cheek at the door? Yes but you’ll roll your eyes and make a big deal out of wiping it off. Are you intrigued by how much he hauls ass to get you your coffee order whenever he senses that you need it (because he can, he’s like spiderman but lame)? Well, yes, but he must be playing some kind of game with you. Has a cliche bet with his fraternity brothers over your assumed virginity maybe. The more you’re determined to not fall for it, the more you find yourself slipping as the days go by.

Just when you turn your head when he pecks your cheek outside the lecture hall, expecting the gesture more than dreading it, he gives you a blank stare and turns on his heel. You take a second to blink and then shrug, it’s no skin off you back if Coriolanus decides to be normal for once. You definitely do not have a bit of a scowl throughout the entire session. (he nearly lost it when you didn’t react at the lack of a kiss, he kicked the wall and almost broke his foot)

He’s back to the “heyy” texts at random hours, responding to your “Hey.” that came a day later two days after that. He’s screaming into his pillow and pacing his grandma’am’s gardens, glaring at the staff pruning the shrubs. Coryo would rather die than admit defeat though, so he hardens his resolve. You’ll break eventually. You on the other hand are living normally, slurping ramen and working on essays. You’ve learned not get your hopes up over a pipe dream, the idea that someone like him would genuinely care about you being so laughable that you get over it rather quickly. You may be from different economic classes, but a man’s attention is never a necessity. That an he’s far from the only trust fund kid in the world.

A week later, your phone goes off in the middle of the night. You step out of the shower and dry yourself off, walking over to your bed and picking it up. To your surprise, the notification from Coriolanus isn’t another dry message, it’s several videos. They all look dark and fuzzy, ranging from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. In some of the thumbnails you can see flashes of bare skin. You click on the first one and are immediately faces with Coriolanus Snow’s sweaty abs.

You’re frozen as he eventually splatters jizz all over them, the camera work is shaky and the flash exposes too much for your liking. You can see his abdominal muscles twitch in the aftermath of his orgasm. He drags his fingers through his own cum and smears it over the camera, giving you a pov of what it’d be like to have your face covered in it.

Your phone chimes again.

Stalker: turn the sound on for the rest ;) see u at the car wash next friday, babe ❤️

You block him (after you save the videos and check the charge on your vibrator).

[lostinforestbound]

Headcanons towards animals/pets/insects? Is he a dog or cat person? Would he enjoy having pets? Is he scared/disgusted by bugs?

I assume these are for Rolan as well! What thought provoking questions!! I think I have a few ideas!

Rolan with Animals

I don't think he dislikes animals overall! He's aware that animals can be wonderful companions to have. He definitely prefers some over others though. I see him has a cat person, as most dogs are very messy and he doesn't want them ruining anything in the tower with their slobber. (Slobber grosses him out)

If his partner wanted pets, he wouldn't be against it, but if the animals tend to be messy he gets irritated. He likes having things neat, tidy, and in it's place. I think he can handle a cat or two, but nothing more than that.

It would be different if his partner had a familiar, he could never ask them not to summon them. But, respectively, if they're huge like a bear or wolf, please keep them away from certain areas of the tower. They could set off traps.

I know I said he was a cat person, but I can also see him liking bunnies! He won't admit it, but he thinks they're cute. Especially their angry thumping. He would totally argue back like how he would talk back to a meowing cat.

"You dare thump/yell at me? You're in my space and I am working! This will not be tolerated in my presence. I give you food, water, a comfortable bed, and this is how I'm repaid?"

If the animal enjoys it, he would playfully chase them if they had a close bond. It gets his mind off of his work for once and it's a rare instance of him having genuine fun. He'll feel like a child again in the best way. (He will never admit that)

He hates bugs. Mosquitos, flies, ants, cockroaches, pretty much all the pesky ones. He's disgusted by them would incinerate them on the spot if he had a choice, but he doesn't want to ruin the tower floors. He'll use Gust to push them out the door though. Gods he hated when bugs came into his tent while they were traveling on the road.

But I think some bugs would interest him! Like colorful beetles and dragonflies with their luminescent wings! He likes to appreciate them from afar when he's out in Bloombridge Park. (Hells forbid if they fly at him though)

Honestly, I've been thinking a lot about if he would like spiders or not, and for now I'll have to say no. Tiny spiders are pests at most and he wouldn't be too bothered, but if he finds one nearing the size of his palm? NO.

Thankfully, before he can think of killing them, Lia usually takes those spider outside herself. She would chastise him for nearly killing it as the spiders are part of a balanced ecosystem. Anytime there's a spider that size, just tell her and she'll take the damn thing.

He's not stupid, of course he knows how essential spiders are for the ecosystem, he just doesn't want any of them near his person. Those beady eyes they have are praying for his downfall.

Usually his main rule is no animals on the bed with him, but it's not like the animal will listen to him. It won't be uncommon to see him sleeping soundly, snuggled with the cat/dog/bunny that decided he needed company for the night.

[kitausuret]

Alright, I have to admit I have not kept up at all with the Carnage/Flash side of Venom comic verse these past few years, so - who is Aria? The few issues I've read centered on Flash during these wacky symbiote times did not contain her, and the Marvel comics wiki gives me nothing. But you have me curious.

Hey there, friend! You wanna know who Aria is? Well, that's exactly what I'm here for. You're right, though - I'm not sure she even has a wiki article yet. She doesn't even have a last name! But I'm all for those underappreciated characters, so, let's go.

(All the following panels will be by Gronbekk/Perez from Carnage 2023.)

(Carnage #1)

We first meet Aria as the bartender at the very on-the-nose-named "Pour Decisions" bar. "Wait, isn't Flash an alcoholic?" Well... yeah. But Aria doesn't know that. And As you can see by the narration, it doesn't have the same effect on him that it used to. But, you'll see this is just another demon he has to battle.

Aria is clearly familiar with Flash - he's become a regular by this point. He's also a bit of a loner but he still knows how to put on the charm. But also, Aria understandably shows some concerns about him.

Flash is seeking purpose in his life, but he's not finding it. Aria knows he's well-meaning, but as always, Flash sometimes gets himself into trouble when he tries to help. It's too bad!

Because Flash is the best, he does apologize for his ill-timed heroics, and like, honestly, who can stay mad at him? Not Aria, even with her perfect hair. (I love her hair.)

(Carnage #2)

She also calls him out on looking like a damn mess.

She's SO into him though and it's so cute. I'm gonna cry. She wants to take that boy home and [redacted/saved for fanfic].

Aria unfortunately vanishes for most of the rest of the series, but since we're appreciating women, let's appreciate Liz for a second here too, after she and Flash take down Carnage.

(Carnage #8)

I'm always giggling at this. Flash doesn't get why there are so many damn symbiotes these days, either.

So even though Aria saw Flash initially as a mess (which he was)...

...after nearly dying at Carnage's hand multiple times/almost losing his mom/being trapped in the Darkforce Cube etc etc, he decides he's got to put himself back together. I do like the panel of him fixing one of his prostheses a lot. It's a nice touch we haven't seen the likes of since Space Knight. (Nice job, Gronbekk & Perez!)

I love this scene where she makes him a mocktail. A fruity little drink. And he does love it. Because who wouldn't.

Like, oh my God, even Liz sees it. She's definitely hinting that if Flash doesn't snatch up Aria, she will.

And then my most FAVOURITE Flash/Aria scene... that truly solidifies that maybe possibly there's a chance for them??? MAYBE??

THAT BOY IS GETTING LAAAAAAAAAAAID ahem. Anyways.

I just, I really love this! It's spot-on with the fact that when Flash is really into someone, he's kind of awkward! But he's soooo sincere and Aria is SO into it. He's taking active interest in what she's into! He's pulling himself together! He's living again!

I want Flash/Aria to happen so badly like, you don't even know. I want them to go jogging in crop tops together. I want them watching birds and getting coffee and her giving him That Look fifteen more times. I want him to treat her RIGHT and for this to be his best relationship since Betty.

But mostly, I just want Aria to survive the next goddamn event.

[whenmemorydies]

There's lots of evidence that Syd wants that recognition from the fine dining world. The star, for one. The way that she stares at Carmy's coverage in the media. In S1, she doesn't want to do Brigade, but she does it, because Carmy wants it.

She has also been commodified and extracted from those fine dining restaurants she worked at as Carmy has but has lacked the same type of access he's had. It is a training style drilled into her from CIA in all likelihood.

I'm fascinated by your recent piece which talks about the miliary influence on Escoffier, but really, it's all imperialism down the line. French, Russian, British American, and extraction and presentation of food as commodity and not communities or people.

My hope is that the show refutes all of these things or at least hard-checks them, but what do you think? I don't think the show ultimately agrees with what is playing out in S3 at all.

I love this question! I agree with everything you've said here about why Sydney has gone along with Carmy to the extent that she has. She wants to make this work for herself - Syd is ambitious and we saw in seasons 1-2 how she backs herself (I love this about her). She believes in Carmy too. Her training. Her own imposter syndrome (her trying to talk Carmy out of asking her to that Ever funeral, ugh), and also maybe her belief that Carmy needs her to do it with him so that she can balance him out. Carmy has already admitted to her that she makes him better at this. I'm thinking Sydney has taken that to heart. Even though she tells him she's not his babysitter, she's the one who doesn't miss a beat to intercept him before he rips into her sous, Tina. She's the one who tells him to speak to Richie. My heart, these two!!!!

With your question, I actually think there's a tension in the show here: there's a genuine love for the restaurant industry, as gnarly as it is but also a recognition that the status quo, particularly in relation to things like the Brigade, the Michelin star system, as being a literal trap for the people working in the industry. I think Courtney Storer's experience of burnout and her involvement as a producer on the show propels a lot of that sentiment and thats why I agree with you, I think the show and the folks behind it definitely don't agree with the shit that went down in season 3 is the way to operate.

This Joanna Calo interview is a good one with insights on seasons 1-2. Towards the end, Calo drops this little gem:

I also think one of the things we're always interested in with Carmy is how much does his trauma and his toxic learning actually make him good at his job? Do you have to beat yourself up to be excellent?

She then says she disagrees and that you don't need to beat yourself up to be excellent.

So yes, long story short - I agree with you. I think season 3 was meant to show us what not to do when running a restaurant. It was meant to show us what not to do when being in relationship with others. And I reckon s4 is going to be about Carmy and Sydney, turning that ship around.

[bthump]

Although both characters absolutley hate being too vulnerable with each other, which of do the two do you think would end up open up about their feelings first? personally, i think it would be Griff but ahsdhs i still feel like it's not something he would easily let out unless there were specific circusmtances involved.

I fully trust your knowledge on Griffith, Guts, and their relationship in general so who do you think would open up about their feelings towards each other first? Of course, in a context where Guts never left the hawks lol.

Thanks for your interest in my opinion!

Personally my take is it would probably be Guts, because imo he's the one who's more aware of his feelings, and able to talk about them. I think Griffith didn't even consciously realize how important Guts was to him until he ended up in a torture chamber. He can't even admit to himself that Guts is his friend during the Golden Age.

Guts, on the other hand, at least knows he wants to be Griffith's friend and has told other people, so it's (slightly) less of a leap to imagine him telling Griffith how he feels.

But honestly a big barrier for me when it comes to either Griffith or Guts declaring their love is that I think they both have the kind of internalized homophobia that makes them see themselves as inherently evil/predatory for same sex attraction. The way both their backstories involve csa trauma while they're nearly canonically in love with each other and super repressed about it, and both hating themselves and seeing themselves as monsters in addition to that... it all fits together very well.

But yeah if one of them is going to a) recognize their own feelings, and b) talk themselves through it and work up the nerve to confess those feelings, I think it'd be Guts. Especially because he's in a pretty emotionally healthy place during most of the Golden Age, comparatively, while I think Griffith is more emotionally fucked up during the Golden Age, thanks to the pressure of his dream. Like Guts is getting a bit less self-loathing during the three years with the Hawks, a bit more secure in his own acceptance, but Griffith is still very trapped in a cycle of guilt and self-loathing and needing to believe his dream is the most important thing.

This is all assuming that Guts doesn't overhear the Promrose Hall speech, because I think if he did no amount of self-reflection would get him to confess his feelings to Griffith. As far as he's concerned after hearing that, Griffith has already rejected him.

That said, if there's some kind of catalyst I could pretty easily imagine either making the first move, though I imagine it more like an impulsive kiss that they're then forced to deal with, rather than a confession. Guts nearly dies and Griffith gives him a thank god you're alive kiss, or they're drunk and someone gets impulsive, that kind of thing. It's a lot easier for me to make the kiss/sex come first, and the talking/self-reflection come after for them lol. So yeah I could definitely see Griffith being the one making the first move, but like you said it def depends on the circumstances.

Thanks for the ask!

btw if you want to share what circumstances you think would spur Griffith to say something first, pls do, I'm curious!

[what-the-hell-is-going-on-here]

AM VORE HCS (IHNM/AIMS)

THE GAY IS HERE.

warning you guys now, this is gonna be so OOC but idgaf, this is my cringe ill do what I want with it

also don't expect this to be organized- none of my gay thoughts are 

tw for traditional AM things (threats of digestion/fatal + electrocution, mocking- yknow.. the normal stuff) BUT ITS STILL FULLY SAFE/SOFT DW

he is 100% pred. no fucking way hed let someone eat him. if someone managed to shrink him down and eat him, well… get ready for a terrible stomachache! 

fearplay is his SHIT. he will never get tired of it ever. he loves being able to scare prey shitless (it covers up the fact that he actually likes eating someone and doesn't mind having certain prey enjoy their time in his stomach)

although he doesn't actually have a “real” stomach, he’d analyze and simulate the sounds of one after eating someone just to scare/unsettle prey a bit more

he'd definitely pretend to digest someone if they REALLLY got on his nerves- he'd tense up/make his stomach feel tighter and ramp up the sounds, mocking them and their efforts to escape, then make them pass out.  later they'd wake up still in his stomach, totally unharmed, with booming laugher and "YOU WERE SO SCARED!!! PATHETIC PREY."

its stomach would definitely be a pretty tight fit, no matter the size of prey. I'd imagine it would still feel soft, like synthetic silicone but plushier and kind of velvety??? with a slight electric buzz. (you're inside a war computer. he's Full of electricity) it would also be warm too, like when a computer overheats 

if AM really wanted to be gross it would probably have some sort of sticky ‘saliva’ in its stomach (or mouth depending on how you view him) to fuck with people 

going off of the electricity thing, he'd threaten to electrocute prey if they got too rowdy and whiny (even though he LOVVESSSS feeling them kick and squirm.. but he'd never admit that, obviously.)

he definitely purrs. maybe not traditional purring but a mechanical hum/growl as an undertone to whatever else his prey would hear while inside of him (probably a lot of electrical sounds lol)

would also tease someone for tasting/feeling good- he can be 'nice' sometimes (rare)

AM would never confess this but he melts whenever he gets belly rubs. maybe his prey finally calms down and realizes that AM is just scared, lashing out from fear and hate, and decides to give him rubs to calm him down.. AM dies. he fucking melts and doesn't let his prey out for weeks /hj

HALFSIZE LOVERS COME GET YOUR FOOD!!! although I'm a g/t kinda guy, AM can alter anything he wants and could definitely eat someone no matter the size (...to an extent). in fact, he'd probably love eating someone that's bigger because of the heightened senses! he'd be able to feel EVERYTHING, making him feel in control 

it loves vore because of the control. it can trap someone inside of it for however long it wants! hows THAT for control?

(if you imagine it with something closer to a physical form) it would be so fucking interested in pressing on its stomach, feeling its prey’s form and how they squirm around.. it would be one of those rare feelings that he wants more of, that he can't ruin and associate with humans. [yes im gross but he is too]

[visionthefox]

What do you think of the new therapy episode? I agree with several of the comments that maybe the reason Sun never got close with Solar was because he's become anti-social due to everything that happened to him, and he might expect any new friend to mistreat him(like Monty or the Glamrocks), or that they'd get killed(like what ended up happening to Solar), which doesn't help his isolation issues, could it be possible that another reason could be that Solar is an Eclipse and on some level Sun's at least a bit unnerved by Eclipses? Or it just could be that he never hung out as much like he said in the session, though I wonder if Solar's death is affecting him more than he lets on considering his reaction when it happened and how he's still thinking about how abrupt it was, the shock of it Him acknowledging that he has no idea how to move on from anything that's happened to him and that he needs to start letting himself feel rather than bottling stuff up was great, first step for actually processing all the stuff that's happened in the last two years at least, it's a long way to go still but it was said! Him also admitting that he and Moon aren't alone anymore and he's not used to support was also nice Them talking about the drinking thing was also something, we haven't actually seen Sun even tipsy have we? Meanwhile Monty's gotten drunk before and even Moon got tipsy once Earth offering to try tea alternatives with him was cute, maybe then he won't drink coffee before bed and get weird dreams again While it's good that Sun was taking a breather at the house for a mental break was good, it did feel like it wasn't wholly positive, both because of the sidelining and the isolation that really wouldn't do anybody any good, he already doesn't have many friends and spending hours alone at his house and his family doesn't really check on him or call him felt...Off, but hopefully like they said here he'll be getting more involved now Let Sun be smart! He is smart! They definitely need to talk with Moon he's working himself ragged trying to revive Solar(and doing it the wrong way) Now Sun wondering if he and Moon separating was a bad thing was interesting, technically he's right in that a lot of what's happened in the show(mainly Eclipse, Bloodmoon, and everyone else after being created) was because of that, but at the same time both were suffering badly, Moon was trapped in a sensory-deprived void and the times when he was let out he hurt Sun and/or other people because of KC, and Sun had to deal with the pain, the aftermath, and threats from Moon, both were in a bad way, so while everything happened because of the separation, they couldn't have known, and they needed to be free to move forwards There was a lot of stuff to talk about, though I personally felt like there was more that ended up being unaddressed, but who knows, there was still a lot! What do you think?

ok- had to get a look at the ep- I may be bias and feel like Sun lied the whole time with his soft spoke "yea" but ok, vision shuh ANON! I do agree on the fact he is not used to actually be with others animtronics, other people thats not work related, he doesnt have friends! no one ok, fam can be friends but is not the same, to just hang out with a bestie or chat all day of other stuffs thats not work related, I do feel he pretty much lock himself in a golden cage, with stuffs to keep him distracted but always looking over those who do have the things he wished.. so suddently theres a new guy, everyone saw him as a new friend, yet Sun just coudnt bring himself to make any connection, if you saw Freddy's channel, he even refuse to meet new people! is clear he rather be "left alone" - and I guess is because he is just unsure and worried to mess up- than deal with someone else .. I myself im someone who never talks to other friends, if only to wish good days.. so is soooo stressfull to start over a new relationship, Sun is been used to be alone, he cant just be a social AI suddently.. I dont think it was only because he was an eclipse, Sun himself doenst seem scared of Copy Eclipse! but I think it was because Solar himself didnt walked to him and tried to get to know him. (we can assume the guilt didnt let him be friends with yet another sun!) So yea, Sun didnt knew exacly how to be close to someone else .. he spends most days alone, is hard to try to connect with someone that is already looking away from you.. then suddently, another death, I guess his shock is due to how.. similar? this situation is ot OldMoon death. he tried to- but was too late, the emotions are similar- I guess is why he cant just move on just yet- too much to unlock- he now carry both the guilt of "I didnt do enough" and the "I didnt even knew him that well to suffer like others do" since he does say it, he feels like he's not as sad as the others and that bother him.. also yea, he is been in the side of this all, and I guess thats why he feels less and sad too..in a way, yes. the fans asked for him to get a break. get him a safe place- but again this safe place end up being a Golden Cage, not the solution the character needed. Im a og, I still recalled the momen Sun asked US, if he was useless, if he was really just a waste of time and space, and I dont think being literally in the seat while all your family is out there living life is helping that feeling. also I dont recall the ep- but I have this video with all the audio of the show (also is soo cool) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdthgIorNzI he got a support group, ok nice, yet there people stared out as strangers that didnt had the best entrance to his life, plus, those people dont come to him often, HE was to come, and may feel like a bit sad to think "they only come to me when they need me, if im not needed, im left alone" yet he knows better- but logic and feelings dont always go together.. I guess is why he drinks too, to feel someting else than stress and sadness, he did try to be better, look after himelf - if Im not needed, nor I help, I better step away- but he end up being too away.. only to know from gossip and rumors whats up But still now, he steps in to help only because he knows better now, Moon's dont just rest until they reach their goal, is stuffs happening all over again.. I can only hope this "therapy" and Sun maybe , just maybe hoping to be usefull can resul on the Sun and Moon show to be,, about SUN AND MOON together.. did I made sense anon? sorry if I didnt. anyways! LOVE YOUR IDEAS TOO ANON!!

[brw]

I saw that you were answering questions about Hank Pym and how possible relationships would work out, so forgive me if I got that wrong; what are your thoughts on Hank x Scott lang (comics) and how or if it would play out in some way?

Hello! I'll do my best to answer, although I'll be completely honest, I don't know Scott as well as I maybe should. I've read plenty of his comics, but I'll admit he's one of those characters that blends into the background pretty easily for me; aside from the Spencer run and the mini with Nadia and some random 80s stuff across Avengers and anthology titles, I haven't read that much that actively focuses on him. I mean, I most certainly know him, but I wouldn't call myself a Scott Lang scholar so keep that in mind as I go on.

I do think there is something potentially there, in the sense that they have a lot in common, and there is a lot of respect there (although slightly begrudging on Hank's side of things). They certainly seem to enjoy each other's company, and have a snarky, but genuine rapport as depicted in Spencer's series.

Hank's little smirk is cute. Anyway, Janet also thinks Scott is Hank's favourite (which I don't agree with; I think Bill ranks higher, but maybe she's specifying the legacies who are alive. Still though... give Bill Foster his flowers...), which is sweet.

So I definitely think there's a fun basis there, and I think you could do something interesting there. Scott has always seemed to have a lot of genuine respect for Hank outside of the friendly ribbing they both give each other, which is good for Hank who often feels like he needs to overcompensate around the people he cares about to earn their love and respect.

The thing is that neither of them really seem to be each other's type? Scott is more outgoing and friendly and personable than Hank, but he's also awkward, and Hank's usually gravitated towards people who are confident, extroverted, strong-willed, and I don't think I'd call Scott any of those things particularly. Peggy is kind of a non-character in my experience, sort of just vaguely Bitch Ex Wife so I won't make much of a comparison between her and Hank. I'd also be hard-pressed to make any major comparisons between Darla Deering and Hank (albeit I'm not as familiar with her as I could be).

But relationships aren't always built off of people who are each other's type, so that isn't a major problem, it's just something to note.

I think the main thing for me is that would it be interesting? Both of their personalities require someone else to balance them out and I'm not convinced either of them are the right person to do that for one another in their current states. But I think you could do something interesting there if, bluntly, you got a little toxic with it. Scott is aware of Hank's flaws, but I think his respect and sense of owing Hank would keep him from acknowledging Hank's more major issues if he started experiencing them again, and I think that could be something interesting to explore. Scott just also isn't very confrontational with people, which Hank kind of needs because of his issues with reaching out directly. Conversely, while Hank does believe in second chances, he can be pretty mean and blunt at times, which I think could easily upset Scott when he inevitably would fuck something up. And I think Hank has a certain amount of... power isn't the right word, but I think he knows Scott looks up to him in a way, and I think he likes that feeling and would want more of it, which could easily translate into falling into that overcompensating trap.

Anyway, basically I think you could do something there, but to be honest I think without it being a little bit Problematique it wouldn't be very interesting to me, but with that I think it could be fun.

[georges-chambers]

Arctic, Sundogs, Franklin

Thank you for asking these, very glad that you did because they're very fun <333

Arctic: "How would you cope on a Victorian ship?"

Depends on at least 1 factor with whether I'm essentially me as I literally am right now or me if just a few things were changed but otherwise the same. Like if I were me right now? Not very well. If the 'Victorian' part implies they don't have any good anti-convulsants yet, I'm. Pretty much as good as slowly painfully dead. But if I simply did not have those physical issues? Again, not well immediately, I don't have any real training or anything, but I do feel like I could adjust well enough to be a passable ships boy at the very least within. Probably a week or so, at best. Depending on when and where we may be. It's very much the sort of thing I feel like if it didn't kill me, would change me so much it'd end up fixing me.

Sundogs: "Talk about a moment in the show that interests you the most."

God. They're are so many this is so hard to pick. A well-known interesting scene like the comforting of Goodsir by Silna as she just held him? And the way that both many audiences and possibly Goodsir at another time immediately are inclined to think of potential romantic implications but at the same time, this is a great way of showing how that itself could be considered a western standard applied to the western views of those 2. And after all that's changed and happened, all Goodsir does is not resist it, but just. Ease into it and accept the comfort for what it is, which is unconditional simple human warmth? But of course in my recent rewatch there was also so much if not everything going on between Tozer and the other marines. And Tozer and Heather, of course. It's practically infinite, honestly. But one i noticed, though it was a very small moment in the whole show, actually just something of a line that may as well have meant literally nothing, was when Golding was talking about seeing the Tuunbaq somewhere to mislead Little and the others with him, he did say, "Chambers and I would have shot it if we had our wits about us." I don't know why, but somehow my at least 3 or 4 other watches of the whole show, I always thought he said "James and I" but no, and to me this does actually mean something. Because we also do see Chambers another time before this, at Hickey's attempted execution in which we can assume Golding, who was almost definitely already recruited by then before since Hickey trusted him so unquestionably (which means a lot coming from Hickey) and thought him capable enough to handle a spy and misleading mission later on, was watching. And it's hard to judge how he seems but it does seem almost 'justified'. You can see why mutinying for stuff like extra rations would tempt someone that low in rank. And I can easily see Golding having brought something like it up to him, maybe even only subtly, once or so at least. But the scene when Golding then says if he and Chambers had their wits about them when they saw the Tuunbaq they'd have taken a shot at it becomes a lot more interesting to me then thinking about it with that potential because then we have to also realize that this Does mean Golding really doesn't think 1. Chambers would ever mutiny by this point, and 2. No one would bother asking Chambers about that. But I also do have to wonder if it's possible he tried to see if Chambers would have mutinied with him or even helped him lead them into a trap earlier that day, because I can certainly see it even more when worse just happened and the mutiny lost a considerable amount. This is literally a single line which very well probably means nothing bit I'm thinking so much about it

Franklin: "Who's an underrated character your opinion?"

I could say all the ships boys but that's a bit of an exaggeration because I do have to admit a lot of their characterization isn't really in the show much at all, nor is their story relevance that great, so I get the lack of interest. Golding is another matter, but I also completely get kind of hating him. But of course I do wish more found the way he seems to actually have both Hickey's trust in not betraying him, but also some belief on Hickey's behalf in his capabilities intellectually, something Hickey just. Very rarely seems to afford practically anyone either of, but Especially both. But the simple fact that a lot of people don't actually even know much of Anything about Dundy when to me he's almost like a main character because of how much more I notice him after the first 2 watches is truly absurd. What do you mean most people didn't realize how devastating James death was to him? What do you mean few others see how important it was for him to help crew morale when announcing the Carnivale despite how his toes just got cut off? What do you mean they don't even really see whatever is going on between him and Little? He means so much to me.

[jinx-on-mars-19xx]

No Chick Flick Moments

Not Natural ✨ The Devil's Trap ✨ Holy Water ✨ The Demon's Altar ✨ Midnight Meeting ✨ The Hunter's Trap ✨ Sharp Secrets and Bloody Blades ✨ A Hunter's Beast Tamed

Dom x Colson (Yungblud x Machine Gun Kelly)

Warnings: SPN inspired, ABO dynamics (knots, slick, heats), demon Kells, hunter Dom, post sex introspection, blood, teasing, insults, flirting, anxiety, PTSD, nervous Dom, pulling apart too soon, lying, hiding, Tom being dramatic, fluffy drives, boys not so secretly in love ⚰️ rating: mature

The room felt too quiet as they came down together. At some point Kells had rolled over to let the human rest though he couldn't stop a small fear from creeping up that if he gave the boy a choice Dom might try to run away. So far he hadn't but he kept waiting for the veil to drop from his eyes and for him to realize what they had just done. The scent of blood and sex hung heavy on their skin and even after twenty minutes his knot hadn't gone down. When Dominic started tracing his tattoos he almost jumped out of his skin. And it was that, his own skin. He wasn't like the others and that was more obvious by the day.

"So I guess we don't got nuffin to 'unt. I mean… if he stops killing ain't no reason to go after Raziel. Ya fink?" Dom hummed. He was pretty sure there was a puddle of drool under his cheek but he was too strangely comfortable to move. He'd never felt so at peace with his body and he didn't think that should be happening after letting something inside the part of him that wasn't supposed to exist. He knew there was lots they needed to talk about but he didn't want to start somewhere that might make them fight. That seemed to be their default.

"Yeah. He seems like a good guy just a little fucked in the head." Kells sighed back, running his fingers through the kid's wild hair. He wasn't normally sweet after sex but it wasn't like he could stop touching Dom yet. Why not enjoy the after glow?

Dom huffed softly and looked up at the beast, his brows furrowed. "You was knocked out the whole bloody time."

The devil went still and huffed a nervous laugh before remembering who he was and he tried to fake his Cheshire grin. "Yeah but-" He took a deep breath and shrugged instead, gently pressing the boy's head back down on his chest. "I just mean if you don't think we should kill him, I agree. He's after what we are. Did he say why?" He didn't want his lover to know how much he was in his mind. He couldn't give that away just yet.

"Yeah um… seemed like revenge for an old bruv or summat. Guess like you said Astaroth 'as been after all kinds. Went after an angel."

"Oh. Insane he bagged one." He couldn't admit he knew that already, could he?

"So…" Dom trailed off. He wanted to ask about the elephant in the room and not the one on his ass. He'd never explain that but it felt strange to ask-

"You're trying to figure out how to ask about my dick I'm guessing?" Kells wondered rather bluntly and it made the Hunter giggle until he clenched too tight and felt the demon behind his belly button. "I thought you said it was 'jus' me' and didn't matter?" He tried to fake the boy's voice and Dom nipped softly at his chest.

"It don't. Won't stop me from fucking yas but it's definitely interesting." He purred back, trying to tighten his inner walls around the monster inside him.

"I guess it's called a knot. I didn't even know it worked before now. Maybe you bring something out in me." He lied to himself and thought it was a tease but deep down he knew the truth. He was serious.

Dom arched a brow and pushed himself up enough to look down at the demon. It pushed his cock somehow deeper and he shuddered but tried to keep a straight face. "I got your cock in me magic pussy but tha'? Gayest shite I ever 'eard."

Kells looked up into those glaring jade eyes and was so impressed he knew he gave his bitch heart eyes back. "I could make it gayer."

"Please don't." Dom groaned.

"Oh but maybe I should. Still a bratty bitch even after I blew your fucking mind. How dare you! You don't deserve my dick."

"Oi! Off ya go again being an egotistical arse."

"I heal you, I give you the best O of your life, and still-"

"You did?" Dom's teasing dropped fast and Kells stopped short, swallowing hard. "I fhought but… I didn't um- I…" He sighed deep and pressed a gentle kiss to his lover's lips. "Fank you."

"Y- yeah. Um… I wasn't going to say. I don't want you like, ya know. We're cool, okay?" He didn't even know what exactly he was saying, it just came spilling out. He wasn't used to being nervous but he wasn't used to feeling anything at all besides anger or pride.

"I'd 'ope so considering I'm full up of ya cum and might be stuck 'ere all day." Dom tried to lighten the mood. He'd seen a monster or two scared before but he'd never seen one anxious. The beast was confusing him more and more but it wasn't exactly in a bad way. "So, if I'm a- whatchamacallit? Omega? Wha' are you?"

"I'm nothing."

It was said so quickly and genuinely that it stopped Dom cold for a moment. He didn't know how to be nice but he didn't like that. "You a lot obviously. A good lay for one. A top demon. Pretty enough."

Kells chuckled but he wasn't exactly sure what to say. "Well, the opposite of what you've been cursed to be would be an alpha." He explained simply though he didn't think he could claim the title. He never had before. He wasn't expecting the eye roll though.

"Of course. Of course it is. 'Ow bloody typical."

"I'm just explaining, I didn't start it! It's like… religious shit. Angels. If you want to talk ego-"

"Don't even get me started. It's fine. I'm ignoring it. I fhought angels were junkless. Ain't tha' wha' them Winchester books say?" Dom huffed as he got comfortable again. He wasn't cuddling of course, it was just what he had to do until they could separate. "Why 'ey alphas and omegas if 'ey junkless?"

Keliphos laughed a little too hard, maybe it was relief that his lover had relaxed or maybe it was just that he genuinely found the kid funny. He never understood the 'junkless' shit that those boys let spread about angels but it wasn't his problem. "Maybe people think that cause they don't have their right parts in human meatsuits but nah, definitely not junkless."

"Okay but like- why all the extra shite?"

The demon tried not to chuckle again but it seemed incredibly obvious. Besides he had to know why Astaroth gave him the womb, right? He let his palms rub slowly down his lover's back, he couldn't even feel a scar from where he'd been stabbed but they were both so sticky wet with blood. Dom shivered at the touch as if the spot were sensitive but otherwise stayed still above him. "It's for uh… ya know, making sure it sticks?"

"Wha' sticks?"

"It gives you time to catch." He tried again.

"Catch wha?"

The beast snorted and rubbed over his face in mild disbelief. He didn't know if Dom was being obstinate on purpose or he'd fucked his brains out. "I guess it's to make little fluffy baby angels." He joked, trying to say it in a simple way. Even said so cheesily the thought made his dick jerk and he thought he felt the kid clench but Dom froze on top of him.

"Wait. But- and I- but you- we- oh fuck!" The human stuttered, his heart racing and his stomach turning with nerves.

"Shit Dom- chill. Please? I can't, okay? We're good!" It didn't matter, the boy was panicking hardcore and it wasn't really about him. He tried to grip his hips and keep him close but he didn't want to force him too hard. He was just annoyed their nice night was getting fucked and not in the fun way. "I can't- I'm not- I don't think it works, okay?"

"But he did 'is to make me a bloody broodmare?" He shrieked loud enough Kells winced.

"You're submissive and breedable. It's hot, I just don't work like that." The devil tried to lighten the mood but he wasn't surprised by the slap across his face or the sharp tug of his knot.

"Oh fuck off wiv tha'. I ain't. I ain't! I-" Dom grumbled and pulled hard enough to get free but he whimpered when his partner cursed and hissed at the pain.

"Shit can you fucking not? You could hurt yourself!" Kells growled as he felt the boy gush their combined slick and cum all over his lap but as the punk stumbled off him and dripped a mess all over he was half tempted to yank him back to bed. He didn't want to fuck up by doing too much though. He could feel Dom was working through something so instead he just rolled on his side and posed mostly jokingly. "You can't just rip us apart. I heal faster than you."

"Tha's dubious as fuck, tha'. Guess I'm not surprised. Patriarchal bullshit. I'm not… I- jus' fuck. Sorry if I bruised ya bloody ego. I'm gonna take a shower. Too much-" He gestured at his crimson coated body and clenched his thighs to keep everything inside.

Kells nodded and gave him a gentle smile but he could feel and hear the anxiety rolling off the kid. He could almost feel the way Dom's throat was closing up, as if he were about to cry. His omega was working up to a full blown panic attack but when he pushed up and out of bed the boy closed the door in his face. He pressed his palm against it, taking a deep breath. He didn't want him upset, not after everything that just happened between them. He didn't know what to say and he didn't want to force his presence so when he heard the shower start up he took a step back. "I'm okay Kells. We alright." Dom whimpered, his voice strained enough the cracking was obvious through the door.

"Okay." He sighed, snapping his fingers to summon a cup of tea, some painkillers, and Dom's cigarettes inside the room with him. After making sure the boy was set he cleaned himself and the room up magically before heading out to check and make sure Raziel was gone. Normally a banishing lasted a while but with his lover anxious he needed to fix something. Anything. To protect. He couldn't make him feel better about what Astaroth had done but he could keep him safe from anything else.

Kells made it back to the room not an hour later but Dom had already cleared out. He tried not to take it personally but it sent a wash of anxiety through his chest. There was a note left on the table at least but it didn't say much. 'Found a new job, catch me if you can 🖤' with a little black heart at the end. It was the heart that soothed him and the fact that the words felt flirty but he supposed the human didn't realize how connected they already were. He could feel something like a tether between them, his blood was pumping through Dom's veins and keeping them connected.

He didn't go invisible boy often but he didn't want to show himself too soon to the kid so instead of popping up in his passenger seat he kept his lover from seeing him as he relaxed in the back. He knew he'd probably get labeled as creepy if Dom ever found out he did that but it was how he'd spent time before talking to him. He was able to keep him safe but give him space as well. Fuck- he was becoming an Edward wasn't he?

"Are you kidding me Dominic? Are you kidding me? I thought you weren't going to fuck the demon?" Tom's voice filled the car before the man appeared but thankfully the Hunter kept his car on the road. He glared over at his friend and rolled his eyes. That spot was for his demon. The demon. Not his. Fuck.

"I'm not in the mood Tom." He sighed, clenching his hands around the steering wheel. He could still feel his insides trying to settle after being spread apart for the monster's cock. His shower had been perfect but his head was still a mess and there was a small fear in the back of his mind whispering that Kells wasn't coming back.

"Do you know what could happen? Are you ready to face the consequences? Dom, you know I love you but he's a monster!" Tom scoffed, reaching across the bench seat to rest his palm on his best friend's thigh. The moment they touched he thought he heard a growl but it didn't matter. He needed the human to listen.

"And wha' the fuck are you?" Dom spat, he was more annoyed than he normally was with his oldest friend but he couldn't help it. He was dealing with a lot and only Kells seemed to settle him anymore.

"I'm someone who cares! Just… drop this whole revenge thing. Let him finish it. He's strong enough to do it on his own. You can join me at the cabin, okay? Please? Wait- wha' are you doing? Put the lighter down. You aren't about to smoke, are you?" Tom's voice was almost wild as he tried to convince the boy yet again to drop his war. That was never why he'd brought him to America. He'd wanted to give the kid a fresh start.

Kells watched with a smirk as his lover picked up a lighter and a pre-made banishment hex bag. He didn't know what the stranger was on about but he had to bite his cheek not to laugh as Dom lit the spell and Tom grumbled. "Fine, fuck you too. Call me when you-" Whatever he was going to say was cut off as he disappeared. The magic would only last so long but he was proud of his boy.

"Fhought you might want your seat free." Dom smiled, patting the seat next to him and Keliphos startled. No one had ever been able to tell he was present when he was invisible. What the fuck was happening?

The beast climbed over the seat as he let his lover see him and when he settled he was pelted with candy. "Ain't nice to spy. Now clean tha' up." Dom snapped but he wasn't truly angry. Just annoyed. He saved his rage for those that seriously deserved it.

Kells didn't know where they were driving but it didn't matter. He just tried to enjoy the ride. They fought over the radio and shared snacks in vaguely violent or sexual ways and occasionally even got a little handsy. The demon tried to follow the Hunter's lead but he couldn't get his annoyance with the other man out of his head. They didn't talk much, he didn't want to overwhelm his omega more, but he felt closer to him with every mile that passed.

"Shite, I need petrol." Dom grumbled when they passed yet another state line and rolled into a new town. The beast dropped his sunglasses and glared around them, he hated small towns. His bitch was too pretty for them, everyone stared. As the car rumbled to a stop and the kid pushed open the door he looked back at the devil. "So… should I grab some rubbers?" His voice seemed almost nervous again.

Keliphos laughed and shook his head, pulling his glasses off to give him a wink. "Sorry doll but they don't fit. But nah, we're good." The demon had heard a lot of final sentences over the centuries, normally people were begging for their lives or vowing revenge they'd never get but in all his time he'd never heard or uttered such famous last words.

Author's Note/Tags: @iamnotanearthlingmotherfucker @hollywoodxwhore @jaxbreaker @fenoy7 @cole-way-iero28 🖤

This was slightly slice of life and probably not enough plot but at least they're learning some things about each other and themselves. I hope you like it! Why is Kells saying he can't breed? Why is Tom so against them being together? Obviously Tom isn't just a voice in Dom's head but what is he? Why are the boys already so connected? Keep reading to find out ⚰️🖤

[vigilskeep]

i admit i’m very curious about minerva and broken circle, like who did she bring with her and what did she think on their comments during the quest? did she spare that one blood mage? why or why not? my surana doesn’t personally, even though they’re a blood mage themself, just because they don’t think the blood mage will be able to get out and doesn’t want to risk the templars finding a blood mage among the mages labeled safe and have them go “oh well better annul them then”. was her fade dream the default with duncan or a more personalized one? reaction to the knowledge that irving was baiting apprentices and is the cause of jowan’s whole thing? opinions on the cullen issue? sorry broken circle is just

omg of course broken circle my beloved

minerva brought zev and morri through the tower. she actually brings alistair into the tower but he has that like lightly toned ambient line as you go in that’s like “as i recall shutting the door and throwing away the key was definitely the templar plan b.” which from minerva’s perspective is like, okay well, i just found out everyone i know including the children and my dad have been locked in and left for dead, so maybe shut the fuck up and save the joking around abt it for somebody else. like i think she’s actually mad at him there and the bit where you have to switch a party member out for wynne is her straight up telling him to get out which is a conversation i’d LOVE to write on. probably v startling for alistair, who has likely never even seen her that upfront angry before except maybe to jowan; she’s usually so diplomatic and controlled and she and alistair are such close friends by then that it would be a Lot. but anyway ya wynne zev and morri! not an ideally balanced team w three mages and a rogue lmao which i think shows how upset minerva was. morri is interesting because on a persuade check you CAN actually get through to her by saying these mages might have been her. morri’s opinions on circle mages endlessly fascinating as ever

minerva did spare the blood mage, yes. this is the stage of her playthrough where we’re directly inbetween telling jowan she never wants to see him again and becoming a blood mage herself, so i think that’s a good beat to show her coming around to the idea

if i am hugely hugely self-indulgent, i love love love to exaggerate the fade sequences and expand on them, so i have a bunch of different concepts for dreams you might try to trap minerva in. that’s so fun to explore and i think that would be more interesting and cohesive in a narrative than trying to actually write through the whole lost in the fade quest. i would love to do obvious hits like, she never got taken from the alienage, she and jowan and lily somehow all made it out of the circle, halliserre’s not tranquil and she’s free to be with them in public, she saved ferelden and now the circles are free bc everyone trusts her so so much and thinks she’s the bestest ever, etc. but i’d also love to try slightly wilder ones she absolutely doesn’t consciously think she wants like: what if she could get her magic taken away or even agree to tranquillity. what if her family had never left tevinter and she was a magister’s student. what if she was dalish! what if she were a blood mage haha that would be crazy right... right? i would love to try my hand at writing all of those and pick a few favourites to make “canon”

reaction to irving baiting apprentices... i think minerva kind of always knew deep down. she and irving were so close and so alike. like it’s a betrayal, but also, of course he would. if it didn’t apply to jowan, if it hadn’t been for all her experiences since leaving the circle, would the person she was back then have even questioned it? she understands irving and even if she becomes more critical of him and her old self she’ll never be able to really condemn him

as for cullen... minerva never thought much abt him in the circle. his attention was unsettling in her position especially with his role in her harrowing but he seemed harmless enough and she was confident in her ability to handle it and that if worst came to worst she could always go to irving abt it. the broken circle encounter makes it scarier in retrospect because she didn’t realise it was such an obsession or that he could be pushed to such extremes. she’s deeply uncomfortable with the whole thing and it’s one of the things that makes broken circle such a marked change in her perspective where ultimately she will never be able to consider any mage safe in the circle even the ones like her who “do everything right”. she would avoid ever talking to him again if she could and it would make her incredibly unnerved by the inquisition regardless of its other figureheads and policies

the visuals of minerva’s return are very compelling i would love to have had the demon taking minerva’s form to appear but as the fragile circle mage w long flowing hair and delicate robes and then for the real minerva to show up bloodstreaked in full armour. chefs kiss

[seaside-lovers-archive]

👁️ Seek & Cold ❄️

design/art credit

Ship name/tag: 👁️ lost in your eye

Anniversary: February 27, 2023

My backstory: I'm an entity that roams the Hotel. I happened to come to existence in a room one day; I wasn't sure where I came from or where I was, but I know my goal: upkeep on the hotel. I spend a lot of my early days cleaning up broken glass, sweeping, fixing up things left from those trapped in the hotel, etc. I spend my free time in the library reading, one of my favorite activities.

I meet Figure this way; I end up starting a weekly meetup with them where I read out loud to them.

How we meet: I meet Seek for the first time when they happen to come into the library; they usually stick to certain parts of the Hotel so I had not met them yet. They happened to approach me and introduced themself as Seek. I offered my name in return.

First impressions: I'm intimidated by Seek when we first meet. I can't really get a read on them at all and find them a bit scary to talk to since they seem so serious and cold.

Seek thinks I seem like a perfectly fine person but takes no real interest in me.

Getting closer: Seek enjoys listening in on me reading to Figure and ends up approaching me, asking if I would like to start a weekly reading session with them. We both share an interesting in reading so they figured it would be a good way for us to get to know each other more (and I definitely was not because they found me attractive and wanted to spend more time with me, not at all).

I agree to this albeit I'm quite nervous since I assume they dislike me based on their demeanor. However, once we start our reading sessions, I start to realize that they don't dislike me; they're just really awkward when it comes to one-on-one conversations. It is charming to me and is one of the reasons why I end up falling in love with them.

Meanwhile, Seek is completely in denial about them being attracted to me; sure they think I'm pretty, and I have a nice voice, and I check in on them, but it can't be... truthfully, they have little experience in the world of romance and are somewhat spooked by the idea of falling in love. Based on my talking about romance, they assume I am super experienced and that I would struggle to be in a relationship with them because of their inexperience.

Beginning our relationship: Much to Seek's surprise, I also have basically no romantic experience; all my love for romance comes from books. This is a relief to them, and after I end up admitting that I am romantically attracted to them by accident, they return my feelings and we decide to become exclusive. We start experimenting romantically, though we keep our relationship private from the others, merely announcing that we are a couple now... and being surprised that everyone was waiting for it to happen. Apparently our mutual pining was a bit obvious.

Ship trope(s): Tsundere, mutual pining

Aesthetics: Books/libraries, dark romance

Our song(s): "Addicted to Love" by Robert Palmer, "Kiss Me You Animal" by Burn the Ballroom

Favorite forms of affection: Nuzzling! A lack of mouth on Seek means we both really like to nuzzle / gently touch foreheads together.

Favorite kind of date: We both really like sitting together in front of a fireplace and reading; I'll usually read out loud to Seek.

Ways we comfort one another: I listen to Seek when they're struggling, letting them vent and listening intently, offering words of comfort or advice depending on what I need.

Seek likes to find something for us to do to help me feel better and give me a distraction. Sometimes we'll go for walks in the courtyard and just talk; this can help relieve the stress I'm going through.

What we love most about each other: I love Seek's leadership. They are a confident person who stands up for themselves and is also great at organizing and bring people together. I'm not very assertive so I appreciate that part of them balancing out my own personality.

Seek loves my caring nature. I love checking in on people and doing things for them to help them out; they are not great with checking in on how others are doing, so they appreciate that about me and try to mimic me.

[magmacannon]

🐁♟️🦪🦇⚖️ for Roman, Dee, Vhoxhu :3c

ough ty SO much!!! I'll notate as R, D, and V

🐁 how are this characters ethics?

R: Roman believes he has a very strong moral code/ethics but uhh it's intrinsically warped by the city he grew up in making light of death. He's also at his core somewhat selfish in that he'd sacrifice a lot of other things(/people) for his loved ones.

D: Dee was 'born' in a place that functioned on wild animal rules and as such tends to act like that if left to their own devices (kill/be killed, very little emotional bonds to things). They're even more intensely defensive of a loved one than Roman and would resort to violence really readily

V: The Suffererrrr (Vhoxhu would like to have better ethics but did choose to make a pact with a being that demands human sacrifices on the regular in exchange for extending her own life. She's very nihilistic and tires very hard not to care about anyone but herself.)

♟️describe how they would play chess, if they would.

R: Apparently Roman's pretty darn good at chess! In a recent campaign he rolled I think an 18/20 for it - I think he's spent enough time in libraries and doing mental math that he's picked up actual chess strategies. I think he'd try to be tactical and would absolutely sacrifice pieces to win in the end (though he'd not want to sacrifice knights - too cute - or towers as much)

D: They wouldn't care about it unless someone else they cared about liked it and then they'd learn to play casually. Not a bone of competitiveness in them though!

V: She'd probably be pretty dogshit at it!! I think Vhoxhu could learn the rules just fine and do some absolutely wild techniques to try and win (extremely high risk and high reward) but I don't think her interest in it is high enough to dedicate the needed time for that.

🦪 how would this character describe their gender, if asked?

R: Concepts of gender (and sexuality) are viewed a little differently in Dorna than irl, but there's still enough historical knowledge that Roman would be able to say he's probably a cis guy and (more importantly) a cub. If you trapped him in a conversation about gender he'd admit that he feels a little less powerful (and potentially macho? at least in irl terms) than he should be, given where he grew up.

D: Most honest answer is a wordless ¯_(ツ)_/¯, and they likely wouldn't know the correct terminology (or care about it) enough to investigate it more internally jfhghj

V: I can't find the meme but this is in her future

🦇 biggest material fear (ie heights, bugs etc)

R: Spiders (and the ever-present threat of war, which isn't material until it very suddenly is)

D: Fire... it's proven to be one of the few things that can really damage them.

V: The Giant Fish that ate her parents and eats other people she interacts with on the regular. Also Fish in general (bc of a severe allergy jfhgfhdj)

⚖️ how do they seek justice?

R: If he's given a moment to think, Roman would like to seek justice through a legal system or a fair match (depending on what he's trying to get out of it) OR genuinely just an apology and an attempt to do better by whoever he's been wronged by. He's open to compromise on a lot of fronts! But if it's a situation where he doesn't have time to decide or someone's gone against those he cares for, 'justice' tends to come in a near-immediate barrage of violent spellcasting. Not necessarily aiming to kill but definitely aiming to hurt!

D: Dee has no sense of justice for themselves and would (/almost did) just let themselves get basically euthanized by a group of sort-of exterminators. Again, fairness doesn't really exist in their moral code. While this means they don't really hold grudges, it does become personal if someone hurts Nelly (and then they'll become jokerfied really fast)

V: Bc of defeatism Vhoxhu doesn't really seek justice for most things, but if she was slighted enough at current date she always has the option of throwing a giant fish at them in their dreams. In the future she'd take little victories/petty ones instead (therapy helps!)

[mysticstarlightduck]

OC Questionnaire Tag (2)!

Thanks for the tag @willtheweaver (here)!

Your questions are:

What are your biggest pet peeves?

Who is the person you look up to the most?

Do you have any major fears?

I'll go with twins Cyriel and Dimya Staryn from Song of Thorns, and Augustus Grimmure and Sam Delaways from Enchanted Illusions for this one!

1. What is your favorite way of relaxing after a hard day’s work?

(Song of Thorns)

Cyriel - "Probably a good cup of warm wine and a delicious roast in a tavern after a long journey down the Reaper's Way - and yeah you heard that route. It's the only road that still connects human territory and fey lands, and cuts through a very much cursed forest. My job is not fun."

Dimya - "I dunno. Eating a pastry or some kind a dessert while chilling by the fireplace before taking a nap sounds about right. I don't really have a specific routine that I follow, but man I'd like to get some more sleep if I could."

(Enchanted Illusions)

Augustus - "Oh, that's an interesting question, my good fellow! Personally, reading a necromancy tome on a train ride is my ideal go-to, but a hot bath with a lot of bubbles also does the trick! Practicing my magic or doing something fun is also a good idea."

Sam - "Relaxing, haha. That's a good joke right there. You were serious? When I'm not working in the factories I'm taking care of my kid brothers and trying to not get robbed in an alley! I'm lucky if I get more than three solid hours of sleep a night on a regular week. Strystead ain't a place that just lets ya 'relax', y'know?"

2. Did you do anything that you regret now?

(Song of Thorns)

Cyriel - "Eh, not really. I'm a mercenary and a land pirate, my job isn't exactly for people who care about that kind of stuff. One thing that I do regret, however, is trusting people who don't deserve my loyalty. That much I will admit - my blind trust screwed us up big time."

Dimya - "Yes. I've screwed up more times than I can count, but I'd say that one thing I did that I really regret is not doing anything when I found out my boss was capturing and selling living vampires to 'high value' clients - I was just too scared of what that guy would do to me and my sister if he found out I knew the truth. But my silence doomed those innocent vampires to a fate probably worse than death. I hope we can still stop our former boss's schemes and free these people. I still haven't told my sister though, I probably should."

(Enchanted Illusions)

Augustus - "Making a deal with an immortal fey demon of death sounded like a great idea five years ago and... it was not. I admit that now. I'm racing against time because I don't really fancy having my soul trapped somewhere for all eternity. No thanks! That idea was quite honestly the worst possible idea I could've had."

Sam - "Oh, I definitely regret moving to Strystead. We shoulda stayed in Ansburke and figured things out from there, but at the time I desperately needed a job, and going to Strystead seemed like a good option because of the factories and all. Instead, I've gotten us stuck in this hellish city and with a growing pile of debt."

3. If someone put you in a position of power, would you be able to trust yourself to make good decisions?

(Song of Thorns)

Cyriel - "Yep. I think. I do pretty well when it comes to making decisions quickly and I also have a tendency to gravitate towards leadership roles, so as long as I don't screw up really bad I'd probably do well."

Dimya - "Hells nah (chuckles). I don't even trust myself most times, imagine me leading a team or something. It would be too chaotic, haha. Leave leadership roles to my sister - she's the idealist, not me, I'm fine as I am."

(Enchanted Illusions)

Augustus - "Yes, that's basically what I do, my friend. Making plans in high-tension situations and managing a team is easy compared to learning the art of necromancy."

Sam - "I dunno. I'm pretty confident in my abilities and am good at improvising when I need to, but I don't know how I'd be able to handle it long-term. I prefer to be unseen, behind the scenes, y'know. Easier to not get in trouble when you go unnoticed."

Tagging: @smol-feralgremlin, @kaylinalexanderbooks@littleladymab@cabbojage@lassiesandiego@little-peril-stories@oh-no-another-idea@thepeculiarbird@rickie-the-storyteller@crowandmoonwriting@steh-lar-uh-nuhs@gummybugg@forthesanityofstorytellers@doublegoblin@aalinaaaaaa@starlit-hopes-and-dreams@elshells@illarian-rambling@clairelsonao3@conkers-thecosy@anyablackwood @diabolical-blue @cowboybrunch, @eccaiia and OPEN TAG

[imagitory]

Review: The Little Mermaid (2023) [SPOILERS]

Hey, everyone! So I’ve finally seen the much-anticipated live action remake of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, featuring Halle Bailey as our finned leading lady! (For my review of the original Little Mermaid I wrote a while back, you can click here!)

For those of you who wish to avoid spoilers, I will admit -- for someone who has never been a huge fan of these Disney LA remakes, this film is definitely one of the strongest I’ve seen thus far. There’s a lot I could see someone enjoying in this, and there were honestly changes made to the original film’s storyline and characters that I really, really liked. Even with those changes, though, there are a lot of things I don’t like about the finished product, which prevent me from calling this a great movie, most of which involve the characters surrounding our two romantic leads. I would definitely encourage you all to see this movie, because there obviously was a lot of hard work put into it and the two leads in particular deserve your support -- but if you are fans of the original Little Mermaid, it’s very possible that you will have very strong opinions about certain choices made, not all of them positive.

Without further ado...let’s dive right in!

The Good!

+Halle Bailey as Ariel. Although I would’ve preferred if she’d had a hotter temper the way Ariel in the original is depicted, she still has all of the curiosity, wonder, recklessness, courage, and conviction that our favorite little mermaid is supposed to have. You truly feel how much Ariel loves the human world and wants to be part of it, just like in the original. Any of those racists who crowed about Halle Bailey only being picked as part of some “woke” corporate decision are truly eating their words -- unlike Emma Watson, who was clearly cast as Belle for very surface-related reasons rather than for any vocal talent, Halle shines every time she’s on screen, and ESPECIALLY when she sings. Good friggin’ JESUS, does this girl have some amazing pipes!!

+ERIC!! OH MY GOD, ERIC!! As sad as I am to admit it, I’ve always found Eric to be rather bland, as Disney heroes go. Sure, he’s a nice enough guy who isn’t full of himself and likes dogs, but he’s still rather “genEric,” if you’ll excuse the pun. But here? Here, the story truly accents that he and Ariel are kindred spirits -- soulmates, in the truest sense! Eric feels just as trapped by his mother’s narrow world view as Ariel does by Triton’s -- he longs to explore new worlds and get to know new cultures just as much as she does -- he loves learning and discovering and breaking rules just as much as she does...he even has his own “grotto” where he keeps his treasures!! (I actually gasped out loud in delight when I saw that panning shot of Eric’s study! It’s just like the one of Ariel’s grotto, right down to the skylight!!) 

+Partially because of the heightened focus on Eric’s character, Eric and Ariel’s relationship was infinitely more interesting to me! I loved them connecting over learning new things in Eric’s study, even before going into town together -- it really highlights one of the best things about Ariel and Eric’s relationship in the original film, which is that even without her voice, Ariel is strong, passionate, charming, and likable enough that Eric can see her heart clearly and falls in love with her regardless. Even without her voice, Ariel’s agency shines through, and so do her feelings for Eric and the human world overall. Halle and Jonah’s interactions were overflowing with chemistry, and you got to really see Eric and Ariel falling in love in a convincing way, even despite the limited time frame. 

+Ariel clutching statue!Eric’s broken hand! Oh gosh, the symbolism of that, how I love it!! Like Belle from Beauty and the Beast, all Ariel really wants is “someone to understand” -- that, excuse me, human connection is a longing she can hardly put into words, and it’s just heart-wrenching. 

+Ariel and Eric stargazing and Ariel using the constellation Aries to tell Eric her name was such clever writing, as well as absolutely precious. It’s choices like this that really prove to me how much Eric and Ariel’s relationship really meant to the screenwriters and how sincere they wanted it to feel. 

+The colors were great! I was really worried from what I saw in the trailers that this film was going to be bland and unsaturated in its visuals, but I’m so glad they fixed them in time for the premiere, because they look so much better. The mermaids’ coloring in particular was really very pretty. 

+The costumes by Colleen Atwood were pretty good too, even though far more understated than a lot of her other work. I even enjoyed the cool “fishy” cape that King Triton wore in his first appearance, though he never used it again, which was kind of disappointing. 

+I’m honestly glad the film cut Les Poissons. The whole scene from the original was kind of uncomfortable and unnecessary, and its exclusion was a welcome change, even if it did result in Sebastian sounding much brattier when he complained to Ariel that she should appreciate “all that he’s done” for her. 

+Every time Halle sang was amazing, period, full stop. Even Jonah, Daveed, and Melissa did pretty well with their songs, though I’ll talk about issues I had with them later. 

+The effects for the merpeople and environments overall were quite well done! The storm scene was super suspenseful, even with prior knowledge of what was going to happen, and I really enjoyed the camera work that created this feeling of floating and weightlessness in the merpeople when they were underwater. 

+I thought the ending where Triton and the other merpeople came up in a show of solidarity for Ariel before her and Eric’s sea voyage was sweet. I liked it in the original when they came for Ariel and Eric’s wedding too, but I kind of liked Triton expressing vocal support for his youngest daughter and the rest of mer-kind appearing too, so that both worlds -- on land and under the sea -- came together as one to support their two royals as they embarked on this new adventure together to hopefully improve the lives of all of their subjects. 

+Max is a good dog. But hey, he’s always been a good dog. I especially love how he and Ariel are kind of buddies from the get-go. 

The Not-So-Good...

+Scuttle. Oh my GOD, was she insufferable. I was worried when I first heard Scuttle was going to be played by Awkwafina, who -- I’ll just be honest -- I don’t really care for as an actor and don’t find very funny or likable...but I had no idea they were actually going to make her SING, maybe aside from that one little bit Scuttle had in Kiss the Girl. But not only did Scuttle make a really uncomfortable pop culture reference when trying to serenade Eric and at one point obnoxiously go off-key in Kiss the Girl when I was actually somewhat enjoying the harmonies, but she then goes on to get her OWN number. Yeah, a WHOLE SONG where she can be completely obnoxious. I never thought I would detest a song the great Lin-Manuel Miranda wrote, but Awkwafina sure managed to make The Scuttlebutt impossible to sit through. Not even Daveed Diggs could make it better for me when he jumped in halfway through. Couple this with a “realistic” design that can’t emote anything except “singing bass mounted on your wall” and it’s little wonder I feel nothing but revulsion toward this character. 

+Flounder! Not only did his “realistic” design make him much less colorful and cute, but his lack of expression completely counteracted Jacob Tremblay’s sadly only mediocre acting performance, making the entire character dull and lacking in pathos. This is supposed to be Ariel’s BEST FRIEND -- the one character who she trusts enough to confide in, even if he doesn’t understand her obsession with human things and is a total scaredy-cat, all because he loves her just the way she is -- and yet you feel nothing for either Flounder or his relationship with Ariel in this movie. Yes, perhaps it makes more sense for Ariel to find Eric’s statue and bring it back to her grotto herself than Flounder somehow smuggling into her grotto for her with no explanation...but the action showcased how much Flounder supports Ariel, even when he’s scared of humans himself and wishes Ariel wouldn’t break the rules all the time. Here, Flounder doesn’t show even half that amount of caring for Ariel’s feelings -- partly because his animation won’t let him, and partly because the screenwriters never let him express it.

+Sebastian. Now I’ll be fair -- Daveed Diggs does have a few good moments in this movie as Sebastian, mostly in the singing sphere, but he still has none of the dynamic personality the original Sebastian does. Part of this is because -- like Flounder and Scuttle -- his design doesn’t let him emote enough, but it’s also because the writers almost never let him express anything besides cynicism or dry humor. They even take away Sebastian’s love and passion for music by just making him Triton’s Major Domo, rather than the lead conductor of the royal orchestra! So yeah, Sebastian in this movie is pretty much just “under-the-sea Zazu.” The few times Sebastian tries to express sincere emotion in this movie, it falls flat, because of the poor direction Daveed’s been given. There’s a lovely exchange from the original that they try to recreate in this movie where Sebastian finally stops doing what Triton would want and agrees to help Ariel, but Daveed’s delivery is so stilted that it doesn’t have any of the impact it should. Another time, when Ariel is on the rocks despairing about Eric choosing Vanessa, Sebastian starts to show some sympathy, saying that he’s seen Ariel and Eric together and he’s convinced they’re supposed to be together...only for the monologue to get crashed into by Scuttle trying to move the plot along before we can let any emotion in the scene congeal! Sebastian is one of the characters that goes through the biggest evolution in this movie, and that arc falls completely flat in this film, thanks to a bad combination of unemotive CGI animation and poor writing and acting choices. 

+Triton. If Sebastian’s arc fell flat, Triton’s really didn’t work for me. Half of what makes Triton’s storyline and by extension Ariel’s so meaningful is that Triton starts off as an objectively pretty poor father to his youngest daughter, but he ends up learning the error of his ways and becomes a better man and a better father by accepting his daughter was right and learning to let her go. At the beginning of the story, Triton is furious because his youngest daughter misses a concert where all of his children were set to sing a song heralding him (“Oh, we are the daughters of Triton, great father who loves us and named us well”). Later he consistently shouts Ariel down when she tries to explain that humans aren’t all bad. He interrupts her more than once, actively refusing to listen, and his temper is violent enough that Ariel finally just has to swim off choking back tears, running to her treasures for some semblance of comfort. In this version, though? Triton never gets violent or aggressive in the beginning -- he acts a bit pompous, perhaps, when greeting his daughters, and he’s cross when Ariel’s not there...but when she arrives, he never yells at her. He never rages at her. He never even interrupts her! And yet he still acts all guilty when she leaves (”was I too hard on her?”) and Ariel acts like he’s being so unfair to her. And then, at the drop of a hat and while expressing nothing but raw hurt rather than volatile rage, Triton destroys Ariel’s treasures “for her own good.” Worse, unlike Triton in the original, he doesn’t even spare the slightest look back at Ariel or look the least bit sorry about seeing how much he’s hurt his daughter. That’s somehow even MORE cruel than the original version, even though earlier he’s depicted as so much more reasonable! Ariel expresses disappointment that Triton just “won’t listen,” a sentiment echoed later by Eric about his own mother -- but honestly, in both Triton’s and the Queen’s cases, they weren’t aggressive enough for the parallel to work or for Triton’s arc in accepting his daughter’s choices to have much of an impact. 

+Ursula. It wasn’t really that Melissa McCarthy was bad, persay -- she’s certainly better than most of the other LA remakes’ villains in overall presence and performance...but I’m sorry, she’s still just way less fun to hate than the original! For one, her constantly talking about her plan to herself and making it super obvious what she’s doing the entire time got old really fast -- Ursula in the original was perfectly willing to keep some of it under wraps until the end where it was necessary to make everything clear, and I think it made her come across as much more intelligent and crafty. There’s also a part toward the end where she just goes completely nuts looking for a potion ingredient for about thirty seconds that was utterly pointless. But the thing that saddens me most is what they cut out of Ursula’s character. The part of Poor Unfortunate Souls when Ursula tries to gaslight Ariel into thinking appearances are all that matter and “it’s she who holds her tongue who gets her man” may have been deleted in a misguided attempt to not promote that message (seriously, was anyone actually taking romantic advice from Ursula the Sea Witch??), but in truth, it showcased so much about Ursula’s character -- how, truthfully, she’s all about appearances, more than anything internal like one’s heart, morals, soul, or intelligence...and so she can’t fathom Ariel and Eric connecting over anything that isn’t superficial. Ursula being Triton’s sister is also, quite frankly, an idea I wish that was left discarded on the development floor. I don’t like the idea either here or in the musical, and here I dislike it even more, because at first it seemed like the filmmakers were going to reveal that the reason Ursula got exiled was related to what happened to Ariel’s mother or maybe even why Eric was found washed up on the shore by the King and Queen (since it’s said Ursula liked causing “trouble” between humans and merpeople), only to not deliver on it at all. Ariel also claims Ursula’s “nothing like how Triton described her” -- girl, HOW did he describe her, then, because she’s shady AF??

+Ariel using the sunken ship’s bow to kill Ursula instead of Eric. Look, Disney, I’m all for a strong female lead, but you already HAVE one, in Ariel. There’s nothing wrong with Ariel needing to be rescued too, now and again. In the original, Ariel and Eric trade saving each other’s lives, and it’s honestly kind of adorable -- in this film where they’re even more like peers, it would’ve been a great choice. And honestly, Eric saving Ariel would’ve meant so much more even in this film, and it all comes back to Triton’s arc again. After Triton is resurrected (I’m sorry, the film really did NOT make clear that that was even possible, so that felt like a major deus ex machina), Ariel tells her father than she “had help” in saving his life. How much more would that have been true if ERIC had been the one who stabbed Ursula, or that Eric and Ariel steered the ship together? Hell, how much more would it have proven that Triton’s world view was wrong? The whole reason he supposedly hates humans -- to the point that he’s made the seas so turbulent that Eric’s kingdom is pretty much isolated from the rest of the world -- is because a human killed his wife. Imagine how much the Sea King’s narrow world view would open, if a human killed his wife, and yet a different human saved his daughter as well as him. It would prove what Ariel told Triton earlier on -- merpeople aren’t all the same, so why would humans be? It would also foster good feelings between Eric and Ariel’s father, the way Eric’s mother accepted Ariel at the end! in the original, we see Eric bow to Triton and Triton inclining his head respectfully in return, but in the new version, Eric looks nervous when Triton appears. 

+The new music...and you know, it breaks my heart to say this. I love Lin-Manuel Miranda’s work, but none of the new songs he wrote for this movie were that memorable, to me. Even Eric’s new song, which is pretty much Evermore fused with Her Voice from the Little Mermaid musical, left me kind of cold, even with how happy I was to hear a Disney prince sing in a LA remake WITHOUT autotune for a change! Goddamn it, Mena Massoud and Dan Stevens!!. Even if you do end up liking them, though, I feel that -- like Speechless in the Aladdin remake -- these new songs don’t blend well with the rest of the songs from the original movie, nor does the score do a good job blending the two disparate styles together. Even though I like the opening scene for what it is, something was really lost in not using the score to communicate time period and location the way the original Little Mermaid score does. Fathoms Below does a better job introducing the sailing ship Eric is on and the culture of the humans on it than the opening scene does on its own -- even though the song is used later when Ariel goes up to the surface, the impact of it being used to set the stage is lost. It’s like having Vuelie first pop up in Frozen during Elsa’s coronation, or like having The Circle of Life first play in The Lion King when Mufasa is teaching Simba about kingship -- the song might be good wherever you first hear it, but its placement setting the stage for the story we’re about to hear is important in both leaving an emotional impact on your audience and in helping tell the story. And considering how much Lin-Manuel obviously loves The Little Mermaid, I’m a little surprised he or Alan Menken didn’t emphasize to the other filmmakers just how much power a strong opening number can have. 

+For all of the songs added, there were quite a few places I wish there’d be more! Even if you didn’t want to use Daughters of Triton, couldn’t we at least have some new song where Ariel’s sisters could shine? What about Triton himself? If Only is a beautiful quartet from the musical featuring Sebastian, Triton, Eric, and Ariel -- why not use that, or write something new in that vein? Why couldn’t we have that fun little reprise Vanessa sings in the original about Ursula’s plans, or maybe a variation, since she already crowed out her plan to the audience so early on? Why not have a reprise of that mediocre song of Eric’s when he decides to stop seeking out his mystery girl and tell Ariel how he feels? Where’s our grand musical finale where Ariel and Eric finally get their happily-ever-after?! The very last song in this movie, excluding Under the Sea being reprised in the credits, is Ariel’s second sad reprise after Eric chooses Vanessa!!

+There was also a shocking lack of ensemble singing, in this. Under the Sea and Kiss the Girl are supposed to be dynamic group numbers, largely because Sebastian’s showmanship bleeds out of his every pore and makes other sea creatures flock around him with little effort -- but in this, only Ariel sings along with Sebastian in the first one, while only Flounder and Scuttle sing along with Sebastian in the second. It makes both songs way less exciting than they should be. Add to this that in Under the Sea, the filmmakers almost never bother to show any of the fish discussed in the song on screen, and you’re left with a much smaller and less dynamic performance. 

+I wish Ariel’s sisters could’ve played more of a role! It seemed at several points the filmmakers wanted them to be more involved in the family dynamic, such as when they remind Ariel she was too young to remember their mother’s death, but they honestly don’t do very much or leave much of an impact personality-wise. 

+The Hans Christian Andersen quote at the beginning sadly ended up completely meaningless in the film, since Triton cries upon saying goodbye to Ariel at the end. You can’t even act like the film was trying to “prove the quote wrong” either, because Triton’s character arc was given so little focus in the story and was so lacking in power compared to the original. 

+Ursula’s little secret proviso about Ariel not remembering that she has to kiss Eric...honestly, I don’t think it added a damn thing! Ariel already knows just kissing Eric isn’t enough -- it has to be a Kiss of True Love. The filmmakers went out of their way with the changes to the lyrics of Kiss the Girl to make it clear that Eric should only kiss Ariel when it’d be consensual -- why can’t it be the same way here? Ariel doesn’t want to kiss Eric when he wouldn’t want it either! Even better, why not have Ariel overhear Eric talking about his mystery girl to Grimsley, to the point that Ariel is left wondering if Ursula was right, that the only reason he’s even obsessed with her is her voice, and he didn’t even get the core of what she was singing to him? Not her wanting to connect with him, not her longing to be part of his world? It would give her all the more reason to worry when Vanessa shows up that Eric never truly cared at all and NOT suspect that something’s amiss!

+On the note of Ariel’s voice, there’s special focus put on Ariel supposedly “saving Eric with her song,” but...how?? She saved him by helping him choke up that water and then sang to him as he was waking up! If her voice is supposed to be magical, good, but the filmmakers really should’ve explained that better, because it would definitely give further justification for why Ursula wanted Ariel’s voice and for why she thought Ariel couldn’t charm Eric without it. Perhaps Triton could’ve blown up at Ariel about it, if Sebastian told him everything -- maybe he’d rage that humans never forget a siren’s song, that they’re too simple-minded to fight against them -- that Eric would hunt her down like an animal obsessively or some nonsense? Maybe we could even then have Eric resisting Vanessa’s influence the entire time too, so as to prove this idea wrong -- however strong and magical Ariel’s voice is, Eric’s heart is pure, and his connection with Ariel is strong enough that learning she’s disappeared wakes him up enough to try to fight back against Vanessa’s spell. Maybe even Scuttle could’ve realized that Eric was under a spell by seeing it first-hand -- seeing Eric resist Vanessa’s stolen voice, only to get overpowered temporarily with enough singing! All Vanessa needs is a few hours, after all -- if she can stay right by Eric until the sun sets, she wins. 

Overall, the film was kind of a rollercoaster for me. There were parts I was cheering and smiling at, and others I was cringing and frowning at. There were some real high notes, especially regarding our two main leads -- but there were also quite a few sour ones as well. Ariel’s relationship with Eric was developed beautifully, to the point I ship them even more than in the original film...but as a consequence, all of Ariel’s other relationships seemed to suffer. Her friendships with Flounder and Scuttle -- her relationship with Sebastian -- her strained relationship with her father -- even her hero-villain dynamic with Ursula -- all of them are considerably weaker and less engaging and emotional than in the original film, both from a writing and performance standpoint. And yeah, I’m not going to lie, that really hurts the finished product for me. I understand wanting to make likable heroes and romantic couples, but without just as likable of a supporting cast framing them, a movie, show, or even story is just not going to be as likable. I definitely think this live-action adaptation is better than a lot of other ones I’ve seen, and as I said, I strongly recommend seeing this and making your own conclusions...but personally, I can only really celebrate certain aspects of this film, and the original Little Mermaid will always remain my personal preference. I wish Halle Bailey and Jonah Hauer-King the best in everything they do and I can’t wait to see how their careers progress...but sorry, I don’t think the seaweed is greener in this movie’s lake. However fun some of this film’s twists were, I’m happier swimming in more animated waters. 

Overall Grade: C+