#Might be considered for permanent part time work also so that's nice!

[chiropterx]

◎ 𝙸𝙼𝙿𝙾𝚁𝚃𝙰𝙽𝚃 𝙷𝙴𝙰𝙳𝙲𝙰𝙽𝙾𝙽𝚂 𝚃𝙾 𝙲𝙾𝙽𝚂𝙸𝙳𝙴𝚁

CAN THEY USE CHOPSTICKS? Kirk enjoys a nice lunch of sushi from time to time and while he's not the most skilled chopstick user, his fingers are deft and articulate enough to allow him halfway decent usage. He prefers using a fork whenever he can (or even just use his fingers as they do in Japan) but as long as the food tastes good, he won't complain either way. He's quite the fan of chinese cuisine as well.

WHAT DO THEY DO WHEN THEY CAN’T SLEEP. It's not so much that Kirk can't sleep... rather that his research consumes him and before he knows it, the sun is rising and he's spent the whole night working again. On rare occasions when he does get to bed at a reasonable hour, he'll get dressed and go for a walk should sleep elude him, bundling up in warm clothing before paying a visit to the closest convenience store in order to pick up a few things he might be missing or Gotham Park in hopes of spotting a few bats flying around. He'll take his notebook along for the latter journey, jotting down a few key points such as how many bats he can see, how healthy they are and anything else of interest such as species, behavioural patterns, how they're faring in their local environment and what could be done to improve life for them here in the city. They may not be the same bats he uses in his research but Kirk still cares about all species of animals and is an avid environmentalist despite the gloom and pollution of Gotham's industrial facilities.

WHAT ORDER DO THEY WASH THINGS IN THE SHOWER. Starts with his hair first. Kirk turns on the shower and climbs in straight away, not minding the cold water spraying across his skin before lathering up a generous dose of shampoo and working it into his roots. While that gets to work, he'll take a bar of soap and scrub his body all over, starting underneath his arms, then his stomach, between his legs and working his way further down until his skin is thoroughly soaped before rinsing off under the shower's flow. He may apply a second application of shampoo and conditioner, liking his hair to be as clean as possible before finishing up and drying off.

WHAT’S THEIR COFFEE ORDER. ANYTHING SWEET. Seriously, Kirk loves creamy drinks such as frappuccinos, mocha lattes and the like! He'll always request his beverages to come with extra whipped cream, caramel drizzle - anything that sounds sweet and oh so unhealthy for you and would absolutely finish up work early just to be able to go out and order something with pumpkin spice as soon as it's avaliable. He doesn't normally consume such sugary treats other than prinsesstårta when visiting family in Sweden so creamy drinks can really comfort him when the weather is bad or he's feeling low.

HOW DO THEY ACT AROUND CHILDREN. Very patient and understanding. Kirk is definitely a family man at heart and has several younger relatives, not to mention children of his own in some canon depictions so it stands to reason he's equipped to handle kids and would treat them as well as his parents treated him while growing up which is to say a lot. He doesn't mind how rambunctious children can be nor how inquisitive their little minds are - young people need to learn and mistakes are one way that happens, so he would rarely lose his temper unless they did something incredibly stupid/dangerous, or pointlessly cruel. Even then, his anger would be more of a cold disappointment than fury, openly remarking on how he thought they were better than that. All in all, Kirk would be a respectful adult, neither berating a child nor talking down to them. Instead he'd be keen to help them learn with whatever they're interested in, knowing how important education is to a child's future. He's a very good uncle to his own young relatives, keeping contact with them even though he lives in another country altogether.

WHAT WOULD THEY WATCH ON TV WHEN THEY’RE BORED AND NOTHING THEY REALLY LIKE IS ON. He's not much of a television watcher. The news is full of doom and gloom, making it rather depressing to watch even on the best of days. It's also hard to find suitable channels for the hearing-impaired and while his cochlear implants are sound, he can't help but be a little disconnected from it all anyway. He might watch some older reruns from years ago and if he's got time, watch foreign movies where subtitles are absolutely necessary in order to understand what's going on. Kirk's just not the sort of man who'd waste precious time watching cheesy shows unless spending quality time with somebody who does enjoy that sort of thing.

TAGGED BY;; @arkhampsych, probably one or two other people over on Roman's blog? TAGGING;; Whoever hasn't done it yet!

#🦇 || musings #🦇 || headcanons #Feeling a bit knackered today but determined to write #Finished work nearly an hour later than usual it was so busy #Got my work done though and a little overtime so that's nice #Might be considered for permanent part time work also so that's nice! #Quite a few people are quitting this year so that leaves spaces open #Not quitting for bad reasons mind you #Most people are retiring but some are moving or going back to uni so that leaves open positions #We shall see what happens #Had some fun writing this for now though

[malice-ov-mercy]

Sharp Dressed Man

Pairing: Nick Folio x Reader

Content Warnings: mention of smoking (weed), suggestive tones

Word Count: 552

A/N: just a quick something :)

Tag list: @circle-with-me @foliosriot @cookiesupplier @concretenoah @sitkowski @missduffsblog @ladyveronikawrites @meekahy @baddestomens @dominuslunae @poisongirl616 @deathblacksmoke @Gretavanomens @shilohrosechicken @sprokat

If you would like to be added, please fill out this form!

Folio Masterlist

“Are you ready, sweetheart?” Nick’s voice carried through your shared bedroom.

“Almost!” You replied, struggling with the clasp of your necklace.

You looked towards him to ask for help but lost your words.

He was rolling up the sleeve of his black button up, the tattoos on his forearm on full display. It hugged his body nicely. Nick wore the dark denim jeans you had to convince him to buy—he even wore the dress shoes he begrudgingly bought as well. His thick, heavy silver chain, dangling cross earring, and slicked back hair completed his look.

Oblivious to your gawking, Nick smiled at you, eyes soft and full of unconditional love.

“Need some help?” He asked, finished with his sleeve.

You nodded, still unable to speak.

In a few short strides, he stood behind you. Even after his shower, you still could smell the joint he had earlier in the day, mingling with the overwhelming heady scent of his aftershave and cologne. Some might think Nick wore far too much, but you would gladly suffocate and drown in him.

There was no way to describe his intoxicating scent. It was so uniquely him—all man and woodsy outdoors, but also the soft, gentle and warm comfort of a sweater fresh from the dryer. You’d even come to love the permanence of his weed. Somehow it tied everything altogether in a neat, pretty little gift topped with a bow.

He took the necklace from you, fumbling with the clasp. You watched his reflection and the creasing of his expression as his fingers struggled to work. Eventually, he secured the jewelry with a proud smile. Nick settled his warm hands on your shoulders and affectionately squeezed. His eyes met yours in the mirror.

“You look wonderful.” He pressed a tender kiss to the back of your head.

“Thank you,” you said, placing a hand over his, “So do you.”

Nick kissed your cheek, a tooth rottingly sweet smile accompanying.

Your eyes fell to his hands, just now noticing that he’d found the time to have them done. The red almost matched that of your outfit perfectly. He followed your gaze then held out a hand so you could see. Your cheeks flushed as images of his manicured hands roaming your sink, his pretty nails digging into the flesh of your thighs and ass, caressing the most intimate parts of you.

“Do you like it?” His voice was low, almost a rumble in your ear. It made your heart pick up its pace.

Your tongue felt heavy in your mouth. The simple “yeah” struggled past your lips, the sound so quiet and minuscule, you wondered if Nick heard.

A glint flashed in his brown eyes, knowing and intent. As if he knew where your mind would wander next, he delicately placed his hand on your neck, fingers wrapping and splaying tenderly around. The years of calloused skin from working on his bike to his drums to whatever wilderness survival he taught himself felt blissfully unholy. Your eyes briefly fluttered as he squeezed just ever so. It was hardly enough to be considered choking, but still your breath halted.

“I should do my nails more often,” Nick rasped, his words blazing a trail of fire down your neck. “I like the way my hand looks around your throat.”

#nick folio x reader #nick folio fanfiction #nick folio fanfic #nick folio fic #bad omens fanfiction #bad omens fanfic #bad omens fic

[aerkame]

In the finfolk au, what if y/n knew not to give Wally their real name (or at least was weary of him and didn’t trust him enough to tell) and tried to give a nickname instead? Would he know instantly they were lying? And how would he try to get them to say their real name? Also, how would he and everyone else react if y/n upon transforming into a mermaid was terrified and tried to escape?

If Wally doesn't take notice of something Home is there to help... Side note: Normal puppets are just the equivalent of humans in this AU to prevent confusion.

EDIT: ACK, just remembered the last part of the ask. I shall make a part 2 to this ask then. Hopefully the anon will be able to see it when it gets posted!

You were always warned about the finfolk. Luckily you weren't exactly a normal puppet so you doubt that any of the residents here would try to trap you on the island with them. But that small bit of paranoia kept you on your toes...well crutches. Your leg was still healing and as far as you could tell you'd be staying at 'Home' until the injury healed.

"My name is..." You thought of something quick, giving Wally a fake name. You don't know what exactly will happen if you give him your true name, but you've heard plenty of times now to never ever give it out to the fae, demons, angels, or the finfolk.

The tall puppet clicked his felt tongue before placing his hands behind his back. "What a lovely name."

---

Wally is well aware that you have been lying to him, but who is he to try and pry information out of you? He shook his head at the thought. While the finman really wanted to just force the name out of you, it would be better to get you comfortable here first, and then they could begin their goal on making you a permanent resident. Just like they did with Frank.

Speaking of which...he turned around to look at the puppet in question, humming in delight upon seeing you two get along, sipping tea and sharing stories.

Frank was the perfect tool to get you to open up really. He had no issues with the island, he understood selkies and their current dwindling numbers, he was level-headed, and most importantly, he was a normal puppet before. He could relate to you in a sense. The grey puppet even helped you lean towards staying or at least consider the possibility of staying here, having brought up the issue that poachers and criminals alike will do nothing but continue stealing selkie coats for profit.

"Quite frankly, you might be better off staying here. You and I both know there is not much out there for selkies and it's only going to get worse with the constant poaching and coat thieves, your kind are on the brink of extinction for stars sake."

Frank sighed after his mini-rant, having worked himself up. The topic of poaching and hunting exotic or near-extinct species was an upsetting topic and it was easy to tell. You didn't speak much for a while after that, continuing to listen to Frank while sipping at the hot beverage. "Hey...Frank, if I did decide to stay would the others even be alright with that?" Your voice cracked a bit. You don't know why, but it felt like eyes were pinning you to the plush seat, demanding that you stay put.

His eyebrows quirked and he gave you a questioning look. "I have no doubt that the neighbors wouldn't mind you staying." He crossed his arms looking more stern now. "If anything I'd say that you would be safer here with us."

You gave Frank a small smile. The eyes followed you.

---

"So, neighbor. I heard that you've been getting quite comfortable yes?" Wally swished his wine in small circles before taking a sip, not once taking his eyes off you.

"oh, uhm, yes! It's very nice here, there are so many smaller islands and lots of places to explore. And the colorsss..." Your words slurred slightly "so many colors evenn in the plantss. I've never seen any place like thiss! I mean even the insects and fish are unique here, Frankyy showed me his whole collection which he says isn't done ye-" Your face was beet red and the finman could tell he had you drunk enough once you couldn't stop talking yourself into a mess.

Carefully leaning over, Wally placed a hand on yours as he rubbed circles into your palm. Time to butter you up.

"You know, you could always stay with us here, forever. You'll never not be bored, you'll have friends, and you'd be safe." He inhaled, the small but hidden slits behind his cheeks opening, smelling the scent that lingered on your form remembering it was the perfume he gave you. He sighed, content.

Wally looked down at your small body. You had stopped rambling and now you were avoiding eye contact, preferring to look down into your lap or looking off to the side.

"Ah...you know, I could never get your name out of my mind. It's just so wonderful...If you did stay I could call you by it all I want." He leaned in closer, softly grabbing hold of your chin to lift it up, making sure he could see your eyes.

A thumb brushed over your mouth "I just wished there was more I could do to help you..." He breathed out your false name and watched you struggle internally...good.

"Uhm, actually, Wally, there's something I've been meaning to tell you."

"Oh? I'm all ears." His plan was going along flawlessly.

Wally softly let go of your face, but remained close, fixing you in a position of feeling pinned. "I-I lied. About my name. I lied aboutt a lot of things." Some of your letters still slurred but it was obvious you were trying your hardest to think clearly.

"That's alright dear, I knew the whole time, but I figured you had a reason." Wally was grinning ear to ear.

"My real name is..." Your named slipped your mouth.

Yellow hands flew up to cup your cheeks. Wally held a mixed face that was of bliss and excitement. "Oh my darling I am so sorry I've called you by another name this entire time! Please allow me to make up for it with another dinner? Same time tomorrow."

Your head felt fuzzy as you nodded along to whatever he said. "It's- alriight." You felt numbed. Wait...

A part of you panicked for a second, having snapped into the the realm of reality, but you calmed down shortly after. You trusted him. Wally would never harm you or trap you right? He and the others have been all too kind and welcoming and if they really wanted to trap you they'd have figured out a way by now. Your thoughts were so rapid, everything is fast, too fast.

Wally was so caught up in his own thoughts he didn't pay attention to your swaying body until he heard a loud 'thud' and looked down at your sleeping form.

Oh dear, maybe that beverage was too strong for you to handle.

TL;DR

Don't get drunk around Wally. He's a finman and won't get drunk as easily... and he'll probably take advantage of that to get info out of you. Or he'll just make you a blushing mess.

#Home is definitely a cozy beach house #welcome home finfolk au #welcome home #welcome home wally darling #welcome home wally #welcome home wally darling x reader #wally darling x reader #selkie reader #finfolk #au #finfolk au #x reader #wh wlaly darling #wh wally darling

[fixfoxnox]

Can you write NSFW for the cartel AleRudy AU?

Either like pre-reveal where Alejandro gets Rudy to sneak around with him behind his husband's back.

Or maybe postreveal where Alejandro needs information and he's trying to have a proper conversation with Rudy but Rudy wont stop trying to distract him?

Please and thank you, Luke <3

-👑

Teehee, this works out cause their first sex scene is actually next chronologically 🤭 Also I swear I'll eventually come up with an actual name for this AU akdjdjjd

How To Have An Affair (Cartel Rudy Part 2)

Description: Alejandro does not have a crush on a married man. He just doesn't. Rudy seems determined to test that claim.

Word Count: 4.3k

Warnings: Affair, NSFW, Smut, anal sex, riding, hand jobs

Alejandro didn't consider himself the type to ever crush on a married man. It just wasn't a possibility. Sure, he would maybe have a crush or some thoughts before he would know. Sure, he might admire someone with a ring on their finger. But never had he actively crushed on someone in a committed relationship.

Apparently, that all changed with one Rodolfo Parra.

He hadn't been able to get the other man out of his head. Not since the moment that he'd received that secretive smile from the man before he'd climbed into his husband's car. Rodolfo Parra had been a constant presence in his head.

At first, it was nothing more than little thoughts of the man's looks. Things like how nice his ass was or how soft his lips looked. He couldn't get the memory of Rudy touching his arm softly or giving him that secretive smile to leave his mind.

But it was all things that he could try to justify. He was admiring. It wasn't a crush. He was admiring. That's it.

It became harder to justify after he'd run into Rudy again.

He was in town collecting information when they met again.

He'd heard rumors floating around that the cartel had offered some of the owners of a few shops a hefty sum of money to smuggle weapons through for them. He hated to believe that anyone in town would agree to such a thing, but times were tough and money was money. No matter who it came from.

So he and Rodriguez had driven into town together. They weren't going to arrest anyone. They weren't even going to ask them to stop if they'd agreed. The people of Las Almas didn't need Alejandro to arrest them, he needed them to get rid of the Cartel. So, his goal wasn't to arrest, just to gain information so he could potentially intercept some of the shipments. It wasn't much, but it was something.

They'd split up upon making it into town. Rodriguez was set to talk to a few people at the more permanent shops while Alejandro would talk to people at the market stalls. He had a sneaking suspicion that those were the people the cartel would try to use. Since they had no permanent location, their movement would be less noticeable to Alejandro and his men. Perfect for the cartel.

Alejandro had been talking with people for a few hours, meticulously gathering information and making detailed notes on every interaction. Of course, no one would tell him directly if they had taken a job from the cartel, but the people of Las Almas were good people, Alejandro could tell if something was going on with them.

All of it went into his notes. Anything that he notice, anything off, anything that seemed to be going extremely well, all of it was noted. He didn't tell the people what he was there for. He knew they knew. They knew he knew. It was as simple as that.

He'd been talking to people for well over an hour when he spotted Rudy. He'd just finished up his notes on the last person he'd talked to and was preparing himself to move further into the market, his eyes tracing across the thin crowds of people.

His eyes caught onto the nice material of a pressed button up and his eyes followed the line of exposed skin at Rudy's chest up to his face. Rudy was speaking with one of the men at a fruit stall, likely haggling prices. He had a soft smile on his face and Alejandro felt himself freezing over at the sight of it. Rudy looked just as good as he remembered and, for a brief moment, he found himself forgetting that the man was married.

It was easy to forget when he was looking. It was easy to allow himself to get caught in the lines of Rudy's jaw and the expanse of skin that had his mouth watering with the idea of tasting. He thought, in the back of his mind, that he should probably move. He shouldn't stand there and watch and let himself fall deeper into whatever traitorous thoughts had been plaguing his mind. Rudy was married. They couldn't be together.

Still, he couldn't make himself move. He couldn't make himself stop looking. Inevitably, as he had the first time they'd met, Rudy caught him.

Rudy's eyes trailed over to him and there was a brief moment of surprise that crossed his face before it faded into something soft. Something soft and amused. Alejandro hardly had any time to react before Rudy was handing a bit of money to the man behind the stall and starting toward him.

"You know," Rudy stopped in front of him, a small smile tugging at his lips, "this is the second time I've caught you staring, Vaquero."

Alejandro could feel heat shooting up his spine as embarrassment and something a touch too close to arousal flowed through him. He certainly had to be imagining the way that Rudy had dropped his voice when he'd said the word "vaquero." Certainly, his mind was just hearing what it wanted, and it certainly wanted to pretend that the look that Rudy was giving him was much less innocent than it actually was.

"Apologies," Alejandro took a step away from Rudy, causing the other to tilt his head at him curiously, "It's not my intention, I swear."

"It's alright," Rudy assured, stepping toward him to fill the space he'd just created, "I don't mind the staring, really." One of his hands reached out to just skate across the skin of Alejandro's arm. A tingle was left in the wake of the touch, pressing the feeling of Rudy deep into his bones. "Taking a trip to pick up some food? I didn't think Mexican Special Forces would get their foods locally."

"We do, actually," Alejandro tried to force himself to relax, "We try to support the locals as much as possible, helps to keep the cartel from preying on as many people if we can give them a steady income."

Rudy tilted his head at the words, "The cartel seems to have its roots here, its a bit surprising to me." He turned moved beside Alejandro and wrapped their arms together, "Apologies, I have shopping to do. Walk with me?" He started moving, leaving Alejandro practically dizzy with the feeling of him pressed so close. He couldn't have stopped himself from following Rudy if he wanted to.

"The cartel has been growing here," he nodded his head as they stopped at one of the little stalls. Rudy started to look over the vegetables being offered, but it was clear that he was listening carefully. "They're a stain on the city. They claim to help, but really all they've done is preyed on desperation that they created." His voice dropped into something dark and he could feel the familiar hatred curling in his chest.

"That's terrible," Rudy's voice was soft and it did wonders to calm the rage that seemed to want to boil over inside of him, "Is that what all of the destruction was from? Last week?"

Alejandro nodded his head solemnly, "A cartel run. They kill any outspoken opposition in the town and destroy what they can. They make people desperate so they can tempt them into paying for protection or doing odd jobs for them." He dutifully held the bag that Rudy placed into his hands, allowing the other man to load it with whatever things he needed.

"So you're here today for work I presume?" Rudy handed a bit of cash to the woman at the stall and Alejandro's keen eyes noticed the extra bit of money that he'd obviously snuck in. He didn't say a word about it and Rudy made no acknowledgment of it, he just moved on to the next stall. Alejandro followed behind.

"I am," Alejandro admitted hesitantly. He wasn't really supposed to talk about it, but Rudy's question had clearly been innocent. And, besides, the man was new in town and the house husband to a rich man, there was very little chance that he was connected to the cartel in any way. "Just little things. Information gathering." He paused for a moment before adding, "Nothing too important."

"So long as I'm not keeping you from work," Rudy shot him a smile over his shoulder and Alejandro was sure he was going to melt under the warmth of it.

"No," Alejandro assured. He cleared his throat before nervously adding, "This seems much more important."

The words brought a blush to the highs of Rudy's cheeks and the shorter man was quick to look away from him. The sight of it was enough to have pride welling up in Alejandro's chest and, for a moment, he was on cloud nine. It was squashed when he caught sight of Rudy's wedding band glinting in the sunlight as he reached for something.

The glint brought him crashing back down to reality. A terrible reality where Rudy was married to a man who snapped at him and made him flinch because he wasn't moving fast enough for his tastes. A man who, in Alejandro's opinion, was nothing compared to the man standing in front of him.

Still, Rudy was married. That was the biggest thing. Rudy was married to someone and that someone was not Alejandro. Still, he'd been so sure that the man had been flirting with him when they first met. At the very least, he knew that Rudy had understood that he was being flirted with and that rather than saying anything, he'd let Alejandro continue.

"Might I ask," Alejandro hesitated for a moment as Rudy's bright eyes turned to him, "You, uh, your husband?" Rudy seemed to deflate slightly at the mention of the man that he was married to and a tick of annoyance crossed his face. It made Alejandro wonder. "I was just, well, when we first met...you knew I was flirting, didn't you?"

Rudy took a long moment, his eyes resolutely focused on the stall in front of him. Finally, he responded, "I did."

"Why did you let me?" Alejandro stepped closer to him, needing to see Rudy's face when he answered. He had to know. The question had been plaguing him.

Again, Rudy took a moment to respond. Finally, though, he turned his head to look up at Alejandro from beneath his lashes, "I was enjoying it." He admitted quietly. "My, um, my husband. He is good, he takes care of me...but, he's not very," he seemed to hesitate for a moment before responding, "loving. He's a hard man, you know? I guess I just...well, I guess I liked feeling like someone wanted me." It seemed like Rudy wanted to say more, but he didn't. He just looked away from Alejandro with pink dusting his cheeks. "I'm sorry."

The words shouldn't have made Alejandro fall for Rudy any harder. And yet, they did.

Alejandro had a crush on a married man. He hated it. He was crushing on a man who he couldn't have, no matter how much he wanted.

He'd run into Rudy several more times and, each time, Rudy made an effort to talk to him. Each time, Rudy had been sweet and funny and he'd held Alejandro's attention until the very moment that one of them had to leave one another. Frequently, Alejandro found himself wishing that they didn't have to leave one another.

He found himself seeking out the man, something he knew he shouldn't have done. Something he knew would only make him fall harder. He just couldn't help himself. Rudy was like a drug to him and with every hit, he knew he'd need more.

It wouldn't have been so bad, having a crush on Rudy really wouldn't have been so bad if it wasn't for the fact that Rudy's husband was a complete asshole.

Over his time spent with the other man, he'd learned. Rudy had told him his husband was a hard man. What he really meant is that the man didn't seem to care about him. Rudy had told him that his husband wasn't loving. What he really meant is that the man often let his eyes wander to others and, if Alejandro had to guess by the expression that had crossed Rudy's face, he would say he'd let his hands wander before as well.

Alejandro hated it. He couldn't have Rudy because of this man. He'd never even have a chance with the man who'd so quickly found a permanent place in his mind, and it was because of this man. And the man? Well, apparently he didn't appreciate what he had. He treated Rudy poorly. Alejandro knew that the man didn't deserve the husband he'd somehow managed to get.

But, Rudy was married. That was it. Whether Alejandro liked it or not, Rudy was a taken man. He had no chance with him.

At least, that's what he'd thought.

"Alejandro, do you think I'm good-looking?"

Alejandro stopped in his tracks, surprise washing over him. He turned rather quickly to meet the questioning gaze of Rudy. The man had stopped as well and was looking up at him with wide eyes. His nerves were clear to see on his face.

"I do," Alejandro responded after a long moment, his voice hesitant, "Why do you ask?"

"It's nothing," Rudy started to move past him, but Alejandro wasn't willing to let him leave so easily. He seemed like something was bothering him.

He grabbed Rudy's arm as the man moved past him, stopping him in place and slowly turning them to face one another. There was a long moment of silence as Rudy avoided his gaze. "Why would you ask me that question?" Alejandro reached forward to hesitant turn Rudy's face toward him. The move seemed almost too intimate, but the feeling of gently tracing his fingers along Rudy's jaw to turn his head was enough to keep him from regretting it.

"I shouldn't say," Rudy answered quietly, "Just forget I asked. It's for the best."

"No," Alejandro challenged, "You asked me for a reason. I want to know why." There was a long moment of silence between the two of them. Rudy tried to look away again, but Alejandro forced him to hold his gaze. After a moment, he roughly asked, "Was it your husband? Did he say something?"

"No," Rudy answered quickly, but Alejandro didn't believe him. Rudy had asked the question for a reason, and he knew that the man would often try his best to defend his husband's actions, no matter how much they hurt him.

"If he said something," Alejandro let out several low curses, he really disliked Rudy's husband and this felt almost like a tipping point. He just couldn't not say something. "I am tired of him saying things to you and making you think less of yourself."

"Alejo, it wasn't him."

"He does not appreciate you! Doesn't he see what he has?" Rudy stared up at him with wide eyes as he continued. He knew he should stop, but now that he'd started he just had to keep going. He gave another few curses, "This is the man who was lucky enough to marry you, this man and he treats you so poorly? I would not be so foolish. If you were my husband, you would never have to ask these questions because you would know. You would know because I would tell you with every part of me. With my words, with my hands, with my mouth, with my-"

Rudy moved quickly, his hand tangling tightly in the fabric of Alejandro's shirt. With one quick movement, he'd brought the man down the short distance to meet his lips.

The kiss was harsh and passionate, a desperate press of lips that had Alejandro reeling for several moments. He didn't hesitate to reciprocate, pressing himself closer to the warmth of Rudy's body. He pushed them back, trying to get closer and closer, trying to savor the taste of Rudy on his tongue.

Eventually, he backed the other man against one of the walls of the quiet street that they were on, pressing him harshly against the cool brick. His hands moved along Rudy's sides before eventually landing on his hips, tugging their bottom halves closer together.

One of his legs slotted itself between Rudy's, pressing his thigh temptingly against his crotch to pull a desperate gasp from Rudy's mouth.

Alejandro couldn't stop himself, not when he was so close. Not when he had some semblance of what he'd been craving. He pressed closer, licking into Rudy's mouth and savoring the sweet taste of him on his tongue. He couldn't get enough and, even as he could hear people walking past them in the street, he couldn't make himself pull away.

Rudy didn't seem to mind so much, accepting everything that he gave him with an enthusiastic response of his own. His hand had buried themselves in his hair and grabbed tight to pull him ever closer. The slight sting pulled a groan from Alejandro's lips, it was so good. Rudy was just as wonderful as he'd imagined.

After a long moment of the two trying to get themselves impossibly closer to one another, Rudy pulled away. His breathing was heavy and his lips were a delightful kissed-red color. If it hadn't been for Rudy's hand holding tight to his hair, he would have tried to capture his lips again.

There was a long moment where they just looked at one another. Rudy's eyes seemed to search across Alejandro's face, looking for something, Alejandro wasn't sure what. It didn't matter, the other man seemed to find what he was looking for.

"Alejo," he tugged Alejandro closer until their lips were just hovering over the others, "A hotel, take me to a hotel."

"Fuck," Alejandro let his head fall back against the pillow. His breathing was heavy and he felt nearly hazy with the feeling of a warm heat slowly surrounding his cock. His hands gripped tighter at the plush hips that were slowly sinking down to press tight against his own. "God," he practically choked the words out as he was finally fully enveloped in the heat of the other man's ass, "Rodolfo, you feel so-"

Rudy rolled his hips, his head tilting back at the sweet sensation that washed over him. Alejandro gave a groan, his breath still ragged. He tried to get his head on straight. "Alejandro," his name slipped from Rudy's lips like honey. Slow and sweet and all too addicting for him.

He grabbed and used his grip on Rudy's hips to lift the other man up just enough that he fuck into him from below. The move pulled a desperate gasp from Rudy's lips and Alejandro was determined to hear the noise again.

He was quick to flip them, pressing Rudy's body into the mattress with his own as he started to fuck into him at a quick pace. The movements were fast and harsh and Alejandro relished in the sounds of skin slapping skin mixing with Rudy panting his name. It was overwhelming and did nothing to help the way that his mind was going hazy.

Rudy's nails dragged along the line of his back, clawing on to him for some sort of purchase. All Alejandro could think about was how wonderful the stinging wounds would do at reminding him of this later.

There was no chance that he would forget this. There was no chance that his mind would ever let go of the way that his body had felt when he'd pressed Rudy against the door of the hotel room they'd rented. He wouldn't be able to erase the taste of Rudy's skin along his tongue. Stripping Rudy of his clothes was like slowly unwrapping a present, probably the best present he would ever get to unwrap in his life.

There was the way that Rudy's hand had felt wrapped around his cock. The noises that he made as Alejandro had helped to stretch him open around his fingers. The way that Rudy had pressed Alejandro back onto the bed to slowly spear himself on his cock. It would remain clear in Alejandro's mind and, whether this was the first of many or the only time that Alejandro would be allowed to touch him, he was sure it would all remain perfectly intact to him. He knew he'd be able to recall it all perfectly in years, as though he would have only experiences it days before.

He attached his lips to Rudy's neck, licking and kissing along the expanse of skin laid before him. He couldn't help but give a quick nip at the flesh, leaving his mark was just too tempting. He was brought back to earth with a quick tug on his hair as Rudy moaned out, "No marks!" He ran his tongue over the skin to apologize and buried the disappointment he felt deep in his gut, letting the pleasure panging through him wash it away.

"Alejandro," Rudy clawed at his back again and wrapped his legs around his waist, trying to tug him closer, "So- oh fuck, so, so good!" He gave a desperate whine that had Alejandro's cock twitching inside of him. Having Rudy so desperate for him was something he was relishing in. "Let- hmmm, please! Let me-"

Alejandro never gave up his unrelenting pace, losing himself between Rudy's thighs. He didn't think he ever wanted to be found.

The quick pace had Rudy stuttering over himself, unable to get his thoughts out around the pleasure that was being pulled from him with quick hard thrusts. His face was a delightful pink in color and Alejandro took pleasure in seeing a haze that matched his own in Rudy's eyes. He would say he was doing a fairly good job.

Good job or not, it clearly wasn't enough for Rudy who, with a surprising show of strength, flipped them back over so that he was straddling Alejandro's waist. There was a small struggle as Alejandro tried to flip them back over and Rudy fought back against him. It ended with Rudy pinning Alejandro's hands beside his head, leaning his body down into the hold to help keep Alejandro still.

"Rudy-"

"Come on, Vaquero," Rudy purred through his desperate pants for air, "You offered to let me have a ride didn't you?"

"I offered to show you how," Alejandro responded, struggling just a bit again, "I can show you if you'll let me have my hands, Conejito."

"Oh no, no," Rudy rolled his hips down against him, pulling several moaned-out curses from Alejandro's lips, "I know how to ride, let me show you, Vaquero." Alejandro was sure he'd died and gone to heaven.

Ever so slowly, Rudy released his hands. As soon as he was sure that Alejandro wasn't going to move, he sat back up fully, his hands tracing carefully along Alejandro's chest as he did. He allowed his fingers to just trace over Alejandro's nipples, pulling a small whine from the man as he did.

Once Rudy was up fully, he leaned back to brace himself on Alejandro's thighs. He moved with deliberate slowness, raising himself off of Alejandro's cock until only the tip was left inside of him. He paused for one long teasing moment before dropping back down quickly until Alejandro was once again fully sheathed inside of him.

The movement sent pleasure sparking up Alejandro's spine. His hands shot to Rudy's thighs, holding on tightly for any sort of purchase as Rudy started a slow and deliberate pace, building the heat within them bit by bit.

It was slow, but it was hard and with every move, Alejandro seemed to hit deeper and deeper inside of him with every slam of Rudy's hips. It was the perfect slow build and, as the pleasure seemed to pile in on itself, Alejandro found himself a shaking mess. He could only manage to get a few curses, moans, and calls of Rudy's name out around the way that the other man was riding him. The slow build of pleasure and the constant slide of heat was too much for him.

Rudy seemed just as desperate. His cock was leaking, precum smearing his skin and occasionally dripping down onto Alejandro's skin. His eyes were practically rolled into the back of his head and Alejandro could feel the way that he was clenching around him. The little moans and desperate pleas of his name had Alejandro gripping tighter to his thighs as the pleasure became almost too much.

When it finally seemed that Alejandro couldn't take any more of the pleasure being wrung from his body, it all snapped. With a strong wave over his entire body, Alejandro was shaking, riding a continuous high that was maintained for several moments by Rudy's continuously desperate movements.

Everything felt so good, even as it started to become too much for him. It didn't matter, it was good and he felt like he was going to burst at the seams from the feelings that were pulled from his body.

Still, through his haze, he could see Rudy struggling to keep going, the pleasure pounding at him was too much and Alejandro could see the shake in his legs. He moved then, taking Rudy's cock in his hand and beginning quick tight strokes over the member. The reaction was instant and, despite his hips ceasing their movements, Rudy was finishing over Alejandro's hands in only a few moments.

It didn't quite hit Alejandro until he and Rudy were getting dressed to leave the hotel room. He watched out of the corner of his eye as Rudy pulled his wedding band from the pocket of his pants and slipped it onto his finger. It was in the gleam of it in the light that he realized what he'd done.

Alejandro had slept with a married man and, as Rudy pulled him into a slow kiss, he knew that he would be doing it again.

#rodolfo parra #alejandro x rudy #alejandro vargas #alejandro cod #alejandro mw2 #rudy mw2 #rudy cod #alerudy #cartel rudy au #call of duty fanfic #call of duty #aledolfo

[adidastain]

i’ll have what she’s having

90s trey parker (office!au) x fem!reader

warnings: none

notes: first person perspective (I, me, my, etc.)

word count: 3424

—

“When are you gonna let me take you out to dinner?” my coworker asked me, waiting for me to finish filling my water bottle at the cooler.

“When you get your sales up, Parker,” I said, tilting my head. I tapped the knot of his necktie as I turned around to face him. Trey looked down at me, smirking. “I can’t be seen in public with a poor salesman.” 

“Says the temp,” He retorted, hurriedly pouring water into a tiny paper cup as I started walking back to my desk. Trey followed me through the kitchen to my cubicle, which was on the opposite side of the office to his. 

“Not for much longer if you don’t get those numbers up,” I grinned sweetly, leaning against my desk. Trey stood in front of me, also leaning to the side. I batted my eyelashes at him. “Keep wasting time like this and we’ll end up switching seats.”

I sat down, tidying up a stack of papers. I reached for the handset, until Trey placed his hand on mine to stop me from picking up the phone. 

“And if I get my sales up?” he proposed. 

I laughed at him as if to say, “like that could ever happen.” I tsked, shaking my head. 

“You’ll let me take you out, right?” he continued. 

I looked up at him, staring into his bright, blue eyes. I had to admit, he was quite handsome. He was funny too; he’d always do the best impressions of our other coworkers with dumb voices. I usually brought in coffee for our boss, then Trey asked me to start bringing him some, and now he’s the one who brings me coffee. 

“If you can make 20 sales before 5 o’clock, you can take me out tonight, yes. That’s an hour,” I told him, rolling my eyes slightly. “Others might consider those rookie numbers, so hop to it.”

I patted his shoulder, watching him walk away with a smile on my face. I felt my cheeks turn red. I knew it would be a challenge for him, since he always got distracted. Part of me was really rooting for him, though. The only reason I ever said no to him was to see how far he was willing to go to get me to go out with him. It was slightly cruel, I’ll admit it. But he was very determined. 

I didn’t see him for the rest of the day, and for once I was able to get a little more work done than usual. I was in my boss’ office when 5 PM rolled around. She and I had been discussing an opportunity for a permanent position at the office, since I was just a temp. However, she seemed to think that I’d make a good fit, so I was excited to be able to finally secure a job that didn’t last less than a month. 

Once I got out of her office, it was 5:02, and Trey was still on the phone. He looked up at me, his eyes filled with concern and anticipation. I could see his leg bouncing underneath the desk. I leaned against the wood, examining all of the papers sprawled across his desk, all covered in his messy handwriting. 

“I- Okay. Yes. We’ll talk tomorrow. Definitely. Thanks. Bye-bye,” Trey said, before hanging up the phone. He leaned forward, exhaling heavily with his face in his hands. 

“Three minutes overtime,” I said, tapping my index finger on his desk. 

“I only made 17,” he huffed, leaning back. Trey looked at me with probably the saddest pair of defeated eyes I’d ever seen. I honestly felt kinda bad for him; I bet he’d worked harder in that last hour than he ever had before. 

“Aww,” I said, tilting my head. “Better luck next time, kiddo.”

I reached down to rub his shoulder. The fabric of his shirt had that nice, soft texture that you only got from real expensive dress shirts. My hand lingered there for a few seconds; longer than I intended to. 

“Wanna go get some drinks?” I asked, leaning down to meet his eye level. 

His head snapped up to look at me. His whole face lit up, eyes wide and all. “What?” he choked out. 

“You heard me,” I laughed, crossing my arms. I bit my lip, watching him grin from ear to ear. 

“I guess so,” he shrugged, sighing. I rolled my eyes, standing up to put my baggy black sweater on over my blouse. I started walking towards the exit, watching Trey scramble to get all of his stuff together and catch up to me. Soon we were in the parking lot, playfully arguing about where we were headed. 

“I could do with a nice shake, I think,” I stated, following Trey to his little beat-up car. 

“There’s a diner by the mall,” he said. Two minutes ago, he was insisting we go to a pub up the street. He was such a simple creature. He just wanted to please me. 

“That is a nasty drive from my place,” I grimaced. 

“Mine too,” he shrugged, leaning against the door of his car with his hands in his pockets. “Their shakes are worth it though, trust me.” 

“Hmm, I don’t know if I should trust you,” I said, squinting at him. “You couldn’t even make 20 sales for me today.” 

Trey rolled his eyes. “Yet you’re going out with me,” he shot back, raising his eyebrows. 

I tried to smother the grin on my face. I shrugged. 

“Consider yourself lucky, Parker,” I said innocently. “I’m not an easy catch.”

“Obviously,” he grumbled, smiling. He reached up to scratch his jaw, allowing me a brief moment to examine his hand. He had a short, wide palm with long, dainty fingers and rough cuticles. It looked like he picked at them. 

“I’ll follow you. See you in a few,” I said, smiling. I started walking towards my car, turning around for a moment to yell at him. “And don’t speed!”

“I can’t help it, Y/N! My feet are made of lead!,” he shouted, defending himself. 

I giggled, getting into my car. I turned the ignition, letting the car warm up for a moment while I checked myself in the mirror. My lips were chapped and my hair had gotten a little messy throughout the day. I was honestly too exhausted to give a shit, so I just let it down. 

The drive was long. It was the middle of rush hour, so Trey and I ended up getting stuck in a traffic jam. We ended up side by side a number of times, challenging each other in our own lanes which were going two different speeds. Eventually, after almost 40 minutes, we made it, parking right next to each other. I put some chapstick on and took my blouse off, leaving my sweater on so that I was more comfortable. Trey was still in his work clothes; light blue shirt with rolled up sleeves, black tie, navy blue pants, brown belt and dark brown shoes. He wasn’t very coordinated. 

“You drive like a senior citizen,” he said, grinning at me as I walked up to his side. 

“You drive like a wanted criminal,” I shot back, turning around so I was walking backwards and facing him as he held the door open for me. 

The dinner smelled like cake and coffee. It was slightly overwhelming, but not so much that I wouldn’t get used to it. The hostess led us to a small booth next to the window, giving us a quite lovely view of the highway outside. The sun had begun to set, so the sky was painted with the most gorgeous golden-orange you could get in Long Beach. 

“I think I actually greatly prefer this over a bar,” Trey hummed, his eyes skimming over the menu while his hands rested in his lap. 

I laughed softly, looking away from him. I took a sip from the iced water that the server brought to us not long after we sat down, the cold sending a shiver down my spine.

“Now that we’re finally here,” I huffed. “Why were you so desperate to take me out?”

Trey looked up, caught off guard. His cheeks turned a light shade of pink as he brought his hand up to scratch the back of his head. 

“I enjoy your company,” he said softly. “And I’m attracted to you.”

“‘Cause I’m the funniest, coolest, sexiest girl you’ve ever met?” I teased him. 

“Yup,” he grinned, biting his lip as the server came back over to our table. 

I ordered a plain vanilla milkshake with no cherry and extra whipped cream, and Trey ordered the exact same thing. He really was so simple. I made fun of him for it. 

“So what don’t I know about you?” Trey asked me, leaning over the table with his arms crossed. 

“Not much, I imagine. You spend 3 out of 8 hours hanging around by my desk, so I can only assume you know me inside and out,” I stated, furrowing my eyebrows. “But I guess… you probably don’t know that I play guitar.”

“I did… not know that,” he said, raising his eyebrows. Trey leaned back, a soft smile on his face as we both spoke. He looked suspiciously satisfied, as if this was all going according to some massive plan of his. I decided to challenge his gaze with my own, equally mischievous one. I then realized that he was probably just admiring me. 

“Come to think of it, what do you know about me?” I asked, resting my head in my palm. I snuck a glance at his neck, which had a healthy amount of stubble on it that spread up to his face as well. A day or two post-shave, maybe? Regardless, it looked good on him. He also had a lot of freckles and beauty marks all over his face and neck. Part of me wanted to spend time counting all of them. 

“I know that you like pickles, but only by themselves. Same for black olives. Oh, and you can’t seem to sit normally in any capacity. You challenge the ergonomic designs of modern chairs and refuse to conform to corporate standards,” he listed, mocking me in the last bit of his sentence. I couldn’t help but laugh. “You hate mussels but somehow love asparagus. Beavers are your favorite animal. Um… I also know that you always have your hair up, ‘cause I’m a little bit stunned right now by the fact that it’s down.”

He laughed sheepishly with those last few words. I blushed. I forgot I let my hair down. It was wavy and unruly; I usually hated having it down, but it was starting to make my headache worse throughout the day, so I just wanted to feel more comfortable. 

“It’s pretty,” he mumbled, swallowing. Trey seemed so nervous, delivering such a simple compliment. Simple, yet I too found myself made somewhat shy from his words. I guess I was just used to him being so unserious all the time. “You should wear it down more often.”

I laughed, rolling my eyes. The server came over with our shakes. The tall glasses were very elegant and very heavy. The straws were made of paper. I cringed, pulling mine out of the glass and opting for a spoon instead. 

Trey looked at me like he was watching an ape pick its nose. 

“I now know that you drink milkshakes with a spoon,” he teased me, his cheeks caving in as he attempted to suck his shake through the straw. 

“At least spoons don’t dissolve,” I said, mocking him. Trey just kept laughing at me. 

We spent a few moments in awkward silence, just enjoying our shakes. I tried to think of something to fill the quiet gap in the conversation, but I couldn’t come up with anything witty or funny, and it didn’t feel appropriate to give him a compliment. 

Eventually, Trey spoke up, bringing up the last topic I would have ever wanted to discuss on a date. Work. 

“Did Michelle clear you for a permanent position yet?” He asked me. 

I sighed slightly, trying not to let it show. 

“We’ve been talking about it. She’s just not sure where she’s gonna put me yet, but I still have like, two weeks, so… I’m not too worried,” I explained, avoiding his eyes. 

“Maybe we’ll be desk neighbors,” he said, grinning. 

“Ack,” I gagged, teasing him. To be completely honest, that didn’t sound too bad. Granted, he would probably get even less work done if he were always right next to me. He’d be too busy showing off, and I’d be so distracted that I wouldn’t get any work done either. 

“Hey, c’mon,” he laughed. “You know I’m your best friend in the office.”

“Yeah. My ‘friend,’” I repeated, doing air quotes with my fingers. 

“What, you don’t like me?” he pouted. 

“We’re on a date, Trey. Of course I don’t like you,” I said. I was being sarcastic, but I held no sarcastic tone in my words. He had to have realized that I was joking… right?

Trey’s eyes shot wide open, his lips curling into a smirk as his cheeks turned red. “So we’re dating?” he said, dragging out the last word as if he were a teenage girl. He grinned, taking another strangled sip of his milkshake. 

I shrugged, sticking the end of my spoon all the way in my mouth so I could lick it clean. 

Trey leaned back, a small smile on his face as he stared at his lap. I watched him pull himself together, biting my own lip. Seeing him happy and giddy made me feel happy and giddy too. 

After about an hour, we finished our shakes, and just sat in our little booth, talking. I learned that he had a cat named Jake and that he studied film in college, and even directed a few until he ran out of money and had to get a more permanent job. He explained that since he started working at the company, he didn’t have much time at all to do anything film related. I felt bad; I could see the way his eyes lit up when he was talking about working in film.

“You should show me what you’ve made sometime,” I said, playing with the little bit of ice cream left in the bottom of my glass. A majority of the other customers had left, leaving the diner much quieter than it had been just a few minutes ago. Now it was just me and Trey, some elderly women in the corner, and a group of teenagers on the other side of the restaurant

“Mmm. Maybe,” he hummed, cringing. 

“What, you don’t like it?” I asked.

“It’s just like, not great,” he laughed. “It’s as good as college films get, I guess. It could be better.”

“I’m sure it’s awesome, Trey. You’re a funny guy,” I said, reaching across the table to brush his fingers with mine. 

Never, since I first met him a month ago, had I ever called him by his first name. I never felt the need to, until now. I guess it just felt right. 

Trey looked absolutely stunned and speechless at the contact, his eyes staring straight into mine. I felt one of his fingers stroke the top of my hand. My stomach fluttered, his touch gentle and soothing. 

I let go of his hand as the server came back over with our check. Trey and I looked at each other, before my hand shot forward to grab the little booklet before he could even blink. 

“No,” he said, grabbing it. 

“Yes,” I grinned, yanking it away from him. He looked at me, pouting. 

“Let’s at least split it,” he pleaded. “Or let me pay you back.”

“Not necessary,” I said, shaking my head. I pulled my card out of my wallet, sticking it in the check and setting it on the edge of the table. “You can just pay for our next date.”

I smiled at him, watching his face turn from defeated to somewhat shocked. I suppose our date went a lot better than he thought it would. 

I really did like him. To be honest, I was completely flustered when he asked me out the first time. I just didn’t want to give in so easily. Plus I had only been working there for a week at the time, so I barely knew him, but after the first time he asked me, we started hanging out more, and he kept asking me out. I could tell he really liked me too. 

I sorted everything out, and once we went outside, we ended up lingering outside of our cars, still talking. The sounds of the highway nearby provided some pleasant atmospheric noise, making it infinitely less awkward than it was inside. 

“Are you free tomorrow?” I asked, my arms crossed over my chest. Trey still had his work clothes on, having taken his necktie off and unbuttoned one or two buttons on his dress shirt so he could breathe. He had a white V-neck T-shirt on underneath, and I was able to see his collarbone and some of his chest hair sticking out of the collar. 

Trey shook his head. “Lakers play tomorrow night. I’m having friends over, if you wanna come. I’m just not going out,” he laughed sheepishly. 

“Hmm… Maybe. Actually, yeah. That sounds cool,” I beamed. I wanted to meet his friends. He told me he met them all in college and from what I heard, they seemed like a lot of fun to be around. I also secretly wanted him to introduce me to his friends and brag about me when I wasn’t looking. 

“Cool,” he grinned. His eyes skimmed up and down my frame, before landing at his feet as he seemed to be at a loss for words. 

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning,” I said softly, brushing his hand with my fingers. He looked at me, swallowing harshly. His eyes darted all around my face, leaving an extra long glance at my lips. 

“The usual? Green tea?” he asked. His eyelids had dropped, making him look unusually sleepy. He had a dumb smirk on his face. 

“You got it,” I said, clicking my tongue and winking. 

“‘Kay,” he laughed. He turned his body to the side, beginning to walk away from me. “See you.”

“Wait a second,” I said, raising my voice slightly. My words echoed through the dark, empty parking lot, the sound bouncing back to me as my hand grabbed Trey’s forearm. 

He turned back to face me, looking at me patiently. I grabbed his other arm, pulling him closer before standing up on my tiptoes to peck him on the lips. 

Trey leaned into it, until I pulled away, keeping my face close to his. I looked up at him through my eyelashes, staring into his blue eyes as they searched my face for any sign of uncertainty or regret. After a moment, he kissed me again, tenderly to test the waters. His lips felt so soft and warm, laid gently between mine. It was the perfect kiss. 

By the time we pulled away naturally, one of his hands had found its way to the small of my back, laying flat against it and holding my body close to him until I dropped down from my tiptoes. I slid out of his grasp, taking steps backward towards my car, unable to control the grin on my face. 

“Night, Trey,” I said. 

Trey grinned, shaking his head slightly. “Night, Y/N,” he replied, watching as I got back into my car. 

Before closing the door, I leaned forward and yelled, “You better make at least 60 sales tomorrow!”

“Yeah, yeah,” he chuckled, unlocking his car. 

And with that, I went home, barely able to think about driving while my mind was so caught up on Trey and I’s kiss. I kept thinking that maybe I made a mistake, since it was only our first date, but it just felt right. Besides, it’s not like we don’t see each other eight hours a day, five days a week. 

Regardless, I was looking forward to going to work the next day for the first time in my entire life. 

I don’t think I’d ever been so excited to watch a basketball game, either.

#fun little office au thing #i wrote this in like 2 hours #trey parker x reader #trey parker #x reader #fem reader #fanfiction #fluff #matt stone #baseketball #smut #cannibal the musical #mattrey

[being-of-rain]

My thoughts on The Church on Ruby Road! I literally can't write one of these without it being much longer than I expect. You think I'd simply expect it by now. But apparently I just had a lot of thoughts to put down about this one!

I really liked it! Going by friends' reactions, I think I liked it more than most of them. Maybe that's because I was expecting the more straightforward fantasy than usual from Doctor Who after hearing about it from RTD. I hope they dive into that more in the upcoming series, and make it explicit that it's because of the edge-of-the-universe-superstition stuff. That's such a fun direction for the show to go in.

I mostly have good things to say. Ncuti Gatwa was an instant fit for the Doctor, I can't wait to watch a whole series of him. His outfits were fantastic, especially that very first shot of him with his hat. And his deduction and reassurance scene with the policeman reminds us that the character has a powerful magic even without the goblins and skyships. Oh and the Doctor loving the name Lulubelle, what an adorable moment.

The goblins and skyships themselves felt very Peter Pan to me, and I love the urban fantasy feel it gave the episode. I also simply adore the fairytale logic, narrative magic that the Doctor was talking about. "The language of luck" and "coincidence is what makes the baby tasty" and "vocabulary of rope" and "if you have lots of accidents, it stitches you in. It weaves you into the day." I eat that stuff up, urban fantasy at its best in my opinion. Creeping into our world around the edges. And of course Doctor Who had to have a line suggesting that all coincidences might be because of goblins, I love it. The unexpected goblin music number felt very appropriately pantomime, and led to yet another moment that made me fell in love with this Doctor; him continuing the song rather than stopping it. Again, adorable.

As for Ruby Sunday, she's fun to watch and well acted, and I don't have anything bad to say about her, but she does feel a little generic-companion to me at the moment. Sometimes companions take a while before they go from 'like' to 'love' for me, but they usually make it eventually, it just takes one really great episode or plot. I do love her family though, they're so much fun, please can we have the Doctor spending more time with them. It's so cute to see a foster family depicted so positively and wholesomely.

Which leads us to the hardest-hitting part of the episode, when Ruby's taken and the timeline is rewritten, and GOD it's bleak. It's another look at that classic RTD cynicism that's just under the surface, but it works soooo well here, god damn. The way a lot of minimal changes made the setting go from "queens of the sky" to "stuck with my old mum up here in the attic" was so Powerful. The performances of Michelle Greenidge as a depressed Carla and Ncuti Gatwa as a raw and heartbroken Doctor was just. Chef's kiss. This time it's sci-fi at it's best; something impossible happening and then the story really digging its claws into the emotional impact it has on people.

The Doctor really showing his emotions is something I love and want to see a lot more of. I assume that's the main change to the character after Tennant Doctor's mental health retirement, which is a relief after Thirteen's years of brooding and hiding negative emotions from friends. So I don't mind Gatwa's Doctor having issues and brooding moments, because obviously you can't permanently fix all your problems forever anyway, especially not in his life. But all that said, specifically his line "I've got no one" really stood out to me as being strange considering the previous episode seemingly solving that in the short term. I know Gatwa's Doctor might potentially be a long way past that now, but surely it robs the retirement ending of its entire point if we immediately skip past not only the healing, but the getting-worse-again-about-the-exact-same-issue as well.

Speaking of Thirteen, it was nice to see RTD once again bring back the Timeless Child from Chibnall's era and give it a bit more depth. Chibnall definitely acknowledged the Timeless Child's emotional impact on the Doctor, and she had an arc surrounding that. But if I had to describe that arc I'd call it rather one-note and uninteresting; going from 'desperate to know more about adoption' to 'accepting it without question' without really any character beats in-between. Seeing how Gatwa's Doctor was dealing with it, how he related to other adoption stories and thought about himself, adds more dimensions to that, and I hope we get more glimpses of it.

When it comes to Ruby Sunday's adoption, I like that there's something of a plot bait-and-switch with the Doctor staring at (presumably) Ruby's mother in the cold open, then the Doctor being more concerned with saving Ruby later in the episode, and deciding not to follow the mother. If the series spends more focus on that plot, I hope it's mostly Ruby making a similar choice to the Doctor, because I'm an absolute sucker for 'it's not biology that makes a family.' I mean, basically my favourite Doctor Who story is Izzy Sinclair's from the DWM comic, and it was basically this. Izzy's story might've even been a direct influence on Ruby's, since we know that RTD was a DWM reader at the time and loved it too, enough to send a letter in praising the final Izzy comic! Anyway, I should probably try not to compare the two arcs too much, because I have my favourite and I'm biased 😂

How does this Thoughts Post feel even longer than usual!? I guess new Doctor, new companion, and new story arcs might do that. So time for random points!

-After checking, the clock on the eponymous church is absolutely the same one on the Christmas Town tower from The Time of the Doctor. I hope I'm not the only one who immediately noticed that aha. -I've seen people diss the narration at the very start, and I get disliking purposeless narration, but I think this one serves a purpose well. It adds even more of a fairytale vibe to a very fairytale scenario in a very fairytale episode. -Random nitpick: one thing I'd change about the episode is how much stress the camera and music give to some comedy minor characters, specifically the lady with the pram, Mrs Flood in her first scene, and the other neighbour. Focusing on them so much felt like it dampened their little jokes a bit. -Random highlight: I love when the Doctor says random throwaway stuff like they always do, but side characters actually pick it up and start trying to pick meaning out of it. So it made me happy when Ruby came back to the Houdini namedrop at the end of the episode. -The international version of the episode had a random Disney Plus ad before the final few lines (rather than that being a mid-credits scene like in the UK) and god I hated it. Praying that doesn't happen again. -I know RTD has said there'll be more about the "mysterious" Mrs Flood in future, but to me she genuinely just felt like a minor character with a christmas fourth-wall break. I really don't care about getting more of her, so if there is then I hope it's more interesting. -The murder of the Goblin King sure was more violent than usual for Doctor Who, and it can bother me a little bit when TV shows start letting things like that go by without comment, but I don't really mind it this time. The goblins vanished like the mythical creatures they were, the Doctor was cool as hell jumping off the church tower to bring them down, and this time the classic RTD Emotional Manipulation was working on me perfectly. -It's hilarious that they're keeping up the 'mavity' thing, I wonder when they'll actually do something with that.

Final thoughts! The Church on Ruby Road was a fantastic start to The Gatwa Era. It had a simple plot and villains, which worked wonderfully with the delightful characters, magical aesthetic, and powerful emotional beats it landed. It definitely felt more like a first episode than a christmas special, which is to it's credit, but with the singular downside that it has me impatient for more episodes!

If you made it all the way to the end, then Happy New Year! I hope you (and Dr Who) have a wonderful 2024 😘

#my thoughts #woof my thoughts always look a lot longer written down than in my head aha #but it's nice to feel like I have things to say about something yknow. I can put some opinions into words. #and I left a little present at the end for anyone who gets that far <3 #doctor who #ruby #fourteen #I may have to start tagging him fifteen soon to avoid confusion tbh

[mannatea]

Random thoughts about DBZ because I’m rewatching starting at the Great Saiyaman Arc.

Gohan is just so wholesome and good. Even after all these years I still stan with my whole heart. When he finds out that Mr. Satan has been taking credit for (more or less) his and his friends’ work during the Cell Games, and all he does is just have a giggle about it? I love him your honor.

These episodes start off so goofy after the more serious tone of the Cell Games arc, but even though they’re not very serious there’s enough realism in there for the silliness to feel grounded I guess? Like yeah, “Gohan goes to high school” sounds so dull off the cuff, but there’s something seriously charming about him trying to “fit in” and “be normal”—and to a degree it’s a relatable issue, too. He really is just trying to make friends and keep them (after a lifetime so far of not really having friends his own age)(I think Dende sort of counts for this but they don’t see each other as often as, say, a school friend group does).

Videl doesn’t half-ass anything and frankly that’s one of the reasons I will always love her.

Seriously, I love her so much. I wish they’d had more time to develop her character and go into a bit more about why she acts the way she does, but a lot of that can just be inferred. It’s not really surprising that she’s out there like a bloodhound sniffing out bullshit from Day 1 considering her father’s fame and what that has probably meant for her for the last 7ish years.

Also she’s a Fashion Icon actually. Spandex shorts and a t-shirt? Same, girl.

She does attach herself to Gohan awfully quickly, which ties back into wishing we got more character development, buttttt it seems pretty clear early on that part of the reason she wants to know who he is is because he’s “just like her for real”: she definitely seems to understand she’s found someone worth her time.

I think there’s probably something to be said here about her father’s bullshit too, and filling her head with ideas about how she can only date someone as strong as he is (when she believes nobody like that exists, especially not someone her age) but really I feel like that connection forms so quickly because Gohan is not a simp or a fan of hers; he just has a similar idea of justice, and she really vibes with that. It feels like a genuine connection to another person, which she probably hasn't experienced often.

Anyway I just love how earnest and hard-working she is.

And I’m sorry because the shipping goggles are permanently affixed to my dumb face at this point in my life with these characters, but it’s still pretty cute (and funny tbh) that Videl and Gohan have this constant back and forth of her doing something and him being genuinely impressed by her, even though her accomplishments are like, absolutely nothing compared to what he and his friends can do. It just kind of sets up Gohan as a “look at my awesome wife” kind of guy, which he definitely is. LOL.

I also really like how he manages to recognize that she has limitations (as she is just a human being) without ever really coming across like he’s disrespecting her as a person. Above all, Gohan does try to be respectful. Or when he’s worried about potentially coming up against her father in the tournament because he’s concerned beating her father in a match might hurt her feelings? He’s such a good kid.

He’s also dumb as shit re: the hair comment, but there’s something about that stupid 5 second scene that I love too… Like Gohan was just spitting facts about short hair being harder to use against her in a fight, but she totally misunderstood his meaning and then gets mad about it. LOL. It feels very…teenagery to me (as it should). But when she comes back with short hair anyway, it’s nice because even though she was upset for having misunderstood him, she obviously recognizes the truth in his words. It was good advice—so she takes it.

I also feel kind of bad for Gohan for all the teasing he gets at the start of the tournament for his “friend” being a “girl” like pleaaase give him a break. The poor kid barely has friends. Let’s not pigeonhole him into a romantic relationship too.

Honestly Videl needs time to build up a good friendship too. She kind of sucks at making and keeping friends and doesn’t need the pressure of romance on her plate (even though she’s obviously sorta interested HAHAHA).

I mean I like that they do get together in the end (obviously, I was the biggest G/V shipper in the old days lol) but that their friendship felt highlighted first and foremost was always meaningful to me personally lol.

Also to backtrack, it’s still hilarious that ChiChi was suspicious of Videl until she found out she was rich. ICONIQUE.

 Goten is the cutest little kid ARGHHHH. I love him so much.

One thing about watching the series in Japanese is that I miss out on the dub’s terrible rapping attempts by Gohan and frankly that is PEAK COMEDY.

Videl sounds 10x cuter in the original, too, now that I think about it. And Hercule sounds much more serious (despite his comedic relief character) which is a great contrast actually.

Announcer man is a fave too btw. I love him.

Backtracking again but Vegeta at the beginning of this arc was actually not as much of an asshole as I remember him being in the dub. But also why is his voice so smooth?? LOL.

Currently on the Trunks vs. Goten fight episode where Videl is like “WTF” about everything. I kinda feel bad for her, but I like that while her not knowing what’s going on is part of the comedy aspect of the episodes, she’s never treated like she’s stupid for it. For all of DBZ’s faults I will say some characters were done surprisingly well.

#dbz

[chirpsythismorning]

If Will is a lab kid, do you think he's always meant to be one, or is it one of those things that they decided to go with post-season 1?

I'm sort of undecided right now? Part of me thinks, yes definitely! Then another part of me thinks, maybe not?

It's kind of the equivalent to byler for me rn, where yes, there are several instances in s1 that I read as foreshadowing Mike not being straight and/or even simply liking Will. Though, I can't say for certain if that was their original intention (unless they admit it themselves eventually) because we know from what they've said in the past, they thought s1 could end up being a standalone. And so if s1 ended the way it did, without returning, then presumably byler wouldn't have been endgame (at least not blatantly in canon).

However, they also have said that while producing s1, Netflix wanted more background for the inter-workings of the greater story, so that if they did hypothetically continue there would be a plan. And so stuff like Eleven originally dying at the end of s1, might have been the permanent ending had they simply not returned for a s2. And yet they still ended s1 on a note that made her death open-ended, had they been given the opportunity to return.

So I do think generally speaking there could be a lot of details in s1 that were put there with the hope (or consideration at least) that the story could go further. And both byler endgame and twelvegate/willel twins sort of fits into that for me.

Though for the sake of this ask, there are definitely certain pieces of evidence from s1 that make me genuinely consider twelvegate as something they could have planned from the beginning. And not only that, but I think a lot of what happens in s1 ties into what goes on in the following seasons. So I feel fairly confident saying I think it might have indeed been a plan from the start.

One major thing I've been fixated on as of recent, is this consistent focus on Will's arms/wrists throughout the series. It's as if they're either very obnoxiously obstructing our view of his arm/wrists (usually his left arm w/ his watch), or they are showing them off blatantly in the frame (usually his right arm).

I think that this consistent detail, in tandem with the theme of time being central (Will's watch) as well as the references to the tattoo on El's left wrist/alleged birthmark on Will's right arm, makes a lot of these observations interesting as a whole, to say the least...

Within the first 5 minutes of being introduced to Will, he's sporting his iconic red/yellow vest and his watch. Within the first 5 minutes of being introduced to El, she's sporting the yellow Benny's burgers t-shirt, and not only that, but the red and yellow ketchup being the most eye catching colors in most of these shots takes my brain straight to Will (and El?). The shot of Benny with his watch in the frame is a nice touch, and us getting a close up of El's tattoo directly where Will's tattoo would presumably be (under his watch), is interesting, but it's even more interesting in the context of what's to come.

As of now, this is believed to be the first scene featuring the infamous birthday mug in Mike's basement, and it's a scene where Mike gives El his watch to wear on her left arm (over her tattoo), so that she can keep track of time.

This is the most unnecessary detail ever. I'm not even going to delve into it bc it's sort of ridiculous. Why even have Joyce say this, only to cut her off? Why?

This is probably my favorite example out of all of these, and it's because it was after getting an ask about this scene in particular, that I realized this is actually really suspicious. For one, it's the first time we're ever seeing Will w/out his watch in the series. It's a flashback that Joyce has while at Will's funeral. What we can presume based on the other flashbacks from s1, with Will at Castle Byers and then in Jonathan's room listening to music, with him wearing his watch in both of those, is that he was presumably not wearing his watch in the fireball flashback bc he was at an age where he didn't have it yet. So this is likely the youngest Will Byers we have seen in the show, pre-June 1982 at the latest (that's when Poltergeist was in theaters). But that's not even the interesting part. What's interesting is how in most of these shots, specifically OTS, they block out Will's left arm, while in contrast broadcasting his right arm in the frame. Weird how the first time they showed Will without his watch in the series, and they're making a point to block it out...? And the intense shadow in that third shot on his right arm also has me side eyeing...

Jumping to the end of s1, they make a point to show El returning Mike's watch before she gets into the salt bath to find Will. She removes it from her right arm, only for Mike to take it and put it back on his left arm. I wouldn't normally read too much into this, but when we've got time trickery/loop, Mike always running late, and Will might be a lab kid allegations all in the mix, how can I not read into this?

What then follows is El going into the void to find Will. Now's the time they make a point to show us the inside of Will's right arm/wrist, AKA the same arm that Joyce said had a birthmark? Almost like they want to confirm something they planted in our heads in the first place? And yet nothing is there, or so it seems..? I have to ask again, Why? What is the point of all of this? (+ reminder that Mike was missing from all of the reaction shots for this scene, which is odd...)

And yet it gets weirder. At the end of s1, when Will is rescued and reuniting with the party, they decide to also clue us in on the state of Will's left arm (he coughs and so he has no choice but to lift it up and put it on display... yeah... okay), the same arm they didn't let us see at the start of the season, but are now showing us AFTER Will's time in the upside down... Whatever I guess..

At the end of s1, during the epilogue, they give us a close up of Will's arms in long sleeves, which we have been lead to believe up this point now are both birthmark-less (tattoo-less if that's something someone was looking for...). And so okay. Cool. I can't say for certain why they still feel the need to show off his arms so blatantly like this (I do however have a guess...).

Onto s2!

These two images above are more so notable mentions to start of s2 than major examples. It gets pretty crazy going forward, but I felt the need to mention a couple examples like these bc they're simple and cute. The first one is cute bc there's so little of the main party in the frame as it is, and so making Will at the forefront with his little wrist out? Noted. And the next one is even more simple, and yet I love it bc of that detail of the letters spelling out "TICK" in the background...

This one is quite difficult to catch, but after rewatching and really trying to pay attention, I realized that what's being emphasized here is not only both of Will's arms, first his right then his left, but also in contrast, the doctor attending to him's wrists are on full display in both shots...

This is another notable mention, just because I think in general Will's love for drawing is something that makes these sort of shots very easy to overlook. Because they fit so well with the outright narrative, you don't have to read into it to appreciate it. However, looking at all these moments together, makes it hard for me to overlook.

And here we have another favorite, because this is after one of the most confusing scenes in the entire series, with which no fan has even come close to understanding yet. What I am referring to are the scenes at the Byers at the end of 2x01, where the phone rings and they don't answer it (Will is missing from these shots for some reason), followed by a scene at the lab with the lights flickering, then followed by Will waking up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. They give us this really dramatic shot of his wrists again, literally flipping them over to show off that there's nothing there... Why even go all out with this unless they assume that we are looking? And why even humor a reminder? Why make it a constant throughout the show, if there's nothing to it?

This is another notable mention because I think it's really peculiar how he kind of drags his left (watch) arm out the door, causing it to be doused in shadow for most of that shot. Though the next morning they show it off again. This may very well still seem not that suspicious yet, but trust me, this isn't even the most incriminating.

This is believed to be the second time we are seeing the infamous happy birthday mug, only this time it's in a scene with Mike and Will. I think what makes this scene so much better to me now, is how right Mike was without even realizing. The truth is, El would understand exactly what Will is going through. I initially tried to look into this scene from the context of arms/wrists and came up short. Though now, looking at it and typing this, I do think it's interesting they were presumably given the direction to cross their wrists over for that last shot... It could just be a coincidence, but a pretty insane one considering.

Just another iconic drawing shot with Will's arm dominating the frame.

This one is interesting bc it's the first time we're officially introduced to Will's feeling in his neck (head?), which if you'll note, he reaches to touch with his arm(s).

NOW THEY'RE JUST LAUGHING AT US!

Fair warning, it's about to get real.

Also s/out to @shippingfangirl013 who supports my Twelvegate obsession. We've been going back and forth for months rewatching. And I kid you not, every rewatch we're finding new evidence that support our theories (delusion?). She introduced me to a lot of these examples of Will's wrists being emphasized after we talked about the complexities of the tattoo debacle, leading us down a massive rabbit hole. Though these ones below are what probably take the cake, because they are just...

Well would you look at that. An extremely incriminating shot focusing entirely on Will's left arm dominating the frame more than ever before, and cast in a remarkably intense shadow, also with lacerations from the rope that was tying him up over his wrist(s). It means nothing...

Onto s3!

Also hard to spot this, but the final shot of the previous scene emphasizing El's left arm (wrist), where her tattoo is, along with her bracelet, sort of parallels the shots of Will in the following scene, which also emphasizes Will's left arm (wrist), where his watch is...

If you'll notice, each time Will has reached for his neck up to this point, he's always used his left arm.

That is until the scene at Castle Byers, which is when Will suddenly starts a new trend of using his right arm to reach for his neck instead, also ironically the same scene that Will says He's back...

This VERY much intrigues me in the context of the theory that Will was in part either possessed or at least guided in some way by Vecna to encourage the party to go to the hospital, where their ill-fate awaited them. Also somewhere they probably wouldn't have gone if it wasn't for Will bringing the idea up himself. There's already been analysis on this elsewhere, but the basics is that those scenes at Heather's house and the hospital, leading up to the lights flickering, and Will's blocking in all those shots/his literal shadow, is odd... (also I might be totally crazy, but these shots at the pool/hospital almost look like Will does have a birthmark on his right arm, arguably near the wrist tattoo zone... It doesn't look like Will/Noah has ever had a mole/birthmark in any of the shots focusing on his right arm in the show previously up to this point, which I just find that to be kind of confusing in the context of the speculation about a birthmark on his right arm in 1x03 by Joyce, despite that being debunked in the finale? Idk, maybe it's a new one? Idk. I'm just gonna try not to think about it too much or my brain might explode.).

Next, that first one is almost funny to me, because why does Will even need to be in the frame at all here? Arguably he doesn't need to be, but instead of just letting this be a shot of El and Max, they make a point to have Will's right arm placed directly in the middle of the shot (less the middle, more so following rule of thirds. Which is even more incriminating tbh)...

Not suspicious at all. Totally normal stuff going on here. In fact, look away entirely. It's probably a complete waste of your time...

ANYWAYS onto s4!

The wonder twins are now officially twinning-up after 3 seasons of subtle build-up. The yellow and red making a reappearance reminding us this is very much the same as it's always been, whether we (or they themselves) realize it or not. Both of their left wrists sporting some type of accessory, while also mirroring each other, is borderline spooky.

AGAIN, the unrelenting urge these Duffers have to make Will and El mirror each other...? Pretty remarkable if you ask me. Something is definitely going on here. Oh and here's a quick focus on Will's right arm during his fight with Mike... Idk doesn't look like any birthmarks in sight to me...

I bet you didn't see this coming, aka the van scene is twelvegate evidence???? I mean not on the surface, no. However, in the grand scheme of things, yes. It follows an interesting trend this show has had of focusing on Will's arms in a way that feels like they're hinting at something, while simultaneously keeping the truth just out of our reach.

And we're back to our regularly scheduled programming. You'll notice here at the end of s4, that Will is following the same late s3 trend of reaching with his right arm to touch his neck. I don't know what to make of the pattern they're going with there, but I do think it's interesting that there is a pattern at all in regards to which arm he uses. Am I scared about the implications that come with that? That this could mean Will ends s4 not entirely himself, at risk of being pushed to do things by Vecna, just like fans predict he was mid s3...?Absolutely.

It's fair to say I think this could have definitely been a plan since the beginning. Arguably, it fits quite well with David's consistent insistence that the ending of the show is beautiful, going all the way back to interviews he did to promote s2.

I do think it's possible this could have been a plot line they planned on exploring and maybe even revealing in s2, but once they realized what it a hit it was and that they would have to go another 2-3 seasons beyond that, then they presumably had to stretch it all out to make those revelations exciting for the end instead. And so Will taking a back seat to the greater plot for s3-4 makes a lot more sense to me, knowing they are arguably saving the most exciting and thought out ideas for last, which we know in large part all connects to Will...

#stranger things #will byers #twelvegate #willel twins #i will be adding the tags shortly #i just wanted to post this asap bc i kind of promised i would and it's late so #sorry!!! #byler #< target audience

[ephemerasnape]

You post a lot of stuff that is considered dark or disturbing. Do people get frustrated about it?

I usually avoid mentioning that I'm into it and lately been thinking that it is a very unhealthy situation. Should I really be hiding a part of myself for the sake of some internet person who I don't know because they might get traumatized by the idea?

You seem very comfortable with your fantasies and preference. Is there way to do the same and still fit in the fandom?

Well consider this can of worms open!

Honestly, until recently, no, and I have been posting dark stuff since.. July or thereabouts? Since then people have mostly left me alone to do my thing.

But someone getting upset over the mere existence of my content doesn't bother me. The only thing that does bother me is when I feel blindsided by a negative response that I didn't really foresee as a possibility.

Feel free to hate my content. That shouldn't translate to hating me. Trust me - I hate a lot of other people's content too!

I understand that there is a risk of a negative response when I share something truly disturbing, so when I put my dark fiction, audios, et cetera, out there (some of which disturb even me), it doesn't surprise me that some people react badly to them. I am prepared for it to a degree. It's not ideal, but it's something I usually just laugh at. Actually, I am a little surprised it has not happened more frequently.

As far as fitting in with "the fandom," or fitting in anywhere else for that matter, I gave up on all that around the age of 12, so... it's a struggle I simply cannot relate to.

Black sheep? Who you callin' a herd animal???

I just do my own thing. It would be nice to feel more part of the fandom, but the whole "outside-looking-in" syndrome is a permanent fixture in my life.

Does it seem to an outside observer as if I fit in with the Hogwarts Legacy fandom? If so, it's probably a "fake it til you make it" type of thing. I am not in any discords except my own, none of the "big names" ever really reblog or interact with my stuff except on rare occasions.. I try to talk to people and they ignore me, and that's fine (OK IT'S NOT FINE 😭).

I do fucked up shit with characters that are far from the most popular - some of my more mainstream stuff has gotten a lot more traction. But I also know a lot of people enjoy my work who do not wish to draw attention to that fact.

I am decidedly and passionately myself, at great social cost at times. Being less authentic is something I am actually working on, in order to have a more robust social life at the very least, but it honestly requires too much emotional work from me to behave in a way that doesn't feel authentic to me.

That said, I am lucky to have a small but dedicated group of witches who are either ardent fans of my work or are otherwise supportive of the kinds of fanworks (and jokes) I make. We have a discord if anyone wants to join. No doxxing required (saw a new HL discord that makes you submit a photo ID???? Hard pass.)

This being Tumblr, indulging in degenerate fandom stuff is kind of the point.

So, let's do it!

#asks #personal #hogwarts legacy fandom #darkfic #dark wizard smut

[queers-gambit]

hiiii, if u have time can you do billy and reader running away back to california together after high school, maybe the reader decides to go to college there?? reader isn’t from there but they both just want to escape to somewhere

hi, hey, hello, i've been sitting on this one for a bit.

i hated every "imagine" or "one shot" i was writing, so, i decided to simplify it for me, hope it's satisfying enough. all my love 🖤

but the repeating themes i keep coming towards?

reader decided to go to college out in California, and maybe Billy's maternal grandparents have a condo out there that they let reader and Billy have. they feel really bad for what Neil did, they didn't know the true extent - so, when you two come around, he tells them the truth, and out of guilt, they offer the only thing they can. it's already paid for, so, like, they're cool letting y'all pay for utilities and whatever - no rent. "least we can do," they tell Billy.

wouldn't that be nice? no rent? sheesh.

anyways, it's a cute lil apartment / condo thing, and while Billy hates accepting help, his grandparents insist it'll go to him in their will anyways so he might as well take the keys now. so, fuck it, you know?

reader goes to school full time while Billy works, maybe at the local mechanics shop? just imagine that - Billy... mullet and all... overalls, grease-stained white wife beater... oh, yeah, that's a good mental image for me. yum, you know? and maybe he even gets you a part time gig as the receptionist for you to work between classes.

it would mean you two see more of one another and reader would often see Billy working. gets reader goin', yah know? vroom vroom.

anyways, reader def doesn't stay at the receptionist job 'cause of the college degree, yah know? internships and shit. so, Billy doesn't mind picking up extra shifts, he's content to support reader's dreams and aspirations, and you know what? reader turns him into a house husband eventually! he still has his mechanic job, but it's mostly part time after reader graduates and gets their first big-time job.

that money upgrade? lord, have mercy! and no rent? all there is to do is SAVE money! oh, it must be nice!

anyways, wife him up, yah hear me? reader is the breadwinner, but that's only 'cause Billy held it the fuck down during reader's schooling. no matter how long it took, he was happy to see his lover working hard. and sure, yeah, there's years of turmoil and fighting and disagreements, but life gets really good after that 'cause all Billy needs is consistency.

anything outside of that isn't really okay with him. Billy's used to things being so shitty that when reader's busy with school, it makes him uneasy. part of the reason he got you the receptionist job, you see? he likes physically seeing you, it comforts and assures him, but it also was a routine for him. he knew your work schedule and just had to adjust to your school schedules. poor boy loses his shit after the first semester because classes change in the spring and fall and he *just* got used to the first semester schedule.

however, being in Cali really helps. it's his neck of the woods, it's where he's confident, so, eventually, he learns that while you're in school, he has to make the effort in the relationship. it takes a lot of work on his end, and Billy's not used to that, so he has a difficult time adjusting but for his lover? he'll make do. y'all establish a life there, a routine, a home - and eventually, you move out of the condo for a "starter home" because now? that you've graduated? yeah, Billy's ready for marriage.

never thought he would, but after he realized you had given up your entire life in Hawkins to move with him back to Cali? the boy is considering something long-term. something committing. something permanent. so, literally only 3 months after you start your new job, Billy's posing the question - just to get a feel for the feelings surrounding marriage. he likes where things are, doesn't really wanna shake things up, but when reader's like "yeah, i'm down," he's getting a ring and running to the courthouse.

it's simple, it's official. it's the way things are supposed to play out.

#billy hargrove #billy hargrove x reader #billy stranger things #billy hargrove imagine #billy hargrove one shot #billy hargrove fic #stranger things #stranger things x reader #stranger things imagine

[retphienix]

You know what, they ain't kiddin'.

17 arcanes before taking into account acolytes, and that's playing solo as a console host so less killin' goin' on?

Yeah I get it. They really ain't kiddin' about Void Cascade being a great farm lol

I didn't stick around for level cap (obviously), now that I think about, have I ever stuck around for level cap? Kinda doubt I have because when would I have bothered?

That's another thing to consider since that means even less arcanes since apparently thrax spawn faster at higher levels (hearsay that I decide to believe)!

I digress. Didn't stick around because I was kinda getting bothered by nitty gritty things. At like the 20 minute mark I had a situation where I got distracted recapping an exolizer at "c" when the map was swapping to "a" spawns, and when I zoned back in from my daydream play I had to run like 700m to cap 3 exos at "a" before it timed out.

A VERY bad play on my part due to forgetting the game type loves making you run from C to A spawns. I wish it just went ABCBABCBA in spawns instead of just going "Haha, go run now :)" but I already knew I didn't like that mechanic coming into this lol

From like the 6 minute mark all the way to closing I had a bugged thrax just stuck in place in ghost form whom never got to die and give me any loot, and he was permanently marked on my map as a "risk" because he was next to an exo spawn, but you know, can't do anything about that because buggy enemy lol

Also had a moment that annoyed me where I jumped into an exo at the exact moment an acolyte spawned on my operator and one framed me. Obviously, you're operator, that's not really death, but something about going "Okay, time to do the boring chore part of this game type *SMACK*.... okay. Time To Do The Boring Chore Part Again Because Someone Was Rude." got to me. That's strictly my disinterest in the game mechanics of this game mode being exasperated by pure chance, and it didn't even negatively impact the mission- just my mood towards it lmao

Also energy was annoying. Considering my oberon can spam like hell in anything else with no energy issues this makes me curious on a basic game mechanic I might not know.

When you're in operator, I know your frame takes like 99% less damage or some nonsense (still CAPABLE of death, but unlikely outside of niche cases from what I've experienced)-

Do dick head mag thrax and energy eximus still target your frame and just drain you dry? Because I swear I'd hop into an exo with full energy, 'disable' it, swap to my frame, and just have 0 energy so I'm basically just playing a weapon platform with no weapon platform abilities, it got annoying by like the 3rd time it hit me like that -.-

Probably wouldn't have been an issue I ran into in a group due to diverted enemy focus. But I wanted to run solo because, IDK, I like doing shit solo sometimes lol

So overall I can now say, holy shit the people who hold Void Cascade on a pedestal as a fantastic grind- they are right as hell.

But, even knowing that, still not a fan of the game mode.

Running every 3 "zones" from C to A is boring. The chaos fucking rules! But then the game mechanic of getting knocked out of your frame to do busy work spraying portals is like the opposite of fun and my mind focuses on it instead of glossing over it like I assume others easily do.

Boring game mode with awesome chaos surrounding it and fantastic rewards- that's 2 for 3, pretty dang nice- I definitely have a newfound appreciation of it and might try hopping in to actually hit cap with some friends now that I know it's capable of being fun (definitely moreso with some friends lol) :P

#warframe #RetPlays

[theninthdoor]

jay || true personality; tarot reading

✦ General view: cards: three of swords, seven of pentacles (death), devil (knight of swords)

Right away, we see that Jay is quite a sensitive person. He gets hurt very easily by people's words and actions, and carries that with him for a long time afterwards. At times, though, he might misunderstand and take things to heart when there wasn't even an issue to begin with, but, really, it's just that he is soft-hearted and has trouble letting go of past negative experiences (which could be similar to these misunderstandings, and so he jumps to conclusions based on that). On a more positive note, Jay is also a very patient and hardworking individual. He's conscious of the value of waiting for your rewards and planning for the future, and so he keeps that in mind all the time. To manifest his ideas and goals, he knows that he must persist and put in work every day, diligently; and that if he simply were to follow his impulses without planning, it could all fall apart as soon as it started. Now taking another turn… Jay is still a bit of a daredevil, despite all of the patience and organization that he has shown us just now. He's very, very strong willed and, due to that, he can sometimes fall into the trap of pushing forward with his desires without taking other people into account. In fact, he might tend to manipulate situations and break all the rules to get what he wants. Nonetheless, he might as well be the type of friend who'd do the same for you (for your benefit/gain), if you asked him nicely and gave him a good reason to help you out.

✦ What has influenced his personality the most: cards: two of cups (two of wands), death (queen of pentacles), king of swords

Firstly, Jay's close relationship have a great influence on him, for sure. He learns a lot from those around him, specially his loved ones, since they have access to a much more open and vulnerable side of him. So, by making little adjustements here and there to adapt to their personalities or to fix flaws in his behavior that could be hurting the connection, Jay ends up changing permanently over time. Not only that, he may also pick up a lot of habits from them, which stick with him for a long time afterwards. Next, we see that his personality has also been heavily influenced by the changes that have happened to his lifestyle and his home over the years. Although, notice how these are shifts that happen at a much larger scale than moving from one house to the other; so, we could consider that it's more of a matter of culture, financial situations and an introduction to completely new social environments. Finally, there's also the presence of a very significant male figure in his life. This individual has served as a role model or advisor for him, and so his personality has been hugely influenced by that. We're looking at someone who's most likely older than him and at a higher position in life (in matters of career, life experience, etc.), and someone who is extremely intelligent and wise. They could be a teacher, a boss, an older brother, or simply someone that he looks up to but isn't necessarily part of his private life.

✦ Changeable traits (Traits that aren’t set in his personality, and often change): cards: page of pentacles, hierophant (three of pentacles reversed), the sun

While Jay might usually be very grounded, responsible and disciplined, at times he just lets himself fall into a cycle of laziness and inability of following through with his routines, promises or his work, even. Being practical and commited might not always come easy to him, but he does put in effort to be that way or is actively looking into bettering himself in that matter, as he's aware of his inconsistency. Also on par with that, Jay can have trouble with always respecting rules and tradition, as well as authority figures. If some days he's a very good mentee, cooperative and compliant with everybody around him, particularly in his work place, on other days he can't really be tamed by anyone or anything. In those instances, he shows no willingness to learn or to be a team player, and instead does things in his own way (even if he doesn't have a definite goal or plan - it's just a matter of not wanting to conform to other people's rules). At last, being optimistic is also an inconsistent trait of his personality. This could manifest itself as either him going from very optimistic to very pessimistic, or from going from fairly optimistic to excessively optimistic. In a worst case scenario, this might just lead him to completely lack enthusiasm for anything; dragging others down with his pessimism; or suffering a burnout due to excesses.

(Disclaimer: all readings are alleged and for entertainment purposes only.)

#kpop #kpop tarot #enhypen #enhypen tarot #enhypen jay #park jongseong #enhypen jay tarot #kpop tarot reading

[corvusalbus93]

How The Bad Batch Might End

So, as I’ve been writing Aftermath, I came up with a few ideas as to how the show might end. And it could be with season 3.

Now, most thought that getting Crosshair out would be the season finale, but now I think the Siege or Assault of Mt. Tantiss is actually going to be the show’s big finale.

Hunter, Echo and Wrecker are just not going to be able to get in on their own, they need help. I could picture season 3 mostly being about them gathering information and allies, aside from a few episodes focused more on what’s happening inside that base.

Also, with all the other clones kept there as test subjects, Rex and his network surely want to get in there as well. That was pretty much the original reason Echo returned in the first place; he was trying to find out where the Empire shipped those prisoners to.

So, I predict a team-up between the Bad Batch and Rex’s clones to get into Tantiss, get everyone out…and along the way they might try to kill Hemlock and destroy his work.

We already have Crosshair and Omega inside, and with a bit of luck…Tech (if he indeed survived and was taken by Hemlock). They might be able to get information out, commit sabotage or cause distractions when the attack commences. And who knows, maybe Emerie Karr and Nala Se will have a part as well, even if it’s just to spite Hemlock and the Empire in Nala Se’s case.

I also like to think that at some point the entire Bad Batch is going to be reunited. Think about it: during the entire run of the show, the Batch was only together in the first episode, splitting up in the end. This is also a reason why I assume Tech is alive, because we’re gonna get everyone together for the final battle of the show or something. Maybe there will be permanent deaths in the main cast, but…we had them together for the beginning, and they should get them together again at least one last time before the end of the show.

I’m almost certain Hemlock will be killed in the very end and at least some of his work will be lost (not all, considering what we see in the Mandalorian, but enough to set the Empire back). I could picture the Empire bombing Mt. Tantiss once they lost control, or try to take it back, but I’m sure some clones like Rex will make it out in the end. The survivors part ways, either going into hiding, continuing the fight, etc.

If some or all of the Bad Batch make it, maybe they can finally settle on Pabu, either to lay low or permanently. Would give Tech and Phee a chance to finally work things out…look I just want one romantic relationship in Star Wars, involving a main character, that doesn’t end in tragedy. Seriously, my reaction to romance in Star Wars shouldn’t be “Oh no. One of them is so dead.”, which it kinda of is at this point. Anyway, getting off topic.

It’s also possible we end with a flashforward, kinda like in Rebels. I could picture a now older/adult Omega going to join the newly formed Rebel Alliance.

She’s seen what the Empire is doing, has been a victim herself and Pabu is a safe haven for refugees, was even before the Empire continued to oppress various planets. And she always wanted to help anyone they crossed paths with throughout the show.

We can have Crosshair join her; he seems like he would have some trouble settling into a peaceful life and he would probably want some payback…also it’s his turn to be space-dad, in season 3 as a whole really. And it would be kinda nice, after she always asked him to come back/join them in the previous seasons and now he’s going with her, even if he’s visibly ageing.

Anyhow, those are just my wild thoughts at this point in time.

#the bad batch #bad batch #tbb #tbb theories #tbb thoughts #tbb season finale #the bad batch theory #tech lives

[literaticat]

Hi, Jenn. My agent has been having some personal issues. They’re still agenting for most clients, but they ended up essentially pairing me with their assistant because I write a lot and (I’m guessing) they felt they couldn’t keep up with me. I’m grateful that they didn’t just drop me, but I also feel like the assistant doesn’t get my work as much. And to be honest, I’m sad and a little hurt that we’re not working together. Am I being unreasonable? What should I do?

It's not unreasonable to have feelings. It probably would be unreasonable to express them in terms of "sadness and hurt" to your agent. (Like, those are INSIDE thoughts). After all, presumably your agent would truly rather NOT be having personal issues that are taking her away from her job and beloved clients.

I'd guess that she feels quite guilty / distressed about that already (though of course she SHOULDN'T, she needs to do what she needs to do for her family or health or whatever the problem is!) -- with perspective, I'm sure you realize she's not being ill / having a family crisis / whatever AT YOU, in fact this has nothing to do with you at all. While you might not like it -- she probably likes it a lot less!

That being said, of course, while you can be the bigger person and relax your nerves for a while, if this is an ongoing thing that isn't going to get resolved for a really long time (or ever), of course you shouldn't be with the assistant permanently if you don't think the two of you jibe with one another or the assistant doesn't "get"/like your work.

I would say your first step is to make the best of it, assuming that this is NOT a permanent thing, just be nice, give the assistant the benefit of the doubt and try working with them. Hopefully they are just as great as the agent, actually!

If it has been many months and there's no end in sight, and the situation really isn't working for you, see if you can schedule a call with the agent and say, with as much grace and kindness as you possibly can muster hey, no pressure at all, but are you coming back soon? I don't want to be unreasonable at all, but I don't think it's working out with so-and-so. And if the response is, hey no problem, I'm coming back next week -- great. If the response is less satisfactory, consider that it may be time to part ways.

[lampmanliveblogs]

”Feisty witches make the best leaders,” Terra says. She follows this up by giving Raine a boop on the nose and saying how she especially likes Raine. That’s funny considering events involving the leader of the Bard Coven and Terra in some thirty years or so.

So my prediction before was kinda half-right. Raine did lose the game, lost their scholarship, and did transfer to Hexside as I thought. But Eda didn’t win the game, she lost. In fact everyone lost. But Terra spoke to Principal Faust and sorted things out. I imagine that conversation involved very little talking, and more of her sending him bouquets of poisonous & carnivorous flowers alongside a card informing him of the situation.

Oh, and the Raine’s Rhapsody/Eda’s Requiem leitmotif returns once again.

Also, I guess Saint Epiderm is up on The Knee. And since Saint Epiderm was supposed to be a bit fancier, a bit more elite, it kinda makes sense for the school t be in a location with lots of magical power.

This screenshot is here because I thought it was cute.

This is also really cute. Slightly less cute was Luz somewhat uncanny drawing of Eda & Raine, but still, this is still a really nice, wholesome moment to end the episode on.

…is what I would say if there wasn’t a minute left.

We cut to the castle, where Terra is feeding Raine their daily dose of brain detergent.

Raine, as per usual, blows on on their tea to cool it down, which produces a whistling sound, just like we saw earlier when they used it to modify Eda’s juice and alter its taste.

…

Hol up-

Oh look, Raine found one of Darius' little mini abominations wandering around! It must’ve gotten lost inside that wall, the poor thing. I hope it wasn’t carrying around sensitive information in that letter! It could be very bad if that got into the hands of some traitors planning on overthrowing the Emperor.

Alright, so first things first THIS IS WHAT MY SISTER HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT ALL THIS TIME! FINALLY! The identity of the traitors revealed!

There’s suddenly a lot of things to talk about, so let’s break it down.

(for context, I watched to the end of the scene, but I chose this screenshot because of the information)

Raine has been using their whistle magic to counter Terra’s tea. How long have they been doing that? Ever since the beginning? If so, then what happened at the Coven Day Parade was all an act, which I could believe. Raine does say they don’t want to put Eda in danger again (because they love her and Eda also has kids to take care of), so the act would’ve been both to keep Eda safe and to make sure Terra & Belos didn’t catch on to that Raine wasn’t under their control like they thought.

Then we  have Darius. Raine and Darius obviously didn’t know about each other before the events of Eda’ s Requiem. If they did, Raine wouldn’t have tried to have Darius (and I guess Eberwolf was there too), ah… permanently incapacitated via the use of Eda’s curse.

Speaking of Eberwolf, is he(?) in on this? I’m thinking maybe not? Because he and Darius went to capture the traitor (Raine). But if they were both also traitors, then they wouldn’t have captured Raine, they would've teamed up with them. Unless… Kikimora did appear unexpectedly, which might’ve been what messed up their plans.

(I think I might go back to Eda’s Requiem and Follies at the Coven Day Parade and rewatch those scenes to look for clues. I don’t have the time right now)

Regardless, Darius and Raine are now working together to try and stop Belos’ evil plans. Darius has managed to figure out at least part of the plan. I was right that it involves draining magic through the coven sigils and that it’s channeled through the coven head witches (although it doesn’t specify that it has to be the head witches, just nine strong witches).

The magic power will be directed or channeled to the spell center, which is where the door is being moved to. This will do… something.

The eclipse is also important. Maybe.

When Raine asks if there is any way to counter the draining spell, Darius suggests Eda. Eda’s curse messes with magic, true, something Darius would know from experience… though I’m not 100% exactly what it is he thinks they could do. Raine & Eda together could use bard magic to spread the curse, but there have got to be several thousand witches, if not more coming to this thing. Maybe if they got close to the spell center and could disrupt the flow of magic somehow…

I suppose it doesn’t matter because Raine refuses to involve Eda. They might still have to resort to that plan once the Day of Unity does roll around. We’ll see.

The episode ends with Raine looking out over the head of the Titan, which reminds me of the image from the outro with Luz looking at the head.

I need to be up pretty early tomorrow for work, so I don’t have time to do my usual rewatch right now. Although to be honest, I think I caught most of the important stuff the first time through. And if there was something I missed, you guys will let me know.

Anyway, I’ll do a little follow-up post tomorrow talking about my thoughts on the episode overall. See you then!

#the owl house #liveblog #the owl house liveblog #toh s2e15 #them's the breaks kid

[purplehairedwonder]

Chapter 1056: Separate Paths

It seems like we’re this close to the end of Wano, which is kind of crazy considering how long we’ve been there. Things are wrapping up, plans are being made, alliances are ending (sob)...

So, Raizo and Shinobu are still shriveled after Greenbull’s attack. 

Apparently, this is not a temporary change, as we see a recovered Shinobu later in the chapter.

If Queen is permanently thinned out as well, he’s going to be too popular ;-)

I’m just going to... move past the icky feeling I get from the most “unattractive” characters getting thinned out to be “attractive” now that the good guys have won because it’s such a small thing in the grand scheme.

Also, Tama as Shinobu’s apprentice is adorable, and so is Luffy offering to let her join the crew when she’s older. One Piece: Generations?

Staying with the Scabbards, Kin’emon remains wonderful. He’s so in love with Tsuru, who was wounded in Okobore, and I love him for it.

This is much more wholesome than the Shinobu/Raizo stuff.

The running joke of Kin’emon being clueless despite being considered a brilliant mind also makes its return, much to my amusement.

I’m going to miss him.

Additionally, now that Momo and Hiyori know about Sukiyaki, is he going to pass on the knowledge about reading the Poneglyphs?

Okay, one more Scabbards plotline: the Minks. Neko and Inu have decided to remain in Wano, leaving a leadership vacancy in Zou. There are plenty of qualified figures, you might say, like Wanda or Shishilian, right?

Nope. Inu and Neko want Carrot to be the new leader of Zou.

I understand the thought that her having been outside of Zou gives her invaluable experience, but, um, girl is 15 years old. I also understand that they see her as inheriting the will of someone important -- Pedro -- and inherited will is a core theme of One Piece.

But when you think about Pedro, he was a pirate who wanted to witness the dawn of the world -- which he believed to be coming true with the Straw Hats. If Carrot has truly inherited his will, it seems like she’d be more likely to continue traveling with the Straw Hats than rule on Zou. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Speaking of the Straw Hats, it was good to see Robin telling everyone about Pluton and getting the reminder of Franky’s ties to that Ancient Weapon.

Of course Luffy has no interest in it. Reminds me a bit of what Law tells Kid later about not wanting to be at an unfair advantage.

Also, it’s nice to just bask in this panel for a moment to see all the Straw Hats together, just hanging out like family. Makes me smile.

Someone else is spying here: Caribou. He’s planning to report to someone; Blackbeard, maybe?

OKAY.

Time for the best part of the chapter: Law in a tank top. Erm, I mean the Captain Trio.

No, I mean both ;-)

Random: We’re seeing Law’s right arm here but no scar from the reattachment?

ANYWAY. Lots to unpack here:

I’m sad to see Law and Luffy going their separate directions. They’ve been working together for nearly 400 chapters now; Law proposed the alliance in chapter 667 and Luffy accepted in 668. That’s almost half the series they’ve been allies. And while I’m certain Law will be back before long (he’s far too tied to the series endgame on several fronts), I don’t want him to leave.

And then there’s Law: oUr AlLiAnCe HaS rUn ItS cOuRsE. wE’rE rIvAlS aGaIn.

Whatever, Law.

We also haven’t been relying on the Log Pose to determine the next island since Fishman Island. It’s kind of weird to see it again.

I notice that Law is the only one with his navigator in the picture when he chooses the direction he wants to take. I love him giving the other two captains shit for just choosing the middle route.

Also, I wonder why Oda chose to draw the compass off-center. This panel is strange.

EDIT: Good Reddit post on this very topic here.

As for the three islands the trio may be going to, it was pointed out on Reddit that the Road to Laugh Tale that three main islands were noted as being potential locations for the final Road Poneglyph.

I wonder if each captain will be heading to one of these three. If that’s the case, I’d bet on the following: Straw Hats going to Elbaf, Hearts to Vira, and Kid to Hachinosu/Fullalead. Of course, that would put Kid on a direct collision course with Blackbeard.

I get the strange feeling that Luffy losing the draw to Kid is actually going to be better for him, and Kid ending up in Blackbeard’s path would fit that.

Notably, Vira is tied to the Revolutionary Army, so it would be interesting to see Law get pulled into that story somehow, especially considering his hatred of the World Government after Flevance and Sabo’s whole *waves arms*.

And, of course, Usopp has wanted to visit Elbaf since Little Garden.

The next big reveal, of course, is about Buggy:

I am dying to see what the actual dynamic is here because you know it’s not what it looks like. Zoro and Luffy recognize that, while Law has the perspective of most people who aren’t familiar with the figures in question:

Luffy -- Luffy, of all people -- calling Buggy a moron had me rolling.

Putting bounties on the Marines, though, is a ballsy move on the part of the pirates, and I am absolutely here for it.

Then we get Law giving Kid a copy of the Road Poneglyph from Wano:

Honorable Law, recognizing that Kid deserves his share of the loot for his part in defeating Kaido and Big Mom.

So, Poneglyph count:

Luffy: Zou, WCI, Wano

Law: Zou, Wano (I suppose Luffy might have shared the WCI with him or he might have gotten a look at it at some point but let’s assume not)

Kid: WCI, Wano

Luffy’s the only one with someone on his crew who can read them, though. Robin and Law do have a connection, though, so I wonder if she helped Law with this at all once Law revealed his name to her.

However, Kid doesn’t seem concerned. He’s going to look for a figure marked by flames.

Lots of theories about who this might be. Sabo (unlikely; what would he know about One Piece?), Aokiji, Dragon, a previously unknown survivor of Ohara... I’m guessing it’s not someone we’ve met yet.

Luffy has no idea what they’re talking about but Law’s reaction is interesting. I think he knows what Kid’s talking about. Robin’s reaction is also interesting; is her confusion toward what Kid said or Law’s reaction, considering the panel comes right after Law’s?

Lastly, we get Yamato’s declared intention to join the Straw Hats. (Luffy still hasn’t said anything about this, though, which is interesting since he so easily said yes to Tama earlier in the chapter.)

Look, I haven’t made a secret of the fact I’m not a Yamato fan. And I’m not interested in having him join the Straw Hats for a couple of reasons: 

1) The Oden schtick. I understand it was clearly a trauma response, but it has really grown old. I can see Luffy telling him that he has no interest in Oden on his crew but would welcome Yamato. I’m open to liking the character more if we stop getting the Oden stuff.

2) The crew balance. Oda is already struggling to balance the screentime of the current Straw Hats, and that was even before Jinbei joined. (We still haven’t gotten his toast yet.) Yamato is a character that desperately needs a character arc to feel like he belongs on the ship, but there’s so little time for that since we’re now in the endgame of the story. Having to balance the sheer amount of story left to be told, the current Straw Hats, the supporting characters... this does not feel like the time to bring in yet another crewmate.

Oh well. Oda’s gonna do what Oda’s gonna do. I’m just going to sit in a corner and ogle Law in his tank top.

#Trafalgar Law #Monkey D. Luffy #Eustass Kid #Kin'emon #Shinobu #Raizo #Yamato #One Piece #One Piece 1056 #One Piece chapter 1056 #One Piece spoilers