#(as well as the fact that he was breaking his daughter out of prison)

[dirty-bear-rick-sanchez]

So… remember all the way back in The Wedding Squanchers when Rick assumed that the wedding invitation was an invite to Birdperson’s ‘annual Oscars party’?

And then in Juricksic Mort Rick was desperate to host the Oscars and refused to take Curtis as a plus one?

And notice the way Rick deliberately looks at Birdperson when he says ‘makes sense he recognises me, we both hosted the Oscars. It’s a pretty exclusive club’?

Now I’m not saying that Rick manipulated the President into getting him the Oscar host gig in hopes of impressing Birdperson… but that’s totally what I’m saying.

[warblogs17282]

A quick breakdown on how Blitz has made IMP's + Stolas' lives better.

Millie:

To start, Blitz shatters the stereotypes and such Millie grew up surrounded by and believing, more specifically, the stereotypes of that Wrathians are only good for muscle and that all she could be is a simple farm girl or an underpaid goon. Blitz shatters these by quickly calling out those stereotypes as 'bullshit', and proceeds to list off Millie's good qualities, which are much more then just muscle. And well, we definitely see the qualities Blitz said Millie had in her all the time. "You're tougher, smarter, and frankly more capable than anyone I've ever met in any ring."

Plus, the line where Millie said that Blitz made her feel like she could be anything as well, because she believed that Blitz could be anything. Blitz made Millie believe that she could be more than a simple farm girl, more than an underpaid goon.

"He gave me so much…A career, a husband, a future. And now…He's my best friend."

Moxxie:

The classic scene where Blitz just talks a mile a minute, never gets old. But seriously, the first thing of note is just how Blitz is instantly able to point out a good quality in Moxxie, that being, the fact that Moxxie is really good with guns. Just look at Moxxie while Blitz is talking about things like his daughter and his plan on how to get out of the prison. Blitz is able to very quickly uplift Moxxie by just being his mile a minute self, and that is a quality I love in Blitz.

Plus, alongside breaking Moxxie out of prison, he also got him a life away from Crimson, his abusive father. Away from the mob life he was forced into, even as a young child.

Plus, I feel like we can also apply Millie's line of "He gave me so much…A career, a husband, a future. And now…He's my best friend." to Moxxie. A career, a wife, a future outside of Crimson and the mob family. I imagine the best friend part holds true as well.

Loona:

You all remember why Blitz adopted Loona, right? It's because Blitz saw so much of himself in Loona. Blitz felt the need to prevent Loona from going through similar things that he did, to break the cycle of abuse, to give Loona a caring and loving father that Blitz never had. All of this being a month before she grew out of the adoption system.

And Blitz's love and care for Loona is quite obvious, which Loona herself admits to in s2 e2.

"That doesn't mean they don't care." and "He may not always get it right, but he's trying."

This is the most obvious example of Blitz loving and caring for Loona, that Loona recognizes that Blitz loves and cares for her greatly, despite Blitz being flawed and imperfect (cause let's be real, no one is perfect or not flawed at all).

Stolas:

As well as giving Stolas some of the best days he's ever had in his life, Blitz also gave Stolas the ability to stand up to Stella, the person who abused Stolas for all of those years. To allow Stolas to have his own autonomy, to be his own person, instead of feeling like he has to follow along with whatever Stella and/or the Goetia family wants him to do. He also gave Stolas the courage to get the divorce, which in turn, massively helps to take away the power Stella had over Stolas for all of those years.

[szasfuckingwife]

WHEN I LOOK IN YOUR EYES, I FEEL ALIVE

EX CONVICT!TOJI X MOM!READER

WARNINGS: angst, fluff, Toji has gone to prison, Toji fushiguro is a family man and wants his family back !!

SYNOPSIS: Toji being incarcerated fucked you and your daughter up badly, and when he’s released, you want nothing more than to hold him again.

A/N: i was listening to Blue by Beyoncé while writing this and she made that song for her daughter and I just felt the need to sob for some reason🥲 but yeah prisonbf! Toji missing his gf and kid fucks me up.

When Toji went to prison, you knew it was the end of your relationship. You warned him so many times that this would happened, even before you gave birth to your daughter. And, knowing Toji, there was no convincing him.

The court trial was the worst memory that comes to mind when talking about Toji. When the judge declared he was guilty, it wasn’t a shock to anyone, even Toji.

But it didn’t help that you were there, holding your two year old as police men took him away. Not once, during the whole ordeal, did Toji look back at you two, deciding it was too much to see his girlfriend and daughter who he loved so much get taken away from him. He’d probably break down right there if he looked back.

You cried so much that day, especially when getting told that he’d be facing five years. Even when your lawyer ensured that Toji would face a lot less if he behaves well in prison, it all went in one ear and out the other.

It had been a difficult two years, he’s missed out on so much. Such as, his daughter’s third and fourth birthday, you having a new job and the fact that you and that guys relationship was more serious than he thought.

He remembers when you told him about it. It was bittersweet due to the fact that you brought your daughter so Toji could see her. “Daddy!” She exclaimed, excited to see her dad even though it’s behind a poorly cleaned window. She was too excited to even speak through the telephone.

But Toji already knew. Toji knew his daughter loved him. He talked to her about school and smiled as his four year old talked about whatever she’d been doing for the past week. Except, she mentioned that her, mommy and ‘that man’ went to the park.

When his daughter said that, Toji looked at you only to see you looking away, embarrassingly. Despite his annoyance, the raven haired man kept smiling at your daughter, even more attentive than he was before.

You took the phone once your daughter was finished, “He’s just a friend from work.”

“Why don’t I know about this guy?” Toji asked whilst keeping his hand pressed up against the glass so his daughter could press her hand up too.

“Because it’s not that serious to be talking about.” You sigh. And you were right, it was a couple of dates and drinks but he didn’t make you feel things that Toji had made you feel. “Don’t do this, Toji, not here. Not in front of her.” Your daughter looks up at you, her hand still separated from her fathers due to the glass.

He scoffed, “Does he sleep over? You fuckin him now, is that it? In my bed, huh?”

You stayed silent, not wanting your daughter to hear you lash out. Toji grew even more annoyed at that, “You know that’s gonna upset her, right? She’s gonna think you’re replacing her dad. That shit isn’t fair, Y/N. You know I’m gonna be released soon.”

“And that’s supposed to make me roll out the red carpet for you? And forget that this shit ever happened?” You scoff. Toji opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again choosing to let you talk. “I’ve missed you so much. She misses you so much. Do you know how hard it has been to raise a child on my own? And for you to give me shit if I wanted to move on? Fuck you, Toji.”

His questions not only angered you, but upset you. You had every right to allow yourself to move on after him being locked up for two years. The fact that he’d even attempt to make you feel bad about that was absurd.

Toji watched silently as you held back tears, put the telephone in its holder and walked away with your daughter.

That was the last conversation he had with you for a year. Toji would’ve slapped his past self for even talking to you like that because he misses you now more than ever.

There were so many times where he’s called you, longing to hear your sweet voice. Even if it’s you saying that he’s a dick and you never wanted to hear from him again.

But that wish was never granted.

‘Hey, it’s me again. It’s nearly peanuts fourth birthday..’ He smiles remembering the nickname you gave your daughter. ‘I was just wondering if maybe you could come around? Or maybe give me a call, just so I can wish her a happy birthday. I miss you more and more each day. Both of you. I love you.’

The voicemail meant nothing to you. It should’ve meant nothing to you. But hearing him say your daughter’s nickname sent tears down your face.

He truly misses his little family.

You can only imagine his excitement when he was released. He called an uber straight to your home, his home. He had nothing but a bag of his possessions and $20 but once he’d see you again, he’d be more than satisfied.

It was a Saturday morning. You cooked your daughter some scrambled eggs for breakfast, reminding you of her dad who ate eggs almost everyday. Toji was set to be released any time now, and that loomed over your head like a plague.

Suddenly, you hear three loud knocks coming from your door. It startled you, and your daughter who nearly dropped her orange juice. It was probably one of your friends who forgot their bag here, you thought.

But once you opened the door, you were met with an unwanted surprise.

Toji stood, smiling down at you, dressed in a casual hoodie and joggers. He was definitely more buff due to all the muscle gain he earned through prison. It was strange seeing him again. Not behind a glass but in front of you. Not in his orange jumpsuit but in normal clothes.

You wanted to touch him, see if he was real.

“Hey..” He said. Oh, how badly he wanted to kiss you right then and there. Seeing you again after a year was the best thing that has ever happened to him.

When your daughter saw him, stood at the door, her mouth fell open. “You remember me, sweetheart?” Toji crouched down to her height with open arms as she ran towards him.

He almost cried as his little girl sobbed into his shoulder, she wasn’t as little as she was when he last saw her. He realised how much time has passed. And how much he’s missed the both of you.

“Daddy, don’t l-leave again…”, the four year old croaked out, her nose stuffy and eyes watery. Toji rubbed her back, encouraging her to let her feelings out.

Toji almost jumped when he felt an extra pair of hands join in the hug. However, when he looked up and saw you, he was reminded that everything he ever did and everything he’d ever do would be for the two of you. He pulled you into the hug and held you both, kissing both of your foreheads.

All resentment you felt towards him went away the second you saw him. The three of you caught up, well, it was more of you and your daughter catching him up. The most Toji could do was mention all the times he’s intimidated people at prison, even those serving longer sentences than him. However, Toji was still glad to know you ended things with that guy you were with.

He helped you cook dinner, not forgetting to kiss your cheek every step of the way. The meal truly being made with love. He missed the domesticity of his life. Even when he was going through all his trial stuff, he remembers you, his baby daughter and him all cozied up on the couch, eating spaghetti or something.

And now he had that opportunity again. He enjoyed seeing you remind your daughter to not play with her food and how she asked for ice cream once she was done.

Once the day was over, Toji sat on his bed, his back still not truly recovered from sleeping in a dingy prison bed. It also helped that you were there. You removed his clothes, peppering him with kisses as you did so. He snuggled up to your warm body and just listened to your steady breathing.

“I fucking love you.” He whispers and you hum in response. He knows you and how it’ll take some time before you can utter those words again. If it takes him the rest of his life to make things up to you, he’ll do that.

But that’s fine. As long as he’s with you.

[weepingtalecowboy]

Fanfic prompt :Everyone always makes the joke that Wild and Hyrule are the most likely to get kidnapped

But in their literal game mechanics and the lore of the games

Hyrule must run from anyone and trust nobody or someone could hand him over to ganon he definitely is really skittish about trusting anyone but when he sees someone help him he does trust them a bit more (he knows the concept of stranger danger and had to become a master at it or else it was game over)

Wild literally just has to throw a banana and you can almost always tell it is a Yiga even before you even pull out said banana (it is part of the game mechanics after all)

But you know who is the one who actually canonically is the most likely to get kidnapped and not notice it at any point during the entire process

Wind who has jumped on the boat of sketchy old man and pirates during both his adventures

Like he was extremely lucky that nothing ever happened to him

And he probably doesn’t know the concept of stranger danger because nobody on the island is a stranger or dangerous to him how would he even figure out if nobody is telling him about it or showing it

Like the first thing he does when the game starts is run up to a random girl who has fallen from a tree then she turns out to be a pirate and even if she has told him the truth about the kidnapped girls

You don’t jump on the boat of a pirate no matter how nice they seem (for all we know she could have orchestrated this situation to kidnap him and it is pure luck that she was just nice like that )

Essentially because later during the failed heist he gets throw across the sea he literally just wakes up on a different boat with no record of how he got there and instead of alerting anyone (because Wind fell island has a prison so he could have told the guards that a random guy had him on the boat and all that) he breaks fucking tingle out of the cell just to buy a sail for the weird talking boat and then continue on with just the two of them together (like I get desperately trying to save his sister but telling a guard or two that your sister got kidnapped and that you are saving her to make sure that at least a few people will know where you are like grandma definitely doesn’t know that you no longer are with the pirates)

And even more unhinged is the fact that tetra is not a good person at all she has interrogated a guy who wouldn’t sell her bombs which should have tipped Wind of as a red flag she has scammed a rich man out so much that he lives as a beggar with his daughter (also a thing that makes it more vague than ever to know what she would have done to his grandmother like a promise telling him she would bring his sister back safely is very dubious)

Also he canonically has repeatedly went to tingle's tower and asked him to translate the triforce charts (like that is tingle and nothing more has to be said)

Like Wind has the most luck known to mankind

It also somehow gets even worse because during phantom hourglass he and tetra are on the boat (which understandable because she proved that she is someone you can trust and a good friend)

And after waking up on a random beach the first thing you do is go into an old guy’s storage unit to get his sword (and somehow again not get mugged , kidnapped or trafficked because you never go somewhere alone when a single person is aware of it with no weapon especially when someone told you to go there )

Then he went with a different shady guy he just saved at the temple who genuinely looked like a problem in the making (and it was a problem in the making like I love linebeck he is a father figure for wind but also he did have the problem with his ex who wanted to kill him and he looked really shady and you would not have been able to escape if he did kidnap you because you are on the sea )

Like obviously Wind hasn’t learned his Lesson at any point in time because every time it went well

But with Yiga nothing goes well with them

He would probably hold hands with them as well and any other kidnapper would have a very easy catch

He probably joined the chain in less then a second without any form of self awareness (like everyone definitely was nervous with each other but not Wind he heard they said everyone else can sleep while another takes watch and planted his face on a pillow and was just out like that while everyone else was uneasy and didn’t sleep well or also took watch to make sure they won’t be killed in their sleep)

The chain really has to teach him that lesson (for the sake of like literally everything he has ever done because that luck will run out at some point)

Like Warriors definitely is seeing Wind go with literally everyone and not understanding why like that looks like a trauma response (it is just wind with over 12 years never learning about stranger danger and a big misunderstanding but also not really wrong )

[evita-shelby]

Promise?

For @novashelby

Tommy & adopted!daughter!reader

Gif by @ssa-kitsune1310

Even though you know you aren’t a real Shelby, it is always awful to be reminded of that fact.

No one dared to do it in front of your family, but there was always someone wishing to hurt you like that the moment they got a chance.

Many had heard the story of how Tommy found you half-starved in the street as a toddler cradling your dead mama before he left for the war and brought you home as his daughter. Most assumed he was your father in truth as it was known how often he frequented ladies of the night after Greta’s death.

But he wasn’t, you were some orphan little girl whose mother got kicked out of her home and died of exposure in a street corner begging for scraps. He loved you and named you Shelby and his family was your family since that night he found you.

You were raised a Shelby, you kept their traditions, you went to church with Polly and learned Rromani just as Finn did and now you would have a mother and a baby brother.

Your family didn’t like Grace, for what she did to Ada and for the betrayal that killed Danny Whizz-Bang that December. But she seemed nice enough, loved your father even if he didn’t seem as in love with her as he had been before she left.

Her family didn’t like you.

They called you the little bastard girl, the street urchin who should be sent away so you can’t steal Charlie’s inheritance or cause a rift in her marriage because stepmothers are replaceable, and children are not.

“They always send us away; he won’t love you anymore because you aren’t his real baby.” One of Grace’s cousins whispers to you as you eat sweets in your room away from everyone. “Daddy sent me to school because my stepmother told him too and now, he only loves her and the stupid baby because he’s the Boy. If Charlie wasn’t his baby too, she wouldn’t be able to do anything.”

You do not sleep a wink that night or those after because while Grace likes you now, you know too well what she’s capable of. Freddie would still be alive if she hadn’t called the coppers on him when Karl was born. The beatings and torture in prison gave him weak lungs after and the influenza finished the job.

It’s been some time after the wedding when you finally get the courage to ask your dad about it. He’s troubled, things with Grace aren’t what they pretend they are.

He doesn’t trust her, can’t have a real marriage or even love if there isn’t any trust, you heard Johnny Dogs’ wives say to each other while you played with their girls earlier and they whispered about them in their gossip.

And it was true, he never invites her to meetings and never confides in her like he promised when they argued yesterday about it. Your dad had raised his voice and told him he wasn’t changing his mind about something, and you knew what it was he meant even if you only heard those words.

“Daddy, are you going to send me away?” you put on your bravest face as you ask him in his office. You sit on his lap even now that you are older as you have always done even after Grace came into his life.

“No, sweetheart, whatever gave you the idea I would ever do that?” He asks concerned about it all.

“One of the girls at the party told me that when her daddy got married and had a baby with her stepmom, the stepmom sent her to a bad school, so the Boy doesn’t have any competition.” You tell him everything that troubles you and don’t even hide what you heard him say yesterday. “She said Grace would do it too because that’s what all stepmothers do in her family.”

“Y/N, no one is sending you away. I would never allow that to happen.” He smoothed your hair and quieted your fears, and yet you need more than just those words.

“Do you promise?”

“I promise, as long as we live, you will be my daughter and I will never send you away even if the King himself ordered me to.” He offers his palm, spits on it like he does with promises he will never break and you do the same as you agree.

You never leave his side, you grow up as a Shelby would and when Charlie leaves with Lizzie after Ruby’s death, you stay with him to the bitter end.

[asharaks]

solas & the evanuris, part two

By the ‘present day’ of Inquisition, opinions on fen’harel vary widely from clan to clan. to some clans he is a frightening figure and to others a more neutral one; however, he is not considered evil per se, rather unpredictable and insidious and frightening — who does his advice benefit? how do you tell whether his advice will save you, or doom you to save something greater? 

he’s running damage control when red lyrium breaks containment in da2 and precipitates the plot of dai; it causes the prison in which he keeps his peers to fracture, which leads him to formulate and carry through his plan; he’s willing to accept the countless deaths it will cause to reverse what he’s done, but from the beginning this is a great tragedy to him. 

there are plenty of opportunities to speak with him about the gods; depending on when you do so and your relationship with him, his attitude towards them (in particular mythal and elgar’nan, god of vengeance and retribution) varies from bitter and resentful (particularly in the early game) to almost wistful (towards the end, as he grows closer to the point at which he believes he will see them and the suffering he’s caused them again). he also remains fairly nasty in speaking about modern elves, but with a visible current of guilt and shame about what he feels he has reduced them to. as lavellan in particular, speaking more positively about the rest of the evanuris than about fen’harel will provoke frustration and even anger in him, and the more you anger him, the more transparent he becomes. 

the inquisitor can still make the choice to drink from the well of sorrows, which binds a piece of mythal to you as her protector; as lavellan, solas takes this worse the closer your relationship (romantic or otherwise) because he fears seeing you become him and repeat his mistakes, remembering his legacy as mythal’s right hand. his response to this fear is to become hostile and antagonistic, berating you for the choice rather than explain himself, which covers his real fear for you as well as the emotions brought up by seeing what he believes to be the worst of himself play out in you. (if your relationship is worse, he is noticeably more vigilant around you and quicker to question your choices than he previously was) however, any inquisitor other than lavellan who chooses to drink from the well sacrifices all relationship with him as he can’t countenance mythal’s essence going to one who isn’t elven; dialogue here varies depending on previous relationship.

for this part, we (briefly)(not that briefly) return to origins, and flemeth & morrigan. as previously stated, mythal’s spirit has been carried by elven mages, specifically: the spirit of her people, nurturing and protecting her as she did for them. elves in dire need, elves in times of heightened emotion: how she came to possess the elven mage flemeth isn’t known, and accounts vary, but the facts remain: the witch of the wilds is an elf, indisputably, and so are her children. she remains ancient, and odd, far older than she has any right to be, and continues her isolated life in the korcari wilds as presented. morrigan, her elven daughter, reared in the wilds and cut off from society at large, retains her contempt for others she views as weak. throughout origins, she continues to make remarks about circle mages, about city elves, her opinions on the dalish being mixed: she both respects and admires them, and holds them in pity and contempt, believing her education from flemeth is worth more than their own culture. her upbringing, combined with her status as a powerful witch, has left her feeling disconnected from the elven people, a mage before she is anything else, flemeth’s daughter before anything else: her time with the warden gives her more worldly experience, and a new perspective, but she doesn’t lose those sharp edges.

we meet her in inquisition, playing a similar role to the vanilla game: as an elf, she doesn’t hold a prestigious position, but is rather regarded similarly to briala, as an amusement celene keeps out of eccentricity. she simultaneously resents and disdains this attitude, and various comments throughout the winter palace suggest that many of the Game’s more competent players are well aware of how dangerous celene’s magical advisor is, in much the same way as they talk about briala. briala and morrigan are shown to have a complicated relationship, with briala standing for the elves morrigan considers herself separate from, and morrigan placing her emphasis on esoteric magical studies, giving herself a reputation as a less-than reliable political ally. her relationship with an elven inquisitor is likewise strained, with her attitude to the dalish becoming more pronounced, as she becomes defensive when called on it: she and solas are to be found in tense discussion around skyhold more than once. kieran, if present, is also elven.

SO: we come to the well of sorrows. morrigan immediately volunteers to drink, and she and solas begin to argue almost immediately. he points out her disdain for other elves, particularly those on the blunt end of the most brutal oppression, while she argues that she is best equipped to use the knowledge provided by the well; the inquisitor can also put their two cents in, here, with unique dialogue for elven inquisitors.

it is also possible to put forward another candidate here: Briala. as a highly significant spokesperson for the elves of orlais, she represents a major faction in contemporary elven culture, and has already shown willingness to go to extreme lengths for her people. depending on the outcome at the winter palace (if she survived; if she isn’t in exile) it’s possible to suggest her, as a representative for the elven people.

it is possible to suggest solas drink, and though he will become agitated and angrily refuse, this is met with a sharp spike to approval, and decreases disapproval for any following choice (morrigan, briala, the inquisitor), with the exception of non-elven inquisitors. upon nominating a candidate, he will always protest; the player is given a couple of options to defend their reasoning, with one giving a slightly decreased disapproval. for example, asserting morrigan’s right as stronger will net greater disapproval than arguing her right based on her shrewdness and dedication to forgotten magics. as lavellan, volunteering to drink yourself profoundly agitates him, particularly with high respect/romance.

Solas never actually explains his real motivation in DAI; he keeps the inquisitor in the dark until the end, obfuscating with grandstanding about the hypocrisy of the gods as he is unwilling to face sharing what he did, but reading between the lines and dialogue with mythal reveals cracks in his story that reframes solas as a less righteous figure than he claims. 

He has hair. It is beautiful.

(previous - solas & the evanuris, part one)

[traumasurvivors]

Vent incoming about abuse, victim blaming, enabling, etc.

My last response to the last anon got me thinking about the fact that I am the black sheep in my family. I really am.

I think this was almost a decade ago that I met this girl. She was 15. Her mom worked for my parents, and I worked for my parents in the office. She ran away from home, so during the summer, her mom brought her to work with her and left her in the office with me to make sure she knew where she was at all times.

This girl ended up opening up to me that her mom's boyfriend had sexually abused her (he also worked for my parents.) Her mom knew this. The guy was actually serving prison time on weekends for what he'd done to her. The girl's mom had asked the girl whether it was okay if she kept dating him... The girl had been 13 at the time and said "yes". What else would she say?

When I found out about it, I got involved and her mom ended up breaking down because he'd "cheated" on her with her daughter. (Yet another red flag about her mom... If a man molests your daughter and your first thought is that he cheated on you, that's gross.)

My mom and I ended up supporting the mom though to try and help the daughter, and the mom left the boyfriend. He eventually quit (after deciding it was a great idea to confront my mom and say that I was grooming the girl because I had a girlfriend at the time and his therapist had told him that's what I was doing... Like..??)

Well, the mom ended up moving right in with my uncle (not the uncle who abused me for those who know about that). I should also mention the girl had a brother, and the mom moved immediately in with my uncle and started a relationship with him.

He was a raging alcoholic. I'd get invited over, and he'd start drinking, and he'd begin screaming at the kids. They'd be sobbing on the floor, and I'd get pissed off and take them out of the situation. My family would get annoyed at me and ask why I'd even take my uncle up on his offer to visit when it always turned into a thing... And the reason was because I wanted to protect the kids. They were 15 and 14 and very much children to me that needed protecting. I was so scared myself honestly. I'd be shaking but my instincts were very much to protect them. And I am so disgusted with their mother that... she didn't? And she brought them from one bad situation to another.

This all came to a head when I watched my uncle try and physically slam the brother's head into a glass coffee table. I got beyond angry, and told him he was disgusting and took the kids out of there.

My family was angry. I was keeping them with me. I wasn't letting my uncle and the mom take them home. My parents got mad at me because it was causing issues at work because the mom was so mad. My grandparents told me to be the "bigger person" and not make waves.

No one believed me, or the boy that my uncle had tried to do this. Or that there must be a reason. Or that I was being dramatic.

The kids ended up going back on their own because they felt so bad about the shit I was coming under from my entire family.

The boy ended up running away not too long later.

I got pushed out from my family. I was the problem.

I'm still mad about this to this day honestly. They ended up realizing later that my uncle was very much a raging alcoholic, and it wasn't just when I was involved that he'd get out of control. When I wasn't around to blame anymore, things came to blows with the rest of the family. No one ever apologized to me (except my mom. Honestly, kudos to her. She says to this day that she should have realized she raised me to protect those that needed it and she's disappointed in herself that she didn't listen to me.) They just all pretend it didn't happen. I very much avoid my family for the most part.

But yeah, that's the long story of what I was referring to in my answer about being the "bigger person" because I was told to be the "bigger person" and stop trying to hide abused children at my place.

[admrlthundrbolt]

Prisoner (Mizu x Chubby Reader)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mizu had spent all her life on a journey for revenge. After reconnecting with her mother, she is brought into a new situation. Though when the outcome is being the bodyguard of a soft, selfless woman. What is a samurai to do?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hi guys, I'm back at it again. I recently watched Blue Eye Samurai and felt my heart break for Mizu. She needs someone to care for her and stay by her side. So this is my heart felt blanket to wrap her in. Hope you enjoy.

Side note, Mizu is referred to male and female. Until the reveal that is.

---------------------------------------------------------

After being reunited with her mother. A feat that she never would have dreamed of. Mizu hopes had soared. This was the start of something new. A way to give up her old life of revenge. To move forward and be happy. If only she knew how short that laughable notion would last.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A foreboding sensation crept down her spine. Following her mother down the dark alleyway, her eyes couldn't stop darting back and forth. She hadn't been in this town long, but knew that they were in the seedier part. The occasional person would be slumped against a random wall. Though she never stopped long enough to see if they're chest was still moving. It wouldn't do to involve herself in something right now. She needed to keep up with the surprisingly fast older woman.

Another movement out of the corner of her gaze caught her attention. Long enough for her to collide into her mother. The woman scowled up at her. But her expression quickly softened as she brushed herself off.

Patting the younger woman's arm, she gave a thin withered smile. “It's not much further.” Continuing forward, she knew her daughter would follow.

True to her word, after a few more turns she stopped. It was a larger building than most of the others in the area. Still not in the best shape, but a proper structure. It didn't have any obvious signs of what may be inside. Which was odd for a building of this size.

That was until a man was thrown out the front entrace. He was short, his bones showing prominently through his skin. He had the same far off look on his face that her mother had after lighting her pipe. It was a an expression she had grown wearily used to.

A hard visage took over Mizu's face. Of course, when did anything urgent not involve her addiction. Facing her mother, the irritation only deepened. She didn't even attempt to look apologetic. Instead turning to the other man.

He was muscled, as wide as he was tall. And as she looked up at him, that seemed a feat. He glared down at the pair of them.

Her mother was quick to scramble over. “We have an appointment with the master of the den.”

He grunted, but moved the curtain aside. Stepping into the front room, they were met with a billow of smoke. It wasn't enough to cover the room, still noticeable all the same. She had to refrain from covering her nose. Without the knowledge of why her mother brought her here. She did know that annoying their host wouldn't be a good thing. Especially if her suspicious of what this place could be was correct.

The man led them up a flight of stairs and down a hall. All of the doors were closed, yet the same acrid smell wafted from them. Coming to the last door, she was quick to size up the man standing guard. He wasn't as tall as the first. Though muscled all the same. After a few whispered words, he allowed them to pass.

The room was smaller than she expected. But was well furnished to make up for the fact. Many brightly colored banners lined the walls. Depictions of flowing landscapes and floral arrangements were an odd decor choice. You would think that the boss of an opium den would want to display power. Not the softer, more delicate things in life.

He sat behind a solid looking desk. It was free of clutter and meticulously organized. The man was smaller than the others he employed. The hunch in his posture revealed a life of hardship.

Though this did nothing to to sway Mizu. She wanted out of this place as quickly as possible. It was not a wonder to her why her mother was being so secretive. The only question on her mind was why the woman brought her along.

Gesturing to the chairs before him, the man spoke. “I assume you're here to settle your debt. I can't help but notice that you have brought along someone.” Leaning forward, a slight smile slid onto his face. Eyes taking in the younger person, pausing at the sword on their side. “That's not supposed to be a threat towards me is it?”

A shifting sound was obvious outside of the door. A promise of violence to come, if this man saw fit.

Quickly sitting in one of the chair, her mother glared when she didn't follow. As much as she hated the loss of a tactical advantage. She didn't want to make an enemy out of this man in his home turf. Sitting down, she tried her best to split her attention between the man and door.

Shaking her head at the man, the older woman smiled brightly. “No, I would never dishonor you my lord. I come with a payment and propositions." Scooting forwards, she lowered her voice. “I have heard hearsay of your daughter needing protection. My son is an excellent swordsman that has taken care of many clients. They are just the person for the job.” She sat back proud of the solution that she had laid out. Perhaps this could curry her enough favor for a line of credit.

Not realizing the holes that were being bored into the side of her head, by her daughter. Hot anger course through her. Would she ever stop being a commodity to her mother. They had only just reunited. Yet she was shoving her off somewhere else to suit her needs.

Needing a moment to calm herself, she turns her gaze on the man. He met it steadily, seeming to consider the offer.

Narrowing his eyes he scowled. “You are confident in your skill?” His calculating gaze shifted to the mother as she nodded. “And you are willing to vouch for him?”

Smile widening the woman nodded feverishly. Glad that her half cocked plan was working out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Their first meeting was as tense as expected. Mizu stood next to your father. Silent as he explained how he had hired them to be your bodyguard. You looked down at the ground, only glancing up for introductions.

Your tone was soft and sweet as morning dew. Just as your plush body was. It was a stark difference to the hardness in your eyes. Though it was this that made her curious.

Dismissing the both of you, she followed you down the hall. It was a grand home. More rooms than your family needed. That is, if you weren't also housing the people from your father's business. It was easy to tell the difference between the household staff and the others.

Especially when it came to your interactions with them. You were always kind and gentle with your words. Until you were met with someone from the trade. A steel mask would slide onto your face in a moment. That didn't stop their attempts all the same. Many of the men would approach you with salacious smiles. But between your coldness and the hand resting on Mizu's blade. They never tended to linger.

Your relationship was a bit different. You weren't aware of his full situation. But your father rarely came by things in an honest or legal way. So it was hard to judge to harshly about why this man was chosen.

In a way, it had actually brightened your life. You had an easier time traveling the estate. Making your expected rounds, you found yourself enjoying the company. Even if it was usually a silent presence, it was still comfortable.

Your time spent painting was especially lovely. Most people would talk your ear off. What are you making? When will you finish? Is this really how you want to spend your time? It always seeped the joy out of the activity. Not with Mizu, he just watched patiently. It was nice to see him admire the pieces as you worked on them.

It was one of the days that realization came to her. “Are you the one who did the painting in his office?” It came out as more of an accusation than a question. Causing her to internally cringe.

Without turning a sad smile settled onto your face. “Some of them. My mother is the one who taught me.” Pausing you faced him. “So he decided to put them up in his office. He says they help bring brightness to a dark place.” Your smile had thinned by the end of your explanation.

Nodding at the turn in the conversation, she looked back at the canvas. “They are beautiful pieces.” She was afraid she had spoken out of turn. Until a soft smile graced your full face. An action that had her stomach flutter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She had been a bit surprised to find out that your father wasn't expecting you to marry. It was a much less traditional way for a family to lean. But after seeing his attachment to you. One of the only reminders of his dead wife. It was hard to argue with his logic.

The day she met your brother cemented the sentiment. He was everything you weren't. Cold and ruthless, as large and muscled as your father's hired hands. You were so gentle and soft. It was a shock to see you near each other.

He was often away to tend to business. Leaving his wife and son at the house. Though it seem that she prefered his absence as much as you did. You stepped in as a helping hand, as you often did.

Even if the family had lost your mother. They did not go without a matriarch. You easily stepped into the responsibility of such. Your motherly nature and grace was something Mizu admire. It was as if you were everything she lacked in femininity. She thought it would be something she might envy. But as she watched you play with your nephew. A feeling of warmth filling her cheeks was the only reaction.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This hadn't been the first time she had caught you sneaking out. You often carried a few painted scrolls to the night market. Her following in your shadow. You were decent, but she had the experience of someone who could die if found out. Her past had been hard, but it had shaped her into a weapon.

You would peddle your wares and head back home. So she felt no reason to take away the only independent thing you did. Even noticing the repeat customers you had. Always refusing their coins, while you pushed a few extra back into their palms. It hadn't escaped her noticed what you were doing. It made her shake her head. How lucky did she have to be to meet such a selfless person. You were a goddess among mortals.

But your peaceful nights out didn't last. She had followed you back like any other outing. Only to get distracted by a hair clip. It looked so much like the cherry blossoms you often painted. You would always jest that you would be a master painter. If you could capture the beauty of the tree outside your window. They were your mother's pride and joy. Just like her memory, you nurtured and loved them.

As she approached the stall, she heard a scream. It was a woman, that much she was sure of. Sprinting towards the sound, she hoped that her gut was wrong. Heart pounding, she raced through the streets. Not concerned with what damage she may cause. Knowing that you weren't involved was her only concern. But she was wrong to get her hopes up.

Tossed to the ground, your kimono hanging from one shoulder, torn. Your face was red and your gaze steely. Glaring at the two men in front of you, you spat on the ground. A thick glob of red saliva landed near their feet. "That's all I have. Take it and leave me be.”

The smaller of the two nodded and began to turn. Stopping when the taller man rested a hand on his shoulder. “Maybe it's not just money we’re after.” His other hand reaching down.

Having assessed the situation well enough, she rushed forward. Her blade made quick work of the two fingers closes to you. They all looked in her direction. The two men sneering and you admiring awe.

Tears of helpless gratitude shown in your eyes. Scrambling towards her, you were nearly grasped by the injured man. Tucking you behind her, she glared at the men. Challenging them make a move.

The smaller man shook as he stood before the swordsman. He recognized a skilled opponent when they were in front of him. Eyeing the man beside him, he cringed. It would have been hard to tear his brother away from a lady as fine as yourself before. But add an injured body and ego on top of that. He didn't like his chances of getting him out of here alive. That didn't mean he wouldn’t try. “Apologies sir. We didn't realize the lady was your’s.” He bowed his head low, tugging on his brother’s sleeve.

The other man grunted in pain. Staring down the samurai, he seethe.

Shaking her head, Mizu glanced down at you. She could feel your grip tighten when he claim you belong to her. Yet another example of you having no say. She wanted that to change. For her to be the reason for your freedom. “She belongs to no one, but herself.”

Widen moist eyes shot towards him. Did he really believe that? You had never heard a man say such a thing. Waves of warmth spread through you at the statement. Shifting your plush body a bit closer to him, you spoke softly. “We should go. The night watchmen could get suspicious soon.” If they changed shifts before the two of you get back, it could spell disaster.

Nodding, she turned to leave the pathetic men. Not noticing the glint in the larger man's uninjured hand. The sting of the blade seared across her back. In an instance she reacted. Tossing you away, as her blade caught his throat. Falling to his knees he gurgled. Reaching towards the smaller man, not realizing that he was already speeding off. His own brother, leaving him to bleed out in the street. His last glimpse of his attacker being pulled away by an angel.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Climbing through your window was hard enough on your own. Throw a wounded bodyguard into the mix. Let's just say you were hoping your luck didn't run out. Setting him against the wall, you went to fetch some water.

Taking this lull in the night to calm your racing heart. It wouldn't do to be caught out so late, especially flustered. It was quick work heading to the kitchen and back. This late in the evening people rarely roamed the halls.

Shutting the door behind yourself, you faced him. Surprised to see his bright gaze was already on you. You had always found his eyes intimidating, yet alluring. They burned with an intensity that you yearned to learn of.

Shaking the thoughts from your mind you went to work. Only to be promptly halted. He wouldn't allow you to undress him. You quickly became frustrated. “I need to see the wound to clean it.”

“It's fine.” Attempting to stand, he shifted back to a seated position, groaning. Narrowing his eyes, he sighed heavily. Allowing the top to slid down her shoulders? Oh! She folded in on herself as she felt your gaze burn into her body.

Soft fingers slid along her skin, warm and delicate. Just how she thought your touch would feel. It helped relieve some of the tension. Silently the wet cloth was dabbed against her wound. Pressed into the mared skin with care. Thankfully it wasn't to deep, so a wrap would do.

Finishing up, you couldn't help the sad look lingering in your eyes. “I understand. The life of a woman comes with many choices. Most of them not for us to make.” You slipped the sleeves back up her strong shoulders. Trying not to let your touch linger to long. Even if you longed to feel her skin, if only for a moment more. “I have been fortunate in some ways. My life has offered me more opportunities than I can recall. While I stay within this house that is.” Emptying the red tinged water out of your window, you sighed.

Her brows knitted together in confusion. “Why not escape. You have left multiple nights, helping others. Yet you always return.” She was surprised when you sat in front of her. Grasping her hands with your own. If she could bottle your warmth, she would never shiver again.

Your gaze softened, while your resolve hardened. “It's not that simple. I have so many that rely on me. Not just this household, but the citizens of this village. I refuse to turn my back on them.” You tightened your hold on her hands. “Any of them.”

She became overwhelmed with emotions. If she thought you made her warm before, she was burning up now. Grappling with her racing heart and fluttering stomach. She made a rash decision. Leaning forward, she tentatively brought her lips to yours.

They were as luscious as she imagined. Molding with hers like a dream. So supple, though not as plush as your thighs settling in her lap. You cupped her face with a gentleness that she knew she didn't deserve. It was as if she'd died and been given a glorious afterlife. One were she could wrap herself within your euphoria.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

As you two lie, limbs tangled together in an exhausted heap. She smiles down at your bare sleeping form. Plush body fitting against her own like a puzzle piece. It was pure and made all her worries melt away.

In this moment, your warmth seeping into her. She knows that her mission for revenge was over. Staying by your side and protecting you was what she was made for. Taking care of the person who always put others first. It had become her sworn duty and she wouldn't want it any other way. Especially knowing that you would stay by her side.

[cairavende]

Worm Arc 23 thoughts:

So much happened in so few chapters, how do I even break this down?!?

First off, Colin had better stop fucking bonding with my daughter! And apologizing and making amends for past wrongs! I'm a huge fan of redemption arcs and second chances and that is being used against me! JUST LET ME HATE THIS MAN!!!!!!

My bug daughter is in prison but that's almost like, a minor side thing? It barely matters right now except that it gives some background structure. Compared to everything else the prison bit is just . . . a thing.

I'm in tears over bug horse. I'm bawling. I may never recover. RIP Atlas, you were the best of us.

TAYLOR GOES TO THERAPY!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT IS EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED!!!!!!

I love Jessica so much! She does such a good job. I want to bake her cookies as thanks but I'm not sure if that would trigger some type of conflict of interest.

Fucking Glenn. I want to hate him and love him all at the same time.

Is he an artist? Absolutely! He has a vision and it is beautiful.

But also if it comes down to "letting the world end or compromising said vision" he might be the kind of person who would watch the world burn with a tear running down his cheek, because at least it was beautiful.

Look I get it. My daughter is terrifying. But that isn't because bugs are scary. It's cause my daughter is terrifying. Making her use butterflies just means a bunch of people are gonna start having butterfly phobias.

Like come on, Clockblocker gets to break fundamental forces of the universe and cause people to question their very existence!

Do not try to tell me that someone getting time frozen and just . . . skipping a chunk of time because their mind is not part of the time stream for a few minutes would not provoke some deep thoughts of existential dread! Sure not in everyone, but not everyone is scared of bugs either! I just think it's very unfair.

The Adepts are fun. Sure powers aren't "magic" but might as well have fun with the idea! Besides it seems to be working and if I had powers I'd absolutely love to lean into a magical focus idea.

I am quite upset about the fact that during the whole Thirteenth Hour thing Weaver didn't get to shove bugs down Clockblocker's throat to save him. It would have been so poetic. Saving the day by shoving bugs down throats was still super amazing, I just wanted it to be Clockblocker.

It was the most extreme level of active awareness and minor "control" while being disabled that we've seen from Taylor so far though! Really curious to get more into that, the nature of passengers/shards, and all those things. I have so many thoughts, but they're all just speculation right now (I don't think writing 75 pages of theories that all end up being wrong is really gonna be very helpful).

“If anyone asks, you kicked their asses with butterflies.” Clockblocker gets it!

It was really cool to get more into different vibes of the world with the Vegas section! I love me some thinkers and strangers.

I'm very glad The Number Man used a sniper rifle. I would have been a little disappointed if he didn't after getting into his head in his interlude - it is just the perfect weapon for him. Motherfucker over here just bouncing bullets.

Finally got to see more Bambina after the little bit in arc 8. Her power is wild, I love it! Also Bambina's mom just shot right into the top contenders for "worst parent in Worm". Like, WTF lady.

August Prince is wild. Sucks when the most effective use of your power is "human shield" though.

Considering she had an interaction with The Number Man and Contessa, Taylor actually came out of it pretty good! Sure they lost the target they were trying to bring in, but I don't know that they really had a chance of keeping Pretender. Contessa isn't easy to stop.

The only problem I have with the Las Vegas Wards actions is hiring Bambina to break Pretender free. Otherwise ya, fucking ditch the Protectorate. Given the information they have it makes sense.

TAYLOR HAS FAN MAIL!!!!!!!!! EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!

Grue's letter was way to heartfelt. Tattletale clearly wrote most of it.

Like come on: "I could hit you, hug you, yell at you and hold onto you for hours all at the same time. It’s fitting that I want to kiss you and throttle you at the same time because that’s what you were to me for a long time. You drive me crazy and I can never understand what’s going through your head." This is totally Tattletale! She couldn't flirt with Taylor in her own letter, she had to be sneaky about it!

"You’re an idiot. I want you to know that. You’re an idiot, Skitter. You’re brilliant and reckless and I’m betting it makes sense to you to do this but you’re an idiot." - also Tattletale.

LOOK I'M GONNA MAKE THIS SHIT GAY AND THERE ISN'T ANYTHING YOU CAN DO TO STOP ME!!!!!!!

Imp's letter might be my favorite.

Tattletale's actual letter ends with "See you there, hun?" Just. So fucking gay. Sorry I don't make the rules.

Speaking of gay, Rachel's letter!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wolfspider wolfspider wolfspider!

Like I mean come on

"Being around you wasn’t simple or quiet but things made more sense.  Your minion with dark hair said we need to be around people but I’m around people and still feel somethings missing." GAY

"Going to take puppies to your place again soon. Show the kids to them. Might help." SO GAY

"You have plan, okay. But if your plan means you’re thinking about fighting us you should know I am getting very good at hunting and skinning things." HOLY SHIT IT'S THE MOST LESBIAN THING EVER

"We both stay alive. Try hard." TOP-TIER GAY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!

GGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY GAY

AND THE SCENE WITH THE CHILDREN!!! AND THE BUTTERFLIES! AND THE DICE!!!!!!!!!!!

dies of joy

Seriously, 23.4 is the most beautiful chapter in Worm so far and it'll be very hard for it to be outdone.

I could talk about just that chapter for pages. It was perfect in every way. Even if I knew it had to end with Behemoth pretty early on. There was too much hope in that chapter for it to end any other way.

But in the middle of all that downward "oh fuck it's Behemoth" stuff we got an Undersiders reunion! With so much gay!

Like - “But you guys mean a lot to me.  I’m sorry I didn’t say it before, but I couldn’t without letting on that something was going on.  You’re my family, in a way.  As lame as it might be, I love you guys.” My head turned from Grue to Rachel to Tattletale as I said it.

SO FUCKING GAY

She starts at Grue sure but ends with Rachel and Lisa when saying "I love you". Certified gay.

So gay that even Imp agrees! Though I've been doing the long drawn out “Gaaaaaaayyyyyyy” since like arc 2. So Imp is a bit behind the curve here.

TAYLOR WANTS TO GO ON A DOG PARK DATE WITH RACHEL! IT'S THE MOST LESBIAN DATE POSSIBLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!

Weaver's new flight suit is pretty neat. Dragon is a pretty good big sister.

Cody Interlude thoughts:

THIS motherfucker! I was waiting for him to show up again.

I am so mad. I'm so fucking mad.

Cody is the worst. He's pathetic and dumb.

And Accord just has to go and get killed by him in the dumbest way! GOD DAMMIT ACCORD I SIMPED FOR YOU SO HARD!!! AND THEN YOU DIE TO CODY! OF ALL PEOPLE! YOU CAN'T BE COOL IF YOU DIE TO CODY!

Chevy too! I thought he was cool and all, but he had to die to Cody. God. The worst.

ALSO MY BABY GIRL HE TRIED TO HURT MY BABY! THE ONE WHO ISN'T MY DAUGHTER!

SOMEBODY HELP TATTLETALE!

I did like seeing more of the mechanics of the Yàngbǎn after getting hints about how they work in the Lung interlude.

The power sharing plus the power amplification is a pretty broken combo tbh. Feels like there is some pretty neat stuff that could be accomplished with that.

Fuck this man though. Simmy just had to whisper to him and just dove right in. Cody can't even conceptualize what fighting back means, that would require him to grow as a person in literally any way.

Sucks for the Behemoth fight though. I guess my daughters are going to have to save the day. Again.

[weylersource]

WYLER VALENTINE'S DAY EVENT 2024!

Dreadful Valentine's Day to you all! I hope someone rips out your heart and uses it as a decoration in their bedroom during this beloved holiday! 💔 🔪

So I, Kara (@remusjohnslupin) one of the mods here at @weylersource, decided to create a chill, straightforward event to celebrate our favourite totally healthy and wholesome insane couple.

SO WHAT'S THIS ABOUT?

The concept is simple. Under this post, you will find prompts assigned to each specific day leading up to the Valentine's Day, on which day we post or share something related to that theme. It can be anything: gifsets, fanfiction, fanart, graphic.

WHAT IF YOU'RE NOT A CONTENT-MAKER?

That's okay! If you're not a content creator, you can share a passage from a book or a quote you read that reminded you of Wyler and that specific prompt. Or you can make a compilation, or a playlist! Basically, all content form is welcome during this event.

ABOUT PARTICIPATION

Lastly, it should go without saying but, of course you don't have to participate every single day and post something for every prompt to be a part of this event.

Just pick whichever ones that inspire you, and please make sure to tag your contributions as #wylervday2024. Don't hesitate to shoot a message if you have any questions.

Special shoutout to Gabbi (@tastethesetears) for indulging my insanity and the fact that I just sprang this on her, and Wince (@wincestation) for helping me through the whole process of picking the prompts!

I can't wait to see what you all come up with!

Prompts can be found here:

DAY 1 (8th of February): Jail/Prison (Because according to an early tradition, Saint Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer.)

DAY 2 (9th of February): Letter (An 18th-century embellishment to the legend claims he wrote the jailer's daughter a letter signed "Your Valentine" as a farewell before his execution.)

DAY 3 (10th of February): Key. (In Italy, Saint Valentine's keys are given to lovers "as a romantic symbol and an invitation to unlock the giver's heart", as well as to children to ward off epilepsy, called Saint Valentine's Malady).

DAY 4 (11th of February): Flowers. (In 18th-century England, it grew into an occasion for couples to express their love for each other by presenting flowers.)

DAY 5 (12th of February): Spring and/or Blindness. (A proverb says "Valentine – the first spring saint", as in some places Saint Valentine marks the beginning of spring. / According to an early tradition, Saint Valentine restored sight to the blind daughter of his jailer.)

DAY 6 (13th of February): Heart. (According to legend, in order "to remind these men of their vows and God's love, Saint Valentine is said to have cut hearts from parchment", giving them to these soldiers and persecuted Christians, a possible origin of the widespread use of hearts on St. Valentine's Day.)

DAY 7 (14th of February): Red. (Yes, I mean Valentine's Day in its modern sense. Throw us all your stuffed animals, hearts, and red decorations that are wholesome. Or, knowing this fandom, you guys will use this prompt to break each others' hearts.)

[brucewaynehater101]

I hate Bruce and I hate Joker.

However, their relationship is so fucking compelling that it's maddening. I want them both to die.

This is a semi-rant, semi-analysis and most definitely not 100% correct. It's more speculation than concrete fact/characterization on Bruce's part.

Joker has a one-sided toxic obsession with Batman. He wants Bruce to beat the shit out of him before returning him to Arkham. He wants to watch as Bruce decends further and further into madness as he grips onto his moral code of "no killing" as if it's the last lifeline he has. Joker is kicking his feet giddy as he watches Batman make excuses after excuses of why every action of his BUT murder is justified. Bruce falls further and further into being an abusive asshole, and Joker is so fucking happy about it. How far can Joker push and torment the Dark Knight until he finally just snaps? It's such a delectable mystery and experiment that Joker is testing on Batman, the "hero" to save Gotham. How far will he fall? How far will he go?

Will killing his son finally cause him to cross the line? Paralyzing his friend's daughter (Barbara [Joker didn't know she was Batgirl])? Killing hundreds of people? What will cause Batman to finally stop Joker for good?

On the flip side, Batman despises Joker with all of his being. He wants nothing more than to obliterate that monster until he is nothing but ash. He can't, though. Is getting rid of Joker truly worth letting go of that final moral line?

At least, that's what Bruce tells himself. He tells himself that he throws Joker in Arkham, not in the Watchtower prisons or the phantom zone or other more secure facilities, because that's the morally correct decision. The court of law, even incorrectly, deduced Joker was legally insane. This, legally, makes Joker not responsible for his actions. It doesn't matter that any hack with a law book could see that Joker doesn't qualify for the insanity plea. It doesn't matter that Gotham's legal system is known for being corrupt. It doesn't matter that Joker breaks out frequently. Joker was declared insane.

Bruce doesn't change the status quo, and he tells himself this is the way it must be. He makes sure to tell everyone around him as well. It's the way it always has been and Bruce is too far into his mistakes to correct it now (if Bruce changes Joker's situation now, does that make all of Joker's victims Bruce's as well? Is he responsible for their deaths due to his negligence and, at times, protection of Joker?).

After a while, one starts to wonder why Batman won't come up with permanent solutions for Joker. He has contingency plans for every hero and villain out there. Unlike some of the other villains, Joker is easily accessible. Batman could lock him in a more secure prison, destroy his ability to commit crime (as he did to Jason), or kill him. He has options.

He doesn't utilize them, though. In fact, he's even brought Joker back to life a few times.

It makes one wonder if he keeps Joker around for selfish reasons. Does he want to feel useful? Does he want an avenue to express the anger and hate burning inside him? Is he too deep in past mistakes to admit his wrongs?

Anyways, fuck Bruce and fuck Joker. I hope they both rot in hell as the worst couple to exist (not talking about Lego Batman, though. They are pretty cute in that).

[inseasofgreen]

does ivyr ever get another romance? tell us all about it

I knew you were going to ask an Ivyr question. I felt it in my bones lmaooo. Disclaimer I have a bad cold so things might get rambly

Day 1 of the 12 Days of POTO Christmas!

Spoilers for POTO and POTD ahead!

POTO tag list because obviously

@lord-fallen @inkingfireplace @rhikasa @leahnardo-da-veggie @satohqbanana

@real-fragments @the-inkwell-variable @tildeathiwillwrite @oldfashionedidiot @heycerulean

@sonnetery @wyked-ao3 @fifis-corner

Yes but its short lived.

After Zemorri and Ivyr call off their engagement Ivyr is forced to stay with the war camp, or at least stay with Zevetta wherever she travels. Zevetta will start a war but no way is girlie going to go into battle. Even if she wanted to (she doesn't) Zemorri would shut that shit down so fast. What a mama's boy 🙄. But Ivyr being basically held hostage has many reasons, she would sit in on Zemorri's war council and even though that ends as soon as the engagement is called off there's still a risk of her giving away vital information either willingly or by being captured and tortured, Ivyr's father sits out for most of the war until pretty much the end and they try to keep news of the split from spreading to pretty much maintain Zemorri's image as well as at least stop Ivyr's father from siding against Zemorri. The fact her father knows where she is and last he was aware she was still engaged to to the would be Emperor but hasn't rallied his men in Zemorri's name is well - troubling.

Ivyr's life is pretty depressing there for a while. She's a prisoner of her ex, her closest "companion" who she spends the most time with is her ex's mother, and while there's a bunch of hot soldiers and lords she could win over in an instant if it weren't for the fact their sworn and are fighting in a war FOR HER EX.

A quick detour because I can hear it now "Zemorri's so mean!" "That's so awful of Zemorri!" come here, get real close i'm losing my voice and can't strain too much - HE'S AT WAR. You really think he wants to have to drag his ex around with him? Even more so when Sciosa's ALSO with them? Bro's catching feelings for someone else knowing his ex is eating stale biscuits with his mom and sisters. Letting Ivyr leave, which she asks him to let her go multiple times, would be the stupidest thing he could do right now. There's no scenario in which that would benefit him. Also in POTO as Zevetta and her daughters are fleeing the capital, Ivyr is basically told up front that this would happen should she flee with them. Not necessarily the break up but Zevetta tells Ivyr pretty much that what ever happens Ivyr would be stuck with them until Zemorri and Zevetta gives her leave. It was very much under the pretense "People are going to die and probably people you care about, they might die fighting against Zemorri or even killed by Zemorri himself, or they might be killed fighting for Zemorri. In any case you can't hold that against him and go be a narc" Ivyr stupidly agreed all in the name of "love" and shoots herself in the foot.

But back to Ivyr's whirlwind romance.

Ivyr was not interested in finding love, but she was very interested in being a pain in the ass to Zemorri and Zevetta. Causing many scenes in hopes of making them look bad and a few escape attempts which tbh was stupid of her but whatever floats her boat. All of it very tone deaf when there are other prisoners of war that well are treated as such - aka shackled and kept in okay-ish conditions. While Ivyr's life post engagement hasn't really changed. The biggest thing is having less access to Zemorri. But here enters Ezzik. A soldier belonging to Zemorri's uncle who was injured in battle and was adamant on doing something while he healed completely. He was told by his commander he could go help with cooking and feeding the camp. Essik agreed but felt slightly let down. One day he was bringing food to Zemorri's tent and over heard a discussion about a guard requesting to be stationed else where and who would take up his post with minimal fuss. Ezzik eagerly volunteered himself proudly stating his rank and all that bull shit. The captain of the guard, Zemorri's uncle, and Zevetta were against it but Zemorri being so done with having to deal with Ivyr being a menace was just like "eh he'll do"

Ivyr at first is annoyed by the change of guard and voices it, Ezzik gives her some quick witted response causing Ivyr to laugh. Ivyr instantly takes a liking to Ezzik. They both catch feelings quickly and have a secret little love affair. Ivyr is the happiest she's been in years. They start making plans for when the war is over to leave Vultis and explore Nyrus together.

While Zemorri has taken over a city and is occupying it Ivyr is given her breakfast in chambers and is told she can't leave the room until further notice. Ivyr's like okay weird but whatever. Ezzik comes and switches out the night guard and Ivyr's like what's happening was there some attack or something? Ezzik brushes it off saying it's nothing that concerns her. Ivyr's like okay but what is happening. Ezzik once again is like don't worry about it. Girlie pop is so annoyed because what in the fuck is happening that she can't even go out in the little common area her and Zevetta share. So she rushes past Ezzik and a pair of two other guards and sees Zemorri with his mother and sisters... and Sciosa. Just Sciosa. Her cousins aren't with her, Qhuriex and Ivemaar aren't there, no other lords or commanders. Ivyr's angry because one of the things her and Zemorri had talked about during their split was Zemorri didn't want to be distracted and love was distracting to him. A committed relationship was something he couldn't do at the moment. It's revealed that Sciosa was the one who was actually invited by Zevetta and Zemorri and his sisters just showed up (which this scene is so much messier than this lets on. Zevetta had invited Sciosa to tell her to stop pursuing Zemorri, Sciosa was going to tell Zevetta to keep her nose out of Sciosa's business, Zemorri was actually looking for Sciosa and heard his mother had invited her to breakfast and was trying to intervene, and that's not even touching on his sisters actual reasonings for being there) Ivyr starts screaming at Zemorri and accuses him of cheating during their engagement. Which Zemorri's only response is to Ezzik commanding him to escort Ivyr back to her room. Ivyr is horrified when Ezzik does as Zemorri commands, and once back into her room lays into Ezzik for obeying Zemorri. Ezzik's like ... he's the emperor? and my temporary employer? i kinda have to? Ezzik tells Ivyr her guards aren't "body guards" but are more long the line of "prison guards" sure they'll keep her alive, but that's not their main purpose. Ivyr finally realizes she's a prisoner and kinda is beginning to understand by Zevetta and Zemorri have been "tightening the leash" every time she acts out.

Ezzik is cleared to return to his previous station and decides not to tell Ivyr. A new guard is put in, which is very clearly one of Sciosa's household guard dressed in the garb of Zemorri's household guard. Zevetta and Ivyr bond over how bold it is of Zemorri and Sciosa and that the guard is there to clearly spy on them. A few weeks go by and Ivyr's heard nothing from Ezzik and starts to worry she pushed him away. Ivyr requests to speak with Zemorri which is denied, so Ivyr goes to Zevetta to get Zemorri to talk to her. Zemorri tells Zevetta no, though Ivyr keeps pressing the matter with Zevetta until Zevetta's so annoyed with her asking she just takes her to Zemorri. Ivyr asks about Ezzik and if she could see him. Zemorri brushes off her request so Ivyr admits to falling in love with him and just wants to make sure he's okay. Zemorri very uncomfortably tells her Ezzik fell in battle. Ivyr goes into denial but knows Zemorri wouldn't lie about something like that. Ivyr ends up crying as Zemorri hugs her and tries to console her. later Ivyr's with Zevetta who lost her own lover in a war long ago, Zevetta gives her some comforting words. Qhuriex and Ivemaar bring a chest that belonged to Ezzik and give it to Ivyr. Ivyr doesn't have another romance in the series after Ezzik but I could see her settling down one day and having a family of her own. Something she really never had after she and Zemorri split, Zevetta and Zemorri both never fully regaining their trust in her and thus keeping her distanced from them and his sisters. And not to mention her father who used her more as a pawn than anything. Though she does develop a very strange friendship with Sciosa 💀

[alienskittless]

The Mystery of Aaravos and my personal problem with it.

This is going to be very long so hold on tight

Don't get me wrong, I love this show. I have little drawings of the characters in my notebooks and my friend and me are always talking about what's going to happen in the next season. The characters are so funny and cool, the story line is very interesting and it's good to binge with friends or family.

This show, while being very visually pleasing and having a thought-provoking story, is not exactly written very well. I will say it plainly, it is rather bland and repetitive.

Let's compare it to a show like House M.D. While House M.D. is not a kid's show and is repetitive on purpose, but does follow a very similar writing scheme. Unlike The Dragon Prince, it shows a different plot every episode and has an overarching plot every season. However, it focuses on one special person (wink wink nudge nudge Dr. House) to be the plot driver, the fan favorite, and universally untouchable character that everything revolves around. Who does that remind you of? Aaravos. Maybe even Viren and Callum, though they're regular antagonist-protagonist characters and are not as neutral and protected as Aaravos is. Aaravos is the only thing keeping this show alive. Oh, maybe Terry? Rayla and Callum? Runaan and Ethari's reunion? What about them? ALL of this relies on Aaravos. Much like Dr. House, his actions and his words are what drive the plot, and he doesn't need to do anything but lift a finger. I would be sitting on the edge of my seat because it's so mysterious and I am actually interested in Aaravos's character and his actions. Now that I know too much about him it's bland to me. I know WHY he's leaving the world in shambles, I know WHY he wants to control Callum. This trope only really works if it's a character made important earlier (e.g. if Aaravos was the protagonist) and the corruption arc is the actual plot. The least that could have been done was reveal the fact that Leola was his daughter and that she died throughout the season and make season 6 ABOUT Leola. Instead it was revealed to me in a rush and there's so much in the blue that should have been told to us before. This is like House M.D. where so much information is revealed all at once that the mysterious and powerful Gregory House kind of becomes this creepy and irresponsible Vicodin addict. Long story short, Aaravos was interesting and the show would be great if he was still interesting. In fact there was a better way to reveal his motives and he would still be interesting.

This obviously is made for kids. I will not forget that. However, I was nine when this show first aired. I still thought it was kind of repetitive. Let's compare it to another show I watched when I was nine! Avatar: The Last Airbender. I know, it gets compared a lot, but that's why this is important. ATLA and TDP go hand in hand. You can't not relate them to each other if you've watched both. Hell, they have some of the same writers and voice actors! But TDP's similarities to ATLA currently aren't what needs to be similar. Firstly, TDP likes to make references to ATLA a lot. Callum is a very big example, as the writers take him as an opportunity to reference Sokka. Aaron Ehasz obviously wants to make TDP as similar as possible to ATLA as he can without making it look like it. What he NEEDS to do to make it similar is to stop making references and using the same sort of plot (guy is trapped in a bubble/prison and causes havoc when he gets out) and start using what is GOOD about the show's writing. ATLA has amazing filler episodes. The Ember Island play episode, the beach party episode, the Tales of Ba Sing Se episode. Along with so many others, it connects a lighthearted break from the intense plot while also adding to it and the show's lore. TDP does none of this. No, really. They have no filler episodes. It is all just plot straight to your face. It doesn't take a break and it feels jarring to watch.

Another thing ATLA does well is it builds up relationships instead of shoving them in your face. Sure, Zuko and Mai were kind of unexpected, but they eventually break up and then work up to becoming a couple again. Even if they were sudden, they made sense. Both emo nobles somehow related to Azula, who were never really loved or accepted. Now Aang and Katara are a perfect example of a well-written young couple (we will forget that Aang ended up abusing her when they got married). They became friends, had moments with a lot of romantic tension that was necessary (like the secret tunnel episode where they almost kissed), and they also had bumpy ends that led to them having a stronger romantic bond. Besides that, I couldn't see them as friends at all. They were meant and set up to be a couple. Meanwhile, with Rayla and Callum, making them a couple was not necessary. Sure, I think it's very cute, but the whole story would be the same without them becoming a couple. Let's plug them into the whole Katara and Aang thing. Did they become friends? Yes. Did they have moments of romantic tension when it was necessary? No (and this is mainly moments in season 3) and they had no drive to the episode's and story's plot. The only scene where this was applicable was the dancing to get into the silvergrove scene and it didn't have to be romantic. Did they have bumpy ends? Yes. Did this end up giving them a stronger bond? No, when Rayla left him for two years it only weakened both Callum's and Rayla's trust. They are probably going to end up hurting each other. When I saw the episode where they first kissed I was so confused. I thought they might have been awkward and that in the oasis Callum was being a good friend and comforting her. Kissing her was fanservice and had no actual point of being there. The scene where Rayla and Callum are talking about how their love is forbidden and what the dragon queen will think, that is applicable as friendship as it is strange even to be friends with the other race. It became more important in arc 2 but arc 2 could have had the same point if it was about Rayla and Callum's friendship. Now, Terry and Claudia. They give me mixed messages. They're cute, but how did they even meet? I have so many unanswered questions. The only couples that makes sense are unfortunately the adults. Viren and Aaravos, while not canonically a couple, very obviously have romantic subtext that adds to Aaravos's eerie effect on people. Sarai and Harrow's relationship actively effected Callum's childhood and what he grew up to be. Runaan and Ethari are the same for Rayla.

Overall, I love The Dragon Prince. It's so silly and I like to theorize and make memes about the characters. However, it is not my favorite piece of media and it is not meant for deep thinking like other kid's shows are.

[dirty-bear-rick-sanchez]

Episode thoughts under the cut

I loved Morty knowing Rick so well that he just straight up lies about the coffee lmao. Also the way he says 'hey buddy' like he's a dad entering his kid's room when they're in a depressive episode is so funny to me

Rick just literally saying 'family' to address the family

I thought the ghost/unfinished business joke was funny

I also love Rick being so petty (and Summer being petty back about the portal). It's so funny that he just calls the family 'stupids' as well. Devastating insult bro

Interesting that Gearhead was the first person he went to? He definitely needed someone to give him the courage to get the rest of his friends for an intervention (especially BP)

'Told you he wasn't dead' killed me

BIRDDAUGHTER. Funny name, love her being an emo teenage edgelord who just goes round killing Gromflomites. 'This is worse than prison'? Love it

Also I really liked that we got to see this side of BP's character this episode? He's so funny and I love getting to see him be a shit. Him trying to parent his daughter and just drinking wine? We love another alcoholic girldad

I really liked getting to see Rick/BP/Squanchy actually hanging out as well? I feel like it's a good insight into how they probably were back in the Flesh Curtains days

I like the 'birthday, birthday, birthday' gag

Also Rick immediately being like 'fuck this we're getting wrecked'

The honey scene was definitely for the Rickfuckers

Can we talk about the fact that Rick was definitely trying to impress BP by bringing up the fact that he hosted the Oscars? Which is definitely why he wanted that gig in the first place

Once again I love getting to see this side of Birdperson. Definitely makes sense why he and Rick get on so well

I liked the visual gag of Rick being high

Also BP and Squanchy playing the knife game lmao

Rick sits so fucking dramatically

Look at BP's face, he definitely wants to fuck that Predator guy

Son heist

I love that Rick can immediately identify Squanchy's shit based on the smell? Like he knows it's his and no one else's

BIRDPERSON PUTTING HIS HAND OVER RICK'S MOUTH

(You know Rick is gonna be thinking about that forever)

I like the recurring Squanchy tooth thing

'Why is this my thing' lmao

Poor poopy child

WAYNE

Them all just chilling together waiting for their drunk food? love it

I love BP leaving to collect his daughter from attacking a Federation outpost with the exact same energy as a parent collecting their child from school after they got suspended. It's so funny to imagine the GF having the same sort of vibe as they do with Rick and just texting BP like 'yo we got your daughter here' (I know that's not what happened but it's a funny mental image)

Lmao Squanchy

I did like the fading pill bit

Poor Gene

Overall I liked getting to explore this aspect of the dynamic between Rick/BP/Squanchy/Gearhead (+ the others of course but they're the OGs yk?) and also the concept of intervention/alcoholism. I think it's interesting to see that Rick does want to help but his support system is so fucked that this ends up happening and it makes a lot of sense when it comes to his own issues. I really like the way they handle Rick trying to get better and do the right thing but struggling so much to break out of unhealthy behaviours/habits. He's painfully aware of how fucked up he is and how much of a bad influence he is but he doesn't know how to fix the issue/be a positive influence and he definitely views abandonment as a good thing because he's removing himself from the situation. Very interesting way to explore this aspect of his issues, especially since all his friends are also alcoholics with that level of denial/refusal to get better

I had this discussion with @hazelnut-u-out before the episode aired but I do like that they're showing Mr PB directly suffering as a result of Rick's actions in canon? Considering that he started as a joke/meta character it's very interesting to show him actually shifting to more of a serious character who appears in the actual show and experiences real issues, especially since the show becomes less and less sitcom-y as Rick becomes more aware of the reality of how fucked up all of these things are.

[sshbpodcast]

Character Spotlight: Emergency Medical Hologram

By Ames

Please state the nature of the medical emergency. For a hologram who was never constructed to be left on indefinitely, the Emergency Medical Hologram sure does get a lot of development. He starts off Voyager as an insufferable computer program, grows to learn to fight for his own agency, and ends Voyager as an insufferable computer program of an entirely new ilk! What an arc!

Your hosts here at A Star to Steer Her By are quick to cringe at some of the Doctor’s squickier moments (that are interestingly heavily weighted toward the final seasons of the series), but there’s a lot to champion him for as well! The EMH makes us view artificial lifeforms like him as people, in the same way that Data did on TNG. So make sure your mobile emitter is firmly attached as we dive into the Best and Worst Moments of Voyager’s chief medical hologram below and on this week’s podcast episode (activate at timestamp 1:05:06). Hey, I’m a blogpost writer, not a doctor.

[Images © CBS/Paramount]

Best moments

Inside you there are two Beowulfs For the first chunk of the show, the Doctor is confined to sickbay for the most part due to his holographic nature, so when he gets to do a hologram-appropriate mission in “Heroes and Demons,” it’s an adventure unto itself! He romances the bonny lass Freya. He solves the mystery of the disappearing crewman. He literally lives out an epic tale and it’s so engaging!

Before I met you, I was just a disease If you liked the Doctor’s relationship with Freya, you’re going to love his relationship with Danara Pel in “Lifesigns.” It’s probably the most genuine we’ve seen the Doc so far, as it’s clear he wants to do what’s best for the diseased Vidiian woman who hates her own body. But he urges her to keep fighting and keep healing because he loves her, the real her.

A physician must do no harm Boy, do we love it when our chief medical officers get righteous about their patients. We saw it with McCoy, we saw it with Crusher, and we saw it with Bashir. And now the EMH ends up being the only person on the Voyager to not silently condone splitting Tuvix in half in “Tuvix.” Sure, he doesn’t do anything to stop it either, but he makes it clear that what Janeway is doing is wrong.

You’re too sick to get better We’ve given B’Elanna and Tom some credit for helping the Doctor experience what it’s like to have a family in “Real Life,” but the actual growth we see is all his own. Deciding (with some encouragement from his friends) to be with his holo-daughter Belle as she dies is heart-breaking, but also encouraging for the Doc to treat the situation so realistically.

Two holograms, alone. Romulans on one side, Starfleet on the other. Alarms beeping everywhere. We see time and again the EMH use cleverness to resolve a situation, even when he’s severely out of his depth as he was in “Message in a Bottle.” But that’s where two EMHs are better than one! He and the EMH Mark 2 are able to take control of the Prometheus back from Romulans, keep the ship from exploding, and even reconnect with Starfleet in the Alpha Quadrant!

History is written by the victors Hands down, one of the best episodes of Voyager is “Living Witness,” and the EMH (or his backup program, who is essentially the same guy) really gets to shine throughout. Awoken 700 years in his future, he saves the reputation of the Voyager that the Kyrians and Vaskans have misrepresented, empowers Quarren to think critically, and keeps the two species from civil war.

Luke, I am your father We still can’t get over the fact that, when the Doctor went down to the planet in “Blink of an Eye” to perform some reconnaissance, he comes back claiming that he somehow had progeny. We never learn in what capacity and by what method, but it definitely blows up our skirts to know that the EMH somehow had a son whom he sadly had to disappear on.

You have the audacity to turn a house of worship into a prison? Jake just loves this little moment from “Spirit Folk” to death. It’s just the line delivery of the EMH as Father Mulligan in the Fair Haven holoprogram storming into the church and shouting “Sinners!” at all the Irish townsfolk who’ve taken Harry and Tom prisoner. He does get captured too and his mobile emitter gets swiped, but what a great line delivery from Robert Picardo.

Extremely Marginal Housecalls When the EMH’s creator, Dr. Zimmerman, is terminally ill in “Life Line,” our hero packs his bags for a trip to the Alpha Quadrant to cure him. And it takes a lot of coaxing and even some covert subterfuge to get to two egomaniacs to see eye to eye, even if all of those eyes belong to the same actor. But the Doctor succeeds! Turns out you can teach a Mark One new tricks.

My Treatment Coefficient is one When he’s kidnapped and forced to work on the Dinaali hospital ship in “Critical Care,” the Doctor is quick to observe the unethical medical practices, classism, and hypocrisy in their systems. And not only that, but he finds a clever way to work around their tight regulations to force the medical administration to care for all of its patients, not just the elite.

Hoshi, eat your heart out Though not the linguist that Ensign Sato is on Enterprise, the EMH is able to create a language that Fantome’s people can use to communicate in “The Void.” It’s no surprise that it’s derived from music which both the Doctor and Fantome share an affinity for, but it’s also a great moment of empathy when Doc and Seven determine these alien pests are more than they appear.

The holoprograms have nothing to lose but their chains We’ll go off in our next section about how the EMH is kind of a twat when he writes his holonovel, Photons Be Free in “Author, Author.” But on the flipside, his words also prove to be empowering to other sentient holo-people like the obsolete EMH Mark Ones out there. His depiction of subservient life as a holo-person may just start opening minds to their human rights.

—

Worst moments

The Strange Case of Dr. Doctor and Mr. Doctor Whoever gave the EMH the power to tinker with his own programming was just asking for trouble. One of the first things he does in “Darkling” is turn himself into a Mr. Hyde who is even more appropriate to the Robert Louis Stevenson novel than Kirk in “The Enemy Within.” And he somehow becomes even grosser around Kes than usual, which is saying something.

You are out. Auf wiedersehen. Fascinatingly, almost all of our Worst Moments take place after Seven of Nine has joined the crew. Maybe it’s because the Doctor starts getting more to do, and that includes more BAD things to do. Maybe it’s because he spends way too much time sexualizing Seven, as he does in “The Gift” by designing for her the ugliest, cringiest, most uncomfortable catsuit we’ve ever seen. Maybe it's something else. Let’s explore this trend…

Now you will cluck like a chicken And we already have a really awful example in “Retrospect” when the EMH peddles really problematic pseudoscience on Seven instead of impartially investigating the circumstances. He’s not even a little bit unbiased when he surveys the Entharan lab for evidence. But what we can’t forgive the Doc for is literally hypnotizing Seven – some mystical claptrap with no science behind it!

Rise and shine! The EMH has always been a bit of a prick, but usually he knows how to compromise for the good of the crew. So it’s actually a big negative to see how selfish and rude he is to Neelix and the other displaced crewmembers in “Demon” when the whole ship is bunking up to save energy. Dude, everyone is being inconvenienced here. The least you can do is let them sleep.

By George, I think she’s got it! Here’s another example of the Doctor treating Seven of Nine like a sex object instead of a peer! We’ve already given Tom grief for this one, but in “Someone to Watch Over Me,” the EMH recasts himself in the role of Henry Higgins to Seven’s Eliza Doolittle, and it’s just upsetting! Why can’t these men let Seven have her own agency without making it all about themselves?

Yep, here’s your problem: someone set this thing to evil It really shouldn’t take just turning off the EMH’s ethical subroutines for him to turn into a psychotic torturer like he does in “Equinox.” Does he not have common sense or the Hippocratic Oath or even anything better to do than torture Seven just because he’s told to? Just because he now CAN do unethical things apparently means he can ONLY do unethical things.

The dream dreams the dreamer… in bed I admit, I can’t judge someone for their private thoughts since no one other than telepaths would even know what they are. But the sheer concentration of the Doctor’s perverse daydreams all through “Tinker, Tenor, Doctor, Spy” is a little much. When you can tell that he’s painting Seven in the nude just to titillate the audience, that might be bad writing, Berman.

Do, Re, Mi, Fa, So, La, Ti, DOLT There’s something about seasons six and seven that turns the Doctor’s insufferableness up to eleven. When the Qomar inexplicably fawn all over him for his singing ability in “Virtuoso,” the ol’ doc really lets it all go to his head and is ruder to the crew than ever before. He’s even prepared to stay with the tone-deaf aliens because they unconditionally treat him like a celebrity.

This one takes the [cheese]cake Everything from “Body and Soul” paints the Doctor in a really ugly light and, especially in the final season of the show, it makes it hard to come back from the impression of him as unsympathetic, self-centered, and abrasive. So when Seven expresses that he has violated her body while he was possessing her and his response is to blame her, that is starkly unforgivable.

Anything you can do I can do better – I can do anything better than you This is the same as one of the extremely out-of-character moments from Harry Kim’s Worst Moments list from last week, but it warrants repeating. What the hell was the deal with the dick-measuring contest between the ECH and Kim in “Workforce”? For that matter, what is the Doc even doing as the ECH right now? Chakotay is back and in command! Step down already!

Once upon a Seven of Nine We gave the Doctor credit for speaking for holo-people in getting Photons Be Free published in “Author, Author,” but the way he workshopped it left much to be desired. How freakin’ hard would it have been to make the characters in his story more randomized and NOT just exaggerated, cynical versions of the crew? It would’ve been so easy to save face, my dude!

One Po-turd-o, Two Po-turdo-o, Three Po-turd-o, Four! I may be alone in my hatred of the turd people in “Renaissance Man,” but I maintain that the EMH shouldn’t have so eagerly (and boringly!) helped them. But what we can all agree on is that his confession to Seven when he thinks he’s dying is disgusting and a terrible impression for his character to basically go out on:

“You have no idea how difficult it's been, hiding my true feelings all these years, averting my eyes during your regular maintenance exams.”

VOMIT!!!

—

Computer, deactivate Emergency Medical Hologram. That’s all from the EMH, until we maybe revisit him when we get around to character spotlights for Prodigy which you are surely watching because it is stunning. For now, we’ve got some more Voyager characters to spotlight here and some more Enterprise to watch for the podcast over on SoundCloud or wherever you listen. You can also give us your medical prognosis over on Facebook and Twitter, and maybe tone down the “I’m a doctor, not a”s a little bit.

[forbiddenmoss]

Part 3

Sitting on the peer watching the twinkling stars ripple in the pond the farmer didn't hear someone walk up the peer. So lost in thought they barely noticed Shane sitting beside them. He sat in silence unsure what to say so instead he bumped his shoulder against the farmers and offered them a beer.

"you look like you could use this" how tempting it was to just drink the beer. Have one more night to enjoy and be free. The thought brought tears to their eyes. How long before things go back to normal? Will things go back to normal?

"sorry I can't..." Shane interrupted before he could hear the gentle sobs stuck in their throat

"ah not a drinker. That's good you don't want to end up like-"

"I'm pregnant"

That killed the conversation alright.

For the first time Shane didn't just look at the farmer he saw them. The tears in their eyes the lost expression. They seemed so far away trapped in the prison of their mind.

" ok ... So how do you feel about that?"

Harvey hadn't asked that. He'd congratulated them and started talking about pregnancy stuff. They zoned out and hadn't heard a word of it. Leaflets were crammed in their pockets but beyond that they knew nothing beyond the fact they were pregnant.

"I ... I don't know. I'm not in the right place to have a baby you've seen the farm so much still needs to be done and I've only just started to turn a profit I have so much work to do I don't see how a baby would fit in with my lifestyle."

"so don't have the baby"

The farmer pauses "but ... I kinda want a baby and I'm scared this might be my only chance to have a baby and I know I'm still young and that sounds crazy but I'm just so... Scared" the tears started to roll down their cheeks "nothing has gone to plan so far. I just ran away from everything I knew and now I'm a farmer. I don't know anything about farming."

"I didn't know anything about chickens till I came here" gulps down some beer "I didn't know anything about being a parent till I got Jaz either. It's tough at times I'll be honest"

"but that's different Jaz loves you you try your best and you're a good dad to her"

"yeah ... I'm not her dad"

"oh sorry I didn't mean to assume-"

"no no Jaz is my God daughter. I eh ... Her parents died one night. Car crash. It was raining the road was wet guess they couldn't break in time and-... Well... Died. I was looking after Jaz the night it happened and been with her ever since. That's why I'm here. I couldn't look after her. Can barely look after myself sometimes you know?" Taps the beer bottle and takes another drink "parents kicked me out when I was younger. Didn't want me back now I had a baby that didn't change anything. I'd lost my only two friends in the world and I was alone to raise a baby. Few months after Marnie found out and got a hold of me brought us here. Caroline knows lots of natural remedies and herbs to help with teething or sleeping or what ever issue I was having, robin would give us old toys and clothes had some really helpful books and Jodie was always having play dates and babysitting said it was good for Vincent and jaz to play together and Marnie made it all possible ... I guess what I'm trying to say is you're never truly alone. Even if it feels like it."

"that's nice but I can't just ask everyone to chip in and help me they don't know me I don't know them."

"don't you? you fish with Willie I know that means alot to him to have a fellow fisher. You don't judge Linus you give him your time and listen to him talk, Gus likes sending you new recipes and gets excited when you let him try what you made, you are helping Gunther fill the museum I've seen him in Pierres choosing thank you gifts asking what you'd like. You know us. Better than you think and we know you. As for asking them for help trust me you don't need to ask. They want to help they'll find away to help. I swear robin would just break in to renovate stuff for Jaz. Come home drunk to a mad woman in the kitchen sanding down the corners of the table. Almost scared me sober... Almost." Takes another drink.

"I don't even know if I want to keep it"

"it's ok if you don't. What ever choice you make is ok as long as it's the right choice for you. You don't need to have all the answers tonight. Either way you aren't alone"

"I feel like I've made so many mistakes what if this is another one? When I got here I was so rude to everyone how could they possibly like me? I just with I could start again."

" I know that feeling. I was rude to you when you first came here. Still don't know why you chose to be nice to me" he puts the bottle down and faces the farmer holding his hand out. "Hi I'm Shane. My pronouns are he him. I work at joja mart and i like chickens"

The farmer takes his hand "hi I'm Evie. My pronouns are she her. I work on the farm and I'm pregnant"

"well that's two things sorted tonight let's worry about the rest tomorrow" he leans back looking at the stars. The farmer follows his gaze watching night sky. It's so peaceful so beautiful her problems feel so far away and in this moment everything will be ok.

"yeah... Things will be ok. I'm not alone"

"and if you keep it even if the father doesn't help you have a whole village behind you, supporting you. You aren't alone"

The father.

"FUCK"