#I just enjoy seeing that complexity of his clear love but also how he holds on so tightly it's smothering

[slverblood]

Not to mention — Kettle is a fantastic character who does love his daughter, but there's this undercurrent of disrespect toward her as well. He loves his daughter, but does he respect that she is her own person outside of that role? He places the entrance to the Gauntlet in her very burial chamber. He uses a mural depicting her entombment as part of the key. He bought Marcus' allegiance with wings hacked off her beloved, and he sent him to kidnap her using those wings. He infects her with the tadpole and robs her of free will so she will betray her beliefs (she, who is a cleric) and stay at his side. He also frames her love of Aylin as Aylin stealing her from him.

[tinydefector]

quietly whispers (for your consideration)

ratchet x human reader

sex pollen

Pheromones

Ratchet x human reader

Word count: 2k

Warning: smut, thigh fucking, sex pollen/ pheromone spray, #valveplug

Ratchet masterlist

Request and ask open, read pinned post

So what about, Cybertronians react to perfume in the way humans react to Sex pollen hehehe. I love the idea of human perfume mix with skin contact makes an almost intoxicating scent and sends Cybertronians feral when they get a hint of it. They love how it makes humans skin taste, and it over rides their interface systems.

So enjoy.

_____________

The human moves around Ratchet's medical lab looking at different vials and flasks their eyes flickering over the difference Liquids. " Hey ratchet what are all of these different vials?" They call out to the medic. Ratchet looked up from his work when he heard the human call out to him. He put down the datapad he was looking over and walked over to where the human was examining the various vials on the shelves.

"Those are different medical compounds and chemicals I use in treatments and repairs," Ratchet explained. "The colourful ones contain powerful medications and sedatives. The clear ones hold things like bonding agents or nanite solutions. Others are a mix of experimental solutions" 

He pointed to a vial with a swirling pink and purple liquid. "That one is a broad-spectrum energon healing compound I developed. It speeds cellular repair and regeneration, within Cybertronian functions." His optical ridges furrowed as he watched the human carefully look over each vial. 

"You know better than to touch anything in here, less you break something and contaminate yourself with something i can't fix" Ratchet said sternly. "Some of this equipment and chemicals could seriously harm an organic being like yourself." Despite his gruff tone, his words held more care than scolding. Biology was complex, and humans were so small and fragile compared to Cybertronians. He hoped his favourite little patient and helping hand was being careful not to endanger themselves.

"It's just fascinating is all, kinda reminds me of a mediaeval apothecary" they chuckle. "Do you ever just take samples for fun, like when you're out and about on planets?" They ask, they were always curious over what things ratchet tended to keep.

Ratchet huffed a small laugh at the comparison to a mediaeval apothecary. "Fascinating perhaps, but also dangerous if mishandled," he remarked.

He considered the human's question for a moment. While most of his samples were acquired for medical necessity, he couldn't deny a certain curiosity about other life forms and ecosystems. 

"On occasion I have collected specimens from planets we've visited, simply for observational study," Ratchet admitted.  He walked over to retrieve a data pad containing photos and analyses of plant samples from their recent away missions. "Here, let me show you some I recorded on our last stop." Ratchet enlarged the images for the human to easily see. "This radiation-resistant lichen seems to secrete a natural antifreeze. And these fungi act as natural air filters in their toxic environment." The medic's optics glinted with interest as he discussed his findings. Perhaps exploration held some appeal, even for a skeptic like himself.

They stand close to Ratchet looking over different specimens, “some of these plants look like they would make really nice perfumes'' they mumble while flicking through the different photos reading the small information bubbles around them. As the human stood near Ratchet examining the data on his specimens, something about their scent suddenly registered in his olfactory sensors. An overly sweet aroma was emanating strongly from their skin, but it was clearly not the normal scent of an unadulterated human.“perfume?forgive me, I'm not accustomed to what that is?” he asked with a raised optical ridge

Their eyes flicker to Ratchet. “It's like scented alcohol or oil we put on our skin, most times it alters our scent. We humans happen to have a big fascination with them, and have millions of different perfumes.” they explain before tilting their head in slight amusement. “I'm surprised Cybertronians don't have something similar” they reply. 

“once millennia's back cybertron did try making things like that, but due to our metallic body's it doesn't stay on us, or it tented to cause rust spots from the ones they did try and make” Ratchet explained, sensors flared as he analysed the unfamiliar composition, immediately detecting unusual chemical traces that seemed to send strange pulses through his neurocircuitry. The smell was strangely enticing yet worryingly off-kilter at the same time. He tried venting deeply to clear his nasal chamber but the scent only grew stronger. 

"What in the Allspark..." the medic muttered, not meaning for the human to hear. His optics dimmed slightly as redundant calibrations ran, trying to make sense of why the scent was affecting his processor. Ratchet crouched down and focused his sharp gaze on the human in concern. They smile up at him offering for him to examine. 

"By my scanner  it seems as if you've been contaminated with something. Are you positive these ‘perfumes’ are safe? I need to analyse your system for potential toxins." He asked while trying to figure out why the scent was having such an effect on him, it was as if his processor had thrown care to the wind. 

They let out a laugh as his optics try analysing, he moves closer taking another inhale of their scent "haha yes Ratchet, it isn't harmful, humans have been using it for hundreds of years" they state. “Ratchet are you alright?” They ask while cupping his face. 

Ratchet's sensors were in disarray as the potent scent overwhelmed his circuits. He vented heavily again, coolant failing to properly flush the heated energon now racing through his fuel lines. His optics flickered with minor instability as calibration errors cropped up across multiple systems.

Though lacking his usual gruffness. Ratchet leaned in closer, trying to pinpoint the source, but only succeeded in inhaling more of the intoxicating aroma. A rumble rose in his chassis against his better judgement. “ your scent...", he struggled to find words between fragmented logic protocols. "It's affecting my sensor net. Overloading my functions. I need to...run a full examination. Determine why this perfume is making your scent overwhelming..." 

His field pulsed with uncharacteristic confusion and static electricity. Ratchet knew he should contact someone for assistance, but found himself unable to call out in his muddled state. The human's safety was his top concern, yet he feared touching them in this condition. Some natural, impossible chemistry was at play here, and the medic had no control over his compromised systems.

As gently as his shaking grip allowed, Ratchet grasped the human in his large palm to properly scan them from close range. His detailed medical scanners searched every inch, They gasp as Ratchet glossa meets their throat, fingers shootout to grip the side of his faceplate. 

A throttled moan escaped his vocalizer against his will. That light touch from their hands nearly shorted out his already fritzing systems. vents plume in hot exhaust. His interface panel felt too hot and tight , barely clinging to integrity protocols as the pleasure centres of his processor went haywire. 

“your scent...overloading my sensory net...cannot...resist...” Ratchet calls out through groans,his grip unconsciously tightened around the small organic in his hand. His free hand scrambled for purchase on the table, denting the metal. Something primal and powerful part of him was unravelling his mental restraints, and no calibration or forced shutdown seemed able to stop it.

Their eyes go wide. "Ratchet! Are you alright do in need to get a Perceptor or first aid?" They ask as the medic leans down into their shoulder, denta nipping at the skin as his digits try removing their shirt as quickly as he physically can. They yelp as he pulls them back together with him, his lips work along their smaller frame desperate to taste the sweet flavour and scent that had taken to their skin. capturing them against his heaving chassis. His optics blazed with static and uncontrolled charge.

"No...don't leave," Ratchet growled through clenched denta. Every fibre of his being screamed for more. His panel snapping open with an echoing click, massively engorged cables twitching in the open. Coolant and lubricant poured from his interface array, drenching the human involuntarily as he grinding against them, bright glowing pink stains their pants and paints their skin in his transfluid. 

His hands trembled, barely able to restrain their desire to claim the tiny body before him. Rational thought was impossible under the onslaught of chemical signals frying his cognition. Ratchet bucked erratically against them, whole body illuminated by dancing electricity. 

"Need you... interface protocols are in-gauged, can't fight it...please,!" he pants to the human as his spike presses against their back. Blunt node swelled monstrously at its tip.

Their back arches into each grind of Ratchet's spike. “Ratchet!” They whine out. 

Their soft noises egg ratchet on, his servos move quickly, trying to discard the pants sticking to their form, he hisses out in annoyance before finally getting them off their legs, throwing them across the medical room. Twisting them around so he can see thier eyes. 

Ratchet growls eagerly spike swiftly sliding between their thighs and against their stomach. His spike is already dripping with lubricant. As he ruts against them. Each inhale of their scent has him spiralling more. 

"Is this what you want, sweetspark? My spike filling you up?" His voice is rough with lust. Gently spreading their legs wider. Watching the bright pink stick to their legs "Primus... I bet you feel amazing." 

He moves slowly pressing his spike against them, tormenting as he presses into them inch by inch. Needy moans leave their lips, hands clinging to him desperately as they roll their hips. “Ratchet!” They cry out. 

 Their stomach bulges from Ratchet's spike, the bright pink splatter across their skin nearly has ratchet overloading from the mere sensation, not to mention the intoxicating scent of their skin. Ratchet groans deeply at the sight of his spike bulging their abdomen, his engines rumbling with feral satisfaction. One hand strokes almost reverently over the taut swell.

"So stunning like this... stretched wide around me, primus so small and tight”

Slowly he draws his hips back, then thrusts forward, grinding deeply into them. setting a steady pace, rockin into the slick heat enveloping his spike. Ducking his head, he captures their shoulder between his denta, glossa flicking against the sensitive skin as he tries to lap the perfume from their skin.

Ratchet growls deeply, thrusting harder at the way they clench around his spike. The table creaks and trembles under the force of his movements but he can't bring himself to slow down. 

"Yes, just like that," he rasps. "Keep that sweet valve squeezing me. Feels so good..."

captures their cries in a heated kiss. "Want you to overload for me," Ratchet purrs. "Let me feel you come undone around my spike, sweetspark..."

His engines are roaring furiously now, spike swelling and throbbing powerfully inside their smaller body. Ratchet groans deeply as they clench around him again, the feeling of that slick heat clenching and rippling around his spike is incredible. 

"That's it love, overload for me... you feel exquisite. So good" 

The sensations quickly become too much for his own systems to bear,the feeling, scent and the pure primal heat running through his system hits hard. With a staticky shout of Julian's name, he buries himself to the hilt and overloads powerfully. His transfluid gushes hot and thick, pumping deep into their smaller form. 

His engines vent heavily as he leans over them, face pressed into their shoulder, a deep guttural moan leaves him, Shuddering with aftershocks. When he finally leans stack to take in their exhaust and truly used form their lungs desperately inhale and exhale drawing in air as if it was their life line. 

Bright pink transfluid pudding around them as Ratchet's systems finally subsided. His optics flicker on them. “ Are you alright?” he asked softly, his human companion replied with a soft whine and nod. “ Remind me not to wear my perfume out in public” the call out in shuttered words. It makes ratchet chuckle as he leans back down to them. “a wise decision” 

[python-nebula]

Uh. SAF lighting/staging(/whatever else happens to come up) analysis be upon ye. This is a very loose definition of 'analysis' and is more like 'I wrote this with the power of Autism, Being a Film Student, and 'Song 2' by Blur', enjoy :)

^ These are the images I'm gonna be referencing, but I'm talking about the scene in general too. I'm gonna keep the main body of the text in white and my notes in pink :)

Ough okay so. The staging + body language. Owen is specifically placed higher than Curt because in his eyes, he has the upper hand. The slight low angle also lends weight to this and aids in making him look powerful. Because of this, his gun arm isn't raised higher than his shoulder level as it doesn't need to be, giving him a casual air, along with his pulled-back, loose posture and his head lolling slightly to the side.

Despite his body language, we can see from his face and words that he is actually very tense internally. This is probably a very deliberate choice on the director's part, as it emphasises Owen's demeanour of laid-back power (or at least, that's what he tries to present himself as).

This all contrasts directly to Curt. His gun arm has to be at a very high angle because of his positioning in relation to Owen, meaning his posture is very tense and his head is held rigidly upwards. Owen has been planning this meeting for (presumably) years, but Curt obviously hasn't. This is reflected in how they stand (as just explained).

He looks up to Owen, both literally and metaphorically. When they were together, they looked up to each other, and therefore were on equal footing because of their mutual respect and love. But now that Owen feels betrayed and scorned, that resect and love has become one-sided (but half-buried by Curt).

(A detail I like is that even though both actors are (I assume bc it's more common) right-handed, Owen holds his gun in his left hand, meaning the guns are level with each other, creating nice symmetry).

//

LIGHTING TIME. Oh boy, the lighting. Owen stands not only shrouded in stage smoke (giving him an etherial appearance), but also severe white light. This separates him and Curt, showing the now-clear stark contrast between them (whereas before they were both in normal light levels together).

It also represents how Owen has essentially become a ghost; he doesn't exist in his own identity to anybody other than Curt now (and Tati but she isn't in this scene). He isn't part of this world anymore, and exists outside of ever being in Curt's life again.

The light from around Owen casts down on Curt, almost invoking religious imagery. From both perspectives, it represents Curt's adoration and idolisation for Owen (both from being in love with him and from building a version of Owen in his head for four years), and need to 'save' him (his quote unquote 'Messiah complex' that his mother describes).

From Curt's perspective, he is gazing up at Owen, and is bathed in some of his light (he moves closer to Owen later in the scene, more into his light, symbolising his resignation to, and acceptance of, the fact that he can't save Owen. He moves past his memory of, and built-up mental image of, Owen). Up the stairs is Owen, the man he loves, and the light. Back down the stairs is his life without him; darkness.

From Owen's perspective, he knows that Curt feels this way about him - hell, he probably felt the same way about Curt, before the accident - but he keeps his distance. The light, for him, isn't holy light, but a barrier he has put up. In the scene, he doesn't move closer to Curt, he stays high up where he doesn't have to face the man he loves (loved?) and see the pain on his face from up close, see the tears (of anger, or heartbreak? Both, I'd say) that are probably forming in his eyes. Does he feel guilty or regret it? Possibly, considering he apologises several times to Curt in 'One Step Ahead'.

Either way, the stark white light isn't healthy for either of them. So they leave the light, together, when the shot rings out and the stage falls into darkness.

Okay!! This has been my over-the-top, unhinged, accidentally-a-character-study ''''analysis'''' of a single fucking scene from a spy musical that I've been a fan of for a grand total of 24 hours!! :D Please let me know if I made any mistakes, I'm not as knowledgeable about staging as I'd like to be, and as said, I also haven't been a fan for very long.

(I'm gonna post this now and stop adding more to it lmao)

Tagging @kairithemang0 @venomousray @consumingthecheese

[utterlyhopeful-fics]

Puppy Love

a/n: HII, I haven’t written in a minute and this came out today. So, enjoy! 

Also, just like the rest of you sluts, I too, am OBSESSED with Pedro Pascal. Glad to be here. 

Joel Miller x Reader

Word Count: 1065

MASTERLIST here if you’re interested! 

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

“Ellie, please.”

“Come on, dude. What did you guys used to say…Yo-Yo something. Oh, Oo, YOLO?”

Y/N eyerolled at the mouthy teenager now prodding through her personal life. Granted, it wasn’t Ellie’s fault, she just called it as she saw it. Honest and brutal, even when she didn’t need to be.

“You don’t get it. Not a lick. So kindly shut the fuck up.”

“So, you’re just gonna hold on to this pipe dream…until you croak?”

Her questioning tone almost earned Ellie a slap but Y/N remained calm.

“Wow, kid. Anyone tell ya you got a way with words?”

“Nope. You’re the first. Lucky you.”

Ellie annoyingly enunciated every word loud and clear rifling through Y/N’s chaotic brain. He would never be hers even if they weren’t stuck in this apocalyptic hellhole. Back then Joel had endless opportunities to speak up and half the time he chose to shove her feelings so far under the rug that she couldn’t help when the disheartenment finally sunk in.

“But seriously.”

“Seriously nothing. Zip it, El.”

Her hands waved furiously in the air creating obscenely silly gestures. For once, they were left to simmer in silence, albeit temporary. Y/N stared holes in the ground beneath her hiding the unshed tears she refused to let fall.

“Things are …complex. More than you can understand.”

“Then help me, what’s the problem?”

“Ellie, look around us! You don’t—you don’t even know what it was like back before things went to shit. Joel isn’t the type of guy…”

Warm words swam through her chest, their presence suffocating meeting early death as her lips pursed shut.    

“Y/N…”

She bit her lip in anticipation hoping for the right words to stumble out Ellie looked on with a hopeful light in her eyes.

“Joel has Tess.”

Had Tess.

“But he’s in love with you.”

Vicious headshakes were all Y/N could muster praying not to slip further into her meddling.

“No, he’s not. And you can’t go around sayin things like that! Jesus.”

Y/N made quick work, eyes bouncing between every corner of the room making sure Joel hadn’t snuck it. Wouldn’t be the first time.

“I see the way you look at him, you know.”

“I know.”

“Then why--?”

Anger getting the better of Y/N, she frivolously snapped back; “You wanna know why, hmm? I’ve loved Joel Miller since I was 27. The idiot dropped a might I mention PIPING HOT americano down my blouse.  The second he smiled I knew I was a goner.”

“Okay?”

“So, he knows, known, whatever you wanna call it. He friend zoned me then, same applies to now. I just hang onto him because I’m a lovesick puppy just patiently waiting for her turn. I’m the best friend, Ellie. Joel Miller doesn’t love me, he just loves the way I make him feel important, heard. Then like clockwork, he’s got himself a new girl on his arm to impress and I’m left –” Her lip quivered, it felt different saying it out loud, more real, visceral. No more pretending.

Y/N cleared her throat stiffening her once welcoming features, “It’s called unrequited love, El and I hope you never have to know how shitty it feels.”

“Oh come on, just because the world ended doesn’t mean everything went to shit.”  

Her left eye twitched at the teenager’s choice words lowering her voice to a mere whisper. Y/N reached towards the girl, caressing her cheek in a motherly manner. El leaned in accepting the gesture.

“I love Joel Miller. He doesn’t love me. And that’s okay because I get to throw all my unreiprocated love on to you, and for that I’m forever grateful. Like it or not kid, you’re stuck with me for however long life allows.”

“Oh great, just what I needed. A mother of my very own!”

Y/N playfully slapped her shoulder; “Hey now, your birth mother did a super fucking hard thing AND delivered a healthy baby. Do you think pregnancy is easy? Or how about the horror of delivering the thing that’s been taking up space in your body for the last nine months, huh? Women didn’t have it easy then and we definitely don’t in this joke of a world nowadays. So, to wrap this up; just because she created you doesn’t mean you can’t accept love that feels similar. I can’t take the place of your mom and I am so not old enough- “

Ellie’s eyebrows crinkled together; “Aren’t you like considered geriatric?”

Horror paled over Y/N. Why this little—She breathed deeply hoping to simmer the bitter bitch growing within her. She annunciated her words very clearly; “I am 46, you little brat. The least you could do is respect your elders if you’re gonna talk smack.”

Ellie huffed; “I just don’t get it.”

This piqued her interest; “Get what?”

“Men. Like, are they are all complete psychopaths?”

“Well, that’s a bit harsh but yes, in general they are a nuisance to society…or what’s left of it.”

“I’m sorry, Y/N.”

Ellie’s arms snuck around her waist pulling her close. Y/N welcomed the embrace thankful for the small moments she was still afforded.

“You deserve to be loved no matter what. I’m glad I found you… and the grump.”

“He’s a good man. Don’t ever doubt that.”

“I won’t. I just wish he could see how fucking badass you actually are. I mean I’d date you.”

Y/N’s eyes glazed over momentarily; “Damnit, you’re making me feel things I don’t have the time to feel.”  

“Y/N?”

“Hmm?

“Don’t give up on him, I’ve seen things from a different perspective and as an outsider looking in, this ain’t a closed case little lady.”

“Wow, how southern belle of you. A girl like yourself would do well in the South.”

“The what?”

Exasperated Y/N mustered a reply; “…Ugh, don’t worry bout it.”

Her innocent smile emerged displayed for Ellie’s eyes only.

“I lurve you, Y/N.” Their foreheads bumped lightly causing a giggle to stir between the pair; “Back at ya, kid.”

Little did they know who had been standing on the other side of the door hiding just out of plain sight. Joel gulped hoping for the spit to help his now parched throat. I can’t lose her. I won’t lose her.

His boots smacked heavily against the cement closing the distance between. Y/N yelped surprised by the sudden intrusion. Now or never.

“Y/N.”

[king-paimon]

I've read up on your blog through a lot of Houseki no Kuni's manga. I liked your analysis though I gotta say come the last chapters, specifically since chapter 95, I didn't always agree with them.

I didn't need the end to be happy sunshine and rainbows, or the opposite, for Phos to go all revenge monster on the gems either. But at the end there, I felt like we all just accepted everything Ichikawa threw at us with no criticism, all that torture flattening the narrative's nuance, and if I didn't like it, I was seeing it through the wrong angle.

I know you don't act like that, which I appreciate. Throught all your reviews, you expressed understanding on why so many people disliked the story. Thank you for that, thank you for not being judgemental. And I'm glad you enjoyed the ride.

I just couldn't help but feel like so many story threads were left lose, and so many complete 180°s were thrown that didn't match the story or it's characters. Some people described it as a self-sabotaged narrative, and I see it. It wasn't enough to give me catharsis - especially with the character set up as the villain getting everything he wanted.

I guess I just had higher standards, which the story didn't meet. That is not a bad thing, after all.

I think my biggest gripe is with how Cairngorm's character was handled, and I'd like to include this here. The ambiguity of their predatory relationship was in poor taste, and remained unaddressed. I can see why so many of my friends left the series when that plot point happened. They deserved better.

Hi @intoxtinction! Thank you for sending me this message and sorry that it took me so long to finally respond. Real life has been kicking my butt and free time to do anything on here is a rarity. But I still wanted to write a response to you because I really loved your response! And yes, I saw the comment you left on my last HnK meta post. You're good; don't worry about it!

Thank you again for your kind words. I'm glad that you like my posts, even if they sometimes become long, nonsensical rambles and especially if you don't agree with some of my points! I love that. Whenever I wrote my posts, I always try to keep an open mind and take into account that all fans are different and would have different views when it comes to works works like HnK. As far as I can see, HnK is one of those works that is supposed to draw up conversations because it's not a simple, straight forward story with clear distinction between black/white moral characters. Everyone who reads it is going to view the events in the story differently based on their own beliefs and even if everyone's views conflict with one another, I think it's fascinating and even wonderful. So even if I may not agree with some fans when it comes to certain aspects of HnK, I never hold it against them. I don't want to demonize anyone for how they interpret the story, at least not too harshly anyways. I know when I'm biased, but I don't let that stop me from at least trying to understand where other fans are coming from. HnK was such a fascinatingly complex and unconventional story, and the fact that it can spur many views and feelings from people is one of the reasons whyI liked the series.

With that being said, however, I also think it's important to be open to properly critique our favorite works. HnK is not immune from these critiques, because for as much as I enjoyed following the story over the past couple of years, there are many aspects in the overall story that were far from satisfying. So many loose ends, incomplete character arches, and questionable story decisions... After being away from the story for some time now, it's become more apparent that there were many aspects to the HnK that has me question Haruko Ichikawa's story telling abilities. Don't get me wrong, she's shown to be a very fascinating storyteller and I overall liked what she created. But when it comes to the incomplete story threads for all of the other characters besides Phos, I can't tell if some of Ms. Ichikawa's decisions were intentionally left up for interpretation or if their stories were just not important to complete since at the end of the day, HnK is about Phos's story. One of these decisions I question the most about is Cairngorm's story arch, so I couldn't agree more with you, @intoxtinction. Cairngorm was done dirty in so many ways and they deserved a more satisfying ending to their story.

I was planning on writing two last posts that would be focusing on these topics. But because life has been kicking my butt too much lately, I don't know when they will be out, if at all at this point. But if I'm able to complete them, I hope you'll get the chance to read them and share your own thought. And again, it's totally fine if you don't agree with my points; I'd still love to read them!

[enden-k]

SORRY MANY ASKS IN A ROW BUT I FORGOT TO MENTION BC THE ANIMAL VIDEOS TOOK A HOLD OF MY BRAIN. SARAN HATING THOSE AREAS BEING HELD BUT HOLDING THEM HIMSELF?! I WANT TO DISSECR HIS BEHAVIOR

His signature thing (whether he finds it silly or he finds it more enjoyable than others yet to be determined) is the face holding!! Sure he does a fair bit of other holds but this one stands out!!!

(Yeah it probably has to do with the ownership themes which. Double interesting bc we see the forced, one-sided holds guy (whose name I definitely didn't forget mid rant no sir) tends to favor (forceful-) against Saran's looser, loving grasp on Vika. Against Vika, who has to sort of be coaxed into those!!

Guy takes and takes and takes (bear with me cause i cant find another way of explaining. He sort of feels like Gluttony? I probably can word it better comparing it to Saran but where Saran wants it to keep it safe Guy wants it to make use of it. A form of consumption?). While Saran can come off as sort of greedy he clearly wants the person on the other end to enjoy it as much as he does. Because it's Vika and Vika deserves all nice things

And then you have darling boy "this is not exactly my thing but Saran enjoys it so it still is nice". These two make me feral. They're so complex

-🦜

yeee the difference between saran and azai and their holds is both the meaning and the hold itself

saran tends to hold/cradle vikas face like that mostly when hes grounding him and calming him down; by holding him gently like this, hes reducing vikas sight to his face alone to focus on. he applies pressure to his other touches (holding his hands, wrists, etc) but never when hes touching vikas face. its the most gentle touch. its also so intimate which is also why he disliked it when azai did it

azai held saran like this often in situations where saran wasnt even conscious or in a place to fight it off. he idolized saran and put him on a high pedestal but as soon as saran is vulnerable and beneath him, his hands are wrapped around his neck or holding his jaw and giving him a feeling of power and ownership

warning for a tiny little bit of descriptive injury/sarans death

when saran died, azai strangled him before and later clutched his slit throat tight in a fucked up way of "im holding you in the way you told me not to and its keeping you together, if i let go you will bleed out so you have no choice whatsoever to endure" - he takes complete control over sarans life, or more like death

azai is greedy; greedy for power, greedy for control, greedy for saran. he takes everything even if it must be by force but has no interest in giving anything from himself. he wants to possess and keep things to himself alone

vika shows to be a little greedy as well, altho its prolly more of "needy" than "greedy". it differs from azai. hes greedy for (sarans) attention, hes greedy for (sarans) touch. unlike azai, he doesnt take. he offers himself and asks for permission; he doesnt forcefully take what he wants and hes willing to give all of himself for a tiny piece of what he wishes for

and saran is so, so willing to give just like how vika is. to the point of allowing and coaxing vika to touch him like this as well, even tho it was clear until then how he disliked it. bc he likes it when vika holds him like this too, to lit give himself to vikas hands, to bare his throat to vika just like vika does to him

[i-sveikata]

Hello dear author,

After two days of reading with so much emotion and excitement, I needed several days to fully process everything that happened emotionally in this chapter—it was truly intense! As I’ve told you before, I have a real soft spot for scenes where Vegas and Pete reveal their vulnerabilities, allowing us to see them connect and learn about each other, even through intense emotions like sadness or anger. Each time, we gain a deeper understanding of them and their dynamic, and I was definitely not disappointed! I realized how hurt Pete was when Vegas went to his father’s side during the coup, even before the pool scene occurred. I initially thought Pete was traumatized seeing Vegas so close to self-harm, overwhelmed by shock and grief over his father, but I hadn’t understood how deeply wounded he was by Vegas’s choice to go to his father instead of staying with him.

This conversation unveiled just how attached Pete is to Vegas, even though he often hides it. Their talk about Vegas's struggles and his self-destructive urges was so necessary, and I’m glad you addressed it, as it’s been lingering for several episodes due to Vegas’s state and their lack of alone time for these deeper discussions. I loved the scene where Vegas, emotionally handicapped as he is, sought comfort and tenderness from Pete but didn’t know how to ask for it, acting rough instead—because tenderness and vulnerability are truly terrifying mysteries for him. The added details in that scene, with Pete instinctively holding him, stroking his hair protectively, and gently questioning him, were beautiful. The more tenderness Vegas received, the more he tensed up, like a wary stray cat reacting to unexpected affection.

Also, Pete calling Vegas “Sweetheart” in his most vulnerable moments was so touching. Pete is far less demonstrative than Vegas, especially regarding his feelings for him (still in denial, and probably the last person on earth who hasn’t realized he’s in love), so it’s always so endearing to see him use such warm terms with a protectiveness and fondness he can’t quite hide. I also noticed their intimacy has grown deeper and more profound over time; it's amazing how, thanks to your writing, we can feel the shift in their intimate scenes—from non-consensual moments and power struggles to playful tension, exploration, and genuine emotional exchange. Vegas reaching out to Pete after his nightmare, vulnerable and having an emotional crisis, was such a powerful example of this, as well as the final scene with the fingers.

Seeing how they’re so attached to each other, even co-dependent, feels like watching soulmates whose bond surpasses words. I can’t believe Pete finally took this step. I’m so proud of him because I know how hard this has been for him, showing the progress he’s made since escaping the safe house. It’s clear, though, that despite wanting and enjoying this closeness, he’ll likely experience defense mechanisms and maybe PTSD triggers—perhaps? From the chapter’s last lines, I got the sense that Pete was inadvertently triggered and that it might lead to conflict, with Pete reacting defensively to protect himself unconsciously. If my intuition is right, the next chapter could be a perfect opportunity for Pete’s introspection, reflecting on the upheaval inside him—whether it’s trauma, desires, fantasies, his preferences, and even his true feelings for Vegas. He’s always keeping everything bottled up, unable to "let it out," whether it’s about consent (which he finally overcame in the past), his desires, or his feelings.

I’m also curious to see if we’ll finally learn why he fears hearing or admitting that either Vegas loves him or that he loves Vegas. Psychologically, it makes his character incredibly compelling. Pete is so complex, and since he’s even more reserved than Vegas about his feelings, he’s challenging to decipher.

I can’t wait for the next chapter, and I hope to hear back from you about my thoughts and questions—I have so much I want to share with you. Thank you infinitely for writing this story; it has truly become one of my all-time favorites!

Hey there!!! Yeah fair enough I know each chapter is a beast in its own right haha. Oh great!! Yes I really like those moments too! It’s a pretty big core of this fic tbh like all of this started because Vegas tried to unmask Pete/ Pete was calling him out on his false persona bullshit so the closer they get to one another the more those lies start to unpeel themselves. Oh yes for sure that was a seriously deep cut for Pete- he’d been so certain he had Vegas figured out and then Vegas left him in the coup and that shattered his world view a little bit (and forced him to confront how he would feel to actually lose him too) so yes it definitely shook things up in that regard. Vegas knows he’ll need to do more to get Pete back to that certainty he had before the coup.

Yes it definitely needed to be talked about between them- especially because it’s laying the groundwork for dom Pete which we’ll see a little bit more of in the next chap. They are very much negotiating Vegas’ limits for pain and sexual pleasure which was how we got Vegas being so self destructive when all he was really craving was physical intimacy. Like whenever he reaches out he’s always been rebuffed esp by his father but also by his lovers because like he is with Pete he doesn’t know how to normally ask what he wants without freaking people out lmao. It’s just lucky for him that Pete is made of sterner stuff and wants to understand what Vegas needs from him even if that might be pain with the pleasure.

Pete is much more reserved in his affection unless he’s drunk and happy or it’s for show so of course we don’t see the same type of affection that Vegas shows- Pete goes about it entirely differently. Which is why so much of his affection is like awareness in a way? His feelings for Vegas (which he’s still not addressing lol) allow him to focus his attention and care on Vegas in a way that nobody ever really has before. Even if he is trying to figure out how they fit together and how he can give Vegas what he needs when Vegas is giving pete what he needs in turn.

Yes we really are witnessing their relationship deepen in real time. That’s the power of building a foundation of trust- it’s not all just about the sex like Pete convinced himself in the beginning. They are figuring out how to fit into each other’s lives and build a future together. Yes whether intentional or not (the drugs really threw Vegas for a loop) he’s been baring himself emotionally a lot more than he ever has before. He knows what it will take to keep pete it’s himself that he has the doubts over- afraid that he’ll do something to ruin it. They’ve talked about so many different things that of course he has a clearer picture of what pete needs for him to be certain of them and he’s doing his best to fulfil that without smothering him or trying to control him.

Pete knows he’s on the trajectory for this now and I think a lot of it has been him finding peace with his feelings and desires without Vegas judging him for it. So taking that first step towards exploring his own sexual desires and interests with Vegas is super super important when it was that fingering scene. Pete might not trust Vegas with his heart just yet but he absolutely trusts him with his body which is such a wild amount of trust considering. It’s his reaction after that experience where the true importance of it lies- whether Pete can be calm about what happened or whether he will spiral and be triggered by memories of the safe house.

But mostly the following scene is just Pete needing to process his feelings alone for a bit and see where everything stands now within himself. There are other outside factors to put him more on his guard/ into a defensive kind of mindset which closes off that door temporarily but it won’t be because of anything Vegas does. There will be more to reveal about Pete’s ideas and fears of love definitely! He’s a complex person but I think his experiences as a child have twisted up his ideas of love into obligation- which is why he’s struggling so hard with Vegas’ obvious feelings. Like he’s not family, he didn’t save Vegas’ life he ruined his life arguably in the beginning, he owes Vegas nothing which is why it’s so frightening here because there is no obligation to love Pete but there is clearly choice. Choice to take things further, to trust one another, to learn about each other’s fears and flaws and try and build something anyway. Pete doesn’t know what to do with that when he never had the choice but to love his family regardless of how they hurt him. He’s loved family because that’s what you do, that’s obligation and tbh a little bit of that got repeated in his relationship with ngam. There’s something safer here for Pete (and scarier for him with Vegas) because Pete has no logical reason to love Vegas- there’s no danger of obligation there. And that’s why it’s so easy for him to dismiss what he’s feeling even as he’s terrified of what Vegas is feeling for him.

Omg lol I’ll stop here cause I’ll talk forever haha but yes of course come to me with more questions! I love how everyones asks get me thinking about this beyond what feels like instinct and almost subconscious at times when writing. You’re so very welcome and thank you so much!!!

[nescaveckwriter]

Smoky Old Barrooms, Saving Grace & Guitars - Chapter Three

A/N: … Y'all this one is just so Awwww we find out what's the matter with Grace, we meet her sister Kelly and her fiancé Benny, and then we see what Dean is feeling and the rest is just beautiful but sad moments. I hope y'all like it, also just a little side note, the song/poem that was used was written by me. Okayz that's it for now my bugs, I hope you enjoy, let me know okay. Love y'all, bye-bye Warnings: 18+ Only Mentions of a medical condition, bit swearing, heartache, Characters: Dean Winchester, Bobby Singer, Benny Lafitte, Grace Tucker, Kelly Tucker Words: 1474 Cover & Pictures: Pinterest, Canva, Google Side Note: Please check out my Masterlist for more, epic stories

Also song is: Charles Esten "Out of the blue" - Yes I am struggling with my Signal, some stuff works the rest doesn't. Xo but anywayz love y'all.

There's melodies playing over the radio station as the Chevy Impala roars down the road, Dean hums with the Led Zeppelin song, as he takes in the early sunrise, he always tries to drive out to the spot where he clears his mind, sometimes with some black coffee, other times with some beer or bourbon, it just really depends on the mood. But this morning he feels lighter, after the last couple of weeks, he met that beautiful woman again, turns out she was the other artist Bobby wanted him to sing with, not that he's complaining, there's something about her, he just can't explain, but her light is so contagious, she seems so carefree so happy. Oh damn and her voice, she sounds like an southern angel. The Radio presenter breaks his deep thoughts.  "And now, what we all have been waiting for, Ladies and Gents, Cowboys and Cowgirls, the one and only Grace Tucker" Dean immediately turns the radio up, what are the odds.

Her sweet voice comes over the speaker, "Howdy Rick," she let's out a soft giggle "I'm so honored to be here with y'all, thank you for having me"

"So tell me Grace, how did you manage it to bring out two albums in a year?"

"I've got a great manager and producer, Kelly, my sister, and if the creativity has a hold of you, you got to run with it"

Laughing now, "It must be fun working with your sister?"

"Yes, she is amazing, she keeps me in line and helps me remember the important stuff, I love her so much, and wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for her, and all of you of course"

"You don't see family working so closely together anymore, so tell me Grace, do you think your new album with reach platinum status?"

Laughing, "I'm not sure, I guess it depends if the listeners will like it"

"Tell us a bit more about your song's please"

 "Well Rick I draw inspiration from everyday situations and experiences, it's mostly about things about the heart you know, we all take it for granted sometimes, but its one of the most complex parts of our human existence"

"I have no words Grace, that is enough to make some of our listeners cry so early in the morning"

Grasping "Oh my, I'm sorry, not my intention, but I love it when it awakens everyone's emotions"

"Miss Tucker, that's the one thing all of your songs, does, so without further due, would you please sing us a little something"

"Oh I would love to, thank you, y'all will be the first that hear my new single" Picking up the guitar, adjusting the microphone, smiling "this one's called, 'No Good No More' I hope y'all enjoy it"

I heard the news today

No use for any further delay

My heart's no good no more What else could I ask for

A few more years Without all the heartaches and tears

A few more memories A few more stories

Could someone please tell me why Why I should leave And say goodbye Help me to believe

In something more than just me Leaving behind what I know, how can this be

I've gotten the news today And there's no other way to say

My heart's no good no more It will never be the same as before

So with one last wave I ask you to keep this memories save.

I will walk away right about now Before this heartache starts to show

The moment her sweet voice stopped, the were hands clapping over the radio, Dean sat there, looking out over the city on that hilltop, he felt mesmerized, that felt so personal, so real and authentic, the question is who would break her heart.

As she walked out of the studio, to the parking space, that's when she felt the old familiar wooziness, heart beating rapidly it feels like a drummer's trying to figure, if he's playing a rock or a love song, dryness in her mouth, croakiness in her throat,  the ground and sky is spinning in front of her eyes, a total blur in front her eyes, trying to get something to hold onto, to steady her in place, but nothing it didn't take long for her body to plunge towards the ground, she just sat there in the middle of the road, trying to find her balance, find strength to get up, but the exhaustion took over, placing her hand over her chest, trying to calm it down, she used the other hand to pull out her phone, pressing down '1' she's got her sister on speed dial, it felt like the phone was ringing forever, her voice friendly "Hey Gracie, what's up? Done at the studio?"

She can barely form audible words, "Kelly, help" is all she could get out, before her world turned dark.

"Grace, Gracie, come on, open your eyes for me please sweetie" Kelly pleaded 

Her eyes started to open slowly, glancing into her sister's brown watery eyes, her voice hoarse "Hey sis, you came" 

Overjoyed "Of course, I came you called, you scared the hell out of me, you know that?"

Coming up to her elbows, realizing she's in her sisters bedroom, the only noticing Kelly's fiancé, "Oh hey Benny!, didn't see you there" looking in her sisters direction again, "I'm sorry Sis, I didn't mean too"

Benny just nodded, when she said hello, but he stays quiet for most of this, he struggles to find the right words, how does he comfort the love of his life, when they all know the inevitable, its  only a matter of time, before Grace says goodbye forever. It broke Kelly when Grace told her, she's in her final stage of heart failure, the doctors said she had a year left, maybe! He's the one who hold's his bride to be, sobbing in his arms every night. This is supposed to be a joyful time for him and Kelly, but instead their heartbroken, he's known Grace for ten years and she's like a little sister to him. He can't deny it, the moments when he's not around Kelly or working he would occasionally break down as well, due to the fact of how unfair life is. No one deserves it, especially not her. Kelly's voice shook him out of his deep thoughts. "Baby, could you please grab a glass of water" nodding "On it darling" Benny said with a small smile curving on his handsome features.

"Grace, you need too take it slower, please, you need to get enough rest"

She just faintly nods, her voice brittle "I'm sorry, I will I promise" Kelly sits down on the bed, wrapping her arms over her sister's fragile body, kissing the top of her head, saying softly "I love you Sis"

Tears streaming over her cheeks "I love you too!" trying too clear her throat she breaths "I'm scared" 

Kelly thumbs away the tears, trying to cover the pain in her voice, "Me too sis, me too" 

Seeing the old man, with his ball cap sitting at the table busy with the contract that was sent him, for Dean's and Grace's duet. 

"Hey Bobby, how's things looking, when can we start with the tour?"

Irritation clear on the old features, "I am not sure if this is going to work boy, Grace's manager has stipulated that the two of you can do the show together, but there will be no touring"

Confused "But why? I thought the whole point of this, was to release an album and do a country wide tour, maybe even world wide!"

"Exactly, I will get on the phone and set up a meeting with her immediately" 

"Thank you Bobby, I really want to make this album with her, I've even started working on a couple of new songs"

Bobby just smiled and nodded.

"Speaking of songs, do you know if everything is alright with Benny, he just ran out, after he had a call from his fiancé and I haven't heard a word from him yet, we are supposed to work on that new song?"

Bobby just shook his head and went on with reading the contract further, making notes about what he wanted to remember. 

Dean just walked out of the office, humming Grace's new song to himself, it's stuck in his head but he doesn't really mind, everything about her is burned into his memory, her sweet angel voice, the stage lights dancing around in her eyes, her strawberry hair flowing in the night sky, and then her lips, wondering what it tasted like, knowing he probably shouldn't , but he's falling in love with her, he felt alive for the first time in so long, new music is running through his veins, as for his heart, it was somewhere between beating rapidly and coming to a stand still. Wondering if she might feel the same.

[bluegekk0]

Are there any self-care routines the family does?

Hmm let me think. I suppose their ideas of self-care are very broad, so I'm just going to assume anything they do to make themselves feel better physically or mentally counts

Also, I hope it's okay but I'll only answer about a few of the characters (Vyrm, Grimm and Hornet). I'm a little tired and I don't want to turn this into a huge wall of text. Feel free to send extra asks about this about the rest of the characters some time, I would love to answer to those then

Vyrm - he actually developed a lot of self-care routines since it helped him gain more confidence after everything he went through. Aside from things you'd expect that maybe he wasn't able to do before, like getting enough sleep, engaging in his hobbies and maintaining a good fulfilling diet, he makes sure to get a lot of physical exercise. He goes on little walks around Dirtmouth every day, usually to visit the market or just greet his friends and see what they're up to, though a lot of times he does so to find solitude and relax. Working with a lot of metals as a job, for example when he makes complex mechanisms for tools, particularly large farming tools, means that he does a lot of weight carrying since he handles it all by himself, you can see the effects of that when looking at his fairly muscular arms. He also makes sure to maintain good hygiene; he never had trouble with that during his rule, but the few weeks in the wilds put him in a situation where that wasn't really possible, so now he remembers to give it special attention. He struggles with baths because of his fear of drowning (he prefers if Grimm is there with him to hold his hand and encourage him), but thankfully there is a system of simple showers installed in the town, so he's able to clean himself regularly. His claws and horns need some special care as well, he can trim his claws himself but he needs some help with filing down his horns to the desired length. After all of that, he feels a lot better about himself, which lets him go about his day with a much better mindset.

Grimm - a lot of his self-care routines are related to his looks, he's very aware of his appearance and wants to look as good and desirable as he can. In many ways his role as the Troupe Master and a star in many of its performances play a big part, as did other things in his past, though he primarily does it for himself. He enjoys looking good, I think that is clear by how he carries himself. Of course, Vyrm is also a big reason why he gives his appearance extra attention. He spends a lot of time maintaining his fur, washing and brushing it to give it extra volume, and keeping it at the desired length (which is quite a bit longer than it used to back in the day, so that is a big influence Vyrm had on his looks) is part of his routine. His claws also get extra attention, he makes sure to trim them so they still look good while preventing any situations where he can accidentally scratch his family members, not to mention making sure they have just the right amount of shine. Physical activity is also important for him, he exercises regularly and goes on walks with Grimm, not to mention anything physically demanding related to the performance rehearsals. That said, he still remembers to take it slow sometimes, and something he particularly enjoys is reading books and, of course, drinking his favorite tea.

Hornet - most of her self-care routine that is worth mentioning includes relaxing her explosive personality and trying to find some peace so that her anger outbursts don't get in the way of loving and appreciating what she has. She picked up reading as a hobby she really enjoys, she also helps Holly with sewing, which is something she finds very relaxing, and in moments where she's close to losing her cool, she likes to practice some breathing exercises to stay calm. On top of that, she frequently goes on walks, especially longer walks around the neighboring regions, which double up as patrols. The woods next to Dirtmouth are a new walk destination which she developed a liking for throughout the years, she really enjoys walking among the trees (which she wasn't used to as the vegetation underground is usually a lot smaller) and climbing them to get an even better view of the town.

[karasbroken]

This week we're getting a tiny scene once again from my favorite episode, The Way We Weren't, and then a little bonus moment because I can't help myself. John listening to Aeryn talk about Velorek and having all kinds of emotions about it.

"So... uh......mm.... y--........ Did you love him?"

It's just a masterclass in subtle character interactions, where when you really know the characters there's just so much happening, in five seconds of hemming and hawing. This is slightly slowed down, just so I can enjoy the journey Ben Browder takes us on.

I'm going to cut tag because I love your dash, but click for rambling and bonus gif.

It starts with him still processing that Aeryn called Velorek her "lover", because as he says, John's "never heard her use that word before". He's smiling, his eyes are lit up--it seems like it's slightly baffling and wondrous to him how she's talking, because it's so unlike her to be that effusive. I assume Aeryn has talked about sex before with John (see my collected works), but always in a dismissive or utilitarian way.

But the way he bites his lip makes it also clear that his reaction is so strong and complex that he needs to suppress it. To hold back until he can actually understand why he's having so many feelings about a simple word, and get himself under control. John always shows his emotions in his mouth.

Then we see him start to stutter as he realizes that this Velorek person--who he's never heard of before despite over a year of spending most of their waking hours together--was deeply important to Aeryn, as a sexual partner, but also apparently something more than sexual. And John's never even realized that she could feel something more than friendship for someone, sexual relationship or not. Or at least that she might realize she was feeling something more than sexual attraction, since John has seen other instances of her having emotions she didn't know how to name.

And then it clicks--that little frown--and he gets serious again as he realizes that this means Aeryn understands romantic love. And there's so many possibilities he never let himself believe in before because of that revelation. Aeryn can take a lover. Not just a recreation partner, a lover. You can see the hope start to tip the corners of his lips up, as he turns back to her and he has to ask the question. "Did you love him?"

But then for the last part of the trip I have to add in this little clip from a few seconds later, after Aeryn confirms that she would say now that it was love...

"Right."

I remember listening to some audio podcast that normally I mostly agreed with--maybe it was Muppets, Sex & Trauma, but it could have been So Farscape or Bizarre Podcast: Space Puppets. Whichever it was, the commenters on this scene were lauding that John hadn't done the typical thing of being jealous that Aeryn had a sexual past. And I had to just stop listening for a second because, yes, it's quiet. You have to be watching closely. It helps to see the two moments right after each other, because in these gifs you can really see the tonal shift between cuts, from excited to reserved. But wow, John is clearly, to me, momentarily consumed with a jealousy he wasn't expecting. (Ben confirmed this in audio commentary, as I recall.)

The lips again, as always, are John's tell. He presses them together, his whole mouth flattening for a second, as he feels the surge. His gaze breaks again, from meeting Aeryn's eyes to looking inward as he deals with his emotions. And then the bobbing of his Adam's apple as he gulps, choking back some array of responses that he isn't going to let himself express.

Right after this he tries to almost literally shake it off, a little head shift, like he needs to crack his neck to relieve tension, and then he's moved on, because this conversation is not about him and his feelings about Aeryn having had this deep connection with someone in the past. He knows that. He is mature enough to expect Aeryn to have had a past, and I don't think he's feeling actually possessive of her, or disappointment that she's not an emotional virgin, or anything similarly toxic.

But this person, who he has all these unspoken feelings for--unspoken at least partially because he has assumed for a while now that Aeryn would never return or even understand love the way he did--has just revealed that she does know love, and has experienced it so deeply and painfully that it can render her more vulnerable then he has ever seen her. And yeah, for one little second, he has to feel that jealousy and anger (because this past relationship hurt her), and then has to swallow that down. And I don't think the less of John for it.

[ashtxeman]

Punch-Out Relationship HC's!

I must clarify.. most of these are PLATONIC relationships! I'll get into the more fun stuff another time.. huhuhuhu. Minor Circuit

Joe and Kaiser are of course together, and have been for a few years now. Alongside this Joe's also great friends with Disco and a nice pal to Hippo when need be (he was previously afraid of Hippo but outgrew that fear).

Kaiser isn't one to make friends but is one to have a boyfriend ironically, who is Joe. He likes Disco and Hippo but only sees them as work friends, rather than personal friends. Hippos growls also tend to startle him, so he's always on edge around him.

Disco is super friendly and considers everybody a great friend, but Hippo is 100% his bestie.

Hippo returns the favour to Disco! He appreciates Disco for everything he does and values their friendship. He also likes Kaiser because he quite likes his moustache but isn't aware that Kaiser actually fears him quite a bit. With Joe, he's more of a work friend who he enjoys playfully mocking from time to time.

Major Circuit:

Hondo is on good terms with everybody, and isn't one to hold a grudge. He'll call everybody a friend at least, and that's true even for Don who he isn't as close to. Alternatively he's besties with Hugger, and even though he is good friends with Tiger he knows he's afraid of him deep down for some reason..

Hugger is like Disco in the sense that he just likes everybody! He thinks of all his fellow circuit members as great friends even if it isn't a mutual opinion.

Tiger is fine with everybody, except Don who he constantly argues with and the rest of the time just manages to tolerate.

Don has a sort of superiority complex over the rest of the circuit which weighs down his opinions on them, but he doesn't actively hate any of them.. he's just annoyed by Tiger 90% of the time and mildly inconvenienced by him the rest.

World Circuit:

Aran is obviously complicated for everyone. You love him, you hate him, or you're about to hate him. But he has opinions too! He tolerates Macho on the rare occasion he isn't loving him being the easiest boxer to tease and play pranks on, on account of his himbo-ness. He quite likes Bull because of how rowdy he can get, and as for Soda they bond quite well due to their shared interest in drinks. As for Sandman, Aran thinks he's too big for his boots but has learnt not to cross the line around him lest he get his ass kicked.

Soda is an overall nice guy who just likes everyone, considering everyone at least a pal to him. Bull is his bestie, and Aran is a close second.

Bull barely tolerates anybody.. except Soda. He finds Macho annoying, he finds Aran aggravating and he's just fine with Sandman, because he's quiet.

Macho is an odd fellow. He acts like he's above everyone else but in reality he often sees himself as an inferior person. When Bull is being Bull, he's terrified, but any other time he's just fine. Soda is good enough to meet his standards, and Aran makes him cry all the time so he's very low on the Macho list of recommendation. As for Sandman.. well, the cupid isn't far away from those two, let's say.

Sandman does his best to be nice to everybody outside of his work facade, but unfortunately some people make that very hard. He likes Macho when he volunteers to help with jobs (which is a weird amount) but finds it hard to attain that when he's.. being Macho. He finds Bull fine, but wishes he'd get his anger sorted, and he thinks Soda is a very nice man who doesn't get enough credit. Like anybody.. He lives his life with Aran in it just fine.

All:

Joe is obviously afraid of Aran, but Aran does go on to treat him better and he gets a little more neutral. As for Aran to Joe, he likes him because he's fun to tease.. but he also likes his cooking.

It's clear at this point, Aran and Hondo are besties.

^ This also goes for Tiger and Aran oddly enough! They have chaotic energy on opposite ends of the scale, and it balances out.

Kaiser and Soda seem to get along nicely, and often have interesting conversations about their histories with each other. There's a nice sense of privacy between them. However, Kaiser is scared of yet another person.. that being Sandman, but he'll hopefully get over that fear. Kaiser is also on good terms with Bull, and is surprisingly good at calming him down.

An odd relationship between Disco and Tiger, as Disco doesn't really talk with Tiger because.. Tiger avoids him. For some reason, Tiger is afraid of Disco Kid. But alternatively, Disco is very buddy buddy with Sandman! Sandy gives Disco boxing tips, Disco gives Sandy dancing tips. 

Hippo quite likes Sandman because he usually brings snacks in for him, but Sandman just does it so Hippo won't pester him. Close to Sandman though, there's Macho, who like a shocking amount of things is scared of Hippo. He has a fear that Hippo might try eat him (Sandman assures him this isn't true obviously). 

Macho and Don really don't like each other. They both accuse the other of being selfish and egotistical (or an eggo which is what Macho says). They're both right. However, Macho does want to get some advice about something from Don.. 

Another with Macho, he and Hugger are the type of people to walk past each other in the street and tilt their hats. 

Aran and Don? Enemies till the end. Don hates Aran for taking his spot in the World Circuit, Aran returns the hatrid because he likes how annoyed it makes Don.

Sandman has a lot! On one hand, he'll gladly stop to talk with Don or Hondo if he goes by them, but on the other hand he's great friends with Hugger over a shared love for animals and great friends with Joe because of the classic big guy, small guy dynamic. However, he dislikes Tiger for a particular decision he made that is also the reason Hondo is always uneasy around him.. Hugger, Hondo and Sandman know about this incident, and specifically keep it away from Disco's ears.

Hugger and Bull.. just call them the bald bros! Hugger is another person who's good with getting Bull calm, mostly with animal talk. Hugger also finds himself interacting with Macho quite often because Macho sees him as a fountain of knowledge, and always has a million questions.

[rise-my-angel]

You are sooooo right about shippers not engaging with Jon as his own character. It’s especially weird for me (despite enjoying Jonerys in theory) to see Jonerys shippers doing this because like. They haven’t met. None of them are show!Jonerys fans for obvious reasons so it’s just the book versions of these characters and they have not met. Literally it’s all speculation about their dynamic. Despite being open to the ship under specific circumstances I don’t think it’s undeniably foreshadowed at all. Everything that gets called foreshadowing is tenuous. You can’t generally definitively call something foreshadowing until the events being purportedly foreshadowed actually come to pass, unless it’s truly really screaming in your face obvious but if it’s that obvious I’m not sure if it’s that good from a writing perspective. I think foreshadowing should only really be clear in retrospect. Shippers also are so selective in what they’ll acknowledge just do they can hold onto these moments. Like jonsas and the Slynt beheading. You’re so right that it is a JON moment. And shippers refuse to acknowledge that George say he was originally going to have Slynt HUNG, not beheaded, until someone pointed out that Jon would want to do it the northern way. Of everyone I think Jonrya shippers do the best at acknowledging Jon as his own character and I think it’s because there’s so much in the actually text demonstrating how much Jon and Arya care about each other. It’s not speculation unlike with Jonsa and Jonerys. It’s just that they read this and think it’s romance instead of sibling love. I can’t say I blame them because of the original outline, but it’s also a ship that is really really not for me because they were raised as siblings.

I actually sent you an ask months ago and forgot to check your response. I finally found it. I discussed how much upbringing influences how we know who our relatives are and that that’s why Jonerys doesn’t make me uncomfortable the way Jonrya and Jonsa do. I’m an evolutionary biologist so I fully understand why incest is avoided. However, I didn’t know how much we actually CAN detect our blood relatives without being raised to know who they are. I fully believed it was entirely upbringing, because upbringing is sufficient to establish someone as “relative” in our brains (ie adopted siblings recognize each other as siblings and are repulsed by the idea of mating despite not sharing blood). But I came to the false conclusion that because it was sufficient it’s the only mechanism. I did some looking into it and you’re right! There’s evidence that we can subconsciously smell our relatives based on MHC complexes—however this isn’t 100% reliable because sometimes our relatives will have differing MHC complexes and nonrelatives will have very similar ones just based on recombination and the gene pool of the population, but that’s why the upbringing factor exists as a supplement to innate biological factor. I appreciated being prompted to learn more!

However I’m not sure George would take this into consideration. Within the universe of the books, I think it’s perfectly feasible that they wouldn’t biologically recognize each other as relatives because there are many cases of non first degree incest (first degree being siblings and parents) being carried out without any disgust. However real life is obviously different I do not blame anyone at all for being opposed to a ship based on real life principles. There are lots of ships I oppose that would be fine in-universe based on my own real life principles.

Anyway I’ve said a lot here and sorry for all the words. I just really enjoy discussion and it’s hard to have any nuanced conversations in the fandom because of the issues we’ve mentioned here and I’m eager to find someone so willing to engage with people who have different opinions

You wrote me an essay, so I wrote you a novel in return. I am sorry in advance but I love rational and calm, respectful discussions and debate and you thus far have been a great sport for my word vomit.

This isn't directed at you personally, but more of a blanket statement in saying, it is just very odd and funny that in this specific fandom, I find myself having to be more knowledgeable about the harmful physical, genetic, and psychological impacts of incest, to explain why I am against it, then those who are for it. It is just very funny how much defending I do about not supporting incest ships, compared to any other fandom where any incest shippers live in the dark because they know it's weird and gross.

That being said, I'm addressing Jonrya first. Because, I have gone on record to say I personally think shipping that is very gross.

Show or Book, that is a dynamic where any romantic implications being attached to it are very uncomfortable. Arya is so deeply ingrained in his head as his baby sister that adding any romance to that makes Jon look incredibly predatory. Arya is still a very young child in the single digits in the books, and Jon is very clearly at the start of the show a man in his 20's.

I do not think claiming anything of the outline is any reasonable argument. It was in an outline which was scrapped for a reason. As a writer, I wouldn't want any of my initial outline ideas to be used as proof of canon. It isn't canon one way or the other and I do not accept it as fair use of evidence for a ship. Jons canon thoughts about her are textbook loving older brother. It feels predatory to make Jons thoughts of a very young, child Arya to be that of romantic. It makes him appear as if his closeness and kindness were all tinted in a different intent towards a child.

Arya in every adaptation, is too young. I will never support any evidence of that ship because it is the exact kind of predatory dynamic which Jonrya fans denounce in other ships involving older man/younger woman characters. I hate this idea of taking Jons point of view and deciding his affection is not brotherly, only when discussing his sisters. It takes away the validity of Jons character being a good big brother, because now his good brotherly nature only towards his sisters is rooted in predatory behaviour whether they realize it or not. This goes for Jonrya and Jonsa both.

Moving on, you did hit the nail on the head about the “proof” about Jon and Dany. Foreshadowing is not a common tool used whenever grrm writes anything. Foreshadowing is a very specific tool he uses to elaborate more on motifs and themes and over arching plots, rather then for every minute character dynamic. Jon and Dany have literally no evidence that a ship will exist. They are not even on the same continent and they are constantly shown to be at extreme moral opposites to one another.

There is no scrap of proof a relationship or even base attraction will ever exist. That is all pure fan theory with no in text evidence. Same with Jon and Sansa. Jon doesn't not think about Sansa because he loves her the most. That is not Jon Snow, we know that. He thinks constantly about the people he loves, and there is no evidence backing up he doesn't think of her often for love that is not also pure fan theory with no empirical evidence. Sansa had rarely ever thought about Jon and when she has more times then not, it was associated in a negative light. Her points of view about her bullying of Arya showcase that, as she insults and wishes to denounce Arya as someone she should care about in ways that connect her to Jon. Wishing Arya was a bastard like him because she doesn't want to call her a trueborn sister. Repeatedly noting Arya looks just like Jon and then exploring the times Sansa constantly thinks Arya is ugly. The only time she has any growth about this is when she is being talked down to when posing as Petyr Baelish's bastard daughter, and she doesn't like being treated that way, but it is not explored that Sansa has literally treated Jon worse then this her whole life. She has not yet even realized she engaged in the exact same kind of classist treatment that Catelyn treated him with.

So much of what Jonerys, Jonsa, and Jonrya shippers do, is look at Jon and discuss it in a way that supposedly symbolizes their ship. They do NOT analyze their female fave and associate how deeply it all ties to their ship. Jons story is always secretly about the ship, but the other female part of the ship is their own story who will only be about Jon when they get together. Jon is not the character they like, it is the girl. Jon is the love interest, the accessory to their story. Not a unique half all of his own.

As for the incest, because these people all function biologically the same as we do, other then when magic is inferred, it is reasonable to assume real life science is included. Grrm does not need to tell me about invisible pheromones or scent markers for me to apply that to the characters. It is indirectly supported by the sheer fact that most characters within the world of asoiaf do not engage in incest and do not support it. Meaning, 99% of the average population of asoiaf are not attracted to their family members what so ever. Meaning it is reasonable to assume the same biological factors are at play here.

But the thing about certain incest dynamics not being carried out with disgust doesn't really apply with Jon ships here. Jons three biggest ships are his little sisters, and his aunt. Two family relations that both physically and psychologically are the most harmful to engage in. The dynamics of incest shown to be the most psychologically harmful is sibling to sibling incest, parent to child incest, and aunt/uncle to nephew/neice incest. Those are such close familial ties with SO many shared biological markers that it is not reasonable at all to think not knowing each other at first would make that biological connection less important. I only met my aunt in my mid 20's and from that moment on she has been as much my aunt in my head as my mother is my mother. Once that knowlede of family is made, it will not be severed. If Jon is not inclinced already towards incest, he will never engage in it with that knowledge.

Dany is his aunt. Dany also, has very inbed genetics to a shocking degree, meaning the biological markers she shares with Jon would be so strong she basically would wreak of red flags. And learning they have such a close biological connection would instantly sever any possible ability in Jon to view her in any romantic or physical attraction sense. He was not raised like her. Jon does not now think incest is normal, and thus he never will.

Also, learning Dany is his aunt would make any physical or romantic dynamics extremely traumatizing for him. The second Jon learns the truth of his birth, Jon will realize that he is related to Dany in the exact way Jon spent his whole life thinking he was related to the woman who was his mother. Jon learning his aunt was actually his mother, would destroy any capability of a relationship with Dany.

That would utterly change every single way he views any character in a motherly or aunt manner. It would destroy that potential in an instant because now Dany is to Jon, what Jon previously thought his mother was to him. It would be traumatizing should a relationship already exist and it would sever any chance of a relationship forming if it hadn't existed already.

The reason the Targaryeans did the most incest and are almost extinct, is because their engaging in incest was not sustainable and it was harmful.

Shown by characters like Egg, who literally grew up his whole life trying to escape the incestual nature of his family. One of his brothers made threats about cutting off his manhood in terms of making a wife for himself. That is not a family who engages in incest beceause they think it is normal. This is a family raised to view their incest in terms of furthering a bloodline because they see themselves as superior to those they rule over. They do not think it is fine, they do it because they raise each other to think it is necessary to further their superior bloodline. And they paid the price. Targaryean women the more inbred they were struggled to give birth, struggled to carry pregnancies to term and often died on the birthing bed with alarming freqency for how short their dynasty lasted.

It is not sustainable and it is harmful. The main plot beat of the story was literally how so many people viewed the incestual relationship of a brother and sister to be an abomination, that wars were started to dethrone them and the population and faith turned against them for it. This is not a world where people think incest is fine, unless it is a learned behaviour their whole life.

People can ship it, it's fine. But despite how much he writes it, grrm time and time again has shown that those in asoiaf who engage in incest, pay a deep, harmful price for it. He writes it a lot, but writing a lot of it does not mean he thinks it is behavior which should be supported for his charcters. Otherwise those who engage in such close incest, would not constantly be punished for doing so.

I have to apply real world logic to being anti incest, because my excuse of “I think it's gross” has been deemed as hateful and unfair. So you can imagine it is frustrating to see my favourite character is primiarly shipped with either women with VERY close biological or familial ties to him, or his rapist.

So, yeah I love talking about Jon but so much of it is me defending why I have never been convinced of any pro incest arguments. It is a goofy situation to be in.

Those who followed me for my pedro pascal content are dying on the inside, I decided I loved Jon Snow and suddenly my blog keeps becoming a haven of debates around the morality of incest.

It is silly silly silly.

[bijouxcarys]

𝐌𝐲 𝐔𝐧𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐡 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟒

**SPOILERS AHEAD, don't be that dick that complains about spoilers when there's a clear warning, and it's been 2 whole days since the event**

All these opinions are my own, and some may not be popular, and most will be controversial in essence. Probably. Maybe I'm just not used to people agreeing with me?

I was so excited for this PLE, and the fact that it was held in Scotland. I'm not Scottish, but I do live in Northern England, which is the closest I've ever been to a WWE PLE.

On the run-up to CATC, these were my predictions:

Cody Rhodes d. AJ Styles Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill d. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn and Shayna Baszler & Zoe Stark Sami Zayn d. Chad Gable Bayley d. Piper Niven Drew McIntyre d. Damien Priest

We'll go chronologically...

Cody Rhodes vs AJ Styles - "I Quit" Match

I'm a realist when it comes to things like this, so I knew that AJ wasn't going to win the championship. However, that doesn't deter from the fact that I wanted him to win so badly.

If you follow me or know me, you'll know my stance on Cody Rhodes... I hate him. I used to really like him, but as soon as he won the 2024 Royal Rumble, he became really tedious to me. Sure, he's a good athlete. But you have to be to make it in WWE. I truly don't understand the hype he got in Scotland, or the hype he gets in general. His "reign" is embarrassing, and so weak coming off the back of Roman Reigns' title run. I don't like the way he holds the belt, I don't like how arrogant he is. And I especially don't like the saviour complex and the "good guy" image he tries so hard to protect and project, when he was quite happy to see his fanbase verbally brutalise another (that's not even mentioning the race-themed insults...)

Anyway, the press event on the Friday solidified how annoying he is to me. The crowd surf? So unneccessary. It was like you could sense the raging hard-on he was getting from the fan's reactions to him being in their presence. There's a way to appreciate support without being a dick.

I enjoyed seeing AJ beat the crap out of Cody, despite the fact I knew that he wasn't going to win. And I actually agree with the fact he didn't win; as much as I love AJ, that title needs to be taken from Cody by someone who's a lot bigger than him. After all, the reason why Cody's win over Roman at WMXL worked was because of the long-form storytelling and the feud that slowly built between them. That, and it was time for Roman to move on to bigger and better things than Cody bloody Rhodes. Believe that.

Also yes I fucking screamed when Solo made his appearence, and then the boys, I'm--

Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoe Stark vs. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn - Triple Threat Tag Team Match

I have a fair amount of followers/people I'm following who love Jade and Bianca. I understand it. And I 1000% agree with anyone who says Bianca is a phenomenal athlete and has brought a lot for the WWE. I can see Jade's potential, though I'm not entirely sure she's ready to handle anything more than a Tag Team Championship just yet.

I know a lot of people disagree with the outcome of this match, and I can't say that I fully understand why it panned out the way it did. I can only guess that it was the necessity to have at least one Scottish opponent win during a PLE in Scotland.

Bianca and Jade not winning this match is a positive for them, in my opinion. It gives Jade a chance to perhaps develop her presence as a solo performer and athlete, now that Bianca has helped with her exposure to the masses. I'm interested in where they plan to take the two of them as characters and how they evolve in the future... potential enemies? Can't say for certain just yet, but their reaction to the loss was significant and will mean more than we realise as of right now.

That being said, I have the utmost respect for Alba for getting through this, considering what she's had to deal with recently. Losing your mum in such a tragic way is devestating, and I commend her for her strength and ability.

I like Alba and Isla a lot, and I'm hoping that we see more of them in the future now that they have the championship. They deserve a bit of a push.

However, I have to say that I really wanted Shayna and Zoe to win this one. They're a badass tag team, and the crowd's chant of "Shayna scares me" had me rollinggggg!

Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable

I don't have that much to say about this match. If they chose to take the title from Sami, it would just be weird. To me, anyways.

What I do find wholesome about this whole story is Otis and Maxine. How they're under the manipulative guise of a heel, and Sami sees right through it. Sami harbours no ill feelings towards Chad's subjects, and shows compassion to Otis in particular. Otis' development and personal growth is showing, and I'm so excited for what they're going to do with him in the future.

In regards to the match itself, I don't think anyone can say it was a bad match, or a boring one for that matter. People often forget just how incredible of a wrestler and athlete Sami Zayn is, and mostly remember him as the "Ucey" guy. And whilst I love comedic Sami, I adore the version of Sami we have currently. The hard-hitter, the no-bullshit fiery warrior. Gah!

All in all, in terms of the actual wrestling, this was my favourite match of the night. It was the most entertaining and most satisfying as a viewer.

Bayley vs. Piper Niven

Oh Piper...

I love both of these women to pieces, and it must have been so cool for Bayley to go out there on her birthday and have people acknowledge that.

I always enjoy Piper and Bayley when they're in the ring, together and separately. I still maintain that Bayley and Iyo's match at WMXL was the best of the whole weekend. Bayley's transformation over the last 5 years has been nothing short of entertaining and I love seeing her flourish with the championship.

Piper Niven has one of the strongest willpowers I've ever seen, and it shows in the way she conducts herself in the ring. I would have liked to see either of these win the match, however, I wouldn't have necessarily agreed if Piper did win.

Personally, I think Bayley needs to keep the title a little longer before it's taken from her, and Piper needs to be put in big matches like these for a little longer until she takes a title like that. Like I said with Cody vs. Roman, it's about the build up that makes a win credible, or satisfying.

Chelsea is growing on me, too. She's incredibly funny and talented, and I wish they pushed her a bit more. She's got a huge personality and has the potential to be a lot bigger of a star.

Drew McIntyre vs. Damien Priest

Where's the *sigh* button?

I recently started reading Drew's autobiography so watching Drew have such incredible moments over the weekend only 30 minutes from his hometown hit me a little harder than it should have. And yes, I did tear up at the simple prospect of Drew winning.... Imagine if he did?

Drew is up there in my top 5 favourite wrestlers of all time, and Damien is in The Judgement Day, which is my second favourite faction (after The Bloodline ofc), so deciding who I wanted to win was a very difficult decision. I was positive that they were going to give Drew this win, purely with it being in Scotland, and that the build up has been weighty enough for it to pay off in a win. But the fact that Hunter has chosen to take the other path... makes me nervous for what he does have up his sleeve for Drew.

I was disappointed that CM Punk decided to pop in and fuck everything up (again), but after a while I started to think about it a bit more... It wouldn't have actually made sense for Drew to win this match. And I'll tell you why.

Unless I'm mistaken, the Heavyweight Champion will go on to face Gunther at Summerslam, right? Why would Drew be needing to face Gunther? Surely the only person that it would make sense for Drew to be fighting right now is Punk! Damien has found himself in a situation where he's not involved in the feud between Drew and Punk; he isn't involved in any of that. So Damien vs. Gunther makes more sense, and it allows that space for a Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk match at Summerslam, or any other PLE.

Not only that, but Damien needs to keep a championship, otherwise Mami has a completely broken faction to return to. Between Finn and Damien's tension, and Dom's predicaments with Liv, a titleless faction is not something they need at the moment.

So, yes, I'm sad for Drew that he didn't get to have his moment in his home country, but it absolutely makes more sense for Damien to win and for the tension between Punk and Drew to intensify... Once again... long-form storytelling always pays off in the end. I'm confident Drew will get a title in the future, and keep it. He really deserves that. And I can only hope that Hunter sees that.

Hunter may not always make the best decisions, or what may seem like it at the time, but he's been in the game (hehe) long enough... I have faith in him that he knows what he's doing and he's got some good stuff lined up for us.

[lilliandwilliam]

Some observations about the latest One Piece chapter I can't get out of my head so will post.. somewhere. Spoilers ahead for One Piece Chapter 1092.

So, Kizaru, which translates to YELLOW MONKEY, has not laughed since his introduction. He was silly enough, so of course there's no reason to raise eyebrows... but then this chapter hits us with a signature One Piece weird laugh, and suddenly his deep depression hits us in the face. Like, it's almost a sick joke that he holds the color yellow which represents optimism and joy, while also being a monkey which are always known as the sillier of animals.

Ironically, yellow monkey would probably be what Luffy's Admiral name would be. Though... I say ironically... this isn't the first time someone has had Luffy characteristics that ended up being sad shells of who they formerly were.

Big Mom, during her moment of amnesia showed just how kind and Luffy like she could've been. I remember finding the amnesia gag kind of weird, but then it became haunting the moment she regained her memories and became cynical and crude. What's even more haunting was seeing how skinny she was in her prime, since it clicked to me that her hunger cravings at some point were not as crippling as they were as a child and in her elder years.

What I'm saying is that this age has been breaking people. Hell, even Akainu/Sakazuki, a clear heel character that is not meant to be liked, is breaking under this world... and it is fascinating. I enjoy characters that I hate as people but enjoy learning more about them in a more complex way.

I just love these pure character moments we've been getting, and I can't wait to see more.

[ink-flavored]

OC Interation Game

Tagged by @noblebs thank you!

Rules: Take the previous player's description of their OC, and offer up one of your own. Describe how well (or not) they'd get along!

Nobleb's OC: Orion Murphy

Orion Murphy is a fae creature with a desperate desire for companionship, which manifests as a set of large fangs on his throat, a host of eyes he can't see through scattered across his body, and a frequent craving for human flesh. he wears fashionable (and often revealing) clothes, travels constantly for a job he hates, and smokes a lot. she is dishonest, self-absorbed, and capricious, but generally a people person. she fears the vulnerability of getting too close to others emotionally, but once she decides to hold onto someone, just about nothing will make her let go.

My OC: Justice

Justice is an angel of the Christian variety, who embodies the virtue of his namesake. He fled Heaven to Earth after being a little too into justice for all humans, even ones that do sinful things, and questioning the system of sending humans to Purgatory to prove themselves worthy of Heaven. He is still incredibly conflicted about his purpose now that other angels have turned on him, and is also very concerned with "being useful" in general to those around him. When he's not in crisis mode, he enjoys doing fun little human tasks like reading and cooking and volunteering. He can sense the pain or distress of any person in his vicinity, especially if it's injustice-related, and is always helping them however he can. He puts humans at ease automatically, so most people trust him implicitly, which is great, because he loves humans and would be friends with everyone if they let him. His halo is always active, shining brightly by absorbing light from other sources around him, and he can unfurl feathered angelic wings if he wants to. He also has a flaming wheel mode he uses exclusively for combat/emergencies.

So. Okay.

I have the feeling that once Orion knew Justice could sense her every waking moment of distress, she would not appreciate that very much and probably feel pretty capricious about it lmao. That automatic and unwilling expression of vulnerability would probably activate that fear of vulnerability you mentioned, and likely would not end well!!!

Luckily (unluckily?), Justice is very used to dealing with Pride, who is very similar to Orion actually, so he would be annoyingly patient and understanding. It's very hard for him to truly dislike anyone when he can feel all the pain that's making them act they way they do. His savior complex would also be running wild and would not let him stop trying to help.

So that would... probably make the situation even worse, because he's not backing off, and Orion doesn't want to open up even though he craves companionship so much because this is already way too much opening up right off the bat, but also maybe it's good? Unless she told Justice outright to fuck off, he would not fuck off, and even if told to fuck directly off, he would make sure he was always open to communication if she ever changed her mind.

I envision a very explosive beginning that slowly, agonizingly cools off once it's clear Justice isn't going anywhere. Angry cat sniffing the new dog vibes.

Summary is Justice saying "ah I've seen this before, you need a new best friend :)" and Orion goes "fuck you fuck you fuck you okay fine."

Tagging: @foxys-fantasy-tales @noblebs @ceph-the-ghost-writer @auntdarth @damageinkorporated @srjacksin @vacantgodling @sigridhawke @void-botanist and anyone else who feels like it!

[annabtg]

In continuation of this post, @apalapucian wanted to know how getting into HP fanfic after HBP came out ruined DH for me. Let me count the ways:

(cut for length)

1. After HBP's release, there were a ton of theories. Being in the fandom meant I was now exposed to all sorts of fics and meta. Many of the theories came true, such as Snape actually being a double agent and working for Dumbledore. I don't think I would have seen it coming, so that was a big reveal that was "spoiled" for me by fandom and lost some of its glamour in the book.

2. Being exposed to theories and then getting into the whole fanfic mindset led me to develop a whole Book 7 in my head (as any good fanfic writer is wont to do). I didn't finish writing before DH came out - which then led me to losing interest over time and never finishing it - but the whole plot of it, Harry defeating Voldemort etc, were very clear in my head, and frankly, a lot of it I believe was better than what we ended up with.

3. After HBP, I became very invested in Remadora, got into the fandom, read and wrote fic, participated in fests, the whole deal. There was so much creativity in that part of the fandom - prequels, stories parallel to the books, stories speculating about their future - and we got a wonderful wealth of complexity, of deep and nuanced characterizations, of stories ranging from cracky humour to heavy angst.

Then DH comes out. They get married immediately, they have a child, then they die. I HAVE SO MUCH BEEF WITH ALL OF THAT. It's a lazy repetition of Jily's story that's supposed to work as a parallel, but what it really does is take two characters who we have already met and know, and force them into a function that doesn't fit them. I spent two years with fic where Remus was a man struggling with his feelings of inadequacy, working through his issues, finding support in a wonderful woman that he loves, and what does DH give me? Wham bang we're married now! I may not have the right to call Remus and Tonks OOC in DH, since it's their canon characterization, but I was super disappointed in how their arc played out. I understand that Remadora is not the focus of the book and they're just a plot device so that we get an orphan who gets the childhood Harry didn't, but man. Getting invested in them just to have it all blow up on my face. Not fun.

4. Same with Snape - a fascinating story of a double agent who's fooled everyone becomes reduced to "he did it all for love". There's a lot to be said about the intent behind it, I can see some merit if I squint, but again, I expected something more original, and I'm also not particularly satisfied with the execution of what we actually got.

I could probably think of more to say, but that's enough to allow me to stop here and summarize:

Overall, getting invested in fanfic, which explores the characters in depth, created in me expectations that DH was not able to hold up to, because it was not meant to do it. DH was not there to get Remadora through a long and hard relationship journey nor was it there to psychoanalyze Snape. These characters were only there to serve Harry's story.

To be entirely fair, I think it wasn't only the fanfic. There are probably more reasons I didn't enjoy DH so much - I was a little older than the target group; JKR probably wrote the book in a rush; I read it in the original English first, whereas the translations are better quality writing, etc. DH isn't bad, but fanfic showed me it could have been done so much better! And, as a story, it could have been so much more.

Thanks for the ask! 😘😘