#I’m a strong independent woman who does not need a man

[skinreflectsthesun]

Ugh I have to go get an oil change and I hateeeee doing car things 🙄😐

[ducklingpia]

Alright so can we talk about the Rafayel to Caleb girlie - pipeline because I’m seeing something interesting

I feel like a lot of Rafayel girlies are so into Caleb right now. Like I saw a lot of us posting about Gege and discussing about his storyline more than other girlies does.

What is with us here? 😂

I saw the post talking about Caleb is for the only-child/ or oldest child who grow up ALONE and I was like, hold on a minute. I think I cracked the code

1. We do have a type. A complex, have a tragic back story but also very passionate man. The type to not be very easy to love. But will be the most loyal& devoted to you through thick and thin

2. From howl in howl's moving castle to Prince Zuko to Gojo Satoru to Oikawa to Rafayel to Caleb- something like that

3. Plus if you are an ARMY, who's your bias in BTS and why it is Min Yoongi??

4. You are not scared of a complicated (fictional) man, you’re not scared to put in the effort for them, to understand and get to know who they are (bc maybe nobody has ever put an effort to really understand you before)

5. And you’re the type to not scared of their ‘flaws’ or ‘imperfections’ (bc you also have some parts of you that is not perfect and you know they would accept them as what it is)

6. you're attracted to someone who doesn’t care if you make mistakes or not be a perfect human being all the time (because you have to be like that all your life)

7. We need a man who is a little bit intense. For some people they’re too overbearing, but for you it's just right. Someone who’s not scared to be ‘too much’ for you in terms of expressing their love (bc that’s what you fear you are so you learn to keep most of your emotions to yourself- leaning more on avoidant side)

8. The kinda guy who would hide their emotional side behind those playful gazes (bc sometimes you did that too)

9. THE BANTER, they have to be a bit of playfulness from them and be able to joke about serious stuffs with you

10. You need someone to heal your inner child. A part from you that never got taken care of

Now with the only child who grew up ALONE topic

As an only child, I grow up in a household where every woman in my life are living the life of “Strong, independent, girlboss” woman to the point of burning themselves on the ground. I see the cycle repeating for several generations until my own.

I grow up mostly alone, having to take care of myself in every aspects. And I mostly did it well.

But In reality, I just can’t effort to be reckless. Because if I don’t take care of myself and keep myself in check, nobody else will.

(Nobody will save me but me)

For some people the “Yandere” side of Caleb are a red-flag but for me?

to have a man care about you and taking care of you all the time? Notices about every details in your life and makes sure you never have to lift a finger? the man who's so down bad and would burn the world down for just you alone?

That’s my wet dream, A fantasy.

unlike MC, maybe because I have to live as an independent woman my whole life. I have nothing to proved.

I just want to be loved.

I just want to be a woman

I just want to just 'be'

His doting & overprotective personality healed the little girl inside me.

Same with Rafayel, being with him always heals my inner child that I never fully experience as a kid.

Both of them are so 🥺🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻

[haoboutyou]

strong and independent (?!) | choi seungcheol

fluff, established r/s | 821 words | like one swear word

an: i fell sick again :/

divider credit

 “–and then he freaked out! It wasn’t even that bad!”

You giggle, the live feed of your best friend frantically waving her arms around as she dramatically retells a story enlarged on your laptop screen. The dying afternoon sun peeks from above your screen, golden hour flooding your apartment. You and Yerim have been on call for the majority of the afternoon, your sweet best friend’s voice accompanying you as you sit on the floor, trying to assemble a new Ikea dresser. The parts are scattered methodically as you slowly work your way through each drawer, Yerim’s voice spilling into your living room like a juicy podcast.

“Yeah? Then what did you do next?”

“Why do you always assume I did something?”

You send her a Look, one that tells her that you know her well enough to know she definitely did something. The camera does a good job of conveying your intentions because she sighs, and you throw your head back in laughter as she reluctantly jumps into an explanation.

“...So obviously, I have to–”

“I’m done!” You yell out, not caring that you’ve interrupted Yerim mid-explanation. She leans closer to the camera for a better look at the product of 3 hours of hard work, her face completely covering your screen. You pick up the laptop, angling it so that she can take a better look at it.

“Woah, Y/nnie! That looks pretty good!” If the camera is facing you again, maybe she can see how your shoulders have risen higher than Mount Everest. “That’s better than anything I’ve ever built.”

You both cringe, remembering the time Yerim tried to fix a new chair. She ended up fixing it upside down (how?!), resorting to calling you at 2am, crying for you to come over and fix it. Safe to say, she’s never touched another assembling project again.

Her lips jut out into a pout towards you when you place your laptop back on the coffee table. “How are so good with tools anyway?”

You just shrug your shoulders. “Maybe I’m just a strong, independent young woman who doesn’t need no man.”

“Yeah right, no man,” Yerim scoffs, making little quotations out of her perfectly manicured fingers. 

You throw her a questioning look as you get to clearing your surroundings while Yerim continues her story. Loose screws here, cardboard boxes strewn there– you’ve certainly created a mess in the living room, sitting right in the eye of the hurricane of it all. 

The front door swings open, signalling Seungcheol’s arrival. Your boyfriend walks in, takeout in hand as he smoothly removes his shoes and coat by the entrance.

“I’m home~”

“In here!” You holler back.

Shuffling towards your voice, he walks into the mess that is currently in your living room. His little figure appears in frame, prompting Yerim to wave at him.

“Hey, Seungcheol!”

“Yeri! Long time no see!” He places his stuff on the table and stoops to kiss the top of your head. “Hi, baby! Whatchu up to?”

“Cheollie~” You melt into his touch, leaning back against his legs. Your head tilts up as you bat your pretty lashes at him, arms spread out to highlight the new dresser. “Look what I did today!”

“You fixed it yourself?” You nod. He eyes the dresser, hand on his chin as he seemingly inspects it from all angles before giving a nod of approval. “Couldn’t have done it better myself!”

You grin at his compliment. Just as quickly, though, your lips curve into a frown.

“It’s a little too heavy though; I can’t carry it into the bedroom.”

“I can do that, baby. You’ve already done all the hard parts.” He pushes his t-shirt sleeves up, patting his arm as he flexes the muscles there. “I’ll do all the heavy lifting, okay?”

“Okay!” He makes a show of lifting the dresser, puffing his chest a little and letting his muscles ripple as he settles on a comfortable grip. “Bedroom right?” You hum in confirmation, and then he’s off to transport the piece of furniture to its rightful place.

On-screen, Yerim’s jaw dropped. She had literally just watched you single-handedly manhandle the dresser to its side and back up again, fully completed, mind you, just to place anti-slip stickers on its legs. Too heavy? Too heavy?!

“Don’t need no man, my ass,” she mutters loud enough for you to hear.

Your head whips towards her direction. “What was that?” Ugh, even your voice has turned sickeningly sweet at the sight of your boyfriend.

“Nothing~”

“Baby! Where do you want this?” Seungcheol’s voice rings out from down the hall. Yerim takes it as her cue to end the video call. 

“I’m gonna go now. Brunch on Sunday?”

“Brunch on Sunday,” You affirm. Yerim shoots you a thumbs-up before ending the call without so much as a goodbye. Strong independent young woman who doesn’t need to man, she scoffs. Yeah, right.

[itsnathateasy]

Natt your headcannons are so cute and I desperately need comfort right now🙏 of course you write best with Armin... but can I beg you to write hcs for Erwin and a child/child-figure reader? maybe the rest of the veterans too, I love them so much</3

(although, honestly, Armin is so clearly Erwin's favorite lolol. hed be the kind of dad to very non-subtly talk to Armin about his kid who just so happens to be around the same age like a grandma trying to get her grandkid a partner...)

hi lydia! right into the hormones with this ask! i’m not apologising for wanting an Erwin daddy (for myself tehe😈) (i'm so glad you're enjoying the hcs so far!🫂 thanks for taking the time to read them!)

sorry for taking ages to write this, i've been all over the place lately and these headcanons have been my sole consolation!

warnings: mentions of pregnant reader in the beginning, otherwise mostly fluff! also, this is in a canonverse!

word count: 1,9k

So if you and Erwin had a kid, you’ve literally nothing to worry about. He’s a good daddy (to the both of you😈). He’s the best paternal figure for your kid and an amazing partner.

The moment you told Erwin you’re pregnant, you felt as if your entire world had collapsed. He literally couldn’t have appeared any more disinterested. Sure, he was tired from his mission, but… Didn’t you deserve some attention? All you got was a “That’s amazing sweetheart, I’m so proud of you” and a peck on the temple, before he returned to his newspaper. You were so upset and decided to get some sleep because, if you didn’t, he wouldn’t make it out of the house alive. Truth be told, he was probably trying to conceal his panic. He was going to be a dad!

To your surprise, you woke up to Erwin emptying your laundry room, measuring the walls, windows, door etc. “Just making sure this is a proper room for an infant. Won’t you take a look at those colour and fabric catalogues? I’ve marked a few choices I liked” you couldn’t help but smile to yourself. A man of action, indeed!

The first time Erwin saw your baby he was so conscious with his actions, scared to death that he might hurt them unintentionally. “Just support their head and torso and… You’re doing great!” you said as you fully let go of your baby in his strong arms. “This is so… God, y/n… This is the best day of my entire life!” This was the only time you ever witnessed the commander sobbing.

(This is genderless of course BUT I feel that Erwin would KILL for a son, but then he gets a daughter and goes all “I’ll make you a strong, independent woman”, you feel me? Back to the genderless kid now!)

Erwin is a tough love kind of person. While this still applies to him as a dad, you’ve seen tremendous change in him. He’s so caring and giving to your child, you almost don’t recognise him at first. (Although as the kid grows up, he kinda goes back to being more of a tough love type of guy, but mostly to teach them the value of hard work or something) (the type of dad to teach them a bunch of things, whether the kid likes it or not!)

I mean, if your kid isn’t doing their homework, Erwin will of course try to get to the bottom of things. “Why don’t you want to study today? Is something wrong at school?” but he’s also the dad to “Listen, I can plant the knowledge in your head, but I can’t make it sprout for you. You have to study on your own as well and you need to pay attention to your teachers. I’ll be in the living room if you’ve more questions”.

Erwin is the dad to plan Sundays in nature. Although he adores the sound of you and your kid playing indoors, while he’s reading his paper, he does love to actively spend time with you. He believes every outdoor activity is a great chance to teach you both some new skills, so do expect him to show you (and your toddler) how to chop wood. “Erwin, they’re three years old” “They need to know about these things, y/n. When I was their age, my dad made me carry the logs all the way home too” “You’re not making our three-year old carry logs Erwin” you protested with a slight glare. “I’m not making our three-year old carry logs, sweetheart”, surrendering with a smile.

While Erwin is more of a traditional dad, I don’t think this applies to how he sees you or his participation in housework and childcare. He’s traditional because he wants to teach your kid values and nurture them into a decent human being. That’s why he makes extra sure to help you fold clothes, clear the dining table etc. Especially if your kid is watching you. He’s trying to set the best possible example. If your kid is old enough to participate in chores, Erwin makes sure they do. “Chores are something we share. It’s like when dad’s on a mission with his team. Every team member has an important role to play. Our role inside the house is to make sure that the chores are completed.” It’s a good thing he was so attentive to the kid as he spoke, because you were on the verge of tears. Where did you even get this man?

He’s also traditional in the sense that he wants to be the provider. He’s the man to make a fuss when you say you want to get back to work, but he also respects you enough to recognise that you have to make your own choices on these matters.

Erwin is so big on rules, it’s almost annoying sometimes. “Why are you still in your pyjamas?” (even on a Saturday!) type of rules. Also, “There’s no dessert, if you don’t finish your lunch. Do you think your mother is obligated to cook for you? We should support mum, show her we’re grateful for all she does for us, not make her life miserable. Eat your peas, then we can all enjoy some pudding”.

“Same goes for mum. Mum has to finish her plate AND her pudding, so she can get some rest.” He gave you a playful smirk, knowing how you were desperate for a nap after your long day.

I KNOW IT IN MY BONES that Erwin is a sucker for activities he considers “smart”. Playing chess, reading books, solving puzzles and crosswords, that kind of games. He also tries to make up his own mind games. He thinks this is the best way to keep your kid’s mind as sharp as possible.

(He also makes them ACTUALLY strategise with him smh… He says that “a fresh, unbiased mind can share a fresh, unbiased perspective”. He’s always super impressed by the comments your child shares with him and how complex those comments become as they mature).

“Dad, how did you and mum meet?” You and Erwin exchange a look at the unexpected question. “Let me demonstrate...” he walked closer to you and held your hand in his. “Erwin we can’t really… Demonstrate this...” You admitted shyly, cheeks blushing, recalling one of your very first dates. “We’ll only demonstrate the suitable for work details, such as...” you inhaled sharply as he slammed you on his torso “How I asked you to dance with me and you didn’t know how to, so you kept stepping on my toes” “It’s not true Erwin! Don’t perpetuate the lie!” You couldn’t hold back your laughter at the sweet memory. “Dad, dad! Did mum go like this on your toes?” then proceeded to give him the worst toe-stepping experience of his life, as they stepped down on him with all of their force.

“The little devil almost threw my nails out! Can you believe how strong they are already?” He said rubbing his sore toes. “That was karma, Erwin, delivered to you in the best way possible!”

“When can I go out on my own dad?” “When you’re tall enough to reach things from the top shelf for your mother. Now go back to your studying.”

When your kid is sick, Erwin kinda loses it. Not in a hectic or panicky way. Mostly, he doesn’t know how to care for a sick person. He’s used to taking the sick or injured people to the infirmary, but how do care for a tiny person?

“Calm down, Erwin! It’s just a cold! Think of yourself. What do YOU do when you’re sick?” “I- Uhm...” He considered this for a while, deep in thought, his fist supporting his chin. “I don’t do anything, y/n. I’ve only ever been to the infirmary due to injuries” “You’re insufferable Erwin” you giggled as you showed him to your medicine cabinet. “They still weigh around sixty pounds. You pop one of these bad boys” you pointed to the painkillers, making the pills jiggle inside their paper box as you continued, “and you have to make sure they’ve eaten beforehand. It helps to drink some water as they swallow the pill. Take their temperature every few hours, make them drink some water, and that’s it!” All this time, his eyes were glued on yours, taking in every single thing you said. “Am I a bad father for not having attending to my sick kid before?” he questioned, eyes still deep in thought, obviously upset by his absence from your kid’s life. “You provide for us. And you risk your life for our entire community, every single day you’re not with us.” You said and touched your arm to his shoulder. “It’s no easy task. Besides, you’re here now and you’re here as often as you’re able too. You’re here for what’s important, trust me.” You explained earnestly. “You still do most of the work though, y/n. It’s not fair. You shouldn’t be doing this on your own.” “I’m not on my own now, am I?”

He really questions himself when it comes to finding a balance between work and family. I know it in my heart that he's doing his best for his precious family!

Erwin intervenes. A whole lot. “What is this book you’re reading?” “Do you have your eyes on any special lady/gentleman?” “Why didn’t you get the highest score in your class?”. Sometimes, he really puts too much pressure on your child. You have to pull him aside and explain that “You can’t control what another person does. Let them be themselves. They’re doing so well already, they’re just… Not as obsessed with succeeding in everything as you” you said and smirked at him. “I’m not obsessed, I’m just the best, y/n! Did you think I became the commander on accident?” He protested, in an almost defensive way, his hand on his chest. “I’m only saying, they don’t have to be as successful as you. They’re good enough and they’re doing their own thing. Let them be and don’t project on them.” He gave you a look as if he saw you for the first time. “Do you think I’m acting like my father, y/n?” (THE PANIC IN HIS VOICE!!)

When your kid receives a medal or does well in whatever they’re interested in, Erwin is the most proud dad to ever exist on the planet. His face is actually glowing and he’s boasting way more than the kid themselves. “I think they took after my sense of discipline. Look how far they’ve come y/n!” “Of course they take after you, Erwin! You’ve taught them so much!” “They wouldn’t be who they are without you, sweetheart.”

BONUS (when the child is 16+)

I do agree that Erwin is the type of person to try and introduce his kid to his favourite scouts. It’s also no secret that Erwin has a liking to Armin. A first, he’s not so sure that Armin is a good candidate for his offspring, as he used to be this timid, small boy. But as time passes, Erwin sees the brilliant mind and strategist that is Armin, he’s got to secure him, you know??

He’d make sure the offspring attends any formal ceremonies as an attempt to get these two to interact. Once he’s finally introduced them to one another, he tries so desperately to put in a good word here and there. It’s funny, because neither Armin or your kid has realised Erwin is doing this on purpose. “Can you not play match maker Erwin? Aren’t you a bit old for this?” “You don’t understand sweetheart. Armin’s a real catch! He’s going to be a commander after I retire, I’m sure! We just need to keep a close eye on him!”

[holylulusworld]

Big girls don't cry (1)

Summary: You are no stranger to heartbreak.

Pairing: CEO!Steve Rogers x Plussized!Reader

Warnings: heavy angst, strong reader, mentions of former heartbreak, fluff, arguments, Steve being an idiot, heartbreak, implied smut  

Big girls don’t cry masterlist

Prologue

You were giddy for Steve’s arrival. He was away for yet another business trip for over two weeks and you missed him dearly.

Even if the little overprotective voice in the back of your head repeatedly told you to not get in too deep with Steve, you were already in love.

He’s the kind of man who makes it easy to fall for him. Steve is sweet, smart, funny, caring, loving and it doesn’t hurt that he looks like he stepped right out of a fashion magazine.

That’s the reason you were all dolled up and carried a basket with his favorite food and a bottle of wine toward his penthouse.

You took a deep breath to calm your nerves. When you are in love, you are always scared that the dream abruptly ends. Like so many times before…

Men love to spend time with you and to fuck you into the mattress. But most of the time, they seem to be ashamed to be seen with you. The chubby girl.

Size shouldn’t matter. You know that. But it still does. Especially to men.

“He loves you. You love him. Steve is a good man,” you recited your mantra to not spiral into distrusting the man you love again. One too many times you ruined a blooming relationship because of bad experiences with men in the past. “Steve will be happy seeing you.”

After calming your nerves, you pushed the key Steve gave you into the lock, and put a big smile on your face. It wasn’t too hard to look happy. Because, right at that moment, you were happy.

“Steve?” You called for your boyfriend while walking into his home. “Baby, are you already home? Babe?”

“Right here, doll.” He poked his head out of the bedroom. His hair was still damp from the shower he just had and he grinned. “Damn, I wanted to surprise you, Y/N.”

“I thought it was my turn to surprise you,” you flashed him a smile. “Take your time, I’ll prepare dinner for us. I got everything we will need.”

“I wanted to eat something sweeter,” Steve teased, eyes dropping to your crotch. “Maybe after dinner, I’ll get a nice dessert.”

“If you are a good boy,” you cooed and winked at him. “Now, get ready and I’ll take care of the food.”

Steve was all over you after dinner. You barely had the time to carry the dishes into the kitchen before he had you on the kitchen counter, legs wrapped around his body, and his cock buried to the hilt.

You made the sweetest noises only for him, holding tight onto his body as he took you apart. Piece by piece he broke your body. Just like he broke all the walls you built around your heart.

Later you lay next to him, wide awake as you couldn’t fathom that this wonderful man is in love with you.

On the outside, you are a strong woman. Independent and downright cocky. But on the inside, you are still the vulnerable girl who got her heart broken one too many times.

“You should get some sleep too,” Steve mumbled. He nuzzled his head in your chest, groaning as he nipped at your plush flesh. “Damn, you feel so good every time.”

“Sir, you wore me out,” you laughed when he lifted his head to look at you with glassy eyes.

“I love you,” he suddenly said, making your heart flutter. You wanted to say something and return the sweet words, but the doorbell broke the spell. “Fuck, who’s on my door at that time of the day?”

“It’s barely eleven pm, baby.” You rolled to your side to watch Steve get out of bed. He was still stark naked, and you bit your lip while admiring his naked backside. “I like the view, Sir.”

“I know you do, dirty girl,” he looked over his shoulder, flashing you a smile. “Give me a minute.” Steve cussed when the doorbell rang again. “Yeah, I’m coming. Just give me a moment here!”

He grabbed his pants and stumbled out of the room to open the door and yell at whoever ruined his night.

While Steve answered the door, you slipped out of bed and grabbed his dress shirt. You wanted to know who dared to come to his apartment at that time of the day.

Slipping out of the bedroom, you smirked as you recognized Sam and Bucky’s voice. They seemed to argue about a club and some girls. Steve grunted and told them that you came to his penthouse to spend the night with him.

“I’m telling you, you’re whipped, Stevie,” Bucky argued loudly. You rolled your eyes because men always tell their friends in a relationship they are whipped. “You shouldn’t settle down. Let’s have some more fun. We met those cute girls.”

“Buck, it’s late and I just got back from my business trip. I don’t want to discuss this right now. I got a new deal ahead and a lot of stuff going on. I got no time to go to a club.”

You smiled at that. Steve rather spend time with you than go to a club. “You are so whipped,” Sam huffed. “Can you not leave your lady alone for one night?”

“Guys…just drop it,” you frowned when Steve’s voice got angrier. “I need to go back.”

“Why are you all over that woman? You barely know her. All the other girls were just fun to you!” Bucky didn’t give up.

Steve had enough. He didn’t want to argue about your relationship and explain his feelings to his friend. So, he made the stupidest mistake of his life.

“All the other girls don’t have a grandmother who knows Harlan Thrombey. You know that my company has wanted to buy Blood like wine for a while. Now I got the chance because granny will gladly offer her help to save her friend's company.”

“Wait. You’re dating the girl to get close to her granny?” Sam wrinkled his nose. “That’s not cool man. You can’t just—fuck…”

“Fuck?” Steve cocked his head. “I…we are…” He turned around like in slow motion to meet your angry eyes. You looked crestfallen, but at the same time, like an angry Valkyrie, ready to attack. “Baby…doll…it’s not like that. I…”

“You,” you jerked your head toward Sam and Bucky, “fuck off. I got something important to discuss with your friend.” You stalked toward his friends to shove them out of the apartment, slamming the door in their faces.

It took you a moment to remind yourself that you are not broken. No. You won’t ever allow a man to break you.

Steve gulped hard when you finally turned around to face him. “Baby, I can explain.”

You pushed him against the wall opposite the door and sneered. Steve was too shocked at the events and your strength to even fight you.

“You’re so strong,” he babbled, unsure how to explain that he didn’t mean the things he said. He was annoyed by his friends and the pressure his bosses put on him. “Doll…”

“Do you want to know why I got strong?” You huffed as yet another man only used you. “Because of men like you. You know the kind of guy only being with you to take advantage of you.”

“I didn’t…I wouldn’t…” Steve stammered. “Please, let me explain.”

You only frowned at his pitiful try to explain his behavior. “My heart is a fortress.” You leaned closer to look Steve straight in the eyes. “Don’t believe for one moment I opened up for you.”

“Baby doll, I love you. Please let me…please.” Steve watched you push off him, and step away. Moments ago, you two were a happy couple, and now your relationship was in shambles.

“It was fun while it lasted.” You shrugged. “We had fun. Now the fun is over. Let’s not cry over spilled milk.”

Steve could only watch you walk back toward the bedroom to grab your clothes and leave his life. He felt his heart beat out of his chest as you hurriedly threw your clothes on.

“Doll…please…”

You walked past him, not sparing him a glance. He simply wasn’t worth your attention any longer. Another heartbreaker, nothing else.

He called your name, hoping to stop you from leaving.

“Oh. And Steve.” You looked over your shoulder.

“Yeah?” He hopefully asked.

“Stay the fuck away from my grandmother and our business or I’ll make sure you regret your mother ever pressed you out of her vagina. I will make your life a living hell. And just you know, first thing in the morning I’ll call Uncle Harlan to tell him about your plans…”

You didn’t cry on your way out of the building, or on the taxi ride back home.

You didn’t cry when you called your grandmother to tell her about Steve’s plans and asked her to warn Harlan.

You only allowed yourself to break down and cry after you made sure Steve Rogers couldn’t cause damage to Harlan’s business.

If only you listened to the tiny voice in your head.

Well, next time you’ll be smarter.

Next time you won’t let anyone in.

>> Part 2

[pagannatural]

2.17 Heart

- this episode can’t really be called underrated but it makes me insane in a special and specific way that needs airing

-Dean is cleaning their guns and geeking out about how cool werewolves are, how they haven’t seen one since they were kids, and how good it is to know how to handle the situation, and Sam is teasing him. This callback to their shared childhood is important.

-Dean asks Sam their next step the way a teacher asks their student because Sam is still learning hunting from Dean. Sam answers correctly, looking like he’s trying not to smile and looks down and then up at Dean. He looks like he’s flirting. He loves seeing Dean happy.

- Madison tells the brothers that the victim was the kind of guy to hit on everyone in a five mile radius after a few scotches, you know the type, and Sam at first smiles knowingly. But then he looks over at Dean, who’s smiling his fuck-me smile at Madison, and his face falls. “Yeah, I do, actually,” he says.

Dean’s interest in Madison (and other women in general) really bothers him in this moment.

- Dean tells Madison someone needs to stay with her in case the werewolf shows up. The moment she leaves the room Sam tells Dean “you go, I’ll stay” with this expression that seems very serious, not like he’s just wanting to be the one who spends time with the pretty woman.

They decide to settle this the old fashioned way which is rock-paper-scissors (ro-sham-bo). Another callback to their childhood. Sam wins because Dean always chooses scissors which is honestly fascinating to me— I would have guessed Dean would pick rock because it’s the solid strong masculine option and because Sam would choose paper, but of course Dean chooses the tool, the blades. Sam grasps Dean’s arm after and his hand lingers. Again, he does not seem to have done this out of any interest in Madison, it seems like he just doesn’t want to witness Dean with her.

-This is not the face of a man who likes this woman

It reminds me of how he acted around Sarah In Provenance. He has to perform liking her for Dean, but he never shows any signs of genuine interest. Madison even dumps a basket of delicates onto the table in front of him to fold and he scrunches up his face and moves to the couch.

- Sam observes that Madison is smart and independent and asks her why she was with a stalker, and she answers that it’s not like he introduced himself like Hi I’m possessive and controlling and I like to punch people. She also says he’s wanted by the police, and that she was too insecure to leave until she realized she could take control of her life.

Madison and Sam are set up as direct parallels. She ends up being a monster without even knowing and without intending any harm, which is what Sam fears. Also, the way she’s describing her ex-boyfriend sounds a lot like Dean: possessive, controlling, likes punching people, wanted by the police. I think Dean has a lot of very redeemable qualities and for the most part he treats Sam very kindly, but he is all those things. It’s also how Sam would describe John, who he got away from by taking control of his life. The difference is that Sam actually wants to be with Dean.

- Dean kills the first werewolf in this episode. The werewolf is dying in the street and Dean stands over him and watches him turn back into a scared and confused man right before he dies. Dean obviously doesn’t enjoy seeing a man lose his life, and it complicates his earlier excitement over hunting a werewolf. The grown-up version of this hunt isn’t fun any more.

- Dean can see how Sam cares about Madison because he relates to her, and the way he watches Sam is so tender and protective. When Madison hugs Sam, Dean watches them with such bittersweet understanding

and then excuses himself very obviously so that Sam and Madison can fuck. Which they do. Which is just wild.

Because Sam decides to have sex with the first woman since Jessica because 1) Dean tells him to and 2) he sees this woman as the version of himself that gets to live without becoming a monster

- when Sam knocks frantically on his door, Dean opens up, knowing right away something is wrong and reassuring Sam that they’ll find her. The way that Sam runs straight to Dean’s door when he’s scared and needs help and Dean is right there without another thought is very romantic tropey.

-Sam yells at Dean because Dean’s willing to kill Madison without question but unwilling to kill Sam no matter what he does including murder. Dean looks a little jostled to be confronted by this, but I think to him it’s just so clear that Sam is a special and specific category from the rest of humanity and creation that he doesn’t see or doesn’t care about the hypocrisy. Sam is the center of his universe and his entire system of values. Everyone on earth or in hell is either Sam or Not Sam. It’s funny because Sam is like this about Dean too, but he just accepts it.

-Dean explains the situation to Madison calmly and honestly. It’s the decent thing to do, and also the difficult thing. He’s not cold or numb to the work, but he is able to handle it and keep his head as long as it’s not about Sam.

-Madison asks Sam to be the one to kill her and Dean watches Sam struggle. He’s been watching Sam carefully and protectively this entire episode.

-She uses language so similar to the language Sam uses to beg Dean to kill him—asking for help, saying she wants it to be him who does it, “I’m asking you to save me.” She tries to hand Sam the gun.

Dean gets up at this point and stands behind Madison, his eyes on Sam as he moves, and slowly takes the gun out of her hands. This shifts the focus off Madison and solely onto the brothers for the remainder of the episode.

His eyes stay on Sam’s as he does this, and Sam is somehow looking up at Dean pleadingly. His romantic interest is begging him for help with tears in her eyes in what will be the last moments of her life and Sam is staring at Dean behind her.

The sexual relationship between Sam and Madison is explicitly compared to Dean and Sam’s relationship. It wasn’t necessary for the werewolf character to be a woman who Sam sleeps with—the very first woman that he is with since Jessica. She’s the stand-in for Sam in this case, and Sam is put in Dean’s shoes.

The brothers go into the other room and Dean assures Sam he doesn’t have to do this, that he’ll handle it. He wants to take care of Sam and spare him this, just like he has since they were children, but he can’t this time. Sam feels he has to because she asked him, and asks Dean for the gun.

It’s a very intentional choice that Sam won’t do this for Madison until he has to ask Dean, and that in the end it’s a conversation between the brothers that forms the emotional tension and climax of the episode. Dean did what Sam needed him to do by being the one to give him the choice: let me protect you from this or do it yourself. Before, the choice was more about Madison. Now it’s about Sam and Dean’s relationship.

- Sam looks back at Dean before he walks away, like a frightened child who needs help because he really doesn’t want to do this, but he knows it’s the right thing to do as a hunter. In doing this, Sam has played out the two things from Madison that he wants from Dean, that Dean can never give him— Dean will never let their relationship become physical, and he will never kill Sam.

The camera stays on Dean’s face as the gun goes off and the episode ends. Dean can’t save Sam from this, he can’t protect him from one of the responsibilities that comes with their lives as hunters. He’s terrified that he won’t be able to save Sam at all. The days when he could take care of Sam and shield him are over, and they both have to leave that part of their childhood behind. It’s not that Dean can’t save Sam in the end, because at the end of all of this their love for each other is what saves the world. It’s that their innocence can’t survive what’s coming. They have to grow up and face the realities of their lives. Their incestuous love for each other is one of those realities, but they aren’t there yet.

[cantorpike]

Dear Friend,

When I was a teenager, I told my dad I wanted to be an actor. In response, he gave me the only piece of advice he ever offered me—“Learn to play the accordion.” And he was serious. He said, “You can always make a living with an accordion.”

Because I ignored his advice, I never found out if he was right. Instead, I’ve lived 80 creative years pursuing acting and photography, and working as a director and poet.

If I had listened to my father, and hadn’t done any of those things, chances are you wouldn’t have recognized my name and you wouldn’t be reading this. Now that you are, I’d like to ask you to consider what I have to say. I reach out to you as someone who is troubled to see the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians continue apparently without an end in sight.

In fact, there is an end in sight. It’s known as the two-state solution—a secure, democratic Israel as the Jewish State alongside an independent Palestinian state. Even Israel’s nationalist Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, has come to see this as the shape of the future. The problem is how to reach that end point. It’s something we should be concerned about—not only as world citizens, but as Americans.

You might recall the episode in the original Star Trek series called, “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield.” Two men, half black, half white, are the last survivors of their peoples who have been at war with each other for thousands of years, yet the Enterprise crew could find no differences separating these two raging men.

But the antagonists were keenly aware of their differences—one man was white on the right side, the other was black on the right side. And they were prepared to battle to the death to defend the memory of their people who died from the atrocities committed by the other.

The story was a myth, of course, and by invoking it I don’t mean to belittle the very real issues that divide Israelis and Palestinians. What I do mean to suggest is that the time for recriminations is over. Assigning blame over all other priorities is self-defeating. Myth can be a snare. The two sides need our help to evade the snare and search for a way to compromise.

This is the message that Americans for Peace Now seeks to spread. I’m a strong supporter of APN and the work it does. It is a leading voice for Americans who support Israel and know that a negotiated peace will ensure Israel’s security, prosperity, and continued viability as a Jewish and democratic state.

The Middle East is only getting more tumultuous. The upheavals throughout the region show that what happens in the Middle East can’t help but affect us in the United States. This year, we’ve seen oil prices rise sharply and America become involved militarily in Libya. The cost to American lives and our economy continues to rise at a time when unemployment and deficits are sapping our country’s strength.

“If we can solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, then that will make it easier for Arab states and the Gulf states to support us when it comes to issues like Iraq and Afghanistan. It will also weaken Iran, which has been using Hamas and Hezbollah as a way to stir up mischief in the region.”

Those are the words of candidate Barack Obama in 2008. And although they’re just as accurate today, time has not stood still.

We’ve also seen a marked increase in violence: a Jewish family was murdered in the West Bank and a woman was killed in a bus bombing in Jerusalem. A rocket attack on southern Israel from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip resulted in a school bus being hit and a teen died of his wounds. Israel, in turn, has retaliated. We need strong American leadership now to pivot from the zero-sum mentality of violence to an attitude that focuses on the parties shared interests: security and prosperity.

If you’ve learned something from this letter, I’ve succeeded in my preliminary task. Now I ask for your support to continue APN’s educational efforts in this country—to spread the message that there is a peace solution, and to let Congress and the White House know it’s preferable for America to be part of the solution than to be drawn into another conflict.

There is a sizable number of influential voices in Israel saying the same thing. In April, a group of 50 prominent Israelis, including the former heads of the Mossad (Israel’s CIA), the Shin Bet (its FBI), and the military, issued a call for two states for two nations. Their plan includes a Palestinian state alongside Israel with agreed-upon land swaps. The Palestinian-populated areas of Jerusalem would become the capital of Palestine; the Jewish-populated areas the capital of Israel.

These experts are not naïve. They know that even if the Palestinian pragmatists of Fatah reconcile with Hamas, there will be extremists who will try to sabotage any future peace deal. They know how to deal with violent extremists. These people were entrusted with Israel’s security and are saying that the work they did alone isn’t enough to bring Israel security. We cannot know yet what this unification of Hamas with Fatah means and we have to wait and see what emerges. Regardless, the principle of establishing two independent states, one Jewish and the other Palestinian, is still critical in this region for both Israel and the Palestinian people. That is the goal, to support the rational and moderate course.

Their action plan echoes the 348 senior Israeli reserve army officers and combat soldiers who came together in 1978 to urge their government to sign a peace treaty with Egypt. They formed Shalom Achshav, Israel’s Peace Now movement which APN provides nearly 50 percent of their funding.

Peace Now’s activities and programs—such as Settlement Watch, the ongoing monitoring of settlement construction on the West Bank—keeps peace on the world’s agenda. Peace Now gathers and publishes detailed information on settlements and is widely cited in Israeli and international media as the foremost authority on settlements. Peace Now is likewise well known for mobilizing demonstrations and organizing grassroots pro-peace activities. Innovations include an interactive online map of the settlements, “Facts on the Ground,” also available as an app for iPhone and iPad developed by APN applying Peace Now’s courageous work.

Like those Israelis who issued the peace plan, the members of Peace Now have their boots on the ground. They serve in Israel’s military reserves and see every day what life is like without a negotiated peace with the Palestinians.

That’s why I’m a supporter of APN and Peace Now.

I hope you’ll join me, and lend your voice to the influential and credible peace lobby that exists here as well as in Israel. Please give the tax-deductible contribution you can afford.

Dare I say it? It’s the logical thing to do.

Leonard Nimoy

5/11/2011

[shrinkthisviolet]

8, 9, 10 for the Choose Violence ask game?👀

8: common fandom opinion that everyone is wrong about

Caitlin did not “kiss back” in 1x19 due to romantic feelings, she was being assaulted and was forced into both kisses. Using it as shipping fuel is disgusting—you can make ship content without it, I promise. Plenty of fanon ships manage just fine

Same for the KF/Barry kiss. Killer Frost was literally trying to kill Barry! She uses this same trick to kill a guy in s2—it’s literally her MO as a character (even as far back as the comics, which is literally where she comes from)! I don’t see that used as often for shipping fuel, but I still see it enough to be annoyed by it

9: worst part of canon

…you know, between the Forces arc, the Godspeed arc, the Cobalt Blue arc, the Negative arc in s8, and the whole plotline with Khione and Chillame (also Frost/Blaine in general tbh), it’s hard to choose. I think the Forces arc takes the cake, but man, there’s so much about s7-s9 to hate

(honorable mention goes to the Mirrorverse arc for having Barry be canonically raped, as confirmed by Mirror Iris’s gloating (“sharing your bed”), and then 5 minutes later having Barry cradle his rapist in his arms and sympathize with her. While also encouraging us to sympathize with her. And then never mentioning the rape again)

10: worst part of fanon

The fact that hating on Iris and wishing death on her, in tandem with shipping Barry with a white woman (no seriously, the Iris hate always goes in tandem with “it should’ve been Caitlin/Kara/Patty” + “Savitar should’ve finished the job*”) is such a common fandom opinion that you are incredibly likely to find it outside of Tumblr even in a video that doesn’t even have Iris in it…so frustrating. You have to look to find Westallen shippers and carve out a niche…and you have to weigh “can I trust this Flash clip to have normal comments?” (The answer is usually no). It seriously pisses me off (I've found one channel that reliably does not have Iris hate in their comments, but...*sigh* those comments have their own problems)

Also, even some SB shippers who don't outright hate Iris still have such a microaggressive way of talking about her. Calling Iris “annoying” while saying Caitlin is perfect, criticizing Iris and then laughing it off as a joke, saying she’s a “strong independent woman who doesn't need a man”...ugh. Saying that about a WOC is not as progressive as y’all seem to think (it plays into the Strong Black Woman trope, actually)! Say it about Caitlin more—girl kept getting trapped in mediocre (post-Ronnie) love stories until Danielle Panabaker had to put her foot down in s5 and say no. Oh, but y’all don’t wanna say “she doesn't need a man” about her? Interesting...

Also, on that note, I guarantee that if Caitlin had been the one to say “you are not the Flash, Barry. We are”, it would be incredibly beloved as a line. Even in canon with them not being an actual couple, I’m sure that line still would’ve been used as “proof” for the ship (and if Caitlin were in Iris’s place, married to Barry? No one would’ve dared question her right to say that, even the people who wrongly mock Iris for it!)

*usually if I deign to respond to comments like those, I like to remind them that Iris shot Savitar with a normal gun, and that killed him. He got erased after being shot by a normal gun. And that's after he literally melted at Iris’s touch! He wasn't gonna kill her after that 😂

choose violence ask game!

[ficnation]

Chapter 2: The Guilt She Bears

Series: “She” Word count: 2,5k+ Pairing: Angel Reyes x Female! Reader; Past! Angel Reyes x Luisa Espina Warnings: SPOILERS for Mayans MC season 5 episode 7, mayans mc typical warnings A/n: I’m starting to enjoy all of this angst muahaha

Main Masterlist

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A few days have passed since Luisa’s death. Angel tries to return to the life he once knew, but it isn’t easy. He tries not to think about Luisa, but the apartment they once shared reminds him of her every second of the day. Every moment he spends there makes it harder not to reach for a bottle of cheap whiskey and the company of another woman.

One day he shows up at your doors, hastily packed bags in his hands as he supports Maverick’s bottom with one muscular arm. Angel’s fist shakes as he raises it to knock on your door. The sound echoes in his ears. He wonders if you’re even home, he forgot to text you before getting in the car, but something in his heart tells him you will be there. You’re always close when he needs you.

As Angel waits, staring intently at the door, each minute feels like an hour. The weight of worry and anticipation seems to become physically tangible. Finally, his impatience wins, and the man reaches for the doorknob, but the door is slowly pushed open from inside before he can make contact.

The door opens just an inch so you can peer out at the intruder with a grimace. You look exhausted, your hair is all over the place, and your eyes tell him you haven’t slept in a while. You give the impression of someone who has been through hell and is struggling to survive. On top of all that, you seem stressed and worn out, ready to give in at any moment. Angel knows he doesn’t look much better, but seeing you like that still worries him.

The grimace falls from your face when you recognize him, and you open the door wider. You see the bags he’s holding in his hands as he stands before you, your expression turning into one of pure confusion.

“Angel? What are you doing here?” you ask him with a raspy voice. You notice Maverick in his other arm. The baby looks just as tired as his father, his big brown eyes drooping sleepily.

“Please, can I come in?” His voice is pleading even though he knows you’d never refuse him that.

You nod, stepping back out of the way to let him in. He can feel your eyes studying him intently as he walks inside. You watch his every move, every breath, and every blink.

“What’s going on?” You grab Maverick from his arms, holding him against your chest as you kiss the crown of his head softly.

Angel heads over to the couch and sets his bags next to it, letting himself fall onto the furniture heavily. He ignores your question for now, and you refrain from asking again, focusing instead on the child in your hold.

“Is he okay? Does he feel better?” you question, observing the little boy. He’s so quiet and tired. You wonder if he can’t sleep without his mommy, if he can sense her absence in his life.

“He’s okay. Just doesn’t sleep well lately,” your friend explains with a deep sigh.

“Oh… poor baby,” you say to Maverick, caressing his soft hair. The child presses his face into the crook of your neck, grabbing your shirt in his tiny fists. You turn your gaze back toward Angel. “What’s in all those bags?”

He doesn’t respond to that question, instead cutting right to the point. “I can’t be there anymore. Everything reminds me of her,” the man confesses, his eyes pleading.

You pause, trying to understand what he’s asking. “You want to... live here?” you finally say, your expression conveying your confusion. It’s not something you had anticipated. It hasn’t even crossed your mind.

Angel nods, shamefully hanging his head. “Please, it’s either you or my dad.”

You bite your bottom lip, noticing how abashed he is to ask you this. Angel has always been so strong and independent that you never expected him to need you this much. Even when he was at his worst, drinking himself into oblivion, he has never turned up to your door asking for a place to stay. Not even once. He was always the one making sure you were alright. But you know the circumstances are different this time.

“Angel,” you begin, and the man sitting on your couch prepares for you to say no. “You know that you’re always welcome here.”

He sighs in relief, some of the tension disappearing from his muscles as he slumps down against the couch. He thanks you wordlessly with an appreciative nod of his head.

“What about your dad?” you inquire, meeting his tired brown eyes.

“It’s not that I don’t want to live with him, but he’s old, you know. He needs his sleep and I don’t wanna be a burden,” your friend explains. “Not that I’m not gonna be a burden to you but—”

You cut him off before he can doubt himself even more and try to explain something that doesn’t need to be explained. “No, no, Angel, you’re not a burden. Trust me,” you reassure him, “you and Maverick are more than welcome here.”

You know their company might help you too. You have been lonely lately more than ever. The nights seemed too long and restless as you kept overthinking every little thing—the guilt swallowing your whole being, drowning you in its darkness. You kept thinking day and night—what could you’ve done to save Luisa, what could you’ve done to take her place and die that night instead of her.

“I’m not sure where I’ll be in a few months. My lease is almost up. But for right now, and as long as you need it to be, my home is your home.” You look down at Maverick, who’s fallen asleep in your arms, the corner of your lips arching as you kiss his head softly.

A faint smile crosses Angel’s face as he watches the two of you together. It’s painful to know his mommy will never hold him like that again—will never kiss him like that again, but he cherishes the fact that at least you’re there for him and his son. You bring them the comfort—the love they need so desperately right now.

“I have a spare room.” Your voice breaks through Angel’s thoughts. His eyes follow you as you step toward the archway and nod your head in the direction of one of the doors across the corridor.

You can feel the nervousness radiating off him when he follows you. He’s uneasy at the prospect of crashing here, at your house. It’s not like he hasn’t been here before—he has—many times, sometimes with Luisa or Maverick and other times by himself, but he’s never spent the night.

“I don’t have a crib, but we can arrange something. Get the one from your house or get a new one,” you offer, opening the wooden door and stepping inside. You make a gesture with your hand to bring Angel’s attention to the room.

He looks around curiously. The room isn’t too fancy, but it’s cozy and bright. There’s a bed, a small dresser, and other minor furniture. The walls are a light blue color, with a few clouds painted onto them to give the feel of a dreamlike peace. You can tell that Angel likes it by the way he takes it all in with sparkling eyes, the corner of his mouth curving up.

“I can bring it. I planned on that,” he admits, scratching the back of his neck, embarrassed. “I knew you wouldn’t have those stuff.” He sets the bags down by the wall, the tips of his fingers trailing over one of the painted-on clouds.

Maverick fusses in his sleep, still cuddled up to your body. You hum softly, caressing his back. “He’s finally getting some good sleep,” you whisper, a smile crossing your face.

“He feels safe with you.”

Angel’s words are simple, but nevertheless, they stir something inside your heart. Something you’ve buried deep within a long time ago.

The two of you remain silent for a few more minutes. You take in the fact that your friend will be living with you, sharing your space—your mornings, evenings, and nights. The thought of it makes you feel peaceful in a way you haven’t felt before.

“We can take out the mattress from the bed frame and place it in the corner of the room,” you propose, making Angel look at you confused. You roll your eyes at him. “So Maverick doesn’t roll off the bed,” you explain further.

“Yeah, that’s smart,” he agrees, nodding his head at your idea. It feels like his mind is somewhere else.

Your eyes soften, and you giggle softly as the realization hits you. Angel’s head is in the clouds, almost literally. “Well, my hands are kinda busy, so you have to figure it out yourself.”

It takes your words a minute to reach the man. He shakes his head and looks at you, confused. You repeat the sentence, and Angel chuckles softly—the tension relieved by a bit of humor. Just like when you first met him, your heart can’t help but soften at the sight of his smile.

“Oh, you’re funny. Just wait until I’m holding Maverick,” he says, moving past you toward the bed.

He kneels down in front of it and tries to lift it up without success. You notice his struggle and almost let out a very unladylike snort, but you catch it at the last second, not wanting to wake the baby in your arms. Angel doesn’t look like he wants to ask you for help—his manly pride is not allowing it in this matter.

Knowing fully well he won’t be able to figure it out on his own—you decide to save him the embarrassment. “It’s attached to the bed frame. You have to reach underneath and pull the elastic loose,” you guide him, amusement in your eyes.

Angel listens to your instructions and reaches under the bed. He feels out the elastic and begins to pull at it. It takes some effort, but he’s successful in freeing the mattress. He straightens up and lifts it off the bed frame, placing it in the corner of the room.

His brown eyes look down at his little son, cuddled up in your arms. “He looks comfy,” he says softly. “He’s still asleep?”

You walk up to the mattress and place Maverick in the middle, the mattress barely dipping beneath his weight. “Sleeps like a rock. Just like his daddy.”

“So small,” Angel whispers quietly, his eyes glued to the boy’s tiny body—to his clenched fists and his small chest, rising with every steady breath, to his round pink cheeks and the little waves of his hair. His little miracle.

You look back at your friend, tears prickling in your eyes. You know you can both see so much of her in Maverick. The resemblance to his mommy was painfully evident. It was hard for both of you to look at his innocent face and be reminded of what you’ve lost.

Angel notices the tears threatening to escape your eyes. He feels responsible, knowing his presence has indirectly brought you to tears. “I’m sorry,” he apologizes in a whisper, his hand reaching out to gently caress your arm.

“No, I’m sorry. I know you’re hurting just as much as I do.” You wipe your tears away with the sleeve of your shirt. You stand straight, stepping out of Angel’s reach and nodding at him in appreciation.

“Do you want to get some rest? You look like hell,” you say, glancing at him.

He still hasn’t taken his kutte off; he looks exhausted and worn down. But he still refuses with a shake of his head. “Nah, I’m good.”

You know it’s a lie, but you don’t push.

“Come on, I will make us some tea.”

You walk into the kitchen, Angel rubbing his temples in an attempt to relieve the headache he caused himself by the lack of sleep and food. You take out two mugs from one of the cupboards above as your friend moves to lean on the counter beside you.

“How are you holding up?” He can easily guess the answer to this question, but he still lets it slip out of his mouth, concern in his voice.

You’ve known Luisa for years; you’ve known her before Angel has even joined her world. The lack of her quiet presence in your life is devastating—sometimes, it just makes you want to blow your brains out. But you know you wouldn’t be able to do that—not when you had people who still loved you and needed you there. And you know Angel is one of them; he cares about you probably more than he cares about himself. The two of you have grown much closer after Luisa’s death. In the span of those few days, you became each other’s lifelines.

“Just getting through, I guess... I miss her a lot.” You let out a deep sigh. “How are you holding up?”

“It’s been hard. Especially—” Angel pauses; he hesitates, unsure if it’s something he should share with anyone. He clears his throat, his voice breaking slightly. “Seeing him… It’s a constant reminder.”

You sense the pain in his words, the struggles he goes through every day. It kills you to hear it. You squeeze his hand in yours for a second, wordlessly showing him your support.

You can tell the conversation took its toll on Angel. He remains nearby, not wanting to leave your side. You fill the kettle and place it on the stove, turning around to lean against the counter next to your friend.

“I miss her,” the man admits; he wraps his tattooed arms around himself. “I still can’t believe she’s gone. I thought I was just dreaming.”

“It’s tough,” you nod in understanding.

“I always knew someday we would have to say goodbye. I always knew that,” Angel continues, his eyes gazing off into the distance. “But I didn’t think it would be so soon.”

He turns his attention to you. You can see that there are so many things he wants to get off his chest, but he doesn’t know where to start. You reach for his hand to hold it in yours, to comfort him. You wish you had the ability to make it all better, but there’s not much you can offer him.

“I’m sorry,” he mumbles out, his voice so shy and quiet you can barely hear him. “I’m sorry that you have to be here for me when I’m like this.”

“I don’t have to do anything, Angel.” You squeeze his hand to make him look you in the eyes. “I want to be there for you.”

You watch as his eyes fill with so much love and gratitude. He looks like he wants to pull you close, hold you in his arms, and cry it all out. But he fights it, trying his best to stay afloat.

“I don’t know what I would do without you.”

“You’d be miserable by yourself. Now, at least you have some company,” you joke, trying to change the topic. It was starting to be too much; you could feel the darkness of guilt crawling up the walls of your brain. You couldn’t save her. You did nothing to save her.

[nerdygaymormon]

Favorite LGBTQ movie and TV quotes

“Um, I do drink red wine, but I also drink white wine. And I’ve been known to sample the occasional rosé. And a couple summers back, I tried a Merlot that used to be a Chardonnay, which got a bit complicated… I like the wine and not the label. Does that make sense?”

— David Rose, Schitt’s Creek, Season 1, Episode 10

“That felt so good to say. I feel like I just solved an escape room I’ve been trapped in my entire life.”

— Fabiola Torres, Never Have I Ever, Season 1, Episode 5

“Look, I’ll be hurt either way. Isn’t it better to be who I am?”

— Eric Effiong, Sex Education, Season 1, Episode 7

“Everybody’s story is different. There’s your version, and my version, and everything in between. But the one thing that all of those stories have in common is that moment right before you say those words when your heart is racing, and you don’t know what’s coming next. That moment’s really terrifying. And then once you say those words, you can’t unsay them. A chapter has ended, and a new one’s begun, and you have to be ready for that.”

— John, Happiest Season

“The good thing about being different is that no one expects you to be like them”

— Ellie Chu, The Half Of It

"When I'm with Brittany, I finally understand what people are talking about when they talk about love. I've tried so hard to push this feeling away, and keep it locked inside, but every day just feels like a war. I walk around so mad at the world, but I'm really just fighting with myself. I don't want to fight anymore. I'm just too tired. I have to just be me."

— Santana Lopez, Glee, Season 3, Episode 7

“Now, there is a long and honorable tradition in the gay community, and it has stood us in good stead for a very long time. When somebody calls you a name…you take it and own it.”

— Mark Ashton, Pride

“So I'm bisexual. So what? It's LGBTQ for a reason. There's a B in there and it doesn't mean Badass. Okay, it does, but it also means Bi.”

— Callie Torres, Grey's Anatomy, Episode 1105

“We’re standing here in Philadelphia, the, uh, City of Brotherly Love, the birthplace of freedom where the, uh, founding fathers authored the Declaration of Independence, and I don’t recall that glorious document saying anything about all straight men are created equal. I believe it says all men are created equal.”

— Joe Miller, Philadelphia

"Yes, I wear foundation. Yes, I live with a man. Yes, I'm a middle- aged fag. But I know who I am, Val. It took me twenty years to get here, and I'm not gonna let some idiot senator destroy that. F*** the senator, I don't give a damn what he thinks."

— Armand Goldman, The Birdcage

"Being gay is your thing. There are parts of it you have to go through alone. I hate that. As soon as you came out, you said, "Mom, I'm still me." I need you to hear this: You are still you, Simon. You are still the same son who I love to tease and who your father depends on for just about everything. And you're the same brother who always complements his sister on her food, even when it sucks. You get to exhale now, Simon. You get to be more you than you have been in... in a very long time. You deserve everything you want."

— Emily Spier, Love, Simon

"The greatest gift we can give each other is our authentic selves and sharing that. Sharing our truth is what will make us strong. So here I am. I am both human and alien. And I am a trans woman."

— Kara Danvers, Supergirl, Season 4, Episode 19

"But I feel more when I look at a picture of Kristen Stewart than I do when I kiss him."

— Elena Alvarez, One Day at a Time,

"You can’t change it. You can’t fix me. Because I’m not broken, I don’t need to be fixed, OK? I’m me!"

— Ian Gallagher, Shameless, Season 5, Episode 12

"Becoming me was the greatest creative project of my life."

Eliot Waugh, The Magicians, Season 1, Episode 1

"Every time someone steps up and says who they are, the world becomes a better, more interesting place. So, thank you."

—Raymond Holt, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Season 5, Episode 10

"I might be…bisexual, and you guys know I hate labels, but this one feels important right now to own the space I’m in and to make sense of it."

—Kat Edison, The Bold Type

[nightskywonderer]

Superman And Wonder Woman's Love Makes Perfect Sense — The Magnetic Attraction Between High Testosterone Men And High Estrogen Women Explained

Superman and Wonder Woman's romance may be fictional, but attraction between men with high testosterone and women with high estrogen is real.

Some things are meant to be — like Superman and Wonder Woman falling in love. Ever wonder why that is? Turns out, there's science behind this magnetism between high-testosterone males and high-estrogen females that makes Superman and Wonder Woman's romance more than just a fictional story.

Superman is the high-testosterone savior writ large.

An acute sense of justice and fairness are traits linked with the testosterone system in the brain. So Superman’s affiliation with the “Justice League of America” is an immediate tipoff to his personality type: a high-testosterone male, what I call the Director. He also looks like a Director.

Testosterone builds muscle—one of Superman’s outstanding traits. His angular jaw, high cheekbones, thin lips, and heavy brow ridges are also carved by testosterone. Oddly, these physical traits also signal his invulnerability—at least his imperviousness to disease. Testosterone is a caustic substance that jeopardizes the immune system; only men with a very strong immune system can tolerate high levels of this male hormone. Superman is among them.

Most importantly, this “Man of Steel” saves people he doesn’t know. Known as ‘heroic altruism,’ this willingness to confront severe danger to save a stranger is linked with elevated levels of testosterone. Directors want to be needed, to help, to “fix” the problems of the world. Superman personifies this primordial male role: the protector.

Wonder Woman exudes qualities built by estrogen.

She's what I call the Negotiator. This type is compassionate and nurturing; they seek peace and harmony, as Wonder Woman does. And I’m not surprised that she can talk to the animals.

Estrogen is linked with verbal skills, intuition, and the ability to read faces, postures, gestures, and tone of voice. All evolved to enable women to communicate with pre-verbal infants, even animals. Wonder Woman has these elevated estrogen qualities in spades.

Yet Wonder Woman is no doormat. She is highly independent, like many women. Moreover, with her social skills, she can be cunning. And she will fight. Indeed, when protecting their young, women can become far more dangerous than just about any man.

Wonder Woman seems to regard all good humans as her children. It is this genuine warrior spirit within a beautiful, tender-hearted woman that makes her the embodiment of all high-estrogen women–and a mythic creature to most men.

Superman and Wonder Woman are a classic match, the very high testosterone male and the very high estrogen female.

And they have many cultural and biological traits that will fuel their romance. People tend to fall in love with those of the same background.

Although Superman comes from a different planet, while Wonder Woman harks from an isolated island, both are aliens to our modern world. Both also have superhuman powers so each will understand the other’s strengths–including their mutual ability to fly. More importantly, Superman and Wonder Woman share the same values and goals–essentials to a good relationship.

They are both dedicated to truth and justice; both dislike wasting time on irrelevant, trivial, or boring matters; and both fight evil to save the good—traits shared by both the high testosterone and high estrogen types. Moreover, both value personal autonomy.

Each will find someone who is just as independent as themselves.

If their first kiss is novel and exciting, it might push Superman and Wonder Woman over the threshold toward falling in love.

A kiss is just a kiss? No way! A great first kiss can be thrilling—and trigger feelings of intense romantic love, due to the way the brain responds to novelty. Any kind of unique situation triggers the dopamine system. And dopamine is associated with feelings of romance.

The first kiss could also trigger sexual desire. Saliva has traces of testosterone, and men regularly like sloppier kisses, perhaps to transfer some of this male hormone and heighten the woman’s sexual response. Moreover, a woman’s breath and saliva change across her menstrual cycle, so with his sloppier kisses, a man may also be unconsciously trying to pick up this subtle hint of her fertility.

Is Superman a sloppy kisser? Perhaps we’ll find out.

In fact, the first kiss can be dangerous. In a study of 58 men and 122 women, 59% of men and 66% of women said that they had ended a romance after the first kiss. It was the kiss of death. Because as you kiss, you can see your partner clearly, as well as smell, taste, hear, and feel them.

Instantly these messages from your senses are picked up by five of your twelve cranial nerves and escorted directly to the brain. Here they detonate, providing vivid data about the person’s health, their eating, drinking, and smoking habits, and their state of mind–whether they are rough and impatient or tender and calm.

But if Superman and Wonder Woman like their first kiss, and turn into lovers, their kisses may trigger even deeper feelings for one another. Kissing among long-term partners raises oxytocin activity in the brain, producing feelings of trust and attachment.

Kissing a familiar partner also reduces the stress hormone, cortisol, contributing to this brain bath of pleasure, connection, and relaxation.

So kissing can trigger any one of three basic brain systems that humanity has evolved for mating and reproduction: romantic love, the sex drive, and/or feelings of deep attachment. And as Superman and Wonder Woman have their first kiss, they embark on one of Nature’s oldest—and most exciting–journeys.

But even Superman and Wonder Woman will have their problems.

She is a warrior, ready to kill her foes; he has killed and resolved never to kill again. Neither is likely to understand this fundamental difference in values.

Nevertheless, this is a natural complementary match.

Directors such as Superman want a mate who has the strength of character to stand up to their formidable personality. In Wonder Woman, the charming warrior, he has found his match. And in Superman, Wonder Woman will find a truly “good man.

Written by Helen Fisher Ph.D., a biological anthropologist and Senior Research Fellow at The Kinsey Institute and Chief Scientific Advisor to the dating site Match. She is the author of the book The Anatomy of Love: A Natural History of Mating, Marriage, and Why We Stray, among other titles.

[narrators-journal]

NSFW alphabet: Millions Knives

We back on the spice train here, but this time I’m exploring Nai a bit more hehe. Sure hope this one’s still coherent and consistent.

A= Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

Knives is a bit...hit or miss on aftercare. He’s not quite a selfish lover, as he’s too egotistical for claims of him being bad in bed to be around, but his priority is...not quite his lover lmao.

He doesn’t cuddle, doesn’t really clean you up, but he will rub sore spots for you after he’s been very rough. Just don’t expect him to help with any bites or cuts he leaves.

B= Body part (favorite on themselves and their partners)

Unlike his twin, Knives doesn’t dislike his body. So, his favorite body part is likely his entire body, and more specifically, probably his face.

On his partner he’s shockingly not picky about the physique of his lover. You just have to be an independent, or at least insanely subservient and lucky on your timing, because his sex drive is pretty low, like his twin.

C= Cum (Anything to do with cum)

If you cum on/in Knives, he will likely kill you. Do not defile him like a whore.

When it comes to his cum, though, he doesn’t give a crap if he makes a mess of you. Though, he would probably prefer to put it in you.

D= Dirty secret (Their dirty secret)

While he might be somewhat unaware of it, I like to imagine Knives has just a teensie weensie bit of a breeding kink. It’s the whole ‘creating life’ part that gets him excited. And, no, you do not need to be a woman to fall prey to it.

E= Experience (How experienced are they?)

Knives is not that experienced. Though, unlike with Vash, it’s not from a lack of willing partners, Nai’s just an egotistical man who won’t ‘stoop’ to sleeping with humans unless he gets an urge he can’t just wait out.

This isn’t the hardest thing for him to do, because his sex drive is very low, so it’s very rare that he even wants to do it.

F= Favorite position (self explanatory)

If I had to give knives a proper favorite position, I’d say he prefers handjobs and maybe blowjobs.

Full on position, anything that has his lover with their face down.

G= Goofy (Are they more goofy or more serious in the moment?)

Nai is the polar opposite of his twin. Where Vash is fun and light-hearted when in bed, Knives is...well, he’s not quite professional, but he’s far more dominating and demanding of submission and praise.

H= Hair (How well groomed are they? Do the carpets match the drapes?)

He strikes me as someone who’s a little too egotistical to not be well groomed and clean.

I= Intimacy (how are they in the moment? Romantically)

He can vary a little bit in how he behaves in bed. Despite his usual cold demeanor, Knives can be very romantic and seductive when he needs to be to get his way.

However, ironically, when he simply wants to fuck, he’s that same somewhat frosty, dominating way that he is everywhere else. Shocker, when he’s not trying to manipulate someone, he doesn’t bother with the friendly facade.

J= Jack off (masturbation habits)

Knives does feel sexual need, but it’s not at all very commonly, so he rarely, if ever jerks off.

K= Kink (one or more of their kinks)

Naturally, Knives has a bit of a knife kink.Knives, blood, and sadism are some of the biggest kinks that I imagine he has.

Aside from those three, I imagine he has a bit of a primal kink, particularly that he’s a bit of a primal predator, and likes to be called things like ‘master’ or ‘sir’ in bed. Especially if he’s sleeping with a human, because he’s gonna make sure you remember your place compared to him.

And, while he won’t admit it, I imagine he has a pretty strong praise kink and maybe a little exhbitionism. He’s a bit of a show off lol.

L= Location (favorite place to do it)

I could see Nai liking to fuck in his piano room. Don’t know why, but it vibes as right to me.

Aside from that, I imagine he’s not against fucking his lover in front of a crowd, like, on a stage.

M= Motivation (what gets them going and in the mood?)

Nai probably gets the most horny at a strong submission of his partner. When they submit entirely to him, it gets him going immensely.

If that fails, stroking his ego is another sure fire way to get him horny.

N= No (What are their turn offs)

Degredation, being hit, and bottoming/being made to submit are all things that would get you killed for trying.

Touching him is a bit of a coin flip. Knives knows that for sex to happen his lover must touch him, but he’s not the biggest fan of being touched, so it can be a bit tense.

Basically any title aside from ‘master’ or ‘sir’ kinda ruins it for him. Knives is very strict with what he enjoys and allows, so creativity from his lover is not really appreciated lmao.

O= Oral (preferences on giving/getting, skill, etc)

Knives will NOT give his lover oral. That is beneath him. Hell, he doesn’t even strike me as the type to enjoy getting oral.

P= Pace (are they fast, rough, slow etc)

Knives is almost garunteed to be rough with his lover. Especially if they are human.

Just because you’re getting fucked by him, it doesn’t mean he won’t take every chance to punish you for not being a plant.

Q= Quickie (Their opinions on them, how often)

With his low desire for sex, quickies aren’t that often, but he’s not against them.

R= Risk (Are they game to experiment? Take risks?)

When it comes to putting his lover at risk, Nai is very willing to play a bit dangerous. He is a sadist after all.

When it comes to experimenting with risk to himself, he’s nowhere near as free with it.

S= Stamina (How many rounds can they go?)

Nai can and will go multiple, multiple rounds. He’s not gonna stop until he’s satisfied. You be damned.

T= Toys (Do they have them? Do they use toys on themselves or partners?)

No, Knives doesn’t bother keeping toys around. He is more than enough for his lover, and his hand is more than enough for him if he doesn’t have one.

U= Unfair (Do they like to tease?)

Surprisingly, while Knives isn’t a very nice lover, he is a tease.

After all, while he looks down on humanity, he doesenjoy breaking a lover down to a whining, needy, pleading mess, so he will gladly invest the time in teasing and edging and foreplay to an extent.

Though, be warned, he will tease you until he deems fit, so don’t entirely assume it will be for your pleasure lol.

V= Volume (How loud are they? What noises do they make? Etc)

He’s not very loud at all. Most you’ll get from him is a growl or groans.

W= Wild card (Just a random headcanon about the character)

he’s pretty aggressively grey-ace or demisexual, similar to Vash.

X= X-Ray (What’s going on underneath those clothes?)

I’d say Nai is about 6.5 inches below the belt. If we consider him as a grower, 7-7.5 inches

Y= Yearning (How high is their sex drive?)

His sex drive is criminally low. Between his disgust with 99% of gunsmoke’s population, and his own sexuality, Knives can go almost his entire life without sex and be at least relatively fine.

Z= Zzz (How quickly do they fall asleep after?)

Knives doesn’t sleep, so you are getting ditched right after the act.

You can sleep all you want, but he won’t.

[areuils]

Creation of the Gods 2: Demon Force Review (Contains Spoilers)

Given I’m unsure of what is considered major spoilers or just expected of the movie given it’s based on a Ming Dynasty novel, I will just say you have been warned

Plot summary: It’s the traditional siege(s) of Xiqi plot line. Lead by Deng Chanyu (best known for bullying Huang Tianhua and Nezha with a rock) and then later Wen (taishi) Zhong (best known for having a lot of friends), they try to break through Xiqi’s defences and capture Ji Fa and get the fengshen bang. The four Mo brothers are also there and dies to super Yin Jiao who got resurrected by Kunlun and absorbed Yuanshi Tianzun’s power. Deng Chanyu turncoats over to Xiqi after Ji Fa talks to her about her motivations for combat and together, along with Jiang Ziya’s advice, beat Wen Zhong and one of the ten absolute formations he set in place (the one that seals souls).

Plot wise, overall it’s fine. It’s basically what I expected after the director said that the sieges of xiqi was going to be one big battle. What I didn’t expect was that the only ones of the Kunlun disciples that actually fight are Leizhenzi and super Yin Jiao. The funniest thing ever was when Nezha, yes that Li Nezha of Chentang Pass who will commit 1700 killings, saying killing is prohibited by immortals. Later on, Yang Jian says drinking is prohibited, so maybe they’re just really careful of rule following in case they end of going against the way of heaven. I would’ve liked to see Wen Zhong hit people with his sticks instead of doing the Jie Sect classic: formations, but given the actor is old, too much active and violent movement is probably bad for him.

Okay time to address the biggest issue in the movie (outside of horrendous cgi but I’ll get to that). The strange romance subplot between Ji Fa and Deng Chanyu. I’ve taken to calling this movie a high budget costume cdrama movie entirely because of this subplot. For those who don’t know, the strong independent who needs no man woman having a badly written romantic subplot with the protagonist who makes bad decisions due to falling in love is almost a key corner stone of cdramas.

Ji Fa I know you’re nice and all but all of Xiqi got their souls sealed and is currently getting massacred by Shang soldiers (thinking back why were you affected little lotus root? It’s one of your key advantages in the book too) and you’re hesitating to kill Wen Zhong because it’d also kill Deng Chanyu. Deng Chanyu had to go help you while she was bleeding out because you were that hesitant. What happened to you! In the beginning of the movie, you’d rather die than let the people of Xiqi suffer and now you’re willing to sacrifice all of Xiqi (and the world) because of a woman whom was your enemy like 3 days ago and you don’t even know very well! Ji Fa stop reminding me of the version of you from The Legend and the Hero 2. It’s not a good look.

On a lesser note, the horrendous cgi! Well it’s mostly fine except …

This monstrosity. Trust me it looks worse in motion. This is what I’ve taken to calling super Yin Jiao. Given that he and Leizhenzi are the only ones who fight a lot with cgi, you’d hope it looks good. It does not and every time he came on screen I wanted to burst out laughing. Please note this movie had been delayed due to cgi reasons. If this was the best that they’ve got, I just hope less of super Yin Jiao in part 3.

About the kunlun disciple shaped mascot in the room: Nezha and Yang Jian. What they do in this movie is mainly stand around and watch things happen. They help out with protecting the citizens of Xiqi during Wen Zhong’s attack, though ultimately fails to the soul sealing moonbeam lasers (Book Nezha: ???) and that’s it! Oh wait, Yang Jian also rescues Jiang Ziya once after Jiang Ziya called out water escape several times as a gag. Speaking of which, eight-nine technique, nine turns technique, what’s that? All Yang Jian knows is the 5 methods of escape. He literally does nothing but that and rescue people and calls them out too.

Also I think they ended up taking out a romantic subplot involving him because he was offered alcohol, denied due to reasons above, and then purposeful accidental kissed by the woman who handed it to him. As one commenter said, which of the four words of Qingyuan Miaodao have to do with love? He later rescues her and she tries to say something but he just goes off to save more people. Nezha gets a better showing with huntian ling and blots out the sky to stop the moonbeams from hitting people. Truly the mascots to bait people who had no interest previously but do have interest in one or both of these characters into watching. Unfortunately I’m a Huang Tianhua fan too so I’m just eternally suffering.

Characterisation wise, outside of Ji Fa, everyone important is fine. Ji Fa’s characterisation aside from the strange romance subplot is workable? He’s way too self sacrificing, especially as King Wu, but outside of that being annoying, just acts like part 1’s version.

Given what I remembered of Nezha and Yang Jian’s personalities and roles in the first movie, it was to be expected they be passive rather than how they acted in the book (missing Nezha’s violent personality and Yang Jian’s love of viewing the scenery and being a smart asshole). Group together because they are basically a set.

Jiang Ziya stops being comedic relief and starts doing his job as being the guy who does military strategies and also fills the quota for fish allegories.

Yin Jiao I don’t remember much from the first movie or the book. He gets a lot of people shipping him with absolutely everyone after the first movie so that probably says something about his personality. Standalone, he’s fine. Usual angsty guy out for revenge. This movie actually made me realise Yin Jiao is Taisui Xingjun, hence the form super Yin Jiao has. Super form has 3 personalities as a gimmick and it’s fine, not anything majorly important. Lets me suffer the bad cgi more however.

Newcomers Wen Zhong, Duan Chanyu (and to a lesser important extent, the four Mo brothers).

Wen Zhong, less friends, got a huge power buff. He’s the one who stayed most to the book version. Loyal supporter of the Shang Dynasty, though not to Yin Shou, and comes out of retirement to secure the future of the Shang Dynasty. Didn’t have his condemnation of Yin Shou’s sins here but Yin Shou comparatively has done less sins compared to the book before Wen Zhong returns from suppressing the northern uprising. Dies by getting stabbed through the third eye. Enthusiastic supporter of following the rules.

Deng Chanyu diverges from the book a lot. Her core motivation is to follow her dead father and die on the battlefield too and bring honour to the Deng family name. Her reason for turn coating is due to not wanting to kill civilians because her father never did. Poor Deng Chanyu, freed from Tuxingsun and right into Ji Fa’s hands. She kept her rocks at least.

Brief note on the Mo family. Why can’t they talk and why do they have zero brain cells. That’s all I have to say on them. Yin Jiao kills the remaining three single handedly after they were terrorising Xiqi.

Yin Shou and Daji are in the movie but don’t do much so I won’t talk about them.

Overall

Well I didn’t have high expectations going in after I got spoiled about the romantic subplot and people saying the movie was badly written. It basically matched my expectations. Is it better or worse than the first one? I’d say worse but I’d have to rewatch the first one. I’d say the director achieved their goal of showing what can the average human do against cultivators and giants, though that came to the downside of basically only the normal humans doing the fighting. Hope the third movie is better and no badly written shoehorned in romantic subplot that destroys characters thanks.

[colourstreakgryffin]

Hi-hi!! Could I request yandere head cannons for Rengoku, sanemi, tengen, anddd Mitsuri? I was thinking with a reader whose like a really big feminist? Like she advocates for women's rights all the way, and if she would listen to music it would be like Bikini Kill, Bratmobile, etc..? Thank you for your time💗💗

Why yea, happy to try this out! The four will be seperate for my own sanity! Won’t deny, a little tough to write but hope all my glass angels enjoy this!

Yandere! Rengoku Kyojuro

Just the way you fearlessly tell him to stop underestimating you because you’re a woman. He adores your dedication to women’s rights and it flares his heart to life!

And he agrees with you about everything you detail on women’s struggles. Goddamn, he is a hardcore feminist(alongside Sanemi) too. But, he’ll only drop anybody who tries to push you down, not every other woman

Yandere! Kyojuro doesn’t change much in all honesty. He is a little bit more forward and confident in making his social approach clearly further passive-aggressive. He’ll shoo away people as he wants to keep your movement rolling for your happiness

Even if he understands that you’re capable of fighting independently, it doesn’t mean he’ll let you risk your life. He is still protective and clingy as Yandere Kyojuro always is, your life is the most important thing to him

Kyojuro may get a bit more aggressive towards you as well since you fight back against his rules firmly. You don’t want any man, even the one you did like, to control you

He sadly does, he controls you. But not because he wants you to submit to the offensive, forced traditional women roles but because he wants to wed you up and make you his forever

So he’ll do everything he possibly can to prevent you from running into battle and keep you safe in the Flame Estate. Kyojuro doesn’t care what crazy length he has to go to, he’ll have the love of his life by all means necessary

“Why yes, I’d never view you as inferior to me, rose. You are incredible, no doubt but I can’t stand letting you get hurt. I need you to stay here, where it’s safe and warm and you get all of my burning heart!”

Yandere! Shinazugawa Sanemi

He was blown away. You barked at him for insisting he can handle the demon himself, informing him you’re not weak because you’re a woman and request he treats you with respect. Sanemi’s heart exploded on that day

Sanemi apologises for every potentially offensive thing he’s ever said to you and during each fight you two share, he sits back. Though from the sidelines, he is fuming with concerned-mixed-rage as you fight independently like the powerful woman you are!

He is a hardcore feminist and loves women, those traditional roles disgust him. And post Yandere corruption, this passionate disgust is tripled. He’ll behave like your second-in-charge feminist and demand people treat you equally

Truthfully, like Kyojuro, Mitsuri and Tengen, Yandere Sanemi doesn’t really change much. But, he gladly gets into arguments over women’s rights for you, you rely on him to spread the word and he’ll do anything to make you happy

Sanemi is possessive and protective but he isn’t really controlling, he won’t try stop you from fighting demons, but he’ll most likely kill your enemies behind your back. He doesn’t mind spilling blood for his strong woman

He is subtle about his requests. He wants you to stay at the Wind Estate but he’ll never blankly say to your face, you’ll retaliate so he uses good ol’ fashion mind-twisting to convince you to come over willingly… for longer than a few hours

Sanemi hates how angry you are at him for forcing you to live with him, against your will but it won’t stop him from loving you and how he expresses his affection is scary. You will grow to feel betrayed and conflicted towards him for trying to take over your life. You thought he was different…

“I’m not trying to make you submit to me, Dokusha! I’m trying to keep you safe, even if you can fight! You’re in danger and I love you too much to let you die, please! Just let me help! My one and only”

Yandere! Uzui Tengen

Tengen loves women power. Thanks to his wives, he is all for that feminist cause. His interest in it was amped when he met you. You kindly turned down his assistance for your injury, proclaiming you can take care of yourself without a man well

He’s always loved independent women and the way you act, deep in your women rights mindset, has him floating. He, like most the Yanderes here, defends you in arguments but will gladly stand down when you ask

Yandere! Tengen doesn’t really change much, as suspected. All that he does is he advocates for your cause more openly and gets hyper-aggressive in fight mode against everybody, no matter what

Even if he is supportive, his Yandere tendencies aren’t nonexistent. His slick gaslighting and manipulation is the biggest player, he is very good at tricking you to spend more time at the Sound Estate and keep you liking him

That facade will drop eventually, Tengen grows clingy and possessive over you. Nobody hurts his strong woman but he wants his fourth wife’s attention all the time. He actually gets jealous that you care so much about women’s rights, over him

Tengen is a bit terrifying and invasive, he’ll make sure he is apart of everything you do and he will propose to you at one point, everytime you say no, makes him more determined to marry you

He won’t strip away all of your developed rights but he will spin your view into believing he is the right man for you and everything he says is for your cause. He’ll use dirty means to ensure you think only what he wants you to

“Forget that misogynist asshole, love. You don’t need to worry about people’s views on women, you’re right! And if anybody tries to say otherwise, I’ll make sure they end up broken and withered”

Yandere! Kanroji Mitsuri

You’re a very different woman in comparison to Mitsuri, she’s strong physically and you’re strong psychically! She was beyond flattered when you protected her during a fight and remarked that women are as good as men

She is emotional and affectionate, she wants to hug you constantly and with how supportive you are of women, you let her. You inspire her to be better and love herself, a lot more then she originally did

Yandere Mitsuri, once again, doesn’t change a lot when in love with a feminist Dokusha! She would most likely let you protect her at times and be a lot more touchy. But she is still as protective though!

Mitsuri likes the anthem songs you write for your little group and blasts them with the other Hashira. She is proud of her love and she’ll flaunter you and your group like a flag

She can’t bring herself to wipe away your independence and rights but she will eventually. She can’t lose you to this cruel word so she’ll end up sneakily kidnapping you and bringing you to the Love Estate

Mitsuri cries everytime you angrily yell at her for trying to control you. Hurting you is the last thing she wants to do but her obsession with you is stronger than her rationality, she must have you as hers

Rather she agrees with your feminist views or not, Mitsuri can’t avoid her Yandere instincts and she’ll cling onto you, attack anybody who bother you, and try trick you into spending more time with her

“Ah! I wish I was like you, Dokusha! You’re so strong and brave, you’ve helped me realise that I’m not just a man’s bride— I want to be your bride! We can live together forever with nobody around!”

[jerreeeeeee]

war of the rohirrim was really good. there was just one thing that bothered me. in a narrative cohesion way. spoilers under the cut

WHY DID HERA NOT PUNCH WULF. TO KILL HIM. she got the shield. okay the shield is a symbol of the shieldmaidens and the strong warrior women of rohan and hera’s own personal freedom. awesome, meaningful. its a fucking buckler. punch him with the shield!! have the full circle moment; her father killed his father with a punch and started the entire war, he swore vengeance for his father, and now SHE avenges HER father by punching wulf and killing him. why choke him??

there are 2 reasons i can think of. the first is that the writers wanted it to be ambiguous whether she meant to kill him to end it or just got carried away in the heat of the moment full of adrenaline etc. which i think is sort of lame, she had the moment of asking frealaf to have mercy on the other dunlendings to show she’s Kind and Merciful and Wise. i don’t think it’s bad writing that she doesn’t kill him before he tries to stab her when he’s on his knees in front of her, that’s less “women need to be kind and merciful” and more showing the audience that she has a sense of honor. but when it became clear the only way to stop him was to kill him and she was going to kill him in the end she should have Meant to kill him. she doesn’t have to be merciful to the guy who murdered her family just because she’s a kindhearted woman. but all that aside; it would STILL be ambiguous whether she meant it to be a killing blow if she punched him! helm never meant to kill wulf’s father by punching him either!

the other reason is that the writers foresaw people whining that it wasn’t realistic. a Woman cannot kill a man with one punch! how ridiculous! as if this isn’t a magical world. as if helm didn’t have fucking superhuman powers in his whole last stand situation. a drive and well of power fueled by grief for his sons, who were, y’know, hera’s brothers. if it wasn’t realistic, harp on how she’s powered by grief the same way her father was, but that she survives and wins where he didn’t because she also had hope and determination to save her people. choking wulf to death just reads as a more “realistic” way to kill him that’s unfortunately less narratively satisfying.

i’m not saying either of these are the actual reason idk maybe it just didn’t occur to them or something this isn’t a conspiracy theory or anything i’m just bitching about a moment i thought would happen and was sorta disappointed didn’t. the movie was still really really good.

it interacted with themes of female empowerment in a world where women are afforded less options and expected to marry in a very refreshing way that highlights hera’s agency and independence without being trite. it’s significant that she’s a woman but she’s not treated reductively. it doesn’t fix everything for her to show her strength, everyone doesnt go wow we were wrong women can be strong! she doesn’t get to take her father’s place and lead her people even though the new king says she should have. but she does still prove herself and is supported by the narrative and gets a happy ending personally where she’s never forced to compromise her freedom.

also, i really appreciate that the main driving force of the plot is wulf’s relationship with her, in a way that is complex and interesting but doesn’t force romantic tension or chemistry even in the beginning. hera has genuine affection for wulf (in the beginning) from their friendship, but the movie never even plays with “they could have been lovers if fate hadn’t forced them apart” or whatever. she rejects wulf and romance even before the vengeance storyline takes off. and hera’s happy ending isn’t, like, another guy who can allow her freedom but still love her romantically. being unbound by the expectation of romance is part of her freedom. its really uncommon to have a man and woman as narrative foils without making them like. romantically implied soulmates for better or worse or whatever. especially childhood friends. but wulf is just a childhood friend turned bitter enemy and it’s written in much the same way as i think a story about a male protagonist would have been. also appreciate that the conflict and antagonist is very human.

hera’s relationships with various people feel very real, i guess because there’s a good amount of time put in toward the beginning, so the emotional beats with her brothers and olwyn are earned. and especially the ending with frealaf becoming king and hera promising her sword, that could have very easily felt cheap, but because he and his story and relationship to hera are established early it made sense and was satisfying instead. by saying she never wanted the crown and then still pledging her sword she remains loyal to her people and family, and yet free. you’re a little disappointed for hera that she doesn’t have the chance to choose be a leader of her people, even if she’d turn it down, but it feels realistic and it feels like frealaf earned it, and hera gets everything she wants from her life. it’s not a surprising or rushed ending, everything ties together there.

WAIT ALSO remembered another thing that bothered me. there wasn’t ever any closure on hama’s harp, hera had it at the end but did he ever get his song written about him??

also the saruman and gandalf namedrops seemed sort of weird and unnecessary. like yes i did watch lord of the rings. i know who those guys are. stop winking at me

last thing is that all the character design and costumes were good and the backgrounds were gorgeous. the people i watched with said the difference between the watercolor bgs and the animation was jarring but i didn’t have an issue with it i thought it was fine and i always love pretty backgrounds

all in all really good movie i enjoyed it a lot 👍

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Alright I’m elaborating on the Limited Life Mafia/Mob/Prohibition/whatever AU, here’s some headcanons

Clíona “Cleo” O’Connor is an Irish immigrant who rose to power through primarily the illicit sales of alcohol and through her booming speakeasy “The Clocktower” earning her and her family the nicknames “The Clockers” or the “O’Clockers”. She is a fiercely independent and strong willed woman who loves her family and puts it above all else. But business is a close second. She’s very messily divorced from her children’s father Etho Lab, and tends to meddle with his business as often as possible. Indirectly of course, she very rarely needs to get her own hands dirty. But don’t underestimate the older matron, she was known as the “Flame Haired Banshee” in her youth for her liberal use of arson against her business rivals and enemies.

Breandán “BDubs” O’Connor is Cleo’s oldest son and her self appointed bodyguard. Though he is more naïve then most, he is very loyal and devoted to his family. However, this includes his estranged father Etho, often leaving him torn between his parents. BDubs is always hopeful that one day he may be able to bring his mother and father at least back into friendly terms. He has a love of clocks ever since he was young, which led to the name of his mother’s speakeasy being “The Clocktower”.

Conall “Scar” O’Connor is Cleo’s youngest son, and the family troublemaker. Also known as “Goodtimes”, he’s famous for his silver tongue and affinity for dynamite. He’s cheerful and laid back, though his easygoing demeanor often leads people to underestimating him. He’s his mother’s negotiator and con man, and tends to handle getting her deals with new suppliers. However, he got the nickname “Scar” from the wounds he got during a shootout to protect one of his mother’s runs. He isn’t nearly as divided in his loyalty as his brother and often jumps at the opportunity when BDubs hesitates to prove his loyalty to Cleo

Etho Labs is, in all appearances, an upstanding pillar of the community. This is, however, said without the knowledge of his past involved with the O’Clockers and his current business with the Ties. He agreed to marry Cleo to help her immigrate, and the two did end up with two children together. However it quickly became clear that Etho’s more mild mannered until provoked demeanor clashed hard with Cleo’s more abrasive and assertive personality. The two are on thin peace at the best of times. Etho loves his boys, he really does. But maybe not enough to be around their mother much.

Scott Major is Cleo’s primary supplier and oldest and dearest friend. Head of several seaside shipping operations, the two met when they were both new to the country and working on the same run. Scott is known to be a friend to all, but a terrible choice to stab through the back. He runs his business alongside his husband Martyn, who is also his enforcer. Scott, Cleo and Pearl Moon used to work as a group of hired hands protecting shipments until they were able to grow into business titans of their own. His ex husband Jimmy Solidarity is one of Cleo’s cousins, which does lead to a bit of awkwardness at family dinners.

Martyn Littlewood is Scott’s husband and right hand. He’s a rather cheerful and helpful man, always ready to make you laugh with a good pun or quick witted joke. However he is a notoriously tough survivor who tolerates no disrespect of his husband or their business. When he was younger, he met Scott, Pearl and Cleo on a job. The four quickly became close, though some rumor that Martyn and Cleo had a fling while Cleo was married to Etho at the time. (Some even whisper Scar may not be Etho’s son, but rather Martyn’s). However later on he and Scott would fall in love and end up together. He’s very loyal to his family, and is always close on hand when Cleo needs help.

Pearl Moon is a notorious “gun for hire” also known as “The Scarlet Pearl”. She made a name for herself smuggling booze in her youth alongside her friends. However as time went on, she drifted a bit apart from the others, which has led to some conflict between her, Cleo, and Scott. She’s incredibly sharp and most who meet her describe her as “a few degrees left of center”, as she’s prone to fits of almost madness when pushed too far. However she is also incredibly cunning and makes it her business to know anything about anyone at anytime. She’s very rarely seen without her dog Tilly, a massive wolfhound whose presence always seems to lend a little more credence to Pearl’s threats.

“The Bad Boys” are Cleo’s hired hands, and cousins. They’re a rowdy group of young men consisting of Jimmy Solidarity, Joel Smalls and Grian Avin. Loose canons at best, they tend to cause almost more problems then they’re worth, but they all carry a healthy enough dose of fear and respect for the head of the family that it keeps them in line enough Cleo doesn’t have to worry about them blowing up too much of her shipments.

Ok that’s what I’ve got for now! I will definitely be adding onto this at some point