#I’m currently rewatching it because it’s one of my favorite serie

[lemonfreshlysqueezed]

The Eighth Sense

This series feels so true to the queer experience while not having homophobia be the plot

#the eighth sense #I’m currently rewatching it because it’s one of my favorite serie #it’s so beautifully written #a lot of queer media had the sole plot point that homophobia exicsts #and weve been knew like we know it exists but i want to see stories go beyond #queer people deserve more representation in the form of happy endings #we want stories where theres is more than only tragedy around being queer #the eighth sense series #koreanbl #bl series #kdrama #bl drama #queer media #the eight sense

[supernovafics]

𝐅𝐑𝐎𝐌 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐓𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄

"i'll be there for you" universe masterlist

pairing: bestfriend!roommate!steve harrington x fem!reader

word count: 3.2k words

warnings: explicit language, some mentions of alcohol, parent drama (both reader’s and steve’s parents suck)

summary: in which your parents and steve’s come over for dinner 

author's note: this has absolutely nothing to do with the harry styles song but the title of it is just very fitting so yeah<33 i’ve been rewatching a lot of gilmore girls this fall season so i feel like that's helped me get the hang of writing awkward/tense dinners with family lol so this needed to be done

general note: everything in this universe/series can be read as standalone oneshots but to understand the full “lore” it would prob be best to read the other stuff too<333

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

Fall 1985

When your and Steve’s parents first suggested this “early Thanksgiving dinner,” you thought that it wouldn’t actually happen. 

The initial idea sounded pretty funny to you— your parents and Steve’s parents would have a full on dinner at your apartment a week before the actual holiday. Yeah, right.

It sounded like the kind of idea that parents that really cared about spending time with their children would have, and that wasn’t how you’d necessarily describe yours or Steve’s. 

A month ago, when they told you about the ski trip the four of them were going on during the entire week of Thanksgiving, you expected to just not see them probably until Christmas— and that felt like a bit of relief to you because spending time with your parents wasn’t your favorite hobby.  

But then you remembered how, only during the holidays, your parents always had a need to show, or maybe more so “prove” to themselves, that they actually cared about you. So, of course, they wouldn’t let this stupid holiday go, and instead they thought that it would be best if you all did something early and together. 

And sadly, none of the immediate excuses that you and Steve came up with worked because your moms had solutions for everything.

When you told yours that the kitchen in the apartment was too small to cook for this kind of elaborate dinner, she simply told you that they’d buy and bring all of the food and you and Steve wouldn’t have to cook at all. She also not-so-jokingly mentioned that she would’ve never trusted either of you two cooking anyway.

And when Steve told his mom that the current dining table you two had was way too small to fit all six of you, she promptly had one ordered and delivered to your door in just a week. It was an expensive dark wood set that could comfortably fit six people, and you and Steve spent hours struggling to build it the day it showed up at your front door. It took up an obscene amount of space, but it did actually look kind of nice.

Now it was weeks later and the dreaded night was finally here, but you still tried to come up with any way to avoid it from happening. 

“And we’re sure that we really can’t get out of doing this tonight?” You asked Steve as you folded the blanket that was lying half-hazardly on the couch. “I could call my mom and say that we’ve somehow fallen tragically ill in the last hour?”

“I’m ninety-five percent sure that they’re all already on their way.”

“Shit.”

“It’ll be fine,” Steve said, and then he considered his words. “Actually, it will probably suck, but overall, we will be fine.” 

You let out a sigh and placed the now folded blanket back on the couch and then started cleaning off the coffee table, stacking the random magazines in a neat pile and then adjusting Harold’s cage so that it was nicely in the center. Your and Steve’s shared pet hamster was currently nibbling on the food that you had put in his bowl only moments ago. 

An abrupt feeling of worry shot through you as you looked around the apartment. The place was clean— probably the cleanest it had ever been— since you and Steve had spent the day doing everything to avoid either of your parents saying anything bad about the place. However, in the grand scheme of things, you knew that it didn’t matter because they’d still hate the apartment. They would hate how you two decided to furnish and decorate it, and they would passive aggressively make fun of the place for however long this dinner would have to be.

“Let’s try not to think about how bad this night is gonna be and just be glad that we’re not gonna have to suffer alone, like usual,” Steve said, practically reading your mind and the look on your face, as he started setting plates out on the new table. 

He was completely right. This was the first time that a collective Thanksgiving was happening among all of you. Usually, it was just you alone with your parents in Chicago visiting family members that you never talked to, and Steve was doing the same exact thing except he was in Indianapolis. You’d always end up calling each other at the end of the night from the hotel or family house you were staying at, and you’d tell each other stories about whatever weird family members you encountered or how boring it all was. 

It did make things feel a bit better that, for once, you didn’t have to go through this alone and neither did Steve.

“You’re right,” You said with a nod and then smiled. “We’ll be going through this shitshow together.”

As if on cue, there was a knock at the door and since Steve was closer he went to answer it. You took one brief and final look around the apartment before heading toward the door too, so Steve didn’t have to be by himself in this greeting.

“Hi,” He said when he opened the door and saw all of your parents standing there. There was a bright smile on his face and he effortlessly turned on that “Steve Harrington charm” that people had adored in high school— you hadn’t even gone to the same high school as him, but you still heard so many of the stories.

A chorus of Hi’s and Hello’s were heard as your moms entered the apartment first since they were carrying all of the food and your dads followed in right behind them.

“I still hate that you moved into a place that doesn’t have a front doorman, or, at least, a buzzer system,” Were your dad’s first words to you; deciding against saying the simple “How are you?” that you had expected. “You two should get a better lock on your door.”

You laughed a bit. “We live in Hawkins, not New York, Dad. I don’t think anyone is really itching to rob us anytime soon.” 

“Anything can happen,” He responded, looking at you seriously. “I’ll bring you a new one when we get back from Colorado.”

You only nodded at his words instead of saying anything to rebut them; you knew that he overall meant well. “Okay.”

Your attention turned to your mom and she pulled you into a hug that felt way too forced before pulling away and giving you a quick onceover. “Oh… Is that what you’re wearing?”

You thought that your outfit was fine; a V-neck navy blue knit sweater that was a bit cropped and a simple pair of black jeans. But, your mom always managed to find something wrong with everything, so this reaction to your current outfit didn’t necessarily surprise you; it did still annoy you all the same, though.

“Oh, um, no I was just about to change,” You told her and forced a small smile.

She nodded at that. “Okay, that’s good, that’s good. You go change while Christine and I get the table set up.”

You started heading toward your room but looked back at Steve first. He was in a conversation with his parents that looked like they were doing much more of the talking than him. As if sensing your gaze on him, his eyes met yours and he gave you a hopeful look and that was enough to make you feel a little better.

It didn’t take long for you to change. You kept your sweater on but traded your jeans for the long black silk skirt that your mom had always liked on you. You hoped this slightly different outfit would be enough to satisfy her, and if not, you were willing to suffer through her inevitable look of disappointment. 

You lingered in your room, tidying up your desk for no particular reason and then deciding to remake your bed. It was clear that you were stalling, avoiding having to face your parents again, and as much as you wanted to continue doing that, you also didn’t want to leave Steve to fend for himself. You were supposed to be suffering together, after all. 

You immediately noticed the dining table when you walked out of your bedroom. The food was now nicely set out and there were even brown placemats sitting underneath the plates that Steve had already set out. It was all set up in a way that would’ve felt nice and wholesome if either of your families had ever remotely felt like the ones portrayed in most TV shows or movies. But, they weren’t anywhere close to being like that, so this all just felt weirdly forced.

Of course, you didn’t say that, though.

Instead, you sat down with everyone at the table and desperately hoped that the next few hours of your life would breeze by. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“From the brochure, the pictures of the cabin look really great. We hope it actually looks that way in person,” Steve’s mom, Christine, said. 

You took another bite of the mac and cheese on your plate as you continued to listen to your parents talk about their ski trip that was happening next week, which they had been doing for the last twenty minutes and you fully didn’t mind it. Since the conversation wasn’t centered on either you or Steve, things actually didn’t feel tense or nervewracking. If you could just make your parents talk about themselves during the entire dinner, you would probably end the night with a smile on your face. 

“Oh, and there are a lot of bedrooms too,” Your mom chimed in before taking another sip from the wine glass in her hand. “Maybe you two could take a trip up there soon and invite your friends to go too.” 

“Yeah, that would be nice,” You said with a small nod.

“Enough talking about the trip, though, that’s probably so boring for your kids to hear about,” Your dad said, and you internally sighed because you knew the exact direction the conversation was about to go in. You felt him look at you. “How’s school been going? The semester is almost over.”

“It’s been good,” You answered, keeping your response short and sweet. You decided not to mention that you really couldn’t care less about the majority of your classes because none of what you were doing in any of them felt like it really mattered. 

“Okay, and your grades and everything are fine, right?”

You only nodded in response to his question, hoping that your lack of actual words would signal to him that you wanted to bring an end to this topic of conversation. Of course, that was only wishful thinking.

“That’s good,” Your mom said. “You have to make sure your grades stay like how they were in high school, or even better, for when you transfer to the University of Chicago. We don’t want to have any reason for them not to accept you again.” 

You suddenly felt like you were right back in middle school and high school, where your conversations with your parents solely revolved around school; what your grades were, if you were doing your homework and completing assignments on time, and studying for tests. It always annoyed you that the only times they would bother to pay attention to you was when it came to that stuff. Other than that, you were always seemingly an afterthought, never a bigger priority than their jobs. 

In a way, this entire conversation should’ve been expected; it was always inevitable. Pretty much anytime you talked to your parents in recent months, the discussion always seemed to circle its way back to that school and you going there in two years instead of right now, like they had wanted you to.

“I’m still so surprised that you decided to not go to the University of Chicago now,” Christine said and you turned your attention to her. It was starting to feel a bit painful to you that the subject still hadn’t changed yet. “When Steve told me that you were going to go to the community college close by, I couldn’t believe it, honestly.”

You noticed your parents share a look upon hearing her words. The mix of disappointment and annoyance toward you that was shared between them in that moment felt palpable. 

“I didn’t think it was time to leave Indiana just yet. I’ll be going soon, though,” You said, keeping your voice light and plastering on a fake smile, even though all you wanted to do in that moment was leave the table and hideout in your bathroom for the rest of the night. 

You saw your dad smile a little and then you also noticed the look of relief wash over your mom’s face. For some stupid reason, you still felt the need to make them feel pleased with you. And somehow that made you feel even more upset with yourself than anything they had said to you so far tonight. 

The only thing that managed to make things feel remotely tolerable right then was Steve sitting across from you, giving you a look that said, “Everything will be okay.” For the time being, you chose to believe him and you simply took another bite of your food. 

You were about to say something about how good the turkey was so your moms would start talking about the restaurant they got all of the food from and why they chose it— you were sure that there was some story behind it all— and that would finally bring an end to the college conversation. But, before a word could leave your mouth, Steve’s dad began speaking. 

“Well, at least, you’re in college. We can’t say the same for Steve here.” He then looked at his son. “Do you really want to work at a video store for the rest of your life?”

 Christine let out a sigh. “Jeff.”

“What?” He shrugged as if his previous question wasn’t completely condescending. “I’m just asking a question.”

“I’m actually starting at the community college next semester,” Steve told his parents and you tried to hide your immediate confusion. “I found out I got in a few days ago.”

“Well, that’s great,” Christine said happily, and Jeff smiled approvingly as well. 

You had no idea Steve had gotten in or even applied, and you wondered if he was lying right then to just get his parents off his back, but you couldn’t tell. Something about the way he said it honestly felt pretty real. The only part that didn’t feel real was that you were finding out during this dumb dinner instead of at any other time. 

“So, I was wondering,” Your mom began and you braced yourself for the impact of whatever she was going to say. “Why did you two decide to get a hamster? I feel like it makes things smell a bit funny in here…”

A part of you was glad that the conversation finally shifted away from college. But you didn’t think that the passive aggressive comments toward the apartment would begin with Harold. 

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

“Well, this night was fucking brutal.”

You let out a sigh. “You took the words right out of my mouth.”

Steve was doing the dishes as you put what was left of the food into tupperwares and then put them in the fridge. Surprisingly, it was a lot of stuff leftover; your moms definitely went overboard with the amount they had ordered. You and Steve already made plans to invite Robin and Eddie over tomorrow to have some of these leftovers.

“I’m actually glad that the dessert tasted bad since it made them want to leave early.”

“It was honestly a bit bittersweet because I was kind of excited for that pie,” You said as you placed the final tupperware of food into the fridge and then went over to Steve. “Oh, and also,” You punched his arm and ignored his immediate “ouch.” “Why the hell didn’t you tell me that the stars have finally managed to align and we’ll finally be going to the same school for the first time ever?”

He smiled a little at your dramatics. “I didn’t wanna make a big deal out of it just in case I somehow didn’t end up getting in. I swear I was gonna tell you tomorrow.”

“So, you did all of that annoying application stuff by yourself?”

“Robin helped me with it.”

“I would’ve been happy to help you,” You told him, and maybe you were being a bit overdramatic, but you actually felt slightly offended that he hadn’t wanted to come to you about this. 

The possibility of you two going to the same middle or high school was a far out idea that never happened because you lived in different towns. But, it was still something that was adamantly and wistfully talked about by you and him; how much more fun both of your school lives could be if they intersected in that way like the other parts of your lives did. 

Of course, going to the same college would’ve been the most obvious way for it to finally happen, but Steve never seemed that interested in going to college, and up until the last possible second you were being pushed toward Chicago by your parents. 

But now things were finally different.

“I know that you would’ve, but I didn’t want to talk about it to anyone, honestly. Robin saw me working on the application one day and decided to help,” He explained and you only gave him a small nod in response. “I didn’t even think I’d tell my parents about it, but when I heard my dad’s dumb comment about Family Video I felt like I had to say it so he wouldn’t keep looking at me like a disappointment.” He sighed. “And it’s kinda fucked up… I really don’t wanna care what my parents think about me and what I’m doing with my life, but I think there will always be a part of me that does.”

You thought back to your dad’s approving smile and your mom’s relieved look when you reassured them that you still planned to go to the University of Chicago; how much you still wanted to make them feel at least a little proud of you even though you knew you shouldn’t.

“Me too,” You said softly. 

“I’m glad we probably won’t have to see them again until Christmas.”

You sighed. “Apparently, my dad is gonna bring us a new lock for the door when they get back from their trip.”

“Oh,” Steve said and then smiled at you when it looked like he thought of something. “Okay, what are the odds that he’ll just send someone to put the new lock on the door instead of coming himself?”

You thought about it for a second. “Honestly, I’d say there’s a pretty good chance that would happen. He’ll probably be too busy with work after the trip to actually come and do it himself.”

“Okay, let’s hope for that,” He said as he finished washing the last plate and placed it on the drying rack. “So, since the dessert was a bust tonight, do you wanna go to the diner? I’m sure Mary would never fuck up her apple pie. And then when we get back, we can finish that bottle of wine that our moms left.”

You smiled at his suggestion. “You have a brilliant mind, Harrington.”

.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。. .・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.

let me know ur thoughts<333

(requests are open for stuff you wanna see in the universe/series!🫶🏾)

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington fic #steve harrington fluff #steve harrington smut #steve harrington x you #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington x fem!reader #stranger things fluff #steve harrington #steve harrington series #steve harrington imagines #steve harrington x y/n #steve harrington x reader smut #stranger things imagine #stranger things series

[rhoorl]

Week in Review: Nov. 26 | The Week Esquire Broke My Brain...Again

This week was one to give thanks for so many things - my family, my friends, my little corner of Tumblr … and the team at Esquire (we’ll get to that). I also realized this week I reached another milestone on here and while I don’t like to harp on the numbers, it really continues to floor me that anyone reads anything of mine. So I want to say thank you. I’ll spare you another sappy rambling post, but it has meant a lot to me to be here. 

With that being said, I wanted to do something fun to say thank you, but I can’t think of anything! What do others do? I’m looking around at a few ask games, but if you have one you really like, send it my way! That’s probably what I have the capacity for at the moment - because I really need to get some chapters out.

Fics I read this week:

This week I spent some time in the car, which allowed me to read a bit more than usual. Be sure to take a look at the warnings and summaries for all of my recs, just because I like it doesn’t mean everyone will.

Frankie Morales

Candy Cane by @cerridwen007 - Frankie and reader have some fun with a candy cane. Also, Frankie is still the 😺 👑

My Way by @goodwithcheese - Megan’s Frankie always does something to me and this was no exception. 

Javier Peña

Snowed In - Javier's version by @avastrasposts This one-shot was 🔥 the OFC took charge and held her own against our favorite DEA agent!

Joel Miller

Gun Cleaning by @avastrasposts - A little smutty one-shot that was oh so hot!

Dieter Bravo

Back Alley Bang by @morallyinept I really have no words for this one, just thots.

Tim Rockford

Hold Tight by @sin-djarin Tim Rockford and holsters. That's all. Oh and a brilliant use of repetition! 

Pause by @trulybetty I am really in my Tim era and this was 🔥 I want to know more about this couple and I really enjoy their dynamic.

Undercover by @secretelephanttattoo New series alert! I'm already hooked from the first chapter!

Marcus Pike

White Wine by @something-tofightfor Marcus is just the most thoughtful, ugh I love this man.

Ezra

Hue by @goodwithcheese - I don’t read a lot of Ezra compared to some of the other Pedro boys, but my goodness this was amazing. It was sweet and comforting, but Ezra is also a bit of a menace. 

Current Compulsory Series:

I Like the Way You (Frankie) by @undercoverpena

These are the series I am keeping up with at the moment.

Delta Palms Tropical Resort (Frankie) by @linzels-blog 

Destiny & Deliverance (Dieter) by @mysterious-moonstruck-musings

Paranoid Heat (Javi P) by @goodwithcheese

It’s Never Too Late (Javi P) by @javierpena-inatacvest I finally caught up!!

OTHER CHARACTERS

Benny Miller / Mitch Keller

La Primera Fiesta by @marvelousmermaid Benny attends a family party for his girlfriend's family. I related to this so much as a Latina who married a tall, lanky white guy 😆 this was too cute and Benny was adorable.

Somebody's Someone by @dameronscopilot I finished Tulsa King this week and this was the first Mitch Keller story I came across and I loved it!

Pete Dunham

Like My Dreams by @laurfilijames I recently rewatched Green Street Hooligans - I feel like the last time I saw it I was in high school, maybe college, which was a while ago. Anyways, I loved Charlie Hunnam’s character Pete and I’m excited to check out Laur’s series. 

Posts from the week:

The Pedro boys celebrated Thanksgiving with @morallyinept and things of course were chaotic but hilarious. This post from @pedrostories was so helpful as someone who consumes fanfic and attempts to write it as well!

In case you missed it, a fun writing challenge popped up that I think is pretty cool! Do I know what I’m writing yet? No. But an idea will come to me I’m sure.

Feral corner:

You know … every week I think, you know, this will be the week where I’m going to be chill and not a thirsty ass mess - ha sorry, I couldn’t finish that without laughing. I can’t help it, blame Pedro (but don’t blame him, we need to thank this man).

So, we’ve all seen the recent Esquire photos right?! The thots were thotting and I am still processing. Will you probably see me reblog this countless times over the next few weeks? Probably. Am I going to shoehorn this photoshoot into the Working Title universe?! Definitely.

Can we just acknowledge the duality of this man? How he just walk around being such a ray of sunshine and so adorable but then turn into an absolute menace? 

Things I watched:

I spent most of the week away, but I did manage to start and finish Tulsa King, which I think is a pretty big feat. Garrett has a small role in it, but 🫠 I am here for it. I did manage to pay attention to the rest of the plot, shocking I know, and I really enjoyed this story.

Personal Stuff

Spent time traveling this week so I had a lot of car time and then family time. I went to Buc-ee’s, which is always a highlight of our road trips. If you haven’t been or know what it is, picture a gas station/convenience store/general store and then multiply that by 100. Is it a bit overwhelming and overstimulating? Yes. But I guess I’m a glutton for punishment because I have to go to one every time I pass by.

The holidays caused a bit of a blip in my health journey. I’m trying to reframe my thinking about it. My initial reaction would have been to write “ugh I was so bad this week and ate so many bad foods” but instead I’m just going to acknowledge that it was a holiday and indulged a bit. But a couple of days isn’t going to completely derail the last four weeks. This time of the year can be really tough when it comes to my relationship with food, but I’m trying to give myself some grace.

Fic updates:

I got a really fun ask about how the Triple Frontier boys would celebrate Thanksgiving. It was fun to think about the guys and yes, eventually we will get to Thanksgiving in Delta Landscaping.

I’ve gotten a couple of comments and messages about Working Title and Delta Landscaping and I promise I’m working on both (I think about them both at least once daily). I have a couple of PTO days in the next couple of weeks and I’m planning on dedicating some time to both so hopefully, I can get ahead and publish a bit more frequently.

Ok, I think that’s it for this week. I hope you have a great one. Drink water, get some sleep, and have some thots.

Masterlist

Working Title (Dieter, series, ongoing) | AO3 

Delta Landscaping (Triple Frontier, series, ongoing) | AO3

Turbulence (Frankie, one-shot) | AO3

Are You on Mute? (Benny Miller, one-shot) | AO3

Are You on Mute? Part Two

#rhoorl week in review #rhoorl fic rec #pedro pascal characters fanfiction #pedro pascal fanfiction

[facewithoutheart]

✨9 people you’d like to know better✨

Last Song: “Blame Brett” by The Beaches, which my husband walked in on me singing and gave me a look like maybe I shouldn’t be belting, “so sorry in advance before you take off your pants,” while I make a cocktail, as if I have any ounce of shame left.

Favorite Color: I cycle through these but it’s been millennial pink unironically for a few years now.

Currently Watching: rewatching Brooklyn 99 with my husband when I feel up to it but I haven’t been a TV girlie since pre-COVID, so it’s mostly whatever the algorithm shows me on TikTok. These days it’s fan edits of 9-1-1 (even though I haven’t seen the show), any video with Chappell Roan’s new single blasting, and most recently a series of videos on how an AP US History teacher uses sitcoms to contextualize the decades from 1950-1990 which was actually fascinating. She stopped right before 1980 and I am SALIVATING for the next post.

Sweet/Savory/Spicy: savory all the damn time. I’m basically always craving salt. I’m sure that means something biologically but that’s none of my business if you ask me.

Relationship Status: married eleven years this May. I used to tell Mr. Face that of all the men I’ve met he’s the only one I can stand but I’ve upgraded him recently to my favorite person. Don’t tell him, though. He doesn’t need the ego boost.

Current Obsession: I mean it’s kind of 9-1-1 right now. I’m trying to figure out whether I should suffer through seven seasons of cheese just because I like the newly bisexual character’s big dumb face. Seriously. He’s so dumb and sweet and that’s basically my favorite fictional boyfriend. So. Someone watch this with me so we can get drunk and hold hands through the bad writing.

Last Thing You Googled: “9-1-1 episode 100” guys I am not being normal about this and it’s the worst.

Tagging: @raenestee, @thewholelemon, @mooncello, @cutestkilla, @bookish-bogwitch, @iamamythologicalcreature, @ivelovedhimthroughworse, @skeedelvee & @rainbowrowell

#getting to know you #9 1 1 spoilers #tag game

[coralinnii]

Hi....If you don't mind, can I ask, what are your top 10 (or top 7) favorite media (can be books/ manga/ anime/movies/tv series)? Why do you love them? Sorry if you've answered this question before......Thanks....

If I’m being honest, I have been more into just listening to music during my free time more than anything and while I read a lot of manga, my goldfish brain would blank out if someone were to ask me anything about it. However, I will tell you my list of definite rewatch/reread series though some of them are pretty old or obscure.

My Top 10 (in no particular order)

Welcome to Demon School, Iruma-Kun (manga/anime)

At first, I watched it mainly for the fun aesthetics (cute colourful characters with spooky backgrounds) but I fell in love with the characters and world-building of this series. The whole cast, be it main or supporting, are absolutely amazing and capable of running a story arc of their own even without the main cast which is seriously impressive. And while the anime only just scratched the surface, the author really built the setting of this series with great thought, with its own politics, history, systems, and culture that impacts the story well. No random fact is without purpose and I love it.

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. (manga/anime)

I’ve been watching anime since I was 4 so I can confidently say that I’m familiar with many classic anime tropes and cliches. This series is like a kudos to longtime anime fans with its jokes and jabs as it follows a strong psychic boy being absolutely done with the insanity of his life as he tries to keep his powers a secret from his schoolmates like a sports anime jock, a shojou girl, delinquent gone good, etc. The comedy coming from this deadpan omnipotent high school student is just an absolute delight. I kin Saiki so much

Nope (movie)

I’m a real fan of horror movies, especially those with undertones that bring a critical element to humanity. While I love all of Jordan Peele’s current works, Nope has got to be one of my favourite movies overall. I’ve heard of some of the criticisms people had with the film (pretty ironic ones too) but I personally love the pacing and suspense of the film. While it’s fun to watch monsters and killers get crazy from the get-go (that’s why Saw movies and slasher films were popular) but Nope touched on that all-too-real fear of not knowing what’s going to happen. That fear where you’re afraid but you’re not sure of what yet.

Petshop of Horrors (manga/anime) and the sequel Neo Petshop of Horrors (manga)

Speaking of horror with critical undertones, I was obsessed with this manga series that came out in the late 90s. I would try so hard to find a way to read this series every chance I could growing up. It’s a sorta episodic style story that stars a mysterious petshop owner that often becomes a suspect in the deaths of people who have bought animals from his shop. I love the philosophy of each new story that touches on humanity and how different (or similar) we are to animals. It questions our societal norms, expectations, base desires, mythology, what it means to live, and what is “acceptable” in our world. Unfortunately, the series was never fully translated and only published fewer copies than typical manga series due to reasons I’m not too sure of (possibly conflicts with ownership and company copyrights at the time, think Baccano situation). The series had an anime but even that anime only had 4 episodes (I still highly recommend it however). I’ve managed to get a few volumes for myself and I know people are selling certain volumes online but I have to save for essentials so collecting them is unfortunately a lower priority now.

Pokémon (video game/manga/anime)

Is this a cop-out? Nah. To this day, I would still have to physically fight myself to not buy plushies and games when I’m already broke af. Pokémon might be one of the first animes I have ever seen (I have seen both sub and dub because my brother found a way) and I would still on occasion go back to rewatch literally any season and any movie of theirs, Nintendo really hit the marketing jackpot with this franchise. The creativity and design are so iconic and memorable that it’s so easy and fun to get into the fantasy of going on an adventure with your favourite Pokémon. There’s of course some nostalgia at play since I loved the moments where my older brother would watch the movies with me and my cousin and I would collect the figurines together.

One Piece (manga/anime)

Is this also a cop-out? Don’t care. I LOVE ONE PIECE! I will sacrifice my time and tears for this series. I have legitimately managed to rewatch this 4 times in my life (granted I started when it only had 400+ episodes so I had an easier time) and I would willingly cry over a flashback, a whale, even a boat over and over again. The action and story-telling of this series just keeps me running back for more even if I keep meeting dumb gatekeepers (yea, people don’t believe me when I tell them I’m a One Piece fan, what are ya gonna do?) I haven’t watch the Netflix live action yet but I probably will once I get my friends to watch with me (I like to fangirl with friends~)

Forget my Husband, I’ll Go Make Money (manhwa)

Despite my blog probably being best known for the villain/ess series, the banner of my blog is not an isekai villainess story but a fantasy series where a woman who can see the past, present, and future tries to make money while being married to a foreign prince before expecting a divorce (because she assumed he rather marry for love than for political reasons). Fun fact, this series was actually one of the foundations when I was writing the villain/ess story for Leona. The art and main couple are just absolutely delightful, I can’t help but reread it as it returns for a new season. Not only is the art just gorgeous, the main couple is just so gosh darn entertaining with their conversations, personal dynamics, and hilarious misunderstandings. Just beautiful.

Hotel Del Luna (K-drama)

Leave it to my interest in horror to love a romance drama with ghosts in it. It’s funny, it’s cute, and some of the ghost’s backstory is heartbreaking as well. This is a great story to just have a nice cry out. I love the story, I love the music, but most importantly, I love IU! She is my queen and every scene she is in, she kills me with her fashion, her haughty character, and her tragic backstory. She and the male lead was such a fun twist of the typical k-drama relationship where she was the powerful but broken character who ended up being healed by the kind, hardworking character. I've watched this 3 times at this point, but I still cry Every. Single. Time. No exceptions.

Hell Girl (anime/manga)

If I haven’t sold you on how I was probably that kid with creepy interests, maybe this will convince you. This was my go-to show back when I was in middle school. There is no excuse, I just really love the psychological horror of this series. In the show, there is a website you can access at midnight where you can ask Ai or Hell Girl to send your most hated person to hell, with the price that you will go there too when you die. While there was a linear storyline in the background, the episodes were always new people who requested Ai’s help with different cases of their own hell on earth. It touches on some really heavy real-life topics but what made it memorable to me was how sometimes I would feel saddened by the choices the people in the show made. Sometimes, they’re in the situation where all they can do is curse someone to hell but then was it really worth losing your chance at a happier afterlife? I watched this show with some of my friends who either saw Ai as a villain for sending people to hell, or a saviour who helped these people find an escape from their torturer, and that honestly made me think about what it means to have that much hate in you. I always wondered if I was ever in that situation, what would I do if given the chance?

Big Hero 6 (movie)

Arguably the first Marvel-Disney movie since Disney bought Marvel, I remembered people having weird thoughts on the usually cartoony company taking over the superhero franchise but I fell in love with everything that was this movie. It had Marvel-style action mixed with classic Disney wholesomeness and gut-wrenching emotional moments. I loved the message and warmth that was in this movie. Having an older brother myself, I couldn’t imagine how I could go on if I lose him but watching Hiro being so well supported by Baymax and his friends cemented within me the importance of helping others and that supporting those in pain can be as powerful as stopping bad guys (sappy, I know but hey I’m now learning to be a preschool teacher so this really stuck with me). Tadashi’s recorded message brings me so much comfort that I didn’t realize I needed. He may have been the closest thing to a Disney crush for me.

#coralinnii answers

[howdomaddie]

on sora’s time in the sleeping worlds and coming to terms with other’s pain

so, i have recently been rewatching the kingdom hearts series through a youtube channel i follow that’s played through all the games, and i just finished dream drop distance in that rewatch. the player had quite a bit to say about the overall plot of that game, and that seems to fall in line with how i’ve seen a lot more people than i thought view DDD as well--that it’s not that great? i totally get being frustrated with the real organization shenanigans because the planned time travel was a bit much but…idk, i’ve never really been into KH for the villains and their schemes. DDD has always kind of been one of my favorites, so as i was rewatching this playthrough of it, i was thinking over why it gets the flack it does, and why i still think it’s good beyond that.

i’ve always loved riku’s arc, and i loved sora in DDD, but i was honestly “meh” on it until this current rewatch, when i was thinking over it all again, and remembering what had happened most recently to him. and now i think i’ve cracked it--i figured out a nice little piece for why sora’s arc works even if it’s subtle.

and…bear with me here…but it’s partially because of re:coded

STAY WITH ME, I PROMISE I HAVE A POINT!!! it’s below the cut since this will be long, but hear me out: sora in DDD is going through the same things that data sora did in re:coded, and proving that he will always come to the same conclusion about how to handle the pain the others in his heart have gone through (maybe someone’s discussed all of this before, so sorry if i’m just rehashing a well-known point, but…wanted to share my thoughts, haha)

okay. so, in order to really talk about this, let’s revisit what are probably the most important sections of re:coded, and what they do well on a story-telling level.

in the last quarter or so of re:coded, data sora is brought back to help mickey and co find the meaning of the second message that’s appeared in jiminy’s journal: “Their hurting will be mended when you return to end it.” data sora ends up arriving at an illusion of castle oblivion, and is goaded along by a data version of roxas to go deeper into the castle. this data roxas taunts him about how he’ll never remember the people data sora encounters in each part of the castle, poking and prodding him along through all the revisited worlds.

in one of the earliest rooms (destiny islands i think), data sora has a conversation with the data version of riku that has been helping us so far. data riku shows him a vision of riku and kairi from the events of KH1, with the warning that it’s something data riku wants data sora to see and feel. afterwards, data riku asks what data sora would have done if he’d known this. and data sora answers immediately:

[ ID: an image of data sora from kingdom hearts re:coded. he has a determined expression on his face, and his clenching his fist as a show of conviction. the subtitles read: I would’ve helped you, of course. Both of you! I’d’ve figured out how to undo the hurt. End ID. ]

data riku seems pleased with this outcome, and he eventually goes on to say: “Just follow your heart, and you can change the lives of not one, but many.” as data sora goes deeper into this version of castle oblivion, he only comes across more pain in his heart as he forgets the people he meets. he may forget the people themselves, but the doesn’t forget that he met someone as he goes through the castle.

[ ID: four images from kingdom hearts re:coded. data sora looks sad and pensive as he says this to data roxas, placing a hand over his heart: “It’s like you said; everyone I met I can’t remember. But still, I’m frustrated that I’ve forgotten them. I feel moments of loneliness. You said there would be no hurt feelings, but I AM hurting. When the memories are gone, they just leave a hole. And having that longing inside me hurts.” End ID. ]

data roxas eventually confronts data sora about what he’s come to terms with in the castle: that some of that pain he’s feeling is what helps him connect with others, to truly empathize with them. data roxas sees this as a sign that data sora passed his test, to see if he could come to terms with the pain in the hearts he’s most closely connected to.

data namine soon confirms that the real sora carries around a lot of pain that isn’t his own inside his heart--and that he’s found a way to face the suffering all of this disparate parts of himself had to endure. he’s already equipped to face it and help those he’s met that have been lost.

something that i think i’ve come to appreciate more is that as he’s gotten older, sora has ended up becoming really emotionally intelligent. he’s an extremely empathetic character, and kind of always has been. after all, he gave a piece of himself to someone to fix their broken heart when he was still an infant.

[ ID: an image from kingdom hearts birth by sleep. a four year old sora looks upset as he holds ventus’s heart in his hands and asks, “Are you sad?” ]

we all know that his empathy and ability to connect emotionally to others is kind of sora’s whole “thing”--his friends are his power! but it makes sense that sora’s able to face the pain and suffering characters like xion and ven went through because he is such an open and caring person.

anyway, there’s another thing from re:coded that struck me as i was thinking over what sora goes through in DDD, and i think it’s critical. it’s the instructions namine gives for how to handle the pain of others that sora is holding onto.

[ ID: three screenshots of data namine and data sora from kingdom hearts re:coded. data namine explains to data sora: “There’s only one way to deal with that [pain]; you face it head-on and then you accept it. And if it happens that the hurt is too great for you to bear it alone, well, then you turn to a friend close to your heart.” End ID. ]

this is less a “do this thing for the first time” to me--it’s data namine reinforcing something that data sora (and the real sora, obviously) already knows very well. there is strength to be found in the bonds you share, and that if you need it, you can always rely on the friends you’ve made. this was made apparently through the entire series but this serves as a reminder that yes, sora has been doing the best thing he can. he has remained true to his heart, and is willing to rely on those he cares about. we know that being alone and only relying on yourself is not the best thing to do in the series--it’s part of what drives riku to darkness in KH1--so that’s why this is a reassurance that sora already knows how to face this sort of pain.

so. WHAT on earth does this have to do with dream drop distance, you might be asking. well, part of that is inspired by this lets player i was rewatching (it’s dan form playframe, by the way, in case you’re wondering): he liked the general themes being played with at the end of re:coded, but was upset it was not happening to actual sora. and that stuck with me as i got to DDD in my rewatch, and that’s how i viewed sora’s stuff in that game.

anyway. let’s dive (ha) in, shall we?

at the end of re:coded, king mickey writes that letter in a bottle that gets to sora in the post credits of KH2 to explain what they discovered in the data version of jiminy’s journal. sora knows now that he’s the thread that will save people like roxas and xion and aqua, and he knows what data namine was wanting him to eventually face.

at the start of DDD, sora is aware that he needs to face the pain of others that is currently residing in his heart and find a way to save those that have been lost. he is primed with that knowledge, and likely wants to face it the way data sora did.

why do i think this? well…i think that the mark of mastery exam in DDD was really a chance for sora and riku to come to terms with what is still somewhat holding them back in their hearts, and do perform some true introspection.

we know how riku’s arc goes: he finally realizes that he does have the power to protect what matters to him, and that darkness in his heart is not something to fear. it does not make him any less worthy to wield a keyblade, nor does it keep him from being a keyblade master.

[ ID: a screenshot from kingdom hearts dream drop distance of riku and sora. sora’s arm is slung over riku’s shoulder and he is beaming. riku doesn’t seem to believe what he’s saying: “Really? I’m a Keyblade Master?” ]

but what about sora? outside of Overall Series Plot happening to him in this game and the contrived reason he isn’t also named a master, what does sora come to realize? well, it’s what data namine wanted for him: to face the pain inside him head on, and to rely on those close to his heart when he couldn’t do it alone.

what do i mean by this? let’s go world by world to see.

starting with hunchback, since we visit traverse town twice:

[ ID: a screenshot from kingdom hearts dream drop distance of sora, who is looking at the camera. he appears thoughtful as he says of quasimodo: “He can’t let his heart be a prison.” ]

sora realizes that quasimodo is putting up walls in his heart that keep him from being hurt--walls that, in turn, are becoming something of a “prison”. they’re what keep quasimodo safe, but also keep him disconnected from others and is an excuse for why he doesn’t leave notre dame cathedral. 

at the end of sora’s time in this world, quasimodo has opened himself to others, and decides to not keep his fears from holding him back. as sora processes this information, of course, we have the villains telling him that his own heart is now a prison for someone else--ventus.

i don’t think this is true for sora and ven’s situation, and that the organization is just trying to make sora question himself. sora welcomed ven into his heart willingly to keep ven safe--it’s been a very long time, yes, and sora will eventually need to help ven return to his body, but sora’s heart isn’t exactly a prison. he just doesn’t really know that he still has ven with him, since he probably didn’t know what happened with ven when he was little.

so this is something sora still has to come to terms with: is his heart a prison for someone else? how does he set them free?

after hunchback, we have the grid and prankster’s paradise, and these should be easy enough to figure out.

[ ID: a screenshot from kingdom hearts dream drop distance of sora and quorra. sora is holding quorra back from attacking, and quorra says to sora of rinzler (originally sora’s friend tron), “He’s a program, Sora. Programs don’t have hearts.” End ID. ]

the grid for sora is all about his relationship to tron and making rinzler remember who he truly is. quorra is pretty quick to throw in the towel on sora’s attempts to reach his friend’s heart, but sora keeps trying--and eventually, he does manage to have a breakthrough. he helps tron fight off his reprogramming, and remember their friendship. he’s able to touch tron’s heart and remind him of what’s important--he just has to give tron the time he needs, and eventually help reprogram him.

my, that sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

[ ID: a screenshot from kingdom hearts three of sora, xion, and axel. sora has his hand on xion’s keyblade, and is persuading her not to hurt her friend axel--trying to remind her of who she really is. ]

there’s one quote from the jeff bridges character that i feel is important to note here: “That’s the thing about programs. Mess with the code just a little, and their whole nature and memory can change.”

sora’s time in the grid helps him understand a bit more of what “copies” of him can be going through, and honestly is an important part of why he is able to help xion and roxas in 3 (at least to me). xion’s suffering is tied to how the organization used and abused her, and them tampering with her memories is why she starts off on their side in 3. but sora, good boy that he is, manages to break through to her with a little help from roxas--just like he needed the right thing to reprogram rinzler and help him remember that he was tron all along.

as for prankster’s paradise…

[ ID: a screenshot from kingdom hearts dream drop distance of sora and xemnas confronting each other. sora looks determined as he exclaims, “But if Pinocchio could be given one (a heart)--shouldn’t you be able to have a heart inside you, too?” End ID. ]

the fact that nobodies do actually have hearts is confirmed towards the end of the game, but it’s clear sora has already figured it out on his own. i’ll touch on it a little more later on, but sora knows that roxas has his own heart, living on inside his own--it’s a reminder of how roxas still exists, and how much of his own person he is outside of sora.

xemnas is still putting on the show here that nobodies are beings without hearts, and sora knows that is blatantly untrue--why else would roxas feel the things he did if that was the case?

the other three worlds--traverse town, the country of musketeers, and the symphony of sorcery--do the same thing that data namine did in re:coded. they reinforce the things sora already knows about connecting with others, and relying on their strength when he can’t do things alone.

[ ID: a screenshot from kingdom hearts dream drop distance of sora talking to neku in traverse town. when talking about neku denying that he said he needed shiki, sora says, “What? Why? You said you need her. That’s a good thing.” End ID. ]

sora says it directly to neku in the revisit to traverse town: it’s good that neku admitted to needing shiki around. sora has always trusted in people to rely on him and to return the favor, so he sees none of the shame that neku feels in admitting that he needs other people.

[ ID: a screenshot from kingdom hearts dream drop distance of mickey and donald. mickey looks to the camera as he says, “Goofy’s right. As a team, we can do anything!” End ID. ]

the recurring musketeer motto of “All for one, and one for all!” when sora joins mickey, donald, and goofy in protecting princess minnie is another reminder of all this: sora knows the true value of teamwork with his party members, and how important donald and goofy are to him. they are his friends for life, and they’ll be at his side the way he’s at theirs. he reassures them the way they reassure him and always have.

[ ID: a screenshot from kingdom hearts dream drop distance of sora, looking wistful as he talks about riku: “Don’t worry. I’ve got a friend out there who will help. He’s always picking up the slack for me.” End ID. ]

sora’s belief in riku is something that’s shown throughout the entire game, and the symphony of sorcery is just one example in truth--but sora has never doubted riku or even kairi and the others. even if he can’t see riku, even if his friends are a million miles away, sora knows that they have his back.

[ ID: a screenshot from kingdom hearts dream drop distance of sora in traverse town, looking happy and patting his chest as he says of riku, “Don’t worry. He’s with me--even when it might seem like he’s not.” End ID. ]

for the Overall Series Plot happening in DDD, this is very good for sora to remember--riku becomes a dream eater to protect sora in this game, so it’s quite literal. (i think it’s also important to remember this when thinking about the ending of kh3, and where sora has found himself. he still has people who love and care for him, even if they’re a million worlds apart from each other.)

and so, now we come to the heart of the matter. has sora ended up in the same place as data sora? can he accept the pain the different pieces of him went through, and help them? as of kh3’s ending we know he’s helped them, but what about DDD?

[ ID: three screenshots from kingdom hearts dream drop distance of sora and xion. sora asks who xion is, but trails off before he finishes asking. in the final shot, sora sheds a tear over xion. End ID. ]

sora does come face to face with namine and xion, and while he doesn’t connect with them, really, he does seem to feel their pain.

the most apparent interaction that leaves its mark is, of course, when he faces roxas.

[ ID: screenshots from kingdom hearts dream drop distance of sora speaking to roxas, saying, “Roxas, you’re you. We’re not the same. I wanted to tell you that.” End ID. ]

because sora is fully aware that roxas has his own heart, sora can firmly insist that roxas is his own person. roxas respects this, and opens his heart to sora, to share the truly terrible things that happened to him. and sora faces it, the way he needs to.

[ ID: a screenshot from kingdom hearts dream drop distance of sora, where sora looks angry and upset about what happened to roxas. He clenches his fist, and asks, “Did they cause all this pain?” End ID. ]

sora has faced at least roxas’s pain and suffering, at least. and he’s ready to do the same for the others in his heart--or, at least, that’s what i believe.

when riku encounters ansem the wise in sora’s heart at the end of the game, what ansem says is something i think kind of ties everything together:

“That is a statement to the love in his heart for other people, and the bonds that tie them together. Perhaps…he has the power to bring back the hearts and existences of those connected to him--to recreate people we thought were lost to us forever. [ … ] Sora has a heart like that--uncorrupted, willing to see the good before the bad. When he sees the heart in something, it then becomes real. When a connection seems broken, he may have the power to mend it. [ … ] He has touched countless hearts, he has accepted them, and he has saved them. [ … ] All Sora needs to do is be himself and follow wherever it is that his heart takes him. It is the best and only way.”

after the opening section of kh3 in olympus colosseum, what’s the thing that sets sora off on his journey?

[ ID: a screenshot from kingdom hearts three of sora, donald, goofy, and jiminy cricket in the gummi ship cockpit. sora looks determined as he says, “The others are following Aqua’s heart, so I’ll follow Roxas’s heart!”  End ID. ]

his desire for roxas to truly be his own person. so many people move mountains to make this a reality not just for roxas, but for xion and namine too--all because sora understood that roxas had his own heart, memories, and history. he saw roxas’s suffering and still pushed through to make sure his nobody got the life he deserved.

sora faced what he could, and did everything in his power to undo the suffering the people connected to him were feeling--and when he couldn’t do it himself, he let others help him. just the way namine (and her creation, data namine) wanted.

im sorry this is so long and kind of rambly--but i feel like i finally get sora in DDD outside of the organization’s plans for him, and that the off hand comment from this lets play i’m rewatching actually ended up being true. if you made it this far down in this silly post thanks for reading, hope you're having a good day ;u;

#kingdom hearts #kingdom hearts meta #sora kingdom hearts #THIS IS LONG IM SO SORRY #I ALSO HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO TAG IT... #dream drop distance #re:coded #kh ddd #kh 3d #kh recoded

[moondust-bard]

Nine People I Would Like to Know Better (?) Tag

I was tagged by @sleepyowlwrites — thank you!

current book: I’m rereading the last Magnus Chase book in Rick Riordan’s norse mythology series. His books are comfort reads. Reread books happens when I’m stressed, in pain, or upset. I am taking cozy fantasy recs in all age categories at the moment, preferably without romance.

Current fic: I don’t read much fsnfiction anymore, sadly. The JK Rowling of it all kinda ruined it for me. Engaging in fandom beyond casually consuming the media in question only stresses me out now.

Currently watching: I’m rewatching Call the Midwife. It’s a comfort watch. I go back to favorite pieces of media in times of stress. See a theme? To be fair, I don’t watch shoes or films much. Books and music are my main sources of entertainment.

Next on my watchlist: When the next season of Bridgerton drops I’ll be very occupied. I love a good historical drama.

Current hyperfixation: I’m listening to Dimension20’s Fantasy High for the first time. I really want to play DnD, and this show is only barely satisfying that.

Favorite color: lavender has been my favorite color since I was about nine years old. Periwinkle and seafoam are up there, too.

Sweet, spicy, or savory: Sweets, for sure— but more fruity-floral sweetness than bakery sweetness. I’m a big fan of treats with flower syrups, black tea, and sweet herbs in them.

Relationship status: single, and not actively looking for anything. If it happens, cool. If not, I’m honestly just happy to be here at this point. My friendships are super fulfilling and rich, and I have a large family.

Last song: The Prophecy off of Taylor Swift’s new album. I needed to let some stuff out after all the unfun medical experiences this week. The lyrics of that song kind of resemble how I feel about it.

Last thing I googled: lol, I just researched some of the new medical stuff I learned about my haunted house of a body. It was… informative.

Skill I’d like to learn: I would love to make my own clothes. For so long, I struggled to thread a needle on a sewing machine. My vision is very poor, which makes that task challenging. I think, even if it takes forever, hand-sewing might be my best shot at realizing this dream.

Best advice:

Dealing with my own health struggles, as well as supporting family who are attempting to rewrite poisonous, unsustainable behaviors has taught me something I wish I knew much sooner.

I’ve found it’s best for all involved that we try to meet each other where we are. Forcing someone into the shape you envision them in— with all their rough edges smoothed out and flaws filled in— helps no one in the present. Friends and family are going to move at their own pace and in the best way they deem fit for themselves. Expecting someone to exist or change in the ways you think suit them best, and within a set timeframe, is asking for disappointment and conflict. That being said, holding people accountable for how they treat you while they’re learning or in times of struggle is essential in caring for both yourself and that person.

And yes, this applies to how you engage with yourself, as well. There are no timelines. No “this is how I should be” or “this is what I should be doing by this stage of my life.” Exist—and change, if it’s what you’ve chosen — at your own pace, because it’s what you’ve decided is best.

I am tagging @saintedseraph @maddstermind @ettawritesnstudies @mr-writes @ryns-ramblings @acertainmoshke @ravonosify

@italiangothicwriteblr

@likegemstone

#tag games

[torimodosuu]

Currently watching April :

In no particular order all the shows I’m watching and plan to watch.

• Cherry Magic Thailand [ 11 / 12 ] : this show has my whole heart. I love every second of it, the plot is super cute and I find most of the charachters relatable ( Jinta, hi babe I’m talking to you ) and I am so sad I’m about to finish this.

• Playboyy the series [ 14 / 14 ] : don’t know why I started this and don’t know why I kept watching. We’re almost there 🥹 update : ☑️

• PitBabe the series [ 13 / 13 ] : I don’t know what to say, I enjoyed the show but also not enjoyed. At this point I only care about AlanJeff endgame. Update : ☑️

• Cooking Crush [ 12 / 12 ] : I loved this series, pure fluff and cuteness. OffGun have my heart and I loved seeing them in a silly show after watching that masterpiece that is Not Me. Update : ☑️

• Cherry Magic Anime [ 9 / 12 ] : l love every version of this story and finally this year I have more than one animated BL in watchlist. My rights.

• Inuyasha [ 4 / ~ ] : I needed a rewatch.

• Two worlds the serie [ 2 / ~ ] : The pilot seemed good, I am definitely going to keep watching.

• Cruel Summer [ 10/ 10 ] : I am so confused, I don’t know why I kept watching but, as for Playboyy, we’re almost there so. Update : ☑️

• 23.5 [ 1 / ~ ] : My first GL, I’m excited. I loved the pilot, I can’t wait to watch more episodes.

• A sign of affection [ 9/ 12 ] : One of my favorite shojo manga ever, I am loving every second of this one.

• Dead friend forever [ 12 / 12 ] : One of my biggest disappointment after Last Twilight, I am going to finish this asap because I know the finale and I hate them all. Update : ☑️

• Dear Child [ 6 / 6 ] : I am confused but also invested, I need to know everything and I’ll be disappointed if they don’t give me all the answers. Update : ☑️

• Deep Night the series [ 3 / ~ ] : A bit messy and rushed but I am still enjoying a lot.

• We Are the series [ 2 / 16 ] : I love this show, cute and funny and full of tropes I like.

• Only Boo the series [ 4 / ~ ] : A silly cute high school romcom, sometimes it’s a bit cringey with the idol thing but they’re all so cute I don’t care.

• Living with him [ 3 / 6 ] childhood bff to lovers? Count me in.

• Tadaima okaeri [ 4 / - ] cute cute cute cuteeeeeeee

• Kuroshitsuji [ 3/ 12 ] : it’s been 84 years 🥹

• Hawkeye [ 6 / 6 ] : just for my dad cause Marvel pissed me off since Endgame Update : ☑️

• At 25:00, in Akasaka [ 2 / - ] : for now it’s cute, let’s wait and see

• Unknown [ 1 / 12 ] my first taiwanese BL

#cherry magic thailand #playboyy the series #pit babe the series #cooking crush #cherry magic anime #inuyasha #two worlds the series #cruel summer #23.5 #a sign of affection #dead friend forever #Dear Child #deep night the series #we are the series #only boo the series #jazz for two #love is better the second time around #kuroshitsuji

[wen-kexing-apologist]

Current Tag Game

Tagged by @lurkingshan

Current time: 12:12

Current activity: getting ready to eat lunch, and watch About Youth, Episode 2.

Currently thinking about: Wth is going on in Shadow and when I will get more episodes to find out. <- SAME! But add to that me thinking about when I will have time to write my next post about this show

Current favorite song: I don’t have one I’ve been playing on a loop at the moment so I don’t think I have one right now?

Currently reading: …why do I always get tagged in this when I’m gonna look like a loser. I am currently reading Introduction to Intersectional Qualitative Methods.

Currently watching: I’m typing this on my phone, so I’m just gonna keep all of the ones you listed that I’m also watching and your reactions to them because… Same.

One Room Angel: This one is early days but I am loving it so far.

Kinou nani tabeta 2: Shiro and Kenji are back!! I love them so much.

Shadow: Dropped right out of the sky and took over my brain, wtf

If It's With You: I love them, I love them, I love them.

I Feel You Linger in the Air: Tee. Look at me. Look into my eyes.

Also watching: About Youth, Black Sails, and rewatching Bed Friend. Additionally, making my way through the queer cinema syllabus (shout out to: @bengiyo)

Current favorite character: Amane

Nothing gets me like a sad boy, hiding behind happiness

Current WIP: Have one more section of a cross stitch to finish and I have a new Shadow the series post brewing in my head.

tagging: @shortpplfedup, @so-much-yet-to-learn, @respectthepetty, @twig-tea, and @slayerkitty

#tag game

[sinnbaddie]

The Naruto ask! 4, 6 and 19

Putting a cut here so y’all don’t have to scroll because it is rather long!

4. are the romantic undertones between naruto and sasuke intentional or accidental?

I want to say fully accidental because Kishimoto just cannot write romance but I can’t help but think that some scenes are just… too romantic to not be intentional. The moon/sun theme, naruto saying he would die with Sasuke if it came to that, the cover art of them having necklaces with each others faces, etc.

There are just too many instances where they fit together a little too well, I mean even dude bros call them gay, which is a feat in of itself.

So, while I can’t say for certain if it was either, I can say that if there was intention to it, it makes the canon couples look incredibly bad imo.

6. what makes the Naruto ending bad?

I’m rewatching rn and am currently in the beginning of the war arc, so I’m refinding out that there are just… so many things Kishimoto ruined with the way he ended the series.

My biggest gripe of course is Sasuke. He is one of my favorite characters and has been since the beginning. After freshly rewatching the scene where he nearly kills Sakura and knowing how his arc finishes is frustrating. Sasuke deserved justice, he deserved revolution and his clan’s name cleared.

If we’re following canon where Sasuke lives, then I think a full dismantling of the system – changing the way the entire village worked would’ve been a good start. Destroying the leaf was not the way to go about it and he was intent on it because he was (validly) emotional. It’s a huge disservice to Sasuke and readers to not see revolution happen because it pushes this idea that the oppressed have to conform to their oppressor, it’s super nationalistic but that’s more about the entirety of Naruto instead of just the ending.

Personally for me? Sasuke and Naruto dying at the end of their last fight would’ve been a more appropriate ending than Sasuke assimilating to the oppressive village that committed genocide against his clan for “peace”. I’m incredibly upset that Kishimoto wrote Naruto not actually doing anything for Sasuke and the remembrance of his people (lets also not forget the Hyuga), it feels disingenuous to Naruto’s character that he “went back on his word”.

It was set up so well for Sasuke and Naruto to die in the end and to make them continue living just backtracked on both of their writing.

19. pettiest fandom opinion you've blocked someone for?

Almost always for disliking my faves. I just recently blocked someone for disliking Might Gai and some others for shipping characters I don’t like together😭

#sin posting #naruto uzumaki #sasuke uchiha #anti naruto ending #pro sasuke uchiha #might gai #sasunaru #I don’t ship sn anymore but I’d be a fucking idiot for denying the romantic (intentional or accidental) subtext between them #it just happened a little TOO much for it not to be intentional #but with knowing how Kishimoto is I can’t see him doing it on purpose… #sasuke deserved better #he was a victim who was struggling as a trauma survivor and y’all were hating on him #for wanting to destroy an oppressive nationalistic state and I won’t ever forget that #silly shit? it would’ve been funny if he did destroy it imo #real shit? I’m glad he didn’t but I’m mad he didn’t get a revolution at least and a huge change of system

[airbender-dacyon]

Just some quick personal thoughts on Netflix’s adaptation of Avatar: The Last Airbender before it premieres tomorrow.

I know I’ve not been as active the last couple years, especially in the Kataang and AtLA fandom, but I started this blog for Kataang and AtLA and it will always be a blog for Kataang and AtLA. And it’s been a while since I’ve talked about my favorite fandom and ultimate OTP.

First and foremost, I think the adaptation is completely unnecessary (same goes for the HTTYD live-action movie that’s currently being filmed). The story has been told in a visual medium already through its original animated series.

That said, I feel this live-action series will be an improvement over the 2010 film, though that is admittedly a very low bar to clear.

Despite that I feel it’s unnecessary, I do intend to watch it after I rewatch the first season of AtLA. I want the first season fresh in my mind because I’m planning to do some level of a review of each episode as I watch it, if anyone’s interested.

My expectations for the show are that it will be… okay. Somewhat good even. Slightly above average.

From the trailers and clips released so far, I have hopes for some aspects of the adaptation and disappointment and irritation with other elements. It seems like they’ve handled some concepts well (set design, costumes, casting, visual effects, some character bonding moments, expanding upon some of the lore and characters, etc.) while it appears they may have failed to grasp the significance of key plot points and character arcs (Aang is a kid, please let him be a kid and have his fun; Sokka needs to grow as a person; Katara needs to relearn how to be a kid and have fun; Ozai scarred Zuko because Zuko refused to fight him during their Agni Kai, so why is there apparently a fully choreographed fight?).

I’m hoping I’m proved wrong on the rumored issues regarding plot points and character arcs.

I understand there are always differences between adaptations, but some of these things do worry me.

All of this said, please do not attack the cast and crew if you dislike the show. Criticism is fair, but do not go after the people who worked on this adaptation, no matter how much you disagree with some (or all) of the decisions.

And I think most importantly, be kind to newcomers to the fandom and if they liked the show, encourage them to watch the original animated series. We have an opportunity to show people that the original series is worthy of its praise and that any adaptation, no matter how well done, won’t be able to recapture the essence and beauty that made the original series so special.

I say this because it was only thanks to the live-action adaptations of One Piece and Percy Jackson that got me interested in the originals. It wasn’t that I never had an interest in them, but I had other shows/books/fandoms/interests that overshadowed them for literal years. Now I’m planning to read the OP manga and the PJO books once I’ve got some free time. And I imagine I’ll enjoy them both more than the live-action adaptations.

Last, but not least, I’m hoping to see some bonding between the main trio and especially hoping the Kataang friendship is strong. I doubt there will be any indications of anything romantic, but if they at least handle Katara and Aang’s friendship well, it will serve as a foundation for any romance in potential future seasons.

So, these are my ramblings.

If anyone is interested in me reviewing the episodes, let me know and I’ll try my best to write them up when I get a chance.

In conclusion, be respectful of the cast and crew, be kind to fandom newcomers (and please do not incite ship wars), be open-minded about the show if you watch it, but also do not be afraid to critique the adaptation.

#Dan Rambles #NAtLA #Kataang #This turned out to be longer than I expected #Fingers crossed that at its worst the show will make me apathetic rather than outright irritated #I doubt I’ll get angry unless they make some real dumb changes #But we shall see

[maysileeewrites]

Movie Night - Steve Harrington x fem! reader

Summary: „Great! It’s a dat- deal! Let’s say my place on Friday at eight?“, Steve says, running a hand through his hair. 

In which you work at Family Video with Steve and quickly notice that he knows next to nothing about all of your favorite movies and want to change that, solely because you think that everyone needs to have seen these movies. (And not at all because you like spending time with him … ) 

Warnings: fluff, some very light angst, oblivious idiots in love, slight slowburn , Steve being a huge dork; reader is a huge Star Wars fan (I had to project my SW love somehow :P)

Word Count: 5.1k (I fully intended for this to be shorter, but Steve & the reader just had other ideas ... )

A/N: This takes place before the events of ST4, so no Vecna shenanigans. The reader is a senior in high school, so she’s around 18. Also, this is going to be a mini-series, I’m thinking maybe 3 or 4 parts :) 

I have a masterlist :)

Part I 

„And then of course, we’ve also got Back To The Future - or Star Wars, if that’s more up your alley“, Steve says, running a hand through his hair and smiling widely. You can see the way he nervously glances to the side before returning his gaze to the girl in front of him, and you can’t help but roll your eyes at him. 

Trust Steve to flirt with nearly every single female customer that walks through the door of Family Video. When Robin told you about his habit of trying to chat up every single female customer when you first started working at Family Video two months ago, you only laughed, thinking that she was merely joking. 

But after working with Steve for two months you’ve come to realize that Robin was dead serious when she told you this. King Steve is still chasing after the ladies, though he’s not really the King Steve you’ve always heard about in high school. Sure, he can be a bit of a dork sometimes and his sarcastic remarks sometimes make you roll your eyes in exasperation, but he’s not nearly as vain or arrogant as people’s stories always said. 

„Oh, do you currently have The Empire Strikes Back?“, the blonde girl asks Steve, looking at him expectantly. „Though all the Star Wars movies seem to be lend nearly permanently, but maybe I’ll have some luck this time … „ 

„The Empire Strikes Back, uh, that’s the one, uh - with - uh … „, Steve says, rubbing his neck and turning around to you, giving you a look that clearly says Please help me out with this! 

You can’t help but grin. For all the time Steve seems to spend with Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair and Mike Wheeler, he still seems to know next to nothing about Star Wars, DnD and Lord of the Rings. 

Steve shoots you another pleading look and you decide to put him out of his misery, before he goes and says somethings like ‚that’s the one with the lightsabers, right?‘ or, worse yet ‚that’s the one where they fight with the glowing light sticks, right?‘. „Well, it seems that today is your lucky day, because it was returned earlier today“, you tell the blonde girl and Steve gives you a grateful smile, before turning around to face the girl again. 

He doesn’t notice the smile you give him in return, because his entire attention is fixed on the girl in front of him again. You busy yourself with the return-list in front of you again, trying to tell yourself that it doesn’t matter. What is it to you if Steve is always flirting with the customers - especially if they’re babes, as Robin likes to put it. 

Steve can flirt with whomever he wants to, it’s not like you care. You’re only this irritated because he seems to do it all the time, flirting with seemingly every girl but - 

„And it’s borrowed! There you go, The Empire Strikes Back is all yours for the next week!“, Steve’s overly cheerful voice startles you out of your thoughts and you lift your eyes from the list in front of you to see Steve grinning widely at the blonde girl. 

„Thanks“, the girl says, smiling back at him, „my boyfriend will be pleased, we’ve been meaning to rewatch that movie together for a while now.“ 

Steve’s smile falters and you can’t help but feel sorry for him as he turns to you, mouthing the word boyfriend? with a miserable expression on his face, even though some small part of you is inexplicably happy at the girl’s words. 

„Better luck next time, Harrington“, you say cheerfully, once the girl has left the store. Steve only groans, burying his face in his hands. 

„Hey, just be glad that Robin isn’t here“, you say, still smiling. Robin would give him so much shit for that interaction and you both know it. 

„Yeah, yeah, whatever“, Steve says, trying to shrug it off, but the way he’s distractedly mussing up his hair, staring at the front door of the store tells you that something’s clearly still bothering him. 

You don’t feel like dwelling on the subject of Steve’s newest failed attempt at flirting with the customers any longer, so instead you ask him: „Do you even know anything about Star Wars, Harrington? Or movies in general?“ 

„Wha- of course I do!“, Steve says immediately, crossing his arms in front of his chest defensively. 

„Oh really?“, you ask, raising your eyebrows. „And what’s Star Wars about? Or Back To The Future?“ 

„Well, Star Wars is this space opera - with the - the -  „ 

„Glowing light sticks?“, you finish his sentence for him and Steve groans exasperatedly. „They’re called lightsabers, Harrington“, you say, grinning when Steve throws up his arms in frustration. 

„Hey, I knew that!“, he says, shaking his head when he sees you smirking at him. „I did! Henderson’s always raving about these movies. Besides, what does it matter anyways?“, he grumbles, before busying himself with sorting through the stacks of video tapes that have been returned today. 

„Well - trying to chat up the customers by impressing them with your nonexistent knowledge of pop culture movies is not going to work if you don’t know anything about the movies you’re talking about“, you explain. 

„What - I’m not - „, Steve starts to say, but when he sees you looking at him with an expression that says don’t even try to pretend like you’re not chatting up customers all the time, he stops. „What’s so great about all these movies anyways?“, he says instead, having given up all pretense of going through the stack of video tapes in front of him and looking at you with an expression in his brown eyes you can’t quite decipher. 

„What movies - Star Wars?“, you ask him and he nods. 

„Yeah, Star Wars, Back To The Future, Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, E.T. - all these movies that everyone always keeps talking about“, he says. 

You frown in confusion. You’re pretty sure that none of the customers have been raving about E.T. or Sixteen Candles for quite some time, if anything it’s you that can’t shut up about these movies. Or maybe there have been customers asking Steve about E.T. and Sixteen Candles, just not when you were around to witness it. 

„Well, they’re great movies - movies everyone needs to have seen“, you say lamely, still caught up in your thoughts. 

„Oh really?“, Steve says dryly, cocking an eyebrow at you. 

„Yes, really, Harrington“, you reply, refraining from rolling your eyes at him. „Take Star Wars for example - it’s got fight scenes, but also really good characters and one of the best movie villains I’ve seen so far!“ 

„You mean the mouth breather?“, Steve asks incredulously and you frown, before realizing who he’s talking about. 

„Mouth brea- you mean Darth Vader?“, you ask him, wondering how on earth Steve comes to know Darth Vader by the name of mouth breather. 

„Darth Vader, yes, that’s his name!“, Steve says, nodding. „El and the others always call him the mouth breather“, he adds, when he notices your confused look. 

„Right … „, you say. Looking over at Steve, you see the way his expression seems to soften when he mentions El and the others, his eyes take on a look somewhere between proud and annoyed and there’s a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He must be talking about Dustin Henderson and his merry group of friends. Who would’ve ever thought that King Steve, the rich and arrogant popular boy, would befriend people like Dustin Henderson and Robin Buckley and turn his back on his circle of mean and vain friends? 

„I still don’t get why everyone thinks he’s that super great villain - I mean, what does the guy even do, besides breathing loudly?“, Steve says and your eyes widen in shock. 

„You did not just say that, Harrington!“, you exclaim, incredulous. 

„What?“, Steve asks, shrugging. 

„That’s it, Harrington - you and me, we’re going to watch Star Wars together, I can’t have you missing out on these movies any longer“, you say and you’re not quite sure what possessed you to say these words. You can feel the blood rushing to your cheeks - usually, you’re never this bold. Especially not when it comes to Steve Harrington. Sure, you like to tease him and when Robin’s around as well, you both always give him shit for relentlessly flirting with the customers, but usually, you’d never say something like this. 

You’d never admit to it, but you used to have the biggest crush on Steve when you were younger. Even when all of your friends always said that he was just another vain and mean popular guy, you still liked him. Not just because he was good-looking, but also because you were a young teenage girl with a crush and did everything to convince yourself that there was more to him than what everyone was talking about. 

And now, after working with him for two months and getting to know him better, you realize that you’ve been right all along - there is more to Steve than just the King Steve persona he’s tried to hide behind in high school. Steve is kind and caring and cheerful - and also a huge dork. (Or a dingus, as Robin prefers to call him.) 

And right now, he’s also looking at you with a thoughtful expression on his face, his warm brown eyes locking onto yours and there are butterflies in your stomach and you’re pretty sure that you’re blushing even harder, you must look like a tomato and - 

„Alright“, Steve says, a soft smile on his lips and you’re not quite sure you’ve heard him correctly. Of all the things you’ve imagined Steve to say in response to your impulsive suggestion, you hadn’t thought that he’d actually agree with you. 

„I - what?“, is the only thing you can manage to say. 

„Alright“, Steve repeats, his brown eyes still looking at you and there’s that smile again that makes the butterflies in your stomach want to spread their wings. „Let’s watch Star Wars together. And all these other movies that apparently everyone needs to have seen.“ 

„But - why?“, you ask him. You’re not entirely sure whether this is really happening. It just seems so surreal - Steve wanting to watch your favorite movies with you. Though you get along really well, you haven’t really spent that much time outside of work yet. 

There was that one time that Robin insisted that you three needed to spend some quality time together - the Family Video workers bonding outside the store. You went to Steve’s, playing some card games and listening to music, and things were just starting to get less awkward, when suddenly, Dustin Henderson, Lucas Sinclair and Mike Wheeler showed up, with Dustin insisting that Steve had agreed to help them with their newest science project. Steve had looked about ready to throw Dustin into his pool, Mike and Lucas had exchanged knowing glances and Robin had looked like she was on the verge of tears from trying not to laugh. 

Since then, you and Robin have met up a few times, but you and Steve have only seen each other at work. 

„Well - you were the one who said that, uh, everyone needs to have watched these movies!“, Steve says defensively and is it just your imagination or is he actually blushing? No, it must be your imagination, you decide, as you watch him glance away from you, rubbing his neck, before looking at you again. 

„Yes - right - I did … „, you stammer, still distracted by the butterflies dancing around wildly in your stomach - and the suddenly very likely possibility of spending time with Steve outside of work. 

„Good - let’s do it then“, Steve says, smiling again. 

„Okay … „, you say and you can’t help smiling back at Steve. Him looking at you like that - with a warm smile on his lips and a soft expression in his chocolate brown eyes - makes you feel extremely flustered and you can feel your heart start to beat faster in your chest. 

„Great! It’s a da- deal! Let’s say my place on Friday at eight?“, Steve says, running a hand through his hair. 

„Sure“, you agree, your voice coming out a little squeaky. Fuck. 

You bite your lip, quickly turning away from Steve and busying yourself with the return-list once more. You don’t notice Steve looking at you with a hopeful expression on his face.

You’re distracted all throughout the week. The closer Friday night comes, the worse it gets. You try to tell yourself that it doesn’t mean anything - it’s just two friends watching some movies together, there’s no reason to be nervous - but still, your conversation with Steve and your upcoming movie night are nearly all you can think about. 

It’s worst when you’re at school and have to sit through classes. Usually, you’re a good student - not exactly at the top of your class, but still you’ve got good grades and you’re attentive during class, listening to the teachers and taking notes. Not today, though. 

It’s Friday afternoon and you have to sit through another thirty minutes of history class before you can go home. You’ve given up all pretense of trying to listen to Mrs. Gellar talk about the US government, and are doodling away on the sheet of paper in front of you instead. 

Looking around, you see Chrissy Cunningham listening attentively to Mrs. Gellar and taking notes, but also drumming the fingers of her free hand on the table. Eddie Munson is scribbling away furiously on the sheet of paper in front of him, but you don’t think that he’s taking notes. He doesn’t exactly strike you as the note taking type. Maybe he’s planning his next DnD session with the Hellfire Club? 

You look over to the other side of the room and see Robin winking at you. You force yourself to smile back at her, feeling the blood rushing to your cheeks. During your Tuesday afternoon shift with Robin, your planned movie night with Steve was seemingly all she wanted to talk about - somehow it seemed to make her really happy that you and Steve are going to spend more time together. 

Once class is finally over, you get up immediately, hastily stuffing your folder and your pencil case in your backpack. „See you tomorrow“, you quickly say to Robin, before hurrying away. You like Robin, you really do, but right now you’re not in the mood for one of her dry remarks like looking forward to tonight? or you must really like Steve if you’re willing to sit through a whole movie with him, the guy can never shut up when he’s watching a movie. 

You’re nervous enough as it is - trying to tell yourself that there’s no need to be nervous isn’t really working - you don’t need Robin asking all these questions and raising her eyebrows at you when you try to tell her that tonight is not going to be anything special, you and Steve are just going to watch a movie together. 

You sigh, thinking how Robin is going to squeeze all details about tonight out of you tomorrow afternoon during your shared shift at Family Video anyway. Not that there will be any interesting details - or any details at all, really. You and Steve are just going to watch a movie together, as friends. That’s it, nothing more. (You’re really glad that Robin isn’t here right now - you’re not sure how she’d do it, but she’d get you to admit that you’re wishing that it could be something more than just two friends hanging out together.) 

Shaking your head at your own thoughts - Steve and you are just friends and you don’t like him like that anymore, or do you? No, you don’t, you really, really don’t - you pull your headphones out of your backpack. But even listening to Kate Bush, The Clash, David Bowie and some of your other favorite artists doesn’t calm you down, like it usually does. 

The rest of the afternoon passes by in a blur. You try to do some of your homework, but it’s no use. You’re fidgety and your thoughts keep going back to Steve and the evening ahead, no matter how hard you try to concentrate on your homework. After rereading the same sentence in your biology textbook for what feels like the seventh time and still not understanding - or even just remembering - what you’ve just read, you give up all pretense of trying to do your homework and decide to get ready instead. 

Not that there’s much getting ready to do - you’re just going to shower and put on some nice clothes, maybe one of your favorite t-shirts. Or should you wear something nicer - maybe a dress or a skirt and a nice sweater? But you don’t want to look as if you’re overdoing it, after all, this isn’t a date or anything like that. 

This is getting ridiculous. Sighing frustratedly, you grab a pair of jeans and your favorite t-shirt and head for the bathroom. After showering, you do actually feel somewhat relaxed, however that feeling doesn’t last long as your parents start asking questions as soon as you sit down at the dinner table. 

„So, you’re doing something with Steve tonight, right?“, your mom asks, as if you haven’t already told her that you and Steve are hanging out tonight. 

„Yes“, you say, quickly taking another bite of food, so you don’t have to say anything more. 

„You’re going to watch a movie together, right?“, your mom asks and you have to bite down hard on your lip to suppress a groan of annoyance. You’ve already told her all of this and your mother isn’t the forgetful type. She’s only asking you all these questions because she’d been delighted when you’d told her that you were doing something with Steve. It didn’t matter how many times you tried to tell her that you and Steve are just friends - in her mind you and Steve are practically already married. 

„Steve - Steve Harrington?“, your dad perks up, laying down his newspaper and looking at you with a curious expression on his face. 

„Yes. And yes, mom, we’re just going to watch a movie together“, you say, your grip on your fork tightening. In a way, this is even worse than any conversation earlier today with Robin could have been. Because where Robin would probably joke about your embarrassment in a lighthearted way, you can see that your parents are serious about this. 

You see them share a knowing smile in a not-so discreet way and you’re really starting to regret having told them anything in the first place. Maybe you should’ve lied to them and told them that you were doing something with Robin or another one of your friends. 

„And what movie are you planning on watching?“, your mother asks you, still smiling. 

„The Breakfast Club - and can you guys please stop this interrogation already?“, you reply. Your parents share another knowing look, they both know that The Breakfast Club is one of your favorite movies and you can only guess as to what conclusions they’re probably getting to at this moment. 

„Interrogation? Honey, we’re just happy for you! I know how much you liked Steve when you were younger and now - „, your mom starts to say, but you interrupt her.

„Mom, please - just - Steve and I are just friends, alright?“, you say and you can feel your cheeks growing hot. Great. Very convincing. 

„Of course, I wasn’t suggesting anything else“, she says, but you don’t miss the shrewd smile she shoots your dad. 

You’re so bugged by your parents words - mostly because they already seem to know what you’re still trying to deny to yourself, which is that you still like Steve like that - that you forget to be nervous for a moment. But then you hear Steve’s car pulling up in your driveway and your heart immediately starts pounding again. 

Thankfully your parents only remind you that have to be home by midnight and don’t insist on accompanying you out of the door and seeing you off. 

Still, you hastily grab your jacket and your bag and rush out the door - with your parents you can never be sure whether they won’t come after you anyways, shouting something like ‚have fun tonight, Sweetheart! And no funny business, Harrington‘ after you from the front porch so loudly that everyone else living in your street will know that you’re hanging out with Steve Harrington tonight. 

„Hey, what’s all the rush for?“, Steve says, laughing when you hastily slam the car door shut. „So eager to spend time with me?“ 

„Oh, just shut up and drive, Harrington“, you say, even though you can feel your cheeks growing hot again. You are excited to spend time with Steve and watch one of your favorite movies with him, but he doesn’t need to know just how nervous you actually are. 

„Well, it’s great to see you too“, Steve says, shaking his head with a smile on his lips. He switches on the radio and Corey Hart’s Sunglasses At Night starts to play. 

Before you can say anything, though, Steve asks you: „So, what movie are we watching tonight? The Breakfast Club?“ 

You nod. „Yeah, that’s the one.“ 

„That’s the one where all these kids have detention together, right? And with that song at the end - Don’t You (Forget About Me) or something like that?“, Steve asks. 

„Well, at least you know the song“, you say and you can’t help but smile when you see Steve looking at you with a pretend offended expression on his face. 

„Hey, just because I don’t know all these super great movies that everyone needs to have seen“, Steve says, taking one hand off the steering wheel and punctuating his words with air quotation marks, „doesn’t mean that I live under a rock or something like that. And it’s not like I haven’t seen any movies, I’ve seen Back To The Future and that first Alien movie!“ 

„Hey, I never said that you live under a rock - just that you don’t really know any good movies“, you reply, grinning. 

Steve groans. „Right, right, we’ve established that already. Though I was wondering why we’re not watching the first Star Wars tonight - aren’t these like, your favorite movies of all time?“ 

„Because I’m not ready to hear you call Vader a mouth breather or say anything about glowing light sticks again just yet“, you say, turning away from Steve and looking out the window. The truth is that you’re scared that Steve is not going to like any of your favorite movies. And though you also love The Breakfast Club, the Star Wars movies just have a special place in your heart. You’re scared of Steve not liking them. Knowing Steve, he’d probably try to pretend that the movies aren’t that bad for your sake, but you don’t want him to lie to you just to make you feel better. 

„I thought they were called lightsabers?“, Steve says, interrupting your thoughts. 

„Right, they are - hey, you actually remembered that?“, you say, surprised. Most of your friends just kind of tune out when you gush about Star Wars once again and you’d just assumed that Steve did the same, so you’re surprised that he actually remembers that. 

Steve rolls his eyes. „I’m not as daft as Robin likes to make me out to be“, is all he says, though he sounds somewhat piqued. 

„I never said that“, you say quietly. Steve turns to look at you and his expression visibly softens. 

„Sorry“, he says. „You and Robin give me so much shit when you’re together, I sometimes forget that you can actually be nice to me, not like Robin who's just insulting me every opportunity she gets.“ You both laugh at his words. Sometimes it really seems as if Steve’s and Robin’s conversations consist entirely of friendly insults, quips and sarcastic remarks. 

As Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams starts to play in the background, you and Steve start talking about anything and everything - how your week has been, your plans for the weekend, the upcoming Basketball match next weekend and movies, the tense vibes from before quickly forgotten. Talking with Steve is so easy, you feel as if you could talk to him for hours and forget everything else. (Like you’re quickly forgetting your previous embarrassment at your parents’ words and all the nervousness you’ve felt all week leading up to tonight.) 

Steve is listening intently to everything you say, his warm brown eyes every now and then glancing at you before he concentrates his gaze on the road in front of him again. He asks you follow-up questions, then launches into his own story, laughing softly as he recalls a conversation he had with Dustin earlier this week. 

You can’t help but laugh along with him. Steve’s laugh is just so warm and inviting and infectious. There are butterflies all over your stomach, but you don’t feel nervous or anxious. Instead, you feel at ease, sitting next to Steve in his car, chatting away about anything and everything. 

All too soon, Steve pulls up to his driveway and puts the car in park. David Bowie’s Heroes gets interrupted mid-song and while you’re still fumbling with your seatbelt, Steve is already getting out of the car, quickly walking over to your side and holding your door open for you. 

„Thanks“, you say, cheeks flaring up once again as you realize how close Steve suddenly is to you. So close that you could count his long eyelashes or reach up a hand and run your fingers through his hair. Is it really as soft as it look? 

Where are these thoughts coming from all of a sudden? You quickly take a step back from Steve, looking over at the grand house behind you instead. All of the lights are out - his parents must not be home. You decide not to ask Steve about it - though you can usually talk to him about any topic you can think of, his neglectful parents who are almost never home, always away going on vacation or business trips or visiting relatives, are certainly a sore spot for him. 

„Nothing’s changed, I see“, you say instead, once Steve closes the front door behind you two. As you take off your shoes, you take in the interior, the family pictures hanging on the wall, the plush carpet underneath your feet, the hall-stand made of teak wood - and the rich and sweet smell of popcorn. 

„You’ve actually made popcorn, Harrington?“, you say grinning, going in the direction of where you remember the kitchen to be. 

Steve follows you. „Uh, yeah … „, he says, and turning around you see him mussing up his hair, evading your gaze. 

„That’s great!“, you say excitedly, entering the kitchen. Steve switches on the light and taking in the kitchen table before you, you see that Steve hasn’t only made popcorn, there’s also a bowl filled with chips, a bowl filled with nuts and cranberries and two bars of your favorite chocolate. 

„Wow, Steve, you didn’t have to - popcorn would have been fine, but, uh, thank you“, you say, tucking a stray strand of hair behind your ear. 

Steve smiles, and it might just be the lighting, but you think you can see his cheeks turning pink, before he turns away from you, running a hand through his hair again. „That’s - you don’t have to - I, uh, thought that we might as well get the whole cinema experience, with all the snacks and stuff, you know? I also bought some coke, but I could make you some tea or hot chocolate as well, whatever you want“, he says. 

„Tea sounds great“, you decide. Normally, you’d go for a coke, but your nerves are already fluttering up again and you don’t need coke making you even more anxious and jittery. 

„And next time I bring the snacks“, you add, before you realize that you’re not even sure whether there is actually going to be a next time. Sure, Steve said that he wants to watch all of your favorite movies with you, but what if he already doesn’t like The Breakfast Club and decides that he’s not even going to try watching any of your other favorite movies? Or what if he doesn’t actually like you all that much and only agreed to this because - 

„Alright, it’s a deal“, Steve says, shooting you a smile before reaching for the kettle. You smile back at him, even though Steve can’t see it. So there is going to be a next time. 

As you wait for the water to boil, you resume your earlier conversation and Steve tells you about Robin’s newest complaints concerning band practice. Once Steve is done preparing the tea, he hands you a Star Wars mug - you don’t remember Steve being in possession of a Star Wars mug when you last came to his house, but it’s not as if you’ve memorized all the mugs he owns - and you two grab all the snacks laying on the kitchen table and head over to the living room. 

Once you’ve placed all the snacks on the coffee table, you hand Steve the video tape. As your fingers touch, you feel a weird tingling sensation in your fingertips. You look up, only to see Steve looking at you, his chocolate brown eyes an ocean of swirling emotions. 

You swallow. If Steve is going to keep looking at you like that - 

But then Steve glances away, clearing his throat. „Great - uh - thanks for bringing the video tape, I’d better get this started … „, he says, gesturing to the TV behind him. 

You sit down on the couch and reach for your mug of tea, taking a careful sip, seeing as the water’s still steaming. 

After a few moments, Steve sits down next to you, placing the bowl of popcorn between you two.  You’re aware of how close he suddenly is to you, with only the bowl of popcorn between you. So close that you can feel his body heat radiating off of him. So close that he can probably hear your heart beating frantically in your chest. 

Thankfully, the first beats of Don’t You (Forget About Me) start playing right at this moment. Steve looks over at you, cocking an eyebrow as he hears the drum sequences. 

„Well, let’s see how this one goes“, he says smiling, before reaching into the bowl of popcorn … 

divider credit: @delishlydelightfuldividers

taglist: @ahqkas

If you have any wishes / suggestions for movies that Steve and the reader are going to watch, please feel free to tell me! :)

Link to Part II (coming soon!)

#steve harrington x reader #steve harrington x you #steve harrington imagine #steve harrington #steve x reader #steve stranger things #stranger things #stranger things imagine #fluff #this is honestly just dripping with fluff #steve harrington fluff #stranger things x reader #writing #my writing #fanfic writer #fanfiction #stranger things fanfiction #st4 #liviawritesthings #steve harrington is a sweetheart #mutual pining

[justatinycollector]

9 People You Want to Get to Know Better

Tagged by @somebirdortheother, thank you lovely!

Last Song: “Next Year’s Light” by Elliot Moss. He just released his new album and everything by him is just incredible.

Favorite Color: an aubergine, eggplant shade of purple. But I’m color obsessed and it’s hard to find a color I don’t love. Peach is a big one too.

Last film/show: for show, currently working through season 4 of True Detective. For film, I rewatched a series of spooky and/or horror films with a friend this weekend and we finished with Shutter Island.

Sweet/savory/spicy: savory with some spice. (Not to say I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I always love savory everything.)

Last thing I googled: costs of plane tickets for an upcoming trip.

Last Book: my book exchange friend and I just traded and she had me read “Verity” by Colleen Hoover, which I devoured in about three hours and enjoyed. Curious to know what she thinks of the one I gave her: “The Hollow Kind” by Andy Davidson.

Relationship status: married to my beloved Tall Collector, who just made me a mug of mint tea and kissed my forehead. 🥹

Current Obsession(s): I’ve been doing this thing lately where I’ll watch a video from Architectural Digest’s “Space Savers” series on YouTube (in which three interior designers get free reign to design a blank space), and then pause before I see any of their designs. I’ll look at the blank space and then do my own design and as I keep watching, compare it to what they design. I learn something new with every time I try it; right now I have this incredible idea for a luxury master bathroom. That and challenging myself with new recipes: I’m slowly trying to make one recipe from every country in the world, and learning how to bake (oddly specific cakes?).

No pressure tags for @myrsinemezzo @the-sweet-hibiscus @stitchingatthecircuitboard @liminal-zone @nocaptainonthisship @lisenberry @mostlydriedmango @spiderres @conundrumoftime and please PLEASE if you’re following me and want to do it consider yourself tagged because 💕💕💕.

[silvery-bluish]

Top 9 People You Want to Get to Know Better

thanks for the tag @thenightdayblogger​ !! I don’t think I’m going to tag a full 9 but, and as per usual absolutely NO pressure to answer, I’m gonna tag @dogueteeth​, @rosaindomitus​, @honor-among-thieves​, @grinningjackal​, @aurrieattorney​, and @just-a-tiny-goldfish​

favorite color: Greyish blue! If you didn’t guess from the blog name lol.

currently reading: VERY SLOWLY making my way through House of Leaves.

last song: Because of the unreal unearth lockdown i was listening to music when i got your ping and francesca was playing. At time of me answering it’s ALSO Francesca because my morning commute decided it was going to be hilarious apparently.

last series: I’m working my way through a Leverage rewatch (this is my... fifth time watching it? maybe more) + watching some random Columbo episodes!

sweet, savory, or spicy? Savory

currently working on: banging my head against my FHR AU Roulette pieces. I’ve got about 1k each of a “Medieval” AU (i got distracted by the knights -> dragon pipeline and it’s not terribly historically accurate) and a Detective AU that’s doing double-duty as HG Sibling AU and literally like. 5 lines of dialogue for my last one, which is Secret Agent AU.

#bookish.txt #jazz i need u to know im So Fucking Amused by the Francesca Chain #also. I like leverage a normal amount. #(lying)

[whimsicalmeerkat]

Yeah, this looks fun. Thanks for the tag @thotpuppy!

Last movie: Either the third die hard movie or love actually, can’t remember which one we watched most recently

Last show: my friend and I accidentally binged Fall of the House of Usher instead of cleaning our house

Last song: A Better South by American Aquarium which is an excellent representation of leftist Americana

Song stuck in my head: currently A Better South and I can’t remember what was before it, but the odds are pretty high it was something off my behemoth twang playlist. Definitely put it on shuffle if you decide to listen to it.

Favorite color: blurple, with black & red combined coming in second

Currently reading: almost exclusively fanfic right now, but the third Last Binding book is probably next on my list. That or a Tavia Lark reread. I might save that until right before the next book comes out, though. Unsurprisingly, I’ve written fan fiction about all both of her series and Last Binding.

Next on your to watch list: Sandman maybe? I fell out of the habit of watching stuff. I need to rewatch some Teen Wolf for fic research purposes, but there are some other fics I want to finish first.

Currently consuming: mango loco monster

Currently craving: Highland Park single malt

Sweet/spicy/savory: savory is the most frequent, followed by sweet

Relationship status: cat servant

Current obsession: my Steterek twisted sleeping beauty fic and trying to perfect a mulled cider recipe and I will rave about either at the drop of a hat

3 favorite foods: uhhhh…I’m going to go with my chili, pad thai, and mini cupcakes, but it shifts around

Last thing you googled: “Cync lightbulbs flash three times” because the power flickers this morning have messed with all our smart bulbs

Dream trip: I don’t know. It’d be cool to go to a distillery in Scotland, but my favorite trips are the annual weekend I spend hanging out in a cabin with some friends. We do a lot of drinking, eating, and playing games.

Anything I want right now: time to write when I actually have the energy, to not have to go to the store, and the cranberry tea I’m planning to make coming into being without me having to do anything

Low pressure tags: @dear-massacre is always a good bet, but basically if you want to do this consider yourself tagged :D

#tag game

[unhelpfulfemme]

I was tagged in two very similar chain meme things by @mitth-eli-vanto and @weirdsociology and decided to roll them up into one, since a lot of the questions are the same!

Last song: Younger Hunger - Dead Inside

Favorite color: oxblood and taupe (if you count taupe as a colour)

Last movie/show: A rewatch of Lawrence of Arabia that I quit halfway through (that movie is looong holy fuck)

next on my watchlist: Saltburn! I've been hearing many mixed opinions and want to see for myself!

Last game: Not much of a gaming person tbh. I am quite literally straining to remember the last time I played any kind of game but it was probably... Either Civ VI or Crusader Kings II, back when I had more time for it due to the, uhh, numerous lockdowns?

Last book: A reread of Pawn in Frankincense by Dorothy Dunnett *chuckles* I'm in danger (of crying for days)!

Sweet/savory/spicy: spicy all the way!

Relationship status: married to PhD thesis 😢

Last thing I googled: Beach by Bobbi Brown

Current obsession: eggplant pasta recipes and rock climbing ❤️

Greatest flaw: ADHD-fueled sensation seeking and crippling lack of time management skills. A tendency to derail my own life out of pity for other people that pushes me to overly accomodate them. Massive authority issues. This is all in relation to career issues I've been having that you probably don't wanna hear about lol ❤️

fic i’m currently reading: none at the moment because I can't read several things at once and I'm in the middle of a long book series. BUT a new chapter of The Good He Seeks by husborth has come out since I started my Lymond reread and I am genuinely honest to God gnawing my nails off with the anticipation of reading it :)

I will find out where you live and threaten your family if you don't participate in this memeObviously zero pressure tagging: @ashlanoree @ozvezdja @capablecapybara @quigonsjeans @attoliaattolis