#They're probably the most competent to lead

[creatingblackcharacters]

"Let's Have a Talk, First"- Stereotypes, pt 1

Come sit down. You and I, before we get into any of the things I'm sure you're impatient to know: we need to have a come to Jesus talk, first.

There are some things that I've been asked and seen that strengthens my belief that we need to have a reframing of the conversation on stereotypes in media away from something as simple as "how do I find the checklist of stereotypes to avoid". Because race- and therefore racial stereotypes- is a complex construct! Stands to reason then, that seeing, understanding, and avoiding it won't be that simple! I'm going to give you a couple pointers to (hopefully) help you rethink your approach to this topic, and therefore how to apply it when you're writing Black characters- and even when thinking about Black people!

Point #1: DEVELOP THE CHARACTER!! WRITE!!

Excuse my crude language, but let me be blunt: Black people- and therefore Black characters- will get angry at things, and occasionally make bad choices in the heat of the moment. Some of us like to fuck real nasty, some might be dominant in the bedroom, they may even be incredibly experienced! Others of us succumb to circumstance and make poor decisions that lead to crime.

None of those things inherently makes any of us angry Black women and threatening Black men, Jezebels and BBC Mandingos, and gangsters and thugs!

Black people are PEOPLE! Write us as such!

If all Black characters ever did was go outside, say "hi neighbor!" and walk back in the house, we'd be as boring as racist fans often accuse.

I say this because I feel I've seen advice that I feel makes people think writing a Black character that… Emotes negatively, or gets hurt by life and circumstance, or really enjoys hard sex, or really any scenario where they might "look bad" is the issue. I can tell many people think "well if I write that, then it's a stereotype" and to avoid the difficulty, they'll probably end up writing a flat Black character or not writing them at all. Or- and I've seen this too- they'll overcompensate in the other direction, which reveals that they 'wrote a different sort of Black person!' and it comes off just as awkwardly because it means you think that the Black people that do these things are 'bad'. And I hate that, because we're capable of depth, nuance, good, evil, adventure, world domination, all of it!

My point is, if you write your character like the human being they are, while taking care to recognize that you as the writer are not buying into stereotypes with your OWN messaging, you're fine. We have emotions, we have motivations and goals, we make decisions, and we make mistakes, just like anybody else. Write that! Develop your character!

POINT #2: YOU CAN'T CONTROL THE READERS!!

Okay. You can write the GREATEST Black character ever, full of depth, love, nuance, emotional range, all those things…. And people are still going to be racist about them. Sorry. There is absolutely nothing you can do to control a reader coming from that place of bias you sought to avoid. If it's not there, TRUST AND BELIEVE, it'll be projected onto them.

That passionate young Black woman who told the MC to get her head out of her ass? Yeah she's an angry Black bitch now, and bully to the sweet white MC. Maybe a lesbian mommy figure if they like her enough to "redeem" her. That Black gay male lead that treats his partner like he worships the ground he walks on? Yeah he's an abusive thug that needs to die now because he disagreed One Time with his white partner. That Black trans woman who happened to be competing against the white MC, in a story where the white MC makes comparable choices? Ohhhh they're gonna be VILE about that poor woman.

It really hurts- most especially as a Black fan and writer- knowing that you have something amazing to offer (as a person and creative) and people are gonna spit on that and call it "preference". That they can project themselves onto white characters no matter what, but if you project your experiences onto black characters, it's "pandering", "self insert", "woke", "annoying", "boring", and other foul things we've all gotten comments of.

But expect that it's gonna happen when you write a Black character, again, especially if you're a Black writer. If you're not Black, it won't hurt as personally, but it will probably come as a shock when you put so much effort in to create a lovely character and people are just ass about them. Unfortunately, that is the climate of fandom we currently exist in.

My favorite example is of Louis De Pointe Du Lac from AMC's Interview With The Vampire. Louis is actually one of the best depictions of the existential horror that is being Black in a racist White world I have ever seen written by mostly nonblack people. It was timeless; I related to every single source of racist pain he experienced.

People were HORRIFIC about Louis.

It didn't matter that he was well written and what he symbolized; many white viewers did NOT LIKE this man. There's a level of empathy and understanding that Black characters in particular don't receive in comparison to white counterparts, and that's due to many of those stereotypes and systemic biases I'm going to talk about.

My point is, recognize that while yes, you as the author have a duty to write a character thoughtfully as you can, it's not going to stop the response of the ignorant. Writing seeking to get everyone to understand what you were trying to do… Sisyphean effort. It's better to focus on knowing that YOU wrote something good, that YOU did not write the stereotype that those people are determined to see.

POINT #3: WHY is something a stereotype?

While there are lists of stereotypes against Black people in media and life that can be found, I would appreciate if people stopped approaching it as just a list of things you can check off to avoid. You can know what the stereotypes are, sure, but if you don't understand WHY they're a problem and how they play into perception of us, you'll either end up writing a flat character trying to avoid that list, or you're going to write other things related to that stereotype because "oh its not item #1"... and it'll still be racist.

For example: if you wrote a "sassy Black woman" that does a z formation neck rotation just because a store manager asked her something… that's probably stereotype. If you thought of a character that needed to be "loudmouthed", "sassy", and "strong" and a dark-skinned black woman was automatically what fit the profile in your mind, ding ding ding! THAT'S where you need to catch your racist biases.

But a dark-skinned Black woman character cursing out a store manager because she's had a really bad, stressful day and their attitude towards her pushed her over the edge may be in the wrong, but she's not an "angry Black woman". She's a Black woman that's angry! And if you wrote the day she had to be as bad as would drive anyone to overstimulation and anxiety, the blow up will make sense! The development and writing behind her led to this logical point (which connects to point #1!)

I'm not going to provide a truly exhaustive list of Black stereotypes in media because that would ACTUALLY be worth a college credited class and I do this for free lmao. But I am going to provide some classic examples that can get y'all started on your own research.

POINT #4: WATCH BLACK NARRATIVES!

As always, I'm gonna push supporting Black creators, because that's the best way to see the range of what you'd like. You want to see Black villains? We got those! Black heroes? Black antiheroes? Assholes, lovers, comedians, depressed, criminals, kings, and more? They exist! You can get inspired by watching those movies and reading those books, see how WE depict us!

I've seen mixed reviews on it, BUT- I personally really enjoyed Swarm, because it was one of the first times I'd ever seen that "unhinged obsessed murderous Black fan girl" concept. Tumblr usually loves that shit lmao. Even the "bites you bites you bites you [thing I love]" thing was there. And she liked girls, too. Just saying. I thought it was a fun idea that I'd love to see more of. Y'all gotta give us a chance to be in these roles, to tell these tales. We can do it too, and you'd enjoy it if you tried to understand it!

POINT#5: You are NOT Black!

This is obvious lmao, but if you're not Black, there's no need to pretend. There's no need to think "oh well I have to get a 100% perfect depiction of the Black person's mind". That's… That's gonna look cringe, at its best. You don't have to do that in order to avoid stereotypes. You're not going to be able to catch every nuance because it's not your lived experience, nor is it the societally enforced culture. Just… Do what you can, and if you feel like it's coming off hokey… Maybe consider if you want to continue this way lol. If you know of any Black beta readers or sensitivity reviewers, that'd be a good time to check in!

For example, if your Black character is talking about "what's good my homie" and there's absolutely no reason for him to be speaking that way other than to indicate that he's Black… 😬 I can't stop you but… Are you sure?

An egregious example of a TERRIBLE way to write a Black character is the "What If: Miles Morales/Thor" comic. I want to emphasize the lack of good Black character design involved in some of these PROFESSIONAL art spaces, because that MARVEL comic PASSED QA!! That comic went past NUMEROUS sets of eyes and was APPROVED!! IT GOT RELEASED!! NO ONE STOPPED IT!!

I'm sorry, it was just so racist-ly bad that it was hilarious. Like you couldn't make that shit up.

Anyway, unfortunately that's how some of y'all sound trying to write AAVE. I promise that we speak the Queen's English too lmao. If you're worried you won't get it right, just use the standard form of English. It's fine! Personally, I'd much rather you do that than try to 'decode AAVE' if you don't know how to use it.

My point is, if you're actively "forcing" yourself to "think Black"… maybe you need to stand down and reconsider your approach lmao. This is why understanding the stereotypes and social environment behind them will help you write better, because you can incorporate that Blackness- without having to verbally "emphasize how Black this is"- into their character, motivations, and actions.

Conclusion

We need to reconsider how we approach the concepts of stereotypes when writing our Black characters. The goal is not to cross off a checklist of things to avoid per se, but to understand WHY we have to develop our Black characters well enough to avoid incorporating them into our writing. Give your Black characters substance- we're human beings! We have motivations and fears and desires! We're not perfect, but we're not inherently flawed because of our race. That's what makes the difference!

And as always, and really in particular for this topic, it's the thought that counts, but the action that delivers!

#creatingblackcharacters #character design #black characters #black character design #black culture

[localguy2]

I find it highly amusing how in situations where the ninja are separated/it's just the OG four, Kai and Zane immediately assume control/start spearheading the team because apparently no one else is sane enough or in the right mind to do so.

Your honour, they literally have one of the best dynamics in the show, with how they're probably the most protective people in the team. And it makes me mad how this is overlooked by the fandom and the show.

#ninjago #zane julien #kai smith #Seriously tho #Aside from Cole #They're probably the most competent to lead #In Hunted they're mainly the ones working on everything #Fixing the radio #Jay has lost his shit and Cole is pre occupied with taking care of Wu #In MotM they just #Kai becomes the fucking Chancellor and with Zane as his Vice/right hand man #And in crystalized they're the only ones that are serious about this stuff #They're tracking Lloyd while Jay is bored and while Cole is doing nothing #Ay all I'm saying is #We need to see more of them together #I wanna see these 2 bond more #I want the show to focus on the aspect of them being the most protective #And how they probably have a lot of things in common when it comes to protecting the other ninja and making sure they're alright #Hmmmm my brain is going off in the tags #Oh chemistry what you done to me #You cruel cruel subject... #Anyway how are yall doing?

[kujakumai]

would you like to elaborate on the "catastrophic mommy issues"? I'd love to hear what your thoughts are on that lol

Thief King is a child raised by a mass of vengeful tortured souls in the ruined basement where they all died, all of whom are in effect a stand-in for family/community/parents. They are all TKB has left, and they are highly protective of him; they seem not entirely within their right minds, not capable of competent childcare, and they give him explicit instructions on how to destroy and take over the world, which he follows enthusiastically.

I think about this a lot, like a lot a lot, and while we don't see much I think its gotta be a very tangled dynamic. When writing him I tend to use "mom issues" or general references to his mom as an emotional stand in because I think she's probably the most likely person he'd remember clearly when he needs a real face, but that's not necessary. All of Kul Elna is Mom for these purposes.

There is a lot going on here, for example:

>Kul Elna does not seem to leave the temple unless accompanied, or at very least they prefer to stay there. This means TKB probably spent a significant portion of his childhood in the same ruins and possibly the same room where he watched everyone die. Cool! Great!

>Kul Elna appears to be only partially corporeal, limited in their ability to do much besides menace, and TKB says they are "in hell" (unclear what that means). I do not think they are up to the daily tasks of feeding, bathing, or taking care of a small child. I think he probably grew up as an urchin mainly in squalor.

The closest real-life analogue to this is, probably, simply a child in the care of someone who is ill or disabled such that they cannot effectively take care of even themselves without support; so you have a situation where no one has done anything wrong, and this family loves each other very much, and the only real culprit is the society that failed them. But you're still going to end up with a kid who is not getting their needs met, is in a situation that is often stressful and sometimes scary, and that will lead to a rapid Adultification where the kid takes on the role of steward without ever having a proper childhood.

>The Zork-raising instructions were given to TKB by Kul Elna. He tells us this. I am less concerned by Kul Elna's obviously Zork-influenced plan to destroy everything than I am its effect on a 16 year old boy who loves them very much because they're all he has left in the entire world. When did they bring this up? Is it recent? Has it been an ongoing plan for years--has TKB effectively been raised on the idea that he is to be Egypt's own destined apocalypse maiden? How fucked up would that be?

Fandom is hesitant, I think, to ascribe anything malicious to Kul Elna or suggest that their relationship with TKB is sinister--which, for the record, I don't think it is, I think this fucked-up little family has nothing but love for this kid in the depths of whatever humanity they have left--because Kul Elna gets such an unjust treatment in canon it makes us incandescent. Yet the same would apply to TKB--if they want the world in ruins and him at the top, how could he even think anything different? After everything the pharaoh did to them, and to you, of the life they deprived you of? Impossible to suggest something different. You can't tell him they're wrong. What's that old softer world bit; I am a pacifist, and I will be a pacifist until I die, or someone threatens my mother.

>TKB does not need survivors guilt to be an unfailingly loyal Mama's Boy to his ghost family (Ghost's Boy?) but he's got to have it. A simultaneous immense guilt for getting out when no one else did; the immense loss of being left behind, like they all went to become this without him; the weight of being the only one left, the only one who can take revenge not only for you but for them, and if you fail then no one will remember any of their names, or yours. One chance. Avenge them or die a nobody. Don't fuck this up. It's your responsibility, like it or not, because no one else can help, and no one else can help because of what your enemies did to them, which is why you need to do it. It's almost self-justifying.

If you want me to editorialize, I don't think he actually cares much about ruling the world, nor does that goal make sense. I think in the back of his little brain he thinks that if he wins he finally gets to join them somehow.

tldr; I think TKB's relationship with whatever the hell Kul Elna has going on is way, way more complicated and nuanced than even he is consciously aware of and you can love someone very much and still fuck them up immensely (arguably a major them of ygo itself). TKB's has such catastrophic mommy issues he literally tries to end the world. We are talking literal apocalyptic mom issues. Cataclysmic.

#meta

[lestappenforever]

hi again!

did lestappen really unfollow each other after the Austrian gp 2019? why?

ps: im new here

Hi anon, and welcome to the unhinged world of Lestappen lore! We're so happy to have you. ❤️

Now have a seat and get cozy, because it's story time.

Charles made it into F1 in 2018 and after spending his maiden season at Alfa Romeo Sauber, his life-long dream finally came true as he was snatched up by Scuderia Ferrari to replace the man, the myth, the legend that is Kimi Räikkönen. Needless to say, 2019 was a big year for Charles. His first season in the team he had always dreamed of driving for. He was ready. He was hungry.

Now, enter Max Emilian Verstappen, who at this point had already been in F1 since 2015, when he was signed at the ripe age of 17. Already a seasoned F1 driver, which is impressive as fuck at that age. At this point, Max and Charles were following each other on social media. After all, they'd known each other for most of their lives, had grown up together in karting, and were now competing at the top level.

Today, we know Austria as the Lestappen holy ground following that podium in 2022. (Borderline pornographic podium celebration? Don't mind if I do.) But, it had potential to become the Lestappen holy ground even back in 2019, because Max and Charles were on fire. Talking, laughing, joking, mirroring each other in the pre-race press conference, and generally acting like teenagers with a crush. (As you do with your emotional support rival.) Things were good. Great, even.

And then Sunday rolled around, and the race happened. Charles and Max were doing what they do best and what they love the most, namely fighting each other on track, likely having the time of their fucking lives. But then this overtake happened, there's a little bit of contact and Charles briefly ends up off the track, and Max goes on to win the race, with Charles finishing P2. (Anyone else hearing "He's just unfair. I'm leading, he wants to pass, he push me, I push him back" and "Nothing, just an inchident"? in their heads watching that overtake? Just me? Okay.)

Charles was pissed, absolutely convinced that Max had done something wrong, that it wasn't a clean move, and the move was investigated, as all similar moves are. FIA, however, ends up deeming it a clean move and Max doesn't get a penalty, meaning his win stands. And, well, this is where Charles Leclerc shows the world what it means to truly be ✨dramatic.✨ (We love a dramatic king in this house, ngl. Nothing is more entertaining to me than grown-ass men acting like children.)

A look that could kill? Check. Dramatically fixing your cap? Check. Looking away dramatically while plotting someone else's demise? Check. Looking like finishing P2 is not a huge accomplishment in your first season in Scuderia Ferrari? Check. Squeezing past as the winner getting drenched in champagne because you're not about to stand there and watch him celebrate? Check. Whatever the fuck this face is? Check.

Now, here's where it gets really fucking hilarious: Charles and Max fly home from Austria on the same flight. On this flight, where Max is probably sitting in Charles' direct line of sight, Charles goes to Max's Instagram and unfollows him. Probably glaring at Max the entire fucking time. Because he's a fully grown adult man capable of making reasonable, mature decisions when things don't go his way. Clearly. And Max, upon noticing this (or his team noticing it), remembers that he is also a fully grown adult man capable of making reasonable, mature decisions, and responds by unfollowing Charles back. Obviously.

It has been four years and our boys have clearly moved past the events of Austria 2019, but the Great Unfollowing has remained. Has it become an inside joke between them, which is why they're still not following each other after all these years? Probably, if Charles threatening to unfollow Matt from P1 with Matt & Tommy during a Ferrari challenge (and fucking following through on the threat, too) is anything to go by. Does it still make me cackle every time I think about it? Abso-fucking-lutely.

#Asks #Anon #Anon asks #Lestappen asks #Lestappen

[payasita]

Speaking of fic stuff: The Lamb and Nari wake up one morning covered in bandages, surrounded by empty bottles. They have ZERO recollection of the night before. Now what?

He awakes to a taste like bile and rust, and with one hand wrapped in at least twenty layers of gauze.

Narinder takes a second to stare at it, wiggling immobile fingers and contemplating the mechanics of sitting up with a head somehow filled with both cotton and lead. He drops the hand and decides against it, rolling over and pulling a blanket over his head. The movement does absolutely heinous things to his stomach.

A slow minute passes before he realizes he is not under a blanket at all. It's comfortable regardless, so he cannot summon the effort to care. Far softer than anything yet available in the commune. The familiar scent doesn't hurt, warm and securely claimed with his own, and indeed does a good job in blocking out the currently unmanageable stench of the outside world.

Until it's nearly pulled away from him. He clutches onto it with a hiss, and instantly regrets moving so quickly.

"Oh good, you're alive." The Lamb gives it another tug. "Give me back my fleece."

Narinder vaguely remembers having lost a battle against them while at his full divine potential. He'd even had both hands available to him and everything. He cannot truly imagine the odds are with him now.

"Thank you," they huff when he unlatches his claws. He searches for something else to cover his face while they clothe themself. His skull appears to be imploding.

"I am dying," he declares. There's a few seconds of silence. Contemplation on the Lamb's end. Abject suffering on Narinder's.

"Nope. Not sensing it."

"Your competence with the Crown is dubious at best."

"You're not dying," they assure him, lightheartedly, "It just feels like it."

He groans, rolling over and hitting himself in the face with the large gauze lump in his attempt to throw his arm over his eyes. He snarls, and begins blindly picking at it with his free claw to find the edge.

The Lamb snorts, leaning over him. They have an armful of empty bottles under an arm, and are looking infuriatingly chipper.

"How'd you go and do that to yourself?"

He glares at them, pointedly.

"I clearly cannot have done this on my own."

"What, you don't remember?"

"...No," he admits. "What happened, then?"

"Oh, hell if I know," the Lamb laughs, and is saved from having that smile shorn off their face by his vertigo alone.

They move around him and pick up another bottle, inspecting it. "I was at the same feast you were, y'know. And if you'd had all this yourself, you probably would be dead," they gesture to the bundle under their arm, already five or six strong and slipping a bit.

"... Actually, we should probably both still be dead," they tut. "I don't even know what the flock puts in this stuff, 'sides from berries. But wow, they're good at it. Hey, actually, do you think maybe we have the makings of something worth exporting to the outside world? Plimbo's always making trips back and forth to who-knows-where, I bet we could--"

"Lamb."

"Mm?"

"Your chattering is causing me physical pain."

"Oop. ...Guess I should be grateful for the divine healing factor, huh?"

Narinder ponders the irony of wishing Death incarnate to choke, and finally finishes unraveling his hand. He squints at it. He sees no damage whatsoever that might have compelled anyone to waste medical resources on him. Not a strand out of place. He inspects his claws, and finds a bit of blood under them. Odd.

"There must be, like, a dozen bottles of wine in here. Do you think I drank most of it? I remember everyone in the temple cheering when I started chugging one. ...Or, uh. Three," the Lamb recounts, setting the pile down on a nearby table. Narinder watches them, scanning down their body for any abnormalities. No claw marks or stab wounds remain, but they would be gone by now. Still. The fact that he feels metal when he pushes his hand under his pillow is probably worth noting.

"You have a basket around here?" the Lamb asks after a point, "I need somewhere to put these."

Narinder says, "I do not live here."

"...Whuh?"

"This is not my hut."

The Lamb pauses. They glance around, newly curious. Narinder grasps at the bit of metal under his pillow, and retrieves a dagger. It is smeared with blood. He eyes it, vaguely toying with the way light plays off of the dull blade.

"Did I attempt to kill you last night?" he asks idly. The Lamb looks over. They see the knife.

"...Nnnno?" They try, not even attempting to sound certain.

"I believe," Narinder mutters, hardly feeling bothered to spare the focus, "I might have killed someone."

The Lamb looks at him, having the grace to at least look troubled. Narinder, on the other hand, remains far more concerned with the roiling in his stomach.

"... Okay, wait. Wait, I think I remember-- yeah," the Lamb snaps, and points at him. "Yeah! You lost your hand privileges."

"What," Narinder says.

"Yeah! You were doing-- something," the Lamb waves off vaguely, "Yeah, I think I remember-- I had to take the claws away? I mean. That would explain the bandages?"

Narinder glances over. It certainly sounds like the sort of logic they would act upon, in the event of his own uninhibited violence.

"...So I did try and kill you, again."

"Iiii, dunno? I mean. Maybe?" Again, they don't sound remotely sure. The "divine healing factor" does not, it appears, account for episodes of alcoholic blackout. Good to know.

So, trying to kill his spouse was one possible explanation. Admittedly, it wasn't even a far-fetched one. But the ambient stench of this hut offers another.

"Lamb," Narinder sits up, winning a valiant battle with his own vertigo, "Whose shelter is this?"

The Lamb pauses. They look around again at all the bottles strewn about. They look up. At the same time they do, a droplet of blood plops onto their cheek.

"...I think his name was Bremar," the Lamb hums.

"You think?"

"I mean, the Crown can only tell me so much. 'Specially when the corpse in question has somehow been reduced to... uh... streamers."

"Ah."

"So, uh, we should--- we should go."

Narinder growls. His stomach does not agree with the prospect of standing up anytime soon.

"Ten more minutes."

"Nari," the Lamb deadpans, "You eviscerated a guy."

"...Five, then."

#cult of the lamb #narilamb #drabble #and then they had breakfast there. it's fine #man its been FOREVER since anyone sent me an inbox prompt #this was fun thank u saph #cotl #nice to do something i dont have to spend a full day editing #cw warnings for canon typical murder and also booze

[kaibacorpintern]

tips and tricks on writing the kaibacorp environment

yes, this is pedantic. but more than that, YES i love small background details that lend a greater sense of accuracy and structure to a fictional world. this is not a complete or exhaustive list. (you are, of course, free to ignore and do whatever you want.)

Kaiba Corporation does not have "clients" - Kaiba doesn't do project work for hire; he's not an attorney or a consultant or an architect, he doesn't do billable hours. his meetings are most likely with his investors or business partners like Pegasus, with his board or c-suite executives (e.g., his chief technology officer, his chief legal officer, his chief human resources officer, etc.), various departmental meetings he might find interesting, and so on. Kaiba Corporation does have customers (the people who BUY the duel disk)/consumers (the people who USE the duel disk) but people who go to Kaiba Land will probably be referred to as visitors or guests. his primary responsibility, as the CEO of a publicly-traded corporation, is creating (financial) value for his shareholders and investors. (whether or not he gives a fuck about this responsibility is up to you.) .

Unless it's something he is responsible for, like quarterly earnings calls and shareholder calls, Kaiba doesn't have to finish or work on reports; he has very few deadlines he himself has to meet; he is not reviewing anything except the most important documents. Even then, as the CEO/president, someone is probably writing the most important documents FOR him and then handing it over for him to present or read off later - which he might revise/adjust as he likes. Kaiba's workdays most likely consist mainly of meetings where people report on how things are going to him, setting business strategy with the c-suite, meeting with the more heavy-hitting investors (for the drama: 'we will withdraw our investments unless you do X,') and writing a bajillion emails. .

Kaiba and Mokuba do not do any hiring or interviewing except for c-suite positions, because those are the people they work with most directly every day, and the people they most need to know are capable, qualified, and competent. they are way too busy to sit down with each one of the 38783 entry-level candidates Kaiba Corp combs through every day. for positions like their executive assistants or chief of staff, who might manage day-to-day schedules and do things like order lunch, an HR manager narrows the field to several qualified candidates and THEN Kaiba would make the final decision on who he wants to hire. .

No one is getting past the front desk at a place like Kaiba Corp without an appointment or a badge. Any given visitor X has to check in at the front desk - the front desk receptionist will look them up in the appointment register, give them a badge, and then let them through. For the c-suite level, or anywhere Kaiba takes his most important/official meetings (like his own office), there might be a second lobby/second desk controlling access. .

Some important dates on Kaiba's and Mokuba's calendars, when the pressure is on and they might be working much harder than usual (for the stress and the drama): - end of quarter/EOQ (4x a year) - end of fiscal year/EOFY. may not be aligned with calendar year - for example, the end of fiscal year might be march 30 - quarterly earnings call (4x a year) - yearly earnings call. Kaiba himself, or someone very high up, like a c-suite exec or a VP, will lead these calls - for things like duel disks, the months leading up to the holiday retail season (when they're preparing for greater demand on consumer product goods) and the holiday retail season itself - for things like Kaiba Land, the summer vacation season, but largely dependent on where their parks ARE (southern california when the weather is nice year-round? tokyo when you have colder weather in the winter and slightly lower attendance? etc.) .

VERY IMPORTANT: Kaiba has an office minifridge. imagine whatever you want in here. his executive assistants or office managers will keep this well-stocked. .

Kaiba, or Mokuba, might lead the quarterly "all-hands meeting" - which is an internal meeting for all employees. for a place like kaibacorp, which KT said has ~2,000 employees, this might be held in a large hall/auditorium. things that might happen at the all-hands meeting: hiring updates (we hired 300 new people in the EMEA region), new mission statements, reiteration of core company values, sharing the company's progress on various OKRs/objectives & key results or key targets (duel disk 2.0 released this year to great acclaim and we made 34.5 billion dollars! suck it nintendo!), public (and potentially anonymous) question-and-answer session at the end, where Kaiba or Mokuba might field employee questions. .

Kaiba or Mokuba might also be responsible for a weekly or monthly all-staff email keeping the entire company apprised of announcements, new partnerships, new business ventures, progress on whatever, new investments, etc. again, someone else (like a marketing manager) might write this for them and send it over for their review/adjustments, but the email officially comes from them. i personally like to imagine Kaiba writes some absolutely bonkers staff emails

#intern memo #this is not to say 'YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG' but instead 'if you want kaibacorp to feel real and accurate this may help' #enjoy. i welcome any additions or polite and friendly corrections

[theflyindutchwoman]

You gotta treat this like any other op and treat Lucy like any other UC. I know.

| ANATOMY OF A SCENE - CHENFORD EDITION 5.21 - Going Under

I have said it before but the way this episode took a different approach to depict this undercover mission is fascinating. Unlike Lucy's first solo op that focused on how lonely it could be from her perspective, particularly in the montage at the motel, this one rather emphasised how she was always connected to Tim… The phone calls, the text messages, the surveillance… The laundry room… Or here at the hospital. That is not to say she was never alone : just that Tim was never far away. There was always an invisible tether biding them in some way… Like how Lucy immediately finds Tim when she enters the room, zeroing on him and greeting him in a very soft voice… It's not until she closes the door that she acknowledges the rest of the team. It's plain obvious that he's her priority and that she relishes being near him, even for a few minutes.

That leads us to the interplay between the different characters that is quite interesting. While all of them are here for the mission and Lucy, they each serve a different purpose. Sergeant Grey, for instance, is here to supervise everything… But mainly, he's present for both Lucy and Tim, making sure several times that they're alright. That's actually how he starts the meeting : by asking her first how she is doing, even though they don't have much time. Just like how he's the one constantly checking-in on Tim, looking at him directly when the conversation becomes uncomfortable with all the talks about Teska being potentially physical with Lucy. He stays silent, but he takes notes of everything. Then there's Nyla, who is there for her expertise and as a moral support for Lucy… and let's appreciate the fact that she's here at all, despite not being directly involved on the case. She wasn't there during roll-call and she certainly isn't the case officer. But she still took time to come up there in case Lucy needed advices… And finally, there's Wesley, who is laser focused on the mission and there to make sure that she follows the law. He's the one who is more matter of fact and pragmatic, like when he asks her if her meeting with Teska at the restaurant could constitute a date. He knows how difficult this conversation probably is for Tim but it needs to be done. And Tim very clearly doesn't like where this conversation is going. The way he looks back at Grey when he feels his gaze on him, then looks down… Or how he is going antsy and fidgety when Nyla mentions Teska being handsy… It's a far cry from his casual demeanor when the op started.

Speaking of… I'm a bit puzzled as to why exactly Wesley instantly thought that the meeting at the restaurant could be construed as a date, let alone a sign that Teska was in love with Lucy. The guy literally just met her and promptly threatened her to do his bidding - which Wes should know since Tim was listening in on the conversation… I can understand why they made sure to lay down the rules regarding sex. But love? I doubt very much that this was ever going to be a part of the equation…  That said, his comment that 'love makes people do crazy things' could apply to Tim in a way. If it wasn't for Lucy, I don't think he would have ever considered being involved in undercover cases… And it did give us this subtle moment where his gaze turns to her when Wesley mentions love. This whole discussion also underlines how Lucy doesn't shy away from asking advices. She's portrayed as competent and confident, but not arrogantly so. She's not above asking others for their opinions and that's something that I think is done on purpose and is quite reassuring too : she's not being rash or trying to prove herself, which could be dangerous. But most importantly, it ties back to this notion that she's not completely on her own : she has a whole team with her. She has Tim as a safety net.

Even if she has to leave them behind at the moment… Including him. It won't last long since he will be back shadowing her at the restaurant, but this is the part where we can actually see the toll saying goodbye have on them. It's in the way he shakes his head and shrugs when Grey asks if anyone has any question : Tim is trying to act nonchalant and casual, but he's so focused on Lucy, drinking her in before she leaves, that he can't conceal the worry that is written on his face. Or how he has to accompany Lucy to the door… It's a small detail, but Grey, Nyla and Wesley make a point of staying right where they are, giving these two some privacy. Lucy's little smile when she opens the door and sees him at her side is so sweet : there's a part of her that is pleased at his gesture, and another part that is trying to infuse as much reassurance as she can in that smile before leaving. That is really when the distance between them is truly felt, escalating when Tim has to stay at the door while watching her go. He doesn't even close the door until she's out of sight, trying to prolong the inevitable. And once he does, Grey is right by his side, checking in with him… It's a bit ironic how he reminds him that he has to treat Lucy as any UC when he fully knows that Tim wasn't even treating her as any rookie back then… Long before they started their relationship. Still, the fact that Grey assigned Tim as Lucy's case officer says how much he believes in both of them.

#the rookie #chenford #chenfordedit #lucy chen #tim bradford #5.21 #Anatomy of a scene - Chenford Edition

[pristine-rose]

Hehe... I suddenly have thoughts and a desire to cause problems.

Ok, so we enjoying the kinda crack ship of Dehya and Beidou, with our lovely reader of course, but what if we expand this non-monogamy further? Both these women have other more usual ships which could be a lot of fun to add as well!

Just imagine having a night where you know you need to be an extra good girl, sitting happily on your knees between Dehya and Beidou as they lay back on a couch. Both of them have been dragging their fingers through your hair, keeping an eye out on the window and waiting.

Waiting for what? Well of course for when Ningguang and Candace come in to join them! Both women curious to meet the lovely little you they've heard so much about. Only to pause in surprise when they see lovely little you, kneeling between their girlfriends and staring up at them with such wide doe eyes, dressing in wonderfully sheer lingerie like a pretty little gift.

Immediately after seeing you, they notice that both Beidou and Dehya are already wearing their straps, and gesturing for the two women to come closer. After introductions are made, both women move to join their partners on the couch, all eyes looking down as you still being such a good girl and waiting patiently.

First one to reach for you would probably be Ningguang, moving to gently brush some of your hair behind your ear, just for the cold metal of her claws to brush against your skin and make you shiver with a small surprised noise. Before long that small touch has become her hand cupping your cheek, her eyes scanning over every inch of you with a small smile at her lips. And it's taking every bit of will power she has not to immediately pull out the lavish collar Beidou helped her pick out, and put it on you.

Candace on the other hand is a little more hesitant to start, being so much more used to always bottoming for Dehya, she just stares down at you being so well behaved and eager to be touched. It's from Dehya's whispered encouragement that she finally tries to touch you as well. Her hands starting at your sides, playing with the open gaps in your lingerie as they slide up to squish your cheeks, pulling a giggle from you that has her nearly seeing stars. And she can hardly manage to control herself enough to not immediately scoop you up into her arms and squish you between her and Dehya then and there.

And this is already getting long soooo, you can assume where this eventually leads. When they finally decide to put your new collar on you, all of them are fauning over how it looks, taking turns passing the leash around cause you just look so cute like this. When they finally notice the mess that has been made between your legs you know your in some serious trouble, your partners didn't wear their straps for nothing after all.

Just being held up off the ground between these two, both enjoying they way you unravel for them and their competing paces. Ningguang and Candace boxing you in as your sides, hands wandering to tease your sensitive areas, mouth leaving kisses and bite marks over every inch of skin they can find, and both whispering the most filthy encouragement into your eyes. Because your such a good girl for them, and they're all going to enjoy you immensely.

~🐁

GOOD MORNING ????

I HAVE NOTHING TO ADD I THINK EVERYONE ELSE NEEDS TO LOOK AT THIS AND THINK. EVERYONE THANK 🐁 ANON ONCE AGAIN.

#dehya smut #beidou smut #ningguang smut #genshin candace x reader #OH OF COURSEEE NING IS FIRST TO START #🎐 : long ask #💌 : lovemail #🐁 anon

[altocat]

How does the trio interact with lower-class soldiers (that aren't Zack)?

All three are actually nice to the lower-rankers in their own unique ways.

Angeal probably the most overtly so. He's Zack's mentor first and foremost but the Seconds and Thirds always go to him whenever they have a question or have an issue that needs resolving. Angeal prides himself on being an approachable teacher to all the younger soldiers, a father figure for them to look up to. His loss is heavily felt after his demise in Modeoheim, with many of the Seconds and Thirds privately gathering behind closed doors to mourn. It was an extremely visceral and agonizing experience for all of them, especially when Shinra branded Angeal a traitor and denied him a proper SOLDIER funeral.

Genesis can at first seem like his typical prickly, arrogant self around low-rankers. In reality, this is just to cover up his hidden sweet streak. He likes to read to them from time to time. And while he can get in a verbal jab or two if they're annoying him, he's also protective of them on the battlefield. If you need a wingman, Genesis is typically your guy. He's shamelessly fascinated at all the gossip that goes on around the office and will happily participate if you need a schmoozer to help you hook up with your dream date. Lots of the Seconds and Thirds were drawn to Genesis' charisma and chose to follow him after his desertion, though none of them (Genesis included) knew what they were getting into.

Sephiroth is typically rather grumpy and introverted, not mingling with lower-rankers whenever he's busy or anxious about something. But with that said, he's also not overly unpleasant or cruel. He just likes to get things done and he generously rewards his men based on their efficiency. While Sephiroth is the coldest of the three, he will also be the first to fight to the death to protect his fellow soldiers, using his wits to lead them across the battlefield with minimal casualties. If you can prove yourself as a competent fighter and a loyal soldier, he will encourage and foster your talents wholeheartedly. Many of the younger soldiers look to Sephiroth as an inspiration, a real leader. Sephiroth fights tooth and nail to live up to his reputation, keeping everything ordered as he guides his team. Many of the soldiers believe that Sephiroth should run SOLDIER instead of violent bullies like Heidegger. They would willingly advocate for him if he were to ever plot a regime change. But Sephiroth really just wants to retire and isn't interested.

#asks #ff7 #ffvii #final fantasy 7 #crisis core #sephcanons #sephiroth #genesis rhapsodos #angeal hewley

[aroaceleovaldez]

what demigods from each cabin would get along together you think? Like I headcanon that the Hephaestus and Hecate kids get along because they’re always thinking up new things like be it spells or machinery. But I wanna hear your take on compatibility between godly parents? 😀

-Casimir 🔮Cabin 20🔮 Son of Hecate

oh i LOVE the idea of Hecate and Hephaestus kids getting up to mischief. I've thought about this a bit so I'll go through the ones I have strong dynamic ideas off the top of my head, sticking mostly to CHB's main 20 cabins and then a couple of bonuses. Also some bonus "who hates each other." (Under cut for length)

Ever since TLO the Apollo and Ares cabins have had an alliance. Mostly built out of the Ares kids feeling really guilty about arriving late to war and nearly all the Apollo kids dying in the Battle of Manhattan, wondering if there would have been fewer casualties between both cabins if they had gotten over their stubborn pride faster like the Apollo kids had. Ares kids kind of guard the Apollo kids and tolerate them more than other cabins, and the Apollo kids are considered off-limits for bullying.

Hephaestus, Ares, and Aphrodite kids have a very bizarre dynamic, besides the whole canonical love triangle curse nonsense they have going on. They tend to be drawn to each other one way or another. Very common to see them together. The question is just are they besties or are they trying to kill each other.

Big 3 kids either have immense solidarity or totally loathe each other and there's no in-between. Sometimes it's both.

Demeter and Hades kids have a very tenuous alliance. They're a little scared of each other. They would fight to the death over who gets to adopt a Persephone kid as a sibling though.

Besides Hades, Demeter kids either get along great or horribly with Big 3 kids. Again, no in-between, or sometimes both.

Zeus kids and Athena kids tend to get along like a house on fire. Insert School of Athens fresco here. They are Thinking Thoughts and will have the most passionate debates about the wildest topics you have ever heard.

Cabins 5 and 6 have a very strong ongoing rivalry. If it's a friendly rivalry or true rivalry shifts depending on counselors. They LOOOOVE competing with each other though, and have some amount of unwavering respect for each other as the war cabins. Post-TLO the Nike cabin starts getting in on that dynamic too and Cabins 5 and 6 are very excited for some new challenges.

Tyche and Nemesis cabins tend to be buddies

Apollo, Athena, Dionysus, and Iris cabins love being artsy together. 100% lead a lot of the art activities at camp.

Similarly, Athena, Apollo, Hephaestus, Hermes, and Hecate cabins love being nerdy together.

Chthonic solidarity! Hermes, Hades, Hypnos, Hecate, etc. Usually the other chthonic cabins are the only ones brave enough to poke fun at the Hades kids.

Mad scientist gang Athena, Hephaestus, Hecate. Sometimes the Apollo kids join in to help give them ideas and enable them.

Athena, Hecate, Apollo, and Hades meanwhile are Mad Scientist: Biology Edition™. They're dissecting weird stuff and will figure out how to make Frankenstein's monster.

Also, Athena, Apollo, Hebe - medical cabins gang. Vision/eye health, general health, and general health + youthfulness.

Demeter and Dionysus gardening buddies!!!!!! Sometimes they let the Apollo and Iris kids hang out too. Zeus and Poseidon kids are a strong "maybe."

Apollo and Hebe cabins get along super well, also with Zeus cabin. They're totally vibing being all youthful and beautiful together. Sometimes Aphrodite cabin also join them. Pretty cabins gangs.

Apollo, Iris, and Zeus cabins (and Hera cabin if there are actually any kids there for that. hi Jason) - sky deities buddies!

Dionysus cabin has a bizarre comradery with the Hades cabin nobody can figure out but everyone is mildly afraid of (it's Zagreus stuff).

Iris and Hermes kids get along super well. Iris cabin also probably loves hanging out with the Aphrodite and Apollo kids. They're talking about art and color theory.

Bonuses: Philotes + Aphrodite + Erotes kids obviously all get along fantastically. Psyche kids and Aphrodite kids either get along well or clash horribly.

Hebe and Ganymede kids are shaking hands. Cupbearer parents (who are also both youthful and pretty).

Iris and Arke kids are very one-in-the-same except the Arke kids all have So Many Problems. Iris kids tend to be "excuse me they asked for no pickles" on the Arke kids' behalf often.

Thetis kids and Arke kids have beef and it's kind of funny (cause Thetis got Arke's wings as a wedding gift after they were stolen from Arke as punishment for siding with the Titans).

Enyo/Bellona and Ares/Mars kids LOOOOVE each other. Immediate best friends. Same hat, spiderman pointing meme, etc etc. Absolutely built for each other. They just click. And also tend to enable each other a little bit. Do not let the Nike kids around both of them at the same time because they will all begin to enable each other in a feedback loop and get up to mayhem.

#pjo #riordanverse #chb #camp half-blood #headcanon #headcanons #godly parents #grafitticreativity #ask

[jeannereames]

Hii😄, could you talk about Alexander and hefestion's skills? Whether militarily or diplomatically, I heard that Hephaestion was better at politics, diplomacy and logistics, and that in some ways his and Alexander's skills complemented each other.

I'm always a tad amused when my own research is quoted back to me as a bit of general knowledge. 😂 That's not at all a slam, btw! I'm quite pleased it's escaped out of academia to become part-and-parcel of what people know about Hephaistion. Means I made an impact on rehabbing his career.

But yes, those things are true. I wrote about them first back in 1998, in my dissertation, then published it as part of an academic book chapter in 2010, titled "The Cult of Hephaistion" in Responses to Oliver Stone's Alexander: Film, History, and Cultural Studies, P. Cartledge and F. Greenland, eds. Complete with tables! Follow the link to read it.

I am now, some years later, returning to Hephaistion's career with the current monograph I'm working on. I've altered my opinion about some things (primarily details), and modified my take, but it remains largely the same. I've even convinced a number of my colleagues, so Hephaistion as logistics officer now appears in most summaries about him. Now, if I can just convince them he wasn't either incompetent or the quarrelsome bastard he's often made out to be.

He did have diplomatic assignments too, although he's hardly the only one. Erigyios, Perdikkas, Ptolemy...they were also used for diplomatic purposes. Plutarch (in a long contrast with Krateros) says ATG employed Hephaistion for business with the "barbarians" and Krateros for business with Greeks and Macedonians, because Hephaistion agreed with ATG's "Persianizing" whereas Krateros kept his traditional ways. From Plutarch, that's not necessarily a compliment for Hephaistion. It's also not stated so anywhere else beyond Plutarch. I have some theories I'll be discussing in the book.

IF we can take the disproportionate assignment of logistical/diplomatic assignments as any indicator, it would seem that Hephaistion was more skilled in that realm than in combat command. That isn't to say he was no good at combat command, mind (I've had some read it so, as if "not as good" = "bad" because middle ground apparently isn't permitted).

It also doesn't mean he wasn't a decent fighter. He probably was, as he seems to have been assigned to lead the agema (Royal) unit of the Hypaspists, e.g., the king's personal guard in battle. According to earlier accounts of the origin of this unit, Philip created them to cut across regional divisions, picking the largest men and best fighters. The agema was, if Waldemar Heckel is correct, drawn specifically from the sons of Companions (Hetairoi). That would back up Curtius' description of him as "larger in physique" than Alexander. (That's what the Latin actually says, not simply "taller.") But keep in mind, the best fighters are only occasionally equally good at command. Those are two different skills.

Finally, his choice as Chiliarch may also underscore some of what we've already seen in his assignments. But it's this appointment that leads some scholars to conclude that he rose due to Alexander's favoritism, not actual ability on his part. That, however, seems to me to stem from several (erroneous) assumptions.

IME, competent people surround themselves with other competent people, at least for any length of time. Flatters may be tolerated, but they're not continually advanced. It's dictators who surround themselves with yes-people (and not all of them; they also need competent individuals). Alexander may have been called a "tyrant" by the Greeks, but he wasn't. He was a king. The Greeks/Athenians/Spartans/Others were playing politics. Macedonian kings had to court their courtiers. If Alexander had been manifestly unfair in his appointments, his men would have rebelled against those officers. They rebelled...but not for that reason. They wanted to go home.

For those who regard Alexander (and Philip) as tyrannical, and/or the enemy of (Greek) freedom, and/or megalomaniacs, and lucky rather than competent, then sure. It would follow that ATG would surround himself with asslickers. But if one thinks he was actually good at what he did (which is a different thing from approving of conquest, mind), and a halfway decent politician--then no, it doesn't follow that his top officers were yes-men. Curtius bluntly tells us that Hephaistion was freer than anyone to "upbraid" the king. Doesn't sound like a yes-man to me.

I think Hephaistion was appointed as Chiliarch for two reasons: Alexander trusted him AND he could do the job. Too bad he didn't live long enough for us to see what he might have done with it.

#asks #Hephaistion #Hephaestion #Alexander the Great #Hephaistion's military assignments #Hephaistion's status in the army #chiliarch #Classics #ancient Macedonia #ancient Greece #Plutarch's hit job on Hephaistion

[mj-ackerman]

Tatsuya Endo's Character Commentary from the Official Spy x Family Fanbook English Translation Part 2:

Long post ahead. <<Part 1 here>>

Franky:

(Endo) The model for his character is Mozzie, who is next to the main character of the foreign drama "White Collar". The glasses are also exactly the same. He's a really good character who talks a lot of nonsense, but not a despicable one. It is rare to find a character with a model in "SPY x FAMILY".

This is Mozzie from White Collar, played by the actor Willie Garson.

The stripes on his socks are intended to make him look a little more fashionable, to give him a popular look.

He is well liked by the people from the underground. The tobacco shop is a sort of hideout for Franky, and if he's chased out of there, I think he's got another place and identity. His name "Franky" seems like not his real name too.

Sylvia Sherwood: 

(Endo) The cool big sister superior officer. Big sister...? Her design was inspired by the Paris Collection, or whatever fashion magazine I was looking at. Her glasses, curly hair, and the hat are all a bit too troublesome to draw...

She has the appearance of an independent woman, but in her private life, she is a very sloppy person. She lives in a very dirty room. I may draw that in an extra chapter soon. Her fighting ability is unknown, but it seems she's not that strong. 

Yuri Briar:

(Endo) His visual is exactly like Yor, a male version one. I thought about him having short hair, but it didn't feel right, so I decided to go with my current style. If he doesn't talk, I'm sure he'll be popular (with girls). I wonder if he's interested in anyone other than his sister? 

(Hayashi) I think he's interested in his job?

(Endo) Yuri is certainly a very hardworking and a serious person. He really wants to protect the peace of Ostania, and I think he truly believes that this is for the sake of his sister. After all, she is his sister. He doesn't seem to have any hobbies that involve spending money, and since his taste buds are spoiled, he doesn't seem to eat gourmet food either. 

He thinks Anya is a "despicable little brat". Compared to Franky, he's not used to children, so he competes with them in the same way.

Henry Henderson:

(Endo) Most of the characters are introduced only for a particular episode, but if I try to draw them and find them easy to move, I stick with them. I never thought that Henderson and Yor's boss, the shopkeeper, would play such an active role...

By the way, he's the only character who has a fanservice scene (the shower scene) in the work.

I liked the mismatched jersey he wore during the dodgeball round, so I'd like to have him do various cosplays as well. Like doing "Today's class is [redacted]", but I don't think there will be much demand for it.

Damian Desmond: 

(Endo) He's exactly like Domyoji from "花より団子 / Hana Yori Dango / Boys Over Flower" (by Yoko Kamio) (Laughs). In his first appearance, he was a jerk who boasted about his status, but he soon became a good boy. I wanted to make him a meaner character though.

This is Domyoji Tsukasa, the main lead of the romance series Hana Yori Dango or Boys Over Flower, a manga by Yoko Kamio

(Hayashi) Because Ewin and his friend are good guys, I think he's getting better hanging around with them. They're really good guys who are always there for Damian and give him the attention that he needs. Damian should be thankful to the both of them.

(Endo) In the future, there may or may not be a dark episode of "After all, humans only want money and power...." (Laughs)

Becky Blackbell:

(Endo) Like Damian, she started out as a tsun-tsun (tsundere), but she soon became friendly.... And she was able to get along with Anya in just one episode. She's very easy going.

She thinks people her age are "brats" and doesn't have many friends other than Anya. I would like to make at least 1 more person to be her friend. Her personality and design are probably based on Marika-chan from "愛してるぜベイベ★★ / I love you baby ★★" (Yoko Maki). She's precocious and cute.

Marika-chan from the manga series Aishiteruze Baby / I love you baby by Yoko Maki

Unrelated, but I kinda like her last name "Blackbell". I don't remember the reason why I gave it to her though.

Fiona Frost: 

(Endo) I really like "Nightfall's" design including her coat. The image color is "blue" in contrast to Yor. In terms of standing position, her character is to stir up the romance part of the story. I thought of it as a way to add variety to the story.

(Hayashi) There was quite a bit of talk about putting out a character on WISE's side as a friend during Twilight's meeting. I thought it would be nice to have at least one colleague for Twilight.

(Endo) The name "Nightfall"  means to "follow around after Twilight (evening)". Emile and Ewin start with "E" because they're following Damian "D". I know people might think that the names of the other characters also have meanings to them, but I actually just added them on a whin (Laughs)

Donovan Desmond: (I can't add his pic anymore)

(Endo) Since he's the last boss, I'm careful not to make him look like a dull character. With a face like this, I'm sure that Damian looks like his mother (Laughs)

He was a member of the ruling party during the war, but now he's a member of the opposition party, so I have an image of him hiding in the background.

(Hayashi) He's a character with a lot of secrets, but the goal is to get into his heart, so please pay attention to him in the future!

#spy x family #spy x family official fanbook: eyes only #franky franklin #sylvia sherwood #yuri briar #henry henderson #damian desmond #becky blackbell #fiona frost #donovan desmond

[wing-ed-thing]

Hidan x Reader x Kakuzu Love Triange Headcanons

𓆃 So... you're dead.

𓆃 Not to say that Hidan or Kakuzu are completely incapable of love... but it's not going to be traditional, healthy, and even the chances of the best case that you're even satisfied in this partnership is slim to none.

𓆃 And it all depends on you. Because the most important factor here is that you can hold your own with these two. It's like a bad choose your own adventure novel.

𓆃 Even that is pretty high stakes considering that they're both practically immortal and also prone to outbursts of anger and violence.

𓆃 Hidan's affection is like a puppy love. He gets attached quickly, impatiently, and possessively. And given things don't go quite his way, he will lash out without thought. Not to mention his inevitable bordom.

𓆃 Kakuzu's affection is slow and creeping. There's a fondness that must never overstep onto things he deems more important, because the moment you slip in the hierarchy of things holding his attention, he will strike as suddenly and quietly as his initial affection.

𓆃 Your best chances come if you happen to be a near-perfect match for each other. Because Hidan isn't accepting anyone that he cannot share his faith with— remember, Lord Jashin comes first— and Kakuzu won't let anything stop his prioritization of money.

𓆃 Ideally, perhaps you may be more skilled or offer a unique ability that compliments the two. Perhaps you are a religious scholar or are a cut-throat loan shark. It's a tricky balance to strike.

𓆃 The most promising thing about this scenario is that Kakuzu and Hidan will likely get distracted by each other. As possessive as they are, it's likely that their pride will get in the way and they'll duke it out with each other.

𓆃 It's probably best if you keep it this way, as you don't have to deal with the inevitable boredom that will likely come with actually partnering up with one or the other.

𓆃 Throw your weight around, show your skill, and don't show interest.

𓆃 The safest option would be Kakuzu. He's more predictable, and while money is king, this is something that can be more easily shared. Any rule-breakers around money can be avoided as he is the more logical of the two.

𓆃 While Kakuzu isn't easily impressed by any means, his respect can be won over (which would guarantee a degree of safety and may lead to a thriving partnership).

𓆃 Competence in negotiating, a fair but aggressive bargainer (without being cheeky), knowledge of politics... Kakuzu can be won over in a series of discussion.

𓆃 Compliments by Kakuzu include, but are not limited to, "You have a good head on your shoulders," "You drive a hard bargain," and "Hmp," accompanied by a surprised, yet impressed dip of his lip and nod of his head.

𓆃 (Bonus points if his arms are crossed.)

𓆃 For Hidan, Jashin will always come first. Failure to join or follow new edicts will result in your death. Failure to be as devoted as Hidan would like would likely result in your death. Hidan is also more distractible.

𓆃 Compliments from Hidan don't go much past crass comments about your body, but sometimes he'll say random out of pocket things that make you laugh and he really likes making you laugh.

𓆃 He's really bad at it because he doesn't quite understand what it is that makes you laugh, but he gets such satisfaction out of getting you to laugh.

𓆃 You have to play it by ear. If you hold them off too long, they'll get bored. Really, you have to just pick one eventually and pray it works out.

Thank you to all who liked, reblogged, followed, and supported. Your support means so much and is greatly appreciated.

Three-Man Squad Relationship Headcanons with Kakuzu and Hidan

#hidan x reader #hidan x reader x kakuzu #kakuzu x reader #hidan #kakuzu #akatsuki x reader #naruto x reader #naruto headcanon #naruto headcanons #akatsuki headcanons #akatsuki headcanon #akatsuki #naruto shippuden #x reader #x you #reader insert #naruto x y/n #naruto #naruto x you

[whomadewaffles]

So.. I know this is a new fandom for me to post about, but I've had bottoms (2023) brainrott for the past month. I just had to put an idea out there for an AU:

School election au!

-I want to preface this by saying I am from the uk and we don't really do the school election thing over here... At least my school didn't.. but most of this runs on like.. movie logic anyway so..hopefully it's understandable, oh and they're still like.the same age as the film since let's say election process probably only takes like 2 months then whoever wins is president for the rest of the year until graduation-

This got kinda long, so details below the read more.

Instead of starting a fight club to get laid, they hear that isabel is running for class president this year (Brittany as her campaign partner). And pj convinces josie to run against her (with pj as her campaign partner, of course), hoping that the rivalry will spark something between and like... how hard can it be!?. Turns out out very, which leads to Hazel helping out being the long-suffering friend and the unsung actual driving force behind their campaign. its actuly her idea to focus their whole campaign around improving equality and female empowerment at the school, which gets them the support of Annie, sylvie, Stella-Rebecca, etc.

It works well and Isabel and josie actuly do get to talk to each other betweeen all the debates and campaigning (isabel likes that they are standing for such good causes..thinking josie is completely genuine in her good intentions) leading to them sleeping together and their campaign also leads to gettin the 2 ugly untalented gay losers a boost in social standing.

But of course, things go wrong.

The increase in popularity (and the fear of losing it) and Brittany's rejection goes to pj's head and she lashes out at Hazel especially harshly causing her to leave and then egged on my the jocks (who are not as important here..just assholes) reveals the actual intentions behind their run for class president to the whole school (and by extention the fact that josie and isabel got together on the basis of a lie) Hazel also announces her run for class president. against them, a betrayed an hurt isabel pulls out of the race, but a stubborn and still mad pj wants to keep running so Hazel doesn't win (she does feel guilty because Hazel genraly had good intentions but will not admit it yet) but josie dosent agree and wants to back out so they fight and stop talking for a bit.

Until the big final debate were the 2 front runners for Rockbridge falls class president have to go up against the school president candidates of a the rival school huntington in a chance to shine in front of both schools (its not like a competative thing against the 2 schools but try telling huntington that..pretty much all of both schools come to watch, its a big deal).

Pj isn't even sure if she should show up without josie there and almost chickens out and goes home, but josie rushes to find pj because she heard a rumor that huntington plans foul play but isn't sure how. Josie does her speech pj to try and stop them and save Hazel, who has no idea.

(Turns out they plan on dropping a whole lot of pineapple juice onto the Rockbridge candidates.. no one is allergic in this au. it's just gross)

They find hazel and the other girls (who all switched candidates once hazel started her own campaign obviously even isabel and Britney support her now) and apologies are made (pj admiting that hazel did practically run their campaign and generally did change the school for the better). And josie goes off alone to snoop out huntungtons plan while the others try desperately to think of menthods of distraction delay the debate happening but the thing pj comes up with is to kiss (French style, because duh) hazel just as the event starts (if you asked pj later she would say only to distract people and sell the lie) and anouncing her and josie's withdrawal due to her and Hazel now being in love it doesn't feel right to keep running on the aposinng team (this gives josie enough time to find the pineapple juice and dump it)

So it ends up being hazel running unopposed (so she's going to win the school election any how cos let's be real she would make the best class president) and even though its 2 against 1 she realy shines during the debate with Huntington now that any foul play is delt with, she dosen't bullshit like most politicians do, which makes having counter arguments for her points difficult and she's just very likeable and even brings up the charity work she dose in the most humble way so like even if she wasn't running unopposed for her school she still probably would have won.

During everyone celebrating Hazel's great preformece and and upcoming victory, josie gets to apologise to and make up with (and make out with) isabel with josie saying she only did it because she was to nervous to talk to her otherwise.

And pj has to know deal with the fact that everyone who watched now believes that she and the future class president are dating and how she kinda doesn't hate the idea.. and how good at kissing Hazel is...

While Hazel is just so overwhelmed with everything that just happened (in a good way) to really process the distraction kiss, for now, she just feels happy.

#bottoms 2023 #school election au #school president Hazel Callahan.. i can see the vision #hazel callahan #pj bottoms #josie marks #isabel bottoms #josibel #pjhazel #bottoms 2023 au

[lyramundana]

lyra I finally had a thought I think you might appreciate 😈 this is not a request or anything, and if it doesn't vibe, leave it in your inbox BUT

I was building ikea furniture the other day and got thinking about how weird idol's lives are and how many basic life skills they probably lack. like we know most kpop idols at least finish school, but we've also all heard about hollywood actors being dumb as bricks.

so what basic shit do we think our skz boys, and especially our minsung boys, are just absolutely incapable of doing? we know minho can cook, but you can't tell me they didn't all have trouble figuring out laundry in their mojo dojo casa house of a dorm.

also can you imagine reader or your OC literally shaking their head at them hahahah

or would they get turned on by the weirdest shit because reader or your OC is competent and confident in small moments? like she makes really good coffee because she used to be a barista, or whatevs

just thoughts being thunk, do what you will 💓

-May, @skzms

omfg, this is actually one of my favourite scenarios💀 you read my mind or smh??

I totally know what you mean. While I think Stray Kids have learnt more than most after living by themselves in that dirty hole, I feel that after a while they grow used to the chaos and they barely got time to improve, considering their careers. Now they're more famous and probably richer, I feel they have other people doing these stuff for them. Also, most idols have shown in variety shows that they can barely fry eggs without guidance, so yeah

This got long, so beware

It's funny you mention my OC because this scenario fits her perfectly and her story. Vivi comes from a big family and due to her upbringing, she has grown up learning a lot of skills to be completely self-sufficient at a young age. And because pursuing a dance career isn't exactly cheap unless you're a kpop trainee, of course she has worked in some jobs to earn extra money. Shop assistant, waitress, babysitter, and even a bartender at some point, although this one was more like a hobby rather than a job, since she loves anything related to alcohol. It's very important for her to be independent and not rely on people.

Part of being a competitive dancer implies moving around a lot for tournaments, so she's used to live without external support and having no option but do things herself. Assemble furniture, cook food, house chores, handling the bills, you name it. After all, the more she can do by herself, the less money she has to spend.

I believe that most of the boys can do basic stuff, as long as they have the instructions in front of their eyes and can ask for help. Otherwise, they're lost. They know how to cook because they need to feed themselves and do some cleaning for hygiene, but that's it. They're clueless about anything else.

So it'll be like this. Imagine that, for some reason, Vivi and MinSung have to live together for a while, maybe for a show or a dare, or because they have out of necessity, I don't know. The apartment is big and cozy, but there's a tiny problem: There's no furniture, functional electricity or food. This isn't new for Vivi, so she simply accepts it and gets to work, while MinSung stand there like "wait, aren't they supposed to provide these stuff for us?"

So you have this girl acting as a babysitter and provider for two grown ass man, older than her, that can't even start the washing machine.

"So, how do we do this?"

"By pressing the big button with Start written on top..😑"

Going to buy the furniture is a mess, because while Vivi is carefully picking up the options based on what they need and knows where to look, the boys treat it as a fun trip. They're basically her children she has to look after, trying the beds and almost getting lost for going after something that caught their eyes.

"Hey Vivi, what is that? Can we take it? It looks so cool!"

"...that's a drill, Jisung"

They get confused when she leads them to the warehouse underneath and buys some boxes.

"Wait, weren't we going to buy the furniture?"

"Yes, duh, I have it all right here. We'll arrange them later at home"

"Wait, what? do you mean arrange them?!"

Vivi soon realizes she's going to have an extra load of work she didn't anticipate. Lots of face palming and taking deep breaths because seriously, how are they still alive??

She's casually arranging her wardrove like it's second nature to her, quickly and precise, knowing exactly where everything goes. She throws a glance at the boys and finds, well, complete disaster. They're nowhere half done, the instructions a mess of papers around them and none are holding the right tools for it. She's exasperated and shoos them away, taking care of everything as they watch.

And you're absolutely right, they find all of this sexy as fuck.

They stare at her in awe and admiration as she leads them through the different shops, keeping mental lists of everything they need and knowing stuff unknown to their ears. Their eyes sparkle as she speaks with terms they never heard before and takes all the stuff she claims they need. They follow her like lost puppies, eagerly waiting for her next orders. They specially stick to her hips in crowded zones, since she gives zero fucks about pushing people out of her way and telling them to move (their introvert asses could never)

They might have needed some cold showers after witnessing her arranging everything in the house. The furniture, the electricity cables, the pipes, acting like it's all stuff she does everyday. She needs to watch some tutorials for some of those chores, but she quickly gets the hang of it. Her figure all sweaty and red and her light clothing already clinging to her body from all the effort. Her strong arms on display with her tank top, her hair in a messy bun with some wet strands near her cheeks, some dirt on her face and holding a tool that looks like a murder weapon, and...ops, they're hard, time for another shower..

Jisung feels he might nut his pants when she lifts a fucking couch to check something underneath, holding it still with one hand while relying some of the weight on her shoulder. Minho once sat on it to annoy her, thinking she wouldn't be able to lift it with him there...turns out she did it anyway. And now there's two people wanting to nut in their pants.

She gives some easy chores to keep them busy. Minho is in charge of cooking and Jisung bring the ingredients. So after exhausting hours of working around, Vivi comes back to a full cooked meal as a "reward".

She's a professional hunter of discounts, bargains and anything that implies saving as much money as possible. She doesn't have the budget of an entire company supporting her, so she's used to tracking down the best offers and making sellers sweat to give her the price she wants. It's a battle of rhetoric and sheer determination, and the boys are once more in awe.

She discusses with the landlord about the apartment's issues and is ready to argue with anyone about her rights. She handles the bills and most of the financial matters.

Bonus: She once used a whole drill to fix the bed and closets instead of a screwdriver ("this is better, guys, my mother taught me"), headphones on to mute out the noise and the veins in her arms pecking out with the force of holding it, mindlessly doing the task.

Yeah, lots of the money is going down the cold water

@skzms here. I'll love to hear your input

#Vivi actually enjoys their admiration #to her these are all basic life skills and never thought much about them #most people she knows have the same skills #so the sudden validation makes her feel very smug #mutual asks #minsung x reader #skz scenarios

[genderascendant]

✨ofmd fic rec list✨

Here it is, the list absolutely no one one of my friends all of you have been waiting for: my our flag means death fic recs!! Now, I mostly like AUs and long-ish fics and am ambivalent about smut, so that's what most of this list is; but I put a couple of very special post-canon fics at the beginning, and shorter or one-shot fics at the end. My absolute favorites are marked with 🌸. Enjoy! 💖

post-canon-ish

🌸 Chiaroscuro by @menaceanon - WIP, 22k, T - gratuitous Mary and Ed get to be buds content. Their friendship and bonding is so so sweet, and especially since Jenkins said Mary probably won't make a return...... enjoy it here!!

Uncle Ed by StormySeaWitch - WIP, 21k, T - twin narratives about Ed adopting the kiddos, and one I actually like even more: Stede and co. slowly plotting and executing a takeover of the English naval ship that rescued them:') It's great Stede competence and killing-with-kindness content

Wayfaring by @justkeeptrekkin - 35k, E - Unbelievable masterpiece where Stede and Ed have to make up on the deserted island they're stranded on. The exploration of EMOTIONS. The ROMANTICISM, the SCENES. I have no words, you just have to read it

🌸 the only proof the field existed by @nonagethimus - 22k, M - Also a masterpiece. Part 1 is a searing character study of Ed and Lucius, and part 2 is a perfect reunion. Screaming and crying and throwing up.

AUs

🌸 it's what isn't in the name by tciddaemina - 41k, M - the entire Season 1 rewritten as a daemon AU. Absolutely love the characterization here and it feels so real, i came out feeling like i had an entire extra version of the season in my brain.

it's a beautiful night, we're looking for something dumb to do by lacecat - WIP, 33k, M - Stede opens a gastropub. Ed owns the dive bar down the street. An accidental murder leads to... them getting married the day they meet so they can't be made to testify against each other. It's SO well plotted and sweet and funny that so far, it's my only reread.

🌸 Ship in a Bottle by @neverwaswise - WIP, 14k, NR - HRRRNGH i am so obsessed with this one. Lighthouse keeper Stede, literal kraken Ed. The characterization is INCREDIBLE and i absolutely LIVE and am FERAL for this Little Mermaidy version of Ed. THE SWEETNESS!!!!! Shutting up now!

Bark and Bite by @amuseoffyre - WIP, 32k, M - the vampire/werewolf AU of my DREAMS. Season 1 rewritten with vampire!ed and werewolf!stede, of course. It's incredibly silly and sweet, and I love how they work the au into the canon. An update always brightens my day!!

🌸 this tired world could change by @sassygwaine - 95k, E - FERAL I SAY. Stede is a depressed office worker at his dad's company, Ed is a mechanic and ex-enforcer for the mob. The way their relationship is written and grows is.......... so, so beautiful, I can't even. There's a sequel coming!!

We were the winds -writing our names in the sky- by sapphos_gh0st - WIP, 37k, T - What if Ed and Stede met as teenagers? Impossibly sweet and fluffy, literally soothes my soul. Boys finding the love and sweetness and care they DESERVE *clenches fist*

🌸 Once Upon a Summer in San Francisco by samwise - WIP, 95k, M - This fic has me in a fucking chokehold. I am rabid about it, obsessed. 1970s AU, Ed is a drug dealer with a record store front, and meets Stede at a music festival. Their lives and their world feel so real and lived-in, which makes their love story that much more compelling. Excellent and often HYSTERICAL prose, especially from Lucius, and I want to live in Stede's gay commune-house with the crew SO badly.

Our Flag Means Rock by @captain-athos - 22k, M - This one has really taken up residence in my brain! 1960s pirate radio AU, and the author really knows and cares about music history. Made me go listen to the Beach Boys!

This Could Be Love by @zombee - 16k, E - Ed is an ex-professional skier who meets Stede at a hotel conference... and fake dating AND only-one-bed ensue! I particularly love their take on DESPERATELY horny Ed

shorter AUs and whatnot

you'll marry a music man by @soft-october-night - 7k, T - "Poor man's Elton John" Stede covers one of Ed's songs! Soooo sweet and funny

in the margins by @weatheredlaw - 3k, T - Ed and Stede find each other over and over, in every life. This one is so healing, kind of ties the whole idea of reading AUs together, and is especially nice after watching Everything Everywhere All At Once

a small adventure by @sassygwaine - 4k, T - Dungeons and Dragons podcasting AU! Their exchange about tabaxis is probably going to stick in my head forever!!

Dealt a Soft Hand by @mintly - 12k, M - ACCIDENTAL DRUNKEN VEGAS WEDDING, and also Ed is a professional gambler. Funny and sweet

🌸 Washington Square Park Dog Run for Larger Dogs by @fortinbrasftw - 6k, T - Ed and Stede meet at the dog park, and later, Izzy and James Flint meet at the dog park. Hilarious, perfect characterization. I've never seen Black Sails and it did not impact my IMMENSE enjoyment of these fics at all.

that's all for now! got recommendations? reblog or reply! 💖

#our flag means death #ofmd #ofmd fic #ofmd fic rec #ofmd fic list #mine #this was so hard and tumblr deleted my edits when i was halfway done. rip #maybe i will make a part 2 one day when i read more fic!!