#*INTENSE INTERNALLY AND EXTERNALLY SCREAMING*

[adm-starblitzsteel-4305]

I KNEW IT!

The black mark creeping on Noriko's neck was Godzilla's G-Cells!!! 😱

https://x.com/14_kaiju/status/1784700754357637460

PRAYING THAT IT WOULDN'T HAPPEN LIKE THOSE SHIN HUMANOIDS FROM SHIN GODZILLA!!!!! 😭

@sassyassblog @mossizi @androgynouslovechopshop @magic-thing

[skipandloafer-anime]

Skip and Loafer ch 53 spoilers

Mitsumi in chapter 41 after she accidentally confesses

Shima in chapter 53 after finally realizing his feelings (as it would seem)

[starrg1rl]

Random Astrology Notes !!

Ps im not a professional astrologer, I’ve just been in this community for 4 years and read A LOT about the topic.

Tw 18+

The moon represents our emotional and internal persona, how and why we react in certain situation when it comes to feelings, so speaking of sexuality it can say a lot about the mental role we take on during sex emotionally. For example Virgo, Cancer Moon best express themselves as Subs, or Aries, Capricorn moon as Doms. Relevant aspects can influence this (Moon-Pluto is screaming BDSM).

Gemini Risings have a very distinguished smile or laugh, when they’re laughing their mouth is wider showing more teeth, in particular canines. It could be more open because of a raised upper lip or a visible gum. Nevertheless they have a beautiful foxy smile.

My god the power that Moon conjunct Venus women hold. My best friend has this exactly in 8th degree Virgo and I can guarantee u in all the years I’ve known her almost every guy around fell for her. She’s so likable although she doesn’t even have an outgoing personality, her vibe just gives off pure femininity (mother 🙇‍♀️). Plus the Moon being her chart ruler, it really influences her character. This aspect indicates to be considered conventionally/generally beautiful in a feminine way.

Venus opposite Pluto 🖤 : This aspect brings intensity, power play, obsession in the planet Venus themes. First experiences of love and relationship feel like a f roller coaster controlled by a drunk maniac. When excitement is at its highest peak they’re completely infatuated, devoted and worship their partner. Love is a forever life or death deal for them. But if things start to go downhill it’s bad bad. First of all Venus-Pluto people are PRONE to toxicity and mental games. If not mature enough, they will not leave because it exalts them, masochism and self destructive tendencies are not uncommon with this aspect (not to mention the delusional and idolizing ones). Especially when they’re fond of someone it will be very hard to leave because they are deep down convinced that the unhealthy partner is still the right person. And once they leave it literally feels like a death (Pluto theme), if they don’t have any control of the situation the grief and hurt will make them miserable. This is a recipe for disaster therefore hate is all that’s left, and rarely this relationships will end in good terms. So to sum up, Venus opposite Pluto are extremely passion driven and intense people, that need to be more aware of their impulses and unhealthy patterns. The opposition could be harsh, indicating external conflicts and separation difficult to balance, but offers opportunities to personal development and transformation when navigated consciously. LOVE YALL (ex. Beabadoobee had a rough break up that end up with her ex getting with her friend)

[shanastoryteller]

HAPPY HALLOWEEN GRANDMA!! You already know what I want, nay, what I crave when the days get shorter and the only thing that brings me any solace is my favorite rarepare. Please, Tonks x Percy siat - specifically something abouth Tonks telling Percy about her powers maybe, just an incredibly intimate scene please and thank you 😩🧡

The first time Percy rushes to the St. Mungo's on the heal of a battle and bursts into Tonk's room, he doesn't understand why he'd needed to threaten his way in in the first place. She's stripped to her underwear and looks perfectly fine.

But there are three healers surrounding her and completely ignoring him. "Time?" the oldest asks, her hair pure white and her face a layer of wrinkles.

Tonks closes her eyes. "Eighty seconds."

"External first," she says briskly. "It doesn't do us any good if you bleed out."

She breathes out.

Then blood floods across her body, soaking the bed instantly as wounds big and small erupt over her skin. In some places he sees flashes of what he thinks are bone.

Tonks doesn't scream as magic starts flying, and he doesn't either, keeping himself plastered to the wall.

"Internal," the healer says.

What little of her skin he can see beneath the blood pales and they're casting more healing spells, longer and more complicated the any he's heard before.

"Head," she says. "Go slow."

Tonks swallows and then there's another rush of blood as her eyes roll and she passes out and all three of the healers are flinging spells with a speed and intensity he didn't know was possible.

He's almost grateful that he can't see what injury they're treating.

Then the other two step back and the old healer casts a diagnostic spell that Percy tries to interpret and can't. Her shoulders drop and she says, "Good," casting a scourgify to take care of the blood and pulling the blanket over her with a flick of her wand.

She turns, noticing Percy for the first time. Instead of anger, she just raises an eyebrow. "You're the boyfriend, then?"

He really hates what that implies about how often Tonks needs to be treated by healer quite this talented. "Is she going to be okay?"

His stomach had twisted itself in nots but it finally starts ease when she gives a short nod. "We'll let her get some rest and keep her overnight from observation." She tilts her head to the side. "I'd kick you out, citing the no visitors policy for this ward, but you're already here. Seems like a big of wasted effort."

"A bit," he agrees, pulling a chair next to Tonks's bedside and collapsing into it. "Thank you."

~

Tonks wakes up slowly, feeling the hospital sheets that she hates with the smell she can't stand and she's already trying to figure out how she can get herself released early without bringing Nanu's wrath down on her.

She pushes herself upright - or tries to. She can't mover her arm.

She looks down, alarmed, but her arm is just being used as a pillow.

By Percy, who's asleep and hunched over her bed. Percy, who needed to be coaxed and cajoled into leaving his desk for so much as a tea is here. He doesn't even have any scrolls or work spready out. She wouldn't blame him if he didn't, but he's just here, and from the way his clothing's rumpled he's been here for a while.

Tonks's heart feels so full.

She's going to marry him.

He only just accepted that they were dating, so she'll give him some time before introducing the concept of marriage, but she knows. This man is going to be her husband someday.

[mechaknight-98]

Intensity (NSFW) FT Haewon

Author’s note: partially inspired by @essentiallyleaf little Haewon piece. Haewon drives me feral

“Yo can you come by?” Haewon calls you and you reply,

“Sure do you need me to bring anything?”

“The lube, Some snacks, and that sexy ass of yours I wanna pound you then have you pound me till we're both so fucked out that all we can do is fuck, sleep, and eat,” Haewon responds as she begins to grope her chest on the video call. Her low-crop top rides dangerously low threatening to show her pert breasts which drive you wild. The thought of ruining the petite idol overwhelms you internally but externally you remain composed.

“Wow, that's so lewd Hae. What's gotten into you,” you ask

“You hopefully in the next hour,” she moans out and cuts the call. You quickly begin scrambling to get everything ready. After that, you drive (aggressively) to her little apartment complex. You make it too and when she opens it she pulls you into a lustful kiss. Becoming the world’s palest anaconda (and smallest), she wraps her tight little body around you as you stumble into the apartment with her. You react accordingly after carefully setting the groceries down and reciprocate her fervor by viciously groping her breasts and ass. Haewon’s and your combined hunger for each other gets the better of you and you tear off (literally) each other’s outfits in desperate races to be naked and start truly fucking.

The two of you eventually reach her bed and as you violently make out Haewon uses an exploratory finger and plunges it into your asshole. Her unexpected intrusion causes you to tense up but it also allows Haewon to perfectly reach your G-spot which causes you to cum on the spot.

“Oh fuck I'm cumming,” you moan as Haewon laughs while you cum. She begins to play with herself while watching you orgasm all over her. Your cum flies over your body covering it in your seed. You groan as you can't stop cumming.

After that intense orgasm, she finally breaks the kiss for longer than a few minutes and says,

“I love making you cum. It makes me so hot and wet knowing the power I have over you and that cock Haewon says as she began to start to stroke your cock again.

“I’m going to get the strap,” she says proudly before coming back ready to violate you some more. She also grabbed the lube that was on the counter. She poured the lube on the strap and began to stroke it covering the dildo in cold gel.

“You ready,” Haewon inquires. You turn to her and nod. She smiles greedily before she plows you. You are shocked at first by her roughness but quickly adjust as she repeatedly rams into your G-spot. You moan as she hits it again and again.

“Yes moan for me slut,” Haewon teases as she begins to spank your ass. You cry out as the pleasure overwhelms you and you begin to leak all over her sheets.

“Oh you like that slut,” Haewon challenges and you nod, “good you're so tight. I can barely get to pull out,” Haewon says through gritted teeth. You try to relax so she can get deeper and hit that spot. Her response is to see how much you can truly take. Haewon in a surprising display of strength pulls you up to be flush with her and begins stroking your cock while she fucks you from behind. The sensation is wild, intense, and overstimulating. You're unused to the stimulation forces of another reckless and violent load out of you. This orgasm isn't pleasant pain as your body forcibly tries to expel all of the cum stored within driving you up a wall while the bliss that should come is overshadowed by the pain. When the orgasm subsides you separate from Haewon. Unaware your screams are of agony and not pleasure Haewon strokes you desiring to push you to fuck her with equal ferocity. You swipe at her hands and leave the bedroom. Not used to this response and showing genuine concern Haewon follows you,

“Babe what's wrong?” she asks worried.

“I just need a minute, that was not pleasant,” you say trying to be amicable.

“But I thought you loved when I fuck your ass. She says closing in and you. She reaches down to your hard cock and begins to stroke again. The pain and pleasure blend breaks your brain as she takes you in for another kiss. Her arousal scent sends what little sanity you had out the window as you pin her to the ground. You rip off her strap and glare at her. She has a mad look of lust in her eyes that pushes you over the edge. You align your cock with her entrance before taking her. Her tight body shudders as you ream into her without care. Haewon moans as her body receives you. You grab her delectable tits and begin to pinch and pull,

“Hey be softer, oh god keep going,” Haewon says as her brain tries to process the pain and pleasure correctly but much like you the pleasure and pain blend into an intoxicating combination that leaves both of you less than coherent.

Driven by an abyssal level of lust you drool into Haewon’s mouth and she greedily accepts it as the two of you continue to fuck on the bottom of her floor.

“Yes, yes, gonna cum,” Haewon announces as her high begins to barrel towards her like a train running off the track. She moans as you take that as an encouragement to go faster. Her pussy tightens around your sensitive cock and Haewon moans feeling you throb in her sodden cunt,

“Fill this snatch up,” she challenges desperate to get your cum inside her. You smile evilly at her and say

“What if I don't? What if I just cum all over that pretty face?” Haewon’s eyes widened with terror. Whenever you two fucked she always demanded a creampie whether orally or regularly. She needed it and you denying her made her body jolt and lurch as she needed it now.

“Please dump your load in me. My filthy cunt needs your cum. Please. I'll be a good girl I promise Daddy,”

You laugh as Haewon uses that word quite infrequently so she must be desperate. So you give in. You cum into her tight hole with equal ferocity to the last two orgasms. (although with less pain) Haewon breathes relief as she calms down from her orgasm. You cum so much in her though that you watch her belly begin to bulge from your cum. Haewon moaned at her distended belly with perverse glee.

“Oh god I feel like I'm about to burst,” she declared enraptured by her body’s acquiescence to current circumstances, “god babe you were volcanic today,” Haewon moaned as she began to play with her clit. You watched as your still-hard cock demanded more stimulus. So you began to stroke it again. Feral lust has overtaken both of you. Haewon smiles as you line up with her wet snatch again. You start rapidly fucking her again your cum making friction a nonexistent issue. You grab her modest breasts and knead them the way she likes. Haewon screams in ecstasy, “cum in that creamy pussy again,” Haewon yells before grabbing your balls and squeezing out another violent load. It caused her to cum again as well. You groan as you feel your balls empty inside the idol’s vacuous yet tight pussy.

Her blessed outbody turns you on again but it's painful this time

“Uh Haewon,”

“Eh,”

“I think it's time for a break,”

“Yeah.”

[filmfanaticfables1990]

The Substance (2024): A Grotesque Exploration Of Ageism And Sexism In Hollywood

In the realm of horror cinema, few films manage to strike a balance between grotesque entertainment and profound social commentary. The Substance (2024), directed by Coralie Fargeat, is one such film that boldly ventures into this territory. Starring Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley, the movie is a feminist body-horror masterpiece that delves into the harsh realities of ageism and sexism in Hollywood.

At its core, The Substance is a story about an aging actress, portrayed by Moore, who grapples with the industry's relentless obsession with youth and beauty. The film's visual maximalism, while at times overwhelming, serves as a powerful metaphor for the suffocating pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry. The grotesque and unhinged scenes, filled with blood and gore, are not merely for shock value but are symbolic of the visceral struggle for autonomy and respect.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its unflinching portrayal of the physical and emotional toll of ageism. Moore's character is not just fighting against the external forces of the industry but also battling her own internalized insecurities and fears. This dual struggle is depicted with a raw intensity that is both heartbreaking and empowering. The film's biting social commentary resonates deeply, shedding light on the often overlooked issue of ageism in Hollywood.

Margaret Qualley's performance as a younger actress navigating the same treacherous waters adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Her character's journey highlights the cyclical nature of sexism and the ways in which the industry pits women against each other. The dynamic between Moore and Qualley's characters is a poignant exploration of solidarity and rivalry, making the film's message even more compelling.

The Substance is not for the faint-hearted. Its grotesque and blood-soaked scenes are brilliantly disgusting and deranged, making it a polarizing yet unforgettable experience. The film's gore-filled, bonkers finale will leave audiences either running screaming or wildly entertained. However, beneath the surface of its shocking visuals lies a thought-provoking critique of the industry's systemic issues.

In conclusion, The Substance (2024) is a cathartically fun and extreme feminist body-horror film that should be shown in movie theaters all over. It is a daring and memorable exploration of ageism and sexism in Hollywood, brought to life by stellar performances and a unique visual style. For those who appreciate horror with a message, The Substance is a must-watch.

[romanoffsbish]

Excavate My Love

Originally titled “Oh Honey… You Should go to Therapy” 😗✌🏼| Hurt/Comfort | WC: 2,384

Warnings: Abusive Parents | Homophobia Referenced / Internal & External | Self-Harm (Punching) | Intense Feelings | Parental Issues / Heavy on Maternal | Nat’s Parentless | Self-Loathing |

Natasha felt a tension in the air as soon as she entered your apartment, it was her home away from home since you were in it; she essentially lived here anyways. It had been only two months as a couple, but you'd known (and loved) each other for years by now. The words might not have left your timid lips yet, but you were feeling every ounce of joy and pain imaginable. The sensation was odd, to feel the conflicting emotions at the same time while also feeling that pure, raw love.

You were trembling with the need to say it to her, but you were petrified and having a nervous breakdown.

——

Natasha saw you pounding a fist into the side of your head as you sobbed and screamed incoherently. The redhead took you down with gentle precision. Her body pressing your thrashing one into the mattress.

"Detka, what's wrong?" Natasha slammed your arms into the bed and pressed your head into the pillow with her own, then she began to hum a soft, raspy lullaby. The thrashing came to an end when you felt her tear trail down your cheek, and mix with your sweaty hair.

You blinked rapidly and your mind came back to you before it escaped again, but now she was out in the open. The deepest of your fears came tumbling out.

"She won't love you back," you mumbled, mimicking your priorly echoing thoughts. "Don't say it dumbass."

Natasha was mortified, had she really not been clear enough? Her heart never stopped aching when she was apart from you, a side effect of the muscle finally being at rest unlike when it races beside yours everyday.

It sadly wasn't anything she did, and the same was to be said for what she could've done. This was inevitable, you were like clay, soft, fragile; destined to crack.

Fate, or more so, your childhood had led you here.

Your mother drowned her liver in booze and offered you tobacco stained cheek kisses as you were ushered out of the house in ill fitting clothes, hair sopping wet in the dead of a New York Winter. The chill froze your childish face, skin stinging as the warmth of your tears began to defrost your chubby cheeks. It was fitting.

Unlike your parents, with each other or parenthood.

Your dad only came around from time to time to see (use) your mother. They'd made your little brother while you played outside, the streets empty of kids as the lights flickered on, but you weren't alone, you had your growing family of broken rocks to talk to. And the neighbors to eat from because your mother gave up the grocery money so your dad could enter the lottery.

At school you'd do stupid things, like eat food off the floor with a shoe print as a dare, because just like every time before he lost, and you paid the ultimate price.

It was a wonder how you even got this far in life. That the ability to love another wasn't missing, but in the pits of the fire you wished it was. It was all too much.

You only learned how to love from shitty television like Grey's Anatomy and corny romcoms. Oddly enough, the contradictions brought you a sense of peace. The hope was vaguely flickering inside of you, but the looming tragedy was always just a breath away. It was oddly comforting to see love at both ultimate extremes.

It softened the blow of your life. Watching Callie and Arizona is what made you realize you loved women. That and while everyone was drooling over the odd McMen, the resident Christina Yang, held your heart in the palm of her hands. Unapologetically herself, with a middle finger up to society, and everything that you found charming in a woman; in your Natasha.

Meredith reminded you too much of yourself, as you too took the worst parts of your parents to make up your personality. Until Natasha, you too found yourself drowning your liver most nights, following in your mother's footsteps, then after you were seeing blobs instead of people, your fathers as you took women home for fun. Breaking their hearts, but unlike him, the rubber was fastened to your waist with efficiency.

You were cold, and downright sadistic. You'd whisper lusty things into their ears, along with the sweet, building up their hopes for something more. Then you'd kick them out, in the dead of winter—your cousins taxi service made loads of money off of you.

You didn't care; love had only ever left you bruised.

That's why you sent the women anonymous apology flowers, because you obviously didn't care. You were as cold as the ice that encased your parent's hearts, or you at least tried to be. Truth be told though, beneath the well polished, stoic surface you were just a fragile little thing in search of a nurturing kind of love.

The love of a mother one would suppose, alas...

You hadn't seen or heard from her in over a decade. Except for when she tried to hustle you out of money the moment they saw you with Natasha online. Up until then they hadn't called you, it was sickening.

Your parents had kicked you out at sixteen when they caught you kissing Lily; they weren't homophobic. That you knew because your mom used to bone your ex-godmother and your father had special toys and modern women ran in the opposite direction of him (his decayed, crooked smile was genuinely off putting).

Your father tossed you out, but your mother slammed the door. After midnight, once your dad had gone to sleep she exited her house with a bag of your things. Flashes of a group home raced through your mind and you felt the tears sting your icy cheeks, a tobacco kiss laid to your skin to be followed by a deafening silence.

Her loss stung more. With him it was expected, but not with her because it wasn't always like this, but when she lost her mind that ability to love unconditionally followed. She didn't need him, yet she let him call the shots, choosing a twisted affair over the everlasting love of a child—her instincts barren. You don't exactly remember everything, some of the memories have been buried deep in your psyche, but the core ones never leave, they haunt you endlessly. You'll never forget the image of your little brother crying, face pressed to his window as he watched you leaving.

Your parents were the nightmare that hid behind the fable that is the American Dream. They were vile and you reckon he's the only reason your heart worked.

Your heart that beat for only a select few people. One of them being the woman restraining you to a bed.

"Y/N," Natasha said your name for the millionth time, "I need you to come back to me now moya lyubov'."

Your lip began to tremble and she could feel the shake of your skin with her forehead pressed to yours. "Oh honey," she'd coo'd, which really only set you back off as you felt entirely too undeserving of her love.

You knew you were deserving of some love though.

"I deserved better," you mumbled and her heart froze as she hadn't heard the phrase clearly. "W-what?" The redhead had been trying not to blame herself but now she wasn't so sure if she heard your words correctly.

She hadn't, and you forcefully pushed her back some to repeat your prior words. "And so do you Nat."

"Y/N," she said in a plea, "You're making no sense."

"I'm not good enough for you Natasha! I am hellish!"

Natasha scoffed, "You are plenty good!"

"No, I'm really not."

"Knock it off!" Natasha was pissed, but not at you. It all was making sense to her now and she couldn't cope with the appearing reality. "I'm damaged goods Natasha, how could you ever want me?" I-If my own parents didn't want me, then neither should you."

Natasha never had parents, so she didn't understand. But as she felt you trying to hit yourself (again), making her—the Black Widow, actually struggle she's not sure she really wanted to. Alexei and Melina, who gave her back to Dreykov seemed better to her now.

"Detka please," the woman pleaded, the croak in her voice bringing you to a sudden stop. In a split second the woman had rolled off of you, which nearly made you whine but your body followed hers. Natasha now sat with her back to the headboard with you between her legs, your head gently cradled to her chest while her other hand cautiously pressed into your back.

The redhead said nothing, partly because she wanted to give you space, but also because she didn't want to scare you off. You'd just voiced your wish to leave, and for her sake nonetheless. Silent tears streamed down her face as she prematurely mourned your love story.

Tragedy was more fitting. Natasha was conditioned not to feel and you went from batches of numb to these moments of total despair that you usually hid well. So well even that Natasha is only just seeing it, there were cracks in your resolve before, but never to this extent. Natasha was rightfully worried, she also understood.

The world was a cruel place, with unfair rules and devious people in charge. You were both outcasts in terms of societal standards, but you shouldn't be because one's past mistakes, or moments of despair shouldn't make up the entire person's story. They deserved better than to be held with such ignorance.

"I never had anything to call my own before you."

You jumped, startled by her voice that was full of fatigue and pain after an hour of eery silence. It had you sitting up, against her push, and facing her more directly. Breaking you even further, if that was even possible, as you saw her unmistakably bloodshot eyes.

"Natasha," you whimpered, hand traveling up to clean her face of tears, she smiled fondly as her lips pressed to your palm before she lifted her head to hold eye contact more fiercely. "What I deserve is you, Y/N."

"I-."

"I deserve to hold you in times like these, and to get the chance to show you how much I love you. Because I do detka, with all of me, and it's okay: our love is safe."

"No love is safe," you chuckled bitterly and she sighed, "Ours is Y/N, because we will work to make it such. I promise you that I will protect you from the worst."

"You can't promise that."

"I can," she cut you off, "I can and I will because the option of you leaving is not one I'll ever align with."

"I'm messed up Nat." The redhead nodded, lips lifting into a pained smile. "I know honey, but that's okay."

"Is it?" Natasha nodded again, and pulled your body even closer, your chests now touching. "For now, yes."

"What about the later?" You brokenly inquired.

"I would be there too, but I hope the later is better," she murmured against your cheek, lips softly kissing your wet skin. "I'll do anything to make sure you are okay detka. You are my main priority, which is why I plan to move in, officially, and take care of you."

"Nat—." Your rebuttal was cut off by a sweet kiss. "None of that detka, just tell me you love me too."

Your heart pounded in your chest, and you wondered if she felt the rumble too. If she did, she took no offense as she smiled at you, it was uncharacteristically timid.

You saw a flicker of doubt in her eyes; Natasha needed to hear them just as much as you needed to shout 'em.

Which is why you blurted, "I love you so much it burns, like if I took my shirt off my skin might be torched."

Natasha chuckled, unintentionally, because she knew you'd mistake the affection for mockery. "I love you so much that it feels like I'm without a heart when away. My mission's efficiency rates are so high because of it."

A sigh of relief left her when you chuckled, it was also in relief, she knew that much as your body stopped squirming; you stayed in her lap and pouted instead.

She chuckled, "What is it now lyubov'?" Natasha knew by the glow of your eyes that she could be playful now. You knew she already knew what you wanted, but you leaned up and stole a kiss on principle of being a brat.

"I'm sorry."

"No," Natasha softly scolded you. "I'm sorry detka, for not seeing you were in so much pain and suffering with your feelings. I should have made you feel my love."

"I did feel you Natty, I-I just couldn't believe in it."

"Why not?"

"It's never been true before, every person who's ever made me feel loved was only ever placating me," you solemnly said, "I know they didn't intend to do it, in the beginning they felt something, but it was a selfish fulfillment sorta thing. I have always been the person people go to in search of unconditional love, because I will give it without question, they'd twist it out of me. But you weren't twisting, and it's all so confusing."

"That's not love," Natasha grimaced, "I'm not an expert here Y/N, in fact I'm a late bloomer with the entire feeling, but I know now that I'd never give this up."

"Most days I feel like giving up, my mind is a void and you deserve a partner that doesn't come with that."

"Please stop pushing that," Natasha sighed, exhaustion obvious as she ran her free hand down her face. "I'm not going anywhere, you deserve someone that stays."

You mulled over her words for a long minute, both of you holding your breath, and only ever releasing it as you nuzzled into her warmth and whispered, "Then I'm glad it's you, my fiercest protector, my love, my Natty."

"My precious love," Natasha followed, "My beautiful, strong, resilient as one can be, detka—my Y/N."

[waitmyturtles]

Unknown: The Final Episodes (Episodes 10, 11, and 12)

(*CAVEAT!!!!* I wrote this screed before the producers of Unknown cut a different version of episode 11. I have only watched the first version, the version that the Taiwanese BL gods had originally intended us to watch, hmph. My commentary below only reflects my thoughts on this first version. I'm gonna allow myself to be old and crabby and say, "BAH! We didn't revise episodes back in *mah* day!" to excuse myself from watching it and I'm an old mom, I have no fuckin' time to watch a revise, so so sorry fam lmaooo ok byeeeee)

So -- I'll repeat what I think a lot of us have thought about the final arcs of Unknown, and where I could have used more of the delicate, thoughtful exploration about family roles and boundaries that the first nine episodes of this show displayed. These are the elements that drew me to the show, as well as Yuan's general spiciness and empathic intelligence towards Qian.

Anyone who reads around here knows that themes that I'm driven by include Asian intergenerational trauma and Asian family systems and dynamics. This show (here, here, and my tag) -- oh lordo, this show tackled expected, internalized, and externalized roles and responsibilities within families head-the-fuck-on, at least for the first nine episodes.

Let me state the obvious first: this show veered off the highway a bit too early to demonstrate that, WOW, Qian really is the

HORNIEST MAN ALIVE, WOW, EVER --

(dang dude, you really needed to get down EARLIER and MORE OFTEN, because that IN-OFFICE AFTERGLOW, MY MAN, like, listen, I'm down for the post-nut vibes! all support and celebration and respect, but also, we need to delegate these tasks, we're on the clock, you are a co-owner of this company, back to work! chop-chop)

and MAN, could I have used a quick wave of a flag or hand that his deficit for love, care, and tenderness would hit at THAT SPECIFIC angle (HEH HEH) so very quickly and VERY INTENSELY at the start of episode 11. That took me out. I had to just scream at @lurkingshan. I watched that episode IN PUBLIC, PEOPLE!

We were missing some steps there. It was a FABULOUS actual love scene. But I could have used more of

1) Yuan contemplating the reality of what was going to go down BEFORE that scene began, and

2) To see Qian enter that moment as well. Instead, we hit the sheets, and had to process that very intense scene WITH flashbacks, which, whew, was a whole thing, all while I was just kinda literally screaming.

Those flashbacks were supposed to tell me that Qian had come to terms with Yuan's lifelong longing, but the down-dirty confirmed that for me before I was ready to get to the same mindset that Qian had started that scene with. The very important timing and pacing of the emotional exploration and reveals that we had been presented with in the previous episodes was jettisoned for the booty.

So, yeah. That was out of order.

What I also missed in these episodes was, as I stated earlier, the previous and very intentional exploration of family roles and boundaries that this show was playing with prior to the last three episodes.

With this emotional line concluding in episode 10, Qian showed us consistently that his struggle with negotiating his older-brother-and-fatherly responsibilities was his biggest burden, alongside the lifelong processing of the abuse he had received at the hands of his mother, and his further processing of her death.

Qian and Yuan get together in episode 11, literally go out on a date, and Qian woos Yuan.

Qian's continued resistance to being open about his health to Yuan is extremely reminiscent of a parent (I think of Asian parents, but I think this is common to global parenthood) hiding a health status from a child. This part of the story was still an important one. Qian was STILL holding onto his understanding of his responsibilities to Yuan and Lili as a parent/older sibling figure. If he didn't get out of that surgery in perfect condition, he worried about their futures -- regardless of the facts that Yuan was self-sufficient, and Lili was both self-sufficient and supported by a loving partner. Because that's how so many parents are: no matter the stability of their children, parents will see children as their children.

What I liked about this storyline, and what I could have used a bit more of (ideally in an extra episode) WAS HOW YUAN'S FAMILY ROLE CHANGES AUTOMATICALLY BY BECOMING QIAN'S PARTNER.

Lili calls Yuan a "sister-in-law," but he also becomes a

brother-in-law, AND a stepdad, AND THEN ALSO BECOMES A VERY NOT TECHNICAL GRANDPA, ALONG WITH GRANDPA/UNCLE/OLDER BROTHER QIAN

AND, AND!

We see Yuan THEN CARING FOR QIAN as the younger brother he's always been, AND

AS QIAN'S PARTNER

which they're calling wife or sister-in-law in the show, which, bleh to gendered terms, but

THEY WERE GOING THERE WITH YUAN

but we didn't get enough of it.

THAT IS A HUGE CHANGE FOR YUAN.

HE IS EQUAL NOW!

We just didn't get enough exploration there. Because the show was centering Qian's narrative (which I don't blame the show for at all), and mans was in his post-boop vibe the whole time, that we didn't sit enough with the changing of these roles FOR THESE TWO MEN, and while Lili hinted at it, I would have liked just a few more minutes at the macro-high level to explore what this meant for this entire, wonderful family unit. This is just huge Asian family dynamics stuff regarding who has power, and how that impacts how Qian interacts with Yuan, how Qian has to internally process the growth of his "child," as it were, to be LITERALLY EQUAL to him as his partner; and also for Lili to contemplate as she regards Yuan now as someone partnered with her caretaker. Yuan now would kind of step into that role, as well. THAT'S HUGE for dynamics changing and rebuilding.

Let's also remember that San Peng transcends these boundaries, too, but it's a bit easier for him, because he hasn't lived in that house. But he's the family's benefactor, in a way, which both Yuan and Lili acknowledge. And his turning into a partner into the family is also a significant boundary-crossing.

Finally, Qian's concern for Lili. Yes, he was concerned for her career. He didn't want Lili to turn out like his mom.

I would have liked to have proof in that concern, literally. I say this as a mom.

Qian was missing something big. Lili's baby was going to be born into a nice big family unit that Qian was the creator and anchor of.

At least they had Qian and Yuan sitting on baby toys to end the series. Lili, truly, had nothing to worry about. The gay uncle-grandpas were going to be there to help raise the baby, because as an Asian viewer, I am going to assume the extended family's participation

(NOT ASSISTANCE! ACTIVE PARTICIPATION!)

in the raising of that child.

I'm not sure why Qian missed that, except for the very real reason of familial PTSD and intergenerational trauma from his mother. But San Peng was right there as Lili's partner and as the actual dad. And Qian was valid to have a concern. But that could have been a moment where Yuan, also, as a new equal "elder" of this newly readjusted family, could have reassured everyone that this baby was going to be born in a wonderful, close-knit, loving extended family.

These readjusted roles were not fully named and explored. If I were Lili, I know I'd be having that baby in the good hands of all of the men around me that would help me raise the kiddo in a happy and supportive environment.

One more point about the baby. We need more babies in BLs. We need to show men becoming fathers, people becoming parents. This is a right that all people have. We need more of it to emphasize that all people are deserving of the families that they want to create -- and truly, it was so BEAUTIFULLY SYMBOLIC that Qian would be such a good caretaker as to be blessed with further generations, because he literally cared so well for Yuan and Lili that they could bless him back with growing the family he tended to. We just didn't get enough sitting with that.

Finally! TF was up with that office vibe in the end. The tops, the bottoms, the public kissing. That we got that instead of the role explorations -- k, but the tone of all that was a little off, if it was meant to be comedic. And yes, I definitely took away that I was meant to ship Dr. Lin and Le Ge. I have NO IDEA why they were talking otherwise. Doc and Don are meant to, ya know, YA KNOW? Right? Ummm, lol.

All of this together is enough to put a touch of a damper on my memories of this show. I didn't end with a high.

But I ABSOLUTELY LOVED what this show accomplished through the first 10 episodes. All these complicated, delicious boundaries and roles and responsibilities being explored! It's a joy, as an Asian, to watch this being explored in a queer Asian show.

We ended on some tropey bumps, but I'm going to remember this show overall with fondness, and I'm ultimately very happy that this was my first Taiwanese BL. I can't wait to catch up in this space more in due time.

[meraki-yao]

RWRB Thoughts: The Deadline Contender Panel

Quick list of very direct, subjective, random and spontaneous thoughts I had while listening/watching the panel:

I absolutely understand that Taylor probably doesn't remember every detail of the movie off the top of his head, especially with nerves, but Sweetheart really didn't describe the played DNC scene correctly😅

That being said Taylor calling Henry Alex's boyfriend made me SO FUCKING HAPPY???? I was squealing and kicking my legs because of all the feels. On top of that, intentional or not, Taylor takes a breath so it goes "wanted to bring his... boyfriend!" and there's this subtle emphasis on the word, I am screaming

I do question why this scene though? I don't know much about this whole process, but just an educated guess, if we're trying to get an emmy nom via this panel, shouldn't we be showing a scene that's more representative of the movie's core? Like, say the New Year's scene, or Kensington Palace, or the Lake scene. If we have to include the comedy aspect, then show the freaking Red Room. I love this scene of course, but if the purpose is to nominate ourselves and show ourselves then I feel like another scene should have been picked

Why can't people freaking pronounce Nick's surname correctly? It's phonic! Ga - Lit- Zine

"Orange Guy was still president" I snorted

I heard there's stupid discourse over this minor, harmless thing, but because people are stupid, here to clarify "especially Taylor since he's here" is CLEARLY A JOKE BETWEEN FRIENDS and if you didn't pick that up then that's kind of sad :P

I'm wondering if there's still recordings of the zoom auditions/chem read. I can also imagine zoom chem read being much harder. Honestly I think zoom auditions only work with monologues.

He did the chem read in his sister's apartment lmao

THEIR CHEM READ WAS KENXINGTON????!!! WHAT THE FUCK???!!! THE MOMENT THAT MADE MATTHEW GO "there's the one" WAS THIS FREAKING SCENE??? This also implies they had to say "I love you" upon the first time meeting each other oh my god I wanna see that so bad

Also I cannot freaking imagine this intense of a scene via zoom, God I really want to see it (don't think we'll ever get it but still)

Someone ask Matthew or Nick what the other scene in the chem read is

The notebook, pride and prejudice and 10 things i hate about you mention made me happy :D

The speech thing... Kinda feel like should be a Matthew question? It's cool to hear that Taylor referenced President Obama but this is still ultimately him being Alex? Plus Taylor's a great public speaker to begin with

Did he dabble in political science? Did he ever mention that? I know he did Spanish and Community but political science?

I think the only really bad gay movie in recent years was Bros and that has a myriad of issues internally and externally, but I think it's just this one?

Why is TikTok the metric? Might write something longer in the future when I have time but the thing is with this

Speaking of Taylor and queer roles, I think I saw somewhere that Noah Torres was bi?

I talked to @pippin-katz about this but dear God, I have heard the question "What is your favourite scene" being asked to the boys at least three times now, and they always answer the cake scene. Why don't they ever expand on the question, especially since Taylor affed the Kensington scene this time, and why don't they ever ask other questions or ask about specifics? Between me and my friends, we came up with at least 40 questions that could be asked to the boys and haven't been asked yet.

Nick how the fuck did cream stay in/ behind your ear for two days and Taylor how did you spot it

I'm honestly getting really tired of the sequel question, it's always phrased the same way, and of course, the answer is gonna be the same. Even if they knew, they contractually can't tell us, the first announcement of a sequel will have to come from a bigger source like Amazon themselves.

I understand being nervous but this interviewer felt too timid and unsure of herself

Overall still very enjoyable, always more than happy to hear Taylor speak about his baby that we all love, but the question are so freaking repetitive. I said it clearer in my discussion with Pippin so here's a screenshot of that part

[fandomfanservice]

Fandoms what just happened and how are we doing?

It is Monday right?

Was I the only fan planning on taking a break after the beautifully rewarding ending that was Cherry Magic TH. Seemed like the right take for a mini hiatus from BL. Let’s be honest it has been an intense 6 months of BLs and Tumblr joy. I figured I would take a detox for a few weeks whilst things are quieter. Also need to get my third watch of Dune Part 2 in😅

Anyway BL Gods woke up choose violence on our inner peace.

No rest for the wicked, I guess!

So here I am pulled back like a moth to the flame by Twitter (X), YouTube and of course Tumblr alerts 🚨 by The Sign special episode teaser pics & them returning “Bible” to us, with Jesus…I mean Jes🚨

(Internal and external screams)

Happy Tharn and Phaya, everything I ever wanted for them and more

Can’t wait for 4 minutes, since that BOC announcement when they deprived us of KinnPorcheSeason2, this was the only other project I was truly excited about. Love some Manner of Death, same writer, so should be good. Yes, this pairing already has my support, no it doesn’t take away from Bible’s previous work or partnership, nothing but love. 💙💙💙

So I think we are all in agreement with the following

Soooo, I am not taking a break, clearly 😉😂😂😂

🩷❤️🧡💛💚🩵💙💜🖤🩶🤍🤎

[andreas-river]

Hey hey hey,

I have another request in mind.

Could you be able to do a platonic Simon ghost Riley and Gn reader where the reader has a panic attack from the last mission and Simon comforts their best friend.

Please

Rain inside my head [Simon "Ghost" Riley X GN!Reader]

A/N: Houdy @itsscromp ! Here's your request, hope you'll like it! <3

Warnings: panick attack, mention of domestic violence, mention of minor character death.

Disclaimer: I do not own any MW characters. English is not my first language. This fic contains important and difficult themes, that may not be for everyone. Panick attacks aren't easy, and they are different for everyone. Don't understimate your pain, never.

Read at your discrection!

Recommended song: Pain Pain Go Away - Kado

It was a habit. Going on a mission, completing the mission -following orders- and coming back to the base, finally being able to rest.

Everything was fine until the last mission.

It was like a switch, and it sent you over the edge.

The briefing was short, and everyone else was on leave soon, finding yourself rushing to your room, locking yourself inside, and finally being able to let the tears run down your cheek.

They were yelling- he was yelling at you venomous words because no; you weren’t worthy, the only child he had, and you somehow weren’t worthy.

You never followed his steps, running away when you had the money, choosing military life instead. It’s a hard life that puts you in front of a horrible situation, faced with life or death decisions, but making it through all of them alive.

This time, it was a hostage situation: you had to save him- no, to save her from the terrorist group that your team had been trying to stop for months.

You all stopped them, capturing some of them for interrogation, but his captor was screaming those words, pure venom getting out of his mouth. He was soon dead, but the hostage soon followed him.

She was a woman, a mom, his son already dead from days, still in her arms- she had internal bleeding, too late to save her. You stayed with her in her last minutes, trying to comfort her, pleading Ghost- who was with you all the time- to wait, to don’t go immediately.

You remained silent when she faded away, somehow having a sense of peace in her eyes. For the rest of the way back, you sit next to Ghost, his presence temporarily calming you, but a storm was already looming inside.

Your chest felted heavy while crying in your room alone, your heart beating and echoing in your head, all the external sounds muffled and far away, and your ragged breath was the only thing you were aware, of while those screams echoed in your head and throwing you in a hell loop.

The sound of a lock made you block your breath in your throat, eyes shut and knees pushed on your chest, your back pressed to the icy wall of the room. Your body hyperventilating, the screams in your mind becoming even louder.

Glancing up, a shadow loomed in front of you, his body getting closed at yours, your watery eyes slowly recognizing the skull mask, his eyes staring back at yours, still crying and sobbing.

“Breathe,” Simon kneels in front of you, his gloved hand squeezes yours, “slowly. Follow mine.”

You intently watch him following the movement of his chest, trying to calm your intense sobbing, tears still streaming down your face. He doesn’t do anything else except sit in front of you, guiding you outside the tunnel of pain you’re going through.

“He was screaming...” your voice came out hoarse, swallowing the lump in your throat, “his words were too much, and...”

He moves to your side, his arms trapping you in a hug, your tears soaking his shirt, but he didn’t seem to care.

“C’mon, let everything out.”

And you both stayed close, sitting on the floor next to each other, Ghost simply waiting for you, only moving when you watch him with puffy eyes and your breath finally calmed.

“Thanks,” you whisper, hearing some bones crackling from his back.

“You must thank yourself, too.”

Shrugging your shoulder, gratefully smiling at him, both deciding to stay together for a few more minutes, enjoying each other’s silence and presence.

[firstknightvulion]

Part 3

Liu Kang and Kuai Liang teleport onto a ridge overlooking the Lin Kuei compound.

Liu Kang: Forgive me, by why such haste?

Kuai Liang: Oh, I was just excited to show you *looks around in a panic* this tree!

Liu Kang: This tree?

Kuai Liang: Yes.

Awkward silence descends between them, as thick and choking as a wall of smoke.

Kuai Liang (internally): Shit! We’re blowing this! We have to say something!

Kuai Liang (also internally): Just say anything! Just blurt it out! We’re running out of time!

Kuai Liang (externally): So, are you tapping Titan Kitana?

Kuai Liang (also internally): WHY THE FUCK DID YOU ASK THAT?!?!

Kuai Liang (internally): I don’t know! I panicked! Johnny asked that question and it was all I could think about!

Kuai Liang (also internally): YOU NEVER SAY WHAT JOHNNY SAYS!!!

Liu Kang: We are…ahem, we are taking it slow…

Kuai Liang: Yes. That’s good. Harumi and I are also trying to understand each emotionally and physically.

Liu Kang: Are you-are you asking me for sex advice?

An explosion rocks the ridge and below the Lin Kuei compound burst into flames. The pair watch Bi-Han running amongst the cinders, setting fire to building after building.

Liu Kang: Bi-Han is burning down your home.

Kuai Liang: Training exercise.

Liu Kang: People are screaming.

Kuai Liang: A very intense training exercise.

Liu Kang: …forgive me, I am interrupting something…important. I will take my leave. I will send Geras to collect Johnny later. *creates a portal and leaves*

Suddenly, a portal to their Netherrealm opens above Kuai Liang’s head. Geras unconscious body crashes into him. A victorious Sareena standing on top of them.

Sareena: Oh yeah! Netherrealm represent! *looks around at all the chaos around her* The fuck is going on over here?

Part 2 Below

Final part here

[marzipanrose]

.... okay wierd ass question but does anyone else hate thier periods because it causes intense feelings of dissociation???

Like. Externally I can be acting fine and going about my day as usual, but internally theres a part if me that's speaking in nothing but screams and whimpers. Theres a part of me that's wanting to bite everything. And my pain/annoyance threshold is so much lower that every little thing hits much harder than it should.

But I also logically know it's just my period. I know it sucks and I'm gonna get over it so I have to keep acting like it's fine and not over react. And because of the intense divide between these two mindsets I end up feeling floaty and not in my proper body. And even if my pain is managed via advil, heat ect the over sensitivity stays

[cream-and-tea]

1, 2, 3, 18, 19, 21, 53, 54 for your beloved Pallas, please!

~ Morri (@/memento-morri-writes)

hi morri and thank you so much for the opportunity to ramble about my wretched evil little beast <3 (questions from here!)

What’s the lie your character says most often?

definitely some variation of “i don’t care/ it doesn’t matter to me” because there’s a v high chance they do care they actually care a lot it does matter to them they want to scream and cry and throw up about it. pallas plays at being very detached and their massive amount of dissociation goes a long way towards furthering that, but in reality they often get REALLY intense about/overly invested in things. they’ve just gotten good at quashing that impulse over the years.

How loosely or strictly do they use the word ‘friend’?

VERY STRICTLY to say the least. actually thinking on it i don’t think pallas calls anyone a friend internally through narration or externally in dialogue in allll of the text that’s been written for lay me down so far (not even agnes gets classified as a friend because what they feel about agnes is so much weirder than that lmao they could never think about her in such simple terms). they hate being Known and Perceived in any way and they also hate acknowledging that they want other people in their life. the one person they’d probably uncritically call a friend is nina and they try their best to never ever ever EVER think about nina bc of The Horrors. so.

How often do they show their genuine emotions to others versus just the audience knowing?

this is a funny one bc pallas is so ungodly bad at processing their own emotions that i don’t think they’re fully able to recognize when they’re being genuine and when they’re not. that being said they generally do not do well showing emotion around others bc they hate having any feelings at all (no matter how good or bad) and so they violently repress whenever they realize that’s what’s happening. to be honest i think the audience will probably understand pallas’s emotions way better than pallas does that’s just how disconnected they r like i cannot stress enough how pallas does not want to be here existing and interacting with people pallas wants to be cryogenically frozen then never unthawed or perhaps turned into some kind of statue.

Who do they love truly, 100% unconditionally (if anyone)?

um. the tldr is that It’s Complicated.

the long answer is that pallas’s relationship to love as a concept was already messy enough before age thirteen bc of the just barely burgeoning aro crisis that was already doing a whole awful lot to make them feel alienated/alone/like there was something wrong with them. and then all of those feelings got kinda subsumed when they were dropped into the torment nexus (<- special super secret private training with the director 😀). they didn’t really ever get the chance to form their own understanding of what love and relationships mean outside of That One Relationship (<- with the director) so That One Relationship kinda subsumed all of their others and became their only point of reference.

this had. a variety of interesting effects (the violence thing. the physical touch thing) but the most important one i think is that pallas views all relationships, all interactions with other people, as transactional, and as a result pallas doesn’t believe that unconditional love exists. so they can’t exactly extend that to other people.

the one problem is that the reason this training and conditioning stuck so well in the first place is that pallas is incredibly, soul-crushingly, devoted to the causes they serve. this is literally what made them primetime candidate #1 for mommy’s specialist little weapon just above the fact that they were practically a walking talking bundle of easy to dig into insecurities with phenomenal magic power. every interaction IS transactional, but that bargaining has to be done in service of the library, everything is conditional because nothing is more important than saving the world(tm), relationships only really come down to give and take but when it comes to certain people pallas is willing to give a lot more than they take. and the director is the one who gave them their cause, she embodies the cause to them. and so even when she breaks the rules she taught them, even when they get nothing in return for the horrible work they do for her, they cannot bring themself to question it. like. pallas doesn’t believe in unconditional love…….. but also that’s literally godmomteachermom what r they supposed to do.

if you’re wondering whether they’ve thought about or examined these contradictions at all the answer is no they’d explode and die if they did ❤️

What would they do if stuck in a room with the person they’ve been avoiding?

resolve FIRMLY to ignore the person and then sit there getting progressively more and more irritated at said person until they explode and do something nasty and violent to make sure the person never tries to talk to them again. i can say all of this with certainty bc this exact series of events happens two times in the book (once with fiver and once with calliope) except in both of those scenarios pallas wasn’t even stuck in a room they could literally leave whenever they want they just chose to do this instead.

What common etiquette do they disagree with? Do they still follow it?

pallas does like Structure and Rules but when it comes to common etiquette i think they feel like most of doesn’t apply to them bc those are rules for real actual human people and pallas doesn’t consider themself a real actual human person. also they’re not really around other people enough for it to really matter to them??like they do want things to be Neat and Orderly but if you try to make small talk with them they will stare blankly at u w their freaky gray eyes until you get a nosebleed

Who would / do they believe without question?

sigh. see #18 for the simple answer. but there’s also an interesting thing that starts to happen in lay me down where pallas begins to believe agnes without question as well.

at first this kinda happens bc they think she’s to dumb and naive to try and trick/manipulate them but as their relationship develops they start putting her more and more on a pedestal, seeing keeping her safe as a way to make up for what they consider the worst thing they’ve ever done, leaning on her for comfort as a security blanket, and they start to think that bc agnes is so good and agnes is so kind and agnes is just as devoted to them as they are to her that she is genuinely incapable of not telling them the truth (because that’s what the two of them do! they tell the truth to each other! give truth and get truth back!!) so they end up taking a Lot of what she says at face value. in case you’re wondering if this ends up being devastating in the long run i’ll let you know that yeah :) it does :)))

What’s their instinct in a fight / flight / freeze / fawn situation?

i think their gut instinct is freeze but they’ve been trained and conditioned to react with fight instead so the Freezing only happens when shit gets really really really bad and they kind of revert back to the mentality they had when they were younger and that was their main response. otherwise it’s killing maiming violence killing all the time allllll the way

[cloud-based-and-rainpilled]

Halfway through Staged 3 and pretty sure the reason it doesn’t “work” is the reason why Good Omens 2 does work: the natural progression of David and Michael’s and Crowley and Aziraphale’s relationships respectively is codependence. One show understands this, but the other doesn’t

tl;dr At bottom

Aziraphale and Crowley simply cannot exist without each other. They are “on their on side.” They have trauma bonded for centuries. When the external obstacles tearing apart Aziraphale and Crowley are removed, they’re left with their unaddressed trauma and can’t communicate their feelings

This internal conflict, which is long established, tears them apart. They are codependent yet can’t see eye to eye. This is a real conflict that feels natural

The big “a-ha” emotional moment at the end of Staged 2 is David and Michael realizing that (after every other character basically screams at them) they love and need each other. They are the only ones who understand each other; they are “on their own side”

When their external obstacles are removed, instead of exploring the intensity of their relationship and implied codependence, it forces conflict. Georgia messes with the room; Michael seems irrationally angry from the jump; the script relies on the meta nature of it for the humor. Everything feels “off,” and, well, “staged” for lack of a better word

The moment when Michael decides to go back into production because he’s jealous David did a role without him, there’s a bit of a throwaway line where he says “I can’t believe you’d do something without me.” It’s framed as jealousy of David working, but at face value, it’s, “How could you ever do anything without me?”

Exploring their codependence would have been more narratively sound and have a better baseline for comedy to come from it. However, this was never going to be possible, because while Staged isn’t “real,” inherently, because it’s meta, it kind of is

(Tinfoil hat time!)

This sounds sacreligious, but Michael Sheen is not convincing at all in this. He holds this resentment that seems to come from nowhere and feels hollow. The script isn’t helping much, but this is far lower quality wise than other performances he’s given. He does not want to be doing this shit again

Michael’s a (self-admitted) sensitive actor. He drowns himself in every role, especially Aziraphale, who he says “lol he’s literally me.” He cried on the last day of shooting; there’s absolutely no way the Breakup ™️ in Good Omens 2 didn’t affect him deeply, especially considering a 3rd season still isn’t confirmed

Imo he drags his feet because this entire season is the Breakup ™️ again, and he’s emotionally exhausted and doesn’t want to do it. If the script were better/had more levity/allowed for improv then maybe, but as it stands, it’s just a bummer, and everyone who watched it agrees

But I don’t think a plotline exploring David and Michael’s codependence would have ever happened anyway because, well, it would be really fucking awkward

Staged 1 is about them becoming friends, and, lo and behold, they actually did become close friends while shooting

Staged 2 is about them realizing how much they need and care about each other, and by their own accounts, they became much closer during this time as well

So, if Staged 3 were about them examining the closeness of their fake selves and the possible unhealthy aspects of it, that would force them to be incredibly vulnerable, not just as actors, but to their real relationship, because the events of Staged have mirrored how their friendship has developed

They are obviously not their characters on Staged, but there is a distinct pattern of a blur of real life and fiction. They run the risk of people falsely thinking they have a codependent dynamic and judging them accordingly, or, even worse, having to confront actually having a codependent dynamic, and in a very public way

I haven’t finished, so maybe their codependence is addressed, but right now it seems like it’s entirely avoided, which was a huge aspect of the ending of series 2. It makes the conflict feel forced and any interesting character exploration is blunted by antics

tl;dr In Good Omens 2, Crowley and Aziraphale are codependent, which is established, and creates conflict. Codependence is addressed in Staged 2, but barely acknowledged in Staged 3. A real point of conflict that could be interesting is ignored while forced situations are pushed instead, which aren’t as funny nor compelling

I believe personally that the ideas dried up for Simon, Michael was emotionally exhausted from the ending of Good Omens 2, and a plotline centered around David and Michael’s codependence in Staged was avoided because it would hit too close to home

Still haven’t finished it so it could turn around, but right now it feels like a big missed opportunity which came out of uninspired writing and avoiding self reflection

[good-old-gossip]

Israeli army broadcasts intimidating sounds to lure, kill, and forcibly displace civilians in the Nuseirat camp

Geneva - As part of its ongoing genocide, which started on 7 October 2023, the Israeli army is using new disturbing techniques to intimidate, lure, and target Palestinian civilians in the central Gaza Strip’s Nuseirat refugee camp.

Testimonies from camp residents, which were provided to the Euro-Med Monitor team, confirm that the sound of women screaming and babies crying was heard late at night on both Sunday and Monday. When some of the residents went out to investigate and tried to help, they were shot at by Israeli quadcopter drones. The sounds they had heard were in fact recordings playedby the Israeli drones, with the intent of forcing the camp’s residents out into the streets, where they could be easily targeted by snipers and other weaponry.

According to the testimonies, this tactic also involved broadcasting gunshots, armed conflicts, explosions, military vehicle movements, and occasionally songs in Hebrew and Arabic in order to psychologically intimidate civilians who live amid total darkness at night and total disconnection from the external world.

A 20-year-old camp resident, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, reported to the Euro-MedMonitor team: “We were sitting at night when we heard voices of girls and women screaming: ‘Come, help me, I am injured!’ We went out to find out what was happening. No women were found, but we were directly targeted by a quadcopter drone.”

Continued the camp resident, “I fled inside, and two people right in front of me were seriously injured. Because of the ongoing gunfire, we were unable to treat them, so we called an ambulance, and they arrived to transport them. Many residents heard these sounds and responded to provide help.”

A 60-year-old woman reported hearing loud gunfire, then hearing women’s cries of distress, informing the residents that their children were hurt and pleading for help. She went on, saying: “This sound continued for about 10 to 15 minutes, but none of us went outside because it was really late and I knew these were recordings from planes.”

This psychological intimidation coincided with the Israeli army’s brutal military assaults, which included machine gunfire from helicopters, tanks, and quadcopters, as well as artillery and airstrikes. The attacks occurred randomly, intensely, and continuously in different parts of the Nuseirat camp, resulting in numerous civilian casualties, including women and children.

The Israeli army randomly and systematically targeted anyone in the Nuseirat camp who was simply walking down the street or peering out of windows, and also targeted some civilian residents who were attempting to move between shelter centres and homes or investigate what was going on in the area. The intensity of bombing and shooting operations increases during the course of the night, directly and purposefully targeting populated residential areas, civilian targets, including schools and mosques that house displaced people, as well as the civilian populace with the intention of killing and injuring them.

Given the ongoing genocide in the Gaza Strip, Euro-Med Monitor warns of the dangers posed by the Israeli army’s immoral and inhumane tactics against the civilian population there, which are growing daily and causing severe psychological and physical harm.

According to international human rights law, the Israeli army’s extrajudicial executions and deliberate, unlawful killings of Palestinian civilians—whether through sniper shooting or direct liquidation—violate their right to life. These acts are also deemed grave violations under the Geneva Conventions, as well aswar crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. These crimes stand alone as one of the majorcomponents of Israel’s ongoing genocide against the Gaza Strip’s residents.

According to the Rome Statute, the Israeli army committed war crimes and crimes against humanity when it attacked and bombed defenseless buildings and residential areas. It also purposefully directed military attacks against civilian sites and their infrastructure, causing extensive and long-lasting damage to them. All of these actions demand immediate international accountability. This is corroborated by a statement released by United Nations experts yesterday, in which they stated that “[S]uch a reparative approach starts with Israel, the occupying power, which has destroyed Gaza, as well as the countries that supplied military, material and political support for the war and the occupation, all of whom bear both legal and moral responsibility.”