octoberwren

[octoberwren]

i will be a juvia defender until the day i die.

i really do welcome anyone to dm me or send me an ask and i'll talk about this more - because i really think anti-juvias completely misunderstand both her and gray's characters, and the context of the show they're in.

juvia is a character who has been excluded her entire life, her magic made her abandoned by and outcasted from her peers and former romantic partners. then she meets gray, the only person in her whole life who has stopped the rain (and when he leaves her the rain comes back), and she falls in love with him and the rest of fairy tail, where she finds people who accept her wholeheartedly. i think it's beautiful that she's able to stay resilient and wear her heart on her sleeve after everything she'd been through.

gray is a character who doesn't believe he deserves love, he has such a deep self-loathing he can't imagine a world where he's worthy of happiness after 'everything he's done', and juvia is someone who loves him unconditionally, who never turns away from him, despite everything he's done to her. part of his development over the main series and 100yr quest is him realising that about himself. they heal each other.

the biggest complain that anti-gruvias have is that she's a 'sexual predator' and a 'stalker'. @ermbehindyou made the excellent point that if she's a sexual predator by that logic so is gray - his constant stripping (even infront of minors!) would be enough to get him on a list in pretty much every country in the world. but that is naturally ridiculous.

(mentioned multiple times in this scene that he is fully nude - not just in his underwear and wendy is on the boat the entire time).

fairy tail is a show that plays on sexual gags constantly, which i do take a real issue with. but that's the show, that's the humour and standards set from the beginning of the main series, and like most of the characterisation of the show, it has become insanely exaggerated as the series progressed. having said that, i think it's misogynistic to single out juvia's actions and ignore the actions of every other character. and i mean that.

call me a crazy feminist all you want but i think many of you are seeing a confident, unashamed female character with overt sexual desires and it repulses you, because it doesn't conform to society's standards of femininity. this was definitely not mashima's intentions when writing her - but his interpretations of her aren't relevant to this debate anyway are they?

i'll end this by saying juvia and gray truly match each other's freak when the humour allows it; but who show true and serious displays of selfless love for one another when it matters, and it's beautiful.

[octoberwren]

Some new kind of scam? It’s giving scam but I also don’t really understand how it’s a scam?? but it’s 100% a scam yeah?

[octoberwren]

The interactive cat.

[octoberwren]

“People are inherently terrible” no!!! Have you ever seen a child wait for their friend while they tie their shoelaces? Have you ever known someone who would bring hurt squirrels and rabbits and mice to the nearest vet just so it doesn’t suffer? Have you seen someone grieve? Have you ever read something that hit your heart like a freight train? Have you looked at the stars and felt an unexplainable joy? Have you ever baked bread? Have you shared a meal with a friend? Have you not seen it? All the love? All the good? I know it’s hard to see sometimes, I know there’s pain everywhere. But look, there’s a child helping another up after a hard fall. Look, there’s someone giving their umbrella to a stranger. Look, there’s someone admiring the spring flowers. Look, there’s good, there’s good, there’s good. Look!!!!

[octoberwren]

Well now i feel icky for reblogging thier posts before. Blocked. Disappointing.

just so yall know @livelovecaliforniadreams is a raging maga fuck :)

[octoberwren]

Yep. Well said.

JJ and PTSD and why 4.10 was a slap in the face

Okay. so. Here's my issue.

(there will be a ton of cursing because I'm fucking pissed.)

JJ's ENTIRE FUCKING ARC has been him feeling like he's worthless, like he's somehow inherently evil, that he "deserves" the things that happen to him, that everything's all his fault. That he should be killed saving his friends because that's all he's fucking good for.

And that? That's not a JJ-exclusive thought pattern. That's what happens to your brain when you're a CHILD and a fucking grown ass man instills that in your head. Whether physical and verbal abuse like they showed in canon, or childhood sexual abuse like what's happened to me and many, many others. An adult shows you that you're not worth shit compared to them, and since you, again, are a child, you fucking believe them. Adults teach you about the world, and kids are good fucking listeners.

So you grow up knowing down to your guts that you don't belong on this earth, you don't own your body, you don't deserve the space you take up. Any of y'all confused by JJ's bullshit?? Well there you go. That's the very basic assumption he's working off of: he's dead, been dead for years, so what the fuck's it matter what he does? It doesn't.

(I don't know how to express that screaming lack of existence to those with an inherent understanding of their own worth and right to living but the closest I can get is this. You look at yourself and understand that no matter what actions you take, you are wrong on a soul-deep level and there's nothing you can do about it.)

Here's the thing. It's all bullshit. And it takes so much fucking effort to believe that, and some days you don't but you trust that you will tomorrow or the next day or the next. That's called healing. That's called living.

Because the only way past this is time and support and fucking proving with every breath that no. Fuck you. I deserve to be here. I deserve to get old. To cry. To weep. To fucking dance on a dock because you finally made a home. That you deserve to LIVE.

And S4E10 just declared no; you don't. JJ was too damaged to give him any other ending. Even Kie couldn't fix him. The best he could hope for was dying in the dirt with someone he loved. Oh look he gave up the crown! He was happy in the end! He had his wish! He loved her!!

Yeah well sorry to bust the 'isn't it all so tragic' circle jerk, but no. It's not fucking poetic. Or beautiful. Or God-fucking-forbid romantic. It's shit.

Because JJ Maybank was never real, but they chose to highlight the very much real pain I and others struggle with using his story. And then they told me that struggle ends with death...because how else could it end?

Just because y'all can't imagine living his life and going on, and going on, and going on, and not fucking killing yourself doesn't mean the rest of us aren't looking down that path every day and deciding to break those lies in one moment of existence after another.

The showrunners missed that.

If they wanted to finish JJ's arc? It wasn't saving Kie, or finally having some 'realization', or sacrificing himself for his friends. It wasn't some short but meaningful life.

JJ needed to fucking live to prove that he deserved it. End of story.

Thanks for the slap.

[octoberwren]

You took the words out of my mouth. Better representation. Exactly that.

My own theory is that the writers probably have never had to deal with extreme abuse or trauma so they write up these traumatized characters but then have no actual idea in how that character survivers all the trauma they gave him/her. They have no idea what actual survivors look like or how they behave. They think that strength and resilience is just surviving the actual act of what traumatized them. And being 'fine" but it's more than that, its how we get up everyday and take care of ourselves and not only survive but eventually thrive in the world we created to make safe for ourselves. But no instead of maybe exploring the strength it takes to look after yourself and to create a better life for yourself, on a day to day basis, they get stuck in the broody character archetype and leave it at that. It's disappointing, disrespectful and makes me so mad. Like do some research? Talk to survivors of trauma? They have the means and the internet is right there???

So I hyperfixate on shows, I always have. I love storytelling. I'll be obsessed with a book/show/movie for a time and for whatever reason that fades. It fades rapidly if i don't care for the writing or the way its heading. I enjoy storytelling that grabs me and I'm a romantic at heart so typically I like shows with romantic relationships and friendships as the overall theme. (Fairy Tail being one of them)

Outerbanks was one of those obsession of mine, i got into it last year but to be honest that hyperfixation faded when season 4 was gearing up for one reason or another. And to be honest I'm glad it did. I've had writers fuck with the show i loved before, I've had to watch characters that deserved better than death as their "salvation" die for "stroyteling purposes" when honestly it was due to bad writing. Ben Solo comes to mind (Don't get me started) I've already lived a life filled with death, grief and trauma. I don't need that in my media. Death is not the redeemable action they think it is. Life is worth living, wanting peace and happiness with those you love, forming new bonds, growing and changing and loving yourself and those around you is the fucking goal and the fucking point. It's what makes life worth living and celebrating. i can not say this enough.

So to turn around and spit on that character for the sake of bad writing is fucking bizarre man. (I know about the drama, i also dont want to talk about that. The actors personal life is none of my business.) If for some reason the actor playing JJ Maybank couldn't continue playing that character anymore? Cool, unfortunate but like i said, none of my business. It was on the writers to create a better send off for him, than to blatantly disrespect the character like that. I'm not saying you can't explore grief, I'm not saying you can't write a gripping story about that. You can. But nowhere in my silly little comfort surfer show did I expect for them to kill one of the main characters off. Their parents? Sure. The sides characters? Yeah. But not them. You don't set up 4 seasons of them escaping frankly unbeatable odds, asking the viewers to turn off their critical thinking skills as the pogues defied the realms of relaity when it came to death, to turn around and have one of the fan favorites die. You just weren't clever enough to write a better conclusion. And luckily my hyperfixation did die or I'd be more pissed than this.

I may make a more in depth YouTube video on this subject as a whole because honestly i can talk about writers killing off depressed and abused characters as a self scarifice "move" for hours.

I have depression, PTSD, and so on. i have gone through unspeakable parental abuse, i have attempted suicide. i have survived by gritting my teeth and making fucking sure my mental health is taken care of. I have dug myself out of the abyss time and time again. I am a survivor. A final girl thank you very much. Do not tell me that the woman i used to be deserved a tragic end. She did not. It makes me so fucking mad seeing posts of fans that found comfort in this show, that related to JJ as someone free and filled with hope and loyalty despite his horrible childhood get death as his ending. It makes me livid that, that is what the writers chose as his legacy of thier own godamn show. Pain at the end of it all? And for what? Put him in a coma (to stick with your soap opera of a show that you set up) take him somewhere where he can't get back yet but still maintain the narrative that you made. I don't know be creative??? Thats your job??? Not the same old fucking dying trope that you knew would piss off your fans.

Listen, to the fans that are struggling with it. It's bad storytelling. It's bad writing. You'll find another story to relate to. Another character to find joy and draw strength and inspiration from. (And hopefully they'll take the care needed to tell such complex stories and themes)

If you have survived awful things, if you relate to him in one way or another, that is not your legacy. That will not be your story. You will find peace, and friendships and love. Don't let bad writers make you feel like your destiny is pain. It's not. It never was. You matter just for existing.

Anyway, I'm done ranting now. Be safe and take care of yourself.

[octoberwren]

So I hyperfixate on shows, I always have. I love storytelling. I'll be obsessed with a book/show/movie for a time and for whatever reason that fades. It fades rapidly if i don't care for the writing or the way its heading. I enjoy storytelling that grabs me and I'm a romantic at heart so typically I like shows with romantic relationships and friendships as the overall theme. (Fairy Tail being one of them)

Outerbanks was one of those obsession of mine, i got into it last year but to be honest that hyperfixation faded when season 4 was gearing up for one reason or another. And to be honest I'm glad it did. I've had writers fuck with the show i loved before, I've had to watch characters that deserved better than death as their "salvation" die for "stroyteling purposes" when honestly it was due to bad writing. Ben Solo comes to mind (Don't get me started) I've already lived a life filled with death, grief and trauma. I don't need that in my media. Death is not the redeemable action they think it is. Life is worth living, wanting peace and happiness with those you love, forming new bonds, growing and changing and loving yourself and those around you is the fucking goal and the fucking point. It's what makes life worth living and celebrating. i can not say this enough.

So to turn around and spit on that character for the sake of bad writing is fucking bizarre man. (I know about the drama, i also dont want to talk about that. The actors personal life is none of my business.) If for some reason the actor playing JJ Maybank couldn't continue playing that character anymore? Cool, unfortunate but like i said, none of my business. It was on the writers to create a better send off for him, than to blatantly disrespect the character like that. I'm not saying you can't explore grief, I'm not saying you can't write a gripping story about that. You can. But nowhere in my silly little comfort surfer show did I expect for them to kill one of the main characters off. Their parents? Sure. The sides characters? Yeah. But not them. You don't set up 4 seasons of them escaping frankly unbeatable odds, asking the viewers to turn off their critical thinking skills as the pogues defied the realms of relaity when it came to death, to turn around and have one of the fan favorites die. You just weren't clever enough to write a better conclusion. And luckily my hyperfixation did die or I'd be more pissed than this.

I may make a more in depth YouTube video on this subject as a whole because honestly i can talk about writers killing off depressed and abused characters as a self scarifice "move" for hours.

I have depression, PTSD, and so on. i have gone through unspeakable parental abuse, i have attempted suicide. i have survived by gritting my teeth and making fucking sure my mental health is taken care of. I have dug myself out of the abyss time and time again. I am a survivor. A final girl thank you very much. Do not tell me that the woman i used to be deserved a tragic end. She did not. It makes me so fucking mad seeing posts of fans that found comfort in this show, that related to JJ as someone free and filled with hope and loyalty despite his horrible childhood get death as his ending. It makes me livid that, that is what the writers chose as his legacy of thier own godamn show. Pain at the end of it all? And for what? Put him in a coma (to stick with your soap opera of a show that you set up) take him somewhere where he can't get back yet but still maintain the narrative that you made. I don't know be creative??? Thats your job??? Not the same old fucking dying trope that you knew would piss off your fans.

Listen, to the fans that are struggling with it. It's bad storytelling. It's bad writing. You'll find another story to relate to. Another character to find joy and draw strength and inspiration from. (And hopefully they'll take the care needed to tell such complex stories and themes)

If you have survived awful things, if you relate to him in one way or another, that is not your legacy. That will not be your story. You will find peace, and friendships and love. Don't let bad writers make you feel like your destiny is pain. It's not. It never was. You matter just for existing.

Anyway, I'm done ranting now. Be safe and take care of yourself.

[octoberwren]

[octoberwren]

“Don't imagine it!”

[octoberwren]

Things that have [probably] happened at a Team Sleepover

so many games. so many.

they cant play monopoly unsupervised until they learn how to be grownups

“fuck communism, im gonna take everything youre worth and then some”

“if someone doesnt bail me out right fucking now consider yourselves on my hit list”

“how the FUCK ARE YOU SO RICH??” “idk what to tell you, i just decided not to be poor” “can we jump someone in this game?” “now hOLD ON—”

charades is also banned because of the screaming matches

They love two truths and a lie tho, they will pull out the most absurd things abt themselves. usually the most mundane one is the lie

“okok, ive been arrested exactly one time, im wanted dead or alive in two countries, and i was the primary suspect in two armed robbery cases.” “okay, first of all—“ “what the fuck” “please tell me we’re playing two lies and one truth”

also uno!

Natsu: Please, Lucy, after everything we’ve been through together. You can’t do this. 
Lucy: I’m sorry Natsu. 
Natsu: I’m begging you. Don’t do it. 
Lucy: It has to be done. 
Natsu: 
Lucy: 
Natsu: 
Lucy: *Places +4* Uno.

Reading wikihow pages in suspenseful tones is a staple activity

it takes them hours to figure out where and what to eat

every time any of them pass the thermostat they have to mess with it

Usually they take place at either Lucy or Grays apartments, and they cause numerous noise complaints

Gray likes to leave like its a one night stand if its not at his place, no note, just up and leaves before anyone wakes up

they went to Natsus once, but they ended up walking to Grays bc they wouldnt stop critiquing everything

something always ends up being broken, be it a door, a vase, a cup, or a window, there will be something

alcohol was supposed to be banned at these sleepovers but somehow it always makes an appearance

Gray, drinking wine while getting a manicure from Lucy: I don’t know, they just don’t seem interested...

Lucy: Did you try talking to them?

Gray:

Gray: Try what?

There’s probably been a couple visits from police bc a neighbor though a domestic dispute was happening, this is the real reason charades was banned

Late night talks but they always end up with someone having an existential crisis

[octoberwren]

"The two of you are flirting around as always."

[octoberwren]

🩵🖤

[octoberwren]

GRUVIA DAY 2024! A tad early depending where you are, but let's goooo!

[octoberwren]

Fairy Tail couples by 序川_

[octoberwren]

My Gruvia Twitter arts from June 24-Sept-24

[octoberwren]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE HOW THEY ROMANTICISED

THIS SCENE.