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counting-stars-gayly · 2 years

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Analysis: Mike Jumping Off a Cliff in S1

Because it’s all I’ve thought about for the past few months.

TW: suicide mention

(Sorry if everything I’m about to say has already been said.)

Mike jumps off a cliff in episode six. At this point in the story, the majority of the town thinks that Will died by falling from the quarry, and it’s possibly been implied that Hopper originally thought Will jumped rather than fell.

Mike, however, knows Will is actually alive, and he’s dedicating all his time to finding him. He even befriended El solely because he thought she could help him find Will.

Then he got into a fight with Lucas, and their argument, at its core, was about Lucas thinking that Mike isn’t doing enough to help Will. Now, Lucas won’t talk to him.

After that fight, Mike got mad at Eleven and yelled at her, which drove her away. This means he currently has no way of saving Will, and on top of that, El, whom he’s made it his job to protect, is now wandering around, by herself, while people are trying to hunt her down and kill her. It’s likely that he feels he’s failed two of his friends, and to make matters worse, someone else he cares about even blames him for one of these “failures.”

When Troy tells Mike to either jump off the cliff or watch him hurt Dustin, Mike is at a point where he feels that he has no one else he’s capable of protecting. From his perspective, Dustin is the only person whom he can actually help, and keeping others safe is his one purpose. If he can’t save Will or El, he has nothing to live for, but if he can save Dustin by jumping off that cliff, he has something to die for.

Mike also doesn’t even try to negotiate with Troy; he makes no objections. It takes him less than nine seconds to decide to go along with it. Then, he walks slowly toward the edge of the cliff but doesn’t come to a stop until he’s on the edge, and he waits there for twenty seconds before jumping. Based on his body language, I think he hesitates not because he’s still deciding whether he’s going to jump but rather, because he’s scared. I also think the fact that he didn’t try to come up with an alternative to himself dying is a sign that at least part of him actually wanted to die — that he wasn’t just doing it because he felt he had to.

Now, the fact that this scene takes place at the quarry, of all places, is obviously significant. It could have happened anywhere in any way — Mike didn’t have to jump off the same cliff everyone thought Will fell/jumped from, toward the same water they’d found Will’s “body” in. But the writers wanted it to be clear that Mike jumped primarily because he felt guilty for not saving Will and that while other characters tried to make it seem like Will’s “death” was an accident, Mike’s own death would have been on purpose — a suicide. Hopper’s lines to Joyce, “Our working theory right now is that Will…crashed his bike. He…made his way to the quarry, and, uh…accidentally fell in,” were designed to contrast Mike’s purposeful jumping from the cliff. The audience is supposed to wonder why a twelve year old boy was so willing to kill himself.

Speaking of the police’s theory of how Will died — if it had been correct, and if Mike had died too, the boys’ deaths would have almost completely matched up. Both Mike and Will would have abandoned their respective bikes in the woods to run from a posed threat; both of them would have gone straight to the quarry afterward; both of them would have fallen/jumped from the edge, and both of their bodies would have been found in the water below. These parallels would not exist if they weren’t important.

Bonus: the camera shots after Will and Mike (and Dustin) leave their respective bikes parallel each other:

Additionally, in season two, episode one, Ted says to Mike, “So, if your friend jumps off a cliff, you’re gonna jump too?” He’s paraphrasing a common expression because he has no actual fatherly wisdom to give, as per usual, so I initially thought this was a throwaway line only meant to remind the audience how useless he is. However, while the line does serve that purpose, it’s not a throwaway from the writers; it has a point to it.

Mike knew, when he jumped off the quarry, that Will himself hadn’t actually jumped or fallen from it, but regardless, it’s plausible that, at the time, he was thinking about Will and the fact that Will’s fake body had been found there. And if Mike had died that day, the town likely would have assumed he did it because he wanted to “join” his friend by dying in the same way he did.

“So, if your friend jumps off a cliff, you’re gonna jump too?” is intended to remind the audience that Mike has some major issues that have yet to be resolved.

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personinthepalace · 1 year

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Shut Up and Dance - Odd Squad edition!

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Happy 8th anniversary Odd Squad!! Has it really been that long?? To celebrate, here is a video of Odd Squad agents doing something that they love: dancing!! Hope you enjoy this :)

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cerastes · 3 months

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Ejia alt best skill?

Fucking, all of them.

The right answer is S3 because it's what you'd usually think is a burst skill except it lasts 50 entire whole seconds and it gives her global range, machine gun 5-instance heals with individually reduced, altogether MUCH stronger output, jacked buffs for Max HP and Elemental DMG reduction, and it basically exists on a 60 SP cooldown at M3. Even if you're not dealing with Elemental Damage, this still just raw outheals most damage the game can throw at you that isn't an outright one hit kill against any given unit.

The correct answer is that all three of her skills are absolutely goofy goober-tier overtuned. After S3, you want to master S1, which is a permanent buff once it goes active that gives a minor ATK buff, multitarget (2 units at once), and whenever she heals someone, EVERYONE in range gets a minor Elemental DMG heal. 60 SP activation at M3.

And if you think I left S2 for last because it's not good, think again, S2 is the last thing you want to Master because it's god damn broken even at SL7. You don't NEED to Master this one for it to be e-sports. Being able to give characters a 650% of her ATK barrier against Elemental Damage for 14 whole seconds is very much enough to tank pretty much every possible existent instance of Elemental Damage in the game possibly maybe barring very High Waves Ubi Bona Somnia flowerstacks or Phase 2 Highmore soloblasts, and if none of those words make sense to you, then you don't need to worry about any case use of something stronger than SL7. There IS a point to M3ing this skill, though: At M3, S2 has a 20 SP cooldown and the barriers last 20 seconds. So, uh, you can just have 100% upkeep on 900% ATK barriers. In case you ever feel like Not Having To Ever Deal With Elemental Damage Ever Again, Period.

Unrelated pic of Frostleaf

Skills aside, keep in mind Eyjaberry the Holungday is a Wandering Medic so she enjoys god-tier range making positioning very easy, also her heals all leave a small regen (HP and Elemental DMG) effect that can stack up to three times per character, and if you're in range, you have Max HP+ and Elemental DMG reduction, so basically, yeah, summer unit goofy goober overtuning strikes once again, healer edition. About her only weaknesses are that S3 has a 60 SP cooldown timer so you may have a gap in its use, which would be an issue if you didn't have 11 more slots in your squad to do stuff during that minute.

#arknights #eyjafjalla #eyjafjalla the holungday

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serotoninzo · 2 months

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to anyone who was a fan of wilbur or liked lovejoys music, here are some recommendations!!!!

(i must warn you that my music taste leans more towards rock/alt but i still have a lot of indie as well)

-wallows

-djo (it's actually great, not just the tiktok song)

-TopLady (my personal fav is Green Light Red Light)

-bikini kill, my beloved.

-current joys

-dayglow

-beabadoobee! (specifically her song, 'talk')

-gorillaz

-tame impala (i think their music is cool)

-brent faiyaz

-miguel

-the beaches (their song blame brett is addicting, for me at least.)

-ezra furman (mainly their song, lilac and black)

-the runaways

-CROWDED HOUSE 🙏🙏

-HOT FLASH HEAT WAVE (THEIR SONG HESITATION IS SOOOOOO 😩)

-yot club!

-peter bjorn & john (their song young folks is good, you might have heard it in gossip girls ep1, s1)

-empire of the sun (i recommend their song we are the people)

-wolf alice! (don't delete the kisses is popular, i think)

-song telephones by VACATIONS

-vance joy

-the drums (especially their song 'money', it reminds me of yot club)

-carwash (their song striptease is sososososososo good 😊)

-slowdive

-pinegrove [i think this one is controversial but i can't remember:( ]

-no buses by artic monkeys (this is a classic/popular band, you probably already listen to them)

-MICKEY DARLING (recommend their song im just a buzzkill and big sad)

-ladyhawke (mainly their song 'my delirium', i must warn that this artist is under the genre pop, just incase if you aren't looking for that)

-JAWNY (if you don't know who that is, one song that is well known is, 'trigger of love'.)

-WILLIS (i like their song, 'i think i like when it rains)

-Cottonwood Firing Squad (personal fav song of theirs: hospital beach)

-the daughters of eve (a classic, especially the song 'hey lover')

-fall out boy (i love them ❤️)

-EYEDRESS (i believe their song 'jealousy' is popular)

-Dream, Ivory. (i have so many favs of theirs but my no.1 is their song 'welcome and goodbye.')

-dr.dog (this is a rock band, their song, 'where'd all the time go' is popular, especially among the outer banks fandom.)

-cocteau twins (their song cherry coloured funk is a must)

-cherry by chromatics

-boygenius!!!

-big thief

-big black car by gregory alan isakov (this is folk not indie but it's still good)

-awfultune! (popular songs of theirs would be i met sarah in the bathroom but i also recommend their song redesign.)

-milky chance (their no1 hit was stolen dance)

you could also listen to the neighbourhood but less known songs (fallen star, jealou$y, etc.)

sorry if majority of these are rock/alternative, i have a variety of music genres i listen to but rock happens to be my number 1.

you might not like these recommendations but hopefully they give you an idea of what to look for.

anyway, sending lots of love and support to shelby and wilbur soot's close friends, i can't imagine what it must be like to discover someone who was a big brother, etc to you was so horrible to his own girlfriend. genuinely disgusting.

i will forever miss wilbur soot but i will not miss william gold.

i will miss the times when he'd play geoguessr or when he'd make silly jokes but i will not miss him being a literal abuser, groomer, etc.

i don't wish death on him however.

i hope he learns his lesson. i also hope he takes actual accountability, instead of whatever that shit 'apology' was. it literally overtook colleen ballinger's ukelele apology ffs 🤦‍♀️

#lovejoy #wilbur soot #song recommendations #band recommendations #i guess these are replacement ideas #i don't think anyone will like them since my music taste is all over the place but oh well

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epicbuddieficrecs · 22 days

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Fic rec for my BFF, pt. 1

My best friend is currently watching 9-1-1. I've been trying to get her onboard the Buddie ship and she is graciously tolerating me. She's asked for some fic recs and so this is what I came up with! I did have to work with a few parameters to fit her taste, the most important one being nothing post season 3 cause that's where she's up to and she didn't want spoilers.

Hope you enjoy these bestie!

Canon to Canon Divergent

Things We're All Too Young to Know by Daisies_and_Briar / @cal-daisies-and-briars

Canon S1-S6, S7 Spec | 123/? | 379K | Mature

This is a love story. Even if it doesn’t always look like it. Even if it doesn’t always feel like it. A look back on Eddie and Buck's lives up to now, and what led them to each other, interpreted from the current 9-1-1 canon.

THE canon fics to end all canon fics. I know it's still a WIP and it spans up to post-S6, but if you want a canon fic, that's the one to go for.

Leading with the Left by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels/ @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels

Canon Divergent, Different First Meeting, Stripper Buck | 84K | Explicit

When Buck said he was a "bartender" in "South America" what he actually meant was "stripper" in "Mexico." And when Eddie said, "What's your problem?" what he actually meant was, "Is this about the time you gave me a lap dance?" In other words, there's a few things the 118 doesn't know about Buck. Or Eddie. Or Buck and Eddie's relationship.

One of my most re-read fics. The smut is impeccable. The angst is so good. Absolutely love this fic!

Your Scars and Your Lonely Heart by Taste_is_Sweet

Sentinels AU, Canon Divergent - Tsunami | 82K | Teen

Clara Williams just wanted to visit Pacific Park during her layover in Los Angeles. She never expected to find a young, exceptional Sentinel dying for lack of a bond. Actually, what she really never expected was a tsunami, or the same Sentinel to save her life. But Clara's a Guide, so now she's on a mission to keep Evan "Buck" Buckley alive until she can get him to Eddie Diaz, the Guide who should have bonded with him, but didn't. Because Clara can't bond with Buck, no matter how much she wants to. There's just one problem: Buck's convinced Eddie doesn't want him, and he might not survive long enough to find out the truth.

Another one of my most re-read fics! I had never read a Sentinels AU before and I fell in love with the concept!

the distance to the stars by cloudydaisies

Didn't Know They Were Dating, Post-S3 | 27K | General

“Didn’t know you were seeing someone.” Buck just laughs. Like, honest to god giggles. Eddie is stuck fighting off doubly massive waves of butterflies and confusion, all while Buck just gazes down at him. “That’s cute,” he hears Buck mumble, just before climbing into the truck, calling Eddie after him. - or, everyone knows eddie is dating buck except for eddie, literally.

Don't know if you knew this, Marie, but Buddie is the #1 most tagged ship in the "Didn't Know They Were Dating" tag cause they're such idiots <3 and this is one of my favorite ones!

the weekly bet (but the forever kind) by theleftboobgrabber/ @theleftboobgrabber

Late S3, Getting Together | 49K | Explicit

“Thanks,” Eddie mumbles, hiding his face deep in his pillow, even if Buck can’t see him in the dark. “What for?” Leave it to Buck to be confused about something so obvious. “Being you, idiot.” “And again with the name calling,” he answers, content and sleepy. Nights like this, Eddie feels like asking for a miracle. But to the team, it wasn’t a matter of if Abby would take him back, but when. A matter of days. When the squad bets on how long it will take for Buck and Abby to get back together when she comes back to LA, Eddie is forced to reconsider keeping his feelings for Buck a secret.

Top tier pining + oblivious Eddie = 👌

Always, All Ways by ashavahishta/ @tevankinkley

A/B/O AU | 85K | Explicit

“Buck is very dear, Mr Diaz. Not only to me but to the pack. You’ll find that if you treat him with anything less than utmost respect you’ll have a lot of people to answer to.” Eddie swallowed. It was clear that in the absence of a mate, this omega had found himself a very protective pack. “Understood, sir.” Or: Buck’s the only omega in the 118. He’s got secrets, and walls a mile high. Eddie’s the alpha determined to knock them down.

There's not a ton of A/B/O fics in this fandom, and I should really try to read more of them, but this is probably my favorite one so far!

I Hit the Accelerator (But the Car was in Reverse) by extasiswings/@extasiswings, letmetellyouaboutmyfeels/@letmetellyouaboutmyfeels

S3, Friends With Benefits, BDSM | 68K | Explicit

When Buck is forced to confront the truth about his breakup with Abby, having casual sex with his hot new coworker seems like the best rebound idea. Unfortunately, that hot new coworker turns into his best friend. But best friends can keep having sex with each other, right? There's no way this could possibly go wrong.

THE friends with benefits fic! (ok lbr there's a ton of great ones, but this one is S2 focused iirc)

AUs

My Blood on Your Skin (My Rose on Your Snow) by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels/ @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels

Mythological AU, BDSM | 80K | Explicit

When Eddie needs cash and fast to take care of Christopher, his LAFD Academy buddy suggests a job as a bouncer at Elysium - an exclusive sex club in downtown Los Angeles. Eddie doesn't care what goes on there, so long as he's paid, but he finds he cares a lot bout the club's enigmatic owner, Evan Buckley, and it's not long before the two of them are violating every boss-employee rule in the book. But there's something different about Buck and the club, something not quite... human. If Eddie wants to keep Buck, he's going to have to delve into the world of immortals, and all the risks that implies.

You can expect amazing smut by this author as always, but also really interesting worldbuilding and characters!

All My Shattered Oaths by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels/ @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels

Vampires AU | 107K | Explicit

Eddie wants to stay away from his family’s legacy and give his son a normal life. Buck’s desperate to find a way to get over the love he lost. Fate has other plans for both of them.

SO GOOD. The canon divergent reincarnation vampire AU you didn't know you needed!!!

a bleeding sun on a silver screen by rarakiplin (gmontys)/ @hoediaz

Actors AU, Friends With Benefits | 130K | Mature

One day, Buck will tell an interviewer that he would be happy to make movies with Eddie Diaz until the day he dies. But first, years before that, he sees Eddie for the first time on the set of Chimney’s fifth movie.

An epic tale of movie making and enemies to friends to FWB to strangers to lovers!

The Truth of Love (Amas Veritas) by allyasavedtheday/ @littlespoonevan

Practical Magic AU | 20K | Teen

Bobby opens his mouth like he wants to argue but decides against it. “Walk me through the logic here then. How will this make sure you never fall in love?” “Because I’m making someone who doesn’t exist,” Buck explains, glancing from the half-full bowl to Bobby. He can’t work out what the look on Bobby’s face means so he pointedly elects to ignore it. “They’ll have brown hair,” he starts, clipping another petal from the rose bush. “And brown eyes-“ “Lotta people out there with brown hair and brown eyes, kid,” Bobby says lightly and Buck rolls his eyes. “But not many that can ride a horse backwards,” Buck counters. “And whose favourite shape is a star and who’s got…two scars,” he decides, plucking a basil leaf and dropping it in the bowl. “One on each shoulder.”

Because Practical Magic AUs always make me think of you <3

I'll Scrawl it on Every Wall I See by letmetellyouaboutmyfeels/ @letmetellyouaboutmyfeels

Canon Divergent, You've Got Mail Fusion | 29K | Teen

When Eddie joins the 118, he and Buck don't exactly hit it off on the right foot. Or continue to walk on the right foot. In fact they kind of can't stand each other. Good thing they each have a beloved anonymous pen pal to share their daily woes with, someone completely unlike their insufferable coworker.

I do love some good romcom vibes!

#buddie #buddie fic rec #epic buddie fic rec #buddie fanfiction #buddie fanfic #buddie fic #favorites

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sarucane · 5 months

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Why didn't Ed always protect Stede?

I'm a bit late to the party and only really got into OFMD with S2, so I've started watching S1 really thoroughly only recently. And I've noticed that there's this narrative in the fandom that Ed and Stede are super protective of each other, particularly Ed--but as I've gone through S1 (number redacted) times, it's been driving me nuts how much Ed doesn't protect Stede.

Sure, there's the meme we all love when Ed stands in front of the firing squad--but for most of the scene before that, he's been standing and watching Stede beg for his life. He's upset, but he doesn't intervene until it's nearly do late. And before that, Ed doesn't say or do a thing about Calico Jack treating Stede like shit--sure it's believable that he just doesn't notice the passive aggression, but not even catching the "Steve" thing? That's something that isn't even intervening, Jack could be making an honest mistake. But the thing no-protection moment that's really driven me nuts is this moment

In the scene before this, Ed and Stede have just had an incredibly emotionally intimate conversation. Ed is clearly at least half in love with Stede at this point. This is a relationship that means something important to him, this is a person he cares for deeply. And…and Izzy almost murdered Stede in front of him, because of him, and he just looked away.

But at the same time, Ed does love Stede, he does intervene to protect him from the English--at great personal risk and cost. By the end of S2 Ed's much better about this kind of thing (though I'd argue he's never as super-protective as I've seen suggested).

So what was going on here? Ed's a total softie inside, especially with Stede, so why was he like this?

And I've got a theory! Here goes:

Mr. "greatest pirate who ever lived" is, in fact, an overachieving rule-follower (cough teacher's pet cough).

Ed doesn't intervene to help Stede because Ed conforms himself to the rules set by whoever has the strongest personality in a room, or whatever "code" is being pushed on him/is easiest to follow.

I think this is part of why Ed often struggles to identify what he wants, or hold onto a firm sense of his self-identity. And I think it's a lot of why he's so attracted to Stede, and why that relationship is so important to his development: Ed is much less likely to follow the rules when he's one-on-one with someone, and spending a lot of time alone with Stede gives him much more mental space to understand what he wants.

And just like Stede is most successful when he doesn't try to follow the traditional rules of pirating, Ed is most successful--in his relationship with Stede and outside it--when he doesn't obsess over bending to the rules, and instead picks and chooses which ones to follow and which ones to discard.

I have a partly-written super-long version of this where I go episode by episode looking at how the rules theme works with Ed's character mechanics, but I'm just going to focus on the topic question here (I might get around to posting the long version, but I also might be distracted by something shiny;) )

So let's start with The Art of Fuckery and the thing that was driving me crazy.

Ed's core conflict in this episode was whether he'd going to send Stede to "doggy heaven." Why would he follow Stede to doggy heaven? Because according to Izzy, Stede is categorized as a pet, and Ed has "a policy regarding pets aboard your vessel." It's a rule. Ed has to follow it.

And Ed fully intends to follow it, right up until the kraken turns up and the rules go out the window. And then he's in a safe space with Stede, drowning in memory of the good rules he broke (don't kill people you love). But Stede rejects the idea that Ed breaking that rule makes him a bad person. He appeals, instead, to friendship. And offers his own rule: that they could pretend the murder thing never happened.

Because that's the amazing thing about Stede: he lives at the intersection of aristocratic and pirate rules (which isn't supposed to exist, and which drew Ed to him), and he makes up his own rules.

When Ed's with Stede, he can follow different rules, unlike anything he'd imagined. Can even sometimes make up his own rules. Can actually pay attention to himself, think about what he wants, what he likes and fears.

But when Ed's in a crowd, or alone with someone trying to impose something on him, he conforms. So when Izzy invokes Pirate Rules and steamrolls Ed ("no you're not doing this,") Ed lets him.

It's a character flaw, and it's a serious one...but it's also one Ed works on when he stops complaining about the treasure hunt business. And when he and Stede discuss the idea of co-captains, and arrangement that would break the rule that "a ship has only one captain."

Which Ed is able to do because he's in a safe space. Calico Jack disrupts that, and introduces a succession of games with clearly defined rules, which Ed follows one after another. And Ed has so little self-awareness, is so easily swamped by Jack's personality, that he doesn't notice how Jack's treating Stede, let alone defend him, and he bows to every hint of pressure.

And all that culminates in Ed having to make a decision: follow pirate rules, where everyone's just at "various stages of screwing each other over," or do what he wants. Go help his friend, the guy he loves.

Which just ends up with him being absorbed right back into the pirate system of rules. He tries to use this at first, faking a confession on the grounds that he's a "life is cheap sort of guy." But Izzy's outsmarted him, and Izzy invokes pirate rules again: that Ed told him the rule for a first mate was "above all loyalty to your captain."

Ed doesn't call out for the Act of Grace until the last minute. He could have done it at the trial--he didn't. This is a hard thing for him to do, because he's surrounded by rule-following pressure, from Izzy and from Chauncy. The last time he was in a situation like this, Ed just looked away and let Stede die (he thought).

But the thing about Ed is that he's "half insane." For years, he used the combo of being considered "mad" and also having Izzy around to have his cake and eat it too with rules, to be the world's greatest pirate and also hang onto his own authentic self.

As a result, Ed got good at finding loopholes. Places where you can follow the rules and break them, at the same time. Getting run through, but in a place that missed "all the important bits." Being sentenced to death, but asking for an Act of Grace.

It's a big deal when Ed steps in front of Stede like that. He's acting against pirate rules, risking being absorbed by the rules set by the English.

He does it for Stede--and that starts to set him free. After that, Ed's never just following the rules again. He actually can't, even when he tries: his going kraken at the end of S1 and start of S2 is doomed from the start and full of contradictions, starting with the fact that he's on Stede's ship, the ship with hidden passages where rule-breaking can be hidden until it's needed.

Ed struggles a lot to figure out which rules to follow ("I will abide by the guidelines"), which rules to set aside ("Can we take it slow?"), when to make up his own rules ("So we're innkeepers now."). And Stede helps him, telling him things like "This can be whatever we want it to be," and "you're not a dick, life's a dick."

I don't really have a clever conclusion to this particular meta. It's a messy thing, and individual figuring out how to their life does and does not intersect with society. This theme doesn't resolve neatly, it just stops at the end of the season, like the tension between Ed/kraken/Blackbeard.

But there's a lot of hope here, I think. When Ed acts to protect Stede, and to fight alongside him, he's not just being a protective partner. It's a learned action, the physical manifestation of a decision Ed's made about who he wants to be in the world. Rules be damned.

#ofmd s2 spoilers #ofmd #ofmd s2 #our flag means death #ofmd spoilers #ofmd meta #ed teach #stede bonnet #blackbonnet #izzy hands #gentlebeard #i swear there really is a much longer version of this this theme is hella iceberg #every single episode has references to rules guys this is A THEME running straight through EVERYTHING and i'm a moron for missing its size

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dragonfly0808 · 5 months

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Riven: The Thesis

TW: ALLUSIONS TO AND MENTIONS OF CHILD ABUSE

First things First

If you checked out my Fate rant, smth that truly pissed me off was how they made Riven just straight up unlikable, an ass and low-key a villain.

To me, Riven’s story was always one about how you can change for the better. That it’s okay to be a bit of a prick as a teen cause you’re just a teen and you still have time to grow and change.

So you can imagine my frustration when in the OG, Riven’s character arc was pretty much reset at the start of every season, especially when I feel that they did a great job at showing Riven’s introspection and his wish to change in s1, all for nothing.

And thus… my version of Riven was born.

I tried very hard in s1 to give him a hard shell and a few outbursts but still showing that he’s got a soft heart deep down and is really only lashing out due to how he’s always depended on only himself to survive. And I think I did a pretty good job at that if I do say so myself.

And post s1 we see Riven slowly learn to lower his guard and realize that he’s not on his own anymore. He has a few slip ups because obvs he’s not gonna magically be great at communication but he gets there eventually.

Shirley Holmes and Riven Watson

So, I think that, aside from Tecna, Riven was prob the one that benefited the most story-wise in the changes I made to his family.

Riven has pretty much no one. His dad is very abusive and never truly cared for him and his mom left when Riven was about eight years old, leaving him not only on his own, but to take care of his five year old sister, Shirley.

I gave Riven a little sister to give him even more reasons to have his guard up, because it’s not just his own back he has to watch out for, but he has a sister that depends on him. Shirley herself tells the squad that Riven pretty much raised her on his own.

I love writing these two, who only had each other growing up and are so very close. Up until the age of fifteen, Shirley only ever really trusts her brother.

I think that dynamic adds a lot to Riven’s character. Showing that he is a really caring and protective person, even in the worst of circumstances he always did his best to keep Shirley not only safe but also happy.

Nothing Good Starts in a Getaway Car

Yep, we’re talking bout Darcy.

In my version of events, it would not have made sense for Riven to ever trust Darcy out of nowhere, due to how high he has his guard and the fact that he’s not dumb.

How did I chose to solve this?

Well… Darcy and Riven were childhood friends and had planned to runaway together before Darcy betrayed him, took the money and ran. He knew her as Jennie, his best friend.

Riven only ever had her. Of course he’s got Shirley but… it’s different cause Shirley is his responsibility, while Jennie helped him steal and do whatever they had to do to survive.

Their relationship is def a tragic one due to the fact that they truly loved each other and had each others backs for so long and they were oh so very close to making it, to running together and starting a new life.

But then… Darcy meets the Trix and makes the choice of leaving Jennie behind, which included betraying Riven when they’re fourteen and so close to running.

This is obvs another reason why Riven is especially prickly when we meet him in s1, a betrayal like that was bound to make him even more angry at the world.

But again, Riven is incredibly protective and, once he loves someone, that means he’s also loyal to them, and Riven isn’t someone who stops loving easily. And so… he trusts Darcy. And it nearly costs him his life.

But this is also the thing that truly makes him realize that he doesn’t want to keep on like this. That he wants to change and let his friends in. That he wants to let go of his anger before it consumes him the way it did Jennie… Darcy.

You Don’t Have to be Sorry, for Leaving and Growing Up (Matilda is low-key a Riven song)

A big thing for me about Riven, especially early on was, again, showing his softer side mainly through Flora, Shirley, Timmy and even Darcy.

His rougher side is on full display in his arguments with Sky.

At the end of s1, something happens that allows Riven to finally be safe enough to lower his guard and start growing, he moves in with his maternal grandparents along with Shirley. And, while it takes both of them a while to trust their grandparents, once they do, Riven can finally, finally, focus on himself for the first time in his life.

He develops a close relationship with his grandma, and starts doing some introspection (with help from Flora and Helia) and starts working on himself.

A big help in this is Musa, who also struggles a lot with letting herself be vulnerable.

Now, this journey of Riven’s is not smooth sailing because you can’t just snap your fingers and undo years of abuse and survival instincts, but he works hard on it and we can see that through his relationships.

Season 2 is Riven learning to be vulnerable and fully trusting his friends. His nicknames are kinda a way to let the squad know how important they are to him, he allows himself to be more goofy and more relaxed and comfortable in his own skin.

He struggles the most with Musa due to the fact that, before a relationship, there is a friendship. He and Musa find themselves being vulnerable with one another, which is huge for the two of them. But as they grow closer, Riven is reminded of his relationship with Darcy and finds himself pulling away.

He eventually makes this right but it was very important for me to have him stumble a bit in his relationship with Musa at least at the beginning cause my boy has Darcy PTSD kay? And that was not going to go smoothly if we’re realistic.

Season 3 was for Riven fully coming into his own, embracing what little magic he has (which he never did before cause he got his magic from his father that he hates so yeah…) and just fully getting a good grade in communication something that is both possible to achieve and normal to want.

In season 3 it’s mainly Musa who struggles with communication, which makes them both struggle but they work through it, this time as a couple. Wooooo. Hoorah for two traumatized kids learning how to communicate in a healthy way!

Thoughts Behind his Main Relationships

Helia

These boys are two sides of the same coin.

They both have had anger issues and, surprisingly enough, Helia was a lot more violent than Riven ever was since Riven had a better hold on his anger due to facing major consequences (*cough* *cough* his dad *cough* *cough*) but they bond over trying to better themselves.

Riven learns to meditate with Helia and occasionally even paints with him. Helia learns to fix stuff with Riven and they both love the routine that comes with being Specialists second only to Brandon so they often do work-outs and bets with each other.

Their friendship is one of very different yet similar lives. They get each other in a: we’ve both come face to face with the darkest versions of ourselves and came out on top, we’ve both hit rock bottom and we’re both working on figuring out how to be better.

They’re both very aware of their darker emotions but never judge the other for it. They both have nightmares regarding their pasts and they can open up because they know that they get one another.

Riven trusts Helia surprisingly quickly, seeing himself in the Wizard. The two can trust each other with their past and their shame, knowing they will only get full support from the other.

Musa

I always loved the idea of Rivusa but hated the original execution.

I really like the idea of two kids who have been so hurt by the people that were meant to protect them figuring out how to love each other. How to be open and trusting and just how to work as a couple.

Riven and Musa fall very slowly over the course of a year and a half, they get to know each other, be friends, quite crucially: they’re able to be vulnerable with each other. Which is huge for both of them.

And, when they realize that these feelings are serious and more than just a crush, they are both terrified.

I talk a bit more about Musa’s feelings on her thesis but for Riven, he’s terrified of being betrayed yet again. Of giving his heart just to have it shattered.

He’s also very afraid of Musa not wanting him if she learns more about his past and all the things he did to stay alive.

The part I love about this is that this means that even after they get together we get to see them fuck up. Because just because they’re together doesn’t mean they’re just going to forget years of trauma and having their walls up.

And, in my version, once they’re together, it’s Musa who fucks up by keeping secrets and not being able to bring herself to be vulnerable.

I think my fave part about writing these two is writing about how they grow together both as individuals and as a couple, how they learn to communicate and be vulnerable and realize that they are both here to stay and that this relationship is soft and safe and everything that they have been denied for so long.

That’s what this couple is to me. Two kids learning to love and not be afraid of it.

Flora

Riven and Flora are soulmates. I have no other word to describe their bond. Even soulmates doesn’t feel like it can fully encompass their bond and how important they are to one another.

They have similar fears and traumas, though they respond in wildly different ways. He can’t let himself be vulnerable, she can’t stand her ground. But they find each other and somehow, they start healing and growing together

Their bond is ‘there are people that you just have to meet in order to become the best version of yourself and I know that if I hadn’t met you I would never have been able to become my best self. There are people that just have something to teach you just by knowing them, there are people that love you so purely that you can do nothing but want to grow with them and teach each other so much just by existing together. And you know that if there are other lives, you’ve met them in every past life and will meet them in every future life because you own a piece of each others puzzles that you both need to complete yourselves.’

Their love is absolutely pure, I just love it and can’t quite find the words to describe just how special it is.

Who is Riven in this Rewrite?

Riven’s arc is one that I just have really loved to write. The story of an abused, angry boy that struggled to survive finally being safe and getting to work on himself and let go of that anger.

Riven is someone who has had to look out for himself his whole life, who always been pretty much on his own, the only people he trusted stabbing him in the back.

What is most important to me is that Riven is someone who refuses to let his past define him.

He gets the chance to go to Red Fountain after jumping and trying to rob one of the teachers (James) but, when he gets that chance, he decides to make the most of it, to make a good life for both himself and for his sister.

At his very core, the most important part of Riven’s character is that he is first and foremost, a protector.

He’s the big brother who took beatings to keep his baby sister safe. He stole for his sister and for Darcy to keep them both fed. He’s the boy who, before s1 even started made a friendship with Timmy and dared anyone to make fun of him.

He would do anything for his friends, for Helia, for Flora, for Musa and of course, for Shirley. Because once he gives even a small piece of his heart to someone, they have it for good. For better or for worse.

Riven is a boy growing into an amazing young man against all odds. He’s a boy who took the cards he was dealt with and made a royal flush.

Riven is someone who chose to let go of his anger and grow. He’s someone who decided to become someone he could be proud of.

——————

Masterlist

Riven Moodboard

Riven’s Instagram

Riven and Helia Moodboard

Riven and Musa Moodboard

Riven and Flora Moodboard

Shirley Moodboard

#winx club #winx rewrite #winx #winx headcannon #winx fanfic #winx headcanons #winx riven #winx rivusa #rivusa #winx musa #riven #riven x musa #winx headcannons #winx club rewrite #veiled wings and shattered panoramas

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doggogills-but-worse · 10 months

Text

okay listen. i love jrwi, i really do. i love riptide and prime defenders, and the community has been pretty good, i have a lot of mutuals that are super cool. but the attitude and ferocity in which people defend the lgbt rep in the show? mh. not it.

podcasts as a medium have been incredibly full of queer creators making wonderful stories, including ttrpgs. especially ttrpgs!!! most of jrwi’s lgbt rep has been behind a paywall (and that was a joke for 90% of the series), or a joke (i’m looking at you fnc canon kiss), and the rest is vaguely implied. correct me if i’m wrong on this, i’m not caught up. i don’t really care about what the folks say off mic about characters, to be quite honest. there has been little indication of the actual queerness of characters in any form beside an npc who wasn’t even fully created by the showrunners. and that is my point. the lgbt stuff that people latch onto are things that have either been questions answered off mic, or things that the fan community has expanded upon that were only hinted at in canon, or just headcanoned.

im not saying that this is wrong, or the series is bad because of it, but the attitude that the fandom has towards it is... a lot for what is actually there on screen in earnest. it’s not the most lgbt podcast with fantastic rep that you say it is. there are so many podcasts with the kind of representation and characters that you are looking for. again, it’s not a bad podcast because of this, but we’ve gotta stop acting like it’s queer as hell.

so here are some podcasts with fully fleshed out, explicitly queer characters (with their corresponding vibe):

Dungeons & Daddies (s1: riptide, s2: pd)

The Broadswords (apotheosis)

All My Hexes (admittedly unfinished but still good)

A Horror Borealis (bitb)

Bombarded (riptide)

Fantasy High (of course) (pd)

Wildbranch High (pd)

Kollok 1991 (pd, bitb)

Monster Hour (s1: pd, kinda apotheosis)

$2 Creature Feature (pd)

Dice Crisis (riptide)

Hope’s Hearth (i haven’t started this one yet, but it’s on my list)

The Storyteller Squad (pd)

Dangerous Times at Chillhaven High (soooo much pd vibes)

Shrimp and Crits (bitb)

Pest Control (s1: riptide but modern, s2: early pd)

The Unexplored Places (they have many seasons, i can rant about them for hours tbh)

The Monster’s Playbook (pd, kinda bitb)

and that’s just the actual plays

again, i love jrwi, but we have got to stop hailing it as an exemplar of lgbt actual play podcasts because it just isn’t.

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shuttershocky · 11 months

Note

Shutters, in your opinion what are some of the best designed operators? (as in their kit and playstyle)

Gladiia - I've already said in another post that Gladiia is the perfect unit, and I stand by it. She's extremely effective with only minimal investment (E1L1 with skill level 7 will have her do most pulling jobs) but then somehow just gets stronger and stronger AND STRONGER the more you invest into her. Gladiia never learned what 'Diminishing Returns' meant, the economics student that tried to teach it to her got shoved into a locker when he tried. She's a viable M9 unit, wielding utility, damage, tank, and even heal support for some fucking reason. She even keeps getting stronger when you raise other units (Abyssal Hunters). She's fun, she's strong, all of her skills do something unique, she enables strategies absolutely no one else can do, and best of all: she's free.

Saria - Saria is the best case study of how to make a powerful—even overpowered—kit in a genre that mostly cares about DPS without any DPS. Like Gladiia, all of her skills are good and provide unique utility, but unlike Gladiia nothing about her module upgrades or talents or skill numbers is immediately going to tip you off that Saria's incredibly powerful; she just is. You just use her and you realize this is one of the best units in the game, hard carrying your lineups from her sheer versatility and healing power, with some SP utility or debuffs to boot.

Stainless - I would put him on this list for the sheer versatility, fun, strategic potential, and truly clever design his S3 has, but his S1 and S2 are also really fucking good too and stand on their own merits. Like Saria, Stainless is another operator who impresses me by standing out via sheer utility in a DPS-focused game, but unlike Saria, Stainless doesn't bring sustain or bulk, he simply has an array of gadgets that expand your possible map solutions AND operator picks to a wild degree. I finished most of Il Siracusano's EX stages by using Stainless clears—the way this guy enables bad operators with bad skills like Tachanka S1 cannot be matched by anyone. This is my single favorite operator gameplay wise to have come out in the last 2 years, insane how he and Dorothy are the least popular 6 stars when they're both so much more fun than their competition.

Gravel - You know what Gravel does. I think Gravel's kit was a marvel of its time, some truly inspired game design. You see, when Arknights first came out the primary faces of Tower Defense was Plants vs Zombies and Bloons. Gravel's low redeployment time and usage of throwing herself at the enemy team to constantly delay them simulated the feeling of having a mobile character in a genre about putting down towers that don't move, while Gravel also took advantage of enemy targeting priority being based on last deployed unit to act as bait for ranged enemies. She was the best unit to show off how Arknights differed from its competition, by taking advantage of all the design decisions that made Arknights a different beast of tower defense. Simple, effective, and unforgettable.

Hellagur - Hellagur's another example of an operator that does just one job just like Gravel, but approaches it in a way that emphasizes Arknights' unique approach to tower defense: Hellagur holds one spot, often right in front of the enemy gate and without support from his team. As the first Musha, he introduced a highly aggressive playstyle that was all about risk evaluation. You ask "Can Hellagur handle this?" and then see if he can. if he can't, you either buff him or try another approach. If he can, he often solves a big section of the map by himself by simply blocking a whole gate, freeing up the rest of your squad. High risk high reward is a common trope of game design because of how engaging that feeling of ramping tension can be; when Hellagur gets brought down to 1/3rd HP as he's dueling a particularly strong enemy, time slows down a little as you nervously watch him to see if he can handle it, and if he does and reaches back to full health before the next enemy comes, that release of tension and anticipation is its own special high.

I love this ask! Really fun question!

#Arknights

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hugmekenobi · 6 months

Text

S2: The Bad Batch (14)

Chapter Fourteen: Tipping Point

Gif by @trapezequeen

Hunter x femaleJedi!reader

Series Summary: Some time has passed since everything that happened at Kamino and you and the Batch are trying to figure out your place in the rapidly changing Imperial galaxy. And you're having to do all this whilst figuring out where your relationship with Hunter fits into it.

Chapter Summary: An old friend returning brings new information that could lead you and the Batch on a dangerous mission.

Masterlist for S1

<Previous Chapter

Genre: Friends (idiots) to Lovers (we're in the lovers stage now)

Chapter Warnings: Canon-typical violence, descriptions of torture, Hemlock needs his own warning, fluff and light angst

Word Count: 3.2K

Author's notes: A relatively quiet chapter before the hell that will be the last two episodes lol. Enjoy!

Mount Tantiss

Well, he never saw himself as being on the ones to be on the opposite side of the cell ray shields. He’d always expected to be the one to open them and demand whoever it was to get ‘on their feet’ but things were certainly different now. He did as the stormtrooper said and let the other cuff him before his two escorts led him out his cell and down the hallway.

As he walked, he couldn’t help but let his eyes drift to the other clones in cells. He didn’t know how they wound up here or what they were here for, but they all looked as miserable as he felt. His thoughts drifting caused him to slow his pace, the act receiving a harsh jab from a blaster. He turned irritably but knew it wasn’t worth the fight and kept walking.

The trooper opened the ray shield to the unfortunately familiar room and the woman he’d first see upon waking up here.

“Good morning, Crosshair. How are you feeling?”

Again, with his name. he didn’t know what type of game she was playing by using it, but he wasn’t going to let himself succumb to it. “What’s it to you?” He muttered wearily before another jab into his back forced him into the room and he leaned against the bench.

“The doctor is on his way. Be smart and cooperate, or he will resort to methods you will not enjoy.”

The sound of footsteps caught his attention and he glanced to the door to see the man he assumed was ‘the doctor’ step in.

“You’ve healed quickly, considering the state you arrived in.” The doctor commented.

He spoke quietly with an eery sense of calmness but there was also an underlying sinister quality to his voice. He had one gloved hand that he held and caressed tenderly with his other one. “Why am I here?”

“If you think this is punishment for shooting your commanding officer, you’re incorrect. I actually think that shows quite a bit of initiative.”

Crosshair was taken aback for a moment. That was not the sentiment he was expecting. This doctor was not a typical Imperial. He said nothing and waited for him to elaborate.

“No. No, you are here because I intend to give you a clean slate.” The doctor explained. “And all you have to do in exchange is tell me how to find Clone Force 99. They’re in possession of something I need.”

Omega. It had to be the girl, but he needed to know for sure. “The kid.”

The doctor chuckled softly. “Very good.”

So, he was right. “You’re wasting your time. They’ll never turn her over.”

“They don’t have a choice. She is a clone and, therefore, Imperial property. Help me locate your former squad, and you will have your freedom.”

Freedom? As a clone in this galaxy? That didn’t feel likely, and he couldn’t give them up. That wasn’t who he was anymore. And besides, he had no idea of their location, let alone if they were all even alive. “I don’t know where they are.”

The doctor shook his head with a frown and nodded to one of the guards.

Crosshair tried to resist but he couldn’t stop the troopers from pushing him onto the bench and restraining him.

The doctor leaned down to the clone’s face. “But you know how they think, how they operate, contacts they’d reach out to. Surely you have something useful to share.”

“Wrong.” Crosshair sneered.

The doctor let out an aggravated sigh. “Let’s see if we can jog your memory.” He tightened the restraint that reached over the clone’s head. “Begin.”

Crosshair was helpless. He could only watch the interrogator droid whirr closer to him and stick the needle into his neck and the pain that followed was excruciating. He writhed against his restraints, but it did nothing to ease the pain.

“Doctor… one of our transport ships was attacked departing Balmorra. The prisoners aboard escaped.”

The doctor turned away from the clone to face his assistant. “Inform me when he’s ready to talk.” He left with the assistant- Dr Scalder- who had been on Tantiss before he’d arrived to deal with this matter.

“That’s enough.”

He wasn’t sure how long he’d been victim to the needle, but it wasn’t even a relief when the doctor’s assistant finally stopped the pain, it still radiated throughout his body. He couldn’t open his eyes it still hurt so much; he barely registered the restraint across his head coming undone. His eyes finally flickered open at the feeling of the guards getting ready to undo the other straps and he managed to notice one of the troopers had left his blaster unattended. Despite the pain he was feeling, he acted quickly and within seconds, both guards were dead, and the droid was destroyed, and he held the assistant at gunpoint as he focused on orienting himself once more.

“Take a breath. Think this through.” She cautioned with her hands raised in surrender.

“Release me.” Crosshair demanded; his voice still weary with agony.

She did as he asked and put in the code that opened the door. “You cannot make it out of this facility. Not in your condition.”

Crosshair panted with the effort it took to stand. “Give me your access card.”

“It won’t get you outside. But even if you do manage that, the hounds will find you within minutes. Don’t make this worse, Crosshair! There is no escape. Lower the blaster.”

He wasn’t looking to escape. He just needed to warn them. He set the blaster to stun and, once she was unconscious, took the access card from her belt and left the cell in search of the communications room.

He staggered down the corridors, his aim as he shot at any troopers in his path still skewed, but it didn’t need to be perfect, it just needed to be enough to get him to where he needed to be.

He entered the room and used the access card to take control over the controls. He got the satellite into position and began his transmission. He wasn’t sure how long he had before they realised what had happened.

“Plan 88.” He said with a pained grunt. “You have to hide. They’re after-” He didn’t get the chance to finish for the room sealed shut and a green gas cloud started to seep into the room. The effects were immediate- he started to cough, his vision blurred, and he felt lightheaded. He scrambled for his blaster, but he barely managed to get a hold of it before he collapsed to the ground. He was awake long enough to hear the door open and see the doctor come and stand over him.

The doctor inhaled deeply. “Hmm. Having trouble processing the toxin? It’s my own special formula. One I’ve built an immunity to. You, however, have not.”

Crosshair couldn’t speak. He was clinging on to consciousness. He’d hoped he’d done enough to warn them. This man was unlike anyone they’d ever come across before. The last thing he remembered before the darkness took him was being dragged out the room.

It had taken a while, but things in Pabu were nearly back to normal. Most of the repairs had been done and people were able to get their lives back on track once more. Routines had been established; new friendships made. Every day that you had spent here had made the idea of taking up residence more appealing, but it wasn’t something you could commit to just yet.

Right now, you and Hunter were helping Shep unload some supplies from the docks. You placed your box down and rolled to ease the tension in your shoulders. The sun was warm against your back, and you wiped away the small beads of sweat that had formed on your brow.

“This friend on your who’s stopping by, he’s another clone?” Shep asked.

“Yeah, but don’t worry. He’s not with the Empire.” Hunter reassured him.

“If you trust him, that’s enough for me.”

“The new fishing dock’s rebuilt and moored.” Wrecker announced before he dumped a giant fish on some of the cages. “And I’ve caught some dinner!”

“You’ve been busy.” You commented with a smile.

“You got that right.” Wrecker replied proudly before Lyana’s voice got his attention.

“Hey, Wrecker. Can we get your help? We’re fortifying the seawall.”

“You got it, boss.” Wrecker answered with an enthusiastic chortle before he set off.

“He’s become an integral part of this community. You all have.” Shep said warmly. “Any chance you’ve reconsidered staying permanently?”

You and Hunter shared a look.

“For soldiers, putting down roots is an occupational hazard.” Hunter replied.

“It’s never been the easiest thing to think about or do when you’ve lived the way we have for so long.” You added. The subject though had come up on more or less a nightly basis. You both were on the same page about wanting to but the question of were you allowed to do it always came up. This wasn’t something any of you were used to and it was surprisingly difficult to visualise.

“Well, is that all you two are? Soldiers?”

Before either of you could reply, the rapid whirr of an engine sounded overhead, and the Marauder came flying into view.

“More flying lessons?” Shep asked with a chuckle.

“Uh-huh. Tech’s got his hands full.” Hunter said with a laugh.

“Yeah, I sat in on the lesson yesterday and I’m still shaking the nausea.” You said, only half joking. “How long until Echo gets here?”

“Any minute now probably.” Hunter answered. Sure enough, another ship came into view on the horizon and Echo’s voice came through the comms.

“Race you to the landing zone?”

“You’re on!” Omega accepted the challenge and put the ship into high gear, paying little attention to Tech’s words of caution or his panicked yelp.

“Oh, what I wouldn’t give to see Tech’s face right now.” You said as you saw the ship speed after Echo’s.

“Right there with you.” Hunter agreed before the two of you made your way to go meet them.

Echo hadn’t changed too much since you’d seen him last, but he’d decided to get rid of his kama material- something you just had to tease him about, “Oh, be still my heart, he goes away for a few months, and this happens! Echo is flashing a bit of leg!” You pretended to swoon and fell back into Hunter who was already prepared to catch you.

“And hello to you too, (Y/N).” Echo said with a roll of his eyes as he walked down his ship’s steps.

Hunter pushed you back upright before he went over to Echo, their hands clasping in greeting.

“You weren’t kidding. This place is remote.” Echo said.

“That has its advantages.” Hunter replied.

“It’s good to see you, Echo.” You said happily as you took your turn and hugged him.

The three of you then turned in the direction of the Marauder that was coming in at a rather unsteady landing cycle.

“I’m surprised you’re not on Ord Mantell with Cid.” Echo said, the question of why you weren’t there lurking behind his words.

“We’ve been reevaluating things.” Hunter said.

You snorted as you saw the way Tech clutched his head and appeared quite wobbly on his feet, but you soon focused your eyes on the way the young girl leaped into Echo’s arms. That was another factor in your discussions with Hunter- Omega loved it here, it suited her perfectly. Sure, she was always able to be bright and cheerful, but it had been a long time since you’d all seen her this genuinely happy and it wasn’t just because Echo was visiting.

“We’ve missed you!” Omega said affectionately.

“It hasn’t been that long.” Echo replied lightly as he held her.

“Feels like it has.” Omega said as he put her back down before she stepped aside to let Tech through.

“You mentioned needing some assistance with data decryption.” Tech said by way of greeting.

Echo pulled out the data rod and handed it to his brother. “This is what’s left of the files I recovered from an Imperial shuttle. It was transporting clone prisoners, and we need to know where and why.”

You all let Tech get to work before you and Hunter took Echo on a quick tour of the island.

“Oh, nearly lost track of time. Sorry, boys, I gotta go meet my special someone.” You kissed Hunter on the cheek and patted Echo’s shoulder before you went off on your way, but Echo’s voice caused you to pause.

“Go where to meet who?” Echo asked, tone laced with confusion.

“She’s got a date.” Hunter explained nonchalantly without missing a beat.

“I’ve got a date.” You mirrored with a grin.

“Have I missed something?” Echo said, his still confused gaze flickering between the two of you.

You released a whimsical sigh and looked off into the distance. “Well, Echo, sometimes relationships can get a bit stale. You need a man with a bit more life experience to keep things interesting and who can tell you fascinating stories about his life and say you remind him of his beautiful wife from 30 years ago. And it just so happens I’ve found that man. It’s to be expected that things worked out this way really, Hunter doesn’t mind.”

“Translation?” Echo looked to Hunter.

“There’s an old man called Mr. Eenta she has evening tea with on a weekly basis.”

“Ahh got it.” Echo said with a slight smile.

“And I’m running late so I need to get going! I’ll keep my comm on, so I’ll know when Tech’s done!” With that, you waved goodbye and set off at a jog to go meet him.

“Glad to see you two are still happy and going strong.” Echo couldn’t help but comment as he saw the faint but fond smile that graced his brother’s face as he watched you go-he probably didn’t realise he was doing it.

“Can’t really see it ever not being that way.” Hunter agreed, his eyes still following your fading figure.

“Should hope so. You two spent so long pining after one another, you have no choice but to stay together.” Echo pointed out with a hearty slap on the back of Hunter’s shoulders.

Hunter huffed out a laugh before he focused his attention fully on Echo. “Come on, let’s grab a drink and we can catch up properly.”

Echo and Hunter walked and talked whilst waiting for word from Tech.

“You all plan to stay here indefinitely?” Echo asked.

“We haven’t decided yet.” Hunter replied as they both stopped to watch Wrecker playing with Lyana and Omega and all three of them seemed to be having the time of their lives and he knew Tech felt comfortable here. You also did sincerely enjoy your weekly chats with Mr. Eenta. You’d also told him you didn’t feel nearly as threatened or under scrutiny here- you still hadn’t revealed your secret but that was more out of concern for the safety of others here should the Empire show up rather than worrying what the people would do if you told them. And you had been right about him too, it was the most relaxed he’d felt in a long time. Keeping everyone safe felt easier here. “But, to be honest, it might be the best thing for us.” He paused for a moment since he’d realised that was the closest he’d gotten to making a decision about this place. “What about you? What have you been up to?”

“Rex and I have built up a small network of clones. Some are in hiding, underground. Others act as out contacts within the Empire.”

“Echo, you’ve seen the power you’re up against. You can’t defeat them.” Hunter couldn’t help but say.

“It’s not about that. it’s about fighting for our brothers.” Echo said passionately.

Hunter laid a hand on Echo’s shoulder to appease him. “I understand why you’re doing this…” He trailed off with a sigh before asking the question he’d been searching for the answer to with you every night, “… but when will it be enough?”

Before anything else could happen, Tech’s voice came through the comms.

“Hunter, I decrypted the data. You need to get back to the ship.”

“What’s going on?” You asked as you stepped onboard and joined the others.

Tech brought up the information. “The Imperial transport Echo hijacked was assigned to the Advanced Science Division.”

“Never heard of it.” Hunter said, crossing his arms.

“That is because it is a clandestine operation. There are no records on its location or its purpose. All I could find on it was the chief scientist in charge, Dr. Royce Hemlock.” Tech pulled up a slightly blurred image of the man. “An officer expelled from the Republic science corps due to his unauthorized and unorthodox experiments.”

“Why were they sending close prisoners to him?” Omega asked fretfully.

“I do not know, but it gets worse. Previous transfer records recovered from the ship’s logs list other clone prisoners detained by the Advanced Science Division. And Crosshair is one of them.” Tech finished; his voice laced with concern.

Crosshair? Your brow furrowed. Could whatever happened to him be the thing that you had sensed all those rotations ago?

“You mean Crosshair turned on the Empire?” Wrecker asked with hope in his voice.

“How sure are you about this?” Hunter asked Tech. He needed to stay grounded before he allowed any hope about his brother’s allegiance to seep in.

“Very.” Tech confirmed definitively. “After discovering his clone number on the transfer register, I checked our old comm channels and found a recent distress message sent from Crosshair’s old code.”

“What did it say?” You asked.

“Plan 88. The Seeker.”

“We are being targeted.” You murmured.

Tech nodded. “I believe he is warning us.”

“Or it’s a trap, like he’s set for us before.” Hunter countered.

You glanced at him out of the corner of your eye. You couldn’t blame him for his scepticism and any other day you knew you’d be right there with him but something about this felt genuine.

“Well, how do we find out?” Wrecker said with a grunt.

He was back to being strapped down on the table, but he’d done what he’d needed to do. They could torture him all they wanted; he would not give them up.

“If your escape attempt didn’t clue you in, the only chance you have of leaving this facility is if I allow it.” Hemlock stepped towards the table. “Perhaps now you’d like to reconsider my offer.”

Crosshair said nothing.

“Why suffer more? All I need is the young clone. She means nothing to you.” Hemlock leaned down closer to the clone’s head. “Help me and you’ll have your freedom.”

Again, he said nothing. There was no freedom for someone like him anyway. Not anymore.

Hemlock breathed an exasperated sigh. “Increase his injection level this time.” He instructed his assistant before he peered back down at the clone. “Let’s see how long until you break.”

Crosshair couldn’t help the way the panic set in as the new interrogator droid whirred closer and then the agony swept through his body, but he would not break. He owed you all that much.

Next Chapter>

Tagging: @noeasyisnoisy, @fuckoffthanos, @tpwkcalli, @graciexmarvel, @arctrooper69, @nightmonkeysstuff, @brujaporfavor, @flyingkangaroo, @sunkissedclones, @ladytano420, @keep-calm-and-drink-caf, @yyourmotherr, @xxeiraxx, @dragonrider9905, @starwarsnerd111, @skellymom

#the bad batch #the bad batch season 2 #the bad batch s2 #hunter x reader #hunter x femalejedi!reader #hunter x fem!reader #hunter x female!reader #sergeant hunter x reader #sergeant hunter #hunter tbb #hunter the bad batch #the bad batch hunter x you #hunter x y/n #tbb hunter x reader #the bad batch fanfiction #star wars #angst #fluff #friends to lovers

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monggay · 2 years

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HEYYY back on my mechanisms x hc bullshit this time w my girl geminitay !! :] basically she has the same story as drumbot brian (was a doctor scientist, thrown to space for heresies, got picked up by a vampire, got turned into an immortal robot) full ver + MORE RAMBLINGS under the cut!!

also see: pearl as gunpowder tim, mumbo as nastya-ish, and cleo as ashes o'reilly !

COPPER WIRE HAIR YES and antlers :] i believe the idea came from @octopus-defence-squad? (hope the tag is ok :0) i think i saw them mention it once haha like a month ago oh my god

ANYWAYS gem as brian! relevant content to brian would be i think his character page on the mechs website and his (sorta) origin song (WHICH IS ONE OF MY FAVES IT IS SO GOOD I SWEAR) i picked gem as brian bc doctor/scientist = empires s1 wizard n also bc both are nice but also much capable of much much murder (sometimes ig)

basically gem's mechanism (the thing that makes them immortal) is all of her body except for the heart. brian also has this morality switch installed into him by dr. carmilla (the one who turned them immortal) for funsies w two settings (means justify ends and ends justify means) but i honestly forgot to think abt that, altho i think it would quite fit gem too 🤔 i know brian is the pilot but maybe gem as the quartermaster? i dont know tho idk ship roles at all

#geminitay #geminitay fanart #the mechanisms #ha sort of still i guess #maeart #hermitmechs #was not fully satisfies w this but its good enough i guess :) i rly need to work on my designs n aesthetics need to think abt things more #in a productive way n not just GEM GEM GEM #ppl were so excited w the pearl one its so nice :]#spoilers for the next one i wanna do: mumbo as nastya ;)

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mystycalypso · 17 days

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OKAY LETS TRY THIS AGAIN

Welcome To Ravenbrooks season 2 Theories before it comes out

Disclaimer uh- these are the ramblings of a mad man named Jack (me). Mainly so when it does eventually come out I can see what if anything I got right. Now lets get into it below the fold.

1. It's revealed that Jay Roth (Nicky's dad) is the one who died in Trinity's old house

We know in both the book and games and even the pilot, Nicky was the one living across from Mr. Peterson, but now it's Trinity's home. I think the grief of what happened in that house is why they moved

2. We'll get to see the rest of the Rescue Squad's parents

Pretty self-explanatory. I don't know what story purpose they'd serve exactly, aside from maybe how they react to their kids' shenanigans but it'd be really cool to see them. Especially Luanne Roth who I am currently head canoning to be neglectful in some manner (not necessarily on purpose) because of the lines about Nicky running away all the time and no one noticing he went missing.

3. We see a cultist in uniform

I think it'd be really interesting if specifically Trinity finds them mid ceremony or if bad things start happening to her family and she gets suspicious

4. The kids learn Mr. Peterson isn't "evil"

We know in the books that Theo is looking heavily into the cult, and he seems to be doing the same here. I think in Trinity's realization's she'll learn his real motivations for keeping them away, maybe even his side of the stories from episode 3

5. We learn what Trinity did

We have hints at what happened, obviously, but with the teaser image reusing the old photo of kid Trinity, l think we're going to learn what exactly happened and why it was so bad that they had to move towns

6. More nightmare sequences

From the hello neighbor franchise in general, we've learned that both Trinity and Nicky are prone to nightmares, and with the trauma they've gained from episode 6, I assume we'll get to see plenty other creepy cool nightmare scenes. (Seriously, just the maggots from episode 2 make me squirm physically when I see it. Every time)

7. Principle Abanante isn't dead

This might be clear to some, and yeah, it's far from the greatest stretch on this list but I think we'll see her again and maybe that she caused the school explosion

8. Delroy(and possibly Scout)'s investigations

I'm very curious about what Delroy was doing in the tunnels under the school, maybe doing his own investigations on the cult? Scout included to round out the Hello Neighbor hide and seek crew. Likely having to join forced with the current members of the rescue squad to stop a stronger force.

9. We see Theodore's brother in his "new form"

Not 100% sure if he became the Guest or the Thing, and I've seen good theories/evidence for both, but either way I think we'll get to see him with the knowledge that it's him.

10. We learn why Ivan acted the way he did in s1

He was more scared of just the mention of Peterson than anyone, and it's been bugging me since my first watch. I'd like to see if there's reason to his behavior or just general paranoia. Leaning towards the former, knowing this series.

11. Love triangle between Trinity, Nicky and Enzo

I'd really rather this doesn't happen. I hate love triangles so much. They're so dumb and useless and bad. But like I told kaydin during our third watch, I can feel it happening. It's breathing down my neck with the loud annoying sound of needless romantic tension.

12. The whole squad sits together at lunch

They escaped the basement together! The least they could do as friends is actually eat lunch together instead of Nicky and Trinity sitting seperate from everyone else

13. Nicky and Aaron's relationship is revealed

I'm really, REALLY hopeful that their friendship isn't retconned in the series. It was great motivation for Nicky to be investigating Mr. Peterson, and is also just generally sweet.

14. We see Aaron

Nicky was the basement for a couple of weeks. However, Aaron was in there for months! I'm eager to see how he is both mentally and physically. I feel like he's either gonna be much, much worse than Nicky or somehow way better.

15. Quentin becomes my favorite character

This is mostly on here as a joke. I'm not gonna lie, I know he'll be at least a favorite because he's my favorite Hello Neighbor game character. Like- the squeal I squealed when I saw his van and silly Hawaiian shirt was immense. I love him so much, and I hope he gets good screen time.

16. Nicky loses his bag

This is more just a- gut feeling? He's gained it as a sort of comfort item, it seems, and I feel like with the nature and badluck of Ravenbrooks, he's going to lose it. Bonus points if he has to choose between it or a member of the Rescue Squad

17. Mr. martaugh dies

Again, I have- no evidence for this. Yeah, he's in the teasers a lot, but like that doesn't imply he dies. Maybe I just really hope he dies because he's creepy /j, but yeah, uh- if it happens, I'll probably still be in shock even though it's on this list.

18. We see an on screen kiss

Tricky fans cross your fingers and pray, I know I will be. It'll probably just be a quick peck on the cheek, but I can just kind of feel it in my bones. Similar to the love triangle one.

And there you go! My predictions for Season 2!

As soon as it drops, you will probably see my reaction to it and a return to this list to see how close or far I was on these. (Spoiler tagged, of course) But until then, I will be patiently waiting, drawing, and rewatching the show too many times over (wonder if I can hit 50 watches before season 2 drops)

Cya!

- Jack

#welcome to raven brooks #hello neighbor welcome to raven brooks #hello neighbor nicky #trinity hello neighbor #tricky #trinity bales hello neighbor #enzo esposito #enzo hello neighbor #hello neighbor theories #aaron hello neighbor #hello neighbor aaron #aaron peterson #theodore peterson #mr peterson #maritza esposito hello neighbor #maritza hello neighbor #quentin hello neighbor #predictions #hnas

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maidenvault · 1 month

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Let’s face it, Omega has always kind of been the “Jedi” of the group and her teaching Cross to meditate just reinforces this in a way that amused me to no end. The batch were all kind of assholish when first introduced because they only really cared about looking out for each other (for understandable reasons given their unique experience as “defectives”) and they never had the idealistic example of a Jedi. Omega basically ended up being that for them because she’s just so good. 😭

And this helped changed the dynamic and their priorities back in S1 in a way that had Crosshair reeling like “what the FUCK is happening the way we were was fine” so seeing now that he fits into the squad again especially because of his loyalty to Omega is still just the greatest thing ever.

(It also would just be hilarious if he starts being the really zen guy now. Let’s just imagine that lmao.)

#the bad batch #star wars #crosshair #omega #tbb omega #meta

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thatflatenedfrogontheroad · 8 days

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I made a tier list...

please make your own!! I need to see boomer nations opinions on our man!!!! I know the tiers are actually so vile so change them if you desire :)))

OK so my quick blurb on why they are their!! (working worst to best)

28. Identity Crisis #5 - HE WOULD KILL ME FOR THE FUN OF IT. It did bring about the most random rivalry between Tim drake’s fandom and boomer's which is very funny

27. Black Lantern - Oh no… he's back… like a boomerang. Ate his own son... RIP…. L skill issue

26. Sliver Age - Would actually call me a slur and say that I don't deserve rights. He would hate crime me and then solicit me for sex. He looks like he's wearing a dress… what a pretty lady.

25. Flash TV Show - EWWWWWWWW, he though he ate...

24. DC Online - He looks like he would punch me in face at a NYC bus stop

23. White Lantern - Don't look at me like that… stop. He's back from the dead like a boomerang?? Something about most of the New 52 boomerangs don't hit the same. the bride all in white :’)

22. Young Justice - Gave me the ick. You might be thinking... he looks identical to SS hell to pay, why is he down here?? Great question… HE WAS SO CREEPY TO ONE OF THE GIRLS IN YOUNG JUSTICE….. WHO IS A MINOR!

21. Injustice Movie - Just because your in the background… doesn't save you from this list!!!

20. New 52 - Ok he's kinda hot if you look through your peripherals…Why are you wearing skinny jeans… you millennial

19. Harley Quinn TV Show - He's fine… just fine. “We’ll stack out bingo… Boomer loves an older woman” NO HE MUST LOVE ME! I AM VERY VERY MATURE FOR MY AGE

18. Flash: Sins of the Father - Can you please stop talking in the 3rd person… you are starting to sound crazy.

17. Most Wanted - I know jack shit about him. That's probably because he is barely in a comic issues THATS NAMED AFTER HIM!

16. Flash Point Paradox - His fight scene actually ate. I'm a sucker for Boomer being with the Rogues. If cyborg can take his belt off… so can I

15. Suicide Squad 2021 - Wow they somehow gave him even less lines than his first movie. 1. He doesnt look like boomer. 2. His accent is so bad… and hes AUSTRALIAN 3. His acting low key kinda mid 4. They killed off two of the only OG suicide squad members they had on the cast 5. He dies in the first 20min and in the most disrespectful way

14. Suicide Squad 2016 - The only good thing to come from this man is the fanfiction he brought. THIS FUCKING MOVIE MADE HIM A CANON BRONY WHICH I CAN NOT FORGIVE. GET THIS OUT OF MY SMUT BEFORE FREAK THE FUCK OUT >:( Fuck him and pinky too, you son of a bitch!!!! (its not that serious lol... i just want him to stop fucking a toy horse... please guys)

13. This Goober Alien Guy - I know nothing. He just kinda showed up… and I'm not mad just a little confused. He looks like he needs a hot chocolate and a hug :))))

12. Lego Batman Movie - Low key an icon. What I would do to get my hands on one of these sets… I would come close to killing someone for it

11. DC Lego Super Villains - If he wasn't Lego I would propose (Shane Dawson style) Once again what I would do for the very discontinued Lego set tie in…

10. Batman: Brave and The Bold - Those cheekbones could cut someone. Why are you wear a mini skirt… take it off ;)

9. Suicide Squad (comic) - Yes I know he was drinking and driving but he's not real so it doesn't count!!! The beginning of the Boomer Mobile! THE GAP TOOTH DUDE!

8. Justice League Unlimited S1 - AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Ok the hairline is… bad…. But so is mine twin!! I LOVE THAT THEY GAVE HIM PROPER CLOTHES AND NOT RAGS DUDE

7. Agent of Oz - is this picture is my school profile pic...yes… and??HE'S COVERED IN BLOOD AND IM GIGGLING!!!!!!!!!!!

6. Stjepan Sejic's Boomer - Choke hold and choke me... I want to hear his voice but he can't break his mewing streak…The ungodly things I would let him do to me

5. Dark: Apocalypse War - Constantine! Boomer! GIRLS! GIRLS!! ILL SLEEP WITH BOTH OF YOU!!! I was not expecting him in this movie so I started to freak out when he showed up DUDE. PLEASE LET ME SIT ON IT

4. Suicide Squad: Hell to Pay - I'm a ride he wouldn't survive… I DONT HAVE WORDS TO DECRIBE HOW I FEEL DUDE… I WOULD DO ANYTHING HE ASKED FOR NO JOKE. Dead on the floor

3. Justice League Unlimited S2 - The glow up in REAL... had me on my hands and knees as a 3rd grader… and still on my knees today. I have never wanted someone to fuck me in the back alleyway of a shit bar so bad in my life

2. Batman: Assault on Arkham - The one that started it all… he is the reason I am this way. no lube, no protection, all night, all day, from the kitchen floor to the toilet seat, from the dining table to the bedroom BUT GREG ELLIS IS PUBLIC ENIME NUMDER ONE. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID!!!!

AND THE BEST ONE!!!!!!!! WE ALL SAW IT COMING

1. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League - I AM GNAWING ON THE IRON BARS OF MY ENCLOSURE!!!!!! He has it all, the face, the VOICE, the look, the character!!!!! It is hands down the most consistently good representation of captain boomerang out their… and its canon that's he has a big dick :D I would sell my first born to get one night…

Thank you all for reading this word vom, I am sick in the head <3

if any of the comic issues are off or something please let me know :)

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make your our and tag me!! i need to see them <3<3<3

#captain boomerang #dc villains #digger harkness #george digger harkness #rouges #kill the justice league #captain boomerang x reader

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liesmyth · 25 days

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Any fiction recommendations? I’ve repeatedly read Locked Tomb, natch. I’d love something similarly brainwork inducing but maybe a touch lighter. Also not fantasy or sci fi…I need something to listen to while I do a ton of chores, and those can be hard (for me) because the unfamiliar proper nouns get confusing. :/

anon!! I'm terrible at reccing anything based on “if you liked TLT” because TLT is like five different genres in a trench coat, but I TRIED (⭐) Here are some brainworm-y recs that aren't sff — where by brainworm-y I mean that they stayed with me for a while after I finished them, but aren't overly confusing. (most of them are books, but available on audio)

Podcasts: a tumblr pal recced me the deviser based on me liking the eldritch elements of tlt; it's short and horror-y, and I really enjoyed it.

I haven't checked out the new TMA yet but I see many TLT peeps who are enjoying it (or S1 of the original The Magnus Archives could be a good entry point if you haven't ever listened to it)

TV: Unfortunately I hardly ever watch live action stuff BUT if you haven't seen either IWTV (the series not the film) or Yellowjackets, I do rec those! There's a lot of overlap between these fans and TLT fandom on my dash. His Dark Materials also goes hard and you might enjoy it (dysfunctional characters! worldbuilding! religious weirdness!) but it has more sff elements than other stuff I've recced. Oddball out of nowhere but The Great is a fun show if you enjoy the meme moments of TLT + people being gleefully horrible + having feelings despite your best intentions

Animanga: Utena (!!!!!) also Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood, which occupies a very similar space to TLT in my brain

Books!

✧ I went through my “women unhinged” goodreads shelf and found some books that are avaliable in audio format, and might appeal. These are wildly varied in scope and ngl the criterion was just “at least one person (besides myself) who enjoyed tlt also this book” and the similarities stop there. It's all vibes baby! Still, I tried

my heart is a chainsaw by stephen graham jones (horror, slasher), bunny by mona awad (horror, wildly unhinged), the witching hour by anne rice (horror, gothic)

matrix by lauren groff (historical, lesbian nuns), anything by sarah waters (historical fiction + lesbians), rebecca by daphne du maurier (historical, gothic)

the plot by jean hanff korelitz (litfic, thriller), sadie by courtney summers (thriller, coming of age). anything by gillian flynn (thrillers with terrible women).

✧ I really enjoy Tana French thrillers for the strong sense of place, great prose, and the complete emotional turmoil of her character-centric narratives. If anything sounds up your alley, I enjoyed the witch's elm + dublin murder squad series. They're murder mystery procedural but the messy characters really elevate the novels. Available in audiobook also

✧ American Elsewhere, technically scifi but set in New Mexico. Somehow, cosmic horrors who have taken over a quaint little town and worse! They are enforcing HETERONORMATIVITY upon it! They also have tentacles. The main character rocks

✧ Sundial by Catriona Ward: insane, gripping psychological horror. A mother and her unsettling daughter take a trip to the isolate desert ranch where the main chracter grew up. Surrounded by unsettling science experiments

✧ A Touch of Jen by Beth Morgan: when the parasocial relationship is so strong, it accidentally summons a hellmonster from another dimension

✧ SFF adjacent, sorry, but set in the real world (historical, tho) — Cuckoo Song by Frances Hardinge, a middle grade novel with fairytale elements that gave me more brainworms than any kids book ought to, mostly because I LOVED the main character. She occupies a very similar place in my brain as Gideon does. This is actually the only book on the list that I'm not sure is available in audio format, but if you get a chance and it's up your alley, I'd check it out

I hope there's at least ONE thing you'll like in here! lmk (also. lmk if you don't have access to a way to borrow audiobooks but would like to)

#anonymous #ask

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