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rpg-elf-girl · 3 years

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Shadows House

I have a lot of thoughts surrounding this particular show, both good & bad.

Allow me to give a quick summary for anyone who hasn't seen/read it!

Shadows House is about 'a faceless family of nobles who all live within this giant manor, the Shadows House.

When a Shadow comes of age they receive a 'Living Doll' to both serve as their face and to clean the soot they emit from their bodies.

The most important rule of the living dolls is "don't fret over trivial matters"

A task which is difficult for the ever curious doll Emiliko.

Watch this tale unfold as Emiliko & her mistress Kate navigate this ever mysterious Manor together.'

For a fan of slow burn thrillers, horror, slice of life, supernatural & mystery series' this has been an absolute blast!

It's not quite the combination of genres you'd expect from a show, but it works really well here!

In fact I was so into the anime that this is actually the first show where I broke down and read the manga!

Unfortunately there's no official English release, but at least there are some people translating the series!

As much as I'd like to go on about the manga, this post is meant to be more so about the anime so I'll (try to) leave it at that.

Though i feel obligated to warn anime onlys I'll likely refer the manga a lot in a spoiler section latter in this post I'll try to be vague but I can't guarantee anything. For anyone worried about that I'll lable it do you can read on until then.

Everything from the animation to the music was amazing & completely fit the mood of the story! I remember a couple scenes where I actually teared up because of this!

The Ending theme is an absolute banger! I've listened to that on repeat ever since I first heard it! And the Opening is also great! It's cool for it to be an instrumental, stuff like that is pretty rare! I also heard the song in the op as a motif in the music throughout the show! It really sets the right mood in each scene it's in! It's amazing for getting into each episode!

In terms of adaptation almost everything from the beginning to the end of the Debut arc was done amazingly well!

Even with the stuff they cut it still holds true to the spirit of its source.

The main important part that was cut is something that could easily be introduced latter if they decide to go for a second season, so I'm not too mad about that.

However! Everything after the debut is a bit of a different story.

There was a lot I liked about the last couple episodes but there were some parts that were immersion breaking for me.

I've been being vague up until this point l, but I'm planning on going into spoiler territory for both the anime and manga after this. So I'll make a quick spoiler free summary of my thoughts before moving onto that.

I really really loved this show but in my opinion the last 3 episodes were the weakest of them all. They went anime only for the ending. I don't mind that on it's own, but it was rushed and the writing was sloppy at times.

Now I'm not telling you to not watch the show! Most of It's really really good, and I can still see people enjoying the parts I'm talking about if they want to give the anime a try. Overall I've fallen in love with this series and I could never recommend it enough.

If what I'm saying is giving you bad vibes the manga is available and doesn't have the issues I've mentioned. You can look for a translation online, it didn't take me long to find one so don't worry too much about that.

Also! if you're an anime only who's finished the series and want to know where to pick up the Manga I'd recommend at least skiming through the beginning. I know it might not be what you're looking for but there were a bunch of small scenes that either got cut or were merged for adaptation purposes that I think are super cute & give more context to different aspects of the setting. However! Pay close attention during the "night watchers part" something important got cut .

~~~Now for spoilers!!!!~~~

I don't want to make it sound like I'm some manga purist who hates the very thought of the slightest change from the source. I'm anime only for a lot of different shows and I've always despised it when that type of manga reader reared it's ugly head.

While I'll admit some changes did bother me I won't make a fuss about the smaller stuff.

With that said!

I hinted earlier in this post that I didn't have a big problem with Robe-same being cut. That was because without them there it does make for a more complete story if they only get one season to work with.

If there is another season they can easily be introduced latter on. Like maybe Emiliko & Shaun can meet them when the Debutant class reunion is going on before they talk on the roof (or right after that) I actually think that would be the perfect time to introduce them (other than the time they were supposed to appear, but I digress)

Louise teaming up & being friendly with Kate can be explained with some dialogue changes at the first Debutant Class Reunion. Louise can say she was just trying to show off or that she just wanted to get back at Edward and that she isn't interested in helping Kate with her problems. Things can then go on as they did in the manga.

Kates being reckless & telling everything to John can be explained by her being extremely panicked when Emiliko went missing, as long as there are some lines of dialogue adressing this it's fine. Though I do wish she tried to keep some stuff a secret but couldn't because Shaun tries to interfer because he's still brainwashed, or something along those lines. It felt a bit weird after she just told Emiliko to keep that stuff between them. Still that could be explained by how panicked she was.

There are other things, but I don't want to drag the post on too long. Most of the issues can be fixed with little changes here & there.

I never had a problem with the idea of them going in an anime only direction. I just want to have a good time with the show.

Unfortunately I can't 100% vouche for the direction the show went in. There were elements that I can't excuse, even viewing it as it's own entity instead of an adaptation.

My main complaint with it is how they handled the brainwashing of Ricky & Lou. They didn't say a word when the Debutants were talking badly about Edward & even went along with a plan to go against him. It makes absolutely no sense!

Shaun freaked out when John only suggested that he didn't have to be loyal to the house. These guys were flat out rebelling against an adult! It felt like Ricky & Lou didn't have a purpose & were just there to be there.

The whole point of the coffee is to influence shadows against doing stuff like this. It makes the coffee seem pointless and the adults seem dumb for relying on it to control the kids.

I haven't even brought up the fact that both of their brainwashings were broken by something as simple as a few kind words. It straight up contradicts the rules established by both the Anime and Manga.

This becomes very apparent when you consider all the trouble John & Kate went through to free Shaun & Emiliko.

This was my biggest complaint, but I have some other issues as well.

The next big one is how they handled Edward.

1. Why on earth would he even consider kidnapping Emiliko when he had complete control of the childrens wing? Before this point he was depicted as being a lot more crafty than this. He could easily have Kate monitored or something.

2. Why didn't he use his powers to stop them like what he did to Maryrose & Rosemary when they fought back being taken to the adults wing? He's already shown off his power at this point, why not?

3. Why did he reveal his soot powers at all!? Especially while using his face in front of the kids! The whole unification thing is one of the biggest secrets of the house for good reason! There's no way he wouldn't get in huge trouble for exposing it to children!

Here are some other related questions.

Why didn't Kate, Emiliko, & John react to Edward using soot powers? They shouldn't know about unification yet so why didn't they act shocked, or say anything about it?

Is Edward being banished even an option in the Shadows House? Wouldn't the third floor lords just dispose of him rather than risk letting him leave?

How did John even get a veiled dolls outfit? Louise had to use her powers to get Kate one & she left a long time ago.

I can't think of much else at the moment, but I think you get my point.

Please don't take this as me saying that I hate the show because of these episodes. Even if I consider them the weakest of the series I still found a lot of parts to be very enjoyable!

Like I thought it was adorable When Edward was attempting to interrogate Emiliko & she kept being her sunshine self pretending to eat & falling asleep.

Barbara getting to tell off Edward for breaking the rules was great!

I loved seeing Shaun hatch the plan to get Kate into the adults wing to save Emiliko.

Seeing John (attempt to) sneak around the adults wing had me rolling!

The ending scene of Shaun, Ricky, & Lou singing gave me the chills.

(Though I wonder how they'd handle Shaun & Emiliko being brainwashed again since they already used the scenes where they're freed)

Kate & Emilico being propelled by John back to the children's wing was absolutely amazing! I found Shaun & Ricky running over to catch them to be super sweet! (Not to mention the way that scene was animated was absolutely gorgeous!)

Getting hints to what was supposed to come after the debut was nice, at least the groundwork is there in case this gets a season 2!

To (try to) wrap this all up while there were a lot of things I loved and disliked about this show I still had a really fun time watching it!

I kinda hope there's a season two just to see if they can tidy up the mess that the last few episodes created.

Regardless of whether that happens or not I came out of this with a series I absolutely adore.

Heck I could make a whole other post about the manga. (Hopefully one that's less ranty)

Anyway! I won't take any more of your time.

I hope you all have a wonderful day/night! And I hope to see you in my next post!

(Sorry if this one was a bit of a mess!)

#Shadows House #Shadows House Review #Shadows House Anime #Shadows House Manga #anime #anime review #seasonal anime

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tempesrature · 4 years

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The Case of the Murdered Witch Doctors | Chapter 1

Chapter: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 The Charm of Lost Things (Oneshot Follow-up) Creative Process Note Commissioned Art Piece

Pairing: Ride or Die | Ellie x Colt Summary: Ellie Wheeler, a witch-detective from the Agency, is given a case that will lead her to work with one of the most notorious vampires in LA: Colt Kaneko. Now, they must unravel the mystery behind the death of two witch doctors before the case gets hexed. All while they navigate the constant push and pull and attraction they undoubtedly feel for one another. Word Count: 2k+ Warnings: PG-16 A/N: I’ll save all my words for the Creative Process Note but I would love to give the biggest thank you to @client-327 for proofreading/beta-ing this story for me. Her comments and input truly did brighten my day and this wouldn’t be what it is without her help and guidance. I hope you enjoy! @rodappreciationweek @lovehugsandcandy

~*~

Ellie adjusts the golden masquerade mask perched on her nose and pulls down the short golden dress hugging her body as she looks around the dim nightclub. She roams her eyes around the space as best as she can when neon lights are the only thing that illuminates the vicinity. The space is packed from one end of the wall to the other as bodies dance to the beat of the music. Creatures stick to each other in a euphoric haze with faces hidden under masks of red or gold.

The air is heavy with the smell of strong alcohol, Fern Flower smoke and something…metallic.

But she doesn’t let it phase her, not when she has done so much to prepare herself for this moment. Weeks of research, calling in favors and setting up safety precautions has all boiled down to this moment—and she can’t back out now.

So she takes a deep breath and squeezes her eyes shut as she goes through her plan once more in her head even though she’s memorized it right down to the punctuations. With her resolve trapped deep in her chest, she opens her eyes—the irises of her eyes momentarily glinting in blue—before she takes purposeful steps towards her target sitting in the VIP room in the back of the nightclub.

Her target: Colt Kaneko.

The last remaining legacy of the Kaneko lineage, a Primordial family that can trace its origins to the very first vampires of the world. A lineage of vampires that are gifted with the most coveted and sought after power that is only passed on to the descendants of the Kaneko family—the ability to walk under the sun.

~*~

Colt looks at the scene around him with a bored stare, his eyes momentarily glinting in gold each time it passes a human wearing a golden masquerade mask. But so far, none of them have peaked his interest.

Even though he himself designed this system in his nightclub—red masks signaled feeding only and golden masks signaled feeding and sex—he finds it difficult to choose his companion for the night even though he has his pick of humans in the VIP room.

So he waits, like a predator prowling in the night, for the perfect prey to entice him. A prey, he hopes, will keep him entertained for more than an hour.

“Colt just pick one, man! They all taste the same anyway!” Toby laughs as he wipes away the blood dripping down his chin. The woman in a red mask straddling him falls away from his lap and slumps onto the leather couch beside him in a heap of euphoric haze. Toby takes a blunt on the coffee table and holds it up to the neon lights as the inside almost sparkles with a purple hue from the Fern Flower inside before he takes a long drag and blows out a puff of smoke into the air.

“That’s where you’re wrong Toby,” Ximena corrects, her fangs glinting in the neon light as she signals for a man in a golden mask in the distance. “With a good diet and regular exercise, the blood tastes a lot better,” Ximena grabs the man in a golden mask by the tie, her eyes boring into his. “Do you smoke?”

The man nervously and giddily nods his head and Ximena sighs in disappointment as she waves him away and looks for another one.

Colt smirks, bringing up his glass of whiskey to his lips as he takes in the sight of the closest members of his crew that were turned by father, Teppei Kaneko. Even though Colt was denied a place in his father’s crew for so long and he carries a little grudge to those who were accepted into the crew, he likes the both of them enough and chose to keep them after the head of the Kaneko name was abruptly handed to him when his father was murdered. Eventually, they became his closest advisors and helped protect the Kaneko name when it was at its most vulnerable. Now, he can even call them his friends. Although he’ll never admit that to either of them.

Colt tunes them both out and hones his senses into the crowd beyond him as he tries to pick out his prey. It’s been almost three hours since he arrived and he has to admit he is getting hungry. Even if he doesn’t find anyone interesting, he might as well—as Toby said—“just pick one” since he’d rather not starve at his own nightclub.

“Colt Kaneko?”

Colt’s eyes widen in shock before he takes control, narrows his eyes, and sets his face into a scowl. He turns to the creature standing beside him and sees a girl in a gold mask and gold dress with her black hair falling in waves over her shoulders. Colt is immediately on high alert. This girl appeared out of nowhere, evaded his senses and managed to sneak up to his side. He takes a whiff at her direction and his eyebrows furrow. The rational part of his brain tells him she smells human because she looks human but his senses tell him another thing.

They tell him that she smells like nothing.

Which makes Colt even more confused and wary. All magical creatures have a specific smell to them and he’s aware of the most common ones. Even if it was a creature that he isn’t familiar with, he should still be able to smell something. But for her, there’s nothing.

How can a creature not smell like anything?

That piqued his interest.

“I’m interested,” She says, her expression hidden behind the golden mask. “Are you?”

Colt looks at her from head to toe as he tries to weigh in the possible pros and cons of the girl in front of him. It doesn’t take him long, his curiosity and hunger seeming to win out, before he smirks and places the glass of whiskey on the table. He stands up from the leather seat and smiles, his fangs glinting and his eyes taking on a golden hue.

“Follow me.”

Colt doesn’t wait for her response, already walking towards his own private bedroom further back into the building. His steps are light and quiet as he reaches the double oaked doors of the private room. He pushes it open, takes a step inside and turns around to look at her. His eyes take on a darker golden hue and he licks his lips when he sees her confidently walk in and close the door behind her.

He moves forward and presses his chest against hers and traps her against the door, his fangs clear and protruding as he looks down at her impassive face.

“Are you scared?” He asks menacingly as his eyes flit to the expanse of skin on her exposed neck.

“No.”

Colt smirks as he licks his lips. “Good.”

And he leans down to capture her lips in a bruising and hard kiss. She lets out a small chocked gasp, her mouth opening lightly, and Colt takes this opportunity to delve his tongue into her mouth while he lightly scrapes his fangs on her bottom lip. When he breaks the kiss, he looks down at her and smirks at the wide eyes behind the mask before he moves to fit his mouth against her neck as he bares his fangs. His hunger suddenly so ravenous for her, to taste every inch of her when—

“You are Colt Kaneko, right?” She speaks up and holds her hand in front of his face. Colt’s eyebrows furrow in confusion as he looks into her eyes behind the mask.

“Yeah,” He answers and the confusion melts into cocky confidence. “Don’t worry baby, I’m not like what the rumors say,” He smirks. “I’m better.”

“Charming,” She deadpans before she reaches and unties the strings of her mask.

Colt watches with rapt attention as her face comes into view and fuck she looks better than he imagined and he wants her more than ever now.

“My name is Detective Ellie Wheeler. I am the lead investigator of the deaths of Ernesto and Malina Kilat, an albularyo couple who were murdered a month ago in their home.”

Colt’s eyes widen in shock, her words tumbling into his brain in slow motion, before it’s quickly replaced with pure and uncontained rage as he takes a wide step back.

“You’re from the fucking Agency?” Colt spits out the word like poison before he takes a whiff towards her direction and his anger doubles. “Bullshit, you don’t smell like a witch.”

“Half a witch,” Ellie corrects as she raises her hand and opens it. A spark of blue covers her palm and shortly manifests her detective badge. “Pretty convenient when I’m undercover and nobody can smell what I am.”

“Tell me why I shouldn’t fucking kill you right now,” Colt threatens, his hands balling into fists as he tries to keep the stormy golden hue of his eyes to a minimum.

“Oh, gladly!” Ellie smiles pleasantly as she waves her hand and the badge disappears the blueprint of the nightclub replaces it. “I know where each entrance and exit is in this building, magical or not. All the locks have been changed days ago and will only be opened with one key—which I’ve hidden,” She waves her hand and another image appears, a guy with long brown hair sitting on a chair. He holds up a button with a grin as he looks straight at Colt and gives him a small wave. “That’s my accomplice. One press of that button and this whole building gets swarmed with agents and you’re little operation of the illegal distribution of the Fern Flower blunt gets shut down. Should I list down all the nasty fines and jail time you’ll receive if they catch you red-handed or would you rather listen to me first?”

Colt stares at her blankly in shock and disbelief. He didn’t really expect for her to actually answer him. It was a threat, a way for her to back off and scurry away, but now that she’s efficiently laid out her plan—a plan that has effectively trapped him…he can’t help but feel impressed.

But he doesn’t let that show and opts to scowl instead as he makes a mental note to scold Toby for the poor security in the nightclub.

“What the fuck do you want?”

Ellie smiles excitedly as she waves off the image of her accomplice and makes her way towards the bed to take a seat. Colt regards her carefully, cautiously, and makes sure to keep a distance between them. Now that he knows that he’s dealing with a witch—half a witch, he reminds himself—he knows he needs to be careful.

Witches are known to be unpredictable and callous with their magic. One wrong move and he could be in trouble.

“I need to talk to one of the suspects, Jason Shaw. The problem is, I can’t get a meeting with him. The Agency told me not to investigate him and I need you to help me set up a meeting between us.”

Colt’s blood boils and his vision starts to cloud over when he hears the name. Jason Shaw, a vampire and the head of the Shaw Primordial family. The man responsible for the murder of his father and the whole reason the Agency won’t investigate into the matter. All due to the fact that Jason Shaw is a prominent figurehead in the LA Police Department and has made an agreement with the Agency to hide away and cover up deaths and crimes caused by magic and magical creatures to keep the mortal world away from theirs. His pop’s murder will never receive the justice it deserves since the Agency practically dismissed it as a vampiric affair that should be left alone and resolved between the two Primordial families.

“How the fuck am I suppose to set up a meeting between you two?” Colt scoffs as he looks at her with a glare. “Do you think he just clears his schedules for half-witches playing detective?”

Ellie sends him a menacing glare, her eyes flickering in dark blue. “Request a Primordial meeting between you two and I’ll be in the room when he arrives, I’ll take it from there.”

Colt raises an eyebrow, a little surprised that she knows about Primordial meetings and a little annoyed that he realizes that she’s once again placed him into a trap and he can do nothing but dance to her tune.

“And why would I do that?” Colt scoffs as he crosses his arms in front him. “What? Are you going to threaten to close down the club? Go ahead. Do you think I’m stupid enough to place my own name on the lease?”

Ellie pushes herself off of the bed and walks towards him. She stands in front of him and looks into his golden eyes, her own blues steady and confident when she delivers her next words.

“I can get Teppei Kaneko’s ashes out of the Vault,” She shrugs lightly. “It’s old evidence now. No one’s going to notice that it’s gone missing.”

Colt’s eyes widen in disbelief and shock before his hand shoots out towards her and he presses his palm on top of her beating heart. Ellie scowls, ready to chew him out for touching her without her permission, when she stops herself at the look in his eyes—broken, hope, anger. Feelings she knows all too well.

“Say that again,” He says with a slight growl. “Say it.”

“I can get Teppei Kaneko’s ashes out of the Vault.”

Colt lets out a shuddering breath, his hand falling away from her as he takes a step back. He tilts his head back and his eyes latch on to the red ceiling.

She’s not lying, she’s telling the truth.

And that fills Colt with a sense of utter disbelief and relief. If he takes this deal, he can finally have his father’s ashes after three fucking years in the Vault. The ashes that the Agency refuses to hand over to him because they claim that it can only released to his mother.

“Alright,” Colt agrees readily as he looks back at her with a slight nod. “I’ll get you that meeting with Shaw.”

“Great!” Ellie exclaims with a smile. “And you also need to look at the Kilat couple’s bodies to confirm something for me, along with other things I’ll need here and there.”

“What?” Colt asks with a scowl. “No, our agreement was just the meeting. Who ever said I was going to help you with the actual investigation?”

Ellie looks back at him in absolute shock and disbelief before she places her hand on her hips.

“Do you know how difficult it is to get anything out of the Vault? Even with the right papers? The favors I have to call in? The creatures I have to defraud? Not to mention the risk to my job! And you think one measly meeting with a potential suspect can outweigh the consequences—”

“Alright! Alright! Shut the fuck up already!” Colt lets out a breath he pulls out from the depths of his lungs as he feels an oncoming headache in the back of his head—from not feeding for close to four hours now or from her, he doesn’t know. “Anybody ever told you you’re fucking annoying?”

“Yes, it’s one of my better qualities,” Ellie grins as she makes her way back to the door and picks up the golden mask on the floor. She quickly places it back on her face and turns to look at Colt with a triumphant grin. “I already have your number on file so I’ll text you the address of the morgue and we’ll meet up in a few days. Enjoy the rest of your night Colt!”

She gives him one last wave goodbye before she walks out of the door and closes it behind her with a loud bang.

Colt groans, not knowing whether to be annoyed, angry or impressed that she has masterfully maneuvered him into the agreement.

Out of all the emotions swirling in him, he settles on annoyance. But maybe that’s just the hunger talking in him.

He sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose before he makes his way out of the room and internally chastises himself for listening to Toby when he said to “just pick one”.

#rodaw #choices rod #colt x ellie #colt kaneko #vampire au #detective au #witch au #murder mystery #cw: blood #cw: magic-drugs #cw: police #my writing

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the-moon-loves-the-sea · 4 years

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hi, sorry to barge into your inbox but i was hoping to get some advice or kindness or at least just vent for a bit, since i’m honestly really scared right now. i’m starting my sophomore year of high school in a week, and since things are obviously very weird and difficult now, i’m really, really terrified of what it’s going to be like. For one thing, I don’t know what my school’s “hybrid model” is going to look like. (1/5)

they’ve given us as much information as they can but I’m still worried and I don’t understand what it’s going to actually be like. I don’t even know if I’ll be able to do theater this year, which is something that made me so happy last year and all through middle school, and that scares me. And even though my school is doing everything right and my state is too… it’s a pandemic, and I have three people who are higher risk in my family. (2/5)

I don’t want to get sick and I don’t want to get my family sick and it’s making all the stress worse. And then on top of all of the pandemic nonsense, I’m trying to come out as nonbinary and get people to call me by my proper name and pronouns. Even though I live in an accepting area and I don’t expect people to be horrible to me, I don’t expect them to totally understand either, and I’m not good at correcting people when they misgender me. (3/5)

It’s terrifying and I don’t know what I’m doing or how any of it is going to go. I also realized this last summer that I almost certainly have undiagnosed ADHD and it makes completing homework or online classes nearly impossible for me. This year is going to be even worse than the last as far as homework goes, and I nearly failed several classes last year because of how much I was struggling with it. (4/5)

I’m trying to learn how to deal with it but I don’t know how, and I’m worried about my grades and if I’m going to be able to deal with the academic pressure this year. I don’t expect any concrete solutions because as far as I can tell there really aren’t any; you just seem so kind and I really need someone to be kind right now. so thank you for listening (5/5)

Hi, sweet nonny! God, this is a strange, hard year. I do hope talking about it helped--you’re not alone in this. It would be so much easier to brace ourselves for the school year ahead if we knew how it would work--not just the plan but the experience. You don’t know how to save your energy, which parts will be hardest, or what will take an extra push from you to work; and you’ve already had your energy drained trying to navigate online learning. And then on top of that, coming out! And national crises, and fear for your family, and not having the support you need for your neurotype.

I guess, advice-wise, I could take a couple angles. As a gay, I’d say: coming out is intense. There’s relief and there’s the feeling of exposure, there’s the joy of being seen and there’s the weariness of needing to explain. Ride the waves where you can: there are equal joys for the sorrows, but they don’t always come together. It just takes time.

And as a person who’s also scared for their family’s health: it’s hard. We’re mortal. You can’t save them. The government could have made choices to spare us all the risk, but they didn’t. I’m so sorry. That said: viral dose makes the biggest difference in outcomes. If you’re wearing your masks, it will genuinely help, even if you’re in school. But the grief is still here: we’re in danger, and we can’t avoid it. We have to mourn.

As a person with neurodivergence: online learning is the worst setup for you. You know it, and you did make it through, but you can’t do this forever. That’s not about your character or your willpower, it’s a practical problem. For what it’s worth, there are some cheat codes--the right music and/or stim can get me in the zone long enough to get me through one paper, or several emails; switching between something physical I feel good about (yoga, singing, walking) and nontangible work sometimes works for me; setting phone alarms for everything timed works better than writing the schedule down when I don’t have physical places to be, only Zoom calls. Also, dried fruit and chocolate helps me focus--sugar does something to ADHD brains. (I’m also undiagnosed.) But when you can, if you know anyone who will listen, email your school counselor, or call your pediatrician, or talk to your mom, and get a referral for ADHD testing. You deserve better tools.

And as a mom, I’d say: this shouldn’t be on you. I’m sorry nobody referred you for testing already, or adapted your school patterns to work with you and not against you. But I’m so proud of you. You’re learning yourself. You’re talking it out. You’re caring and understanding and engaging with life, even though this year hurts and it’s not going to be easy. I hope you can let yourself just lay down and listen to music and drift for a while, or go for a run, or take a nap; I hope you don’t think you have to make up for all the hard things by pushing on as hard as possible. Even if things fall apart a little, you can rest. It’ll all be there to pick up again afterward.

All the love to you, nonny, and my inbox is open.

#asks #nonny #wish i could give you a hug

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jaybug-jabbers · 4 years

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Top 3 Generations: Gen 1 - Gen 5 - Gen 7

Top 3 Human Characters in Pokemon: N - Guzma - Cheren

(Warning: this post contains LARGE SPOILERS.)

Soooo. Back in 2010 (holy butts, seven years ago), gen 5 came out with Pokemon Black and White. I fell utterly in love with everything about the game. Without a doubt, I hadn’t enjoyed playing a pokemon game that much since Red and Blue. The number of new pokemon was insane (the most new pokemon introduced in any generation, even gen 1), and the designs for all these new pokemon were fucking fantastic. The UI was sleek as fuck and a sheer joy to use, the sound effects and music were truly lovely, the locations were so different and creative, and imparted a true sense of travel like the games before never did. They really felt like little ecosystems you were stepping into. The lack of old pokemon made it truly feel like an exciting new world, and everywhere you looked, there were awesome new things. We got our first female Pokemon Professor (about time!), who was really cool, and most exciting of all … we had AN ACTUAL honest-to-god decent plot and fleshed-out characters.

That was always a weak point in the pokemon games. Gen 1 gets away with not having fleshed out characters and a very simple plot because it was the first of its kind. It was still a novel concept. And the relatively simple plot was iconic– archtypal. It allowed you to imagine all kinds of things on your adventure, your childhood imagination filling in the gaps. But it’s a reasonable thing to expect future pokemon games to start introducing new, interesting plots. However, that … took a while. For the most part, Pokemon was too afraid to stray from their formula, and so they recycled the same basic plot until it became extremely tiring to hear the same thing over and over again. They stuck with a minimalistic plot with very little variation, and extremely shallow, 2-dimentional characters.

In my opinion, B/W had a far more complex and unique plot. The writing was actually solid (dialogue is usually another weakness in these games, tends to be pretty awful) and the story was truly compelling. It looked at the pokemon universe in a new way, asking questions the games never dared to ask before. And, holy cats, characters with some actual dimensions? You had multiple rivals for once, and they were actually interesting in their own rights. For the first time, I didn’t hate or feel intensely indifferent towards my rival and actually felt like they were people. That’s not to say they were perfect or intensely complex, but for once, they had some degree of interest and appeal to them.

You’ll see one of the characters I listed as my favorite was Cheren, one of your rivals/friends. I related to his nerdy, logical style much more than the scatterbrained Bianca, but I did feel a fondness for both of them. The character I listed as my top favorite, though, was N.

I was intrigued by this guy the moment the player character meets him and his quirky theme music plays. He was a truly fascinating mystery to me, and I looked forward to running into him again and again. Something about this character really caught my imagination on fire. (Heck, to such a degree I even ended up writing a fanfic. I hadn’t written fanfic for anything in years.) They continued to develop his character and I was enchanted– the scene in the carnival where he asks you to join him on the ferris wheel still stands out in my mind so clearly. It was a rush of fascination and fear and curiosity (I recall shouting at my character to not join him on the wheel, ahaha, ‘Are you crazy?!’ yet simultaneously wanting to join him). That’s another thing I forget to mention– he was a truly tough trainer to go up against, so it was a little intimidating, and I recall training hard, worried about the next unpredictable time I’d run into him.

The climax and resolution of the plot didn’t disappoint, either. I definitely think he’s the most interesting character in a main series Pokemon game, and I was happy as buttery butts that there was a sequel to Black and White. I know my intense love of Gen 5 places me in the minority. But I stand by my reasoning.

In my mind, Gen 6 was a step back in a lot of ways from Gen 5. The plot and the writing for the dialogue was total shit again, and I hated your irritating rivals, which I think were supposed to be patterned after the formula of Gen 5 but just fell flat. For a 3-D game, it sure had 2-dimensional characters. I know a lot of people praise gen 6 for its technological advancements, but to me, that’s one of the least important things. Gen 6 tried to recapture the feeling of travelling great distances and entering mini ecosystems, yet I found its city intensely frustrating to navigate (whereas I found Castelia City very intuitive and fun) and it just didn’t have as much charm. There were very few new pokemon introduced, and completing the National Dex with ALL current pokemon to that date was quite the daunting task. The best thing about X/Y’s plot, quite frankly, was its post-game story, done in chapters with the Looker character.

(Note: I never picked up ORAS, so unfortunately cannot give my perspective on that.)

Then came Gen 7. I’d say it’s probably my third favorite generation, at least at the moment. The technology admittedly is nice– damn those graphics are nice. (I realize at this point, the 3DS can barely even handle the graphics; for example they originally had planned on walking pokemon following you like in Heartgold Soulsilver and that’d be SO COOL but the game would not have been able to handle it without hardcore lag) And the character models have normal proportions, (unlike the rather extreme chibi-proportions of Gen 6), which I gotta say looks really nice. The movement is so smooth, and ride pokemon are incredibly enjoyable to use and free up the need for HM slaves/HM move slots, which I think most people agree is a smart modern change. The game is just beautiful to look at, no denyin’.

It’s also a bit of a fresh breath of air, though, when compared to some of the more formulaic gens. The tropical theme was novel, and the Alolan forms gave a fresh new look at some old pokemon. They actually were bold enough to depart from some of their precious formula and try new things, abandoning traditional gyms and experimenting with totem pokemon and ally pokemon. I fully embraced these changes. The writing and plot are also quite decent, as are the characters! And that’s a huge plus. The more organic style of the routes and various points of interest on the islands does sometimes make navigation a little difficult (hard to recall where stuff is), but it suits the theme of the game well. Shiny pokemon were made easier to hunt in this gen, and quite frankly, I’m OK with that. I know hardcore shiny hunters may not agree, but I never ran into a shiny before Gen 7 and had very little interest to hunt them at such crazy odds. In this gen I actually get to enjoy some shiny pokes, though. Was Sun/Moon too easy? Yeah. The difficulty curve was definitely pretty low. But that’s probably my biggest complaint about the games.

You’ll notice in my list above, I have Guzma as my second-favorite human character of all Pokemon games. And how! Incidentally, Team Skull are easily my favorite villian team of all the games. (Plasma would be second.) I legit find myself considering getting a lil Team Skull necklace. Anyway, Guzma is frickin’ great. It’s not JUST because Bug type is my favorite type and he’s a bug boy. Although that’s a pretty nice bonus. <3 I also loved Gladion a lot! I actually liked him a lot more than his sister.

Anyway, this, err, this post has gone on for plenty long enough already tonight, so I’ll wrap things up for now.

This is a repost on a new blog. The original post was on Feb 24, 2017.

#pokemon #top3 #mycontent #pokemon favorites

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straykidsupdate · 5 years

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Stray Kids Detail Their ‘Darker’, Special ‘Yellow Wood’ Album & How They Travel the ‘Road Not Taken’

“The fact that we have a lot of people that are willing to join us on this journey, that itself is a really big honor.”

Following their biggest sales yet in America with Clé 1: Miroh and first U.S. tour, Stray Kids are growing up and thriving but they know there may be bumps on their journey.

In their latest album Clé 2: Yellow Wood, packaged as a “special album” with three new songs, the band is navigating growing pains with the aggression of the angriest bucking bull in a rodeo. Members Bang Chan and Seungmin open new single “Side Effects” track wondering, “I threw myself with trust in me/ But why am I just being hurt?” before the full group yell on the refrain, “My head hurts” while recounting the changes they’re experiencing, both externally and internally, as they mature.

The disorienting song structure, the psychedelic genre they’ve tapped into, plus a brilliant sample of what sounds like a monotone, prescription-medicine ad listing-off “common side effects,” all blend together to create the type of messy portrait of a young person coming into their own in 2019. But instead of try to polish the mess away, the guys embrace such a chaotic nature like some of the best young artists are today. There might some fights, but Stray Kids say sticking together on their path is what keeps things going.

Speaking to Billboard just hours before Clé 2: Yellow Wood was released, members Bang Chan, Changbin and Felix open up about the themes of the new Stray Kids album, how it furthers their story, and what they hope this next chapter can represent for not only the ninesome but anyone following along on their journey.

Billboard: How’s everyone feeling ahead of the new album dropping?Changbin: Nervous, but we are looking forward to [our fans] Stays’ reaction. Felix: We can’t wait and we hope this performance will surprise Stays by showing a darker vibe.

So, it’s darker? Can you explain this darker chapter in the larger Clé story?

Bang Chan: “Darker” says a lot. After Clé 1, in the “Miroh” music video, we’re in this new dimension, right? But in the trailer and teasers [for Clé 2], we go from the rooftop on “Miroh,” take the elevator to go down, but then we push a button called “YW,” which stands for our new album Yellow Wood. It’s meant to show that we decided towards taking a road that is less taken by anyone else. We’re entering this new road that only we chose to take and I think that’s what we’re about.

Can you explain the Clé 2: Yellow Wood album title a bit more too?

Bang Chan: Clé 1 and Miroh, refer to a place we made. Same for Clé 2, it is a series and just like Miroh, the Yellow Wood is a new place that Stray Kids are experiencing. What’s different, and what’s a bit more special, is that now it’s something we’ve chosen to go into.

Looking at your careers at large, how will Stray Kids continue along a road not taken?

Changbin: Well, I can’t really predict the future – I’d love to! – but in this road that Stray Kids have taken, there may be some ups, some downs, there may be some side effects that can occur. But as long we’re together, because we chose to go into this road, we need to be responsible on it. This road that we’ve chosen, we’re giving Stays and a lot of people a lot of good energy. As long as we keep going, I feel like we can get really far on this road.

I heard you name drop the new single “Side Effects.” Can you share more about it?

Changbin: Many young people get confused when pursuing their goals. There are times when the resources they need don’t come right away, so they get worried if they’re going the right way or not. There needs to be a special reason why someone chooses a specific path and we want to spread the specific message to never give up. There are many people – including Stray Kids – going through the same phases. So, we want to give some kind of comfort to them. So, if there are people out there going through those tough times, we hope our song helps them relieve some stress.

During your time in America, Bang Chan actually mentioned how members like Felix and Changbin have gone through “a lot.” Can you share a bit more about what you were referencing then?

Bang Chan: Everyone in Stray Kids goes through hardships and everyone has their own personal story. Each story is just connected with each other through choices and, I guess, when we make a choice, we don’t know if there will be side effects or not. What I really wanted to say was that, yes, Felix and Changbin have gone through a lot, pretty personally, but so has everyone in Stray Kids. And it’s not just us, all the Stays as well. Jeff, I’m sure you’ve gone through some hardships yourself. I guess Stray Kids just want to say, we go through it as well. Felix: As Bang Chan mentioned, [our group] went through that same hardship back in our trainee days. It wasn’t easy at first, but now that we’re a group of nine members, we wish to share all of our past hardships to Stays in the future. And through that, we believe we can help each other.

“Side Effects” and the new tracks see you playing with some new dance-music sounds. What genres did you play with on this album?

Bang Chan: Stray Kids always try new music. It’s fun, it’s something we can experiment with, and it really expands our spectrum and knowledge of music. Changbin: The genre we were trying for was psychedelic trance. Bang Chan: It is EDM-based music, once again, and I guess you could connect that with “Miroh” which is like an EDM banger.

I was looking at the comments and fans were saying the sound and teaser videos reminded them of Billie Eilish a bit.

Bang Chan: Aw yeah! We’re real fans of Billie’s music. Actually, we think our stage performance will also give off that vibe as well… Felix: It’s a special album and so we wanted to prepare a special performance for “Side Effects.” So, instead of focusing the strong points of the choreography on just dance moves, [we thought], “Why not focus on strong points on formations as a team?” Through that, we expressed our feelings and emotions to match this new level of choreography. Bang Chan: We tried something different performance-wise. It still has that really strong energy that Stray Kids give out, but it is like a different style of energy. It sounds silly saying it from our mouths, but it has a different color to it. Felix: It’s more about the way we deliver it.

What else do fans need to know as you make this next step?

Bang Chan: You know how you mentioned Stray Kids going and climbing the next step? Well, it really doesn’t matter if we go up those steps or not – of course, it’d be great if we could go up! – but the fact that we have a lot of people that are willing to join us on this journey, that itself is a really big honor. Even it’s just one person, a group of people, even it’s just you on this adventure we’re going through, we’re just really glad that there are people willing to go with us. I want to say thank you to Stays, all around the world, in Korea, and we’re going to Europe later this year, we’re really excited to see our Stays there. Changbin: Stay, this album is for you! Felix: 2019 isn’t over yet, we’re still going and we still have a lot show to you guys… Bang Chan: … of course, it’s not over yet. It’s June right now! [Laughs] Felix: [Laughs] I know it’s not over! I just want to say thank you and to please keep looking forward.

(source)

#stray kids #190624 #lee felix #felix #seo changbin #changbin #bang chan #chan #era: clé 2 yellow wood #t: article #billboard

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tedwoodward · 4 years

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Harsh Words

a Bill/Ted breakup fic

i made this post a while back that sparked a fic

Notes: this is entirely angst i’m so sorry, pre-canon, strangers to friends to lovers to exes in just 3k words!

Summary:

He wasn’t always this way. In fact, it may be hard to believe, but Ted Richards used to be known as a nice person.

In October of 2014 he started a job at CCRP Technical. Ted was a sweet man, always there with a smile and a listening ear. He asked about people’s weekends and seemed to genuinely care about their lives.

And then he met Bill Fisher. And resulting from that, in early 2016, just over a year later, Ted’s personality did a 180. Yes, you read that right. The reason for Ted’s shift in attitude came in the form of Bill. Yes, Bill, the sweet man constantly seen gushing about his daughter, the man who never has a harsh word to say about anyone. That Bill. Or, at least, that’s what Ted Richards would tell you.

Warnings: very brief mention of alcoholism; disagreements and a large argument

Read on ao3

He wasn’t always this way. In fact, it may be hard to believe, but Ted Richards used to be known as a nice person.

Ted had only heard about Bill’s divorce through the office grapevine, which he was not prone to listening to, but there’s only so much you can do to not hear the gossip in the break room. Ted felt for him. His sister had gone through a nasty divorce a few years prior, and he knew how hard the whole process had been for her, especially with the kids involved. He hadn’t planned on approaching the man, but when Bill had been having a rough day and had a minor burst of frustration in the break room due to the coffee machine acting up again, resulting in a loud bang as the side of his fist connected with the counter, Ted couldn’t stand by and not reach out.

The man had nearly collapsed into a chair at the table next to the counter, all the fight having left him in his outburst.

Ted slowly approached him, “Hey… Bill, right?”

Bill looked up from where his hand was supporting the weight of his head and nodded with a small, tired smile, “Yeah. I’m sorry, I don’t know your name. Are you new?”

Ted took a seat across from the man and smiled, “Yep! Just started last week.”

Bill found himself smiling back at the man; wow, he was infectious.

“Well, welcome! And sorry about earlier,” he mumbled, waving a hand in the general direction of the counter, “I’ve been running on caffeine for way too long, and I’m starting to crash. We really need a new coffee maker. I’m so sick of this one breaking all the time.”

He sounded so exhausted, Ted couldn’t help but offer assistance.

“Hey, if that’s the case I don’t mind making a run to Starbucks or something. What can I get ya?”

Bill was taken aback. This guy was too nice! “You don’t have to get me anything!”

Ted waved him off, “I gotta get my own caffeine fix somehow, and if that’s kaputt, I don’t mind grabbing something for you as well.”

Bill was no match for Ted’s generosity, and, with a wink and a promise to return with the fuel they needed to get through the rest of the day, the man disappeared. And Bill couldn’t help but smile after him.

The two became fast friends. It was nice to have someone around who was so caring, and that went both ways. Ted supported Bill through the tough days, and he shared stories about his sister and her kids whenever Bill worried about Alice being caught up in the divorce. Bill helped Ted settle into his new environment and worked as hard as he could to make him feel included around the office, knowing how a new workplace could be ostracizing. They fit really well together.

Naturally, it just kind of evolved into something more. Without realizing it, Bill and Ted started spending much more time together than expected. They stumbled into a relationship one evening after accidentally falling asleep while watching a movie together after work one Friday. The two men woke up with Bill’s head on Ted’s shoulder. After a brief moment of semi-awkwardly staring, trying to read each other’s thoughts, Bill kissed Ted.

Ted let Bill set the pace for their relationship. It wouldn’t be fair to rush right into things, and Bill’s mental health was much more important than anything else to Ted.

Things Bill learned about Ted:

(1) He cares so much.

(2) He can read Bill so well and immediately knows when the other is having a rough day.

(3) Ted was kicked out of the house as soon as he turned 18 and was no longer considered his parents’ responsibility. The only family he keeps in touch with is his sister.

(4) Ted secretly loves musicals, but it wasn’t until a few weeks in as Ted was dropping Bill off at home after date night that the latter recognized Jekyll & Hyde playing through the car stereo, and Ted confessed to his deep, dark secret.

(5) Ted can be a cynic at times.

(6) He gets protective over things that mean a lot to him (for future reference: do NOT poke fun at his favorite movies because he will refuse to speak to you for at least a day and only accept your apology after making you listen to his explanation about why you are Wrong).

Things Ted learned about Bill:

(1) He has so much love.

(2) When he gets excited he is the most adorable sight Ted has ever seen.

(3) He’s not the biggest fan of alcohol due to witnessing the effects of alcoholism on a family member when he was younger.

(4) If you mention something you enjoy, Bill will become an expert on it just so you can bond and have someone to talk to who understands what you’re saying.

(5) His ex-wife had Alice while they were in college, and they had stopped loving each other a while before the divorce. Bill had only wanted to stay together for Alice’s sake.

(6) His love for Alice far outweighs any other power on earth.

And that’s where things got a bit rocky.

Not to say that Ted didn’t like Alice, he was just really protective of Bill. The amount of love that man put out into the world was incredible, but it also made him vulnerable. Ted didn’t want to see him hurt, and he was scared to see what was happening with Alice.

Bill only had Alice with him for a week every month, but his world revolved around her when she was with him. It was adorable to see how excited he was to spend time with his daughter. What wasn’t adorable to Ted was hearing about how much she obviously didn’t even care and how little she paid attention to her dad the entire week.

The first day after Alice left to go back to Clivesdale Bill was always sobered, no longer his usual, happy self. Ted would be there for him, and Bill would recount his time with his daughter. What stuck out as wrong to Ted was how much love Bill poured into his child and how little he got back.

Bill defended her. She’s a teenager trying to navigate life with the addition of a divorced family, it’s hard for her. No teenager wants to spend all week hanging out with their lame dad! (“You’re not lame, Bill.” “Try telling that to a 14 year old.”) He understands. He’s not going to stop loving his daughter because she acts her age.

But Ted doesn’t get it. How could she not see the incredible father in front of her? She treats him like crap and ignores him half the time. She doesn’t deserve Bill.

A few months in, Ted told him this much, and that was the beginning of the end. Their relationship began to deteriorate. Bill couldn’t understand how Ted could say those things about a kid, about someone he loved with his whole heart, his source of joy since college. And Ted’s opinion on Alice persisted in the back of Bill’s mind.

The two started getting into arguments much more often. Bill started to see how Ted took “caring” and “protective” too far. Mixed with Ted’s cynicism, Bill was starting to see how stubborn the other man was. And they found that Alice was a topic Bill would never back down on, regardless of his usual demur response to conflict.

The pair noticed this change, of course they did. And they tried to work through it. Bill began inviting Ted along to the activities he planned with his daughter, hoping he would begin to understand and start to love Alice as much as he did. And Ted agreed to give it a go. He really loved Bill and would do anything to mend their issues, and he truly did want to see the good in Alice. Ted tried to bite his tongue and not judge the girl too harshly. He didn’t dare lash out at her when she gave her father attitude (he wasn’t a monster, he's not about to make a 15 year old cry), but it stuck with him all night and ate away at his mind and his heart so much that he couldn’t hold it in. After Alice had gone to her room for the night Bill walked Ted out to his car to say goodbye.

“I had a really nice time tonight. Thank you for being so great with Alice. You are an incredible partner, and this really shows how much you care. I really appreciate you trying.”

“Bill,” Ted sighed. They both knew what was coming. “How do you do it? You are so loving. How can you just accept the way she treats you?” His tone was soft, his eyebrows scrunched in concern. “She was so dismissive the entire time. It’s not fair that you had to carry every conversation with her and only got attitude back. It’s been eating at me all night. I don’t know if I can listen to her treat someone I love like that.”

The pair stood there with tears in their eyes, holding hands as they silently gazed at each other.

“She’s a teenager, Ted. Every kid is like this at some point, and I’m sure the divorce has just made it even worse for her. But she’s here, isn’t she? She wouldn’t be here if she didn’t care about me. She could easily just stay in Clivesdale, but she comes and visits me. I have to give my daughter love and support, Ted, especially during this time of her life, otherwise what kind of father would I be? A few moments of sass and attitude aren’t going to spoil my love for her.”

Ted seemed to take in what Bill had said. It was clear where Bill stood, and it was up to Ted if he could accept it or not. The couple embraced, and Ted made his way home.

The split didn’t come till another month or so later. The two were once again at Bill’s for movie night, somewhat of a Friday night tradition since they first got together. The movie had finished, and the pair were discussing what they had just watched. Once again, Ted absolutely refused to hear Bill out on the reason he enjoyed the protagonist as a character.

“He has such an annoying arc! Who gives a shit about the fucking love triangle? They spent half the movie focusing on who was going to end up together than they did on the actual plot line!”

“But would you rather he have no personal life outside his job? It gives him humanity to have to juggle both situations. Yeah, it’s a bit cheesy that all the issues climax at the same time—”

“I just think it’s stupid.”

“Okay then, how would you have written it differently and still given the characters believability? If you take out the romantic subplot, you lose the chance to see his soft side in addition to his brooding, professional—”

“Well, they just took it too far—”

“Are you gonna let me talk?” Bill asked.

A beat landed silently between the pair.

“What?”

Another beat as the two looked at each other.

“Are you gonna let me talk?” Bill repeated. “This entire conversation you’ve steamrolled over all of my points and refused to let me even finish my thoughts before telling me why I’m wrong.”

“I never said you’re wrong. I just have a strong opinion on this movie.”

“On this movie? What about all the other times we’ve been in this exact situation? Every time we have differing opinions on something you don’t seem to care about my thoughts.”

“Of course I care!” Ted exclaimed defensively. “I’m sorry if I monopolize the conversation, you know I talk too much. Just stop me if you have something to say.”

“But it’s not monopolizing, you just refuse to listen to me. You never give any counter-arguments other than the fact that it was ‘stupid’ or ‘annoying’ or whatever. You’re so stubborn about everything that you refuse to even listen to my opinion when it’s different from yours.”

“I’m not stubborn!”

“Yes, you are! You are relentless when you have an opinion, and you always have an opinion.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Fuck, I didn’t realize I wasn’t allowed to have my own opinions. I didn’t realize I wasn’t allowed to be fucking passionate about something.”

The tension in the room was ramping up as the two men started getting angrier.

“You can be as passionate as you want, but—”

“But only about certain things, right? I can’t be passionate about a movie, I can’t be passionate about the way dishes are washed,” Ted began to list, memories from past arguments resurfacing. “I can’t be passionate about my partner’s toxic relationship with his daughter—”

“Don’t you dare bring my daughter into this,” Bill warned.

“Oh, that’s rich. Sorry for caring about you. Sorry for not wanting you to be taken advantage of by an asshole teenager who wouldn’t give two shits if you solved all life’s problems for her. I didn’t realize there was a limit on how much I’m allowed to care about you!”

Their voices were raising. They hadn’t gotten into an argument this explosive before, and they both felt it. But neither of them could back down.

“Don’t you say those things about her. You don’t even know her! You never even tried to care for her. Once you got the idea in your head that she wasn’t worthy of my love, I knew you wouldn’t be persuaded. I hoped and dreamed and tried to get you to see what I see, but you’re too stubborn. You’d never change! You can love more than one person, Ted. Didn’t you know that? My love for Alice does not detract from my love for you, but you know what does? Your jealousy and your manipulation and your bullying of my teenage kid!”

Ted scoffed, “Ha! Jealou— manipulation?” Harsh laughs accompanied his words. “Bill! All I ever wanted was for you to see that there are some people who will take and take your love and use it for their own fucking advantage and will never return it no matter how much care you show them.” His tone turned much darker. “Those people do not deserve your love, but you’re too blinded to see that no matter how much you try, you’re never going to get that perfect father-daughter relationship you want with Alice. Okay? She doesn’t. Fucking. Care.”

The two men stood there, breathing heavy and minds racing as they fiercely stared at each other.

Bill tried to compose himself and spoke with an uneven voice, “You’re an asshole, Ted. We’re done, now get out of my house. I should have ended this forever ago.” He strode past the other, cleaning up the dishes from the table next to them.

“Excuse me?” Ted followed the other man into the kitchen, trying to catch up after being taken aback by his words.

“I said, ‘we’re done’. Grab your crap and get out of here.” Bill refused to look at Ted as he washed the dishes from their dinner. “You can’t talk about my daughter like that. I don’t know why I allowed it for so long.”

Ted stared at Bill for a few moments, and when he got no other response or acknowledgement from the man he let out a deep, angry sigh. “Okay, yeah, whatever,” he clipped.

Ted stormed from the kitchen, shoved his feet into his shoes, grabbed his jacket and bag from the living room, and slammed the door on his way out.

Work was tough. It’s hard to be employed at the same office as your recent ex, if only due to the gossip. Anger was still stewing in both of them at the sight or mere mention of the other, so naturally the entire office knew what had happened by the end of the work day the following Monday.

Bill found solace in Paul who immediately supported his reasoning for the breakup.

Of course Paul would take his side, Ted thought, why wouldn’t he? Why wouldn’t the whole office? They all knew Bill much longer than they had known Ted. He’d only worked there for a year, so how much did they really know about his true character? Bill, on the other hand, was a sweetheart. After dealing with a difficult divorce and now a fresh breakup? ‘That poor man,’ they’d all think. Ted fumed.

Everyone was going to take Bill’s side. They’re going to hear all about how Ted was a heartless asshole who hates children, is desperate for attention, and doesn’t care about anyone’s feelings.

You know what? Fine.

Fine. If that’s what everyone expects him to be, then that’s what Ted is going to be. There’s no use trying to get on his coworkers’ good sides when it’s his word against Bill Fisher’s. No. If Bill thinks he’s an asshole, well, all the more reason to become one. There’s no way Ted was going to go through that again. No more wearing his heart on his fucking sleeve. Obviously he’s too passionate when he cares about things, so it looks like he’ll just no longer care about anything. So no matter what fucking bullshit Bill decides to spread around about the breakup, there’s no more reputation to destroy. No, Ted gets to do that himself. That’s one thing he knows he has control over.

#i would like to apologize to alice #ted just has some familial issues he's repressed and hasn't worked out yet #also bill would never spread rumors ted is just stubbornly upset #tgwdlm #starkid #bill tgwdlm #ted tgwdlm #bill/ted #fic #sometimes i write stuff #the guy who didn't like musicals

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katlaaronsdottir · 4 years

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Trident Task: Basic Information

BASIC INFORMATION

Full Name: Katla Aronsdottir Pronunciation: CAT-la AH-rohns-DOT-tir Meaning: Katla - Icelandic variation of Catherine - meaning “pure” , and is also the name of a volcano in Iceland, also means “helmet” or “cauldron” in Icelandic Reasoning: Katla's mother, Freyja, had always loved the name, and she had grown up near the volcano. Nickname(s): Kat, Katti Preferred Name(s): Katla, unless she’s particularly close with you Birth Date: December 30th, 1994 Age: 26 Zodiac: Capricorn Gender: female Pronouns: she/her Romantic Orientation: panromantic Sexual Orientation: pansexual Nationality: Icelander Ethnicity: Icelandic Current Location: The Island Living Conditions: Villa West Title(s): N/A

BACKGROUND

Birth Place: Reykjavik Hometown: Stykkishómur, Iceland Social Class: Working Education Level: 1 semester away from her college degree Father: Aron Haraldsson Mother: Freyja Eriksdottir Adopted?: No Sibling(s): None Birth Order: First/Only Children: None Pet(s): Had a small cat while growing up, named Ivar Other Important Relatives: Paternal Grandparents, Harald and Yrsa, Uncle Erik Previous Relationships: Magnus Bjornsson (3 1/2 years, deceased)

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Physical Strength: like a 7/10, she’s strong but not ripped Teamwork: 10/10 Talents: Astronomy, Star Navigation, Mapmaking, Languages, Singing Shortcomings: Assertiveness, fighting, vulnerability Language(s) Spoken: Icelandic, Danish, English, Norwegian Drive?: Yes Ride a Bicycle?: Yes Swim?: Yes Play an Instrument?: Icelandic Fiddle Play Chess?: Not well Pick a Lock?: No

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE & CHARACTERISTICS

Face Claim: Eleanor Tomlinson Eye Color: Blue Hair Color: Red Hair Type/Style: Long, loose curls, usually half up. Dominant Hand: Right Height: 5′7 Weight: 130 lbs Exercise Habits: She exercises in some way most days, usually running, swimming, or hiking Skin Tone: Fair Tattoos: None Piercings: Ears Marks/Scars: Scar on left knee from a bike riding accident when she was 12, small birthmark on her back, a scar on her right shoulder from a graze by a bullet during a skirmish on her first pirate ship. Notable Features: Eyes, hair Usual Expression: A soft smile Clothing Style: Comfortable, practical. She likes greens and terra-cottas Jewelry: Maybe a simple pair of stud earrings, but not usually much else Allergies: None Body Temperature: 98.6 Diet: She eats anything Physical Ailments: Her shoulder sometimes aches still.

PSYCHOLOGY

MBTI Type: INFP-T - The Mediator Enneagram Type: Type 2 - The Giver Moral Alignment: Neutral Good Temperament: Phlegmatic Element: Earth Primary Intelligence Type: Visual-Spatial Approximate IQ: 121 Mental Conditions/Disorders: Depression/Anxiety, a smidge of PTSD from seeing her mother die Sociability: She’s happy to socialize, but also happy to be alone. Emotional Stability: She’s pretty stable Obsession(s): Worried about illness and about car accidents, she won’t drive in a car anymore. Compulsion(s): N/A Phobia(s): Car accidents, getting sick Addiction(s): None Prone to Violence? No

MANNERISMS

Speech Style: Soft, a smidge formal, as English isn’t her first language Accent: Icelandic Quirks: She hates the heat Hobbies: Maps, she loves a good map, or an old map Habits: Chews the inside of her cheek when she’s thinking Nervous Tics: Avoiding eye contact, tapping her fingers against her thigh Drives/Motivations: She doesn’t want to feel helpless anymore, anything to not feel the pain of losing another loved one, making the world a better place Fears: Getting close to someone again only to lose them, car accidents, ilness Positive Traits: Kind, thoughtful, warm, perceptive, logical Negative Traits: Impulsive, stubborn, guarded Sense of Humor: Dry Do They Curse Often? No

FAVORITES

Activity: Sailing, stargazing Animal: Cats Beverage: Hot cocoa Book: The Edda, by Snorri Sturluson Color: Forest Green Food: Plokkfiskur Flower: Forget-me-nots Gem: Emerald Holiday: As a child, it was Christmas, now she loves the summer solstice Mode of Transportation: Boat Movie: Pride and Prejudice (2005) Musical Artist: Hozier Quote/Saying: “If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever.” – Alfred Lord Tennyson Scenery: The Icelandic Wilderness, the Sea Scent: The ocean Sport: N/A Television Show: Parks and Recreation Weather: Cool and Clear

ATTITUDES

Greatest Dream: To find happiness and peace Greatest Fear: To lose her father, or any more of her loved ones Most at Ease When: She’s on the ocean Least at Ease When: She feels vulnerable Worst Possible Thing That Could Happen: Losing her father Biggest Achievement: Working her way up to navigator Biggest Regret: Any moment she spent not appreciating her mother or Magnus Most Embarrassing Moment: Peeing her pants in front of the entire school when she was 8 Biggest Secret: Everything that happened with Magnus Top Priorities: Making herself useful and needed, finding a balance between needing other people and being terrified to lose anyone else.

#task #about

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urbanteeth · 5 years

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Novel Prep

Thanks to @dimawriting and @maple-writes for tagging me!!

WIP: The Inbetween

Tagging: @drist-n-dither @theforgottencoolkid @minny-santa and uhh anyone else who sees this!

This gets pretty long so I’ll put it under a read more.

First Look

1. Describe your novel in 1-2 sentences (elevator pitch)

The crew members abroad the Perseus Space Station were tasked with investigating the first signs of early human-like civilization on an exoplanet. The truth behind the ruins scattered across the dying planet, however, is stranger, darker, older than anything they ever expected.

2. How long do you plan for your novel to be? (Is it a novella, single book, book series, etc.)

As of right now, The Inbetween is a single book divided into 5ish parts. The POV will be third person. Still not sure if I want to switch between characters for each chapter or if I want each of the 5 parts told through the perspective of one of the main characters. I am playing with the idea of a sequel. I also want to write about the before and after the events of The Inbetween. There are also at least two AUs running around my mind so I might explore those too.

3. What is your novel’s aesthetic?

Dark skies full of stars, floating weightlessly, lonely planets, geometry, singularity, the smallness of existence, amorphous shadows on the wall, empty corridors, static, flickering lights, hearts racing from adrenaline, the taste of blood in your mouth as you run for your life

4. What other stories inspire your novel?

The Inbetween originated from me wanting to take some of my unused characters beyond them just being characters. The earliest drafts of The Inbetween were short stories inspired by Wolfgun’s music. The story eventually grew into what it is now thanks to a few episodes of Star Trek and Welcome to Nightvale. Lots of the scenes I currently have written were born from daydreaming to Carbon Based Lifeforms’s music. I would say CBL has had the biggest influence on the story.

5. Share 3+ images that give a feel for your novel

This one is for the last part of the book.

Main Character

6. Who is your protagonist?

There are five protagonists:

Emmett Reyes: Mexican-American, 19 (at the beginning of the story), aro/ace, trans, biologist

Johann Herschel: British-German, 20 (at the beginning of the story), bi, nonbinary, pilot and navigator

Neveen Jalal: Egyptian-American, 19 (at the beginning of the story), lesbian, chemist, starship medic, lowkey inspired by my high school chem teacher

Oliver West: Korean-Canadian, 20 (at the beginning of the story), gay, mechanic

Alternis: A.I., years active unknown, primarily used for security and scouting

7. Who is their closest ally?

Their closest allies would be each other. Here’s some specific friendships:

Overall: they grow as close as family. Nothing like a near death experience out in the middle of the cold, indifferent void to make five kids bond for life.

Neveen + Emmett: Nerd friends! With him being a biologist and her becoming a medic, they share a love for the subject. They bond over their love for their cultures. They teach each other words in their native tongues.

Johann + Emmett + Oliver: Partners in crime!! These three are as ride or die as you can get with a group of friends. While Johann isn’t always keen on the chaos, he still goes along with it because “who’s going to serve as your guys’s impulse control???” Secretly, he loves it.

Oliver + Johann: Oliver becomes pretty supportive of all his friends and his relationship with Johann is no different. Oliver makes for a pretty good listener and he doesn’t mind hearing about his friend’s worries. He’ll offer some pretty good advice as well.

Neveen + Oliver: Oliver is, without a doubt, the most social of all the crew members. Unlike him, however, Neveen is the exact opposite. He will respect her space if she needs it, but he is also there to make sure she doesn’t lose herself in it. In a lot of ways, he reminds Neveen of her own sister.

Emmett + Alternis: These two form a pretty close bond. Both share feelings of becoming static in life. Both struggle with insecurity and general feelings of anxiety that they are not good enough. However, they both also share a deep curiosity for the world around them. She likes to ask him questions knowing he won’t brush them off and he feels comfortable enough to ramble on about whatever subject is most interesting to him knowing that she is willing to listen with interest herself.

Bonus:

Commander Mitch Connor + his crew: At first, Mitch was pretty hesitant to be this mission’s commander. They’re all kids, two of them fresh out of high school almost. However, he quickly learns that this crew is more than capable. They’re adaptable and fiercely resilient. They know how to use their strengths to their advantage and do so creatively. Most importantly, though, they genuinely care about each other.

8. Who is their enemy?

The story’s main antagonist is a weird hivemind entity that is partially made from various alien life forms and part alien tech. It’s main purpose is to find creatures its programming deems perfect specimens and then merge with (eat???) them to take on their abilities. The creature was once a technologically advanced alien race from a different dimension who sought to create the “perfect being”. No one’s really sure what “perfect being” meant for them, but eventually they, and most of their old universe, were all consumed by their creation. The entity then traveled across many other dimensions still seeking specimens to consume. While it has no definite shape or can even be considered a single animal, it’s still very much sapient. It’s hard to tell the age or if it was supposed to be machine or animal or even what species it originally was. However, the minds and voices of its creators live on with it.

If you want an idea as to how it sounds, it’s a little like the Warpers from Subnautica but with multiple voices. Here’s a clip.

9. What do they want more than anything?

They all have different dreams that they are pursuing, but they basically all want a life where they can be happy and have closure.

Emmett wants to be at peace with himself.

Johann wants to find a place that he can call home.

Oliver wants to protect the little he already has.

Neveen wants to achieve her dreams.

Alternis wants to belong.

10. Why can’t they have it?

Emmett is, first of all, much too doubting in himself. He worries so much that he can’t appreciate the things he has done right or the things he can do. He isn’t very kind to himself.

Johann misses the life he had on Earth. He and his family moved to a new planet because they don’t really like Earth and want to experience something new. But Johann never feels the same sense of “home” as he did on Earth.

Oliver’s job is helping out his mother with their repair shop. So, when the shop is threatened with closure, he is desperate to find another job, but since he dropped out and never finished school, he’s having a really hard time coming up with something that will provide enough. This is why he ends up joining the space program.

Neveen is in a somewhat similar boat. She has dreams of working as a doctor and all of her time and effort goes into studying for that. She, however, ends up getting rejected from three different schools in her area. She starts to feel like time is somehow running out for her.

Alternis has had a hard time. When she didn’t fit the expectations her creators set, she quickly discovered that her differences were seen as something flawed. She spent a lot of her early days either alone and she grew to be resentful towards people. But she wants to be accepted, so when they told her she was to be assigned to the Perseus Station, she had a lot of mixed feelings about the situation.

11. What do they wrongly believe about themselves?

Emmett: not smart/good enough, not allowed to make mistakes

Neveen: her success determines her worth, has to do things just right or Else

Oliver: dumb for dropping out of college, is not much other than the comic relief in his friend group

Johann: thinks he can run from facing what’s really bothering him

Alternis: needs to have a purpose to be worth something to others, needs to change to be accepted

12. Draw your protagonist! (Or share a description)

Emmett: 5′2, curly brown hair, brown eyes, tan skin, a scar running from jaw to cheek, there’s a picture @auroradrawing made here!

Neveen: 5′5, long black hair, brown eyes, dark skin, red hijab

Johann: 6′2. dark blond hair, blue eyes, pale skin

Oliver West: 5′10, black hair, brown eyes, pale skin

Alternis: i made a post on her appearance here

Plot Points

13. What is the internal conflict?

I would say that the overall internal conflict for all the characters is them struggling to understand that they are human which means that they are allowed to be wrong, make bad decisions, have emotions, and fail and none of this undermines their value in any way.

14. What is the external conflict?

The main external conflict is survival. They come into contact with a powerful interdimensional creature who is possibly hundred of thousands of years old or more and they have no idea how to stop it. After their station and only way home gets destroyed and they find themselves stranded with no way to let anyone know what’s happening, they realize that they have to find a way to at least repel the creature as it’s not just their survival at stake, but also that of their friends and family back on Earth.

15. What is the worst thing that could happen to your protagonist?

Death, probably. There’s a lot of things that would be left undone and unsaid and also literally no one else knows what is going on, so it could be a while before anyone back home realizes they’re never coming back. And that thought is one of the scariest things they can imagine.

16. What secret will be revealed that changes the course of the story?

Basically the purpose of the entity and them figuring out what it is and what it wants changes everything they were led to believe at first about the planet and the origin of the ruins.

17. Do you know how it ends?

Yes. They all get a happy ending because I’m done with the sad shit. Also happy endings are good?? Like give me more happy endings dammit! They go through so much shit and get tested so much, like, they deserve their happy ending.

Bits and Bobs

18. What is the theme?

You are stronger than you think. Let yourself be flawed. Things might not be okay, but they will work out. You have a place in the universe, no matter how small. Tomorrow is a new day.

19. What is a reoccurring symbol?

Darkness, geometry/symmetry, fire (?),static, lots of the names of things have meaning behind them

20. Where is the story set? (Share a description!)

There are two made up planets on which this story takes place. The first planet is Thesan-4. This planet is a desert-like planet. It’s in the Milky Way for sure, but I haven’t exactly figured out where yet. This planet is primarily used for military/astronaut training. At least 40% of the story will take place here. The other planet is an icy, Earth-like planet. I call this planet the Mirror World in my head but the actual name is pending. Here is where the remains of early civilization are found and this is where the Perseus crew is assign for their mission. At least 60% of the story will take place here.

21. Do you have any images or scenes in your mind already?

Hell yeah! Scenes and a general outline are all I have right now. A lot of the little details are still pretty vague though.

22. What excited you about this story?

Oh man, is “everything” an answer? I always wanted to write a story set in space, but my biggest issue was finding a good plot. Like, I had the characters and I had some vague idea of a setting, but no actual plot or conflict. This story spent a lot of time on the back burner and I honestly thought about abandoning it a few times. However, it has come to grow so much and I’m really happy I didn’t abandon it. I love the lore behind the antagonist and the character interactions and uhhh well damn. Everything!

23. Tell us about your usual writing method!

I think the very first thing I come up with is either the setting or the characters. Then, I make the characters that I feel would go best with the setting or vice versa. Other details like names and stuff come way later. 99% of my writing process is music. If I need a certain mood for a scene, I’ll put on some music that fits and I’ll listen to it a few times before actually writing. I find that this helps me come up with scenes so I don’t really struggle at that. Putting them down on paper is harder lol, especially when I can see at least three different ways to write the opening. But once I start writing, everything flows much easier.

#these were all such excellent questions #thanks for the tag

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queenlawrenceskingdom · 6 years

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The Hunger Games: The Games

This section begins right after Peeta declared his love for Katniss and ends when Katniss goes to search for Peeta in the arena. We follow Katniss through the arena on her own and with Rue, and it makes sense that Katniss doesn’t even speak to Peeta in the arena until the section marked “The Victor”. The only time we hear of him is when they first enter the arena, when he’s with the Careers the first night, and then when he saves Katniss from Cato after the trackerjacker attack.

The D12 team rationalizing Katniss about Peeta’s love has always been an interesting part of the book to me. She wasn’t accepting or curious or flattered, she was downright enraged. Being seen as weak is one of Katniss’ biggest fears, and I think it goes back to when she was a weak 11-year-old trying to keep her family alive. One of her biggest regrets is not being able to pay Peeta back when she was literally at her weakest, and she instantly hardened to hold her own in the Hob and getting fair trades around the district. Any emotion with sensitivity is weak to Katniss, so she wants none of it. This is also why she gets upset when Peeta refers to Gale as her boyfriend.

The rooftop scene used to confuse me, but as the series goes on the central theme tends to return to this.

“I don’t know how to say it exactly. Only... I want to die as myself. Does that make any sense?” he asks. I shake my head. How could he die as anyone but himself? “I don’t want them to change me in there. Turn me into some kind of monster that I’m not.” I bite my lip, feeling inferior. While I’ve been ruminating on the availability of trees, Peeta has been struggling with how to maintain his identity. His purity of self... “Only I keep wishing I could think of a way to.. to show the Capitol they don’t own me. That I’m more than just a piece in their Games,” says Peeta

The Capitol has always had such control over the districts, saying where they can go, who can live, and how they’re treated. For the past 74 years children have been expendable pieces in their Games, the Victor only remaining to give hope to the districts. In classic Katniss fashion she has been worried about the practical side of the Games and looking into survival, while Peeta has been looking to be his own personal rebellion. Not wanting to play into the viciousness and gore the Capitol looks forward to in the Games, he even teams up with the Careers to try and prevent Katniss’ death even if it meant his own life. Sacrifice isn’t something seen in these Games, yet Katniss has sacrificed herself for Prim and Peeta has sacrificed himself for Katniss. These two were always bound to be an anomaly in the Games. They never wanted to just follow the crowd and play into the injustice, whether they knew it or not they have been ready to support a revolution.

As Katniss rides in the hovercraft she looks out the window and notes “This is what birds see. Only they’re free and safe. The very opposite of me”. With Katniss’ history and future with birds and mockingjays, this small line is very heavy. As the Mockingjay of the rebellion, she will feel caged in more often than she wants to be at the hands of the Gamemakers, President Snow, and Coin.

In the initial bloodbath, Katniss blames Peeta for distracting her from getting to the Cornucopia. As mad as this makes her, there is a slim probability she would have survived so I think Peeta saved her life literally right out of the gates. Throughout the Games she makes so many plans she is confident in, yet there are continuous surprises she encounters. She’s lucky she gets the pack full of supplies which will each lead to her survival. The fact that Clove didn’t chase her into the woods is a bold move on her part. They all knew she was the primary target in the Games, yet she let her slip out of her hands when she could’ve had her. I’m sure she was kicking herself all the way up until Thresh smashed her skull in.

As Katniss navigates the Games alone, she’s really just relying on her survival skills and staying quiet. Without her bow she doesn’t have much in terms of defense, so she fills her days with hunting and staying out of the way. I would love to know what the sponsors were thinking when they saw her out there like she was on a little adventure. When the fire comes, she’s smart enough to realize the arena’s rigged and just needs to get out of the fire section. The symbolism of The Girl on Fire burning under fireballs could not be missed by anyone, and I’m sure Caesar and Claudius had a fun time with that one. While she thinks maybe Cinna’s designs were the cause of the attack, but because the parade occurs only a week before the Games, I’m sure they had bigger things to worry about than a seemingly normal tribute who would most likely die in the Games.

Rue is the first time I think anyone in the Capitol sees Katniss open up at all. Before this she has been stoic and quiet and refused to give anything up in herself. She said previously kind people work their way into her heart, and I think this is also true with the innocent like Rue. She is so small and reminds her of Prim, she has no choice but to take the girl under her wing and nurture her as much as she can. She opens up and makes her first offensive attack because of Rue; a lifesaving move that’ll start to kill of the Career pack. When she sings to Rue in the final minutes of her life, I can only imagine the reactions from the rest of the districts. District 12 admired Katniss before she even left, so there must be a sense of pride from them. In District 11 Rue was the first to signal quitting time in the fields, so there had to be numerous people who thought fondly of her and had small interactions with her. The film shows us the beginnings of uprising during this time in 11, but I’d be curious to see the results in the other districts. What was it like in 8, where obvious unrest had been growing in the citizens? Were there sympathizers in the Capitol who started to understand the horrors of sending little kids off to slaughter? Katniss’ perspective is limited to the arena, but there’s an entire country who’ve never seen such humanity inside a Hunger Games arena.

Sassniss and other funny quotes

And then, because it’s Effie and she’s apparently required by law to say something awful, she adds “I wouldn’t be at all surprised if I finally got promoted to a decent district next year!”

“This is just your tracker, Katniss. The stiller you are, the more efficiently I can place it”, she says. Still? I’m a statue.

Now the Gamemakers will always be able to trace my whereabouts in the arena. Wouldn’t want to lose a tribute.

I have to bite my lip not to scream every foul name I know at the fire starter.

Stupid people are dangerous.

I might fall straight into a pit of vipers, but I can’t worry about that now.

Maybe showing up stark naked in that chariot would have been safer for me.

...the little flames on my fingernails that are beginning to chip off. Good. I’ve had enough fire for a lifetime.

“How’s everything with you?” I call down [to the Careers]... “Well enough,” says the boy from District 2. “Yourself?” “It’s been a bit warm for my taste,” I say.

Glimmer I hear someone call her - ugh, the names people in District 1 give their children are so ridiculous - anyway Glimmer

I rank music somewhere between hair ribbons and rainbows in terms of usefulness. At least a rainbow gives you a tip about the weather.

#thgreread #the hunger games #katniss everdeen #peeta mellark #everlark #rue #thg analysis #backtopanem

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naomisalman · 6 years

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Part 2: Cobbler’s Shop and Lost Harbor

Here’s what the average gallery looks like:

Yep, it’s flooded. A significant portion of the catacombs is wet. Why? Because they’re so deep that the ground water is coming up. It actually makes them pretty safe: it’s okay to visit even during a thunderstorm, because the rain won’t make it down there before two to three months.

Latex had us happily wade forward, changing course only when the water got too close to waist-high. It was sometimes cold, sometimes warm. Our progress made the water slosh against the walls, and the echo made it sound as if a tidal wave was coming at us, which had Red and me pretty worried (while Latex laughed). Then she guided us to a very narrow gallery that opened on...

...a groundwater well. Look how insanely clear the water is. My monkey brain wanted very much for me to divebomb in there, but it was really really cold.

As we went out into the main gallery again, Red said, “There’s someone behind us.” We turned round and there it was: a flickering light in the total darkness. We saw it approach for a few seconds, and then it vanished.

The thing is, a lot of people go down into the catacombs, for various reasons. (To get high, to get freaky, to explore, to party, you name it.) So it’s not rare to come across other groups, especially in the middle of the day. On one hand, it’s pretty reassuring: even if you get lost in there, you’ll probably be fine. On the other hand, if something goes wrong, you can’t use your phone and you’re in the middle of a flooded death labyrinth. So, y’know, it’s better to be in a group of your own, I guess. (Latex, Red and I came across three different groups total, during a six-hour trek.)

I mentioned I wanted to see some bones (hey, I was told it was the main attraction!) so we tried heading north to the legal entrance, where the biggest ossuary can be found. On our way, we came across one of the weird things people do in the catacombs.

In short, the blue poster reads: “THE COBBLER’S SHOP, since 2009, by C.D.L. Renovated in 2011 by C.D.L and Bovie. Re-renovated in 2018 by JustO, MST and APACM. Inaugurated on June 30th, 2018, the day we welcomed the Weil Country [possible reference to the France-Germany 1998 football match]. By C.D.L. and Team KTAZOR. HONESTY, COMPANIONSHIP, CATACOMBS!”

(Note the plaque above: it’s an actual Parisian street name. Since the catacombs were legally used by postal services during the 19th century, an effort was made to make them easier to navigate, more or less in accordance with the surface streets. Which is very useful for us underground hikers.)

Anyway, it was a little cobbler’s shop. Shoes on the ground, ancient cobbling tools on a wooden table, and a little shrine at the far end with plastic figurines inside. Idk what to tell you.

The three of us thought it was pretty nice even though the general intention was lost on us. Like I said, people do weird shit in the catacombs. Not necessarily creepy, just... weird.

Anyway, we put on some music (Immortals by Panic!, now my forever catacombs song) and kept going, singing at the top of our lungs. In the catacombs, nobody can hear you sing at the top of your lungs! (Except, for, like, other catacombs hikers.)

We came across a pretty long gallery that was flooded with grey-black water. Latex didn’t like the look of that, so we took a detour. And on that detour we found something else. Something extraordinary.

I call it Lost Harbor because that’s what it was: a harbor city carved out of the catacombs walls. There was like, a temple, and tons of buildings, and stone boats in the water, and so many intricately carved flights of stairs. Also this pyramid.

It was so incredible. We waded around for like ten minutes, exclaiming every time we discovered another bit of it. There were spoons stuck in the walls, horizontally, to put little candles there. The harbor builders (they’d signed their names on the wall) had left part of their tools lying around. It was really something weird and unique and beautiful.

I also call it Lost Harbor because it was around that time we realized we were lost.

Part 1 • Part 2 • Part 3

#salman speaks #salman in the deep #underground culture #underground culture part 2 #catacombs #paris

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inevitably-johnlocked · 6 years

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Hey Steph? I don't know if you read a lot of fanfiction or not, but if you do, do you have a fluff guide? I'm feeling down in the dumps, and I'm not feeling like navigating a sea of smut, as I'm very much asexual, but I really want to read some quality Johnlock fluff. Pretty please, with a cherry on top?

Hi Nonny! *hugs*

I absolutely have smut-free Johnlock fic recs! Part of my massive collection of Johnlock Fluff Fics lists! I’m still working on the list, but I’ll give you what I have for now! I MIGHT have an explicit fic tangled into the “Domestics” recs, so just double check the rating before you click on it!

GEN, PRE-SLASH & FRIENDSHIP

Defining John Watson by StillWaters1 (K+, 660 w. || Friendship) – “Not good?” Two words and Lestrade realized just who John Watson actually was.

I’m Sorry by bewdifuldragon (K, 1K+ w. || Friendship, Hurt/Comfort, Sick John) – During a case - that just for the record, he never wanted to take on anyway - John falls ill; and a guilt-ridden Sherlock does everything he can to make amends.

Priorities by Starlight05 (K+, 1K+ w || Friendship, Worried Sherlock/John) – The power is out on Baker Street, so candles are the only source of light at 221B. But then, at night, things go terribly wrong, and Sherlock and John realize just how much they mean to each other.

Further Impressions by grannysknitting (K+, 1k+ w. || Friendship & Family) – Sherlock meets the people who made John Watson the man he is today… the reciprocal family dinner. Sequel to First Impressions

In Which Lestrade Looks in on Sherlock and Observes by Aztecwarfareandcrumping (K+, 1K+ w. || Lestrade POV, Friendship, Hurt Comfort, John Whump) – John’s in hospital, which means Sherlock is, too. Lestrade takes it upon himself to look in on them.

I Hear Newcastle is Dreadful This Time of Year by oxfordlunch (G, 1,515 w. || Sofa Cuddling, Hugs, Mentions of Alcoholism, Pining / Anxious Sherlock) – When the fourteenth day comes, he gets a cab to Heathrow.

Texts and Tea by JillianWatson1058 (FFNet, K, 959 w.|| Friendship & Humour) - A John who is woken up at 2:30 in the morning is not a happy John. Sherlock, frankly, doesn’t care. He just wants his tea.

Personal Space by probablyquantum (T, 1,814 w. || Pre-Slash, Cuddles, Nightmares, Awkwardness) – John and Sherlock renegotiate the rules governing personal space. Pre-Slash.

First Impressions by grannysknitting (K+, 2K+ w. || Family & Friendship) – Meet the Holmes’. John gains some insight into the environment that produced the two prodigies - Sherlock and Mycroft.

Scrutiny by lifeonmars (NR, 5,100 w. || Domestics, Sherlock’s Deductions, John Tries Deductions, Love Confessions, Anxious John) – What is it like to live with someone who can nearly read your mind? John’s life comes into focus under the magnifying glass of Sherlock Holmes.

I’m Pretty Sure This Changes Shit by cwb (E, 7,672 w. || Fluff, Cudding, Doctor/Patient, Accidents) – Sherlock finds increasingly ridiculous ways to get John to patch him up after hurting himself.

A Study in Intimacy by doodle (T, 5,183 w.|| First Time, Romance, Virginity, First Kiss) – People don’t touch Sherlock Holmes, not like they touch other people. Then he meets John Watson.

Corpus Hominis by mycapeisplaid (E, 47,709 w. || Casefic, Fluff, Romance, Frottage) - John knows the human body intimately. He’s had plenty of opportunity for study as a doctor, soldier, and lover. There’s one particular body, however, he knows very little about. When Sherlock launches himself head-first into a new obsession and they get sent on a case in an unlikely location, the pair discovers each other’s bodies with confusing yet delightful (and sometimes hilarious) results.

100 ways to say ‘I love you’ by Teatrolley (NR, 2,143 w. || Slow Build, Pining Sherlock) – In which there are a hundred phrases and none of them are “I love you.” Until they are.

Heart’s a Mess by svenjastrange (NR, 2,249 w. || Fluff) – Sherlock’s heart is a mess.

Sherlock Doesn’t Like Summer Nights by sherrinholmes (T, 337 w. || Fluff) – “Isn’t it considered normal and wise to remove layers when one finds one’s self overheating?” Sherlock threw the shirt into some dark corner of the room and began working on the drawstring of his pyjama trousers.

Rooftop Confession by Random_Nexus (T, 2,514 w. || Asexual Sherlock, Friendship / Love, Developing Relationship) – Sherlock asks John to join him for a slightly unexpected discussion.

Bitter Nights Turned Sweet by Hyliare (T, 4,076 w. || Insomnia, Emotional H/C, Cuddling, Hallucinations) – Sherlock has always had trouble sleeping; he hasn’t always had someone in his life willing to help.

The Most Luminous of People by liriodendron (M, 10,979 w. || Synesthesia, Pre-Slash, Developing Romance, First Kiss) – In which Sherlock Holmes finds out what it’s like to truly want something, John Watson isn’t too bad at deductions, and everything gets a bit bright for a minute. Part 1 of Conductivity

Cuddling by GraciousK (G, 1,107 w. || Fluff and Angst, Cuddling/Snuggling, Fluff, Hypothermia) – When John finally finds Sherlock, he’s hypothermic and delirious. John warms him up the only way Sherlock will allow: body heat. It ends up more angsty than sexy. Part 2 of 30-day OTP Challenge: Johnlock

Jumper by bofurs_laugh (G, 520 w. || Friendship, Pre-Slash, Christmas) – John wakes to find something he never thought possible. Part 4 of Sherlock Advent Series

Of Locks and Keys by Youarethelightoftheworld (G, 574 w. || H/C, Angst, Falling in Love, Friendship) – He listens to the steady beating of John’s heart and thinks of his own; weak and vulnerable, but aching to be released.

Sometimes, it doesn’t take much… by OswinCumberbatch (G, 1208 w. || H/C, Fluff, Pre-Slash) – “Sherlock,” John tried again, his hand cupping the nape of Sherlock’s neck. “You’re scaring me.”

Home and Dry by BeautifulFiction (G, 1052 w. || Fluff, Friendship, Pre-Slash) – Sometimes actions speak louder than words, and comfort can come from the most unlikely source. John and Sherlock pre-slash blanket-fic fluff.

Baskerville After Dark by Ttime42 (T, 1k+ w. || Friendship, Humour, Bed Sharing, Fluff, Pre-Slash) – John and Sherlock have to share a bed at Baskerville. Snippets of their time at Dartmoor.

Aestival by BeautifulFiction (G, 1,254 w. || Fluff, Pre-Slash) – There is such a thing as a perfect day.

Behind Closed Curtains by twisting_vine_x (G, 2,939 w. || Dancing, Angst, Pre-Slash) – Set loosely during season two, when Sherlock and John are still, ahem, dancing around each other. Sherlock teaches John how to dance.

The Second Law of Thermodynamics by entanglednow (T, 3,614 || Asexual Sherlock, Bed Sharing, Sharing Body Heat) – In which there’s no heating and there’s a dead owl in Sherlock’s bed. Part 1 of Thermodynamics

DOMESTICS

Christmas With Sherlock by grannysknitting (K, 830 w. || Friendship & Family, Christmas) – John spends Christmas with Sherlock. Mrs Hudson gets a pressie.

The Sonata Principle by arioso dolente (K+, 1K+ w || Friendship, Music, Sherlock’s POV) – Sherlock Holmes is a genius, and so is fluent in many languages. He excels in English, French, German, and any number of others. He is matchless in the subtle language of observation and deduction. What no one understands is that none of these was ever his native language, the language of his thoughts. At least, until someone else happens to figure it out.

Where John Reflects on Just How Much Better His Life Would Be by fraughtwithsparkles (FFNet, T, 1K+ || Friendship) - Sometimes, John wondered what his life would be like if he’d never met Sherlock Holmes. But in the end, wouldn’t it be so boring, so lonely, so utterly despairing without his best friend at his side?

The First Night by TheForerunner (NR, 1,043 w. || First Time, Fluff, Non-Explicit, Prose) – When all was over, Sherlock reached to dress again and John reached to stop him. They sat at opposite ends of the bed and one set of eyes surveyed the other’s set of limbs, and they were quiet in the downbeat, melody suspended. Sherlock was sheepish, and this confused John, who now smelled of his companion and felt they were part of one another.

Upon Reflection, Tenable Frippery by emmagrant01 (T, 1,299 w. || John’s Beard, First Kiss, Fluff) – John was, inexplicably, growing a beard.

The Pigeon’s deplorable nesting place by SlothfulSlytherin (G, 1,482 w. || Alternate First Meeting, Humour, Fluff) – Upon returning to London, John Watson took up residence in a mouldy little flat on Baker Street. The flat itself wasn’t all that special or interesting, his new neighbour on the other hand…

There’s Always Three of Us by Itsallfine (T, 1,765 w. || Post-S4, Parentlock, Love Declarations, First Kiss, Anniversary, S4 Fix it Fic, Fluff) – Sherlock takes John and Rosie out to Angelo’s and gets a chance to correct the biggest mistake of his life.

Manipulation by sixbynine (K+, 2K+ w || Experimenting John) – John Watson is not as unobservant as Sherlock thinks, nor is he above using what he knows. Even if it is just to make sure Sherlock eats and sleeps.

Anne Bonny by Spartangal22 (K+, 2K+ w. || Family & Friendship, Mary is Nice, Watson Family, Holmes Family) – Sherlock just wanted to do something nice for the baby, but a simple phone call leads him and the Watsons back to his parent’s cottage, where Mr. and Mrs. Holmes welcome the little girl as their own.

Wintery Hell by Belldere (K+, 2K+ w. || Friendship & Humour, Christmas) – With Sherlock being roped into spending Christmas with his family, John had his own Christmas all planned out with his other friends and family… That is until he’s extended a forceful invitation from Mycroft and an assumption from Sherlock who, once again, failed to notice John wasn’t in the room when he ‘asked’.

100 ways to say ‘I love you’ by Teatrolley (NR, 2,143 w. || Slow Build, Pining Sherlock, Fluff, Domestics) – In which there are a hundred phrases and none of them are “I love you.” Until they are.

Six Dates by avawtsn (E, 7,421 w. || 5+1, First Time / Kiss, Post S4-Compliant, POV John) – A rather accidental 5+1 written for the prompt “is this a date?” Hint: it is.

What to do with an Ailing Flatmate by LyricalSinger (FFNet, K, 1K+ w. || Friendship, Fluff, Sickfic) – John is ill, and Sherlock is trying!

Overtime by glow_in_the_dark (Ao3, G, 1,149w. || Fluff) – John has worked over 80 hours this week, and will no doubt have to go into work tomorrow too. Arriving home beyond dead tired, his flatmate seems to take make it his personal mission to make John comfortable. Part 2 of Little Fluffy Oneshots

The Devil You Know by PipMer (T, 9,300 w. || Friends to Lovers, Romance, Holmes Brothers, Jealous Sherlock) – The Holmes brothers are behaving oddly. John is dazed and confused. In other words, it’s business as usual at 221B Baker Street. Except when it’s not.

subterfuge isn’t subterfuge if you don’t know what the hell you’re doing by scullyseviltwin (T, 4,157 w. || Est. Rel., Fluff, Anniversary) – The entire idea was ludicrous, and terrified John a whole hell of a lot.

Heart’s a Mess by svenjastrange (NR, 2,249 w. || Fluff) – Sherlock’s heart is a mess.

Teacups by wsswatson (T, 1,045w. || Fluff) – A forgotten purchase rekindles a flame.

Two To Tango (The Cold Hands, Warm Heart Remix) by igrockspock (T, 1,207w || Domestic) – When John is wounded while pursuing a suspect, Sherlock refuses to leave his side. {{FAVE!}}

Entanglement by orphan_account (G, 3,218 w. || Pining, Confessions) - On Christmas Eve, snow covers London, John visits Harry, and Sherlock and Mrs. Hudson untangle some knots.

His (Again) by patternofdefiance (M, 820 w. || Fluff, John Comes Home) – John wonders how he had never seen this before, never noticed before, how happy Sherlock can look, and also how lonely.

Five Times John Noticed But Didn’t Really by ScandalousMinds (T, 6,383 w. || Domestics, Fluff/Angst, Bratty Sherlock, Idiots, Pre-Slash, Jealous Sherlock, Love Confessions) – 5 times John (thought) he noticed something peculiar about his and Sherlock’s relationship but really missed the obvious.

Thirty Three Hours Without John Watson by Bookaholic, mybrotherharry (M, 6,232 w. || First Kiss / Time, Pining Idiots, BG Mystrade, Crackish) – Sherlock can SO TOTALLY survive without John Watson. It should be a piece of cake.AKA the time when Sherlock braved grocery store lines for milk, purchased and gave away a box of tampons and figured out what the X-Factor is. Greg and Mycroft didn’t sign up for this shit. Next time, they are going to the Bahamas.

Maybe This Christmas by feverishsea (T, 6,021 w. || Christmas, Fluff, Getting Together ) Anthea has given up her life, her own desires, even her name in service of something greater than herself. But that doesn’t mean she can’t see when someone else wants something – even if she doesn’t happen to care overmuch for that person. And it doesn’t mean she isn’t willing to help. (Anthea gets the boys together)

Tangential by Bitenomnom (NR, 2,047 w. || Fluff, Love, Nightmares, Cuddling, Ace!Sherlock) – …In which John stitches up Sherlock’s head (but not really), Sherlock comes into John’s room at night to take his laptop (but not really), Sherlock is married to his Work (but not really), and John is more than proficient at keeping Sherlock (really, definitely). Part 48 of Mathematical Proof

Twas The Night by xox-hattii-xox (K+, 3K+ w. || Humour & Friendship, Christmas, Domestics, Fluff) – Twas the night before Christmas…and Sherlock has had just about enough of the whole thing! 'Really, John, a Santa Hat’ Christmas in 221b, and Sherlock just wants it over with.

Worth It by JezebelGoldstone (G, 3,467w. || Fluff, Humour, Injury, H/C, Cuddling) – John recieves a minor injury during a case, and Sherlock’s reaction makes John wonder if Sherlock is the best friend he’s ever had, or the worst.

A Bit of Indulgence by beltainefaerie (NR, 3,364 w. || Fluff, Fake/Pretend, Pride Parade, Dev. Rel.) - A case leads John and Sherlock to fake being boyfriends and John runs into an old acquaintance.

On a Sunday Morning by SD_Ryan (G, 3,136w. || Fluff, First Kiss, Obsessive Sherlock) – Sherlock has a little problem. He can’t stop obsessing about John Watson. {{Note to Self: ‘Cheese Tease’}}

Let Go by thisisforyou (G, 2743 w || First Kiss, Fluff, H/C) – In the end, separating John’s things from Sherlock’s in the chaos of their sitting room is like pulling a limpet from a wet rock. Especially when the rock is clinging on for dear life, because Sherlock doesn’t want to let go.

Duvet (green) by Mazarin221b (G, 2,021 w. || Post-HoB, Revelations, First Kiss, Sherlock’s Mind Palace) – Sherlock recalibrates and restructures his mind palace so it looks like 221b. What he chooses to put in John’s room is a bit of a surprise, and a revelation.

Christmas at Holmes Cottage by johnlockedstarkid (G, 4,295 w. || Christmas, Fake Relationship, Love Confessions, Holmes Family, Pining, Kisses, Fluff, Allusions to Mystrade) – Sherlock doesn’t want to have to deal with his mother’s wishes for him to find a partner when he goes to visit them for Christmas, so asks John to pose as his boyfriend. Little does he know he’s not the only one who wishes that the relationship could be real.

No Mushrooms Please Series by lbmisscharlie (G, 5,456 w. across 3 stories || Fluff, Bromance, Sharing Food) – John and Sherlock and their lazy, dysfunctional Sunday mornings in bed. In which Sherlock has difficulty sleeping and John makes lots of toast. Shameless fluff.

Adjacent by weeesi (E, 5,711 w. || Bed Sharing, Fluff and Smut, Pining Idiots, On a Trip, Frottage) – Sherlock and John spend the night at a hotel in adjoining rooms, and keep finding excuses to visit each other’s rooms, until WHOOPS they’re sharing a bed.

Through the Clouds by Mazarin221b (E, 20,004 w. || Retirement, Home Improvement, First Time, Romance) – Sherlock takes a remarkably early retirement at 47, and convinces John that a change of pace would do them both good. They buy an old cottage on the South Downs, and exchange their nonstop life in Baker Street for quiet contemplation, bee studies, and book writing. They might go completely insane, but sometimes it takes stepping outside of the life you’re living to find the life you want. Part 1 of Through The Clouds

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Christmas Spirit by SilentAuror (M, 15,002 w. || Christmas, Domesticity, Post S3, Happy Ending) – John hates Christmas. So does Sherlock, but he suggests that they do Christmas “properly” this year to see if they can’t track down its elusive magic and discover for themselves what Christmas is supposed to be about.

Onomatopoeia by aquabelacqua (M, 6,904 w.|| Sherlock POV, First Time/Kiss, Chair Sex, Hair Pulling, Dirty Talk) – Something is the matter with John. Sherlock is determined to figure out what it is. Mark his words.

Coda by SilentAuror (E, 7,448 w. || PWP, POV John, Porn with Feels, Switch, Fluff) – Coda to A Satisfactory Arrangement. “This is all I want to do for the rest of my life,” Sherlock tells him. “Screw the work. Let’s just stay in bed forever.” Part 2 of A Satisfactory Arrangement

I can’t pretend by Salambo06 (E, 7,692 w. || Fake Relationship, Victor Trevor, Jealous John, Miscommunications, Bed Sharing, Love Confessions, First Kiss/Time, Anal, BJs) – They had arrived more than a hour ago, and the moment they had walked inside the hotel reception, John had understood why Sherlock hadn’t wanted to come. Two men, posh suits and expensive watches on their wrists, had come to greet them with sharp remarks and badly hidden mockery, and John had seen red. Sherlock hadn’t said anything, mostly ignoring the two men entirely, and without thinking twice about it, John had slid an arm around Sherlock’s waist and introduced himself as his husband.

the first day of forever by darcylindbergh (E, 11,850 w. || Est. Relationship, Domestics, Light Angst, Insecurity, Emotional H/C) – “I’m going to marry you,” John murmurs with against Sherlock’s smile, and they both giggle in the joy of it. “We’re getting married.”“Yes,” Sherlock says, just to hear himself say it out loud. “We are.” A June wedding. Part 4 of things fairy tales are made of

And if you say the word, I could stay with you by CaitlinFairchild (E, 12,842 w. || Domestic Fluff, BottomJohn / Topping from the Bottom, Fluff and Romance, Dirty Talk, Proposals) – What Sherlock thinks is, On the day I die, be it in a dirty alley at forty or in my bed at eighty, the last thing I will remember is tonight, the way you looked at at me on the snowy pavement, cheeks pink with the cold, breath puffing in frosty white clouds, your heart in your eyes and snowflakes in your hair. I will remember that single perfect moment in my life, that moment I knew I had everything I ever wanted, and whatever happens next, I will die content. What he says is simply, “Marry me.”

Achieving the Together-Coloured Instant by teahigh (E, 20,776 w. || Est. Rel, PTSD, Codependency, Fluff & Angst, H/C, Smut, Demisexual Sherlock, Experiments) – John wonders if this is how it’s going to be: A life speaking in code, because they’re both too stupid to figure out how to say, “I love you.”

Ghost Stories by SwissMiss (M, 22,256 w. || Pining, Holmes Family, Christmas, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Bed Sharing, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort, First Time) – Sherlock’s parents think he and John are a couple. They might be onto something.

PLATONICS

You Can Imagine The Christmas Dinners by johnsarmylady (T, 1K+ w. || Friendship, Family, Introspection, Fluff, Post-ASIP) – Set the morning after a Study in Pink, John sits and contemplates Mycroft’s words. In answer to a challenge set by Librarianmum, and dedicated to that talented lady.

Cuddling by GraciousK (Ao3, G, Angst/Cuddling/Hypothermia, 1107 w.) - John finds Sherlock and he’s delirious. John saves Sherlock, semi-happy ending.

The Cure for Snoring by Goddess_of_the_Night (G, 1,278 w. || Bed Sharing, Cuddling, Fluff, Domestic, Platonic / Sleepy Cuddles) – Sherlock and John spend the night in Scotland after finishing a case. The sole Inn in town only has one room left…one bed. This would be fine - if not a bit awkward - if Sherlock hadn’t developed a habit of snoring loudly. John suffers through many hours of sleeplessness before he discovers that skin-to-skin contact stops the noise. Part 1 of Dreamscapes

Feel your breathing by Mixxy (T, 2,129 w. || Post-TRF, Cuddling, Separation Anxiety, Platonics) – And he was numb yet feeling far too much, he was back on that pavement, and his mind was buzzing far too hard, whispering you didn’t do it in time, Mrs. Hudson is dead, Lestrade is dead, your John is dead dead dead- And then John’s hand was around his wrist, thumb rubbing over his pulse point, and Sherlock’s not sure if it was to comfort him or John but either way it worked.

Drawstring by May_Shepard (E, 7,412 w. || Friends to Lovers, UST/RST, Fluff and Smut, Post-TAB, John POV) – John is bothered by Sherlock’s slowly-falling jim-jams… as in hot and bothered and he is trying to deal with a sexy dishevelled Sherlock while also keeping his pining in check.

A Category Unto Themselves by ElvendorkInfinity (FFNet, K+, Friendship, 463 w.) – John tries - and fails - to put a label on his relationship with Sherlock.

The Kids Are Alright by p.r. fox (K+, 9K+ w. || Humour & Friendship, TeenJohn, Young Sherlock, Babysitting) – John is struck with a memory from his teenage years. "You drew this,“ John grins, pointing to the little drawing on the paper. “You gave it to me when you were five. I babysat you.”

The Important Bit by Solshine (G, 9,984 w. || Platonic Marriage, Domestics) – Just where exactly is the line between “to love” and “to be in love”? What difference is required between “flatmate” and “husband”? (Besides the rings, obviously.) No, the important bit is that they have each other. Thirty years, give or take, in an atypical marriage. Basically a long bit of platonic domestic fluff.

The Green Blade by verityburns (T, 72,929 w. || Casefic, Bromance) – As a serial killer hits the headlines, the police are out of their depth and the next victim is out of time. With faith in Sherlock Holmes at an all time low, this is a case which will push loyalties to the limit…

The Cuddle Sutra by aceofhearts61 (G, 3,218 w. || Ace!Sherlock/Straight!John, Cuddling/Snuggling, Fluff, Hurt/Comfort) – In which Sherlock orders the Cuddle Sutra; he and John try out some of the positions. Part 20 of A Love with No Name

Usefulness of Having Friends by ObservationofTrifles (K, 1K+ w. || Friendship) – Sherlock is sick and John is bringing him to the doctor’s. On the way there in the tram, John decides to play a deduction game to cheer Sherlock up.

Random Numbers by songlin (T, 1,671 w. || Cuddling/Snuggling, Fluff, Ace!Sherlock/Straight!John) – Just because they’re not having sex doesn’t mean they aren’t intimate. A collection of moments in the relationship of asexual!Sherlock and straight!John.

Settling In by PorcupineGirl (T, 1030 w. || Ace!Sherlock / Het-BiRo!John, Queerplatonic Rel., Fluff) – Asexual!Sherlock/Straight!John in a queerplatonic romantic relationship. It’s a bit of an oddball, but anything fluffy and loving and nonporny will be endlessly and forever adored. It’s always fun to see the two work out that hey, we’re in love, we don’t have sex, but it’s still a wonderful and meaningful relationship.

An Experiment in Empathy Series by belovedmuerto (G to T, 62,397 w. across 13 Stories || Empath John, Epic Bromance) – In which John is an empath, Sherlock is Sherlock, and an epic bromance happens. In the aftermath of The Great Game, John creates an unexpected bond between himself and Sherlock. Now they have to learn how to deal with it. John is better at this than Sherlock is.

Static by Johnnlocked (Krullenbol2602) (G, 917 w. || Fluff, H/C, Dr. John, Headaches, POV Sherlock, Fluff, H.C, Pre-TSo3) – Sherlock suffers from a headache.

A Love with No Name Series by aceofhearts61 (G to M, 49,955 w across 20 Stories || Ace!Sherlock, Kisses, Cuddles & Snuggles, Schmoop, Platonic Romance) – In which Asexual!Sherlock and Straight!John are platonically in love life partners.

The Important Bit by Solshine (G, 9,984 w || Platonic Relationship, Ace!Sherlock, Domestic, Fluff) – Just where exactly is the line between “to love” and “to be in love”? What difference is required between “flatmate” and “husband”? (Besides the rings, obviously.) No, the important bit is that they have each other. Thirty years, give or take, in an atypical marriage. Basically a long bit of platonic domestic fluff.

#steph replies #johnlock fic recs #my fic recs #fluff fic recs #platonic johnlock #Anonymous #platonic fics #domestics

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gadgetgirl71 · 3 years

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Top Ten Tuesday 29 December 2020

Welcome to this weeks Top Ten Tuesday. Originally created by The Broke & The Bookish, which is now hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Each week it features a book or literary themed category. This weeks prompt is:

Favorite Non ARC Books of 2020:

Confessions of a Bad Boy by J D Hawkins

Confessions of a Bad Boy Episode 1: Never Commit

I’m the internet’s favorite Bad Boy – the guy who’ll tell it to you straight. No bullshit charm. No excuses. Consider it a public service, letting women know the truth about what guys are really thinking and teaching guys how to get what they want.

Yes, we were checking that girl out. No, you don’t want to meet her parents. And no, ladies, we don’t care what shoes you wear – as long as they’re up around our neck by the end of the night.

Life was simple, until fate brought me back together with Jessie. My best friend’s younger sister, who I just happened to have the hottest one night stand of my life with four years ago. Who calls me at 3 AM to get bailed out of jail. Who I can’t keep my hands off of. And who can never find out who I really am.

She’s off-limits, but I don’t care. And when I need a fake girlfriend to help me out of a jam at work, she’s the only one who can help. Now I’m stuck sharing a hotel room with her for the weekend.

A long, sexy weekend, one that I wish will never end.

314 (Widowsfield Trilogy #1) by A R Wise

Alma Harper has been trying to forget what happened in Widowsfield 16 years ago. She has a good life as a music teacher now, and might rekindle her relationship with her one true love. However, the number 314 haunts her, and threatens to bring her back to the day that her brother disappeared. When a reporter shows up, just days before March 14th, Alma realizes that her past is coming back to haunt her. What happened on March 14th, at 3:14, 16 years ago? No one but The Skeleton Man can remember.

Off Limits (Kings of Mayhem MC #5) by Penny Dee

I’m about to break the biggest rule of all.

RUGER: I was sixteen when she was born. The niece of my best friend. An angel with bright blue eyes and hair the color of night. Through the years I’ve seen her grow from an adorable dimpled cupid into a strong, independent beauty. Into a goddess. A temptress. Fate has brought us together. But she is off limits. I’ve got no business wanting her. No business at all.

CHASTITY: For years I’ve crushed on him. An older man who makes me tremble. A biker King whose arms I want to get lost in. Whose body I can only dream about touching. Whose lips I’m dying to taste. I shouldn’t want him. But I do. I shouldn’t lust after him. But tell that to my poor hopeless heart. I should stay away. But I won’t.

Off Limits is book five in the Kings of Mayhem MC series. It can be read as a standalone.

Primal Howl (Primal Howlers MC #1) by Piper Davenport

Orion: I’m the oldest son of MC royalty. My father founded the Primal Howlers and he expects me to wear his patch one day. The problem is, I don’t know if that’s what I want. Lately, I couldn’t give two sh*ts about anything.

Until her.

Raquel: I moved to Monument, Colorado to write my thesis and get some much-needed distance from my overbearing family. What I didn’t expect was to find is myself hung up on a biker who appears to have nothing to lose.

I, however, have everything to lose and I’m worried Orion just might be my downfall.

Primal Need (Primal Howlers MC #2) by Piper Davenport

18+ for language and sexual situations…

Sundance: I’m the president of the Primal Howlers out of Monument, Colorado. My wife was taken from me ten years ago, leaving me to raise our three children alone. I’ve been diagnosed with a disease that I’m not sure I’ll beat, and to make matters worse, I’m now in the crosshairs of a rival club.

But enough about the upside of my life, because Wyatt Bates just walked into it, her confidence enough to rock my world, but her sweetness might just be the end of me.

Wyatt: I’ve lost almost everyone who ever loved me. Cancer took them all, so the last thing I’m looking for is a relationship that will break me again.

Then I meet Thorne “Sundance” Graves and my world is turned on its head by the sexy as hell biker. Now I must choose between a chance at love or the risk of complete devastation.

Roommaid by Sariah Wilson

Madison Huntington is determined to live her dreams. That means getting out from under her family’s wealth and influence by saying no to the family business, her allowance, and her home. But on a teacher’s salary, the real world comes as a rude awakening—especially when she wakes up every morning on a colleague’s couch. To get a place of her own (without cockroaches, mold, or crime scene tape), Madison accepts a position as a roommaid. In exchange for free room and board, all she needs to do is keep her busy roommate’s penthouse clean and his dog company. So what if she’s never washed a dish in her life. She can figure this out, right?

Madison is pretty confident she can fake it well enough that Tyler Roth will never know the difference. The finance whiz is rich and privileged and navigates the same social circles as her parents—but to him she’s just a teacher in need of an apartment. He’s everything Madison has run from, but his kindhearted nature, stomach-fluttering smile, and unexpected insecurities only make her want to get closer. And Tyler is warming to the move.

Rewarding job. Perfect guy. Great future. With everything so right, what could go wrong? Madison is about to find out.

Minus (Burning Saints MC #1) by Jack Davenport

18+ for language and sexual situations…

Burning Saints MC outcast, “Minus” Vincent, has been summoned out of exile by the Club’s President for reasons unknown. Upon his return, he finds himself tempted by forbidden fruit of the past that has only gotten sweeter with time.

Christina “Cricket” Wallace knows exactly what kind of life she wants, and it’s far from the chaos and mayhem of an outlaw motorcycle club. She’s worked hard to get where she is, and she won’t let anyone keep her from getting there…especially her over-protective biker brother, or the sexy as hell Club rival she thought she’d never see again.

As Minus and Cricket pursue their own roads, they find their paths intersecting in a violent and passionate collision that will forever change their futures.

Clutch (Burning Saints MC #2) by Jack Davenport

8+ for language and sexual situations…

The Burning Saints Motorcycle Club is the only family Clutch has known, and violence his only stock and trade. Humanity has handed him nothing but pain and struggle, and he’s come to expect even less from it. As an orphan, he’s always found it easier to bond with machines than with people. Now his club family is in danger of losing its way, its identity, even its very existence.

Dr. Gina Gardner is newly single, completely unprepared to mingle, and as it turns out, cannot sing and safely operate a motor vehicle at the same time. What she craves is time away to figure out what she wants. What she just might get, however, is a detour to what she needs.

When Clutch and Gina find themselves at the same crossroad, will they speed by each other, collide in a fiery crash, or blaze a new trail together?

A Witch for Mr Holiday by Deanna Chase

Welcome to Christmas Grove, where holiday magic and matchmaking is in the air.

When Rex Holiday walks into the charming town of Christmas Grove, all he plans to do is to spend the season helping out at his buddy’s Christmas tree farm. What he doesn’t expect is for an overzealous matchmaker to slip a love potion into his cider. But the joke’s on the resident matchmaker, because not even a potent love spell can break through the walls he’s built around his heart. But when the girl next door catches his eye, some of his barriers start to crumble. Still, Rex Holiday’s time in Christmas Grove is only temporary. He can’t afford to fall in love. Or can he?

Holly Reineer is a powerful spirit witch who can see the future for everyone. Everyone but herself that is. And when Rex Holiday walks into her life, she sees his, too. He’s destined for a big corporate job all the way across the country. So when he starts to show interest in her, she knows it’s only temporary, and Holly’s not interested in a fling. She wants her happily-ever-after. But he’s very hard to resist… Can a love spell rewrite the future? If so, Holly will need to learn to follow her heart and, for once, trust what she can’t see.

A Witch for Mr Christmas by Deanna Chase

Welcome to Christmas Grove, the town full of love, magic, and holiday miracles.

Ilsa McKenzie has only ever loved one man. But eleven months ago, he walked out of her life, leaving her heartbroken and her life changed forever. After leaving the magical town of Christmas Grove to regroup and get her life in order, Ilsa’s back, ready to face her past and start her future with or without him. There’s only one question. Will Zach want to be a part of her life or will he run again?

Zach Frost doesn’t love easily. He’s loved and lost before. All he’s ever wanted was to run his Christmas tree farm and start a family. And once Ilsa arrives in town, it seems he’s on the verge of making his dreams come true. But his past is complicated and it’s about to catch up with him. Can he make peace with his mistakes or will he let history repeat itself and lose his chance with the one woman who can make him feel whole?

Until next week.

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