#this is the first of a series and idk what the title the series itself but we'll get to that later

[noodlesarecheese]

So Watcher is launching a Dropout (it's not called Dropout but they're clearly using the same template format platform thing idk what it's called, and the same pricing structure), and the reaction so far has been wildly different than what I remember from Dropout's launch. I was curious about why that was or if I was just misremembering the Dropout launch, so I went back to the Dropout launch video to compare them and I think I can see where some of the difference is coming from.

If you want to make the comparison yourself: Watcher's Video, Dropout's Video.

I wanna clarify first though that this isn't a knock against Watcher or the fans who are reacting one way or another or anything like that, I genuinely am just fascinated with how different the reactions are to what seems to be the same business decision. This also isn't a 'wow watcher sucks and dropout is so much better' I'm just using them for comparison because they did the same thing with different results. ALSO this isn't about the business decision itself, just the presentation! Disclaimers out of the way, here's the analysis.

Title and Thumbnail So the Watcher.tv announcement video is titled "Goodbye Youtube" and the thumbnail is Ryan, Shane, and Steven sitting on a couch looking serious, with a dark background. That really makes it seem like they're quitting (which, ok, they are quitting youtube but not quitting quitting). Viewers are already primed to be upset, and it's easier to go from upset to angry than upset to excited, curious, or neutral.

Compare to the dropout announcement video: "How the Internet is Ruining Comedy" - inline with other collegehumor video titles, might make you curious. Thumbnail - Big News! with Sam smiling and a bright background. We know its big news, but he looks happy, and the exclamation point let's us know they want us to be excited. Viewers are primed to be curious and excited.

Tone The Watcher announcement has 2 main tones. The first half is very sentimental, almost sad or wistful at times, and while there are parts that veer into pride at achievements, it's mostly bittersweet and sentimental. The second half is a bit more uplifting, but still quite serious. It reminded me of a tech announcement, like when they introduce the new iphone or something like that. Very professional, sleek, and serious, which isn't automatically a bad thing! But I do think that's not the vibe a decently-sized chunk of the audience expected or wanted. Many people watch Watcher for the cast's dynamic with each other, humor, and the more relaxed/conversational/friendly feel that most of the series have.

Compare to dropout - excited and comedic tone. Still professional, but also fits the expectations of the viewers. People watch collegehumor for the humor (it was in the name, after all). They also poke a bit of fun at themselves, which lightens the mood, shows self-awareness, and alleviates some of the bad feelings about paywalling.

Focus The Watcher announcement focuses a lot on the creative journey of the cast and company, as well as how this move will benefit them. Which isn't a bad thing, that's actually quite interesting! The problem here, I think, is actually more about what isn't here - a solid explanation of how this will also benefit the viewers and why the viewers should be excited. There's a brief description of one new show, and the promise that existing shows will get an upgrade, but we weren't given many specific details about how they'll be improved, and there's only one new show to tempt us into subscribing. Some people will be excited for that, some people won't, and some people will be excited but not enough to subscribe. Having 2 or 3 series (even if it's 1 fleshed out plus a few teasers of what's in production or what is being planned) plus some more details about how existing shows will be improved would've helped. Without that, it really does seem like it'll just be the same stuff viewers were getting for free, but now paywalled, rather than new and exciting stuff. That makes a big difference. I think with the fans not getting as much focus, this also led to some (accidental, I hope) hurt feelings. Based on what I've seen from fan reactions, all the talk about hitting the peak of what they can do on youtube and wanting more, translated for many people to 'youtube isn't enough' which became 'you (the current viewers) aren't enough.' Which I don't think was their intent! But I also don't think fans are wrong for feeling hurt by that.

Compare to dropout: They clearly explain how the move will benefit fans, and reassure viewers that existing content will stay where it is, and only new content will be behind the paywall. (Watcher clarified this too, but in a comment. It's not in the video itself, which is a huge problem.) They include clips of several new (at the time) series that would be premiering on dropout, including things that specifically could not be made on youtube (due to weed, violence, and sexual humor), so the reason for the shift is clear to the audience.

Advertisers Both videos contain the sentiment that being monetarily successful on youtube means working to appease the advertisers, and that over time what the advertisers want and what the creators want drifts further and further apart, putting strain on the creators.

However, I think the message gets lost a bit in the Watcher vid. Instead, it leaves viewers with the idea that the main problem is just ads are annoying instead of advertisers putting constraints on content. I'm not even sure what the specific constraints are for watcher, because they didn't give any examples. And the focus on ads being annoying leaves viewers frustrated because people typically either don't mind ads or they already have an ad blocker.

Timing and Size Okay, this isn't exactly about presentation, but it is still a factor that impacts perception so I'm tackling it. And I'm actually going to do dropout first. CollegeHumor launched dropout in September 2018. Pre-pandemic, but also pre-Sam Reich as CEO. The company was still owned by IAC. It was a Company, and while it wasn't huge it wasn't tiny either. So launching dropout was a Company Decision, a Business Strategy. Some people were upset about, but it wasn't a personal betrayal (generally, anyways). If I remember correctly, this was also not a high point for the company. They kinda needed dropout to do well to keep things running smoothly (which is why they shut it down and sold it to Sam just 1 1/2ish years later), so the sudden shift made sense.

Watcher Entertainment is a company, but it doesn't feel like one. Ryan, Shane, and Steven own and operate things, but they're also the faces, and they're youtubers. Which makes every business decision they make feel more personal to viewers, especially those who have been watching for a long time. They've also seemingly been doing well on youtube, which makes it more difficult for viewers to understand why the sudden change is happening now. They do talk a bit about it, about the company expanding and wanting to do things that advertisers don't like (which I've already covered). However, mostly the choice to start a streaming platform is framed as 'the next big step' without much clarification on why it's the next big step. Plus, it's post-pandemic, and a lot of people are still struggling financially with the ripple effects of that. Yes, $6 isn't a wild amount of money, but there have been some months where $5 absolutely meant the difference between paying all my bills or not, and I know I'm not the only one. This, coupled with a lack of clarity about why exactly they're doing this, leads to fans feeling hurt, betrayed, bitter, and frustrated.

Now, presentation and framing isn't everything. No matter how perfect your announcement is, some people are still going to be upset. It's a big change, of course people will be upset! But I do think a more careful presentation would've alleviated some of the hurt and anger that fans are feeling. While I do think a lot of the reaction we're seeing is due to the decision, I think (based on what I've seen) that some of it is also based on the poor communication in the video itself, and that could've been avoided!

So I'm gonna get a little speculative and describe what I would've done. In this hypothetical, they've decided to launch the streaming service and brought me on just for the announcement.

Firstly, switch the title out. If they're married to Goodbye Youtube then add a (and hello...?) after so it's at least obvious they aren't fully quitting. The dark color scheme of the thumbnail fits their regular vibe, but they want everyone to be excited so they should look excited. Next, let's lighten the tone up. Being proud of what they've done so far is great, but we don't need the sentimental music and bittersweetness. Remember, the goal is to get viewers excited about what come's next - so let's focus on what actually comes next! Talk about specific show plans and mention why they wouldn't work on youtube. Then, take some time to reassure the fans. Predict a few likely worries and address them in the video. Acknowledge that it's a big change, that it will take time to get used to, and that not everyone will be onboard, and let the fans know that it's ok if they aren't onboard.

Like I said, this wouldn't fix everything. There are a few differences in between dropout and watcher that don't have anything to do with presentation. Dropout launched with primarily new shows rather than new seasons of existing shows, and they continued uploading to youtube relatively regularly in addition to the content behind the paywall, which I do think went a long way to keeping fans happy. At this point it's unclear if watcher will do either of those or not. But, while I don't think it would fix everything, I do think improved communication in the announcement would've helped.

#watcher #feel free to share your own thoughts but please be nice #I just like communication ok! And I really enjoyed the 1 marketing class I took in college #and it's pretty rare that you get such a clear comparison between 2 unrelated companies!

[fannyspammy]

Butterflies

Adam Warlock x Reader

Summary: Adam has never felt the way he feels when he’s with you.

Warnings: none ! just a lotta fluff on fluff on fluff hehe hence the cheesy title. There aren’t really spoilers i think unless you count the location maybe? Idk it’s pretty general imo

A/N: watched gotg 3 twice over the weekend & im obsesseddd with this man lol. Might make this a series of firsts with Adam if yall would read it 👀 lmk if you’d like to be tagged in future chapters!

[not my gif]

He was built like a man — perfect in every way with his chiseled body & god-like strength — but he had the innocence of a child. And y/n loved that about him. He was the purest person she knew, embracing every new experience & every new discovery with such wonder. And she loved that she got to share so many firsts with him.

Y/n always smiled to herself when she remembered the first time he told her he had feelings for her. Or tried to, at least.

They were sitting in silence on a roof in Knowhere, people-watching. They’d come there every afternoon since meeting after the defeat of the High Evolutionary. Having lived in Knowhere with the Guardians before the attack (his attack, ironically), y/n knew all the spots for when you needed a moment alone, & when they’d met, she could tell he was someone who needed that space to just be.

So she introduced him to her spot, & they’d been coming ever since. But Nebula had needed their help with a few tasks that afternoon, so their daily retreat was pushed later into the evening. By this time, the community was out in the streets, dancing & playing & having fun. Music & laughter filled the air, & the faint scent of liquor presented itself as everyone began to drink the night away. It was getting late & y/n was getting tired, so she scooted closed & rested her head on his shoulder.

Y/n felt him tense at the initial contact, before quickly relaxing and melting into it, laying his head on hers. After a couple minutes he spoke.

“Y/n, I… feel something.. when I’m with you.”

She looked up at him without moving from her position, raising an eyebrow in confusion. “Hm?”

“Something.. warm. Tingly? I-I don’t really- how do I- it’s hard to explain…”

Y/n giggled at his flustered attempt to explain himself.

Adam sighed & tried again. “I.. care about you. A lot. But it’s different from the way I cared about my mother. Or Blurp. Like, I want to be with Blurp all the time & hug him & cuddle him, and I want to do the same with you, but in a different way. But I can’t explainhowit’sdifferentitjustknowthatits-”

“Adam!” y/n said with a laugh, stopping his rambling. She lifted her head from its resting place to look at him, amused. “Slow down!”

“See! When you smile at me like that I feel it!”

Y/n bit her lip to restrain the smile spreading across her face, her brows furrowed in thought.

“Can I try something?” She asked. Adam nodded.

“Do you feel it when I do this?” Y/n gently brushed a lock of hair away from his face. He nodded again, slower.

“What about.. this?” Y/n brought her hand down to his shoulder & dragged it down slowly to rest on his chest. She felt his heartbeat quicken.

“I feel it more now.”

Using her other hand, she grabbed his arm to raise it between them, and then placed her hand on his, gently interlacing their fingers. “This?”

His heartbeat quickened again and he nodded. A curious smile spread over his lips.

“I feel it right in my stomach.. almost like it’s.. like it’s fluttering. Like-”

“Butterflies.” Y/n said, finishing his sentence.

Adam nodded again, excitedly, like she’d just solved a puzzle he’d been stuck on for days. “Like butterflies!”

Y/n leaned in closer, resting their intertwined hands in his lap. “Adam, you like me,” she said with a teasing smile on her lips.

“Well yeah, you know I like you. I like most people. Except the ones I need to fight, which used to be you & our friends but now I like you guys.”

She chuckled and pressed her head against the nook of his neck, back resting on his chest, pulling his arm around her, fingers still locked together.

“No, Adam. I mean you like like me. Like, romantically.” She tapped his torso with her free hand. “That’s why you feel all warm and gooey inside when you’re with me, or when I touch you. You having feelings for me. Romantic feelings.”

“Romantic…,” he whispered to himself, then paused shortly. “Do you like me too? In the romantic way?”

Y/n felt his chest tense as his breathing hitched, anticipating her answer. He may not understand his feelings yet, but he knew he wanted her to feel the same way. She squeezed his hand softly in reassurance.

“Mhmm. I like you a lot.”

He eased beneath her & then was quiet for a moment, as if deep in thought, processing the new feeling he had just discovered.

Then he held her tighter, and she felt him smile as she melted into his embrace.

“I like liking you. It feels nice.”

#adam warlock #adam warlock x reader #adam x reader #will poulter #will poulter x reader #adam warlock imagine #will poulter imagine #gotg #guardians of the galaxy #guardians of the galaxy vol 3 #gotg 3 #gotg imagine #gotg vol 3 #gotg v3

[malice-ov-mercy]

All I Want for Christmas

Part 1 | Part 2

Pairing: Will Ramos x fem!Reader x Noah Sebastian

Content Warnings: 18+!, smut, threesome, use of sex toy (butt plug), oral (female receiving), fingering, double penetration, unprotected sex (vaginal and anal),

This was a request:

Anon: Could I request some Will x female reader x Noah smut with double penetration? I’m not picky about the rest. I love your work and trust that whatever you write will be great! If this is not something you feel comfortable with I totally understand! Thank you 🙏🏻

A/N: I have never written anything like this in my entire life, so please keep that in mind. I tried my absolute best. I feel like every time I get the urge to write for this little idea of mine, someone requests something. It’s only happened twice, but like… maybe it’s time I like.. ACTUALLY sit down and and write for it. Idk. It’s scary!!! Tho it doesn’t share the same title, it is a part of the All Bark series. ANYWAY. Hope you enjoy it anon!!! ALSO, I RUSHED to get this done by Christmas so it’s still rough and basically unedited, so if it’s a lil wonky and jumbled and messy at times, Im sorry!!!also, the way I was thinking abt writing something like this and then immediately getting this as a request the next day is wild

Word Count: 4.8k

Tag list: @circle-with-me @xxrainstorm @foliosriot @nyxthedestroyerofworlds @reader13000 @sammyjoeee @cookiesupplier @concretenoah @witchyweeb34 @agravemisstake @an-insane-day @lyschko666 @calisto-thoughts @emzandthevoid

If you would like to be added, please let me know for who! If you tell me everyone/everything, just know that includes anything I may write for Bad Omens AND/OR Will Ramos.

————————————

Noah Masterlist

Will Masterlist

————————————

Will and Noah were lounging comfortably together on the sofa when I nervously stepped into the living room. Will’s arm was draped across the back of the couch. Noah was leaning into his side mindlessly scrolling away on his phone.

“Can I talk to you both really quick?” I asked quietly.

They glanced up at me briefly then shared a look of concern between themselves. Noah locked his phone and tossed it aside. Will reached for the remote while Noah leaned forward and rested his arms on his thighs. His gaze found mine, worry simmering deep in his almost black, boba-esque eyes.

“What’s up, buttercup?” Will spoke, lowering the TV volume.

I smiled shyly at the pet name. Worry also settled itself in Will’s enchantingly warm brown eyes, but curiosity also presented itself.

“So, I know I said I didn't want anything really special for Christmas,” I started. Panic flashed on their faces, making me chuckle. “Relax, I’m not changing my mind at the last minute.”

My hands and fingers fidgeted nervously as I looked at them. Their gazes bore into me, waiting anxiously for whatever I was about to tell them. I thought about what and how I want to bring this up, but now that the conversation was on the cusp of happening, I froze. Shyness and maybe a hint of embarrassment started creeping through my body.

“Uhm,” I croaked.

Will and Noah’s brows raised, still waiting patiently for me to find my voice. The weight of their stares began to set heavily on my chest. Suddenly I felt overwhelmed and lost all my mustered up courage.

“You know, nevermind.”

The words tumbled from my mouth as I quickly turned to leave.

“Hey, no. Come here.” Noah’s firm yet gentle tone stopped me in my tracks.

I pressed my lips together and closed my eyes. With a deep breath, I turned around and walked slowly towards Will and Noah. They scooted away from each other and made room for me to sit between them. Will flipped the TV off then ran his hand up and down my back. Noah placed a hand on my thigh and gave it a comforting squeeze.

“It’s fine if you’ve changed your mind,” Will spoke first. “You can tell us.” He pressed a kiss to my temple.

Being sandwiched between them only made the anxious gurgling in my stomach worse. Restlessly, I picked at my fingers and cuticles. A tattooed hand from each of them clasped around my fidgeting hands.

Noah bumped his shoulder against mine. “What is it you want for Christmas, baby?”

“It’s something for all three of us.”

Not looking at them proved to be easier for me as I started to explain.

—————

WILL’S POV

Noah wanted to order it online to avoid the crazed holiday crowds, but I insisted on getting it in store. I was worried it wouldn’t arrive on time. Plus, I didn’t want the surprise to get ruined if it happened to come while both he and I were out. This wasn’t necessarily part of her Christmas present, but we thought it would be a nice gesture.

“Are you sure it’s gonna fit?” I questioned.

Noah scoffed. “I’m sure, but I’ll keep the receipt just in case.”

“It just looks… Small.”

“You’ve been with her for so long. How do you not know any of her sizes?”

I shrugged. “I get lucky with my guesses. Plus, it never lasts past the one night. I’ve ripped every piece to shreds.”

“Well don’t fucking ruin this one.” Noah said, handing me the receipt, “It was fucking expensive.”

My eyes bulged out of my head when I saw the price.

—————

CHRISTMAS EVE

“This is from both of us.”

Noah kissed my forehead and handed me a simple red and green bag. Matching expectant and shy smiles were on Will and Noah’s faces. I looked at them and then the gift.

“We thought about waiting ‘til tomorrow, but now seemed better.” Will draped an arm around Noah’s shoulder.

Carefully, I picked up the bag and set it in my lap. Festive tissue paper stuck out of the top. I removed the paper and took a peek inside. A sizable black box was inside along with two other smaller ones wrapped in gold and red paper. Noah’s lips curled into a smirk when I opened the larger box and gasped.

“Are you kidding me?!”

Nestled neatly inside was a dark emerald green matching lace bra and panty. The brand tag was still attached and I nearly died. It was from the store I constantly talked Noah and Will’s ear off about. I’d been wanting something from that store for ages, but could never justify spending that kind of money.

I stared at them incredulously. “How much did this cost you?!”

“Enough that I may actually have to kill Will if he so much as tears a single thread.” Noah shot a warning glare at him, who only snickered.

“I’m a simple man.” Will shrugged. “I see a hot girl in lingerie and I lose my mind a little.”

Noah jabbed him with his elbow which made me giggle.

“The other gifts are more for what you actually asked for.”

Heat spread over my body and across my face. The jovial and light air shifted. Will sensed my hesitation and spoke softly.

“If you don’t want one of them, that’s fine. We thought it would help, so...” His voice trailed off.

They watched with bated breath as I carefully tore open the wrapping paper. One of the gifts was lube. Practical. A sleek, discreet black box was hidden under the other wrapping. I chanced a glance at Will and Noah, both of them giving me small smiles.

With slightly shaky hands, I opened the box. The warmth in my face intensified. Three different sizes of steel butt plugs awaited, each one adorned with a heart-shaped, emerald green gem. The metal was cool against my fingers. Nervous excitement stirred in my blood. My mind ran wild with erotic images. I bit my lip to keep my grin from breaking my face.

“Do you like them?” Will’s voice cut through my thoughts.

I turned my attention to Will and Noah. Noah’s face held no expression but his eyes were laced with anticipation. Will wore his emotion in his face, an equal amount of anticipation and a sprinkle of worry in his expression. It was touching that they were so concerned.

“I like them a lot!” I beamed.

Their shoulders relaxed.

“I’m just…” I looked back at the intimate gifts. “I have a lot of ideas swimming in my head.”

Mischief and intent flickered in Noah’s eyes. “Well, we can get a start on that tomorrow then.”

He walked towards me, Will close on his heels, and pressed a soft kiss to my cheek. Will covered Noah’s kiss with his own.

“I expect you to wear that set all day tomorrow.” Will husked.

—————

CHRISTMAS DAY

I stared at my reflection in the mirror, admiring myself and the expensive lingerie the boys gifted me. The color looked incredible against my skin. I’d worn it all day like Will asked. Neither of them could keep their hands to themselves, even going as far to push the other away to touch me anywhere they could. Will managed to rip one of my favorite holiday sweaters trying to get a look at the lingerie underneath. They were like starved beasts and I was the helpless little doe.

Downstairs, I could hear Will screaming demonically along to Christmas tunes with Noah joining him periodically. Getting them to leave me alone while I prepared was almost impossible. They were so eager and willing to help. I felt a tinge of guilt for banning them to the living room, but I needed a moment to myself.

I fluffed out my hair and turned around. Bending down slightly, ran a hand over my ass cheek and spread them, just enough to see the heart-shaped emerald gem. It was an odd sensation, but intensely pleasurable. The coolness of the steel as I carefully inserted the plug rippled through my entire being. My skin felt hyper charged and electric.

“All I want for Christmas is YOU!” Will belted, his goblin-like vocals accompanied by Noah’s joyful laughter.

With a final look in the mirror and a quick deep breath, I grabbed the lube and made my way out of our shared bedroom. Noah and Will were still screaming and singing along to Christmas songs as I silently walked down the stairs. The tree in the living room illuminated the space. Soft warm white light cast a cozy and comfortable aura.

Noah stopped mid word when his eyes landed on me. A tiny and sheepish smile pulled at the corners of my mouth. Will shot up off the couch, his eyes fixed just as intensely on me. Noah stepped behind him and wrapped his arms around his waist. He pressed a soft kiss to Will’s neck then propped his chin on his shoulder.

Neither of them wore a shirt or pants, only donning the matching holiday briefs I gifted them earlier this month, and Will wearing a Santa that I didn’t even know we had. I let myself happily and hungrily drink in the sight of their heavily tattooed bodies. They looked heavenly.

Their gazes were saturated in desire as I continued my descent down the stairs, closing the remaining distance between us. A blend of excitement and nerves bubbled in my gut. Will and Noah’s eyes roamed my body from head to toe, memorizing every detail of my skin and already heightened breath, studying every little movement and twitch I made, like predators stalking their prey—except I was more than willing to let myself be devoured.

“You look pretty.” Noah said, his voice low and calm.

I offered a smile as thanks and handed him the bottle of lube. He pressed another kiss to Will’s neck as he grabbed it, letting Will slip from his hold.

Will said nothing. He continued to stare at me, a carnal desire burning deep and fiercely in his eyes. I shifted, nervous and eager under his gaze. If I was a betting woman, I’d bet his mind was running wild with dirty and erotic thoughts.

“Will?” My words were shaky and barely above a whisper.

He stayed lost in his daydream until I reached for his hand. He blinked a few times, breaking himself out of his trance then smiled brightly.

“Hi.”

I chuckled softly. “Hi.”

Will reached for his Santa hat and removed it, placing it on my head. He dipped his head down and placed a chaste kiss on my lips.

“It looks better on you.” Noah smirked.

He laughed fondly at Will’s pout. Noah patted Will’s arm and gestured for him to sit. Will interlocked our fingers and guided me to his spot on the couch. Noah set the bottle on the end table then stepped behind me. His hands started massaging my neck and shoulders. I groaned, the knots and stiffness in my muscles melting away at his tender yet purposeful movements.

“You’re so tense,” he said, breath warm in my ear, “We need you relaxed, baby.”

Noah pressed a phantom kiss below my ear lobe. My eyes fluttered shut as he continued to work out the kinks. He snuck his fingers under the straps of my bra and slowly slipped them off my shoulders. His lips teasingly ghosted along my neck, never giving me the satisfaction of his full mouth against my skin. His breath and soft touches blazed a searing path of goosebumps and heat everywhere on my body.

Will slid off the couch and kneeled before me. He ran his softly calloused hands up my legs, following the trail they made with his lips. A quiet gasp fluttered past my tongue and I leaned back into Noah. He kissed my neck lightly, eliciting another sound from me. Will’s thumbs rubbed small, delicate circles in my thighs and eased my legs apart. He slipped his hands under the waistband of my thong, and slowly peeled it away.

Taking Will’s lead, Noah unclasped my bra with practiced expertise, using only one hand while the other resumed its exploration of my body. He carefully helped me remove it and softly tossed it somewhere behind us. Will blessed my thighs with hot, open mouthed kisses, making sure each one was sufficiently spoiled. I looked down at him through my lashes. His love drunk eyes were already locked on to me, soaking in the sight of Noah sensually caressing my figure.

Will dug his fingers into my hips. He softly and audibly kissed my outer lips, merely taunting me and making me squirm in Noah’s hold. Noah pressed his body against mine, his hard cock rutting against my ass. One of his hands slithered up my chest and rested gently on my exposed throat. The other split its time, tenderly fondling each of my breasts as Will latched his mouth on my dripping pussy, loudly and ravenously enjoying his appetizer.

The moan that left my lungs was desperate and low.

“How’s she taste, Will?” The edge in Noah’s voice sent a shiver down deep to my bones. “How wet is she?”

Noah’s hand left my breasts and slid it down to my ass, roughly grabbing a handful. Will’s response was only a delighted hum that rippled through my body. His tongue flicked meticulously at my clit, moving in just the right way to make my legs go weak. I clung to Noah for stability.

“Oh, she’s extra sensitive tonight.” Noah rasped.

His hand slotted between my cheeks, using his wrist to help spread them slightly. I sucked in a sharp breath as he touched the plug still in my ass.

“I can’t wait for that to be my cock buried in you.”

Both my pussy and asshole throbbed. Noah closed his mouth on the crook of my neck, sucking soft kisses across my shoulder. His hands wandered my skin freely once more, his touch gentle and warm.

Will inserted a finger in my pussy. He wasted no time, immediately curling in search of the sensitive, spongy spot. It took a few deep, hard thrusts before he successfully found it and got the response he wanted. Noah pushed his cock against me again.

I choked a high pitched whine, a familiar elation building inside me. I didn’t know how intense my orgasm would be, but it promised to be electric.

Another finger slid inside me, edging me closer and closer to release.

Noah scraped his teeth along my nape. “You’re close, aren’t you?”

All I could do was nod. Will quickened his fingers and tongue, lapping and pumping relentlessly. Noah found his way back to my breasts and squeezed them, running his thumbs over my perked, hard nipples. He pinched and twisted the buds delicately, groaning into my neck each time I arched back and grinded against him.

“Be a good girl and cum for Will.”

I wanted to be good for Noah. I wanted to be good for Will. The edge was right there. I was on the cusp of my orgasm.

My eyes screwed shut, a white haze and speckled faux galaxies expanded and melded behind my lids. Noah embraced me closer as my body started to shudder. My hands searched for something to grasp. Each of them found Will and Noah’s head and gripped their hair tightly.

With sputtering breaths, I came on Will’s mouth and fingers. My mind was void of anything else except the overwhelming pleasure washing over me. Noah cradled me as my climax shook my body, whispering soft words about how good I was for listening. Will’s tongue coaxed me along, hungrily licking everything up, not leaving a drop behind.

I relaxed in Noah’s arms with a heavy, satisfied sigh as Will detached from me, all the tenseness in my muscles long forgotten. Noah stroked his hands down and up my arms.

I glanced down at Will.

From nose to chin was covered and glistening in my arousal. His eyes shone brightly in the soft warm white glow of the Christmas tree. One of my favorite things in the entire universe is how awestruck and lovingly Will looks at me after giving me oral. It’s like the entire world’s joy and happiness is contained in his rich brown eyes.

Will stood, his knees popping and cracking, and cupped my face. His thumbs stroked the tops of my cheeks.

“Good?” He asked.

“Good.” I smiled. Will mirrored it.

He softly pressed his lips to mine, kissing me sweetly and tenderly, pulling all the air from lungs. Noah’s hands traveled to my stomach. He pressed his fingertips into my skin, gently kneading and massaging the softness there. I gasped as his hand dipped between my thighs and spread my folds. His fingers mindlessly played in my arousal and lingering saliva, no rhyme or reason to his motions.

Will trailed kisses up my neck until he found Noah’s lips. Noah moaned deeply, enjoying the taste of me on Will's tongue. I was sandwiched completely between them, their bodies warm on my chest and back. I could do nothing but be overwhelmed in their body heat as their kiss turned sloppy and desperate, their teeth clacking together. Noah let go of me and gripped Will’s face with force. It’s as if they momentarily forgot about me, focusing only on each other, getting lost in the moment and the mashing of their tongues and lips.

My strained whimper and constricted squirming broke them out of their spell. Noah and Will broke apart and panted breathlessly into their mouths.

Noah pulled away first, the warmth of his body replaced with the cool air of the living room. He tugged his briefs down, his hard cock springing free. Will followed suit and kicked the discarded fabric away. He laid back on the couch, spreading his legs wide. The sight of him sprawled out, cock leaking precum and his lustful, lascivious gaze made me throb and clench. He held a hand out for me and I grabbed it happily, lacing our fingers together.

Will helped me crawl on top of him, but stopped me from sitting on his waiting erection.

“Just a second, love.” Will kissed my hand. “Noah, toss me the lube.”

He caught the bottle with ease and flipped it open. Will squirted a decent amount in his fingers then tossed the bottle back to Noah. I watched Will slowly jerk himself, slicking his up his dick. His head fell back as he gingerly ran his fingers over the head, smearing his precum all around. Will then reached for me, brushing his slick fingers over my clit and wiping the remaining lube down my slit. I shuddered as he teasingly slid a finger inside.

“Baby, you’re absolutely soaked.” Will said, removing his finger.

I grabbed Will’s cock and he closed his hand over mine. I straddled his lap, positioning myself so I could align him with my entrance. Will helped, then I lowered, his cock inserting with ease. His fingers dug in my hips. My walls throbbed around him. The sensation of my pussy and ass being filled made my head spin.

Will’s eyes fell shut and his head dropped back, a deep groan erupting from his chest. “You feel so good, oh my god.”

I wriggled my hips, relishing in the sound of Will’s tiny whines. Noah placed his large hands on my ass and squeezed my cheeks. He bent over, chest laying flush on my back.

“As much as I’d love to watch you ride, I’m aching to get inside you.” Noah nipped my shoulder.

“Could you stay still for me so I can take this out,” he reached for the heart-shaped gem between my cheeks, “And put my cock there instead?”

I stilled my movements as he lightly tugged on the plug. An electric jolt shot through me, my pussy and ass clenched. Will muttered a quiet curse under his breath. Noah hummed. I fixed my eyes on Will. His jaw was set firmly. He wanted to move just as badly as I did.

Behind me, I heard Noah open the bottle then felt a trickle of wetness sliding down my crack. I shivered as he carefully and slowly pulled the plug from my hole. My hands landed on Will’s chest with a loud smack as I adjusted to the emptiness. A quiver spread throughout my entire body, gasping breathless breaths struggled to leave my lungs. My pussy and hole throbbed again. Will sunk his nails into my flesh and thrusted hips a few times, unable to control himself.

“Fuck, you need to hurry the fuck up Noah,” Will strained, “I’m losing my mind just laying here.”

Noah chuckled, taking his place behind me. “She needs time to adjust, Will.”

I felt him press the head of his slicked up cock to my equally slicked hole. My breath hitched in anticipation.

“If you’re uncomfortable at any point, say ‘red’.” Noah kissed between my shoulders. “Don’t push yourself, okay baby?”

I kept my eyes locked on Will and nodded. “Okay.”

“I’m gonna ease in, alright? Just stay focused on Will and breathe.”

I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly.

Noah pushed the tip of his dick to my hole, inching inside with some resistance. My whimper prompted him to halt until I gave him a small nod to continue. He mumbled swears to himself as he slowly eased deeper, making sure to give me time to adjust to his size. My body trembled softly as Noah bottomed out, his entire cock buried balls deep. He planted his hand on my hips and gripped them firmly. Both Will and Noah let out simultaneous moans as I clenched around them.

A new type of pleasure and euphoria coursed through my blood. It was dizzying and mind numbing being so full of them both at the same time. Not a single thought could be found in my brain.

“Good, baby?” One of them asked. The voice sounded far away.

“So good.” I croaked. “So, so, so, so good.”

Desperately, I wiggled between them, needing more from each of them, a festering desire and unbridled arousal blazed across every millimeter of my skin. My body was weak and useless. I couldn’t move the way I wanted and it frustrated me, which only added fuel to my fire. All I could do was lay there and be leisurely fucked. Their worry about my comfort was so sweet and touching, but I wasn’t fragile. I needed to be broken in half.

“Please,” I shamelessly begged. “I need more. Fuck me.”

Will’s hold on my waist turned bruising. “Are you—“

“Yes.” I didn’t even give him time to ask. I know what I needed and wanted.

Will looked past me to Noah. I couldn’t see Noah’s face, but the change in Will’s expression was telling.

“You heard her, Will,” Noah wrapped my hair around his fist and pulled. “The Christmas slut wants to be fucked.”

A primal cry ripped from my throat as Noah rammed my ass with force. Will snapped his hips with just as much power and force, further stealing my voice. The only sounds escaping me were erotic moans and slick, wet slapping of skin and dick fucking into me deep, hard, and thorough.

To my lewd heart’s desire, I’d been rendered to a living fuck doll.

It felt as if Will and Noah were in a silent competition with one another, each of them pounding into my holes at different speeds and force, seeing who could pull the loudest noise from me. Ferality rolled off them in waves, smothering me and beautifully poisoning the air I breathed. Their own moans and grunting drowned out the long forgotten Christmas music. There would no doubt be bruising on my waist from Will’s death grasp, and Noah’s teeth may need to be surgically removed from my shoulder.

Noah hiked a leg up on the couch, the shift allowing him to somehow sink even further in my ass. His grunting and breathing deepened. My loins stirred again, a sensation springing to life, letting me know I was nearing ecstasy once more.

“Noah. Will.” My voice was barely audible amongst all the pornographic sounds surrounding us.

I pressed myself more to Will, desperate for more friction at my clit. I couldn’t easily reach between our bodies, so my only option was to try my damnedest to grind against Will. In a last ditch effort, I attempted to circle my hips, a blissful, loud moan leaving my throat as I found the perfect way to move to take what I needed.

“What a mess you are, love.” Will rasped. “Can you make that slutty noise again for me?”

I worked my hips quicker. Tingling tension buzzed beneath my skin and seeped into my muscles and joints. The heaven I craved was so close I could taste it, feel it on the tip of my tongue.

“Will asked you a question.” Noah said, landing a harsh smack on my ass.

The sharp, stinging sensation tipped me closer to the edge. He repeated the action. Another shameful noise tumbled out of my chest. I was right there, I just needed one more push, something to cut the thread barely holding me together.

Noah let go of my hair and gripped my hip, his hold like a vice. His voice was strained as he spoke.

“Where do you want me to cum?”

“Inside. Please.”

“Fuck. Take it, take it, take it. Fucking take it.”

His thrusts stuttered and grew sloppy. He yanked my hips close then stilled with a low, whiny grunt. I felt his cock pulse and throb, filling my ass with thick ropes of semen. I shuddered, delighted with the strange yet immensely pleasurable sensation. It was just what I needed.

The same blend of euphoria and elation from earlier barreled through every fiber of my being. A choked, almost inhuman moan escaped from deep within me. The world around me faded. I lost control of my body as it trembled and shook with blissful, earth shattering intensity.

“Oh fucking… fuck!”

A string of colorful swears fell from Will’s mouth as he came hard with one final snap of his hips, thrusting staggeredly and pumping my cunt full of his own semen. He sloppily fucked me through the rest of my orgasm, turning what bones and thoughts I had left to mush and gelatin. I felt absolutely filled to the brim with cum.

Softly, I collapsed on top of Will. My body was spent. I couldn’t move a single muscle. All of us were heaps of heavy breathing and worn out piles of people.

Noah rubbed his hands up and down my back while Will stroked his over my hair.

“You okay?” Noah asked.

“Perfect. Tired.” I replied.

He chuckled. “I’ll be right back. Don’t move.”

Noah slowly and cautiously pulled out of me. I sighed, immediately missing the feel of him. Will wrapped his arms around me, shifting so he could also pull out and lay back fully on the couch. His fingers threaded in my hair and massaged my scalp. I melted into his embrace.

“You did so good, my love.” He softly kissed my forehead.

Sleep started to tug my eyelids and settle in my joints. Will quietly hummed along to the Christmas music still going in the background. He traced a lazy finger up and down my spine, pulling me closer and closer to slumber.

Noah returned some time later with a washcloth.

“Can you flip over for me please?”

With a defiant groan, I reluctantly turned over. Will draped his arms over my stomach and kissed my cheek. Noah sat on the couch and spread my legs, eyes darkening just a touch at the sight of the mess we made.

The warmth of the washcloth made me sigh contentedly.

“I also ran us a bath.” Noah kissed me softly then Will. “Think you can walk, or should I carry you?”

“Carry me.”

He smiled fondly and stood, slipping an arm under my legs and under my back, scooping me up bridal style with ease. Will hoisted himself up and slipped an arm low around Noah’s back.

“Your gym time is paying off.” I teased.

Noah scoffed. “Yeah, yeah.”

I wrapped my arms around his neck and cradled my face into his shoulder. His skin was warm. The steady rhythm of his heart thudded in his chest. I let my eyes flutter shut, exhaustion once again setting in my body. I would feel everything tomorrow, but it was a small price to pay. A nice hot bath sounded wonderful, a perfect end to the perfect Christmas.

#will ramos x noah sebastian #will ramos x reader #noah sebastian x reader #will ramos fanfiction #noah sebastian fanfiction #will ramos x reader x noah sebastian #bad omens fanfiction #lorna shore fanfiction #will ramos fanfic #noah sebastian fanfic #will ramos fic #noah sebastian fic #bad omens fanfic #bad omens fic #lorna shore fanfic #lorna shore fic

[coldgoldlazarus]

Echoes and Hunters are really interesting to me because of their place relative to the rest of the series, as basically the closest thing to being self-contained Filler Episodes in Samus's life. It can be argued the Prime games as a whole are a filler arc, what with how you really don't need to play the Trilogy to understand the 2D games' ongoing narrative. Even so, it is still a whole arc within itself; despite being decent standalone titles, the phazon connection spanning all three enriches them in conjunction with one-another, and Corruption in particular leans a lot on the setup the first two provide.

Yet at the same time, while definitely connected to the other two, Echoes is distinctly the odd one out in a lot of ways, and the overarching phazon storyline seems almost incidental at times despite Dark Samus and the background setup of the conflict. It's not confirmed either way, but the dark world could be read as a pocket universe created by the leviathan seed malfunctioning, or a whole parallel dimension that it simply broke through into and created the copy of Aether within. Even if it is the latter, the Ing were probably a byproduct of the interaction of Phazon and the dark dimension, but there is also the possibility the were a distinct entity existing beforehand. Regardless of all of that, the Luminoth and Aether as a location certainly stand out as unique, and are only loosely connected to the bigger picture through a shared history with the Chozo.

Hunters, meanwhile, may wind up tying into Prime 4 through Sylux, but that too is extremely incidental to the main story focus, which is even more outright disconnected from the usual Metroid factions and concepts than even Echoes is. As people have joked about before, it really says something that killing Gorea, a terrible eldritch abomination that singlehandedly wiped out an entire galactic-region-spanning civilization, is probably one of the least important things Samus has done in her career. Even that aside, apart from Sylux and Weavel, most of the other hunters are similarly unique and disconnected from the established story, with Trace and the Kriken Empire in particular standing out as an elephant in the room that are weirdly less relevant than the info on them would imply.

And I love the overarching storyline, both of the Prime games and the series as a whole, and how the different mainline titles are for the most part thematically enriched by their interconnectivity and parallels. (Even Proteus Ridley, for all the problems I have with him, I do appreciate as a clear bridge between Corruption and Super.) But there is also something really fascinating to these two more avant-garde titles, that really expand the universe and try new things, instead of remaining confined to the core concepts the series usually keeps a tight focus on.

There is a risk of going too far and possibly losing sight of the aesthetic/thematic shore, so to speak, but I feel like we're not quite there yet, and I appreciate the effort to branch out. On the flipside, there is again some weirdness to some of this stuff being so confined instead of having a bigger impact, (looking at you Trace) but the level of tightness of the mainline games does kinda work in our favor here. Sure it's weird, but it's not out of the realm of plausibility that the Kriken really are a big deal, but just... elsewhere, and mostly haven't directly relevant to Samus's life outside of this one-off run-in with Trace.

Idk, I'm not really going anywhere in particular with this, I just think it's neat.

#not a reblog #metroid #metroid prime #metroid prime 2 echoes #metroid prime hunters #rambling #samus aran

[prezaki]

Marianne's Past

I went and read the Marianne vi Britannia chapter from Mamoru Iwasa's "Knights of the Round" short story anthology that was released as a bonus volume to his Code Geass R2 novel series.

I am 80% sure that this image that is often seen floating around online was made to promote this specific short story (or maybe accompany a serialized release?), but the illustration itself is not included in the tankobon release.

I'll provide summary of the short here here, but please be aware I am reading with machine TL and there may be errors even despite the best of my double-checking. If you want these details for, idk, academic reasons please go to the source text first!

Anyway this story rules, here it is. Italics mark direct quotes.

We start off strong with Charles thinking "I had no reservations about wasting my own life." Standing in the middle of a battlefield, he laments that Britannia is a dying country structured around a bloodthirsty elite. No dreams, no hope.

"Born into such a world, why would you desperately try and such a small thing as your own life?" he thinks, but then Marianne's voice cuts through to him. Marianne waltzes into the room where Charles stands surrounded by soldiers pointing guns at him. Injured, in her bloodstained white uniform, she fights her way through to him with unbelievable competence and elegance. She beheads all the men as the narration describes the beautiful glisten of her sword and the flow of her hair.

Marianne, the Knight of Six at this point, sheathes her sword and bends the knee before Charles, in the middle of corpses and with both of them splattered over and over in blood.

"I sincerely apologize for any trouble I've caused you by being late," she says.

Marianne tells Charles to evacuate, but he remains stoic and only looks at her arm, which is rendered unmoving by her injury.

"That wound. You've killed, Knight of Six. You've killed the Empire's most powerful knight, the Knight of One."

Only he would have been able to hurt her this badly, Charles reasons.

The Knight of One turns out to be the person who staged this rebellion in the first place and Marianne did indeed kill him before coming to find Charles.

We learn that Charles' reign is being questioned by conservatives because he was such a distant candidate for the throne originally and ascended mostly due to the past emperor's insistence.

"There is external trouble, and the internal anxieties are becoming more and more serious. This a country on the verge of ruin. Don't you agree? Knight of Six," says Charles who is feeling talkative.

Marianne disagrees. After all, she's here and so is Waldstein, still Knight of Five at that time. They won't let it come to that.

"Then, will you come to my side, Marianne?" It's the first time he's ever called her by name and not title and she blushes.

(Here we briefly learn Marianne had a normal military career before being promoted to the Knights of the Round.)

Before she can ask what he means, Marianne realizes the truth for herself and blushes harder. Through a whirlwind of emotion she finds unwavering determination within herself.

"I humbly accept your offer."

He looks at her with eyes that seem almost sad.

"You might regret it."

The narration suggests he may be trying to make sure she knows he isn't going to force her.

Marianne denies the possibility. She won't come to regret this, because as long as she's by his side she will prevent all causes for regret from occurring.

"So you're saying your own happiness depends solely on yourself." Charles finally smiles faintly. "You're bragging, Marianne. Show humility."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Amidst the smell of gunpowder and blood, a man's hand was slowly held out. The girl's hand rested on top of his, a little awkwardly, but with a certain intent.

We then learn that this rebellion, the Blood Crest Incident, took place May 6th 1997 so a bit less than three years before Lelouch is born. Most of the Knights of Rounds were murdered in it or executed for being complicit.

The narration spends some time discussing whether Charles should be seen as a good or bad ruler, coming out conflicted.

Arguments for being a good ruler: Britannia was on the verge of collapsing and being divided between the other two super-powers before Charles revived it. Arguments for being a bad ruler: ... well, about that bloody conquest though.

Fun side details: leader of Charles' political opponents was his uncle the Archduke Louis. Anyway, we skip forward 5 years, and the civil war and unrest has now ended.

Marianne is the 5th Empress. We are treated to her in the Aries villa garden, sparring with three young teen girls from the military academy: Cornelia, Beatrice and Nonette.

None of the girls stand a chance and Marianne harshly critiques their swordplay, but she ends with saying they're getting better and she's looking forward to the next vacation. She winks at them.

We briefly learn that Cornelia's mom comes from a pretty traditional family and wanted her to be more of a palace lady but Cornelia's own wish was to enter the military. Whenever she has time off from school she comes to the Aries villa to let Marianne train her.

As Marianne talks to the girls about their training later, a small kid looks out from under her skirt.

Barely 3year old Lelouch enters the scene! He's entered a shy phase and has to be coaxed to say hi to Cornelia. (But he does do a proper bow and greets her as 'elder sister'!)

Cornelia mentions that Lelouch's shy phase is the total opposite of Euphy who is currently following everyone around 24/7 and being SUPER social no matter the person.

Then, Bismarck comes in. He is holding a crying baby Nunnally and is locked in a vicious circle of trying to get her to stop crying by smiling but having a smile that is too scary to comfort the poor baby. Cornelia laughs at the Knight of One in such a predicament.

Of course, Marianne was the one who forced him to hold the baby despite all his protest that he, who's not even married, would be shit at it. She appears remorseless.

Marianne says she was trying to teach him the stress of a mother who has some maternity nerves due to taking care of two kids, and he's just like. Ma'am the nannies take care of your kids, there is no way you are that exhausted. (He does not say this out loud.)

Beatrice, who has many younger siblings, saves Bismarck and calms down baby Nunnally. Nonette, who likes throwing babies in the air, is banned from approaching the bappy.

Marianne tells the girls to watch the kids for a bit and walks off to talk with Bismarck about serious matters. There's a cute paragraph about the girls helping Lelouch do his first tumble roll and him being really happy about it.

Bismarck muses that not too long ago it would have been unthinkable for there to be the laughter of children in the palace. Marianne teases him that continuing to ensure this is possible is why he's here, isn't he?

Bismarck is Knight of One and also the ONLY Knight of Rounds at this moment. Marianne left the Knights after becoming Empress and the others all died due to the Blood Crest Incident. No new ones have been appointed since.

Bismarck tells Marianne that he thinks she is more suitable to be Knight of One than him.

Marianne doesn't entertain the thought. Bismarck wants more Knights appointed but Marianne says that Charles was ambivalent to the suggestion, being not really concerned about his own safety. Also there are no promising candidates right now.

Anyway, the main reason Bismarck dropped by is because the current Chinese Emperor passed away. This unrest and uncertainty has Charles setting his sides on border expansion and conquering more territory.

Marianne grows pensive. Is Charles good or evil? She's wondered often. We launch into a flashback:

“Your Majesty--do you aspire to be a conqueror?”

Marianne asked him one day, and Charles, laughed happily, which was unusual.

"Hmm...Is that what you see, Marianne?"

"Yes. At least in my eyes."

"Conqueror, huh? If that's what you want, that's not bad either," Charles muttered, an even more amused smile appearing on his handsome face.

When Marianne heard this, her expression turned grim.

“If you are serious about such things, I will refuse to touch His Majesty from now on. Please do not enter my sleeping quarters again. I will immediately decapitate myself.

"I thought you'd say that. But, Marianne, there's one thing you forgot to mention. In that case, you would only kill yourself after beheading this emperor, right? ”

......

"Is it untrue………?"

"Mhm."

"You are a person who never compromises on yourself. Just like me. Therefore, your wings are something that even this emperor cannot control, and the way you flap your wings nobly captures his heart." Marianne couldn't help but smile crookedly as the truth was whispered to her from an unexpected source. Seeing this, Charles also laughed.

"Marianne. My desire is not to conquer the world. It is to strip away the lies of the world. In the process, I hope for the world. I will rid the world of lies. That is my oath. ...But let me promise you this, Marianne. The inside of your heart that you never show to others. That emptiness that cannot be wiped away. Even that, I will make up for it.”

Marianne's expression returned to normal and she fell silent.

Then she said, "If His Majesty truly thinks so, I will create a 'vessel' for His Majesty. His oath, the power to approach it. The path - an army strong enough to conquer the world."

The emperor laughed loudly this time.

"That means you're joining forces with the worst sinner in history, Marianne. Your children and grandchildren will continue to be accused of being witches who assisted the most evil king in the world."

Marianne smiled too.

"Of course, I am prepared. Your Majesty does remember what I am called, right?"

"The Flash. It sounds good, but a flashing light burns people's eyes out. Moreover, your light is by no means the halo of a saint..."

"A bloody hero's death. I have never wielded a sword for anyone other than myself.

"Even when you protected me... that's why I wanted you. Would you like to see the world together, Marianne?''

“Even if it costs me my life.”

Since then she knew.

This person was planning to spread his wings even bigger someday.

Britannia, a continental country. However, this person cannot fit into such a small container. He has to involve many countries and puts the world under its control. Even if he was called a tyrant, or the king of Hades with the sickle of death. Moreover, his motivation was never ambition. Nor was it vigor. Instead it was because of the tears of blood that this person shed when he was young. To fulfill the vow he made. In that case, what she can do after deciding to walk with this person is--

With this cut-off phrase we go back to the present.

In the evening of her meeting with Bismarck, Marianne calls the three girls to meet her. She appears wearing her old Knights of Round uniform and tells them she won't be able to accompany them in their training for a while, so they should use this opportunity to come at her like they mean it because she also won't hold back. For the first time in their sparring, she is dual wielding which was her preferred mode of combat during her active days.

We skip the combat and go right to Marianne coming back out to talk to Bismarck. He remarks that this was quick. The girls stood no chance, though Beatrice held out slightly longer than the others. Marianne asserts that a Knight of the Emperor needs no naivety or kindness so she tried to knock that out of the girls here. She expects they will be changing bit by bit from here on out. Marianne and Bismarck begin to leave for the capital.

Marianne: "Then let's go, Bismarck. To help the king commit the worst crime in history."

Bismarck: "And so it's the return of the empress general."

As they are about to leave a nanny and a crying baby Lelouch stop them. Lelouch had a scary dream during nap time and needed to see his mommy. He had a dream his mother was going very far away.

Marianne tells Lelouch that she isn't going anywhere. But her eyes are cold, as if she was looking at a wooden dummy. Bismarck has seen this expression on her many times before - it's the face she makes before cutting somebody down on the battlefield.

Bismarck is so used to this expression signifying killing intent that his body almost intuitively moves to protect Lelouch - but Marianne just hugs him.

"Lelouch and Nunnally are mother's treasures. I will always be with them and protect them. Forever and ever."

In her heart, Marianne adds: 'However, this is only true so long as you do not stand in the way of he and I.' She suddenly finds baby Nunnally staring at her - she smiles, and Nunnally suddenly trembles as if frightened.

All she can do is stare at her mother's smiling face.

Six months later the Britannian Empire starts its massive expansion campaign, with Marianne The Flash serving as Charles' greatest support.

#code geass #marianne vi britannia #charles zi britannia #het powercouple of all time they make me insane #bismarck waldstein #is also here

[luffyrose]

Ghost in a Birdcage - DC x DP AU

I got a name for the Au! I am referencing the song Rule #4 Fish in a Birdcage as the title. I thought the song actually fit this whole au pretty well so yeah :D

Anyway, I told y'all I was working on stuff and part of it was this (plus the memes, which I'll share later) as well as thinking of a design for my Danny in this AU. I have a few ideas, but I'll probably work on the story itself before actually solidifying it.

Here's a little bit of sadness and softness from the past in this AU. Idk if this will be put into the main story, but it's just a general short story that is canon for this au.

~~~~~~~

GiaB AU Taglist: @markus209 @olivethetreebitch @chrysanthemum9484 @blackroserelina @avelnfear @edgyboi10000 @lokiaddams @samgirl98 @phoenixdemonqueen @iceknight-of-sun @autumnwulf @chronicallyonline-fandomwh0r3 @thegatorsgoose @nikki-pondtheauthor @jaxinkh @paper-bag-boy @dxrksong @lesling123 @learning-to-fly-on-my-own @gmkelz11

(As a lil side note the tag list is gonna be on any writing I do for this au, if I make other posts about it I'll leave it to the tag for people to find. Not including a link to the Ao3 when I do make the fic or one-shot series itself, taglist will be there too :D)

~~~~~~~

Small sniffles filled the room. Jason's gaze shifted toward his little brother, a frown overtaking the anger that'd been apparent on his own face. Danny, his precious little brother, was laying on the mattress on the ground beside him. Turning and scooting closer, Jason's hand lightly landed atop slightly wet and messy curls.

"Danny, are you feeling better?"

He could see the younger open his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by coughs. Along with the coughs, a loud clattering noise came from the door that had been locked from the outside. Gritting his teeth, the instant yelling from outside telling them to shut up making him look toward the door. Really, almost three years, and Catherine still couldn't accept that a toddler was going to be loud. Danny wasn't even loud on purpose! Huffing in silent rage, Jason's eyes fell back on his little brother.

Danny was staring up at Jay, his eyes wide in slight fear at the yelling, but he knew his brother would protect them. He was very small, almost 4 now according to Jason! But he was also very smart. His brother told him that a lot, especially when he hid away when the yelling or fights started. Danny liked to be smart. He didn't like seeing the other with new injuries though, but Jason let him put bandaids on them, and then he would take them out to the library.

The library was nice.

Catherine, that's what Jason always called the angry lady, didn't like to go in there. She didn't like to go anywhere with them, but Jason liked to take him places so it was okay. They didn't go places when sick though...so why was Jason getting some of his stuff?

"We're gonna go to the library buddy."

Seeing the smile that crossed the kid's face, the tension in his shoulder's loosened, but with the loud rattling of the door and cursing, they were right back to how they were before. Getting up quickly, he shoved what he could into a little bag and helped Danny up, the small boy coughing again.

"CALEB DANIEL TODD I SWEAR WHEN I GET THIS DOOR-"

Jason didn't let Danny hear the rest of it, carefully getting them both out onto the fire escape. He knew Catherine had been...less than ideal. His father was worse. But now with Willis gone, she didn't hold back. Half the time she wasn't home, the other half the time Jason was keeping her away from Danny. Sometimes he wished she just wouldn't come home, or that Danny wouldn't be in danger because she did.

So he made a plan. He was gonna get Danny a better home. A safe one. Except, when he'd gotten sick and wasn't getting better with the cold medicine he stole, Jason's plans didn't matter so much anymore. Danny needed somewhere to get better, but he needed a way to do that first. He'd found a way...though he didn't like it.

Carrying the younger on his back, the backpack slung over his front while a star blanket Jason had actually bought for once was draped over them both. Danny was watching the people they passed by, a small but nervous smile on his face before he inevitably hid his head in the crook of Jason's neck. "Jay Jay..." The elder hummed, feeling the smaller hands tighten for a moment after. "Is Cat-rin gonna be mad at you again?"

Slowing for only a second, Jason scanned the area before looking at his brother. Danny was too smart for his age, and Jason knew it was because of their stupid 'parents'. "She's not gonna have the time to be mad at me..." He trailed off, the lump in his throat stopping him from saying anything else until they were already in front of the Library. Slipping through the door when a young adult couple was leaving, too distracted in their conversation to notice the two poor kids, they made their way to a small dusty nook.

The nook itself was filled with old books that most no one wanted to read, and the librarian who'd seen them reading there tended to leave them be. Setting Danny down, Jason held up a finger, turning to go get some better books from elsewhere. A small sneeze made him chuckle, knowing his little brother hated how dusty it was when they hadn't been back for a while. Slipping through the isles he got himself some bigger books, and a few picture books for Danny. He knew the kid would read one or two before asking for Jason to read him his books, so he'd started picking light-hearted stories or classics whenever the two came.

Making his way back and sitting down, Jason passed the smaller storybook about stars to his brother, watching Danny's expression almost glow at seeing it. At first, Jason let himself be absorbed in his own book, the only thing other than it he paid attention to being the gentle pressure that was Danny leaning against him. It was after a little while that Jason realized Danny hadn't started to bug him like usual. Looking over from his own book, he saw Danny staring at one of the pictures of a constellation.

"Do you wanna learn more about the stars?"

He'd jumped, but Danny had nodded after a moment. Something was bugging him, Jason could tell, but he wasn't about to push it. Instead, he smiled and grabbed one of the nearby books. It was a much older book, more of a journal really, but it held a bunch of sketches of the constellations. So the two sat there, whispering to one another in the privacy of the little nook. Jason was glad he knew some astrology, and Danny was so genuinely amazed, that he could ignore the lingering pain from old injuries that hadn't had time to heal.

Feeling a small tug, Jason looked toward Danny, frowning slightly when he saw small tears. "Jay Jay...are you gonna go somewhere?" He could feel the pit in his stomach knot even more at that, staring for a moment before a wobbly smile tried to cover his face.

"...What?"

A sniffle caused the smile to fall. "Danny, hey, buddy, I'm not going anywhere...I- I'm gonna find somewhere better for you though. Somewhere where you'll get to feel better and not be afraid." Looking down as Danny's small tears covered his face, he gently used his sleeve to wipe them away, knowing he would never have the heart to lie to him. "That's not gonna happen yet though...and when you have a nice home, I'll make sure to visit. We can read and look at constellations too."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I'll do everything I can to try and keep that promise, alright?"

"Promises are hard to keep..."

Jason felt a sigh escape his lips, putting the book fully to the side and pulling Danny in for a hug. "They are...but just because they are doesn't mean that I won't try my best." Holding onto the younger, he felt the tears soak through the shirt on his chest, ignoring it. After Danny had stopped crying, he moved the boy back, hands on his shoulders. "If I can't keep my promise, you can get back at me." The small gasp from that made him laugh.

He seemed almost offended that Jason had said such a thing. "I don't wanna!" Jason tried not to laugh more, ruffling the younger's hair. "If you don't" —he was clearly thinking deeply about a suitable punishment— "then you have to help me." A proud smile formed on his face. With a slight smirk, Jason pulled the other back onto laying on his chest.

"Help ya with what?"

"With family."

It was quiet for a moment, Jason's fingers twitching for a moment before he started messing with Danny's hair. "How so little mans?" Danny seemed even more confused, pursing his lips as he kicked his feet some. Watching him with a small smile, Jason couldn't help but think this was the reason he'd survived so long. Danny was the one good thing in his life that had no strings attached. He was fine with that...but he needed Danny to be alright, even if it meant not being right there.

"You gotta help us have a BIIIIGGGG family. With more sib-a-lings!"

There was a snort from the older, ruffling Danny's hair. "You said it wrong you little dingus." Danny's own laughter erupted from him after a moment, swatting Jason's hand away. "But sure. If I break my promise, then I'll help you get a big and nice family." The toddler seemed to absolutely beam at that. "However! I still get to be the best brother-" Danny giggled at that, "and if anything is ever wrong you come to me, no matter what. Alright?"

With a happy nod, Danny's hair was once again ruffled up by Jason, the laughter filling up the small area they were in. Even when a few older ladies glanced over, not a word was spoken to the two. And when the librarian found both boys sleeping...well, if she gently readjusted the blanket they'd brought and let them sleep it was between her and the other librarians.

#dc x dp #dp x dc #dc #dc comics #dcmultiverse #danny phantom #danny fenton #jason todd #GiaB AU

[starburstfloat]

TXT The Name Chapter Freefall Analysis: Metaphors, Queer Coding, and Thematic Overtones

I've written extensively about the thematic overtones and narrative arcs present in TNC Temptation, and I think that going into a Freefall analysis reqires prior knowledge of Temptation, so if you have no context, I'll do my best to fill the gaps (but I still recommend everyone views Temptation through an analytical lens since it has many intriguing themes that set the tone going into this next album).

For some quick context though:

The Name Chapter albums are coming of age stories. When talking about coming of age (which is my main literary pleasure), we typically think about stories that center on protagonists who are shifting from a place of innocence into maturity. Indeed, we witnessed this pipeline in TNC Temptation: our protagonist, navigating the blurry waters between boyhood and adulthood, was still naive and complacent. He got swept away by the devil to a so-called paradise and, over the course of the album, became aware that something about his surroundings was inherently wrong - somehow, along the way, he had been misguided, and it was up to him to leave:

The album ends when our protagonist chooses to jump into the sky and abandon "paradise" forever, with the weighted knowledge that leaving means there's no coming back. It's a beautiful track that as a stand-alone provides a classic coming of age character arc. As he abandons one world for another, he is faced with a new series of challenges - this is where TNC Temptation ends, and TNC Freefall begins.

Let's take a look at each of the tracks and how they contribute to the character-centered coming of age narration that began in the previous album. As always, my analysis is coming from a literary (might I add queer) lens, which means that I strongly examine lyrics for their thematic and metaphorical interpretations as I would a book. So while I do have some knowledge on TXT's lore, this post is more concerned with the Name Chapter by itself, and not the juxtaposition of all their discography (minus a few connections I will point out). With that in mind, let's dive in~!

The album's name itself sets the stage for quite an adventure: Freefall. In contrast to Temptation, whose title alone suggests an inadvertent pull towards the forbidden and alluring, Freefall suggests an intentional step towards freedom, or at the very least a step towards the lack of its opposition, namely imprisonment or confinement. It's a really clever album title choice, and I wonder if it was intentional that they chose words that have different connotations of passive versus active overtones.

Note how the word temptation feels more passive than the word freefall. The former is something that is done to someone, whereas the latter is something someone does. And what is more coming of age than shifting from passivity into confidence? Is this title truly as cleverly thought out or am I just a semantic nerd? Idk, but it works for me, and I'm eating it up!

First track we have is Growing Pain. There's growing happening, and boy, is there some pain too.

This song feels much more rugged than anything else they've done before, and it definitely captures the intensity of falling from the sky and crashing down to Earth. Where Farewell Neverland was borderline a lullaby, Growing Pain feels like a battle cry. Kai opens with "Been free falling, into the sky", but the word he uses here for sky (허공) also translates into "void", which is quite fitting for the abysmal feeling of the track. The chorus is riddled with sensory language:

(lyric translations obtained by @translatingTXT on twitter)

This not only emphasizes the harsh descent and the audience's visualization of the fall, but overall sets the tone for the remainder of the album. I find it interesting how most of the lyrics read as commands ("Open your eyes / Look at the ground / Don't avoid it at any cost"). It's like they are guiding the audience to do the same thing, with Soobin even breaking the narrative to use second-person voice ("You just gotta face it").

From a conceptual standpoint, this opening is a powerful first chapter that brings our protagonist back to Earth. He's just had the fall of his life - bleeding, broken bones - and despite this, we get Taehyun affirming "I have no regrets!" The intensity of his pain contributes to our understanding of just how desperate and determined he was. What an opening!

Title tracks are always conceptually the most appealing, and Chasing that Feeling does not disappoint.

Beomgyu's opening lines here are pretty iconic:

Although this is the official translation, I did want to add a little bit if nuance after looking at the Korean lyrics. He says "천국을 등진 난 / Fall from the sky". The verb 등지다 means "to turn one's back to", and he's conjugated it as an adjective, so more literally he's saying, "I, who has turned his back to heaven, fall from the sky". This means the emphasis lies on the fact that he has fallen from the sky because he has estranged himself from heaven. I hope this isn't getting too technical and boring, but linguistic nuance is important to me, especially when combining it with literary analysis. And, if we're indulging in semantics, allow me to bring up the fact that actively choosing to fall from heaven feels very queer and parallels the queer subtext in 0x1 Lovesong:

Anyhow, the opening lines in CTF almost read like the SparkNotes version of what we just experienced in Growing Pain LOL it's just our narrator summarizing what happened (he's jumped and fallen, nearly to his death, and has somehow salvaged himself to get up again).

The overall theme of this song is courage. The feeling that they are chasing is courage. And the songwriters sure have a poetic way at capturing what that chase looks like. There's some awesome figurative language in this track. Yeonjun tosses in some similes: "Down to Earth like a meteorite" and "Feels like I'm on fire". You can see and feel all that heat and speed. He even mentions "I prepared to die", which really emphasizes the desperation and passion our protagonist feels. Kai's "My fate, come and kiss me" is a dope line, but I love it even more for its personified language:

Kai adds -아 at the end of the word Fate, which is used when you're calling out someone's name, hence the personification. I especially appreciate Kai's line "I was lost like a child" because it's clearly a nod to who the protagonist was in Temptation, specifically Devil by the Window and Sugar Rush Ride. He continues with "I finally saw the truth / And I feel so alive". Thematically, this whole album seems to be about finding oneself after a period of being misguided or mistreated. I can imagine this song would be a big comfort to anyone who's experienced abuse…it's about giving yourself permission to leave, igniting that flame of courage to just get up and do it.

The transition into the third song is satisfying.

Some of you may recall I interpreted Back for More as a track that parallels Temptations' Devil by the Window (DBTW) in terms of narrative voice. I still feel this way about the song. It very much reads like the devil who narrated DBTW. Consider the lines "There's a magic to how we living / There's a magic to what this is / It's like a dream and we're both day-tripping". It's reminiscient of the devil urging the boy to fall asleep so he can take him away in DBTW: "Just fall asleep / Sweet dreams / You can't get off this ride", but with Back for More it sounds like the devil is now trying to convince the protagonist to stay.

The voice also turns rather caustic, which leads me further to believe it's the devil narrating:

"All I know is if you walk away / There'll be something / There'll be things you can't replace".

Right before the chorus too, there's an added warp effect on Soobin's voice that makes it suddenly deep and contorted, and he says "Baby, that's okay because", and the lines "I can see you coming back for more / If you walk out that door" play. Makes me think that the devil believes the boy will be back to play again. From a narrative choice, this could be one of two things: 1) the audience is supposed to see how disillusioned the devil is, which merely places our protagonist on a pedestal and whose pursuit to leave becomes all the more heroic when juxtaposed to the true intentions of the villain; or 2) it's meant to foreshadow that our protagonist does indeed return - in which case, I'm seated and grabbing my popcorn for the cinematic finale that will be!

The following track Dreamer is a very important track in the album. It's a narrative shift that leads both the audience and the protagonist towards an epiphany. Here, we witness our character reaching a low point in his journey. First, he was living off a high of jumping into the unknown, surviving, and making a declaration to never give up. Now, we witness a trickle of regret:

But, just before the chorus, a critical scene unfolds: he's hanging his head low, despondent, when suddenly a bright light appears: "On that night when I was only looking at my toes / The brightly shining star / The pouring light".

Bright light has many symbolic connotations in literature. Some lean religious, such as bright light often appearing during moments of divine power. Generally, it is used to convey a moment of wisdom (consider the expression "lightbulb!" when someone has cracked a puzzle).

We quickly learn that this blinding light is in fact a star:

"I finally found it / The star that waited so far away" , to which he further comments "I regained my name".

The star represents a moment of wisdom, of recognition - he finally realizes who he is and what he wants. Now, I don't know about you, but with an entire album series titled The Name Chapter, mentioning names seems pretty freaking important! He hints why he suddenly remembers his name in the following line:

"I'm a dreamer with memories of stars". This is a direct reference to their 2019 track Nap of a Star, which features lyrics like:

This makes me believe Dreamer is about coming back to one's childhood dreams. Our protagonist was so caught up in temptation that he lost his way, and now that he's run away from that world, he's grown despondent thinking he has nothing concrete that he's really chasing. That is until he remembers his childhood dreams.

I like how in traditional coming of age stories it's about leaving your childhood and entering maturity. Adulthood is the end-all, be-all. However, this album's story looks to childhood as the answer. It give us a boy who gets swept into adulthood, seeks to pave his own way, untainted by false promises, and among his tumultuous journey, he realizes the answer lay within himself all along - he merely needed to give his inner child the courage to be the person he always dreamed about.

This sentiment is reinforced by Soobin saying that he now feels like "a new born child".

The entire song feels like a comforting lullaby. Very much the older sister version of Nap of a Star, which is beautiful no matter how you think about :')

Yeonjun ends the song with a whisper of "Let me break it down for you", which suggests we're about to get a flashback or some sort of background context going into the next track, which (spoilers!) we very much do.

If Dreamer is about coming face to face with one's childhood self, and the dreams we'd long forgotten about, Deep Down is about uncoiling all the layers of shame that lie within that same child.

Yeonjun starts Deep Down with a reference to Crown, their debut song:

Crown is about a boy who one day woke up with horns growing on his head, and how he emotionally dealt with that sudden physical anomaly. This shame is evidently still ligering, as Beomgyu points out: "Even if I try to run away endlessly, I eventually just run into myself and that thorn" and later again "I tried running away and ignoring it / But fate is so cruel". This suggests that he never fully got over the shame of feeling different - he merely pushed it deep down. However, Kai sparks a moment of change: "Right before I break you in the pitch black darkness, I realize / There is no me without you".

I find it interesting how they've chosen to personify the thorns, calling it "you" (in Korean as well, not just the translation). It humanizes the thorns, no longer making them something abhorrent or disgusting, but something that merely exists, and something they can talk to.

The pre-chorus is very touching, navigating a protagonist who grows to accept himself: "Tell me / The difference was me, right? / So deep down, I need you more / Now I see what I can see / It's a crown / It makes me shine"

Deep Down is about meeting shame head on and encouraging your childhood self to embrace who you always were, without a need to hide anymore.

I don't think anyone needs my help interpreting this when I say this song is for the gays and the neurodivergents. For the people who noticed very early that they did not fit in, and tried so hard to hide what they interpreted as a disgusting or humiliating piece of themselves.

(Closeted besties make some noise lol)

And can we take a moment to appreciate how beautiful it is when our protagonist chooses to accept himself? Literal tears in my eyes when Kai and Taehyun say:

Need I say more than I tear up listening to this song everytime? Oh wait, this is an analysis post and not a diary entry, SO - in terms of the narrative arc, we're halfway through the album and have reached a major internal shift, which means things can only go up from here! Let's take a look at the next track, Happily Ever After.

Confronting your childhood self also means dismantling a lot of unrealistic childhood visions, one of which is the false idea of "and they lived happily ever after". Here, TXT address the naive vision they had that life would be smooth sailing once they overcame some trials. Our protagonist, initially a little winded and disappointed that the classic fairytale ending isn't what adulthood is like, chooses to take this newfound realization with a swing of optimism:

"Wow, the unknown end makes my life more beautiful"

I love how this song is the most childish sounding off the album, with repetitive cute choruses of "la la las" reminiscient of school children singing a tune, yet somehow it's one of the more mature ones.

While Happily Ever After is about embracing the spontaneity that life throws us, and finding fun among the chaos, the following track Skipping stones is the more reflective and allegorical of the two. I consider Skipping Stones to be the end of the concept album, because Blue Spring was intended as a fan song, and Do It Like That was just added for…well, vibes? LOL

The idea behind Skipping Stones is that water is still until it gets hit. Like skipping a stone, there will be ripples created by an impact, but the water always evens out again: "The water that swallowed scars will become calm someday"

Soobin explained it well on Eunchae's Diary show (I would add screenshots but I've maxed out on images).

Our protagonist encourages us to see that comfort is found in considering the bigger picture of life: it's not about pushing through a single storm, but rather seeing that everything evens out and calms again in the long-term. The audience affirms this through the song's repetitive reminder that we will handle any difficulty "Just like always / Just like you always have (done) "

There's a sense of confidence that parallels the ending we got in Temptation with Farewell Neverland - the self-assuredness that no matter what happens, he will be okay, because he is making a choice on his own volition. But compared to Farewell Neverland, which centers so strongly on the emotional choice to leave Neverland, Skipping Stones feels more like an invigorating and supportive friend encouraging you to try and see their outlook on life. It's very much a song that breaks the fourth wall of the previous narrative since it uses the second-person voice a few times, directly saying "you" to call upon the listeners.

It's a touching song, and a satisfying way to conclude this part of the protagonist's journey. Will there be another album in The Name Chapter, despite him having found his name now? I feel like there's still room for conflict and growth, and I am ready to dig it all up whenever the next comeback comes around.

Overall, Freefall is a satisfying followup to Temptation, which felt pretty unbeatable in terms of a conceptual album storyline, and which I still say purely from a conceptual standpoint is a step above Freefall (sonically though I find FF to be superior).

Freefall shares Temptation's sense of impulse, but now it's more grounded in maturity. Temptation introduced us to a boy who blindly followed desire; now, he chases what he truly desires on his own volition, and encourages us to do the same. It has moments of exhilration, passion, resilience, and a few queer-coded epiphanies along the way, which is all your girl could ask for.

What are your thoughts on the album from a narrative / conceptual perspective? Do you think we'll see more from The Name Chapter, or was this TXT's way to close the entire TXT lore and start comething complertely new? Let me know, and as always thanks for reading this far :D

#tomorrow x together #the name chapter: freefall #txt analysis #media analysis #web weaving #moasource

[theriverbeyond]

just finished blue eye samurai, my extensive thoughts below the cut but tl;dr IM OBSESSED, it was really good, I highly recommend this show. it is gory and beautiful and so fucking good.

spoiler free thoughts first, then will label where I start discussing spoilers.

Ok so first off my thoughts about the title & character design:

i saw a fair amount of discourse before it even dropped about how it was Bad for giving an asian character blue eyes, which like, on a surface level fair! I get it!! it does Shit to the body image for all the Cool Asian People to have light colored eyes. i get being a persom of color and wishing badly for white features instead of my very much nonwhite ones

But the actual story smacked me in the face with like. Mizu is a mixed race person with physical traits that clock them immedietly as mixed race, in a context where they must hide those traits to "pass" or else face discrimination or death. this is revealed in... the first 5 minutes maybe??? and the fact that it is their white features that mark them as "other" "demon" "monster" is because the story takes place IN JAPAN where the ethnic majority is JAPANESE. and that's. like. that's a STORY!!! that's WAY DIFFERENT from "asian character has light eyes bc it looks cool". and Mizu does look cool, that is undeniable. but it's part of the story. idk!!! i just feel those critiques were pushed out way too fast with no understanding of what the show is about and while i think in a vacum we should have more positive, "looks cool" representation of nonwhite features, a story about a mixed race person is maybe not the one to criticize about this specific topic. to me.

NOT SPOILERS REALLY IF YOU READ THE EPISODE SUMMARIES BUT IT WAS A JUMPSCARE TO ME AS SOMEONE WHO WENT IN BLIND re: mizu's gender:

I went in blind and due to the way the story is structured and how it addresses Mizu's gender, I read it as an intentionally transmasc story and was absolutely jumpscared the first time I opened the episode menu and saw it refering to Mizu with she/her pronouns. and then after watching I went on ao3 (as one does) and people also seem to use she/her on there??

and obviously. this is fine. canon, really, considering the netflix episode descriptions. and probably it was way too optimistic of me to even ASSUME that someone would be able to create an intentionally transgender samurai action animation series on Netflix. but i just REALLY see them as either a gay trans man or he/they nonbinary and am just having an Experience reconciling what i got from the show directly vs how I am seeing other people talk about the character/the show.

I would write fic to fix this but my knowledge of edo peripd japan is so slim I feel I would make unforgivable and offensive mistakes... idk... like obviously the show itself refers to Mizu with she/her so I have no leg to stand on wrt feeling upset about seeing it but I sure was surprised.

THEMES OF THE SHOW specifically about race (some spoilers maybe, but not specific late show ones): cw for discussions of historical and canon sexual violence

I am deeply, deeply intrigued and invested in the story, and am specifically fascinated with how it is dealing with like, white imperial violence. Mizu is hated because they are mixed race, specifically mixed Japanese and white. It is shown in the show that white people and whiteness is hated because of the violence that white men have brought to japan; opium, human trafficking, slaughter, and multiple other abuses. Mizu, as well as other theoretical mixed race children exist almost solely due to the rape of Japanese women by white men. They are hated and hunted by both their white fathers and everyone else in Japan (because of their proximity to white imperial violence, even when the children themselves are a product of that violence).

Mizu is on a revenge quest against their white father specifically, who is presumably one of the four known white men in Japan. Mizu faced discrimination and abuse from everyone, but it is their *father*, who they have never met (vs the multiple abuses they faced from Japanese kids, their mother, etc etc etc), that they are hunting. not anyone else. because their father must have raped and abused their mother. their mother who to their knowledge betrayed!!!! them. This is just such an INTERESTING and COMPLICATED and FASCINATING dynamic like. I'm eating it with a fucking spoon my brain is on fire (positive). Probably more to say and I hope/wish I am saying it in a reasonable enough way but. im eating this. I really love this.

MORE THOUGHTS likely spoilers ahead. you have been warned

im chewing the bars of my cage... taigen and mizu need to kiss sloppy style. WHEN MIZU SAW THE TWO MEN KISSING IN THE BROTHEN AND THOUGHT ABT FIGHTING TAIGEN???? this too can be yaoi

when they cut together Mizu GETTING NAKED TO FORGE STEEL and akemi having sex??? CINEMA

there are cocks in this show. i had to DM multiple friends about the cock jumpscare. also there was sex which was frankly awesome. fuck yeah for adult animation that is serious storytelling with beautiful art. the nudity in this show was like less explicit than many HBO shows but it was a similar vibe/energy in a way that felt really cool and normal. it didn't feel gratuitous it felt like "this show is for adults and features sex and ful frontal". more of this in adult animation please

too many occasions of Mizu being wildly hot hot for me to count... they are SO whumpable and also when they fought in the makeup that ran so it looked like they were crying blood??? when they killed all those guys? when they killed all those OTHER guys????? Mizu are you free tuesday. are you free tonight.

THEYRE GOING TO LONDON??? I'm going to die if this doesn't get a season 2 but I'm also so scared like it is so good... what if they RUIN it in season 2. what if all the complicated interesting bits get sanitized. what if they stop letting Mizu kill people. what if they make Mizu have a girl power woman moment. anyway i need this to be renewed SO BAD I need to know what happens. I need Mizu to get bloody revenge on the 4 white men who have brought such pain to the country. MIZU IS GOING ON THIS QUEST FOR REVENGE AND DIGGING 4 GRAVES‼️‼️‼️‼️

Fucking loved the tropes like. Yes they are going to face off 200 armed warriors and kill them all. of course they are.

Akemi was there. ok ok ok actually I really liked her coming into her own and trying to make her own power.... was really sad when that immedietly got fucked up for her. Really interested in her developing in future season(s) into her own person, I hope she doesnt go back to taigan bc i think she can do better and also her story is more interesting when she is trying to Make It And Be Someone vs running after him.

I feel like this show is Saying a lot of things but in a way where it is up to the reader to pick them up and think about them vs sending a soecific message. Which rocks honestly.

Animation, gorgeous. It was 3D it looks like and some tiny bits are less than stellar but OVERALL. fucking beautiful. hot. etc.

Really liked the story. this was really good and I already want to rewatch it. clawing my walls. i could go on but will stop for now

#trb.txt #media blogging #blue eye samurai #i wanna write fic but i don't know enough about edo japan..... this is so tragic.....

[whoupmasturbuilding]

Rick and Morty Condensed Watch List

My friend wanted to watch rnm, but didn't want to sit through all 7 seasons- so I decided to make a list of the best/most lore important episodes that way they could enjoy the show without watching the whole thing. Red = episodes that are lore important Orange = not crucial for understanding the lore, but establishes character relationships and/or a consistent reference in the series yellow = episodes I'm personally a fan of (these are purely just recommendations for my friend, feel free to skip them)

s1e1 Pilot - first episode of the series, I'm sure this one is self-explanatory LOL s1e5 Meeseeks and Destroy - First Morty adventure, Introduces Meeseeks and "ricks catchphrase" (reoccurring), and does a good job of showing Beth/Jerry's relationship s1e6 Rick Potion #9 - Rick & Morty's dimension hop s1e7 Raising Gazorpazorp- sexy robot episode (my friend wants to watch this okay) s1e10 Close Rick-Counters of the Rick Kind - Introduces citadel s1e11 Ricksy Business - We meet a couple of Ricks close friends, some fun time stuff, and the season finale!! s2e1 A Rickle in Time - I couldn't really decide whether or not to keep this orange or red, since technically this specific ep isn't crucial to the understanding of the show. HOWEVER, still totally watch it because it wraps up the conclusion to season 1 AND its a great episode generally! s2e2 Mortynight Run - Introduces the Jerry daycare and Blips and Chitz (reoccurring) s2e3 Auto Erotic Assimilation - Introduces Unity s2e5 Get Schwifty - Introduces President, Learn more about Birdperson s2e9 Look Who’s Purging Now - Not plot relevant or brought up again in the series, but this episode has some Morty moments that I really like s2e10 The Wedding Squanchers - Meet the federation!! s3e1 The Rickshank Rickdemption - More citadel fun! And also szechuan sauce, very important. s3e3 Pickle Rick - Yes I'm putting pickle rick on here. This episode introduces Dr. Wong who's both a cool character and reoccurring. Although I wouldn't say this episode is as important as the other oranges, so If you really wanna skip it- go for it s3e6 Rest and Ricklaxation - TOXIC RICCCKK s3e7 The Ricklantis Mixup - More Citadel adventureeess! (<- Also this is where that fat Morty and lizard Morty GIF came from, thought you'd like to hear that) s3e8 Morty’s Mind Blowers - idk what to write for this one I just really enjoy this episode LOL s3e9 The ABC’s of Beth - We get an update on how Jerry's life is going, also some fun Beth development stuff e4e2 The Old Man and the Seat - big bad doo-doo daddy s4e10 Star Mort Rickturn of the Jerri - More federation stuff, and we get an update on clone beth s5e1 Mort Dinner Rick Andre - This one isn't THAT important of a watch so if you wanna skip it you honestly can, but we do get to meet Mr. Nimbus and find out what happens to Jessica. s5e8 Rickternal Friendshine of the Spotless Mort - Bird person update ALSO MEMORY RICCCCKKK s5e9 Forgetting Sarick Mortshall - Rick and two crows show s5e10 Rickmurai Jack - Citadel fun and also more of the extra sexy crow rick s6e1 Solaricks - MEET PRIME! s6e2 Rick: A Mort Well Lived - I haven't watched diehard which makes this episode funnier to me s6e3 Bethic Twinstinct - okayy I'll be honest, a lot of people dislike/feel weirded out by this episode (me included) but I still think it's worth including for contextualization because this ep explains why space beth's has a reoccurring presence in the family. So watch at your own discretion LOL s6e8 Analyze Piss - ignore the goofy ass title, because it is REALLY good. I love this ep so much s6e9 A Rick in King Mortur’s Mort - This episode isn't really lore important and doesn't introduce any reoccurring characters, BUT the adventure itself is referenced later on s6e10 Ricktional Mortpoon’s Rickmas Mortcation - rick with a stubble and boxers on (very important) but no seriously, this episode is important s7e1 How Poopy Got His Poop Back - Some Rick/friend shenanigans, also we get a brief update on birddaughter s7e3 Air Force Wong - Not really thaatt lore important? But we do get an update on unity which is super sweet s7e5 Unmortricken - "OH SHIT, Evil Morty! Should I get the net?" s7e9 Mort: Ragnarick - this episode is very very fun and also where that image of rick being crucified comes from ANYWAYS THATS IT! Season 7 still hasn't ended, but it ends later this week so I may or may not update the list for that. If anybody has any critiques/changes I should make to this list, please let me know!

#rick and morty #rnm #rick sanchez #morty smith #r&m

[mydetheturk]

Title: Tonight All Wrapped in Morning Light Author: mydetheturk Words: 952 Rating: eh, pg? Warning: None! Just somft early morning tenderness

Summary: Nicholas wakes in the morning, just after the first sun has risen. It's quiet in the Orphanage, this early.

Author's Note: This'll get up on AO3 at some point in the coming days, with or without any edits. I'll update this post and make a post linking it to AO3 proper. No big deal. Ties into Hell, I'm Dead Already and In a Circle 'Round the Kitchen Table. There may or may not be any future fics that take place in and around this specific trio of fics, idk, there's probably gonna be a series made once this goes up on ao3.

This is now up on AO3 with a shiny new series collection!

There are references to the end of Trimax, so be alert! (the world needs more lerts)

For day 7 of @mashwoodweek I chose "Domestic AU" specifically so I could have a soft post-trigun mashwood moment.

Title from: Sunday Morning Stasis by Joseph Fink

Enjoy.

~~

Nicholas wakes. It's early morning, the parent sun only just rising and shining into the window of his and Meryl and Vash's room in the orphanage. Meryl's tucked into the crook of Nicholas's arm, her own slung across his chest. Nicholas looks around, but he knows Vash has already gotten up for the morning to do his early morning routine. Nicholas is mostly checking to see if Vash has come back in yet, or if he’ll be back in soon.

It's only been a couple of years since everything went down, and Nicholas is still afraid of waking up to find Vash gone, left behind because Nicholas physically couldn't keep up any longer or his tactics would literally kill him. Home's Plants could only synthesize a partial cure for the Eye's serum; Nicholas just had too much of his body worn out by the experiments and the serum for even the one collection of Plants that weren't overworked and worn out to fully fix.

He still wakes in the night to make sure Vash is still here in a panic, though the number of nights a month Nicholas spends in an insomniac haze of worry have abated.

Meryl yawns when Nicholas moves. She squeezes a little bit and drops back into full sleep, murmuring softly.

Nicholas needs to get up; the Orphanage won't feed itself and there are jobs around the property that will need doing. He hesitates. Meryl's asleep, having finally gotten home late last night from her work trip. Nicholas doesn't want to wake her. and he's sure attempting to get out of bed will do just that.

The bedroom door clicks open. Nicolas tenses.

“Oh! You're awake.” It's just Vash, hair down and damp, shirtless but for sleep pants and a towel round his shoulders. “Good morning.”

“Morning,” Nicholas replies. A year and a half of seeing it, and Nicholas still has a pang of guilt over the color of Vash's hair. “It's not that late, is it?” If it is that late, Nicholas will unfortunately have to scoot out from under Meryl and probably wake her in the process.

Vash hums and pads around the bed to sit on Nicholas's other side. “The parent sun only just rose. We have a little bit longer.” He presses a kiss to Nicholas's cheekbone and brushes Meryl's bangs out of her face to repeat the action. “What woke you?”

Nicholas gestures at the open window. “Didn't shutter the window last night after we got Shortie home.” She'd radioed in late, giving them her ETA, and Nicholas and Vash waited for her at the new steamer terminal on the other side of Hopeland to bring her back to the Orphanage.

Vash smiles at Nicholas, cupping his cheek and rubbing his thumb across the cheekbone. “I won't leave you like that again,” he says. “I wish I hadn't had to in the first place.” Nicholas hates that Vash has always seemed to be able to read his mind, especially in the worst moments, but he's gotten better at it.

Nicholas swallows past a lump in his throat and puts his hand on Vash's shoulder. “Just. Shut up and get in bed for a little bit, idiot.” Vash smiles. He purrs a little as he drops the towel on the floor by the bed and slides in beside Nicholas. His arm reaches across Nicholas so he can grasp at Meryl, holding her as well.

Nicholas is sure he can sleep to Vash's purrs rattling their way across Nicholas's chest. He can't, not right now anyway, but he's been lulled into sleep from it before. He's in a dangerous spot right now, trapped between and under Meryl and Vash, Meryl asleep and Vash fresh from his morning shower.

Not trapped, no.

Nicholas redirects the thought.

Held under them, soft and pliant and comfortable in the early morning light.

“Need to get up soon, Spikey,” Nicholas says. He nuzzles into Vash's hair as though he doesn't need to get up. “Kids to be fed.”

“Getting up will wake Meryl,” Vash points out. His words are light and airy but Nicholas can read the smug underneath.

“Not if you help me.”

Vash just smiles and presses his nose against Nicholas's cheek. Rude.

“C'mon. Our kids've gotta be fed.” Nicholas's words take a little of the smug wind out of Vash's sails.

“Alright.” Vash pulls back, stands up, and moves around to the other side of the bed, where Meryl currently is still tucked up against Nicholas. He runs his hand down her side, light and gentle, and Meryl tries to curl up further into Nicholas.

She's fucking cute, and Nicholas feels bad that they might wake her up because he needs to get up.

“Meryl, I need you to let Nico go,” Vash says. He's got his nose just above her cheek, speaking quietly into her ear.

Meryl grumbles, and she slowly unlatches from Nicholas's side. She's still not a hundred percent there, but Nicholas is able to slide out from her grip, replacing himself with Vash's pillow. At Vash's offended look, Nicholas grins. Meryl immediately buries her face in the pillow and is softly snoring once more. She must've been very tired when she got back in.

”You can stay here with her, or join me downstairs,” Nicholas says. “I've gotta feed a small army of kids.”

Vash kisses Nicholas's cheek. “I'll stay here a moment longer, get dressed.” Taking Nicholas's hand in his, Vash presses a kiss to Nicholas's palm. “Go feed our kids.”

Our kids.

Christ, Vash is going to kill Nicholas.

Blushing, Nicholas tugs his hand from Vash's and turns around to escape the bedroom.

Vash's light laughter follows him down the hall.

#mashwoodweek #trigun #trigun maximum #trigun stampede #nicholas d. wolfwood #meryl stryfe #vash the stampede #myde writes #i finished this and did some bare-bones editing while sobering up from having alcohol for the first time on new meds #if i made a mistake no i didn't #mwah

[cora-writes-things]

WLW media plans <3 early 2023 edition

You may have seen my first edition of this post; now that 2023 has begun in earnest, let’s see where I’m at!

Media I’m currently in the middle of consuming:

The 100 (I know that I said that I wasn’t sure if I wanted to watch this show cuz I’m tired of tragic wlw, but a friend suggested we watch it together, so here I am)

Clear and Muddy Loss of Love (an AMAZING web-novel!!! I can’t stop reading it! Clear and Muddy Loss of Love, original title 泾渭情殇 (Jīng wèi qíng shāng or JWQS), is a Chinese GL web-novel by Please Don’t Laugh (请君莫笑). Read and buy the original here (here’s a guide on how to use JJWXC so you can support the author), and the English translation by melts (@meltesh28 on Tumblr / @meltsmelts on Twitter) can be found here (thank you so much for your hard work, melts!))

Nevertheless (solely for the crumbs of Sol/Ji-wan content, and you know what? It’s been worth it, even if the main male lead, Park Jae-eon, makes me want to throw my laptop across the room. Seriously, JAE-EON SUCKS SO BAD. NA-BI, WHAT ARE YOU DOIIIING. DO-HYEOK IS RIGHT. THERE!!!)

Warrior Nun (I started watching this show both because it has wlw AND because Alba Baptista is so gorgeous that I can’t stop looking at her. So disappointing that it was canceled recently :()

Media I plan to start (or continue) consuming:

A League of Their Own (for the canon wlw AND all the wlw vibes)

Arcane: League of Legends (I’ve seen enough gifs and fanart for Caitlyn/Vi that I ship it and haven’t even watched the show yet)

Batwoman (for the canon wlw AND all the wlw vibes)

Black Lightning (ditto)

Buffy the Vampire Slayer (BtVS was available on Amazon Prime for a while but is now on Hulu, so I don’t have access to it at the moment)

The Expanse (I’m taking a break from watching the show to read the books, but I’m also consuming a lot of other media at the moment, so I don’t know when I’ll get back to it)

The Half of It (the premise sounds so freaking relatable I can’t wait to feel some type of way about the constant sapphic pining I experienced in high school & didn’t even know about at the time because of comphet yay)

The Handmaiden (I’ve been trying to get into more international media lately, as you can see by some of the other pieces of media in this post, and this movie looks too good to pass up)

Killing Eve (up to the finale but stopping before the end cuz my queer little heart can’t take YET MORE bury your gays in the year of our lord 2023. also the book series. maybe)

The Legend of Korra (once I finish ATLA)

The Owl House (currently waiting for the next episode. Also, I’m still so mad this show was canceled by Disney >:()

Paper Girls (science fiction combined with middle-grade fiction and queer characters? Sign me up!)

Sense8 (for the queer vibes in general)

The Wilds (for the canon wlw AND all the wlw vibes)

Yellowjackets (ditto)

Media I might consume but haven’t decided yet:

Huge shout-out to @femslashrevolution (abbreviated as F.R. in this post from now on) for introducing me to a lot of these pieces of media with active-ish wlw fandoms through their reblogs!

Astrid & Lilly Save the World (I don’t know much about it, but the gifs reblogged by F.R. look promising)

Harlem (I’ve heard mixed reviews about the wlw representation in this show, but there’s also a distinct lack of black queer shows out there, so I’m considering trying it out anyway)

House of the Dragon (partially because I haven’t finished GOT yet, but also because I don’t want my heart to be broken by the tragedy)

I Know What You Did Last Summer (this show doesn’t have the best reviews, but the actresses in it are so pretty that I might watch it anyway ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)

Kevin Can F*** Himself (seems like an interesting premise, I just don’t know if I’ll personally enjoy the show itself or not)

Legends of Tomorrow (Idk what it’s even about tbh, I’ve just seen a lot of wlw-centric and wlw-adjacent gifs reblogged by F.R.)

Lost Girl (it's included on a lot of rec lists of wlw shows, I just don’t know if I’ll actually find it interesting)

Once Upon A Time (a classic wlw fandom, but Idk if I’ll find it interesting enough to actually watch it)

Orange is the New Black (ditto)

Orphan Black (ditto)

Runaways (ditto)

Supergirl (ditto)

Willow (Idk what it’s even about tbh, I’ve just seen some cute wlw gifs reblogged by F.R. recently, so why not?)

Media I've already finished consuming:

Couple of Mirrors (SO GOOD!!! A (sadly heavily censored, but still very well-done) GL-based Chinese drama that is slated to get a second season depending on the support, so please go watch and support it! It also has a manhua (read the original here and the English summaries here))

First Kill (campy with pretty horrid music choices, but I still enjoyed the watching experience even though the show was kinda bad. Who doesn’t like a little bit of camp every now and again?)

Girlfriend Project Day 1 (cute, short little fake dating GL K-drama that is slated to get a second season if they can raise the funds for it! Watch it here)

More than or Equal to 75 Celsius (≥75°C) (short GL K-drama, very aesthetic, and the actresses are beautiful! Watch it here)

Zero Photography (short spin-off GL Thai drama that features Ink & Pa from the bigger BL series Bad Buddy. Definitely worth the watch!)

Have I missed any must-watch/must-read/must-consume pieces of wlw or wlw-adjacent media that y’all love? Please let me know in the reblogs and give me your recommendations!

#wlw #gl #femslash #sapphic #queer #lesbian #first kill #the 100 #nevertheless #warrior nun #couple of mirrors #clear and muddy loss of love #jwqs #the owl house #a league of their own #killing eve #sense8 #the wilds #buffy the vampire slayer #yellowjackets #house of the dragon #runaways #legends of tomorrow #once upon a time #supergirl #willow #orphan black #orange is the new black #kevin can f*** himself #astrid and lilly save the world

[darubyprincx]

"hey six what the actual fuck is rex miles et versipellem and why are you tagging random posts as it"

well, i'm glad you asked!

(Nobody asked, actually, and I don't fucking care. I'm going to talk about this anyways because I think it's super fucking cool.)

no cut because i don't respect your time, energy, or wellbeing

rex, miles, et versipellem is the title of a play script that we're working on! it's latin for "the king, the knight, and the werewolf" and for some dumbass reason we decided to write it in elizibithean english and iambic pentameter. we have never written in either of those things before and this is also our first play script so i have zero idea what was going on there when we made that decision but i'm just the guy who's literally just sitting here so idk

on top of being basically a functional play that could be produced if somebody tried (although i have no idea why they'd want to), this project also doubles as fanfiction in a weird convoluted meta way! see once we're done finalizing the script itself we're going to add on some annotations from the in-universe authors and. ok. this part is why it's impossible for us to explain this to people irl hold on

if any one of you lovely fuckwagons remember the Emhec Café series written by ourself and @eagle-warri, basically it's a coffee shop au scott is the barista hes a fae he collects names like pokémon cards etc etc that's not relevant. the relevant bit is that one of the regulars groups (Sausage, Ren, and Oli, who are all theatre majors in this AU) come in regularly on the afternoons and talk loudly and cheerfully about the play they're writing (more details here).

RMEV is that play. yes the play in the au that the theatre kids are writing in-universe.

(exactly how many layers of meta is this again?)

anyways this thing's been an absolute monster to write. there's been three drafts so far. the first draft was originally written in elizibethian english and is unfinished, the second one is written in modern english and as of right now is the only fully finished version, and the third draft (hopefully the last) is us translating the script from modern english back into elizibithean english (with iambic pentameter and everything).

"what's the word count for the finished draft tho" oh uh.

it's normal.

anyways this is our current Fucking Insane Writing Project and it'll be posted to ao3 by act on a schedule once it's done! given the rate at which we're working on it right now, that time will probably be in a few months (probably spring 2024 at the absolute earliest),

#lance's tag #rex miles et versipellem #keys' writing #writing #emhec cafe #I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE REST OF THE PEOPLE IN THIS BRAIN WERE THINKING WHEN THEY DECIDED TO ATTEMPT THIS BTW. #i am Not responsible for their decisions or actions. #what the fuck are they doing. #i just work here #described

[nehominoi]

okay considering my brain has actually REALLY latched onto this whole creepypasta au (to the point where i'm working on a game for it and genuinely i'm very excited to work on it and am actively kicking myself in the ass to finish it), i feel it apt to actually making a post to more thoroughly explain what this au is n what it's about.

so.

what the hell is a scketti?

scketti is my take on the slender mansion craze, basically. making myself old here (/j), but i remember being SUPER into the mansion fandom back when i was in middle school, n with the recent resurgence of creepypasta content i started thinking...

the ben drowned arg has turned into a massive special interest of mine and i started wondering what all of the mansion lore could've looked liked with more elements from each respective story, so i got to work.

(this is an AMAZING ben arg series breakdown for those curious btw https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYBdk4NLFCm4Jg41JCmWv1sFs9ALSGAtC&si=HljooC5ldGMhZJY1)

basically, scketti is the result of all this brainstorming. i'm taking canonical elements from both the literal lore of the original creepypasta stories and the fandom canon from all those years ago and putting them into a blender while also adding in my own ideas and thoughts. the name "scketti" comes from how i used to say "spaghetti" as a child, as a fun fact.

if there were gonna be a summary or cover blurb, it'd be something like this:

"Ben, a spirit residing in a haunted copy of The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, awakens one evening in a strange forest with even stranger beings in it. How did he get here? Who are these people? And... why is the world suddenly threatening to spiral into chaos? Ben has accidentally found himself in a whirlpool of a battle between the physical and the metaphysical, and he may be the key to the eye of the storm."

or smthn like that! i HIGHLY recommend that anyone wanting to get into scketti be at least familiar w the common creepypasta lore n the lore of the arg itself (which spans more than the first haunted cartridge arc), but it's not necessary to. i plan to explain all the necessary nitty gritty details in the game itself, and i don't wanna accidentally spoil anything! in my humble opinion i'm really enjoying working with this au and shaping it into smthn its own :3

i'm currently working on a lot of the reference sheets n whatnot so this will be a slow n steady process. until then, silly sketches and occasional lore dumps!!

the main characters i'll be focusing on are:

- ben (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/585P1eENsedXtxbOh2wDtR?si=bc301AfkTNu4Gc8rIIcHcA&pt=476088e7b71f77a3ce91f411a70bfaa8)

- jeff (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4nSEaw65qp2rjXZzGZ37yW?si=JJUKfftARZOYKOXHhbfYfw&pt=af7c54bdb6074519b00d8345f3068db5)

- slenderman (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2JWcUoEvopAMYU9NbXp6bX?si=V1WXcE1PQrqR93_-YGW_CQ&pt=b6cde69a152a3988331f1c8e249f3aa5)

- sally (reworking her past; https://open.spotify.com/playlist/060y7X0qSSSZGYlHLfmzdp?si=_jSsKAVZT16VLnsy600LEA&pt=8fc9e2cfb7390a60993e97de0cd59868)

- smile dog (idk if i'm gonna make a playlist for puppy yet or not bc he's a puppy n idk if there are any smile vibed songs yet!!! /gen)

- tim (masky; https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1Rq03DiuKYUyOLtP5kQL32?si=WOFEBSHoQP-x7UkU4rAIpQ&pt=b374ec7a897b354cd71759c1609ed452)

- hoodie (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4zU5HD8UpurNNhhMExGQcW?si=0W2shM54SLKrLJP3u8QZiQ&pt=08334e7fe5a3ee0fed1f75325f8795fb)

- jane and her family (her wife mary and her sister jessie; https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4LqM7GLlVtuLHvAgT86wV5?si=VYUTgVOHSwubkaHe14sCnA&pt=2d35d86cebe7f9ad5a7851862ad2df6e)

- toby (i'm not gonna call him by his original title bc i rly wanna respect his mental illnesses n stuff. reworking his past n character; https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5aP89Xda1HqThH1ufHv04Y?si=8pwRa7wLTvirdzMree4apQ&pt=79f7f56027522458aad18f3bc4fed550)

- eyeless jack (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7HzxgIRXacnfMFnRiyqYqG?si=AATyXGa_SKeFm4R6hHe_MA&pt=bebcf164e891a05a199e74d2c97061af)

- zalgo (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6HMqtPzMHXta3lO9L8d7Xe?si=09xilPXeSViF8D15iZwgnA&pt=3ed08805f635cac1927f95a0d8465a48)

- BEN (for those who have seen my first reference sheet; https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6OchJjt7JCrkZNfacDfeSO?si=Lpchn5W4SgKVcZn5yS-9yg&pt=840338d7857e5872763916787b0e100b)

- laughing jack (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5fylsCnXiPB5Mciy7jNXHb?si=mBSZlYd1TmmPxqrGkfr4Qg&pt=1412832e68da7d1cf3698df99e551519)

- clockwork (complete rework; https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0xT7pwqKDUZokcQc00XabJ?si=AlBSH9LYQHaIEgsM-sSrYg&pt=8451c9f52505dd0facf6b5702228ce58)

- and some other mysterious guy ;) (https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7pByFD2TIoXzgsKCV8iymW?si=ggfpyOeHTreTFzj8MmuCVg&pt=5e6b1e5e0852f9957f893b7cccaed0d9)

so yeah!!! enjoy :3

#creepypasta #creepypasta au #slender mansion #sckettiau #ben drowned arg #ben drowned creepypasta #jeff the killer #smile dog #slenderman #sally creepypasta #jane the killer #masky marble hornets #tim masky #hoodie creepypasta #brian marble hornets #eyeless jack #laughing jack #clockwork creepypasta #zalgo creepypasta #some mysterious random dude!!! #toby creepypasta #behavioral event network

[sieglinde-freud]

6, 13 and 26? :)

OMGGG MAKER OF THE ASK GAME IN MY INBOX HI FAYEE <3 6 already answered soo

13. What do you like most about Fire Emblem?

i would love to lie to you all and say its the gameplay because im super smart and good at these games but if youve read like any of my posts it’s probably fairly obvious its the characters. these little guys make or break the game for me, and i think the fact that fire emblem has so many of them is what keeps me really into the series. theres just SO MANY of them, and i know thats a detractor to some people, but being able to pick out a handful of favs for each game is so fun to me. the fact that the cast changes for each game keeps it fresh i think. and while i do love the gameplay of the series, i think the characters help elevate that too. ive tried playing advanced wars and its a good game, pretty similar to fire emblem, but the same stakes just arent as present when im bossing around a bunch of guys who dont mean anything to me. i dont care. if random soldier in a tank goes down thats not really my problem, i’ll just get another one. but if someone like idk… stahl died during battle? yeah i have sully as a backup, but thats STAHL. theyre DIFFERENT even when they can do the exact same thing. liking characters gives you an incentive to keep them alive and help them grow, and the permadeath mechanic gives you an incentive to actually play well instead of relying on sacrifice strategies even if you know a replacement is coming. just good shit all around. and honestly? fire emblem casts are generally pretty likeable too, at least in my opinion. i could probably count on one hand all of the playable characters i genuinely have disdain for out of like the hundreds available. theyre all just so fun, even when theyre a bit more simple, or maybe even a little TOO complex for a game built around a support system. love em all. they are ALL my little guys :3

26. Come up with a pitch for a new FE title, no matter how silly it is!

i think ive made a post about this once but it still shakes around in my head every now and then. i have absolutely no idea for a mainline fire emblem game (well. yes i do. the idea is that i want vampires in there but thats all i got) but if i were in charge of making a silly little spin off title, i would make it a dating sim. but not just any dating sim: a roguelite dating sim. the idea is that you play as inigo/laslow and your goal is simply to go on ONE successful date. ONE. but for inigo, it’s not quite that easy. you have to go through a few different stages, first you have to get through asking someone out and having them say yes. then you have to get ready for the date. then, the date itself. and as you go through these stages, you can get a couple of boosts to help you out. for example, if you run into gerome, you can borrow his mask. this ups your “mystery” factor, but it decreases your ability to see properly, giving you the “klutz” status. you can bring along a wingman (cynthia, brady, saizo, owain probably?) but they have a set chance to steal your thunder at any time. you can get severa to ask you for advice, but if you’ve been playing bad she’ll turn you down and yell at you, decreasing your confidence. you can pick up olivia’s headband while getting ready, which would increase your confidence. just a bunch of silly bullshit that makes or breaks inigos ability to successfully pick up a date. if your date asks you questions you have 5 seconds to pick a socially acceptable answer. does your date like puns? if you picked up laurents glasses previously you might have a better time reading their expressions to tell. but if you picked up his hat, you look like a doofus and are locked into a harder difficulty automatically. average playtime to complete is 75 hours.

#asks #i do think when inigo asks out women a whole gameplay ui shows up in front of him #hangs out with owain wayyy too much

[alovelyburn]

This post is a chaotic mess of stuff I don’t feel like writing a larger individual posts about. I mean they do connect, but it’s a connection like you get if you’re using a series of different methods to go from a -> b -> .... -> g rather than connected in the way of like, a and g are the same.

...what i mean is it’s not structured. Oh well.

So this ask really did send me down a rabbit hole. Because my first thought was, "Idk that she really looks like Griffith, she looks like Danann doesn't she?" So I pulled up that scene and then I get to this:

Followed by Skull Knight having this sort of... strange romantic moment with Danann:

And I mean, I did remember this happened - for a long time I've been kind of torn between thinking she is somehow the same person as the deceased lover (despite the lover in question being, well, explicitly deceased) or being just connected to her in some way. They even have similar titles - flowerstorm monarch, lady maiden of the cherry blossoms.

Anyway so I googled Danann, which brings me to the Tuatha de Danann, a supernatural race in Irish mythology. And I mean, I don't know much about Irish mythology at all so I'm sitting around reading it and some interesting things come up in the course of the basic bitch guide to Tuatha de Danann that is wikipedia's entry on them:

The Tuatha Dé Danann are described as a supernatural race, much like idealized humans, who are immune from ageing and sickness, and who have powers of magic.[1] The powers most often attributed to the Tuath Dé are control over the weather and the elements, and the ability to shapeshift themselves and other things.

So this reminds me of Schierke's initial belief that the Moonkid was an avatar of the Flowerstorm Monarch, which of course turned out to be Danann. Let's keep going.

They live in the Otherworld, which is described as either a parallel world or a heavenly land beyond the sea or under the earth's surface.[1] Many of them are associated with specific places in the landscape, especially the sídh mounds; the ancient burial mounds and passage tombs which are entrances to Otherworld realms.

Okay, kinda like how Elfhlem is beyond the sea and rooted, seemingly, by a tree such that when it was destroyed the island itself vanished. Continuing on.

In some tales, such as Baile in Scáil, a king receives affirmation of his legitimacy from one of the Tuath Dé.[1] In other tales, a king's right to rule is affirmed by an encounter with an otherworldly woman. It has been argued that the inauguration of Irish kings originally represented his ritual marriage to the goddess of the land (see sovereignty goddess).

See this is interesting to me because we have a woman who  looks just like Danann who was the lover of Gaiseric, a king who came out of nowhere (which is to say seemingly had no blood claim of "legitimacy"). And now the lover herself is gone, but there appears to be some kind fo connection between Skull Knight (Gaiseric) and Danann.

So like, if Danann can send avatars around, it's wholly possible that Gaiseric's lover was an avatar of Danann's, thus the feelings between them and the resemblance given that Danann was presumably not just wandering around the world as Gaiseric's lover, bc if she were, what's in the tomb?

The medieval writers who wrote about the Tuath Dé were Christians. Sometimes they explained the Tuath Dé as fallen angels; neutral angels who sided neither with God nor Lucifer and were punished by being forced to dwell on the Earth; or humans who had become highly skilled in magic. However, several writers acknowledged that at least some of them had been gods.

NEUTRAL ALIGNED FALLEN ANGELS. O.K. Potentially former gods. O. K.  

The former thing is just thematically resonant with the series itself, but the latter thing is fascinating to me because some of the old Godhand were seemingly designed to resemble ancient Gods and Monsters, for example...

Artemis of the Ephesians...

Or that guy who looks a lot like either the Chimera of Arezzo or Sumerian Lions or both.

Whereas Beardo here seems to evoke certain depictions of Zeus or Poseidon, see the hair shape.

Which brings me back to the old theory that the world before Void's rise - the era that ended with the last set of 5 - was sort of aligned with the ancient world on Earth. This makes sense because obviously now that Griffith's around there's this sort of push against Polytheism as Griffith appears to embody the rise of monotheism. Also because the architecture of Gaiseric’s time echoes Hellenic design.

So then you'd have something like

The old God Hand's world - ancient Earth - seemingly full of magical beasts and gods, as has been referenced by Schierke so that makes sense. The current group's world - well, we see what it looks like. If we assume that the reincarnated Godhand of that time was Void (the fifth of one group, the first of the next), with his seeming to represent 0rationality in some way (he’s a sage, he’s a big flayed man with an exposed brain, his domain is just. brain matter.) then it kind of makes sense that this where you start seeing the suppression of the old world, the rise of the Holy See. Supernatural beings fall out of the physical realm and are confined to the astral realm, elves become invisible to most people, etcetc. Which brings us to Griffith’s world - its funny, he's said to create an "age of darkness," so that did make me sort of look up... the dark ages? Since Miura seemed to like referencing real world history and movements (in a mix and match fashion). This just reminded me that what we call the Dark Ages were actually a period of social, material and intellectual advances in which you started seeing universities founded, the christian doctrine of “equality under God” started to chip at class hierarchy, and technological developments thrived. And II thought...

Well that all sounds pretty on Brand for Griffith actually - his whole thing has always been breaking down class barriers, advancing people toward universal equality or at least a meritocracy, and well, he’s currently inventing public education. He also does appear to represent/embody the rise of monotheism as both he and the Holy See that symbolically serves him are involved in the persecution and execution of polytheists (in Griffith’s case for practical reasons, see Flora).

And then I thought, well, it wouldn’t be surprising if the term “age of darkness” was both meant to evoke the real historical period, which involved a lot of progress, and sound kind of sinister and foreboding. It makes sense, because Griffith himself is dual-natured and so is the world he’s creating: a nation of dignity, equality and enlightenment set inside a world so dangerous that it traps people inside that place.

#ariel talks about berserk #chaoticly