Tumgik
#but at the same time its also a bit of a... missed opportunity i guess?
smute · 2 years
Text
.
#i love dracula daily i really do#i think its a wonderful reimagining of the epistolary form#and its great that so many people have signed up to read an old classic#but at the same time its also a bit of a... missed opportunity i guess?#considering some of the themes in the text#like we all know tumblr isnt very good with nuance#and this whole idea of presenting an important work in ''small digestible chunks'' would really benefit from annotations and commentary#of some kind#also a lot of people seem to be unaware of the fact#that stoker's original narrative wasn't strictly linear#its not super disjointed but especially the first few chapters are not told in chronological order#so even though the text of individual letters and diary entries remains unchanged.. it's still a significant alteration#like.. this is very much a new edition#unauthorized by stoker obviously fkkdkg#im curious to see how the chronological order changes the experience tbh#anyway i saw a post earlier expressing hope that this project will encourage critical discussions#but that's exactly the problem#its not a critical reading of dracula#no context no theory no framework#its more of a book club. and that's great when you're reading for fun but this is a 125 year old text#that offers plenty to get upset about#the question is not if but when the first no nuance november tumblrinas are gonna realize that its problematic(TM)#*cough* renfield *cough*#theres one actual dracula scholar on here who's answering asks and posting tirelessly to offer some critical guidance and that's wonderful#but im still dreading the hot takes that are to come#anyway i dont wanna be a party pooper its still an awesome project#but yeah. like i said it seems like a missed opportunity#and judging by the number of posts that are calling this a tumblr university class im guessing that theres quite a bit of interest#in critical analysis#&
10 notes · View notes
orphicrose · 2 months
Text
The co-host (Alastor x femreader) II
< >
Summary: You are Alastors Co host in life, perhaps more. But are separated by a sudden death. When you are finally reunited in the under world, it is up to Alastor to figure out why you don’t remember him.
------------------------------------------------
Alastor had arrived in hell a few years after you, completely unaware that you ended up in the same place. You both saw each other as saints, i guess that's what love does to you.  If only you had more time to truly know each other. His last years weren't as dignified as yours. And neither was his death. 
All through your sickness, he was by your side. Cooking for you, entertaining you, helping out with rent. Your mother would have, but she lived in another state, and had very little money to come visit you or support you. So Alastor did.  But when your body decided enough was enough, you took a toll for the worse. You were gone within days, with him still by your side. Willing to do anything to see your eyes full of life just one more time. It truly broke him as a person. But no one would ever know. 
He sent out a broadcast to honor your name, all of your frequent listeners shedding a tear over the loss. Because it truly was a loss. Spreading kind words like "she's in a better place now", if only they knew. 
Then there was Alastor. In the end, everyone was glad the world had ridded such a monster. No one knew it when he died, but they did when the remains of those who had gone missing was uncovered. Some argue they deserved it, some argue it was an act of evil. 
It had been a few weeks since the encounter with Satan. Y/N didn't have much of a choice, her soul was his. Now she had to do his dirty work. You see, Satan's a busy man. Being the keeper of the wraith ring, and having the people of earth call on him frequently for deals. He couldn't keep up with all of it. So, he gave some of that responsibility to Y/n. Someone who can claim souls and grant wishes from the desperate and needy. Of course the souls still belonged to him, she was just the messenger. With this comes the ability to travel to the mortal realm, and fear of other sinners when you are being called the sacrificer. Within days, Y/n rose the ranks as an overlord who owned a large territory. Unspeakable amounts of power being given to this singular soul was a lot to take in, but she didn't have a choice.
The business was now up and running, "The slaughter house". Satan being the CEO, of course. Y/N being the manager, and other souls of Satan being his laborers who dealt with mundane things like paper work. The pay wasn't too bad though. This operation being set up in hell also gave other sinners the opportunity to sell their soul to Satan in return for a high paying job. Its a bit extreme, but it gets very desperate in hell. I'm sure you can imagine. 
Y/n's name was lost, now being called the demon of sacrifice. It was incredibly de-humanizing, and she hated it. Only using her power when absolutely necessary or when business required it. But it wasn't all bad, she had a better accommodation, a steady cash flow, a lot of useful contacts and very little conflict with other demons. It was also incredibly lonely. Because of the fear around her name, very few people were willing to befriend her. 
Then, on top of that, was the pain of her memories from life. Knowing that all if this is ultimately her fault. All because she just wanted power. How was she to carry on. Then it hit her, she has the power to do what she pleases. She can be whoever she wants to be down here, and to start this she needed to forget everything that haunted her.
Alastor landed in hell four years after y/n, after being shot in between the eyes. Not many know how his rise to power happened, but it was merely overnight. Tormenting the citizens of hell, kidnapping powerful overlords that few would dare to mess with, and giving a new reason for sinners to fear for their lives. The radio demon was born, and it didn't take long before his radio broadcasts displayed what had happened to his unfortunate victims. No one was safe.
"Miss l/n! Todays demand for Satan is big today, I don't think we will be able to get through all of them" a small, fishlike demon ran up to her, struggling to keep up with her pace through the corridors. 
"Its late, imp. I will deal with them tomorrow. Prioritize the simpler requests, none of that fame or millionaire shit." Y/n bit back, eager to leave.
"But ma'am, The sin of wraith isn't very happy with how the number of souls are dropping"
"uh huh, uh huh. I'll see you tomorrow, imp" The door slammed in his face, and the handle was too high for him to reach. 
"I'm not an imp" He mumbles under his breath, watching the overlord walk away in the windows of the door. 
Y/n had a coffee date with one of her closest friends, Zestial. One of the few overlords who still had his head attached to him. They had arranged to talk about the affects of the new tormentor, needing a plan to put their people at ease and to protect the skin on the bac of their necks. Usually, she'd have someone accompany her. But this occasion was far too private.
The night had progressed fast, the crimson sky darkened and street lamps struggled to do their job and lighten the streets. Y/n was almost at her destination when she noted a faint buzzing sound in the back of her head. It definitely wasn't there before. She stopped at the end of an alley she had just walked through, and assessed her surroundings. No one, not a soul in sight. Behind her, again no one. A strange feeling made its way into her throat, as if her body sensed danger. The sound getting louder, louder. Street lights seemingly struggling even more, and eventually going out. One by one. The street was pitch black within seconds. Y/n couldn't do anything but remain in their position, against the wall of the alley. 
A small, voodoo doll like creature ran passed the entrance of the alley. Paying her no attention, and laughing as he went. He was barely audible as the static became more insufferable in her ears. But she knew something was after her, she just prayed to lucifer that it wasn't who she thought it was.
"Not even going to try and run, dear?" The static stopped, the voice sounding like it was in the air. Having no body attached to it. Then he materialized seemingly from the shadows. His slim body accompanied by a tailored red suit, and an eerie smile refraining his face from showing any sort of emotion. The radio demon. He was here. Her face was barely visible in the darkness he had created, only the glowing from her eyes was an indication of life. 
"Come on, give me a chase. Make this interesting. I'll give you a head start" He taunted, slowly getting closer. Leaning his cane at his side, making it hard for y/n to get out. 
"No? I guess this will be the easiest kill yet" His smile widened a the seams of his mouth, being pulled by an invisible string like a doll. His form followed in lead, being hoisted up and enlarged to intimidate his prey. 
"Don't touch me freak." Y/N finally spoke, kicking his cane over and materializing into the ground. Becoming nothing more than a shadow that cant be touched. He watched at she disappeared into the night, almost in disbelief. He's heard that voice before. But it can't be, there's no way she is down here. She can't be. His smile never faltered, and he decided to leave this chase for another day. Street light finally flickered back on, and everything remained as it was before. Other than Alastor's new knowledge. Their story wasn't over yet.
141 notes · View notes
thyandrawrites · 3 months
Note
idk if you can answer this but do you know if the bllk characters are as crazy and rude with their dialogue in the original japanese manga too like with the fan translation? sorry for any english mistake. hope you have a good week :)
your english is fine, don't worry!
good question, by the way. Thank you for sending it my way because it gave me the opportunity to skim a few chapters in japanese, and I got a good chuckle from some of the things I found.
So. About the reply. Are they still crazy? yes. What about rude then? this one is more fun to answer. As a general rule of thumb, japanese dialogue often has a lot less curse-words and random insults thrown around, just because japanese as a language relies on other things to be rude. Mainly, socially inadequate registers, directness, and lack of honorifics. For the most part this holds true for blue lock as well. Some of the times you see the character cussing out, in japanese there are no swear words, but just more direct or otherwise less polite lines. See: in the last chapter, Karasu's "dumdums" isn't there in japanese. I know. I'm heartbroken about that too.
BUT. I guess blue lock breaks from the norm even in this respect. A lot of its most... colorful language, even in translation, is true to the original lines, actually. Lemme just bring up three of my favourite examples.
Tumblr media
yep. he says all that. he literally calls him "mountain of vomit and shit big brother" saljkfjankfsja Rin, you sure have a way with words. A true poet of our time.
Then there's Yukki.
Tumblr media
Oh, Yukki.
In japanese this line is "お前カイザーと同類のマウント糞野郎だわ" (omae kaizaa to dourui no maunto kusoyarou da wa) which cracks me up because he's almost echoing Rin above. What's phrased as "self-serving shithead" here, if translated literally, is even more colorful in japanese. Kusoyarou means piece of shit, while maunto is "mountain" (the same word that got translated as "pile" in Rin's line). So Yukki is more or less not just calling Isagi a piece of shit, but a whole mountain of shit. Talk about extra. "Shithead" is a good workaround to make the line more natural in english but I feel like it isn't quite as funny as the original, lmao
And then, of course. Isagi's response.
Tumblr media
snalfkna I kid you not this is an almost word by word translation of what he's saying. The only thing that isn't there in japanese is the "narcissist" part (he just says "fucker" but the rest is there. Yep. Even that.
So yes, the boys are still rude assholes in the original japanese manga as well, haha
With one caveat: from what I've seen, the official translation is much more accurate to the og phrasing than any of the fan scanlations. The former tends to maintain as much of the nuance as possible, while fan scans sometimes miss some details. The latter also tend to add more swears or downright mistranslate bits at times
39 notes · View notes
zapreportsblog · 8 months
Note
Soulmate au! Time😆😆
Jason Vorhees X Reader
Time soulmark: where there is a timer on your wrist that shows when you meet your soulmate face to face. Once they meet their timer goes to 00:00:00 and will sting a bit.
Plot: the reader and a few of their friends decided to be counselors for Camp Crystal lake. And although it’s supposed to gain some money, readers friends doesn’t seem to take it seriously though.
One day one of the readers friends got on their nerves so she decides to walk in the forest by themselves, while walking they didn’t seem to see where they were going because they soon bump into a tall guy, that guy is Jason, and also is their soulmate.
Awww my baby getting love finally <3
❝time seemed to stop when I met you❞
Tumblr media
✭ pairing : Jason vorhees x reader
✭ fandom : slashers
✭ summary : you thought camp this year was going to be the same as all the other years but it seems it won’t be
✭ slashers masterlist
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
The mid-morning sun streamed through the windows of (Y/N)'s cozy apartment, casting warm patterns across the floor. (Y/N) sat at her kitchen table, sipping her coffee and browsing through her mail. Bills, advertisements, and then a peculiar envelope caught her eye. It was slightly worn, as if it had traveled a long distance, and it bore the emblem of a pristine lake surrounded by lush greenery.
With a mix of curiosity and excitement, she carefully tore open the envelope. Inside, neatly typed on creamy paper, were the words that would alter the course of her summer: an acceptance letter to be a camp counselor at Camp Crystal Lake.
Her heart raced as she read through the letter. Camp Crystal Lake had always been known for its picturesque landscapes and storied history. The idea of spending a summer surrounded by nature and working with children was certainly enticing.
Eager to share the news, (Y/N) picked up her phone and dialed her best friend's number. After a few rings, the call was answered.
"Hello?" a cheerful voice greeted her.
"Hey, it's me," (Y/N) said, her excitement evident in her tone.
"Oh, hey! What's got you all fired up this early?" her best friend replied.
"I just got a letter," (Y/N) exclaimed. "Guess what? I've been accepted as a camp counselor at Camp Crystal Lake!"
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then a burst of enthusiasm. "No way! That's amazing! Congratulations!"
(Y/N)'s heart warmed at her friend's genuine excitement. "Thanks! I'm pretty excited about it too. But, you know, it's a big commitment. I'd be spending the whole summer there."
Her friend's voice was thoughtful. "True, but it sounds like a fantastic opportunity. You've always loved the outdoors and working with kids. Plus, Camp Crystal Lake is legendary. It's a chance of a lifetime."
(Y/N) nodded even though her friend couldn't see her. "You're right. It's just... It's a big step, and I'd be away for a while."
"Well, think about it this way," her friend suggested. "It's a chance for you to grow, experience something new, and create memories that'll last a lifetime. And I promise, I'll be here when you get back, ready to hear all about your adventures."
A smile tugged at the corners of (Y/N)'s lips. She was lucky to have such a supportive friend. "Thank you. I needed to hear that."
"You've got this," her friend encouraged. "And if you're worried about missing home, just remember that you'll have me and all your friends cheering you on."
Feeling a renewed sense of determination, (Y/N) took a deep breath. "You know what? I'm going to do it. I'm going to accept the offer and become a camp counselor at Camp Crystal Lake."
Her friend's excitement was palpable. "That's the spirit! I'm so proud of you. This is going to be an incredible adventure, (Y/N)."
As they continued to chat about the possibilities and plans for the summer ahead, (Y/N) felt a wave of excitement wash over her. She had taken the first step towards a new chapter in her life—one filled with adventure, growth, and the promise of unforgettable memories.
(Y/N) stood in the middle of her bedroom, surrounded by an array of clothes, camping gear, and essentials she'd need for the summer at Camp Crystal Lake. The excitement she felt was tinged with a touch of nervousness. This was a big step, a journey into the unknown, and she couldn't help but wonder what the upcoming weeks would bring.
She carefully folded her favorite hoodie and tucked it into her bag. Glancing around the room, she realized she had packed everything she needed, but there was something missing—an item of utmost importance. She walked over to her dresser and opened the top drawer, revealing a small, intricate mark on her wrist—the soul timer.
Running her fingers over the delicate design, she traced the numbers that were etched into her skin. The soul timer was a unique phenomenon in her world. It counted down the days until the moment she would meet her soulmate, the person destined to be her perfect match. It was a constant reminder that love was out there, waiting to be discovered.
Today, as (Y/N) touched the mark, the numbers were crystal clear: "1 day." Her heart fluttered with a mixture of excitement and curiosity. Could it be possible that her soulmate was somehow connected to this new chapter of her life at Camp Crystal Lake?
With a fond smile, she closed the drawer and shouldered her bag. The anticipation was building, and she was ready to embrace whatever lay ahead. Leaving her apartment behind, she headed to the bus station.
As the bus rumbled to life and started its journey, (Y/N) found a window seat and settled in. The scenery outside changed from cityscape to countryside as she gazed out at the passing landscape. Her thoughts wandered to the adventure awaiting her, the friends she would make, and the memories she would create.
During the journey, her fingers occasionally strayed to her soul timer. The numbers remained constant—1 day. It was a countdown to not only the day she would meet her soulmate but also a reminder that each day was a step closer to the unknown.
The hours slipped by, and eventually, the bus pulled up to the entrance of Camp Crystal Lake. A surge of excitement mixed with nervousness coursed through (Y/N) as she stepped off the bus and took in the picturesque surroundings. The air was filled with the crisp scent of pine, and the lake shimmered in the sunlight.
Camp counselors and campers bustled about, preparing for the summer's activities. With a deep breath, (Y/N) walked forward, ready to embrace the adventure that awaited her. As she moved among the lively atmosphere, her fingers brushed against her soul timer once more. The numbers were a constant reminder that change was in the air, and perhaps her soulmate was just around the corner.
As the day went on, (Y/N) settled into the rhythm of camp life. She met fellow counselors, learned the camp's routines, and felt a growing sense of belonging. But beneath it all, that one-day countdown remained in her thoughts.
In the evening, as the sun set over the lake, (Y/N) found a quiet spot to sit by herself. The sky was painted in hues of pink and orange, and a sense of calm settled over her. She closed her eyes and touched her soul timer once more, feeling the connection to her own destiny.
With a smile, she whispered to herself, "One day. Just one more day until our paths cross." And with that thought in her heart, she embraced the tranquility of the moment, ready to embark on a summer that held the promise of adventure, friendship, and the possibility of finding the one person who would make her soul timer's countdown truly worthwhile.
(Y/N) had spent the past few hours at Camp Crystal Lake trying to immerse herself in the counselor experience. She had met a few fellow counselors and had expected them to share her enthusiasm for the camp and its mission. However, it quickly became apparent that some of them were taking the opportunity rather lightly.
As she watched them goof around and neglect their duties, (Y/N) felt a growing sense of frustration. She believed in making a positive impact and taking her responsibilities seriously. Unable to contain her irritation, she decided to take a walk in the woods, hoping that the embrace of nature would help clear her mind.
The forest, lush and serene, seemed to welcome her with open arms. The rustling leaves and the gentle sound of a distant stream had a calming effect on her racing thoughts. Lost in her own world, she walked deeper into the woods, not noticing that she had strayed from the well-worn paths.
Suddenly, she collided with a solid figure, nearly stumbling backward. She looked up, expecting to find another counselor, but her heart lurched at the sight before her—a tall, imposing man wearing a hockey mask. Fear flickered in her eyes as her instincts kicked in, telling her that something was off about this encounter.
"Who are you?" she managed to stammer, her heart racing.
The man remained silent, his eyes hidden behind the mask, but there was an eerie intensity to his gaze that sent shivers down her spine. He didn't seem to be a camp counselor, not dressed like any of them. She took a step back, ready to make a hasty retreat, but something held her in place—a strange sensation that seemed to tingle in the air.
Then, a realization struck her—she couldn't hear the familiar ticking of her soul timer. Panic gnawed at the edges of her mind as she glanced at her wrist. The numbers on her soul timer, which had counted down for so long, were frozen at zero. It was as if time itself had come to a standstill.
Trepidation mixed with confusion as she looked at the man before her. His soul timer was also frozen, the numbers stuck at zero. She couldn't comprehend what was happening. Was he her soulmate? The man who had been elusive and unknown until this very moment?
"(Y/N)," she whispered to herself, her voice a mixture of awe and disbelief. The soul timer, which had been a constant companion, was now a still, unchanging mark on her wrist.
The man took a step forward, and (Y/N) felt a mixture of fear and curiosity. Who was he? What did this frozen soul timer mean?
Before she could react, he reached up to touch the mask on his face, revealing more of his features. But it was his eyes that held her attention—the depth of emotion in those eyes was something she couldn't quite place. There was pain, there was something hauntingly human in his gaze.
As he stepped closer, (Y/N)'s heart pounded in her chest. She could feel a strange connection, an unspoken bond between them. Time seemed to stretch as they stood there, a silent understanding passing between them.
In that moment, (Y/N) realized that her journey at Camp Crystal Lake had taken an unexpected turn—one that defied all logic and reason. As she stood face to face with this mysterious man in the hockey mask, a cascade of questions flooded her mind, and the mysteries of their frozen soul timers entwined their fates in ways neither of them could have foreseen.
107 notes · View notes
creative-kny-fics · 10 months
Note
OMGG YOU SHOULD DO LEE!OBANAI AND LER!MITSURI!!!! THEY ARE MY FAVORITE AND I RARELY SEE TKL FICS OF THEM ALSO YOUR SANEGIYUU FIC???? I FELL IN LOVEEE
ALSO IF MY REQUESTS ARE TOO MUCH FOR YOY I WILL BACK OFF LMAO
We think the same! Their relationship is very cute! Although in the manga or in the anime they didn't have many moments, it doesn't mean that it's my favorite ship! So sure! (Thanks)
Tumblr media
Warning: This fanfic contains tickles. Also remind them that I don't speak English, so if they find any errors, let me know to correct it. I hope you like it!
Ler: Mitsuri Kanroji and kinda Kaburamaru
Lee: Iguro Obanai
'You look distressed, Obanai. Is there something that gives you a complex?', fuck, Iguro wanted to go unnoticed, but he couldn't do anything. He turned to meet the master, who was accompanied by Gyomei, but... Maybe...
'You promise... not to say anything...?', he whispered, Kagaya smiled and pointed to a place next to him to sit down.
Despite being embarrassed, he steeled himself, fuck that shame, the more time passed, the more opportunities he missed
Kagaya waited patiently, he wanted Iguro to gather his courage and comment that he was overwhelmed.
'I'm... In love...' 'Kanroji, right?', Iguro looked up, Gyomei knew?!. 'H-how did you know?'
'Sure, I may be blind, but I can sense and feel people's emotions. When you talk to her everything in you is different. Your tone of voice, your look, your aura, your behavior. Everything changes, it's evident and it's almost impossible not to notice it' 'That's very sweet Obanai, I couldn't expect less from a boy as good as you, but then tell me, if you're in love, why haven't you shown it to her?'
Iguro sighed, but when he looked away he saw Kaburamaru. Well, he guess what should he tell them about, he needed urgent advice and support
'It's because I don't feel like I'm enough for her. I know almost everything about her but she doesn't know anything about me, I haven't told her for fear that she'll panic and hate me or stop talking to me. I want Kanroji to be happy, I want to give her that happiness, but I don't think I can... I'm not enough'
Gyomei cried, reciting his verse and Kagaya's smile diminished a bit, it was not possible for one of her children to feel bad Unless I thought it was insufficient, I couldn't tolerate this.
'Iguro, I'll tell you this and I want you to think my words well. The past does not affect the present, from your words I can realize that your past was sad and complicated, but despite having the option to be cruel, you didn't. You decided to improve and I'm proud of you. I don't think Kanroji cares about that, she's a good-hearted girl and you're a boy who always strives to meet my expectations. And well, with what Gyomei has said, I'm sure that you and she are soul mates. Go ahead, don't be afraid of the answer, trust that you will find happiness', Kagaya gently caressed Obanai's head, he was completely sure that everything would be fine for the couple.
'Oyakata - Sama... Himejima - San... Arigato', Iguro thanked, so he got down to business.
He planned everything, the place, the time, the activities, the food, everything was perfect. Iguro was gaining confidence, those words made him think and reconsider, there was no time to waste, it was now or never
'Okay, today is the day. Finally I will tell her everything I think and feel for her' 'Iguro - San!', she arrived, Iguro kept him calm.
'Tell me, what was so important that you needed to tell me? Or well, show me' 'I was sent on a mission a few days ago, while I was walking I found a tree with beautiful flowers that reminded me of you. I wanted to invite you to have lunch under its fruits', Kanroji blushed and became extremely nervous.
'EH?! Iguro - San and me?! On a date?! I can't believe it!!', Kanroji was excited, it was too much for her, it was so much that Obanai had to move her to wake her up from her trance
The answer was obvious, that's how they both went to the place.
Iguro sometimes looked at Mitsuri out of the corner of his eyes, she smiled as she saw everything, admiring and thanking him for taking her to that place.
'This place is so pretty Iguro-San!' 'I knew you'd like it, now, close your eyes, we're about to arrive and I'd like it to be a surprise' 'E-eh! O-Ok-Okay!', Mitsuri closed her eyes, Iguro took her hands and I carefully led her to the picnic she had planned for so long.
'Are you ready?' 'Of course! Don't make me wait any longer!' 'Then open your eyes', Mitsuri opened her eyes slowly, beginning to water, everything was so beautiful.
It was a picnic under a tree that matched the color of her hair and from which beautiful flowers sprouted that fell on the blanket and the baskets with food, but something was missing, Obanai extended a bouquet of roses towards her, she couldn't take it anymore and began to cry
'Ka-Kanroji-! Why are you crying?! Didn't you like it?!' 'No, I didn't like it...', Iguro's eyes widened, expecting the worst.
'I LOVED!! THANKS A LOT!! IT'S THE BEST THING THEY'VE DONE FOR ME SO FAR!!', Mitsui hugged Obanai, who blushed and felt somewhat uncomfortable, he wasn't used to physical contact, but because it was her, he put up with it
'Kyaaa! This is delicious Iguro-San! Thank you very much again!' 'There's no problem, okay? Huh?', Mitsuri pushed some food to Iguro's mouth, but Iguro immediately shook his head and refused.
'Iguro - San, come on, open your mouth! Eat with me!' 'No thank you I am fine'
Kaburamaru hissed. Iguro hadn't even eaten at home, he must have been hungry, so if he didn't eat something Kanroji offered him, he himself would force it.
For a whole minute, Mitsuri was trying to get Obanai to eat something, but he wouldn't. He knew what was under his bandages would displease him. No matter what his stomach growled at, he wouldn't eat anything.
'Iguro - San...' 'Kanroji-!', Iguro covered his mouth, looked at Kaburamaru, he wasn't on his neck, where was he? A tingling in his back made him jump. 'Damn Kaburamaru, not now! Not in front of her!', Iguro thought, trying to shake his snake out like that, to no avail-
'Iguro - San, everything alright...? Are you getting a fever? Your cheeks are red' 'I-I'm fine-! D-don't w-worry!', Mitsuri put down her food and approached Iguro, noticing that his haori was acting strange, as if something was moving in it.
'Kaburamaru-Kun? Is it inside your uniform?' 'Ye-Yes! O-Okay!', Mitsuri got closer, she could see that under his bandages, Obanai was struggling to hide a smile, Kanroji then understood
'Iguro - San...YOU'RE TICKLISH!', she exclaimed excitedly.
Iguro shook his head, saying that he just felt weird because Kaburamaru was biting him. 'Oh yeah? Then it won't matter if I do this~', Iguro's eyes widened, seeing how Kanroji was coming closer moving his fingers, he tried to get away from her, he only managed to do it a few inches, before Kanroji caught him, hugging him so he wouldn't run away.
'Kanroji, let's talk about this...' 'It's not good to lie Iguro - San, do you know what liars get? Tickles!', Mitsuri squeezed his sides, there was no reaction, maybe he wasn't ticklish there? Wait a second...
Kaburamaru! Mitsuri took a closer look, Kaburamaru was... on his back? Mitsuri blushed and laughed, it was the first time she had seen someone with a ticklish back.
'How about here?', Mitsuri gently ran her fingers along him back, the reaction was immediate, Iguro arched his back and covered his mouth and face with him haori in embarrassment.
'Ka-Kanroji-! I swe-! Gah! I'm-!' 'Again lying Iguro-San? I think you need a little lesson. 'Kaburamaru, could you come out for a moment? I don't want him to hurt you', Kaburamaru came out almost immediately and wrapped himself around Kanroji's neck, well Iguro, it seems that there will be no reason for Kanroji to leave you anymore
Mitsuri gently slid her nails into Obanai's lower back, who in response fell onto her chest, trying as hard as he could not to laugh, it was humiliating. They were alone, but it did not take away humiliating
'Come on Iggy! Laugh for me!' Mitsuri didn't stop, she knew he wouldn't run away, he was trapped in her hug.
'Kahahahanroji-! Grr! MPHM!!!', Mitsuri whispered in his ear. 'Cute~...'
It was enough, Obanai was unable to hold on and began to laugh, trying not to hit Mitsuri with his kicks.
'KAHAHAHANROJI!! STAHAHAHAP!! NOT THE BAHAHACK!! GEAHAHAHA!!' 'Awww~ Iguro-San, you're so cute~! Listen to that giggle! It's the cutest I've ever heard! Not your back? For what reason? Is it too ticklish? Can't stand a few tickles? But everyone needs to be tickled sometimes, don't you think?', damn, Iguro felt his ears burning, the childish tone with which Mitsuri spoke, regardless of the way he tickled,
3 words: Obanai was screwed-
'Besides, today you did a lot for me. You bought me food, you brought me to this beautiful place, I'm sure you must be tired! Come on, relax a bit!' 'WAHAHIT!! I CAHAHAN'T!!' 'Why can't you~?' 'BECAHAHAUSE-...!! I WAHAHANT TO TEHEHEHLL YOU SOMEHEHETHIHIHING!!', Mitsuri stopped, looking at him curiously.
'You wanna tell me something? What's wrong?', Iguro caught his breath, it was only a few seconds but, hell, he didn't think that Kanroji would make him scream in such a short time.
'Iguro-San...?', Mitsuri placed her head on his shoulder, waiting for the answer.
Iguro sighed and took her hands, staring into her eyes...
'Kanroji, do you remember the first time we met?' 'Yes, I remember, it was at Oyakata-Sama's residence, I was lost... But, Iguro-San saved me'
'...I must confess, ever since I saw you, I was planning to ignore you or walk past you and leave you with that problem. But, as time progressed, I was able to get to know you better, you were able to touch my heart. Your charisma, your way of treating others, your kindness and heart really captivated me and I fell in love with you, but I was unable to tell you because I wanted to get to know you better first so I could know everything about you and start a nice relationship. Although it was also because I was afraid, afraid that you wouldn't reciprocate me and get away from me. I'll totally understand if you don't feel the same, I just wanted you to know'
Iguro opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was Kanroji crying. I knew... She didn't...
'I love you too Iguro-San!!', Mitsuri came over and hugged him.
'Your words were the most beautiful that a man has ever said to me! I love you! I am so happy! Every day what happened with you, I forgot my insecurities because you saw me with those eyes of love, my days were brighter and my meals tasted sweeter when I ate with you! I love you so much!', Mitsuri tried to lower Obanai's bandages but he wouldn't let it.
'Perhaps your opinion will change... After seeing this...', Mitsuri didn't care and lowered his bandages, seeing Obanai's scar.
'I know, it's disgusting and disgusting... You don't have to...' 'You don't care about my strange hair color, why should I care about that?', Mitsuri leaned in and kissed him.
'Isn't love pretty?' 'Mhm! Yes it is!' 'Ara~ I thought he wouldn't dare' 'They are made for each other, that's final', commented the hashiras seeing Mitsuri and Obanai return happily holding hands
47 notes · View notes
waterfallofspace · 1 year
Text
Smoke In The Breeze, You In My Lungs.
The one where V/ash gives W/olfwood a gift, and W/olfwood gives V/ash a show. Feat. sneezy W/olfwood, and smitten V/ash. (Shipped, though not entirely ‘dating’, just more like ‘will be dating.’ Pre-dating. Also known as head over heels for each other, secretly). Also there’s totally a few not so secret moments about it~ 
First time attempting T/rigun S/tampede, so the characters voices are still new to me, hopefully this will be an acceptable addition to the AMAZING collection of V/ashwood fics already on here! For anyone bothering to read this, thank you~ Hope you enjoy~~
(References to smoking and swearing, incase you don’t like those) 
Characters: V/ash, W/olfwood, and a surprisingly cool desert night.  Word Count: 3.5k ~~~~~~~
The first time Vash remembered seeing Wolfwood smoke was almost immediately after meeting him. Since then, he seemed to always be either stuffing a cigarette between his teeth, crushing one on the ground, or somewhere in between. Despite this, cigarettes remain just as expensive as always, and Wolfwood remains the same short on cash grifter. Turns out addiction doesn’t pay for itself.  That’s why when Vash saw the pack of cigarettes sitting on the counter of a bar they had passed through on their last round of plant repairs, he had asked the man they were attached to where he’d found them. Turns out, there was a peddler in this town that sold rare and exotic types. Vash had gotten his money together and managed to afford a single pack. Tonight was the first time since then that the opportunity had presented itself to offer the gift without too much explanation needed as to its meanings.  “Hey, Nicho-” Vash starts, a light shove in response nearly sending him over the edge of the rock they find themselves balanced on. “Watch it Blondie, I told you, unless we’re alone, it’s Wolfwood.” Vash lets their eyes meet, before gesturing to the desert around them, barren aside from the car they’d ‘borrowed’ for this little trip. “Oh, yes, of course, I must have forgotten about the invisible forces watching us from- ouch! Okay, okay, sorry.”  The laughter in his voice doesn’t go unnoticed, a sharp smile in response forming on Wolfwood’s face. His smiles always had this edge to them, as if simply a touch from his lips would be enough to slice you open. Staring at him in the moonlight, Vash nearly thought about testing the theory. “Hey, blondie?” “Hmm?” “I assumed you had an end to that sentence you started before? Unless it was just a veiled attempt at getting yourself sent careening off a real high rock for the fun of it?” “Right, sorry. Yeah, I just… here.” Vash reached into his pocket, pulling out the pack of cigarettes and sticking them in Wolfwood’s hands, not missing the baffled look that slipped across the normally fixed features. “As payment, for that bread you spotted me the other day.” “You mean… the piece of bread that we got as payment for the job…?” Vash feels his hand graze the back of his neck before he even registers that he’s moved it. “W-well… I mean I guess… just consider it a gift then!” Wolfwood looks like he’s planning to say more, but once his eyes have finished tracing Vash’s face, he’s decided against it. Settling instead for flashing him a smirk, and pulling out the first one. Sticking it between his teeth, Wolfwood leans towards him. “Light me up, blondie.” A blush spreads like wildfire against Vash’s cheeks, and he pulls out the lighter Wolfwood had tossed him a few towns back, bringing it carefully to the cigarette. The glow of the flame lights up the mischief in Wolfwood’s eyes as he inhales, then gently blows the smoke right at Vash’s face.  “Hey-!” Coughing, Vash waves his hand in the air, giving Wolfwood a playful punch in return, laughing a bit at the grimace he receives. “Bit rough there, Blondie. Hm.. these taste a bit different than normal, are they the regular packs I get?” “You’re the one who blew smoke in my face! You’re lucky I’m wearing my sunglasses, or that would have gone right in my eyes! And um… I think they’re a different brand maybe?”  Wolfwood hums lightly, choosing to focus his attention on the first part of what Vash said. “Why are you wearing them at night? Are even the moons too bright for you?”  “Wha- no! I just got so used to the feeling of them on my face that…” Vash rubs his neck, offering a sheepish smile,  “It starts to feel weird without them. Not quite like being naked, more like walking around without a shirt on. Technically acceptable, but still quite weird. Feels vulnerable almost. Though sometimes if I- hey, you alright?” Wolfwood’s eyes have been captured by a far off look, his head slightly tilting back until- “hIH’ktsSHH’yue-! hAH’ZSHH’oo-!” “Oh, bless you!” With a rough sniff, Wolfwood brings his wrist back down from where it had assumed position under his nose. He gives Vash a sharp grin, taking another drag from the cigarette in lieu of a thank you.  “What were you on about then?” “Hm? Oh, it was nothing really. Honestly I don’t even remember where I was going with that.” “Alright.” And with that, they’re back to staring out at the desert sky. Not a cloud in sight, but somehow, it was darker than usual. ‘That wouldn’t normally be a bad thing, but… it makes it harder to see him’ Vash thinks, allowing his eyes to trace over to Wolfwood. The light of the cigarette glows faintly against the darkness of his clothes. His eyes though… they shine without any light at all. Somehow, despite being dark, Vash has always noticed the glow they seem to give off. “Hehh- hH’kttZSHH’yuee-!”  “Ble-” “Nohhht- not done Blondieehhhh-! hEH’ZZSCHH’OO-! hahh’ASHH’yuee-!”  “Triple bless you!” “Cute, needle-noggin.”  Vash smiles, the laughter dancing in Wolfwood’s eyes filling him with warmth, despite the cold air. “You alright though? Something setting you off?” Wolfwood gives a deep sniff before answering, apparently trying to see if he can smell anything unusual. Unfortunately, he’s already way too stuffed up to let anything pass, including air.  “Can’t tell. Doubt it though, likely just something irritating my allergies.” “In the middle of a desert…?” “You’d be surprised at the kind of flowering plants you can still find ‘round here. One time I walked into a town that had a full blooming cactus- flower- thing. Still don’t know exactly what it was, but damn it was potent. Was sneezing nearly the whole night, but it was too late to go find another place to stay.” Wolfwood seems to shudder a little at the memory, his hand coming up to rub at his nose as if even the thought of it was starting to irritate him.  “Pretty sure I woke everyone in that motel, got some real dirty looks the next morning.” Vash laughs, dodging a punch thrown at his good arm. Wolfwood gives him a glare, but there’s no fire in his eyes. Only warmth. The cigarette he’s been smoking has reached its last legs, and Wolfwood crushes it, before pulling out another, leaning in once again for Vash to light it. “Might as well treat myself to a few tonight, it’s a gift after all, right Blondie?” Vash obliges, lighting it up and letting his head tilt with a nod, partially to agree, mostly to hide the flush starting to fill his cheeks at the mention of the gift. Thankfully, he’s soon distracted, as Wolfwood lets out another itchy gasp, this time barely managing to turn away from Vash before the sneezes break free. “hihh’ZZSH’yuee-! heHH- hAH’ktSHHH’ooo-! hh’RRUSHH’ueee-! Fuck- hah’ASHH’ooo-! Hehh… ihhh’hEH’ZSHH’OOO-!”  “Jeez, Nico. Bless you, are you alright?” A shiver runs through Wolfwood, his cheeks slightly pink as he turns back to face Vash. “‘Scuse me. I’m alright. Just somethin’ tick-hhH’ZSHHH’OO-! Oh god, not doohhhne!”  Vash wants to turn away, give him some privacy, but something about the vulnerability of the display has him captivated. Wolfwood’s eyes are fighting to stay open, fluttering against the depth of the tickle. His mouth hangs open, breath hitching wildly as his nose practically trembles. “hHH’KSHH’yuee-! Huhhh- hEH’RSHHH-ISHHH-ZSCHHH’ooo-! Wheww~ Ohgod- iHh’NGXttt’shiew-!”  Desperate to stop the onslaught, he attempts to stifle the last one, Vash not missing the shivers it sends down his spine. Both of them know what a stupid choice that was, as Wolfwood can do nothing but gasp against the cold air, before ducking into his arm with another rapid, yet softer, fit. “hhH’ishh’iew-! tiSHH’iew-! hehh’ASHH’iew-! Hehh- hH’DTshhh’iew-!”  “Bless you. You really shouldn’t hold them in like that, you know it just makes you sneeze more afterwards.” A blush spreads across Wolfwood’s face, Vash not missing the way the dark eyes refuse to meet his own. “Yeah, yeah. Thank you Dr. Blondie, I’ll keep that in mind.” The tone is light and teasing, but there’s a deeper mood to it that Vash can’t quite put his finger on. This isn’t new to him, Wolfwood quite often uses humour or charm to mask deeper, actual emotions. Deciding to let him keep what dignity he has left after the fits, Vash just offers a sweet smile, and a tissue from his pocket. Wolfwood greedily reaches for it before pausing, and gently handing Vash the cigarette to hold before grabbing the tissue.  Offering a ‘thanks’ over his shoulder as he turns away, he roughly blows his nose, Vash wincing at the congested sounds. Turning back with his mouth still slightly hanging open, ‘likely to breathe’ Wolfwood gives Vash a tight smile, before taking the cigarette back. “Are you sure you don’t know what’s causing this? You’re not getting sick, are you? You could tell me if you were, ya know. It’s not a bad thing to admit-” “I’m not sick. Just itchy.” “And stuffed up.” There’s a pause, Wolfwood seemingly taking stock of his symptoms. Vash attempts to do the same.  “Yeah. Still, it feels like allergies. If I was getting sick I’d be feeling it in my throat by now.” “Hm… normally you’d be coughing by now too.” Wolfwood shoots him a look, and Vash blushes a bit, rushing through an explanation before he can stop himself. “We just spend a lot of time together, and I noticed that usually when you get sick you get a cough pretty quickly- not first though, first comes a sore throat- usually I can tell because you don’t talk as much- not that you talk too much! You just talk more than I do sometimes, and well, when you’re sick you don’t, and that’s how I can tell it’s starting- but yeah usually the coughing starts before the sne-” “Blondie, take a breath.” Vash chuckles nervously, aiming his gaze at the ground where the crushed cigarette lays, still slightly smouldering, so he grinds it a bit further into the rock. “hH’ZSCHH’ooo-! hehh’ktCHH’iew-! haHH’DNNGT’shhh-!”  “Didn’t we just go over th-” “hIH’ISHH’iew-! Tishh’iew-! hH’ZSHH’iew-! heH’ashh’iew-! HH’zshh’IEW-!” “-this. Bless you.” His tone is teasing, and Wolfwood shoots him an exasperated look, rolling his eyes dramatically, though Vash can’t quite tell if that was meant for him, or the sneezes that seemed to still be dancing through his sinuses. “Hehhh- hH’HDT- guhhh…”  “Still need to sneeze?” “Whaahhhht do you hehhh…. hH’IHH-uhhhhh what do you think?”  Vash blushes, the desperation in Wolfwood’s words simmering in his stomach in ways he’d rather not dwell on. Instead, he reaches over and runs a single finger down the bridge of Wolfwood’s pronounced nose, smirking at the way his eyes tear up immediately. He manages to keep enough wits about him to aim away from Vash’s hand, but doesn’t even attempt to cover as the sneezes blast out of him. “HH’ZSCHHH’OO-! hah’ASHH’ooo-! RRUSHHH’UEE-! HAHH’ZSHHH’YUEE-! Hehh… hehH’KTSHH’ooo-! hh’zzUSHH’ooo-! Jeez, ‘scuse me. Thanks for that, Blondie. They were really tormenting me there.” “Bless you. Seemed like you needed a little help, is all.” “Yeah. Damn, still itches something fierce. Really don’t know what’s got me so irritated.”  Vash glances around the desert once more. Nothing catches his eye, the vast open space still empty of anything more than sand and their car. “We seem to be the only things around. Unless you’ve suddenly developed an allergy to sand. Oh god, that would be- “hEH’KISHH’ooo-!”  “Exactly! Took the words right out of my mo- ouch! Okay, okay, jeez. No need to beat me up! I’m not the one causing this.” They pause for a minute, Wolfwood’s eyes watery and glossed over, but Vash’s suddenly wide and frantic. “Wait, you don’t think you’re allergic to me, do you?! I mean, I’m the only thing around, and you’re having an allergy attack, so it figures that you have to be allergic to something nearby, and since I’m the only thin-” “Blondie, you’re giving me a headache.” “Sorry…”  “Don’t worry so much. I’m not allergic to you. I’d be long dead by now if I was, what with how much you cling to my side.” “I’m pretty sure you’re the one who just decided to invite yourself along on everything I do.” “Regardless of the details, my point stands. I can’t possibly be allergic to you. Besides, it only started recen- hehH- hold on-” Wolfwood pauses, voice entirely air. His breath catches, then releases once more, stuck right on the edge of sneezing and hitching. Vash feels a pang of sympathy at the desperate look in his eyes as they flutter between closed and open. Wolfwood is stuck, mouth ajar, head slightly tilted. One hand is hovering in front of his face, lightly fanning, the other holding his cigarette as it burns closer and closer to his fingers. Noticing the pain that’s sure to occur soon, Vash knocks it down, crushing it beneath his boot, not missing the growl of protest Wolfwood manages to slip out between gasps. “You’re a bit too preoccupied to be smoking that right now, and I don’t think either of us want you getting burned by it.” All he gets are hitches in return, the groaning starting to air on the side of moans as Wolfwood tries frantically to get the sneezes to come out. Finally he reaches over, grabbing Vash’s hand, sending chills down his spine. He’s too far gone to speak, but he doesn’t need words. Vash knows what to do. Gently taking his finger, and running it down the bridge of his nose like he did before, Vash nearly faints at the deep and airy moan that escapes Wolfwood’s throat, before he lunges forward with a harsh fit, lightly misting Vash’s hand as he attempts to move out of the way. “hEH’ISHH’YIUU-! ASHHH’YUUE-! ZSSHHH-DTSHH-KTSHHH’OOO-! hehh- heH’kNXGT’SHOO-! heH’ISHH’iew-! hh’zzSHH’ooo-! What the fuck- RSHHH’ooo-! hh’ktSHH’ooo-! heH’RSHHHH’yuue-! Oh thank god.”  “Bless you Nicholas. Better?” He receives a desperate sniff in response, wet and heady, and Vash searches through his pockets for another tissue, handing over a pack he forgot he was carrying. “You been holdin’ out on me.” Wolfwood mutters, crushing his nose into them and letting out a harsh blow. “Forgot I had them, sorry ‘bout that, I woulda handed ‘em over sooner if I remembered.” Wolfwood comes up for air, his nose twitching in the cold night air, before pressing it back into the tissues for another blow. Finally, seeming to get enough relief to satisfy him, his watery glance meets Vash’s, an itchy sigh releasing from his chest. “All is forgiven, feels much better now. Except that you crushed my smoke before I was finished with it!” “Ah, sorry ‘bout that too, but it was for the best.” Already pulling another out, Wolfwood gives him another sharp smile, this time laced with something that makes Vash’s heart flutter before he has a chance to stop it. “At this rate I’m gonna finish the pack before morning.” As he reaches over to get it lit, Vash gently pulls it out from between his lips. Wolfwood raises an eyebrow, but doesn’t say a word, and doesn’t move back either, their faces close enough to feel the other’s breath. Vash places the smoke in his mouth, lights it, and takes a drag, ‘Hm, it does taste a bit different… what is this, I wonder.’ before letting Wolfwood remove it, and place it between his own lips.  Neither moves, Wolfwood breathing in too, Vash still holding his breath, though not by choice anymore. They stay like this for a beat, before Wolfwood turns to the side, blowing out, before turning back, eyes aglow. Vash finally realizes he’s still holding the smoke in his lungs, and goes to exhale, before pausing. ‘Time for a little revenge for the earlier smoke blowing’.  He lets his breath go, smoke drifting right into Wolfwood’s face. The reaction is instantaneous, Wolfwood using every fiber of his being to aim for Vash’s shoulder instead of his face as the sneezes burst out of him, forcing the cigarette to drop onto the ground where Vash crushes it. “hhH’zzSHH’ooo-! hh’ASHHH’ooo-! heH’ihhDSHH’ieew-! hUH’RUSHHH’yuee-! B- Blond- hAH’KTSHHH’ooo-! hihh’ZZCHH’OOO-! hH’EDDshh’yue-! RSHHH’ooo-!”  “Oh god, bless you Nico!”  Vash pauses for a second, before realization sets across his face, immediately replaced by panic as he turns over the pack in his hand, reading the label. “Shit- Nicholas, oh damn it-” Through congested sniffles, Wolfwood manages to shoot him a questioning gaze, before another desperate sneezes rips through him, this time giving him enough time to aim for the ground. “hEHH’KTSHH’shiew-!” “Bless you. I’m so sorry!” “What are you sorry for, I’m the one who just… juuhhhst… hhh’ISHH’yue-! ktSHH’ooo-! Scuse me- just sneezed against your shoulder.”  “Bless yo- huh? Oh, that’s nothing, don’t worry about it. It’s my fault anyways, I really should have seen it sooner, I was just… kinda distracted… I’m so sorry!” “Seen what…? What am I missing here Blondie?” Vash blushes, this time deep enough that Wolfwood can’t help but raise an eyebrow at the colour shift.  “T- the… the pack of smokes I gave you… you said they tasted different, and I thought it was just the brand, but when I had one I couldn’t quite put my finger on what it was- it tasted like more than just a different brand- I mean I should have smelled it in the smoke but I wasn’t paying attention- and you were too stuffed up to smell or taste it anymore- I’d heard of flavoured cigarettes before but I’ve never seen them around here so I didn’t even think to-” “Blondie, rambling again. Is there a point you’re gettin’ to?” “.....They’re cinnamon flavoured. Which means the smoke is cinnamon scented too.”  Wolfwood stares for a moment, before letting out a laugh that nearly startles Vash off the rock. “That’s all? Blondie, with the way you were goin’ on, I thought they were poisoned or something!” “B- but… you’re allergic to cinnamon..? That’s why you’re sneezing so much, and… and it’s all my fault…” Vash feels his face flushing again, tears starting to form in his eyes before he can fight them off. ‘Why are you crying, you’re the one who caused this, you don’t get to cry-’.  His thoughts are cut off by the feeling of soft hands against his cheeks. One hand wipes away the tears, lingering just a moment on his cheek, while the other runs up into his hair, eliciting a soft sigh that he can’t stop. “I’m not angry at you, Vash.” Vash manages to clear his head enough to recognize the hands belong to Nicholas. The voice that spoke up belongs to him too, and there’s a gentle tone in it he’s never heard before. The eyes staring back at him belong to the man as well, and the kindness seeping through them nearly starts Vash crying again. “Y… you’re not…?” A light chuckle breaks through, and Vash feels his heart drowning in longing. “It’s just some sneezing, Blondie. We both know I’ve had worse. Plus, I was still enjoying the smoke, even with the unfortunate byproduct.” Vash stares, head filling with thoughts he can’t ignore. ‘Why isn’t he angry?’ ‘He was still enjoying them?’ ‘Is he okay with this?’ and front and center, ‘His hands are still touching me, does he know that?’  One hand still cups his face, thumb running along his chin, while the other seems content to pet through his hair. Vash can’t help but gasp as Nicholas suddenly pulls back, both hands leaving his skin, prompting his own to reach out for them. “hihh’KTshhh’iew-!”  ‘Oh.’  With that, Nicholas lets Vash’s hands grab his own, returning the grasp. Neither of them pulls closer, but neither pulls away. They just sit there for a minute letting the contact send burning chills through their bodies, almost as if they were being electrocuted. And yet… it was the most soothing feeling either had ever had.  After a few minutes of this, Vash broke off first, barely catching the airy sigh that escaped between Nicholas’s teeth. Vash could see his nose was still twitching, a red sheen on it glowing in the moonlight. ‘When did it get so much brighter out here?’ “We should get you some allergy meds, or you’re gonna be sneezing the rest of the night. Neither of us will get any sleep if that happens.” “Right, Blondie. Lead the way.” Neither of them says a word about the contact, the electricity, or the burning urge to do it again that bangs against each of their chests. Somehow, an unspoken agreement has been made, one that both of them seem desperate to keep. ‘That didn’t happen, I didn’t love it, and it will never happen again.’  Of course, both of them also know it’s a lie, and are eagerly awaiting the next excuse to feel that softness again. Somewhere, in the middle of a surprisingly cool desert night, under a dark sky, one touch lights a spark, and two cold hearts start to thaw in the heat. 
62 notes · View notes
cutekittenlady · 3 months
Text
Tumblr Plays Pokemon White 2 - Part 4
Well my overall philosophy of exploration bore fruit!
Tumblr media Tumblr media Tumblr media
Always remember kids, in a good game you can find pretty good items you may otherwise miss if you just take your time and explore a little!
Regardless my training at the Virbank Complex was interspersed with a guy asking me to "fire up" some of his new employees. Needing to train my team anyway, I took him up on the offer.
After defeating the first foreman with Aries I got a great surprise;
Tumblr media
Aries evolved into Flaafy! She also learned Charge!
This training session is already bearing some pretty great fruit!
As I was defeating the workmen I also saw this scientist guy walking around the complex. Talking to him and hearing what he had to say netted me an ether! An item that actually restore pokemons pp! Its harder to find in the early game so I think I may hoard this for now.
Reporting back to the boss nets me the tm for rock smash. I'm collecting a decent number of tms!
After leaving in the VIrbank Complex I head to the pokemon center and buy some healing I get a few potions and antidotes, as well as soem super potions juuuust in case. I also decide to buy one heal ball and one net ball on the off chance they come in handy down the line.
Now its prep time!
I decide to start off by replacing Bentleys tackle attack with return. I also teach the same attack to Molly as well. I consider teaching one of the team work up but it turns out none of them are able to use the move. I then give each of my team members a pecha berry to hold so they can heal themselves if they get poisoned at the gym.
With that prep work complete I head to the Virbank gym.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
While the last gym was a school, Virbanks Gym is an underground rock club of sorts.
This is where we find Roxie, but she and her band are rocking out so hard that she cant hear us asking for a battle! Guess we'll have to beat her bandmates to bring the music down enough to start our gym battle.
Tumblr media
I choose to start with the drummer on the left.
I start off with Molly and he sends out a grimer. Mollys intimidate takes down his attack a stage and i opt to start out with an ember. Unfortunately Grimer immediately uses disable rending ember useless. I have Molly use return (cant remember if grimer can have poison point) and it hits, but grimer hits back. I have molly use leer and grimer uses poison gas which sadly poisons molly. Thankfully she eats the pecha berry I gave her and heals up. With grimers defense lowered I have Molly use return again which hits Grimer down ino the yellow, but unfortunately Grimer uses poison gas again and poisons Molly. Not wanting Aries or Bentley to use their pecha berries just yet I opt to keep Molly in. Ember is still disabled so I take grimer out with a return.
Next the drummer sends out Koffing and I get a message that ember is no longer disabled. I have Molly use Ember and manage to get a burn on Koffing. Koffing hits with assurance and molly is hurt by their poisoning. Luckily though Koffing is also hurt by their burn. I use an antdote on Molly to heal her up. Koffing takes the opportunity to hit with another assurance but is again hurt by their burn. I have Molly hit with return but it doesnt do much. One more ember and a bit of damage from the burn damage is enough to take koffing out.
I use a couple of potions on Molly to heal her up before taking on the guitarist on the right.
Once again I send in Molly and hte guitarist uses venipede. I have Molly start off with Ember which, it turns out, is super effective and takes venipede out in one hit! It must be the bug typing. This victory levels Molly up to level 16.
There is now only Koffing to deal with, and remembering how the last koffing tanked return I decide to rely on special attacks here and have Molly use Ember which takes Koffing down to half health and burns it. Another ember is enough to take it out.
Molly is really the MVP of this gym! Tbh I was expecting it to be Aries. I dont even need to heal up with a potion before facting Roxie. However before I face the gym leader I do take Bentleys pecha berry and give it to Molly while moving Bentley to the front of the party. I then give Bentley the silk scarf in the hopes that it will power up his Return attack.
I don't expect Bentley to do much in this fight since grass is weak to poison, but given what a murder bean Bentley was at the start of the adventure I doubt he'd be content with sitting out.
With that I face off against Roxie.
Roxie starts off with Koffing naturally enough. I opt to Bentley start of with Growth increasing his attack. Koffing hits with a supereffective smog, and I have Bentley set up another growth. I'm hoping to get a very stron ghit here. Koffing hits with assurance bring Bentley into the yellow. I then make a critical mistake and misclick another growth rather than an attack and Koffing hits Bentley with another smog. Not wanting to waste al those growths I opt to have Bentley use vinewhip. even though it wont be very effective. Which it sadly is not. Bentley is then KO'd by Koffing.
This ones on me not Bentley. Really could have played that smarter.
Wanting to save Molly for whatever pokemon Roxie has next, I send in Aries. Remembering that Koffin tanked return, I'm guess this guy must have high defense so Aries special attacks should do better here. Even so just to be safe I start off with a thunder wave to paraylze koffing and then use charge to power Aries up. Koffing hits with a tackle but it does barely anything. I have Aries use thundershock and its enough to take Koffing out in one hit!
Booyah Aries!
Roxie then sends out her next pokmeon, Whirlipede. If Whirlipede is a bug type like Scolipede was swapping in to Molly should be effective here. However I decide to leave Aries in. Her paralysis may be the best way to keep Whirlipede from using any moves that might poison my team.
So I do just that and have Aries use thunderwave right off the bat. Whirlipede gets paralyzed but still manages a pursuit. I have Aries use cotton spore to slow whirlipede down, and Whirlipede hits with venoshock for half of Aries health. Hoping to get lucky with paralysis I have Aries use charge to power up for an attack. Whirlipede used Venoshock again, but thanks to charge increasing Aries special defense it doesnt KO. Whilipede is paralyzed the next round and I have Aries use Thundershock which doesnt do as much as I hoped. I decide to use cotton spore again next round. If Aries cant beat Whirlipede i can at least make it slow for Molly. Whirlipede hits with another pursuit and I have Aries use another thundershock. Unfortunately Whirlipede uses protect and the damage fails to land. I repeat the same tactic next round but it only chips whirlipede. Whirlipede hits with another pursuit taking Aries out.
While two of my team members are down I'm not out. I send in Molly knowing Whirlipede is weakened alread and with Mollys intimidate its attack drops as well. Aries part comes through as Whirlipede is paralyzed and one ember is all it takes to beat Whilipede and win us the badge!
Tumblr media
Thankfully Roxies a graceful loser and gives us the Toxic Badge for beating her. Now any pokemon up to level 30 will obey us. She also gives us the tm for venoshock.
Tumblr media
yes they did Roxie yes did.
I'm fairly certain Bentleys disappointed he lost, but he'll rebound.
Immediately after we step off the stage a stranger approaches and asks us to go to pokestar studios. Mention of the place sends Roxie running off after her dad.
C'mon Roxie whats the worst that can happen here?
I head towards pokestar studios but stop at the pokemon center on the way to heal up my pokemon after that gym battle and head to the north of Virbank
So we walk in and the same stranger who talked to us back in Virbank Gym sees us and introduces us to the boss Mr... Stu Deeoh.
Stu Deeoh
I am not making this up.
Tumblr media
Some parent out there really had the last name Deeoh and named their kid Stu. And that kid then proceeded to go into filmmaking.
I just.... what life does this man have?!
Tumblr media
Be honest dude. Did your parents hate you? Are they dead? Did you kill them to inherent their money but mostly because they named you Stu Deeoh?
Tumblr media
You and Alder must go to the same bar or something because you are dodging the question.
Tumblr media
Well now I just want to slap your bald head.
I get a tour of the studio and meed Roxies dad in the lobby. Hes apparently just shot a film? Which was... fast? Are... are these cheap B movies? I hope its cheap B movies cause otherwise its something else and this is supposed to be a kids game.
So Roxies dad pressure me into watching his movie to get "acting tips" from a "professional".
Hahahah okay Pop Roxie MAAAAAAAYBE chill out a little? Yeah?
You've been in one low budget film shot in an open lot probably in front of a green screen. If your lucky its not something that'll make your daughter never wanna look you in the eye agian.
I don't gotta see your film, right talent seeker guy?
Tumblr media
Arceus damn it!
Tumblr media
UUUUUUUGH
Tumblr media
Oh....
Oh wow...
Tumblr media
You uh.... You okay Pop Roxie? Your knees okay?j
(missed my chance to screenshot this next bit so I got a screenshot from youtube. Original Vid here)
Tumblr media
Wow man... tone death much?
Then Pop Roxie goes on this heartfelt speech about having always wanted to pursue his dream of being on the silver screen and being inspired by his daughter, and then he just... goes back to his ship saying he would return to the screen one day.
OH Pop Roxie!
The guy then just... drags me to the studio to see the Boss.
Tumblr media
Call me Dahling again and Alder and Pop Roxie won't be the only older men around here who need new knees.
Tumblr media Tumblr media
I WILL NOT BE IN A POR-
Tumblr media
.... Ah. Thats significantly less bad. Well... I guess Hugh wouldn't mind if I take a few hours out of my day to-
Tumblr media
YOUR KNEES ARE MINE OLD MAN
Tumblr media
Oh right sure. Get your Kung Fu star five pokedollar Brycenman look-alike phony out here to protect you. I have a murder bean, a lightning ram, and a firebreathing dog. I aint afraid of your security detail!
Tumblr media
.... Holy shit you're... you're actually Brycen.
Shit, uh... well if you heard anything about knees just know it was a HUGE misunderstanding eheheheh.
.....
My mom has a picture of you in our fridge.
Tumblr media
She kisses it good night.
Tumblr media
For years I thought she actually murdered dad so she could- I MEAN SAME TO YOU MAN! SAME TO YOU!
Tumblr media
Your knees are spared this day old man.
Tumblr media
Actually will I be getting paid for this? Yknow like in cash money? Cause, like, moms been single a long time since dad died and we could really use the-
aaaand he walked away.
Shit.
10 notes · View notes
icy-book · 9 months
Text
Now, Coach Darnell just wanted a fun little hiking trip for the school. Give the kids some exercise, let the parents be involved. It's free, they get to be in nature, and it's a perfectly lovely laid-back afternoon. Unfortunately for him, the entire Close-Foster-Freeman-Swift-Stephen-Stampler-Marlowe-Swallows-Oak-Garcia-Wilson-Actually-Likely-dear-god-how-many-last-names-do-these-people-have family decided to chaperone.
 Henry: We should go to [fairly far away trail] it's a prefect one for the kids
Carol: How are we going to get there though? The school doesn't have enough minibuses
Darryl: Well, Odessey-san could probably fit about a class and some parents and teachers
Mercedes: And the journey is less than an hour so we can use our no-emission fuel source
Glenn: Guess that means I'm riding with you guys, huh
Darnell, who only knows the Odessey as Darryl's rundown car the kiddads got kidnapped in that one time: Hold on, are you seriously suggesting that we try and fit 30+ people into a 30-something year old minivan that runs on a weird fuel source that you never name and has to be changed every hour, that for some reason only Glenn use?
TJ, completely missing the multiple problems: ... she's bigger on the inside
TJ: She can fit a class
 Sparrow will not stop picking up squirrels. No one knows how he's even able to get that close to them or why they don't freak out when he picks them up (the answer is druid powers). There's a picture of him holding twenty and surrounded by more on the school's socials.
 Grant: This hike will be a great opportunity to spend time with Lincoln's new friends and see what they're like
*Sees Link with a terrifying goth girl who acts just like Terry Jr as a teen (including hating her new stepdad), a weeb who has the exact same vocal mannerisms as Glenn and cool guy energy as Nicky, and clearly Normal Oak*
Grant: You know what, never mind, maybe we should go back to homeschooling him
 (Grant: *he's just like me fr meme /negative*)
 Darnell: I don't want a repeat of soccer camp '22, Terry Jr
TJ: I did absolutely nothing wrong
Darnell: You stuck Lark on top of the flat mast saying, and I quote, "Naughty children go on the pole"
TJ: And it got him to stop setting fire to the goal posts, didn't it?
 Every single one of the s1 parents made homemade snacks. Every. Single. One.
 Henry, ranting about nature and rocks: and you know the chasm we're walking by is actually made by a waterfall slowly eroding its own overhang and slowly moving backwards along the valley
Darryl: Henry, we do this trail once a month and you mention this every single time. I did take high school geography. I know how oxbow lakes are formed
Glenn in the background: the chasm we're walking by is also where I fucked your mom WOO
Samantha: I'm pretty sure Autumn was more likely to make love here with Ronnie than you, Glenn
Glenn: Damn, Sam, still bringing out the decade-old burns
 At one point, Nicky hurts his ankle (plus his asthma is acting up) so Terry just starts giving him a piggy back unprompted.
Lark: Hey Teej, can you carry me as well for a bit
TJ: no <3
Nicky absolutely did not need to be carried the entire rest of the trail, but what was he supposed to do? Tell Terry to put him down? Obviously not an option
(Terry also could easily have carried Lark too, he was just being petty. He also knew he could have stopped carrying Nicky after like, 10 minutes, but hey, Nicky wasn’t complaining, and maybe he liked being able to be this close to him again, sue him)
 They go to a milkshake diner place after the hike (which has vegan options to appease the Swallows-Oak-Garcias). Glenn and Morgan get those couples straws and you know this meme?
Tumblr media
They both do the thing in the bottom picture, but they share the glasses that they put the bottom end of the straws into so it still ends up looking like the top picture. Alternatively, they only share one glass, and the other straw is in an individual glass. Which of course means they get into a whole Freddie-esque tangent/rant about why the middle glass needs to be twice as big because it's being consumed at double the rate of the other two
Jodie is not jealous at all as he watches this. Nope. Nuh-uh.
Scam and Mark somehow snuck onto the trip. No one knows how. Terry spends the entire diner celebration shooting the paper coverings that come with straws at takeout places at Mark because he still hasn't forgiven her for upsetting Ron
Poor Darnell just has to keep dealing with this weird-ass blend of 4, maybe 5, different families that just keep on happening. Unfortunate downsides of being Carol’s best friend
26 notes · View notes
zeravmeta · 1 month
Text
so i saw kfp4. thoughts below. spoilers obviously read or dont im not your mom
unsurprisingly it was disappointing but surprisingly not disappointing in the way I expected, and honestly I came out of the movie a bit madder than expected because the concepts presented could have actually been pretty amazing if done well
so the main plot as presented is that the chameleon is the cool new badass villain whose main gimmick is stealing the powers of past kung fu villains and thus po and the new ally zhen must go and stop her!!! and this is where the problems begin
im just gonna say it: zhen is not only disappointing but also a character that functionally should not exist. shes immediately presented as being a Cool and Quirky Dastardly Rouge and so much of the movie hinges on us liking her but we have basically zero reason to, and throughout the movie she has literally no character arc. the twist is that she was working for the chameleon the whole time to steal po's staff, and now suddenly she feels bad about it and wants to help po because its. the right thing i guess. thats word for word the reason given. shes ultimately a nothing character who basically coin flips twice in terms of personality, and there's nothing to her
the chameleon, on the other hand, is beautiful missed opportunity
so as shown in the trailers her main gimmick is stealing the powers of past kung fu masters to be your standard copycat villain, but unlike what was expected, her backstory actually makes her pretty interesting:
the chameleon is just like po
she was a kung fu super fan who went from master to master across china, to every and any dojo she could find, all so that she could actually properly learn kung fu, but she was rejected for being too small. too weak. for being nothing more than a little runt, the same way po was just a big flabby panda that no one believed in
because of this, she decided to become a sorceress, with the goal of actually stealing the kung fun mastery of the masters in the spirit realm so that she can actually be worth something and no one could ever tell her that shes lesser again. literally the first line she says to tai lung when she summons him (and to some of the other masters) is that shes a big fan, and continually keeps naming the special techniques of each master she takes from ala the way po fanboys when being attacked by other masters
Honestly, she could have been the perfect case for a redeemed villain, because the big next lesson shifu presents to po in this movie is that its time for him to move on from being the dragon warrior, and to select a successor to that title while he becomes a spiritual grandmaster, equal to oogway, to be better than not only what others believe but what he himself believes. The chameleon and po were both characters that no one believed in and who succeeded despite the odds, which the chameleon herself says and po lampshades by going "man the amount of times a villain has told me we're identical, but this time its true".
Thats part of where the other issues come in: Tai lung and the spirit warriors summoned.
Tai lung in this film was not only missed opportunity, but he (and the past villains shen and kai) are so wildly out of character its kind of weird that theyre even in this movie. They basically show up at the tail end of the film just to have their powers stolen and get put into cages, tai lung says oogway made the wrong choice with po (kai and shen dont have a single speaking line), and when po wins we have tai lung going "maybe... oogway was right after all" and then they all bow to po and go back to the spirit realm.
..................yeah.
quick addendum a whole bunch of characters were also out of character, mainly shifu being a bit more dickish than he usually is, and especially po whose just like. a cop?? about zhen. "youre a thief therefore EVIL" and shying away from the criminal underworld section of the movie. like guys this is the guy who broke into a museum literally so he could geek out about the displays. but yeah
If they Seriously Truly Desperately Needed the successor plot point, there is both tai lung and the main fucking villain as options, and each are charming for their own reasons and leagues better than zhen: Tai Lung to finally achieve his dream after he'd basically been lied to his entire life and maybe reach some kind of reconciliation with shifu, and the chameleon to follow through on the themeings of the franchise of someone's belief and hard work actually being what allows them to be good at kung fu
instead we get lame fox zhen whose so much of a nothing character that the best sequence with her was right at the end of the movie when the furious five cameo and go through a montage of her eating shit the way po did initially.
aside from all the plot stuff the movie is a little wonky animated, like it actually is well animated and cool like all KFPs but the character designs and backgrounds did feel a little out of place, though the chameleon def works style wise.
ultimately malding because this movie could have actually worked really well if they just switched out a few things: Have the chameleon fool po for his staff, steal tai lungs powers, and then tai lung and po have to work together to defeat the chameleon with the rest of the movie having them reconcile as two people who worked towards impossible expectations, ultimately culminating in them defeating the chameleon with this same lesson, and maybe po either anoints tai lung as the new dragon warrior (if hes allowed to stick around) or maybe the chameleon as the new dragon warrior and someone for po to help redeem
boom far easier 10/10 movie with no stupid aggressively "like me pls" fox character. oh well, i love stale bread and water without any ice, see you in kung fu panda five everybody
8 notes · View notes
Note
The event was so weird.
I guess we were expecting something akin to Glorious Masquerade with a more extensive story, more meaningful character interactions and more impactful situations. From the way they framed it, that’s kinda what it looked like?
I wasn’t expecting it to be like GM at all, but like you said, it just feels like it was supposed to be much bigger than it actually was but they had to reduce/take out a lot of stuff from the event for unknown reasons. Like we’ve been hearing about Falena all this time and when we get an event that is centered around Leona and his homeland we don’t even get to meet him? We get a random Zazu-inspired character instead? We get crumbs of family drama and it’s not even the brothers directly interacting? They imply the fight is gonna be this huge thing, we’ll see the importance and strength of the lioness beastwomen with them implying Cheka’s guards are gonna fight?? And then???
And then Catch the Tail wasn’t even…. A cathartic moment. No hype. Nothing exciting or meaningful. This event was basically tourism. As interesting it as it is to hear about Sunset Savanna’s culture and culinary, I feel like the entire event was just that and it got a bit boring for me. Not even many fun interactions between characters, most of the time they are talking about souvenirs and food – we got that in Jamil and Kalim’s event and it wasn’t even boring then. We also got that in Glorious Masquerade but there was so much more to it than that.
Honestly this event was a let down :/ at least we got to see Leona look in his card. Maybe they couldn’t do both this event and the chapter 7 part 2 release, who knows.
[Referencing this post!]
Tumblr media Tumblr media
While I’m disappointed with how little the Sunset Savanna event did, I’m not too surprised because I understand that this is ultimately the same as other hometown events. The bulk of the story will inevitably be dedicated to learning about this new location and its traditions, tasting local delicacies, and souvenir shopping. This was also somewhat true of Glorious Masquerade, but that was on an entirely different scale (basically the same as the Halloween events) so it was allowed to have a grander story and bigger stakes.
I would say the degree of “fun” to the interactions is a really subjective thing? Some people won’t like certain character combinations over others. For example, this event was a lot of bickering due to Leona not getting along with like… anyone, whether that’s his classmates or those from his homeland. (I actually really liked those interactions 😂 but I get why someone would think they’re annoying or even repetitive after a while.)
I feel like the Scalding Sands event was only “fun” to me in that it was novel (it was the first of the hometown events). I was pretty bored with it outside of seeing the food and Najma; it was a lot of Jamil being saddled with more work which… just made me feel bad for him, not entertained (especially knowing his history with being overworked). The character interactions from that particular event weren’t for me, and it didn’t help that nothing of much significance happened?? The only notable conflicts were that Malleus vanished for five seconds and a monkey stole a flash drive, both of which were resolved in like a few chapters altogether. At least Scalding Sands didn’t make any big promises that it failed to deliver on?? Which is sort of the opposite of the Sunset Savanna event…
I think if TWST wanted to make this event bigger than it actually was, they should have saved it for a special occasion. The last part of it was so short (like 4 parts???? And only one part was for Leona showing up and winning) ;u; so it seemed like there was definitely more space in even the current version to expand on the ideas. Again, it really feels incomplete or like… not fully realized due to all the missed opportunities and unfulfilled hype surrounding the tournament (which feels weird given that the event was apparently in the works for 2 years??).
It is what it is though, we’ll have to accept it and move on. There’s still the Groovies to come on the 27th, along with the next part of episode 7 and Lilia’s Dorm Uniform card!
57 notes · View notes
blackjackkent · 3 months
Text
Interesting random little note found in the submersible on the way out, apparently left by Redhammer. (I guess Redhammer was supposed to have been along and piloting during that descent down to the Iron Throne and back, but he didn't say anything or have any involvement in the whole process. XD )
Tumblr media
Eek. There are mephits trapped in the sub's engines to make it run?
Hector finds this a bit disquieting, like he did when he learned the pixie was powering the Moonlantern. It'd be nice if there was a way to let them out before we leave (now that we've done our business underwater there's much to be said for not leaving this a workable resource for Gortash), but I can't find one.
We also have a chance to talk with Omeluum, which of course we will do because Omeluum is a bro:
Tumblr media
"Your world's air... I never imagined missing its feeling on my skin. Curious."
Tumblr media
When they first met, Hector did not at all trust Omeluum and would have happily lashed out at it, given any cause. That was very early in his journey, and he is surprised to realize, yet again, that he has come quite a long way since those early days. While he often still feels overwhelmed and exhausted by everything he has gone through, there is a greater strength in him against the fear and doubt. His clarity of mind is strengthened by more experience.
He is still wary of Omeluum, but he has seen far more terrible things now and knows that Omeluum does not count among them anymore. For all its dangerous nature, Omeluum has never tried to convince him to transform, or to threaten him or any of his allies.
He finds himself drawing a curious, almost academic comparison in his mind between Omeluum and the Emperor - the two mind flayers he has had the opportunity to examine at close range. It is easy to think of illithids as a homogeneous, unvarying force, but the two of them are by no means the same, even physically - Omeluum's head is rounder, its skin more weathered and wrinkled; there's a less distinct gradation between its skin and the soft, pulsating tissue on the sides of its skull. Its eyes are pale gold compared to the Emperor's lavender. It looks older, slimmer, more intellectual in a strange way - unsurprising, perhaps, give its role in the Society of Brilliance.
Hector is reminded, abruptly, of drawing a similar mental comparison once in his youth, watching a conversation the abbot of the monastery at the time and a visiting Harper who had stopped through for news. The abbot was an old scholar, alert and capable but also cold and controlled, set in his ways, while the Harper had a deep-set purposeful energy about him, the air of one who faced threats and dealt with them swiftly. There is something of that same distinction between Omeluum and the Emperor, although Hector has trouble articulating what might lie behind it.
Tumblr media
"I owe you a great debt, sun child," Omeluum goes on thoughtfully, its glowing eyes narrowing as it looks Hector up and down. "One I shall repay. When I return to the surface, I will alert my colleagues at the Society. Find me there, and I will offer you what aid I can against this evil."
Yay, more allies!
Gods know, Hector needs all of them that he can get.
8 notes · View notes
crookedfandomquill · 11 months
Text
TOTNT 1938 is halfway done (grrr no whyyyyy), and I have many thoughts. I will share some of those thoughts with you this evening:
- I love that this season is so distinct from the first, without totally abandoning its roots; it leans a lot more into the action/comedy, but it’s still got a lot of dark folklore and is very character-centric.
- The intro sequence is amazeballs. It’s like the first season intro and the intro from Bad and Crazy had a beautiful, unhinged baby. I never skip it!
- I love that they got back almost the entire OG cast. I’ve missed them!
- I haven’t seen anyone comment on it so I gaslit myself into thinking I imagined it, but is Yeon’s hair a good bit darker? It’s leaning more auburn than the old bright orange, although it’s more orangey in direct light. I like it, I was just doubting myself.
- Everyone is clearly having so much fun with their roles, and that’s what I look for in performances. LDW especially, but that’s kind of a hallmark of his acting for me.
- It’s hysterical to me that the writers explained the end of season 1 FIRST THING. They were like “okay we gotta fix this immediately so people stick around.” Honestly in the absence of other information I had a different theory for why season 1 ended like it did, but this works too!
- The end of episode 1 was genius. Getting them all together on the train, everyone with different information and agendas… chef’s kiss, no notes.
- I’m glad they’re giving Rang so much to do! He’s getting his romance subplot, he has his bandit gang…
- Ghost!Rang was so fun, and a great opportunity for hijinx. I love that it allowed him to hear what Yeon was really thinking, and the sneezing thing was hilarious.
- One thing I was hoping for from this season was a more in-depth exploration of what it means to be a mountain god, and it looks like we’re getting it! The information we have so far on our three mountain gods casts a really interesting light on the first season and Lee Yeon’s whole character. The fact that they were chosen for the job as children by Taluipa… I’ve gone into that in a separate post.
- Hong Joo is my new problematic fave. I say problematic because the scene where she comes on to Yeon while he’s blind really gave me the ick, but in spite of her inability to take no as an answer she’s a really interesting and fun character. Flawed, strong, hot… just my cup of tea! My love for her feels similar to my love for Taluipa; part of me kind of hates her, but I respect her at the same time.
- I’m still waiting to be compelled by Moo Young, but I’ve never tended to attach strongly to stoic characters (at least until we get a full tragic backstory). I’m excited to see more from him.
- I’m interested to see how the broader plotline plays out, considering we’ve been told that nothing Yeon does in the past will make a difference.
- Will Yeon and Rang’s dad be making an appearance?? I don’t think we’ve been told that he died, and we’ve seen Yeon talking about how abusive he was during his childhood. I’d love to see them tie up that end.
- Everything with Mi Ho was absolute gold (pun intended). Yeon is 100% going to return home and start pestering Ji Ah for a baby.
- Yeon and Shin Joo are really doing the Lord’s work getting Rang’s mermaid romance off the ground. Very accurate portrayal of an older sibling’s reaction to the younger one being in a relationship; I’ve said and done all of those things with my brothers.
- I don’t know what I expected from 1938!Yeon; part of me thought modern!Yeon would transmigrate into his body from the time period, but the alternative is so much better. Coked-up, petty, grief-addled Lee Yeon is a treat to see, and I wonder how he’ll factor into the rest of the story, if he does at all. The fight between the two Lee Yeons was epic and hysterical.
- On the topic of 1938!Yeon: I notice that his hair is in the Goryeo mullet, which I guess just means he hasn’t cut it lately. But also: his black-gray ends are gone. So he’s not cutting his hair… but he’s dyeing his ends! I like to think it’s his sad emo look.
- Yeon choked up so much blood at the beginning of episode 6 that for a second I thought I was watching a Chinese xianxia lol
- I appreciate how Yeon and Shin Ju are both spending significant mental energy pining for their wives. But also: WHEN WILL SHIN JU GET HIS WEDDING RING BACK
I’m sure I’ve forgotten many thoughts. Perhaps I will reblog later with additions.
31 notes · View notes
igotanidea · 2 years
Text
COUNTERPARTS : Morpheus x OC
Summary: Kayleen was born to be the embodiment of Reality. Protector of the Waking World and Keeper of the Order. Naturally, that makes her a counterpart of the Dream of The Endless. Despite their differences in both approach to life and characters they are forced to work together to keep balance between Dreaming and Waking. Thank God, they are both professionals who DO NOT fight or engage emotionally….. Or do they?
Pairing: Morpheus x OC 
A/N: You can find Kayleen’s origin in the prologue, but I’d like to explicitly say that she is human (and so, has human needs), but also immortal, considering the role she was given.
prev/ next
Tumblr media
 Chapter 1
Sometimes reality sucks.
From my observations there are four groups of people in this world, and though it may seem a little bit far-fetched they can be divided if you try hard enough.
First group is the one who are completely out of touch with reality. The ones who are sad, or even depressed, suicidal, emotionally deranged. They don’t have a care in the world. Long story short, walking zombies.
Secondly, the bunch of people who get up, get on with their day, fulfilling it with duties, task and obligations only to wish to get through till weekend to unwind a bit. I call them The Hamsters because they keep spinning their wheel but basically every day is the same for them.  
Thirdly, people who are perfectly content with what they have. Their reality is everything they need and more. Those are the ones who either worked hard to make their dreams come true and now derive from it or the ones who don’t have bigger ambitions and just take what they’re given. Either way, those are the happiest.
Finally, the last group. The Day-Dreamers. I’m not supposed to say that but I think those are my favorites. If you are the kind of person who search deeper than just what you see on the first glance, if you want something more from reality, if you dare to ask questions and search for the answers you will fit right in. Why settle, right? Think bigger. It’s good. Well, at least as long as you don’t let those dreams consume you, because most likely you will end up in group one.
Anyhow. Since my birth I was assigned a task to keep all of those people safe. To make sure that they are not in danger, that none of the Endless won’t interfere too much. Obviously, it was hard to keep Destiny at bay – he’s a self-made man and to be honest, a bit terrifying at times. Death has her own ways, but she never abuses her power. Destruction left some time ago so this one’s of the list. Desire can’t be controlled by anyone, always meddling with everyone’s affair. This one is a troublemaker for sure and have caused me a lot of trouble. So is its twin – Despair, but I don’t have to do with her that much, she prefers being lonely. Delight, ever since she became Delirium, was cut off, so the only one left is … Dream.
The Endless call us the counterparts. Hell, ever people believe that we are. You know what I mean? Dream and Reality. A very, very, very thin wall between those two realms. So easy to break. Thankfully, Dream is compliant with the established rules (DO NOT CROSS), so he’s not that problematic. However, there are times when we need to cooperate. Like one time when there was a lucid dreamer. Or that time when someone literally forgot to live because of some crazy fantasies Dream planted in his head. …
Flashback
-          Watch out, mister! – I grabbed the man’s hand in the last moment to save him from the rushing car. – You might wanna be more careful
-          Thank you, miss. I don’t know what I was thinking. Guess my head is elsewhere.
-          Yes. I suppose it is -  I carefully looked straight into his eyes. – Tell me what’s on your mind.
-          I imagine myself somewhere far away from this place. From my work, my wife who doesn’t love me, my ungrateful son and friends who would stab me in the back with the first opportunity they get. Do you ever get that feeling?
-          Like what?
-          Like you want to get away?
-          Well, I …..
-          I’ve always dreamt of travelling exotic places, exploring, living an exciting life, maybe sharing it with other people. I mean, social media gives us so many opportunities now, don’t they? I could become rich and famous and…. – he got more excited with every said word, squeezing my hand harder and harder to the point where it started to hurt.
-          Sir. I need you to open your eyes now. – I say firmly, my voice resonating – You are on the Street of London. You are a journalist. You have a stable job in which you use your talents. And you actually love it. Your wife is going through a crisis, she believes you don’t need her anymore and that’s why she became distant. As for your son – he’s not ungrateful. He’s hurt because you shoved him off last time he needed your help. That’s what’s real. Nothing is stopping you from fixing it, since you know it now. Now. You are going to become steady and wide-awake. We can’t risk you getting hurt, can we?
-          Yes. Yes, of course miss. You’re absolutely right. Thank you again and have a good day – with that he left, but just to be sure he won’t get into any more trouble I send some protective energy towards his, almost seeing the bubble surrounding him as he went.
-          Time to pay a little visit in the Dreaming – I said to myself.
As I came back home I stood in front of the simple blue door with no doorknob.
-          Take me to the Dreaming – I whispered.
Soon enough I found myself standing on the sand in front of the enormous gate – entrance to the Dreaming. I felt my skin tingle. Crossing the borders of Realms was always a bit exhausting, leaving me lightheaded, but I would lie if I said that I didn’t like it. Whether we choose it or not, Dream and Reality are two sides of the same coin. Obviously it doesn’t; mean anything in our relationship, which is strictly professional. He’s the kind of person who would rather go through hell than show any sign of liking.
-          I require an audience with the Lord of the Dreaming. Dream of The Endless. The King of Nightmares.  – Or whatever title he uses, I thought, but for obvious reason didn’t say that out loud.
With a gentle creak the gates started to open and the Dreaming in its full glory showed up. No matter how hard I tried this place always took my breath away. It has everything that reality was so often missing. At least the Dream section. I assure you, none of you would be as delighted with the Nightmare part of the Kingdom.
-          Greetings. Lady Kayleen. – gate guard, the griffin spoke.
-          Greetings Greyclaw. I’m no Lady, which I have to remind you every time. Still, wonderful to see you as always. I need to speak with your master on the rather urgent matter. Hope he’s on premises.
-          Indeed. Kayleen. I shall take to you to the palace. Yet, I must warn you, His Majesty is in a rather gloomy mood, I dare say so.
-          When isn’t he? – I sighed and followed Greyclaw through the Fiddler’s Green. As we walked some familiar Dreams came to say their hello. It was always exhilarating to let my mind fly with them. Something I was not allowed to do in the Waking. I’m not going to lie – having to be watchful and keep my feet on the ground was hard. Sometimes. Leaving me weary. It was nice to relax every now and then.
-          I shall leave you here, Kayleen. His Majesty expect you.
-          Thank you Greyclaw.
I quickly ascend the steps to the castle, greeted by Merv, the Pumpkin Head, who made a joke about how I look so unreal since it was long since my last visit. I knew it was impolite to keep the Ruler waiting but I couldn’t restrain myself from  a little visit in the Library, where my friend Lucienne was working. Just a quick glance, I promised myself.
-          Lucienne?
-          Kayleen?
-          It’s so wonderful to see you, Librarian.
-          Likewise, my dear. What brings you to the Dreaming. No trouble I hope.
-          I wouldn’t say trouble but I believe Dream and I should have a talk about some recent event in the Waking. Those may be of his concern as well as mine. – I sighed – Any new book appearing lately?
-          A few. You would love them.
-          If you say so. I will surely have a look at them later on, but now….
-          You must follow to the more important matters.
-          Indeed.
-          I’ll have Jessamy announce you.
-          That won’t be necessary. He already knows.
It seems like my words meant nothing though, because as I approached the Throne Room a Raven flew right in front of me, and made some circles in the air before finally landing on the arm of a dark-clothed man. He was standing on the steps, not even facing me, his long black coat cascading in the steps.
-          Lord of the Dreams – I spoke firmly – I believe this meeting is long overdue.
-          Indeed it is, Reality. – he still did not turn toward me, his eyes locked on the stained glass in front of him
-          It would be nice to actually have a face to face conversation, though.
Finally, slowly (I bet it was just for the effect) he shifted towards me. His eyes locked on mine as he spoke with his deep voice.
-          Welcome, Kayleen. – almost invisible sign of smile on his lips.  
-          Hello, Morpheus.
-          Been a while.
-          Quite a while.
This was clearly getting quite uncomfortable for both of us. I should get to my point before it gets worse than that.
-          I need you to take control of your Kingdom, Dream. Apparently, some of your subjects were invading the Waking long after their reign ended. You know well enough they have no power during the day. This has been occurring for a while in the last couple days. I can’t have people walking in front of vehicles all the time. This may cause a commotion, which I’m sure none of us want.
-          It’s so bold of you to come here and tell me what I should do, don’t you think – his footsteps echoing through the wall , his voice cold as ice, and yet his eyes were somehow glowing. – You’re still a guest in the Dreaming, even if the honored one. The only thing in your power is to ask me for help and not demand it.
Damn his stubborn ass and his space-blown ego. He can’t hurt me here, cause he’d be damaging reality. I’m not going to give him the satisfaction he wants. I will not beg.
-          I actually can. You have your duties as well as I.
-          I’m perfectly aware of my duties and the rules that were set. -  He was now standing in front of me, slightly taller so to my dislike I had to look up at him. His dark hair, a mess, as usual, his face paler than I remembered, and his eyes, a space showing you so many universes, you could actually get lost. Defeated I looked away, but he used his index finger to turn my chin up again. And said nothing. Utter silence. Not  a single sound, ever from Jessamy. Felt like the whole life was swept out of Realm. I almost got lost. Key word being almost. My gaze hardened.
-          Will you help me – I moved myself for a safe space, away from his reach.
A shadow run through Dream’s face when he promised to do so.
-          Shall I call on the Dream who causes such havoc in the Waking? Shall I have said talk to you?
-          No. It’s your realm after all. Those are your subjects and ….. – I started , but then I realized what Morpheus might do to the one defying him. He wasn’t particularly gentle with one of his ex lovers , Nada who did so. From what I know, he literally sent her to hell. – Actually, my Lord – I don’t know why he flinched when I used that title – if you so generously allow, I would love to talk to that Dream.
-          Very well then. I shall summon said.
He moved away from me, his coat sweeping the floor. I cant; lie, putting aside all of that cold behavior and coldness he was graceful. It’s for the best that he stays in the Dreaming most of the time. If he showed up in the Waking more often I would have to deal with way to many daydreaming about him women. This would probably end up with me tampering with their memory and I really hate breaking the rule that states I can only reveal the Truth to people. Not manipulate their mind so they can get the real picture. Well, sometimes we need to turn to desperate measures.
-          Lady Kayleen? – my thoughts were interrupted by a soft, gentle voice
-          I’m no Lady. Just the name – I replied automatically
-          Were you staring? Or maybe daydreaming – unlike himself Morpheus, who switched places and was sitting on his throne decided to mock me.
-          Don’t you forget you are called not only Dream but also a King of Nightmares. I believe I saw that other side and now I can’t shake it. – I knew I was playing with Fire. Saying those words, with such tone and in the presence of the citizens of the Dreaming could end me up faster than I could think. His eyes darkened but he said nothing.
-          I can’t skip the title, Lady Kayleen – the voice spoke again and this time I actually looked at the being it belonged to. A dream. A tall, lean iridescent figure with butterfly wings. It looked so young and inexperienced for the purpose it was set to.
-          Tell me your name, Dream.
-          It’s Axel, my lady.
-          Are you the one, who’s been making people daydream? Endangering them? Causing trouble in the Waking?
-          I am.
-          Why would you do that? – It was quite unlikely for Morpheus to just sit there and watch the whole scene without a word. I can sense something is not right here. Let’s have a little check then. – I believe you should explain yourself to your king rather than to me.
There was no change on Morpheus face but his eyes locked with mine for a brief moment.
-          You heard the Lady, Dream. Explain yourself.
-          My Lord – Axel slowly approached the Throne, just a few steps but stopped as he met Morpheus’s cold gaze – It was never my intention. I merely did what I was created for. Give people dreams. Make their life more colorful, more joyful, make them forget about the trouble.
-          You are supposed to do that only when they sleep. You have no power to invade their waking life.
-          I’m sorry my Lord.
-          You shall be. Your actions cause danger not only to the Waking but also the Dreaming. That also forced Lady Kayleen to abandon her post and came to beg me for help.
Ok, that’s a HUGE exaggeration. And diminishment since like I said I would never beg. Yet again, Dream can be such a drama queen.
-          I shall never overstep again my lord – Axel was almost on the floor. Terrified. As Morphueus rise from his throne I softly looked at him, shaking my head. “Don’t” – I said silently scanning him with my eyes.
-          You are lucky you have a protector  – he spoke. – Rise Dream. I shall keep my eye on you. So. You. Better. Watch. Yourself.
Yes. He made each word a single sentence.
-          Thank you my Lord – Axel stood up and as fast as he could run away from the room.
When I was sure no one would hear us I turned to Morpheus who, again, was standing too close. Personal space was never a concept he would understand. A so-mortal-idea.
-          That was a bit dramatic, don’t you think?
-          We must preserve order of things. You know that well enough.
-          Of course, but keep the cost of that in mind.
-          Are you trying to preach me in my own Realm?
-          I would not dare to do so. I have no authority here after all, do I? – I frowned
-          You know that is not true. Whether I like it or not. – he muttered under his breath.
-          I know you’re not a big fan of me. So I shall not prolong this visit anymore. Until next time, Dream Lord.
-          Farewell Kayleen.
End of flashback
Like I said, our relationship is strictly professional and it serves both parties well enough.  
next part: chapter 2
119 notes · View notes
Review: System Collapse by Martha Wells
I finished reading System Collapse by Martha Wells, the latest book in The Murderbot Diaries series at around 1:30am yesterday. Here is my review of the book, and the fact that I finished it at 1:30am is probably the first thing that should go into the review. I went to bed at a reasonable time night, but usually read for a bit as part of my going-to-bed process. With System Collapse, I was reading in bed and kept thinking, "Just a little bit more," until I'd read the entire book and it was well past a reasonable time for me to be asleep.
So that should tell you something about the book's plot being compelling.
More detailed thoughts on the book, including multiple spoilers, below the cut. TL;DR - if you're already a fan of the series, I would definitely recommend it. If you haven't read The Murderbot Diaries yet, start with the first one in the series (All Systems Red) because you will get very confused if you try to start here.
I actually spent the first chunk of the book thinking that I wasn't going to like it as much as the other books in the series. This isn't to say that this book is bad, but that the bar set by the rest of the series is so high that I didn't think this one was quite reaching it. The start of the book felt overwhelming. We're thrown straight into action and a load of character names are flung at us, and I spent a good chunk of the opening confused because I couldn't remember who half of these characters were, but the book didn't stop to introduce them again.
This could be a me problem. If you've read Network Effect recently (or if you're just better with names than me), this might not be an issue for you. Still, that was my first reaction, so it felt right to include it. If anyone else reading the book finds the beginning a bit overwhelming, stick with it, it will all start making sense soon.
I also have mixed feelings about "redacted." I absolutely love the concept of the incident behind "redacted" and I think it's great that we're seeing the impact of everything Murderbot has been through and how its friends are treating that, as well as how it reacts to it. I also really like that its approach to a subject it finds upsetting is to decide not to think about it and just trim that out of its narrative. That feels very in-character and fits with things we've seen it do before. That said, it felt very heavy-handed in execution. It took us several books to learn that every time a character or the narrative mentions "the company", what's actually happening is that Murderbot is actively editing the company name out of the story. Compared to that, having "and then... redacted" come up every few pages felt as subtle as an energy weapon to the face. It took me out of the story because every time it happened, it felt like the author was waving a flag saying "redacted" in my face and going, "here's your hook to keep reading, so you can learn what this is about." Having the exact same idea, but half the number of "redacted" in the text before we get the reveal would have felt stronger to me.
I do find it interesting though how Murderbot is constantly second-guessing itself in this. It keeps noticing every time it misses something or doesn't necessarily make the best decision. In previous books, Murderbot has been an anxious mess at times, but its felt confident of its abilities in tough situations. It knows what it can do and makes decisions. In this book, it felt a lot more uncertain, and it's both a nice contrast and gives an opportunity for the dynamics between it and ART to be shown. I liked ART-drone messaging Murderbot encouragement privately. We see that the others around it have a lot more faith in it than it has in itself.
The lack of drones was also an interesting shift. We've seen Murderbot use drones and security cameras constantly through the series, using multiple "eyes" to look at everything. Having it deal with a limited (and dwindling) supply of drones and having to cope with not being able to see everything it wants to adds to the experience because we're seeing something new. It changes the dynamics of some of the tense scenes, and we get to see the impact on Murderbot at an emotional level.
What I absolutely loved was Murderbot putting together a video presentation, especially that it came up with the idea. We've seen Murderbot make little videos before - like showing a kid a compilation of it fighting with the gory bits edited out - and being interested in things like video effects ART used in comms, so this felt like a fantastic payoff to that. Murderbot's massive interest in media becomes crucial to saving the day in a way that felt incredibly satisfying to read, as well as having a lot of fun humour in how the process of editing happened.
I also loved the little touch of ART-drone faking someone's voice and Ratthi commenting on how this is unethical and actually against Preservation's laws - but under these circumstances he thought it was justified. This felt really fitting given all the conversations earlier this year about the SAG strike and one of their concerns was film companies using their likenesses for future films. Given how long books take to be edited and published, I'm confident this moment was written before the actors guild started getting press talking about the risk of actors being effectively copied for other media projects without their permission, but it still made me laugh that we have this scene with an AI copying a person for a film and it being called out as problematic. 
I thought the concept of the ART-drone was fun. It's an interesting idea to have ART be able to split itself apart and merge back together later, and I thought it was nice that while the subparts are still recognisably ART, they're not identical in behaviour because they're focused on different stuff.
I liked Murderbot's hesitation around teaching the other SecUnits how to hack their governor modules. It made sense that Murderbot would be worried about them coming after its humans, but ultimately choose to set them free.
There were lots of fun moments through the story. As usual, Murderbot's sarcasm adds a lot of humour. I particularly liked the exchange when Ratthi comments about some hatch shapes being scarier than others and Murderbot going off and analysing its media files to back up this theory. Plus ART-drone's complaint about wasting processing power on this was fun.
I liked the little aside about Murderbot having attempted to make a code patch to remove its anxiety.
I liked that Murderbot was so determined to keep Ratthi safe and kept insisting he stay in the shuttle, and there was a great line about how much Ratthi loves wandering around on planets and how good he is at finding trouble. "SecUnit wants me to remind all of you about the time I nearly got eaten."
I can't remember all the little moments that were in there that made me chuckle, but there were plenty. I don't think it was as funny as the first book in the series but it was fun enough.
All in all, I definitely liked the book and if you're a fan of the series, I would recommend it. By the second half of the book, I was gripped and kept reading after I should have been asleep because I needed to know how things turned out. I don't think it'll be my favourite in the series, but it was a great continuation of the story. If you haven't read the Murderbot Diaries series, this isn't the book to start with. So much that happens in it depends on or calls back to what happened in Network Effect or the other books that you absolutely should start with the first book and read them in order.
12 notes · View notes
lunaryrs · 13 days
Note
austin and camryn ^^
yayyyy I knew you were going to send this one to me so I didn't send it to you on purpose bc I felt that you'd be equally as compelled to complete it and I could not afford you the opportunity to show me up
how did they meet?
oh I really don't remember what's been discussed. I'm sure you have an amazing headcanon about it. but lets just play in this space for a moment. I think most easy situation i can see them in is a social setting where they weren't so much introduced as they were just kind of hanging out adjacently, whether one of them was a friend of a friend of the other or it was two separate groups that ended up intermingling bc they were occupying the same space. i'm picturing a bar with a sand pit in the back, big stone fireplace and wires of bulb lights strung overhead. Austin was in one Adirondack chair and Camryn was perched on the arm of someone else's, they took note of each other but it wasn't anything too concentrated. they didn't exchange numbers that night, but someone in their group must have because they ended up in each other's orbit for the next few weeks and months. if I had to guess, i'd say Camryn took an interest in austin first. of course he thought she was beautiful, but I don't think he was motivated to make any major moves when they met. he was probably a decent amount of time out from ending things with piper for good and had resigned to sparse, tepid text exchanges with his singular bumble date post-break up
who is the bigger romantic openly? secretly?
hmm so I don't entirely know. unfortunately my brain does not respond to direct prompting and engages only with what it wants to. and here I just feel like emphasizing that austin's way of showing up is flowers. holidays, special occasions, good news, bad news. there's a bouquet for everything. he isn't particularly eloquent and I think he probably misses cues a lot but I think he has an unwavering commitment to making sure the vases in the house are always full and that's the way that he communicates hey i'm here and I care about you and I want you to know that
who is more likely to send cutesy texts to the other?
neither but its because they prioritize phone calls to exchange information or even just say hi I'm thinking of you and I love you and I think they split initiating those more or less equally. I think this is rooted in Austin not being much for technology but works really well for the sincere nature of the love that I think they share
whose family do they celebrate more holidays with?
austin's and I don't think that's entirely due to the bias that results from him and his siblings being like. a thing before partners were added and families were expanded. I think I've kind of started to conceptualize the Hannas as like way more codependent(?) or at least involved than I probably would have ever imagined them to be I think partially out of concern for stephen when they were younger/without children like hey lets make sure dad is good but I also just see Rory and Austin being fairly decent friends running in similar social circles and only growing more in that direction and then Aubrey being so touched by like how easily she is accepted by her siblings when she does become a parent (which for whatever reason I see happening a little bit after Austin and Rory begin to have children) when they're all engaging with each other in that capacity which I just think is really nice
do they have any personal holiday traditions together?
i feel like christmas cookies have to go soooo hard at their house, no? Camryn makes a massive batch of sugar cookies with festive cookie cutters and then she mixes all of the frosting and sets out the sprinkles and they decorate them. they could mail them out or give them to delivery drivers or take them to school or whatever. I think they'd pretty naturally fall into hosting roles for the major food-based holidays like thanksgiving. I'd love to see them maybe take a camping trip once a year or so with marley's kids, maybe for labor day weekend or something. we know they are booked and busy with the Lancasters for the fourth of july, so.
if they get married, what was the wedding vibe?
so again just roll with this. but I feel like a sexy like midnight beachy vibe could be where its at for them. I don't know if there's a particular term for this sort of thing. coastal gatsby almost. i'm thinking beach with like cool sand and moonlight on the ocean and the beautiful brittle beach grasses and like feathery pampas but also like lux gold and maybe marble and something like navy blue for the wedding party. does this make sense. I feel like the beach is just so natural and lends well to the person Austin is but I think despite how down-to-earth camryn is I guess I just see her as like sexy and indulgent somehow
how did they decide what to name their child(ren)?
see I wholeheartedly believe their names are perfect for them as a couple and also for Austin independently but he would have never arrived at any of that on his own. so it had to have been all camryn. I like to think she pitches them and has already kind of decided because and austin turns them over in his mind until they become real for him and once they click they're perfect. I love that their first names are all the same amount of syllables, I love that the girls names are feminine but not too frilly and the boys names are very boyish but like fun?, and I think Austin would like the same thing about them. me Courtney with the broken brain loves the way maisyn bridges the guys and the girls and how her name kind of carves out her unique role in the family. thats Austin's little pal
5 notes · View notes
scary-senpai · 8 months
Note
Would love to hear more about you & me & a high balcony!
Gahh! Thank you so much for the ask. (Original link is here, if anyone wants to join or reblog.)
So, “you & me & a high balcony” is one of the fics I drafted when I was teaching myself to write again. So it's awkward and striving (mostly in the right direction), and still pretty rough--I started writing it in 2020, I haven't really touched it since 2021, and I have learned a whole lot since then. At the same time, it is a fic that is near to my heart and I'm grateful for the opportunity to talk about it! <3
“you & me & a high balcony” is about Genos taking Garou home for the first time--why? tbd! I wrote probably about 100k words of various interconnected fics without fully committing to the unifying concept or plot and I will never, ever do that again. Probably.
Anyway, Genos takes Garou home and neglects to fully inform Saitama. You are getting my draft in its fully unedited glory.
Tumblr media
Saitama’s cactus is on the balcony and it is a very, very painful experience for him. In keeping with running canon gags, Saitama is absolutely powerless against this ickle, stationary cactus and he finds himself in an ongoing fight with it, almost immediately. He also gets totally entangled in Genos' camping gear, but put a pin in that, we'll come back to it.
What follows is a series of interspersed scenes between Genos and Garou inside the apartment, Saitama making strange noises outside, Genos fabricating excuses and lying (poorly), and Genos occasionally stepping out on the balcony pretending to be Genos (because, again, Saitama is wrapped up like a sad sandwich in an unpitched camping tent.) In retrospect, it's very clear how much I miss writing for stage, because it feels a bit like an homage to Noises Off (but, you know, prose).
In the spirit of adventure, I am sending an unedited screenshot. With comments boxes! I haven't re-read it in years because I'm too nervous, but you can!
Tumblr media
“CW” doesn’t necessarily stand for content warning but I guess it certainly could? CW is an abbreviation of my name so it’s how I highlight “shit I need to go back and figure out.” Being older and wiser, most of my drafts are now just bullet points for me to come back to later, when I have a coherent, unifying thought for the story/fic/series. It has saved me a lot of screaming and tears.
Anyway, Saitama keeps moving the cactus into the apartment. Garou keeps moving it back. Genos has no idea what the fuck is happening, but it’s the least of his problems. Eventually it leads to Saitama and Garou having a heart-to-heart (and agreeing not to tell Genos they met) and, idk, man, I love writing Genos x Garou a lot, but (Platonic) Garou + Saitama scenes are my absolute favorite. I just give them my ideal relationship, which is All of the Hijinks and None of the Sex with someone who finishes your sentences, but all the sentences are puns.
I started drafting the story in 2020, and anything I wrote in 2020 chronicles my descent into madness— inadvertently & indirectly. Suffice to say, quarantine was hitting me very hard and a lot of my behavior was centered around making myself laugh. My serotonin starved brain had a tendency to overload scenes with jokes. Even if they didn’t fit, even if they threw off the pacing. But stories and scenes need to have cohesive plots and it’s silly, to the point of being out of character. Sometimes that's part of the process, though. There's always a lot of love in the first draft of a story, I think, because it's a leap of faith.
I had written a litany of things that embarrassed me about this draft, I deleted it. So I'll share one of the things that I am proud of coming up with--I don't play a lot of video games. I needed a fighting game for King and Saitama to play during a stint of dialogue (the outcome of which involves King lending Saitama Hatoful Boyfriend so that Genos can practice dating (and also he does not trust Saitama with any of his beloved Doki Doki sims). So I thought of the one game I played a lot as a kid (Super Smash Bros) and combined it with something I do know really well (literature) and came up, um, this:
Tumblr media
The Body Electric is near to my heart because it was a major part of my writing journey. It was also a major part of my writing journey where I learned a lot, mostly by making mistakes. Granted, it remains largely unpublished so I failed in gracefully private but it is really important to me to finish it one day.
Thank you so much for the ask!
4 notes · View notes