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writingwithfolklore · 3 months

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Describing Foods - A Masterlist

As a broke university student, I love reading about food. It’s almost like eating a real meal myself <3.

I get a little angry when characters are eating a meal and I barely get to experience it with them. In that, I mean I don’t just want to know what it is, but what it’s like to eat that food—how it tastes, smells, sounds, and feels. Is a perfect croissant still a perfect croissant without the crack of the exterior, the airiness of the pastry inside, the smell of yeast?

Probably not. When writing about a dish, the smell, texture, technique, taste, and how it looks are all important to painting the experience, so here’s some words to use when describing a meal:

Taste:

Acidic: Sharp tasting. Often used to describe tart or sour foods as well.

Aftertaste: A different taste that remains in the mouth after eating something

Bitter: Tart, sharp, and sometimes harsh flavour.

Bittersweet: Less harsh than bitterness. Tartness + sweetness.

Bland: Has no significant flavor or texture

Briny: Just means salty. Often describes pickled foods.

Citrusy: Bright flavour like… well citrus fruits—oranges, lemons, limes, etc.

Cooling: Mimics that cooling feel—like mint.

Earthy: Reminiscent of soil. Can be used to describe wines, root vegetables, and mushrooms.

Fiery: Another word for spicy.

Fresh: Light and crisp—describes produce or herbs.

Fruity: Sweet and reminiscent of fruit.

Full-bodied: Rich and ‘feels heavy’ in your mouth. Can describe wines or soups.

Herbal: Bright, fresh, sometimes earthy from the presence of herbs

Honeyed: Sweet or candied taste like honey.

Nutty: Taste similar to the flavors of nuts. Often used to describe certain cheeses.

Rich: Full, heavy flavour. Often dishes that contain cream taste rich.

Robust: Rich + Earthy. Used for lots of wines or aged liquor.

Savory: Describes meaty, earthy dishes and soups.

Sharp: Harsh, bitter, or tart taste. Used to describe acidic foods.

Smoky: Reminiscent of the smell of smoke.

Sour: Biting, tangy, tart flavor.

Spicy: Burning taste.

Sweet: Sugary.

Tangy: Tart, biting taste—feels tingly

Tart: Sharp, bitter, or sour flavour. Used to describe acidic foods.

Woody: Earthy, sometimes nutty taste. Describes some coffees or cheeses.

Yeasty: Earthy taste reminiscent of yeast. Describes beer and bread.

Zesty: Fresh, vivid, or invigorating flavour.

Sound/Texture:

Sound has a lot to do with texture, so I've combined them for this section!

Airy: Light, pillowy texture (think inside of croissant)

Brittle: Hard but easy to break

Bubbly: Usually during heating, when bubbles rise to the surface—low sound.

Buttery: Smooth, creamy texture (think certain pasta sauces)

Chewy: Food that needs to be chewed thoroughly. Can be light and bouncy (chewy bread) or heavy (steak) and sticky (candy)

Creamy: A smooth and rich texture, comes from dairy.

Crispy: Light texture with slight crunch.

Crumbly: Food with loose structure that falls apart into crumbs.

Crunchy: Firm, crisp texture with a sharp, loud noise.

Crusty (behave): Food with a hard outer layer and soft interior (many loaves and breads)

Delicate: Light and fine, feels like it can come apart easily.

Doughy: Soft and heavy, usually pale colouring.

Fizzy: Usually liquids—a hissing sound, feels like ‘static’

Flaky: Light, characterized by layers that come apart during eating.

Fluffy: light and airy.

Frothy/Foamy: Airy bubbles, usually in a drink like a latte.

Gamey: Usually refers to meats when they’re very “meaty”

Gooey: Viscous, sometimes sticky texture from moisture in a dense/solid food.

Hearty: Firm, robust texture.

Juicy: Tender and succulent texture from liquid in a solid food (steak)

Molten: Hot, gooey

Oily: Slick, heavy, lingers on the tongue.

Silky: Fine, smooth texture that feels sleek.

Smooth: Texture free of grit, lumps, or edges.

Snap: A quick, sharp, crackling sound when broken.

Squelch: A soft sucking sound when pressure is applied. Somewhat gross.

Sticky: Gluiness in the mouth.

Succulent: Tender and juicy

Tender: Soft and easy to break down

Velvety: Smooth and rich

Smell:

Acrid: Strong, bitter, unpleasant

Comforting: pleasant, probably calls back to a nice memory

Damp: Wet smelling—probably a bit earthy

Delicate: subtle, faint, not overpowering

Earthy: reminiscent of soil

Fetid: Caused by decay—unpleasant

Fishy: reminiscent of fish

Floral/flowery: Reminiscent of flowers

Fragrant: Sweet or pleasing

Fresh: Cool, crisp, refreshing—produce, probably not cooked

Funky: Something’s gone off

Heady: Strong smell, pungent, rich

Musty: Not fresh

Perfumed: Pleasant, reminiscent of something (can be perfumed with citrus, say)

Piquant: stinging, pungent—tickles the nose

Powerful: strong

Rancid: Definitely gone off, decomposing

Ripe: Strong, usually unpleasant smell

Savory: spicy, salty, no elements of sweetness

Sour: has gone off

Spicy: Sharp, tingles the nose

Tangy: Strong and bitter but in a good way

Tart: Sharp

Woody: earthy smell, reminiscent of wood

Sight:

Usually texture gives us a really good picture of what a food looks like, so here’s some non-texture sight additions:

Blistered: Bumpy exterior.

Caramelized: Usually golden brown

Cloudy: Splotched. Almost see through if not for a slight white or grey mist.

Colourful: Bright and vibrant

Glassy: Resembling glass

Glossy: Smooth, shiny

Marbled: Two colours intertwined

Opaque: Not transparent. Can’t see through.

Ripe: Colourful (can be to a fault). Nearing the end of its edible state.

Scaly: Covered in scales, fish.

Shiny: Appears wet or glossy

Sparkling: Glimmers under the light

Stuffed: An ingredient placed inside a larger part with no additional space.

Translucent: Allows light through

Vibrant: Striking, bright

Food Prep:

How the food is prepared gives it these other attributes. If your character is familiar with cooking (or is the cook themselves!) they may describe food this way.

Baked: Cooked in an oven. Results in browned or crispy outer layer.

Blackened: When food is dipped in butter and coated with spices then cooked in a hot pan—spices darken, making it appear ‘blackened’

Blanched: Food scalded in boiling water and moved to cold water so it stops cooking. Texture comes out soft.

Braised: Food that is briefly fried in fat and then stewed in a pot. Results in seared, crispy exterior with a tender interior.

Breaded: Coated with breadcrumbs/batter then baked or fried so it turns crispy

Broiled: Food cooked with intense radiant heat in an oven or on the grill. Results in a darkened appearance and crispy texture.

Caramelized: Food slow-cooked until it’s browned, nutty, and has a bit of sweetness.

Charred: Grilled, roasted, or broiled and gains a blackened exterior and smoky flavor.

Fermented: Food that’s sat with bacteria, yeast, or another microorganism and has produced acids, alcohols, or gases. Results in a biting, pungent flavor. (Kimchi is fermented)

Fried: Food cooked by submerging in hot oil. Creates crispy, crunchy texture and golden colour.

Glazed: Food with a coating brushed onto its surface. Appears glossy with a thin, flavorful, and crisp outer layer.

Infused: Food steeped in liquid with another ingredient so it carries the essence of that ingredient. Used with herbs usually.

Marinated: Usually meat soaked in liquid containing flavourful herbs, spices, vinegar, or oil.

Poached: Food cooked in near boiling water. Results in tender, moist texture.

Roasted: Food cooked with dry heat in an oven or over the fire. Results in browned exterior and crisp coating.

Sautéed: Food cooked quickly in small amount of fat.

Seared: Food cooked in small amount of fat until caramelized. Finished by roasting or grilling. Results in crisp exterior and tender interior.

Smoked: Food exposed to smoke from smoldering wood for a long time. Results in that distinctive smoky flavor.

Whipped: Food beaten to incorporate air. Light and fluffy.

What did I miss?

#writing #creative writing #writers #screenwriting #writing community #writing inspiration #filmmaking #books #film #writing advice #writing about food #food descriptions #descriptive writing #masterlist #Describing foods - a masterlist

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ladyfocalors · 4 months

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Good morning, Focalors-sama, I'm here with my second? request. Please kindly consider this Lyney (yes, I'm also down hard for this Pyro man) request: Your former best friend always had the habit of stealing your boyfriends. Now, she has her eyes set on destroying your relationship with Lyney.

Please also kindly take as long as you need with this request; I have no qualms in waiting. Furthermore, by no means feel obligated to prioritize this request over your other requests.

pairing: lyney x fem!reader

warning: homewrecking behaviour by ex-bestie, liar (ex-bestie), ooc, not proofread!

note: protective reader agenda, she is mad and lyney thinks it's hot, fluff, ex-bestie stands no chance, lyney is sweet,

Thank you @sailorstar9 for the request! This time this writing is not a product of my sleep deprivation. So hopefully it's better than the last one and I hope it's up to your standards. Take care :D

word count: 1.4k

On stage Lyney is referred to as the Greatest Magician, rightfully so as well. You have said that to him many times and so has others. Off stage, he is described as a caring brother, reliable friend and a loyal and charming boyfriend. Of course this description was again, by you as well. He seems to hold your words very dear to his heart.

Lynette had once commented, They are both lovesick, that’s why I don’t watch them, gesturing to both of you. Lyney had found himself agreeing with her comment. Although he was the more forward one with his advances and words, you were loud with your small actions, not words. He had no doubt that you loved him as much as he loved you.

So, never would he even imagine to be disloyal to you. Never.

“Do I know you?” he asked the girl who was clearly throwing advances at him.

The girl, with a smile that barely reached her eyes, responded, "Oh, has [Y/n] not told you, Lyney? I am her dearest friend!”

Lyney furrowed his brows in confusion. This encounter felt like an unexpected disruption to the routine he was accustomed to. He tried to dismiss the girl with his smile and a subtle step backward.

The girl wasn’t deterred, her eyes gleamed and her moves looked calculated.

“Well, she probably forgot to mention me. You know how it is, she and her secrets. Shame she still hides things from you as well,” she continued, her voice laced with sugary-sweetness and it almost seemed rehearsed. “I am Marianne. Your lovely girlfriend and I used to be best friends.”

Lyney felt uneasy but didn’t show it. He recalled the name Marianne from your previous conversations — all the vague mentions of that name always tinged with a hint of anger and sadness. Something must have gone wrong between you two but he never pushed you despite his curiosity.

Something about her felt off as well and she seemed awfully too close to him. It was also a odd place to meet at as well, nobody was allowed in to the backstage.

“I just wanted to say, even if she is my dear friend she has her problems and I wouldn’t want a charming man like you to suffer,” she said with a seemingly upset expression. “Let’s just say, she has a interesting dating history.”

Lyney quickly caught on to what exactly was going on. This girl didn’t care about you, no, she was here to try and sabotage his relationship with you. But he was intrigued, he was curious on how long would she act this out.

"Interesting dating history, you say?" he replied, his voice carrying a subtle edge. "Well, we all have our pasts. What's your point here?"

Marianne chuckled, her eyes narrowing as she sized him up. "Oh, Lyney, don't be so naive. I'm just looking out for you. After all, I've seen [Y/n] ruin relationships before, and I wouldn't want you to become her latest victim.”

“Her previous relationships have crumbled due to her overly ambitious dreams and prioritise her career over her love. Also, I shouldn’t be telling you this but she has a history of playing around with people’s feelings.”

Lyney's jaw tightened, sensing the toxicity behind her words. He couldn't let this continue, not when it threatened the trust he and you had built. He would never understand why someone would go out their way to sabotage someone’s relationship by spreading such vile misinformation, but he didn’t need to understand, he just had to stand up for you.

"I appreciate your concern, but I trust [Y/n]," he cut her off, his tone unwavering. "If there are issues, we'll work through them together. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a show to prepare for."

But her determination didn’t waver, she tried to stop him from leaving. “I just thought you should know the truth. Please hear me out”

Meanwhile, you were preparing for the show. A technician handed you a prop, and as you turned around, you caught a glimpse of Lyney engaged in conversation with a girl that looked familiar. You had to double take to make sure that what you were seeing was right. Your mood soured in an instant and anger bubbled over you.

What is she doing here? How does she even know about Lyney?

Hastily and somewhat aggressively putting the prop back into the hands of the confused technician, you walked towards them.

“What are you doing here?” your tone was low and cold. You put on a blank face, staring into her eyes, well more like into her soul from her perspective. Lyney and her were surprised by your sudden appearance.

“Oh, [Y/n]! My bestie,” her smile faltered a bit but she still continued with her act. “It’s good to-”

“Don’t ‘bestie’ me,” you cut her off with a frown. “You don’t get to refer me as that.”

This was truly a sight to behold. Lyney has never in his life saw you this upset and he swooned the way you immediately held his hand and stood in front of him as if like a shield protecting him. But now was not the time for that. He can save the swooning for later.

“What are you doing here, Marianne? Trying to play one of your games again?” you sighed this time, dropped your sharp gaze.

Marianne's smile wavered further, and she glanced nervously at Lyney, who was busy looking at you, not at her. She tried to regain control of the situation.

"[Y/n], I just wanted to warn Lyney. You have a history, and I didn't want him to be blindsided and heartbroken," she said, feigning innocence, as if she wasn’t responsible for your previous failed relationships.

You scoffed, your disbelief very evident. "Warn him? More like try to poison his mind against me. We're perfectly fine, and we don't need your interference."

Marianne's eyes flickered with annoyance, dropping her act, and she took a step closer, lowering her voice. "You always had a way of making things about you, didn't you? But fine, play the victim. Just remember, I tried to help."

She threw the last words towards Lyney who didn’t look amused at all, his expression different than what he would put up for his shows. She looked a bit unnerved seeing his expression.

You were visibly irritated and frustrated, ready to throw some insults at her but thankfully Lyney stepped in to diffuse the atmosphere.

“I believe we have heard enough from you,” he said stepping in. “I believe you are not part of the backstage crew, so I would advise you to leave as soon as possible.”

Marianne opened her mouth to retort, but Lyney swiftly cut in, "If you have any complaints about the magic show, kindly direct them to the complaint box. Otherwise, please leave. Your presence is causing distress to my girlfriend, and that's not something I take lightly.”

Marianne, was reluctant, glanced once more at Lyney and then at you. The intensity of your gaze seemed to convey a string of colourful words you wished to say loudly. And then, with a huff, she turned on her heel, making her way out of the backstage area.

“Who does she think she is?” you scoff after she leaves. “Waltzing in as if she owns the place and then trying to take you from me. The audacity!”

“All she said was nonsense, okay?" you continued. "I mean, talking about my 'interesting dating history' and trying to paint me as the villain? She's got some nerve considering her history. And did you see her trying to play the concerned friend act? It's like she's reading from a terribly written script."

Lyney chuckled, thoroughly amused by your rant, but he knew it was time to bring a halt to it otherwise you won’t stop. So, he decided to stop with a gesture that spoke louder than words. He quickly pressed his lips onto yours, a gentle yet firm kiss that silenced the flow of words from your frustration. The warmth of the kiss felt nice, erasing the bitter words from your mouth.

“Easy there,” Lyney said. “She was just trying to get on your nerves. I personally think you should be focused on me more. I need some kisses to make up for the torture of having to listen to her ridiculous plot.”

You rolled your eyes but a smile threatened to form on your face. “And you are back to normal again,” you huffed. “I don’t want to hear about your kisses for therapy agenda again.”

“Oh, come on-”

“Oh, shush! Save your charm for the stage,” you said placing your palm against his mouth. “Let’s focus on the show, idiot. I can’t stall around anymore.”

Lyney grinned at your words. He was satisfied knowing that he successfully got you to smile again. He gently kissed your hand and let it go. He was satisfied with this.

#𐙚 : genshin boys #genshin x reader #lyney x reader #genshin impact #fontaine #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact lyney #genshin lyney

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artistic-killjoy · 1 year

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"ᴛʜɪs ɢᴜʏ ᴅɪɢs ʙᴀᴅ ɢɪʀʟs" ʀᴏᴅʀɪᴄᴋ ʜᴇғғʟᴇʏ x ғᴇᴍ! ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

Genre: Fluff, Maybe angst

Warnings: Jealousy, Name-Calling

Summary: Reader is Heather Hills's friend. Reader believes that she doesn't have the slightest chance with Rodrick, because it seems like Rodrick likes Heather. Rodrick throws a party, blah blah blah, feelings are revealed.

Hi, I'm Y/N, probably one of the least popular girls at my school. Yeah, sure, I've been friends with Heather Hills since kindergarten, but she never seems to have time to hang out in public, so we're never seen together. I suppose my bad reputation doesn't help my lack of popularity, though.

I mean, who would wanna date and/or hang out with a girl who doesn't look or act her own gender?

I'm always wearing band tees, ripped jeans, and dirty Converse. Oh- And let's not forget that I'm Löded Diper's guitarist. Löded Diper is the loudest- and only- band in the neighborhood. Parents don't typically look at the only female in a band full of teenage boys, and think, "I would love to have my son/daughter bring her home for dinner!".

No.

At school, most people don't know me. But, a lot of the ones who do know me, refer to me as "Slut", and other rude nicknames that I don't even bother trying to remember.

I'm loud, probably seem annoying to most people, obsessed with rock and metal bands, and would choose a new sketchbook over a new friend.

I have two best friends- Rodrick Heffley, and Heather Hills.

Now, you're probably thinking, 'If Heather has so many friends, and you're friends with Heather, shouldn't you and Heather's friends get along?'.

Well, we don't. Heather's friends hate me, and I hate those bitches right back.

OH- I almost forgot to mention- I've got a FAT crush on Rodrick. But, I'm 99 percent sure he's only friends with me so he can become even the slightest bit closer to Heather. It's sad, yes, but what can I do?

Anyways, I was walking home from school, when Heather and her group of giggling girly-girls stopped me.

"Hey Y/N. Got any plans for tonight?" Heather asked me.

I nodded slowly. "Uh, yeah... I'm going to Rodrick's party tonight. Sorry." I apologized.

She smiled slightly. "Think you could ask him if he'd let me tag along with you?" she replied.

I wanted so bad to say, "No, I don't think I could." out of jealousy, but out of kindness, I said "Yes".

'She's going to ask him out. He's obviously going to say yes, because that boy is head-over-motherfucking-heels for that girl.'

And that's the only thing I could think, the entire way home.

-AT HOME-

'Time to get ready for the party, I suppose...'

And with that, I headed upstairs to my bedroom to get ready. And when I say, "Get ready," I mean, "Apply Eyeliner And Blast 'Let Go' By Avril Lavigne Until My Mom Says Turn It Down".

I turned my CD player on and put in 'Let Go' by Avril Lavigne, (AMAZING album- please go listen to it if you haven't already) hit play, and began applying eyeliner.

Before 'Losing Grip' had even ended, my mom was knocking on my door. "Y/N, could you turn that down?"

I sighed. "Yes ma'am.." I reached over and turned the music down. Once my eyeliner looked alright, I picked up my phone and called Rodrick. He picked up on the second ring.

"Hey! What's up?" he asked.

"Nothin' much. Heather Hills wants to know if she can come to the party." I replied.

Silence.

"Hell yeah she can!" he finally exclaimed.

"Okay, cool!" I replied in the cheeriest voice I could manage. 'Probably a little too sugary-sweet, but whatever.'

I quickly hung up before things could get awkward. I stared at my phone for a good five minutes before finally calling Heather. The second she picked up, I blurted out a "You're invited" and hung up. I didn't feel like explaining why I sounded so pissed.

I stuffed my phone back into my pocket and went downstairs. I hugged my mom goodbye and explained that I was just heading over to Rodrick's to hang out, then left.

-AT THE HEFFLEY'S HOME-

I reached up to knock on the door, but before my hand could even make contact with the door, it swung open, revealing a very happy Rodrick.

"Y/N! S'glad you could make it! Food is...wherever you can find it. No alcoholic beverages, due to Greggy and Rowley." he told me. I nodded and gave him a small smile. I opened my mouth to ask where the drinks we could have were, when the sound of Heather and her Pink Ladies, as I like to call them, (Grease reference lmao) filled my ears. Rodrick saw them over my shoulder, and turned his attention over to Heather without a second thought.

I frowned as Rodrick quickly hugged me and rushed over to greet Heather. I scratched the back of my neck and stood there awkwardly as she waved at me and started talking to Rodrick. Finally deciding that I wanted nothing more than for my best friend to be happy, I sucked it up and walked inside.

I walked into the living room and stood there, looking for a familiar face. Suddenly, something much shorter than me slammed into me. I made a small noise of surprise and looked down to see what it was.

Rowley.

I smiled a bit as I gently patted his head. "Hey dude! How's it going?" I asked.

He looked up at me with a grin. "Its-" he started, but was quickly cut off by Greg, who rushed in to make sure Rowley wasn't about to do anything embarrassing.

"Rowley! What are you doing?! She's our ENEMY!" he hissed.

I reached out and grabbed Greg by the shoulder, pulling him into the hug. "Hey hey, bro! I bought ya somethin'." I told Greg as I pulled a new video game he's been wanting for a week now out of my bag. He gave me a look of clear suspicion as I handed him the cased disc.

"What's the catch?" he asked me.

"You gotta let me play a game o' that. Heard it was really freakin' awesome, so I gotta try it out." I told him.

A grin slowly spread across Greg's face. "Alright. Maybe you aren't so bad after all."

"Sweet. Can we go try it out after I get a drink?" I asked.

Greg raised an eyebrow. "What about Rodrick? I thought you two were- like- inseparable!"

I shrug, looking away and shoving my hands in my pockets. "I don't care what he does right now." I said quietly.

"Really? Why-" Rowley started.

"How do we know this isn't a trap?" Greg cut him off.

"Gosh, how'd you figure it out so fast?" I said sarcastically, before going to the kitchen. The first thing I saw when I walked in was Rodrick and Heather talking and laughing their asses off. I stopped walking and frowned. I could feel tears coming to my eyes as I realized how close they were. I quickly tried to make a run for it before I was spotted, but one of Rodrick's buddies saw me and called out to me.

"Yo! Y/N!" he yelled. My eyes widened and I slowly turned around.

"Y-Yeah?..." I asked meekly. Rodrick and Heather were staring straight at me.

"Y/N? You good?" Rodrick asks me, seeing that I'm about to cry. I close my eyes and take a deep breath, pulling myself together.

"Yeah, why?" I open my eyes and force a smile as I respond. He shrugs and turns back to Heather. Heather stares at me a few seconds longer, her eyebrow raised, before facing Rodrick again. They go back to talking. I'm seemingly forgotten, so I turn to leave the room. I make it to the living room, when Rodrick's friend gently grabs my shoulder.

"Come with me." I hear him say. And with that, he leads me outside. He sits on the steps of the porch and pats the spot next to him. I hesitantly sit next to him.

"What- What's up?" I ask, curious.

He looks at me with an expression that says 'You Know Exactly What I'm Talking About'.

I sigh. "Alright, alright. It's just that- that- I really really like Rodrick, but it hurts when all I want is for him to be happy and he's all heart-eyes for my best friend, and I don't want him to be with her because I want him to be with me, and I feel like I'm not good enough-" I tell Rodrick's friend. He cuts me off as soon as he hears "Not good enough".

"No. Y/N, listen to me. Look at me." he demands. I look at him, tears (yet again) threatening to spill.

"You are perfect. You are more than enough. Rodrick never shuts the fuck up about you when it's just us guys. And you know what? He likes you. As more than a friend. He told me so. Just, ah, don't tell him I told you that." he says. I giggle slightly at the last bit and nod.

"Thanks, dude... You're fuckin' awesome." I tell Rodrick's friend as I lean in, hugging him and possibly crying into his shoulder. These tears were tears of joy, though.

I pull back when I hear the sound of the door swinging open (and almost hitting me in the head), revealing a confused Rodrick. "Y/N? What's going on?"

I look over at Rodrick's buddy, who simply nods at me and stands up, walking back inside.

Rodrick watches as his friend walks inside, closing the door behind him. When he looks back at me, I pat the empty spot next to me on the steps. "Sit." I tell him.

He slowly sits next to me. "Seriously, are you okay?" he asks me.

I look down at my hands. "I'm gonna be honest with you. I'm not okay." (I promise- ILYSM IF YOU GOT THAT REFERENCE)

"Well, why not?" he questions.

"I like you. I don't want to be your friend. I wanna be your girlfriend, but I also want you to be happy, and it seems like making you happy means getting you and Heather together, or at least just letting you two be together." I say. After a few seconds of silence, I look over to see that Rodrick is simply staring at me with wide eyes.

"Look- I-I'm sorry-" I start as I begin to stand up. Suddenly, my hand is grabbed and I'm pull back down.

"I like you too, as more than a friend. I just never caught onto your hints, apparently. I've been hiding my feelings for you by pretending to like Heather. It seemed easy, but believe me- if I had a dollar for every time I wanted to tell you how I felt, I'd be fuckin' rich." Rodrick tells me.

I smile and quickly lean in, grabbing the sides of Rodrick's face and smashing my lips against his.

"Woo! Go Y/N! I knew you could do it, girl!" I hear Heather call from an open window of the living room.

"YO! RODRICK! CONGRATS, MAN!" Rodrick's band buddies call from the same window.

I turn to Rodrick, and we both just smile.

#rodrick x reader #rodrick rules #rodrick heffley #fluff #diary of a wimpy kid #fanfic

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7grandmel · 1 month

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Todays rip: 14/03/2024

My Dr. Eggman Can't Be This Evil!

Season 1 Featured on: 7 Somari Dad Also on: Your Onii-Chan's Favorite Rips!

Ripped by Smoky

youtube

Look: It's a point I've made before and a point I won't needlessly harp on about, so let's get it out of the way: Season 1 of SiIvaGunner was, as most firsts tend to be, far simpler than what we'd get just a year or two later and beyond. But it was before SiIvaGunner came to be known for its lovingly crafted and detailed mashups like Hella Pummel, before the ludicrously in-depth projects like my rip :), before we'd start getting delicately authentic melodyswaps like Outertale of much of any original covers or compositions like Trial of the Heart. Back when the very idea of disguising video game music edits as normal, unedited music rips, was still something really novel. The novelty of the channel paired, with a lack of basically any set-in-stone recurring jokes other than Grand Dad, resulted in some true classics like Pikmin Park, Live and Ooooooooooooooh, Dr. Soulja - and, of course, My Dr. Eggman Can't Be This Evil!.

Now, let's start with a bit of a disclaimer - there's obviously a whole bunch of baggage to unpack with the humor surrounding the Your Onii-Chan's Favorite Rips! album in general. 2016 was the absolute plateau of edgy YouTube humor being in the mainstream, right before LeafyIsHere, iDubbbz, Keemstar, Filthy Frank and all the others sort of petered out from YouTube's stricter moderation. It was, in no uncertain terms, the time where making fun of how weird anime could be was at its most trendy. The joke in My Dr. Eggman Can't Be This Evil!, and the joke of almost all the rips featured in Your Onii-Chan's Favorite Rips!, is to reference the anime franchise Oreimo, one that's effectively built entirely around the theme of being attracted to your younger sister. Despite its incestuous contents, the series sports a poppy, happy-go-lucky, bubbly aesthetic - hence, prime material to make jokes about how bizarre it is for Japan to effectively glorify such taboo relationships. Now, this is far from the only risque topic that early SiIvaGunner chose to tackle, and even back then there were topics such as described in Stickerbrush State of Mind that were still seen as going "too far" - but many of those have faded away as distant memories overtime, rips which failed to gain much of any traction, only really remembered as an edgier footnote in the channel's legacy.

So then...what makes My Dr. Eggman Can't Be This Evil! any different, worth highlighting here today?

Put simply, I don't believe its million-plus views come purely from Oreimo fans, or from people deep in the trenches who find references to weird anime to be inherently funny. I believe the views are there because of a far simpler, far more effective joke in play: the contrast between a song as bubbly as Oreimo's opening theme irony, and the vocals of E.G.G.M.A.N. and the character its attached to, is simply very funny. The original E.G.G.M.A.N. is sort of an industrial rock "anthem", where the titular doctor celebrates and glorifies his own destructive goals in a theatrical, self-aggrandizing, yet still aggressive way - an aggression that feels as if it disappears entirely without the track's original instrumentation. An aggression that, with the instrumentation replaced with the sugary sweetness of irony, turns into something purely theatrical, like a performance from a School Idol, a performance from the heart - which, given who Dr. Eggman is as a character, is obviously a very funny mental image. Pikmin Park was listed as one of the classic Season 1 rips above for good reason - it, too, plays on this same sort of contrast in songs used for a mental image that's simply too good not to get a chuckle out of.

Thing is, while Stickerbrush State of Mind was fondly remembered for just how much of a genuine banger it was, while Pikmin Park is considered a classic due purely to how well its joke works, I believe My Dr. Eggman Can't Be This Evil! succeeds above both of them due to mastering both sides of the coin. It's already very funny as a concept due to the contrast in songs used, yet a similar BPM and excellent mashup work by Smoky makes the rip an incredibly fun rip to just listen to as a good piece of music, vocals and instrumentation working in harmony far better than they probably should. It is, in that sense, a shining example of SiIvaGunner's biggest strength, the ability to make its viewers smile both from its jokes and from the surprise of hearing good music. It's the perfect harmonization of two jokes, preserving the strengths of E.G.G.M.A.N's vocals whilst using every piece of irony possible to highlight this new cutesy feel - a deceptively simple joke executed perfectly, transcending the dicey origins of its conception and becoming far funnier in a completely different way.

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mischievouschan4 · 6 months

Text

Fic Tag Game

Thanks for tagging me, @starwalkertales!!! I've had my eye on this one for a while, and now I have the push to do it haha

Here we go~

How many works do you have on ao3?

For both my handles: 19, but technically 20 if you count the one I abandoned............oopsie 😅 Specifically for Star Wars: 17

2. What's your ao3 word count?

Amazingly, it's a nice even number right now?! 126,000 😲

3. What fandoms do you write for?

Main fandom: Star Wars (Obikin, QuiObiAni) Previous fandoms: Hocky RPF, MDZS, Promare

4. What are your top five fics by kudos?

1) WorldBigFlameUp with 620 kudos; this is for the Promare movie, GaloxLio with (dirty) domestic fluff post canon 2) Transference with 471 kudos; my current QuiObiAni golden child; Obi-Wan time travels to save the galaxy and receive aaalllll the love he should have gotten the first time around 3) Wisdom Teeth Woes with 260 kudos; really really cute SFW Obikin, the obligatory post wisdom teeth removal amnesia fic 4) How Anakin Got his Groove Back with 161 kudos; switch Obikin, I fondly refer to this one as "BDSM fic" 😌 she's filfthy, she's fun(ny) - maybe?, she's got BSE (big switch energy) from Obi-Wan LOL 5) I Know You Love Me with 150 kudos; HockeyRPF, my Toews/Kane (bottom Jonny) fic from the Chicago Blackhawks glory days *big sigh* **tears up** And the honorable mention abandoned fic (Thorki) at 718 kudos LOL (no judgment, okay?? I was a practically a bebe when I wrote it 😅)

5. Do you respond to comments?

................................I need to be better about this. I definitely do for Transference every time I update with a new chapter, but I find it hard to keep up for some of my other fics (EVEN THOUGH I CHERISH EVERY SINGLE ONE!!!!)

6. What's the fic you wrote with the angstiest ending?

nOnE oF mY fIcS hAvE aNgStY eNdInGs 👀 (like actually)

7. What's the fic your write with the happiest ending?

I swear they're all happy! But I think the sugary-est fic overall has to be How to Fall in Love with a Lawyer, you can't say no to Obikin engagement! But also, I think The Kenobi-Skywalker Family Goes Viral is also quite adorable (not that I'm biased or anything ha)

8. Do you get hate on fics?

I have been lucky! No hate so far, just some very astute fans of canon that have pointed out inconsistencies haha (which is 100% acceptable)

9. Do you write smut? What kind?

HA... YES! I do lots and lots and lots of smut! But almost all of it is MxM I think!

10. Do you write cross-overs?

Historically, no. Would I be open to it? ...I think I could be convinced...

11. Have you ever had a fic stolen?

I don't think so!

12. Have you ever had a fic translated?

Yesssss!!!! And it is such an honor?!?! My QuiObi fic Seasons of Love was translated by the amazing @cakushi into Russian😭💓💓💓

13. Have you ever cowritten a fic before?

NOT YET!!! BUT SOON!!! I'm looking at you, @dark--whisperings 💖

14. What's your all time favourite ship?

QuiObi probably? 🥰 It's definitely my comfort ship.

15. What's your WIP you like to finish, but doubt you ever will?

Oh goodness, welp, I have a WIP called Love and Devotion (MDZS/The Untamed fandom) which is a pseudo-Regency AU for Lan Zhan/Wei Ying that's just sitting there 3/maybe 6 ish chapters in........... I really do want to finish it, but I need to get my head out of Star Wars first....

16. What are your writing strengths?

Visualizing situations to translate them into words

CUTE FLUFF

Writing in a way that's comfortable for me to read out loud

Extensive research (both for smut and non-smut content hehe 😼)

17. What are your writing weaknesses?

GRAMMAR (I switch between present and past depending on the fic and it screws with my brain so much)

Pacing 😠 (How much detail is too much detail?? IDK)

18. Thoughts on writing dialogue in another language for a fic?

Select lines yes, I have for Love and Devotion since the original content is in Chinese and that's my second language, but entire chunks? Definitely not. I usually just do italics to signify another language haha.

19. First fandom you wrote for?

I'm honestly not super sure LMAO back in my fanfiction.net days I wrote for both Death Note and Alex Rider hahaha

20. Favourite fic you've ever written?

Probably Transference haha when you put that much effort into a long-fic, it's hard to not put it on a pedestal.

Thank you so much for tagging me!!! Had lots of fun thinking about these.

Apologies if you've been tagged already, and apologies if I missed you! Anyone can pick this up if you find it interesting!!

@dark--whisperings @thesilverqueenlady @dreaminghour @briliantlymad @anakinsthot @cakushi @to-proudly-go (Omg I’m sorry I left you off!)

#I WAS BLESSED WITH A TAG #fic tag #star wars fanfiction #just writer things

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randomfoggytiger · 5 months

Note

😎

Thanks for dropping in! :DDDDD

The below might seem like I'm gassing you up or being overly sugary and sweet; but I cannot underestimate how much I mean every single word. Your fics were in my first round of xfiles fics ever; and they were cemented into my cracks before I ever got adventurous enough to feed the addiction and read 800+ authors.

This'll be long, so I included a cut.

(**Note**:Editing and proofreading my paragraphs? What is that?)

I begin, again, after 20 minutes of thorough combing

I spent 15-20 minutes grabbing link after link after link because... quite simply, your fics are grafted into my brain because of how many rereads I've done-- I can't separate them from each other, I can't pick favorites, I can't. I had to go by my tip top, cannot-pass-by-without-reading fics:

Whispered Words (Tumblr): Everything about this is perfection. Every time I read someone else's cancer fic, I immediately think of this one (and hunt it down for a reread.) Scully's symptoms, how and when Mulder notices; the blend of sickfic and angst and fluff together, no parts outrivaling the other... it's, again, perfection.

A New Day Has Come: It's such a cornerstone of my earliest cancer fics that this is how I always expect Mulder to react in other fics I read-- it's automatic programming at this point.

Every. Single. IVF fic you've written. I kid you not. To name a few (because it's not fun to just read "I liked it, lol" without some examples): Name Calling/Archive is the pinnacle post IVF failure: the best, ohmyword. Unnamed post IVF treatment fic and Five Minutes - Chapter 1 are seared into my brain as a part one and two; but if it's a sheer numbers game? Five Minutes - Chapter 2 wins out. It's just... how do you hold a moonbeam in your hand, y'know? How can I describe something that IS me? I refer you to Scully's Memento Mori speech-- she says it more eloquently than I do. ;))))

Every. Single. AU Requiem fic and S8 fic and S9 fic and S11 fam fic. You do loving relationships so well: they talk, they breathe, they exist like real people. I treasure the S8 fics you wrote from my prompts and reread them frequently--though I forgot to label the second and need to find that link hmmmmmm. This is exactly how it appears in my docs: Here's a prompt (if you want): Scully goes into... (tumblr.com) THIS WAS MY PROMPT Ao3 By Your Side Is Where I Belong - Baroness_Blixen - The X-Files [Archive of Our Own] LOVE THIS

And for nonspecific genre fics that I adore and cannot live without:

#58 Mulder to Scully thanks! Ao3 Prompts & Drabbles - Chapter 3 - [Archive of Our Own] Scully gets hit in the head with a baseball bat and you nailed every. single. aspect of this fic and I can't read it enough (going to read it again right after this.)

Since you were looking for an angsty prompt for... (tumblr.com) Ao3 We Will Find Our Way Home - [Archive] Scully and Mulder on the ice and Scully makes Mulder go alone to the Snocat? YES PLEASE.

I hope your muse comes back. I know she will soon!... Ao3 Things You Forget - Chapter 1 Mulder has amnesia and he and Scully have dinner with her mother and Bill while he remembers-- iconic.

A realization

...I'm staring at 20+ pages of your fic links (and 84 specifically marked ones that have LOVE THIS in bold and caps) and thinking that there is no way I can fit all of this into this ask. XDDDD

I'll close this by thinking of random moments in your fics that twirl around and around in my brain and put them down here:

Mulder waking Scully up by sneezing in her hair in Rain King.

Mulder and Scully crying after her recovery in Redux II.

Scully's annoyance and Mulder's complete stillness in the airport while waiting for their luggage in Five Minutes Chapter 2.

The hilarious way you wrote Mulder and Scully and Krycek and Doggett and Reyes in an Essence AU (Will is born in the car while they drive away from the FBI.)

Scully's head being squeezed like an orange in the baseball bat attack fic, and Mulder's irate panic from afar ("HE HIT HER")

Mulder's tie got stuck in a copier and Scully has to help him out (and Skinner doesn't even want to know.)

Maggie's not a fool when she catches Mulder and Scully a day or two after Chimera.

Scully gasses in the car and Mulder evens the playing field.

Mulder having amnesia after Millennium and only remembering his partnership with Diana (for a couple hours.)

Mulder delicately taking and holding and smiling over his scratchy list of baby names.

Scully feeling woozy in Three Words and Mulder helping her sit down.

Mulder panicking after Lamaze in Alone.

S8 Scully including Mulder in her late night snack and waltz session, as they discuss her neighbor's recently deceased husband.

Mulder swallowing the suddenly-too-sweet cake at Scully's baby shower (AU Essence~)

Mulder swapping places with Reyes in Essence-- it's he and Scully on the road, just like always.

Post Existence Mulder papa bear with little Will.

Revival baby girl being born on Mulder or Scully's birthdays (and the unique ways you changed the details of both versions.)

Mulder and baby Will showing up for Scully's "take your kid to work day" (and him rubbing Will in Colton's face, my word.)

(I'm not kidding when I mean every. single. one. of your IVF and S8 and family fics, so I'm not even going to BEGIN.)

All of your Millennium fics. All. But particularly the one where Scully is woken up by a grumpy Mulder who felt betrayed that she'd left and drove over, despite his injured arm, before calling her and asking for permission.

Mulder sobbing and holding Scully after the other agents tricked him into thinking she'd died in a car accident.

Diana locks Mulder and Scully up in the One Son fort for the night; and Scully's hurt and Mulder's hurt and their reconciliation and re-understanding is one of the fics I turn to when I need to sleep but also need a story to focus on. Makes my brain go wild.

TFWID Mulder having nightmares of his past lives with Scully. Another one of those stories that sets my brain on fire.

Revival Mulder's psychic powers comes back and he tells Scully in the restaurant (part I) and later senses their daughter's heartbeat (part II.)

An ending

And while I could go on and on and on, there's already a lot I put down. XDDDD Maybe I'll make a fic list with my top 85? fics that cannot be passed up-- although, I don't know if Tumblr will allow me that enough word space to fit them all in. Hmmmm.

Anyway, thanks for dropping in! :DDDDD And hope this was a good enough answer~. ;))))

#asks #baronessblixen #txf #fic #as the saying goes: these have my whole heart #I am a rereader more than a new reader #I live in the comfort of my “already read” collections #and these are absolute musts #couldn't find one of the links for a hot second and literally almost panicked XDDDD #xf fanfic #x-files #the x files

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xxsycamore · 2 years

Text

—𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘊𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘦

► SYNOPSIS:

Impulsively, Napoleon drinks a potion with the premise that it would turn him into a human.Unfortunately, Wellesley is too late to stop him.

...It doesn't go as said on the label.

▍napoleon x arthur wellesley 1st duke of wellington ▍rating: G ▍tags: Crack Treated Seriously; Humor; Light Angst; they're fighting :( ; Arguing; Shapeshifting; Making Up; Happy Ending; reference to that one scene at the cliff; Established Relationship; Kissing; Sexual Tension (just a lil bit); Fluff; Naps; also present in the fic are: Sebastian, Arthur, Theo, Vincent, Dazai, Comte ▍wordcount: 1,751

▍masterlist

▍a/n: WOOOHOOO IT'S DEVON ( @batteryrose ) 'S BIRTHDAY!!! I've already extended my greetings but here too I want to wish one of the most special people in my life a Happy Birthday <3 Thank you for being my friend and thank you for everything you create that would undoubtedly never cease to amaze me and so, so many others. Hope you like this fic, I really had fun writing it!! ILY!!! Everyone else too, I hope you enjoy! This fic came to existence because of a little inside joke about napolington cats and Devon is just adorable when he sends catvideos to associate with them ehehehehe >:) I needed to document that somehow for the archives!

"Haven't you given up already? Trying to be human."

Napoleon keeps looking at the glass vial in his hand, the question making him snap out of the trance momentarily, as evident by the slight twitch of his lower lip and by that alone. They're in the garret, Napoleon has his leg propped up, elbow rested on top, vial in hand - the liquid glistening with the shine of morning light coming from the open window. He must really be riddled with the thought of that, as to wake up so early today. Wellesley is getting concerned, and more than that, pissed off.

"Psh. As if this would do anything." He gives the vial a small swing, trying to belittle the belief he puts in its contains, but Wellesley knows better. The blonde turns his head away, a silent declare of I'm done with you.

Napoleon uncorks the vial and lifts it to his lips.

"No!"

Wellesley jumps and in a flash he's on top of him, alas unsuccessful in his attempts to knock it off his hands on time. Napoleon's lips are stained pink from the liquid. And they're emitting a mocking laugh.

"Wellesley, c'mon. We've seen this scenario play out already. It's probably just another aphrodisiac."

Icy blue eyes are furious. He must think this is a game; to get him worried, to risk his own wellbeing in a gamble with his nature - for what? - and to laugh it off as a final at that.

Wellesley grabs a fistful of his stupid half-undone shirt and pulls him in for a kiss. He licks the remaining liquid off his lips, it's sugary and cheap.

In the way Napoleon answers the kiss, Wellesley realizes he's just as mad at him as he is at Napoleon. They just rock with the waves of that emotion, pushing and pulling, waiting for the potion to kick in or whatever.

* Poof! *

Just as Wellesley thought he'd punch his chest (lightly) and announce his leave for the sake of better morning activities, he discovers that he doesn't have the fist to do that. It all happens very fast.

His world shifts and twists and suddenly he's reduced in size - just like that - and in his newly lowered field of vision is this black and white cat, looking as distressed as he does. Is that…?

"Meow?"

Oh no. They've somehow…shapeshifted into cats. This must be the potion's doing.

The reply he receives from the black and white cat is, of course, another Meow.

Wellesley feels a lot of things right now. A lifetime of events and then another one after being reborn, and some things are still just out of his league. He's confused alright. Vampires do exist, alright, he gets that one. But this…

He's confused, alright. But more than that, he's enraged. He didn't ask to be dragged in this.

"MROWWW!"

Not his best battle cry, but Napoleon has to catch these hands now. These paws.

They end up in a ball, biting at each other, letting out a cacophony of noises until one gets the higher ground on the windowsill, the other follows, and it turns into a chase - right off the window and onto the mansion's roof.

The garret is quiet and empty. In a couple of seconds, just barely missing the unusual scene, a man in a butler's clothes enters the garret, eyes scanning every nook and corner.

"My goodness…" He sighs, marking the terrain as cat-clear, allowing the assumption that the strays had somehow climbed through the window and are now gone through the same route. He crosses the room and shuts the window closed, thus sealing the only entrance back home for Napoleon and Wellesley, unknowingly.

* 🐈🐈 *

The two furballs decide to be reasonable for the time being and don't fight on rooftops - moreso, they should concentrate on getting back inside instead, after discovering that they've been locked out. Their scouting for open second floor windows ends up with no results. All they find is Dazai's lunch, thus confirming the mansion's rumor that the eccentric resident doesn't only use windows for his entrance and exit but occasionally hangs out in the roof as well. While he's nowhere to be seen, Napoleon steals his lunch, promising himself that one of these days he'd cook something for the writer to clean his karma. He then shares it with Welley.

It's the first step towards peace, and they eat in content silence. Afterwards, Welleymeow approaches Napocat, making his fur puff up in tension for a second. The other however shows clear signs of being friendly, giving him that long stare slow blink, shortening the distance until..

Bonk.

"Mmrreow."

Pupils dilating, Napoleon gladly accepts the metaphorical reached out hand, returning the gesture and rubbing himself right back on Wellesley. The afternoon sun is nice and pleasant, and they lay down on one of the more flat areas of the roof, beginning to groom each other lovingly after the good lunch. It's also the perfect time for a cat nap.

* 🐈🐈 *

Sleeping and lazing around the best of the afternoon away, it's about time they come up with a plan.

One strategy is meowing under the other residents' windows. It's a very basic one but it's also all they can agree on while with reduced communication. It fails as soon as they find themselves on the ground underneath Theo's window. Now, Theo is not known for being the biggest cat lover out there, and luckily for him he lives in mansion far away from any streets littered with cats. His reaction to hearing such creature's noises under his window is understandingly negative - a shriek of fear, but then - is that?! Theo actually opens his window, looks down at them, loading them with hope…

They get swore at, in colorful Dutch. And they make a run for it before any flying objects could come down to them, or worse, before King is sent to chase them away.

The sprint around the mansion grounds only ends up separating them as the peace wordlessly snaps. They both know it's for the best they put some distance between each other because likely they'd end up fighting again without the aid of words to work this out among themselves.

* 🐈🐈 *

Napoleon is not sure how much time has passed, but wandering off has been clearing his head successfully at least. He is still mad at Wellesley - first, because it's always the same. A stupid potion or a sleepless night of honest talk, it's like he never truly understands him about the whole vampire and human stuff. The second is, why the fuck didn't he stop him sooner? It was obviously a stupid idea. Ugh.

With every step of his little furry paws forward, he comes to terms with his current life. What if he never transforms back? It's laughable, he ended up being less of a human than ever.

Maybe this time he could get it right. No more resets needed.

He could get to town, unite with the other strays… lead a revolution against the mutts…

Stupid Wellesley.

* 🐈🐈 *

He strolls close to the riverbank, lost in his own thoughts, until a familiar meowing gets to his ears. They sharpen, head turning to locate better the noise - and then he sees him. The white cat in front of him is undoubtedly Wellesley. He didn’t expect for the two of them to end up on the same place, but here they are. With unfinished business.

It's a quiet glare at first, in the way all street cats would start a fight, and for the lack of better communication possible between the two of them. The precise steps taken by each and an occasional chase and they somehow end up on a top of a boulder overlooking the river.

It's a little too late by the time that it clicks that yes, they've been in that situation before. In a way more different circumstances, but still somewhat the same. Napoleon's claws miss their target and his balance is lost - he tries to claw at the rock to try and climb back up but it's unenviable. The last thing he sees is a mass of white fur following him in his fall. And then comes the splash of water.

* 🐈🐈 *

Of course, this close to the shore, the water level is low - maybe knees high or so. Napoleon can say so, because he actually has knees now.

His ass hurts like hell because apparently he fell on it. Shallow or not, he still managed to get himself drenched and is now getting his wet bangs off his eyes. When he opens his eyes again he sees Wellesley, in the same state as him. Human-bodied and all.

Wellesley curses under his nose, splashing water at Napoleon and striding in large steps towards the land, leaving the other behind. Napoleon's ass still hurts. He needs to ask for the blonde to turn back and give him a hand. It's embarrassing.

Wellesley just comments that it's what he deserves.

* 🐈🐈 *

The sun has set by the time they reach home. Upon entering the dining room to announce their return, they're not surprised to find the residents seated for dinner.

"I believe you, Theo. I didn't see them personally, but…" Vincent sympathetically places a hand on his brother's arm as the brunette has propped his chin on it, sulking. He must be talking about the cats under his window. Dazai looks as if he is about to mention his missing lunch, connecting the dots, but he is interrupted by the two men's entrance.

"Messieurs! Gods, I've been worried sick! Where have you been all day?" Sebastian eyes them in concern from head to toe as they're quite the sight. Dripping wet clothes and everything.

"It's, uh. Long story."

Arthur motions his fork in the air in Sebastian's direction, gulping down his bite in a haste.

"Leave them be, Sebas. You know how young fellas are when inlove." He finishes it off with a wink.

Seated at the end of the table as the parental figure he is, Comte sighs out the last of his own concern before letting a chuckle, and the others follow.

"We're going to hit the bath and be back in a bit. Excuse us." Welley grabs Napoleon by the collar and drags him out of the dining room before he gets another reason to get angry at the french. And here he hoped they could finally make up once and for all in le termae…

No more potions. Period.

Taglist: @arsnovacadenza @ale-teodora @kimi00twin @otomelady @privilegedpancake @g-kleran @thehappycat123 @pumpumnnnp @thesirenwashere @theuwuisunreal @ravenarld @kyokirigiri-22 @kimmy-banana @devonares @animeworldsposts @randomanimatedhusbandoseeker @galaxyprison @trishtori @sadshaxk @starshards26 @pro-cat-stination @acethephoenix256 @ikevamp-shrine-2 @nad-zeta @crystal13unny @keen19thcenturygoatsstudent @lordsister @ikemen-banshou @themysticalbeing @canaria-blackwell @otome-scribbles @rhodolitesrose @fun-ghoul-neela @salty-fed-up-bitch @coornn @cilokgoang @kpop-and-otome @queen-dahlia @kisara-16 @chaosangel767 @ikemenlibrary @queengiuliettafirstlady @aurora-morning @aquagirl1978 @ikemenlover24 @violettduchess @mcofthemansion @tiny-wooden-robot @joy-the-reader @atelieredux @cilokgoang Let me know if you want to be tagged/untagged!

#ikemen vampire #ikevamp #ikevamp napoleon #ikevamp wellesley #ikemen vampire napoleon #ikemen vampire napoleon bonaparte #ikemen vampire duke of wellington #ikevamp duke of wellington #ikevamp arthur wellesley #ikevamp oc #ikevamp crack #ikevamp fanfic #ikevamp fanfiction #ikevamp fluff

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chrysolipsist · 1 year

Text

The Phases of This Particular Weedening

paranoid phase (usually brief for me and more "fun" than "oh shit this is real"... I'm fortunate, I think). a buzz from my phone. I got an email. For some reason I feel a sense of dread in that moment, although I have no reason why. It is a notification about a price change on a flight that I've been tracking. But when I open up the email I see a notification about tracking and for a brief moment I feel a tremendous wave of fear as I think, why is google telling me someone is tracking me?

creative thinking phase (the one that you think is extremely entertaining in the moment and think other people would appreciate but in reality that's probably not the case.). So, like, would a "furry" person prefer to go to a veterinary hospital than to the regular hospital?

the glustony phase (lust and gluttony) (the one where your senses are heightened and you know it and you are ready to write poetry about eating or fucking). We must get another piece of apple pie from the kitchen. It will be glorious, you know it will be glorious. As you mush that slice of apple and bit of crumb topping into the corners of your mouth and let the sugary goodness wash over your tongue. Imagine--and now do it. Feel the texture, notice the tartness of the granny smith apple that these were made with. The one your wife made them with because she knows you like the tartness that they impart, in fact they're your favorite kind of apple. That's because she's the sweetest and most beautiful woman on earth and you need to count your blessings instead of magnifying every bad thing that happens to you. Anyway, getting back to the pie, it really is so fucking good. Let's eat the rest of what's on our plate. Oh, fuck yes.

the reminiscent phase (the one where you simply remember, and sometimes reflect.). My grandmother was Japanese. She was born in the 1930s, before World War II, and emigrated to the US in the sixties. She often looked after me when I was young. Although I knew she could speak pretty good and proper English she tended to code-switch to this sort of relaxed "I-don't-care" mode which she used for pretty much the whole time I knew her. She got a kick out of playing dumb to people who might be irritated with her for some reason: saying "oh, so sorry" while laying the accent on extra thick. I remember she had certain funny ways of saying things. She used a lot of onomatopoeia. I remember her describing a microwave or toaster oven as "the ping" because of the sound it made. I also remember her describing a train to me when I as very young by saying 「チュウチュウポポ」 (I won't tell you how to say it: you have to go to google translate, paste it into the Japanese side and have it speak it to hear how it sounds). and I remember her saying 「ひやひや」 referring to the feeling of being overwhelmed by a shock or surprise that proved not to be anything to actually worry about after all-- a false alarm. And I remember her telling me stories, none of the content I remember much of anymore, but they were sometimes funny, and I imagine many of them were things she heard in Japan when she was young. One of them was about a man who was asked by a king what the best feeling in the world was. The man answers that the best feeling in the world is taking a shit. The king's retainers are offended that the man say such a thing in the king's presence and are ready to punish him, but the king stops them, saying, "No--this man has spoken the truth!" And I remember putting the love seat next to the sofa to make a large bed when I stayed the night at my grandparents' house. On nights when my dad was out playing guitar in a bar somewhere, and my mom was tagging along or doing her own thing. And I remember the times with my folks picking me up, maybe sticking around for dinner. Everyone smoking, my dad drinking a Miller High Life and they ordered pizza. I'm not eating toppings at this point, I don't like it yet. Only crust. I was maybe 5 or 6 years old. I remember the console television - ZENITH - with that bricklike remote with shiny metal buttons. I have never seen any other remote like it. Having metal buttons on a TV remote these days seems unthinkable. I remember watching Barney Miller on that TV, and distinctly remember the credits with the city in the background and the fusion-jazz theme. A sound I liked even then and still today, anything with a Rhodes piano and a funky bass line is extraordinarily appealing to my ears.

the suddenly very talkative phase (the one where you could talk to anyone about anything and it would be the most interesting conversation you've ever heard. Or you can talk about yourself in excruciating detail--way more than anyone would need to know). So tell me about what you do for a living. Oh, you're a grocery clerk in the produce department? I used to do that job. I did that job for about five years, close to six years. Through most of college including the first year of grad school. Even though I was getting an assistantship I worked in the grocery store on the weekends because I liked having the extra money. Although that assistantship check paid more than I'd ever made in my entire life to that point working at the grocery store--and everybody knows grad students get paid like shit, so you can only imagine what it's like being a grocery store clerk trying to get ahead. Especially when they take your fucking hours away at times when it's supposedly "light" even though your store is always busy as fuck because there's no other competing store anywhere in the area to take away customers so that's bullshit. Like it was going to ruin the company by you getting a whopping extra $25 for those four fucking hours while the fucking cash registers in the front are sending two dozen $100 customers out the door every twelve minutes (or something like that). Oh yes, I have a friend who still does that job in the same fucking store and it sounds as miserable as it ever was. The only good thing about that job was that I made friends there and liked working with everyone in the store. All of the store workers were great. But the upper management... actually, there wasn't anything wrong with the upper management at the store level. It was all the regional people coming in and telling them what to do, micromanaging all the details of the operation of the store as if the people that actually work in a fucking store all day don't know what they're doing as opposed to you fuckers going from store to store and doing nothing but poking your goddamn noses into every little thing acting like you're doing some kind of 1910s scientific management with a fucking stopwatch. But you know fuck-all about anything you're talking about because you've never done it yourself in the middle of a pre-holiday rush. Fuck you. Fuck. You. FUCK. YOU.

the meta phase (self-explanatory). Oh christ I have to come up with some other phases of being high. But they have to be entertaining, and not encourage me to go into embarrassing personal details or depressing things. Like some of your health issues. Like why do you get kidney stones and why do you get these other symptoms that no one wants to read about and look at you doing that thing you said you didn't want to do, you're doing it right now, stop it! Think about something else-- we don't want to ruin our high by dwelling on problems, we can think about those some other time. Oh shit now we're not writing a good example of the "meta" phase anymore are we? Okay, now we are again. Is this sustainable? How long can I go on before I run out of words to belch out about being in this "meta" phase? Probably not that long, so I better come up with some other phases to do. Or maybe I'm just allowing myself to drift from one node to another in my high, like as the neural networks within myself are being stimulated and new connections open through branches they weren't going through before... Oh look now we're going into another phase just now, let's give it a name and keep going.

the weed scientist phase (where you come to a deeper understanding of being high through your lived experience). Yes, I have theories about what's going on right now. Like, your unconscious mind being like a sort of fluid in constant motion, with waves on the surface that occasionally wash up a few thoughts on the shore of your mind. Your conscious mind is only the thin skin on a nucleus containing multitudes. [Wow, what a great phrase!] Being high is like wind blowing against the waves, washing more stray thoughts ashore. Things you might not have thought about before, or thought about in that way, emerge from the ether of your unspeaking mind.

the wandering phase (where every topic is a precarious touchstone). I remember once hearing a British guy use the word "might'nt" and I thought, wow, I can't imagine an American using that particular contraction, although "might not" is by no means an unusual phrase to use in American English. Another peculiar sort of phrasing I rarely hear in British English is a curious use of the word "do." There's a video recording of some old British people with a phone or camera or something trying to record video, and one of them says something like "I don't know whether it lets you take pictures," and another one says "but it must do." In the classic Dr. Who episode "Spearhead from Space" you can hear The Brigadier utter the words "but he can't do." I feel like the phrasing "but it must" or "but it must do that" sound normal but "but it must do" has an unusual tempo to it. Breaking the iambic pentameter! That's what it's doing! Think about it. "But, it-must." "But, it-must, do-that." Those phrases make sense in an English meter! But, consider: "but, it-must, do."

the introspective phase. (the one where you converse with yourself). What doors hath this substance unlocked? Imagine what could happen if you could think with your whole mind. We are figuring things out naturally--barely thinking about them, we perceive the solution instantly and can readily describe it. Is this stuff making me temporarily smarter? (I do worry it may dull memory.) What if intelligence is just the set point for the amount of "mental surface area" you have, and what if this expanding it or allowing a new substrate for connections to form? Were that the case it would probably come at some cost. I wonder if this flexing of the brain is damaging in the long run. I do wonder if my increased use of late has made me more forgetful. I sometimes feel like it takes me longer to recall names. But we're talking about things like some actor or actress in some movie or maybe something that happened ten years ago. Not about fresh memories about people and things closer at hand. Anyhow I think you are writing pretty articulately, certainly with more verbal poise than you normally infuse in your quotidian technical writing. Maybe this stuff doesn't make you more intelligent but it may either rebalance or move your center from the left side of your brain to the right. But there was once a time in your life when you felt that you were definitely right-brained and not left-brained. Today you feel more left-brained, or at least in the center.

the tired of doing the "phase" thing and am ready to just free-form phase. (Sick of the gimmick). Back to reality. This will have to be the last time we do this for a while. We can't sustain this. And you definitely don't need to eat tons of junk food. Hey, lay off. I didn't eat badly today. I had a crepe for lunch and some sushi for dinner. And then a couple pieces of pie, then a few servings of pretzels before you remembered there was cold pizza in the fridge and wouldn't that just go down great right now--the bites from the center of the pizza seem better cold than when hot and floppy. At least from this place. But unfortunately this is the best pizza place we really have in this town. Or at least the most convenient one to order delivery from. Anyway yes I know I probably ought not to do this so much. So tell you what. We won't get stoned tomorrow. We'll give it a few days and do something else. Either that or we can stick to just a half dose so we can continue doing normal things without getting worked into a "oh, I'm high now so I better make the most of it" like why do you always have to optimize your experience? Why can't you just passively accept things as they are in the moment. Sometimes I do that-- I tell myself, don't optimize, just experience. But there's a part of me that always thinks, oh, it could just be this much better... and I spent more effort in curating my high than actually experiencing it. Maybe let someone else be the DJ and just let it wash over you.

The tired of writing this phase.

#weed thoughts

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cognitosclowns · 2 years

Note

hello!!! In the reddit AMA, Shion mentioned that Robotus can only taste in 2 dimensions. Do you have any headcanons about maybe Robotus maybe getting an upgrade to taste? Maybe some NSFW thoughts? Thank you!

GKRKRKGRKGK ANON THIS IS GONNA BE AN ESSAY I HAVE TOO MANY THOUGHTS

NSFT BELOW

tw : nausea and vomiting, alcohol. Also Horrific Combinations of Food.

EHEHEHEHEHE THIS IS GONNA BE A LONG ONE, GENERAL STUFF FIRST

ALRIGHT so <3333,, it really is a He Didn't Know What He Was Missing situation?

CAUSE,,, AB has literally zero frame of reference for taste?? The most he can make out is Corrosive and Non Corrosive... which is basically There Is Now A Hole In His Tongue Ouch VS A Slight Temperature Change, Maybe A Textural Difference.

SO HE DOESN'T REALLY GET WHY YOU MAKE SUCH A SAD FACE WHEN HE TELLS YOU HE CAN'T TASTE ANYTHING????

The only reason he decides to give himself taste buds is bc you Insist smdnsmd he probably wouldn't bother otherwise.

he DOES have a stomach... kinda - its a tank he can remove and plug into an incinerator!!

AWE BUT <333

OKAY BUT <333 he doesn't have the human flaw of what I like to call Stomach Hurty (tm). He can eat nearly anything so long as it isn't,,, corrosive. this means that this man will create the most batshit combinations of food

Every single time you've asked the question 'hey what would an orbeez taste like - oh wait no that'd kill me' WELL GUESS WHAT IT WON'T KILL HIM.

HIS BODY DOESN'T GIVE HIM THE SIGNALS OF 'oh god spit that out its gonna kill you' NOPE HES GONNA FUCKIN GO FOR IT AND LOVE EVERY SECOND.

Just,, taking a bite out of a whole lemon like it's an apple bc He Likes The Tingle. You come into the kitchen to make yourself breakfast and he's sat at the kitchen table with a Bowl Of Dried Herbs eatin it like cereal while he reads. You'll catch him spreading toothpaste on a tea biscuit like nothing is wrong. You can visibly see him debating taking a bite out of the pencil you left on the table because.

I MEAN IT'S USUALLY ALL VERY NICELY PRESENTED BUT IT'S ALSO REPULSIVE. YOU LEARN NOT TO ASK WHAT HE'S EATIN BC,, IT NEVER LOOKS AS WEIRD AS IT ACTUALLY IS????

'oh, what's that?'

'whipping cream, raw eggs and sprinkle of pinesol <3 it creates this fantastic curdling effect :)'

'that's nice dear </3'

YOU LEARN VERY QUICKLY TO NEVER STEAL ANY OF AB'S FOOD BC ITS ONLY RARE OCCASIONS THAT HE EATS FOOD THAT WOULDN'T CAUSE YOUR INSIDES TO BECOME YOUR OUTSIDES.

his first time experiencing spice sure is something <3

'oh that- ow, ow - ah!'

'y- oh it's chili <3 it's spicy! It's supposed to hurt.'

'how have humans survived this long when you actively eat things that hurt you-'

after he gets through his Usual Dramatics he,,, does end up really enjoying spice!!!

Andre and Myc give him Poprocks and he GRABS HIS CHEST IN PANIC BECAUSE OH GOD ITS MOVING. Very cute overall, even if they got Promptly Yelled At directly after.

Mint is a very interesting sensation for him? It's like,, The Flavor Of Cold, Without Being Cold??? When he drinks mint tea you can see his brain buffer bc,, its Hot And Cold What Is This??

same thing with Savory?? It's like,, Three Dimensional Taste - the depth of the meal rather than a Specific Flavor?? But like he'd notice it if it was gone???? the first time he eats a steak he spends a solid 10 minutes just,, trying to Explain Himself. Very cute <3

'No - it tastes like a different taste.'

' 'it tastes like a different taste' BOY HOWDY doesn't that just narrow it down.'

'>:('

'You should have started with that - '(y/n), this tastes different from other tastes i've tasted', I would've got it from the beginning.'

'>:(((((('

LOTSA MOMENT LIKE THAT, ACTUALLY. Esp for describing things that,, Humans Can't Eat?? <333

HIS FAVORITES???

Icecream, Gelato, Sherbet, Sorbet - any variation of Cold and Sugary and Soft. TBH,, overall he really likes sweets? He'll purposefully eat a bunch of your favorite candy so that when you kiss, he tastes like your favorite candy <3

I ALREADY MENTIONED SPICE BUT <333 YEA, he really likes vvv spicy foods. Or just straight spoonfuls of chili powder. It takes him a while to build a tolerance but He Isn't A Quitter >:( he isn't gonna be beaten by some herb who do you think he is smnsmd.

OVERALL?? Super Intense Flavors. Very Sour, Very Sweet, etc. 100% Dark Chocolate, White Vinegar,

'Darling I don't have a liver, please stop looking at me like that >:(' yea he really likes Alcohol!! It's still jarring to see him finish an entire bottle of Vodka within an hour smndsmd - he can't get drunk, it just has a very Sharp Taste that he enjoys!!

<3 Toast, burnt to ratshit. Practically cinders. you're convinced that if he held it too hard it'd turn to ash. the correct way to eat toast 1v1 me

OH HE ALSO LIKES TEA <3 he mostly drinks it bc it smells like a garden!! How delightful <3 yea he uses like 7 teabags what about it?

NO BUT THERE'S DEFINITELY A HORNY ANGLE HERE <333

You REFUSE to let him eat anything at first because!!! You want the first thing he tastes to be special!!! It can't just be a cheese toastie or smth, it should be something memora- wait when did he get on his knees-?

OH YEAH <33333

<3 you wanted it to be special, right? <3 there is literally nothing in the world that's more special to him than you. please he is not above begging right now

<3 the sound he makes when his tongue makes contact is akin to a man finding an oasis? <3

you're at least 99% sure he came instantly,,,, but you don't bring it up bc <333 you know he's gonna get flustered, and you wanna make sure he gets to enjoy himself!!!!!

Just this,, fantastically throaty groan as he yanks you closer <333 probably a muffled 'oh fuck - oh fuck' while his tongue explores!!

he <333 needs a minute to process all the feelings n new sensory input - lots of stop-starting?? Like he'll slow down and get this Massive Shiver before continuing??? <3333

OKAY HE MIGHT GET A BIT DISTRACTED FROM,,, y'know your genitals bc he'll get caught up kissing and licking your skin?? The salty-sweet taste is,, Completely New and he's enraptured <3

He doesn't even notice his moaning OR shaking?? Like his hands on your thighs are practically vibrating?? You can feel the vibrations from his mouth all the way down his tongue??? <333 yea he's kinda lost in his own world

<3 all remaining composure is gone when you cum. He's sucking n licking and positively gulping like it's the last meal he'll ever get <333 he looks positively disheveled when he pulls back to look at you.

ORAL BECOMES HIS NEW FAVORITE THING <333 listen you aren't going to work for a solid few days, maybe a week. He needs to figure out how Every Inch of you Tastes <3

EEEEEE FUCK THIS WAS SUCH AN ABSOLUTE BLAST, THANK YOU FOR THIS ASK!!!

#nsft #minors dni #robotus alpha-beta #alpha-beta x reader #alpha-beta #robotus alpha-beta x reader #EEEEE #tw emetophobia #tw nausea #tw alcohol #tw alcohol mention #additional thing?? he can probably isolate specific compounds?? like he could taste poison!!#i love the idea of him... adoring super Weird Flavors. Cause like if you could take a bite outta a tree with no repercussions.. you would.#SO WOULD HE SMDNSMDN #im sorry if you have a garden you'll catch him gently folding some Peonies into his mouth comparing the flavor to Lillies #another option is that he spends ten minutes staring at the floor after taking a bite of bread bc hes Gained A Whole New Sense #HES GONNA BE OVERWHELMED <3 #inside job #SO UHHHH YEA <333 #i feel like even if he couldn't taste he'd like poprocks <3 tingle tingle. he craves sensory stimulation

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rainbowsky · 3 years

Note

hi! as a new 🐢 diving deep into the sugary waters of BJYX, i really appreciate your blog - it's been more or less a lifeline in this confusing fandom! 🙏 I have one q about something that i haven't been able to find much info about so far: what's been DD's reaction to the whole GG(/227) scandal? has he commented on it publicly? i understand this is a sensitive topic for the fandom so if you don't feel like answering, no worries, but was just curious if you have any info about this. thanks!

Thanks for your kind words. I’m glad you’re enjoying my blog. 💛

There are so many excellent reasons why DD didn't make a public statement about the scandal, and he did do some things to show support in a low-key way.

Fake, fan fiction, CPN.

This is a question that comes up quite a bit and I've talked about it in bits and pieces, but I’ll give a more comprehensive answer here so that it’s all in one place.

First of all, DD did show public support for GG in the ways he was able (which is to say, subtly but clearly).

He wore the Gucci ox necklace - which was believed by fans to have been a gift from GG - constantly and openly during the scandal, even though it caused some controversy among his fans who hated the association with GG and didn’t want him to wear it anymore. When the heat from his fans became too much he began wearing it under his shirt, but it was still identifiable because it had a very distinctive box-link chain.

During the filming of SDOC3 he spoke about GG as ‘his friend from the film cast’ who taught him how to eat spicy hot pot. He also wore the ox necklace openly throughout the filming, even wearing it on his wrist as a bracelet at one point.

He continued to use GG-related kadians throughout the scandal.

He continued to make posts that fans believe referred to GG in subtle ways, such as the one where he pointed at his shoes as a pun on XZ as well as the very significant sneakers and ice cream post.

For promotional posters and ads where he was requested to provide a photo, he only used photos from events where GG was also present, even though his fans began to make fun of and complain about it. He still does that to this day.

However there were some really good reasons why he couldn't go beyond that. Let's go over some of that.

It would have made matters worse for GG

Let's face it, DD making a statement would have made matters worse, not better.

The whole scandal started with an erotic fan fiction featuring them both. Had DD waded into the situation by making some sort of a public statement, it would have changed the whole tone of what was happening from being a scandal about “GG's fans reporting an offensive story” to “DD and GG being embroiled in a scandal about erotic fan fiction featuring them.” It would not have looked good for GG or DD.

GG was trying to lie low during that time, and everything that DD does trends on social media. A statement from DD about all of this would have brought more attention at a time when GG was looking for less attention.

DD making a statement could have potentially brought his fans into all of this and instigated fan wars in a way and at a level to which we have never seen. Their fans would have been blaming each other for the fallout of what was happening. It would have been a nightmare. Even as things stand now, the fan wars are pretty awful - even in connection with the scandal last year. Imagine how bad they would have been had DD gotten directly involved. This would have harmed both of them.

Everybody needs to remember the context of all of this. The scandal happened in the midst of a pandemic, and everybody was trying to focus on the health and well-being of the people around them, on their own survival, and on the health their communities. Part of why GG ended up being so hated was because people felt that the scandal was taking up ‘public resources’ or airtime, at a time when it was the last thing people needed. When people are dying and fearing for their lives, it’s in extremely poor taste to be drawing attention to celebrity scandals. Imagine if DD had added more fuel to that fire. That would have hurt both of them tremendously at a time when the country was trying to focus on covid.

GG would have absolutely forbidden anyone close to him from speaking up. One of the things that he seemed to really focus on during the scandal was trying to protect others from the impacts of what was happening to him. DD speaking up would have caused GG a great deal of stress, anxiety and guilt. It would not have made him feel better or have helped him in any way. Quite the contrary.

GG and DD as a couple would have needed to ensure that they were protecting their interests. It would have been completely insane for them to go from just having GG’s career under threat to having both of their careers under threat. Neither of them is that stupid.

It would have made things really bad for DD and those connected with him

There is no doubt in my mind that the people closest to DD would have been strongly, aggressively advising him not to speak publicly about it. Not just his close friends and family, but everybody connected with him professionally. He really wouldn't have had a lot of choice in the matter, because people looking out for him and the interests of everything and everyone connected to him would have not permitted him to do a statement.

Most importantly, there is zero doubt in my mind that GG would have absolutely forbidden DD from saying anything publicly. He would have forbidden him whether they were friends or whether they were romantic partners.

Antis frequently try to paint DD as a self-interested false friend, but they forget that everything DD does has far broader implications than just his own interests. His image and the work he does represents the livelihood of many people beyond just himself.

Everybody that he works with and works for, all of the brands and endorsements that he has and the people connected with those marketing campaigns, DDU and everything connected with it, all the people that he and his team employ, everybody who is involved with his dramas and projects.

Just reflect for a moment on everyone and everything professionally impacted by DD - positively or negatively - and you’ll begin to see that it is a legal, contractual and business decision as much as it is a personal one, and his obligations wouldn’t have permitted him taking that risk.

He is not at liberty to do whatever he wants without any repercussions for other people. He would have had to consider the potential impact on all of those people, partners and projects.

DD speaking up would have had no positive impact whatsoever on the situation

Nothing that DD could have said publicly would have helped the situation for GG. The only possible positive impact that could have come out of it is that GG would have known that he had DD’s support. GG would have already known that, so why take so many risks? Particularly when the only likely outcome of speaking up would have been to make matters worse for both of them and everyone connected with them.

The truly helpful support that DD could provide GG would have been all behind the scenes. Help and support on a personal and emotional level, help and support on a professional level, the help and support of all of the contacts and connections that DD has within the industry.

There was nothing to be gained, yet a lot to be lost, by him speaking publicly about it.

Consider the source

I really want people to internalize that phrase. It's very important to examine claims from a critical perspective, and one of the key ways of doing that is by considering the source.

Take a look at the people who are speaking ill of DD for not standing up for GG publicly during the scandal. Do any of those people hold any credibility for you?

What seems to motivate them?

What do the things they are saying tell you about what their goals might be? If you follow their claims to their logical conclusion, what would you be led to believe or do? Is that an outcome you want to support?

Why is what they are saying important to you personally, and how do their words change your feelings about GG or DD? How might it change your behavior? What does this tell you about the potential intentions of the speaker?

What assumptions are implied by their words, and how do their words reinforce those assumptions?

How does their approach differ with regard to how they treat their own claims vs how they treat the claims of their opponents? Do you think they are being fair? Honest?

What impact do their words have on others, and how might that impact serve the motives and goals of the speaker?

What isn’t being said? What’s been conveniently left out of the discussion?

Is the speaker artificially limiting the possible explanations for things? What are some other possible perspectives on and explanations for what is being claimed?

Without exception, the people who insist that DD should have said something publicly are people who do not have his interests at heart. They are people who want to harm him. If you look at the context of those statements, they are always part of a bigger anti-DD/anti-GGDD agenda.

When you think about it from that perspective, it makes perfect sense that these antis are insisting that DD should have said something. They want to harm him, and his saying something would definitely have harmed him.

I would also go so far as to say that those people are often GG antis as well, who want to turn the fans of GG and DD against each other. This is one of the primary tactics that they use - not just to sow hatred between solos, but also to sow doubt, disillusionment and bitterness in BXG. The more heated any war they can foster between all of those fan groups becomes, the more harm that will be done to both GG and DD.

Why would anyone want to do these things?

Follow the money. GG and DD consistently hold the top spots in terms of star power, opportunities and endorsements. Entertainment is a highly competitive, extremely cutthroat industry, and the tactics used are often brutal. There are black PR companies and teams within rival entertainment agencies that go to great lengths to secure their own market share by using some pretty dirty tricks.

Fandom can be a very emotionally charged, obsessive pursuit. Those interests that can harness the fans toward their goals will be saving themselves a great deal of time and money. Fans who buy into the messaging will often spend hours doing ‘free labor’ of spreading these ideas to others - and no one knows how best to influence other fans quite like the fans themselves.

There is also a LOT of money to be made by gossip websites and other interested parties - including We/ibo. These people make a shit-ton of cash by driving toxic engagement on their platforms. Every click, every comment, every pageview represents money in the bank to them. Studies have shown that negative engagement tends to be far more intense and far more persistent than positive engagement. There is a reason why We/ibo didn’t step in to take action against the people spreading hate about GG last year. To do so would have cut into their bottom line.

As for the solo fans of GG who make these kinds of claims, well it’s pretty obvious why they say these things. They hate DD and hate BXG, and the claims they are making are aimed at discrediting the connection between GG and DD and attacking BXG. They believe they are protecting GG’s image from the perception of being gay.

So like I said, it is always important to consider the source. These people aren't interested in the truth. They are not interested in nuance or reality. They are interested in taking DD down, and often in taking both of them down.

This is why I frequently say that this issue is a huge litmus test for whether somebody is an anti, a toxic solo or a new turtle fan.

People who claim that DD should have spoken up, or who see the fact that he didn't speak up as a sign or measure of his relationship with GG, are antis or toxic fans, or else they are simply uninformed and being swayed by those groups.

What does DD’s ‘silence’ really say about GG and DD’s relationship?

I want to thank @cassycassie for their comment in the notes, because there was one other point I wanted to make and it’s this one - DD’s response to the scandal powerfully shows how much he loves and respects GG.

There was a fake rumor that came out about the scandal, in which it was said that when the scandal broke DD was so upset that GG had to comfort him. We tend to laugh about that rumor because it really has the ring of truth. It’s exactly how I think most of us can picture DD and GG responding. (There were also a lot of fake rumors that talked about how much of a rock DD was to GG during this time, so before people start running away with this and fan-fictionalizing DD as a bratty kid, keep that in mind).

We all know DD enough to know that he would have been losing his mind over this situation. When you think about the response he made - which was to not speak publicly about it - and when you think about his bold, often savage approach with the media and in relation to his career - the fact that DD didn’t make a public statement speaks volumes about how truly mature and responsible he is, and how much respect he has for GG.

Some fans feel that DD’s silence is actually a strong sign that BJYXSZD, and I don’t disagree. He responded exactly how I would expect him to respond if he and GG are really together. He responded in the way I think GG would have insisted he respond, and in such a way as to protect their interests as a couple.

When you think about how hard that must have been for DD, and how much he must have burned inside throughout that time and even up to the present day... it really is notable, and a sign of just how much he loves GG.

#gg scandal #antis go home #solos belong to moling su sect #fandom reflections #love not war #ggdd controversies #ask

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fitzs-trained-monkey · 3 years

Text

Chapter One: Lonely Together

Jack Kline x OC

Rated: PG

~I might hate myself tomorrow

But I'm on my way tonight

Let's be lonely together

A little less lonely together~

Sent: 10:52 PM

Merry Christmas, stranger. I hope yours is as bright as new fallen snow. Stay warm.

I smiled down at my phone before clicking it off and slipping it into my pocket. I didn't know who I had sent the message to. It was just a number I had punched in at random. I didn't expect anyone to reply.

Wrapping my dark green cardigan tighter around my body, I pulled my knees in closer to my chest and pressed myself closer against the wall of the bakery. The wall was only slightly warmer than the frigid air around me. It was December 2nd and icy gales were blowing in from Lake Superior and stinging the skin of the city's occupants.

The sky hung dark, low, and flat over Copper Harbor, Michigan. Copper Harbor was an itty-bitty town at the northern most tip of the northernmost part of Michigan. You know that piece of land that's only connected to the mainland by a highway, that in-between place that really should be Canada, but isn't? That's where Copper Harbor is and that's where I was.

Copper Harbor was the sort of town where newcomers and visitors are as common as flying pigs and are treated with about as much scrutiny. It's not one of those small, friendly towns just off the highway; the ones that are pleasant to find yourself in if you've taken a wrong turn. It's quite the feat to get lost and turn up in Copper Harbor, considering its miles away from anything and everything remotely interesting, unless you're searching for Bigfoot or a drunk Canadian that took a wrong turn. Though those two things might just end up being one and the same. No, nobody came to Copper Harbor unless they had a reason. That's just the sort of place it was. And aside from the mind-numbing cold, it was exactly the sort of place I wanted to be.

The clouds were so heavy with the snow that now drifted down, dusting everything in a layer of fine white powder, it seemed that someone standing on even the lowest rooftop could reach up and touch them. The snowflakes raining down from those clouds gave the appearance of tiny shooting stars. Many would have found the sight beautiful. I didn't. I just found it cold and somewhat depressing. Some people say that shooting stars are angels, falling to the earth to bless the lives of people in need. I've never liked those sorts of stories. The stars belong in the heavens. The dust belongs on the earth. Collecting in puddles, the sparkling, sugar-like ice crystals did nothing to ease the bitter cold. I shivered and coughed, my breath fogging in front of me.

I should have frozen to death hours ago.

But I can't die. At least, not that way.

Suffering, on the other hand, I can do that to no end.

I put my head between my knees, hoping to retain what little heat my walking corpse had to offer. I struggled to remain conscious. The story of the little-match-girl was playing in my head. I'd never liked that story's ending. Hallucinations really weren't my thing, especially hallucinations about things I tried not to think about, the things I tried to burry in the farthest corners of my mind. I had to distract myself, to think about anything that would keep me awake. The problem was, there was nothing to distract me.

Pling!

My phone buzzed in my pocket with a text. I grasped it quickly, greedy for a distraction, but I paused upon seeing the number displayed upon the screen. It was that number I had texted the Merry Christmas message to. Whoever it was had texted me back. I unlocked my phone and peered at the mystery person's message.

Received: 11:18 PM

Merry Christmas to you as well!

The message read. I smiled a little, surprised that anyone would care to return my quiet Christmas wish. The screen of my phone lit up with another message.

Received: 11:19 PM

Who are you?

The question was a simple one. Though tone can often be difficult to infer over written text, the question seemed to bear no hostility, only innocent curiosity. I thought for a bit about what to say, the answer was not as simple as the question had implied.

***

Located quite literally one thousand miles away from Copper Harbor, was the small, out-of-the-way town of Lebanon, Kansas. Now, in the outskirts Lebanon there was a hill. The hill was modestly sized and carpeted with thick grass painted with a layer of frost. Although it was a rather pleasant sight for some stray hiker to find, the hill was really quite unremarkable. That is, if you ignored the hulking steel door built into the side of it that looked like the entrance to a post-apocalyptic hobbit hole. See, built under that hill there was a bunker. It looked like any ordinary bunker if one can ever describe a bunker as ordinary. But inside this ordinary looking bunker, sat something rather extraordinary and his name was Jack.

Jack Kline was quite happy where he was. Sitting with his legs crossed on a chair beside the bunker's fireplace, Jack held Sam's beloved lap-top between his knees. Sam let him borrow it on the nights he couldn't sleep. Those nights were many. Sleepless nights were one of the many side effects of being half-angel, but he didn't really mind. Jack wasn't overly fond of sleep, not like Sam or Dean who adored the few hours they got. Jack would much rather be awake because if he was asleep then he couldn't observe. He liked to observe. He loved learning. He loved taking in anything and everything going on around him, soaking it all up like a sponge with legs. He especially loved to soak up a story. Epic ones with heroes that defeat powerful villains. Jack loved stories.

So, no; Jack Kline was not overly fond of sleep. No, Jack preferred to just sit quietly and watch those epic stories as they played out in front of him on the screen of Sam's lap-top.

Currently, he was watching Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The computer had said he would like it, and the computer had been right. He had just finished season 2 and had begun on season 3. Some small voice in the back of his mind told him he should slow down and draw the series out a little longer, but Jack just couldn't find the will to do so. This story was just too good to stop. Jack shoved a hand full of popcorn in his mouth as he pressed the play button on the next episode. He had managed to sneak several bags of popcorn from the kitchen and into the secret stash in his room a few nights earlier. It was perfect, except popcorn needed to be popped and popping the kernels without attracting notice was a bit of a challenge. But he found that if he popped them during the day, when everyone was clamoring about and busy with whatever, the noise from the popping kernels wouldn't peak any suspicion. The only downside to his strategy was that it left him with cold popcorn. Though this too could be remedied via his angel powers, if he was careful about it, he could warm up the popcorn undetected.

Now, don't get the impression that Jack was being starved, or held in this bunker against his will, or something awful like that. As was mentioned before, Jack was very happy there. The Winchesters, Sam and Dean, and the angel Castiel, lived there with him and took care of him. They were his family and Jack loved them. The only reason he had a secret stash at all was because Sam was the only one in the bunker who cared about the importance of having a somewhat healthy diet. Whereas Dean let the boy eat pretty much anything he wanted and Cas- well in Cas's mind food was food and that's all there was to it. But Sam didn't like it when he caught Jack eating what he referred to as 'junk food'.

Somehow, Sam always caught him.

"That stuff’ll rot your teeth, Jack!" He'd sigh, as he'd flip on the kitchen light and catch Jack eating cereal sometime around midnight. Then he'd look at Jack with a disappointed look on his face until Jack threw the cereal away and went back to bed. Jack hated it when Sam looked at him like that, he just couldn't bear to let the Winchesters down.

But Jack loved to eat. Eating was enjoyable as it brought with it something new every time. Yet more things to absorb and to experience. Although the younger Winchester disapproved of the more sugary foods; Jack liked those a whole lot more than the salads Sam tried to get him to eat. Jack didn't like the salads or 'Rabbit Food' as Dean called it. No, Jack liked popcorn a quite a bit more.

He smiled as he brought another handful into his mouth. Yes, Jack Kline quite enjoyed eating.

Plip! Ploop!

Jack's head swiveled away from the screen to stare at the phone laying face-up on the arm rest of the chair in which he sat. The screen was alight with a text message. He picked up the phone and unlocked it. The message read:

Received: 10:52 PM

Merry Christmas, stranger. I hope yours is as bright as new fallen snow. Stay warm.

That was all. Jack was quite confused; he didn't know that number. Who had sent the text? What should he do? Should he say something back?

Curiosity and caution struggled in a match tug-of-war in his head. He wanted to know who the message had come from. He wanted to know why that person had sent it. He also wanted to know why he had a strange feeling that whoever had sent the message was horribly sad. But would the Winchesters be mad at him if he answered? Sam and Dean had given him the phone just a few days earlier.

"For emergencies," Sam had said as he laid the device in Jack's hand before resuming his packing. Jack had stared at it, rather confused as to its purpose. Castiel had been off somewhere doing something and Sam and Dean had been leaving for a hunt, leaving him alone which Dean was completely and utterly against.

"Only for emergencies," Dean had stressed, jabbing his finger in Jack's general direction as he inspected various articles of clothing before tossing them into a duffle bag. "That means don't text or call unless someone is breaking in or you're dying!"

Sam shot his older brother a warning look. Dean ignored it and pulled a pair of socks out of his dresser, sniffing them briefly before making a face and chucking them to the other side of the room. Jack looked back down at the small black rectangle in his palm.

"Okay so, only text or call in case there's an emergency. Got it." Jack clinched the thin black box between his thumb and forefinger, carefully lifting it up as if it might explode in his face. "But, one question, if something happens like-like you said, like somebody breaking in or me dying, how-how would I do that?" He asked, looking back at the two brothers. They both froze their hasty packing and pivoted to stare at him, their eyebrows raised with disbelieving question.

"What?" Dean asked the young Nephilim. Jack shrank away a little, not wanting to upset the older Winchester.

"How do I text or call you? I don't know how to do that," Jack had timidly replied. Dean just shook his head and returned to over-stuffing the duffle. Sam, however, was much more understanding.

"That's right, you-you don't, do you?" Sam asked, realizing his mistake. Jack turned his attention to the younger of the brothers, shaking his head in an answer to Sam's question.

"Unbelievable," Dean muttered, rolling his eyes. Sam shot him another glare which Dean merely shrugged off.

"Well, come on then, I'll teach you," Sam had said. Jack watched as Sam set the contacts and explained how everything worked. He showed Jack how to send a text, how to dial and answer a call, and all the other things Jack would need to know. Jack just watched him and took note of every little thing. Watching and replicating was how Jack learned best.

"Now, if I don't answer my phone, you call Dean. But if he doesn't pick up, I want you to call me again, if I still don't answer a second time, I want you to call this number right here. That's Jody Mills, she's a friend of ours and she'll help you, alright? You get all that?" Sam finished explaining and looked for Jack to confirm his understanding. Jack nodded.

"I got it!" He said, enthusiastically. Sam gave the young boy a nervous smile.

"You do? Can you repeat it back to me?" Sam asked Jack the question the same way Sam and Dean's father had always asked them.

"If something happens, call you, and if you don't answer, call Dean. If Dean doesn't answer then I call you again, but if you still don't pick up, then call Jody Mills." Jack repeated all of Sam's instructions perfectly, grinning proudly at the younger Winchester when he finished. Sam laughed a little, but nerves twinged his voice.

"Good, yeah. Okay," Sam paused, thinking things over, "You know what, Jack? If neither of us answer your call and it's really that urgent, don't bother calling me a second time. Just call Jody right away if you can't get through to either of us. Alright?"

"Alright!" Jack nodded, grinning. Sam nodded back, stiffly.

"Alright." He seemed like he wanted to say something else but didn't know how to say it.

"You two done in there, Sammy?! We gotta go!" Dean called, walking in from another room. Sam stood and looked at his brother.

"Uh, yeah. I think we're good," He took a few steps towards the stairs that lead up to the door before pausing and turning back to Jack, "We're good, right? You're gonna be okay here by yourself?" Sam asked again. Jack grinned and gave him a thumbs up.

"I'll be fine. You don't have to worry."

Sam nodded and smiled with so much nervousness it almost hurt to watch.

"Okay, good. It's good. We're good," He said, nodding and trying to reassure himself more than anyone else. Dean raised an eyebrow at his overly anxious little brother, tugging his old leather jacket on over his shoulders, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he directed his remarks at Jack.

"Hey, kid. Whatever you do, don't do anything stupid," He'd said, half glaring, "We'll be back in a few days." Then they'd left.

Now, Jack glanced back down at the phone in his hands, remembering Dean's warning about not doing anything stupid. But his curiosity regarding the sender of the message was overwhelming. It couldn't hurt to text this person back, right? Was that what Dean had meant by his warning? Did this count as something stupid? What was the worst that could happen? Deciding that the benefits outweighed the risks, he texted back.

Sent: 10:18 PM

Merry Christmas to you as well!

Jack wrote.

Sent: 10:19 PM

Who are you?

No sooner had asked his question, he began to worry that he might have sounded rude. He waited with anticipation for the mystery person to reply. He didn't have to wait long.

Received: 10:20 PM

It doesn't matter, you don't know me.

I'm just someone wanting to give you a warm holiday wish.

Jack frowned. Again, he got the distinct feeling that the person on the other side of this conversation was deeply saddened by something. He desperately wanted to know what. So, he did the thing he did best. He asked and waited to see what would happen.

***

Received: 11:21 PM

If you don't know me, why do you care?

I don't mean to be rude. I'm just curious.

Why do this?

I read the person's question once, then twice, then three times and I realized that I didn't have an answer. Why did I care? Why was I texting some random person a Christmas wish? For all I knew, this person may not even observe the holiday. I had so many of my own things to worry about I was nearly drowning in them. I didn't know this person. I had nothing to do with them. So, why did I care about their holiday season? Why was I doing this?

I told myself it was just a random act of kindness. But deep down I knew what the reason was, and even if I didn't want to think about it, I felt it in my heart. I was doing this for the same reason I did everything. So, I took a few moments and came up with a reply.

Sent: 11:25 PM

I'm doing this because I believe that no one should ever have to be alone,

especially during the holidays.

I sent my reply and remembered to keep on shivering. I could hardly feel the cold anymore, I had gone almost completely numb. But I knew if I didn't keep moving, I would surely freeze in place and be unable to move until spring came. I vaguely wondered how cold it was. I remembered having heard on someone's car radio that this was supposed to be the coldest winter Michigan had experienced in the last decade. Though winter had only just begun, it was already cold enough for the district council to be suggesting face coverings to prevent citizens from getting frostbite and losing their nose.

I sneezed. I had no such face covering. Hell! I didn't even have a jacket! Let alone a coat or anything mildly warm. All I had was my oversized green cardigan, my black Star Wars t-shirt and my black jeans. That was it. Yet here I sat, outside a bakery in well below freezing temperatures, shivering myself into next decade.

I could go to a shelter. At least there I wouldn't have to endure the bitter biting of the wind as it gushed with double its normal force through these tight, abandoned alleyways. But if I went to a shelter then there was no chance of leaving undetected, I reminded myself. No, it was better to stay here, cold and alone, than to risk human contact.

I was pulled from my thoughts by another pling from my phone. Another message from that unknown contact.

Received: 11: 27

Are you alone?

Again, the question was simple. And although the mere thought hurt like a knife twisting in a fresh wound, I looked around at the dark, trash littered alleyway I sat in, watching the scattered rags of paper flutter and tumble in the winter gales, and I looked at the brutally beautiful puddles of speckled ice gathering along my body and melting on my skin, and I examined the bleak night sky, choked starless by the drifting dreary clouds; and the utterly silent stillness of the sleeping city revealed the harsh reality of my answer.

No one was here.

Nobody cared.

Not even the stars would keep me company. Because the stars never cared who I was.

So, with no reason to keep the truth hidden. I answered the question honestly.

Sent: 11: 29 PM

Yes.

Sent: 11: 30 PM

I am alone.

I was completely and utterly alone.

***

Received: 10: 30 PM

I am alone.

Once again Jack got the distinct impression that these words carried a heavy burden. It made him frown. What could he do to help a person he didn't even know? He wanted to ask this person if they had any friends, but something about those words told him the answer. When this person had said they were alone, Jack got the feeling they weren't just talking about the current moment. But maybe that's what this person needed. Maybe they needed a friend.

Sent: 10: 32 PM

Well, I'll be your friend and talk to you. There, now you're not alone anymore!

Jack smiled as he sent the text. The reply didn't take long.

Received: 10: 33 PM

Thank you.

You don't have waste your time on me but thank you.

It didn't take any special powers to read in between the lines this time, anyone could see the sadness in those words. Though Jack wasn't sure if it was his powers causing that strange feeling or if he was just imagining things.

Sent: 10:34 PM

I don't mind. Really!

Besides, I don't have anyone to talk to either.

Received: 10: 35 PM

Well, in that case, we can be lonely together!

Jack grinned. He'd made himself a friend. He couldn't wait to get to know them.

***

Received: 11: 36 PM

Since we're friends now, what's your name?

I smiled down at my new mystery friend's message. There was something about the words that made them seem innocent and earnest. It couldn't hurt to give my name, right? It’s not like he could find me. After all, I'm supposed to be dead.

Sent: 11: 37 PM

My name is Martina.

I sent my name and waited for the response. It came quickly.

Received: 11: 38 PM

I like your name Martina!

It's very pretty.

I flinched as I read the text. Something about seeing my name written in the text brought me back to a conversation with a different person a long time ago. It was a painful memory, and I didn't want to see it anymore. I didn't want another reminder of the still bleeding wounds in my heart. I remembered why I didn't let anyone call me that name anymore.

Sent: 11: 39 PM

Thank you.

But I would prefer you call me Marty.

I didn't want to be so sensitive to things like this, but I just couldn't help it.

Received: 11: 40 PM

Alright! I like Marty too.

It's a fun name.

I smiled; grateful they didn't ask why it was so important that they called me by a nickname.

Sent: 11: 41 PM

Thanks for understanding.

So, what's your name?

Received: 11: 42 PM

My name is Jack!

I grinned to myself. I'd made me a friend. I just couldn't wait to get to know him.

Sent: 11: 43 PM

Heya, Jack!

It’s nice to meet you!

I think this is the beginning of a wonderful friendship.

Received: 11: 44 PM

I agree, Marty. We are going to be great friends!

Sent: 11: 45 PM

So, what's your favorite movie?

And just like that, we talked until the sun came up. And suddenly, for the first time in quite a while, I wasn't completely alone.

***

"Hey, uh, Jack? We're back!"

Sam's voice drifted in from just outside Jack's bedroom door. Jack was surprised. He hadn't heard the brothers come in which, for him, was quite peculiar.

The door creaked open and Jack hastily attempted to pretend like he hadn't been using the phone.

He failed.

Miserably.

The device slipped from his hand and he fumbled to catch it before it smashed against the grey, polished concrete floor. He let out a sigh of relief as he snatched it just in time.

Sam peered around the door, checking in on Jack, who was now hanging halfway off his bed and clutching the phone. Scrambling to sit upright, Jack gave Sam a half-panicked smile.

"Hi Sam!" He waved a greeting, shoving his phone behind his back. Sam raised his eyebrows in a questioning expression and stepped into the room, shutting the door behind him. He folded his arms and leaned back on his heels.

"Hey Jack," Sam seemed a little distracted, "Have you seen Cas?" He asked. Jack shook his head vigorously.

"He's not back yet," He answered. Sam nodded and started to leave before stopping and turning back. Only now seeming to notice Jack's odd behavior. Sam gestured at the phone hidden behind the boys back,

"So, what were you doing in here just now?" Jack's eyes flew wide as quarters and his gaze shifted rapidly around the room, focusing on anywhere but Sam. His mind was working overtime trying to find a viable excuse.

"Uhhhh...Nothing!" Jack tried; his brain had gone blank. Sam raised an eyebrow.

"You sure about that?" Sam leaned forward a little, narrowing his eyes. Jack leaned back to match; his face scrunched up with the guilt he was trying very hard to hide. Everyone in the bunker knew how terrible Jack was at lying. He might be able to pass a few simple fibs by a stranger, but his family saw through him like he was made of glass. He couldn't deceive them. But that didn't stop him from trying, however.

"Yes..." Jack said slowly, his eyebrows pulling together in a rather sad attempt at looking sincere.

"Jack, what were you doing?" Sam asked more sternly. Jack looked at his feet and didn't answer. His shoulders moved up and down in a shrug.

"Do I have to go get Dean?" Sam pressed. Now Jack's head shot up. He stretched his hands out in a pleading gesture.

"No, no! Don't tell Dean!" Jack begged. Sam's expression shifted into one of concern.

"If you tell me, I won't tell Dean." Sam agreed, moving to sit on the bed beside Jack who shifted to give him some space. Sam waited patiently for the young Nephilim to speak. Jack kept his head down and rubbed his hands together nervously as he tried to think of how he should explain himself.

"Well, last night I was watching Netflix when I got this text from somebody wishing me a merry Christmas-" He started.

"Someone we know?" Sam asked, interrupting. Jack shook his head and continued.

"I asked them why they would do that, and they said it was because they thought that nobody should be alone this time of year. So, I asked if they were alone and they said, yes ─" Jack looked the younger Winchester in the eyes ─

"I don't know why but I just got this- this feeling, and they sounded just so sad, and now we're friends! But Dean said not to do anything stupid, and now I'm worried that I did! Are you mad?" Jack finished, worry coloring his features. Sam blinked. Once again astounded by the size of the half-angel's heart, he shook his head.

"No, Jack. I'm not mad," He said, softly.

"Really?"

"Really. I think you did a good thing. Everyone needs a friend." Sam patted Jack's shoulder and smiled. Jack looked down, grinning to himself as pride filled his chest.

Sam waited a moment before getting up from the bed. Stretching his back out and groaning a bit as he stood. It had been almost 48 hours since he last slept, and he was more than ready for a long nap. His hand rested on the doorknob and he paused a moment before turning back around.

"Hey, uh, Jack. Just one more thing. Do you by chance know this person's name?" Sam asked. Jack looked up briefly before looking back at the floor again, trying to hide the embarrassment creeping up to stain his cheeks.

"It's, uh, it's Marty," He replied. Sam nodded and moved to leave again but he stopped. His eyebrows pulled down with confusion before he turned back.

"And uh, is that a boy's name or a girl's name? Do you know?" Jack turned his head a bit to the side and picked at a thread in his jeans.

"Does it matter?" He questioned back. Truthfully, it didn't. Sam wouldn't make Jack stop if he didn't want to. But to say that the boy's current evasive behavior didn't pique his interest, would be a lie. Though, the kid’s flushed cheeks told him quite a bit about the answer.

"It doesn't matter," Sam said, shrugging, "I'm just curious is all." The tall man watched the boy's reaction. Jack nodded and shifted as if uncomfortable.

"Marty's a girl." He answered, trying to force his voice into sounding nonchalant. And failing.

"Okay, cool." Sam nodded, turning around again, and reaching for the handle. Jack's head whipped around.

"Wait, Sam!"

Sam looked over his shoulder.

"Hmm?"

"Don't. Tell. Dean!" Jack stressed. Urgency was evident in his voice. Sam huffed a laugh.

"Okay, Jack." With that, Sam pulled open the door and walked out letting the heavy steel swing shut behind him. Behind the door, Jack sighed with relief. He'd dodged a bullet with that one.

Walking a ways down the hall, Sam got to Dean's room where his older brother was now unpacking. The younger brother leaned on the door frame and expelled the laughter he'd been holding on to since Jack’s room. Dean turned around, holding a pistol and a pair of weeks old and hopelessly blood caked socks in his hands, he faced Sam with a questioning look.

"What's got you so giggly all of a sudden?" The older of the brother's asked.

Dean glanced at the pair of socks in his hand. He grimaced at the stench and held them further away from his face, trying not to breathe. It didn't work. The socks odor was so pungent, Dean could smell them through his mouth. There was no hope of washing them. Nope, those things would have to be burned. Though, taking another whiff of them, Dean wasn't sure that even incinerating the socks would do him much good now. The stomach-turning stink would be branded into his memory forever. Sam straightened up, shaking his head of shoulder length hair.

"It's just something Jack said." Sam smiled and laughed again before taking notice of the unholy stench wafting off the socks. He coughed. "Dude, those stink. Bad!"

"Yeah, it's a sad day, Sammy." Dean nodded solemnly. Sam covered his nose.

"Why?"

"These were my second luckiest pair of socks."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"Well, they're not anymore," Sam pointed out. Now, they were just rancid.

"I think we should give em' a Viking funeral, something to honor their service. I mean, I remember one time when I wore these things for two weeks straight!" Dean reminisced, grinning. Sam looked mildly disturbed.

"That's, uh... nice... But, uh, is there somewhere we could put them before the funeral? Because they, uh, they reek." Sam was trying hard not to gag and couldn't understand how Dean could be holding them and remain unaffected. Dean smirked.

"You wanna go put em' somewhere?" He asked, waving the socks into Sam's face. Sam leaned away.

"Ah! God! No! Put those things somewhere! Please!" He choked out. Dean just grinned and moved to the other side of the room. Grabbing a cardboard box from off the shelf, he shoved the socks in there and sealed the lid. The stench quickly began to dissipate.

"Better?"

"Yeah, thanks."

"We're gonna have to burn that box too."

"Yup." Sam still felt a little sick but at least the socks were gone.

"So, what was it Jack said that you thought was so funny?" The older brother asked.

"Oh, uh, nothing. It was nothing," Sam said. But laughter began to creep up on him again. Dean rolled his eyes and went back to pulling more dirty clothing from the duffle bag.

"Are ya gonna stand there or are ya gonna spill?" Dean pushed. Sam sobered up again.

"Well, I'm not supposed to tell you," He said.

Dean shook his head, mildly annoyed. He knew Sam was going to tell him whatever juicy information he had gotten, just like he always did when he got that sly look on his face. Sam could be a bit of a schoolgirl that way. Except, of course, when it came to the important things, the things Dean was supposed to know. Those things Sam always kept to himself.

"Well, Sammy, if you ain’t gonna spill─" he used the gun in his hand to gesture from Sam to the duffle bag─ "get workin'."

The younger Winchester moved to the bag and started unpacking, grinning his face off all the while. Dean knew his little brother was waiting for him to ask about the thing with Jack again, so he said nothing. He just waited for Sam to look over to him eagerly, which is exactly what Sam did.

"So get this!" Sam started.

'Here it comes.' Dean predicted internally. Sam kept starring.

'Yatzee.' Dean thought. He knew Sam like the back of his hand. Actually, he probably knew his brother better than that.

"Apparently, Jack got a text from some random person last night wishing him merry Christmas. And, well, you know Jack! So he─" Dean stopped his brother mid-sentence.

"What's her name?" He interrupted. Sam looked confused.

"I didn't say anything about a girl," Sam trailed off. Dean sighed and shook his head.

"Geez, Sammy! If you love drama so much, you should go be an actor. You ain't foolin' anybody. We both know where this is goin' so just cut to the chase!" Dean sighed, opening a trunk and tossing in the gun he'd been holding along with several knives. His small outburst had startled his younger brother, but Dean didn't really care. Sam wasn't the only one who hadn't slept in 48 hours. Sleep was calling and Dean wanted nothing more than to answer. Sam frowned.

"Marty. The girl's name is Marty," Sam stated, sounding rather put out that Dean had guessed at his not-so-cleaver ploy. The older if the pair turned to the younger with a perplexed expression.

"Wait, wait. Marty?" He clarified. Amused disbelief written all over his features.

"Marty," Sam confirmed.

"Marty?"

"Yeah. Marty."

"Like the zebra in Madagascar, Marty?" Dean asked, grinning. Sam nodded.

"Yeah, like that. But remember, you didn't hear anything from me!" He answered, smiling as well. Dean laughed as he turned his attention back to the mess of clothing and weapons surrounding him on the floor.

"Yeah, whatever, drama queen." Dean rolled his eyes and kept working. The room was silent for a moment before the older Winchester burst out laughing again. He couldn't help himself; he found the subject hilarious.

"Ah, man. Marty! Now there's a name!" He exclaimed as he started folding the few clean clothing items laying in the pile. "What? Did her parents just take one look at her and say: 'Look at our beautiful baby! Let's name her Marty!'" Dean scoffed.

Sam snorted and shook his head at his older brother's bad joke. Then he leaned his head back and yawned.

"Man, I think we need some sleep," Sam sighed. Dean smirked.

"Is it your bedtime already?" He taunted, expecting a playful retort. But this time, Sam didn't argue. He just nodded.

"Yeah, I think it is." Though worried about his little brother, Dean held his playful smirk in place perfectly, just like he had been doing for so many years.

"Well, you go ahead and hit the sack. I'll finish up here." He said, easily. Even though he was just as tired and Sam was, he would finish out like always. Sam raised an eyebrow.

"You sure?"

"Yeah, o'course. There's not much left anyway." That was a lie and they both knew it, but Sam took the offer of sleep while it was on the table.

"Thanks, Dean."

"You're welcome, Sammy."

Sam patted his older brother on the arm as he stood and left the room. Traveling down the corridor he got to his bedroom and was out as soon as his head hit the pillow.

Meanwhile, Dean mouthed the strange name of Jack's mystery girl and chuckled about it to himself. Sitting on the floor in his room as he continued folding the rest of the clean clothes, cleaning out all the weapons and putting everything back in its place. The chore took him two more hours to complete but when it was done, he stretched himself out and laid back on his bed.

"Marty. Now, that's hilarious." Dean snickered to himself as he drifted off to sleep.

~I might hate myself tomorrow.

But I'm on my way tonight.

Let's be lonely together.

A little less lonely together~

Lyrics from: Lonely Together by Jasmine Thompson

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hws-cernunnos · 3 years

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Italian 101:expressing romantic love and attraction

As promised I'm back with the romantic version of this post :D Link

As usual long post ahead (❁´◡`❁)very long oof

Let's start this journey by defining each role with it's name :)

It can be quite useful to understand a certain type of mentality ! You'll see what I mean right away.

Boyfriend is ragazzo and girlfriend is ragazza and they literally mean boy and girl ahah. Now, it's normal for unmarried native English speaking couples in their late 20s and beyond, to call each other boyfriend/girlfriend. That's really not a thing in Italian. Ragazzo/a are only used by teenagers because it does feel quite infantile to refer to your s/o in such terms in our language 😅 especially if you live together... Ex:{nation x}è il mio ragazzo/la mia ragazza

... Which brings me to: compagno/a. It's the word used by adults to refer to their s/o and it means partner as in life partner and it really doesn't matter whether you're only dating, living under the same roof and/but decided not to marry(but maybe start a family!) it's still the correct terminology! So realistically the Italy Bros would call their s/o their partner, at their current age :) And oh! If you ship them with Vanya it could be a great pun since it also means comrade ahah. Kids of course don't make use of it because a) it indicates a committed relationship as I explained, it would be weird b)it kinda sounds like classmate lol (compagno di classe). Ex:{nationx}è il mio compagno/la mia compagna

Weirdly enough it's not that uncommon to hear a teen say fidanzato/a, which supposedly should only indicate your fiance ahah. As a kid it profoundly amused me to hear fellow 12-year-olds talk about their fidanzati. But it is indeed a common way to call your loved one and I used it myself to talk about my friends' bfs/gfs. As you can imagine it lost such connotation, but I can say that many still feel quite nervous about being called fidanzato/a because they feel like they're about to step on the altar. Ex:{nationx}è il mio fidanzato/la mia fidanzata

Talking about altar... Husband is marito and wife is moglie. On the other hand groom is sposo and bride is sposa. Ex:{nationx}è mio marito/mia moglie. As you can see they don't need an article, *John Mulaney voice* quella è mia moglie! I'm so sorry.

A more yoyo *snort* way to refer to your bf/gf is tipo/a, which literally means dude/dudette ahah. Ex. {Nationx}è il mio tipo/la mia tipa😎.

Onto dialectal versions:) very important tbh, could give that something more to your texts. A common way to call your bf/gf in many northern Italian languages (except my own rjrnh) is moroso/a. It stands for "amoroso", loving and it takes the article according to the language; in most cases it does, in Veneto it doesn't. Ex:{nationx}è il mio moroso/la mia morosa or (in Veneto's case) ho visto mio moroso parlare con mio fratello(I've seen my boyfriend talk to my brother). Would be cute in a social media au like, bio "mio moroso🥺" link to the poor lad's account.

In many southern Italian regions you can find zito/a :) (it's used in Apulia, Sicily and Calabria as far as I know!!) and it pretty much means lad/lass.Ex:{nationx}è il mio zito/la mia zita. I'll assume someone like Mano would use it in a more intimate context.

Common terms of endearment and silly pet names ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ

A very common mistake I've encountered in ffs is "mi amore". Italian really doesn't work like Spanish, in our language "mi" isn't a possessive adjective but a particle that indicates the indirect object :3

Ex:Mi piace il gelato.(I like ice cream, Ice cream is liked by me).

Mio is what you're looking for ☺ and it doesn't change according to gender because the adjective takes the word's grammatical gender (amore is masculine). In this case the adjective should be postponed "amore mio", unless in an example like this:

Ex. Sei il mio amore(you're my love).

Tesoro works the same way!! "tesoro mio".

As I mentioned in my platonic love post patata/o is very common and so is It's diminutive patatina/o, but it seems like carotina/o (little carrot) is popular as well (not as much tho! Once again the masculine form is pure invention ahah :)) .

Many use sugary sweet stuff like pucci-pucci which don't really mean anything dbbd we all probably collectively think they sound cute(or irritating, depends who you ask).

One I've seen a couple of times in ffs is caro/a...which indeed means dear in Italian!! But it's not that popular:( mostly because it sounds straight out a 50s commercial. It's used in a ironic way and once again ,with others I've mentioned in the other post ,to address someone who happens to be particularly annoying.

My favourite ones have to be respectively tato/a for Feli and principe for Mano. I truly thought tato/a(tatino/a) were panitalian but my main moots are from the South and they said it's not a thing there,,,? Quite the revelation. It doesn't mean anything, it's just baby talk and it's used for.. Anyone really... Your child, your pet, your bf... Might be a short form for the so popular patato but who knows ahah

Principe truly fucks me up. The idea of Romano calling his bf prince out all of things sends me. And yet it seems like it's quite popular in some parts of the South?? In my friend's @flamaflavio words "I've seen 30 something years old women use it". Oh btw princess is principessa just in case :3

Any kind of cute little animal is game(for example cucciolotto,little puppy or topolino/a little mouse that I've already mentioned). And ah in English there's this thing where you take your s/o name and add bear, in Italian it's orsacchiottino, little teddy bear.

Almost forgotten about it, a bad boy type of character might use dolcezza, sweet thing, or piccolo/a baby.

Let's conclude this post with some sentences o(〃＾▽＾〃)o

Sono innamorato/a di te "I'm in love with you"

Mi sono innamorato/a di te "I've fallen in love with you"

Ho una cotta per lui/lei "I've a crush on him/her"

A more sappy one could be "sei la luce dei miei occhi" (you're my eyes' light). It's also said by parents to their children

Ti adoro "I adore you"

Mi piaci "I like you"

Sono pazzo/a di lui/lei "I'm crazy for him/her"

I won't cover compliments but I can tell you how to say someone is hot ahah. You can say:

Che figo/a! (He/she's really hot!)

È davvero bono/a (He/she's really hot)

A funny way is "È proprio gnocco/a". My girl @flamaflavio introduced me to " È un intero piatto di gnocchi " "He/she/they is/are an entire plate of gnocchi" and I've never been the same😭

We also say "è proprio manzo" to talk about a guy ajsjsj. Manzo means beef, so I suppose it's the Italian version of "beefcake". On the same tone of the gnocchi plate a common meme is " Non è solo un manzo è un'intera macelleria " He's not only beef (a steak??)he's an entire butcher's.

In genovese slang(not language mind you, kids language ahhehs) we might jokingly say "Che beccio". A beccio is a very confident (and hot?definitely stylish) guy.

A more crass way can be "Che fregno/a"

Will keep this PG djdj but you can check this link out if you want some funny horny on main expressions ahah link

Aaand we're done!!! Just let me know if you've enjoyed this and what you'll like me to cover in next post 🥰 thanks for reading this

#aph italy #aph north italy #aph south italy #aph genoa #hws italy #hws north italy #hws south italy #hws genoa #italian #italian language #italian 101

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mis3rabl3m3lody · 3 years

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So I've been obsessed with Candyland lately, both the board game and the movie. So of course, I had to make some OCs. The first one I made is named Sour Pink(sometimes referred to as Pink Lemonade). She lives in an area called Soda Pop Falls, an Amazon-esque place in Candyland dedicated to fruits and sugary drinks. There are rivers, waterfalls and lots of trees where you can pick fresh fruits to make fruit juice or lemonade. Sour Pink is a very feisty and sassy girl, often acting like a moody mean girl teenager, making fun of everyone she sees. She does have a sweet side, however, but she only shows it towards the ones she trusts the most.

This next girl is Sour Pink's girlfriend, Willa Vanilla, and her pet golden retriever, Buttercream. Willa and Buttercream live with Grandma Nut, they often love to help her with baking and daily chores. Buttercream is male, even though he looks feminine. He just likes to look his best in any situation. Even though Willa and Pink are polar opposites in many aspects, they still love each other unconditionally. Compared to Sour Pink's snippy and blunt attitude, the gentle and kind hearted Willa is always there to balance her out, occasionally snapping back at her whenever she gets too mean.

#original characters #candyland #oc art #candyland the great lollipop adventure #wlw couple #lesbian couple #lgbtq+ characters #lesbian oc

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one-boring-person · 3 years

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Only Traitors Consort With The Damned. (Part Ten)

The Lost Boys x reader

Warnings: blood, mentioned death, injury, gun violence

Context: The SRS have finally arrived, in time for Halloween.

A/N: This is a little bit late, but it's slightly Halloween themed, so I hope that it's still alright! Spot the reference I "accidentally" left in there😉😅

Masterlist

Eerie music plays from hidden speakers as the costumed crowd ambles by, children screaming and laughing as scare actors jump out at them, the variety of zombies, witches and mummies, not to mention vampires, too, astounding, movie characters and even some book characters making appearances around every turn, familiar and unfamiliar lines being spoken to cheerful bypassers. Painted masks and faces litter the mixed throng of people, the twinkling, orange-cast lights throwing the crevices of each visage into sharper definition, ghoulish grins becoming longer, twisted grimaces becoming even more painful, the many slashers roaming the Boardwalk now covered in a blacker blood than before, each fake knife, axe and machete lathered in the stuff. A sickly sweet odour lingers in the air as sweets and chocolate are passed around, often accompanied by a smoking joint, or sachet of some other high-class substance, the strong reek of sweat providing an unpleasant undertone as the stifling costumes heat their wearers despite the late October chill.

As a child, I used to love Halloween. There was always something enchanting about it: you could become anything, or anyone you wanted for the night, and no one would question you on your choice, or look at you oddly because everyone was doing the same. A cheery atmosphere always seemed to hang over the annual event, the leading pumpkins that glittered along the streets and the creative decorations building up the necessary excitement over the weeks before the 31st; a fun game of mine had been to run down the streets of my hometown and count every pumpkin we could see, separately, and see who had the highest tally at the end of the day. Once the winner had been decided, they'd get first dibs on the treats handed to us at each door when we later went Trick-Or-Treating, a rule which drew many arguments to the table when we eventually compiled our loot.

Now, as I watch the roaming children, all I can think of is how easy it is for the supernatural to wreck havoc on this night, given that the spiritual veil is much thinner than usual, and no one suspects anyone of the authenticity of their outfit until it's too late. On his night, the SRS always have their hands full, meaning everyone is deployed, not just the normal Hunters: the retired Soldiers still capable of fighting, Clean-Up teams and A.R.O (Aftermath Recon Operatives) Soldiers all made to help out with the bloody massacres that occur all over the country. The holiday has a morbid side that no one sees, and there's always a high body count the next morning.

Beside me, Marko pushes and shoves at people that come too close, the vampire loudly criticizing any costume made to look like his species, his "improvements" just a little too specific to be joking ones, not quite realising that I'm not listening to him. Instead, I'm scanning the crowds, looking out for the tell tale uniform and tactics used by the SRS Clean-Up teams, eyeing any suspicious person keenly until they prove to me they aren't a threat, often earning me harsh stares from their companions. The two of us look out of place in our "normal" clothing, neither of us dressing up, as we forgot that it was, in fact, the 31st, meaning a costume would've provided a good disguise in case we do come across any dangers. Even as we walk, I bite at my lip, feeling very exposed in my current state, my fists clenching at my sides as I try to stop myself from fidgeting too much, knowing that a nervous disposition is a great disadvantage in a fight, should one break out.

"Hey can we get something to eat? I kinda want some food." Marko suddenly asks me, not waiting for my reply as he pulls me over to a nearby sweet stand, the vampire excited by the prospect of buying the sugary treats.

Uneasy, I stand and turn back to the crowd, watching each face closely, my gut starting to feel odd as I notice something odd about a certain few members of the crowd. Eyes widening in realisation, I grab the back of Marko's coat and drag him away from the stand and into the alley behind it, ignoring his protests as I clap a hand over his mouth.

"Be quiet." I command him in a low voice, giving him a warning look as I slowly take my hand away from his mouth.

"What are you doing?" He hisses at me, eyes narrowed.

"They're here." I respond, looking out at the crowd as I try to figure out what to do, thinking over my options until I notice that someone has spotted us over here; someone who I've already identified.

As I watch, they start to make their way over to the stand, casually wading through the people around them as they try to look inconspicuous, though the mere sight of them makes my pulse hitch.

Thinking quickly, I grab the front of Marko's jacket and pull him closer, pressing my back to the wall as I lean closer to his face, ignoring his shocked expression.

"Kiss me, quick!" I order him, wrapping my hands around his neck as he splutters slightly.

"What?"

"Do it!" I growl, pulling him closer.

Still shocked, the vampire leans in and presses his lips to mine, carefully kissing me until I yank on his hair, silently asking him to be a little more rough, to which he responds by shoving me harder into the wall, his hands gripping my hips much tighter. Groaning slightly, I momentarily forget why we're in this situation, letting myself enjoy the rough kisses as he ravishes my mouth with his tongue, only opening my eyes again to look briefly over his shoulder at the Boardwalk, noticing that the person is no longer there. Knowing this, I let the kiss come to its natural end, before pulling away.

"Thanks..." I say, awkwardly, blushing as he reluctantly lets me go, the vampire clearly wanting more as he allows his hand to linger at my hip a little longer than necessary.

"No problem." He wipes his mouth, grinning at me as he regains his composure, "What did you need it for?"

"One of them was coming over here, and it was the first thing I could think of." I admit sheepishly, rubbing the back of my neck.

"Right." Marko lifts an eyebrow, smirking, "How did you know it was one of them?"

I laugh, dryly, gesturing with my head for him to follow me back out into the crowd.

"Well, back in New Orleans, the head of the SRS realised one Halloween that our Soldiers need a disguise for this particular night, without being too conspicuous, so that they fit in but can also be recognised by each other. She decided that the mask of a plague doctor would be fitting. She said it works for us, because we're ridding the world of a "plague", just as they were." I roll my eyes, "Obviosuly, this makes them very easy for me to spot them, seeing as I used to dress up the same way."

"Oh, right." Marko nods, understandingly, evidently sending some mental explanation to the rest of the vampires, who are stationed around the Boardwalk.

"You can tell them apart, because they have a golden cross engraved just below the right eye on the mask, so we don't get mixed up with others." I clarify for him.

"Good to know." He frowns, "Did you say she decided? As in the head of the SRS is a girl?"

I nod, a little annoyed by the question, but knowing where he's coming from.

"Yep. Her name is Valentine Fletcher. She's the best fighter we've ever had and has the largest body count of all. Not even the Generals around the world come close to her efficiency, she's just too good. I've met her once, and she was also one of the most stuck-up princesses I've ever come across."

"I guess that's why she's the leader, then." Marko chuckles, throwing an arm around my shoulders.

"Excuse me." An unfamiliar voice interrupts us, a hand placing itself firmly on my shoulder as I turn around to face the person. My heart drops as I take in the eerie black beak-shaped mask, the golden cross glittering under the right eye as they catch the lights, the cloaked figure keeping a strong grip on my arm.

"Can I help you?" I ask, getting ready to run as Marko notices the cross, too.

"Yes, I was wondering if you could come with me." The Soldier says, though the tone in her voice is much more demanding, informing me that there is, in fact, no choice.

"I'd rather not." Without a second thought, I slam my arm into her elbow, snapping it inwards as she lets out a surprised cry, allwoig me time to duck under her and and push past her, sprinting away into the crowd with Marko hot on my heels.

Five loud gunshots sound behind us, the Soldier having shot at us with a hidden gun through the crowd, screams and shouts of fear and panic suddenly tearing through the air as the atmosphere suddenly becomes too real, the bullets smashing into the ground behind the two of us terrifying the costumed Boardwalk-goers. Instantly, the crowd around us starts pushing and shoving each other, the heaving current of people now pushing us along as they scramble to get to safety, arms flailing and legs kicking as they go, slowing our progress significantly. Growling in frustration, I pull Marko to the side, intending to reach the alley again, wincing when there are two more shots behind us, though I make it to safety without a scratch. It's only when I hear Marko's laboured breathing that I realise he wasn't so lucky.

"Shit, Marko, are you going to be alright? Can you keep moving?" I ask him, being to figure out where he was shot as he starts to sway on his feet, eyes drooping closed as the pain starts to eat away at him. Grimacing, I swiftly scan the area, spotting a large bin a little way away, which I drag him over to.

"Get in there and close the lid, you'll be safe." I tell him, opening it and giving him a leg up into the reeking interior, helping him settle as quickly as I can, before I go to move again, "I'll be back."

With one last look at him, I firmly shut the lid and start running down the alley, taking as many winding corners as I can, hoping to throw them off as I start to hear pounding footsteps behind me, shouts and calls seemingly coming from everywhere as I start to breathe harder, my pulse pounding in my ears. Adrenaline pumps through my veins, giving me the speed I need to get away from my pursuer, the air rushing harshly into my throat as I turn down another backroad.

A sudden gunshot, followed by a spike of agony in the back of my knee brings me to the floor, my body crashing into a discarded car as it rolls awkwardly to a halt, groans of pain swiftly starting to leave me. Gripping at the new wound on my leg, I try to force myself upright again, only to be kicked back to the ground again by a cloaked figure, who keeps kicking until I'm cowering on the ground, blood pouring down my face. When they are finished, they reach down and force me into a standing position, half-dragging me out of the alley and to the car park conveniently placed by the mouth of the road, where a circle of similarly clad people are waiting, the forms of three kneeling people visible in the dim light of the streetlights. Pulling me over to them, my attacker throws me to the ground in the centre of the circle, manhandling me onto my knees, drawing a small cry of pain from me.

Looking around at the three kneeling people, I feel my heart stop as I instantly recognise them: David, Dwayne and Paul, the three of them bloodied and beaten, burn marks littering their faces from the holy water that was most likely used on them. Horror and guilt flood me as I see them, David's head coming up so he can make eye contact with me, his blue eyes filled with hate and anger.

"Are we all here now?" Someone asks, their voice unfamiliar to me.

"No, there is one more." A voice calls from a little way away, Marko soon being forced onto his knees beside Paul as he is dragged into the light. The vampire is pale now, dark circles appearing under his eyes as his vampiric features break through, his body trying to keep itself from shutting down as he slowly bleeds out, the bullet wounds still oozing the crimson stuff out onto his shirt.

"Ok, that's everyone, we can get started." The person speaks again, this time sounding more decisive.

"(Y/n) (Y/l/n), you have been arrested for conspiring with the enemy, and for shooting a senior officer, willingly, instead of a vampire that was held hostage. Do you accept these charges?" Someone else says, the voice somewhat familiar, though I don't remember where from.

Knowing it is pointless to resist, I lower my head to my chest and reply.

"I do."

"And you are aware of the punishments that these crimes bring upon you?"

"I am."

"And they are?"

I take a deep breath, my muscles tense as I try to ignore the pain in my body.

"Execution on the sight of capture." I recite robotically, knowing them well.

"Good, you remember some form of honour." They sneer, before addressing the rest of the gathered Soldiers, "Are there any volunteers among us who would like to carry out the deed?"

"I do." My blood runs cold at the sound of the voice, my head lifting to look up at the Hunter that has stepped forwards.

"Elijah Forsyth, you wish to perform the necessary execution of (Y/n) (Y/l/n)?" The first speaker questions, confirming the name to me even as they take off their mask.

Instantly, the cold blue eyes lock with mine, the dark-haired Hunter giving me a poisonous look as he limps over to me.

"I do."

"Then it shall be so. Do what you must."

With those words, Elijah steps over to me, drawing a gun from his belt and cocking it deliberately, maintaining eye contact as he lowers it to my forehead.

As the weapon is brought to my skin, I keep my chin up, refusing to feel bad about the actions that brought me here in the first place. Without a word, I accept the fate that will befall me.

Part Eleven

#the lost boys #joel schumacher #vampire #david(thelostboys)#kiefer sutherland #paul(the lost boys)#dwayne(the lost boys)#santa carla #marko(the lost boys)#star(the lost boys)

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alto-angel · 3 years

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in this post, i would like to present my thesis on why the song metaphor by the crane wives belongs to goro akechi.

"i've gotten good at leaning on metaphors": goro's speech as the detective prince is very flowery, exaggerated, and calculated, in order to please the crowds of people with their eyes trained on him at all times. public appearances, television shows, and interviews are all very important for his image, and as such he's forced to adapt his speech and choose his wording carefully to appease those watching. robbie daymond especially does a very good job of vocally pushing the line of politeness into a tone that sounds just a bit too sugary to be genuine, but not something u would notice unless u were listening closely.

"i've gotten good at living on someone else's page": much like the first line, this one can also refer to goro's public image. because he's put an immense amount of work into his life as the detective prince, he aims to please. or at least, he needs to act as though he does. in order to keep up appearances, he needs to be able to get a read of those around him and keep himself on the same wavelength as them. this also applies to shido—not only does goro need to please his fans, but shido as well, in order to stay one step ahead of him. goro is purposefully putting himself on eggshells every day of his life, and in order to keep that up as well as keep himself safe, this is what he has to practice.

"i cut my teeth on secondhand sentiments": goro is often forced to follow a script, or at least an embellished, public-friendly version of his own thoughts. the things that he says when acting as the detective prince are rarely ever his own thoughts as they would be presented in normal conversation. goro has to hide his true opinion of the phantom thieves behind crowd pleasing buzzwords, keep up appearances by catering his opinions, and even quotes philosophers and other literature ("to paraphrase hegel"). the things that he says as detective prince goro akechi are rarely ever entirely his own, and he's gotten very good at tailoring his speech.

"you can't trust a single thing i say": this one, i think, is fairly self-explanatory. the "you" doesn't just apply to the phantom thieves, but to those goro works with as well. what is it he says to sae; "to trick your enemies, you must first trick your allies"? he uses deception to get what he wants, but his primary motivation for it is to move his plan forward, and to protect himself. obviously, if he were honest with shido, he would've been killed on the spot. goro's proficiency with lies isn't just a tool he uses, but a defense mechanism as well. bc of his fear of and difficulty grasping the concept of opening up to someone, through that skill, he is able to keep himself closed off and in control (that is, until he meets akira).

"i keep my closet free of skeletons": this one strikes me as irony, personally. goro's closet is so full of skeletons that it's practically bursting at the seams. but as the detective prince, something like that just isn't allowed. he needs to play the part, otherwise he pays the price. as himself, as goro akechi, he's got so many skeletons in his closet that he probably can't open the door anymore. but as the detective prince, he has to uphold an air of perfection that seems unattainable to others. goro as the detective prince is the epitome of the culture behind the idolization of celebrities, and the way others place and expect them on pedestals of something near godhood, far above the rest of the world.

"cause i'm much better at digging graves": well, goro akechi is certainly no stranger to the art of killing someone without a trace. we have no idea how many shutdowns or breakdowns he induced over the course of his professional relationship with shido. but i also think this lyric in tandem with the one right before it could relate to goro's tendencies towards repression; the idea that he cannot and should not have any "demons" or "skeletons"—such as past traumas, meaningful relationships, or feelings that he's jammed down and shut the closet doors on, if u will—bc since vengeance is his only objective, then digging graves is his primary task, or the only thing he's good for, in his mind. the word skeletons doesn't have to represent mistakes specifically, but could also refer to how goro views his own heart and how he deals with his emotions. something like, he feels he shouldn't deal with all that turbulence, bc he's far better at warping it into anger—something that he's used to dealing with, and can easily rationalize. the more complicated emotions, not so much.

"but i always dig up bones in your sympathy": this is where i start connecting things to goro and akira specifically. another definition of sympathy entails two people who share an understanding of each other. doesn't that sound like goro and akira to u? so, if u take these lyrics to be from goro to akira, it feels to me like this one could represent his regrets/desire to leave his situation. according to rank seven of his confidant in royal, we know that goro is practically screaming for help before the events of sae's palace. unfortunately, as the player, we are not able to save him. but i think this lyric could represent his desire to connect with akira despite his better judgement—"dig up bones," as in; i'll still arrive at the decision to bury them in the first place, but bc we have an understanding, i'll show u as well as i can that i do not want to be doing this. and that's exactly how rank seven with goro plays out, through the metaphor of a billiards game.

"i can't trust a single thing you say": this could refer to the fact that both goro and akira are withholding truths from each other throughout their relationship, and since they are of equal standing, the same deception that applies to goro would apply to akira as well, albiet in a far different way. however, i can also see it as an unwillingness on goro's part; he feels as though he cannot trust akira not bc akira is truly lying to him, but bc there's no other way for him to rationalize the fact that akira cares for him and wants to spend time with him. as goro akechi, not the detective prince. goro can't trust the kindness akira extends to him not only bc he's used to conditional love (shido, foster parents, etc.), but also bc he doesn't feel as though he deserves it. goro does not have a very high image of himself, as we see later on, and it's easy to see throughout his confidant that he cannot quite understand why someone would want to spend time with him, and not the perfectly crafted version of him that he presents to everyone else.

"don't look too hard, cause you won't like the scars he left in me": the "he" here refers to shido. shido is the sole reason for all of goro's trauma and hardships. he has scarred goro more than anyone else in his life. and goro's sharing of these traumas is very limited: he opens up seemingly out of nowhere, before immediately retreating under the guise of things like "oh, that isn't like me," or "oh, am i bothering u?" such as the scenes that take place in leblanc and the bathhouse. goro cannot fathom the fact that someone (akira) would wish to get to know him, as he is, so he assumes that a normal interaction between friends is somehow too much transparency, and keeps himself at a distance. he mistakes his feelings for akira as hatred, right? obviously, that's entirely the wrong word to describe them. but if goro himself believes that he hates akira, he would likely believe akira to hate him as well; as evidenced by the fact that the dialogue options which give u the most points are the ones where u mention ur "rivalry"—bc again, goro cannot rationalize his emotions as anything other than negative; anger, hatred, etc. it's far easier for goro to blurt out the words "i hate u" rather than "i love u," or "i care for u," isn't it? and this is how he keeps himself at enough of a distance, although simultaneously feels himself drawing closer. emotional closeness is not something goro is well versed in, and bc goro has built his image on being talented and skilled, he refuses to reveal his shortcomings.

"i've gotten good at making up metaphors": the words here are only slightly different than the ones at the beginning, which i think works for goro's further descent into his deal with shido, and subsequent difficulty. instead of "leaning" on metaphors, he's completely making them up. it's more drastic, which could represent a sort of desperation. almost as if he's losing his touch—which we do see after the events of sae's palace, during the tv interview where he monologues internally about his backstory, and we start to really see how damaged he is. goro is frazzled and distraught, enough for it to visibly show, something he prided himself on being able to avoid.

"i've gotten good at stretching the truth out of shape": again, the same situation as before. similar to the beginning, with slightly harsher wording. the lies that goro is immersing himself in are getting more intense, and almost impossible to separate from. his "murder" of akira is a turning point, in a way; akira is the first and only character we see goro kill in what he believes to be outside of the metaverse. he's not only stretching the truth out of shape, but he himself is bent out of shape as well—this stuck out to me on my ng+ run; his sprites in the scene just after akira is reported to be dead from him to shido are very unsettling and absent, as if he's almost completely zoning out. it's a very jarring scene to watch, and i think at least part of that has to be due to the severity of his actions.

"and all these words are sweet and meaningless": this feels to me, if we're going by the timeline i've been suggesting throughout all this, like it's directed at shido. now that akira is dead and the phantom thieves are no longer a threat to goro's plan for revenge, he can focus his energy back on his original objective. goro lays it on incredibly thick in his scenes with shido, so much so that it sometime surprises me that he didn't realize shido was onto him. again with the more intense wording here, which fits with the events i'm corresponding it with.

"you can't trust a single thing i say": now this wording is exactly the same as the first time, but given the progression of everything i've talked about, i take this as a sort of last word to both shido and akira. goro intends to follow through with his vengeance no matter the cost, and this could read as a final nail in that coffin. the song repeats this lyric four times, as well. if i wanted to keep it up all the way up to the engine room scene, and go completely off the rails in the process, i could say that the first iteration of this line is an affirmation to both shido and akira that his revenge takes precedence, therefore it would be stupid to trust him. the second is an affirmation to himself that he is in fact doing the right thing, and everything will pay off in the end, that this is just the way things are supposed to be, as always. the third is a kind of plea, born from confusion, after he's defeated by the theives and they offer to bring him with them to take down shido, an offer he cannot fathom the reason for extending. a sort of "why would u trust me" in the form of "u shouldn't trust me." and the fourth would refer directly to goro speaking to his cognitive self; as he decieves the deciever, making it seem as though he is running back to shido only to close the bulkhead door and resign himself to his "noble" sacrifice.

i hope at least some of this makes any semblance of sense. put this song on ur goro playlists, goroboys.

#persona #persona 5 #persona 5 royal #p5 #p5r #goro akechi #character analysis

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