#I don't know how much is intentional but the way that the twins' roles are gendered is kinda interesting?

[muninnhuginn]

li tianxi blaming herself for her parents not divorcing and because they don't things escalate past boiling point. blaming herself in the first place for the tensions between them because she has needs and not everyone is willing to try and meet her with them. li tianxi choosing to look away and not say what she sees anymore so this won't repeat. but in the process just ending up enabling tianchen as he spirals down and down.

li tianchen blaming himself because he wanted to fix things for his mum and do what she couldn't but instead he gets her dead. and tianchen just wants to protect tianxi like he failed to protect his mum but he doesn't try to actually *understand* her. so instead his efforts eventually drive her away because there's only so much she's willing to take. she didn't want to be 'protected' like this.

they've both lost their parents and tianxi doesn't want anyone to suffer as she has whilst tianchen wants everyone else to suffer as he has. everyone except tianxi.

wanting to protect someone but not giving them the agency in the decision. in whether they even want to be 'protected' in this way.

[ancha-aus]

SansNautica Drabble - How Four became Five

I haven't been feeling really motivated to write. But then I thought of this idea and i liked it enough to play with it. Lets see how it goes. You guys know the drill! It is a drabble so it is writen once and then to you guys :) Stuff is still up to change but it will be fun! I hope haha

Also don't worry about the timeline hahaha. Seeing as i am not either :D

Warning! Referred Torture. Medical tortue specifically. Nothing graphic but it is there and HEAVILY implied and thought/writen about.

Also. Sidenote and fair warning. I have the headcanon that the Mers lay eggs, they are fish of course they can, and that with a specific kind of intent and magic they can make eggs that will eventually cause the fish form to hatch. so a mer can lay an egg that becomes a fish version of them. a way that mers can help extinct races return and thrive. Nothing grapphic again but it is mentioned.

*---------------------------*

He is so tired.

He misses his family.

What... what do these creatures want from him?

Don't they understand they are hurting him? they have to right?

They speak within his mind. It hurts when they do. his skull aches and his very being feels weird.

He wants to see his friends... his family... He hasn't seen them in so long.

He doesn't remember their faces... their names... He can't even remember his own name.

They call him Ten... The Tenth subject...

He just wants the pain to stop.

They use tools that hurt. Their touches hurt. They cut into his limbs and they don't let him sleep through it.

He wants to go home... They nests in soft blue light of the light bulb plants. Hidden in the darkness with their natural colouring. Watching the fish versions of his mertype swim around their nests. Cute and always willing to cuddle.

Those things came. Took them. Took them all from their very nests. He had seen them steal eggs even.

He had seen them cut the eggs open. He had grieved for those eggs.

He had woken up with stitches on his middle. Not remembering how he got them as he had passed out through the torture.

He doesn't know what they want.

They said they had answers. But he doesn't know to what!

One of them walks over and he tries to curl up even more. There is no room around him. The tank of water is tiny and he can't even stretch his tentacles fully. He is stuck. He is stuck.

He just wants to go home.

But... there is no home anymore... is there?

He is alone.

So alone.

And only the creatures who hurt him remain.

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

Dream dodges another one of those alien hunters as he travels deeper into the lava biome. Rushing forwards.

Nightmare would be furious at him for doing this. Actually... Dream is sure he will be furious when he finds out.

His twin always knows what he does.

But he has to!

He has to take this risk!

Those terrible things took what is his!! They took the fish Sea Emperors! They took the leviathan version of the fish!!

Dream is furious.

The sea emperors had already been near extintion. Dream ahd worked so hard and spend so much magic to make eggs to help build the race. Working closely together with the old last naturally born leviathan. Drema had even spend his own magic to strengthen her! She was his friend!!

He is going to break her our.

Dream. My friend. It is too dangerous. They will hurt you. Please... Stay away.

Dream shakes his skull as he pushes his limits further. He needs to get to her. He needs to breka her out.

My friend. Please. I am the last one left. And I do not know where i am. I am deeper than you even think.

Dream pants as he slows down a tiny bit. He focusses his mind to send her a message 'please. Please let me help you.'

I don't accept that. Please. Use your freedom to help more like you. They need you Dream. you are a leviathan. you know that role is of a leader and protector.

Dream shakes his skull as he stares into the large open cavern. Sea dragons leviathans swim around aggressively. More of those alien hunters are moving around to catch whatever they can.

That is the reason why Dream is in his small form now. To be able to sneak by them undetected.

He focuses his thoughts as he starts to inch deeper into the water 'That is what I am doing. You are part of me! You may not be a mer but our tails are the same!' He looks around. He hadn't seen anykind of building of those aliens yet. But they tend to be rather obvious.

You know that you don't need to lead us. That is what I do. and I failed. You have your responsibility to help your fellow... what did you call them again? Mers? You need to help them. They need your guidance.

Dream feels his sockets itch with tears 'But what about you... what about all the eggs and gups we managed to bring back?'

And I will forever be thankful for your help with that. But you can't lose sight of your responsibilities to those who need your help Dream.

Dream frowns as he has to swim back to make sure the hunters don't see him. Their upright position and strange single claw hands unnerve him still 'My brother is already helping the evacution.' Technically. Nightmare is actually hunting the hunters and making sure the large leviathans remain save. Reaper, Error and Ink are actually working on evacutating everyone beyond the void.

Dream. Please. They need you. I will remain here and be at peace. I will play with these strangers and see what they want. you need to go.

Drema hesitates but that must be clear to her.

If you truly wish to help us. Please... free out eggs, They stole so many... find them and free them. please.

Dream gives a slow nod as he backs away from the lava. His soul hurting with knowing he will lose his dear friend 'I will... and I am sorry.'

His friend laughs Oh friend. Don't be sorry for what you couldn't do. Be proud of what you could do. and you helped us so much. and will help many more. it is in your nature.

Dream still feels like he leaves a part of himself behind when he abandons his own fish-kind.

He swims back to the underwater river. A green colour in the area as he searches and searches. He knows those aliens settled here.

A loud roar. Drema looks up shocked. Waht is a sea dragon doing here! the fish-kind of his brother always remain in the lava area! why would one be here?!

Dream rushes after the sound and watches as a large sea dragon bites hunters as they rush forwards. Dream follows them around the corner and watches it crash into a large alien building!

Dream frowns as he connects to the other's emotions and mind. Unlike his own fish-kind, other fishes don't have the many mental powers that his own has. But Dream can still connect to them and learn.

Anger. Hurt. Grief.

huh. Dream tilts his skull as he inches closer. Watching closely as the large leviathan sea dragon hits the structure over and over again.

A loud roar and as Dream is now mentally connected he finally understands what she is saying

Give them back.

Dream gasps and rushes over just as the structure breaks and starts to sink to the bottom. The sea dragon, the mother, struggles to stay upright. Drema rushes to her side to try and heal her but...

The damage to her own head is too large. The large being roars mournfully as she looks at the building.

Dream hushes her gently and connects to her.

Help. Will. Eggs. Find. Safe.

The large being. Those large eyes stare at him. and slowly close. a peace falls over her mind. a very tender and desperate trust fills her in her last moments.

And she is gone.

Dream glares at the structure and rushes over. Time to find some eggs.

He is honestly very lucky that the structure is already broken and filling wiht water. He had found other structures before but never could manage to get very far inside as there is alway a pocket of air.

Now however?

Now he can go inside and explore and-

Oh... oh no...

So many creatures. Strung up and cut open.

Dream rushes deeper. Searching. More of those beautiful fish and creatures all cut open with little regard to them. Chained and stuck with large nails. As if they meant nothing!

That is when Dream sees the egg! It is a large sea dragon egg and Dream rushes over to it. There are these metal tools near it but that is alright! Dream will just break it out.

As soon as he touches the egg he knows.

He still sniffs and nuzzles it. He tries to heal it but it is no use...

Whatever those disgusting beings did... the little being that this egg had held is gone... The mother had died for nothing.

Dream wants to scream and cry. Why!! Why did they do this to them?! Why did they come here and start hurting and hunting them?! What did they do?!

Dream pants as he glares at all the glass. He rips a large weird metal thing off the ground and starts hitting stuff with it. Breaking anything he can get near as he goes deeper and deeper. Rage filling his soul and mind.

He roars loudly and it echoes.

Fear.

Dream stops and focusses. He felt... He thought... He uses all of his senses to reach for that little spike of emotion.

Deep... much deeper into this strange nest. there is someone... they feel... muted feelings. almost as if they are asleep or not awake.

Dream inches deepr into this area. Ready to transform into his bigger form at a moments notice. It would hurt to transform here but he would be able to open up the base fully and get out easily enough using the shock factor.

He turns a corner and glares. THis is where those hunters were made! He is this close to continue destroying this area as well when he feels more of that very light fear. almost as if someone is having a bad dream.

Dream swims over and finds more of those glass containers. Many other creatures inside. all looking hurt. Dream breaks them out but he honestly isn't sure how far they will get. Still he breaks them out as he swims deeper.

That is when he sees them.

A mer. locked in a very tiny containment. Covered with scars and wounds.

A cuddlefish mer... Dream... Dream ahd thought they were all gone... that those terrible hunters had... the hunters went after them first for some reason... They all hadn't realised until it was too late.

Dream rushes towards the strange cage and tries to think on how to safely remove it. The other is shaking and seems to be stuck in a bad dream. Dream glances around and sees mroe of those metal needles and some vials...

Dream tries to hum and hush the other gently but nothing seems to calm them. He needs to get them out. Now. He goes to the top of the glass and uses his claws to get a good grip. Then with the help of his tentacles he forces the glass away. He reaches inside and pulls the mer into his arms.

"please be okay. please be alive!" damn! He will take alive at this point!

The mer doesn't react. Seemingly unable to wake.

Dream glances around. Suddenly afraid of where he is. He eneds to get this mer to safety. But he has no idea how strong the other is. Much less if they would survive a trip through the void.

What if they woke up there and panicked? Or worse?

An idea... Nightmare had already said he would remain in the crater. To try and contain these creatures. his newly formed shiver wanted to remain wiht him... Nightmare will be able to watch over this hurt mer!

Dream hums as he makes sure to have a good hold on the other "Don't worry. I will bring you to my brother. He will keep you safe. I swear."

His brother will keep this vulnerable mer safe and happy.

Dream is sure of it.

[websterss]

TILL DEATH DO US PART — ANTHONY LOCKWOOD

REQUEST: okay so i’ve thought about sending requests your way and my mind came up blank except for a reversed-roles kinda thing for lockwood & co, in which that scene from the last episode where lucy goes to george to save him from the crazy lady (forgot her name) with the bone mirror, instead it’s reader but she doesn’t handle it as well as lucy and pass out or something (your choice, i just want angst) and although lockwood has been shot in the shoulder, he doesn’t care. all he cares about is if reader is gonna be okay 👀 (i just want some good ol’ angst written by you so i can die a little bit inside but also thrive in reading your writing 🥺🫶🏼)

WARNING(S): angst, some fluff at the end

WORD COUNT: 4,214

PAIRING: Anthony Lockwood x fem!Reader    

A/N: Hope you enjoy it! Feedback is always welcomed!

MASTERLIST

You didn’t quite know how you three had managed to end up locked in an underground cellar with Pamela. You couldn’t so much as put the fault onto George. He had put his sole faith and trust into their supposed friendship. He was too swayed by what he thought were good intentions, only to realize they were nothing but sick twisted purposes. Purposes that were going to put so many others at risk. 

“Please!” George begged. “Lucy, don't he’ll kill you.”

“Don’t you dare look, and whatever happens this wasn’t your fault. This was my choice.”

“Lucy, don't you dare.” You groan after having been jostled and shoved to the ground as George had. 

Lucy just turned to you, her features softening as she whispered with pure sincerity and concern in her voice. Her soft-as-the-sky eyes glowed in the darkness like twin lanterns and with a little sigh she replied, “…I have to.”

"No. You don't. We all get to make choices, and I'm making mine now." You walk up to her and hit her with the hilt of your rapier.  You hold your breath as she falls unconscious. You're quick to drag her over to George where he remains on the ground. "S-Shield her eyes, and whatever happens...don't look." You nod firmly at George.

George didn’t hesitate, shielding Lucy from the horror unfolding before them, but couldn’t help looking back to you. He seemed both concerned and terrified at the same time. “Lockwood won't like this!"

"He'll get over it!" You take your place in front of the mirror. Eyes flickering back and forth between Pamela and the covered mirror.

The air around you feels thick and oppressive. You feel sick and dizzy as the sense of impending doom and horror fills your body with a paralyzing chill. You look at the mirror, at Pamela, and the thought of what is to come sears across your mind.

You take a deep breath. With shaking hands, you await her response. “Tell me everything you see, what you feel, and what you hear.” She yanks a pin out from her hair. Then points the recorder towards you. “Every detail.” She says as a final word, then yanks back the cloth. You turn around immediately, feeling a rush of air and suction claw on the back of your hair and shoulders. “Look, look, look. Damn you, look!” Pamela exclaims.

You gasp as you reach forward, grabbing the silver-glass jar, the skull, and hold it out behind you to look at the mirror in your place.

"If you can talk to it, tell me what it says.”

You groan, closing your eyes tightly, trying to fight off the urge to look into the horrid mirror. You growl as you yell back to the damned skull. "Talk...Take it all in and tell your master what you see." Lockwood and George, even Lucy had been astonished when you all discovered that you could also communicate and hear the type three ghost. Your heart plummets as you hear the skull begin to wail.

“No, no, no, this isn’t right! Something’s changed!” Your breath shudders upon the information he has given you. “They’re trapped!”

“What? What? What is he saying? Speak, girl Speak!” Pamela grips her recorder tighter.

“It says something is wrong!”

“More!”

“It’s a trap. We have to destroy it!” You begin to whimper as it all grows to be too much for you to handle. You hold your breath as glimpses of your past flash in your mind. Stills of your parents before your tenth birthday. Finding them ghost-locked after coming home from Fittes. Horrid wretched flashes and faces of previous visitors you and the boys were called on to take a job about. Being pinned by a type two. Your breath grows cold upon being nearly ghost-locked yourself. But the one vision that struck you the most, that made you lose your grip on making it through this was seeing yourself hold Anthony in your arms as his eyes were milky, his brown irises glazed over white and still. You could see yourself crying and begging him to come back to you. Your eyes shot upon with a startle. You could feel yourself loosen your hold on the jar before you took it down with you to the ground. All you could hear was a faint yell of your name before you slipped into the dark void that clouded your mind.

“Y/n!” George hadn’t even hesitated to get onto his feet to tackle down the stand holding the mirror. 

“No!” Pamela cries out. George ran back over to where you lay unconscious. His hands were still tied behind his back but he still attempted to check for your pulse. He visibly relaxed as he came to feel your pulse thump against his skin. 

“You’re alright, you’re alright now...Lockwood will come soon and it’ll all be over soon.” He flinched, looking over his shoulder as he heard shuffling to his right. Lucy groaned, clutching at her head as she pushed herself off the ground. 

“Blood hell...” She complained, but one look at your unmoving body had her scooting closer to the two of you. She reached forward, brushing a few strands out from your face. Her palm resting against your cheek. “Is she...” She raised a brow at George. Thinking the worst of the worst. Your death at the hands of Pamela.

“No. She’s alright. Assumed the mirror struck her energy a bit. It was too much for her to handle.” 

“Lockwood is gonna-”

“Kill us.”

“I was going to say put her on house arrest but sure let’s assume the worst reactions possible. 

“Before we arrived. He practically begged her to run off and call DEPRAC. She was top priority...” Lucy muttered to herself thinking back on what Lockwood debriefed before they came to face Pamela. 

“Top priority?” George questioned. “Y/n?”

“Before we left, he mentioned how the mirror came close to being our second priority. I asked him out of curiosity what the first priority was. He didn’t answer me.” Lucy looks down at you with a new sense of understanding. The bond you and Lockwood shared was one like no other. Two souls brought together by unfathomable circumstances. Orphaned from the same cause, the same path that lead your loved ones to be unalive. To halves that made a whole. Who understood what was put at risk every day you stepped out into London’s busy and haunted streets. You both knew the sacrifices that were the hardest to make, but you both took them on over Lucy and George having to. The little family you both found yourselves, you put your whole lives and trust into. You were everything to one another, and that was a risk in itself. “Lockwood is going to have our heads...” She breathed out in realization.

“I think he knows that already.”

“What?” George gestured behind her with a grimace. Lockwood was standing a few feet away, clutching his shoulder. His eyes rotated from Lucy and George and onto your unmoving form. 

“Shit...” Lucy swallowed nervously as he let his rapier clatter to the floor. 

“Is she?” Lockwood swallowed his words down, not having the stomach to contemplate whether you remained with them or if you had finally joined alongside your parents and his. Lockwood took a few more agonizing steps towards your motionless form, his expression looking both exhausted and afraid. His fingers reach out but fall back down to his sides. He was only thankful you couldn’t see him tremble, as he held back on the urge to break down crying.  

“She’s okay...swear it.” Lucy nodded, a timid smile on her face as her eyes watered. 

Lockwood's eyes began to water from the sight. For an agent, death would be nothing more than a common occurrence. However, this was a different scenario, as a few tears streamed down his face. Before he could take another step forward, George finally free from his zip ties, carefully lifted you in a gentle motion, trying to prop you upwards. Lockwood hurried forward then, hands trembling as he grabbed your shoulders and pulled you into a seating position. Your head lulling sideways at an uncomfortable angle. Lockwood's eyes darted all across your form, desperately hoping to find some kind of response from you.

"She took on the mirror...It was too much for her to handle. She fainted from it." George filled him in on what occurred.

Lockwood's breaths grew out of rhythm as he kept your body in place, trying to keep his hands from shaking. His fingers trembled at a furious pace as he placed his hand against your neck, needing to feel for himself for a pulse. To reassure him that you weren’t taken from him. It was a moment that felt like hours had passed. He spoke. “Did she look at it?” They could hear the panic in his voice.

"N-No. She used the skull." Anthony glanced over to where the type three ghost swirled around, displaying its very much livelihood. He wished the same for your state.

Lockwood's sigh of relief was palpable in the atmosphere. He withdrew his head from your shoulder and pressed his head gently against yours, his eyes closing shut. The only thing keeping him from losing it was the slight thump against his fingertips on your neck, it had his entire demeanor relaxing. Though it didn't calm his nerves. "She'll be alright," he promised George, who seemed to be on the verge of panic himself. "She'll be quite alright." He muttered softly as though the tiniest change in his tone would cause him to fall apart. 

Lucy was at a crossroads, her instincts screaming at her how badly she wanted to rush into Lockwood's arms to comfort him at this moment, but she had her priorities straight. You had taken her place. This wasn’t out of the ordinary for you and it angered Lockwood because you never stopped putting yourself before others.

"She knocked me out and took my place. I wouldn't have let her if I knew-" Anthony retracted from you and looked over to Lucy, having her own breakdown.

Knowing of your bond, she knew what losing you would do to him. The last thing she wanted was to add any more stress to his plate and his already heavy heart. “I know. It’s alright Luce...” Lockwood gave her a firm nod. He then turned back to you. Lockwood was staring at what you referred to as your imperfections, a freckle here, a scar against your temple there, and the crease in your brows, to him they were what made you simply perfect in his eyes. He couldn’t help the frown on his lips, the frown on your own lips not sitting well with him. Had you fainted in pain? Were you still in pain? It didn’t shake him as badly as your closed eyes did. He wanted nothing more than to peer into them again. Find a home in them once more. He willed and hoped them to finally open so that he could see that you were alright. 

He lied, your pulse hadn’t been enough, he needed to see you awaken for him to even function correctly. He needed his mind to think about anything else, something else so he asked.

“What marvelous object did she acquire this time...” He scoffed. “My first encounter with her was with the end of an umbrella.”

"The butt of her rapier," Lucy said. "Shit hurt..." She rubbed against the side of her temple.

“A rapier?” He breathed a small laugh. “I see you weren’t quite original this time...” A small smile appeared in Lockwood's eyes as he leaned forward again. His hand lowered to wrap around your fingers, all the while as he carefully placed your head upon his shoulder. His other hand brushed against your cheek, making note of your temperature. “Her hands are getting cold.”

"Is that bad?"

“Y/n. Can you hear me?” He lifted your head from his shoulder. “Her circulation is slowing. Our time frame for waking her up is shrinking.” It's always an internal struggle for him to remain composed, but he had to be strong for the lot of them.

"Where did Pamela go?" George began panicking. He grew weary seeing her hunched over the broken mirror.      

“Leave her, George!" Lockwood let out his frustration at the situation. “She’s not our priority right now.”

“You stupid boy. You broke it!” Pamela whined.

Lockwood turned to look back at Pamela, who was whining about the broken mirror as Lucy’s attempts to bring you back to consciousness were becoming more futile. Lockwood’s patience was wearing thin, and Pamela’s words were doing nothing but adding fuel to the flames.

“We need to go! Now!” Lockwood urged the two of them. As he was already attempting to pick you up, especially with his bad shoulder still bleeding out. The exhaustion hadn’t yet reached him, his adrenaline running rampant. 

Lockwood's words were cut short as he stumbled, dropping you to the ground. His bad shoulder had given way to the exhaustion that now began to consume him. He was losing his grip on everything. “Lucy...” he was pleading now. 

“We’ve got her, let’s go!” Lucy assured his panic, and swung your arm over her shoulder, George taking your other arm.

“Don’t drop her…” Lockwood barked out, as he struggled to maintain a standing position. The exhaustion finally started to take hold of him as his knees buckled beneath him. With his body starting to tremble and lose its grasp, he let out a deep groan, his breath shallowing from the physical exertion.

"Go!" Lucy ordered out of frustration. She admired his concern and care about you but not when their lives were currently on the line and a crazy bitch was staring into the mirror she tried forcing them to look into.

He didn’t want to allow any room for arguing.

-

Anthony had fallen unconscious as the lift back up. His body lay next to yours as George, Lucy, and Kipps adjusted the both of you. The last thing Anthony recalls was lightly pressing his hand on top of yours before he succumbed to the exhaustion that ransacked his body. He felt as though a train drove right into him, though at least now he could say he’s faced down the barrel of a gun and lived to tell the tale. You’d find it humorous. You always thought highly of his jokes and gave him a laugh when most never bothered. He’d give anything to hear you bubble out of joy. See you double over from the loss of air in your chest. He’d give anything...everything.

After the paramedics patched him up and reduced him to an arm sling, he hung back as you lay on the gurney behind him. He twisted in his seat, keeping a watchful eye on you, waiting, willing the universe to spare him and have your fingers twitch, or have you shift around. He needed some peace of mind.

Though the universe was not kind, your body remained lifeless in a state of deep slumber. Lockwood’s heartbeat grew heavier the longer he waited on the back of the ambulance, his mind flooded with the worst-case scenarios. That this would be the last time, that that smile of yours that could charm anyone with ease would be lost. If he was to lose you, then he had nothing left. Nothing and no one. His hand continued to shake as he felt himself become more and more of a wreck. He couldn’t breathe...he wouldn't be able to breathe...and he knew he’d whole himself in his room if you didn’t-

“Will the Mrs live to see another day?”

Anthony looked over at Inspector Barnes. He gestured to your stilified state. He had hoped his joke would upturn the tension but if presumed he hadn’t after Lockwood scoffed and rolled his eyes, adverting his gaze away and back where they longed to remain, solely on you.

“What’d the paramedics say?” He asked again.

“She’s alright...Nothing we couldn’t figure out ourselves. The pressure from the mirror exhausted her to the point of fainting. She’s stable...she’s surpassed every checkup they ministered with flying colors...”

“Yet...” Barnes trailed off.

“They don’t have the slightest clue as to why she won’t wake up. They already tried to but...” Lockwood didn’t want to say it out loud, but speaking it into existence confirmed his worst fears, that even though your vitals were good, and your body reacted well to the fluids they gave you, something was seriously wrong, if not physically, then mentally and that scared him more than anything else. “I have this inclining...”

"Lockwood-" Barnes began.

“I know what you’re going to say. Have hope. Remain optimistic as we’ll continue to observe her, monitor her vitals, hell test her blood. But what good will that do when we’ve done it already…” He paused, the exhaustion growing with every passing moment. “What if she never wakes up?” Lockwood’s breath shudders.

“You both know of the risks–“ Barnes tries to reason.

“We’ve been in the business of risk exposure for years. We don’t expect ourselves to survive from the first encounter. But this–this feeling...” Lockwood’s voice was breaking. He couldn’t keep himself contained any longer. “I’m aware!” Lockwood snaps, his voice breaking, his eyes reddening. “All too aware, but if I’d known this would happen I’d…” His thoughts trail off, unsure of what to say anymore. His eyes kept darting back and forth between you and Barnes. He’d succumb to begging. He would. Just to see you move a little. Any kind of movement. Just one would be enough to quell his panic. 

“Taken her place?” A small knowing smile reached Barnes's brows.

Lockwood couldn’t bring himself to deny it. He took a deep breath, as he spoke in a hushed and gentle tone “I would hand myself over to death without question. Any given day.” He didn’t hesitate. “I’d rather she lose me, than I her. So yes, I’d have taken her place.” Barnes's eyes slowly flickered past his shoulder with an easing smile. He looked down to the rubble. 

“Over my dead body-” Anthony had never turned his head faster. He instantly froze. The relief that had started to wash over him at seeing you had given way to embarrassment. His own injury was forgotten. You sat up and your eyes landed on him. “Hand yourself over to death, or you mad- What the hell happened to your shoulder?” 

“That would be my leave...” Barnes pointed to his left and swiftly left the two of you.

“My shoulder? Oh, it…I was shot.” He answered as simple as that, it contained no other details, nothing to ease your concern, which led you right into interrogating him.

“Shot?” You were taken aback by his nonchalant reply. “What do you mean, shot?” You exclaim. 

“Nothing worth troubling yourself about. How do you feel?” There was an air of tension between the two of you, where everything had become so fragile. After everything that had happened, a simple statement or action would break the illusion. You were awake and animated, and giving him a piece of your mind. It didn’t feel real in the slightest.

“I…” A wave of exhaustion was still coursing through your body, a result of the exhausting ordeal that you had just undergone. The ordeal had exhausted your body so much that your brain shut down. But your physical exhaustion also masked the emotional exhaustion you were feeling. You felt out of your element; overwhelmed by everything that was now around you. Everything felt unfamiliar to you, as though you had been transported into an unknown dimension, one where your mind felt trapped. Anthony’s ghost locked body in your arms. “I don’t know...I couldn’t wake up.”

"I know- The paramedics tried everything and-"

It was impossible to say what you did and didn't remember. But from what you recall, the events of the evening were a blur. "The mirror..." You attempted to scoot closer to him. Your hands grazed against Anthony's hair. Your eyes caught sight of his shoulder, wrapped in bandages and the sling that secured it together. Was it bleeding? But it wasn’t your primary focus. You just needed to feel him. “There were so many faces, so many faces.” You breathe out a gasp. Your eyes watering. “I saw you...”

“Me?”

"You were ghost-locked. I had lost you..." Your breath hitched.

"It wasn't real. I'm not going anywhere anytime soon. It wasn't real." Anthony reassured, pressing kisses against your temple.

"But what if it was...What if what the mirror showed me becomes true?"

He paused, taking a moment to contemplate your concerns. Anthony had already spent the evening playing out the worst-case scenarios, but to hear you state them verbally had somehow made them more palpable. However, a small part of him was curious whether you saw your future by the mirrors doing, or if it was just an illusion to break you mentally.

"Then I'll make sure that doesn't happen." He whispered. His voice was tinged with emotion. His hands reached for yours and intertwined his fingers with yours. A sign of his promise to you.

“You can’t promise that-”

Anthony looked down at your hands, his eyes flickering between them as he attempted to focus on anything other than the overwhelming amount of emotions swirling within him, the emotions threatening to consume him whole. So he focused instead on your hands being intertwined with his, and the sight warmed him in a pleasant way he hadn't felt in many months, as the thought of possibly losing you had him filled with dread.

He leaned over and kissed your knuckles. “Did you not hear my declaration of my love for you?”

“Oh, the one where you give yourself to death- Like hell!” You yank your hand out of his with a scoff.

“Hand myself over–” He corrected you. “I’d hand myself over to death.” He continued.

“I’m about to hand you a right hook.” You throw a playful punch to his bad shoulder, forgetting his injury and rippling with regret instantly. “Oh!”

“Ow.” He groaned. “What’s the big issue?” He laughed softly. “What’s wrong with giving up my life for yours?” He teased. “You know I’d die for you.”

"You don't have my permission." You mutter softly. Bringing a hand up to brush back his hair.

As your hand brushed back his hair, Anthony couldn’t help but smile at the small gesture. He grabbed the hand you used to brush back his hair and lightly kissed the back of your hand again. “If I wanted to I would give myself over to death this very instant. I’d do just about anything for you, you know.” He replied. His gaze was now fully on you. His eyes were a deep amber, shining like two gemstones.

"And that's what scares me the most." You hum.

“It shouldn’t.” He scoffed with a smile. “Besides, I thought you valued my loyalty.” He raised a brow playfully.

"Yes. When I'm not there to defend my word. That’s when I put my whole faith in your loyalty to me...but when death comes knocking. I don't want it." Your eyes soften.

He looked away briefly, then back at you with a teasing smile. “I wouldn’t give my life to save just anyone, you know.”

"Oh, I'm aware." You fight back an amused smile. He noticed it though, he caught the smile that you attempted to mask. You were never able to conceal much around him, and that was all right. He liked seeing your emotions on full display. You were your truest self when you let your guard down around him. It made you all the more adorable that way. “And you?” He asked. “Would you give yourself to death for me?” He teased, but you knew he was serious.

Your smile widened for a moment before you caught yourself, and answered without taking a beat. You would allow him to know your fears, for the fear of seeing him suffer on your behalf was the worst feeling one could endure. That was something you hated the thought of. You didn’t quite see yourself as the more vulnerable one out of the two of you. Deep down Anthony conquered his inner demons through you, shared his past, his troubles, and confessed his deepest fears to you. You’d help him without any hesitation. You would do anything for the bloke, even if that meant going as far as sacrificing your own life for the sake of him getting to keep his, you would do it, and you’d do it in a heartbeat no less.

“Any given day.” One glance into your eyes and Anthony knew. He knew you would keep that promise till death tethered on whose hand to take. When? Well, you’d never truly know for sure.

Content with your answer, he leans in and kisses your cheek softly. You relax into his touch, your lashes brushing down on top of your under-eyes. He pulls away with a stupid grin. His eyes filled with want and mischief, your favorite combination.

[gartenofbanny]

Barbie Wire..oh boy what a mess she is. Barbie Wire isn't that much of a mess because of how she's written, she's a mess because of how little she has. Out of all the antagonists in Helluva Boss, Barbie Wire has the most missed opportunities, which is sad to even think about. This is a character that has been recognized by the fandom ever since the pilot was released yet in her debut she has lesser screentime than Verosika Mayday. Who knew that Blitzo's ex would get more screentime than Blitzo's actual relative, but screentime isn't the only problem I have with this character. Viv and her crew had a couple opportunities to mention or show Barbie Wire in previous episodes or even outside the show, but they didn't for some reason. Despite Viv stating that Helluva Boss mainly centers around Blitzo and his history, they never expanded on Barbie Wire, who is Blitzo's sister.

The Circus

The Circus was the first episode in Season 2 showing Blitzo and Stolas as children. While most of the episode centered around Stolas and Blitzo, we got to see Blitzo's childhood for the first time. What his occupation was, how his father treated him, his relationship with Fizzarolli, and how he first met Stolas...wait..that's it. Those were the only things we actually saw in The Circus.

Despite literally being Blitzo's twin, Barbie Wire wasn't shown or mentioned once throughout this entire episode. They instead gave that sibling-like role to Fizzarolli who isn't even related to Blitzo at all. Barbie Wire wasn't even mentioned by Cash Buckzo when he tried to convince Blitzo to steal from Stolas' home.

There were people assuming that this character right here is Barbie Wire, but different horn patterns. So an episode showing Blitzo's childhood for the first time doesn't even show Barbie Wire once, what a great start.

Lack of Hype

Barbie Wire had very little hype for her character as time was going on. Viv and the other creators did very little to showcase her or even try to make an attempt to hype her up, the fandom has acknowledged and appreciated Barbie Wire's existence more than the creators themselves have. Let that sink in.

For this section, I'm gonna bring up a character that actually had hype and that's Andrealphus. Now personally, I don't believe Andrealphus was planned until Season 2 was being developed because you'd think a character like him would be mentioned way more especially by Stella in Season 1. Anyway, Andrealphus had some hype surrounding him with his design and role released in February 2022

And in one of the teasers of Western Energy, we actually get a gif of his Frozen-themed birthday cake-shaped manor hyping up his character even more. While he was underwhelming as hell in his debut, people were looking forward to the episode just to see him for the first time.

Are there any gifs featuring Barbie Wire for Unhappy Campers? No, there aren't. The only gifs that advertise Unhappy Campers are three gifs of Moxxie and Millie in their mediocre human disguises.

People only knew that Barbie Wire was going to be in this episode due to a teaser trailer for Helluva Boss that was released last year. I'm pretty sure some folks didn't even know that Barbie Wire was even gonna be in this episode getting into it.

I almost forgot to mention, the latest merch sale for Helluva Boss completely forgot to mention the new Barbie Wire pin that was released. Not sure how the hell they missed that, but I'm pretty sure it was intentional.

Very little screentime

Barbie Wire does not have much screentime and the screentime she does have doesn't really explain much of her character. Half of her screentime consists of her fighting Moxxie and Blitzo and the other half of her screentime consists of her shit talking Blitzo and we don't have a clue as to why she hates his brother.

Barbie Wire has more screen time being mentioned by Blitzo and other demons than she actually appearing in the episode itself. Hell Barbie Wire legit has more screen time just being featured in posters or being mentioned by other characters in previous episodes than she does in her actual appearance in Unhappy Campers overall.

Remember when the robotic version of Fizzarolli was introduced in the beginning of Loo Loo Land and was the antagonist throughout the entire episode. What the hell happened to that? Oh I know, Helluva Boss as of recently loves to maintain two or three plots which makes the pacing out of order which as a result makes the character screen time shorter.

Lady Blitzo

Personality-wise, Barbie Wire is just Blitzo but female. She uses her body to manipulate people to get what she wants, works for an illegal business, hates damn near everybody, is violent as hell, and blames others for her failures. There are very few differences between Barbie Wire and Blitzo, I know that there probably are differences but I don't know what exactly those differences are because we don't know a lot about Barbie Wire. More on that later.

Her Human Disguise

I never had a problem with Barbie Wire's true form because I don't care about her looking exactly like Blitzo. She's literally his twin, why wouldn't they look the same? It is one thing for Crimson and Moxxie to look alike since they're father and son, but it's understandable that Barbie Wire looks like Blitzo.

wait did Barbie Wire get a redesign?

But what isn't understandable or even makes sense is Barbie Wire's human form looks very similar to Velvette as a Sinner.

Why does Barbie Wire, a Hellborn demon from Helluva Boss look somewhat like an older version of Velvette a sinner from Hazbin Hotel? This is the second new character in a row who looks like an already-designed character. And like the 5th character overall who has a design similar to a previously made character.

And why the hell are her forearms so huge but everything else is thin? I know Blitzo has big forearms but isn't he also muscular? It makes some sense with his build but Barbie Wire isn't muscular at all. She's literally a fallen-off pop star junkie.

Vivziepop has been drawing and designing for almost a decade as a hobby and as an occupation yet she can't make a design that doesn't have remnants of an already-made design. Too many characters look similar to each other in both Hazbin and Helluva that sometimes you forget who is who.

They can literally do so much with Barbie Wire's human disguise, but they just made her look like Velvette but skinnier.

Lack of character story

There's..not much to Barbie Wire that actually answers questions that people had. The most popular one being, "Why does Barbie Wire hate Blitzo?" In Unhappy Campers we don't get a reason as to why Barbie Wire hates Blitzo, we just know that she hates him for some reason.

I still can't with Blitzo's puppy dog eyes

At least when Verosika made her debut in Spring Broken we're given a few lines as to why Verosika just despises Blitzo. Blitzo ran away with her car all the way to Wrath and maxed out her credit card on horse riding lessons and possibly never came into contact with her again up until Spring Broken. And in Ozzie's we're given even further clues as to why Verosika hates Blitzo as she literally insults him in the last few lines of her portion of "House of Asmodeus". But with Barbie Wire, Blitzo's blood related twin sister, we get nothing. We just know that she hates Blitzo and never wants to speak with him again.

We don't even know anything about her personally either. What was her relationship with Fizzarolli like? What was her relationship with Verosika like? Why did Verosika insult her? How did she obtain an Asmodean Crystal? All of these questions, no canonical answers. Just fan theories and speculation which..is a huge ass problem with Helluva Boss and to an extent Hazbin Hotel too.

Conclusion

Barbie Wire is unfortunately a wasted potential and a huge missed opportunity writing wise and at this point I'm not even looking forward to the new characters at this point especially the female ones because I know the writers won't do the characters any good. Thank you all for reading and I hope you all have a nice day!

[itsdeniini]

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SUNGHOON'S TWIN FLAME - A TAROT READING

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🫧‧₊˚⋅ n ¤ t ə ⋆ : : i am a self-taught tarot reader, and the interpretations i provide are personal. if anyone would like to share their own insights, i would be more than happy to hear them! please be kind <3

★2: in this reading, I will be talking about a person from the future and how their relationship will progress at the moment when they are already know each other; that's the twin flame that he's yet to meet. 👾

GENERAL READING ︻╦╤─

The Sun, The Emperor, The Star, Queen of Wands, 8 of Pentacles, The Chariot, The Tower, The High Priestess

There's an unmistakably regal air to this person. Yes, that's the first thing that came to mind, because she's literally exuding the vibes of a royalty. A 𖤓 Leo perhaps? She's carrying herself as a noble with dignity, and it's not only this but also the fact that she's conceited. Leos have a reputation for being conceited, but let's think AGAIN 🤓☝️ Leos do feel important, but it's usually because they want to change the world in some way to make it a better place. In our case, our twin flame is motivated by affection for people and often has big dreams and plans to make people happy. She is hard-working. After all, she is attracted to the good things in life and knows she has to work to get them, something she is doing at the moment. She most surely works in entertainment, just as Sunghoon, but in a different direction. She's quite emotive, so I bet she's an actress or a presenter.

But one thing about her is that she was not always a go-getter typa girl. In those past ~2-3 years she was in a languid mood that put her career under some sort of limitation. She used to sleep in, laze around, and luxuriate for long periods of time. However, this year she seems to have pulled herself together and gotten to work, and she's doing it with new determination and intensity. She's still early in her career, so I can suppose she's 20–23 years old. She tends to blow up and create herself a new image, and the fact that she's versatile enough to do that will help her thrive. Now (before too, I think) she is staring in something thriller-like with a lot of action, and she likes this genre so much. I got reminded of Sunghoon's acting in the UNTOLD Concept Cinema and his gun scene, and with that, I mean that she's having similar roles where she's the mean girl that has bad blood with the antagonist. And she fits in SO GOOD, her acting agenda is 🤌... Investigation drama? Yes. Something post-apocalyptic? Yes. Detective? Mhm! She also has experience playing in romance/teen romance movies/television series, so again, she must be extremely driven to stare in as many movies this year and get that bag in.

The worst thing you can do to her is accuse miss twin flame of bad intentions. Displaying behavior that makes her think you don't appreciate her runs a close second! She might become mighty hurt and pouty when others (especially her lover, so take notes Sunghoon ✍️) don't see her for the noble intentions she has.

And something I wanted to point out! In my Could Sunghoon date a foreigner post, the anon mentioned that they see Sunghoon as a Korean guy with traditional views on life, and as I said, he's not that traditional, at least in comparison to THIS young lady who has fixed views and may also appear conservative. She'll hold on to situations and people for a very long time before giving up completely, while Sunghoon is more of a "Meh, I'm done with A, B, and C... with all of them!"

And just as I thought, she's both idealistic and perfectionist, just like Sunghoon! She has a very noble inner code that she answers to. Although she appears rather confident on the surface, she can also be humble. She is the first to blame herself when something goes wrong. Once again, it's her self-importance at work, and this characteristic works in unexpected ways. Instead of being the conceited, self-absorbed show-offs of reputation, she can be very self-aware, self-conscious, and, yes, even humble.

ᡕᠵ᠊ᡃ࡚ࠢ࠘ ⸝່ࠡࠣ᠊߯᠆ࠣ࠘ᡁࠣ࠘᠊᠊ࠢ࠘𐡏~♡ So that's what we have so far...

Positive traits: She is masterful, brave, and competitive; she likes authority; and she aspires toward an ideal. She likes to give advice. She is honest, frank, loyal, open, and sincere. Possible issues: pride, vanity, arrogance, presumption, and disdain for others.

And from the Sun we go to the Moon... ☾𖤓

The Fool, The Knight of Wands, The Wheel of Fortune, The Page of Swords, 8 of Wands, Temperance, 3 of Cups, 7 of Swords

Sunghoon's ☾ is in Aquarius, and since they're quite similar, I can presume that it's the same thing for her, but I'm more inclined towards her being a Sagittarius ☾. ☾ Sagittarians, just like ☾ Aquarians, need personal freedom and space. She is extraordinarily happy and easygoing, as long as she doesn't feel caged in or cooped up. Also, Sagittarians have a simultaneous need for activity. Meeting new people, going out in the world, or traveling are all important to their well-being. She loves open spaces and, in her house, a roomy and bright environment. Eh, this girlie 😭 She easily forgets appointments or veers from her schedules, a bit irresponsible, hehe~ However, it is hard to stay angry at her for that! She is just too cheerful and upbeat while working with the crew, and her optimism is catchy. So outdoorsy! At the very least, she has a great love for friendly competition. When she gets tough, she gets moving. She doesn't like to be caught up in routine for too long, and she needs frequent escapes. She's such a dreamer as well <3 There's a blind faith that is admirable; she believes that everything will ultimately work out. She is not much for making detailed plans; she prefers to wing it and deal with whatever comes her way when it comes. She's very adaptable and generally on the go.

ᡕᠵ᠊ᡃ࡚ࠢ࠘ ⸝່ࠡࠣ᠊߯᠆ࠣ࠘ᡁࠣ࠘᠊᠊ࠢ࠘𐡏~♡ So what do we have now...

Positive traits: May like to throw herself into the unknown and into adventure; she is agile, tough, and enthusiastic. Attracted to long trips or discovering the unknown, she has a need for escape or flight and room for spontaneity. Possible issues: May take great risks by throwing herself into the unknown. Audacious, bold, and rebellious. Unable to stay in one place, she was always ready to risk everything to achieve her goal.

PERSONAL STYLE ! >.<

1. Vibrant maxi dress with bold patterns, statement earrings, comfortable sandals.

2. Tailored bright-colored blazer, casual tee, distressed jeans, standout necklace.

3. Jumpsuit, bangles, stylish yet comfortable shoes.

[ 𖹭 approximative representation ↗ and face card ⁀➴ˎˊ˗ ]

[lady-embers]

Cassian and the Night Court Dresses

In ACOSF, the Inner Circle along with Nesta and Elain went to the Court of Nightmares. While there, Cassian remarks on the three sisters manner of dresses. I know a lot of people don't think what I'm about to say is foreshadowing because it came from Cassian but just pay attention to the wording here...

Let's begin with Feyre:

She wore a dress of sparkling black panels followed by "Feyre might as well have been a goddess of old, crowned and glowing, her belly swollen with life" and we can't forget how it showed off her pregnant belly which GLEAMED in the candlelight.

Now for Elain:

Look how it starts out....

Elain in black was ridiculous. He then remarks how even though she's beautiful, the color of her modest gown LEECHED the brightness from her face. He goes on to mention how the cruelty of Hewn City troubled her (and we know at least one person who deals with cruelty as his role in the IC). He ends it with saying he never found her to be plain but wearing BLACK, no matter how much she claimed to be apart of their court... it SUCKED THE LIFE FROM HER!!! Also, pay attention here as well since Cassian notes Elain wearing twin pearl combs... and what does her mate end up gifting her for Solstice after this scene? 👀

Now onto Nesta:

Nesta IN NIGHT COURT BLACK threatened to bring him to his knees!!! She also wore a tiara of glinting black stone that had slender spikes jutting upward. He ends this with saying Nesta seemed to GLOW with the attention and owned and commanded it as well.

Also, just to throw this in here and before I forget... there was this little tidbit from Nesta to about Elain’s dress:

And in this scene, Elain is seen to be wearing a gown of Amethyst velvet and "glowed with good health" while wearing it.

Now having said all this...All three sisters wore Night Court Black, but only one was said to have looked ridiculous in it (and was ill suited for her), that it leeched the brightness from her, and sucked the LIFE from her while the other two glowed and commanded attention of the Court or Nightmares.

Now, some might say it's intentional the way Elain is dressed since Elain is said to be the most beautiful so they downplayed her role but I don't think thats the case, especially considering Nesta remark after the event took place. I think Sarah worded this scene deliberately to show us Elain doesn't really belong in the Night Court, no matter how much Elain might express so.

I fully believe this scene was foreshadowing for Elain to not remain with the IC and find her home, and her own found family, elsewhere. Elain needs to leave so she can fully grow and blossom into the person she's meant to be all along without those around her who coddle and continously underestimate her. Which I think will happen and can happen with her mate, Lucien.

[marshmallowprotection]

I do however think se saeran would have a hard time with an mc that was into photography. Not in a hateful way!! But...not only does he have the trauma and shame of killing him, but ALSO that Jihyun very much traumatized Saeran and played a big role in his abuse and letting Rika harm him. I think saeran would be triggered by an mc that shared a hobby with someone he associates with hurting him. Not out of hate necessarily, but maybe intrinsic fear? And that's kind of sad and discouraging! Is this a wrongful assumption maybe?

Well, like I said in the ask I answered before, I do think SE Saeran would be mildly uncomfortable at first. But, this goes into a deeper question I have to point out. I personally don't think that Saeran can be around Jumin or Yoosung, or even the rest of the RFA, after what happened.

Jumin and Yoosung are specifically tied up to their closeness with Jihyun and Rika, and while neither of them are at fault, Saeran is aware of those bonds. He feels sick to his stomach around them due to the fact that Yoosung and Jumin could bring up Jihyun or Rika in some capacity at any point without warning, even if they were told to be mindful of Saeran's feelings. He wouldn't fault them for it, but he's not comfortable.

How do you think Saeran feels? He has to carry the weight of what happened with Jihyun for the rest of his life, and looking at Jumin is such an inherent reminder of that fact. Jumin did everything he could to help the twins because that's the right thing and it's what Jihyun would've wanted him to do, but even as kind as Jumin is, Saeran will live with the fear of "what if". Yoosung also doesn't know the truth. He is unaware of Mint Eye and what Rika did, I can't imagine Saeran ever wanting to be close to Yoosung because everyone else decided not to tell him or Zen what really happened.

Now, consider the entire RFA at large. Do you think he's going to want to have a friendship with people he's largely stalked for years? People who are friends with twin brother and will likely only be nice to him because they care about Saeyoung and don't want to hurt any of his feelings about it? Even if the RFA welcomed Saeran with open arms, it doesn't mean that Saeran will want to be around them. I just can't imagine SE Saeran being buddy-buddy with the RFA, for quite obvious reasons. His guilt, his shame, and the weight of the death on his hands.

I don't think Saeran would have a panic attack the instant he saw a camera in your hands. I do think he would have to sit down and think about why he feels uncomfortable with the sound of a camera shutter of all things. There are memories he buried down deep in his chest... memories of the cathedral. Ray might not be around in this timeline anymore, but he mentioned the fond memory of learning how to take photographs from Jihyun... and how he wanted to keep taking photos because of that inspiration.

SE Saeran thinking about that memory? It's him realizing that he did once care for Jihyun and Jihyun cared for him... and that adds onto his grief. Taking the life of another person, intentional or not, is one of those things that weighs on your chest like an anchor. No matter how you feel about it, you will carry that weight forever, and it's a shame we don't get to see how he handles that canonically, leaving it up to us to gauge what's going on.

To make this clear, photography didn't hurt Saeran. Jihyun's failure to advocate for him and talk to his friends when he was in too deep was what hurt him. Seeing a camera, holding a camera, taking a picture? That's a memory of when Saeran thought Jihyun was a good friend, never seeing Jihyun or Rika as his parents like Saeyoung did, but as friends who looked after him.

[curmemini]

i think when i talk about owen on twitter its easy to believe that i don't believe he's ever done any wrong ever, but do not be fooled - i know he has, but i am very much over correcting for people who buy the twins propaganda - that is, without fail, the cruelest, most underhanded view of each member of sanbaka... I have strong opinions about the Twins as Manipulators, and how clear it is not ] but answer me honestly, in what world would a story with a major themes (among many) of prejudice and how preconceived notions close people off from understanding each other go "oh, yeah no, except for that guy, everything said about how horrible he is is 100% true". . . not only would that belief be conflicting with the theme, but also immediately contradicts things gleaned about his personality pre-main story development, by which I mean things learned about Owen from Etudes (the first missions undertaken by the wizards), Preludes (presumably taken place after Etudes, but still extremely early, despite being released earlier), the card+log stories relating to those events (as well as initials), and affection story (takes place during an unclear amount of time, but is noted to be early on). In saying that, I mean much of Owen's story is given in a way that can be difficult to unwind if you take what he is saying, and what is said about him, at face value. There is how he would like his actions to be perceived as, how others assume he is acting, and what is actually being meant by his actions.

Like, guys, his very first event SSR has him take Riquet out on a trip to Northern Country after overhearing him and the Sage talk about sightseeing. He brings them to a place that is described as beautiful, that must be below freezing, yet, they barely feel the cold (Akira wonders if it was because of Owen's magic, I am certain they are correct - Akira almost dies arriving in the North without proper protective magic during the actual event story). When do events take the turn for the worst in the card story? When he is doubted, first by Riquet, who he laughs off, and then, again, by the Sage. Owen is someone who plays to others expectations. He immediately takes credit for Nicholas' plummet in MS1, because wrong place, wrong time, it was assumed he caused it. When he debuts at the party, he is greeted by fear and despair - the manga depicts him with a quiet, almost sad expression before he breaks into a trouble-making grin - and being greeted by the disbelief of Akira at him calling them to the balcony, he already knows what part he is going to be playing with them. Not to mention, he is introduced alongside the concept of words and titles being a curse (his conversation with the Sage is in the sub-chapter titled The Curse of Words). In the conversation following Owen leaving the scene between Oz and Akira, Oz specifically mentions the Northern Wizards when he is talking about beings crushed by the weight of their titles, so that they and others forget their name (I may be misremembering, theres an awful lot of story to remember, but in other instances of introductions that arent this first one, Mithra gets called Mithra of the North, while Owen gets called Northern Wizard Owen, person first, title second, vs. title first, person second, and this could fall down to translation differences)

You could make the argument that Owen hadn't given them any reason to *not* doubt his intentions, espicially on the heels of the oz-cide attempt, but Akira has apologized once already for blindly doubting him (like here), calling it a fate worse than death, and then proceeds to do it endlessly. That isn't a mark against Akira, Owen makes it hard to build that bridge of trust, and he does make it hard on purpose because of the role he is fulfilling, but I don't think he's acting here just for the purposes of enjoying the Sage's (and Riquet's) misery. When Riquet goes missing - whether because he wandered off or Owen obscured him with magic so Akira might separate from him, or whatever - Owen gets to have his little villain monologue about looking beyond what is beautiful to find the rotten "real" core. This is to him, a lesson, and one that would be supported by Akira's own doubt of Owen's intent on bringing them here. Yet Akira reacts with shock and fear at having that lesson spilled out - not second guessing this explanation as truth - and so the lesson turns to hypocrisy. This is a lesson he had learned after his own traumas, and that he is teaching in a "kinder" way than the way he had learned it. It can be assumed that with Owen's magic, he is aware of where Riquet is the entire time Akira is searching. The danger here is entirely illusory - neither of them report feeling colder at any point, meaning Owen's magic is still protecting them from the weather of the North. Of course, this lesson does go over Riquet's head, or more - he believed in Owen's intent after being shown the beauty of the North, and so his first thought is not that Owen had tricked them, but that the two had gotten distracted while arguing. Perhaps that only serves to highlight the same innocent purity that Owen was seeking to shake up, or perhaps it is Riquet's firm belief in his purpose (and the purpose of all wizards) that puts blinders on to what happened. Regardless, he is only upset because Akira and Owen are bickering.

Then Owen is called kind, he is thanked for his deeds, he is given a gift. Akira apologizes. All of these are things he does not expect; and is unused to how to cope with. Knowing how he feels when faced with compliments or other unexpected scenarios (per his affection story), one might assume that he would lash out, destroy the gift in front of them, or do something else to restore their bad faith in him. Yet... the worse that happens is that Owen leaves them behind when he returns to the manor, heart feeling weird and out of control - to me it feels like the safer assumption for the purpose of leaving them there was less active malice and more absentminded neglect. Maybe, knowing Oz's strength, he even expected them to be found by the others before it became a danger. One could argue that him giving away the snow rabbit was mean, too, yet... he cast a spell on it to keep it from melting nor are we sure the exact circumstances of how the twins got it (it is easy for me to imagine them bombarding him as soon as he returned and him throwing it at them). The fact that he was willing to protect this small, fragile, snowbunny rather than just let it melt away; that he did it when no one was watching is also significant. This is what he does when he has no audience, no role to perform. Wouldn't it have been easy to mock Riquet about the way his carelessness allowed the gift to melt? Or couldn't that have served as another lesson?

So here he is, sentimental and protective of a gift he might not have wanted to keep, but did not want to see destroyed. I think that alone shows that he is sweeter than many would expect from the rumors about him... Yet, pointing out any of this on twitter would get people derided, condescended to, vague'd about, or insulted for woobying him. Someone should not have to asterisk every single positive point with a (but he's terrible etc.) especially when he's not nearly as violent, as bloodthirsty, as horrific as some would want him to be. I wonder if part of it is because of how he speaks, but I firmly reject the idea that having a different style of communication, even if it is off-putting or scary, fundamentally makes you evil. None of mahoyaku's characters are perfect; some have flaws that more easily work as positive traits, or that aren't as deep as others, but I believe they all, fundamentally, are "good" or seek "good" morally speaking, regardless if that is something they're conscious of seeking or not, or if their concept of good falls into what a human might perceive as good. All they really need is the chance to show it.

[aihoshiino]

An ONK question that's been on my mind a lot is that what does ch109 serves to the character of Kamiki. The chapter felt out of place to me when it came out, because it's a (supposed) murder and no at all tied to the entertainment industry. It's criminal activity with no nuance. Many read this as an implication that Kamiki has been killing people left right and center and Ai was one of his victims. But... Now I wonder if this is a retcon of some kind. Yura's death was mentioned once (1) after the chapter and I kept wondering how the heck is it possible for Kamiki, a pretty high profile guy in the industry, to be going around killing other high profile people without anyone noticing. It also doesn't feel like the current ONK plot is leaning towards "Kamiki is a psychopath murderer". Don't get me wrong, I like what we know about Kamiki now and how his past shaped him. It feels more in line with the theme of ONK. It's just hard for me to forget that a woman died on screen! I want to know your thoughts on how this might play out / tie into his character? Your character analysis are always on point & your HKAI posts helped me processed a lot of the 15YL plotline.

NGL at this point I really don't know what to make of it LOL. Back when I was first trying to figure out what was going on with Kamiki, I revisited that chapter and actually came away feeling pretty certain that he hadn't actually killed Yura and the presentation there was a red herring to make him seem more actively villainous to the reader and mislead us as to what his intentions were.

Part of this was because we had gotten the reveal of his victimisation at Airi's hands shortly before this chapter (just shy of 10 chapters before, iirc?) and that reveal combined with Akane's revolted horror in reaction to putting those pieces together had me pretty sure we were heading towards a place of Kamiki being portrayed as sympathetic and someone to emphasize with. Thus, it would be weirdly incongruous with that setup for him to also be a yandere serial killer who was wandering around sniping sparkly actresses.

The other (and tbh, probably more influential in hindsight) factor was that we don't actually see Kamiki killing her. The chapter being set up to make him so overtly suspicious while refusing to show him actually committing murder ironically made me less inclined to think he was responsible for Yura's death. The way I interact with murder mysteries and also just like, fiction in general is pretty much entirely filtered through the ways Umineko specifically and When They Cry as a whole warped my brain and the way 109 was presented read to me exactly like the sort of narrative trick R07 would have used to make a character look suspicious of something they didn't actually do.

Now though… I really dunno lol. Like you said, it feels out of place - not just in Kamiki's arc but in the story as a whole. My best guess is that Akasaka maybe did originally intend to write Kamiki as a serial killer targeting women who would surpass Ai but in the process of actually putting his arc to paper, he evolved into a different character for whom that kind of arc wouldn't make sense. Which I actually prefer! The Kamiki we get in the manga feels a lot more nuanced and human to me compared to the yandere Light Yagami serial killer mastermind people were making up in their heads. But it also means that Yura's death is this weird snarl that I don't think Akasaka knows how to reconcile.

Actually - literally as I was writing that I suddenly realised, this might be why Nino suddenly came out of nowhere and started being written like she was? Akasaka has said in the past that he's had OnK's ending in his head for a really long time and I can't help but wonder now if part of that ending involved the twins' father playing an antagonistic role that ultimately did not suit the character that he became. So the character's antagonistic traits and role in the endgame were grafted onto Nino because she happened to fit the bill.

[beifong-brainrot]

Hi!(Sorry if I ask too many questions, I just have a ton of ideas and no one to discuss them with)

What if Bolin became a villain in Korra season 4?

He has a desire, motives and a personal reason:To help the Earth KingdomHe would start off well, but gradually he would be swallowed by paranoia, a constant desire to control everything (So that everyone would be well) and to keep people safe.

Because of what the Queen did to his family, he does not give power to Prince Wu and therefore creates the "Earth Empire"

And also the scene "Azula in the mirror" could fit into the villain Bolin.

In the mirror he sees his father (Metaphor of Bolin's innocence and kindness) and Bolin saying "Even you will think I'm a monster"

After Su and the twins tried to kill him.

And when San says "No, you're my son Bolin, a little boy"And Bolin in anger, throws an object (associated with fire, personifying the fact that because of the robber firebender, he lost his childhood and parents)

After all, for him to be a "little boy" means to be weak and naive (from season 1 to season 3)

Bonus:

The scene of Azula's nervous breakdown at the end of the series, when she literally has blue flames coming out of her mouth.

Although Bolin did not experience what Azula experienced.

Due to accumulated stress, paranoia and fear, he literally begins to vomit lava from his mouth (Fire + earth: Fire as hatred and anger, earth as stubbornness)

Oh hun you have no idea how in love I am with the concept of Bolin going villain mode. Of course, I think all of the Krew members would make interesting villains, but Bolin especially. Like Mako and Asami have got very good reason to go dark and also would be very interesting and fun villains.

But Bolin is just so... compelling. First off, he's got the tragic backstory, and he's been manipulated and used multiple times and abused at least once, he's probably struggling to find his place in life... all of which are excellent reasons for him to fall off the deep end.

Him playing a more villainous role would be very interesting too because it would be such a heel turn from his sweet bubbly self. I think he'd maintain those traits, but seeing them from the perspective of an opponent would be eerie. Especially that a lot of Bolin's previously comedic quirks, like his expressiveness and his desperation to comnect with people could easily be tweaked into genuinely tragic and disturbing. Just a few tweaks in animation, music and atmosphere could change the scenes of him being awkward and clingy from comedic moments into something much more.

Oh and combatwise he's also fucking terryfying.

Like bendingwise, Bolin is a fucking beast? He's extrenely agile and fast but he still packs a punch, which is especiallg impressive since he's probably mostly self taught. He picks up lavabending incredibly quickly, and it makes him one of the scariest benders in the franchise in my opinion because lavabending is absolutely terrifying. Like it's so op that Bolin was actively nerfed in the comics and made to only use the fucking lava disk.

I imagine the AU you're proposing would have Bolin going along a similar path he did in canon. But where in canon we had Kuvira essentially gaslighting him the whole time (fitting into the pattern set by Shady Shin, Eska, Varrick and Kai of Bolin getting manipulated and used by others for his good intentions), in this AU we would see Bolin gaslighting himself. Which he probably is capable of because I think he does a lot of in order to convince himself that things are fine, that he isn't upset with someone who wronged him, etc. And he does already gaslight himself into believing the Earth Empire is correct in canon.

I actually think Bolin would make a decent dictator?

He's rather charismatic and he knows how to influence massess. I also think he can be decently manipultive at times? I don't think he does it conciously, I'd say it could be a response trained by being in the streets. He learnt that acting a certain way, and saying the right words make people nice and more likely to help him survive or not hurt him and its a survival strategy that followed him out of the streets.

It would also honestly be fun to see him come into his own and genuinely put his foot down. Bolin can be a bit... spineless at times, his stubborn side coming out more with people he's comfortable with.

So seeing him actively giving orders, arguing with political opponents, standing up against Korra and presumably his previous friends and Mako would be a huge evolution for his character. Whether that be evolving for better or for worse, we'll see.

[Everytime I watch Bolin slap Varrick it's free seratonin]

If Bolin had a villain arc, you could actually make some nice parallels between him and Azula, just as you said.

They're both very charismatic people who can manage a crowd, but struggle and become awkward in more intimate settings.

They're both prodigal benders who have mastered an incredibly lethal form of their bending. And yet despite these achievements, they still struggle to find their place in the world, nothing seems to fit. [Because the writers do not love them]

The concept of Bolin having hallucinations of San is interesting, though it would mean that his mental health had deteriorated severely, which is sad.

Though since Bolin looks so much like San it wouldn't be a big stretch for him to look into the mirror and see his late father.

I don't know exactly how Bolin would be able to vomit lava, unless he somehow ingested dirt...? But it is a cool visual and I can see his breakdown incorporating the earth around him cracking into lava.

I think Bolin struggling with his innocence and being perceived as childish is a very good theme, and I am sad that it wasn't explored more. And having Bolin come to resent it and go villain mode is certainly a way to do it . It's a theme I wanna get into more in my own fics lol.

Also the impilcations this AU would have for weilin are... problematic but also wonderful. I feel like Wei would just be trying to murder him all the time tho. Mm kinky lol.

[baradorable]

This is stupid, has no basis in canon, doesn't really add anything new or unique, and doesn't make much sense. It's not even a theory. I just have a dumb headcanon I'd love to see happen.

Ever notice how Quentin Quire basically stole Julian's role? Sure you did. Everyone ragged on Quire for it. Suddenly we had two powerful psychic/telekinetic teen mutants with mutant-superiority leanings and an attitude towards the X-Men. But what if this was intentional?

Despite being different, they were cut from the same cloth. But what if this was intentional? What if, in the game of Nature vs Nurture, Nature was winning?

What if Quentin Quire was actually Julian's brother, and a third Keller child?

Like he's either Julian's twin, or a brother that's slightly older than him. Either way, the Kellers gave him up. Possibly because they were not financially stable enough at the time to raise three children and run a small business. Possibly because they knew he was a mutant somehow, and Mr. Keller didn't want to deal with that.

Maybe the Kingmaker knew how powerful he'd grow up to be. Possibly via clairvoyant contact, or through whatever demonic powers he already has. While the Kellers only got rich from the Kingmaker when Julian was already over a decade old, it's possible they were working for him much earlier, and part of their deal with him was to offer up one of their kids. And look, Julian's birth came with a pre-order bonus.

Or maybe the Kingmaker isn't involved at all. At any rate, Quentin would have been given up by his biological parents, and adopted into the Quire family.

Look, Cyclops can have three brothers, Black Womb, two different Nates, Rachel, a clone wife, a clone of his son, and a ton of others things. That's not including how the family tree kinda-sorta brings the Fantastic Four into this. With all that in mind, I think Julian can afford to have ONE secret sibling.

Note that it's pretty common for family members to have very similar powers to one another: Cable and Rachel are psychics like their mother, Banshee and Siryn have similar abilities, the Summers clan have energy-based gifts. You could easily make a case for Shard and Bishop. Sunfire and Sunpyre? Daken and Laura? Not all family members have matching powers, but it's not an uncommon occurrence.

So them having similar powers could be used to justify a connection. Their similar personality traits and arcs could easily be explained as a familial quirk. Quire was adopted and we don't know much, if anything about his biological family. And the Kellers could have various reasons for giving up one of their children. In fact, it would make a lot of sense for them to give up a child in secret, so as to protect their image. So hiding his existence would track very well.

Also, they both get on Cyclops' nerves

But I'm more interested in what it would mean for the "brothers." Instead of having Quire step over Hellion's gimmicks, the two would be two sides of the same coin. Their stories would parallel each other.

I think it'd add a unique spin on Hellion's view of the X-Men, too. He didn't start a riot, get any of his fellow students killed, his riots were arguably smaller and less impactful than the Riot at Xavier's. And yet, while Julian was punished for his bad behavior and treated as a monster, people were giving chances to Quentin and repeatedly giving him opportunities.

Quentin was also seemingly blessed by the universe: Quire got to be the Phoenix, and what did Julian get? His hands blown off. Julian's already shown some resentment for this.

Yeah, Quire lost his biological family. But you know what? So was Julian, after a while. And we know that Julian's home life wasn't that great to begin with, because his parents were shown to be neglectful, he was compared negatively to his more successful brother James, and his dad was trying to make him hide away his mutation to fit in with human norms.

So Quentin fucking Quire being his own flesh and blood would be a huge kick in the dick. On top of the preferential treatment Quire got from the X-Men and the universe, nature itself saw to it that they came from the same source, and Quire still won out.

Meanwhile, Quire would have a mirror to his own behavior. He'd see someone who didn't get the same opportunities to grow like he got. Without the support he was given, without the power he had, he could have easily slipped back into extremism and villainy. He could have been the Krakoan instead of Julian, if things were just a little different.

He'd probably look down on Julian for breaking bad, while Quire (mostly) stayed on the straight and narrow since he was resurrected. But you could easily point out how it took Julian years of abuse to finally turn into a villain, while Quire broke shortly after he was introduced. Either way, they both had that potential to give into their worst instincts. Quire would probably get on his high horse and use this as an example that he (Quire) is the superior sibling, but even he should be able to recognize that their circumstances are very different.

And now that they're both active in books at the same time, we have the perfect opportunity for them to confront each other. Julian, who already resents his brother for getting everything he ever wanted, sees that he was chosen by the X-Men yet again, while simultaneously abandoning the X-Men's ways to carve his own path.

For those who hate Quire, this could be a great way to flesh out his story. I always felt like he got off too easily for some of the stuff he'd done, and it didn't help that a lot of stories made him a comic relief character to make him less threatening. But imagine him being one of the few people to recognize how the X-Men failed Julian, and feeling guilty that he was "redeemed" while Julian wasn't. Maybe his own family issues and a desire for connection could motivate him to help Hellion.

Suddenly, Quentin Quire isn't just a guy who steps on Julian's toes and "steals" his gimmicks. He's a mirror. The two bring the best and worst out of each other. They could be the missing family that each of them craves, and they could be bitter enemies.

And if that doesn't interest you? Imagine the banter. Just two snarky, rude fucks duking it out every time they share a panel.

[cartoonrival]

HEY YOU Hit me with some Julie Su propoganda cuz I'm mostly lukewarm on her character and don't know all that much about her.

OK OK ... well baseline info she's the daughter of dark legion general luger, and half sister of lien-da and kragok, who are twins and both high ranking legion soldiers. when their mother (merin-da) died and luger remarried, ld and kragok hated his new wife (julie-su's mother) (mari-su) so bad they orchestrated her death, info which was they kept on the DL for a long time until js eventually found out about it. memory situation, js is raised by other folks who actually love her and doesn't learn who her blood family is until later. she joins knuckles because she feels inexplicably drawn to him (soul touch) (echidna soulmates) so she defects from the legion to join the chaotix. the soul touch thing sucks and i hate it but this is how it goes. ill talk about my au version of her at the end lol bc things ive built on top of canon are part of the reason why shes one of my fave charas in the series lul

ANYWHO i honestly find it pretty frustrating when people talk about js as just being pink knuckles, shoehorned into the story to give knuckles an obligatory girlfriend, because it really demonstrates that they like. weren't paying a lick of attention to anything because she genuinely has a LOT of personality but since people just go in anticipating anything penders touched to suck they don't even bother to think about her for longer than half a second.

js fills a niche that, imo, could always use filling, especially with regards to girl characters, which is to say shes a well meaning asshole. shes incredibly blunt, she's pessimistic (immediately assumes knuckles must be dead when enerjak returns and they cant find him, tells knuckles not to search a fallen ship that his mother was on because shes probably dead and she doesnt think he'd want to see that). shes terrible at handling interpersonal conflict (knuckles confesses to her that he feels guilty and stressed over all the pressure put on him as guardian and she scolds him and says "this isn't just about you", which results in a minor shouting match when she really had zero intention of starting an argument), she's almost constantly beefing with vector (tbf its because hes sexist he refuses to see past her history as a member of the dark legion). these might suond like cons but i love characters like this LOL and they fit especially well in archie where people love to get mad at each other and make dumb mistakes and it just feels very genuine and interesting and endearing to me. shes rough and difficult but she's also DEEPLY loyal. she'd die for knuckles and the chaotix and the way she interacts with them always makes me soooo ........ im just gonna give some examples i can find.

(knuckles is on the phone with her)

^ this was the genuine conclusion of an argument they had and im obsessed with it because both of them suck with emotions so they both give the worlds strangest apology and know that the other means it and they move on. plus putting her arm in front of SHADOW THE HEDGEHOG while theyre confronting eggman even after watching him CHAOS BLAST, primarily because she feels like this is more her fight than his (its about knuckles).

theres def more and i could find them if i was more on top of archie but unfortunately im #narutopilled rn. BUT ANYWAYS. shes just a very fun character with a messy personality and fun interactions and she loves her buddies sm even tho she bickers with them. shes just very special. she fits well with knuckles in a way that makes their relationship actually feel plausible instead of just forcing him to have a girlfriend (tho ofc the writing is fumbled sometimes like. ITS ARCHIE. bffr. but thats the case with literally everything ever in archie so you take what you can and its amazing). also see below. BASED AS FUCKKKKKKK

and ill discuss my au briefly bc u r asking me my opinion on js and that does play a large role in how i feel abt her, but rly im just expanding on elements of her story that werent discussed as fully as i wouldve liked. her relationship with lien-da is obviously BAD in canon, but theres not a lot of time spent lingering on precisely how lien-da and kragok feel about julie-su as the product of their fathers second marriage to a woman they KILLED because they hated her so much. ive also given her much more internal strife over turning away from the legion, originally joining the chaotix planning to betray them from the inside then being slowly convinced to join them for real after realizing how much she'd been brainwashed by the legion and what its like to have people who truly love and care about you. her story as someone who is trying to find herself outside of her history as a child soldier is something that TOTALLY deserves to be expanded on and its a bit sad that it wasnt explored. but i mean really im not changing her actual PERSONALITY at all because as i discussed shes oozing with it.... im honestly never going to make the full comic i wanted to so at some point im just going to compile all the lore and concept art and stuff into one big post to share. but thats like a spoiler free taste.

she also has a gun. which is fucking awesome because not enough sonic characters have guns. people make shadow the guy with a gun but he hasnt been seen with one since shth. hello....

[dearweirdme]

https://www.tumblr.com/dearweirdme/731352149637873664/for-some-reason-the-bangtan-bomb-of-their-grammy?source=share

I love this moment, not only for the Taekook but also because it also highlights one of my favourite, underrated relationships between V and Namjoon.

Looking at this, you wouldn't think there was only a year or so age difference between them. There's also not that much difference between them in terms of height and build yet look how young and small Taehyung looks sat next to Namjoon and this really spotlights what Namjoon meant when he said he took care of Taehyung in particular.

This also, inadvertently, reinforces my belief in Taekook. Because look how close Taehyung and Namjoon are at some points. Taehyung is leaning into him in parts and they are shoulder to shoulder touching in parts yet there's still a certain level of deference from Taehyung to Namjoon. There's a natural inequality between them, from Namjoon viewing Tae as someone smaller, more vulnerable who he feels a need to protect and Taehyung happily leaning into that role.

They are physically close, clearly very comfortable in each other's personal space yet there is still very much a sense of boundary and respect for that space that couples tend to drop as they become more intrusive of each others personal space. Taehyung and Jungkook have no respect for each others personal space and they show no discomfort over that fact either. This supports, to me, a opinion that they are much more used to being in such close proximity to each other that it's become second nature for them to consider the space between them shared (and this is something that is not platonic in nature. I think the only platonic relationship you could apply this to is twins)

Even with Vm!n, as touchy and physically comfortable as they are in each other's spaces, there's still a sense that it's their own individual space; that there's a conscious acknowledgement when the other crosses the boundary and enters their space, even if it's clear that they generally don't have a problem with it or feel uncomfortable with it. Jimin is probably the only other member who so effortlessly intrudes upon Taehyung's personal space the same way Jungkook does and vice versa but even then, there's a line. That's because couples know each other intimately and physically in a way that even best friends or platonic soulmates don't.

And for the j!kookers because I know you like to lurk here, there are far more moments of JK asserting his boundaries with Jimin than he ever does with Taehyung. Yes, Jimin likes to PLAYFULLY toe the line of those boundaries, which I think is what might be confusing you all, but you can also see those moments when Jimin recognises the line and pulls back. You can also see how much more comfortable JK is initiating those interactions than he is receiving them. Their touchiness is cute but it's still lacking the give and take that occurs naturally in romantic relationships. That's because those interactions between them are far more intentional than unintentional.

You also see this at play with Namjoon and Jimin too. They get really close but that closeness is much more conscious than what is happening between Taehyung and Jungkook.

I often say that the greatest tell is always the group themselves because out of all the different and similar dynamics, Jungkook and Taehyung's sticks out like a sore thumb. The group and their close relationships with each other give us a perfect reference and comparison point to see how certain things don't quite line up with others and the interactions between Taehyung and Jungkook just don't line up with the rest of the group. They just don't. We have two strong, close age relationships to run the side by sides in Vm!n and J!kook (I'm only censoring not to bring unwanted eyes to your page, btw, not because I have a problem with either ship itself) we know how Taehyung and Jungkook act around their best and closest friends and yet, it's different between them.

And I know part of the media play is that they're not close or they're distant yet that can't be the reason for their different dynamic because one of the things that sticks out about them most is how much they come across as physically inseparable compared to the rest of the group.

Now, I don't know about some of their detractors but I know that when I feel distant or not close to people, those feelings show physically. I feel driven to get away from them and put physical distance between us---not to get closer to them.

There's been a lot of discourse lately about how Taekook is singled out and almost treated as a taboo compared to other ships and I do think that's true but I think that's because we naturally recognise body language and we pick up on signals instinctively and I think people are picking up on those differences, they're drawing those comparisons and they're seeing what does and doesn't line up and what they are finding--either consciously or subconsciously is making them feel uncomfortable.

Nobody can know for sure. They could all be master manipulators and Oscar caliber actors for all we know but I think there is far much support in what we do know that points to Taekook as a possible couple.

Hi anon!

Beautifully laid out! Absolutely agree!

Tae and Jk are so used to being close and touchy that there’s moments where they (mostly Jk, since Tae is the most tactile) don’t even react to the other touching them. It’s normal, it’s familiar, it’s automatic, it’s a level of comfort they don’t have with others.

[accultant]

We need to be apart so I can stand on my own feet again.

━━★. *･｡ﾟ✧⁺ Murderbot Diaries!

Hot shame washes over them and makes them feel sick at Puck's emphasis. They'd come to try once more to convince him otherwise- that they didn't need to go their separate ways. He didn't have to leave them.

Now, sitting in his tent, they hug their arms around themselves tighter and feel their last attempt to change his mind crushed before them. The feeling of their fight leaving them is something Iago is horribly familiar with, and one that makes their mouth taste like ash even now, when that may be just the right thing to do. They don't know. It's so hard to tell.

They mull his words over for a long while before looking at him again. Their little brother suddenly seems so much older than them.

"Okay."

They flinch at the defeat in their voice. It sounds so pathetic. They're making this so difficult- they have since the moment he first brought this up. They're being selfish again, and they're all too aware of it. They feel as though they'll be nothing without Puck - it isn't hard to imagine he must feel much the same. It's an awful feeling. But he's the only one trying to do something about it instead of sinking his claws further into his twin like a clingy child.

When they try again, they sound at least a little surer of their response, if only by a fraction, "Okay."

"Okay. I-" They tug on their cloak like a blanket. "I'm sorry. For being like this."

When they were little, he used to hide behind them when they met new people. That clearly got harder when he shot up a foot or so taller than them and couldn't so easily slip into the background ( their fault. ). Their teenage years were a murky, tension-riddled back-and-forth with this dynamic: Puck was being pushed into a role beyond him and far above Iago, played like a fiddle by a monster who started to call him master. While Iago still clung to the idea of being the elder, the protector, and tried to fit them both into the guild - they were dubbed his Handler ( they're ashamed to admit how badly they wished it that was even possible at the time ). Things cleanly fell into place again once they were taken to the temple, Iago fitting perfectly into Puck's shadow.

But never had they truly stood on their own before that damned tadpole. Those months without knowing where Puck had gone was the longest Iago had gone without seeing their brother. And even as they sit in his tent with their knees to their chest with the intention to all but beg him to stay with them, they can't deny how proud they are of him.

He'll do great on his own legs.

Iago, on the other hand... "Okay." Stop saying that. "I won't... keep doing this. I'm just- I'm so scared. Does it not scare you?"

[dragonmasterhiccup]

“Hey, I am great at teamwork.” She stepped towards him, her voice low enough so that only he could hear. “It’s not my fault some of your ‘teammates’ are complete idiots.” She eyed Ruffnut, Tuffnut, and Snotlout, before shrugging and stepping back.

Danny listened intently, nodding along to Hiccups instructions.

Wait… again?! Oh my Gods, why did she get the boring job every time?! At this point she might as well just leave her bow at home.

“Sounds great, just peachy…” she muttered, mounting onto Twilights saddle and waiting for Eret to take off.

Eret led the way, making sure to stay alert for any potential threats as they flew.

Once they arrived, Danny and Twilight landed on top of one of the beams attached to the sail, making sure to be as quiet as possible.

When Hiccup gave the signal, she got to work; quietly sliding down the rope [thank Thor she had gloves this time, rope burn was not fun] and landing a top the first cage.

Surprisingly, everyone was working pretty well, even Snotlout was doing his job, what a shocker…

Even though her adrenaline was running somewhat high, a couple close calls here and there, eventually, cage after cage, Danny was eventually down to the last few, alerting Hiccup over with a soft whistle as she opened the last cage.

It was a pretty big dragon, a Crimson Goregutter, and it seemed to be pretty unnerved; attempting to growl and snarl through the metal muzzle.

“Are you sure you got this?” She whisper-yelled from atop the cage, the dragon inside starting to shake it slightly. “Woah… easy big guy, we’re not gonna hurt you,” she soothed, jumping down the now empty cage next to him. “Hiccup, please be careful for Thors sake…”

"That may be how you see them," he responded just as quietly, "but I've been running missions with them for years. It just...takes a while to warm up to them, is all."

As they all started mounting up, he pulled Danny aside. "I know you're not exactly thrilled with your role in this, but your stealth and lock picking is vital here. Don't forget that."

He and Astrid had managed to check below deck, and there were no additional dragons to be found there.

As he got to the top of the stairs, he heard Danny's whistle and started making his way over to the final cage.

Passing the twins, he had to remind them to stay quiet, their laughter was carried further out than they wanted. They just rolled their eyes, but they quieted down for a spell.

"Of course I got this!" Was he sounding too confident? Maybe. But, this raid was going really well, he felt like they were on a roll.

Holding a hand out to the Crimson Goregutter, he spoke in a low, calm tone. "Hey there, big guy. Why don't you lower your head a bit, let me get that muzzle off of you, eh?"

Unbeknownst to him, the twins started bickering.

Tuffnut was getting emotional. "If only chicken could see us now! She'd be so proud!"

Ruffnut shot back, "Yeah, well, she'd probably be eaten if she were here. These dragons would see her as food, dummy!"

Tuffnut gasped. "You take that back!"

The little progress Hiccup had made with the Goregutter was undone, as the dragon whirled around to face the bickering twins, it's large tail whipped around, hitting Hiccup hard in the side, sending him flying with so much force it knocked his helmet off. He hit his head on an empty metal cage, and crumpled to the deck.

Both Valka and Astrid saw this, their eyes wide. In unison, they both exclaimed, "Hiccup!"

Toothless ran over, growling at the Goregutter, who quieted down.

The two women rushed over as well, kneeling beside Hiccup.

"He's still breathing," Valka picked up his fallen helmet. "We need to get him to Gothi, make sure he didn't sustain any other injuries."

"He shouldn't have any broken bones, this new armor is the best we've ever had..." Astrid looked at her husband, who was still unconscious from the impact. "But the sheer force may have rattled him a bit..."

"Danny?" Valka turned to her daughter. "Call Twilight, we'll get him onto your dragon, and fly him to Gothi. Astrid? Fly Toothless back to Berk, he'll need to be there with you. Stormfly will follow you. Eret? They may need you as well. If Hiccup doesn't regain consciousness, they'll need a hand lifting him. The freed dragons will follow. I'll stay here, along with the others to finish the mission, and I'll meet you at Gothi's."

[grimalkinmessor]

Actually actually actually—I think I will expand a bit on my BNHA/DN character parallels just a little bit because,,,,

I just realized that Doctor Garaki's orphan hospital is a lot like Wammy's House :')

BUT I will go in order because why not: Matsuda and Midoriya.

I think this one's kind of obvious but I'll expand on it nonetheless; Midoriya may be the main character to Matsuda's side character, but their personalities and roles are very similar. They're both unfailingly kind and they see the best in people, to the point that it's easy for them to empathize and see from the villain's point of view. They tend to adopt the same beliefs as those around them and/or above them until something happens to challenge those beliefs. They both have elder mentor figures that they want to be like (Soichiro and All Might) and they are constantly striving to be like their mentors. Midoriya and Matsuda also share a sense of worthlessness in the face of idle hands—meaning that if they don't feel like they're doing something useful, they will try to find some other way to help. Both Matsuda and Midoriya are always, always, trying to help.

Bakugou and Aizawa is a little less steady comparison wise, but they're both hot-headed and loyal people. They both think they know what's best but aren't afraid to (reluctantly) take orders from others if they know, logically, that those orders are going to further the goal. They both prefer to be hands-on, and they both have a role in sticking by the happy-yet-sad-too-trusting-kid to both insult them into submission and keep them from dying and/or protecting them. Bakugou-Midoriya and Aizawa-Matsuda are both very antagonistic/protective relationships, it's kinda funny.

Misa and Toga I feel like I don't have to explain. Sure, they have a lot more differences than the others but honestly I think that if Ohba hadn't been such a pussy when it came to giving his female characters actual character then they'd be extremely similar. Twins, even. Let 👏 Misa 👏 Be 👏 Feral 👏👏👏

Light and Yoichi is a comparison that was odd for me to make for several reasons, first and foremost of which being that Yoichi isn't the villain in his story. (Second of which being Yoichi is a soft boi but we'll come back to that). But I ended up on Yoichi for Light because 1. I had already chosen L's parallel character and 2. their roles in their stories are very similar if you look at the intent behind them. A man who stands behind others, surrounding himself with like-minded people as he urges them to fight for the cause of the greater good, to save the world, even if they die in the crossfire—knowing, even, that they're likely going to die in the crossfire. Now yes, Yoichi physically CAN'T fight on the front lines because he's DEAD, and his greater good is actually, you know, good, but again the intent there is the same. Their roles in relation to their respective antagonists are also very similar: another man in the shadows is hunting you down with a fervor known only to wild predator animals and you are doing everything possible to not only keep out of his clutches but also to stop him from impeding the safe growth of what you consider to be a good world. Idk Yoichi just seemed like the most logical conclusion.

Mello and Dabi is an easier comparison for a few reasons (though yes I did consider Dabi for a Ryuk parallel for a minute or two). The most obvious of which being their recklessness and viciousness. They both have burn scars because they're both idiots that blew themselves up out of spite like,,,how. Mello parallels Dabi in that he 1. leaves home, 2. has a younger 'brother' that he's competing with and cripplingly jealous of, 3. has so much ambition that he was willing to wait YEARS for his plans to come to fruition, 4. joined a group of dangerous criminals in order to further his goals, 5. committed enthusiastic arson. Plus, look at the way these two dress. You could cut a leather couch in half and get both of their wardrobes. Cunning goth little himbos, both of them.

Near is Todoroki's parallel for a lot of the same reasons as above. His role in relation to Mello is incredibly similar to Shoto's in relation to Dabi. A younger competitor that surpasses the elder unintentionally, only making the elder that much angrier, and has little to no desire to actually be the successor of the man the elder idolizes. They are literally just fuckin' sitting here. Also, less and also more important—both of them are socially stunted and autistic ✨ "If I smile they'll die??" vibes from both of them plzzz. Both of them are also incredibly feral but the fandoms refuse to focus on that part for some reason.

Matt and Spinner. Less points, but honestly Exasperated Side Character With A Larger Role In A Main Character's Life Than You Anticipated That Also Goes Hard For Video Games is all I needed, really. Also they're both designated driver.

L and All For One—the whole reason I decided to expand on this—have SO. MANY. PARALLELS. They do not look like it at all and it drives me nuts because All For One may be a villain and my brain initially wanted to give him to Light but. No. No, L has this man down pat and it's a little infuriating :') This also comes down to me comparing Watari to Doctor Garaki but first things first: All For One is, at his core, a corporate head. Both he and L have spent literal decades building up their empires, both monetary wise and reputation wise, and used them to do whatever they hell they wanted. L may solve cases and put criminals away, but guess what? So does All For One! When it benefits him. L solves cases because he's bored, and he paints over the face of it as Justice™ because it gets him more sympathisers and tools to use. He's constantly playing a giant game of chess and people are little more than pawns and cannon fodder. He has Watari running a successor program so L can live on after he's gone, just like AFO has with Doctor Garaki (I wanted to make Near parallel Shigaraki bc of the line between Shigaraki and Dabi as AFO's potential successors, but Todoroki called his name instead so wcyd). Both of them play both sides of the board as a grand sort of puppet master, and the only thing that differs is what side they lean toward. L leans more towards lawful morality, AFO leans more toward anarchic depravity—both of them are ultimately playing for themselves.

I have a few more character parallels, but I'll stop here for today. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this :3