#tried playing around with thin lines though and honestly its kinda fun

[iooiu]

playing around with future donnie’s design and all i can say for sure is this:

1) lose an arm gain three

2) dies

[lochtayboatsong]

The Jesus Christ Superstar essay absolutely no one asked for.

Last weekend, I watched the pro-shot of the 2012 arena tour of Jesus Christ Superstar starring Ben Forster, Tim Minchin, and Melanie C, because it was Easter and it was up on YT for the weekend.  I never managed to do my annual listen-through of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass this year, as is my usual Easter tradition, so I figured “Why not watch/listen to this instead?”  It was my first time seeing and hearing JCS in full, and Y’ALL, it has been living rent-free in my brain ever since.  I have a mighty need to get my thoughts out, so here they are, in chronological order by song.  

1) Prologue: I love the way JCS 2012 makes use of the arena video screen.  The production design and concept clearly took a lot of inspiration from the “Occupy ______” movement, which makes it feel a bit dated now.  But every single production of JCS is a product of its time period, so this is a feature and not a bug.  

2) Heaven On Their Minds: This is a straight-up rock song.  It wouldn’t be out of place on any rock and roll album released between 1970 and 2021, and it boggles my mind that Webber and Rice were both in their early twenties when they wrote it.  Also, the lyric “You’ve begun to matter more than the things you say” hits hard no matter the year.

3) What’s the Buzz: A+ use of the arena screens again, this time bringing in social media to set the tone.  Also, this song establishes right from the outset that Jesus is burnt out and T I R E D by this point in the story.  Seriously, can we just let this man have a nap?

4) Strange Thing Mystifying: Judas publicly calls out Mary and Jesus claps back.  Folx, get you a partner who will defend your honor the way Jesus defends MM in this scene.  Also Jesus loses his shoes and is mostly barefoot for the remainder of the show.

5) Everything’s Alright: Okay, this is one of the songs I have A LOT to say about.  First, it’s important to know that I was a church musician throughout all of my adolescence and into my early adulthood.  The pianist at the services I usually played at was a top-notch jazz pianist, and also my piano teacher for about six years while I as in high school and undergrad.  (Incidentally, I had a HUGE crush on his son, who was/is a jazz saxophonist and clarinetist and also played in the church band, but that’s a story for another day.)  One of the hymns we played a few times a year was called “Sing of the Lord’s Goodness,” which is notable for being in 5/4 time.  Whenever this hymn was on the schedule, it was usually the recessional, or the last song played as the clergy processed out and the congregation got ready to leave, so we were able to have some fun with it.  After a couple verses the piano player and his son would usually morph it into “Take Five,” a famous jazz standard by Dave Brubeck which is also in 5/4 time.  Anyway, the first time I listened to this song in full, it got to Judas’s line “People who are hungry, people who are starving,” and I sat bolt upright and went “HOLY SHIT THIS IS ‘SING OF THE LORD’S GOODNESS/TAKE FIVE.’”  And I was ricocheted back in time to being fourteen and trying to keep up with this father/son duo in a cavernous Catholic church while simultaneously making heart-eyes at the son.  Final note: This is the only song in the musical to feature all three leads (Jesus, Judas, and Mary Magdalene) and is mostly Jesus and MM being soft with each other in between bouts of Jesus and Judas snarling at one another.

6) This Jesus Must Die: I LOVE that all the villains in this production are in tailored suits.  LOVE IT.  Also, Caiaphas and Annas are a comedy duo akin to “the thin guy and the fat guy,” except in this case it’s “the low basso profundo and the high tenor.”  Excellent use of the arena video screen again, this time as CCTV.

7) Hosanna: My background as a church musician strikes back again.  It honestly took me two or three listens to catch it, but then I had another moment of sitting bolt upright and going “HOLY SHIT THIS IS A PSALM.”  Psalms sung in church usually take the form of call-and-response, with a cantor singing the verses and the congregation joining in for the chorus.  If I close my eyes during this song, I have no trouble imagining Jesus as a church cantor singing the verses and then bringing the congregation in for the “Ho-sanna, Hey-sanna” chorus. 

8) Simon Zealotes: This is part “Gloria In Excelsis” and part over-the-top Gospel song.  Honestly it’s not my favorite, but it marks an important mood change in the show.  The end of “Hosanna” is probably Jesus at his happiest in the entire show, and then Simon comes in and sours the mood by trying to tip the triumphant moment into a violent one.  Jesus is not truly happy again from this moment on.

9) Poor Jerusalem: Also not my fave.  It kinda reads like Webber and Rice realized that Jesus didn’t have a solo aria in Act I, so they came up with this.  But it has the distinction of containing the lyric, “To conquer death you only have to die,” which is the biggest overarching theme of the story.

10) Pilate’s Dream: Pontius Pilate might be the most underrated role in this entire show, and I love that this production has him singing this song while being dressed in judge’s robes.  

11) The Temple: The first half of this is one of the campiest numbers in Act I, at least in this production, and it’s awesome.  The second half is one of the saddest, as Jesus tries to heal the sick but finds there are too many of them.  Also the whole scene is almost entirely in 7/8 time, which I think is just cool.

12) I Don’t Know How To Love Him: Mary Magdalene’s big aria, and one of the songs I knew prior to seeing the full-length show.  This production has MM taking off her heavy lipstick and eye makeup onstage, mid-song, which is kind of cool.  Melanie C says in a BTS interview that MM’s makeup is her armor, so this is a Big Symbolic Moment.

13) Damned For All Time: The scene transition into this song is played entirely in pantomime, and I love it.  The solo guitarist gets to be onstage for a bit, A+ use of the video screen again to show Judas on CCTV, etc.  Love it.  And then this song is Judas frantically rationalizing what he’s doing, and what he’s about to do, with Caiphas and Annas just reacting with raised eyebrows and knowing looks.

14) Blood Money: This is where the tone of the show really takes a turn for the dark.  I think this might be one of Tim Minchin’s finest moments as Judas, because his facial expressions and microexpressions throughout this scene speak absolute volumes.  And the offstage chorus quietly singing “Well done Judas” as he picks up the money is a positively chilling way to end Act I.

15) The Last Supper: Act II begins with major “Drink With Me” vibes.  (Except JCS came WAY before Les Miz, so it’s probably more accurate to say that “Drink With Me” has major “The Last Supper” vibes.)  Jesus and Judas have their knock-down, drag-out fight, and it’s honestly heartbreaking, thanks again to Tim Minchin’s facial expressions.  A well-done production of JCS will really convey that Jesus and Judas were once closer than brothers, even though their relationship is at breaking point when Act I begins.

16) Gethsemane: This is Jesus’s major showpiece and one of my faves.  Jesus knows he has less than 24 hours to live, he knows he’s going to suffer, and worst of all, he doesn’t know whether it’s going to be worth it.  It’s an emotional rollercoaster to watch and to perform, and it goes on for ages: something like 6 or 7 minutes.  Fun fact: the famous G5 is not written in the score.  Ian Gillan, who played Jesus on the original concept album, just sang it that way, so most subsequent Jesuses have also done it that way.  Lindsay Ellis has a great supercut of this on YT.  John Legend notably sang the line as written during the 2018 concert.  

17) The Arrest: Judas’s Betrayer’s Kiss is played differently across different productions.  The 2012 version is pretty tame - I’ve seen clips and gifs of other productions, including the 2000 direct-to-video version, where they kiss fully on the mouth and have to be dragged apart by the guards and it is THE MOST TENDER THING.  Then the 7/8 riff from “The Temple” comes back and the 2012 version lets the video screen do its thing again as Jesus is swarmed by reporters.

18) Peter’s Denial: Not much to say about this one, as it’s basically a scene transition.  But it’s a significant moment in the Passion story, so I’m glad they included it.

19) Pilate and Christ: The 2012 production continues with the theme of Caiaphas, Annas, and Pilate all being bougie af, since Pilate intentionally looks like he just came from tennis practice during this scene.  Also he does pilates...hehehe.

20) King Herod’s Song: Tim Minchin says in a BTS interview that JCS works best when Jesus and Judas are played seriously and the rest of the production is allowed to be completely camp and wild and bizarre all around them, and he is bloody well CORRECT about that.  Case in point: King Herod.  There is not a single production of JCS that I know of where Herod is played “straight.”  He’s been played by everyone from Alice Cooper to Jack Black, and everyone puts a different zany spin on him.  In JCS 2012 he’s a chat show host in a red crushed velvet suit, who is clearly having the time of his LIFE. 

21) Could We Start Again Please: This is another of my faves.  Just a quiet moment where MM, Peter, and the disciples try to grapple with the fact that Jesus is arrested and things are going very, very badly.  This is also my favorite Melanie C moment of the 2012 show.  Her grief is very real, and the little moment she has with Peter at the end is very real.

22) Death of Judas: This is basically Tim Minchin screaming for about five minutes, and incredibly harrowing to watch on first viewing.  

23) Trial Before Pilate: Possibly my single favorite scene in the entire 2012 production.  This is another harrowing watch, but there’s so much to take in.  The “set” that the entire show takes place on is essentially just a massive staircase, and the people with power are almost always positioned above the people without power.  In this scene, the crowd shouting “Crucify Him!” is positioned above Pilate, which is a very telling clue to Pilate’s psychology during this scene.  Jesus is at the very bottom of the stairs, of course.  Excellent use of the video screen once again during the 39 Lashes, to show the lash marks building and building until the entire screen is a wash of red.  Pilate’s counting also gets more and more frantic, especially starting around “20.”  And all the while the guitar riff from “Heaven On Their Minds” is playing.  Jesus’s line “Everything is fixed and you can’t change it” is played quite differently in different productions - here it’s defiant, but elsewhere (in JCS 2000 for example) it’s almost tender, like Jesus is absolving Pilate for his part in the trial.  But it always ends the same - with Pilate almost screaming as he passes the sentence and “washes his hands” of the whole sorry business. 

24) Superstar: The most over-the-top number in the show.  Judas, who died two scenes ago, comes back to sing this.  There are soul singers.  There are girls in skimpy angel costumes.  The parkour guys from the prologue are back.  Judas pulls a tambourine out of hammerspace midway through the song.  And Jesus is silently screaming and crying as he gets hoisted onto a lighting beam while all this is going on.

25) The Crucifixion: More of a spoken-word piece than a song, it’s Jesus’s final words on the cross over eerie piano music, and another harrowing watch.

26) John 19:41: An instrumental piece in which Jesus is taken from the cross and carried, at last, to the top of the stairs, before being lowered out of sight as the video screen turns into a memorial wall and everything fades to black.

So.  I know I’m anywhere from three to fifty-one years late to this particular party, but I am on the JCS bandwagon now and I’m thoroughly enjoying myself.  :)

[ladyloveandjustice]

Belated Spring 2020 Anime Overview: My Next Life as Villainess

For the Spring 2020 anime season, I mostly watched continuations of shows I was already into. The one new show I did pick up was My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom!

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! follows Katerina Claes, a spoiled young noble girl deviously scheming to win the heart of a prince- oh wait, never mind, she hit her head and remembered her past life! Turns out she’s an eighteen year old Japanese otaku chick who died and got reincarnated as the villainess in her favorite otome game. 

If you don’t feel like reading the wiki article, an otome game is basically a female- targeted dating sim where you play as a blank slate main character and date a bunch of pretty boys (and sometimes girls, but usually only if you go outside the mainstream ones), unlocking their backstories and collecting all the romantic endings.

Having played this game, Katarina is well aware that the Villainess character- who constantly tries to interfere with the game’s heroine and whichever boy she’s pursuing- is either exiled or killed in all of the games endings. And now she IS that villainess, living in the world of the game and all its characters! Does that mean she’s doomed to a horrible fate? What’s a girl to do?

Well, if you’re Katarina, what you do is be supportive and kind to the people around you and in doing so accidentally get every single character in the game to fall in love with you. And yes, this includes all the boys the heroine is supposed to date, the other female romantic rivals the heroine is faced with and the game’s heroine herself.

That’s right, we finally got us some bisexual romantic comedy hijinx last anime season, my friends! My Next Life as a Villainess was the delightful little show I really escaped into during these anxious pandemic times . All these girls casually falling in love with Katarina without it being treated as ‘weird’ was what particularly drew me to this show and warmed my gay little heart to see. It was honestly the perfect fluffy, low stress watch during these high stress times.

Anime has long been oversaturated with ‘harem’ stories- where a usually unwitting protagonist somehow gets a bevy of beauties in love with them- but it’s still unfortunately really unusual to see bisexual harems, especially ones with a girl at the center, so right away there’s a big draw to this story that helps it stick out from the rest.  (And worry not, the story is largely focused on Katarina having fun with these pals-who-are-not-so-secretly-in-love-with-her, rather than having a ton the dubious shenanigans you see in more sexually charged tales.)

Harem protoganists also famously tend to have the personality of potatoes, being so painfully bland it’s unclear why so many people would fall in love with them in the first place. But that definitely not the case for Katarina. She’s brash, ridiculous, kind and INCREDIBLY dense, and that for a pretty dynamic combination in this setting! She does genuinely come off as a fun person to be around. Unlike a lot of modern isekai shows, she doesn’t stumble into having incredible magic powers or skills, so her compassion is genuinely her greatest strength and what saves the day and wins hearts time and time again.

Katarina’s five brain cells doing their weekly check-in

(The moment she won my heart was when she responded to a tragic Frozen style situation with her friend locking himself away from people because he believed his magic was dangerous by taking an axe to his door. My kinda girl!)

The premise also allows for some plausible built-in reasons for the characters to take such special notice of Katarina- having been raised in a different world, she isn’t beholden to all the social rules, class divisions and noble family drama all the other kids in this very specific midevial-esque fantasy world are so embroiled in. This combined with her naturally earnest, accepting and straightfoward nature means she’s able to cross boundaries and reach out to them in a way they aren’t accustomed to. She was significant in each character’s life because she genuinely was the first to show them acceptance and affection without pretense, if only because she isn’t even aware there was supposed to be a pretense.

Katarina’s focus on trying not to die and her fear she’s going to meet the same fate as the villainess in the game also at least gives some kind of a basis to her comical obliviousness to everyone being in love with her. She assumes that everyone has to be into Maria (the heroine) and terrified of her because that’s how the game GOES okay, that’s CANON! Of course, this logic stretches thin as time goes on and it would be abundantly clear to most people that things have diverged greatly from the game’s storyline, but the show makes it clear that Katarina’s determined, one track mind is as much a gift as a curse. 

Her bullheadedness when it comes to picking up how everyone REALLY feels about her is an intentional gag on the show’s part and even her love interests are well aware of what a colossal dumbass she is and not afraid to point it out!

My Next Life as a Villainess isn’t without its flaws, and the personalities/backstories of some of the ‘love interests’ Katarina gathers may be a stumbling block on some- mostly the male ones.  Geordo, “the black hearted prince” has a bit of the “ possessive shoujo bad boy” archetype about him, and though he’s far from the worst that genre of love interest has to offer (there’s not much bad he can get up to due to Katarina’s obliviousness, the lighthearted nature of the show, and his rivals constantly getting in his way), the way he refuses to break Katarina and his engagement off despite her repeatedly asking him to, as well as some of his lines here and there, are definitely NOT cute. 

Keith is Katarina’s adopted brother, but clearly has a thing for her too. On one hand, they only first met when they were nine and he fell for her pretty immediately. On the other hand, he still refers to her as “sister” constantly which is kinda eesh. 

The other two guys are all right- Nicol’s big thing is he’s inexpressive and doesn’t talk much which, considering show doesn’t spend much time inside his head, doesn’t make him a very interesting character in the ensemble (maybe he comes across better in the novels) but there’s nothing wrong with him. Alan is undoubtedly the Best Boy in my book. He’s another common trope- rambunctious and competitive with Katarina but clearly soft for her- but he’s done well and they have a lot of cute moments together.

I find the girl love interests to be a much more interesting group overall, though this may be my obvious bias talking. Sophia has the strongest connection to Katarina, their backstories being intertwined in a surprising and touching way (I’m told in the novels her affection for Katarina was treated as more platonic, but the anime definitely plays it up as having romantic elements). Maria’s original role as the game’s heroine puts her in the most interesting position (and would make her the most narratively satisfying choice of love interest, if the show was actually interested in choosing). And while Mary is comically tenacious in her pursuit of Katarina, she’s doesn’t ever act ‘sinister’ or overstep boundaries in the way Geordo does, her “scheming” only really amounting to straightforwardly asking if Katarina wants to ditch her fiance and run away with her. 

As I mentioned, one thing that really contributes to My Next Life as a Villainess being a relaxing watch is that the queer characters are treated with casual acceptance. Mary in particular isn’t subtle about her crush on Katarina, but nobody bats an eye at her and she’s completely open and comfortable with herself too. The observing maid notes that the girls are in love with Katarina with the same bland affect as when she notes she notes the guys are. And while the social practices of the nobles are pretty heteronormative- girls are always engaged in arranged marriages to guys, the guys are expected to dance with the girls (something Mary complains about!)- there’s apparently a booming queer romance novel industry that inspires our young wlw.

Katarina, having grown up in a different world, seems to be the one most prone to heteronormativity of her group. She never really considers  that a girl would ever fall in love with her, but is also never hostile to the idea. It’s telling that when Mary very clearly indicates her desired romantic partner would be a girl, Katarina’s the only one that gets tripped up and has to walk back her assumption that Mary would be talking about a guy. 

Mary LAYING DOWN THE LAW

Also, Katarina has  SEVERAL “she’s so cute! My heart is beating faster!” moments with the other girls, on par in frequency with her moments with the guys. This strongly hints she’s an oblivious bisexual disaster.

So, My Next Life as Villainess is a fun, frothy watch and the rare positive example of silly wish-fufillment that’s inclusive to a wlw audience. But is the actual plot good, or remotely complex? The answer to that is no, the plot is fairly predictable and one definitely shouldn’t got into this story expecting a deep examination of the nature of fate or anything like that.There’s no real explanation of big reason as to why why Katarina was reborn into this game world and so on.

 The antagonist that does eventually emerge plays off otome game tropes a bit, but ultimately isn’t that interesting or built up all that well. . The attempts at drama the show makes towards the end fall a little flat, especially since it tends to rely on very-late-in-the-game-exposition-dumps (dark magic isn’t even MENTIONED as existing in this world until like, the second to last episode where it becomes relevant and we get a vague infodump explaining its mechanics). The conflict honestly almost feels shoehorned in and the climax is pretty standard and doesn’t really utilize the big cast of characters all that well

But in the end, that’s okay! The show makes it abundantly clear from the beginning it’s not here to be Deep, but to be some silly fun. And it really fulfills that purpose well, from it’s catchy, peppy theme tune to its consistently warm tone. It MAY get repetitive at times for some, and I do have some quibbles- like how I found the childhood segments to be some of the shows best material and wish we could have stayed in that section for a bit instead of rushing through it, how I wish Katarina had kept her cute little scar, etc- but overall, it was definitely the soothing balm I needed during a very rough time and I absolutely recommend it if you’re looking for a chill, feel-good watch.

 And hey, a second season’s supposed to be on the way too, so there’s something to potentially look forward to!

[chandelier-s-notebook]

Hello and welcome to a mulit-chapter story! basic info: Tubbo-centric, talk of contracted murder that never goes to fruition, kinda deus ex machina-y

If anyone wants to be part of a taglist for Assassinate But Nah, feel free to message me/send an ask/or mention it in reblogs.

Taglist: @sleepysnails

Ao3 link

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“Tubbo! My boy! You’re my favorite agent.”

Toby Maron pulls out a chair at a private poker table at Quacksino. “I really shouldn’t be honestly,” he says to the leader of the Jays, one of the Mafia groups in Houver.

“Of course you’re my favourite!” Schlatt says. He gestures to Quackity, who’s acting as dealer tonight, to deal this looks-younger-than-sixteen year old into the next round. “You’re a cop’s son? Those guys never get caught.”

Quackity slides Tubbo a packet of M&Ms before dealing in Tubbo, Schlatt, and his two main lackeys Slimecicle, and Ted.

Tubbo grimaces. “Right.” He opens the packet of M&Ms and separates them into the six colours, acting as the six chip types. “Why am I here?”

Slimecicle looks at his cards and slides Tubbo a folder. “Right here.”

“Thanks.” Tubbo looks at his own cards. “Ten.” He puts his cards down on the table and flicks a candy to the pot. He opens the file, he sighs heavily. “Another assassin job?”

“Oh yeah.” Schlatt grins like the two of them are in on a little secret. “That’s why I like you.” He throws in a chip. “Call.”

Tubbo skims the reference sheet in front of him. “Thomas Rough?”

“Call,” Slimecicle says.

Schlatt’s grin stays on his face. He takes a swig of beer. “What do you know about him?”

“Thomas Rough? He’s the son of Dan Rough.” Tubbo continues to skim the papers in front of him; blond hair, blue eyes, 6’3”. “Dr. Rough was a kid from the Teenage Mall District, bad place for a kid to grow up.” Tubbo thinks back to his memory of headlines and research projects. Dan made some big advancement in microbiology, I don’t know what though. He now has his own lab and a nice house in the suburbs. The Houver Mailer called him a ‘Diamond in the Rough’ in their series on him.”

“Good.”

“Call,” Ted says.

Quackity puts down the flop.

“Two hundred.” Tubbo throws in the equivalent amount of candy.

“Playing it safe are you?”

“Mhm. Shoulda said that with my ten.”

“Call.”

Tubbo continues to rattle off information. “Thomas Rough spends the first semester abroad at Oak Park Academy, a Swiss boarding school.” He glances up from the papers to Schlatt. “Nice. He comes home for Christmas break, then spends the second semester in a local public school: Granite Bay.”

“Something about balancing rich kid privileged education and being a normal kid.”

“Call.”

“I can understand that.” Tubbo eats a couple M&Ms.

“Hey! Don’t eat your chips,” Ted jokes. “Call.”

“Chips? These are chocolate.” Tubbo seems to remember that he’s talking to the top guys in the Jays and shuts up.

Quackity burns the top card and places the Turn.

Tubbo’s eyes flick up. “Add another hundred.” He flips the page. “Who’s this?”

Schlatt puts his elbows on the table and leans in. “Ranboo Alastair. Nothing special about him, but he’s Rough’s best friend during the half year he’s in the city.”

“Does he need to go as well?”

“No. You just need to befriend him while Rough it’s around.” Schlatt looks towards his men. “Call.”

“But will you dispose of him once I kill--”

“Assassinate.”

“Kill Thomas Rough? He’ll be able to point me out in a line up.”

“Ideally, he won’t know that you disposed of his best friend”

“Fold.” Slimecicle slides his cards to the burn pile.

Schlatt continues. “You know Eret?”

“Yeah. Informant on the drag scene.”

“Ranboo’s her little brother. Your mark is Thomas Rough, but befriending Ranboo will be a warning to Eret as well.”

“Killing two birds with one stone.”

“More like killing one, injuring another.”

“Fun.”

“Isn’t it! And you’re a police kid, nothing will happen to you.”

“But won’t Dr. Rough want answers to what happened to his son?”

“We’ll deal with that. You deal with Thomas Rough.”

“Call.”

The next card gets burned and the River gets flipped.

“Five hundred.” Tubbo puts the fold to the side and tried to read Schlatt, not that he wasn’t already doing that. “So I’m supposed to befriend Ranboo, hope that Thomas Rough keeps he around as a friend, then kill him?”

“Yes. Call.”

“Fold.”

Schlatt turns to Quackity. “Burn these. Flip a new five cards please.” He then gestures to Tubbo’s pile of M&Ms.

“One thousand.”

Schlatt looks at his cards once more. “Call.” He sits back in his seat. “We’ll be putting you in Public School, Granite Bay, as you mentioned. You’re junior year I think.”

“It would be,” Tubbo says wistfully.

“If you take it--”

Tubbo cuts him off, “If? I have a choice?”

“If you take it,” he looks Tubbo in the eye. “This’ll be your last job. I’ll be asking your father to overlook first degree homicide. Even his debts have limits.”

Tubbo thumbs at his cards.

Schlatt flips his. He gives Tubbo his first proper smile of the night. “Flush.”

“Blue-Eyes White Dragon,” Tubbo says. He takes great pleasure in how Schlatt is visibly thrown. “I’ll take the job, but my cover isn’t in this folder.”

Ted hands Tubbo another thin packet of paper.

“Tubbo Jacobs?”

“That’s your name for the next year. You’ll be living with Karl Jacob’s, chief editor of the Houver Mailer.”

“He works for you?”

“Yes. He’s getting redeployed on another mission next year, so once you get the job done, Tubbo Jacobs will disappear with him.” Schlatt grabs a few M&Ms from his winning pot. “And Toby Maron will be allowed to go back into public school.”

“But not Granite Bay.”

Schlatt nods and drops the candy in his mouth. “But not Granite Bay.”

Quackity taps Schlatt’s forearm.

“What is it Flatty Patty?”

“The kid wins,” he murmurs. “Hands off the pot.”

“What was that?”

“The kid wins.”

Schlatt scoffs. “The nerve of some people. Fine. Take your candy and chips. Get out of here kid.”

Tubbo puts all his papers back in the manila folder and slips it into his bag. “Yes Schlatt.”

“You have until the end of next summer to get it done.”

“Yes Schlatt.”

“Good boy. Remember. Do the job, and it’ll be your last one. Chicken out, and you’ve still got a few years ahead of you.”

“Yes Schlatt.” Tubbo picks up his chips but leaves the candy on the table. He pushes the chair back in behind him and goes to the counter to cash out his two thousand, three hundred, and thirty bucks.

 “Bye Sapnap.” Tubbo may be an unwilling assassin due to debt, and he may hate it, but he’s still polite. Tubbo walks into his house, eyes downcast. His dad, Captain Maron, is reading in the newspaper. “I’m back.”

He tosses down the paper and comes to hug his son. “How was your meeting at the Quacksino?”

“Good. Schlatt’s sending me to public school.”

“What?” Captain Maron holds his son by the shoulders. “Public school?”

“Yeah. Catch s I have another assassin job.”

Captain Maron’s face falls. “At public school?”

“Thomas Rough, he goes to Griante Bay second semester.”

“Oh.” Jordan’s expression flickers.

Tubbo doesn't have the energy to even try to decipher it.” On the bright side,” he tries, “Schlatt says that this is the last job I need to do for him. Something about debt limits and that you can’t prosecute me.”

His dad gives him a tense smile. “Did he really say that? Or are you paraphrasing for your old man?”

“That’s what he said, he was very clear about it.” Tubbo pulls away and heads to the kitchen. “But you can’t prosecute me. I don’t know what I’m going to do after though. I feel like Schlatt has been setting me up to go crawling back to him for a sense of purpose.”

Jordan looks at his son sadly. As one of the top cops, he’s seen a lot, and he’s seen that very story play out so many times before. “I’m sorry.”

“No. No. Don’t apologize. It’s grandpa’s fault for getting tied with one of the Mafia families. It’s not your fault. He’s the one who died with debt to the Jays.”

Jordan comes to hug his son again. “Get some rest. You’ll have time to brush up before the school year starts.”

“Yeah.” Tubbo grabs himself a bowl of cereal, directly opposing what his dad just suggested. “I’m a new transfer. Tubbo Jacobs. Starting tomorrow I’m going to be living with Karl Jacobs, but only until the job is over,” he reassures his father. “And Lani will still be at home. Think of it as an exchange; like I’m going to school in europe or something.”

“I just. I don’t like the idea of you living with Karl Jacobs,” Jordan admits.

“It could be worse. At least he’s got a proper office job. It’s a good cover.” Tubbo shovels a spoonful of cereal in his mouth. “Relax dad. I’ll be fine. I’ve been fine. I will keep being fine.” His gaze softens. “Besides dad, this case file tells me to befriend some kid. So I’ll get that experience.”

Jordan smiles at his boy and ruffles his hair. “Goodnight son.”

“Night dad.”

- - -

Jordan walks up the stairs and goes to the safe in his closet. He spins the lock and opens the door. He digs up an old photo album and pulls it to his lap. He flips through old polaroids of him and his two childhood friends.

He pulls the last photo out of its clear sleeve. Then flips it to the back and reads the mailing address scrawled on it.

He mutters it under his breath and puts everything back in its place.

Jordan goes to find a pen, a piece of paper, and an envelope. He writes out the address and starts to pen two letters.

Dear Philip Wright, I’ve been in some trouble with the Jays for the past six years. Sorry for not mentioning it earlier. You know me, I’m stubborn. I’m a cop. I thought I had it under control. I don’t. Most of the debt has been worked off, but if you could advise me on how to proceed. That would be great,” Yours, Jordan Maron

Dear Daniel Rough, Just got a tip that Tom is in danger. Yours, Jordan Maron p.s. sorry for never returning your requests to catch up

[novantinuum]

Fandom: Steven Universe

Rating: Teen Audiences (TW: language)

Words: ~3K

Summary: Lars has no idea what he was expecting the moment Steven texted him in the middle of the night to ask if he could come over, but being immediately tackled in an intense vice-grip of a hug the second he opened the door probably wasn’t it.

Set mid SUF.

I don’t think I’ve ever gotten to write Lars’ POV before this, but it was really fun! If you read this and enjoy, I’d greatly appreciate your support through reblogs here, or kudos/comments on AO3. Thank you! <3

____

Besides the quiet lull of the TV and the electric hum of the attic’s rickety old heater, all is silent in the Barriga household. The nighttime streets outside are vacant. Not a soul roams through his section of town, not even the newer Gem arrivals, who thankfully have been informed of humanity’s biologically mandated curfew by now. Sheesh, it’s about time.

After all, silence is peace. And in this day and age, in a world where the barriers between human and intergalactic politics are becoming increasingly blurred by the hour, peace is a gift.

Which is why having free time to play whatever old video games he wants in complete and total solitude at one AM is probably the single thing keeping him sane at this moment.

Lars’ fingers expertly flick at the joysticks of the controller as if by innate memory. It genuinely feels like forever since he’s been able to lose himself for hours in a solo campaign like this, and quite honestly, if given a choice he prefers it to any other leisurely activity. Chatting with his online friends or with that Gem gang of his is fun, sure, and working the counter at his bake shop can often be emotionally satisfying, but pushed too long and any kind of social interaction feels draining. He shifts on his bed, paying little to no attention to the slight chill against his bare chest. He’s pretty sure it’s like, near freezing outside and yet somehow it’s no more an annoyance to him than having to pause to reload an ammo clip in this game. It’s weird. Really weird. But then, at this point everything about his dumb life is.

It’s the Steven effect, he thinks with a soft scoff. Weird practically orbits him and his moms, and inevitably, every person he comes in contact with is brought into the fold. He’s a good kid, though. Don’t get him wrong. Steven always tries his best to be thoughtful when dealing with people he doesn’t understand— even when initially those people just act like dicks in return— and he for one is grateful for that, for the gift of a... a second chance. He knows full well he didn’t deserve it, (he still doesn’t), but he’s grateful.

The kid’s still on his mind when his phone lights up on the nightstand beside him, like the now familiar glow of Gems synchronizing to fuse.

(And goddamnit, does a part of him still balk almost two years later that it’s so normal to be casually relating everyday things to outer space Gem stuff anyways. What is he, with his pink hair and alien friends, the main character of an anime?)

Eyes skirt away from the grainy television set he’s been playing his favorite Immortal Combat on, and glance at the new notification.

Steven, the name at the top of the text reads. Well, lo and behold. The true shounen protagonist himself. Somebody’s ears must have been burning. Though, hmm. Come to think of it, that’s actually unusual. They pass bullshit memes back and forth sometimes, yes, but he never sends him anything this late at night.

Lars frowns, failing to obscure that annoying, instinctual worry that seizes him like the long lost sensation of hunger rising from the pit of his stomach, and scoots forward on his bed to grab his phone. What’s he want at this hour, anyways?

Steven: hey, sorry i know its late but can i come over ?

His frown deepens as he glances down at himself, clad in only a pair of boxers. He doesn’t mind having an unexpected visitor— after all, it’s not like he requires sleep anymore— but he’s not exactly dressed for company, here.

yeah but gimme a mo, he types back. kinda need to put on a shirt

Steven: k

Yawning out of sheer habit, he leans over the other side of the bed and grabs the first decent smelling tee he can find off the floor. It’s got an overlapping triangular emblem on it, a symbol from one of the game series he used to be obsessed with as a kid. He quickly shrugs it and a stray pair of sweatpants on, then returns to his phone.

decent now, he updates him.

The response is almost immediate.

Steven: be there soon

With a heavy inhale, he leans back against the headboard and begins to mentally prepare himself for the passage of One Whole Teenage Boy through the portal in his hair. For the most part he’s grown used to the changes caused by Steven’s literal magic resurrection, but not this. Who the hell knows how his pet lion puts up with it all the time. Quite frankly, how that creature has remained so docile and patient after years of interloping within Steven’s chaotic world of Gems eludes him, ‘cause it sure as hell isn’t a side effect of all the death-defying space voodoo.

Also, he’s like, 97% sure that “docile” and “patient” aren’t words anyone would pick to describe him at any stage of his life, ever.

And yet, yawning in his boredom, Lars waits.

And he waits.

And he waits.

And when eventually he breaks his stubborn streak and dares to check the time on his phone to see how many minutes have elapsed, how many minutes of his thrice-damned maybe infinite lifespan he’s wasted sitting up against the far wall of his room waiting for that kid to tumble right out of the literal inter-dimensional door hidden amidst the curls atop his head, he’s mildly surprised that his first emotional response to this delay is... dare he admits... disappointment.

It’s been nearly fifteen minutes. For whatever unknown reason, it seems as if Steven may not be coming over after all. Huh. He wonders what changed his mind. Pressing his lips into a thin line, Lars decides to check his texts. It’s possible the guy wrote something else and he just didn’t see it. But when he pulls up his latest conversation, all that comes up are the last messages they sent to each other. Be there soon, he said.

He hovers hesitant fingers over the keyboard, caught in the midst of trying to decide whether or not it’s too invasive and prying to send some sort of casual check-in, when he picks up on a very timid knock on the front door downstairs. And given the lateness of the hour, there’s really only one person it could be. He blinks for a moment, his mind still doing somersaults in order to process the mere concept of Steven not gleefully taking the opportunity to explode out of his hair for once in his life, and then drags himself up to his feet. Walks out of his attic room and down the stairs, being careful not to disturb his slumbering parents. Unlatches the locks on the door.

Truth be told he has no idea what he was expecting the moment Steven texted him at one fucking AM to ask if he could come over, but being immediately tackled in an intense vice-grip of a hug the second he opened the door probably wasn’t it.

He struggles not to stumble backwards at the initial force of the teen’s silent yet yearning embrace, eventually regaining his stability and... slowly, delicately... hugging him back. Honestly, he’s never been much of a hugger himself, but eh. He’ll give the guy this one. After a brief moment Lars gives him a few awkward pats, clearing his throat.

“Uh, Steven? You good to let go, now?” he asks quietly, still keeping his voice in a whisper for his parents’ benefit.

“Oh! Y-yeah, yeah,” his younger friend stammers, immediately pulling himself away. His eyes are drawn to the floor as he wrings his hands together. Timid. “Sorry, I just— I just needed somewhere I could clear my head tonight. Thank you, by the way.”

“No problem,” he throws back, gesturing for him to follow up the stairs. “‘S not like I ever sleep a wink now anyways. So I might as well have company.”

The two of them tiptoe towards the attic, a familiar setting for both. Steven’s been in here quite a few times before, so— already knowing the lay of the land— he plops himself down in the beanbag chair Lars keeps at the foot of his bed. They don’t talk about much of anything at first, merely passing back and forth brief updates about their lives. Small talk, nothing more. As expected though, Steven’s update is infinitely more interesting than his. Apparently he went on some mission to an alien planet with that Lapis friend of his the other day and had to deal with the attitude of some stubborn terraformers who didn’t want to stop working on their shitty old Homeworld assignment. (Meanwhile, the only update he has to offer is how he’s teaching Blue Lace Agate the art of bad baking puns while at work. Gotta leave behind some sort of legacy before he leaves with his fellow Off-Colors, of course.)

When the small talk finally dries up, (which seems... uncharacteristic, given the typical enthusiasm of his current visitor), Lars offers him a second controller.

“We can play the go-kart one, if you want,” he says, knowing full well that his friend isn’t a huge fan of all his war-themed combat games. Still, he figures the guy could probably stand to blow off a little steam. He looks super stressed, with his brow all creased and his stare unnervingly glassy.

The sixteen-year-old nods, adjusting his hands around the grips of the controller as Lars switches out the disk.

They race a few rounds in relative quiet, wholly insulated by the reassuring stillness of the night all around them, before Steven decides to open up again.

“Where do you think the line is?” he asks when they finish their current course.

His whole face scrunches in confusion. “Huh?”

“Between like, doing bad things, and outright being bad?” he continues, seemingly unaware of the comedic pulse of Lars’ initial response.

Lars blinks.

Considers these words deeply and thoroughly for a moment, as any good friend should.

And then...

“Where the heck did you pull that question from?”

Steven merely shrugs, his shoulders drooping a bit lower than they had been when he first entered his house a while back. “I dunno, just musing, ‘s all.”

The edges of his mouth curl downwards as he lets this corker of a conversation starter wash over him, not so much intended as a frown at Steven, but a frown at... whatever force of this universe would lead his friend to start musing about such depressing philosophical quandaries in the first place. Acting numb and brooding at the rest of the world is supposed to be his job, not this kid’s! And sure, yes, yes, yes, he knows he can’t exactly call him a kid anymore— at least not to his face— and that he’s been a teenager for a good three years now. It’s just that... well. For all his complaints about it earlier in life, Lars kinda grew to respect and feel uplifted by his cheery, upbeat, never-give-up-hope outlook. Dare he says, he kinda misses it.

(And for Steven’s sake, he kinda hoped he’d never discover the burnout and cynicism waiting on the other side. Alas, he fears that ship has probably sailed.)

“Sorry,” the sixteen-year-old mumbles upon noting his extended silence, his cheeks flushed with shame. “Probably not something anyone wants to think about at two in the morning. Just- forget I said anything, okay? Let’s play one more round, and then I can lea—“

Eyes widening, he holds up a hand to intercept that train of thought. “No, that’s— you asked an interesting question. Deep, but interesting. It’s fine, I don’t mind. I...”

He inhales deep, collecting his wits and whatever years of wisdom he may or may not have accumulated ever since dying and coming back to life.

“I suppose in my mind, people aren’t truly bad unless they intend to cause harm, y’know?” he begins, meeting Steven’s eyes. “You can still hurt others without meaning it, and like... that’s still not great, and you should still try and make up for it however you can, but... life’s complicated. People are complicated. It’s all a huge mess of emotions and ethics and beliefs all the time.”

He pauses, a twinge of melancholy rising within his chest as he catches a glimpse of a photograph hung on one of the wooden support beams at the far wall. It’s a selfie of him and Sadie he printed out a few years back when they were still low-key dating, one that— for the life of him— he can’t bear to take down. She’s kissing his cheek. He’s caught in the middle of laughter, playfully trying to nudge her away. They look... so young.

So naive.

(So human.)

“And sometimes it can be so, so easy to convince yourself that you’re always in the right,” he continues, quieter, “that people feeling hurt because of something you did is just their problem. In that case, it’s not that you wanted to harm anyone, it’s just... that you were blind to it, I guess.”

(And he was blind for a long, long time.)

“Like I said, it’s messy.”

Lars sighs, willfully averting his glance from the photographic reminder of all the ways he ignorantly fucked up with Sadie as a friend and partner, and with everyone in his life, making the same stupid mistakes over and over with nearly no improvement until he literally died to his old self.

“So, yeah. There. I guess that’s my opinion,” he mumbles, absentmindedly fiddling with the collar of his graphic tee. “Everyone makes bad choices sometimes, but you’re not actually a bad person unless you literally want to harm others. I don’t think people are bad once and bad forever, though,” he adds, pulling his hand away from his shirt.

Inhaling deep, he splays his palm wide, admiring those same old loops and whorls at the tips of his fingers, identical in every detail to his old, living, human self... but now pink. It's haunting, sometimes.

“People can change, y’know? If they make the effort to.”

When he finally glances back at Steven, he seems thoroughly spaced out by all his impassioned rambling, his gaze walleyed and void of any identifiable emotion. He scowls, unsure whether or not he should feel offended, and gives an exaggerated shrug to defuse the sickeningly earnest atmosphere out of this room.

“But hey, I’m biased,” he mutters, letting that instinctual, age-old self-depreciation coat his tone once more. “For all I know, everything I said could be absolute bunk, and I’m still just an asshole.”

“I don’t think you’re an asshole, Lars,” Steven finally speaks up, his expression still perplexingly unreadable.

“I—“ His eyes blow wider, the sheer frankness of this comment catching him entirely off guard, overturning all of his once-impenetrable defenses. “...Thank you. I’m trying not to be.”

The conversation doesn’t advance any further from there, both parties content to fade back into the understated comfort of silent companionship. They play a few more rounds of their racing game, Lars beating Steven handily each time. (Truth be told, he’s not confident he’s bringing his A-game, though.) Then, sometime around three AM, his friend drags himself out of the beanbag chair and announces that he should probably head home and get some rest. Apparently he’s got a lot of planning to do for Little Homeschool's graduation ceremony that’s happening in a few days, or whatever. Which, is fair. Not everyone is blessed enough to be a sleepless zombie like him.

“Y’know, it’s been nice, getting to hang out, just us,” Steven says— quiet, but genuine— as Lars leads him back down the stairs. “We should do this more often.”

Purposefully, given the unusual emotional atmosphere of this whole visit, he decides not to mention the fact that he's planning to leave Earth again when his all Gem friends finally graduate. Later, he thinks, when everyone's in a better place.

“Well, if you’re ever bored, you know where to reach me,” he replies as they reach the bottom step, fondly rolling his eyes. “The good ol’ inter-hair-mensional express. Just, y’know— text me. And not during work hours.”

The teen gives his thanks once again, and then exits out the front, making sure to be extra gentle shutting the door on his way out for his parents’ sake. Huh. Seems that even when he’s (seemingly) in a funk, he’s capable of being uber courteous like that. Goodness, how does he do it?

Lars stands motionless at the entryway for a few moments after he’s gone, staring blankly at the now empty space the sixteen-year-old just occupied. His brow furrows, his fingers curling in perplexion at his side. He doesn’t have enough insight into Steven’s inner life to claim anything for sure, but he can’t help but feel like something with that boy was... off, tonight. Like, beyond your standard teenage moodiness. His demeanor, his bizarre and specific question, his relative silence... it all seems to be pointing towards something, lurking in the background. Still, there’s little he can do for a person who’s not volunteering information. And it ain’t his job to drag it out of him, either. He always hated when his parents tried to do that when he was younger, and it almost ruined their relationship entirely. That’s the last sorta scenario he’d want to force upon Steven. He’ll open up when he’s ready, in the end.

And until then... well.

He just hopes that the kid knows that— beyond the bizarre magic portal in that pink lion’s mane— he’s always got a brother on the other side who’s willing to at least listen. To be but a small source of support.

If he wants him to be.

[thetirisfaltheatretroupe]

Big Troupe Announcements! Big Troupe Summer!

Hello, everyone! Lord Atos Sunhart here! For those of you who aren’t aware, Fehl had stepped down last year from Troupe related duties due to her own life becoming much more demanding, and so I returned to the director’s seat once again. I’ve been back for about a year, but we’ve kind of laid a little low since my return due to a lot of restructuring and our desire to try a few new ideas out that are coming along slowly but surely!

We have some awesome projects in the works, some of which won’t be ready for some time, and some that we’re excited to bring you much sooner! But we can’t QUITE open the curtains for a peek just yet. Before anything, I’d like to make a series of announcements about some of our projects this Summer, starting with the most important one of all:

The Troupe Is Casting! 

Looking at some of the last posts made on this ye olde tumblr I guess it’s not a surprise that the troupe is indeed casting once more. In the past, it was due to not really having enough active people to pull off a large show with, but now, times have changed a bit, and we’re looking for people to make our shows even better and more frequent than ever!

What we’re looking for;

* Any race/gender/faction! Yes, we hire Alliance as well! In the era of Discord and cross faction RP, there’s no reason we have not to. Though, we are overloaded on elves at the moment and would kinda love a tauren or any Alliance character

* Obviously the character should be a good fit for the group! We’re not really looking for a serial murderer warlock who tries to sacrifice our members to the great Murloc Gods at the first chance they get. We’re not too picky here, but there are some characters that just don’t work terribly well with our concept.

* Available to take part in events during most of our performing days, which tend to be weekends, starting around 6:00 PM server. We base all our event times on server time.

* Someone who, behind the character, is friendly, patient, and above all else, mature. The clear rule of “don’t be an asshole” applies in this guild (and I’ll explain what that means below), and we have a zero drama tolerance policy. We are all adults who pay a monthly subscription to a greedy corporation to play with their toys, I think the last thing we want is to relive middle school in our 20s and 30s.

* Someone with a desire to help make memorable, exciting events for others to enjoy. While we play the part of celebrities, and being in the spotlight is a lot of fun, ultimately we want someone who, behind the character at least, does it for the enjoyment of others and not for personal gain or clout. We’re not clout chasers. We are proud of how long we’ve been performing and how hard we work, but ultimately we do this for our audience’s enjoyment.

* Communication is important! We aren’t a hardcore raiding guild, and thus we won’t be upset if you tell us you have to miss a rehearsal night or have a family emergency.. But if you know ahead of time, we really want someone who will let us know they can’t make it to an event so we can plan around it.

Furthermore, it should be said that while we normally do not require a person leave their guild to join us, this time around we’re looking for more to wear the guild tag above their heads, at least for this recruitment effort. Above all of these, the most important key point is the ‘don’t be an asshole’ policy. In the past I didn’t think it needed to be explained, but things we’ve been through in recent months compels me to explain what I mean by this; no homophobic behavior, racist behavior, transphobic behavior, harassment, pedophilia and other such illegal and morally vile behavior will be tolerated in our guild, period. But I’m sure you’re asking, what’s in it for me? Well, the benefits of working with the Tirisfal Theatre Troupe are, but not limited to;

* Being part of a near decade-old (8 years this October) guild that through thick and thin has stood the test of time!

* Working alongside some extremely talented, fun, humorous, and creative minds!

* Getting to make people smile and be a positive part of the community! 

* Taco Tuesdays. This is a lie, don’t believe me.

* Helping an already fun concept become even better as we grow and adapt to the ever changing nature of this game and its community!

* Adding “Actor/Actress” to your long series of titles in your TRP Profile. Maybe somewhere between “Lord of the Dance” and “Wrecker of your Shit”! Don’t be bashful, we know you have it in there somewhere.

So if you’re interested in being a part of the stage and bringing the uniqueness that is YOU into our ranks, please send an in-game mail to Atos on Wyrmrest Accord server (Hordeside), or show up for the open auditions at the dates, times, and location listed below;

Thursday, June 3rd 6:00 - 8:30 PM Portrait Room - Legion Dalaran

Friday, June 4th 6:00 - 8:30 PM Portrait Room - Legion Dalaran

Saturday, June 5th 6:00 - 8:30 PM Portrait Room - Legion Dalaran

We hope to see you there! And remember, because we’ve had this happen a few times; if you think you aren’t good enough, you’re probably actually amazing and far more talented than you think! 

Anniversary Bash 2021 Officially Planned! With a Twist

Those of you who have followed us for some time are likely aware of our annual celebration we hold on the anniversary of our first major public performance! This has traditionally been held on the third Friday of every October, so that it lines up perfectly with Hallow’s End starting. While we have had on-off years, and even said in the past we would never do it again (Insert I was crazy that time meme here), it’s pretty clear that at least every other year we seem to take to it again with new ideas. Honestly, we LOVE these yearly parties, despite how much stress they put us under, and we’re going to announce it earlier this year just so people know; yes, yes there WILL be a bash this year!

Things are going to be a little different this year, though. This October will actually have 5 Fridays in it due to...well...the calendar! It conspires against us, dammit! Because the third Friday falls in place before the Hallow’s End events are set to start, we will instead be bumping it up one week to the 22nd. So, there you have it! Our Big Bash will be on the 22nd of October! We’ll be making a full announcement about it later this Summer, and honestly, I think folks are going to really like the fun we have planned for it. So if this is something you’re looking forward to early, or you just like making sure your calendar events are always filled out, please make a mark for

October 22nd, 2021! 

Hellsqueal Squeals Again, Plus Winter’s Veil In July?

This Summer we’ll be getting back to our roots and bringing Hellsqueal back for another round. The Trilogy will rise again, and you won’t want to miss it! This time we’ll be performing it for our audiences on both sides of the factional fence and making some revisions to the script, but long time fans needn’t worry! Hellscream is still the same boisterous buffoon he’s always been.

Also, we’re bringing you an interesting new concept no one has EVER thought of before! ...well, okay, that’s a lie, but Greatfather Winter needn’t send me a lump of coal in my in-game mailbox for that one! The TTT will be hosting a Winter’s Veil themed party IN JULY! Don your gaudy sweaters, get ready to meet Greatfather Winter, take part in a sled race, and get ready to watch a completely out of season showing of It’s A Wonderful Unlife! Some lucky attendees may even receive a gift! The date for this and for Hellsqueal’s trilogy are yet to be announced, but they will be unveiled very soon!

Even though we never left, it feels good to be back at full strength again and pushing hard to give everyone the quality entertainment we pride ourselves on! Keep an eye out for our announcements this Summer - we’ll be hitting not only Tumblr when an event is ready to go, but the Blizzard forums and various Discord community servers! So please, have a fantastic day, week, month, even a year! 

[3wisellamas]

Hey, remember my pet cracktheory that Darrell is a clone of Laserblast, or is somehow connected to him in some way?  I finally cleaned up and sorted out my full list of weird things I’ve noticed that they both have in common, or that otherwise support that, or are just weird about this stupid robot in general.  Because I wasn’t fucking joking about there being a lot of it.  Probably not gonna actually amount to anything, especially with not much series left, but meh.  It’s fun.  Enjoy.

---

Appearance/Body:

(Okay, I admit most of this section was pretty much killed by Darrell's canon human form in OK AU, which looked NOTHING like Laser at all.  But just in case...)

-Identical body shape/proportions to LB/SF, with wider torso/hips and very thin waist -- maybe a little smaller because he's a teen (and a robot)

-Very close head shape to LB/SF/PV:  square jaw (when it’s not exaggerated to make him cuter), similar rectangular shape and proportions if you include the braincase (since it would normally be inside his skull)

-LB's mask looks a LOT like Darrell's head, with the entire top half and most of the sides of his head covered and with circular ear...things

-That mask also tends to be quite expressive, almost functioning as a single eye sometimes

-Their big heavy boots are also kinda similar (Though honestly Darrell's boots look slightly more like Chip Damage's...)

-LB is based off of the superhero Cyclops, and Darrell is literally a cyclops

-Only robot that really seems to have an organic, human brain, and has human feet too along with Shannon -- even for just the feet, someone's DNA has to be cloned to make him, and not necessarily Boxman's.

-Darrell can grow stubble, according to that one tiny joke shot in Let's Watch the Boxmore Show; his face may be organic just like his brain and feet.  Also worth noting, the specific spots on the side of the jaw where LB's/SF's stubble shows are covered by metal for Darrell -- when comparing Darrell and LB, each character's most distinctive visible features (one eye and brain, cheek stubble) are covered up on the other!

---

Costumes:

-Darrell seems to enjoy dressing up as a HERO -- when he's in cowboy mode he plays a sheriff, and when the bots play Golden Statues he always plays the museum guard, both specifically hero roles!

-In fact, the costumes in general -- he definitely likes pretending he's someone else, rather than just being fashionable like his siblings.

-LB and SF both hide their eyes, and may have something unusual/distinctive about them, especially with Laser because of his eye-based powers.  LB!SF in particular would hide his if there was something that might immediately get him recognized as his former identity.  Perhaps only having one eye (hence the visor acting as one on occasion like I pointed out)?  (We got to see behind LB's mask once in Gar's fear sequence in Face Your Fears, with one red eye showing where the mask was broken, but there it did look like he had two.  However, Gar would never have seen what was ACTUALLY under there...)

---

Habits/Personality:

-LB was an anti-hero, willing to do some fucked-up things in the name of good, while Darrell is an anti-villain, who focuses more on just doing his job, having fun, and trying to make his father happy than crushing the heroes out of malice

-Darrell's also just a terrible villain in general.  Of course, he's directly killed another villain (or tried to anyway), and his idea of doing the most evilest thing was reporting Boxman's lies to the board and stopping him, AKA doing the RIGHT thing -- even with the betrayal, not very villainous of him, huh?

-Weird shared oral fixation?  There's a very unusual emphasis on food/mouth things with Darrell (his lowkey obsession with eating, spitting Boxman into the spitoon in his office, brushing his teeth), and LB's trademark was always having that lollipop in his mouth.

-Hugging soft cute animals, like Rippy and Fink

-Darrell writes in concrete in You're Level 100, and LB does the same using his eye laser in Glory Days (in the POINT theme song)

-Neither one is a big fan of new members of their respective teams right away.  LB refused to take junior members with him in both Glory Days and Let's Take a Moment, and doesn't seem to think much of them in either episode at all, aside from Silver Spark (and then, he still left her behind as one of his lookouts).  Darrell...just freaking HATES new siblings at first, having a problem with every single one he gets, at least the ones we've seen (we didn't get to see his and Mikayla's introduction).  He's also like this to siblings he considers inferior to him, to a point -- he and Shannon both got pretty jealous when Boxman started praising Jethro's "new moves."

---

Boxman stuff:

-Timing is correct, Darrell and the others were created right after LB disappeared according to Lad and Logic, since Boxman only drew the first three members in his original plans to attack POINT, and Gar was already building the plaza by the time Boxmore was opened.  This means the Boxbot quadruplets and KO were actually born around the same time, making them all 6-11 years old, roughly the same amount of time that's passed since the Sandwich Incident.

-Boxy was obsessed with POINT at that time (and still is, since he's kept the coordinates for POINT HQ memorized), and possibly LB himself (given his later attraction to PV)

-Boxman may also have some POINT tech and connections of his own?  First off, access to a huge supply of glorbs, the easiest and closest source of which Foxtail and Carol have been protecting and heavily monitoring, and are normally very hard for non-heroes to get their hands on.  Second, those boxes he sends the robots to attack in might use the same wormhole tech as POINT Prep's bus, since it looks a little similar both in transit and emerging at its destination, plus its driver sounds exactly like Ernesto.  And speaking of Ernesto, that one time he straight-up drew a POINT drone as part of a family portrait…

---

POINT stuff:

-There were six members of POINT before the Sandwich Incident, and LB was one of the original three, and seemed to function as co-leader alongside Foxtail.  There are six Boxbots, and Darrell was one of the original four, and kinda leads them in battle alongside Shannon, especially once he becomes CEO.

-And coincidentally, the original six members of POINT also share colors and in some cases roles with the Boxbots -- Shannon and Foxtail are orange, Greyman and Ernesto are purple, El-Bow and Jethro are blue, Rippy and Raymond are green, Silver Spark is...difficult but her hair is pretty distinctive and works with Mikayla for yellow, and of course, Darrell and Laser are red.  The robots' colors and relative ages even match POINT'S senior/junior members, with Greyman, Laser, and Foxtail representing three of the older Boxbots, and then Rippy, Silver Spark, and El-Bow representing the two newer ones and Jethro, who only recently was able to show his true personality/potential.

-"Junior Members" = "Junior Deputies"

-"Code Vermillion."  I made an entire post on this a while back, but to summarize, Vermillion is a bright, slightly orange-y red, and in most episodes is Darrell's exact color.  And Vermillion, as a red pigment, tends to darken over time into purple and black -- and SF and PV have connections to both glorbs (which Code Vermillion refers to), and to LB as well.

-Darrell has a bunch of weird similarities to Chip Damage as well, who is basically Laser's replacement at POINT, minus being the Charisma discipline rep:  Robots made right after LB got iced, green powers, special limited-edition costumes/POW cards, similar dark gray boots, the remote controls (Wisdom class blackboard for Darrell, Final Exams for Chip), possibly both made with actual brain tissue (The flashback to Chip's creation had a brain on one of Greyman's screens), etc.  Also, a dumb one, but...remember those Double-Dipped (KO and TKO?) Laser Chips (self-explanatory), that are "probably just a limited-edition" (Darrell).

---

Other assorted weird things:

-Darrell’s laser eye attachment shown in Stop Attacking the Plaza -- still being worked on in the episode (and it looks like it has been for a while, since it had been some time since Boxman was in that specific lab...), but used by a Big Darrell in the opening, where it produces a very similar (green) copy of LB's beam.

-Darrell is right-handed, in a left-handed family -- he's shown eating with his right hand in Stop Attacking the Plaza while everyone else is using their left, looks like he’s wielding a lightsaber right-handed in Plaza Film Festival, and draws with his right hand in Villains Night In.  Left-handedness is often associated with villains in fiction, so he may not be a full one?  (Definitely not as sinister as the rest of them, hehe.)  Though, some instances of Darrell using his left hand too, and other bots using their right, so I dunno how strong this particular point is.

-Line to keep an eye on:  "Just reboot yourself into a new body!  I do it all the time for funsies!" from Rad Likes Robots.  Related, Darrell reboots by exploding himself, which is how LB may have "died" and took on a new identity (if he's SF)

-Weird shit from Let's Not Be Skeletons:  Potato demonstrates a skeleton remote wearing a cowboy hat, and in addition to turning people into skeletons they remove powers, just like that red orb, and they also left Rad's and Enid's boots intact for some reason.  Darrell's also one of the biggest customers of the remotes, using his foes' weapons against them ("What do you say we snag more of them before they fall into the wrong hands?  We could even use them against our foes!")

-When we first saw TKO's power manifest in You're Level 100, it was while KO was trying to defeat a giant superpowered Darrell.  When we first saw TKO in physical form in Face Your Fears (as KO's "evil burp"), he was sent out to defeat a giant superpowered Laserblast head.  When we next saw TKO in, well, TKO (as his true self for the first time), he defeated another giant superpowered Darrell!

-Really dumb one, the letter right before C and D is B, so the acronyms LB and LCD may be a thing?

---

Turbo/SF/TKO connections, just in case those turn out to be related to Laser as well:

(Under the cut, since this is long enough already!)

-SF hints that negative emotions, particularly anger, fuel Turbo powers.  Darrell has quite a few jealousy and anger issues in general -- "Gets flustered by petty insults," HATES new younger siblings (or existing siblings showing him up and getting more of dad’s attention), etc -- and seems to be way more capable of mayhem than usual when running on these emotions.  They even gave him the power to defy his programming and (attempt to) kill Boxman!

-He can also have his power boosted by a ton in a very short amount of time, from level -4 up (down?) to level -100 and able to destroy the plaza in one shot, and for as brief as that level -100 thing was he STILL has yet to be topped as the most powerful villain in the entire series!  But, Boxman doesn't do it often -- even regular Big Darrells are implied to NOT be that powerful normally.  Perhaps he's holding Darrell back for a reason?

-A lot of emphasis on his brain, similar to TKO: the visible brain is obvious, he has the most noticeable hivemind, and he pilots Big Darrells from inside their braincases similar to how KO and TKO controlled Big KO (even the name's similar!) in TKO's House

-Also, he doesn't have to glitch or change colors with his mood like Shannon does, he can make decisions and go against his programming all on his own -- perhaps he runs mostly on that meat brain?  Or maybe his brain is actually a mass of pink glorbs like Jethro got in I Am Jethro that unlocked his intelligence and potential?  

-SF's speech to KO in TKO: "Everyone holds you back because they're afraid of your raw, natural ability.  They want you small and nice, blissfully unaware of your true potential."  Darrell in Lord Cowboy Darrell:  "Nobody's gonna hold me back."  Shannon to Darrell in Plaza Film Festival:  "Where do you think you got all that natural talent?"

-TKO ultimately came out of wanting recognition from his boss.  LCD ultimately came out of wanting recognition from his boss.

-That VERY noticeable purple glow in the "I'm the Daddy now!" scene in Lord Cowboy Darrell.  Like, to the point it seemed specially painted for emphasis, rather than the normal animation.  

-Also, Junior is pretty heavy evidence that Turbo powers do not necessarily = purple, as Junior's powers were all green (and so were Chip's Turbo-ish powerups!)  Darrell also has green powers (that even carried over to his human alternate in OK AU, despite Shannon and Raymond getting Enid’s and Rad’s exact same powers and colors), and is sometimes surrounded by Turbo-esque greenish lightning when he's angry, the best example being at the beginning of Legends of Mr Gar after being trash talked (remember that he can't take petty insults; he was PISSED there!)

-(If it looks like I’m insinuating Darrell’s secretly got more power under the hood than even he realizes, I absolutely am.)

-Darrell still has his dark hooded cloak from the pilot, which looks a little like SF's.

-Darrell's the only one who wasn't invited to Junior's funeral, and doesn't give half a shit, instead using it as an opportunity to betray people and take on a new identity.  Possibly like LB faking his own death, therefore not attending his own funeral, and taking on a new identity as SF?

-Sneaking through the vents = sneaking through the pipes (SF, maybe how LB survived given that pipe in Let's Take a Moment)?

-Weird broken halo imagery shared between both Darrell and SF in TKO.  (Not my observation actually, pointed out by @david-yells-about-cartoons )  Darrell's cloud halo thing in that episode also looks almost exactly like the clouds swirling above KO as he shoots a power fist for the first time at the end of Let's Be Friends…

[championfrita]

Pokémon Sword and Shield Review

So...I've taken some time to fully play Pokémon Shield. Now, I know this is pretty delayed, and I got the double pack so I wanted to play Sword first to see if how I felt was really accurate or if I was being too harsh. That said, let's talk about my experience with the Galar Region.

Initial Impressions

Overall, I was excited to play Shield at first. Everything was bright and exciting and the characters were easy to recognize and not overly generic.

The first few hours of this game, well it's a slow burn. And I do mean SLOW. Even with the text set to Fast and me taking things at my own pace it took me at least a good couple hours to reach the Wild Area. Furthermore, this game has an infernal amount of handholding, even when given the option to say "I know all this already" it still gives a brief explaination for almost anything and STILL makes you sit ALL THE WAY THROUGH the catch tutorial.

It's 2019 and older players still don't get the option to skip this. Come on GameFreak.

That said, the longer I played the more I began to notice...how should I put this? Blatant laziness?

The Wild Area

Now, the CONCEPT of the Wild Area in theory is amazing. It's still not too bad as is, but there are definitely flaws. For starters, the same tree has been copy pasted all over the place to make up 90% of the foliage.

More than that, though, despite the Wild Area having a good selection of Pokémon and a fairly varietied environment (desert, lakes, forest) it feels oddly...empty. There are no real secrets to speak of, no hidden areas, no easily missed items. Everything is all right out there to see and spread pretty far apart. I don't know if it's a lack of Trainers or the fact that I don't have an Online membership so I played alone, but the Wild Area feels like it just needs something MORE.

Dynamax Raid Battles, even when done alone, are fairly fun and sometimes challenging with the turn limit. Radiant AI Trainers spawn in to assist you if you're playing alone so there's no worries about having to take one on with just one Pokémon.

Camping, which can be done anywhere but is introduced to the player here, is an absolute treat. Have YOU played fetch with a unicorn? I have, and I love it. The wide variety of curries you can make with different ingredients is nice, and your Pokémon even get EXP boosts if you play with and feed them while camping.

The Pokémon

Honestly, I'm really not impressed. The Galar Dex of new Pokémon feels painfully small, so much so that playing Pokémon GO and catching a few Unova Pokémon made me yearn for the days when we used to get regions completely FULL of new Pokémon. Remember when you had to wait until AFTER the main game to start catching Pokémon from past gens? I...well, this might be an unpopular opinion, but I LIKED that.

That said, using a sparse selection of Galar Pokémon and Galar Regional Variants on my team definitely made the Gym Challenge more difficult. I picked Scorbunny, because Fire Types, and honestly didn't really care for it or its evolutions at first. Cinderace has really grown on me though and I like Pyro Ball as a move. It's flashy and powerful and that suits me just fine. Most of the new Pokémon's DESIGNS were good and I liked them, there just really weren't ENOUGH of them.

I'm fairly pleased with the regional variants as well. It was difficult to adjust to Ponyta and Rapidash being Psychic Type, but I really liked having them on my team. At the same time...Meowth not evolving into a Persian doesn't really sit right with me.

I'm all for branch evolutions, but Perrserker honestly just looks more like a giant Galar Meowth than anything. I played this with only the info given in the few scattered trailers I'd seen, so I was genuinely excited to see what a Galarian Persian would look like only to end up with Perrserker. The Typing is phenominal, and I think it's great to see a Steel Type Meowth for a change, but I just don't like where they went with it. Eh. Ces't la vie, moving on.

The Story

It's weak. Straight up, the story in this game is poor. There were so many directions they could have gone. I really liked the idea of Rose being this charismatic chairman hype man for the League and being the bad guy. I saw it coming, but it was a nice change to see just based on his personality. Still, it feels rushed. His motivations are really one dimensional and glossed over. Like, "Oh, here's the bad guy. Go get him." It worked in Gen 1 because Giovanni was a MOBSTER. He was MEANT to be a bad guy straight to the core in general, but Rose just doesn't have that vibe.

Not only that, but the "Bad League Members" are kinda meh. That feels REALLY lazy. They didn't even really get a decent uniform change when they started taking on the name Macro Cosmos in Rose Tower. They got black glasses. That's it. Just that. The fight with Eternatus feels painfully rushed and shoehorned in too, almost like they thought "Oh no, we need to give them a big nasty boss to fight! Let's just throw a random monster at them and say Rose summoned it. Seems like a solid plan."

I DID like the after story with Piers though. It really solidifies that older brother sort of nature with him, even if he tries to hide it most of the time.

The Characters

I liked Hop. As a character he's really fun and I like how they gave him this over excited very grand gestured sort of personality. He's really just happy to be ANYWHERE as long as it's with his Pokémon and you. His admiration for his big bro might come off strong and make him seem a little flat at first, but he's overall portrayed as a good kid and I like him.

Leon on the other hand...well I hated him for most of the game. His design is great and he looks fabulous, but he just has the most cocky, obnoxious, pandering personality 90% of the time. Still, I have to give credit where credit is due and recognize that he IS actually a multifaceted character. He showboats not just because he's too confident but also to give the crowd a show and put people at ease in times of danger. Not only that, but his recognition of his little brother's accomplishments and his graceful acceptance of defeat when you beat him reveals a really well written character.

I don't DISlike Sonia, and I have no problem with Prof. Magnolia sitting on the sidelines, but she can be a little...irritating at times with the way she speaks about and to people. The Gym Leaders, aside from Piers, feel a little...light.

I mean, most Gym Leaders don't have detailed backstories, but these ones feel paper thin personality wise as well. I had to look at the official GUIDE just to be sure what the relationship between Melony and Gordie even WAS because you only seem him in her Special League Card in Shield and that tells you nothing about him. The only real leaders that stood out to me were Piers and Raihan, and while I was iffy about his design at first I LOVE Raihan. He has so much more personality and ferocity than any of the other leaders. And the social commentary about him needing to constantly take and post a selfie, even after losing, is a nice touch.

The Galar Region

Is very linear. Like, VERY linear. Even when you take a branching path it either loops back around or gives you a free ride to wherever you have to backtrack to. I hope you like Hammerlocke, cuz you're gonna be visiting there several times.

I know that the region is based off the UK, and maybe my Americanized idea of cities is different (idk, I've never been to the UK), but a lot of the towns in this game feel really small. Like, almost smaller than some of the towns in Hoenn small. Maybe it's a lack of significant interactable buildings, but despite many of them having multiple floors you typically can only access one and that's kind of a disappointment. The hotel in Wyndon won't even let you get in the elevator, and while I get that Alola also did that, it's kind of jarring when the hotel in Motostoke WILL let you see other floors.

That said, I kind of expected more than ONE Wild Area. The one we DID get is fine, and I appreciate what it is and lets us do, but I honestly thought there would be multiple places to really explore outside the standard straight lines. Pokémon has never been a franchise to shy away from puzzles before so I expected this to not be any different. Unfortunately, I was wrong.

Moreover, many of the environment pieces are just UGLY. A lot of the ground textures are reused 3DS assets, and those copy pasted trees I mentioned earlier? Also 3DS assets. How do I know? They're pentagonal instead of round. In other words, they have five sides. Why? Because the 3DS hardware couldn't handle complex environmental shapes that well so they could get away with it, but now that we have nice round berry trees the contrast becomes painful. The Wild Area is so ugly the first time you see it is at NIGHT. They were so aware of what they did they hoped making it darker would hide the lazy flop instead of showing off how bad it was.

It isn't like they COULDN'T fix it either. Look at Ballonlea and Glimwood Tangle. They're absolutely beautiful and very well done. The modeling with them is fantastic and I love the glowing effects. They absolutely could've made the poorly done areas look amazing, but for some reason they didn't and the game suffers some as a result.

Other Thoughts

The Gym Challenges...they were not fun. Like, honestly some were ok. Herding Wooloo was easy, but they really didn't feel like anything I would expect from a Gym. The water puzzle in Nessa's Gym was fine, and I personally liked the spinning cup ride, but the rest just felt like agonizingly long padding because they couldn't come up with anything. Look at Circhester's challenge. It's a dowsing rod gauntlet where you have to avoid falling in pits in an artificial blizzard. It. is. SO. SLOW. That said, Spikemuth having just a Trainer gauntlet instead was kind of awkward. I reached the end and asked myself "Was that it? Is this it? Is this all there is to Spikemuth? Just one giant alleyway and a Pokémon Center?"

Raihan's three trials of worthiness challenge? It was more difficult than the battle AGAINST RAIHAN. Speaking of, I beat Hop, Marnie, Bede, all the Gym Leaders, Rose, Oleana, and Leon on my first try every time. While it was more difficult with my specific Pokémon choices, it really wasn't much. And can I just say that the Gym Badges are kinda lame? I get what they were going for, but the designs of each piece could've been really unique and intricate and instead we got glorified stamps.

I liked a lot of the general features of the game. Camping, clothing shops, League Cards. I love designing League Cards, even if I'm the only one who's ever gonna see em. That said, the clothing choices were really narrow based on what we got in Sun and Moon. The variety of different items was pretty small, though I loved all the punk leather stuff but WOW IS IT EXPENSIVE. Like Lumiose Boutique expensive. AND WHY IS THERE NEVER A REDHEAD HAIR COLOR THAT ISN'T JUST AUBURN RED? There are actually A LOT of redheads with LIGHT RED hair (that's more a personal gripe than anything, I know).

A lot of the music felt almost like rehashes of older BGMs. Like, Postwick, Route 1, and Wedgehurst all sound like they have remixed Hoenn music. A lot of the other music tracks just don't feel fitting for the areas or for Pokémon games in general. I like parts of the Slumbering Weald music and I like the Gym Music, but the opening of Slumbering Weald feels awkward and like it doesn't fit a mysterious forest we're not allowed to be in.

I know I've complained a lot, but there were some things I genuinely liked. A lot of the Pokémon designs, place names, and other radiant decor and parts of the region are actually subtle and not so subtle references to cultural points of the UK. Skwovet and its evolution for example are a gray and red squirrel respectively and are a nod to invasive species, which is neat.

In Conclusion

Is Pokémon Sword and Shield amazing? No. Is it bad? No. Sword and Shield fall into that mediocre middle ground of being ok but nothing to write home about. Could I have done without them? Sure, they aren't some world ending imperitive must play. They're ok, and they make for a fine jumping on point and a fine little adventure if you have spare time. Have other mainline games done it better? Heck yeah, but that doesn't mean Sword and Shield haven't done a few good things too.

Overall, it sort of feels like GameFreak bit off more than they could chew, or were afraid to make changes because of unfamiliarity with the Switch's hardware and software limitations. Pokémon Let's Go had a lot more effort, but it also was much safer and had a much easier to work with art style to everything. Chibi proportions are a lot easier to fake than a more realistic counterpart. Things can be not perfect and it's less noticable than with more realistic proportions, and I think they were afraid to push back the deadline any further for the inevitable backlash despite that being what they likely needed. The DLC may change my mind, but as it stands, just the fact that they feel they can JUSTIFY their laziness with DLC packs really upsets me.

I give Pokémon Sword and Shield a 5/10.

It's just, OK.

[spaceorphan18]

Melody Time

And we’re back with anthologies again.  Isn’t it interesting that I have a harder time sitting through a collection of short cartoons than full length animated features? Maybe cause my interest isn’t that high with these.  

As we open up this time, we get a couple of theater masks singing about how its melody time.  Oh geez, here we go.... 

Once Upon a Wintertime -

So, we start off with this short about a couple having a date (and their rabbit counterparts) in the winter, and they go on a carriage ride, and then skating and then OMG the ice is thin and it breaks up and then it’s a rapids and the rapids are going over a waterfall??!? OH NO!! It’s kinda comical at how quickly at how ridiculous the premise of this gets.  But, you know what, it’s kind of charming in a way.  The art is has an interesting style to it, and it’s sweet even if it’s nonsensical.  And much more watchable than most of everything else that’s been in these anthologies.  

My only gripe, which can hardly be called an actual gripe, is that I’m meh on the musical selection that accompanies the short.  It’s more of that 40′s jazz-lite/easy listening stuff that I’m finding I really have no patience when listening to it. 

Also, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out that the girl in this one isn’t saved by her beau, but by all the woodland creatures working together to stop the ice from falling over the waterfall.  For some reason it struck me as amusing. 

Bumble Boogie -

This is essentially two minutes of a bumblebee flying around avoiding abstract musical instruments that have come to life, all to a jazzed version of Flight of the Bumblebee.  It’s cute for what it is.  Not a whole lot to say here, tbh. 

The Legend of Johnny Appleseed - 

This one, as you might have guessed, is about the American Folk Hero Johnny Appleseed, which I probably knew more about a kid than I do now.   There’s no real plot, other than Johnny decides to leave the comfort of Pennsylvania and head out west (or Ohio, lol) and plant appleseeds because that’s what he does.  And then he grows up and dies and legends are born.  (Yup, he actually has a little death scene.)  

I’m not entirely sure how to review this.  It works for what it is.  The animation is actually kind of nice, and it does what all folktales seem to do, romanticize a time in the recent-distant past.  I get the feeling the mid-19th century was quaint in the way we think of the 40s now.  History was all pioneers and proving yourself and doing a square dance with Native Americans.  (They’re not badly portrayed btw, just in the background.)  

It’s not a bad short by any means, but not anything that will stick with you after you’re done watching it. 

Little Toot -

So, um, the Andrews Sisters sing about this little steamboat, called Little Toot, who as a young kid is kinda dumb and gets an Ocean Liner crashed into a major metropolis (because that’s possible).  He’s shamed and outcasted, so he goes out on his own, grows up, saves another Ocean Liner and comes back older and better loved.  

Between the amount of times they sing ‘little toot’, which makes it hard to take seriously, and the fact that this narrative feels like it’s pushing (the of the time accurate agenda of) grow up and be a man culture, I just can’t with it.   It’s fine for a ‘of it’s time’ cartoon, but does not hold up well at all.  

Trees-

This another one of those tone poem things.  There’s a famous poem out there named Trees and is about, you’ve guessed it, trees! (Fun fact - my mother had us memorize this poem when we were kids for some reason.  She was trying to teach us about poetry.  Idk.)  

Anyway - the animation here is lovely, even if it looks like it’s a deleted scene from Bambi.  The music however.  Gah.  It’s terrible.  This poem doesn’t lend itself to be lyrics very easily...just because it’s a poem doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a song.  (Remind me some day to tell you guys the story about a girl I knew in college who tried to sing Tolkien’s poetry, omg...)  I’m not sure how to describe it, it sounds like dirge written for a college choir or something.  I get what you were going for, Disney, but this one just doesn’t work.  

Blame It on the Samba -

Speaking of deleted scenes, this next short is probably left over animation from The Three Caballeros.  Donald Duck and Jose Carioca are back, and this time dancing to samba music (though the piece is actually a polka played on an organ, so sure) and it’s more of the same weird, trippy mix of live action and animation that you find at the end of Three Caballeros.  I honestly wish this wasn’t in here, because it doesn’t fit with the other shorts, and kind of disrupts the nicer animation of every other thing in this film.  

Just because you can, Disney, doesn’t mean you should. 

Pecos Bill -

And... it’s another folklore related one.  Which, I found out after doing some research, isn’t really folklore.  Apparently, some dude from Texas wanted folklore for Texas and made up a bunch of stories, and Pecos Bill was one of them.  

Anyway, this one is terrible.  The animation is bad, the ‘story’, which merely consists of throw away lines of some of the lore, is stupid, and it ends with a woman being bounced to the moon by her bustle.  It’s also twenty minutes long, which is way too long for one of these to be of any interest. 

Also - I should point out, it started off with a live-action intro with a bunch of ‘cowboys’ singing to that girl who was having a birthday party for herself last film. What is Disney’s fascination with this little girl?  

Final Thoughts: While overall, I think most of this much better than any of the other anthology films, I think this concept just doesn’t work as a whole -- unless you’re really going to go all out with theme and purpose, and not just use up old animation you had nothing better to do.  I get why these all happened, but bleh, I’m ready for the regular features.  

[inkjackets]

To Save a Loved One Ch2

So this story was supposed to be a one shot, but it ended up expanding lol

Also uh you might want to say goodbye to fluff...

AO3

Ch1 Ch2 Ch3 Ch4 Ch5 Ch6 Ch7 Ch8

~~~

A week had passed since Ladybug had first visited Adrien and she’d visited him nearly every night since. They’d have fun, play games, and ultimately end up cuddled on the couch. She loved hanging out with him. It was so easy to make him smile and it warmed her heart to see him happy. However, the light in his eyes always faded when she had to leave. And it worried her. It had gotten to the point where she’d sit on the rooftop opposite his room and wait until she was certain he was asleep before going home and collapsing into bed. Despite her precautions though, there had been another three akuma encounters. It was pure luck that she’d been around and managed to catch them in time.

It was evident his father’s words were still severely affecting him. But she honestly didn’t know how long she could keep this up.

It was exhausting being constantly vigilant. And it was starting to affect her civilian life…

  THUMP

‘Ow!’ Marinette rubbed her head and glared at Alya, ‘What’d you do that for?’

‘I called your name like five times! What planet were you on, Mari?’

Marinette groaned and rubbed her eyes. She forced them wide open, ‘I��m sorry, I’m back. What were you saying?’

Alya crossed her arms and looked at her friend suspiciously. ‘It’s not like you to be so out of it during one of Adrien’s photoshoots,’ she said.

Marinette turned her attention back to the photoshoot that was taking place in the park. ‘Just tired is all. Been sleeping badly,’ she said.

Alya looked at her a moment longer but let it go.

Marinette sighed. It was a beautiful afternoon but she was too shattered to appreciate it. The brightness of the sun only added to the ache in her eyes, and the chaos of the set added to the pounding in her head.

Her eyes fell on Adrien. He looked gorgeous. He was all made up and modelling the latest Agreste clothing line. Butterflies stirred in Marinette’s stomach but even they were lethargic. She closed her eyes. As much as she loved Adrien, she wanted nothing more than to be curled up in bed right now. But she just couldn’t risk him getting akumatised. She didn’t want to admit it, but it was looking more and more like Adrien was being targeted by Hawkmoth. She rubbed her temples.

‘You look like you need some caffeine,’ Alya said. ‘Wanna go grab a coffee?’

Marinette’s eyes flicked back to Adrien before nodding. She could leave him for a bit.

Having her hands wrapped around a warm cup of coffee made Marinette feel much better. She eagerly sipped at the drink, letting the caffeine work its way through her veins as she and Alya made their way back to the park. Her eyes darted around but she relaxed when she spotted Adrien once more. He was taking a break and talking on the phone. Her eyes narrowed. Was it just her imagination or was he looking tense?

‘So when do you think you’re gonna ask him out?’

Marinette spat out her coffee. ‘W-What?’ she sputtered as Alya laughed.

‘Girl, you’re looking at him with such intensity! And not just today either, you’ve been staring at him all week.’ She smirked. ‘What’re you planning?’

‘Planning?’ Marinette grew flustered, ‘I’m not planning anything! I don’t plan - I mean, I plan, but not for- I mean I can’t just ask…’ She trailed off as Alya’s laughter cut through her rambling. Marinette pouted and glared at her friend over the top of her coffee, but she couldn’t help but smile.

Once Alya’s laughter died down she turned back to her friend. ‘Alright, tell me what’s really up.’ Her tone was serious this time.

Marinette didn’t answer straight away. She took another sip of her drink as she watched Adrien. His break was over and he was modelling once more, but she couldn’t help but feel like he wasn’t as natural as before.

‘I’m worried about Adrien,’ she said. ‘He’s been kinda down recently.’

‘Something’s definitely wrong,’ Alya agreed, ‘what with all those akuma’s chasing him.’

Marinette choked, ‘You know about them?’

Alya looked at her strangely, ‘Girl, I run the Ladyblog. It’s my job to know about them. What do you even mean by that? You know I-‘

They both jumped as a scream pierced the air. It sent shivers down Marinette’s spine.

‘What the-’ Alya was alert and had already pulled her phone out to record.

‘Akuma!’ somebody shrieked.

Chaos ensued. People ran in all directions to avoid the black butterfly, knocking over equipment and running into each other as they did so.

‘Shit,’ Marinette stumbled forwards and dropped her coffee as she looked for a hiding place, but there were too many people about. She ran out of the park, ignoring Alya’s yells, and ducked into an alleyway.

‘Marinette?’ Tikki flew out her bag, eyes wide with concern.

‘Adrien’s in trouble!’ She paused as some people ran by the alleyway. ‘Tikki, Spots On!’ Her fatigue washed away as Tikki’s magic enveloped her. Within seconds she was swinging up onto a nearby rooftop, overlooking the park. Her eyes scanned the thinning crowd. ‘Come on, come on,’ she muttered as she struggled to find the akuma. Where was it?

Her eyes landed on Adrien. He was oddly still. She frowned, why wasn’t he running? Then it hit her. Crap. The akuma was already in him. She swung down into the park and prayed that she’d get there before he agreed to Hawkmoth’s terms. She landed in front of him. His eyes were glazed over. She looked at him wildly. She had no idea where the akuma was. She made a wild guess and shot out her yoyo, pulling his phone out his hand. She threw it on the ground and smashed it with her heel. Nothing flew out. Panic rising, she tried again, this time grabbing his hat. But again, nothing. She tried one more time, this time ripping the scarf from his throat and tore it in two. She practically sank to the ground with relief as a black butterfly flew out. She swiftly purified it and summoned a swarm of ladybugs to repair everything as Adrien’s eyes blinked back into focus.

‘Ladybug?’ he said.

Her blood froze as she met Adrien’s gaze. His usual sparkling eyes had turned cold, as if the life had been sucked out of them.

‘Adrien,’ she ran over to him, ‘what’s wrong?’

‘I-I…’ His eyes widened as he struggled to breathe. He started to panic. ‘Hawkmoth, he-’ He slammed his hand to his mouth, his eyes filled with horror.

Ladybug placed her hands on his shoulders in an attempt to calm him down. ‘It’s alright, he didn’t get you.’

Adrien shook his head, 'Oh God, no, no, I can’t.’ His words were muffled by his hand.

‘Breathe, Adrien,’ Ladybug tried to soothe him.

But Adrien didn’t seem to hear. ‘Ladybug, I can’t! No, no, no,’ Desperation clawed its way out of him. ‘I can’t!’ Tears rose in his eyes. ‘Ladybug, please!’ The terror in his voice was ice down her spine. ‘I can’t, no, no, NO!’

‘Adrien!’ Ladybug cried as the boy fell to his knees. Tears started flowing down his cheeks and over his hands. She started to panic. She had no idea what was wrong with him. Akumatised victims had never acted like this before.

Adrien raised his head and looked at her, but didn’t say anything. She sucked in her breath. His eyes…

Ladybug was shoved to the side as paramedics rushed forward to make sure Adrien was all right. The moment was broken. She took out her yoyo and swung away before anyone could question her. She de-transformed and found Alya.

‘Girl, are you okay?’

Marinette’s hands shook. No, she was not okay.

‘Yes,’ she whispered.

She looked over to where the paramedics were wrapping Adrien in a blanket. He was numbly complying. His expression empty and ashen. She shivered. Even from here she could still see his harrowed eyes. They were haunting.

~~~

The beautiful day had turned overcast by the time Ladybug leapt off her balcony into the evening air. The sky was grey and it was drizzling. The only colour came from the city lights, casting a dull yellow glow on the world.

Ladybug spotted Chat Noir at their rendezvous point and landed softly behind him. The raindrops collecting on his suit reflected the bright lights.

Ladybug didn’t know whether it was just because of the rain, but Chat Noir looked oddly solemn. However, he smiled like usual when she walked up to him.

‘My Lady,’ he gave a small bow, ‘how are you this fine evening?’ His brilliant green eyes contrasted vividly with the world around them, but even still, there was a lifelessness about them.

Ladybug raised an eyebrow. ‘It’s cold and raining,’ she said.

‘Well, I’m feline fine now that you’re here.’ He grinned, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

Ladybug put her hand on her hip. ‘You’ve used that one before.’

Chat’s smile faltered. He stood up straight and dropped the humour from his posture. ‘Yeah, I’ve been struggling to come up with new ones.’ He leant back against a chimney wall and stared out over the city.

Ladybug felt a twist of unease in her gut. ‘Are you alright, Chat?’

He didn’t look at her. He crossed his arms and gave a small shrug. ‘I don’t know.’ His expression was blank.

Ladybug rubbed her temples. She was worried about Chat, but she had bigger problems right now.

‘Listen, there’s something serious we need to discuss.’

Chat turned to face her and became business-like, became more normal.

‘What is it?’

‘Do you know Adrien Agreste?’

Chat’s eyes flicked to the side, ‘I know of him, yes.’

‘Well…’ Ladybug took a deep breath in and braced herself to reveal the knowledge she’d been denying for a while. ‘He’s been targeted by Hawkmoth. He’s almost been akumatised seven times now. But, uh, I happen to be around him a lot so I’ve always managed to get there in time before he actually, you know, gets akumatised.’

Chat looked at her a moment. Suddenly a glint appeared in his eye. He smirked, ‘A bit of a fan of the Adrien Agreste, are we now?’ he teased. ‘If you’re into blonds then I guess I do stand a chance after all.’

Ladybug snorted and pushed him away. ‘It’s just luck that I managed to be there every time,’ she said, falling back into serious mode, ‘but it’s only a matter of time before he does get akumatised.’

Chat’s smile fell. He leant his head back against the wall, ‘You seriously reckon it’s only a matter of time?’ His tone was oddly subdued.

Ladybug nodded. ‘He almost got akumatised today. I almost didn’t make it in time and I was right there. I was with him.’ She pulled at one of her damp bunches as panic rose in her gut at the memory.

Chat remained silent; staring out at the grey world, lost in thought. The rain had started to pick up and there was now a faint pattering on the rooftops

She looked at him, ‘Could you help…?’

She trailed off as Chat shook his head. His expression pained. ‘I’m sorry, there’s no way I’d be able to help you tail Adrien.’

‘Oh.’

They both lapsed into silence. Ladybug was at a loss. She didn’t know what to do. She ran her hands through her fringe and closed her eyes. And she was tired. Even as Ladybug, she was starting to feel the familiar ache behind her eyes.

‘Why?’ Chat exclaimed.

Ladybug jumped at his sudden outburst.

‘Why Adrien? Why did Hawkmoth have to choose him?’ Chat’s voice had an edge of desperation in it. ‘He’s just some model! He’s nobody important!’

Ladybug narrowed her eyes. ‘He’s important to a lot of people out there,’ she said.

Chat eyed her for a moment. His sudden anger faded. ‘You know what I mean.’

‘I know,’ she said softly. ‘I wish I knew too.’

Silence swirled around them once more as the rain fell. Being in the suit meant she wasn’t cold but it still wasn’t pleasant. Her wet hair stuck to the back of her neck and she could feel drops trickle down her back. She wiped her dripping fringe out her eyes and leant against the wall.

‘Hey, L-B?’

Ladybug was pulled from her mind as Chat’s worried voice called her.

‘Yes?’ Ladybug looked at him. He was tense and hunched over.

He hesitated. ‘If Adrien gets akumatised… I can’t promise I’ll be there to help.’

Ladybug furrowed her brow. ‘What do you mean?’

Chat ran his hands through his wet hair. ‘Something’s come up recently, I guess. And it means you can’t rely on me coming to help.’

‘What do you mean? You’re my partner, of course I can rely on you!’

Chat shook his head, he looked up at Ladybug with eyes full of pain and sorrow.

‘Not this time, my lady. I’m sorry.’

~~~

The rain was pouring down by the time Ladybug left for Adrien’s. She had stayed on that rooftop for a while, wondering about what to do. But she’d come up with nothing. She’d originally thought her and Chat would be able to come up with a plan together, but he had been more than unhelpful. He had muttered something about meeting someone and scampered off early before she could protest. And then there was what he had said before. What did he mean he couldn’t help? And ‘something’s come up’? What sort of an excuse was that? She let out a groan of frustration.

She tried to remove Chat from her mind as she drew closer to Adrien’s house. She really didn’t want to tell him he was being targeted. She just wanted to hang out and play games. She sighed. Tiredness was definitely settling in her bones.

 When she reached the Agreste mansion she swiftly dropped in through the window Adrien had left open. She glanced around the room but he wasn’t there. There were, however, a couple of towels on the side. Ladybug smiled as warmth started to blossom within her once more. He truly was a thoughtful boy. She grabbed a towel and patted her suit dry. She was just squeezing the water from her bunches when Adrien walked out of the bathroom in his pyjamas, towel drying his hair. His eyes lit up at the sight of her.

‘You found the towels then,’ he smiled.

‘Yes, thank you.’ She was glad to see he had some life back in his being. She’d been afraid she’d find him as she’d left him. She shivered at the memory of his eyes.

Adrien walked over to a chest of drawers and pulled out a hoodie. He slipped it over his head before pulling out another and offering it to Ladybug.

‘Oh, I’m not cold,’ she said quickly, ‘the suit's good like that.’

‘I know, but it’s a miserable night out there, which means we need to be cosy in here.’

Ladybug hesitated before taking the hoodie and pulling it over her head. She shoved her hands in the pockets. It was cosy. She caught Adrien’s eye. They both blushed. She looked away wide-eyed, both mortified and pleased. She was wearing Adrien’s hoodie. She was wearing Adrien’s hoodie!

Ladybug looked back up when Adrien cleared his throat. He was bright red. ‘So uh, what do you want to do tonight?’

Ladybug wrung her hands inside the hoodie pockets. She’d originally planned on just coming to talk tonight. She couldn’t put off this conversation any longer. But when she looked Adrien, at his expectant expression, her heart sank. She couldn’t do it. Not yet.

Ladybug glanced around the room. Over the past week, they’d done everything from rock climbing to basketball, foosball, and gaming. All very competition heavy games. Tonight, however, she wanted to stay away from adrenaline.

‘Let’s just stick a movie on.’

They put a rubbish action film on. They had both wanted something easy to watch which they didn’t need to take seriously. However, it wasn’t doing its job distracting Ladybug from her mind. She glanced at Adrien. His eyes were glazed over. Apparently it wasn’t distracting him either.

About half an hour into the movie, Ladybug couldn’t take it any longer. She picked up the remote and paused the movie.

‘Adrien, I’m sorry but we need to talk.’

‘Yeah, I was wondering when you were going to say that,’ he said listlessly.

Ladybug clenched her fists in her lap to stop herself from fidgeting.

‘Hawkmoth is targeting you.’

He tensed and averted his gaze. ‘I know.’

Ladybug blinked. ‘You do?’

‘Today was the seventh akuma. I’m honestly a little surprised you didn’t tell me sooner,’ he gave a hollow smile.

‘I’m sorry,’ she said, ‘I didn’t want to believe it.’

‘Me neither.’

Ladybug fell silent. She felt her gut twist inside her. This wasn’t right. It wasn’t fair.

Adrien sniffed. Ladybug looked up and was dismayed to see tears fall down his cheeks. ‘It’s bad enough that my father’s mad at me,’ he said, wiping the tears away, ‘but now Hawkmoth is trying to akumatise me.' Adrien laughed. The sound made Ladybug’s blood run cold. ‘It’s like, I’m not even allowed to be angry! Not even a little bit, or guess what? I’m gonna hurt all my friends and destroy the person I love!’

Ladybug’s heart stopped. Adrien froze when he realised what he’d said.

Ladybug placed a hand on his shoulder. ‘It’s okay,’ she said.

He dropped the tension from his body. ‘I just… I just don’t know…’ He fell silent.

Ladybug felt sick. What had Adrien done to deserve this?

She rubbed his back gently. ‘We’ll get through this. Everything will be alright in the end.’

For a moment, the only sound was the pattering of rain on the windows.

‘You don’t know that.’ Adrien’s voice was low and biting.

Ladybug tensed. She took her hand off of his back and placed it back in her lap.

Adrien sighed, ‘I’m sorry Ladybug, I didn’t mean it like that, I just-‘

Ladybug shook her head, cutting him off. ‘No, it’s okay. You’ve been through a lot today.’

He looked away, but Ladybug could still see the stress and exhaustion eating away at him.

‘Tell me, Ladybug,’ he hesitated, ‘do you think Hawkmoth is truly all that bad?’

Ladybug jerked her head to look at him. He was curled in on himself and looking at the ground.

‘He turns people into villains to try and steal my and Chat Noir’s miraculous,’ she said carefully. ‘Of course he’s bad.’

There was a moment of silence before Adrien spoke again. ‘He has a reason you know.’ His voice was soft but rang clear.

Ladybug sat up straight. ‘What?’

‘Today, when the akuma entered my scarf,’ his hand involuntarily rubbed his neck, ‘I spoke with Hawkmoth and… he told me…’ Adrien swallowed, ‘He told me he was doing this to save the one he loved.’

‘Oh Adrien,’ Ladybug looked at him with sympathy, ‘He was probably just saying that to get you on his side.’

Adrien shook his head fiercely, ‘No, he was telling the truth, I could tell.’ He clenched the edges of the sofa, turning his knuckles white. ‘But then he mentioned my mother.’ Adrien turned his head and looked up at her, tears welled in his eyes. ‘He asked me, how far I’d be willing to go to save her. And… that question haunts me because, if I could get a hold of some power to bring her back…’ Ladybug stiffened as that cold, haunting look returned to his eyes. His voice dropped to a whisper.

‘I don’t know if I could say no.’

 Next Chapter 

[elvendara]

Day 26/April Challenge

Second Yooran AU is my University AU. This one is long and kinda all over the place, and I’m probably going to change the end.

He meant well, he always did, and honestly, if it hadn't been for Saeyoung, Saeran would probably be dead by now. He'd made good on his promise. He got them away from their mother. Whatever his job was, it allowed him to create new identities for them both. Saeran was adamant that he wanted to keep his real first name, but Saeyoung changed his to Luciel. Most of the time though, he just went by Seven. It suited him.

Luciel and Saeran Choi they had become. He'd also added a few years to his own age so that there would be no questions about how he was Saeran's legal guardian, at least, on paper, because one look at them and it was obvious that they were twins. Thankfully, Seven was a master at working through phone and internet. He'd enrolled Saeran into public school and tried to give him as normal a life as he could.

Saeran fought him at first. He wanted to stay close to his brother, he was too afraid of the world outside, fearing that it would only lead to more pain. Slowly, however, he found that he was getting healthier, and that other people would not necessarily hurt him. There were some instances where he had been bullied because of his shyness and his introverted tendencies. Soon enough though, he learned that he had a real talent for sports. He enjoyed the physical strain, the competition, the ball in his hand. Baseball became his main focus and because he was skilled and worked hard to get better, the coaches loved him, and so did his team mates. In fact, he was so good, he earned a scholarship to a university. Seven encouraged him to continue his education and play ball. Those who once bullied him began to praise him. Initially, he had enjoyed the new treatment. Eventually, he understood that it was not him they now liked, but his new popularity.

When he began university, Seven had talked him into living with his team on campus so that he could make some real friends. It was still difficult for Saeran in that department. He preferred to spend most of his time by himself or with his brother. He stayed in the dorm to make Seven happy, but, he simply went through the motions. He wasn’t unhappy, he just did not care for the lifestyle most of his team mates preferred. He would drink, but not to excess, he'd tried pot, it was something he enjoyed doing alone, he was hit on a lot by university girls, which, brought him to the one aspect that was a sticking point for him. He was gay. Had always been gay, had never had any doubts gay. His team mates would try to get him laid, but he always fended them off. Most of the time, the girls were so drunk, they didn't remember if he'd been receptive or not.

He'd never tried to have a relationship, never even really had a crush on anyone. He was happy with his baseball, his art, and his brother. It did not bother him in the least that he had no one else close to him. It made things easier for him as well. It was not a secret that most of his team mates disdained anyone whose sexual orientation did not fit their idea of masculinity. They threw the word 'gay' around like a whip, hitting anyone and everyone with it.

His only sexual experience had been with one of his team mates in high school who he had invited home just to shut his brother up. They had spent time in his room, playing video games and at some point, he had placed his hand on Saeran's crotch as if it was no big deal. He'd asked Saeran if he wanted a blow job and Saeran was too stunned to answer. The boy took that as assent and began to do just that. He'd enjoyed it, but it felt awkward. He tried it himself on the other boy. The next day, the boy ignored him and never really spoke to him again. Saeran was embarrassed and ashamed, he hadn't even told Seven, even though he told him everything. Since then, he had maintained his unspoken rule of no touching. Or at least, minimal touching.

Currently, he stood in a large hallway at a local MegaCon that his teammates had pressured him into going to. It wasn't that they enjoyed video games, or anime, it was in order to make fun of all the cosplayers and nerds. He'd already witnessed a lot of bullying and name calling. He was embarrassed to be in their group, but he didn't know what to do. He had nothing against anyone who attended the Con. In fact, he played with Seven sometimes. It was a great stress relief for him. He wasn't into it as much as his brother, he could easily see Seven dressing up and attending something like this, if he ever actually left the house.

He stepped away from the group and idly walked around, distancing himself from the pack. There was a loud commotion that drew his attention from one of the many rooms. The doors were open wide and the sign in front read "LOLOL Tournament 3 p.m - finish" Saeran grinned. He was very familiar with LOLOL. It was one of Seven's favorite roleplaying games to play. He was rather proud of his #1 ranking on the Shooting Star server. Whenever anyone came close to unseating him from his throne, he would go on the warpath and sometimes take Saeran along with him. He was very serious about his title.

He walked inside. There was a large crowd around two different sections of the room. There were several computer stations with dividers between them. Most were now empty. Only two appeared to still occupy a player. The crowd was too thick for him to see them, but there were large TV's on the wall that showed the player's avatars in game. Saeran grinned, thinking about how he was going to tease his brother about this. He would have loved to compete. But, his work made it impossible for him to stand out in any way to the general public.

One of the avatars was a large barbarian with plate mail and a gigantic maul. The other was a tall, thin, elf with chainmail. His weapon was a halberd that was twice its size. Saeran blinked. It was unusual for the cleric class to dominate one on one. Usually, they were a supporting class. He was impressed that this player had made it to the top two as a cleric. He must have amazing strategic skills.

The screen changed, showing the competitors themselves. On the left screen there was a mousy brown-haired boy that couldn't be more than 18 if that. His face glistened with sweat, his brown eyes shiny with determination. His teeth were clenched, his eyes darting rapidly across his screen.

Saeran's eyes shifted to the screen on the right and his breath hitched, his eyes widened, and his jaw dropped. He'd never seen anything more beautiful. The boy was slender, his large headphones almost disappearing into his blonde fluffy hair. He could see the darker roots near his scalp. His complexion was pale, accentuating his large amethyst eyes and pink lips. He was biting his bottom lip, his nostrils flaring as his eyes also scanned rapidly across his monitor. His tongue peeked out and licked his lips. He used the sleeve of his faded blue hoodie to wipe sweat that began to drip into his eyes. He blinked furiously, his long lashes fluttering.

Saeran quickly scanned through the crowd, standing on his tip toes until he thought he saw the flash of yellow hair in the center. He wanted to push his way through, wanted to see this sunshine in all its splendor, but he knew the tightly packed mob would never let him through. Instead, he made his way to the podium where the trophies were lined up and where, presumably, the winners would be displayed. He wrung his hands nervously as he stared at the screens on the wall, waiting for any glimpse of the boy. He tried to tell himself that this was ridiculous. Love at first sight was not a real thing. And, honestly, this was probably lust anyway. Just because he'd never felt it before, didn't mean anything.

He looked away and thought about leaving all together. He wasn't equipped to deal with these feelings. His heart was racing, and his palms were sweaty. He swallowed with great difficulty and his breath lodged in his throat once more as the image of the blonde boy appeared, his lavender eyes wide, a small grin on his face as he saw victory in his grasp. Sure enough, there was a giant eruption of cheering from the crowd around him, a chant rising in volume, “Yoosung! Yoosung! Yoosung!” Saeran’s chest constricted, was that his name? Or the name of his avatar? Yoosung…why did it sound familiar? Like he’d heard it before? He shook his head, trying to dislodge these new feelings. They clung to him, settling into his skin, into his heart, into his head, growing roots deep into his psyche. Both screens now showed only the blonde, his smile from ear to ear, his hair in disarray, arm up in victory.

Saeran closed his eyes and turned quickly, no, he couldn’t deal with this, it was too much. Unfortunately, the mob descended on his area and he was pushed back towards the podium, up to the red rope around it. He tried to tune out the uproar, to try and steady his breathing. He hadn’t brought his medication, thinking he would not need it. He hadn’t for a long time now. He regretted that decision. There was nowhere to run, nowhere to turn. He saw a flash of blonde and he focused on the boy with the widest grin in the world, he focused on his eyes, trying to figure out exactly what shade of purple they were. He noted a touch of pink around the edges. The boy made eye contact and suddenly his smile was gone. Saeran narrowed his eyes questioningly. The boy’s mouth thinned into a hard line and he jerked his eyes away, Saeran could have sworn they had begun to fill with tears.

Why would he begin to cry because of Saeran? Now he was just confused. He watched him step up to the top spot, the brown-haired boy to his right, and a curly-haired brunette to his left. He avoided eye contact, but Saeran could still see he was distressed. His jubilance of a moment ago completely gone. He tried to smile at those in front of him, but it was strained and off. Saeran blinked rapidly, wondering what he could have done to elicit that kind of reaction. His own eyes began to tear up. He’d only wanted to talk to the boy. To figure out what he’d felt in that moment. To understand if it was something they could share. He shook his head, already knowing the answer.

He watched him anyway, enjoying this brief instance before he walked away forever. They presented him with a giant trophy and his grin was once more back, his joy effervescent. He glowed with happiness and triumph. He was surrounded by friends who cheered for him, who looked genuinely thrilled for him. Saeran smiled sadly, his hands shaking by his side. He could never have that. He would never be that happy. He wanted to bask in his glow. He wanted to reach out and run the back of his fingers along his cheek. He wondered what those pink lips would taste like. He let himself fall into the fantasy. Let himself believe he could have something so bright, something so beautiful.

He didn’t know how long the pomp and circumstance lasted, at one point they had set a crown on the boy’s head and the crowd had cheered. It began to disperse suddenly, flooding away from Saeran before he even knew it. Only the blonde’s friends remained, but his eyes remained focused on only Saeran. He found that he couldn’t move, his feet planted to the floor. He saw the blonde straighten his shoulders, a look of resolve crossing his face. He held his trophy in front of him like a shield then stalked towards Saeran.

Saeran took a step back, not sure what he intended to do with the heavy looking weapon in his hands. He stopped just on the other side of the rope and glared at him.

“What do you want now? Come to finish what your friends started?” he gripped the trophy so tight his knuckles were white. His eyes glistened, and his bottom lip trembled, but he faced Saeran with determination, even if his voice cracked. Saeran blinked, a conflicting and enormous amount of emotions playing out within him. Hearing the boy’s voice was thrilling, it was soft, sweet, and melodic, with a touch of edginess to it. But, his words were like a dagger to his heart. His team mates! Of course, that was why he could be hated so easily.

“I…no…I didn’t…I mean…” Saeran took another step back.

“Let him have it Yoosung!”

“Give him hell!”

“You tell him!”

Saeran wanted to run, wanted to fold in on himself, but he couldn’t look away from those eyes. How could he tell this beautiful angry boy that he only wanted to talk to him? To spend time with him. To get to know him. To explore these new, unknown feelings. To see him smile, to hear him laugh, to hold his hand? How? He sputtered, unable to form any coherent sounds.

“Not so brave without your friends, are you?” Yoosung stepped over the rope and loomed towards Saeran, who kept taking small steps backwards.

“No, it’s not…I didn’t…” Saeran tried to say, but what could he really say? That he hadn’t participated in the bullying his team mates had done? That he’d stood by, letting it happen, not helping anyone? That he’d had several chances to tell them they shouldn’t be assholes? He was just as guilty, and he knew it. Whether he had participated or not did not matter. He had let it happen without voicing any complaint. He hung his head, he deserved Yoosung’s anger.

“I’m sorry…” he whispered. The hot tears fell from the tip of his nose onto the floor, splashing silently. His hands formed fists and he turned away, leaving the light behind him and ran back into the darkness. He cloaked himself in the shadows that had become his only friends. It was comfortable here, away from any painful feelings. He ran down the hall and out the doors. The night was settling in, the cool breeze hitting his face. He felt the wetness of his tears across his cheeks. He wiped at them angrily and stalked down the stairs towards the long row of taxi’s. He jumped into the first one he saw and gave the man his brother’s address.

Saeran squeezed his hands together in front of him. He let the tears fall, not caring if the taxi driver saw. He tried to steady his heart, to get his breathing under control so that he wouldn’t fall into the grip of his anxiety. He tried the relaxation techniques his therapist had shown him, but the only thing he could visualize now were those amethyst eyes glaring at him. He closed his eyes and clenched his teeth painfully. He balled up his fists and started smacking himself in the head as he rocked back and forth.

“Hey! Hey now! Do I need to pull over?” the taxi driver watched his passenger warily.

“No! No, please, just…get me there!” he pleaded.

It must have been good enough for the man, as he settled back into his drive, now glancing at his rearview mirror with more worry than anything.

“Is someone there to help you?” he asked gently.

Saeran nodded, “My brother. My brother.”

The man nodded back with a sigh of relief. Saeran lay his forehead against the cold glass and wept silently.

When they pulled up to the house, Saeran paid the man and gave him a probably too large tip. He didn’t care. The man had been kind and gentle when most people would have treated him roughly.

He punched in the security code of the house and waved to the man. He had waited until the door opened before leaving. Saeran smiled sadly to himself, wondering at the generosity of some people. He walked in, right past the kitchen, the living room, and straight into his room. Seven kept it clean and ready for him always. Saeran would often spend the weekend in the house. He crawled under the clean sheets and buried himself in them. He should take his medication, there was always some in the bathroom, but he just wanted to fade away, to lose himself in oblivion.

He heard the door open slowly and he squeezed his eyes shut, pulling the sheet over his head. He wished he had a thick blanket he could hide under, but he thin sheet would have to do.

“Saeran?” Seven spoke softly, sitting at the edge of his bed. Saeran didn’t answer him, instead, he curled himself into as small a ball as he could. It was a sign Seven easily recognized. He stood and walked out only to return almost immediately. He set something down on Saeran’s night stand. Placing his hand on his brother’s shoulder, he squeezed gently, then patted him lightly before walking out and leaving him alone. He closed the door softly behind him. When he heard the click, Saeran turned over and saw a water glass and his medication. He reached over and shook two pills out, swallowing them easily. He placed the half-filled water glass back on his night stand and resumed his fetal position. Soon, he was deep in a drug filled sleep, amethyst eyes chasing him. Saeran’s mind turned the boy into someone that loved him. He let Yoosung catch him, let him take him, let him have whatever he wanted from him, even if it was pain.

…………………………………………

Saeran’s eyes were heavy. He’d cried so much, they were glued together and puffy. His head ached, and he knew it was going to take all day to feel any better. He didn’t care. He wanted desperately to fall back into his dreams. At least in there, he could be with Yoosung. He sighed heavily and rubbed at his eyes. He smelled bacon and he sat up. Seven was cooking? That couldn’t be good. He jumped out of bed and took a quick shower in his bathroom. Once he was in some clean clothes, he finally ventured into the kitchen. It was still in one piece, that was good.

“Good morning! Or should I say, good afternoon!” his brother’s voice was too loud and Saeran just sat at the kitchen table and groaned.

Seven set a plate of bacon and scrambled eggs in front of him, plus a cup of coffee. Saeran took both gratefully with a grunt.

“I’ll take that as a thank you.” Seven smirked, sitting down with his own plate and cup. “There wasn’t much in the house, so I went out this morning to get some groceries.

Saeran arched an eyebrow.

“What? I go out!”

Both eyebrows were now up.

“Just eat your eggs!” Saeran tucked in, he felt famished.

After a few minutes of silence, Seven asked, “Want to talk about it?”

Saeran shook his head.

“Ok, well, you know you can always talk to me.”

Saeran nodded absently. “Can I stay here a while?” he asked.

“Of course you can Saeran, this is your home, it always will be.” Seven assured him. “Are you sure you don’t want to talk about it?” he prodded gently.

Saeran shrugged. He felt the sting of tears again and he tried to keep them at bay. He set his fork down and lay his head on his hands weeping. Seven was up instantly, his arms around his brother, holding him tight. Saeran brokenly told him what had happened, how he’d felt, and how he would never again see that beautiful boy who looked at him with such disdain. How he felt guilty and helpless. How he felt heart broken and alone. It had always been easy to confide in his brother. He’d always been the only person who truly understood Saeran.

“Oh Saeran, I’m so sorry! But, you can’t give up that easily! You can’t just walk away from your feelings like that.”

Saeran pulled away from his brother and wiped his tears away with his sleeves.

“You’re one to talk. When was the last time you were out with anyone?” he threw back at him.

“That’s different. You know that! My job doesn’t allow me to have much of a personal life.” Seven looked away, taking a seat next to Saeran.

“It isn’t your job Seven, it’s you, it’s me. We…we’re no good at relationships.” He hung his head, Seven didn’t argue.

“Whatever happened with that guy you were talking to online? I thought you really liked him?” Saeran asked.

Seven shrugged, “He lives in Europe, plus, I found out he was married.”

“Oh, sorry.”

“No big deal, I mean, it wasn’t as if I was going to skip off to London to see him or anything!” he grinned.

Saeran scoffed at him. “What about that girl you met during your last mission? She was cute.” Seven had shown him a picture of the woman he had worked with, she was blonde, petite, and dangerous.

“Oh, well, she was a little too much for me.” He laughed. “It was fun, for a few weeks, but, not for a lifetime.” Seven sighed. “You know you deserve to be happy, don’t you?”

“What about you? Don’t we both deserve to be happy? I hate it that you sit in that small room all day and night. That can’t be all that you want out of life.”

“I live through you little brother.” Seven grinned.

“Don’t do that. You know I would do anything for you, and I have. But, Seven…I…”

“Are you truly that unhappy where you are? I was hoping you would make some friends, come out of your shell a little. I know you love playing baseball, but, there’s so much more to life than just sports.”

“I’m not unhappy. I just, don’t fit in. They tolerate me at best. Because they need me. But I see the way they look at me, like…like I’m a weirdo. And, worst of all, I still can’t be myself around them.” He looked away. He hadn’t meant to burden his brother with any of this, but that blonde had him reeling emotionally.

“You can come home then. If that’s what you want. But, I still think you should find this boy. Try again.”

Saeran was already shaking his head before Seven even finished.

“I tell you what. You try again, and so will I. Uh, where do you go to meet girls? Or boys? Or, someone, these days?” he asked.

Saeran laughed genuinely.

“Maybe a cheerleader at one of your games? I understand they are very sexy!” Seven wiggled his eyebrows.

Saeran pushed at him, “Idiot, there aren’t any cheerleaders in baseball! But, I might know someone! She’d be perfect for you.”

“Really?” Seven was taken aback.

“Really.”

“Ok, then, do we have a deal?” Seven held his hand out. Saeran nibbled on his lower lip. He didn’t know if he could take it if Yoosung rejected him again. But, he thought it would be worth it. Even if it was only to help his brother find some happiness for himself. He reached out and took Seven’s hand, shaking it forcefully. They had a deal.

I know some people may find Saeran’s reaction over the top, dramatic, or unrealistic. However, keep in mind, he is 22/23 years old and has never felt this kind of attraction. It’s new, it’s powerful, it’s confusing, and he doesn’t have the skill set to process it.

[pyromouse]

[short story thing about how nate and mouse know each other because it was sort of implied. i meant to post this a week ago but didn’t finish editing it til today]

The sign declared “FLORIST! HELLA CHEAP.” in handwritten letters. Even had a few attempts at drawing some roses on the corners. It was tacked to a crumbling alley wall and pointed further in.

Pretty shoddy craftmanship, if anyone asked him.

Nate shuffled down the narrow alley until it started to widen. He honestly didn’t expect much out of this venture. Who grows plants in a forgotten back alley? Someone who can’t put up a respectable sign, obviously.

So his jaw might have hit the ground when he passed through a wooden gate and got a look at the sheer volume of flora packed inside. Rows of neat flower beds, potted plants on shelves, a rusty fire escape transformed into a blooming trellis.

“How-”

A head bobbed up from behind the hydrangeas. “Oh, hi! Can I help you with something?”

“Uh...yeah.” He took another few steps in. “A dozen roses.”

“Red or white?”

“Mm...six of each.”

The florist snipped the flowers from the bush with quick careful fingers and tied them together with a red ribbon. “I can can give you a gift tag for ‘em if you’d like.”

“No, uh, that’s fine..” His gaze drifted over to a few plants in the corner. Huh. Didn’t expect to see that here.

“You grow belladonna? You know that shit’s poisonous, right?”

The florist huffed. “Of course I do. That’s why they’re in plant jail.” They pointed and Nate noticed the little wire fence with a cardboard sign declaring the belladonna was ‘doing some hard time’ and was not for sale. “I just liked the way the flowers looked, y’know?”

“Oh. Because….I kinda, uh, need it.”

The florist fixed suspicious white eyes on him. “I will not be an accomplice to a poisoning-”

“What? No! It’s not like- ugh.” Nate gave a frustrated sigh. “Fine, forget it. Can I have some of the ivy clippings?”

As Nate pointed out a few others, he noticed the florist’s increasingly confused expression. Most of his selections didn’t match and some weren’t even blooming. But they didn’t pipe up about his weird bouquet. They carefully set the plants in a large paper bag and rang up his total on a beat up calculator. Nate dropped a twenty and a ten on the makeshift counter and hefted the bag as he turned to leave.

“Hold up!” The florist waved a five at him. Nate waved it away.

“Just keep the change.”

“Really? Thanks dude!”

*****

Nate learned a few things about the florist in the following months. Their snow white hair had to be natural, or they were extremely dedicated to dying their roots. They played classical music for the plants and liked dancing down the rows while watering. Once in a while Nate caught them light up to smoke, but curiously never seemed to see a lighter in hand.

They also seemed to be in a perpetually chatty mood.

“Hiya! Usual stuff today?”

“Mph…” Nate paused, still processing the very idea of being awake at the moment. “Throw in some morning glories.” The florist started clipping swatches of flowers off thet trellis and twisting them into a braid. “You can just toss ‘em in the bag.”

“Aw, no fun.” They stuck out their tongue. “You never appreciate my arrangements. Why would you shell out so damn much for flowers if you don’t even want ‘em to look nice?”

“They’re getting shredded and dried once I get home, soo….”

Their head canted to the side. “Why?”

“For...cooking.”

“Who are cooking for, rabbits? Because you didn’t strike me as a pet guy. At least not a guy who keeps rabbits as pets.” They tapped their finger to their chin. “Seem like a cat person. Specifically that grumpy cat.”

Nate sighed. “How are you so peppy this early?”

“It’s….it’s almost noon.”

He took a long swig from a paper coffee cup. “How much do I owe?”

He overpaid, again, and the florist smiled. “See ya in...what, two weeks?” They waved. “Later dude!”

*****

Two weeks later Nate stood outside the garden gate. He didn’t hear the usual music and rustling inside. The florist didn’t even have a sign up signalling whether it was open or closed (did they know anything about running a business?). Nate rapped on the gate experimentally.

A groan and a mumbled “come in” responded. The florist was sitting on an upturned bucket, head cradled in their hands. “Yo.”

“Uh. You...feeling okay?”

“Headache.” They gestured to a notepad on the work table. “Sorry, but could you just write down your order? I’ll get it once this passes, so you can pick ‘em up later.”

Nate nodded and scribbled down his list: lavender, lemongrass, forget me nots, belladonna, honeysuckle. He got to the gate before pausing. “...take care.”

They gave a half-hearted wave.

He killed some time around town: coffee, reading, dispelling magic traps, more coffee. Around three headed back to the alley garden. All was still quiet, but the gate was unlatched and Nate let himself in.

“Hey…hello? Where - oh, shit. Shit!”

He found the florist sprawled behind the snapdragon patch, one cheek pressed to the dirt. Twice before he caught them napping in the grass (unprofessional and weird) but this was definitely not the case today. A pail half-filled with cuttings had tipped onto its side and a pair of clippers laid near an outstretched hand.

Nate pushed their shoulder to roll them onto their back. Oh, good. They were still breathing. The witch rooted through his bag for a long thin wallet with one hand and tapped their cheek gently with the other. “Hey, kid, can ye hear me?”

It took a moment, and some more tapping, but hazy white eyes fluttered open. “Ngh...wha’ happened?”

“I was hoping you’d tell me.” The florist groaned, shielding their face with an arm. “But all signs are pointing to you passing out.”

Slowly, they pulled their body into a sitting position. “Ugh. Head fuckin’ hurts.”

“Why didn’t you take anything for it?”

“Did. Most stuff doesn’t work right.”

“You oughta see a doctor if it’s that bad.”

The reaction was instant. They pulled away from him, shrinking back into the flower and fixing him with a wary stare. Shit. Wrong thing to say.

“Or not. I mean. Um.” The witch consulted his potion case. He slid one out and held it towards them. “Drink this.” Their eyes narrowed, fixed on the little vial, but they otherwise didn’t move. “Holy shit kid, I am not trying to poison you.” Damn, too loud - the florist cringed. Nate lowered his voice and tried again. “I’m an herbalist. I’m sure this will help you but if you don’t believe me, I’ll drink first.”

“I...yeah, if you could do that.”

Nate uncapped the blue vial took a sip. He waited a moment before holding it out to the florist again. Eerie white eyes studied him, but they accepted it cautiously. Their eyes widened as the awful pressure in their head finally relented.

“Give it half an hour to kick in fully. Do you get migraines a lot?” They nodded. The witch hummed thoughtfully. With a snap of his fingers he summoned a notepad from thin air. They gasped at that, but the flurry of excited questions he expected to get never came. Clear sign something’s wrong with ‘em. “I need to ask you some things so I can make you a medicine for this. That alright with you?” They nodded and he flipped open the book. “Mkay, first up: any allergies?” A mumbled negative. “Do you have any other symptoms?”

The interview went on for some fifteen minutes before Nate shut his book and stood up, dusting dirt from his jeans. “Alright. It’ll take two days to make. Keep what’s left of that vial, it’s good in a pinch.”

“Wait, your order-”

The witch held his hand up. “It can wait. Go home before you black out again.”

“Go it, doc.”

Nate rolled his eyes. “And make sure you eat something soon. See you Thursday.”

*****

The florist picked up one of the seven mismatched bottles and studied it curiously. Peachy-pink liquid and a few white petals swirled around the glass globe.

“Wasn’t it blue before?”

“That was a general cure-all. This one’s brewed to treat your migraines specifically.”

“Ohhh. Okay.”

“You take one tablespoon as needed. If the pain is especially bad, take two, but no more than that.”

“...what happens at three tablespoons?”

“Nothing bad, honestly. But you’ll be high as a kite.” Nate took care to mix the potion with their small stature in mind, but there was a very fine line when your patient weighed one-ten, maybe, if they were soaking wet.

“Try to drink something within an hour of taking it. No caffeine though.” Nate fished out an index card with his notes and handed it to them.

“Thanks man.” They stuffed the note into their pocket. “Oh! Right!” Reaching under the shelf, the florist snatched the lockbox and cracked it open. “How much for ‘em?”

“Eh?” was his initial response to the rapid change of subject. Seriously, this kid was too damn energetic when a migraine wasn’t bringing them down.

“Herbalist is like your job, right? So what do you charge?” They shuffled through some bills, looking up at him when he didn’t respond immediately. “C’mon, I’m trying not to be a charity case anymore.”

Nate waved a hand. “Look, I appreciate it. But honestly any money you give me right now I’m just gonna give right back…”

Their eyes light up with the sudden realization. They yanked open a drawer and pulled out the notepad - his order still scrawled on the top sheet - a paper bag, and some shears. “Just wait!”

The florist zipped around, neatly snipping away flowers and stacking them in the bag. It was almost packed full when they scanned down the list one more time. Pulling on a pair of gloves, they knelt down near the belladonna. Snip, snip, snip - a small handful of purple flowers were tossed on top.

Nate raised an eyebrow. Huh. After weeks of denied requests, he wasn’t expecting this.

“Here you go!” They smiled, setting the bag on the counter. “Consider Bella’s bail posted today.”

Nate’s mouth twitched into a half-smile. Weird kid.

“Holy shit! Is that happiness I see?”

Nate huffed. He balanced the bag on the crook of his arm and grabbed his cane with his free hand.

“Remember, no more than two doses. I will not be held responsible if you make an idiot of yourself while you’re out of it.”

They flapped their hand dismissively. “Don’t worry. I can do that well enough on my own. Thanks doc!”

“...no problem. Uh, see you.”

*****

“Heeey! Heeey Doc!”

“Where - oh.”

Nate had a few questions. Why was the florist hanging by their ankles from the fire escape? How did they even get up there? Some of those questions were answered when he spotted the bottle on the counter.

“Ah gods...hey! What did I tell you?”

“Only two!” They held out two fingers. “And I listened! Stuff works like magic!”

“Hmm.” They probably didn’t have it in them to lie right now. I can’t imagine them lying about something like this anyway. Which meant Nate had made a miscalculation. He frowned and pocketed the bottle. “I’m cutting you down to one tablespoon,” he called up to them. “...Are you gonna be able to get down from there?”

The florist paused to consider this before unhooking their ankles from the railing and dropping like a stone. A panicked spell to catch them was on the tip of this tongue before their descent just stopped inches above the ground. He stared at them just hanging there, weightless, until they flopped to the ground with a muffled ‘oof.’

“How the fuck…?”

“I have skills! Mad skills.”

Nate’s brow furrowed. No way. I would have sensed something. Still, he had to ask. “You a witch?”

“Nah. Never been to Hogwarts.”

He sighs, pressing his fingers to the bridge of his nose. “I’m putting a ward on the gate when I leave. You should be fine in a couple hours, so...yeah, do that,” he trailed off, watching the florist climb into the wheelbarrow for a nap. An amused smile flickered across his face for a moment. He shut the gate behind him and rattled it a bit to make sure it locked.

“Sciath.” He said, tracing a few runes over the wooden slats. The glow faded but the spell was in place. No one would be able to bother them until they woke. As he passed the through the alleyway entrance, Nate noticed the sign tilting to one side. “So unprofessional,” he mumbled  as he nudged it back into place.

[taenings]

love story entry #1

Currently it is 3:23am. 

It has been a while since I have been on this site, I haven’t been on my computer lately and due to current situations, I’m constantly on my computer. Now I know a lot of people won’t read this, but I thought maybe a selective few would. I want to tell you a story, a love story to be exact as shown from the title. It is still an ongoing love story of mine. Now for those who have decided to read, sit back, it may be a bit boring to you, but to me, it is one hell of a ride that I don’t want to get off. And a little warning, it is of course, 3am, English is a pretty funky language and grammar is kinda weird. Sentence structure and story telling may not be appealing, but hear me out.

Let me start by introducing myself. Most people call me Jess, of course it’s a nickname given to me. You can guess my full first name, it’s pretty obvious and kinda basic. My ethnic background is Indonesian. I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, moved to Chicago at the age of 8, and moved, again, to Houston at the age of 17. Growing up my parents were not present and they divorced before I moved to America.

I am not big on dating people. Sure I have some high school hook ups and occasional boyfriends and girlfriends that didn’t last long. Mostly I got together with those people simply because I felt bad or I thought I should humor them for a few weeks. I never really payed attention to them or never really cared about them. My friends were all that I needed and honestly relationships were just burdens. They were fun, but it always a burden. Now I say that it’s a burden, but it doesn’t stop me from falling into the trend that is seeking a “partner” through the means of dating sites. You know, thing likes “Tinder” or “OKCupid”. The fun of these dating websites is that you get matched up with someone that you like who happens to think you’re also cute and also the best part is always the chase. . The moment you get paired up you would want to use your dumb, corny pick up lines right? Or go to flirt and saying “You must look really hot if you do ____” or “Damn, the moment I swiped right I knew that you were the one.” I know, they’re really bad examples.  I constantly install and uninstall these apps since the people that I talk to don’t really share the same type of humor. There were some successful ones, but eventually I got tired and bored. Like the asshole that I am, I’d throw them to the side and ignore them. Who needs love anyways right? I did, of course, had a few crushes here and there like a normal, healthy human being, but they always end up being confused as adoration and such. This past November I was set on not dating anyone or marrying anyone until I’m probably 30. I swore that I won’t date anyone and if I do decide on dating someone, it probably won’t be serious anyways and will end the same way like my previous relationships. 

I said that in November, but there I was a month later laying in my bed (or was is at work?) scrolling on OKCupid and this one person caught my eye. It’s very rare to see such a beautiful, cute Asian girl who happens to be bisexual let alone lesbian(Like we’re in Texas it’s rare to see gay people, period). For those who are familiar with the way OKC is set up, users are allowed to set in an About me, 10 things I like, etc. This girl, she just had a really short message. I got curious, and decided to shoot up a simple message. “Hey.” She didn’t reply for quite sometime, I believe it took a day or half a day for her to respond and when she does respond, she’ll take hours to reply. It made me wonder if she was interested or not, probably not. Messages were pretty slow, but the way she responded to my lame jokes with hers got me hooked. I wanted to know her more, I wanted to talk to her more. She mentioned that she was playing this game called “League of Legends” (aka toxic center.) I wasn’t surprised she played it. It’s a very common game and then I asked if I can have her username. I initially quit playing the game, but I wanted to impress someone so I thought maybe I should get back into it. We played when she got home and started talking more often. The next night we played again and the night after that. She gets home at around 11pm to midnight and I didn’t mind waiting for her to get home so we can play together even though I had to wake up at around 6am for work. One day I was playing with my friends before she got home and we were casually chatting on discord. I had 2 of my good friends from Chicago with me and when she got home I invited her to join the chat and the game. She was too shy too talk at first, but I finally convinced her to. She had the sweetest voice and the funniest laugh. That night we ended up playing until 3am and after my friends left we were just talking  to each other for another hour. She asked for my Facebook before she went to sleep since Messenger makes it easier for us to communicate. She formally introduced her name as “Emma”. We then exchanged our full names and that where everything started, the best part of it all, the chase.  I stayed up a little bit longer forgetting that I had to wake up in a few hours for work to look at her pictures. Honestly, she looked, amazing. She’s totally my type. She’s beautiful and stunning, and she has this great smile, but something was off about it. I shook it off. I was just mesmerized by how beautiful she is. It did raise some questions though. There’s one reason a girl this beautiful was single. She’s either a crazy ass little bitch or she’s probably just flirting around without any intention to date. (Honey, if you happen to find this post and read this, which you probably won’t, I hope you won’t, don’t beat me up—). We talked more and more. I thanked my job for making it easy for me to check my phone constantly because I had my own office and I always finish my paperwork hours before I clocked out for the day. She doesn’t reply as fast because of work, but it was okay. We talked a lot for a few days, but I wasn’t ready to see her yet even though it was already Christmas weekend by that time . I was out with my friends on Christmas Eve and the next day I had to attend 3 Christmas celebration parties. We did hint on trying to see each other and everything so a few days later, among our mountains of flirty text messages and long paragraphs explaining some details of each of our lives, I took the courage and asked her if she wanted to hang out on Friday, 2 days before the New Year. My excuse to her was that, I wanted to see her for the first time before the year ended and thankfully, she said yes. I was extremely happy, yet nervous in the same time.  The day before our said “date” my friend threw a party. He goes to school in Illinois so he doesn’t really see his buddies in Texas very often. He said it was a late Christmas Party/ early New Years Party/Parting Party. All the people that I hang out with they’re at least 5 years older than me and there will be alcohol. I debated if I should go to the party or not, but after going out with him and a buddy of ours to Jollibee a few days before, I felt bad if I didn’t go since I promised I would be there. I told her about the party of course and told her there will be alcohol. I’ve been very good at watching my alcohol consumption and I’ve been doing way better than before in limiting myself, but I was still debating. I took a really nice walk to this wonderful park called “Herman Park” that was really close to my friend’s house. It was December and all I had was a really thin jacket to keep me warm. It’s Texas, no big deal, it’s not that cold. My phone was dying and I was messaging her. I got lost in my own thought and was hoping that one day, I could take her on a really nice date here. There was a place that caught my eye when I was driving around. There was this really nice bridge. I walked from my parking spot all the way to the bridge and just looked at the sun setting down. I took a picture of the bridge and sent to the her. “I promise to take you here one day” before my phone decided to shut down due to its low battery. I decided maybe I should go to the party for a little bit so I can charge my phone. She was pretty worried for me that I took a walk alone at night at a really big park. I didn’t drink much which was an accomplishment of its own and before I headed home I messaged her to remind her about the next day. And when I got home late at night, I tried to not completely fall asleep so I can talk to her a little bit more and as my drowsiness took over I fell asleep, dreaming of what could happen the next day when I finally meet the girl whom I have taken a liking for. That’s all for the first part, I’ll tell our first date some other time. It’s already way past 4am and I should head to bed. I did promise her that I wouldn’t stay up to late anyways. Until next time~ part 2(coming soon)

[jungnoir]

ghost!bambam;

a while back @seoulscapes sent me this text post and said this would be ghost!bambam and this idea was always a cute what if...... and then someone requested it

and how could i refuse our bby bam?

ok ok so background on bambam’s death: he died way too young

he was in college and had just been accepted into the frat of his dreams

he was basically living the life

but some dumbass in the frat thought that bambam wasn’t “ride or die” enough so the head of the frat acquiesced bc obviously the reputation of the frat was on the line and he couldn’t have any of his pledges getting in easy peasy

obviously

so they decided to gave him one more trial, a quickie that barely meant anything to them at all 

even bam himself was like “lol that’s easy”

the trial was to enter this old house in the neighborhood and to retrieve a well hidden letterman jacket, the jacket that new pledges get once they’d passed all the tests

the head of the frat sent the dumbass with the genius idea to hide it, and that guy and his friend made sure to make it unrealistically hard for bambam

they placed it in the attic, where there were countless holes and creaky floorboards and basically the whole thing is a death trap nightmare

but bambam is super confident!!! he’s like hell yeh imma get in there and imma find that jacket and im gonna look so cool to the prez of the frat that he’ll throw me a party in my honor and thank me on his knees for even considering his frat

he got ahead of himself obviously but i digress

at first, bambam was sure he could find it

he searched everywhere, high and low, and the longer it took him to search the more frustrated he and the frat brothers got

after a while, the brothers decided to head back, and if bam could bring the jacket by morning then he was in

bam had searched every area of the abandoned house and finally he had reached the attic, which had been ~mysteriously~ left open

he decides it wouldn’t hurt to check and goes up, flashing his phone light to see the jacket all the way across the attic, practically waiting for him like treasure to a pirate

he scrambles up, not even thinking about watching his step

and not even a few feet later, he’s got the jacket in hand, but he collapses right through the floor

honestly, a lot of people had fallen through the attic before, leaving with nothing more serious than a broken bone or two, but it’s not bambam’s lucky day

he happens to step in the worst spot, and it sends him falling from the high open ceiling above the front door, falling three stories and hitting the ground with a sickening crack

he was dead on impact

the frat brothers didn’t see bam the next day, or the day after that, so most of them assumed bam got hurt or chickened out after not finding it

until a few days later when some students passing by the house noticed a foul smell

the police were called and bam was found, and the frat brothers were so surprised that they didn’t dare speak a word of it to anyone

it looked like a frat kid playing around, and got too brave and ended up dead

it was a tragic case, and the campus mourned for months

bambam didn’t quite realize his ghostly self until a week after the incident, when he found himself staring out of one of the bedroom windows, laying on the floor with the letterman jacket around his shoulders

he was super confused, wondering if the fall had been a dream and he had just passed out in a random room or something

he leaves the house shortly after, and sees one of his frat brothers

he goes to greet him, to gloat about finally passing all the tests, but as soon as bambam walks up to him the frat brother walks straight through him

so bambam really starts freaking out and thinks that he’s drunk, and starts yelling at the frat brother for help or something but

nothing

no one can hear him

and it seems like no one can see or feel him either

it’s only when he gets to the frat house that he sees a vigil still up, filled to the brim with fresh flowers and a small stand that says “for bambam, may he rest in peace”

it’s so unbelievable that all he can do is break down and cry, scream for anyone who might realize he’s there, but after a while his cries grow less and less, and suddenly he’s confined himself to the house of which he died in, spending every day alone and depressed

he slowly learns that he can still be helpful, and whenever stupid teenagers try to sneak in for fun, he always scares them off before they can

the least he can do, he thinks, is keep others from meeting his fate too

so for months, it’s all he’s used to

the solitude grows so suffocating that bambam actually thinks he’ll go mad, but then you show up

you’re new, with ripped jeans and dirty sneakers and your hair pulled out of your face

you’ve got a clipboard in hand and glasses on the tip of your nose as you make your way inside, taking a step every few feet and scribbling something on your paper

he’s learned that he can appear and disappear to those he wants, all he has to do is focus

so he keeps invisible and stays behind you, being careful not to startle you as he reads over your shoulder

and sure enough, he finds out that you’re a real estate agent

“this place is a lawsuit waiting to happen. no wonder that kid died here” you mumble under your breath, and bambam forgets to conceal himself, his eyes widening as he appears before you with a finger pointed at himself

“me?!” he shouts

you’re so frightened you scream and tumble back, but bambam is fast and grabs you by the waist before you can hurt yourself, his face knitted into an expression of concern

as soon as he sets you upright, you’re scrambling to get away from him, looking around for any signs of him coming in, but it’s like he appeared out of thin air

and he looks strangely familiar, but you just can’t place it

clutching over your heart with a heavy breath, you narrow your eyes at him and level your clipboard to defend yourself just in case “who are you and what are you doing here, kid?”

and bambam is highkey offended like

kid?? he’s- well, he was going to turn 21 soon

folding his arms over his chest, he pouts, “i could ask you the same thing. don’t you know this place is off limits since that... ya know... incident?”

he tries his best to sound authoritative and to have the upper hand in the situation but you catch on quick “it’s off limits to the general public, a public of which i am not apart of. i’m a real estate agent and i’m supposed to be casing this place for repairs. it’s gonna be hard to sell, what with the history behind it, but some people like stuff like that”

for some reason, bambam feels like he’s being intruded upon

like how could you just come in and take this place from him? he had nowhere else to go

it was already hell being on his own, he didn’t want to know what it would be like trying to avoid actual people living in the same place he lost his life

and it wasn’t like he could just relocate. his spirit was forever tied to that place, and even though he could go to some places, he could only go so far before his spirit would weaken and he’d be forced to return

“you don’t wanna do that. honestly, it’d be a better idea if you just left me- i mean, it alone”

he hopes you don’t catch on to his slip up but you’ll be damned if you ignore it

“you? what, do you come here to avoid your parents or something, kid? look, i’d suggest you find somewhere less dangerous to spend your time. isn’t it a bit early in the morning to be here anyway?” 

you continue to keep interrogating him, fretting over him like a child, and bambam is finding it really hard to keep his cool

he obviously can’t outright say he’s dead and has nowhere to go, but you don’t seem to be shutting up any time soon

in the middle of your spiel about how “back in your day” you rebelled too, you reach a hand out to grab him, but 

your hand...goes right through him

while he was getting worked up about you, he hadn’t been focusing on how his body was slowly fading in and out of its solid state

you kinda just stand there, fingers hovering right where his palm and the bones of his hand should stop you, his skin translucent and bordering on transparent

you think your eyes are playing tricks on you so you move your hand up toward his chest, and it solidifies under your touch as you let out a relieved sigh

but then you don’t feel anything under your fingertips

you place your hand right over his heart and feel nothing, not a steady beat or even his chest rising and falling to take in a damn breath

it’s just cold skin under a cold, thin tee shirt, and the boy before you is looking at you like he’s been waiting for you to notice

“what... why are... where is your heartbeat?” “i don’t very well need one if i’m dead, do i?”

suddenly the familiarity hits you, and all those months ago when you’d first seen his face on tv, the tragic case of a college kid who’d lost his life in the very house you were in

you let out a choked scream, but it’s barely loud enough to startle the birds out in the backyard

he just watches with raised eyebrows as you stumble back, your eyes widened in fright and your hand over your mouth 

“y-you died! here! you’re a ghost!” you keep repeating to yourself, trying to find your sanity

yet all he can do is sigh, shoving his hands deep into his pockets, “i’ve been aware, captain obvious. and i can’t go anywhere else, so you can’t sell this house” he tells you, walking up to you and grabbing your arm to keep you steady, just in case you fell again

when you’ve seemed to calm down a few minutes later, you level a glare at him and shove his arm off, “i can’t just tell my boss that this house is off limits because it’s haunted. i’ll sound like a lunatic” “bring your boss here. i’ll scare the shit out of him, hm? problem solved”

but no matter what he says, you stand firm in your decision that the house has to go, and that he’ll just have to deal with it

after all, what was the worst he could really do?

lmao

had you been a lil wiser, you might’ve not asked the question

the months spent fixing up the house were torture for you

from tripping up carpenters, throwing screwdrivers at windows and using red paint to draw ominous messages on the walls, bambam refuses to back down

and the worst thing is, it seems like you’re the only one he’s allowing see him

bambam: *in the middle of drawing a pentagram on the floor* don’t sell the house

you: *furiously painting over the remaining drawings of “666″ and “the antichrist lives here”* fuck off

he’s so??? infuriating?? and he’s dead which makes it ten times as bad bc he never gets tired

but despite his efforts (and there were plenty), the house soon gets fixed up into a livable state, and it’s up to you to begin decorating and getting the house sold

and after a while, you become used to bambam

it took a while for you to formally introduce yourselves to each other, and while it was a bit,,,,, stiff, you both had since come to an agreement

he would comply and let the house be sold, staying out of the way, but he would pick the tenants

so reluctantly, you accepted

bad idea of course but ANYWAY

he’s picky about everything

“i don’t like them, too many kids” “but they only have one??” “one too many”

“no old people, i’m the only one who’s gonna haunt this place goddamn it”

“the wife hates dogs???? what the hell!!”

no matter who you bring in, he hates them all

if you find it hard deterring the tenants from taking the place after his disapproval, he’ll start banging pots in the kitchen, or randomly screaming from different parts of the house, or creating shadows to scare people away

he’s always finding something bad about each one, and as the days stretch on, your boss starts getting on you about selling the place, seeing as he’s put so much money into making it even slightly desirable after bambam’s death

after one particularly taxing day, you find yourself curled up on the bed upstairs, blanket tucked in comfortably around you as you come to

bambam is there next to you, staring up at the ceiling as you flip over in bed to face him

you ask him how long you’ve been asleep, and he tells you it’s only been a few hours, but it’s dark out

you’re halfway up and out of bed, mumbling that you should probably head home, when you feel bambam scoot a little closer

and then you feel his breath on your shoulder, and in surprise, you turn, coming face to face with bambam

he looks a lot different than usual, a sad look to his usually peppy disposition

“would it be... strange... if you stayed the night? i mean, you leave snacks in the pantry since you’re practically here from sun up to sun down, and the bed is comfortable, and i... i’d really like some company”

and it’s crazy, but you find yourself staying

he spills to you about his life that night, telling you all about how his life had been before he died, how he had tried to check up on his family but hadn’t been able to get very far, and about his plans for the future

you get an idea and give him your phone, and he pulls up the social media of all his family members, spending hours just pointing out the silly posts they’d made, showing you the instagram pics that he had taken with them in the past, and reading their eulogies to him

“thank you for that... i’ve always wondered how they’d been” he tells you, watching with fondness as you struggle to keep your eyes open much longer, you mumbling out a quiet reply of “of course”

quietly, he tucks you back into the bed and lays a soft kiss on your forehead, and had he been alive, his cheeks would’ve flushed at the contact

from that day forward, you start to feel closer to bambam

you two share stories of your lives, you being a young but somewhat lonely real estate agent, telling him about how you felt like your life was going nowhere fast

he comforts you, talking to you through work stress, or letting you drink your worries away with him after a bad date (the alcohol passes right through him, and he’s thankful for that seeing as when he was alive he was a terrible lightweight)

he becomes someone in your life that you don’t think you could live without, much to your shock

it’s a rainy night and you’re still finding yourself spending time with bambam, a bottle of soju in hand as you both talk about your day when he suddenly goes, “why don’t you live here? i think you’re the only person i could tolerate being around all day”

he half expects you to laugh it off, but as you swish the contents of the bottle back and forth with a thoughtful expression, his heart clenches

with hope??? maybe

“i’ve thought about it, actually. but i don’t know... that’s a pretty big step just to hang out with annoying ol’ you” you tease, nudging your foot into his side as he grins

“just think of me as a cool, dead roommate. when you’re away, i’ll guard the house. and i can keep up with chores and keep the place warm. i can even make you dinner”

the more bambam talks, the more the idea becomes appealing

and it’s true, you’re the only person bambam could stand

in fact, you’re the only person bambam would want

the amount of times he’s dreamt of coming home to you, embracing you and spending his nights with you every night like this, being able to see you in your warm, relaxed state... it makes him a lil thankful to whomever had put him here

because if he had continued to live the life he had before, he would have never met you

and he misses his family, but he knows they’re okay

he’s at peace, he’s content, and it’s all thanks to you

there’s something more there, he thinks, but he knows it’s wishful thinking

yet as you lean into him, your warm breath brushing his arm as you mull over your thoughts, such wishful thinking doesn’t seem so distant

“if i move in... you’ve got to promise not to pop in on me in the shower and stuff” “hm, no promises”

his fingers curl around yours as you hit him with your other hand, laughing melodically into his ear

“you’re terrible” you grumble, snuggling that much closer to him as you both watch the stars through the window

“mhm. love you” he mumbles, drawing his lip between his teeth as your heart stutters 

your eyes dart to his even if only for a moment, your cheeks flushing in bashfulness

you breathe out, feeling his gaze on your face as you try to remind yourself just who you’re talking to, and what situation he’s in, “love you too... kid”

because it’s obvious

having feelings for him would be weird. it wouldn’t make sense. it would only end in heartbreak if he ever moved on to the afterlife, or if you ever found someone to start a family with. it was wishful thinking. it wouldn’t amount to anything...

...right?

you can’t really find the heart to believe yourself as his fingers squeeze around yours, and the night fades into warm hearts and stargazing, the promise of something strange, something good lingering right between you two as you drift into lovely daydreams of a boy who was just a little bit different from the rest

other ghost!got7

ghost!youngjae

ghost!jaebum

imaginary friend!mark

spirit!yugyeom

goblin!jinyoung

[spootiliousrps]

Unique Sabriel

You're now chatting with a random stranger. Say hi!

You both like Sabriel.

Stranger: [|Supernatural. Sam realizes that he has never been quite alive, ever since Jake killed him. He denies it, but finally it becomes rather... Clear. Ghost!Dark!Sam. You can continue as /any/ character from Supernatural. Any ship works. Can play in any season after season 2.|] Sam had died many times. Over and over, really. But that one time Jake killed him? That was something else. He was supposed to be dead there, if it wasn't for his brother making that deal. That deal. A deal that was never fully explained. A deal as onesided as could be. Sam had been brought back, but differently than one thought. This, though, took a long time to show. Now? Years after that? Sam felt it. A 'virus' clawing at his soul. He finally realized that he had never been brought back in the actual sense. But he was a spirit. Almost like a revenant, but not quite. After Sam found out about this, he kept denying it. But now it became physical. It was during a hunt, that Sam suddenly was overcome by pain. He had to retreat from the nest they were clearing, back to the Impala. He felt bad for leaving his brother in there, but it only were two or three vampires left. So who cared. He was sitting on the ground behind the car, just leaning against it, trying to breath normally. But it was difficult. As his body was flickering in and out of existence. Yeah. A ghost with a body brought a lot of complications with it, especially when that body began to basically stop physically existing- Fun, huh?

You: [Would you prefer I pick up as Dean or Gabriel?]

Stranger: [I don't mind! However it works better for you! :)]

You: Gabriel was enjoying a nice hot bath with a few of his trusted 'friends', a bottle of champagne in one hand and a Snickers in the other. Everything was just Dandy... That was until he was suddenly displaced. A sudden force jerked him out of the water and flung him halfway across the country. He had just enough time to materialize some clothes and catch himself before he could fall onto his face. "What the f-" He began as he stumbled before he caught sight of the flickering form. It took him a moment to recognize the freakishly tall human. "Oh this is just peachy." He huffed, Last he had seen the Winchesters they tried to gank him. Granted that thought he was a trickster and Gabriel did put on a damn good show if he said so himself... and he did. "What do you want?" He huffed stepping closer as Sam flickered again, causing the archangel's brows to furrow. He wondered briefly how the Winchesters could have summoned him, not knowing what he was... but he was distracted by the sight before him, his concern shifting from self preservation to hesitant curiosity.

Stranger: Sam jerked together when he heard a voice suddenly. He glanced up, shivering the slightest bit, frowning. He was obviously confused. For many reasons. He of course didn't know why Gabriel was here. Because he didn't realize he was called. Nonetheless, he couldn't say he was upset. Because he needed some help right now. "I-I'm not even going to question anything, but- But can you somehow get me away from here?" He asked, quickly, through the pain. "Dean can't see me like this- He's- He's going to be completely confused and I don't know- It's not gonna be good-" He was obviously in sheer panic. Sheer panic over what was happening. "I know you probably don't want to help me, but you are here and I am here- So why don't you help me-" He added. He really didn't know what he was saying anymore. He just had to things on his mind. To get away from this place. And to have the pain stop. Nothing else. [Sorry by the way if my writing is a bit all over the place, I just settled at the laptop and got talked at and all. Your writing is really amazing though!]

You: [No worries. ^.^ I'm at work so bare with me as well I will be replying quickly the majority of the times but there might be a minute or two here or there where I get distracted. So, sorry in advance. ]

Stranger: [That's cool!]

You: [Also thank you. Your not so bad yourself ;P]

Stranger: [Why, thank you :)]

You: Gabriel considered it briefly as he eyed the younger Winchester skeptically, trying to decide what he was trying to pull over his eyes. After a moment, however he sighed with a shrug. "Well, I've never been one to turn down going home with a stranger." He teased before snapping his fingers. The world around them was instantly replaced with his simplistic flat and overly plush furniture. "But you're going to owe me one. Of course, we can discuss payment later." He added an afterthought. He stepped forward reaching out as if to poke Sam in the shoulder curiously.

Stranger: Sam seemed a bit startled, as he was suddenly transported like that. He did his best not to fall over into any direction. Seriously. He could barely see anything that was more than a few feet away. But he could hear fine. So that was good. "I probably owe like 10 people something already, another one won't be bad-" He forced out, swallowing thickly at the still remaining pain. The flickering didn't stop. Maybe it calmed just a little, due to his vanishing panic, but it was there. And if one was to touch him, it'd feel like that. Like he wasn't there. Well, there was a freezing feeling instead, of course. But that was it. It was really like he was only an image, becoming more faint some seconds, before regaining stability the other.

You: Gabriel's hand drifted through the other man. For him, for an angel, it didn't feel like nothing. Angels were incorporeal they dealt with souls directly, though he was certain Sam was in too much pain to notice the subtle touch of his grace. Still, he wiggled his fingers inside of Sam's massive shoulder and hummed. He could feel the man's pain, the panic... the wrongness of what he was becoming. For a brief moment Gabriel's usual playful smile pursed into a thin line, showing the rare sight of his concern before his gaze met Sam's and he gave what sounded like a careless laugh. "Well Sammich, you've really got yourself into a pickle haven't you?" He mused before straightening. "Wanna tell this old trickster what you've been up to?" He pressed, snapping his fingers and materializing a large chair beneath him.

Stranger: Sam glanced at him, not really happy with his antics. But grateful anyways. After all, he did still somewhat help him. "I-... I've been up to nothing…" He mumbled, weakly. "I wish I knew what I did. I wish- Okay? But I don't. This just began happening a few weeks ago…" He shook his head slightly. He was still thinking that maybe he was wrong. He still believed this wasn't what he thought. But all this? The not actually being physical part. The cold part. And these… Thoughts… He'd been having. They obviously hinted to things. Sam, as a hunter, had seen this so many times before, but he didn't want it to be real. So it wasn't. To him at least. But he didn't lie when he said he didn't know what happened. Because he didn't. Sure, the whole 'Special Children Hunger games' wasn't too long ago. But long enough for Sam to disregard as being unimportant to this. "Seriously, it just happened some morning. And it only got worse than then- I-I don't know what's happening, I... I don't…." Yeah. He was desperate. Desperate for someone to just give him a definitive answer. To talk through the lie he was telling himself. Because he was telling himself he wasn't just turning into a ghost. But he was. However, he was a mere spirit. A mere soul with little to no importance anymore.

You: Gabriel arched a brow at Sam's panicked rambling but he listened none the less. He actually kinda felt bad for the guy. Sure he tried to kill him but Gabriel didn't fault him for that. He /was/ a hunter after all... and human... or was... Regardless he wasn't the first being that had tried to kill him and wouldn't be the last. He gave another huff, this one a bit more annoyed as he leaned on his elbow. "Alright, calm down. Its really hard to take anything your saying seriously when you're flickering like that." He brushed off as if he didn't care. He gave another snap of his fingers, attempting to stabilize Sam's form. It wouldn't last long, and certainly wasn't permanent but would do in a pinch.

Stranger: Sam clearly felt that. Because it took some of the pain away with it. He was silent for a bit, before pressing his lips and looking down. "Thank you…" Was the first thing he muttered. He felt so stupid. So weak, even. He shouldn't be so... Acting so... Weak. He had worse, yet, this got to him so much. Probably because it threatened his existence how he knew it. There was a reason why hunters were burned when they died. The worst nightmare of a hunter was to turn into a spirit. Because 99% of spirits are evil. And that? That wasn't a nice thought. "I... I-It's just... Hard to calm down..." He tried to talk slower than before. "I really don't know what to do. And I can't tell Dean- If it really is what I think it is? I... Well, I know it won't end well… It really won't…" He knew Dean loved him and Sam loved him just as much. They were brothers. But sometimes Sam asked himself if Dean would kill him, if he had to. Heh. Their dad would certainly.

You: Gabe's brow arched again. "And what do you think it is?" He asked curiously. Gabe honestly had never seen something like this before which definitely made him interested but this was also dangerous. "I mean, obviously you're kinda dead... only... you're not dead.... but your not undead..." He explained before laughing. "Man, Romero would have a field day with you! Night of the Living Dead, my ass." He mused.

Stranger: Sam let out a small huff. "I... Am I turning into a ghost? I mean… It sounds stupid. Even when I say it, okay? Joke about it all you want. All the flickering, that's one thing. That could be anything. But things freeze. Stuff stops working- It's all like I'm being followed by a spirit. Just that the spirit is me- But... But that can't be true- I mean- I-I'm not dead, right? When I died Dean got me back, so I'm fine- I should be fine-" The panic was back in his voice. And it sounded so not like him. It was mental pain, now. The thoughts bothering him that this was actually happening. Ugh- He knew it was happening. He knew he was right- But he didn't want to be right for once.

You: "So thats what happened." Commented in realization. "You went and got yourself killed." He tisked with a shake of his head before shrugging. "Well, you are only human. It was bound to happen at some point. I'm actually a little surprised that you and your brother lasted this long." He admitted, tapping his chin in contemplation. "Man, I bet Daddy dearest is having a giant fit right now." He mumbled under his breath. God always hated it when his plans went array. That was one of the many reasons Gabriel had left. "So... Who did big brother Dean make a deal with to bring you back?" He asked curiously, knowing he hadn't answered Sam's questions yet.

Stranger: Sam looked back up, frowning as he was asked more questions. But he could only shrug. "Some crossroad demon. I wouldn't know. I was sort of… You know… Dead. At first I didn't even really know. But it was sort of clear… But... But that's not-..." He paused slightly. "The way you're talking about it? It's like... Is that what's really happening to me? Because in that case, just kill me for real. Why- Why is there no reaper to take me?" That was honestly a good question. But to be fair, this wasn't how people usually died and turned into spirits. Maybe the reaper got bored of waiting. Or didn't even know it was time. Basically- Sam didn't even have the choice to give up and go beyond. Great. Because he would rather do that than being stuck in the vail.

Stranger: [By the way, just saying, if it dies, let's use a tag. Like... GN1234 or something. Pretty simple]

You: If Gabriel had a heart it would have probably broken for the man. Wishing death rather than living as a horrible unnatural creature... He could certainly relate. He was silent for a moment, still studying the hunter. Gabriel was a very impulsive being, he had been for millennial now; it bit him in the ass now and again but it never stopped him from making split second decisions just as it wouldn't stop him now. "Well thats what he gets for making a deal with a demon." He mused softly. "You're not a ghost... at least not yet... and theres no reaper because they have their own rules. If there was a deal made then Death has an agreement with the Demons that he won't interfere. " He added. "I'm betting that beefhead of a brother of yours didn't read the fine print." He shrugged before pointing at the younger man. "He wanted you back and he got exactly what he asked for. You're body is here but your spirit isn't fully attached. You're hanging on by threads that will wear down more and more as time passes. Which means you'll eventually separate from that swimsuit model you're attached to; becoming full ghost." He acknowledged. "At least thats my guesstimate."

You: [Sounds good.]

Stranger: Sam just listened. And he didn't like any of it. He really didn't. "Well- Who said you had to be right." He suddenly said, which was clashing with what he said before. How he explained his situation before, saying he thought he might become a spirit only. But it... It was affecting him in many ways. Mentally, of course, as well. Being a ghost brought a lot of mind stuff with it. Because it changed up your whole mind. You were fixated on something. You didn't care for others. And more. Maybe other things. It was always different. And scary. "But... I-I don't… Have another explanation…. S-So..." He did realize that at least. He didn't know what to say. He felt like shit now. "What am I supposed to do? I'm sorry I'm asking so much of you- But I just don't know what… I don't know how I should feel. What I should do. What I /can/ do." It wouldn't be long until his body would just make poof. It was weird. Because it wasn't… His body wouldn't be left. It would become part of the ghostly entity. Whether that was good or not was questionable. And another good question? Could he even get killed-killed then? No body to burn. No object he was hanging at. Nothing. He was so confused.

You: "Well..." Gabriel replied as he stood, moving over to a small table covered in food, and picked up a plate of fruit. He popped a grape into his mouth and began to chew before answering, leaning a hip against the display. "The way I see it, you have a few options. Numbero Uno: You accept that your doomed and turn into a full on episode of Ghostbusters, ultimately forcing your brother to hunt you down, though... I'm not really sure how he'd kill you... I mean... You're kinda the brains of the operation and you wouldn't be a normal poltergeist, ya know?" He shrugged before eating another. "You could make another deal with a crossroads demon, though my money is on that backfiring but hey, you're a Winchester; you guys always fuck up beyond all reason before managing to fix it with something even more fucked." He pointed out before pausing. "Or... I can help fix you." He offered.

Stranger: Sam looked at him. This guy was really something special. You know, Sam thought he himself had issues. But this guy? Holy shit. He was weird. But... A good weird. Sam didn't dislike it- It was somewhat… Humorous. "I think we all know I would prefer the last option…" He admitted, calming down once again. Giant damn moodswings. "I would really appreciate it, too…" Even if he didn't know how this could be fixed. Usually, things that were connected to deals? They were set. Of course, they can be broken some ways. But mostly? Mostly said demons get what they want in the end. In this case? Ruin two Winchesters. Get the soul of one and make the other nothing more than one. As easy as that. "I mean, I'm sure being a ghost is fun, if you're into that sort of stuff, but I'd rather not. I prefer being able to, you know, exist physically…" He said with a small shrug. It was weird. Sam thought it might be unpleasant to be around Gabriel. But it just wasn't. He was somewhat of a hope, even. And fun. Even if Sam feared that he might do something bad any second.

You: Gabriel set the plate back down and straightened, rolling his shoulders as if prepping for manual labor. "You should really be careful what you wish for kiddo." He reminded. "Making a deal with a Trickster can be as bad as making on with a demon." He pointed out before moving to where Sam was still sitting on the floor. "This will make two favors." He added. "And this last one... I'm not sure if you're going to be able to pay up." He sighed before a hand went to Sam's chin to tilt his head back, leaning in close, close enough that their breaths mingled with one another. "Do you still want to do this?" He asked, gaze lowering to the larger man's lips. He wasn't going to kiss him, that was a demon thing. No, he didn't need that. But the closer they were the stronger his grace would be when it transfered. Still, he was curious how good of a kisser Sam would be. It was a distant thought though, as he waited for an answer.

Stranger: Sam didn't mind that, really. He trusted any being more than a demon. That was the way it was. He disgusted demons. So much. Nor did he mind the amount of favors, really. But one thing was surprising- When the other suddenly came VERY close. It was something he didn't expect. "U-Uh..." He let out the smallest noise of surprise, wanting to inch back- Yet not doing so. "I-I honestly don't know, but- But I suppose- I mean, yes- Not like I have a choice-" He said, in an awkward tone. Because right now? He felt awkward. Fact was, sure this guy was an asshole. And a murderer. Or… Something. Well- He was... He did… /Things/. Sam couldn't wrap his head around that to this day. But he still trusted him. Because it wasn't like he did anything necessarily… Super... Bad. Okay. Okay- A few people died. But still. Mostly it was in good spirit. Or something. Long story short- Sam was trusting Gabriel. Not as much as Dean, but still.

You: Gabriel tilted his head. "Alright, Sammich, you asked for it, just remember that." He teased with a small grin. His gaze began to glow a bright gold and the bluish white sliver of his grace escaped from his parted lips just an inch or so away from Sam's, drifting to the other man and entering him. Gabriel never really knew what it felt like to a human when they took in a part of an angels grace. He wasn't even sure if they noticed as long as it wasn't the full being. For Sam he would bet that it wasn't necessarily pleasant or unpleasant, it simply was. Gabriel straightened, his still golden gaze drifting over the seams of Sam's soul and watching as his grace wove around the tattered edges of the the magnificently bright essence that made of Sam. It wove its way through it, attaching it back to the vessel like a bandage. It would do nothing but hold Sam's soul in place for awhile, eventually allowing Sam's soul to absorb it, fusing into one being... something not quite an angel but not quite a human either and certainly not a nephelim. Sam would be something new... in time. The powers that he'd come to realize would be unique. It was something Gabriel was far more curious to see than he should be. Still, Gabriel had never done this particular trick before and it had a surprising effect. He could still sense his grace in the man, the sensation of it rubbing against the other man's soul was... off putting... no that wasn't quite the right word... it was... strange, of course... but... just... different. He couldn't help the frown that played on his lips as he lost himself in thought, still unwittingly staring at the man.

Stranger: Yeah. This was- This was /not/ what Sam expected would happen. He didn't even know /what/ just happened. And he tried to think about it, but frick- It was so /weird/. And he felt weird. And he didn't know whether to like or dislike it. And as it was over? There was just... Complete silence, as he still tried to figure out what had just happened. What the other just did. Silence. Really. Everything Sam could manage. After a few seconds of stares and more… Silence- Sam finally spoke up. He could… Feel whatever that was inside of him. Faintly. But he could. It was warm. Not an ew warm. An aw warm. "What… What was that- What did you… What did you do....?" He asked, voice almost… Shy. Because he felt so taken aback. So... Like he had just witnessed-... Who knows. The miracle of birth? A bird getting hit by a train? Well, most certainly something shocking, new and... Honestly weird. Basically.

You: [brb]

Stranger: [Take your time :) Do you wanna exchange something by the way? So we can reconnect? I really like this and you're so good!]

You: [Sure my email is spootilious@gmail.com if that works or do you want a tag?]

Stranger: [Nah, email works! Mine is T******************@gmail.com. Just so we are connected already :)]

You: [omfg "not an ew warm. An aw warm." I fucking love it!]

Stranger: [People always say they love it when I write that weirdly, idk why xD]

Stranger: [But thank chu]

You: [lol I think because its unique. But I can certainly see why the like it. It also might be because they relate to those kind of thoughts?]

Stranger: [Why, I'm glad you like it anyways. I sometimes think I might be overdoing it? I write it from the characters emotion standpoint. Like, when they're scared or panicked, I tend to make the writing quick. So if they're flustered, I tend to make the writing more awkward and more thought through. When they're happy, I try making it happy. Because- Atmosphere. But I think your writing is special too. It's good. Like- Novel kinda good. I can imagine it so well!]

You: Gabriel blinked, the glow fading from his gaze in an instant. "I fixed you." He answered as if it was nothing at all. In fact, he gave a small shrug to emphasis the nonchalance of it all. "A thank you would be nice." He teased. "Kids these days, I swear." He huffed but obviously wasn't offended in the least.

You: [Aw Ty! Yeah... I'm a English major so naturally I think my own writting is lacking so hearing that someone likes it is appreciated. ^.^]

Stranger: Sams eyes widened the slightest bit as he heard that. "Thank you-! I-I just... I mean…" He paused, unsure how to phrase it. After all, how was he supposed to phrase 'What the hell did you just do' in a way it sounded grateful? What was whatever just snaked its way inside of him- Ugh, wording it that way was also weird. "I just want to know /how/ you fixed me... And what that was- I mean… It's inside of me now- Whatever… I-I can feel it. It's… Weird." He blinked slightly. "Not- Not bad weird, no-" He quickly added afterwards, not wanting to hurt the other in any way. He was sort of helping him after all. Even if Sam didn't know how. So... Uh... Yeaah. "I just wanna know what you did… Okay?"

Stranger: [Aww, no problem!! But that's cool! I wanna become an English teacher when I'm done studying. My English may not be perfect, but well.]#

Stranger: [Hey, I've got to go to dinner. Will you reply on email? :)]

You: [sure]

Stranger: [Awesome! See you then! :D Love this so much!]

Stranger has disconnected.