#I’d like to imagine that all the characters get the ending that they deserve in some universe

[lameow-l]

so wait… furina is the name of the archon role that “furina” had to play

wouldn’t make more sense narrative wise to give her a name of her own?? like scara gets his own epic chapter about him ridding himself of his past and adopting a new name then proceed to ignore said name in favor of “hat guy” but the actress playing “furina” doesn’t get to be known for her own name?

like people of fontain (partly maybe) know the truth so why not let her free? let her enjoy the simple human life she so so longed for? even the other furina wouldn’t want this

[porschesbabydaddy]

Ultimately, does kinnporsche have a happy ending? Absolutely not. But I believe it’s only because this was never meant to be an ending in the first place. Their story isn’t finished, even if we never get anything more

[voxslays]

Can I request a little spicy headcannon with the male characters in Hazbin. Would love to see how they would react to the reader doing the walking in naked challenge to them❤️❤️

SUCH A TEASE

Featuring >>> Alastor, Lucifer, Adam, Valentino, Vox, & Husk x Reader (separately)

Warnings: Suggestive, Talks of sex (but no actual smut-)

Alastor

Deer in headlights. Will only snap out of it once he had adjusted to it. (Because apparently deer do that??? Google help me-)

The stag will say things such as; “My dear? What are you wearing?” In a horrified way. (Because of the time period).

Would go get you some clothes, a towel, etc. You will be covered up, don’t worry. You can count on this man to go find you clothes, even though that probably (definitely) wasn’t your intention-

Lucifer

Notices immediately…and is such a dork. Would say things like “Oh golly!” Or just stutter and slur his words to the point you don’t even know what he originally meant to say!

His cheeks become a deep golden as the (golden) blood runs to his face. He is very embarrassed about it—so don’t (do) tease him.

The devil will attempt to flirt, but fail miserably. He keeps stumbling over his words. How could he not when someone as gorgeous or handsome as you is in his line of sight!?

Vox

Not phased whatsoever. Is probably too busy working or stalking Alastor to even notice your sheer lack of clothing. It will take him forever to notice—Valentino will have to literally point it out—and even then, he might not pay that much attention to it.

But when he does? He glitches and the proceeds to blue screen…before all the power in the entire city is cut off. What can he say? You’re just to gorgeous.

Oh…you’re in for a long night. Vox will not be able to keep his hands off you, so I hope you don’t need your legs the next day (or week).

Adam

Is the type to go “What did I do to deserve this?~” in a very flirtatious way. You will never hear the end of it.

Like Valentino…this man will be on you within seconds. You are in for a long night (or longer, depending on your stamina).

Over the next evening—or afternoon if Adam is feeling really impatient and decides to just bend you over the meeting table—you will experience every position under the sun. Have fun.

Husk

Won’t really care 2.0. Sure, he might blush a little and admire you, but husk isn’t really one to act on it I’d imagine.

Now Overlord!Husk? Oh boy…He is just like Adam and Valentino. He will bend you over one of the poker tables in the middle of the casino floor as a punishment for teasing him. He absolutely doesn’t care about the forming crowd watching the overlord fuck you.

Valentino

He may have poor eyesight…but he could never miss your gorgeous body any day. Is immediately humping you like the disgusting freak he is. Please do not feed into his weird fantasies…It will only encourage him…

As the two of you are going at it as you inevitably do—because he’s the overlord of lust and depravity—he will tell you how much he’d love to see your beautiful (or handsome) face in his studio.

Seek professional help.

[sonofcelluloid]

Sonofcelluloid’s Top 30(ish) Favorite Devil’s Minion Fics:

In no particular order, this list only includes finished works that are relatively canon compliant (I’ll be making separate lists for AUs and fics in progress.) Anything in italics is a direct quote from the fic or its description. Please remember to check tags and ratings before reading.

You’ll Always Be My Favorite Ghost by lestatslestits: Tales of Armand’s turbo autism as Daniel gets to know and love him. This one is so sweet and had me laughing my ass off.

outcast of all this night by gaypiratedivorce: Modern Devil’s Minion fic of all time. Rewired my brain. "I mean, I don't know how you guys did it in Renaissance Italy, but most people this century get to at least second base before wearing each other's blood around our necks." There’s a part 2: my aid against the boredom of the eternal where they finally hook up. And honestly every fic from this author is a banger.

I’d Break the Back of Love for You by kurow: 70s Armandaniel. A rescue and a sick fic wrapped in one, and I’m a sucker for both.

Like That by GrayGiantess: Fluffy 70s Armandaniel. A tooth achingly sweet first kiss fic, featuring Twinkie’s. Again, every fic from this author is a banger.

The Beginning is the End is the Beginning by trinityofone: Daniel sees a wild vision during his turning. “I deserve this,” Armand said. His hold on Daniel’s throat was almost a caress. “After what I’ve been through, I deserve something of my own, don’t I?”

make a home from a rented house by sleepdeprivedsurgeon: Daniel realizes Armand has never really had a room of his own before. Armand slowly builds his own safe place. Super fluffy autistic Armand stuff. Domestic vampire polycule bonus.

the spiral is unspooling by reedroad: Armand helps Daniel recover their Devil’s Minion years via old video tapes they filmed of their meetings. Absolutely heart wrenching and wonderful and charming and had some of the most jaw dropping plot twists I’ve ever experienced in a DM fic. The last chapter absolutely floored me and rewired my brain forever. May be my #1 fav.

forever’s gonna start tonight by trinityofone: Hate fucking with a happy ending:) Sort of a soulmate fic as well. “I fucking hate you. And you hate me. So something is making us do this.” “I don’t hate you,” Armand pants. “You mean nothing to me. Don't stop.”

care and keeping by katplanet: A surprisingly tender guide for how to step on your boyfriend. Bonus Danlou. Smutty and fluffy and freakayyy. GREAT dialogue. Very funny as well.

hell is: by cannibalenthusiast: Another turning fic. Post Dubai blowout, Armand and Daniel bond over martinis, breakups, and a Survivor marathon. They bang about it. Great ending.

5 Times Daniel Molloy Imagined Killing Marius de Romanus (+1 Time He Actually Did It) by platoapproved: This one is genuinely a masterpiece. Probably my #2 fav. Lots of protective Daniel, some really cool and original vampire-lore stuff, Louis and Lestat being beautifully supportive along with other new side characters. Armand finally gets to process his abuse among allies. A really touching Lestat subplot as well. HEAVY trigger warnings for all Marius related assaults, but obviously we get to watch him die horribly to make up for it:) Absolute banger of an ending, totally sticks the landing.

lesson three: parasitic infections by kanxie: 70s Armandaniel. Armand picks out Alice as a third and does NOT like the way the night progresses. What unfolds is some of the CRAZIEST psychosexual (emphasis on psycho) gremlin Armand shit I’ve ever seen in a fic. So perfectly Armand. Short and sweet, sad ending.

open up your skull, i’ll be there by Anonymous: First time fic. Armand dipped after Daniel’s turning and when he shows up again Daniel ain’t letting him leave. “Your blood is my blood,” Daniel says, and Armand does not flinch. “It’s your blood getting me hard. Your blood that’s pumping through me.” Armand licks his lips, and still doesn’t move. “Please. Armand, Armand, please.” “Beg for it.” “I am begging for it, this is what begging looks like —”

Disintegration by lilacaisle: Daniel goes crazy when Armand locks him in the apartment and tries to burn himself with a cigarette so it will feel like being bitten🙈 Armand does BDSM about it. This one’s actually book Armandaniel but I didn’t notice it until like the third read because it fits show Armandaniel so perfectly.

baby, cry baby by Babeblox: Daniel seeks out Lestat for an interview after Louis’ attack, but he’s being haunted by someone else. Canon divergence. This one legit made me cry. Dark but very sweet. Wild ending.

get in my mind (do you see my heart?) by Marenke: 70s Armandaniel, Armand character study. Armand is pretty sure he and Daniel have never had a problem a little brainwashing couldn’t fix. SICK AND TWISTEDDDDD (affectionate).

The Importance of Being Armand by Siria: Daniel and Armand talk about the power of naming. "If you can imagine a different set of possibilities for me as a vampire, ever think of what you could come up with for yourself, if you put your mind to it?"

Bumpin' That (Bumpin' That Bumpin' That Bumpin' That) by TheAngelsAreWatching: Daniel and Lestat are fuck buddies. They are on a tour bus a la Word Tour. They do coke. They try to bang. And then Armand stops time and walks in. Armandaniel fuck crazy style. Pure filth (affectionate).

Run, Arun! by TheNightColors: Autistic Armand, character study. Daniel learns it was considered a “crime” to turn Armand due to his “mental retardation”. Armand explains what it was like to be an autistic child in the sixteenth century, and an autistic adult for 500 years after. Heavy stuff. Trigger warning for all things relating to Amadeo’s past and for the internalized ableism instilled in Armand by his upbringing.

a haunting just for company by valkyrisms: Post Dubai blowout but pre Daniel’s turning, Armand crashes on Daniel’s couch. A modern Devil’s Minion fic for the ages. These weirdos love each other so bad. Some really memorable tender scenes. This one’s a fan favorite. “You’re fond of me.” “You’re a nuisance.”

The Company of Monsters by ruiqi: A full deconstruction of Marius’ abuse from Armand’s pov as he struggles to keep old patterns from repeating with Daniel. Overall I think this is the most realistic depiction of what it would be like for Armand to come to terms with his abuse in the modern day, especially regarding Daniel’s involvement. He’s totally out of his depth but wants so badly to help. This one made me SOB. It’s honestly a really tough read, but beautifully done. “You said, last night, that he wanted an angel,” says Daniel, “but no one's an angel, Armand. That wasn't fair to you. Besides, who would want an angel when they could have you?” “No,” Armand says. “No, you can’t say that.” “You can’t fucking stop me,” says Daniel. And it isn’t tagged, but this one is incredible autistic Armand representation. Probably my #3 fav.

Smart Boy by heliza24: Just a really good 70s Devil’s Minion era explanation of the events leading up to Armand’s decision to take Daniel’s memories away. Quite a bit of infidelity stuff in this one. Also delves a lot into Daniel’s family history, and an emotional affair is established between them long before they actually hook up. Very emotional. Heartbreaking last chapter.

We Dared Eternity and Won by faerywhimsy: A 70s Devil’s Minion era telling of the four good years they had before everything imploded. Louis has somewhat of a distant obsession with Daniel in this and so is very involved in Armand’s decisions regarding him. Favorite scene is when Armand saves Daniel from a hotel fire and the near loss devastates him because it makes him realize he’s in love with Daniel.

reprise. by SheOfBadIdeas: In Dubai, Daniel demands Armand show him the memories he stole. Armand relays the tale of their romance, but Daniel is begrudged to give Armand the satisfaction of giving in to it. That doesn’t last long;)

Waiting by bandedbulbussnarfblat: 70s fic. Daniel is living with Alice and hasn’t seen Armand in two months. He gets a call from Armand, who just got a proposal from Marius asking him to be his companion again. “I told him I couldn't go back. That I was waiting for you.” Daniel sucks in a sharp breath. Fuck. Armand's voice sounds almost wet, strained and raspy. He finally sounds as vulnerable as Daniel always wanted to see him be. “Should I keep waiting for you, Daniel?” (It’s just banger after banger with this author too.)

The Monster of my Memories by GrayGiantess: In Dubai, Daniel has just remembered his relationship with Armand and he’s PISSED. Armand gladly reminds him he’s waited 40 years for Daniel, he doesn’t mind waiting a little while more, and he’s not so sure Daniel has the same conviction🙈 Phenomenal subby old man Daniel material.

Delicate Machinery by Lilac Tinsel: An in depth look at the 70s love affair that neither man ever saw coming, in all its complicated glory. Really dives into the psychological consequences of Armand’s constant rejections. Amazing take on what the actual memory alteration would look like. The part that broke me: “I’m sorry for– for all of it. I didn’t realize how much I took. I just… wanted to stop thinking for a moment.” Armand blinks slowly and his eyebrows knit together. His voice is small but steady. “Did you take the drugs so you wouldn’t feel me anymore?”

You Taste Like Suburbia by CannibalGender: This is the only unfinished work I’m putting on this list because it’s so fucking good as is and gave me chills when I read it. It’s the 80s, Armand, famously normal about his partners' families, haunts the Molloys. I absolutely love Alice in this. Paints such an intriguing picture of what these years might have looked like from an “outside” pov.

Two parter I’ll chew you up and I’ll spit you out and Oh dear diary, I met a boy by weathermood: Loumandaniel in Dubai, set just after the season 1 finale. Asks, what if Daniel doesn’t want to remember? An exploration of identity while Louis and Armand try to persuade Daniel to allow his memories of their past relationship to be restored. Explores dreams and memories beautifully and with delightful humor. Classic unhinged Armand.

138 lbs, for the metrically challenged by hummingbeeoOo: Fluffy and funny. After Daniel’s turning and subsequent hunting down of his maker, they’re shacked up and happier than ever, but a little something from the interview has kept nagging at Daniel. Or: there is exactly zero way a beanpole like Armand weighed a measly 62.5 kilograms a day in his adult life. The end of this fic had me kicking my feet and giggling. This whole series is great tbh.

This list is my pride and joy. Thank you to the anon who asked for recs<3 Feel free to share your own favorites in the reblogs:)

[angelwishess]

You have been invited to the Fairytale Soiree! ‧₊˚ ⋅.𖥔

Angel’s 100+ followers event!

a/n: Hi hi everyone! I’d like to thank everyone so, so so very much for 160 followers!! When I first started this blog about a month ago, I genuinely did NOT expect to get this much love and attention. It was such a surprise, but I’m so very thankful nonetheless! During my short time running this blog I have met so many wonderful, talented, charming, amazing people, and I appreciate all of you so much! Thank you once again for supporting me until now! ♡

Story:

Every 100 years, a group of fae gather together to host a grand party to celebrate the beginning of a new century. And tonight, once the clock hits 12 it will be the genesis of a new era once more. The stars seemed to shine brighter than usual on this evening, and magic swirled around as the faeries gathered to sing, dance, feast and party the night away.

But of course, there was one more thing they had to do. Every Soiree, the three hosting faeries summon a group of humans, beastmen and merfolk alike to join them on this joyous occasion! Once every one hundered years, it truly would be a waste not to share the joys of tonight.

It just so happened that this time, a group of students seem to be the ones that were chosen! Waking up in an unfamiliar palace-like building, lush with gorgeous flora and hues of pinks, blues and purples. Although skeptical at first, they soon joined the fae with their grand soiree.

That was, until they swiftly picked out Kyra from the crowd. Declaring her as the “Dreamer of Tonight”. They explained, that at the end of every soiree, just before the clock hits 12, all of the fae come together to grant one wish. Whether it be riches that overflow into mountains of gold, power beyond imagination, or knowledge of the unknown— whatever it is, they grant it. And it may even shape the course of the next century.

Kyra pondered this for a moment, sitting upon an elegant throne-like chair as she looked at the faces of all her friends. She frowned, and the faeries were curious. That was until she asked,

“Could I share my wish with my friends?”

Taken aback, the faeries asked why she wanted to do such a thing.

“Well… It just seems kind of unfair. They all deserve to have their wishes granted, too.”

An air of silence filled the room. Only to be broken by a rampaging laughter from all of the fae. They laughed, and laughed, until tears prickled in the corners of their eyes. No one had ever asked for something so ridiculous. The very first time anyone had asked for such a thing!

Amused, the fae agreed to let her share the wish— but with only one person. Now, its up to the rest of the group to decide whether they want to convince Kyra to share the wish with her, or simply just enjoy the party. But they better hurry up, because the clock is ticking! Either way, the faeries are expecting a good show out of tonight’s soiree.

Why, it might just be the most exciting one yet!

“Share this wish with me!”

Dress Code:

There isn’t a really stict dresscode— but of course the characters will all be wearing clothing suited for an extravagant ball!

And, if the name wasn’t obvious enough, this event is very Fairytale themed! So I suggest taking inspiration from fairytales! Whether it be characters, tropes, or items in the fairytale! Go crazy!!!

Theres not really a certain colorscheme either, Id rather you use the colors you think fit the characters you choose the most !!

Featured Characters:

Kyra Lovelace SSR (Fairytale Attire)

Floyd Leech SR (Fairytale Attire)

Ace Trappola SR (Fairytale Attire)

Vil Schoenheit SR (Fairytale Attire)

Azul Ashengrotto SR (Fairytale Attire)

Leona Kingscholar SR (Fairytale Attire)

Jamil Viper SR (Fairytale Attire)

Sebek Zigvolt R (Fairytale Attire)

Jamil Viper R (Fairytale Attire)

Jack Howl R (Fairytale Attire)

OCs:

Victor Sanderson SSR (Fairytale Attire)

Yuuel “El” Mirume SSR (Fairytale Attire)

Yurena Lovelace SSR (Fairytale Attire)

Yuubeni Choga SSR (Fairytale Attire)

Joseph Akaba SSR (Fairytale Attire)

Yuki SSR (Fairytale Attire)

Dranav Taryn SSR (Fairytale Attire)

Ame SSR (Fairytale Attire)

Rory Queens SR (Fairytale Attire)

Shuu SR (Fairytale Attire)

Rayven Ludwig SR (Fairytale Attire)

Arlo Wake SR (Fairytale Attire)

Erice Ainsbourg SR (Fairytale Attire)

Delilah Koshkin SR (Fairytale Attire)

Kaiia Haunt SR (Fairytale Attire)

Yumi Yozakura SR (Fairytale Attire)

Reyu Carrera SR (Fairytale Attire)

Caspian Ashengrotto SR (Fairytale Attire)

Philosophy Freay R (Fairytale Attire)

Yuhua Wei (Fairytale Attire)

Asher (Fairytale Attire)

AJ (Fairytale Attire)

RULES!!!:

- Despite this being a follower milestone event, everyone is welcome to participate! ♡

- You can use any kind of character to enter into the - event! OCs, Yuusonas, and canon characters that haven’t been listed in the participants! All characters are very much welcomed !!!

- Any kind of entry is also welcomed! Art, edits, fics, ect.

- Please tag me in your post and use the tag #Fairytale Soiree! In your posts!

Strictly no NSFW or proshipping.

There is no clear deadline nor winner, this is honestly just for fun so go crazy!!

Theres no real limit on the amount of SSR cards either, so feel free to do whatever you’d like, whether you choose to make an SSR, SR or R card !

Feel free to dm me if you have any questions :3

Once again, Thank you all so very much for supporting me thus far!! (Reblogs are appreciated :3)

[deadliestgalaxy]

SPOILERS FOR GOTG VOL. 3 - DON'T READ IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED IT YET!

I have a feeling that everyone (who calls themselves fans) that didn't get the meaning of the ending in GOTG Vol. 3 has never read a single comic of them or is only a fan of some characters/relationships. Many complaints I've seen are about the end and Gamora and Peter’s romance, which sounds kind of childish. You don't need to agree with me, but I’d like to elaborate on that.

James Gunn's writing is always about the detail of things and he is not afraid to do something “bad” if it is the best for the STORYTELLING. This is what most of these people don't get: the most important part of these movies is the story they are telling. The characters help the movie tell the story, it's their story after all — but there's no protagonist or greater good that puts them above the narrative.

(This is different from Gamora’s death in IW btw. It was not the only way they had to make the story flow; they just wanted to “humanize” Thanos and by that, they chose to kill her character. It was an action ADDED not CRUCIAL to the story.)

Vol. 3 is about found-family and growing up; finishing cycles. They will always be family, as we will always be part of their story (that’s why we understand Groot now). However, life chapters end just like in real books, and these Guardians as a TEAM “chapter” has ended for them and for us.

This is very common in the comics. Most times they are all separated, doing solo missions, until something goes wrong and they reunite again. They never stop being friends, why would it be different in the movie universe?

But the end suggests they are not family anymore.

Did we see the same film? No, it doesn't. We can see that in James’ subtle writing: the way they all still respect each other, their understanding of one another, and how they all would die for themselves if needed. That won't change just because they are not physically together — just like when you finish school you won't ignore your best friends, even if you create new relationships (which you will).

But Gamora is not part of the family anymore.

Well, if you see it this way, I can't change your mind. What I can say is that the story IMPLIES that she still is, in fact. And the number one clue is that she (in 2 days) understands Groot. Remember, we also understand him because the fans are now part of the Guardians family — so understanding him and being family are correlated.

Anyhow, I know this is not enough for most people, so hear me out: Gamora’s arc is about respect and healing. She starts the movie skeptical about working with the guardians — she just wants the money— when in reality, she acts like this because she is AFRAID and feels PRESSURED to be around her “old” family.

Imagine: you died but then another version of you comes back without knowing anything of your present life. People will expect you to act in a certain way that maybe you started to act after you met them; they will expect you to like certain things you don't know of; people will EXPECT you to attend to their needs. It is a lot to swallow at once. You are afraid because you don't know them, you don't think you deserve all this love and commitment out of nowhere. So you run away. You run away to find things on your own, to grow out of this pressure you feel and discover the whole universe of possibilities you have ahead.

That's what Gamora did. But then, the mission went south and now she is stuck with her “old” team. The film shows us her character exploring the ship, listening to music... trying to understand them. At one point she even says to Rocket “You must be a very loyal pet for them to do all this for you” (or something similar). This is her way of putting into words how she visualizes the current scenario she was put in. Slowly she recognizes that they are a family, and by the way they act she finally gets how and why she also must have loved them in the past.

She goes from “I don't give a fuck”, not open to them, afraid and pressured to “I bet we were fun”, understanding and respecting them, even fighting for their family to survive.

(If she still didn't give a fuck she wouldn't have fought for them and with them when she could have just run away again.)

But she has already created new relations, so she goes back to those for now. It is what she is familiar with in this timeline. Does that mean she will never contact the guardians ever again? NO. Remember: James’s writing is about DETAILS, nuance. She is open to them again, and the final part of the movie shows this to us, especially her last interaction with Groot, Peter, and Nebula being friendly.

Oh, but Peter and Gamora will never be a couple again, their romance ended when she went back to the Ravengers.

… Again, if you see it this way I can’t change your mind. What I can confirm is that she doesn’t close herself to the team — especially to Peter — in the end.

When she says “I bet we were fun” it's the first time she acknowledges their former relationship without distancing herself from it. She could've said “I bet you were fun” or “I bet she was fun”, but instead she prefers to include herself with “we”. She pauses before letting go of Nowhere, stopping before entering her ship — what moves her forward is Nebula, who can see her sister’s changed attitude but still encourages her to take a step forward and go explore the galaxy, because she knows Gamora is not mature and ready yet for those feelings; just like she wasn't ready to be openly sentimental when Gamora joined the Guardians back in 2014.

And Peter is also not ready. Just like Gamora needs to find herself again and discover who she is, Peter needs too. He is lost without her after IW, we can see it during Holiday Special and in the beginning of Vol. 3 when he passes out because of alcohol abuse. Both don't know who they are in this new reality — and they will only find out with time. Time heals and reveals.

In the end, Peter doesn't have the same thought as in the begging: he doesn't want her to be who he once knew, he wants her as she is, this new version whom he still loves so much and wants to know more of. Although he wishes she could stay, he knows that she has her own time and while she learns about herself he will go do the same.

So yes, they’re not explicitly together as a couple in the final scene — neither they kiss nor make out, whatever you believe a relationship is made of — but they’ve changed and are open to one another. The last scene does not appear to me as an “I’ll never see you again”, but as a “Goodbye, see you soon”.

(Aside from all the small bits we had through the movie of a developing relationship between them; my favorite one being when Peter activates the auto-destruction code and Gamora smiles at him.)

Besides, you can't force anyone to fall in love in 48 hours!!

Yes, I also have some minor complaints about the story, but I can recognize that — with all the turbulence the characters and the production faced in the last few years — it was a satisfying end with a limited amount of time to a badass trilogy. The end is definitive but also open to future possibilities for all our favorite characters in their universe — some we might never see and it will only be to our imagination.

Again, you don't need to agree with me, but I had to do this, or else I would implode with thoughts. Thank you if read up here! My ask box is open if you want to talk more <3

[beefscrap]

I say “maybe someday” but I get scared someday never will come. So I’ll be brave and speak

“A dream come true” is a phrase I’ve said here before, but that doesn’t even graze the surface. I’ve been writing stories and drawing since I was very young. It’s all I’ve ever done. And for years, one of my biggest wishes was to collect a fanbase for at least one of my stories. Calling my followers a “fanbase” seems really intense, though. I hesitate to call my readers a fanbase because I don’t feel I deserve it. “Fanbase” feels like it’s for someone who made something AMAZING.

I started making TBoFS at the beginning of this year. I’d work on it whenever I got sad, and it turned out to be often. It was just for fun, and something to escape to. Every time I make a story I think to myself ‘I’m sure it’ll pass’, because they usually do. It’s hard for me to finish things in general. So, I thought nothing much would come of it. I never would’ve imagined it’d get as much attention as it does.

No, maybe it’s not a LOT. No way in hell I’d call myself popular, or anything CLOSE. But there are people now who comment, react, interact, theorize, make art, etc for this story. I’ve never felt so special. I never felt like anything I’ve done ended up with any significance. Even if it’s a small amount compared to other online creators, I feel like I have a fanbase. If it’s not considered one, I don’t care. To me it’s one of the biggest, most important things that happened to me. If you couldn’t tell I was dramatic before, you’re finding out now!

I started with low hopes and just made shit for fun. This doesn’t even feel like a very GOOD story half the time because it was so casual at the start. Like, what am I doing to deserve what I have?

I still come to this story and these characters when I’m sad. This year was rough. The people here have helped. And I have a little bit of hope now that someday I can make something totally my own that people will like. That’s always been the dream. But THIS is more than enough.

I’m so lucky to have people who care here. And I thank the people who cared when it was only just beginning, too

I’m not gonna add tags or anything cuz I feel annoying and am a little embarrassed 😭 if you see and read this then hopefully it wasn’t too weird

[whateverisbeautiful]

What would you want to see in a TOWL season 2?

Ooh definitely had fun thinking about this question. 😊 Thank you for asking! First, I love that Danai and Andy have expressed the importance of returning only if the story they tell next feels necessary and irresistible. With a franchise that’s been making content for almost 15 years now, it’s tough to avoid doing something that feels repetitive or superfluous. But it’s certainly not impossible. And if anyone can find the right future story to tell for Richonne it’s the Andy, Danai, and Scott band. I wrote out the rest of my thoughts and what I would want to see in season 2 right below. 💗⬇️

Part of why TOWL worked so well is because the story truly did feel necessary. With how Rick and Michonne left TWD, their story was unfinished, and so TOWL came to give such deserving characters a deserving conclusion.

And TOWL felt fresh because it put Rick and Michonne in situations we had never seen them in before. We’d never seen Rick go that long without family and naturally, the damage from that took a serious toll on him. And we’d never really seen Michonne have to try and downplay the competent woman she is to survive in a new territory. We also had never seen Rick and Michonne have this much conflict between them, which made their beautiful reconciliation all the more moving and rewarding.

The Ones Who Live also remembered that one of the most enticing aspects of the golden era of TWD was interpersonal conflict and relationships. So making Rick and Michonne’s incredible, compelling, and authentic relationship the driving force of the plot was great and it really grounded TOWL, making it focused and captivating.

There are a lot of things I’d love to see in season two. I go back and forth because, on one hand, TOWL’s closing family reunion scene feels like such a fitting final moment for Rick and Michonne’s arc, both together and as individuals. Especially with Rick starting TWD as a man looking for his family, it’s beautiful that his story ends wrapped in the embrace of the wife and kids who love him and who he loves with everything in him. Rick finding his family and he and Michonne finding peace feels like the natural endpoint.

Then on the other hand, I of course would love to see what life looks like for the Grimes family post-reunion. We can always imagine different scenarios in our head, and sometimes future stories are better left imagined, but if they can find a way to show us what came next in the Grimes family’s life without it feeling just like an epilogue that would be nice. If TOWL Season One’s theme was ‘Reunion’, then I could see TOWL Season Two’s theme being ‘Recovery,’ on both a personal and grander scale.

My main thing is I just want them to come back if the quality will be on par with season one or better because I don't want anything to tarnish TOWL after the achievement of Season One. I do think it’s highly likely we’ll see Rick and Michonne again in some capacity, even if brief. So all that being said, these are 7 things I’d like to see if we’re blessed with a season two:

#1: Rick Bonding with RJ & Judith & the Moment Rick Truly Becomes Dad

I would absolutely love to see how Rick and RJ build their tight bond and get to know each other. And Rick being a girl dad with Judith would be great to see too. Whenever I envision what Rick’s return to being a dad to his kids could look like, I always think something that would be really heartfelt is seeing the moment when it’s clear his kids see him as dad not just because that’s his title but because they really do have a close father/child relationship now.

#2: Michonne Reconnecting with Judith & RJ

It would be interesting to see Michonne reconnecting with her kids as well. Especially with Judith being a teenager now and RJ not being her little baby in the same way. Michonne getting to see that she really did raise her kids to be smart survivors would be sweet.

#3: Rick and Michonne Living in Their Love Story & Navigating Parenthood Together

I hope a season two would still keep Rick and Michonne’s love story at the forefront because it really never gets old. I’d love to see them still having personal moments to enjoy their love in all the ways and reacclimating to life at home together. Since TOWL season one mostly showed them operating under the high stakes circumstances of the CRM, I’d love a look into how Rick and Michonne have been spending their more normal everyday life and especially how they are navigating parenthood together.

#4: Any and All Grimes Family Content (& Another Richonne Baby)

I’d love every bit of Grimes Family content they can give us. Like the four Grimes out on some type of excursion together where Rick gets to see Judith’s sword skills and gets to teach RJ to use the axe, that Family Fun Day picnic they filmed, a Grimes family dinner because in the post-Rick era of TWD we saw a few Grimes dinner scenes with that empty fourth chair and I’d love to see Rick finally get to fill that chair and have dinner with his family, and just any Domestic Grimes family moments.

Also, I could see the Grimes family expanding and Richonne having one more kid. If we got to see even just a glimpse of Rick with a pregnant Michonne, that would make me happy. I feel like with the right stakes added, this whole domestic family angle could be done in a fresh way without shifting the TWD tone too much.

#5: Rick and Michonne Reintegrating into Their Community and Saving The World For The Final Time

I know every good story needs conflict so I’d like to see how that plays out through Rick and Michonne reintegrating into their community. Rick and Michonne having a reunion with certain family members like Daryl would be nice, even tho I'm not sure how that would play out with Daryl on a whole other continent now. I also could see Richonne perhaps trying to be in ‘retirement’ but then some major threat (perhaps pertaining to things Beale mentioned in the breifing like spies and the potential fast-approaching threat of extinction) pulls them back into leadership to save the world one last time.

#6: Hearing Certain Words & Exchanges

I’d love it if season 2 included some of the stuff we didn’t get to hear in TOWL Season 1. Like Michonne officially being called ‘Michonne Grimes.’ Rick being referred to as Michonne’s ‘husband,’ Rick and Michonne both directly telling each other ‘I Love You.’ And either seeing or at least hearing that Rick and Michonne did go on to have that wedding ceremony like Rick wanted before. (Also, I personally would not be mad if season two wanted to come along and try to match or break the TOWL Season 1 kiss record lol.)

#7: Rick and Michonne Happily Growing Old Together

The most important thing for me would be that Rick and Michonne’s story still concludes with a happy ending in season two. Like I don’t want to visibly see one of them die or anything tragic happen to their kids. While I think Rick and Michonne wrapped in a family embrace is already such a perfect ending image for them, one that I think could be equally perfect is seeing that Rick and Michonne got to live a long happy life and grow old together. I’d love to know that, especially after losing children, they got to see their kids grow up into well-adjusted thriving adults and even start families of their own, making Richonne grandparents.

Two characters making it into old age and living a calm steady life after everything they’ve been through in this uncertain and often unforgiving apocalypse is a triumphant conclusion that we haven’t seen yet for prominent characters in TWD. And so it would warm my heart to know that Rick and Michonne really did get to love on each other and their family as hard as they could for many years and just truly and fully enjoy the peace they fought so hard for throughout this series.

BONUS: If they could find a way that feels natural and right then I’d love if there was somehow a scene that could include Chandler Riggs making an appearance to reprise his role as Carl one more time.

So those are some things I would like to see if TOWL has a second season. Writing this out actually made me even more grateful for TOWL season one though because they made sure to end the show in a way that is so satisfying to where I don’t feel like I need anything more. Like I love and miss Richonne dearly so I'll be glad to have them back on my screen, but I also am so fulfilled by what we got with TOWL. So even all these things on this s2 wishlist would be nice to see but they are in the ‘want’ category rather than feeling like these things are needed for Rick and Michonne’s arc to feel complete.

Thanks to TOWL, Richonne's story already feels whole and complete. But if the gift that keeps on giving wants to give us even more, I’ll welcome it, and I definitely trust the captains can deliver something special if they choose to return to TOWL. 👌🏽😊 Thanks again for asking and reading my extra self's response!

[sandyferal]

I genuinely think Tootie’s behavior towards Timmy would improve dramatically like. The second Vicky moves out of the family house. It’s clear that Vicky is severely inhibiting Tootie’s ability to have friends, much less have them come over and spend time with her. And it feels likely that the main reason her crush turned into an obsession is because Timmy had shown himself to be the only person willing to be nice to her. It doesn’t justify the way she acted, but let’s be real it’s not like she has good role models to teach her better.

I feel like once Vicky isn’t around to ruin her social life she’ll be able to have other friends over and like, have someone around to seek comfort in that isn’t her crush. She could actually start growing as a person. Which could happen as soon as like, 1-3 years after the events of the show?

I also really like the idea that even if she isn’t obsessed with Timmy, that Crimson Chin doll he gave her holds a special place in her heart because like. As a sentimental person I gotta be real something like that would never not be sweet to me. I’d thinking about it for years.

And I like to think because of that she eventually got into comics and began to obsess over those instead. Maybe Crimson Chin wasn’t her thing! But she seems to enjoy fantasies and I think it would be so fun to see her find her own interests. If we’re getting into specifics, I get the vibes that she would be into comics following heroes like Superman, or when villainesses get their own comics like Harley or Poison Ivy. Obviously not those exact characters but those are the vibes I get. Not to say I don’t think she wouldn’t still have girly interests and love romance and stuff but man.

Additionally. I fucking hate Tootie from the live action movies. They glorify her as hot and morally perfect while simultaneously treating how she was as a child as weird and ugly. Man people grow up and sometimes get less weird but like some people are just dorks. Tootie is a dork. Keep her as an overenthusiastic, emotional, glasses-wearing, strong-willed dork. You cowards. Women don’t need to be “perfect” to be accepted and loved.

If Tootie and Timmy did eventually get together, personally I think it would be good if Timmy just. Didn’t see her for a while. She gets more into spending time with actual friends, and doesn’t talk to Timmy as much until they meet up again a couple years later at an afterschool comic club/comic con, or something of that sort. I think she deserves to be her own person before she actually ends up with anyone.

And while I normally don’t like “ships” (I say that in quotes bc I don’t particularly feel compelled to ship these children at all) that involves a party who clearly isn’t interested… they’re also. Children. It’s not that serious. They really shouldn’t be together at this age anyway, and they probably will change as they get older.

It doesn’t feel that big of a deal to imagine Tootie and Timmy might be together as adults despite their current dynamic, because the main issues are:

a) Tootie doesn’t respect boundaries and is emotionally unstable, which are both likely caused by isolation, lack of good role models, and being too young to understand things. Very likely she grows out of it.

b) Timmy not liking her. Which, in the context of the early episodes about her, is actually something you could debate?

To clarify, he obviously isn’t interested in a romantic relationship most of the time, but at the same time he clearly has some care for her. The argument could be made that it is because of his fairies influencing him, yes, or it’s just pity. But like. There are episodes where he legit just does something because he wants her to be happy. And he indicates he doesn’t really dislike her or hate spending time with her. He, at least in theory, is actually willing to spend time with her. (“I would’ve gone to her dumb party if she’d invited me.”) That’s not even mentioning how he. Like. Just straight up chose to stick himself with a love arrow because he wanted to enjoy spending a Valentine’s Day with her. Which is a whole thing that could be analyzed but not the point.

If anything his actions point to a young boy who at the moment, only feels attraction through the lense of someone being “pretty” instead of someone they can genuinely get along with. He sees Tootie as weird and embodying the qualities boys find “icky” in girls. It would make sense if he grew out of that.

Although at the end of the day I don’t really care who these kids end up with, I JUST want Tootie to be able to have a happy and healthy social life/relationship with a partner when she grows up, and I hate the idea of completely stripping away her “not pretty” qualities before she’s allowed to have that. She’s a fucking lovely little girl who deserves to be herself, and to be weird, and to be happy. That’s my fucking daughter!!! I love her so much!!!

[morganski-19]

Chills Right to the Marrow Part 58

ao3 link| part 1 . . . part 55, part 56, part 57

the first half takes place during part 35, the second half takes place after part 37,

“Did you get it?” Eddie asks as Steve closes the door behind him.

Steve nods, pulling a takeout bag out from under his jacket, placing it on the tray. He pulls out a burger and hands it to Eddie.

He can’t unwrap it fast enough. After weeks of eating nothing but hospital slop, all he wanted was a greasy burger. Something that drips down his wrists with flavor that’s so rich it could kill you. Eddie bites into it and has to hold back a moan.

“You must go there a lot, they knew it was you from the order.”

It’s not like he’s that creative, just the perfect amount of pain in the cook’s ass for them to know it’s him. Regular cheeseburger, hold the tomato, double the pickles, and an onion ring. If he’s feeling it, a little bit of hot sauce. Fries on the side and a medium coke.

“Nah,” Eddie says over a mouthful of food. “Just how memorable I am.”

Steve snorts, “I’m sure.” He unwraps his own burger and turns to the television. Watching the dumb soap operas that play twenty-four seven. It was their thing, watching them and yelling at the characters for making dumb decisions. Or that one instant where they were both upset when their favorite character died.

What Steve doesn’t know, is that Eddie doesn’t really watch the TV when he’s here. Because, when everything else in his life hurts, he takes these moments to let himself live a little. Taking the risk in the areas he can.

The best part of it all, is that even when Steve catches him, he never judges. Or assumes. Or anything. He just smiles when they lock eyes before turning away again. It’s like he doesn’t care that Eddie’s staring. He just lets it happen.

It’s reckless, what Eddie’s doing. It’s a path that’s going to lead to more pain. There’s no end that will lead to these stupid feelings going anywhere. Steve was straight, Eddie wasn’t. If Eddie’s lucky, Steve won’t care about that. But he can’t see this ending without Steve being uncomfortable. Who wouldn’t be in this situation.

Eddie just couldn’t stop. For these moments, he wasn’t trapped in a hospital bed. His legs were fully functional, and his arms didn’t shake when he lifted them. There wasn’t a burn that encircled his abdomen, marking each and every inch of healed skin. No nausea from the pain.

He was normal again. So if this road ended in heartbreak, Eddie would travel down it willingly. Just if it meant feeling something other than pain.

And sometimes, if he let himself believe it, when Steve locks eyes with him, it could be real.

“How’s your burger?”

Such a simple question, but it captivates him. Everything about Steve captivates him.

“Good. Thanks for getting it.”

He smiles. That sinful smile. “It’s no problem. I can’t imagine being holed up here for this long, I’d be begging for anything other than the shit they bring you.”

Eddie rolls his eyes. “If I see oatmeal again, it will be too soon.”

“I don’t know,” Steve shrugs. “Make it right and it’s not so bad.”

“Would consider you much of a chef, there, Steve.” Eddie crumples up the empty wrapper and leans forward to put it in the bag. Ignoring the pain that shoots up his arms as his muscles stretch. The constant tremor of his hands as they move.

“Well when you live by yourself, you learn pretty fast that you need to learn how to make something other than frozen pizza.”

Something Eddie’s learned about Steve is that he just drops random facts about himself and plays them off as normal. When, in reality, they’re not. They’re a lot sadder than they should be.

Steve keeps surprising him with how sad he really is. Now that he sees it, it’s hard not to notice.

“Maybe you can make me something when me and Wayne move in.”

Because that was happening. He still can’t believe Wayne actually agreed to it, but he was glad he did. He deserved to stay someplace where he didn’t have to worry that much. Eddie’s put him through enough these past three months, he doesn’t need anything else weighing on him.

And if it meant he didn’t have to pop this little bubble that he lives in with Steve, well then who was he to argue.

“Maybe,” Steve smiles. God, that smile would make Eddie believe anything.

Even this.

Wayne stops by in the evening, passing Steve on his way out. The nurses bring in Eddie’s dinner tray, not knowing he’s going to ignore all of this. Now that his bills are being paid off, he can afford to let some things go to waste. Which is a crazy concept.

But he will eat the Jello. It’s the only thing on this plate that actually looks edible.

“How’s living in the mansion,” he asks Wayne. The disbelief that he will actually get to know what that is like still amazing him.

“Don’t think it’s officially a mansion,” Wayne downplays. He always does that. “It’s just a big house.”

A house bigger than Eddie’s ever dreamed of living in. “Same thing.”

“It’s fine,” he responds, watching as Eddie stabs the Jello with his fork.

“And living with Steve?”

He doesn’t know the answer he’s begging for, but he needs something. Something to prove to him that Steve is like this outside of this room. Outside of the chaos. That the person he’s falling for faster than he should is the person he thinks he is, and it wasn’t just some cruel façade.

“Also fine,” Wayne answers, a knowing lilt to his voice.

A breath of relief leaves Eddie’s lungs before he realizes it. Before he feels the weight of Wayne’s stare, and the knowingness behind it.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” Eddie finally eats the Jello, the little bits he’s made falling off of the fork. Why they don’t give him a spoon, he doesn’t know.

“Because I know you, and I’ve seen this look before. Didn’t like it then and I don’t like it now.”

Then wasn’t like this. Then was back in high school when Eddie was stupidly optimistic about his romantic prowess. Now, he’s a little more realistic. Except every single time Steve walks through that door, there’s this bubbling hope that makes him want to throw up. That maybe, just maybe, he isn’t wrong about it this time. It terrifies him to think that it could be real.

Eddie clicks his tongue, trying to get the topic to change. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t I?”

“No, you don’t.” Eddie doesn’t mean to, but he slams the Jello down onto the tray. His arms never quite working in the way he needs them to. But it gets Wayne to shup up, to move on.

Because, as much as he hates to admit it, Wayne does know Eddie. He knows, and it’s too much to have another person know. It’s bad enough that he has feelings for Steve at all, it’s another thing to have someone know about it. Especially when he knows what Wayne is going to say.

Wayne has this thing where he likes to get stuck in the past. Look at people for what they’ve done and nothing else. Which isn’t bad, it’s something Eddie’s done too. But with Steve, he’s changed so much that Eddie’s afraid Wayne going to see the reputation he’s had before as the end all be all. That he’s going to get all protective and refuse to think that this could be a good thing.

Most of all, though, he’s afraid that saying the feelings out loud are going to make them real. Right now, it’s a fantasy to help him sleep at night. But as soon as someone knows, as soon as it gets out, it’s more. It’s real. Something Eddie has to deal with real consequences for.

He’s not ready for that. 

. . .

It’s one of those nights where Eddie can’t sleep. Not because he doesn’t want to, he’s practically begging to. But because the pain is just loud enough to still be painful. After weeks of living with it, it’s gotten better. Or more, Eddie’s gotten so used to it that he thinks it’s gotten better. But he hopes that it actually has.

Night like these, though, when the dull hum he’s gotten used to grows into a screaming storm that just won’t stop, he can’t sleep. His body is exhausted. His mind is tired, and his eyes droop closed. Yet, he still can’t sleep.

To make matters worse, he’s so damn thirsty. Which means he has to move.

Taking the blankets off him already makes him want to quit. Waves of pain shooting up his arm, making his muscles tense. Still sore from the physical therapy appointment he had yesterday. He lets it fall back on the bed and takes a few deep breaths. Then, he sits up.

Fire spreads through his body, burning. Making his skin hot, and his brain scream out to lay back down.

Still, this wasn’t as bad as it could be.

He grabs his crutches and uses them as leverage to stand. His legs joining the fire as he starts to walk out of the room. Each step feels like knives, but not he’s stepping on them. Like there is a cage around each of his legs filled with needles, and every step forces them to break skin.

Most days, he can get through it. Tonight, it’s enough to make him fall to the floor and give up.

But maybe the universe decides to give him some form of relief, because when he gets to the kitchen, Steve’s there. Sitting in the dull light of the kitchen, eating.

He hears Eddie coming and turns to look at him. “Hey.”

Eddie hasn’t seen Steve in three days. Not since the morning after he moved in. Then, it looked like Steve was hit by a bus. Face drained and tired, barely able to stand. He looks just slightly better than that. Like the bus didn’t manage to kill him.

“Hey.” It comes out pained. He sets his crutches against the side of the island and sits down. Needing a minute to catch his breath.

Steve’s face fills with a concern he’d rather not see. “You ok?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” he explains. “Came out here to get some water, but need a breather.”

He nods, that concern morphing into a state of understanding. Out of everyone, Steve is the one who can understand this the most. He never will completely understand it, but it’s just enough where he knows pity won’t change anything. It’s something Eddie’s grateful for. Sitting here, with Steve, he doesn’t need to mask it, doesn’t need to dull it on the outside for the betterment of whoever’s seeing it. He can sit here and feel it, instead of trying to make everyone else around him feel better about it.

“Want me to get you some?” Steve asks, nothing but consideration in his voice.

Eddie nods. His legs already dreading getting up again. “Please.”

Silently, Steve gets up and grabs a glass from the cabinet. For someone with such a big reputation, most things Steve does are silent. When he’s moving around in a place he doesn’t have to hide, the rawness that lies beneath the surface shines. Eddie likes seeing this side of Steve.

Eddie thanks Steve when the water is placed in front of him. Takes a deep breath to gather himself for the pain that sparks when he lifts it to drink. “How’s your head,” Eddie asks. Generally curious, but also wanting distraction.

“Liks someone keeps stabbing it, but with a smaller knife this time. At least I can eat something now.”

“That is an improvement.” Eddie winces when he puts the glass down, the pain really giving him no breaks.

“Bad night?”

Eddie laughs. “You have no idea. Hasn’t been this bad since I woke up. You weren’t kidding about the scars.”

If the pain itself wasn’t enough, his scars sting. He can feel every place those fuckers bit into his skin. Feel the stretch of regrown skin pull with each movement. An itch so deep that it makes him want to claw the skin right off again.

“Yeah, I’d say it gets better, but I still wake up from it sometimes.”

“It gets better, it doesn’t get better, which is it? You all keep telling me things and I’m not sure which to believe anymore.”

Steve sighs. “Probably because we don’t even know what to believe. It’ve been doing this shit for four years, and each one gets worse. And there are days where I get and I feel normal, think it might be the end of everything. Then I get a nightmare that gets me reaching for the bat under my bed and I get so scared of a shadow I almost break a hole in my wall. Better starts feeling like a word you don’t know the definition of anymore.”

He turns to look at Eddie. His face reeks of tiredness and lingering pain. Like half the soul inside was sucked away, leaving this. It’s so vulnerable, Eddie finds cruel comfort in it. The kind that rots in his core, because how could he be comforted by another’s pain. Yet, to know he isn’t alone is a feeling he can’t explain.

“I started making small goals for myself,” Eddie starts. “At first it was walking to the bathroom by myself. Then standing for longer periods of time. Do one extra rep for this exercise. Just to prove that something is changing, that there’s the possibility that I could get better. Some days I don’t think that’s in the cards for me.”

“Better doesn’t mean perfect. Robin said that to me a while ago. It didn’t really help then, I had just started getting my really bad migraines and I—I thought that I’d spend the rest of my life suffering. And the medications help, but not entirely. But I am still better than I was a year ago. Doesn’t mean I’ll ever reach perfection, but I’ll take better.”

Eddie lets that thought roll around in his mind for a moment. The words themselves seep compassion, but he can’t help but feel the wrongness of it all. The desperate claw to get back to where he was. To touch that guitar that’s sitting in the corner of his room and actually be able to play it again.

Progress, healing, everything after this has taken time. Eddie hates it. He’s so used to jumping from thing to thing, learning a new song to drawing up a new campaign. Finding joy in the things that he loves is becoming work that will make him resent it. It was easy for him once, he doesn’t know how to make it easy again.

“I know it’s hard,” Steve continues. He looks at Eddie again. The trust Eddie holds in this gaze should be criminal. “I know I’ll never know your pain. All I can tell you is that it does get better, however that looks for you. And don’t let yourself get dragged down when it doesn’t get better immediately, it’ll only make things worse.”

“Wow, when did Steve Harrington get so wise?” Eddie jokes. It feels wrong on his tongue, but it’s all he can do instead of crying.

Steve snorts. A soft smile forming on his lips. “Years of practice.”

Is it cruel to think that Eddie could kiss him right now? That, now that he’s thinking about it, they’re sitting so close to each other it would be so easy. It could be the easiest thing Eddie’s done in weeks, just lean a few inches and know what’s it like to kiss someone without the fear of getting caught. To know what it’s like to kiss Steve.

For a second, Steve blinks, his eyes glancing down and back up again. He could do it, right now. But he doesn’t.

Because Eddie is a coward, and a shameful one at that.

tag list (closed): @the-they-who-nerded, @insteviewetrust, @croatoan-like-its-hot, @jettestar,

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@here4thetrama, @goodolefashionedloverboi, @jaytriesstuff, @cryptid-system, @manda-panda-monium,

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@gregre369, @n0-1-important, @different-tale-student, @spectrum-spectre, @tartarusknight,

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@papergrenade, @waelkyring, @sweetheartprincess28, @katouasobj, @astercomoasflores

[jo-gakky]

Can you express how much you love Nezha? I’d love to read about your rambles ❤️

WAAAAAAAAA this is such a flattering ask to get! 

I'm really bad at expressing myself when it comes to things I love, but I LOVE talking about and pointing out the little details about my favorite little guys!!

(also a quick note! I tend to describe things using examples/scenarios. If it gets a bit confusing, please don't be afraid to ask me about anything <3)

Nezha, specifically the LMK version of him, brings me a kind of stability and comfort that no other character really does/ever has. The comfort derives from sort of a combination between his general presence/movement, ideals and actions.

Have you guys ever met someone who just OOZES stability? They're dependent, and manage situations with grace, even despite their own troubles?

That's the kind of guy I read Nezha as! He's a noble guy with a stable moral compass, and he's self-assured in his actions and his righteousness, however, he's not afraid to admit his own wrongs when they pop up. He's stubborn, sure, but not to a fault. Despite knowing of Wukongs reckless behavior, he entrusts the responsibility and himself to Wukong’s plan(s). And to be honest, what deity in this show is NOT a bit stubborn?

Nezha is everything I'm not, and I ADMIRE that so much. There is something comforting in watching him whenever he comes on screen, because he is what every other deity pretends to be. He is just an honest guy, and honestly what's better than that? 

He's just the type of guy you could trust wholeheartedly!

Again, I could be reading his character wrong. Rewatching LMK always makes me notice new things about characters that provide a new context to them, and Nezha is no different. 

But that's absolutely okay with me, because that means I get to re-explore all these characters over again!

But for my current impression of Nezha, I read him as a stern guy with a heart of gold!

I could imagine, even if he was on duty, he'd be the type to help out if someone asked him for a hand. He'd probably hesitate, but only because leaving his post probably feels like sacrilege to him, but in the end he can't neglect a person in need of a hand. He's a generally kind, nice and reliable guy, but betraying that trust would make him incredibly doubtful of whoever slighted that trust, for a long while. His trust is preserved for those who deserve it. He seems to be a good judge of character, and wont give his full trust to those who are suspicious.

I also just feel like he's the stern type, that actually hides a side that's more cheeky, but in fear of becoming a joke or looked down upon, he represses that side of him.

I don't know how to really express exactly what I mean with all of this, but I generally just love him so much for being such a stable, kind, responsible and grounded character!

Something about him screams safety, and I'm genuinely so sad that I didn't pay him much mind on my first watch.

Aside from his general character, his design also just SCREAMS comfort and happiness to me!

The Pretty pinks and teal speaks to his calmness and general kindness and goodness, while the bright reds give a hint of his ferocious battle skills and power. And perhaps his temper, but I don't really think he has much of a temper. He gets a bit annoyed, but if i'm being honest, i would get a bit irked too if someone who could help wasn't taking something, possibly dangerous, seriously.

Beside his pleasing color scheme, his general shape-language is GORGEOUS and i love it so much! His hairstyle specifically makes me so happy! It's so beautiful!

He's also just generally really fun to draw, which adds a lot when it comes to a character's appeal for me.

This is just a minor detail, but I thought I'd add it anyway : His english voice BRINGS ME SUCH JOY! His voice is such a perfect fit for the kind of person he is! (tbh all the english voices are perfect, but specifically Nezha's voice strikes a chord with me.)

Um

yeah

That's just the basics!

TL;DR : I really like Nezha bc he's very cool and nice and awesome and responsible! <3 He makes me happy :)

[danganronpa-obsession-hell]

The double standard of Sayaka Maizono

Hi! It's been a long while since I've posted here, but I spent Christmas writing this 4 page tangent on this whole ass feeling I have about a Danganronpa character.

Please enjoy.

WARNING FOR MAJOR DRV3 SPOILERS NEAR THE END USED AS A COMPARISON, MAJOR SPOILERS FOR PARTS OF THH AND MENTION OF SUICIDE

Why is Sayaka dictated to be a lying, cheating snake to most of the western Danganronpa audience?

You could say that this is because her plan was to frame Makoto for the murder of Leon, in which yes this is true, and yes, she deserves some criticism for that. BUT, there’s a few points here I’d like to argue in defense of Sayaka.

I’d like to state that Sayaka isn’t even one of my favorites. I like her, but she’s not one of my all-time favs. I have little bias for her. So, this isn’t some kind of hate speech about one of my favorites getting mischaracterized, I just think people should remember these things about Sayaka and a few other characters.

First of all, what was Sayaka’s plan?

Well, she traded rooms with Makoto in secret to the other students in order to murder Leon in Makoto’s room, framing him in order to graduate and leave the killing game. Well, this might be slightly untrue.

Indeed, she did make this plan, but we are forgetting the fact that the presence of the class trial is something that was only announced after Sayaka’s murder, which means she could’ve thought of this situation entirely differently. In her mind, most likely she’d murder Leon, everyone would think Makoto did it, and then she’d be free to go back to her idol group. To her, there would be no lying during a trial and having to face those she lied to and betrayed, they’d be a distant thought left behind as she goes back to her normal life.

Of course, things didn’t go this way, but I’d like to give Sayaka the benefit of the doubt as Makoto does for several other characters.

There’s also the debate of what Kyoko said during the final bits of chapter 1, about Sayaka leaving Leon’s name on the wall in order to ensure Makoto would live. There’s the debate of if she left it so Makoto could save himself, or if this was simply to get back at Leon for, yknow, murdering her. And yes, this could go either way, it’s left up to what the player thinks, but what I do know is that Sayaka seems to care for Makoto a great deal. Remembering him from middle school, the interactions they had in the Danganronpa 3 anime Despair Arc, hell, Sayaka’s free time events make it so obvious she cares for him in a lot of ways.

It’s all up to the player to decide if Sayaka is innocent or not, but saying she never cared for Makoto is what is hard to believe to me.

What is the double standard against Sayaka?

I have reason to believe the fandom is unjustly biased against Sayaka for a few others of its characters, specifically Aoi and Kyoko. Let’s go chronologically, and begin with Aoi

Aoi’s betrayal

In chapter 4, Sakura, Aoi’s best friend in the killing game, commits suicide in order to sacrifice herself and make up to the other students for being the traitor. Because of false evidence planted by Monokuma, Aoi believes Sakura killed herself because the others hated her as a consequence for her betrayal.

Because of this, Aoi plans to frame herself as the killer of Sakura to get herself and the rest of the students killed by way of a wrong guess and execution.

You can already see similarities here, but instead Aoi is aiming to kill everyone including herself on purpose as a way to “die for their sins.” And obviously, she has her reasons to believe this. She’s a very “grab a bull by the horns,” kind of person. She was also very emotional as of just losing her best friend right in front of her.

My argument is, why does Sayaka not get this kind of sympathy?

In Sayaka’s free time events, she mentioned she had to do a lot of unpleasant things to get where she is as an idol, and although we do not hear of these things, it’s left to the imagination, especially because an idol career in Japan is notably hard on younger girls in showbiz.

Both cases, emotions were running high. Sayaka losing everything she worked for in an instant if she doesn't kill someone, and Aoi just losing her best friend right in front of her eyes. So why is Aoi forgiven, and Sayaka not?

In fact I never hear anyone bring up Aoi’s attempted betrayal in chapter 4, almost as if it never happened. Yet Sayaka is treated so much differently when these betrayals are incredibly similar. Hell, you could even claim Sayaka didn’t know anyone but Leon would die for her crime. (In danganronpa the stage play Leon was also acting real creepy towards her so, can you blame a girl for going after the easiest dude like Leon or Hifumi) But Aoi was prepared to let everyone die for a lie, albeit she did not know it was a lie, but the problem still is evident. She was forgiven a lot easier than Sayaka when she had the experience of 4 class trials at this point, fully knowing the consequences of her actions.

All of this could be forgiven, because both are technically Monokuma's fault. And I would forgive it if it was only Sayaka and Aoi. But it’s not.

Kyoko’s betrayal

In chapter 5, Kyoko is framed by the mastermind for a false murder in order to stop her from coming too close to the truth and destroying the killing game. Kyoko claims herself that if she dies, the mystery of the school would never be solved. And yeah, that’s a pretty good reason for not wanting to die. Until Makoto gets framed instead.

The entire ladder half of the trial, Kyoko is actively framing Makoto because there is no other option. Sacrificing him, to keep herself alive. Sound familiar?

You could say a lot more is at stake this time, and also Makoto did end up getting out alive, but Kyoko had absolutely no idea that Alter Ego would save Makoto when he did. Kyoko was fully willing to let Makoto die a bullshit death so she could solve the mystery of Hope’s Peak and the killing game.

Obviously, I do think she feels guilt for this, but again it’s almost as if it never even happened in terms of how often it’s talked about.

There’s also the question of if Makoto did end up dead, where would Kyoko go from there? He was the only one she trusted and told everything she knew to, and if things went wrong that would be it. Byakuya and her butt heads in every trial, Hiro and Toko are both idiots, Hina is entirely too gullible and trusting. There’s no one left to put her trust into as fully as she did to Makoto.

Again, framing someone in order for a selfish goal and not seeing the consequences, these three instances share that one linking factoid.

But while Sayaka is demonized and called a lying snake, Kyoko and Aoi are fan favorites who get a lot of love from fans.

Why are they different?

V3 SPOILERS AHEAD FOR COMPARISON

I think it’s all about screen time. Sayaka was the first murder of the entire series, obviously she’s nowhere near developed as someone like Kyoko, Toko or even Rantaro from V3 as he becomes plot relevant later in the game after his murder. Sayaka does have somewhat the same effect on Makoto that Kaede does on Shuichi, a lingering first death that dwells on the male protagonist as they potentially loved this girl.

There’s also the fact that not everyone in the first Danganronpa game was created equal, as Sayaka and Leon do not have the full 6 part free time events later characters get in subsequent games. (Leon gets 3, Sayaka gets 2, other characters suffer from this such as Mukuro, Taka, and Mondo) This leaves a lot of Sayaka blank, to fill in if you will, and why I think she’s overlooked in general.

There’s one last thing I’d like to say in defense of Sayaka and even Aoi and Kyoko. They’re teenagers.

The class Makoto is in, is first years, they’re basically teenagers still with these incredibly gifted talents being forced to murder each other for their freedom, dumb decisions are evident in this situation. The pressure, the stress, the fear, all of it twisted up can cause anyone to make decisions they normally wouldn’t. And I think that goes a long way for someone like Sayaka. Who worked for her talent endlessly and it obviously means the world to her if she’s willing to murder a stranger/friend to continue it.

In the end, Sayaka made mistakes, she should be held accountable, but she’s not an evil snake who used Makoto as she saw fit. Everyone in Danganronpa should be held accountable accordingly for their crimes, but obviously Sayaka is not as evil as say Celeste, Korekiyo, Mikan, or hell even Junko. Honestly, she was just a teenager in a desperate situation, it’s like cornering a rat, something is bound to happen.

Thank you for coming to my stupidly long ted talk.

[mahimahi713]

I was discussing this with @djbunnie recently. But I was thinking about what I’d do if I were to do a redo of DP. But really this is mostly how I’d make Sam better.

Before I get further, I want to make a disclaimer: this idea would include Danny and Sam being endgame. They would be together in the end. However before that would happen, Danny and Valerie would actually have a relationship. They would be an established couple but they’d ultimately have an amicable break up. But they would have been together for 2 years I’m thinking?

This redo would also include bits and pieces of some of my earlier DP posts.

That said, let’s get into it.

So we would just ignore the entire third season and Phantom Planet. Let’s just get that out of the way.

The series would have go through several years of their lives.

Sam and Tucker would be a lot more fleshed out and go through character development. We would see more about the significant characters personalities and likes and dislikes.

First, Sam. Given how political Punk is, I’d make Sam more Punk than goth, tbh. Sam being political just makes sense. She still would be filthy rich, beyond anyone’s imaginations rich. But she uses that wealth and reputation to help marginalized groups and speak in injustices. She would also acknowledge her own wealth and privilege. I’d explore more about how she is athletic and her writing and her love of anime and manga, and her art.

Yes she would start out as looking down or just really disliking girly things. And this does stem from her mother putting her down for not being her picture perfect daughter. However she’d also have Grandma Ida to humble her. Sam wouldn’t hate girly girls themselves. Just that society will promote that image as being the way girls should be. But she’d look down things so much that it’s actually problematic. But she’d outgrow it .

And like my earlier posts about cringe Sam liking mediocre guys and saying dumb edgy things like “you laugh because I’m different, I laugh because you’re all the same”

But she also would be the one to put her foot down and say “no, Danny, you’re not going to risk and you’re going to be an astronaut” and along with Tucker and Jazz’s help, she’d help him study, make study guide and flash cards.

Another thing I’d explore is her feeling guilty over Danny being Phantom. This is guilt that eats at her but she refuses to discuss it because she knows Danny would tell her not to worry about it.

And in a way, Sam is doing this because she feels she deserves to wallow in that guilt. Almost like she’s punishing herself.

Sam was just done such a great injustice.

Tucker. Tucker would also go through significant development and we would also see more of his personality and likes and dislikes. I’d describe his character development to be much like Sokkas from A:TLA.

Tucker is a whiz when it comes to tech and computer related subjects.

Sorry I don’t have much more to say about him.

Sam and Tucker both take on bigger roles in helping to fight the ghosts. Much bigger.

For episodes like the Lunch meat episode, Sam would have just advocated for better vegetarian options and a salad bar. And when the school asks where they can get the funds to do so, she’d just be “I’m glad you asked”

She’d still think meat is murder and that they should use robotic or virtual frogs for dissections but again, she’s a work in progress.

When Danny and Val are dating, she’s obviously heartbroken. She asks Ida for advice. Ida tells her while she gets her pain, that she shouldn’t be one of those girl best friends who is mean to their best friend’s girlfriend or violates boundaries. Especially since she has feelings for him. That if she cares for Danny, then she would want him to be happy even if that means standing aside. And so, she does. She’s kind and friendly and respectful to Valerie. In fact she even gives Valerie some gift ideas that would be so meaningful for Danny. In the beginning, Sam even tells Valerie that she knows that Val knows about her crush. But she swears that she will never make a move or disrespect her or her relationship with Danny. And that if ever Val needs her to back off, she will. As long as it’s respectful.

This actually winds up being a bonding moment for Sam and Tucker because he helps her cope with her heartbreak. This relationship between them is platonic. They come to see each other as siblings. And that includes acting like siblings and being shits to each other and pissing each other off.

Oh and of course, the series would be more mature. They would act like teens and they would also engage in more mature behavior as their grow older.

There would also be more hilarity with trying to hide Danny’s secret (I’ve made a post about this).

And there would be darker moments as well.

We would also explore more of the Ghostzone itself. The lore, the science. What are ghosts. Where did non human ghosts come from. Who and what is clockwork and were did he come from. More on the ghosts’ backstories. Their lives when they were still alive. Just all that

Sam is the one who is the nurse of the group. Even for Valerie, once her and Danny begin to date. Sam can get all the medical supplies they need. She is also gentle and can do great stitches and has a steady hand and isn’t squeamish. She’s patching up everyone .

Oh and Sam and Valerie would become best friends. Even though at a point, Val would be Danny’s Ex and Sam his gf he winds up marrying. They would be best friends.

Look. DxS is my OTP and they’ll be endgame. But I think I’d want them to have more of a Ron and Kim vibe. With subtle hinting of the feelings they have.

Let’s explore DxV. Well, I think it would come to a point that Danny just realizes he needs to confess to her. He tells her the truth and while she needs to take a step back for a moment, she is able to think it through and she comes to Danny. They talk things out and decide to hang out to just clear things and get rid of those tensions. And they decide to date. They date I’m thinking atleast sophomore and junior years. They go through significant firsts together. Like serious relationship, that first time and so on. But ultimately they end things amicably because they outgrew each other and differing goals and all that. They remain friendly and respectful of each other

Sam herself goes on a few dates here and there but I really picture Sam as someone who is demisexual. She only becomes attracted to a person after she gets to know them. She actually winds up having a significant relationship with a guy who is actually on the football team but he kinda always just was there, when it came to the popular kids. He was just there because he too played football but he didn’t really interact with them and never was a bully. He and Sam start to date after they work on a project together. They date from junior year and into Senior year but break up amicably. They don’t want to do the long distance thing and have different goals and desires for the long term

Danny and Sam after high school begin to hang out more than before. Or more like they used to. Now Danny is living that college life and doing the typical hook ups. Sam isn’t because she’s not into it. And she is at a point where she knew Danny is gonna be hooking up and she’s indifferent. But they’re having out more and more and it’s nice and oh. Hey. Hello feelings for each other my old friend.

If you ever watched scrubs, the way Jake and Elliott get (back) together in later seasons, that’s basically what happens with them.

[michanvalentine]

I just finished my run as Astarion. Okay, I admit it—after the first adventure, I used a few mods to speed things up. Lol. I had to! Partly because some of them are really cute and partly because, well, my husband and daughter might’ve left me otherwise.

In any case, I managed to pursue a romantic relationship with Shadowheart, just as I had planned in my first playthrough... at least before the vampiric rogue got in the way! But in this run, of course, there was no such risk.

Astarion: Hold on, I need to finish the last chapter. I need to know if Stephanie ends up with George. The cursed lands can wait, Halsin will understand.

But enough chit-chat—here are my impressions in short! Playing as Astarion gave me the chance to notice additional details and delve deeper into aspects of his characterization. First of all, even from the earliest interactions, his fear of suddenly having to rely on and interact with others unaware of his vampiric nature is immediately apparent. The revelation doesn’t happen through the infamous bite scene but rather through a genuine act of trust, where Astarion himself chooses to confess. Even before this, though, the game allows you, through dialogue options, to weigh the matter—to consider whether to tell this or that companion, who, depending on approval (or personal inclinations), may seem more or less willing to accept cohabitation with a bloodsucker.

Gale is one of the most understanding about it, as well as one of the most curious! <3

Let’s just say, if it wasn’t already clear, playing as the vampire makes the issue even more obvious: vampires are seen as monsters, feared and despised by default, and they can’t easily build relationships with others. Being a vampire is, in itself, an almost insurmountable obstacle to reclaiming one’s humanity and being recognized as a person with rights.

This becomes even more evident in the encounter with Gandrel. Astarion remembers what he did—he recalls being at the Gur camp and abducting their children. Among the various dialogue options, there’s one that attempts to highlight the fact that vampire spawn cannot disobey their master's orders and are, in essence, acting against their will. And we know all too well that Astarion is a victim himself, caught in a cruel trap.

Gandrel’s response is chilling, to say the least: monsters are monsters. Period. There’s no salvation for Astarion, no hope, no understanding. Who cares if your master treats you like garbage? Who cares if you literally have no free will? Who cares if you’re sold, raped, tortured for days? You’re a monster, and you deserve to die.

I've always found Gandrel to be a likable character—I enjoyed his willingness to play along with the stereotypes about the Gur and his honest attempt to warn me about the dangers. Plus, let’s not forget he’s a father grieving for his kidnapped children. But I swear, in that moment, my blood boiled!

Another thing that becomes much clearer—and really underscores the absurdity of the situation—is the sheer magnitude of what Astarion is thrown into when you play as him. Imagine it: a vampire spawn who, out of nowhere in his miserable existence, finds himself suddenly free, with a tadpole stuck in his head, a group of companions relying on him to solve their problems, and the salvation of the world resting on his shoulders.

Dream Guardian: You see, Astarion, as far as the eye can see, this mess is yours now. Do something, don't die horribly, try not to get caught by your master, and while you're at it, save the world.

It’s a stark contrast and an overwhelming amount to process. For Astarion, it must be a downright Herculean task, especially considering he hasn’t even begun to resolve his old, massive issues and now has a mountain of new ones dumped on him. This is the same Astarion who, after 200 years under Cazador, probably doesn’t even remember where his own ass is anymore. If it were me, I’d be cursing every god in existence! Who knows, maybe then they’d finally bother to answer my prayers.

The absence of Tav is definitely felt. Astarion needs Tav, he needs a guiding figure. He’s better suited as a follower than a leader, though I have to admit, playing as the vampire spawn protagonist makes the whole journey feel even more epic.

The lack of Tav is especially noticeable during Astarion’s personal quest. In my opinion, it’s incredibly sad to watch him try to face his trauma and problems alone. He’s been isolated for 200 years, and it’s so much more impactful to see him open up to someone who’s there for him, rather than struggle in silence, tracing the scars on his back all by himself.

The scene goes like this: during the night, pain overtakes him. He can’t sleep, tossing and turning on his bedroll. The scars ache, and if he focuses enough on his own terrible experience, Astarion can vividly recall the exact path Cazador’s blade carved into his flesh. Naturally, you need to pass a skill check to gather the right insights, but the essence remains: he suffers alone, in silence. As always. And it broke my heart.

He seems so small, forgotten, and defenseless, licking his wounds and facing his most horrific memories on his own.

As the main character, Astarion has few opportunities to talk about the past and Cazador with others, and especially only in a general way. The details remain private, surfacing only during specific moments. One such instance is the encounter with the drow twins, where Astarion can tell the sex workers that he once found himself in their position. The drow asks how it was, and Astarion has several dialogue options that, no matter what you choose, convey just how harrowing and non-consensual that experience was for him.

Another scene in the brothel that pleasantly surprised me was the one with the nymph. When she uses her power on Astarion, after being saved from the mindflayer, she asks him what he wants to be. The dialogue options are rich, powerful, respected, etc. But the specific one for Astarion's character is: "safe." It brought tears to my eyes. It's in moments like these that his motivations become even more apparent, and for him, the power he craves is nothing but the only way to feel safe.

Instead I was deeply disappointed with the interaction with Araj, the blood merchant. As the main character, Astarion has nothing significant to say about her or her request to be bitten by a vampire. The dialogue options are pretty neutral—you can either bite her or refuse—with no real acknowledgment of how deeply personal and repugnant the situation should be for him. It felt like a missed opportunity to explore his trauma and agency further.

On the other hand, Astarion dreams of Cazador, and through the vivid voice of the vampire lord, we are made privy to the general rules that his spawn must follow: never drink the blood of sentient beings, never disobey, never stray, and never forget that they belong to him. During this nightmarish confrontation, several dialogue options are available, reflecting the full spectrum of Astarion’s possible reactions: he can cower, fight back, or plead for forgiveness. Regardless of the choice, Cazador will belittle him, scare him, and humiliate him. Their dynamic is crystal clear, and the scene always ends the same way: Astarion bows his head in submission.

As if that weren’t enough, he wakes up in a panic, terror gripping him, with one harrowing realization: he’s late, and if he doesn’t return to Cazador soon, he’ll be whipped.

This also provides additional context for the infamous bite scene. While a vampire’s hunger—especially that of an underfed one—is a powerful motivator, there’s more to it. Astarion’s decision to break the rule and take the risk is driven by a desire to test his limits, to prove to himself that he’s no longer a slave. Naturally, as Astarion, players are presented with a choice: bite one of their companions or resist and go hunting in the forest instead.

In this regard, the unique choices Astarion has in situations tied closely to his personal story always offer a wide range of possibilities. There are options that could be considered outright evil, but also others that reveal his desire for redemption. Another proof that his character cannot be considered solely evil. I think this perfectly reflects his real nature, constantly teetering between good and evil, right and wrong, humanity and vampirism.

I particularly enjoyed the confrontations with Petras and Dalyria, as well as with Aurelia and Leon. These interactions feel more nuanced compared to when Tav is present. The rivalry and love/hate dynamic among them becomes more evident, and Dalyria’s trust in Astarion is surprisingly deeper than one might expect after a standard playthrough.

Beyond the dialogue options concerning the deception against the other spawn needed to secure Astarion’s ascension, there are other options that reveal his genuine desire for redemption. He seeks to kill Cazador not just for his own freedom but to save his siblings as well, to be a better brother, as himself says in one of the options. This intention is evident even before encountering the unfortunate victims in the Szarr palace dungeons.

These interactions add layers to Astarion’s character, highlighting the complexity of his struggle. They show a man caught between his dark instincts and a burgeoning sense of responsibility and morality, making his personal arc all the more compelling.

Naturally, the same applies when confronting his victims. Astarion can choose from a range of lines that span from the more villainous to the more heroic, effectively showcasing both sides of his character. The outcome always depends on how the player prefers to approach their playthrough.

One thing that absolutely delighted me was the confrontation with Cazador. When the vampire lord tries to assert control over Astarion, you can make a dice roll to resist him. Watching Cazador's frustration is priceless. Additionally, once defeated, you can force him—again through a dice roll—to beg for his life. In my case, I made him grovel… only to kill him anyway. I know, I’m a terrible person, but he totally deserved it! xP

Astarion: Well, now that I know Stephanie and George have broken up, I can go kill that damned Netherese brain.

Of course, mine was another heroic playthrough. Well, not exactly heroic, but good. We're still talking about Astarion, so whenever I saw his name pop up, I automatically selected his personal dialogue option. So let's say it was a "conservative" run, I did what I had to do but without overdoing it, maintaining a pretty neutral profile.

So, the ending was the classic one, with Astarion enjoying the darkness and his existence as a vampire, free from Cazador's influence. Then, he's like the dark avenger, Batman-style, feeding on criminals. For the right price, of course. xD

From a romantic perspective, I finally managed to win Shadowheart over, and I think her romance, along with Astarion's, is one of the sweetest. She also offers the right challenge in being won over and understood, considering her "dual identity" and the influence that Shar and Viconia had on her. I enjoyed seeing her transform from the sulking cleric full of secrets to the sweet, fragile girl beneath the armor. Of course, since this was my second playthrough, the element of surprise was a bit lacking, especially regarding the conclusion of her quest.

Then things took some strange turns... let’s say I decided to take a few more risks this time and experiment with different things compared to my first run. xD And I discovered that I also love Halsin and Astarion together! The druid's proposal surprised me, and honestly, I didn’t expect Shadowheart to so calmly accept sharing her beau. Good for me! Although the content with Halsin is really limited; I wonder if that’s because he was my second boyfriend?

Then, this time, I also accepted the squid's proposal... yep. xD Let’s just say I had some fun.

Right now, I'm playing my first (and I think only) evil playthrough. I feel guilty every time I do something bad. And Ascendant Astarion was a cold shower for me! But maybe I'll vent about it once I have all the elements, for now I'd say I've rambled on enough. Anyone who's made it this far is a hero!

[helsensm]

HEHEHE im glad you liked my butterfly effect idea ask regarding kung lao! i love him being the center of attention cuz i think he deserves it, even if it means getting the whole timeline doomed LOL just silly things about wanting to be champion that’s all ^_^

but yes omg i love talking about what ifs, it makes me crazy and rip my hair out (positive af) xD

ohh man i can just imagine the dominos of fate falling over the more things get fucked up… oh man i can’t believe what would lao’s reaction would be if he found out things were crumbling bc of him… one au filled with dread and sadness coming right up!

apparantely I got several asks in one day and tumblr showed me only the last one so I missed yours?? I'm sorry I left you hanging ����😭

fr, the butterfly effect of this “should-never-be-a-champion” au opens up so many possibilities (literally XD) for angst! Like… I think it would be a devastating discovery for Kung Lao. Not only he was the reason for all the disastrous things that came after his victory, but the realization that apparently even the Universe itself is against his success. Someone would say it’s the perfect scenario for a character to start his villain arc, I’d say it’s time for an existential crisis. “What’s the point then”, emotional exhaustion and thoughts about ending this meaningless life. So someone would have to help him go through this… or it all goes to shit, tons of characters die and the whole timeline literally crumbles THE END 😈

my reaction when you deanoned yourself because it’s always exiting to talk pfp to pfp with someone you mostly saw only in your notifs before

[mrs-snape5984]

“I'll meet you on a day that never ends. I'll greet you in a way that heaven meant…”

“I hope you don't break my heart of stone. I don't wanna scream out loud and wake up on my own…” (“Idler’s Dream” by Oasis)

Considering, that I don’t see any way out of the misery, which my life has become since this cruel and inexorable disease ME/CFS has robbed me from being myself, I’ve started to commission some of my beloved artists of Snapedom with a special project of mine. I explained to them, that I’m slowly fading away from my life as well as from other people’s lives. It started two years ago, when this sickness got me into her relentless grip, forcing me to let go of the life, I’ve known before. Losing more and more of my abilities and strengths with each passing day, I’m finding myself in an unstoppable spiral of torments.

Nowadays, I’m not capable of leaving my room and most of the times even my bed anymore. Day in, day out I’m surrounded by darkness, silence and solitude. Participating in social activities, in milestones of my children or even in longer conversations with friends isn’t possible for me anymore. My presence has lost its meaning and purpose.

Whereas my phone didn’t stand still in the beginning of my disease, when friends and colleagues were worried about me…it’s getting more silent now. People are starting to forget about me…and yes, I can absolutely understand them. It must be frustrating to send messages or attempt to call me without getting a proper reply. My former boss told me some weeks ago, that people are feeling speechless about my situation, so it’s easier for them to forget about me…letting me become a faint memory in the back of their heads. This is exactly, what I meant, when I said, that I’m fading away…and it’s okay. I can’t be mad about it. I understand.

It’s also happening here on tumblr…and yet, here are still some kind people, who seem to notice my silence. I was astonished to hear, that my friend @capysnapeart, whom I commissioned for this beautiful artwork of Severus and my highly self-inserted OC Jules, searched me in a sweet post on their blog, after not hearing from me for several days. I was even more dumbfounded, when I realised, that other lovely people of Snapedom had also noticed my absence from my online life. This was very unexpected, but - indeed - touching and heartwarming to me. Thank you for not forgetting about me.

The project, which I’ve commissioned @capysnapeart and some other artists for, should show the different stages of the life, I’m expecting to have after my final breath, which doesn’t seem to be so far away anymore. I’ve set myself a limit…a certain point of no return, at which I won’t be able to accept and endure my pain and my suffering anymore. Well…let’s just leave it like that.

In my imagination, I will be able to choose, how my afterlife will look like. I will be with Severus, the character, I’ve been clinging on for the past 21 years, already. I imagine, that we will meet at the age of 11 years and from then on, we will spend the rest of our lives together...growing old together. It may sound strange and pathetic, but this is all, that I'm wishing for. I want to come home to him...

I asked Capy to draw Severus and Jules as a middle-aged couple…sitting on a bench in front of their little cottage at the sea. I’d love to see them being happy together…finally living the life, they’ve always wanted to live…the life, they’ve deserved to have! They’re cuddling on this wooden bench…feeling like home in themselves.

Capy, my dear friend, I’m beyond grateful for your understanding of my wish for this mesmerising artwork. You’ve managed to capture the peace and the silence of this scenery so perfectly, that it made me shed countless tears of longing. A longing for this fantasy to become true one day, when I will let go of my existence, eventually. Thank you for your talent, your kindness and your acceptance of my ideas. Feel hugged! 🫂🥹

🖤Severus & Julia🖤

🖤Sevy & Jules🖤