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toast-on-dandelioms · 3 months

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What if m/c had been accepted for a scholarship abroad and just ended up stayinv there becoming the resident hero ? They did keep in regular contact with Alfred tho, seeing as he was the only family member who didnt ignore them.

Ok that is interesting and for this (which is not in the storyline in part 4) I will add another hero or two instead of Superman since he's not THAT special.

Small disclaimer: I am not sure if Green Arrow lives in Central City and where I searched told me he lives there so don't come at me that it's wrong please (I changed it to Star City so if you see it changed here is the answer)

This is based two years before you entered highschool so when you were 13 and already in Bruce's Manor.

You were there for a year and after suffering so much from Damian's tormenting you and everyone just ignoring you made you so tired and you wanted, no, needed to leave the manor and city.

You knew it was drastic but you couldn't do it anymore, you missed your mother and being sent to a home where people detest you just for existing made you feel so bad you couldn't even leave your room without a panic attack at the thought of being hurt by Damian's words or weapons or being ignored by everyone when you tried to say anything.

You applied to a few scholarship far away from Gotham to enter some prestigious schools in different cities so you could spread your choices if you got accepted.

You didn't say anything to Alfred until you received many scholarships and you chose the one in Star City, wanting to be as far away as possible from Gotham and the Waynes.

The only problem was getting Alfred to accept to send you there since he was the boss in the house, not Bruce.

You knew Bruce wouldn't care if he sent you somewhere else but you didn't want him to know where you would be going but still needed his money since you were a thirteen year old with no job or an allowance.

Thankfully Bruce just signed it without looking when Alfred showed him some random papers and off you went to your new life in Star City.

As years passed you became more social since you weren't held down by the neglect of the Waynes and you were around people who actually sought you out and didn't completely ignore you.

You kept dancing and sent all of yours training practices, plus all your small and big dance recitals to Alfred so he could see you dance since he couldn't come to every single one of them and you didn't blame him.

When you turned 15 you found a part-time job at a science company where they allowed you to work on your experiments with the supervision of an another scientist.

Unfortunately (or fortunately) you got bit by a radioactive spider that escaped from the same scientist who was supposed to supervise you and gave you the spider abilities.

Which did worry you but you learned to control your newfound superhuman strenght and also your weird sticking to surfaces and walking on walls.

Did it take a while? Yes, but it was worth it.

You also decided to become a vigilante because why not? Why not put your life in danger every night just to not receive any money compensation from it?

You're not as active as your alterego in Gotham since you actually have friends here and you're not held down by years of neglect which pushed you to help people.

You helped people whenever you could and one night, during a patrol you accidentally bumped into Green Arrow and fought with him for a while before both of you realised neither of you two were villains.

You did apologise and after a few more encounters and you pulling some pranks on Oliver because he was an easy target to prank, like come on. The man wears green and has an arrow. You can't not prank that man and call him Robin Hood.

You became his little helper, got his phone number and helped him with some villains whenever you could and especially if he let you.

You also trained your fighting with him, which got you beat up and with so many black eyes that you had to beg him to not hit your face since you couldn't keep worrying your friends and dance instructor since they were starting to ask questions and you couldn't fool them forever.

You also met Roy, aka Speedy, while on a mission with Oliver and also got along with him despite his hatred for Oliver and gained a new older brother.

After a year of helping Oliver around and training to fight decently and not only use your superhuman strenght, he finally let you come to a Justice League meeting.

You met Batman and Damian there, along with Superman and Jon to which you tried to get along with but the two of them were extremely clingy and knew a bit too much about you which creeped you out.

During the meeting you stayed very close to Oliver to avoid the two teens and also hide from Batman and Superman since they kept staring at you even while talking.

After the meeting Batman did try to approach you and you avoided him, but while walking away he just said "(Y/N)", which made you stop before walking off.

You immediately knew that he knew who you were under the mask but you didn't care that he knew.

You just ignored him and his calls, plus his sons calls. You refused to even give him a bit of attention, especially since he didn't bother you for years but now they wanted your attention?

God no, you still had dignity and self respect. Giving them attention would be like forgiving them for all those years of not even knowing you existed.

Finally the calls stopped but they started to appear everywhere you went in Central City.

You went to school? You were called in the principal office where Bruce was and scolded you lightly about putting your mother's last name when it should have been his.

Your hand started to bleed from how hard you were gripping it so you wouldn't yell at the man in front of the principal.

What you hated more was the look of love Bruce had when he scolded you, gently patting your head as he talked.

You showered at least three times before you finally felt clean after feeling Bruce touch you so lovingly.

Everywhere you went as you or as Spider, you would be met by either Bruce or one of his kids, which got even more frustrating when they would try to coax you to come back home to Gotham.

Dick would try to coax you, too into his delusional idea that you were being forced to stay here with Green Arrow even though you told him many times that it wasn't true.

He would also manipulate you by fake crying whenever you yelled at him or ignored him, making you even more frustrated because he kept on caring about himself and didn't see how you were happy in Star City.

Jason would just follow you and talk like you never left, complaining about Bruce or Damian and offered to go to a café or restaurant to catch up and see what you were up to.

Even yelling at him that he didn't care when you left didn't budge him and made him give up. No, it made him even more persistent on trying to act like you two were close and a happy family.

You also had to slam the door in Tim's face so many times whenever he would knock at the door of your apartment, you had to replace the doorknob and locks too many times to count from Tim picking the locks and you destroying the doorknob from your strenght.

Plus, arriving home to relax and seeing both Tim and Bruce in your apartment with dinner made you sick but you had to endure since you couldn't afford to change apartments since it was in the best position in the city.

Oh but Damian was the worst. He would act like he never hurt you sometimes or other times used his own past as a way to show that he had it worse than you.

Did you throw him off a building when he said that? Yes but unfortunately for you, Jon was there to catch him which made you even more frustrated.

Clark? He was decent sometimes, you met him before when he talked with Oliver and you were around but you always got a creepy vibe from him.

Especially when he kept on staring at you or gave you things like small trinkets you saw but never bought. It was so creepy that he knew what you liked, plus he kept on calling you nicknames like a father would do to his child.

Jon wasn't that bad. He did leave you alone when you asked but he also helped you. The only problem was that he acted like you were his older brother/sister and talked about times you two were together when you distinctly remember being alone when you did those things.

You did call Alfred once, he was the only one you told that you were Spider since he kept on asking why you were always full of bruises on your face and arms and you couldn't lie to him.

The call did not go well, with you yelling at Alfred that he ruined it since now Bruce knew who you were and he ruined your once happy life just because he wanted you back home.

After a while of seeing Bruce and his kids and them trying to manipulate you into going back home, plus Clark and Jon, you decided to go to the only person you trusted the most in Star City.

You went to Green Arrow and confessed to everything, you told him about your mother's death and how you were suddenly sent to a family who couldn't care less about you.

You didn't hide that you were Bruce's biological child and also showed him your scars that Damian made in the year he tormented you.

At the end of the confession you were crying, the memories of Damian hurting you with all the neglect and blatant hatred towards you made you breakdown in an ugly cry.

You kept crying even when Oliver hugged you, hugging him back with all your might as you didn't want him to leave you.

You did admit that you thought many times on going back since they kept on insisting and you weren't that strong, you couldn't resist forever with all that pressure.

By saying that, you felt Oliver freeze for a second before hugging you back and holding you close, like you hugging him with your super strength didn't faze him one bit.

What you didn't feel was the tiny prick of a needle being inserted in your neck, the only thing you last heard before collapsing in Oliver's arms were "sorry kid, can't let you leave me"

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vampworks · 7 months

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Surely, you want me back

Pairing: Stu Macher x reader

Word Count: 1.6k

no use of Y/N

Warnings: comfort, crying, pet names, cheating, language, physical intimacy, unwanted touching (not from Stu), walking alone at night

Summary: Stu comforts the reader(referred to as bunny) who had a bad date experience. She then sleeps over and they both realize they want more than just friendship. (fem pronouns)

"Dammit, I hate that jerk!" She whined and shivered in the cool night air turning to shoot the bird to the speeding truck behind her. "I only just met him a week ago but I'm a boring prude for not putting out for common decency." She hissed in annoyance. The sound of her strapped heels made a clicking sound as she walked across the long paved roads. Her eyes constantly darted across the cookie-cutter house all around her. The walk home was far too long from the old diner her date had taken her to be considered safe. She had been all but shoved out of his old truck. "He could have at least taken me home." Her tone was laced with acid now as she muttered. It was all a show of just how little he cared about her. 'Just another pretty face' she thought kicking at a rock in her path. The small stone skips before landing its new resting place in someone's yard. After a while, a bright green street sign reflects in the distance. Her brows furrowed as she squinted as she read out 'Palmer's lane'. A small smile brightens her face as she finally knows where the suburban hell she is. Stu's house on Turner wasn't far from here. The sound of her heels grows louder under her as she begins to walk faster towards the large house she knew at the end of the lane.

After another 5 minutes of walking as if she's in a horror film, she arrives at her destination. The girl sneaks around the house only to stand beneath Stu's bedroom widow. She climbed up the heavy metal ladder Stu had propped against it, She decided against asking questions about it as it was far too cold out here to do so. The girl shivers before cupping her hands to peer into the glass. The one in question sprawled across the couch in front of his TV. His long limp hangs off the sides of the small loveseat and grazes the carpet beneath him. 'Typcial stu' she mutters shaking her head. She attempts to softly knock on the glass.

Lights beam from the TV still showing the gory details he'd seen too many times before. The main villain runs after their victim as they scramble to escape. A muted blood-curdling scream sounds from the device.

A heavy thud causes the boy to shoot up from his sleep. Sharp blue eyes widen in search of the sound. They soften into a confused squint as they meet the girl outside. "Bunny?" He lazily questions. She gives a wave and points down the lock expectedly. Stu turns back to the TV to squint at the small analog clock sitting above the TV as it flashes 1:46 AM. He drags himself off the couch towards the window with a loud groan. The girl wastes no time latching onto his shoulder and crawls inside to escape the cold autumn air. "Ugh thanks, man. Do you remember the asshat I went out with tonight? I know you said he was a dick from the start and even Tatum said it too. Well, I didn't listen" Stu only responds with a snicker while grabbing a throw blanket from his bed and wrapping it around her shivering form.

Her rambling is fast and barely coherent but she continues away. "I wanted to go home but then he started touching me in the car even after I told him to stop so I cursed him out but it only pissed him off even more. The soft smile on Stu's face slowly falls as she continues. "What did he do, Bunny." He tries his best to steady his voice but fails as anger sweeps through. He holds a tight grip on the couch cushion beneath him til his knuckles turn a pale white in another poor attempt to restrain himself. She began with a sniff "he pushed me out of his truck a couple blocks from here. She began with a sniff. I didn't know where else to go." Tears threaten to roll down her cheek as she speaks while long arms wrapped around her waist. She let out a small gasp as he swooped her up into the air quickly as he stood only to take off in a sprint to the bed. “It’ll all be alright, Bunny. You're way too good for that creep anyway”. He whispered into her ear in a soft tone. He hides a tight fist behind her back while debating leaving her here and following the guy who hurt her. It slowly moves to rest on her dress's fabric at her waist as he cradles her beneath the sheets.

Anger soon turns to bliss as she pulls herself into his chest. Her right-hand takes hold of his shirt while her left caresses the nape of his neck.

He knew it would only end in a disaster but wanted to be hers so bad it wasn’t funny anymore. He wanted to know what it felt like to meet her eyes as that idiot got too desperately. The warmth she had wasn’t like the others, definitely not Tatum or Casey. Neither of them stood a chance compared to his ‘Bunny’. Yeah, she was flighty and naive but she was all his and it showed in her eyes and how she melted into his touch.

Those bright eyes beamed at each quip and tore apart by the hurt he spoke. Billy could buzz off for all he cared, this girl would know just how much he loved her even if it was the last thing he did. Sure, they're going insane, but she's the closest thing to a home they've ever had since they were kids.

Nothing really had to change for Billy’s plan but no one was hurting their little ‘doll’. He would just have to deal with it. His girl would definitely understand if they would just explain it all, she deserved the world let alone that much. Maybe then, he could finally be with her. It was the only thing his parents agreed with him. Tatum was too much in their opinion but She was different. In their eyes, she would keep him grounded and above water. He knew she'd help him run the old Macher company into the ground if he only asked. It was one of the dreams they had spent the long nights talking about.

“Stu…stuey,” she said just above a whisper. It drew him from his thoughts and she looked up to meet his blue eyes. “Yes Bunny,” he said, drawing out his words almost in song. "Can I borrow one of your shirts for the night?" She asked as she pulled at the hem of her dress. He stares at her blankly for a moment. "I mean if it's alright" His stare turns to a smile then a loud moan combined with an eye roll. "Ugh, I thought you'd never ask." She shushes him with widened eyes and a few soft punches to his chest. "Oh my god Stu, shut up" She laughs. He's gone in a flash to the closet to retrieve his favorite Hellraiser shirt and a pair of boxers a second later.

Light from the TV cast the room in a soft blue glow. The screams of camper running from their demise long since muted as technicolor danced across the screen. The girl watches the blue light cast upon his features as he returns with her eyes half-lidded.

"Keep undressing me with your eyes, girl and I'll catch a cold. He flirts with a wide grin while handing over the clothes bringing her out of her daze. "Whatever, don't miss me too much while I'm gone" She calls in a low tone on her way to the bathroom. "Ugh, I'm already in shambles." He pretends to faint with a hand to his forehead. After changing, she stops in the mirror and stares at her figure in the clothes much too big for her. She imagines him standing behind her. He would lean down to rest his head in the crook of her neck pressing soft kisses on it. His hands slowly slip beneath the fabric and down her stomach. Her eyes flutter close as a ghost of his large hands toy with the waistband of the briefs. She quickly shakes her head to dispel the thoughts.

This was no time to be thinking of him like this, he's with Tatum, she thought. He flirts with everyone and I'm no different. With a final look at his shirt draped over her form, she exits the bathroom with a deep exhale only to be greeted by Stu's wide-struck eyes. "God, you're trying to kill me, arentcha bunny?" She only giggles in response. She made her way to him in a slow stride only to land in his lap without thinking. The thoughts of restraint are long forgotten from them both as their eyes meet in a haze as the room darkens from the credits rolling on the screen. She raises a hand to graze his lips and pulls him in with a hand on his shoulder. His larger ones rest on her waist again as if they always belonged there. He closes the distance with a kiss on her lips as her hand slides to trance the curve of his jaw. The kiss quickly deepens as his hand travels up her spine to tangle his fingers in her hair. She moans into his mouth but pulls away slowly. "We shouldn't..but.." She says breathlessly after a moment but neither of them let go of their hold on the other. Sharp Blue eyes stare half-lidded into her own. "Tell me you want me too and I'm all yours.'' He says in a hoarse whisper. Her spine shivers under his touch. " Fuck, kiss me" She mutters then licks her bottom lip. "Please."

#stu macher x reader #billy and stu #billy loomis x stu macher x reader #stu macher #scream 1996 #scream movie #billy loomis #ghostface x reader #scream x reader #scream #Spotify

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lovelybucky1 · 7 months

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Neil trying to be cool to get the attention of a client (disinterested in him) being totally cringe and geeky with his movie recommendations

im a filmbro just like neil so i really resonate with this

my inbox is open for requests!

warnings: one mention of sexual content, mild mentions of violence, neil being a geek with zero rizz

masterlist

It’s not often hot people walk into Gumshoe Video. There’s the regulars, the families, the loser film bros who are there at least four times a week, the teens who try to rent pornos, and old people looking for the classics.

When you walked in, Neil almost dropped his fast food cup filled with Dr. Pepper. You’re exactly his type, and he pushed the other employees out of the way so he could be the one to help you.

“Hi, I’m Neil. How can I be of service?” he greets you, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. You look down at his name tag and note that it says owner underneath his name.

“I don’t need any help, thanks,” you smile politely and continue walking. You aren’t trying to be rude, but you had a long day at work and this puppy dog of an employee is only going to get on your nerves.

“Are you looking for anything specific?” he asks, following you down the aisle.

You sigh. “No, just something to watch.”

“We have a huge selection. What’s your favorite genre?”

You resign yourself to the fact that this man is going to be up your ass until you leave the store.

“I don’t know. Action? Comedy?”

“Well, right over here we have Fast and Furious.” You wrinkle your nose. “We also have The Dark Knight.”

“Uh, no thanks. The villains in those movies are always so cheesy.”

Neil hums and scans the shelves, looking at the collection of videos for rent. “If you want a comedy we have Daddy Daycare, Superbad, American Pie…”

“I think I’ll just look around myself-”

“Or if you want something classic, we have Citizen Kane, Casablaca, The Godfather, Apocalypse Now-”

“Look, Neil,” you sigh. “I appreciate the suggestions but I really don’t need any help.”

Feeling rejected but not letting it show, Neil nods and steps away. “If you need anything, I’ll be behind the counter.”

You nod and watch him walk away before turning to browse the movie selection by yourself. It takes you a while to find anything that you were interested in, but you settled on Friday the 13th. It’s not what you’d usually go for, but your life needs a little excitement here and there.

From across the store, you could hear the other employees ridiculing Neil for “striking out”, though you’d have to argue that he never even got up to bat.

When you walk up to the counter to rent the movie, no one is to be found. You look around and find a bell on the counter labeled ring for assistance. You hit the button and the bell rings, and immediately following the chime is a thud and a curse. You peak over the counter to see Neil crouched underneath it, rubbing the top of his head.

He stands up and looks at you, putting on a charming smile like he didn’t just embarrass himself.

“All set?” he asks.

“Yep,” you reply shortly, handing him the box.

“Friday the 13th,” he reads. “That’s a good one. You didn’t tell me you’re into horror.”

“I’m not really. Just wanted a change,” you reply, figuring if you engage in his small talk, he’ll let you off the hook sooner.

“Did you know this was filmed at a real summer camp in New Jersey?” You shake your head. “It’s still operational, actually. The only set piece they had to build was the bathroom; everything else was already there.”

“That’s really interesting,” you smile, lying.

Unfortunately that was the wrong thing to say, because it made him perk up. “If you think that’s interesting, wait until you hear this…” He ducks under the counter again and comes back up with another movie in hand. “Scream was based on a series of real murders in the 90s. Ghostface was based of the Gainesville Ripper who killed five students in Florida. He wore a black ski mask, which was the inspiration for the movie.”

Neil must have noticed your concerned face and stopped.

“Uh, sorry. I guess giving a stranger facts about a serial killer is kind of weird,” he chuckles.

He scans your movie, swipes your card and prints out your receipt. Before he handed it to you, he scribbled something at the bottom.

“Thank you for renting from Gumshoe Video. Have a nice day,” he smiles.

You give him a polite smile back and on the way out of the door, you look down at the paper in your hand. He wrote what looks to be a phone number, but his handwriting is too messy for you to make out the digits.

#neil lewis #neil lewis x reader #cillian murphy #cillian murphy x reader #watching the detectives

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myths-tournaments · 6 months

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Awful Characters Round 2 Part 1 (5/8)

Propaganda under the cut!

SHEN JIU

YES he abused a child and killed an entire manor of people, but it was probably only one child and allegedly the people sucked. Surely this is not behavior deserving of being turned into a human stick or having your body possessed by a weeb. I love him because sometimes mean people are fun and also who can resist a good redemption tale (he deserves one).

BENNY GECKO

The first thing that happens in new vegas is that benny fucking shoots your character in the face, steals your shit and leaves you in an open grave. Benny is by all accounts a bastard. He kills you, steals from you, he killed his last boss, he is the single most duplicitous man around. His gang are all about honesty- except him. He's a lying, cheating bastard. The guys who helped him catch you? He skipped on paying them and left them to get shot to death. His new boss, mr.house? He stole his robot, broke it open, got someone to reprogram it and decided to use it to TAKE OVER THE WHOLE OF VEGAS. Benny literally kills people, lies to people, steals their shit and takes charge. That's all benny does. He gets fucking CRUCIFIED if you don't help him out just because so many people fucking hate him. And yet. And yet. Benny is the single most compelling character in the whole game to me. He's just a little guy! He's just there! You can get shot in the head and come back and he goes "what in the goddamn" and then if you try and flirt with him he's like "uhhh sure? Okay?" And leaves you a polite note in the morning. He's fancy. He wears a stupid suit. He has a tiny gun with shitty bullets. He's catholic. He talks like an old timey news presenter. Literally nobody else in the entire game does that. He's got an intelligence of 3. He's my funtime boy. My silly little man. He's so funny. The antagonist in this game is a guy dressed like a tablecloth who looks at all times like a confused dog who doesn't understand what a tv is. And like. He's compelling. He robs from you, shoots you, but…. he never seems to actually wish you harm. He kills and robs and lies but like. He apologises for doing it to you. When he sees you again he doesn't attack you, he's just… confused. He tries to defuse the situation. You can convince him to talk to you, alone, with no guards and it's not that hard. If you spare his life, he doesn't go after you, like. Even if you sleep with him he doesn't take advantage of that and kill you, even if you try to. He… he just leaves. He gives you an apology. If he gets kidnapped by Caesar He just… apologizes again. He tells you his whole plan to take over the city, too. He thinks he'll die, and he wants something of him to survive. He's happy that you made it. And if you let him free, he just… leaves. He knows he's beat, he doesn't want to cause any more trouble. He walks out and leaves. The NCR will kill you if you cross them. The legion will crucify you. House? He'll blow you the fuck up. But benny, the guy who lies and cheats and schemes, he's honest. He's polite. He's… harmless. You can kill him with a single shot if you want. And he can't kill you. He doesn't kill you the first time, and he'll never really hurt you again. Benny just wanted to win. When he knows he's beat he just leaves. No lingering, no harm, he's off, off into the desert heat, and never seen again. Isn't that just insane? like have you ever known an antagonist so polite? He just leaves!! He offers you a drink!! His plan is genuinely probably the best one for the people of new vegas!!! He's. Benny is Benny.

Anyway if you want to see some REAL propaganda go to the blog @letmebegaytodd and look in the #benny tag. You'll Understand < https://www.tumblr.com/letmebegaytodd/717051175751614464/in-another-life-i-wouldve-really-liked-just> <- look at this shit man

#awful characters tournament #tournament poll #awful characters round 2 #svsss #mxtx #shen jiu #shen qingqiu #fallout new vegas #benny gecko #benny fnv

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vhstown · 6 months

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hi guys shower thoughts in word form what's new 💀

why miles g is the perfect foil to miles — a long post

disclaimer: i obviously do NOT know what will happen in btsv. some of this devolves into external information like from the art book (or even just my own headcanons). i am also not an analyst. this is not a proper analysis by any means. also quite rambly so bare with me 😭

also i will be referring to 1610!miles as miles and 42!miles as miles g.

just so we're sure: a foil in literature is defined as "a character who is presented as a contrast to a second character so as to point to or show to advantage some aspect of the second character" (via britannica)

essentially one character exposes the flaw(s) of another character (usually by being the opposite of said character)

i talked about miles' attachment to the superficial goal of "being Spider-Man" in a separate post (which is long n kind of irrelevant so im not linking it here) but essentially the point i want to bring back is that 1610 miles is obsessed with the idea and IDENTITY of being New York's Spider-Man and being a hero and that is the complete opposite to miles g, who is arguably the PERFECT foil — it's literally a parallel version of himself

but first a bit of ramble about the start of the movie under the cut! (open)

you can see it in the way miles falls perfectly into the typical witty, effortless and loved hero in the way he fights at the start of the movie. when he's fighting the spot you're thrown into this false sense of security that everything's going to be okay and it's just another "villain of the week" because that's what you expect of Spider-Man. he has his usual quips and carefree interactions with the spot and we have no idea that he's about to take apart the entire multiverse

the spot as a character is one of my favourite villains EVER because he directly challenges this notion of what it means to be Spider-Man — you always expect the good guys to win and when they lose again and again to the spot, that's when everything we know, and MILES knows, falls apart. the spot is a brutal exposition of how futile "heroism" as a concept is to the spiderverse.

as a character miles so badly wants to be in the spider society in the first place because he thinks that's where it's at — that's where he can finally BE a real spiderman and fit in

so when all of his beliefs are challenged and he's forced to fight to SURVIVE rather than to win that's the turning point of his character. in the grand scheme of things to put it lightly this whole "spiderman" identity is bull

and also id like to point out that hobie's line of "im not a hero, cause calling your self a hero makes you a self-mythologising narcissistic autocrat" is SUCH a gut-punch when you realise this. my boy KNEW but miles had to realise it for himself obviously so he pissed off when he had nothing else to add. I LOVE HOBIE BRO—

in my other post i talked about how he attributes his security to his home universe, family and friends and then that changes to wanting to be a part the spider society (so security in his identity), but when he's kicked out, his main goals focus around his home universe again — he needs to save his dad

putting him in earth 42 is the final sort of way for the movie to say "look at yourself miles" because to him, he can't give up that want to be spiderman so easily. a part of him hopes that he can just go back home and be spiderman like normal, that's why he tells his "mom" (earth 42 rio) that he's spiderman even though that probably won't help him at all — he is still stagnant in his old ways

and thats where miles g comes in — picture his exact universe but where's miles is the "villain" (to him at least, he doesn't know that the prowler is actually a vigilante)

to give you the basics, miles g has NO super powers, he's a vigilante who has to HIDE from the public, he's not "friendly" — nothing like miles' picture of spiderman. again, he fights to do good, but also for survival — the sinister six are attacking HIS neighbourhood and HIS home so HE has to do something about it

of course that's not to say that they're completely different. miles g has all his cool gear and aesthetics for a reason. maybe deep down he wants to be like the superheroes that he sees in comics (assuming hes anything like 1610 miles) and/or he wants to live up to, or exceed his uncle in being the prowler

but it's far less superficial than just that. he's been forced into this more practical and REAL mindset about what it means to be a "hero" from the start — and now 1610 miles is too

miles g doesn't necessarily have a greater sense of duty. he doesn't concern himself with miles' universe because it's HIS — ("our dad—" "your dad.") and thats the reality check that miles needs, at least in this moment, that he's alone and that he needs to get the HELL out of there and save his dad — not the multiverse.

of course this might be a point of character development for miles g he's obviously not a perfect character and has his own trauma and backwards beliefs to overcome but he's in many ways a product of his environment

it re-emphasises to miles the importance of saving his dad — protecting what he has left because he has nothing else (his only sense of security anymore). the multiverse is this far away thing now and i think this could be explored as a spiteful rejection in btsv which he has to overcome but im obviously not sure

the real kicker is that in this universe aaron davis is alive and jefferson is dead. looking at this from a wider perspective, in my very convoluted opinion, on a surface level, JEFFERSON represents "the hero" and AARON represents "the villain". this is arguably why aaron "has to die" in earth 1610, because "good always prevails" (which is very clearly MESSED UP, which miles is coming to realise more and more)

okay now hear me out. in the SAME WAY miles represents "the hero" and miles g represents "the villain" — but we obviously know that it's more nuanced than that

and the respective fates of aaron and jeff clearly show to miles that it is NOT that simple. it's not a matter of "good over evil" because if that was the case his father wouldn't be dead.

and obviously thematically this ties into expectations of the future generation and overcoming archaic beliefs and failures of the past and hope in youth and blah blah blah (i actually love this theme it is just not talked about enough unfortunately but this video by elliot sang is a beautiful exploration of it)

miles g and aaron are NOT evil — they're just as much heroic, but not necessarily "heroes". again, that's exposing how superficial the notion of being "spiderman" and "a hero" really is

and this is why hobie is so right about labels and— (MUFFLED SCREAMING)

going back to the spider society when miles says "i thought we were supposed to be the good guys" — this idea of being a hero is really just a front for the spider society's lucrative and cult-like behaviour. you're doing it because it's your duty as a hero, you're letting people die because that's what's supposed to happen, because it's for the "greater good" (when it was never really about that in the first place but miguel and his "spider-cult" is a whole other topic)

by the end of the film we start to realise all of these things at once and that's what across the spiderverse does SO WELL in my opinion

so why is miles g the perfect foil to miles? to summarise, miles g encapsulates (at the very least on a surface level) the complete opposite of what it means to be the hero "Spider-Man". his entire universe is a parallel to earth 1610, and to miles, miles g exposes the flaws in miles' view about what heroism truly is.

neither of them are perfect characters, and we're yet to see much about miles g, but miles' development as a character and the way it's explored in such a self-realising way as well as thematically throughout all of across the spiderverse is something i will always love about the movie

im so excited to see if they'll team up as well!!!! so much potential

urrrrr thank you for coming to my ted talk ANYWAYS I LOVE HOBIE BROW— (THE CROWD BOOS) (SEVERAL TOMATOES ARE THROWN)

as always let me know your thoughts id SO love to hear them ^^ this was just a shower thought i was literally shampooing my hair and was like hold on a minute.... so there's definitely things to be added! take care n cya <3

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jordanrosenburg · 3 months

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Argylle - A Breath of Fresh Air

**Spoilers Ahead**

I just got back from seeing Argylle with a friend. I knew I had wanted to see it because I like a lot of the actors in it, but I had seen the trailer so many times that I felt like I had already watched it.

That trailer couldn't have prepared me for the unadulterated fun I was about to have. Every other line out of Sam Rockwell's mouth was laugh out loud funny. What kept me drawn in, though, was the editing. The splices between Rockwell and Cavill was seamless. I know with modern technology, they easily could have greenscreened a lot of it, but it still must have taken a while to film all the same fight scenes in the same exact way to make the cuts as seamless as they were.

The score and soundtrack were brilliant. Between the funky tunes used for the fight scenes, and the dramatic notes used during what would be dramatic in a regular spy thriller, had me enjoying every minute. I will be looking up the soundtrack playlist on Spotify and listening repeatedly.

Henry Cavill is no stranger to playing a spy. In between Superman movies, Cavill starred in The Man from U.N.C.L.E. The latter was another movie that didn't mind being silly and wasn't afraid to have its comedic moments. Because Cavill has played so many daring roles over the years, where he's been the hero or the brute or even just the eye candy, he was the perfect fit for Argylle. You can tell he was having a blast, and not taking things too seriously. The audience isn't supposed to take it seriously either. The Argylle books in the movie are a personification of how cheesy those sorts of books and movies can be. The eye-rolling puns, the use of a femme fatale, and crude jokes.

Back in the day, that's how most James Bond movies were. They had their serious moments, but Bond was a cheeky spy who liked to fuck and crack wise with his villains. He was suave and sure of himself and a badass. But there was a transition in the 90's when the Austin Powers movies started rolling out. Now, I'm a huge fan of Austin Powers movies, I'll watch them any time, any place. But those movies, being replicas of the old Bond films but with more humor, outlandish sex, and over the top puns, made it difficult for the new Bond films to be silly. Suddenly, they were getting more and more serious, with more and more over the top action scenes and explosions.

Argylle brought back the silliness and the goofiness, and the ability to laugh at itself. Suspension of disbelief, etc etc. Sometimes you just need to sit back and let yourself enjoy the ride. Throughout the film, as the layers kept being peeled back, I kept thinking, "What is this movie?!" I can usually figure out what's going to happen, but the twists and turns in this film kept throwing me off, and that kept me in my seat and having fun.

There's a scene where Bryce Dallas Howard's character, Elly, thinks she's seen her parents die in cold blood. Rockwell is driving her somewhere in the south of France, and he asks her if she's okay. Howard, astonished, asks, "Am I okay? Am I okay?!", and then she started crying. This made me lean over to my friend and say, "all of us @ Elmo the other day", and we burst into hysterics. (If you're unfamiliar, Elmo's X account posted asking how everyone was, and there was a surge of responses of people using memes to show how not well they all are.)

A little more than halfway through, we find out that Elly's real name is Rachel Kyle. She had gotten into a bad accident on a spy mission and had no memory. The bad guys brainwashed her into thinking she was someone else, and it worked. The Argylle books she wrote as Elly, were really just memories coming back to her. We were made to believe her books were predicting future events, but really, it was the past. Samuel L. Jackson explained that to her. Rockwell then had to calm Howard down and get her to settle into the information. Slowly, Rachel remembers who she is. She hasn't lost all of Elly, but she makes it seem like she has in order to complete the overall mission.

Rockwell thinks that Howard has double crossed her, but in a very Knives Out fashion, she explains that she knew if she shot him in the chest in just the right spot, he wouldn't die. We learn that the two were lovers back in the day. Not only did he feel betrayed, but he was heartbroken. Later on, she double crosses the bad guys, finds her cat, then finds a room with all the weapons she could possibly need to get out. Rockwell finds her there, and they're able to hash things out. She assures him that they're on the same side.

This leads into one of the most incredibly choreographed fight scenes I've ever seen. You can tell the actors were having an incredible time. Smoke pours into the corridor and the two come out shooting. While throwing in body rolls and other dance movements, they take everyone out. This also included Howard lifting Rockwell up, much like how Dua Lipa was lifted up during the beginning of the movie by Henry Cavill, spread eagle. The shots used every time there was a lift like this was not subtle. We get it, it's an innuendo for sitting on someone's face. And it was funny every single time.

Then the next fight scene happened, which gave Howard a moment to shine. They were trapped in a room that was slowly filling with oil, so they couldn't shoot their guns. She remembers she's actually good at ice skating, and puts together makeshift skates. She sticks a knife into a gun, then rushes out like a hockey player. I thought I was going to pass out from laughing so hard. It was the perfect mix of hockey style skating and figure skating. Were these scenes filled with CGI and body doubles? Yes. Did it make them less fun? Absolutely not.

Everything works out in the end because of course it does. Her ending is given to Argylle and Wyatt. Personally, I think Henry Cavill and John Cena should have kissed, they were clearly in love. I thought they would have since Rockwell and Howard kissed. All of the scenes paralleled one another, so why couldn't that one? I digress.

For one last big laugh, at the end of the movie, Howard is back to pretending to be Elly the author, and is doing a book reading of the final Argylle book. She's taking questions from the audience, and she calls on a man. He stands and knowingly smiles. It's Henry Cavill, only he has a curly mullet and a southern accent. What is it with British actors and doing southern accents that brings me so much joy? He says, "I don't have any questions, but I'm sure you have a couple for me", and winks.

There was a post-credits scene. It was supposed to be the actual Argylle book's first film adaptation. The scene takes place in a bar called The King's Man. An Easter egg thrown in by director, Matthew Vaughn, who has also directed the 2021 film by the same name. We couldn't tell if it was serious or not, but I'd love to see a movie based off the fake books. I think mostly because the writer, Jason Fuchs, and Matthew Vaughn, should definitely team up again.

Even though there were parts reminiscent to other spy movies, this is one of the most creative movies I've seen in a while. This is my favorite kind of satire. There are so many movies that are just remakes of remakes of remakes these days. It feels like there are no original ideas left. So, this was a breath of fresh air. It was so funny and so brilliant with a star studded cast. I bet this movie was so fun to work on, you could just feel that energy radiating from the actors. There were some slower parts, but that's to be expected. For the most part, my attention was kept. It was one of those movies where I left thinking, "I can't wait for this to come to streaming so I can watch it again".

I don't think Howard is the strongest actor, and some of the plot between the good spies and the bad spies was a little confusing. I found a lot of that hard to follow, maybe that was supposed to be on purpose. Most spy movies aren't always clear on what the main issue is.

Anyways, if you're looking for an escape from the cold, or an escape in general, this is definitely the movie to see.

#argylle #henry cavill #bryce dallas howard #sam rockwell #samuel l jackson #john cena #dua lipa #matthew vaughn #jason fuchs #brian cranston #bryan cranston #catherine o'hara #movie review #film review #universal pictures

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coleskingdom · 2 months

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Man in the Mirror

Matt Jackson x female reader

Genre Smut Minors DNI NSFW

GIF @ bloodycowboyclub

@madhatterbri @midwestmade29

“He’s playing fucking head games, with us.” Matt said pacing in the hotel room, “He couldn’t just take the nice retirement package and leave no, he had to bring a goth boy and a geriatric with him. “ his voice agitated, “ I now have to end one of the icons of this business and his friends as well.”

I had been lying in bed watching this soliloquy, slightly amused and slightly annoyed by this sudden crisis of conscience. “ Really? One of the icons of the sport, you’re doing what has to be done. The sport is ready for new icons, new greats. The geriatric in question should’ve been ended long ago.” I said an impatient tone in my voice.

“ I don’t recognize myself some days, when I look in the mirror.” his eyes showing a sadness that broke my heart. “ How have I become the villain ? No one understands why I have to do the things I have to do.” his hand reaching for the glass of wine on the table.

“Matt, listen they forced your hand, they forced you to have to make the hard decisions. Changing the world was never going to be easy. You’re doing this for everyone, the ones who don’t have spots because of this old guard who refuses to move on. Besides you either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain.. You’ve just always had someone else to get their hands dirty for you, or you did it because someone told you to. You’ve stabbed everyone you’ve ever loved in the back at one point or another, you’ll forgive yourself in time, as they have forgiven you. I don’t know why this upsets you when you played into Kenny’s psychotic vendetta against Cole and Page.” I sipped my own wine . “Is it because Kenny isn’t calling the shots this time? Is it because you’re having to lead? Is it because …” my words cut off as Matt straddled me on the bed, his hands tracing lines of my throat. “ I wouldn’t finish that thought” ,he kissed me, his mouth fighting for dominance, as I relented. Our hands grabbing at each other’s clothes in a frenzy, pulling and removing them as they were thrown on the floor.

His hands moved down my body, only lightly teasing the places , he knew I loved. “Are you going to be a good girl or am I going to have to fuck that attitude out of you?” his voice cool and controlled, his touch soft,as his calloused hands dipped lower. “ I’ll be whatever you want me to be, just please touch me Matt” the pathetic desperation in my tone made him smile. “ There’s my good girl, not so mouthy now” his mouth claiming mine as his hand teased my folds. He swallowed my groan as his practiced fingers went to work, his mouth moved down my body to my breasts. “Is this what you needed?”before he took my nipple in his mouth. “ Yes”, I said my mind barely coherent “Yes what?” he said stopping all movement “Yes sir” I was immediately rewarded as his thumb moved over my clit and his teeth grazed my nipple. A moan fell from my lips, I felt my body giving itself over to him. “ princess it’d be so easy to let you cum right now, and nothing would make me happier than to take care of you right now.” His fingers moving inside me, teasing strokes inching deeper. “However, you said some hurtful truths earlier, now you’re gonna have to wait till I say to cum.” his hands spreading my thighs , as he aligned himself with my aching core. “So desperate for me, for someone you thought was afraid to lead I’m leading you pretty well aren’t I ?” his tone slightly menacing, “I didn’t mean it, I’m sorry sir” I said . His mouth back on mine as he entered me, his body worked mine, the angle he chose was meant to drive both of us quickly to our own release. My fingers scratched his back as he hit that spot deep inside, he hissed . He picked up his speed his controlled thrusts becoming erratic , “ Princess come for me, milk my cock , show me how much you need me.” I clenched pulling him in and holding him there, as I shattered around him, his thrusts and little groans and whimpers as he released inside of me in my ear. My hands running through his hair as his face laid in the crook of my neck. “ Matt, I do understand. “ my words soft and soothing allowing him to stay there as long as he needed. “I know you’re doing this for us.” My hands running softly up his back. When he finally moved, he was Matt again, the softness in his features returned. He laid his head on my chest,he was quiet for a longtime, the war inside him quieted for the first time.

#aew fanfiction #aew smut #matt jackson smut #Matthew Jackson smut #matt jackson x y/n #matt jackson x reader

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samgirl98 · 8 months

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Mending a Family 20/?

Prev | Next

Have some fluff from Jason's family

Jason didn’t want another situation like Talia to happen, so he asked Raven for help. She was happy to help.

“The spell I put around the house will help cloak it from prying eyes. Even if someone finds out the address and tries to find it, they’ll always end up back in the village. It has an added bonus; you’ll know if someone is looking for your house.”

“Thanks, Raven, I owe you one.”

“You don’t owe me anything. I’m glad to help keep my little niece and nephew safe.”

Jason smiled. He was quickly looking at Raven as an older sister and Roy as an older brother.

(Is this how it could’ve been with his old family?)

“Still, I want to thank you. How about I make you some waffles since it’s still morning? It’s one of my specialties.”

Raven smiled, “Well, I never turn down free food.”

“Ohh, can I help, daddy?”

“Of course, lad.”

They ended up covered in flour. Danny’s hair was almost as white as his ghost half.

“So, Jason, tell me, how’s it going with your new powers,” Raven asked after breakfast.

Jason sighed, “It’s a bit tough, but I’m getting there. I’m no longer going intangible at random times. I’m flying better, and Danny is teaching me how to make shields and ectoblasts. The ectoblasts are easier. I only have to call some up, point, and blast. It’s almost like a gun.”

“Daddy is really good at paying attention and learning—hey, stop that daddy!”

Jason laughed as he wiped the syrup from his little boy’s mouth. Jazz smiled fondly while she fed Ellie. Ellie giggled, her two little teeth on display.

That’s when it hit Jason like a freight train. He was happy. It felt like it was overwhelming him and going to overflow from his body. He knew everyone around the table could feel his happiness and didn’t care.

Raven gave him a warm smile.

“I’m glad you found this, Jason. You deserve it,” Raven said. She meant every word of it.

He didn’t know if he deserved it, but unlike a certain emotionally constipated billionaire, he knew Jason wouldn’t question it. He would hold on to this happiness with both hands and never let go.

Danny hugged Jason with still sticky hands.

Jason owed his happiness to his little boy.

____

Bruce woke up feeling miserable.

What else was new?

The night before had been tough. There had been an Arkham breakout. Thankfully, the Joker hadn’t escaped. Bruce didn’t know what he would’ve done to the clown if he had.

(Where was his son? He was alive. He was away from the protection of Bruce’s cape.)

They had found Crane and Victor Fries but had yet to find Killer Croc.

(Was Jason dealing with villains and rogues alone?)

Bruce stretched. He bypassed the curtains and left them closed. The sunlight would hurt his eyes. He went to eat breakfast. Alfred put a plate and a cup of coffee in front of him. Bruce ignored the food and went straight for the cup of joe.

“Have you heard from Jason,” Bruce asked the older man.

(He thought Jason would always stay close by; stay in Gotham.)

“No, Master Bruce,” the butler answered with a hint of disapproval.

Bruce frowned.

“He’s my son, Alfred.”

“Hmm, well, your actions speak louder than your words, sir.”

Bruce frowned after his surrogate father as he left Bruce alone at the dining room table. A phantom chill went through the silent room.

(Jason wasn’t supposed to leave.)

The silence damned him.

I hope you guys liked this chapter. Special thanks to BatPeg and Jozette_Rosewood_125. One of them gave me the prompt for waffles, and the other person gave me a prompt for cooking time with Jason.

@itsberrydreemurstuff @idontgetpaidenoughforthisshit @skulld3mort-1fan @theauthorandtheartist @emergentpanda-blog @jaggedheart11 @fisticuffsatapplebees @booberrylizard @fantasticbluebirdfan @thegatorsgooseoose @cyrwrites @kjoboo91 @crystallicedart @amaramizuki666 @spekulatiusmuffin @meira-3919 @kilasmess @bubblemixer @lexdamo @wonderland-daisy @mj-arts-n-stuff @amyheart19 @dolfay @the-church-grimm @undead-essence @aph-mable @lizisipancardo @purrloin77 @writer-extraodinaire @charlietheepic7 @sinfulloccultist @nootherusernameworked @coruscateselene @chaoticchange @itsberrydreemurstuff @gmkelz11 @feral-bunny31 @paroovian @thatonegaybitch68 @d4ydr34min9 @overtherose @fandomwandererer @vipower001 @thordottir45 @blackrabbitt3t @rosecinnamonbun @bianca-hooks123 @epilepticnerd @dat1angel @consouling @flamingenchiladadragon @all-mights-asscheeks

#mending a family #dc x dp #dp x dc

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littlespacereader · 2 months

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haii!!!!! can u do a story wher tony stark is cg an peter parker is litle on patrol ??? wifs mentions of captan amewica and or doctort strang bein othr papa(s) ??

Such a cute idea! I love me a cute fic with little and caregiver teaming up to save the world but the Cg is just worried about their little the whole time! Of course I have CG Tony Stark and to change it up I made the other CG Doctor strange! I literally love his character so much! I also based the villain off the comic book character and not the MCU version of the character. Anyway! Please enjoy this fic!! Thank you for the request!

On Patrol🕷️⚡️

Caregiver! Tony Stark, Caregiver! Stephen Strange & Little! Peter Parker

Tags - fighting (combat), passing out, tickling, cuddles, medicines, magic

Nicknames - Pete, kid, little bundle of joy, sweet one, little one, little spider, Dadee for Tony, Papa for Strange

“Mission Alert, 22nd street and 8th avenue. Reports says the Electro is making his way to the city’s power grid. Police are asking for the Avenger’s assistance.” Jarvis echoed through the Tower.

“A mission!!” Peter jumped from his bed. He threw his spider stuffie and spit his pacifier out before running into the other room.

“Jarvis! Keep me updated on the mission! I’m getting changed now.”

“Sir, do you think you’re in the right headspace to be going on this mission?”

“Of course! I’m big now. I just needed a little break and now I’m good.”

He quickly threw on his suit, grabbed his web shooters before leaving his room. Not without one extra hug to his stuffie though! If Jarvis had real eyes, he’d be rolling them.

Peter started running down the hall, then thought the doors to the balcony. With one big jump he swung into the city.

Peter began to talk to Jarvis through his suit’s technology, “Tell Da-…Tell Mister Stark-“

“Tell me what?”

Peter looked to his right to see Tony flying beside him. “Hey! I was just telling Jarvis-“

“Where do you think you’re going Pete?”

“I’m going on the mission.” Peter said, a bit unsure of himself. “You see, I just got back from school so I was just relaxing watching this old show called Gillian’s Island when Jarvis said the mission alert and since everyone else is away on the mission in Australia I thought I would cover it.” Peter said as fast as lighting. Was it all completely true…no.

“Huh? Really?” Tony didn’t sound too convinced.

“Yeah! And now that you’re here we can do this together! On patrol! Come on!” he tried to swing faster but Ironman was much faster than Peter’s swinging. Tony stopped him, the two just stood in the air, Ironman hovering and Spider-Man holding onto one of his webs.

“I think maybe you should sit this one out kid. I’ll take care of it.”

“But I can do it! He’s my villain anyway! Trust me I’ll be-.”

There was a sudden rumble with lighting flying into the air. The two looked at one another.

Tony sighed, “We don’t have time to argue. Alright, come on kid. As long as you’re not feeling Little…” Peter could hear the slight sternness to his voice.

“Nope! All good. Alright let’s goooo!” And before Tony could him question more, Peter continued to swing away.

Tony just sighed and followed after him. While Peter swung, Tony flied beside him. They were heading towards downtown near Chelsea market and the Flatiron building.

As they made their way Peter noticed all the different buildings, a new toy store, the Harry Potter store, plus there was probably a new toy stand at Chelsea market.

“Da-…Mister Stark? After we take down Electro can we go to Chelsea market? I wanna see if they’ve got a new toy stand, because the last time I was there with you and Papa I saw-“

“Kid look out!”

Tony grabbed Peter before a lighting strike could hit him. He set him down on a rooftop near by.

“Peter answer me right now. Are you feeling big or Little?” Tony asked in his angry stern voice.

“I’m fine! I’ve got this!” He shook his head and completely avoid the question entirely. Again Peter pusher past and over to Electro who was not happy to see the duo.

“The spider brought backup? It won’t matter!”

Electro began throwing lighting bolts towards Spider-Man and Ironman but the two dodge them well.

“You remember what I taught you last week?”

“The above and below trick?” Peter happily replied.

“That’s the one. Alright kid, let’s do it.” Tony flew below Electro. While he was distracted with Tony, Peter swung above, grabbing his arms in his webs perfectly restraining him.

“We got him Mister Stark! We got-.”

There was just one problem…Electro’s hand were still filled with electricity. So he shot above him. The electricity traveled up the webs and onto Peter, electrocuting him.

Peter doesn’t really remember what happened after that. He heard his Dadee call after him, then he remembers falling, then everything went dark as he passed out. Though he thought he remembered something red wrapping around him.

~~~

When Peter started to wake up he felt wrapped in a blanket. No…wait a minute.

Peter’s eyes fluttered as he started to regain consciousness. He looked down to see his whole body was wrapped in not a blanket but a cape, specifically Doctor Stranger’s cloak.

Peter’s body ached and his head was pounding but he looked around for his Dadee and his Papa too.

He realized where he was. Safe and sound in Papa’s mansion in Downtown Manhattan, the Sanctum Sanctorum.

Peter sighed and sunk into the very comfy bed. He always loved going to Papa’s house. Everything was so cool and mysterious.

Plus he always has the softest beds imaginable. He couldn’t help but close his eyes and fall back to sleep. Expect cloak started to tickle him! Peter began to giggle and giggle, the cloak was relentless.

The cloak only ceased its tickle attack when the door to the bedroom opened up. Peter looked to see Uncle Wong enter with a tray in his hands.

“How are you feeling little one?”

“I’m fine! Really!” Peter began to sit up but his pounding headache had him sink right back down. “Actually my head hurts, badly.” He whined holding his head.

Wong hummed in response, “I thought so. That’s why I brought this for you.”

Wong sat the tray down on Peter’s lap. On it, were little bottles with different colored liquids inside. Peter looked at Wong confused.

“Don’t worry it’s all medicines to help you feel better.” Wong started looking through the different bottles for the right one.

He picked up one and opened it up, black smoke started to pour out of it before he quickly plugged it shut.

Peter’s eyes widened as he looked at Wong with sheer horror on his face. Wong laughed nervously, “Haha, that was the wrong one.”

“Wrong one?! What is that?!”

“Nothing you need to worry about. Let’s see here.” Wong looked through the bottles until, “Ah ha! Here it is!”

He held up a glass bottle with a blue liquid inside. Peter looked at Wong worried, “What is that?”

“It’s liquid advil. I will help you feel better soon.”

“No thank Uncle Wong I’m gonna see Papa instead.” Peter began sitting up with the help of the cloak.

“I’m telling you Peter this will help you. It’s good medicine. I’m 78% sure.”

“78% sure?! What about the other 22%?”

“Well, they’re a chance that this could turn you into a fish or cure your headache.”

“A FISH?!”

“It’s only a 22% chance! Nothing to worry about!”

Peter’s heart was in his throat. He stood up on unsteady feet but thanks to the cloak he didn’t fall. He looked at the cloak and then Wong.

“Mister cloak, take me to Papa please.”

“Peter wait-.”

The cloak lifted Peter in the air and flew him right out the door, ignoring Wong. The cloak flew through the mansion in search of Strange, all while Peter was giggling, but thankfully it didn’t need to look far.

Strange and Tony sat by the fireplace. A coffee table with tea cups sat between their big chairs.

“I should’ve checked with Jarvis the moment I caught up with him in New York. I just had a feeling he wasn’t as big as he was saying.”

“It isn’t your fault Tony. It’s hard to tell when Peter is truly regressed or somewhere in between. I’m just happy he wasn’t badly hurt.”

“Sometimes I wonder if I’m a good Caregiver or I’m becoming my old man.” Tony sighed.

“Tony, Peter idolizes you. There’s really very little you could say or do to make him hate you. Don’t beat yourself up, that’s my job.” Strange smirked.

Tony rolled his eyes, “How did you even find us?”

“I was heading to Chelsea Markey to pick up something for Peter. Last time we were there I saw him looking at a toy stand and-”

The cloak carrying Peter flew into the room, knocking over the coffee table with their tea cups. The cloak deposited Peter in Strange’s lap with one plop.

Peter giggled and waved to the cloak goodbye. “Thank you cloakie!” The cloak waved back before disappearing into the mansion.

“My little bundle of joy delivered into my lap.” Strange chuckled.

Peter reach forward and hugged Strange, who recuperated wrapping his arms around Peter. “Peter, sweet one, how are you feeling?”

“My head hurts.” Peter mumbled in the hug.

He lifted his head up but held onto Strange still, “Uncle Wong tried to poison me Papa!”

Strange raised an eye brow, “Did he now?”

“Yeah! He brought in this big tray of bottles! One of them he opened had black smoke coming out of it! And another could’ve turned me into a fish!!”

“A fish?!” Tony stood up and joined the two, “We can’t have that happen! What will we do if our little spider turned into a little fish?!” Tony said as dramatic as possible.

“No Dadee! Don’t wanna be a fish!”

“Don’t worry kiddo, you’re not going to be a fish. I’m sure Papa has some regular medicine for you around here somewhere.”

“Come on,” Strange said lifting Peter into his arms. “Let’s get you some medicine and then it’s back to bed for you.”

“Noooooo wanna play!”

“Listen to your Papa Pete, you need all the rest in the world after that shock. I’m sorry this happened to you. I should’ve seen it coming and helped you.”

“It’s okay! I’m okay! See?” Peter smiled.

Tony smiled back, “I can definitely see that. Nothing stops my little one.”

“How about a cozy resting day? Just the three of us? That way you can heal and you won’t be without your Papa and Dadee. We can watch whatever movie you want. How does that sound?” Strange offered.

Peter smiled at his two amazing Caregivers, “Yes!! Just one thing?”

“Yes?”

“Can we invite Uncle Wong too. But make him promise not to turn me into a fish…please.”

The two Caregivers laughed, “We’ll make him promise not to turn you into a fish.”

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rearranged-fanfic · 1 month

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Update (3/15)

I'm never actually going to get a chapter out on time. Lol. I am resigned to the fact that this is my truth.

So, fun stuff these past three weeks.

The next chapter? I hate it. It has been the bane of my existence for several reasons. I've deleted either the whole thing or massive parts of it no less than six times now. I've probably typed and retyped somewhere between 30K words for this one alone. I'm not happy with it at all. I've already put it off for another week, and I still can't get it the way I want. The perfectionist in me is telling me to pound it out until it's acceptable. The person inside who wants to meet my deadlines is screaming at me to just upload it in its current state and change it later.

I'm finishing it, though. Or, as finished as I can get it in an extra day. So, one more day and it'll be out for you guys to view to your hearts' content.

In other news, while battling frustration with the story, I've tried to distract myself from it so that my anger doesn't bleed into my writing. And I've wound up getting back into one of my old favorite chill games: My Time at Portia. I've put somewhere around 500 hours into it, and still love it. Lol. If you like things like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing, you'll probably like Portia, too.

I've started rewatching My Hero Academia and Demon Slayer with my husband. Both of those things are living in my head rents free as well, alongside this fic and my game.

So, now I'm resisting the urge to contribute to a smaller, less-saturated fandom or pairing. Like, there are ten million GojoXReader stories, but what about for Arlo? Or Hawks? Or best boi Rengoku Kyojuro? Arrrggggh! The ADHD beckons, and I must resist its call!

I wish I could pause time so that I can write all the things I want to!

Also, I tried to unwind by watching The Boy and the Heron to celebrate its win at the Oscars. And I feel like I'm being gaslit by the world and anime community as a whole. Because it was… not great. Like, it was a genuinely incohesive and confusing movie? The plot was chaotic and nonsensical? The characters weren't very fleshed out? Character motivations suffered due to poor pacing? Emotional payoff was non-existant? The plot "reveals" weren't satisfying? The worldbuilding was lackluster and simultaneously too involved but not involved enough? There was a crappy third-act villain? The English dub is mid (barring Robert Pattinson, who is stellar, TBH); Why the fuck did Christian Bale decide that a Godfather-esque mafioso accent would be fitting for a WW era Japanese man when nobody else in the movie sounds like that?!

IDK… I went in expecting this to be on the same level as Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, or Spirited Away. And I feel like we got Tales From Earthsea all over again. Except this time, for whatever reason, it won an award and is being praised as Miyazaki's magnum opus?!

I was actually salty for days. Scratch that; I'm still salty.

So... in conclusion, I'm back, bitches. And I'm vibing to the music of my own internal screaming.

#REARRANGEDfanfic #fanfic #fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #ao3 writer #update

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crimsonvelvet · 1 year

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Meanings of names. Batim/Batdr edition!

Hello there! I'm back with another name meanings list! This time it's the Bendy verse, because it was immortalized (Hehe heh get it) yet again, and I couldn't be more excited.

So! I will be doing the primary characters for both games, BUT not all of them. I’ll be doing all the folks from Batim, since there aren’t as many as in Batdr, which added a TON of new characters and I for the live of me can't do them all. It would take me an eternity, so there... So, I won’t do those who had like one tape or memo. Sorry. I also will not be including characters from the comics or the books. Yeah. (but I can do a part 2 if you guys want ehehehehe)

Let's go!

Toons (not doing the corrupted versions, they’re technically the same)

Bendy. I'm pretty sure that Meatly made it up from the name of some editing program. Something something Bender, not sure.

Boris. From a Bulgar Turkic name, also recorded as Bogoris, perhaps meaning "short" or "wolf" or "snow leopard". Hey! Literally a wolf!

Alice. From the Old French name Aalis, a short form of Adelais, itself a short form of the Germanic name Adalheidis, which means "noble type". Hmm, I like it! Fits her. I’m obviously also counting Twisted Alice and Allison Angel. They all have the same name.

Charley (one of my favourite characters hehehehe). Diminutive form of Charles, which means "man". Literally. Just man. MAN. That’s it. I guess that fits... Charley is, after all, A MALE. Yeah.

Barley. Means “grower of barley”. Lmao. Just like that.

Edgar. Derived from the Old English elements ead "wealth, fortune" and gar "spear". I mean... I guess? He has nothing to do with spears, but he’s got fangs. They’re sharp. Spears are sharp.

Humans (from here on going in alphabet order)

Allison Pendle. Norman French diminutive of Aalis, so basically the same as Alice. Cool! She’s very sweet, so it fits for her as well!

Audrey Drew (putting her here because I don’t really count her as an ink entity). Medieval diminutive of Æðelþryð, which is derived from the Old English elements æðel "noble" and þryð "strength". Oh, she sure is strong!

Bertrum Piedmont. Means "bright raven", derived from the Germanic element beraht "bright" combined with hramn "raven". Uhhmm. Ooook then. Not sure where the raven comes from.

Daniel ”Buddy” Lewek. From the Hebrew name דָּנִיֵּאל (Daniyyel), meaning "God is my judge". Nuuuu, Buddy:( I still feel very bad for him... Man, poor guy.

Grant Cohen. From an English and Scottish surname that was derived from Norman French grand meaning "great, large". Well, his boss had GRANT plans for the studio (please don’t hurt me, I know the pun is bad).

Henry Stein (the man!). From the Germanic name Heimirich meaning "home ruler", composed of the elements heim "home" and ric "ruler". OOOOHH, i love it! Considering he is the actual creator of Bendy, he technically is the ruler!

Jack Fain. Derived from Jackin (earlier Jankin), a medieval diminutive of John, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name יוֹחָנָן (Yochanan) meaning "Yahweh is gracious". Maybe Jack is jewish? It’s unlikely, but I literally don’t know what to say here.

Joey Dr(ew). Diminutive of Joseph, which was from the Hebrew name יוֹסֵף (Yosef), meaning "he will add". Endless torment, that’s what he’ll add. Ugh, poor Henry.

Lacie Benton. Variant of Lacy. From a surname that was derived from Lassy, the name of a town in Normandy. I couldn’t really find anything else, so...I guess?

Nathan Arch Sr. From the Hebrew name נָתָן (Natan) meaning "he gave". Wha- what’d he give? A new chance for Bendy to be relevant again? Idk, really.

Nathan ”Wilson” Arch Jr (please don’t hurt me, but I kinda like him as a villain... Like, yeah, he’s creepy as all heck, but isn’t that kinda the point? So there, I said it). I will be doing his moniker, since duh. The name comes from an English surname meaning "son of William". Eeeehhhh, almost fits, just replace William with Nathan.

Norman Polk (eeeeyyyy it’s ma dude!). From an old Germanic byname meaning "northman", referring to a viking. Now that’s interesting. I can’t tell English accents apart very well, but I saw someone say he’s got a southern accent. And then there’s NORTHman. Hmmmm.

Sammy Lawrence. Diminutive of Samuel, coming from the Hebrew name שְׁמוּאֵל (Shemu'el), which could mean either "name of God" or "God has heard". Lmao, I guess his god really did hear him. And decided to fucking murder him.

Shawn Flynn. Anglicized form of Seán, which on itself is the Irish form of John, so basically the same as Jack.

Susie Campbell. Diminutive of Susan. This was derived from the Hebrew word שׁוֹשָׁן (shoshan) meaning "lily" (in modern Hebrew this also means "rose"), perhaps ultimately from Egyptian sšn "lotus". Oh, maybe those are her favourite flowers!

Thomas Connor. Greek form of the Aramaic name תָּאוֹמָא (Ta'oma') meaning "twin". OH he and Buddy are technically twins! Or, well, clones.

Wally Franks. Diminutive of Walter, which comes from a Germanic name meaning "ruler of the army", composed of the elements wald "rule" and hari "army". Pffft, he’s the ruler of the army that got OUTTA THE STUDIO, yeah ok it fits.

Ink entities (not doing Sammy, Jack and Norman for obvious reasons)

Betty. Diminutive of Elizabeth. From Ἐλισάβετ (Elisabet), the Greek form of the Hebrew name אֱלִישֶׁבַע ('Elisheva') meaning "my God is an oath". The heck- did she turn into Sammy?

Big Steve. Short form of Steven, which derives from the Greek name Στέφανος (Stephanos) meaning "crown, wreath". Uhh, I guess? Is there something that we have yet to discover?

Heidi. German diminutive of Adelheid, which means "noble type", from the French form of the Germanic name Adalheidis. Damn, what’s with all the nobles? Unrelated, but I love her bowtie.

Porter. From an occupational English surname meaning "doorkeeper". Oooohh, ok then, he technically is one.

And that’s it! Whew, took me quite some time. Please do tell me if you want a part two with the other folks! I’m not sure, when (and if) I’ll make it, we’l have to see.

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cloudwhisper23 · 1 month

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I spent two days on this prompt, lol. Yet another story for @grow-bettah's Grumbo Month event! I am still pushing the limits of what counts for these prompts by the way. XD

Day 13: Long Day

He knew the rules well. Hot Guy had impressed them in harshly, the glint of sorrow in his eyes as he’d explained it. Don’t get attached to the tech working with you. Don’t get attached to anybody. That was how they’d get you.

So Cute Guy was rude to the people around him. He was harsh on his technician, who shied away whenever he so much as looked at the man. If the pain of clearly hurting Mumbo got to him, he’d find a puddle to splash himself in and pretend to be someone else. Someone better.

The difference between Grian and Cute Guy was stark enough that Mumbo never noticed their similar height. His tech worked well enough that he never realized it was used against him. Mumbo never suspected a thing. It was perfect, ignoring the fact that Cute Guy had broken the first rule: don’t get attached to the tech.

But Grian wasn’t Cute Guy. He was better.

Mumbo didn’t seem too sure. No matter how much Grian tried to put down Cute Guy for his harsh jokes and cruel flirting, Mumbo always had a defense ready.

Grian saw it as a challenge, digging up more of his terrible deeds to point out to Mumbo. The media caught a lot of it, so it was easy to convince Mumbo that he’d seen it on the news somewhere.

“Some hero,” Grian often said. “How can you be a hero and be so cruel?” It was a question he asked himself.

“I think…” Mumbo would always start, hesitant. “I don’t think he means to be. I think he’s worried about letting people in.”

Grian always scoffed, finding some other way to poke at Cute Guy.

“You just like him because you’re well off,” Grian said one night, the cool surface of window glass against his back.

Mumbo flinched. “Am I? My job is quite demanding, Grian.”

Mumbo wasn’t allowed to share what he did for a living. It was a safety measure. But because Cute Guy knew, Grian knew. And he always suspected it was because of him that Mumbo was constantly exhausted. The glint in Mumbo’s eye only existed when he was with Grian. It was certainly never present around Cute Guy, nor with Hot Guy. Not even Hot Guy’s tech, Cub, could get more than a few words out of Mumbo on the job.

Mumbo was shy, a realization Grian reached rather quickly. He stuttered when he was unsure of something. His laugh held more energy than Grian could ever give.

“What do you do for a living?” Grian asked, the pressure settling over Mumbo like the collapse of a building.

“You know I can’t tell you that.”

“Is it dangerous?” Grian pressed further, knowing he was pushing Mumbo’s buttons. “Are you a super hero?”

“Goodness gracious no!” Mumbo smiled nervously. “Grian, please. Drop it.”

“Fine.” Grian tightened his shoulders. He didn’t need Mumbo to tell him. “What’s so demanding about your mysterious job, anyway?”

“Grian.”

“You don’t have to give details! Just like, blame your boss or whatever. Be as vague as you need.”

Mumbo swallowed. “I don’t know…”

“I’ll tell you about my life if you do it,” Grian said, peering at Mumbo from the windowsill. It wouldn’t be hard to tell small truths, like where he’d been before the program decided to use him. It wouldn’t be hard to recall his old life.

Mumbo’s mustache twitched. “Fine. It’s not my boss so much as one of the people I work with. A client, if you will.”

“Go on…”

“He’s…” Mumbo struggled to find words. “Well, he certainly tries to make things harder for me.”

He must be talking about me, Grian decided. Tilting his head, Grian nudged Mumbo into elaborating. “So he’s a jerk.”

“More than that! He’s the boss of a few other people, and I just know he’s rubbing off on them because there’s no way they’d be so-“ Mumbo clamped his mouth shut. “I guess he’s what the good people of the city would call a villain.”

Grian flinched at that. Surely not? If Mumbo was so defensive of Cute Guy, why call him a villain?

“Your turn,” Mumbo said softly.

Grian remained silent.

“Grian, you promised,” Mumbo’s voice sounded small. It tugged at Grian’s heart.

His shoulders sank as he looked into Mumbo’s eyes. “What do you want to know?”

The facility felt cold the next day, when Mumbo walked into the laboratory. Hot Guy nodded to him, the faintest acknowledgement.

It was the most polite anyone ever was to Mumbo. Aside from Grian, of course.

Mumbo swallowed the noise in his throat as he recalled their conversation and the way Grian’s voice sounded dead when he told Mumbo about his life. About the scavenging to survive, about the way his younger brother had succumbed to an illness he couldn’t do anything about. About the way he described the many times he’d been kidnapped for the sake of experiments. Experiments.

Mumbo kept his eyes on the broken visor on the table. Hot Guy burned through these fast, and oftentimes Mumbo was stuck fixing them. Cute Guy’s equipment rarely broke, as his skills lay more in a subtle category.

“On the table there,” a voice said, and it ran chills up Mumbo’s spine.

He kept working mechanically, watching with his peripherals as Hot Guy sighed and jumped up on the table. “Time for more?”

“Don’t backtalk me,” Hot Guy’s handler snapped, black wings flicking out with irritation. “It’d be a shame to have to find you someone new to repair your equipment.”

Mumbo’s fingers worked quickly, finishing up his work on the visor. “Repairs are done,” he said as though he hadn’t been listening to the conversation in the room.

“Good.” The handler didn’t spare him a look. “Now get out.”

“Yes sir.” Mumbo exited, taking a deep breath once he got into the hallway.

Just in time to see the news report. “-receiving word of multiple building collapses, and no heroes are yet in sight. Most of the Lower East Side has been completely destroyed. We advise everyone to evacuate to the Higher West Side if at all possible to avoid further tragedy.”

Mumbo’s hand shot to the pager at his belt. “Cute Guy, do you copy?”

No response.

Mumbo tried to calm his trembling as he tried again. “Cute Guy?” Please answer. Of all the times to ignore me, now is not one of them. Grian lived there. Grian worked there. He was in danger, and Cute Guy wouldn’t spare Mumbo the time to ask for help.

“Cute Guy, do you copy?” Mumbo’s voice thickened with tears as the news continued. “Cute Guy, please answer me.”

Determining that this was not going to work, Mumbo stormed back into the lab. Hot Guy met his gaze solidly, his muscles tense as the handler inserted a needle into his arm. The handler whirled on Mumbo immediately, shouting at him to get out.

“This is an emergency,” Mumbo stated, his voice quavering. “For one thing, Cute Guy won’t answer his communicator, and for another, something has gone wrong on the Lower East Side. They need a hero out there. Cute Guy is unresponsive, meaning whatever you’re up to needs to wait. There are civilian lives at risk.”

Hot Guy’s mouth twitched, but he said nothing. The handler glowered at Mumbo. “Cute Guy is unresponsive?”

“To my pager, yes. I am not entirely sure where he is.” Truthfully, Mumbo hadn’t even thought to look for Cute Guy. The hero avoided him like the plague unless he needed something, and even then, he was harsh and snippy. Hot Guy was right here, so he was the faster option regardless. Especially if Cute Guy stubbornly refused to respond to communication.

The handler walked toward Mumbo, his grey eyes darkening to something more akin to black. “You are to go find Cute Guy and report back to me.”

“But the Lower East Side-“

“You are to go find Cute Guy.” Wings bristling, the handler grabbed Mumbo’s shoulder. His talons sank deep enough to draw blood. “Is that clear?”

Mumbo shot Hot Guy a look. The hero shrugged at him. He was in no position to resist either, clearly. “That is clear. I’ll find Cute Guy.”

The handler stared at him for another moment. “One more instance of this insubordination, and you’re out.”

“I don’t work for you,” Mumbo snapped, unthinking. Hot Guy betrayed the slightest wince.

The handler’s grip tightened. “I think you’ll find that crossing me will be very unpleasant for you, Mumbo Jumbo.”

“Yes sir.” Mumbo was nearly shaking with his own rage now. Grian could be dead on the pavement for all this man cared, but all he could think about was Cute Guy.

“Answer your damn comms, mate!” Mumbo practically shouted into the pager when he was alone. “Where are you?”

No response.

“Cute Guy!” Mumbo yelled into the pager.

“Why are you so loud?” Cub asked, plugging his ears as he approached Mumbo.

“Cute Guy won’t answer his comms, and the Lower East Side needs a hero right about now.” Mumbo scowled at Cub. “And apparently no one in this building even knows or cares.”

“What are you talking about?” Cub blinked, pulling his fingers from his ears. “We would’ve heard something by now-“

Mumbo pointed silently at the hall broadcast, something implemented into every hallway to ensure that everyone was constantly updated on the events around the city. Images of crumbled buildings and bodies littered the screen. Mumbo’s stomach heaved as he saw the smashed remains of a child’s doll, splattered with blood, in the image.

Cub paled significantly. “This isn’t a job for Cute Guy, Mumbo. Even if you could find him, they need both: Hot Guy and Cute Guy.��

“Yeah, good luck with that one, mate. The handler is in there with Hot Guy.”

“You’re joking.” Cub pushed his glasses up his nose. “Okay, new plan. We’re going to sort this out ourselves.”

“How do you figure?”

“We’re tech guys. We’re smart enough to figure out the technology we work with every day, surely.”

“In theory,” Mumbo replied. “But probably not in practice.”

“Look, man. I saw how hysterical you were. And this sort of thing never phases you. It’s the only reason you were hired, actually. You can keep a cool head under pressure. Clearly, this stuff means something to you.”

“But-“

“Mumbo, either we do this, or the entire Lower East Side goes down. Are you with me?”

Mumbo’s resolve wavered, and he recalled Grian’s expression from the night before. His grave resolve. “I’m with you.”

Things were decidedly not going well. Cute Guy cursed the thick black glow coursing through his veins as he hoisted a sobbing toddler into his arms. The girl clung to his neck, her sobs slightly muffled by his torn uniform.

The Lower East Side had been positively ravaged. Cute Guy cursed the idiot who’d thought necromancy was a good idea as he deposited the child at the evacuation point.

Someone came forward immediately, shouting for his baby. Cute Guy gave up the child with little effort before running back into the danger zone, despite the protests from the police officers at his back.

They didn’t register him as Cute Guy.

And why would they? He had his mask on, sure, but the effects of that… thing sank deep. It was on his clothes, in his hair, and most definitely under his skin. He could feel it draining his energy even as he hurried back into the destruction.

Like an idiot, Cute Guy had tried to confront the biggest monster on his own. It had launched explosive skulls at him, roaring fiercely.

The first attack took out his main equipment. Now he just had a weird glowing blue sword that Mumbo had handed him once and his wings. Thankfully, he wasn’t in the worst shape. The black skeletons were somewhat manageable with the help of the sword, but without the help of Hot Guy’s bow, the big monster couldn’t be dealt with.

Staggering as a wave of pain overtook him, Cute Guy let himself take a moment to breathe. He felt the dust on every inch of his body, and his wings tried to dislodge the debris that had managed to get in between every feather. It was a hopeless fight. Until backup arrived, all the news would hear about was the lone civilian continuously running back into the destroyed district to save as many other lives as he could.

Distantly, he heard screaming and the roar of the monster. Cute Guy’s wings twinged, and he forced himself to launch into the air to fly toward the noise.

Mumbo and Cub both heard the screams at the same time. They ran toward the sound, stumbling as an explosion rocked the ground. Cub had emphasized that the wings were experimental, and even if they needed to cover ground quickly, they were only to be used in absolute emergencies. Still, Mumbo couldn’t help but feel miffed that they didn’t have the helpful advantage of Cute Guy soaring overhead. Hot Guy liked to call him “the eyes in the sky,” and Mumbo could definitely see the lure of that in a situation like this.

“Oh, that’s not good,” Cub said softly. “How should we do this?”

Mumbo stared in terror at the scene before them. A grotesque, three-headed black skeletal creature floated in the air above two kids. It looked as though it was gearing up for another attack, even as Mumbo glimpsed a third body lying motionless beside the other two.

“You evacuate the kids while I distract that thing?” Mumbo asked without thinking.

“You’re crazy.”

“Yeah, well, that’s the plan we’re going with.” Mumbo shot out of hiding, even as Cub cursed behind him. “Hey! Over here!” He steadied his crossbow and shot the monster.

It whipped around immediately, roaring its displeasure at the interruption. The kids screamed again as Mumbo scrambled to ready another crossbow bolt. He dimly recalled Hot Guy’s distaste for crossbows, and he was suddenly aware of their major flaw: reload time.

Ditching the effort with the crossbow, Mumbo started running. An explosion hit the ground at his feet. Mumbo tumbled to the pavement, cement tearing through the shoddy armor he and Cub had managed to cobble together. Something crunched against his back, and Mumbo figured he was dead if he didn’t get up.

Staggering to his feet, Mumbo heard the blood roaring in his ears as the giant monstrous creature continued to chase him. With no weapon in sight, Mumbo ditched the remains of the equipment. It hadn’t been a viable plan to begin with, and Mumbo had known that. Still, he let Cub pretend there was hope, if only to ensure that Cub didn’t go into this alone.

Just keep running, Mumbo told himself. This whole thing was too dangerous for civilians. Even if there was that tiny voice telling Mumbo that Grian would be the type to run back in here to save countless others, he knew his friend didn’t have a chance. He didn’t have a chance.

Maybe Cute Guy or Hot Guy would’ve, but Mumbo had no idea what they would’ve done in this situation. They weren’t here, and they probably wouldn’t make it in time to save anyone anyway.

A step onto cracked and uneven pavement sent Mumbo sprawling again. Pain shot up his leg as his ankle made an unpleasant crunching noise. Mumbo crawled forward, but the monster was right there, and oh God, he was going to die, and-

Something flew over his head, wacking the monster with a solid crack. The monster roared in fury, shooting at the thing, but it couldn’t seem to connect.

Mumbo watched in dazed shock as the grey blur ducked in between the explosive attacks and landed hit after hit on the monster. The thing finally crumbled, literally, as withered bones exploded everywhere. One of them scratched Mumbo’s face, but he hardly flinched.

“Hey, Mumbo? Can you hear me?” A warm hand cupped his face.

Mumbo struggled to focus his vision and failed.

“Mumbo?” the voice persisted.

“…Grian?” Mumbo said hopefully. Maybe they’d both died, and Grian was here to guide him on his way to the afterlife. At least he got to see Grian again. That was nice.

“No, Mumbo. Hey, can you look at me? Can you manage that?”

Mumbo scrunched his face, trying to stop his vision from swimming. “You sound familiar. But you’re not Grian?”

“No, I’m not Grian.” A huff escaped the other person. “You know me, though. Don’t you, Mumbo?”

Finally, finally, Mumbo’s vision settled, and he saw the familiar curve of Cute Guy’s mask way closer to his face than it had ever been. Mumbo flinched, aggravating his ankle again as he attempted to get away.

“Hey, hey. None of that. Mumbo, you need to stay still for a moment.” Cute Guy caught his arm.

Cute Guy was more grey than Mumbo remembered. He was fairly certain Cute Guy had black and pink wings, not grey. Then it finally clicked that of course Cute Guy was coated in the same debris coating his own body. And then he registered that he must still be alive, as his ankle was in such complete pain that there was no way he was dead.

Mumbo didn’t realize he would be so disappointed to be alive. But he swallowed his pain and scowled. “You’re late.”

“Excuse me?” Cute Guy’s mouth twisted. “I’ve been here the whole time! If anyone’s late, it’s Hot Guy!” His wing twitched irritably. “This is what I get for coming to save you. Not even a thank you.”

“Maybe I would’ve given you a thank you if you’d answered your comms,” Mumbo snapped right back, a tiny bit relieved that things hadn’t changed too much. “How was I supposed to know you were here? Nobody’s seen you!”

“They’ve seen me. They just can’t recognize me easily when I’m coated in pulverized cement.” Cute Guy looked like he was about to elaborate, but then a flash of something black flickered under his skin. He shuddered as he fell into Mumbo, knocking both of them to the ground.

“Whoa, mate.” Mumbo wrapped an arm around Cute Guy and attempted to sit up. Pain flared in his ankle, but he ignored it. “You alright?”

“I’m fine.” Cute Guy pulled himself away from Mumbo, expression guarded. “What are you even doing here?”

Mumbo opened his mouth, but he didn’t know how to explain. How to tell Cute Guy that his best friend in the whole world lived here and was probably dead. That he’d been desperate for someone to save him, only to find out that Cute Guy had already been here to save people the whole time.

“None of your business” was what Mumbo settled on, slightly satisfied to see Cute Guy’s annoyance slip through his careful expression.

“I think it’s safe to say this is my business, especially since you tried to get yourself killed.”

“I wasn’t trying to. I-“

“Then what,” Cute Guy said with what sounded like exaggerated patience, “were you doing?”

“I was looking for someone,” Mumbo finally said. He didn’t want to listen to Cute Guy’s barbed response to that, but he had to say it. “I was looking for my best friend.”

Cute Guy seemed surprised. Actually, a tinge of red appeared on his face. Finally remorseful of your actions, are you? Mumbo looked away from Cute Guy. He didn’t want to hear what Cute Guy had to say.

“And I know you and Hot Guy are always going on about not getting attached, but technically, I am still a civilian, so-“

“Who were you looking for?” Cute Guy asked.

Mumbo’s lip quivered. He didn’t want to expose Grian to Cute Guy’s unrelenting bullying. Especially after Grian tried to convince him countless times that Cute Guy was terrible.

But Cute Guy was unrelenting. “Who are they? Mumbo, you may not like me or even trust me, but I need to know if I should be looking for someone.”

“His name is Grian.” Mumbo squeezed his eyes shut. “And he’s the kind of person who’d run back into a destroyed district for the sake of someone else.”

“Hmm.” Cute Guy didn’t have much to say about that. “Well, let’s get you out of here, at least. Come on.”

Mumbo blinked. Right. First and foremost, Cute Guy was a hero. Of course, he’d be concerned about Grian more as a civilian than anything else. Relief shot through Mumbo’s veins as Cute Guy lifted him into the air.

Grian was going to be okay.

Mumbo made his way to his living room, sighing in relief when he reached the couch and could put his crutches aside. He was completely and utterly exhausted. His day had been far too long.

A tapping at his window jolted him from his sleepy haze. Grian. Mumbo tried to stand up before remembering his broken ankle. Even with the extra jolt of pain, Mumbo managed to get over to the window and open it for his friend.

“Having a bit of trouble there?” Grian asked, steadying Mumbo on the walk back over to the couch.

“A bit yeah. Broke my ankle.”

“Mmm,” Grian’s face scrunched. He sat gingerly on the edge of the couch, looking quite pale.

“Are you alright?” Mumbo asked, his gaze sweeping over Grian. “I heard about the incident in the Lower East End. Some kind of monster?”

“Yeah.” Grian shuddered. “I almost didn’t make it out.” He cleared his throat. “The um. The doctors said I got an infection from them. They called it Wither. After the monster, that is.”

“The doctors knew what it was?” Mumbo hated the sound of that word.

“Mhm. I mean, they kind of have to, if it can get people sick like this. Just one touch can give you infection.” Grian said this quickly, as though he didn’t want to think about it.

“Is it curable?”

“Yeah. It’s not a pleasant experience, given that my diet is going to consist mainly of milk for the next few weeks, but its better than the alternative.” Grian shrugged. “I’m out of work for a while too.”

“There’s worse things than getting some much needed rest,” Mumbo remarked. “They aren’t letting me go in for at least a week, if it makes you feel better.”

“Unpaid or paid?” Grian asked.

“Paid. Wait a minute, are you out of work? Completely?”

Grian shrugged. “Maybe.”

“But you’ll starve!”

“I know.” He smiled. “You know, I think you’re the only person I’ve heard protest about the problem so far, actually.”

“I’ve been thinking about this,” Mumbo shrugged sheepishly. “The entire Lower East Side was destroyed. Banks, stores, houses. I mean, you’re not the only person with this problem, I’m sure, but I did think of you first. That’s where you live, right? And presumably where you work, too. An entire district of people who aren’t getting compensation for losing everything shouldn’t just be left to die.”

Grian was staring at him. Mumbo felt like maybe he needed to justify himself a little bit.

“The hero foundation has a lot of money,” Mumbo said softly. “All that money spent on technology that never leaves the labs. Surely they could spare some, right? For a destroyed district?”

Grian still wasn’t speaking. He was just looking at Mumbo, an odd expression on his face.

“Grian? Are you still listening?”

“Yeah… Just…” Grian blinked, shaking his head. “You care so much about all those people.”

“Of course. I mean, just because I have a better paying job than them doesn’t make me better than them.” Mumbo shrugged.

“Yeah…” Grian blinked at him again.

“Hey, are you feeling okay?”

“Mmmm…” Grian let his eyes fall shut. “You know, I don’t think most people share your sentiment. I doubt heroes do, anyway.”

“You and your hero nonsense again! Cute Guy was there, I promise you.”

“How would you know?”

“Because I was there, Grian. I came to find you.”

“And they just let you go into the restricted part of the city on your own, I suppose? Is that how you broke your ankle?” Grian's eyes flew open again as he challenged Mumbo. “You went to play at heroics, even believing that our so-called heroes would come save me?”

“Well, as you said, no one had seen Cute Guy.” Mumbo shrugged. “I was worried, so I went looking.”

“But why?” Grian pressed. “Why would you risk yourself like that? You knew it was dangerous, obviously. Why do something that could get you killed?”

“Because you could’ve been dead,” Mumbo said. “No, listen. I can’t- I can’t lose you, mate.”

Grian looked away at that. “I’m nobody, Mumbo. You would’ve been fine.”

“You aren’t nobody. You’re my best friend.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard that before.” Grian hugged himself, distancing himself from Mumbo. “Cute Guy passed on your message, by the way. He gave me quite the scolding.”

“Nothing more than I got, I’m sure.” Mumbo smiled ruefully. “So Cute Guy did end up finding you?”

“Yep.” Grian remained further from Mumbo. “You think I’m the heroic type.”

“Am I wrong?”

“No.” Grian finally met Mumbo’s gaze again. “But Mumbo, you can’t go around doing stuff like that anymore, okay? Because as much as you think it’ll help, you can’t try to save me on your own.”

“Leave it to the big guys, huh?” Mumbo asked weakly.

“You aren’t allowed to get yourself killed.”

Mumbo blinked. Grian’s voice was authoritative, almost aggressive. “…Alright. But you gotta check in when things like this happen.”

“I’m here, aren’t I? Checking in.” Grian finally seemed to release the tension he’d been holding the whole time he’d been here.

“Nah, more often than this. I know you like coming here at night, mate, but surely you can visit during the day too. Especially since you’re out of work right now.” Something occurred to Mumbo then. “Actually, wait. Do you even have somewhere to stay at night? Now that your district is…”

“Not really. Why? You offering?” Grian’s mischievous look returned. “Can’t say I’m not flattered, Mumbo.”

“What? Why are you taking it that way!” Mumbo’s cheeks burned. “Can’t a man just be nice to his friend?”

“You’re obsessed with me,” Grian replied. “Running into a destroyed district for the sole purpose of seeing if I’m okay. I dunno, Mumbo, but that seems a bit-“

“Okay, no.” Mumbo pointed a finger at Grian. “You can’t use that card because you did it for complete strangers.”

“Not complete strangers. I knew some of them.”

“Yes, but as I’ve already said, you’re my best friend. I’d say that’s a higher level than people you’ve met before, yeah?”

Grian rolled his eyes. “Fine, sure, yeah. Harsh words, mate.”

Mumbo shrugged. “You can still stay here if you want.”

“Even if I pretend it’s because you’re in love with me?” Grian giggled as Mumbo made a protesting noise in the back of his throat.

“Even then,” Mumbo answered, certain his voice sounded higher than usual. “Yep, perfectly fine for you to pretend something like that.”

“Alright. I think I’ll take you up on that offer then.” Grian shuffled back over, settling in on the couch, despite the fact that Mumbo hadn’t moved. He was laying across Mumbo’s lap without a care in the world.

Mumbo made another strange noise, even as Grian grinned up at him. “Good night, Mumbo.”

“Grian!”

“Yes?”

“I need to get up still.”

“Should’ve thought of that before I laid down. You’re my pillow now. Sorry.”

Mumbo’s mouth twitched. “You’re going to give me back problems.”

“Sounds like a you problem. I’m going to sleep now. Today has been way too long.” Grian closed his eyes with a soft sigh.

“Yeah.” Mumbo’s voice quieted. “It has been quite the long day.”

#grumbo month #grumbo #grian #mumbo jumbo #cute guy #hot guy #cubfan135 #not tagging scar by name bc it never comes up as him #still debating whether I want to make this into its own storyline actually #the thought has crossed my mind several times #cloud writes

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celestiall0tus · 23 days

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Lady and the Scoundrel - Chapter 4 - Breaking News

Beginning || Previous || Next

Chloe sat in a library for study hall. She worked on her assignments alone when Barkk burst into the silent library. Everyone turned to stare at Barkk while Chloe hid herself behind a book.

“Chloe! Did you see the news?” Barkk whined.

Chloe flinched. “No. No, I didn’t.”

Barkk stood beside Chloe and pulled out her phone. Chloe’s eyes widened seeing a news report of a bank heist. She skimmed the report and saw a blurry photo of a man in a black cat themed prince outfit.

“What the-?” Chloe started.

“A bank has been robbed by a supervillain!” Barkk howled.

Gasps tore through the library as it buzzed from the other students. Chloe grabbed Barkk’s tie and pulled her down.

“Was that a holder?” Chloe whispered.

“It had to be. I’m also sure it’s Plagg, the black cat kwami of destruction.”

“Wait, wasn’t that Chat Noir’s kwami?”

“Not anymore. Chat Noir has a new kwami. His old one is with someone new.”

“And this person is out there robbing banks?”

“Apparently.”

“This isn’t good, you know that, right?”

“Well, what can be done? He’s a holder. He has free reign. It’s not like any mortal can hurt him.”

Chloe’s eyes widened and she smiled. “No, but another holder can.”

Barkk gasped. “Wait, you aren’t suggesting-!”

“Cheri, it’s perfect. This is my chance. A chance I thought I’d never have again. I can finally prove myself a hero.”

“But, Chloe, should we? Or rather, should you? You have enough with school and trying to adjust.”

“That’ll come later, but this, this won’t. C’mon, I can be a hero again, like when I was Queen Bee. I can finally prove myself worthy.”

“You don’t need to prove yourself worthy though.”

“Yes, I do. I had Pollen taken from me because I revealed who I was. But I still tried my best to be good, to be a hero. I hoped Ladybug would give me a second chance, but she never did. Then she gave Kagami a second chance knowing Kagami revealed her identity. I was furious and… and helped our enemy.”

Barkk’s pigtails drooped.

“I know I’ll always be worthy to you, but I need to prove it to myself. I betrayed everyone. Ladybug, Chat Noir, the whole city of Paris. I may not be in Paris, London may not know who Chloe Bourgeois is, but this is my chance. I have a fresh start, a second chance thanks to Velze. I’ll make sure to make things right.”

Barkk sighed, then smiled. “Alright, alright. You have me on board. What’s the plan?”

“We sneak out after lights out. If we’re lucky, we’ll come across him.”

“And when we do?”

“Well, I don’t know. I guess pelt him with arrows until he runs scared with his tail between his legs.”

Barkk hummed. “Simple. I like it. Just don’t strike anywhere vital.”

“About that. Are you sure there’s no way I can dull the arrows?”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, I don’t exactly want to hurt anyone. Not anymore. I’ve done that enough. So, can I, I dunno, hit them and something happen that isn’t it piercing them?”

“Well, I suppose? I never thought of my arrows doing much else other than making people fall in love or killing.”

Chloe paled. “Cheri, please. I really don’t want to hurt him. Villain or not.”

“I’ll see what I can do. Just, give me time to figure out what to do.”

“How long will that take though?”

“Just a few hours. I should have something put together as a first prototype when we head out later. Ok?”

“Ok.”

“Good. Cover for me.”

Chloe opened her mouth as Barkk ran out the door. She sighed and returned to her assignments.

Chloe returned to her dorm for lights out. She looked around her room but didn’t see Barkk. She pursed her lips and stepped in. She dressed down for bed when Barkk materialized. She jumped, then scowled.

“What the heck, Barkk? Where were you? And you need to be careful doing that.”

“I know, I know, but it’s just easier.”

“What’s easier?”

“Yes. Anyway, I have a prototype arrow available.”

“Thank goodness. What can it do?”

“Well, it doesn’t kill.”

“Barkk.”

“Ok, ok. It’s a dulled arrow filled with a fog. Whatever it hits will release the fog that disorients those caught in it. Just, uh, one condition.”

“What’s the condition?”

“Well, it needs to be related to, well, me. So, the fog sorta, you know, uh, makes those in the fog, uh, fall for the first person they see.”

“What? Barkk!” Chloe screeched.

“I’m sorry! It was that or make them really, well, in the mood. If you catch my drift.”

“Seriously? Couldn’t you have made it literally anything else? Aren’t there more types of loves than just romantic?”

“Well, yes, but that’s the thing. You don’t know which love it’ll be. So, hey, maybe you’ll get lucky and it’ll just be another friend.”

“And if I’m not?”

“Uh, do you like boys?”

Chloe groaned. “Ridiculous! Utterly-!”

Chloe took a deep breath as she caught herself. She swallowed hard and shook her head.

“I’m sorry. I… that may be a habit that’ll be hard to kick.”

“It’s ok, Chloe. I did just drop something big, but that is the unfortunate thing. I am love. I can’t be anything other than that, same with everything about me, including my weapons. I wish I could be more, but I can’t.”

“I… understand. I’ll just… still have to be careful.”

“You’re going to need to be anyway. We aren’t what you remember us. We’re stronger, more powerful, everything. It’ll be a whole new experience, but a dangerous one. If you’re ready, you know what you need to say.”

Chloe nodded. She took several deep breaths, then sighed. “Barkk, let’s play.”

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#miraculous #miraculous ladybug #miraculoustalesofladybugandcatnoir #miraculous au #au #alternate universe #fanfiction writer #fanfiction #fanfic #mlb fanfic #all that remained au #lady and the scoundrel au #chloe bourgeois #barkk

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houkagokappa · 10 months

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The Yuri Manga Post

From when I first came across yuri manga a decade ago, followed by a long break from it due to the excruciating longing I’d experience reading about girls loving girls while not experiencing it myself, I’d been wanting to get back to reading yuri manga again. The loneliness hasn’t gone anywhere, but my love towards girls and girls loving girls has remained, and I’ve wanted to take part in it once more.

What got me started was Hanamonogatari by schwinn. People were hyping it up on twitter as old woman yuri, and not just yuri involving a grown adult, but an actual grandmother. So far only 2 chapters have been translated, so I don’t have a whole lot to say about the series. It’s a nice change of pace to read about someone in their 60′s, and it’s wholesome to see how they discover make-up as a new hobby and the salesperson as a new romantic interest. Life doesn’t end after your 20′s, y’all!

This inspired me to check out what else is popular these days, and one of the first works I saw recommended was Mahou Shoujo ni Akogarete by Akihiro Ononaka, which is the polar-opposite to Hanamonogatari. It’s about a young girl who adores magical girls, but ends up becoming a villain forced to fight them. Her new alter-ego is sadistic and enjoys teasing and torturing her opponents. The manga feels like a combination of Douman Seiman’s works and Kill la Kill, the way it’s stylized with high contrasts and contains plenty of wacky, sexy comedy that takes things just a little too far for comfort. Personally I love it. It’s not a manga for everyone, and I wish it would start wrapping up soon after 9 volumes, before it starts repeating itself too much. It’s been one of the most refreshing manga I’ve read in a while, a funny parody with an amazing artstyle, even if it also contains some... questionable scenes.

Looking at more conventional works, I picked up Ki ni Natteru Hito ga Otoko ja Nakatta by Agu. It’s about a high school girl who falls for a guy as they bond over similar tastes in music, but as the title suggests, it turns out the guy’s actually a girl and her classmate (disguised in her casual/alternative style). The manga releases on twitter, and it’s been a fun exercise for me to keep up with it in Japanese. The twitter releases have also allowed Agu to use some colour, adding lime green to the traditional black and white, which makes the manga stand out and look really cool. The art itself is great too, both girls are super cute with their own distinctive styles. I like seeing how their relationship develops and I’m glad that it doesn’t dwell on the initial misunderstanding for too long. I will say that it’s a shame to be caught up with the story, since each weekly update is only 4 pages long and I’d rather read this in one go.

Next, I picked up Kakeochi Girl by Battan, since it was recent and renowned, with gorgeous covers. It’s about a woman who runs into her old high school sweetheart again after 10 years. While she never got over her, her old lover is now about to get married to a man, and have his baby. I wasn’t a huge fan of this manga. I thought it was sad how the main girl hadn’t been able to move on and felt stuck with her life for so long, while her romantic interest was stuck making bad decisions. I also didn’t like how the husband was portrayed as a villain of comical proportions. I think there’s value to the story which explores what comphet does to a woman, but it’s not something I care to read about when men become too central to the story. I also have conflicting feelings about the art. The covers, illustrations and some pages were absolutely gorgeous, and I love how Battan portrays different feelings, especially whenever something’s a little scary, but exciting, with tingles and sparks, but I’m not a huge fan of her style when it comes to the eyes and other facial features, which is a stylistic choice for her and a personal preference of mine.

I gave Battan another chance with Ane no Yuujin, since I couldn’t resist the enthralling, sensual cover. I liked it better than Kakeochi Girl, and it helped me appreciate the art more, thanks to her excellent portrayal of longing and joy. I was about to say that I liked the characters better too, but now that I think about it, I’m not sure I did. I think the fact that this was much shorter and focused on more characters masked it for me. I don’t think Battan’s works are for me, but I’m sure there are plenty of people out there who do love them for good reason!

I continued my yuri journey with another work I’d seen and heard much about, Sayonara Rose Garden by Dr. Pepperco. It’s about a Japanese maid who works for an English noblewoman, set in England in the early 1900′s. My first impression was that Dr. Pepperco is a genius for this setting and combination of aesthetics, with the Japanese maid dressing in kimono off-duty (!!!). The manga is beautifully drawn, and I enjoyed both main characters, but unfortunately a man had to get between them as well. It makes sense considering the setting, but it’s still not something I enjoy reading about, so my initial excitement was dulled out after the first volume. Overall it was a good read with great art, but because of my high expectations and slight disappointment, it didn’t end up as a favourite of mine.

After getting worried about not finding any more good yuri to read, I was happy to discover Ikemen Girl to Hakoiri Musume by Mochi au Lait and majoccoid. It’s another manga where one girl mistakes her classmate for a man and falls for them. Here the girl confesses right at the start, the other one accepts as a joke, and they end up dating while the misunderstandings are still at play. The girl who was mistaken for a man is incredibly sympathetic and a whole mood (TM), while her girlfriend is super bubbly and sweet. The manga is light-hearted and funny, and I wish I could find something similar to this, since it’s been one of my favorites.

Next up I read Yuunagi Marbled and Kimi Koi Limit by Momono Moto. Yuunagi Marbled was a tad bit on the edgy side, but still an okay read. Kimi Koi Limit had a real mess of a main character, which I enjoyed immensely, since I’ve been looking for something like that in yuri works. After all these stories about women who suddenly end up in lesbian relationships, or who have to hide the fact they want to be in them, it was refreshing to read about women who were open and assertive about their interests. I can’t say either of these works left a strong impression on me beyond that, but I found the girls cute and they were easy enough to read.

Then I went on to read Papa no Sexy Doll by Kajikawa Gaku. Look. The title is questionable. And the manga is indeed about a girl and her dad both having some sort of relationship with an android to get over the loss of the girls’ mother. I checked it out because I read something else by the same author, which left me curious about what else they’d done. Then I wanted to check what Papa no Sexy Doll could possibly be about, since it wasn’t marked as r-18. It was a pleasant surprise to see that it was yuri, and I actually got attached to the main character, who’s a young girl going through a rough patch with her crush/girlfriend and seeking solace (not necessarily sexual, but also that kind of comfort) from the titular doll. There are only a few chapters out and it’s still ongoing, but so far it’s been a nice story about loss and the pains of growing up. I can’t recommend it for everyone, but it’s been a pleasant surprise for sure.

To continue with more questionable works, I was excited to give Kyou wa Kanojo ga Inai kara by Iwami Kiyoko a try, based on the gorgeous art and a powerful line I randomly came across and had to fish out the source for. Like the title suggests, it’s about a girl in a lesbian relationship, but said girlfriend is still in the closet afraid to show any sort of affection towards her in public. Furthermore, she keeps ignoring her in favour of club activities, which leaves our main girl sad and lonely. A third girl shows up, and with a few pushes, the main girl starts two-timing her girlfriend. I love how horrible the girls are, and how easy it is to see what drove them to be the way they are. The art is to die for, and although I can’t recommend such a controversial topic to everyone, it’s been one of my favorites. The manga is still ongoing, with 4 volumes currently, and things are heating up!

After reading all these popular and currently talked-about series, and not finding that much more looking though what’s popular, I discovered the greatness of Interest Stacks on MAL. There were a few collections with titles and covers that looked intriguing, and I started reading older works, with the oldest being Maya no Souretsu by Ichijo Yukari, published in 1972. I love the 70′s shoujo manga style, and the story was a tragic wild-ride about loss and revenge.

From there I kinda fell down the rabbit hole that was 90′s josei. Some of the yuri works I read were Love Vibes and Sheets no Sukima by Erica Sakurazawa. They are both about messy relationships that involve a lot of sex and cheating, and while love between women was central for both, there was more action between women and men. Because I read other josei works from the same era before these two, I came in thinking it was cool to see women be active and forward, so I didn’t mind it, but I do think Sheets no Sukima in particular suffered from not developing the relationship between the two women further. The ending was incredibly unsatisfying and abrupt, even if it could be seen as realistic and tragic in a way I usually love, because it reflects how uncertain and unsatisfying real life can be. I definitely preferred Love Vibes out of the two, where the feelings were more clear and reciprocated. Both works had a charming artstyle, and the girls were cute so it was nice reading them.

Back to the present day, although ready to take a journey into the past, I continued with Yume no Hashibashi by Sudou Yumi. It’s about two women in their mid-80′s who have been in love with each other since they were 14/15, but unable to be with each other due to various societal reasons. The manga starts with them in their old age and progresses backwards in time, with each chapter giving us a small glimpse of the choices they made and the feelings they had throughout different periods in their lives. It’s quite an interesting structure, and I loved seeing what drove the characters to make the decisions they did, when I already knew what they would lead to, and to see what prevented them from choosing to be with each other throughout the years. I wasn’t sure what to think of it based on the first two chapters, but I was crying as I reached the end. It was tragic, yet beautiful, and what hurts the most is how there are people out there who have gone through similar experiences. This was another favourite of mine and I highly recommend it, with the warning that it’s a heartbreaking read. I’d love to read more yuri by this mangaka, but unfortunately I couldn’t find much else.

Following these, I read Nettai Shoujo by Yoshitomi Akihito. I picked it up after reading Balance Policy, also by him, thanks to the nice cover art. Balance Policy contained some yuri as well, which would ordinarily be a nice bonus, except here it was paired with some of the most absurd ideas of how women work I’ve come across in a long time (weird stuff about periods etc.). Along with some other choices, it was quite obvious it was written by a man. I don’t think gender should prevent you from writing whatever, and I can even appreciate yuri that’s created for the male gaze, but oh man does it hurt when it’s combined with bad writing. Both Balance Policy and Nettai Shoujo got me though, since they depict summer in the countryside, which is one of my biggest weaknesses when it comes to manga settings, especially paired with queer themes. Nettai Shoujo is a collection of shorts around that theme, and it delivers, save for a couple instances where you can clearly tell it was written by a man, and a few “but I’m a girl” lines, which I didn’t know I’d come to dislike as much as I now do. In their defence, it was written in 2007, so I can’t be too mad about it.

It was only after reading Nettai Shoujo that I realised Yoshitomi Akihito is the man behind Blue Drop. I’ve read one or two installations from the series and I’ve always wanted to read through them all, so I’m now stuck in this weird love-hate relationship with Yoshitomi Akihito and his works. I’ve gotten quite busy, so I haven’t had the time to read more than the first (original) volume so far. I love the art and the sci-fi setting of lesbian aliens taking over Earth, but it feels aged and contains gratuitous fanservice, which I don’t enjoy. The girls are either undressing themselves at weird moments, too often, or it’s done to them in a way which feels exploitative. I’ll read and reread the rest of Blue Drop, and I’ll probably check out the anime too, but for now, I no longer have the time. Pride month is coming to an end too, so this shall be it for my big yuri manga review.

Thank you for taking the time to read any or all of this!

I hope you’ve been able to read some good yuri as well, and if you have any recommendations I’m happy to receive them!

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cannedbeefaroni · 1 year

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Why Didn’t You Stop Me? (Edward Nashton x Reader) (Angst)

This is part 1/2. Part 2 heavily contains smut. Read part 2 here

Summary: (Y/N) takes on a villainous altar ego after a severe mental break that leads to murder. An old friend pays a visit after seeing what she’s been getting up to.

Content: VAGUE DEPICTIONS OF VIOLENCE AND MURDER, BREAKING AND ENTERING, VAGUE MENTION OF A SHARP WEAPON DRAWING BLOOD, VAGUE MENTION OF ABUSE/CHILD ABUSE, DEPRESSION, PARANOIA, SELF LOATHING, CODEPENDENCY, (Y/N) CRIES A LOT

(Y/N) is referred to as she/her

I look for a picture of you to

Keep in my pocket

But I can’t seem to find one

Where you look how I remember

How long has it been since (Y/N) was in love? She’d be lying if she said she couldn’t remember, but she preferred to not think about it too much. The last person she was with fell off the face of the earth one day and left her wondering what she did wrong. Yes, she wanted a new partner, but after everything that’s happened to her, she has more to think about.

She killed a man. Plain and simple.

If her childhood and adolescent trauma weren’t enough, now she had another reason to seek psychiatric help. No one knew she did it. She had no idea how she got that lucky, but she didn’t know whether to be relieved or ashamed. She felt bad, but did she regret what she did? No. Fucker had it coming. She couldn’t count how many times she had called CPS on him. They never did anything. He was beating the shit out of his wife and kids. Even when she reported him to her boss, they did nothing. She saw the beatings in real time. She stalked him for weeks. Hell, she even recorded it. But when she came forth with evidence, she was the one charged for recording his family without permission. This world was corrupt. She had to do something.

It wasn’t her fault she was there that night, throwing out a broken paper cutter machine; and there he was, walking through the pitch black alleyway. She had a massive blade. She didn’t know if there was a higher being, but she believed she was there for a reason. She had no choice. She had to slice his fucking head off. Sure, maybe dismembering the body, and arranging the body parts and organs into a well designed display for the bastard cops to see was too far. But maybe she was just elated, finally feeling like she was on earth for a reason.

Ever since that night she decided she was done pretending to be like everyone else. She became cold and isolated to everyone she knew, and became a complete shut-in; except for when she’d go out at night. Finally being freed from her own mental shackles, she decided to finally pursue what she really loved: art. The idea of her being an artist was shot down so many times in her early life, she never even considered it in adulthood. But now, she could use it as a weapon. She’d go around rich neighborhoods and important figures' houses to destroy them. She’d graffiti, smash windows, throw rotten eggs, and do whatever vile things she could think of to their property.

Tonight, she was on her way home from a night out. She wore a painter’s filtration mask to keep her identity hidden. She stumbled around, exhausted. She was a mess; physically and emotionally. All of her thoughts were assaulting her head, and she sat on the ground on the sidewalk to compose herself, if only a little. She pulled a spraypaint can out of her bag, staring at the label. She wondered how people managed to get high off aerosol containers. If she could figure out how to do it, maybe it would help her feel less shitty. After pulling her mask down, she instantly regretted her decision as she spray painted the inside of her nose; and possibly her trachea, windpipe, and lungs. So, she threw the can aside and decided to just curl up and sob.

Suddenly, she heard the footsteps of an approaching figure, and jolted up. They sounded close, but when she turned around, she saw a figure directly behind her back. She froze in terror, as they appeared to be some kind of masked thug. In this city, those were a dime a dozen, but she had been really good so far at avoiding them. She stared for a moment before realizing her mask off, and this stranger had seen her entire face. She bolted as fast as she could down the street. No idea where to go, but she just had to run. Not bothering to even look behind, she ran into a subway and hopped on a random train that was about to depart. She sighed a breath of relief as she realized that person hadn’t followed her on.

She spent the rest of the night on various trains, trying to find her way home. If that creepy person had been following her, they must have gotten sick of her spending all night going nowhere. When she finally got back to her apartment, she threw herself onto her couch, filthy and decrepit. She didn’t care what day or time it was, she just wanted to sleep forever. Maybe dream about a better life for a few hours.

Days passed as she returned to her usual routine, which only consisted of going to work for nothing but a paycheck, and sleeping. She held off on the nights out for a bit after becoming increasingly paranoid. She wondered if maybe she should quit and pursue a normal life; maybe settle down and marry somebody so she won't have to be so alone. She thought back to her past relationships of disappointments, especially the last one before she gave up on love. Everything was going so well, but he just disappeared without saying a word. She thought maybe he died, and somehow his death wasn’t on record. But the conclusion she couldn’t help but arrive at was that he abandoned her. She’d rather die than ever have to experience that feeling ever again.

Every time she left the house she got the uneasy feeling that someone was following her, but she chalked it up to her paranoia. She couldn’t help but think that masked thug from the other night was stalking her. She thought about it constantly, and wondered what they could possibly want with her. She worried they were somehow related to the guy she killed, and they’re now out to get her. Sitting in the break room at her job, she stared at the wood grain on the table, going through horrifying possible scenarios in her head. Everyone else in the room ignored her, watching the news on the television. Randomly, she looked up at the screen, wondering what was catching their interest.

News anchors were discussing some new criminal whose picture was on the left of the screen. It was all too familiar. The freaky green mask with glasses atop, and wide eyes with impossibly dilated pupils. He was the one who saw her. And he’s apparently a major threat to society. She couldn’t even pay attention to the broadcast as she lost her shit internally.

Was this her punishment? Was she going to die?

Days passed of intense paranoia. Every step she took outside the house felt like a countdown to her demise. She could barely function at her job and almost completely lost her appetite. She couldn’t understand why she was so afraid to die. Maybe she’d rather have her own say in how she leaves the world. She beat herself up over not foreseeing this: being entangled with dangerous people. There was never a chance she could just discreetly become a criminal without ever having to pay a price.

In the middle of the night, she laid on her bed over the covers, just to stare at the ceiling. Not much went through her head, only vague dark ideas. She was exhausted beyond belief, wishing she could just fall asleep for once and not lay awake for hours. She tried reading, drawing, even just scrolling mindlessly on her phone, but she couldn’t focus on anything.

Suddenly, she heard fumbling outside her window.

She laid, completely frozen in place. Her apartment window had a fire escape, and it sounded like someone was climbing it. She wanted to scream and cry, but her body remained dormant. As the sounds grew louder, she slowly dragged herself out of bed, checking if the window was locked. Figuring a window wouldn’t stop them, she creeped over to a cabinet to retrieve a large kitchen knife. It was dull from use, but she figured it could still work to some extent.

She wondered if it were best to just leave her apartment, but before she could think about it she heard the window lock click.

A person was crawling inside, caught behind the curtains. She held the knife tightly as she held her breath, shaking violently. As he got mostly inside, she finally mustered up the courage to attack, running to the figure and plunging the knife against their back. Her stabbing was too weak, and it ended up only plunging through the coat and cutting along their skin, eliciting a deep, guttural scream. She screamed as well, mortified at what they might have planned for her. She jumped backward, trying to get as far away as she could.

The figure stood up, holding their bleeding shoulder, hunched over. As (Y/N) suspected, it was the same masked thug from that night. They stared into her eyes with the same dilated pupils, making her wonder if they were high on something, or were just naturally that scary. She held her knife, waiting for their next move as they stood panting in pain.

“YOU FUCKING BITCH,” they yelled, voice muffled.

“WHO ARE YOU? WHAT DO YOU WANT?” She screamed back, nearly shrieking as she tried to make herself scarier.

“Trust me, you already know who I am,” they sneered. “I’m someone you forgot a LONG time ago. But don't worry, I’m certain you’ve heard of me now.” Their voice fluctuated between screaming and quiet jeering. They lifted themself up, towering over her.

“Y-you’re some criminal from the news… I guess? A killer?” She engaged with him out of morbid curiosity, but she knew it was stupid to do. For some reason, there was something deep inside her wanting to know more about this person.

“Playing dumb gets you nowhere, sweetie. Everyone’s heard of The Riddler by now…”

“Uh… okay… w-was that what you called yourself?” she asked. She genuinely thought she never heard that name before. That news broadcast she saw once was a blur in her memory.

“I forgot how dumb you were…” he scoffed. “Another pretty face with no brain behind it. Typical.”

“W-why are you calling me pretty?” she understood him calling her dumb, but the pretty part confused her. She felt embarrassed getting flustered at the backhanded compliment.

“Because, darling, ever since I saw you that night, I couldn’t help but wonder: what was a pretty girl doing out on the streets in the middle of the night, huffing paint?” He slowly paced closer to her, laughing.

Every part of (Y/N)’s head was telling her to run out of the apartment and get help, but for some reason she was captivated by his presence. Even though she knew this man was dangerous, him speaking the word ‘pretty’ rang through her ears and drove her insane. Besides that, she worried that making a run for it would only put her in more danger if he could catch her; so she ended up staying in place, allowing him to get ever so slightly closer.

“You’re not one to judge what I do.” she responded coldly.

“It takes one to know one, sweetheart. I know you’re doing bad things. You can’t hide it from me. I’ve seen you smash windows, and paint beautiful murals of death and decay on those disgusting bourgeois mansions. You need to stop acting innocent.”

She couldn’t tell whether he was tearing her down or praising her. She hung on every positive word he used toward her, even though she felt incredibly patronized.

“I’m not like you…” she chewed on her lip, face growing hotter from either anger or embarrassment.

“I know you think you’re better than me. You look at me and feel grateful that you’re not as disgusting. You’re just as bad. You’re fucked up but you won’t even admit it. You’d rather play businesswoman all day and keep your dirty secrets in the shadows like a liar.” he circled around her, spitting out the words cruelly.

“I’m horrible…” her voice cracked, staring at the floor as tears pooled in her eyes.

“Oh great, now you admit it and feel sorry for yourself. It’s pathetic. You don’t even know you could have it so much worse. Why don’t you go run to your boyfriend and cry about how terrible you feel?”

“What…? I-I don’t even have a boyfriend!” she snapped, confused at where that even came from.

“Please, you could easily get one if you wanted. It doesn't matter,” he scoffed.

“I’ve been trying for six years!” she screamed. A dead silence rang out. “I tried so hard… b-but ever since my last boyfriend just… disappeared… I can’t move on. I want him back… I want him back so bad. But it doesn’t matter if he came back, he’d never want me again... I’ve ruined myself. I’m a monster. No one will ever want me again!” She whined desperately and heaved. She dropped the knife to the floor and covered her face with her hands.

“What did you do?” he spoke after moments of silence.

“I can’t say,” she rubbed her puffy eyes.

“You’re becoming like me, aren’t you?”

“No! I won’t, I can’t! I don’t wanna do it ever again!” she cried out.

“I can tell you killed someone just by how you’re reacting, sweetheart.”

“DON’T FUCKING CALL ME THAT,” she shrieked as she punched him across the face, knocking his glasses off his masked face.

He fell backwards, grabbing his nose as he groaned. Once he got up, he stared at her intensely for a few moments. She buried her face back into her hands and sobbed heavily.

“Hey, look at me,” he demanded. She picked her head up and wiped her eyes. He pulled off his mask and dropped it on the floor. She stared for a minute as tears ran down her face.

“Eddie- Edward.” she croaked. “But… why?”

“I could ask the same to you.”

“Oh, Eddie…” she approached him slowly, reaching her hand to his face as he stood motionless. Back when they were together, she always worried about him hurting himself; doing things that’d he regret. He was almost never happy, and his trauma got in the way of almost every aspect of his life. She thought back to all the times she wished she could’ve helped him, but she didn’t know how because she was also broken. “I wish I could’ve saved you… I'm sorry…”

Her shaky hand cupped his sweaty cheek as her thumb caressed his face. She wept as she stared into his cold eyes.

“(Y/N)… you were my angel. I never loved anyone like I loved you. I thought you deserve someone better, that's why I left. But… look where we are now.” he spoke somberly, resting his face against her hand. “I never wanted you to sink to my level… I thought you would have moved on and had a family by now.”

“I can’t…” she cried. “I tried but I just couldn’t love anyone else. You’re the one I want to be with. If I’m going to be a monster-” she choked on her sobs. She sniffed deeply and wiped her tears and snot. “I want to at least be a monster with you.”

“Sweetheart… I’m not the same man you fell in love with…”

“Please, let me try to love you again. I missed you so much. I needed you.” she sobbed.

Edward grabbed her arms firmly and pulled her close into a tight hug. It didn’t feel like it used to, between the layers of dirty clothes and thick gloves. Despite the smell and the roughness of his coat, she held onto him for dear life. She wailed into his shoulder as tears stained it.

At this point, there was nothing to do. Neither of them had any idea of what would come of this. Even trying to imagine what the next day would look like was impossible. (Y/N) couldn’t help imagining leaving everything behind with Edward so they could finally live peaceful lives together. The thought only made her more sad. She hadn’t a clue what he even thought of her now. She didn’t even know how she felt about him anymore.

Part 2 (smut)

#the riddler x reader #the riddler #edward nashton x reader #edward nashton #paul dano riddler

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ordinaryschmuck · 1 month

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Quick Thoughts on the first two episodes of X-Men '97

Quick disclaimer: I wasn't a fan of the original series from the nineties. I watched all five seasons in preparation for this show and for reasons I can't explain, it just never grabbed me. When I hear people talk about how it's one of the best X-Men shows and even one of the best superhero animated shows out there, on top of Batman: The Animated Series or Spectacular Spider-Man, I was...not as into it as others were. But I was willing to keep an open mind about the revival. I like the X-Men as much as your average Marvel fan who's favorite superhero is Spider-Man could. Plus, my perspective offers a good question: Does this show offer anything of value if you're not a fan of the original series? And the answer is...Yeah, it absolutely frickin' does.

THIS was more along the lines of the show I was expecting when people talked about how great it is. A lot of what makes X-Men special is on top form here. The themes of prejudice, that anyone perceived as "other" can relate to, is on top display as the first villains we face in these two episodes are your average mutant hating humans who believe that humanity has it hard enough already without these mutants "whining" about their problems. Speaking of, the "crybabies" that humans hate share about how all they want is acceptance and the way they fear about the world judging them, their children, and the people they love. This is the bread and butter of every great X-Men story that helps makes it appealing to almost everyone. Yeah, it's cool to see mutants blow shit up as they fight aliens and robots and whatever, but if you claim the X-Men are now "too woke" because they made Morph non-binary, you haven't been paying close attention to what REALLY makes X-Men strong.

As for seeing these mutants blow shit up, you still get that in spades as the action in this show is TOP NOTCH. You got some goofy nonsense like Gambit powering up Wolverine's claws or Beast controlling a Sentinel from the inside, but also some really cool uses of everyone's powers and seeing them work as a team. I knew that the show was doing something right when they made CYCLOPS look cool. That is a very hard feat to accomplish as the first thought that comes to mind with any writer is that all Cyclops can do is shoot a laser beam. Yeah, that's what he does here too, but he's also punching and kicking people like a professional MMA fighter, using his blasts to amplify his attacks rather than being his ONLY attack. You love to see it and makes ME excited for what other kickass action we'll get in the future, because the animation is ALSO really good. It's stilted and choppy during scenes of dialogue, but it's dialogue. You don't NEED to have outstanding animation when all characters are doing is talking. The good stuff is saved for the fight scenes or for moments that just need to look a LOT more epic than they need to, and I appreciate that decision.

Another thing that's stronger is the "Soap Opera" aspect that I've heard people talk about with the original series. So many people claimed it was a soap opera for kids and...I'm going to be honest, I got that better with Gargoyles if anything else, but I feel like that aspect of the show is handled much better here. It's definitely NOT for kids, at least not for seven year olds like in the nineties. It's definitely more for OLDER kids as the series kept in mind that the target audience was going to be the adults who grew up watching this series instead of the new generation, and I feel like they're going to get a lot more than they wanted for a new series. You have Scott and Jean having a baby, Magneto leading the team, a certain person LEAVING the team, and a mind-shattering twist that leaves you wondering what could possibly come next. This show, at its best, leaves you with CHILLS during these big, dramatic moments of characters sharing their heart and souls with another or when something Earth-shattering is happening. Magneto's speech to the UN and a new anti-mutant villain was the most engaged I've been with a Marvel property since Across the Spider-Verse, holding my attention for every second to the point where I barely remembered to breath. When it was all over, I genuinely wanted there to be more.

So this revival is definitely good for someone like me who wasn't into the original series...but what about those who WERE fans? Honestly, I'm not sure how they'll feel. Almost everything seems like an improvement, but it's definitely NOT the same as the original. The animation's crisper and the writing lacks the nineties' camp for a more modern feel. It takes place almost a year after Charles Xaiver's "death," but the characters speak in a way that lacks that certain...way, you know? I like it, but will fans of the original accept it?

Plus, there are some new things that I'm not sure if X-Men fans in general are going to love. There's this weird...thing between Rogue and Magneto that feels icky and I REALLY hope they don't go there. And, without spoilers, there's this...THING that happens to Storm and it BETTER NOT be permanent. It makes sense for the story and you FEEL the weight of the drama that this moment brings, but she is too cool of a character that has this done to her. Couldn't they have done this to Morph instead? They were already screwed over in the original series, they can be screwed over again!

Overall, I'd say that X-Men '97, from these two episodes, is a good restart for this show. It brings back what fans of the original loved and improves upon it to make it more the show they idolized as kids. At least, that's my takeaway. I'm just glad to have some good X-Men content again outside of comics.

#x men 97 #x men #marvel #marvel animation #quick thoughts #what i thought about

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